Completely New and Looking to Lose 30 in 5 months

fitbrownee
fitbrownee Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello guys. I'm new to MFP and I am looking to lose quite a bit of weight!

I am a female, 23 y/o, 5'9", and currently weigh about 180 lbs. To be honest I have done absolutely zero exercising since 11th grade in high school. That was well over 5 years ago. I used to be okay in terms of running and stuff (had a decent mile time of 8 to 9 minutes) but I was never really in the greatest shape. When I stopped exercising completely, I kept chalking it up to being busy and all that usual jazz.

However, I will be attending my cousins wedding in February, and I want to be sure that I look my best (my family last time kept talking abut how big I was, which made me feel horrible about myself). I don't think I look too bad, but my stomach/love handles are ginormous, and I have the infamous batwings :(.

I am currently planning out my exercise routine and eating, but I'm not sure if what I have planned out will be enough (for example, I am worried about eating too little!).

I am fine tuning my diet. I am going to be eating as outlined by Mike Ferris in the 4 hour body except staying within 1200 net calories (so 40% carbs, 30% protein, 30% fat). I also will only do a 'cheat' meal once a week to make sure I don't compromise all my hard work.

I will be doing 30 minutes of cardio (mainly biking) M-F every week and gradually increase the time by 5 minutes each week until I hit an hour. I have only done two 30-minute sessions on the exercise bike (yesterday and today) and it was only on a resistance level of 3 out of 8. Even then, I felt exhausted! I was sweating a puddle too. I tried a couch to 5k program initially but I injured myself on the second day :(. Clearly I am WAY out of shape.

I am feeling discouraged already though - I am reading that its impossible to lose 30 lbs in 5 months, but I want to give this my best shot! I am hoping that come December/January, I will be more healthy to do insanity, and hopefully become toned.

If anybody has any encouragement, recommendations, personal success stories to share, I'd love to read them!

Replies

  • smarieallen85
    smarieallen85 Posts: 535 Member
    It's not IMPOSSIBLE, but it takes work. I lost like 13 in 2 months and though I was working pretty hard. I'm sure you can do the same or better! Don't forget weight training! I really started to lose once I stopped doing sooo much cardio and working on weights 4 days a week.

    Good luck! (Also, if 1200 is too hard at first don't be afraid to start with 1500)
  • fitbrownee
    fitbrownee Posts: 2
    Thank you smarieallen85! Do you have any recommendations for weight training? I haven't the slightest idea on how to tackle that part for my training.
  • HisBeloved65
    HisBeloved65 Posts: 186
    I would be interested in suggestions on weights as well. I tend toward cardio only but know I need some balance.
  • smarieallen85
    smarieallen85 Posts: 535 Member
    Well if you go to a gym you can use the machines to start with. Make sure you do legs/lower body and upper body. You wanna get your quads, hamstrings, glutes, back, shoulders, arms, chest, and abs. Once you do these for awhile I recommend investing in a trainer or buying a book to help you with some heavier stuff and to break down the muscle groups.

    Most Basic Machines:
    Lower body machines
    Leg press
    Leg Curl
    Leg extension
    Hip Adductor
    Hip Abductor
    Seated/Standing Calf Raise

    Etc. Take a look around your gym for upper body machines. You can do most with free weights too if you prefer.

    I'm not a professional so I'll stop there but it's definitely worth reading up on....any so much more fun than stupid cardio.
  • momxs2
    momxs2 Posts: 173 Member
    Well you are in the right place. I do suggest you get some MFP friends as they will be some of your best motivators. I love hearing the good stories from my MFP friends and getting the motivation I need to keep moving and eating better.

    So February is a while away so you definitely have time to get healthy and get into shape before the wedding. Find something you like to do and try to make it a habit. Log your exercise as I find that helps keep me going!

    Just think of how good you'll feel come the holidays and then your cousins wedding! That feeling will help you smie and walk with the utmost confidence... I promise!

    Lots of luck to you!! :))

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