Girls in their 20's who want to lose about 100 pounds

Hi, my name is Suzanne and I am 23 years old. I weigh 258.3 pounds(yikes) and would really like to get down to between 140 and 150. I was wondering if there was anyone else out there in their 20's who has about that much they want to lose. We could work together and stay motivated to reach our goals!!! Also, if there is anyone in their 20's who has lost that much and wants to share their success story, I would love to hear it! Thanks!

Thank you to everyone who is so active on this forum!  I love coming here and feeling like I have a place among friends, even if I am just reading.  Welcome to the newbies.  You'll make it to your goals with new friends to cheer you on!

I just started working my 2 new jobs this past week, and I feel pretty good.  I haven't had as much energy to exercise my normal 1000+ cal burns, but I am doing at least 500 (most days) on top of the extra I'm burning as I stand and walk around at both jobs.  All in all I'm still burning over 1000 extra cals a day, so that's good.

My new problem is not eating enough.  I don't have unlimited access to the fridge these days, so if I don't bring it along to whatever job I'm working, I don't eat.  Today for instance, I have to eat 1/2 a grapefruit and some Kix cereal to get my nutritional values in order, but that means I've still only eaten 1,052 cals for the day.  I just can't make myself eat more before I go to bed for the sake of eating more.  I won't sleep well either.  I am going to skip any additional exercise for the day, so at least my burn won't go any higher than it is already (2,430 w/a 1,380 deficient).  I guess I'll have to start planning out my eating for the day.  Anyone have tips to save time and energy planning what they are going to eat for the day?

I just try to stock up on healthy convient foods and then in the morning when I am prepparing my food for the day I make sure I pack something for breakfast (I eat at work after I go to the gym) and a morning snack, something for lunch and an afternoon snack so that when I get home in the evening I am not starving.  I make sure each meal is 300-500 Cals.  If you don't have time in the morning before you leave for work then do it the night before.  Kashi makes a great instant oatmeal that I love to take for breakfast.  I found some dried fruit pouches that help me make sure I am getting my daily fruit in.  I usually have yogurt for a morning snack and my after noon snack is usually a protin shake and almonds.  I also always bring an apple and some other fruit and lunch usually consists of left overs from the night before, or soup.  When I am making dinner at night I try to make sure that I have enough left over to take for lunch the next day.  If I don't plan ahead like this I end up eating out and getting something bad.  And if I skip any of my meals/snacks then I end up eating way more than I would have if I didn't skip.  I also keep some healthy snacks at work with me, but I have my own work space so I can do that.  It does take some planning but you get used to it.  I have a little mental check list now so in the morning when I am getting ready I know what I need to grab to take to work.

I'm obviously new to this. It's so great to be able to monitor other people in their effort to lose weight. Now I know what to watch out for! I have to say, at this point in the game, I almost WISH I had trouble eating enough. But, alas, I am still at the "I eat way too much" phase. But thank you all for your help and words of encouragement. It really helps!

hey girls! question, i'm trying to bribe myself to get to 259, but i can't think of a good reward once i get there. i don't really want shoes, or a new hairdo, or my nails done. i don't think i want a massage. i don't know what would be a good reward. any ideas?

mlady,  try to front load some of your calories so that when you get home, you just eat about 400 calories for dinner.   my doc recommends eating no later than 2 hours before bed.  morning/afternoon snacks are great.  some easy "on the go" snacks are to do say an apple and a piece of string cheese mid-morning or a yogurt and throw some strawberries/blueberries in.  i also recommend oatmeal or (natural) peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast on the go.  fiber one bars are also a great snack (140 calories for the oats and chocolate one, my fav) and vitamuffins are good too (100 cals).  these hsould be paired with some protein though -- i tend to keep a bag of almonds in my purse.

A new cd or dvd? I don't know what you're into. New book? New top? haha

dalma, how about a really nice purse?  my WW coach recommends that you do something that you can look to to remind yourself of how great you are doing, how far you have come, that you CAN do it, etc.  so she says mani/pedis are nice and all but that something concrete is nice to look at.  unless it's pics of a vacation you treat yourself to :)  i'm going to do one of those when i'm around 100 lbs down.

watchme, i would freakin' LOVE to take a vacay to celebrate weight loss, which i half considered for a second, but 7 pounds doesn't warrant that kind of reward! i do wanna take a trip once most/all the extra weight is gone, though. i haven't decided where.

as for the purse, i don't know, i guess that just seems like more stuff i won't use/don't need to clutter my life. i guess i want a non-concrete reward, something that'll make me feel fabulous.

hey guys,

so i started adding in bursts of faster paced elliptical movements between a slower 40+ rpm (so 2-3 minutes at 62+ rpm or 2-3 minutes at 55+ rpm, etc.)  i burned the same number of calories in an hour (760) but oh my god, i was sweating like CRAZY.  my face was all red and i was drenched.  it was insane.  what's that mean though since i burned the same number of calories???? (according to the machine anyway -- and yes, i do have to punch in my weight but nothing else like age.)

in other news, my march wrap-up report:  lost 5 lbs and am at 266 lbs.  sadly, the scale did not budge as much as it did the first 2 months.  i was diligent about eating an average of an 800 calorie deficit per day but for 1 splurge day (the wedding) and i exercised 26.5 hours in total (my goal had been 28 but am okay with this).  Not sure why I didn't see stronger results than 5 since i exercised even more this month than jan/feb... still convinced that the elliptical works me harder than instructional dance classes. 

happy tuesday!  :)

dalma, yeah i meant the vacation as a bigger treat.  hence, i am going to take one at 100+ loss.  that being said, mini-vacations or road trips to see friends (like your dc getaway) are totally great ways to treat yourself.  i tend to add on new things to my routine/schedule when i hit certain milestones... the things i never thought i would do or had kept putting off til i lose a certain amount of weight.  like dance classes or horseback riding.  they are things that are increasing my confidence and a lot of fun and things that i do for me and me alone.  they are things that i feel happy to be able to do now and that make me feel like i'm developing in other aspects of my life...  people say that losing weight doesn't change anything but your appearance and that people are silly to think that you will have a perfect life when you're thinner.  well, i don't think i'll have a perfect life but i definitely think that going through the process of losing this weight has meant that i am starting to LIVE again and leading a fuller and happier life because of my increased confidence and spirits.  so, maybe you should find a hobby (like salsa dancing or horseback riding!!) that makes you as blissfully happy as i am when i do those things :)  just an idea :)

watchmeshine: Don't worry, I often feel lopsided too. For example, today, I am wearing these pants that fit nice on my legs, but are way way way too big on my waist. As a result, I end up with a saggy crotch and butt just so the pants can look nice on my legs! Ridiculous! As for dresses, I usually just don't bother. I never look right in a dress! I will have to try those vitauffins! They sound very good!

scarter1: Yay for running! I have never actually tried mangoes, but I like things that are mango flavored, so I don't know what I am waiting for! Whooo for seeing David Beckham live! I am so glad to see you are back on track!

fantasyflight: Yay for losing 6.6 pounds! You have to give yourself slack for immediate family's birthday cake! I hope you get over your head cold quick!

dalmalama: It's awesome that your mom offered to make you your dress! I am sure it will turn out great, and you will feel even more beautiful in it because it will be a perfect fit!

Hi ladies!

mladdy, I'm a big fan of making a huge dinner and bringing leftovers for lunch. It's the easiest way for me to get in some calories mid day. Plus I'm just not big on lunch food (sandwiches and burgers and stuff... It's too easy for me to go overboard on that stuff). In any case, I think scarter had some great ideas; try to keep small, easy snacks on you; that will definitely help!

Dalma, I think watchme had a good idea with the new hobby idea! Maybe a dance class or water skiing, or you could even just take a day off work and do a "Ferris Bueller" day. I used to do that every so often in college since usually people don't take the time to experience the city they live in like they're a tourist and see all the stuff that's cool. It's like a vacation, but way cheaper. I have trouble coming up with rewards for the small goals too (although getting under 200 was a reward on its own!), but my big rewards for myself are: 1) at halfway (180lbs, so 40lbs down) I'm going to take a motorcyle riding class. I've wanted a motorcycle for years, but you never see big people on them, so I was always intimidated. 2) at my goal (140lbs or whenever I decide I'm at a good weight) I'm going skydiving! I'm also going to go to France, but I'm doing that whether I lose the weight or not, so I figure it's not a good reward.

Watchme, if you went the same amount of time, but with more intensity and the machine told you that you burned the same number of cals, the machine's got to be wrong. I always take those things with a grain of salt, anyway. And don't be discouraged by 5lbs; be excited! That's 5lbs closer to your goal! And I agree that probably the dance classes aren't doing enough for you. Maybe if you want to still take some classes, you could look into some cardio classes? That might be enough of a change for you, but will still keep your weight loss on track. Congrats on the 5lbs, chica! :-)

bootster: You know, I stink at basketball too. I run like a duck (my husband and anyone who has ever seen me run can attest to that), I have no hand eye coordination, and I am a girly girl. Luckily thought, my hubby made if fun for me, and although I didn't really run around too much, my arms and upper body are a bit sore (the good kind) so I feel like it was good for me! We played for an hour, and we played some game called horse. We are going to go again tomorrow, only tomorrow, we are going to walk to the park to play! Hooray for 9 weeks to your masters!

pinkcobra: you hottie! You look great in your new pic! (And all of the other ones too)

watchme:yay for walking and talking! Everything helps right? I too have to sort of think in mini goals....like oh, only 30 lbs till I am at my wedding weight, then 30 more I am at my 2002 weight, then 15 more I am at my graduating highschool weight....at which time I should be able to fit in 14's. Then only 45 more until I am at my goal! It would be awesome if we all lived close enough to work out together! We would all get so thin nice and quick because we would have soo much motivation!

Sonini: I always wish it was Sunday! Cause that's my fun day! Seriously! It's ok if you don't respond to everyone, it's really not a requirement. I just obsess about it, like I obsess about everything, so I usually try to get caught up, but I never seem to stay that way! I agree that everyone here is awesome, and I love reading about what all of you girls have to say! Good luck walking to and from work...tomorrow, I am going to start walking on my breaks because it should be nice out! I am sure you will do great!

safantasia: Again, no worries, like I said to Sonini, it's not required or even expected that everyone will catch up with everyone. I am just too obsessive! You can get to the 230s! I have faith in you!

allydan: Have fun making yourself dresses! That sounds awesome! Boo for guys making things complicated! I hope it clears up soon! I willl check out your journal entry!

bzb90031: i agree that this is probably the most active forum, and I love that! I have an hourglass figure too, 38-40 DD chest, and I am wearing some 18's and some 20s. Both are too big on my waist, but I need it for my thighs and butt. I usually wear flats though, because I stand all day long, and I think 3 inch heels would kill my feet everyday! I still can't quit weighing myself everyday. Even though I know I will only get depressed from it! Looking forward to seeing your pics!

alibuch: You can do this! Use your dog! Make him your excuse! You must take him on a walk for at least 15-20 minutes at least once a day! Good luck! I love your new pics!

pinkcobra: I too am surrounded with friends who are having babies, or who have babies, and all I ever here is when are you having a baby? I am not having a baby until I am healthy enough to have one by my standards! When I used to go to the gym I never got sore pecks, but I have them from playing basketball a little. Weird huh? I guess i never used the machines correctly before!

ennazus and pc: thanks for the compliments on my photos! I think I look like crap. haha

I did well today for eating (though way under my calories) but that's better than being over I guess!

Dalma-- What about taking an art class or something? I don't know what you're into but that could be fun.

When I finally get rid of the last 44 pounds....

I'll buy my WEDDING dress! (I'm getting married in december)

:D

All this talk about rewards is really making me think! My rewards for myself will include buying new clothes for every single goal I hit. I LOVE clothes shopping.. and I bet I'll love it even more when I fit into the cuter stuff! What I really love, is underwear shopping! A girl can never have enough cute/sexy underwear. Don't you just feel so much more confident and sexy when you know you have a nice pair of panties on?! I DO!! :)

Hmm... speaking of vacations... I have a fabulous idea! Let's all put away $10 for every pound we lose, and then take a vacation at the same time, to the same place, and celebrate our new sexy selves together! (ok, I know this isn't going to happen, but it's a fun thought!)

Actually, that is a damn good idea. I'm going to start today putting away $10 for every pound I lose, so that by the end I'll have like $1200... then I'm taking myself on a trip! Sure, it won't be anywhere too far or too exciting, but it will be somewhere! :)

hehe, sonini, let's go to disney world :)

Welcome to all the new members!

Dalma:  I definitely cast my vote for something that you don't normally do.  Like the dance lesson or a "ferris beuler day".  I went to a pottery place and made a vase and a pot one day... it was SO much fun!

Watchme: you totally burned more... and way to go!  Intervals are a great way to start upping your pace!  GREAT job on the 5 lbs loss for March!!  It may seem a lot lower than at first, but 5 pounds is still amazing!  Everyone loses more in the beginning and then our bodies adjust and we have to work harder to see ANY results, so I think you're doing awesome :)

Mladdy:  I'm so glad your jobs are going well!  I, too, have problems reaching my calorie goals most days.  If i'm behind I eat a vitatop or a soy snack of some kind.  Props to you for figuring it out early instead of just filling in the holes with junk food!

Suzanne:  I guess I had never used the machines properly before either.  I had been using them for awhile, but I decided to get an hour with a personal trainer just to be sure I had correct form.  I didn't even do a really big workout, we just worked on correct form the whole time and gosh did my muscles hurt later!  But at least I know how to do it the right way now.

When I'm able to fit in a smaller size, I go out and buy a couple of things in the next size down.  I love trying them on periodically and seeing how they start to fit better and better... and then I have them when I need them.  But when I'm down to my goal weight I'm going on an all out shopping spree!  And, like most of you, I'm going on a fabulous vacay!  I can't wait!

sonini: how fun would that be for all of us to meet up somewhere?!  if only... :D

Dalma, a sporting thing might be fun like watch suggested. Skiing or somthing like that, something you wouldn't usually do and its not a big trip somewhere.

My present to myself after 100 lbs is to laser my underarms! It just costs a fortune and I really want to do it, but only then.

Yesterday was a really crappy day for me, I weighed myself and was only 1 lbs less then Jan 30 that's 2 months ago!!! :( I lost a little more and gained and lost in the interim, and I didn't really change what I was doing throughout, except that I did get a personal trainer to help me bust the pleataeu!!!

So I had chocolate for lunch and went to a movie with a friend and had popcorn for supper!! and then ended the night with a margarita!! I did only have 1! funny thing is I don't think I actually went over my cals cos I actually have trouble meeting them a lot of day, which I know could ne my problem, I try though, I'm not hungry after 10 months of this and I hate to "force" myself to eat.

So today I'm back on track and happy, maybe that's all I needed 1 day to let loose...I'm gonna stay off the scale for a while though, don't need it messing with my head.  Been thinking of taking it to my cousin who I see about once in 3 weeks and just weighing when I go there...not sure if I'm ready for that though :)

Welcome to everyone new. And hope everyone is having a good day.

that $10/pound idea is AWESOME!!! not only would that go towards a killer trip, i'd be saving money, which is SO hard for me to do!

doing something i don't normally do is a great idea. i'll have to think of something, b/c i've been trying everything i could get my hands on since i left that less-than-one horse town i lived in florida. so i've been trying a lot. i even sailed, which is huge for me, b/c i get sea-sick and i can't swim. nuts, i know! but i didn't get sick on the sailboat. someone told me it was probably b/c i was close to the water, not way above it like on a full-sized boat.

i'll think -- i got it! a group around here gives helicopter lessons, but you have to weigh under 270 to do them. i can do that! and it costs under 200 bucks for a lesson, and i'd only take one....but thinking about it, i might use that for a bigger goal, like 240, b/c i'm not mentally prepared to be airborne in the next few weeks (i HATE flying! i wanna do it to get over that fear.)

okay, so (semi-)official goal: 240 lbs, learn how to fly a helicopter

259 goal: trapeze class!