Just getting started, is this the right track?

moondrake

I am female, 55, need to really lose about 100 lbs but my realistic goal is to lose 50, then tackle the rest. I have been at this only 10 days, have lost 5 lbs in that time, much of which is likely water weight. Still, I am already feeling better and seeing a difference in how some of my clothes fit. This is the program I have been following, any tips or suggestions will be welcome. I made my diary public to facilitate. I am eating 1200 calories plus half my cardio calories. In the past I have had success with a 33% carbs/fat/protein goal, but like everyone else I struggle with carbs. I also don't like meat very well, so keeping carbs down and protein up is also a challenge. I weigh and log everything except zero calorie beverages, which is the most hateful part of all this as it's not a natural approach to food prep. I go to the gym 3-4 times per week. I do 20-30 minutes on the treadmill at 3.2mph. (Which I plan to increase gradually). I then do a circuit of the weight machines, about 20 of them, 20 reps on arms at 10-40lbs depending on machine, and 20-50 reps on legs, abs and back, mostly at 100lbs. I finish with 10 minutes on the stationary bike, I only log the cardio. Right after working out I try to eat some protein as I heard that protects your muscles. Some evenings I take the dog for a leisurely 1 mile walk, as he is old and can't handle more than that. It's heartbreaking as he used to be my workout buddy. Anyway, sorry for the long post but i wanted to give you the whole story.

whatatime2befit

As long as you are in a deficit you will lose weight. Can I ask what you set your goal as for weekly losses?

I'd recommend not setting it to aggressively to start, so that you have more calories to use daily, and still lose weight.

As for your food, weighing and logging everything is awesome. This will help you make sure you are staying in your deficit.

Good luck!

moondrake

whatatime2befit wrote: »

Can I ask what you set your goal as for weekly losses?...
Good luck!

I am currently using the free version of the program so I think it defaulted to 2 lbs per week. Insufficient calories isn't a problem, the first few days I had a heckuva time eating the 1200. Portion size isn't my problem, it's low quality high carb fast junk food. I plan to upgrade to the paid version in September so I can change the macros. Thanks for the encouragement and for taking the time to respond!

arabianhorselover

I would recommend doing your weight training before your cardio at the gym. That way you have all of your strength for the weights.

sweetochiken

Agreed with above poster, start with weights, (try to work a different body group in different days) look on pintrest or body building.com for ideas: day1 one upper body workouts, day2 legs, day3 different upper body exercises, day 4 leg day again. You want to lose fat, so your muscle will use your stored fat as fuel. Cardio for your weightloss goals will be key. Do hiit exercises, and treadmill work, so do a pace of 3.5 in treadmill in a slight incline (as much as you can handle), and then throw in 30seconds at 5.5 speed( a lite sprint). I agree though, you need to start slow, this wont be over night. Work on getting comfortable, and doing the exercises right (start on a lighter weight and every week or two get a heavier weight, if you are feeling stronger, go a bit more heavy) . Don't start strong because you can hurt yourself.

moondrake

arabianhorselover wrote: »

I would recommend doing your weight training before your cardio at the gym. That way you have all of your strength for the weights.

I'll give it a try.