Hey there!

a1rose

New here!

I just met up with a personal trainer last Thursday and she suggested that I log my food, keep track of calories, and exercise.

Today marks my second day to the gym (the first was Friday), and I am starting off pretty slow (fine with me, don't want to hurt myself). I was proud today though, because I briskly walked 1 mile in a little over 17 minutes. My goal was to do it within 20 minutes. I love walking on the treadmill! The only thing I dislike is that afterword I always feel all loopy and discombobulated, does that happen to anyone else?

I really want to get to the gym 6 days a week (to at least walk, I don't do too much strength/muscle training yet). Saturdays are going to be my off days and I am pretty happy with this regimen (the whole three days I have been working on it! haha). I have never really exercised or dieted before. But I am just going to keep on keeping on, and hope for the best.

One thing I know I suffer with is over eating. Do you all have any helpful suggestions in NOT over eating (I will clean my plate, even though I am not hungry)? But sometimes, I still feel hungry, even though I know I shouldn't be...

Anyway, I am 24 years old in Dec. and would love all the help I can get. I would really love to loose weight and inches!! You can read my starting weight below!
Thanks!

moushtie

Overeating - If you know you will clean your plate, make sure you only put a YOU-sized portion on to start with.

Feeling hungry - First, drink some water. Then, think what food you're actually hungry for. Sometimes I find I'm thirsty instead of hungry, sometimes I find I just want a strong taste in my mouth, sometimes I realise I haven't had enough protein (for example).

MaraBunny

Use a smaller plate, less room to pile it on. Drink while you eat, water is very filling. And pay attention to what you put on your plate in the first place, measure your portions. Have a meal where you let yourself cheat, not a day, but one meal a week so that you don't feel like you are being deprived of your favorite foods. And, as hard as it is, force yourself to either leave a bite or two on the plate, or save some as left-overs for another meal. It is ok to not clear the plate. The starving children in <whatever country you were told they were starving in> aren't going to get whats left on your plate anyway.

bexp2

I get the post-treadmill effect you're talking about, too. I think it's probably got to do with adjusting from being in a situation in which your body knows you're moving but your eyes tell you you're not to going back to normal. It usually only lasts a few seconds for me, and I think it's kind of fun, so not much of a problem!

Good luck on your new exercise program; consulting a trainer was a good idea. I hope you come to love working out; you'll develop a whole new relationship with your body.

carolina_r

Logging your food on this site HONESTLY will help. For me, I started by just eating whatever I normally would and logging it for a few days. Then I took a look at it and started making small changes. The first time I was "under my calorie goal" was great - and now I find it motivating!

I also find eating slower to be helpful - give your body time to process the food intake, and you'll often find you feel satisfied.

Last thing - I have found it helpful to give myself permission to take it slow. I've been taking one habit at a time and slowly tackling it - you don't need to make an entire lifestyle change all at once! I tended to do this in the past - and within a few weeks I was back to the old habits. This time around, I tried to first just drink more water, then when that improved, I tried having more fruits / veggies. Then I tackled getting more physical activity. My most recent "habit adjustment" - working in some weight training. You may not be able to keep up with 6 days a week at the gym, but that is okay. I have found keeping my goals bite-sized and attainable has worked (so far).

JoyRising

Hi

a1rose

These are great suggestions. The only problem I have is now I have to buy water... I just cannot get past the taste of my tap water... Is anyone else here "water picky"?

a1rose

Sometimes I feel as though I have to just dive in head first. And just take it all at once. The exercise thing is really what I am focused on, and working on the not over eating thing. I think they really go hand in hand. But those are my main focuses. I think that once I make a habit of these things, I can tackle other things too!

bexp2

What about a Bria filter or something like that for your tap water? Or adding Chrystal Light or similar to cover the taste--if that's cheaper than buying water--not sure about that.

carolina_r

I'm "water picky" - I find the colder it is, the better. Try ice cubes? Or some lemon?

jpresson3

I agree cold water is best and add a little lemon, mint or even cucumber to flavor the water. I hate water and used to be addicted to sodas so it is hard. I founf for portion control you can divide your plate into four areas. Two areas should be veggies, one area starch, and the other your meat/protein. If you eat smaller meals and add healthy snacks between with water your body gets the fuel it needs constantly and you feel less hungy. If you do over indulge during a meal let it be breakfast. At least then you ahve the rest of the day to use those calories to fuel yourself and keep going.
I just started as well so anybody out there that wants to add me as a friend I can use all the support I can get.

Best of luck everyone