Goq, I really feel for you and wish I could join you in your endeavor to improve your health/life. I did a terrific diet a few years ago and lost a lot of weight. I was so happy. I did not do it for beauty but rather health as both of my parents a”h had diabetes 2, like you. I rarely exercised and was not very happy with my weight. I started a low-fat, well-balanced diet and after a couple of successful weeks of weight loss, I began walking for about 30 minutes at night in my neighborhood. It was an uphill climb and in the beginning I couldn’t make it up the hill. After a couple of weeks, I could and I extended my walks. It was great. I was really happy when I lost so much weight and was almost at my goal when my whole life changed. I lost my job and had to start working in a job that requires me to sit most of the day. I am literally at the computer for 8-10 hours a day if not more. I make a good parnosa for my family and we were finally able to buy an apartment, but I ended up gaining all the weight back and added a few more pounds, which I’m sure most people are familiar with in the yo-yo problems of weight loss.
You are doing a great thing by starting with exercise. Since you are single and food preparation is probably an issue for you, are there any diet programs in your area that could provide pre-prepared kosher meals? I always figured that if I could just eat what was put in front of me and I didn’t have to be involved in the preparation side, it would be much easier, less choices. The decisions are hard. I know Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers have prepared food that is available, but I don’t know about the kashrus. It might be worthwhile to look into.
As far as weighing in, I have been told that once a week is the best because our weight fluctuates on a daily basis, so a weekly weigh-in will give you a more accurate assessment of your weight loss progress.
I am wishing you lots of hatzlacha and hope that your successes will rub off on me over the Atlantic and I could be motivated to find solutions to the problems that seem insurmountable to me in my weight loss challenges.