whew, that is a big question ....

find something you really like to do: tennis, volleyball, biking. If you're not sure what it is, run three days a week and think about it

Eat real foods (and not in excess) and do an exercise that you really like! Exercise at least 3-4 days a week...some cardio like exercise and weight training. But you have to find what you like more than anything or it won't get done, or at least not without making you stressed that you "have" to workout. Cardio (walking, running, elliptical trainer, biking, rowing machine, step class, swimming laps...etc.) can be really functional workouts, as simple as going for a speedy walk outside, mix walking with intervals by walking at a good steady pace for a block or two and then picking up the pace so you are really working it (huffing and puffing) for a block, and repeat. You can also do this on a treadmill, but since it is getting nice out it is nice to be outside. I hope that was good enough.
Good luck!

Doing some sort or resistance work (ex. weight training) is important because it builds muscle and that is what helps increase metabolism burn those calories, even when you are resting.

D Loves Sugar: How are things going? What types of things have you changed in your life to obtain your goal? (I need help in the same area and wanted get some tips)

I have cut my calorie intake to 1200 calories per day (consisting of 3 balanced meals and 2-3 snacks per day)

I am committed to working out 5 days per week with all five days containing cardio exercise of some sort. 4 of those 5 days I weight train different muscle groups.

So far, the progress is minimal but that is definitely because I hurt my foot and didn't workout last week and I cheated this weekend. I'm trying to get back on track as of today.

So far so good. Looking forward to getting some cardio in this evening after work.

You and I are in almost the exact same boat. I'm 26, 5'7", and 145, wishing to be around 130 also. The hardest thing I'm finding is keeping up the motivation to do well. I'll get into kicks and eat well and excercise for several weeks. Then, for whatever reason, I crash, pig out, and sit on the couch and watch TV. I've read alot about it and have come to conclusion that I need to do everything in moderation. I've found that I set goals that are WAY too high with regards to what I'll eat and how much exactly I'll exercise. When I set them at a more realistic level, I tend to succeed more. I still have that last 15 pounds to lose, but have come down about 40lbs already. I try to make sure I get plenty of fruits and veggies, I set a goal to exercise 3-4 times a week, and I make sure I take good care of myself mentally, giving myself time to relax as well.

Food: I don't count calories (it made myself crazy) but I have cut out soda and caffine. I try to eat plenty of fruits and veggies. I let myself cheat a little so I dont' ruin my diet when I'm craving something.

Exercise: 3-4 times a week cardio and weight lifting. Usually I'll spend about an hour a day at the gym. And I try to do a yoga or pilates video at home 3-4 times a week as well (I've definitely seen results from this!)

Good luck with everything!

Hmm, I see this thread is a little old, but hey --

I am 25 years old, 5'5", weigh 155, and would like to lose 20-25 pounds. I realized that about 2 weeks ago when I was at the doctor and weighed 160! I used to weigh roughly 225 pounds, and when I see the scale go up, it reminds me of how I used to feel and look. That in and of itself is motivation to lose weight. Eating right and exercising is key, but having great support is a big help as well! Also, trying to remember that it's about how your clothes fit and not the number on the scale is a factor for me. It's so easy to obsess about the number on the scale. I used to weigh myself every day, and it was so depressing. I finally got rid of the scale, and now only weigh myself when I am at the doctor. Muscle weighs more than fat, and when you are doing resistance training while trying to lose weight, it's easy to forget that.

Another key factor in my weight lose was when I finally could come to terms with the death of my father. He died at 41 from heart disease because he was obese. When I was 21, I realized my life could be half over if I didn't change something. I had to change my weight for my health.

Admittedly, I am bad about getting out to exercise. I wish I had a walking buddy here! That made all the difference before, was when I had someone to exercise with.

I know how you're feeling.
I'm 25 and just had a baby. I'm 5'6 and before I got pregnant I was 130 pounds. While I was pregnant I got up to 187. I ate junk all the time, but now I can't seem to get myself back on track. I really have no excuses except for being tired, which I know exercise will help. I have no idea how to get myself back to the place I was before, and it's incredibly depressing.
Any advice or suggections are welcome because I'm at my wits end, and in 8 weeks I have to go visit my husband's sister who just had a baby last month and fits into her pre-pregnancy clothes perfectly.

I am a mother of two and I have been an avid exerciser for years. I have always tried to make exercise a priority in my everyday routine. There is so much out there on health and diet that it can be somewhat confusing! Believe me it has been a constant struggle ever since my first born arrived. I do not believe in miracle drugs or diets but I have figured out how to maintain a decent body in my thirties and it works!!! It's simple and it's called HARD WORK. 45 minutes of carido at least 4 to five days a week and I'm not talking about walking. Hard core cardio! Sprint/walking combos or high incline on the elliptical for at least 30 minutes. Anything that will keep your heart rate kicking for at least 25 minutes straight. My number one solution is "Turbo Kick' also called "Turbo Jam" this class has changed my body. Its' a combination of kickboxing, punching, and high intensity cardio. I am in better shape now then when I was 22 and weighed 110 lbs. I promise I have no affiliation with this class but I have been taking it at my local gym three days a week ( a little over a year now) and I am amazed at the results. I find that if you add this type of cardio to your daily routine that you will see a difference and will not have to count calories. I mean just use common sense on you eating habits. I promise you will see the difference. I also take a Pilates/Yoga and two body sculpting w/ free wights classes twice a week as well.

I'm not in the EXACT same boat as you are, but I'm 5'4" 135 wanting to be 120-125. I've also learned not to count calories. As others have mentioned I eat moderately. I eat three meals a day, with 1 snack. I choose when to eat that snack. Sometimes it's mid-morning, and sometimes it's afternoon. I also let myself have dessert. It helps to have a dessert (a somewhat healthy one) because it curbs your sweets craving.

As for exercise, I take a BOSU class at the gym Tuesdays and Thursdays. That deals with Cardio, Weight training, and core-training. On the weekends, when I have time, especially now that its getting colder, I like to run. Florida is hot, so it's hard to get outside and run.

Hope I helped you out!

i would start off walking 3 times a day.then once you can hold a conversation and your breathing isn't heavy.syep it up to running 3 times a day.the best part about it is that it's free.