new and wondering about calorie/exercise

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Ok. I'm new to exercise and dieting world. I had my 2nd child almost 6 months ago, and am 30lbs over my normal weight. I'm cutting my daily calories down to 1200, on day 5 of Jillian Michaels's 30 day shred (20 minute workout), and going to the gym burning 200-500 calories daily. My goal is to lose 15-20lbs in 2 months. Can i do this with my current calorie and exercise plan? I've never had to work this hard on my weight before, and i do have a pretty good metabolism, but i'm just afraid i cant do it.

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  • Sumo813
    Sumo813 Posts: 566 Member
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    You wanna make sure you do it safely and in a healthy way, so set your goals to the 2lbs per week max loss. Also make sure to set your activity level accordingly. Get as close to your net (1200) calories per day, and make sure you're fueling your body for those burns.

    The great thing is, there are a lot of knowledgeable people here, and I'm sure you'll get some great feedback. But also remember that everyone is different, and what works for some, might not work for you. But always keep your head up, even on bad days (because they WILL happen), and keep moving forward.
  • her1223
    her1223 Posts: 16 Member
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    thank you for the encouragement! If I'm eating 1200 calories/day, what should my calorie goal be with exercise? How many calories should i aim to lose each day?
  • DustinReiner
    DustinReiner Posts: 157 Member
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    Welcome to MFP(As it's lovingly called by fellow members),

    Well your making the first step, ¬your on here with the intent to lose weight. While this site is great and the people are great, this site can only do so much, it’s up to you to do it.

    You can do it, it’s not easy but the things that are worth it aren’t easy. But, they’re well worth it in the end!

    I’d recommend start to read or research whatever you want to call it. You don’t have to be an expert on the matter, but you will get to know a lot about food and nutrition and exercise.

    I would also recommend on doing some kind of exercising. Exercising of some sort is almost mandatory, losing weight can be done without exercising, but it will take at least twice as long and not as effective.

    Exercising can be as simple as walking, which is always a good one. Joining a gym is great(don’t let it intimidate you, they’re all people with the same goals. To get in better shape!) As soon as you get used to going there, it is a great place to learn more “Tricks of the trade” on getting in shape. Treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical machine, swimming, spinning classes, aerobics(Actually a good place to start, if you’re not used to exercising) .

    Exercise and nutrition for beginners.
    http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/a/begnutrition.htm

    A link about nutrition
    http://exercise.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/lowcarb.htm

    A link about dieting
    http://exercise.about.com/sitesearch.htm?q=What+is+a+proper+diet?&SUName=exercise

    Another link about nutrition
    http://exercise.about.com/od/nutrition/Nutrition.htm

    I use About.com a lot for research.

    You can do it, just stay with it. Even when you get frustrated.

    Good luck in reaching your goals!

    Dustin