I'd love some help figuring this out!

Hey Guys!!

Ok...so I'm getting ready to start my new lifestyle!! I want a change and more importantly I need this change!! Let me fill you in on my history.

I am 20 years old, 5'6'', and currently weigh right under 130lbs. I have a very small frame. I just recently got married, my husband is a US Marine so we are living very far away from home. I've had to relocate, be away from my family and friends, and start a new job and school. Its been a little rough to say the least. I have gained over 15 pounds in the past year!!!

I do not eat well at all...i'm the first one to admit this. I could easily skip breakfast, have a McDonnalds hamburger, fries, coke, and McFlurry for lunch, and go home and order pizza with my husband. This is obviously not everynight but it wouldnt be too far from common in my life!!! Luckly I am in great health (says my MD).

I know I cant keep this up..and honestly I dont want to! I basically never do any sort of physical activity. I am not strong at all...and I am starting to jiggle when flick my belly hahaha. I know that I've GOT to start eating better for my future! I want to feel strong. I would LOVE to be able to run a few miles without stopping!

I would love some help! I am serious about this and am hoping I can find some people to help guide me and encourage me along my journey!! I am guessing that if I eat around 1400 calories a day, and exercize hopefully around 1 hour 4 times a week, and along with a little strengh training, i'll be moving happily toward my goal! I would love to look like I did at 110-115...but I would rather feel strong and have some muscle than jsut be skinny.

Any help would be great!!! Thanks so much guys! I cant wait to get in gear and get this ball on a roll!!! Anyone who wants to join me, please, I would love it!

exercise is definately the key since you are in a healthy weight range as it is and you are looking to just shape up a bit.  what sort of activities do you like to do?  any sports you like?  dance?  walking?  pilates?  walking?  hiking?  there's a ton to choose from.  the key if finding what you like because then you'll be more likely to stick with it

do you cook at home at all?  or do you always just eat out?  i can give some suggestions on healthy meals to make (as well at the many recipes on this site). 

also, planning ahead of time is really important!  at least for me.  i find that if i plan the week's meals on sunday when i do my groceries i'll always have healthy options around the house and do better with sticking to the healthier living.

do you have any plans or ideas right now as to how you are going to start the change?  :-)

Hi there,

I've been doing the diet thing since january, but have just discovered this website....it rocks! I have lost 42 lbs so far but have a long way to go, but what i have done is started to run. I bought a book called running made easy and it starts with a 60 second run, 60 second walk and repeat 3 times, even I could manage that! Its now 10 weeks on and I can walk run for 3 miles with running 5 mins and walking for 1 which is no mean feat for someone over 300 lbs! start slow and go for it, if I can do it anyone can. I have entered a 5 K fun run at the end of june to keep me motivated and hope to raise money for a charity

also, this is an excellent read.  long but has a lot of great info laid out in a user friendly format :-D

My best advice would be to get up an hour before you do now and do some type of physical activity every day.  It will seem difficult at first, but once it becomes a habit, you will not be able to imagine life with out it.  Personally I fast walk (4.5 mph) for 4.5 miles or one hour every day.  I am currently maintaining a weight loss of just under 100 lbs. and feeling great.

Thanks guys!!!

I'll be honest...I don't really know what kind of exercise I LIKE doing! I danced and was a hunter jumper all my life until I left for college. But there is no decent stable around here to keep riding. I'd LOVE to swim but the closest gym with a pool is probably an hour away if not more. I think for now I'm just going to try and walk for an hour everyday and do some yoga/palates after work. I'll let you know how it goes!!! Thanks for the great advice!