I'm 5'7", 214lbs, and I need to lose about 55lbs

Slayer9515

Hey everyone. I'm a 25 years old female, 5'7", and approx. 214lbs right now. I need to lose roughly 55lbs in order to join the Army. I have been wanting to enlist since I was 12. You would think that 13 years would be a high motivator to lose the weight, but I can't seem to get past my own laziness to do anything about it. I have a really bad addiction to sugar, sodas, and crap foods. I have tried dieting, but any plan I have tried won't last longer than a week or 2. I make excuses why I don't exercise enough or eat right, but can't seem to shake that mentality.

I need help and don't know what to do. Joining the military has been my dream for a long time and I want to do everything possible to make it happen. Any and all help is greatly greatly appreciated.

Also, I work in a warehouse full time, lifting and sweating my butt off. So any advice for foods as snacks and/or lunches, additional exercises, or just anything else you can think of, please help.

thegoat1987

Baby steps! The first step is the biggest - and admitting you want to change is a huge accomplishment.

My advice is; stop dieting. You don’t have to. It’s not sustainable. I wouldn’t cut out everything and go cold turkey on the things you love, (however that said - I think if you dropped soda from your daily intake you will notice a difference immediately). You are young and you need to enjoy your relationship with food for the rest of your life! Good food is the best thing ever!

Instead, just make a daily log of what you eat. Use mfp if you’re happy to, it’s easy when you get into a habit of it. When you start seeing what you eat, how many calories foods contain then you’ll get a better understanding of what is tripping you up.

Changes I make that I found manageable; I have chocolate everyday, but I track and log it as part of my daily calorie allowance. I take the stairs instead of escalators. I offer to run errands at work and do extra walking daily. Your job sounds ideal for weight loss! It’s a work out without having to go to the gym. Pack lunches and pack snacks that satisfy and sustain, but within your daily calories. Food ideas; you will need to try out lots of whole foods to replace the processed foods that are so addictive. They don’t have to be boring, they can be delicious. Fresh salads, feta cheese and a brown pitta bread is a great packed lunch. Carrots and houmous! Time to explore all the amazing foods out there! Get cooking! Enjoy what you eat, make a celebration of meals and plan ahead.

I wish I had told the 25 year old me to put down the diet books! I wish you every success and the military will be better for having you, you’re so close just keep putting one foot in front of the other!

dsboohead

You better get your mentals straight as well as disciplined if you crave a military career.
You will have to get started now without an "I can't " attitude. Educate yourself...start getting physical cause boot camp is no joke and you would be better off if you started now and unload some poundage. Discipline and hard work....no one can do it for you but You!
Educate and get physical!

showtime2013

I just started Ketogenics (see ruledme.com) for some basic info. 12 weeks lost 30 lbs and I am a lot older than you. My friend lost 40 in the same time. Its simple to follow all normal foods just low carbs, mod proteins and high fats. Read up on it if your curious ! Good luck to you !

brightresolve

Slayer9515 wrote: »

... I have a really bad addiction to sugar, sodas, and crap foods....

You know what's going on, that's great! Like @thebestyear2017 said, "diets" as in restrictive lists and plans to adhere to, do not work.

But the good news is, if you eat fewer calories than your body requires, you WILL lose weight. You cannot help it. Science works

So how many calories is that?

The recommendation of My Fitness Pal based on your height, weight, and activity level is a great start.

But I recommend first thing, just get yourself some information. What are you eating now, and how much does it "cost" you in calories? Commit to 1 week at a time of logging every bite; that is a huge change but EASY TO DO, you don't have to deny yourself anything. All the "crap foods" if by that you mean processed/packaged/fast are here in the database. Then you will see where you are, and looking honestly at where you are is helpful. THIS IS INFORMATION NOT AMMUNITION - do not beat yourself up with it Takes 3 weeks to build a habit they say, so if you don't do anything for 3 weeks but recommit to logging every bite every day, you are already doing great and can pat yourself on the back.

Once you see where you are in clear numbers you may see simple things you can do to get yourself to that magic place where your body drops weight.

IT'S THAT SIMPLE - IT JUST TAKES PERSEVERANCE. But so does the military!!! Best wishes -