Starting out help?

I have always been at an average weight, I'm 21 and have blown up like a balloon. Since I've met my fiance a little over a year ago, I started to eat like him, girls don't ever try to eat like a guy or keep up, always ends bad. I also got pregnant in december of 2011, thinking "oh I'm pregnant I can eat whatever I want", WRONG. Well after suffering a miscarriage in Feb this year the weight kept creeping on along with the new birth control I'm on. Now I've gained 50+ pounds in a year!!!! One year!!! And it won't seem to come off, I know I have been slacking on the diet, but I'm ready for it to go away now, I can't stand to even look at myself anymore, and my old clothes in my closet that don't fit anymore are haunting me.

Simply put, I need some help for starting out. I know eating right fruits and veggies and LOTS of water is key and I have lost a few pounds, but I want more. I joined a gym and have started going.

So if anyone could tell me or share any tips for starting out, it'd be much appreciated. Right now when I go to the gym I start on the elliptical then move on to the 30 minute full body work out (planet fintness's section).

Any advice ??

Oh by the way I'm 208 as of today I was 214 when I started, I want to at least get down to my normal weight of 150-160.

Replies

  • EatClean_WashUrNuts
    EatClean_WashUrNuts Posts: 1,590 Member
    Simple and easy - Find your BMR, set your goal for loss and eat within the goals. Add in exercise, both cardio and strength training. Eat the foods. Be happy.
  • IveLanded
    IveLanded Posts: 797 Member
    Aw....first off ,I'm so sorry about your loss. That's so rough. :(

    Second....I would say learn about food and set some calorie goals. "Eating healthy" can be really misleading...lots of food people think of as healthy can still be high in calories. And lots of times people try to reduce calories, they do it with really un-filling foods and set themselves up for failure.

    Think about changing your eating habits and setting some tangible goals for yourself. 1lb a week is a totally do-able goal and maybe you could set yourself a goal to have 10lbs gone in 2 months.
  • nc90
    nc90 Posts: 83 Member
    I would say, keep doing what you're doing with working out, and setting small goals to meet. In other words, don't set goals such as "Absolutely no soda/chips/candy/anything bad!" Start small, cut back on one or two sodas a day, shoot to get in enough water, add an extra serving of veggies. Small goals, attainable ones.

    Another piece of advice I can offer is understanding that there are going to be days when you struggle, you feel like quitting, and bumps in the road where you go over calories. Try to put yourself in the mindset that it is all a part of the journey, and find a picture, quote, something that you keep as a reminder to why you're doing this.

    And PERSISTENCE is going to be key, with logging, exercising. Even if the number on the scale goes up, stay diligent and understand several factors influence the number on the scale, but if you keep with it, and get back to your plan after a slip up here and there, it will be worth it!

    Good luck to you! If you'd like to add me for support feel free to send a request!
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    Start with logging everything you eat. Try to prepare your own meals at least two meals a day, every day.

    Drink lots of water.

    There is a learning curve, so the best thing to do is to log everything and then look at your patterns, to discern where you can make some changes. Just stick with it, it gets easier as you learn.
  • ceezybby
    ceezybby Posts: 2 Member
    Thank guys !

    Yeah , I've never really had to diet before I always just stayed a normal weight until I ate bad every single day.

    Also what I'm looking for is a workout routine, I guess I could say routine, like what have you guys done to lose weight. Is it the elliptical? Treadmil? What has worked for you guys? I know everyone's different, but like I said I'm new to this, I've never had to work out or anything like this before.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    Thank guys !

    Yeah , I've never really had to diet before I always just stayed a normal weight until I ate bad every single day.

    Also what I'm looking for is a workout routine, I guess I could say routine, like what have you guys done to lose weight. Is it the elliptical? Treadmil? What has worked for you guys? I know everyone's different, but like I said I'm new to this, I've never had to work out or anything like this before.

    Find something you like. If you don't like feeling like a hamster, you may not like a treadmill. If you live somewhere with decent weather, the choices are endless.

    Many gym offer classes, if you like that. Zumba is really fun and popular, there are boxing classes, Tai Chi, Step aerobic, all kinds of things - often offered at local YMCAs or community centers.

    You really just want to keep moving. Maybe kayaking with the boyfriend, or swimming, or playing Frisbee every night. Just get off the couch, away from the TV and video games and computer...
  • nc90
    nc90 Posts: 83 Member
    Thank guys !

    Yeah , I've never really had to diet before I always just stayed a normal weight until I ate bad every single day.

    Also what I'm looking for is a workout routine, I guess I could say routine, like what have you guys done to lose weight. Is it the elliptical? Treadmil? What has worked for you guys? I know everyone's different, but like I said I'm new to this, I've never had to work out or anything like this before.

    Like the above poster, it really depends on your interest! If you want to start running, I'd look into a program like Couch to 5K, or the Women's Health Beginner Running Plan. It's also important to get some lifting in, and there are programs for beginners out there also. If you're looking for quicker workouts, the Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred can be a good start. There are TONS of threads on it here if you do a search on the forums :)
  • liittlebrunette
    liittlebrunette Posts: 90 Member
    we have about the same goals! I'd love to be motivational friends on here :) I definitely need more motivation and friends to keep me on track!
  • GenieBB
    GenieBB Posts: 52 Member
    HIGHLY recommend going on youtube and doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.
    It jumpstarted the shyte out of my metabolism and my mind. Ive NEVER lost weight and felt toned in such a short amount of time before. Its amazing and free. I have an elliptical and it never got me near where she did with 30 mins for 30 days.
    Anways, good luck!!! I know how you feel, and you can get through this.