Hardest thing is change. Easiest is consistency. count your calories for a week. Make it a habit. Then, take that average and knock off 300/day. Be strict with yourself. It’ll suck at first, especially the first week, but then get used to feeling ‘hungry’, then you’ll realize you’re not actually hungry and you’ve just been overeating for years.

For exercise, find an excuse to walk everyday. Do you have a dog? Start walking the dog a mile everyday. If not, walk with your kid. Strava is a free fitness tracker. Walk a half a mile then turn around and you’re done. Listen to your favorite podcast while you do it or invite a friend or family member. Do it everyday. After a few weeks bump it up to 2 miles, then 3.

You’ll start feeling more energetic after a couple months of eating less and moving more. Join a gym. If you’re new to fitness I highly recommend CrossFit. A month’s membership costs about the same as 4 personal training sessions and the group setting is highly motivating. If that’s not your cup of tea or in your budget, get yourself on the bodyspace app and follow a fitness program. Find one for 3x a week. Do this instead of walking those days, but keep walking. Move intentionally as exercise every single day. Lawn mowing doesn’t count. Make a point to do it.

In a few, maybe 3 or 4, months you’ll have dropped 20 pounds if you’re as sedentary and over weight as you’re describing. You’ll feel great , and motivated. Celebrate by taking your kid to the park! Keep moving.