Hello from Australia, and suggestions for a 'short girl'?

rosequoll · March 2011

Hey there, just a quick intro! I'm Rose, 27, living in Brisbane, AU. I moved here from the US about 8 years ago at 52kg/115lbs or so and have slowly packed it on. At my highest I was 66kg/145lbs (and little muscle, lazy girl). I've slowly worked myself down to 59 or so kg at the moment but it's slow going and I'm feeling REALLY discouraged lately. All I want to do is drive down the road to McDonald and eat EVERYTHING. =(

The biggest thing I feel that is hurting my progress at the moment is going a SHORT person. Female, and 5'2" and even if I wanted to maintain weight my calories would be under 2000 a day. This means to lose weight I'm at '1200' which should really be lower but it' not healthy to go any lower.

I'm still working out (6 days a week, at least SOME sort of exercise, I've done over 120km this month in walking/biking and elliptical!), eating much healthier but it's so so slow.

Anyone have any suggestions to make it easier? Suggestions to make it MENTALLY easier? I just feel like I'm depriving myself and it's making me cranky. I just really want to get back into shape, get healthy and feel better about myself!

travelprincess · March 2011

Welcome.
The first few weeks is going to be the most difficult, but you CAN do it, I promise.
I am also shorter, 5'3". I always tell people that I am not over weight I am vertically challenged.

I found it easier if I plan my food out for the day either the night before or that morning. That way I know exactally what I can have. Always remember to drink your 64 oz of water and fit in fruits and veggies as a low calorie snack.
One of the most important things is support. This is a great site for that. Add me as a friend if you wish and good luck mate. I just said that in my best Australian accent.

jadorex40x · March 2011

Hi there and welcome to MFP, firstly we are all in the same boat and whether we need to lose a little or alot, tall or short our aim is the same, lose weight and eat for a healthier life. I am also short at 5', i weigh 98lbs and just try to eat in moderation, I usually have no willpower but since being on here, i am now on week 3 knowing you are logging what you eat and i share my food diary making it visable to all then i seem to be more aware of what i am eating and do actuallyy eat far less junk food. Although i have to say if i want a so called 'goodie' i just eat a much smaller portion, fiance bought me a chocolate bar on saturday and when i gort home i cut it up into 4 pieces and am just eaingt one piece a day. I am also drinking more where as before i drank nothing so please do not feel alone add me as a friend too and the encouragement and advice you get of other peeps on here is invaluable, take care, and happy eating to a healthy new you, x

Ninjitsu · March 2011

The fast food industry makes it hard to live in America and keep your weight down.

Everything advertisement you see is about how "More" is better. "Super Size" it, order from the "Value" meal, now with twice the bacon and cheese!

My suggestion, avoid commercials. Flip the channel as soon as the programs you watch cut to a break. Also, don't have the types of foods you shouldn't have in your home to begin with. Dairy, Breads, Sweets... They all need to go. If you are going to have breads in your home make them whole wheat.

IF you go through a drive through: No soda (water or tea works well). Ask for your burger/sandwich/etc without Mayo, Ketchup or Cheese. Mustard is a much better option.

It's easier to forget about all the junk if you don't have it around you to begin with.

Best of luck, miss! You got this!

And, welcome to MFP!

-Rain

Wightvixen · March 2011

Hi Rose, welcome to MFP :happy:

I'm also 5'2", and the best way I found to tackle being on 1200 calories a day, is to save a couple hundred of those calories for mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks, even though it means having slightly smaller meals. This way, you're never too far from the next time you eat, and that awful gnawing empty feeling, with 3 hours to go until your next meal, is completely avoided.

Using this tactic, I've found myself FAR less tempted to grab something 'naughty', and I've had far fewer cravings for chocolate, cakes etc than I expected.

The best of luck with your new lifestyle, feel free to send me a friend invite if you like :flowerforyou:

summercooper · March 2011

To make it mentally easier I find it best to think about why you want to do this. For me, I love clothes and shopping. If I put weight on and go shopping, it's a disaster and I leave with nothing. But in doing this I feel ready to take on healthy eating and it becomes much easier. If I go shopping and I'm thinner then it's sooo much better and I can focus on continuing to eat healthy because I can see first hand what it is doing to my body.

jperrysunlover · March 2011

Your story is very similar to mine except for the age. I'm 49, 5'2", at 143. The MOST I have ever weighed. I was 40 and at 118 when I looked my best. I'm looking at age 50 this June and want to be in the best shape of my life.
I work out alot (Zumba, Spin, Boot Camp), but discovered it was making me way to hungry all the time. I switched some of my cardio to yoga/pilates workouts. It helps to keep your mind focused on other things and is so good for your muscle tone. You also use your own body weight for resistance and that alone has encouraged me to lose some weight.

Matchamatcha · March 2011

Hi Rose, we're in the same boat. I'm 5'2 also and on a 1200 calorie goal. I've been feeling so hungry the last few days! I've found having a good solid high-protein breakfast has helped me stay fuller throughout the day so far. The days that I've skipped breakfast, or eaten differently have been more difficult for me.

Hello from Australia, and suggestions for a 'short girl'?

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