Losing these last 28 pounds

Question
Hi Lela,

I have been on a very personal weight loss journey for almost exactly one year.  When I began, I was 277 pounds at 5'7" tall.  Today I am 188 pounds.  I lost weight by eating all the things I used too, except much smaller portions.  I kept a food diary, and adjusted my calorie intake based on my BMR.  I have not incorporated any formal exercise into my weight loss thus far.  I do however, have 3 small kids that I run after quite a bit.  I am eating between 1200-1300 calories a day.  I weigh and measure EVERYTHING!  I don't go out to eat, and I am conscious that drinks have calories too.  I have done what worked for me and I went from a size 28 to a size 14.  So here is my problem:

I'm not losing weight anymore.  It's not a plateau, but I think I have just gotten to a point that I can't eat less calories than I already do and I need to change something.  That only something I can think of is exercise--as much as it pains me to say that.  I checked out my BMR and it is 1637.  If I eat 1300 calories, that means I only have a deficit of just over 300 calories a day.  At that pace, it'll be another year before I lose 28 more pounds (my goal is to be around 160 pounds).  I don't have a clue on how to exercise in a gym.  How long should I exercise?  How many calories should I be eating?  The same as before?  What kind of exercise?  I'm at a loss.  I'm frustrated, and I still feel very heavy.  What should I do and/or where should I go to get some guidance here?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
You are absolutely right about not cutting back on your food intake any more than you have- it would be a disaster!

My suggestion is first things first- Start walking! It is the simplest exercise you can do, doesn't cost anything and it gets the ball rolling.

Next, get some good direction. For some people videos work, but if you need the motivation of having people around- try group exercise classes or even getting a personal trainer. You will get some good guidance and it will keep it social and motivating.

Try different things and find something fun, that you enjoy. Don't be lured into going to a class that is far above your fitness level- it won't be fun and it won't do you as much good as working at your level will!  

Hope this helps
Lela Simon

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