Hi Jennifer, I am in NJ also!
I can relate to what you are saying. For me, I just set a date and said that's it, when I wake up the diet starts, the gym starts. And that's what I did. I lost 20 lbs before the surgery and have stayed commited.
The payoff is not only the results that I had, but because I am actually burning calories, I can have a slice of pizza, Gen Tso's chicken, Burrito Supreme, Hot Pastrami, Chicken Vindaloo, or a Gyro every once in while.
YOU CAN DO IT!