Any help appreciated

I have recently realised that my weight has exploded over the last two years.  I have been away from home (at a boarding school) and have not had a huge amount of control over what I am eating or how much exercise I have time to do.  I tried on a dress that I bought just before starting and could not get anywhere near zipping it up, it only just went over my hips. 

I know that I need to lose some weight - after my dress experience I weighed myself and I am overweight for my height (5'0.5", and 58kg) - but I need some help.  Since coming home I have started exercising again, I used to do a lot of ballet, and now I run about 2.5miles 4 or 5 times a week.  I don't eat that much either, whenever we have rice or pasta I have as little as possible and I have always enjoyed fruit etc as snacks. 

Is there much else that I can do?  I really need to change my body because I am no longer comfortable.  I do not want to be skinny because I would look ridiculous, but I do not want to walk around looking pregnant (because of where I have put on fat I could probably pass for a few months!)  Please, any advice people have would be wonderful.

It sounds like you already know what to do.  If you feel uncomfortable with your body and want to get healthy and in shape, go for it!  It's great to start off by saying you don't want to be skinny.. and good for you.

Exercise is important, so running is a great way to get in your cardio.  The most effective thing I did to lose weight was to count my calories- CC, obviously!  I run as well, but if you're exercising a lot and not eating enough, your body actually stores fat and that causes you to gain weight.

See what CC says for your recommended calorie intake and stick to it.  Type in your honest height, weight, activity level, and goal weight.. and you should be able to lose the weight simply by keeping track of the number of calories you're taking in each day.

Keep your head up and stay healthy!

I'm in the very same boat. I'm working on squeezing back into my "thin jeans" by the end of the summer (though mid-summer would be nice!), myself.

I agree with adidas--sounds like you're on the right track. CC told me to aim for 1200 a day, but I usually go for about 1500, and at least 30 minutes of cardio 6 days a week. I allow myself to "cheat" on Sundays. Having a schedule has helped me find my groove. I plan what I'm going to eat at least a day in advance. That way, I'm not eating on impulse, and I try to count my calories as best as I can.

Also, PROTEIN is your friend! I include a serving of protein at every meal. I'll have a little flavoured tofu or cup of soymilk with breakfast, an egg white omelette, fish, or lean meat for lunch (along with a slice of whole grain toast and some fruit), and a small cup of no-fat cottage cheese with fruit after dinner. 

Drink lots of water, and above all, be patient. :) 

You have identified your problem..you have lost control..

If your serious about losing weight...start posting your food log and weight log in CC...do this daily if possible so you know what your eating.

Start a diary and keep track of your weight, different foods you eat and other important info that you can refer to quickly.

read more of what is on CC forums, google and search diets...get educated and get under control.  You will know what to do!

Good luck

Thanks for the nice comments guys, at least I know I am on the right track.  I started counting the calories this morning, so another step taken.  Hopefully CC can help me.

I know how you feel! Counting calories, though tedious at times, has REALLY helped me. It's made the biggest difference. I swam all the time and ran 2x a week and only just maintained my weight until I starting counting calories. The only thing that may be of more help is strength training. Doing light strength training can actually aid in fat loss because lean muscle burns more fat. And don't worry about looking like a body builder, women generally lack the amount of testosterone needed to gain bulky muscle mass. I strength train about 2, maybe 3 times a week, concentrating on problem areas and I've been losing steadily. Hope this helped and good luck!!! =]

I agree with sizz_leteen about the protein. I add a bit of milled flaxseed to just about everything I eat and it really helps to control my appetite. It helps fill me up, and it adds protein (without adding cholesterol, like eggs or meat) and omega 3 to your diet. With most dishes, you cannot even tell it is there. When mixed into most foods, you can barely see and taste it, so I don't even tell my husband he is eating healthy stuff. Make sure you get the "milled" flaxseed though or you don't get all the health benefits. It's only a couple of dollars for a box and you can get it in the cereal aisle of the market.