Hello,
I'm with Yen on the Diet (hate that term) food connection. Honestly, when I began this trek three years ago I was 65lbs. over weight and heading toward 40. I knew that I did NOT want to go into mid-life feeling the way that I did ( as well as looked). I had no joy. I couldn't keep up with my kids. Everything was affected. I too was a Firm Believer. I loved those tapes. They taught me how to lift weights! As I got stronger, the tempo of some of those tapes became too fast for the weight I was lifting and that's when I found Cathe's Pure Strength series. I began with a walk/jog progam, Cathes PS series, and ate well and often(4-5 small meals a day). I remember thinking that If I never lost another pound of weight I would not give up the way I felt....I felt alive and well for the first time in years! I think that we can often forget this aspect of fitness. Yes, I lost the weight in a years time. I am not a Step fan, however, I did buy BodyMax and use it still!
Hang in there, take a close look at your food...is it high in fiber? Lean? Find how many calories you need and break them up into several meals a day. Planning my meals is key. Ya know, the ol "Fail to plan-plan to fail" mantra. And drink water,lots of it. Rest. Man, now that I'm in my 40's I need proper rest between workouts. Be kind to yourself. It will happen for you!