Obesity is a problem in America because food is a huge part of our culture and we've been trained to overeat. It's such a problem that even the very sensible suggestion to "only eat when you're hungry" doesn't work for some people because we're so used to eating too much that we get hungry even when we don't really need food. Our bodies have been trained to *think* we need more calories than we really do. I have lost 45 pounds because I've learned to tolerate being a little hungry sometimes. Sugarless gum helps a lot, as does reminding myself that being a little hungry means I'm losing weight! And yes, my diet plan was recommended by a doctor. Weight loss is a matter of simple mathematics. Calories in must be less than calories spent. The good news is that after a few months of eating less your body does get used to having less food and your appetite subsides somewhat. As for money, although fresh produce is expensive these days that cost can be offset by eating less of other foods, especially meat, which is VERY expensive. Speaking of meat, did you know that one serving of steak is no bigger than a deck of cards? If you eat more than that, you are overeating (and wasting money, too!)
Exercise is important, too. Of course, that's a lot easier when you have a personal trainer or gym membership but you can still exercise outdoors or at home if those are your only options. There are short yoga videos on YouTube you can watch for free. You need aerobics to lose weight, but yoga helps stretch out your muscles to prevent injuries AND I've found that it increases your motivation to do something aerobic because you feel less stiff and tired. And it's easier to motivate yourself to exercise vigorously when you're already moving around a little (as opposed to jumping right from sitting around to aerobics - yoga provides a good middle ground so you can more easily make the transition from resting to aerobics. Many times I said to myself, I don't feel like exercising, but after some yoga I felt differently.) I'm sure there must be some aerobics videos on youtube as well, or you can walk/jog outside if the weather permits.
