ow how do i start

MommyInLove

Im new at this whole weight loss thimg...i started the biggest loser contest at work..but besides counting calories....im clueless how to lose weight...help!!!!

dward2011

What are your goals? Only weight loss? Or eating healthier, becoming more active, etc etc?

MommyInLove

All of the above...i need to lose weight so i am healthirr and have more energy to run around with my 1 year old

dward2011

Counting calories helps me, but exercise helps me much more. I try to burn about 515 calories every single day. (Depending on your fitness level, this may not work for you... and always consult a doc before beginning an exercise regimen.) I fractured my foot in 3 places and chipped it this January, so I am trying to get back into shape (and lose the weight I gained while in a cast). My doc and I came up with specific/numeric goals for me, and then the best ways to achieve those goals.

Here is what we came up with: I cycle 3 days a week (35 min each time minimum), circuit train/strength train at least 3 days a week (20 min minimum each time), hike at least 4 miles once a week, and walk my dog at least 1 mile every single day.

I do that plus keep up with my calories. I also only want to lose a healthy weight of about a pound a week, and am gradually adding in exercises as my foot is ready.

I've always drank lots of water, so that part is easy (I drink 8-10 glasses each day).

Does any of that help? It can be really beneficial to have concrete goals: instead of losing weight, an exact amount (for example). Again, my doc and I are on the same page with all of this. Everyone is different, and sometimes it is trial and error to find that "magic" combination to make you healthier.

dward2011

Counting calories helps me, but exercise helps me much more. I try to burn about 515 calories every single day. (Depending on your fitness level, this may not work for you... and always consult a doc before beginning an exercise regimen.) I fractured my foot in 3 places and chipped it this January, so I am trying to get back into shape (and lose the weight I gained while in a cast). My doc and I came up with specific/numeric goals for me, and then the best ways to achieve those goals.

Here is what we came up with: I cycle 3 days a week (35 min each time minimum), circuit train/strength train at least 3 days a week (20 min minimum each time), hike at least 4 miles once a week, and walk my dog at least 1 mile every single day.

I do that plus keep up with my calories. I also only want to lose a healthy weight of about a pound a week, and am gradually adding in exercises as my foot is ready.

I've always drank lots of water, so that part is easy (I drink 8-10 glasses each day).

Does any of that help? It can be really beneficial to have concrete goals: instead of losing weight, an exact amount (for example). Again, my doc and I are on the same page with all of this. Everyone is different, and sometimes it is trial and error to find that "magic" combination to make you healthier.

I guess I should also add that I eat healthy foods: tons of veggies, fruits, and lots of lean proteins. I do still have a beer or two, and I still eat things that aren't so healthy but taste so good! That is where counting your calories will help.

Moxie42

Personally, I had to start off slow. In the past, whenever I started a diet/workout regimen I started off really hardcore- exercising an hour every day and banning all "bad" foods. But I couldn't keep up with that so I'd end up unhappy, frustrated, and I'd fall off the wagon within a month, maaaaaybe two.

This time around I started off just by sticking to my calorie limit and walking maybe 15 minutes a day (sometimes I didn't even do that). I still ate mostly what I wanted, but I tried to stick to healthier foods because otherwise I could blow my daily calories all in one meal that would leave me hungry later! I also substituted a lot- I still ate cheese but I switched to low-fat. I still ate bread but switched to high-fiber varieties, etc. This allowed me to eat what I liked but consume less calories- substitution has been KEY for me. After a month or so, I pretty much cut out fast food almost entirely, as well as drinks with calories (except the occasional drinks out with friends, or glass of wine at home). I also try not to eat a ton of carbs (if I have pasta, it's as a side instead of the main dish, etc.) Now it's been a couple months and I'm really working on increasing my exercise- sometimes I swim, sometimes I go to the gym, and sometimes I just do workout DVDs at home.

Everyone is different but that is what is working for me. Not depriving myself of foods I like- simply eating less of them. Substituting healthier versions of foods I like. Starting the exercise plans slowly. And for the first time, I've lasted a few months (re-started in January) and I've been losing each week- some weeks I lose more than others but any loss is better than none