Want to lose 15 pounds by May 23rd.... Need help!

I am 5'7" and weigh 150 lbs. I know that I am not completely over-weight but I have a very small frame. I look my best at around 135 lbs... and would like to get there in five weeks for a trip that I am taking to the Dominican Republic.

I am a stress eater.. and have recently went through a divorce. I have gained about 15 pounds in the last 8 months from eating so poorly and not exercising. I'm ready to get back in shape. For the last week I have been keeping a food journal, and counting my calories (aiming for 1200 a day). I have also been going to my local YMCA and using the elliptical machine for 45 minutes - 3 times a week. Will this work? I need help, advice... and support!!!!

sorry to hear about the divorce and everything, usually weight happens after things like that happen because you "emotionally eat"

15lbs in 5 weeks probably isnt the HEALTHIEST thing to do but starting with 1200 calories a day is pretty good.

i eat 1200 a day burn 600 at the gym everyday and have lost 13-15lbs in the last 3 months. (you should only be losing 1-2 lbs a week inorder to keep it off and remain healthy)

add some weight lifting into your workout (everyother day) it tends to speed up your metabolism for a couple extra hours everyday. also every week or 2 switch up your cardio routine instead of the eliptical try walking with intervals (its supposed to burn more fat effectivly) try to google it, find a routine that fits your lifestyle.

if possible try doing cardio everyday and rest on the 7th day or just take a small walk. although diet is key to weightloss cardio is way up there too

also make sure you eat alot of protein and fiber daily, with fruits veggies and some carbs.

if your a stress eater your not alone (iam too) i just tell my self NO. whats more enjoyable, eating that food for the 15 seconds? or having the body that you want to have 24 hours of everyday 7 days of every week..

think about it. :)

and good luck, hope i helped a littleee!!

Thanks for the advice! I know that a person should really aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week to lose weight at a healthy rate. I woul dbe happy to lose 10 pounds before the trip (that woul dbe 2 pounds per week). I will try to do some cardio everyday. Not sure about the weight lifting... I wouldn't know where to begin!

I am a vegetarian... but do eat lots of beans and nuts to get the protein needed.

Thanks again for the advice!

Im not a fan of meat. I eat lentils to get my protein (just add it to whatever im eating)

as for the weight lifting, i had not idea where to begin either. theres a ton of sites to look up what you need to do, it really helps with the weight loss. plus once you lose the fat, its flabby. weight lifting and ab exercises will help alot with it.

anywho good luck =) im sure you will at least get the 10lbs off.

by the way, use the calculator to calculate your BMR and your BMI, it will help with the calorie intake and just make you feel better about what your eating.

just make sure to get your carbs in everyday too (oatmeal, a piece of whole wheat bread) has to be balanced.

Thanks for the support. Whenever I mention my weight-loss concerns to friends and family they say  but your not fat!"... and I know that I am not extremely overweight... but I could look a lot better. All the emotional eating during the divorce has really added up! I was out of control (pizza, cake, cookies).. anything to make myself feel better. Nowm when I look in the mirror I am sooooo disappointed in myself! I know that I can lose the weight if I stay focused! It helpd having support.

Have you ever tried the "Eat Clean" cook books? They have some great recipes in there! I made the "Maui Black bean soup" last night and served it over organic brown rice... it was delish!

Hi, I'm 5'3" and currently weigh 135-136lbs.  I'm trying to lose 20lbs and get down to 115lbs.  I'd like be your weight loss buddy as well as support if you want.  I've been so inconsistent for the pass couple of years.  I'll lose 10lbs, fall off the track, and do it all over again.  It would be great to be on this journey with someone who has the same goals.

My goal is to lose at least 10lbs (I really wanted 15lbs like you) by May 23rd since my sister-in-law, who's lost about 40lbs in the past 2 years and catching up to me, will be visiting Memorial Day weekend.  We have a friendly competition thing going, but I just get comfortable and tend to go on stupid crash diets instead of doing it the healthy way.  I then want to lose the last 10lbs by the end of June before going on vacation to the Florida Keys.  My goal this year is to get into a 2pc bikini without the oversized T-shirt and shorts .

We could do daily logs of what we've done, exchanges ideas on meal and exercise plans.  What's working and what's not.  Possibly even a weekly weigh in to stay on track.  Whatever you'd like.  I'm up for this new challenge and lifestyle change.

I too am 5'7", a vegetarian and trying to lose 12lbs by June 1.   Lots in common so far :)   I would suggest adding some weight training and to keep your body from going into starvation mode, add a few calories.  I think 1200 is too low!   Try to keep your cardio 3-4 x's a week and do some kind of weight training 2 x's.  I know firsthand how difficult it is to start this but just find a 2 or 3 exercises to start with and learn those well.  Each week, add a couple more.  Sometimes at the gym, there is a poster by the free weights with suggestions or look on this site.  Good luck to you!

I'm veg, too!  I've gained about 9 lbs. since the summer.  I always get depressed and lazy during the winter and end up eating all the time.  Anyways, I've been trying to lift weights like 1 or 2x a week and cardio 2 or 3x but I'm still emotionally eating and boredom binging.  Today was a good day, though.  I just want to lose 5-6 lbs and just gen. get in better shape.  I hope we all stay straight and reach our bikini goals!