Scared. Fat. Embarrassed. 18.

princesschikee

Welcome! I've been a health and fitness buff for years. It's a chore tracking your calories/nutrients on paper having to write it all down and look it up manually which I've done for the longest time. This is a great program and I don't have to waste paper. What has helped me to lose the weight and keep it off are 5 things. Eating clean, eating 5 small meals a day (each meal consisting of carbs, protein, and fat), lifting weights 3 days a week and cardio 4 days a week, and lastly this awesome program to help keep me accountable for what goes in my body. It has saved me so much time. The best of luck to you and do these things in small steps.

kwardklinck

Bless your heart honey. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

The first step would be for you to bring your lunch to school. I'm a teacher and put on 25 pounds my first year just by eating school lunches. It is tough to eat healthy when you don't do the grocery shopping. You might start by asking your mom to buy whatever kind of fruit you like and carrots. Make sure you get your 2-3 servings of dairy and 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetable per day, then just make sure to measure your food so that you're eating the right sized portions. For a lot of us, it's not the food we eat but how much we eat of it. Do some kind of exercise 30 minutes a day 3-5 days a week. Drink your 8 glasses of water per day. Try to lose at a rate of 1.5 to 2 pounds per week.

This is a life-style change. If you follow the guidelines, you will increase your metabolism and can indulge every now and then. It's how you eat most of the time that counts. I personally find if I'm really good during the week, I can have a nice dinner on Friday or Saturday night. Any time you're tempted to backslide, just think of your reasons for wanting to lose and keep doing the right things. You're in the right place. This will work for you if you log faithfully and are honest in your logging.
Good luck!

Ellymondo

Wow what a fantastic response you've had, I love this site! Welcome )

I spent a long time trying and failing to shift some excess weight, but I am now experiencing some sucess and will share my top tips of the things I found most useful.

1. Make SMALL changes GRADUALLY. The worst thing you can do is to do anything extreme (food or exercise), I can guarantee you won't stick at it.

2. Learn to listen to your body. Eat only when you are hungry, and stop when you are full. This might seem obvious, but you'll be surprised how often you eat without paying attention, and you'll be surprised at how little you actually need to fill you up.

3. Don't limit what you can and can't eat. Sure learn what the healthier options are and consciously chose them, but if you fancy a chocolate bar occassionally, and you're hungry, have one. If you limit yourself you will lose motivation.

4. Move. Every step you take, every move you make, you're burning calories. You're not going to run a marathon tomorrow, but you could get off the bus a stop early or park at the far side of the car park, every little extra thing you do is helping.

5. Motivation. Keep a log of your food and your excercise, it will keep your focus, and you will notice patterns. Also set short-term targets, e.g. this week I will walk for half an hour 5 times.

6. Last but not least, if you have a bad day, so what, don't beat yourself up! Tomorrow is another day, think of each day as a new start.

Good luck!

E )

JeninBelgium

Your days of being scared and embarassed are over. You've found the solution. Welcome to your new life!

Exactly- you are taking the right first step- losing weight and getting fit in ahealthy way - and good for you for doing this now- I was overweight at your age and my doctor put me on a protein shake diet- NOT THE WAY TO GO

be sure to get your activity in (sounds like you are with the musical) and drink your water!! (it really helps get rid of bloat) with spring soon coming the weather will be better for outdoor activities in the mean time join a gym or try one of the activity games like wii fit, wii sports, any of the EA sports, dance dance revolution or zumba- consider having some friends over for a "gamercise" night and have fun with it!

sbarham

Welcome to MFP, and hopefully you've been encouraged! We all want to succeed and and want to see you succeed too! Consistent exercise is important (I took multiple "fitness classes" in college to force me to start making it a habit) and once you start paying more attention to what you eat (such as calorie counting), it will get SO much easier. Calorie counting is so easy for me these days because of MFP and my dedication to be on here every single day logging them. Feel free to add me as a friend if you need more support. Good luck, girl!!!!!

linmolko

Welcome to MFP, everyone here is lovely. I'm 22 and just finishing University. It can be a struggle, but having this app on your phone and carrying it with you always makes you think - hmm do I really need another one, or I don't really want to add 'cupcake' to my food diary!

MissMe2morrow

Hi, I'm relatively new, too, and I know it seems like a lot of work in the beginning (and it is!) but it gets easier. I've found that I eat a lot of the same foods in a week, so while it's a pain at first to figure out how many calories are in a particular food, once I've found out I never have to do it again because it's already saved in my diary. I'll send you a friend request--I'm on here every day so feel free to message me if you'd like. :happy:

DawnOf1969

I am the mother of a 19 year old daughter. If she came to me and talked to me about this I would do anything in my power to support her and help her. I would make any necessary sacrifice or change to help her. I am sure your mom or head of household loves and cares about your goals just the same. Go have a heart to heart with her, chances are she will feel as I do, wanting to support you in any way. Make a list of foods you want. Volunteer to cook sometimes. Small changes can add up. Ask your mom or hOh to go walk with you. Trust me, from a moms perspective, we want to be there for you. Friend me and I will support you too.

NorasNana

Tarah, I know your mom and your dad would both enjoy this site and if all three of you jump on board, it would really be helpful in your obtaining your goals. I can't remember if you have an Iphone...there is an app for myfitnesspal for iphones that helps you keep up with your calories, even at school. Also, try just taking your lunch instead of eating that cafeteria food. I promise this works, dear. Just getting a handle on what you put in your mouth, realizing what you are eating, that will help you lose. I was eating without even knowing it. You have my cell. Text me if you have any questions. And one more hint: CLEAN YOUR ROOM! Even cleaning burns calories...look it up under exercise! the more calories you burn, the more you get to eat! Aunt Lari

goron59

Welcome! Don't worry about someone not being able to lift you.... think of it as a challenge for them!

If it helps spur on your desire to lose weight and get fitter then great, but really, don't let these things get you down.

neuroticalme

A few things to remember: There's dancers and performers of all shapes and sizes, your body is going through some changes, and you are a wonderful and worthy person just the way you are.

You may feel literally surrounded by petite girls who seem to be able to eat anything. For some people this is true because of metabolism. Others of those girls may be stressed out dieting and exercising. They may be just as scared or embarassed as you, fearing that if they eat this or that, or don't get their workout in, then they'll be Fat. Or they may already think they're fat.

People often feel differently about their own faces. Think about it; average is average, meaning most people, but most people don't find their faces as terrifying as their body. Why? People see their own faces all the time in mirrors and windows, but not the same for their entire body. We see bits and pieces when we can, and judge ourselves based on that. Or, horrors, dressing room mirrors :P

Eat as much healthy food as you can. Pair your sugars with proteins to keep your blood sugar even. Treat yourself, and treat yourself well. If you can, eat smaller portions of "real" things; butter instead of margarine, real soda instead of diet, since filing up on artificial can damage your insides and lead to long-term weight issues.

And a lot of lifting in dance isn't about the guys' arms, it's about the girls' legs. Strengthen those up, focus on flexibility, and you'll be leaping like jack-be-nimble no matter what you measure. Plus you'll have grace and poise, which will make you feel and look better no matter what.

Oh, and side-note, women who actively try to maintain thinness are on average less psychologically happy than their chubbier counterparts. It takes energy to worry about your body. Eat well, be active, and your body will do its thang.

End of well-meaning semi-lecture. For inspiration:
http://www.anitarod****.com/images/ruby_poster.jpg http://realwomenproject.org/sculptures.shtml

Read the poems that go with the pictures. They really helped me love my body for the amazing thing it is, and actually accept compliments on my figure. That was another thing I learned: I saw "fat", others see "voluptuous".
Hehe, I remember when my son said, "I like you this way, Mom. You have more cuddle-space". Everyone sees it differently.

Good luck, and be well

2011EP

Hey, I'm 17. and I am also Fat and embarrassed which is why I'm so glad I finally joined this website.

You'll get a ton of support here and the tools will help keep you on track. Good luck!

Spirit76

You can do it I know you can!!!!

eating4balance

That is so cool that you came on here. This site is great with support. If you have any questions, or need help, just let me know!

You can friend me too

kmm7309

I'm a theater girl at heart too . I know how those rehearsal practices are when you're the big girl, and how it feels to have somebody get a part because they "look it", and I've only been considered for a lead in Hairspray (because she's a big girl). This is a great site, and I think you'll enjoy it!

jjmorrelli

I teach middle school and eat lunch there daily. I watch students load up on pizza and tator tots but there are lots of healthy choices too. Most schools go through sodexo and they have a calorie calculator. All schools usually have a salad bar and veggies to eat. Their chicken isn't bad for you and many other things. It various greatly from schools. check it out.

Tracking your food is so important because you don't realize how calories add up. Don't neglect adding butter, dressings and other condiments.

http://www.balancemindbodysoul.com/balance/campus.asp

Its really sad how society makes us feel. Just remember you control your own mind and can gain confidence with how you look now. We have to stop comparing ourselfs with others because our genetics are different. I teach leadership and discuss this type of stuff with them. Look up stuff on youtube about self-esteem and confidence. I wish I could share some of the videos and discussion with you and more people put the word out there. I'm not saying for you not to lose weight and we all have our issues (me included).

Just last night I was doing a yoga pose on wii fit and was disgusted but again I have the control over that. I gain ed 25 lbs in a year with stress (due to not eating as much) and dealing with my moms cancer.

JinnJinn

You can do this. Its a mind set and hard work. The main thing is to get your exercise in just being conscience of what you are eating helps. You don't realize the calories you take in until you start counting those calories. Or atleast I didn't. This site has helped me stay on top of things. I started my life style change Jan 7, 2011 and have lost 15lbs. It sounds kinda slow but I have lost inches with my exercise. You can so do this.

GinaJ2006

Welcome!! You've come to the right place!

tarahrah

Thank you guys so much!! I'm so excited to get started!

Livie_Marie

Welcome!

You seem like a talented, creative person if you are in a Rogers and Hammerstein musical like Oklahoma! First off, rejoice in what you are good at, and make sure you always give yourself praise for those things. I can see three already: You dance, sing, and act! Triple threat! You look beautiful. There's four! It's hard to feel out of shape at any age but I remember being eighteen and feeling that way a little too. I danced five days a week, and remember being in class with thinner girls. Being in choir, and feeling like a 'blimp' in my dress. The creative and performing arts are a pain in the rear for girls with more to the figure at times. Use all those things you consider embarrassing to be your fuel. You WILL be lifted and look fantastic. You WILL have your outside look and feel as wonderful as who is on the inside. This is like your first set of new clothes, because you have to makeover that inside first.

By developing the habits like logging in each day, researching the cafeteria food for calories and nutrition at school, you'll be getting involved in your health like you are involved on stage. I've been here about a week now and it what a good habit its forming! I've been working out now most of February, and it feels great. Getting started is always the biggest first step, but you can do it. If it helps for motivation, you may be larger now but start now you'll be a little smaller by showtime, more flexible, and have more endurance. Theater is demanding. Imagine you you'll outshine those girls in singing with all the breath control you'll get from working out. Think of how high those kicks will get with more flexibility. Given how good nutrition and working out do wonders for all aspects, you'll be more focused to execute lines and dance moves, your skin will glow, and you'll just be that fire cracker sizzling and bursting all over the place come showtime.



You'll look back on this time and see it as the first hill to climb before you conquer the whole damn mountain, hon. I hope you see there are some goals within your reach now just from doing this little bit, and the long run will be spectacular just like you are. Everyone here is great, and maybe you could get a friend involved to join with you? Two is better than one!

Friend me if you like, and good luck!

Livie

casiesnyder

exactly what she ^ said!!!! you can do it!

carollane

You can do this!! We are all here for the same reasons to get healthier! Be sure set small simple goals that you know that you can meet. This will help keep you motivated because you will meet these goals!! We are here for you and know that you can do this.

BigBeaver

Welcome to the site, this is a great place, and you can do it, Lots of support here to help you to. If you would like some friends you can add me.

Coco_Puff

You can do this, and now is the best time to start. You are just beginning you life, college, a career, love, and maybe children could be in your future. Who knows, but entering into any phase of your life will be more rewarding if you go into it as healthy as you can be. It's important now and for your future to stick with it. It may take some time, but you are worth it!!!!!

cobarlo14

Take it from a girl who has been big all my life.....some may agree with me or even disagree.
Now, While you are young is the best time to do it. Get into the routine of excersize, running, walking, gym classes - whatever. I wish I did. The older I got the harder it is.......I am 38 now.
Back when I was younger MFP was not available OR nutritional values were few and far between. I hated WW, it didn't make sense to me.

Now I find it alittle easier. It took me 5 months to lose 50lbs - I have to lose atleast another 150...Yayyy!
I'll do it - Slowly and steadily.

What I wanted you to know it to keep focused even if you lose sight or fall. Just get up and keep going.

You can SOOOOO do it!!!