Oh, How I Need Help.

gloryjay

First off, I'd like to say: You guys are AWESOME. I've been reading all of your posts, and your answers to some of mine, and I must say, you guys are SUPER helpful, and I really appreciate all of the help you guys give to not only me, but to everyone else. Thank you!

Second, I have a giant confession to make, and I hope I don't sound too idiotic, but I really need help:
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING.

I always thought that since I was struggling with weight loss all my life, have attempted several diets and workout programs, and my brothers are bodybuilders, that I was well-versed in a lot of things health/fitness related.

But reading through all of these articles that I've read, and all of your responses to questions I've had, as well as thinking up question that I NOW have, I realized that I actually have no idea what I'm talking about ever, and I need pointers, tips, and a basic run-down on everything.

Here are some of my questions:
Eating:
I know I should eat within a calorie limit, which is a deficit of what caloric intake I need to maintain my body weight. I also know that I need to eat the calories I've burned off with exercise. I know that I should stick to fruits, veggies, and things that are low in fat, moderate-high in protein, and avoid super processed foods. This is where I hit my roadblock. I have a hard time putting that into a daily routine. Should I plan to eat the same 4-6 meals daily, because of my busy schedule, then just change it up every week or two to maintain variety? Should I change it up every day? And when I work out, what would be the best way to go about eating before/after/during the day of my workouts? Best things to eat before a run? What about before hitting the weight rack? What about immediately after either one? If I have something for recovery after a workout, does that count as a meal or should I eat something soon after?

Fitness:
I've tried to start running more often, and I really want to get into lifting. I know there need to be rest days, and I know the workouts need to get harder as I go. Again, I'm having an issue with putting it all together into a daily/weekly routine. Should I alternate a 2 - 3 mile run with weight lifting every other day? Should I do them both on the same day? How many rest days should I have? How often should I increase my weight/sets/reps?

I guess my biggest issues are with establishing a routine, so I know exactly what I'm doing. But you guys have made me realize that I need a lot more help than I originally thought. Again, I hope I don't sound like an idiot, but I really need help, and hopefully you guys have some answers to my questions.

Thanks again!

ddky

You are making it way too hard. Eat less and move more. That will work. I wouldn't try to change everything all at once. What works for me is usually eating the same thing every day for breakfast and lunch, but having variety with the evening meal. Do whatever work outs you enjoy, but don't overdo. And, yes, you need your break days. Don't expect to lose overnight. Slow weight loss is more likely to continue without plateaus. Good luck to you. There are a lot of great people on this site, that are more than willing to help. Read the forums and you will learn alot.

megsmom2

You are making it way too hard. Eat less and move more. That will work. I wouldn't try to change everything all at once. What works for me is usually eating the same thing every day for breakfast and lunch, but having variety with the evening meal. Do whatever work outs you enjoy, but don't overdo. And, yes, you need your break days. Don't expect to lose overnight. Slow weight loss is more likely to continue without plateaus. Good luck to you. There are a lot of great people on this site, that are more than willing to help. Read the forums and you will learn alot.

Agree. I think you are overthinking things. Eat things you like, but make good choices, or limit amounts of things that just don't work for you. If you're more comfortable eating the same things a lot, that's ok as long as you're getting good nutrition. Id be bored pretty quickly, but that's me not you. Make good choices, be kind and patient with yourself. You can do this!