Some suggestions please :)

I joined this website a while ago, but was gone for a while and now am back. Anyone have some great ideas on how to get started in the right direction?? I have about 60-65 pounds to lose now. I am at my heaviest weight 208.6. I am only 31 and too young to be wasting my life being overweight. Thanks for any comments. Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Chrystal. 

Welcome back!  I think what got me motivated to start again with trying to lose was that I could no longer wear my wedding ring or any of my other ones, oh and also being tired of my legs rubbing together (that's the worse!)  I think it all depends on the person wanting to get back in the saddle.

Good luck.

Thanks for the encouragement. I totally agree with the whole legs rubbing together thing. That IS the worst. What do you do for exercise? If you don't mind me asking. Thanks again :)

Since I have to go home for lunch and let my dog out (Gracie) I will ride my bike back, it's about a 15 minute ride each way.

I also signed up our university's recreation center so I can swim on the weekends.

S.

awesome. Thanks for your help. Have a great day!

The best thing for me was to make a plan and stick with it.  I found an exercise plan, so I knew every time I went to the gym what I was going to do.  I actually enjoy it - a first for me.

I also tried to "clean" up my diet some - hard to do with two little kids and a husband in the house, but we're trying.

I would advise you to not only weigh yourself, but to take regular body measurements, and also log your workouts, so you have three areas you can see improvement in when you need motivation.

Thanks for the encouragement. I agree that it is VERY difficult to "clean" up your diet with others in your household eating WHATEVER they want. :) Thanks again.

Hi, Chrystal!  I'm in the same boat, although this is my 3rd or 4th try.  I really want to lose 50 pounds because I just feel horrible about the way I look.  I'm too big now for even my post-pregnancy jeans!

I'm also trying to clean up our family's diet.  Hubby isn't too keen on it, but he's being supportive as best as he can. I'm just gonna try to make vegetables with every meal and hope it rubs off on him.  Also, I'm not letting him dish up my food anymore so that I can regulate my portion sizes.

I just bought a Wii Active and I really like it.  I also want to follow the two hundred sit-ups, one hundred push ups, and two hundred squats programs. They are broken up into small, easy-to-follow plans, which is what I really need.

Good luck with your second try!! I hope you're able to stick with it and get to where you want to be.

Hello, I did the same....joined a long time ago and then left.  I am now here to stay until it all comes off.  I have now lost 16 pounds.

For me I tried to get in my breakfast every day as a start.  This keeps my blood sugar level from the start of my day and prevents binging/snacking later on. 

My appetizer for lunch is a 10-15 minute walk regardless of the weather and a nutritious lunch (raw veggies included).  It took a while for me to find foods that I liked that were also good for me.  This was when I realized how many good restaurants/take out places there are as well.  I drink a herbal tea that is specifically designed for dieters to curb sugar cravings, etc.  My walk home is 20 minutes.

Supper most often is either a good salad or another type of meal not topping 300 calories.  I usually squeeze in another 1 hour walk or other form of exercise.  One day a week I cut down a bit on the exercise but also find myself eating less (in one sitting) too.

To get to this point I faltered every now and then.  The more time I took to log in all the things I ate to get good tags going, the easier things became.  They always say that the first 10 pounds are the easiest to loose.  For me it has been the dead opposite.  I have found the first 10 pounds the toughest because it took time to get into a good routine to watch my portions and types of food.  The burn meter is awesome.  Also, just because I blew it on one day, did not mean that my whole week was shot.  This type of guilt is something we have to let go of because that is what kills our diets.  Good luck!

Hi Chrystal,

Myself I have only been on a few weeks, but I am doing really well.  I've only lost 4 pounds but I feel better.  I have to say this is result of many different things going on. 

• Been in therapy for a little over a year with a therapist that is good for me.  I am really learning to respect myself and demand respect for myself.
• A change of meds.  In Feb and March I was really really tired and consulted a physician.
• Finding Calorie Count.  There are other equally good sites, but this is the one I find.  Having a convenient way to keep track of what I eat is great.  I'm not a good note taker, but have constant access to a computer at work and home
• Walking my puppy ( technically no longer a puppy as she just turned 1).
• A Marvelous week at Girl Scout Camp, with lots of walking, makes it easier to walk now.
• Oh..... turning 50 in April.  I'm tired of making excuses for not doing what I want to do.
• Journaling on CC.  I don't care if anyone reads it, but I leave it public because somehow, I feel that if I don't leave it public, then what's the point of writing it.  But writing helps keep it focused.
• Somehow, right now, it is easy to pass up the chips and the cookies..... I have no explanation.   I do have chocolate protein shake at least once a day. Yogurt and fruit is really yummy right now.

The best way to reach your goals is obviously to enjoy the journey. A couple little things that help me are:

• Find exercises you enjoy doing.
  I actually itch for my next weights day, I can't wait! Variety in exercise is good of course but if you have fun then you won't stop. If it's hard to enjoy them then perhaps pick the most tolerable and make it the only time you listen to your favourite music.
  
  
• Give eating boring a plain a try.
  Doesn't work for some people but I've actually started really enjoying plain foods such as vegetables and meats without any sauce or fatty/sugary flavour added (it took a couple weeks). Try it and if it turns out you enjoy it, then that'll be great for achieving your goals.
  
  
• Measure yourself regularly from the start
  I don't necessarily mean weight (that too), but grab a tape measure and perhaps a skin fold caliper and take lots of measurements every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on how fast you're trying to achieve your goals. I only started this a month ago and wish I started earlier as it's a real buzz and motivator to watch numbers fall and rise (depending on which ones). E.g. I haven't lost any weight in the last 2 weeks but I lost nearly 2cm from my waistline and gained 1cm on my arms (which is good in my case!) so I was extatic to see those numbers and I wouldn't have known if I just watched the scale.
  
  
• Research, research, research.
  Spend lots of time asking advice and reading about different types of exercise and about nutrition. There's a lot of conflicting information out there (and a lot of bad information) but I've found that doing lots of research usually leads things to become clearer and clearer over time. And the more you know the more equipped you will be achieving your goals.

All the best, go kick some arse!

Original Post by dmkash:

Hi, Chrystal!  I'm in the same boat, although this is my 3rd or 4th try.  I really want to lose 50 pounds because I just feel horrible about the way I look.  I'm too big now for even my post-pregnancy jeans!

I'm also trying to clean up our family's diet.  Hubby isn't too keen on it, but he's being supportive as best as he can. I'm just gonna try to make vegetables with every meal and hope it rubs off on him.  Also, I'm not letting him dish up my food anymore so that I can regulate my portion sizes.

I just bought a Wii Active and I really like it.  I also want to follow the two hundred sit-ups, one hundred push ups, and two hundred squats programs. They are broken up into small, easy-to-follow plans, which is what I really need.

Good luck with your second try!! I hope you're able to stick with it and get to where you want to be.

 Sorry, yesterday was very busy. I totally agree with you. I am very interested in the sit ups, push ups and squats program. I added you to my buddy list hope you don't mind. I am probably going to weigh in on fridays so if you want to email our results to one another we can. :)

Original Post by bananc:

Hello, I did the same....joined a long time ago and then left.  I am now here to stay until it all comes off.  I have now lost 16 pounds.

For me I tried to get in my breakfast every day as a start.  This keeps my blood sugar level from the start of my day and prevents binging/snacking later on. 

My appetizer for lunch is a 10-15 minute walk regardless of the weather and a nutritious lunch (raw veggies included).  It took a while for me to find foods that I liked that were also good for me.  This was when I realized how many good restaurants/take out places there are as well.  I drink a herbal tea that is specifically designed for dieters to curb sugar cravings, etc.  My walk home is 20 minutes.

Supper most often is either a good salad or another type of meal not topping 300 calories.  I usually squeeze in another 1 hour walk or other form of exercise.  One day a week I cut down a bit on the exercise but also find myself eating less (in one sitting) too.

To get to this point I faltered every now and then.  The more time I took to log in all the things I ate to get good tags going, the easier things became.  They always say that the first 10 pounds are the easiest to loose.  For me it has been the dead opposite.  I have found the first 10 pounds the toughest because it took time to get into a good routine to watch my portions and types of food.  The burn meter is awesome.  Also, just because I blew it on one day, did not mean that my whole week was shot.  This type of guilt is something we have to let go of because that is what kills our diets.  Good luck!

 I think that you are doing awesome. You seem so motivated. I hope that you continue to do great. I am adding you to my buddy list (hope you don't mind).

Original Post by meisteh:

The best way to reach your goals is obviously to enjoy the journey. A couple little things that help me are:

• Find exercises you enjoy doing.
  I actually itch for my next weights day, I can't wait! Variety in exercise is good of course but if you have fun then you won't stop. If it's hard to enjoy them then perhaps pick the most tolerable and make it the only time you listen to your favourite music.
  
  
• Give eating boring a plain a try.
  Doesn't work for some people but I've actually started really enjoying plain foods such as vegetables and meats without any sauce or fatty/sugary flavour added (it took a couple weeks). Try it and if it turns out you enjoy it, then that'll be great for achieving your goals.
  
  
• Measure yourself regularly from the start
  I don't necessarily mean weight (that too), but grab a tape measure and perhaps a skin fold caliper and take lots of measurements every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on how fast you're trying to achieve your goals. I only started this a month ago and wish I started earlier as it's a real buzz and motivator to watch numbers fall and rise (depending on which ones). E.g. I haven't lost any weight in the last 2 weeks but I lost nearly 2cm from my waistline and gained 1cm on my arms (which is good in my case!) so I was extatic to see those numbers and I wouldn't have known if I just watched the scale.
  
  
• Research, research, research.
  Spend lots of time asking advice and reading about different types of exercise and about nutrition. There's a lot of conflicting information out there (and a lot of bad information) but I've found that doing lots of research usually leads things to become clearer and clearer over time. And the more you know the more equipped you will be achieving your goals.

All the best, go kick some arse!

 Thanks so much for all of your advice. It helps more than you know. I hope that you do great. I added you to my buddy list (hope you don't mind). Thanks again.

if you have cable TV, fitTV on demand is awesome! you can exercise whenever you get about 10 minutes - and they change the workouts every month. Also, no extra charge on top of your cable bill - its a 'free' on-demand service.

Hi Crystal My name is Melissa.  I just joined this site today but I have started losing weight already.  My name on here is modivationhelps because I truly believe that.  Modivation does help.  You have to really want to lose the weight and keep it off otherwise you're not going to.  Having a support group helps with modivation.  Having people to excercise with you is great.  Excercising is important when dieting.  I love to hike or walk outside because it is so much better than working inside.  If you have a dog it is great to take it with you because our little furry friends do modivate us and keep us going.  Eating healthy is essential also.  Fruits and veggies are the best and you'll find that they actually taste really good too.  Chewing your food up really well can be helpful in the digestion process.  Healthy eating starts in the grocery store.  Don't buy things that you shouldn't eat because if those things aren't there you can't eat them.  Eat your vegetables raw if possible instead of cooking them because they have more nutrients.  If you eat an apple, eat the peel as well don't throw it away.  The peel of the apple is where all of the nutrients are located.  Breakfast is important.  Many say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is but that doesn't mean you should pig out.  I like to start my day with an apple and a few grapes.  Oatmeal is good too, if you like it but don't use sugar and remember to put a few strawberries or something with it.  Breakfast and lunch are easy for me.  My calories and fat always come at dinnertime.  I always fix too much to eat and end up eating all of it.  Lately I have cut back by telling myself that it's okay to have a few leftovers, it's alright to waste a little food.  However, it is better to not cook as much to start with.  Also, don't force yourself to eat too healthy, it is okay to eat the foods you like.  One of my foods is pizza.  It is okay for me to have pizza every once in a while but you have to limit yourself, and chew slowly.  Also, with sugar...  Sugar can only be digested by saliva in your mouth so when you do eat something sweet chew it up.  No matter what it is, chew.  Even icecream.  Give the food the time to digest a little in your mouth.  Some people think the less calories the better.  They just eat healthy and don't eat much.  That works for a while, they lose weight but eventually they start eating poorly again.  Or their body says hey, I don't have enough, I need to start saving my energy and your metabolism shuts down and your body says hey, I can't  lose anymore weight.  So, people get frustrated because the scale stops going down.  Fruits and veggies are good but your body needs protein as well.  Try eating lean meat like chicken and if you are a vegetarian that's cool, just try eating stuff like Kidney beans.  Kidney beans have a unique flavor and are good for you also.  Another thing....  Many people are obsessed with weighing themselves.  Every time they see a scale they jump on it to see how much they've lost.  Do not weigh every day.  It's bad for your mind because if you weight everyday some days you're not going to lose anything, some it may seem you've gained.  You get stressed and think, this isn't working.  So you immediately either give up or try something different or you lose hope and modivation is gone.  If you're not losing weight, why try, right?  Wrong.  It takes time and weighing every day is bad.  Sleep is important.  Your body actually burns more calories and fat when you're sleeping than when you're sitting at a desk or on the couch.  If atall possible...  If you're laying, sit; if you're sitting, stand; and if you're standing, walk.  Try breathing exercises.  People who smoke normally stay relatively  thin.  When they stop smoking they gain weight.  Let me tell you, it's not the cigarette that did it.  It is the constant breathing because you're smoking.  Take a fast, deep breath.  Hold it a few seconds and then let it go slowly.  Do that over and over.  It's good for your lungs and it tightens your muscles in your stomach and back.  Sit up straight, don't slouch.  That one is tough for me, I always slouch. Doing that now actually, let me work on that.  Noone's perfect.  Stretch a lot.  If you watch TV make yourself stand while your favorite program.  Move a little bit, wiggle around, bend side to side, practice breathing, move your arms, do squats, make it up and remember any movement is better than none.  If you exercise in a gym, lifting weights and stuff be sure to stretch good first.  If working out makes you sore, makes your muscles ache...  Drink plenty of water or lemonade and also if you take a tablespoon or so of apple cider vinegar it can clear alway your lose materials.  When stretching, if it hurts you are tearing your muscles a little which is okay because you can build new ones by working out which is good.  But you want to stay hydrated.  Okay, I think that's enough tips for one day, hopefully I said something that helps you or someone else.  Thanks for reading

~♥~Modivationhelps~♥~

I just found this, thought it was a neat list

1. Control your portions! There's absolutely no reason to eat everything that you've piled on your plate. Just take a reasonable amount and enjoy it! One of the biggest problems we as Americans face is that we just don't seem to know when to stop!

2. Slow down! I know that when you're famished you feel the need to inhale everything on your plate, but if you take the time to chew everything slowly than you'll be less likely to overeat. It's pretty simple in principle.

3. Eat what you like! Don't eat something that you don't like just because it's there! We tend to eat everything and everything we have in front of us just for the sake of eating everything. So don't eat the things that you don't like and you'll cut back on some calories. It's as simple as that!

4. Don't park so close to the store! I know everyone wants the prime parking places near the front of the store but it's not really going to kill you if you walk a couple extra dozen feet from the store to your automobile.

5. Switch it up! Variety is the spice of life, so don't go and eat spaghetti for dinner every single night. There's no need to! When you try new things it is also great for your digestive health so get out there and sample new stuff!

6. Eat fresh! Although it's sometimes hard both financially and subconsciously to eat all fresh foods it will benefit you greatly in the long run. Pre packaged foods have much higher calories and sodium and all of the other things that are bad for you.