Help!

sarahg1311

Hello,

I've been on fitnesspal for about...6mmnths now I think, but have probably only used it once or twice!
Since I was 18 (I'm now 22) I have ballooned from about 8 stone to 10/11stone (haven't weighed myself in about 4mnths - to scared!)
I'd like to get to just under 10stone again, but have so far failed, and I'm worried I'll just keep getting bigger and bigger!

My main problem I think is -
1) I always feel hungry, I'm currently at university - so have a lot of free time, and I think this contributes to feeling hungry all the time - but instead of eating healthily I will just eat food that is quick, like a chocolate biscuit, or packet of crisps...
2) My OH and I always eat together, and eat very similar foods - this is probably part of the problem as the extra calories that are part of his daily allowance, aren't part of mine!
3) I lack any motivation to do any exercise, I have splurts of deciding to do some - for instance I did Zumba for a month, football for a month, running for a month - you can see the trend! I just seem to lose interest/other things get in the way/ lack of motivation/I'm too tired etc, etc!

I don't want to be super skinny, but I would like to be fitter, healthily and slightly smaller.
Has anyone got any advice for how to tackle points 1, 2 or 3?

Thank you in advance!!

Sarah

mann1975

My Diet Coach app for android is wonderful. You can get motivational notes every hour if you wish. ;-)

KelBgess

Just using MFP every day helped me really see what I was eating and how many calories I was consuming. It's really hard to see it all in one place. If you can commit to logging in (I use my phone app, much easier) and entering all your food for every meal, including snacks, that might help you. But the number one thing is that you really have to want to change. You really have to decide on a plan that you can do and stick with it. It takes motivation and willpower.

If you are hungry all the time, keeping healthier choices easily available is a must so you are not eating snack foods all day. Try to shop for healthy snacks, instant oatmeal is a great, easy breakfast and keep plenty of fruits and veggies for snacking. Don't limit yourself from eating sweet snacks, just limit the amount or size of the snack. I have a sweet treat every day but instead of eating a huge bowl of ice cream or giant candy bars, I carefully watch the portion sizes. Eating meals in smaller bowls and plates has helped me a lot. I limit myself to 1300 calories per day but if I exercise 30-45 minutes a day, I allow myself an extra 300 calories. Oh and booze is an easy way to add up calories and sugars, so maybe limit any booze if you drink it.

As far as exercise, take it slowly. Walk as much as you can! The faster, the better. And if you are going to add exercise to your daily routine, start slowly, 10-15 minutes per day and then work your way up to say 30-45 minutes. That's what I did. I walked a mile every day the first two weeks and then I started walking two miles a day every day. When i felt healthier, I started using an elliptical (that I already had in my garage). I only went 10-15 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week in the beginning. By the end of one month, I was up to 30 minutes per day. Now I exercise 4-5 days a week for 35-45 minutes each time. I also find that exercising right when I get up is best for me. If I put if off, I won't do it. I have heard of people that sleep in their exercise clothes so they're ready to go when they wake up. I do not do that but I keep my exercise clothes right on my dresser so I can grab them easily.

I have been on MFP since late April 2012 and have lost almost 40 lbs. You cannot think of it as a diet or anything like that. A diet is temporary. You need to think of it and treat it as a life style change. It will take a lot on your part to keep yourself motivated and lots of willpower to make healthy choices. If you have any friends on MFP add them so you can motivate each other thru the app. I wish you lots of luck!!

sarahg1311

Thanks Kel, that is some really great advice
I especially like the idea of doing exercise in the morning, and giving yourself no choice! Not sure I will be sleeping in my sportswear just yet though...!