Feeling lost and don't know where to begin

HisForever1231

I am a mom with 3 kids. Before I had my last child I was 230lbs. She just turned a year, and about 3 weeks ago I was down to 197. I am now 206. I bought a treadmill and started doing cardio at home because being a stay at home mom with 3 children doesn't allow the time, nor the finances to be able to attend a gym. I have searched for so many things to do. I was told that I need to get down closer to my ideal weight (165) before I start toning because i will build fat on top of my stomach and it will buldge. I started doing 25 min on a treadmill at 3mph/12% incline and noticed that I lose more calories doing so then running at 4.5 mph for 25 min. I just feel lost and don't know where to start. I have since gotten on the scale and now weigh 206. I started working out and doing dieting about a week ago when my weight went back to 200. I have since gained 6 lbs and I feel miserable. Does anyone have advice on supplements, and a good workout routine? Any hints?

Thanks so much!!

diannethegeek

Start here. It's a lot of reading, but these threads are packed with really good information that will get you going in the right direction.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

Jaja_Joli

Hello there! Any form of exercise is a great start but must work along with food. I think a balance diet loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables and with good quality protein is the key. See below the link to my story and please let me know if you want more info, I would love to help!

http://www.mile-posts.com/2013/06/run-transform-your-life-jacinthe-jolicoeur.html

JenMc14

If you eat at a deficit and do cardio only, you'll lose fat and muscle. Eating at a deficit is the most important. Do cardio for heart and lung health and to boost your calorie expenditure. Definitely add in resistance training. You will not build significant muscle. Maybe start with a good, basic bodyweight program. Check out nerdfitness.com.

HisForever1231

Thanks so much!! I need all the help I can get!

_HeartsOnFire_

Start here. It's a lot of reading, but these threads are packed with really good information that will get you going in the right direction.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

This x 1,000,000,000,000

DuckDynastyMakesMeLaugh

I like this body weight workout from NerdFitness! Their site has a lot of great info.

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

Also, free exercise videos at FitnessBlender.com

StaciMarie1974

If you're just starting to run - I've always heard its best not to run on back to back days. So alternate, some walking @ an incline days and some running.

The bit about building muscle on fat? Bogus. Muscle is under the fat, so toning will help you look tighter, sleeker as you lose weight. Would help you lose inches faster.

Basic, bottom line 'program' - you want to accurately & honestly log your food. Everything you consume. Use a food scale to track your portion sizes as there is no other way to accurately know if its 4 ounces or 4.5 or 5. Nutrition is the key to weight loss, exercise burns extra calories & is good for your fitness level, heart, lungs, etc.

What I do: I eat 1400-1600 per day, walk at least 10,000-12,000 steps. I focus on drinking more water, eating more fruits & veggies, eating lean meat (protein is good). Your calorie range may be different but I just wanted to give you an idea that it doesn't have to be terribly complicated. Pick a couple of objectives and go from there.

karlalband

bump

Shesaid_destroy

Saved the links to the readings. . Thanks.

2BeHappy2

I like this body weight workout from NerdFitness! Their site has a lot of great info.

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

Also, free exercise videos at FitnessBlender.com

Thank you so much for this info...checking it our right now!

Ideabaker

I'll be trying the bodyweight exercises on nerdfitness as I also don't have gym access. Thanks, everyone, for your wonderful support!

stephe1987

There are also some fitness channels on YouTube that you can check out if you run out of ideas or get bored with your current exercises.