Mixed Feelings...

Just to start off, I'd like to say "hello" and thank anyone for viewing and/or commenting on this post...

Since a teenager, I've always struggled with my weight. I could never lose it no matter how hard I worked or how healthy I ate. My weight would literally be "stuck" constantly no matter what I did. I moved states in 2009 and ended up gaining around 50-60 pounds after I started to bleed real heavily for around 6-8 weeks; sometimes even longer! Then once more, my weight "stopped".

After a year or two, I sought help and no matter who I saw, they always blame my weight and ignore the fact that this all started before I jumped in weight rather rapidly. They claim everything looks fine, outside of my "odd" hormonal level. They never went into detail about this or said much outside of "it's nothing to worry about". I even tried the juicing diet. I lost 10 pounds the first week then gained that and more back the second week without changing a single thing!

Well, I finally got on birth control and noticed that I ended up losing 15 to 20 pounds around 8 months without changing my routine or exercising much at all, then once more weight "halted". Unfortunately, I had to stop taking it because it was getting a bit too pricey, but switched to it because my older ones included me having horrible cramps and pain in my legs where I couldn't stand until they passed. After stopping the birth control, I gained 10 pounds in less than 2 weeks; nearly impossible to do without constantly eating and drinking things like sodas.

I know you're probably wondering, "Why is she telling this long, personal story?", so I'll jump to the chase.

I'm looking for friends (or even mentors) who have struggled with this ordeal in hopes of losing the pounds I want and very much NEED to lose. I don't have a date in mind that I need to lose it. I just want it gone so I'm not constantly struggling with health and mental problems! I'm hoping it will help me build confidence, get over my shyness, self consciousness and become a better person in general. Unfortunately, I can't take the "easy way" out with belly tucks and surgeries. I mean, I doubt doing that even lasts for people, right?

Yesterday I started my journey. The website built it to where I have to take in 1700 calories or less; which shouldn't be a problem. I plan on doing exercising 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week, and most likely will do an 30-60 minutes or so walking on Saturdays and possibly Sundays so that's more like 5 times a week, though probably not every week.

Today (6/22/15) I did my first 30-minute Cardio full body work-out from the comfort of my own home. However, I'm hoping to find something more fun and enjoyable to do without needing much (if any) equipment, and will burn more calories. I know it's not something that can be done over-night, but if I'm enjoying the work-out routine, it will make me want to do it more without quitting, possible longer and more than 3 times a week.

I've looked into belly dancing, martial arts, and the cardio. I really didn't like the cardio; the martial arts may actually require me in joining a place for a monthly fee. I, also, know to cut back on the carbs. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Replies

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    The best exercise is one you enjoy and thus will do regularly. I'm currently getting the majority of my exercise via gardening. I also like to walk, swim, and do yoga. Yoga has been great for preventing emotional eating.

    You sound really enthusiastic, and that's great, but I'm concerned that you are going to try to do too much too soon. Think of your weight loss journey as a marathon, rather than a sprint. I have knee issues and in order to not hurt myself, have to ease into activity slowly after periods of inactivity.

    You can do this!

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    This 30-Day Walking Challenge may interest you: https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/the-30-day-walking-challenge/

    What is it about fitness walking that makes it more “successful” than other exercise? Part of it is the simplicity. By putting one foot in front of the other, you can not only walk off weight, but also dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and help clear artery-clogging plaque … Are you walking yet? You don’t need trendy classes, expensive gyms and crazy fitness gadgets. What you need is a simple routine that you can build on, week by week, to make you stronger and fitter at a pace that you can manage.

    I’ve got the plan for you—no matter what fitness level you are at right now, you can zap calories, up your energy, and start to view fitness walking as a joyful habit! Join me on a 30-day walk challenge to reach 10,000 steps by the end of the month. Day by day during the first week, you’ll start to feel stronger. Over the next couple of weeks, the walks will begin to seem easier. By the end of a month, you’ll not only notice shifts in the way your body feels, but also a difference in your mindset.

    Along with the triumph of meeting the challenge, you’ll have established a daily habit of fitness, which is no doubt the most important result. And exercise will become something that you don’t want to go without. It’s life-changing!
  • ElizabethKalmbach
    ElizabethKalmbach Posts: 1,415 Member
    ... How's your medical insurance? Because seriously? I don't like your doctor, and I've never met him/her.

    What tests did they do, exactly?
    Have you seen an endocrinologist?
    Have you had your blood nutrients examined?

    Doctor visits and hormone levels aside, something simple like walking can be all the exercise you need to lose weight. As previously mentioned, picking something you enjoy can increase compliance. You don't necessarily NEED to cut back on carbs to lose weight. It helps some people but not others - depending on their fitness goals and physiology. I do not have any gluten problems (see also: doctor visits), and I enjoy cardio. Therefore I eat plenty of carbs (percentage wise) and still lose weight.

    Mostly though, just remember that this isn't all or nothing, it's not a race, and all the time will pass anyway... Try to make the best choice you can in each moment so that the moments to come will make you smile. Send a friend request if you like.
  • Christian012014
    Christian012014 Posts: 3 Member
    Hi Fernis,
    I sense your desperation. I know you are looking for answers and I believe I have the solution for you.
    If you want to talk about it further, friend me.
  • Strawili
    Strawili Posts: 48 Member
    I'm sending an invite your way! I can definitely help you with your motivation, we can do this! :)
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Eat at a deficit and you'll lose. It's that simple.