Hi Kristin! I think your goal of losing 20 lbs is very attainable, even with a foot injury. Low or no impact exercises would probably be the way to go. Check with your health care provider and see what they recommend. I would think something like swimming, floor exercises or using an elliptical might work for you, but they'll be able to tell you for sure.

The food plan that has helped me lose weight safely and sensibly has been the 1500 cal diabetic food plan. My hubby was diagnosed with diabetes and I started preparing the 1800 cal diabetic food plan for him. To make things easier for myself, I ate what he ate, just smaller portions, and have lost weight. Other members here have followed point systems, low-carb and other food plans. When you choose a food plan, run it by your physician to make sure it's appropriate for your needs and goals.

The information at http://family.go.com/community/groups/lets-lose-together-grp/how-we-do-it--7213/ is very helpful and offers good reminders of what works and what doesn't. Here's what it says:

1- MOVE around every day, even if it's a 10 minute walk. Start slowly. This isn't a race, it's a way of life.
2 - ASK your doctor for a sensible food plan. He may recommend one of the famous ones. That's fine. Just stick to it. Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. You deserve that!
3 - START your own food diary in our Topics. Write down your food every day and submit it. It will show you what works and what doesn't, and it will give us a chance to give you encouragement and feedback.
4 - DON'T eat when things are tough. VENT instead. That's one of the many reasons why we're in this fight together. We'll listen and sympathize. The food won't.
5 - DON'T worry about tomorrow. Just keep your feet firmly planted in today and think about how you're going to use the day to be a healthier person.
6 - JOIN the challenges - "Lose A Whole Person" Challenge and Our Weight Loss Tally. Join in and share your successes with us!
7 - FIND a weight loss buddy. Read through the topics and find a friend to buddy up with. Doing anything is easier when you have company!
8 - Commit to sticking to your plan. Don't expect to not mess up. The key is returning to your plan after you mess up, accept that it's OK to not be perfect, and then keep focused on your plan. You can do it. Perseverance is the key. (Thank you, BroncosDad)

Good luck, and remember, you only have to do this today!

Count me in, too!!! I've already be working on getting healthier. My hubby, cousin & I have a Disneyland trip planned for less then 3 weeks from today!!! WOO HOO!!!

We've been walking regularly. Eating better & drinking water instead of soda. I'm down like 22 lbs since April. :-)

All things considered I had a pretty decent week since being by last. Things at work were a little hectic, but I tried to make sure nothing got me off track. I've walked everyday. Not sure how much I've lost or if I've lost, but I see that I am able to get into jeans/shorts that I haven't been able to get into for awhile.

I have an appointment with my dr. on Tues. I'm going to have her weigh me. On that note, I have been dealing with a few health concerns. I have horrible pain in the sciatica nerve area & numbness in my hands & left thigh. It's been going on for awhile, which is why I'm seeing my dr. more frequently. She sent me to a neurologist last week. He in turn is sending me in for an MRI & some other testing.

Yeah, I'm a little worried, but I'm NOT giving up. I've asked both of them if I should take it easy on exercise. They both said it's good for me to keep moving, just as long as I listen to my body & DO NOT overdo it.

So goals for me are;
1. Find out what is going on with my body physically.
2. Keep moving. Cause I know that dropping pounds is only going to help.
3. Keep my eye on my vaca in Disneyland. Just 2 weeks + 1 day away!!!!
4. Keep loosing weight. Eating better. Drinking less soda & more H2O.

Who knows where I'll be by Christmas & beyond!!!! :-D