Tips from Greg C.

I had an idea that you might consider ... you should start up a Web site using one of those freebie services and document your progress in reality TV style. Take pictures and video, and keep a blog and a video journal. And POST THEM! It might be hard at first, showing what you believe to be your overweight self to the world, but think of the motivation you will have as you progress to post pictures and vids that show you slimming down. Make sure those of us in the support network can post comments and cheer you on.

I thought this might be a good idea because there will be days when you don't feel like working out, or you feel like eating a cheesecake for breakfast, but if you know that you're going to be posting a weekly or biweekly photo (and that all of us in your support network are expecting to see it) it might give you that extra dose of willpower.

This is just a thought, but it could be something that would be fun and motivational. AND it might help inspire other people to follow suit. 

Finally, keep in mind that "weight" alone isn't the sole factor in whether or not you're healthy ... you should also lift some weights and develop some muscles if you don't already. Now keep in mind that muscles are denser than other body tissue, so the scale might not show as much progress as you're actually making, but weight lifting tones and tightens the skin, increases circulation and blood flow and increases your metabolism. Increased metabolism leads to more frequent releases of endorphins and serotonin, which then serves to decrease appetite :)