I'm in the same boat. I went from a size 8 when I got married up to a 16. I am working out now. For dieting I quit the 4 or 5 diet pepsi's a day and am having half water and half gatorade, or skim milk. Also for dinner have a lean quizine(spelling)? meal container for a plate and eat all meals on it, if it doesn't fit then your portion is too big. I give myself a seperate bowl for salad though. Kelley D.