Some other tips: (1) try to track your food intake using MyFitnessPal. It is a useful tool if you use it as a planning tool because it can help you make healthier choices especially at restaurants. It can also help you set a calorie goal based on your personal stats. Try tracking yesterday's food intake and then start tracking your better choices today and this should give you a sense of accomplishment and show you that the small a changes you are making do add up. Be sure to set a realistic calorie goal (1,200 is not very many calories, even for someone as short as me -- I am only 5'3"). (2) try to be active everyday, working up to at least 30 minutes. Walking is a great form of exercise that you can anywhere. I read a book called "younger next year", which is geared at males over 50 but the principles are relevant: you need to move your body daily for it to be healthy and strong. I believe that the authors put out a book for females too. (3) try to eat a balanced diet which includes good quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).