Robi, I just wanted to add my encouragement for you not to give up. Everything you do in the direction of eating healthier and exercising does make a difference, even if it doesn't show up like you want it to. I really sympathize with you because I too experience the sheer hunger you have spoken of.

This week I've had to acknowledge that there are certain foods I just cannot have in the house. There is no way that I am able to eat one cookie, once or twice a week as a treat. I just cannot have cookies in the house because it will be one or two after lunch and two after dinner, every day. But on the plus side, there is ice cream in the house and I haven't touched it. Now if I had one small scope, I know all bets would be off. I'm like an addict. Cybersides, have your husband hide the ice cream way in the back of the freezer. He may have to dig for it, but if you don't see the box, it helps.

Another approach I am taking is not thinking about the big goal, but dividing things up into little goals. Right now I'm not even going to think about wanting to lose 25 pounds but asking myself do I want to lose 6. Yes, I would be elated to lose 6 pounds and do a happy dance, so that's my goal. If I make it to that, then I can decide if I want to do more or not. Small goals whether it be in how you exercise or how you eat, do not seem so overwhelming.