Is it safe to lose 20? AND NEED HELP WITH COLLEGE & FOOD
determinedtolivefree
Posts: 23 Member
My question is, is it reasonable to want to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? I actually have a lot of questions. I talk alot.
If you want to ignore the long post my questions are: Is it safe and reasonable to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? and What can I do to make sure portion sizes from the dining hall are correct and hitting my macros?
Anytime Ive asked anyone this question theyve just told me that I dont need to lose that much weight & thats unrealistic amount of time but is it really?
I am 5'4 and 146 so I am overweight by one pound but I dont feel that I personally look overweight. My ultimate goal is 125 and the lowest I'd probably 120 or 115. I will be cheering (competition meaning tumbling & stunting) 4 days a week for two hours and I have NO idea how many calories that burns and planning to still lift weights.
Just a little vent:
Its personally really hard for me ignore the comments telling me not to lose weight and that Im being ridiculous. I also dont generally tell people that I am losing weight or that that is my goal weight unless asked. Also, when I got to the 130's previously I was told by my parents that I looked like my 60 pound grandmother and then by peers and a dance teacher I was accused of having an eating disorder. That hurts. I do honestly just avoid trying to have conversations about my fitness and diet besides everyone knowing I lift weights and eat a lot of peanut butter. The unsolicited and annoying comments really bug the shiz out of me. Its like I am aware that I dont look overweight and I have "abs" but most of my weight is held in my legs and I am not happy with how I look and I want to change it. Im not happy with how I look and yeah I get its a little odd from an outsides point of view to weigh everything you eat but thats what helps me and thats what I want to do so shut the up. I know my roommates are going to look at me crazy too. I dont want this to be an excuse anymore but I dont know how to handle it. Any advice?
Question #2: Im going to college and I have a meal plan. The food in the dining hall isnt the best but calories and macros are posted and online. I have no clue how to know that what theyre serving me is the correct size and even if the calories are right. I think it may be a bit crazy to weigh my food in the dining hall but I was planning (shhh) to sneak some food out every once in a while.
Foods I will have on hand all the time (or a majority at least) are: goldfish, quinoa & brown rice, ezekiel bread, oats, peanut butter, eggs, fat free cottage cheese, deli meat, shredded cheese, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, graham crackers, protien powder and maybe fat free greek yogurt which is honestly a majority of my diet . Im just worried about hitting protien goals & I actually want to use my meal swipes cause Im paying for them..alot..
This was alot. I got alot to say.
If you want to ignore the long post my questions are: Is it safe and reasonable to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? and What can I do to make sure portion sizes from the dining hall are correct and hitting my macros?
Anytime Ive asked anyone this question theyve just told me that I dont need to lose that much weight & thats unrealistic amount of time but is it really?
I am 5'4 and 146 so I am overweight by one pound but I dont feel that I personally look overweight. My ultimate goal is 125 and the lowest I'd probably 120 or 115. I will be cheering (competition meaning tumbling & stunting) 4 days a week for two hours and I have NO idea how many calories that burns and planning to still lift weights.
Just a little vent:
Its personally really hard for me ignore the comments telling me not to lose weight and that Im being ridiculous. I also dont generally tell people that I am losing weight or that that is my goal weight unless asked. Also, when I got to the 130's previously I was told by my parents that I looked like my 60 pound grandmother and then by peers and a dance teacher I was accused of having an eating disorder. That hurts. I do honestly just avoid trying to have conversations about my fitness and diet besides everyone knowing I lift weights and eat a lot of peanut butter. The unsolicited and annoying comments really bug the shiz out of me. Its like I am aware that I dont look overweight and I have "abs" but most of my weight is held in my legs and I am not happy with how I look and I want to change it. Im not happy with how I look and yeah I get its a little odd from an outsides point of view to weigh everything you eat but thats what helps me and thats what I want to do so shut the up. I know my roommates are going to look at me crazy too. I dont want this to be an excuse anymore but I dont know how to handle it. Any advice?
Question #2: Im going to college and I have a meal plan. The food in the dining hall isnt the best but calories and macros are posted and online. I have no clue how to know that what theyre serving me is the correct size and even if the calories are right. I think it may be a bit crazy to weigh my food in the dining hall but I was planning (shhh) to sneak some food out every once in a while.
Foods I will have on hand all the time (or a majority at least) are: goldfish, quinoa & brown rice, ezekiel bread, oats, peanut butter, eggs, fat free cottage cheese, deli meat, shredded cheese, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, graham crackers, protien powder and maybe fat free greek yogurt which is honestly a majority of my diet . Im just worried about hitting protien goals & I actually want to use my meal swipes cause Im paying for them..alot..
This was alot. I got alot to say.
1
Replies
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I'm in the same boat weightwise, and it sounds safe to me, but it's my last 15-20 pounds so it requires ultra discipline, which is hard when you're stressed and surrounded by free pizza and booze all the time.
(And to answer your rant, I know the feeling, I don't talk about it to people or else they start to dance around asking me if I have an eating disorder... like nah son, I just like being able to like my reflection)
And to answer the meal plan question, good luck. Mix and match- get whatever chicken they have and put it on a salad from the salad bar, or get a quesadilla and add a ton of veggies to it so you stay full... that kinda stuff. When I was eating there every day, I got pretty good at it. This year I'm not buying a meal plan tho, so I'm gonna have to meal prep if I want a semblance of health, so if anyone has tips on that plz help.
Also, you should be good on workouts, with practice and weightlifting (but im not a doctor dont listen to me disclaimer you know the drill). Better off than me, I don't do any sports, all my workouts are on my own time.
Good luck, feel free to add me1 -
If you are not happy with how you look but are at a a decent weight and are already relatively lean, consider re-comping. 15-20lb in 4-5 months is do-able but may not be necessary. https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat3
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Since you are athletic, I would go less that 1500 Cals a day, and don't be scared of losing just .5lbs a week either.
You'll get to keep your muscles
When you're in the normal range it's slow going2 -
determinedtolivefree wrote: »My question is, is it reasonable to want to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? I actually have a lot of questions. I talk alot.
If you want to ignore the long post my questions are: Is it safe and reasonable to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? and What can I do to make sure portion sizes from the dining hall are correct and hitting my macros?
Anytime Ive asked anyone this question theyve just told me that I dont need to lose that much weight & thats unrealistic amount of time but is it really?
I am 5'4 and 146 so I am overweight by one pound but I dont feel that I personally look overweight. My ultimate goal is 125 and the lowest I'd probably 120 or 115. I will be cheering (competition meaning tumbling & stunting) 4 days a week for two hours and I have NO idea how many calories that burns and planning to still lift weights.
Just a little vent:
Its personally really hard for me ignore the comments telling me not to lose weight and that Im being ridiculous. I also dont generally tell people that I am losing weight or that that is my goal weight unless asked. Also, when I got to the 130's previously I was told by my parents that I looked like my 60 pound grandmother and then by peers and a dance teacher I was accused of having an eating disorder. That hurts. I do honestly just avoid trying to have conversations about my fitness and diet besides everyone knowing I lift weights and eat a lot of peanut butter. The unsolicited and annoying comments really bug the shiz out of me. Its like I am aware that I dont look overweight and I have "abs" but most of my weight is held in my legs and I am not happy with how I look and I want to change it. Im not happy with how I look and yeah I get its a little odd from an outsides point of view to weigh everything you eat but thats what helps me and thats what I want to do so shut the up. I know my roommates are going to look at me crazy too. I dont want this to be an excuse anymore but I dont know how to handle it. Any advice?
Question #2: Im going to college and I have a meal plan. The food in the dining hall isnt the best but calories and macros are posted and online. I have no clue how to know that what theyre serving me is the correct size and even if the calories are right. I think it may be a bit crazy to weigh my food in the dining hall but I was planning (shhh) to sneak some food out every once in a while.
Foods I will have on hand all the time (or a majority at least) are: goldfish, quinoa & brown rice, ezekiel bread, oats, peanut butter, eggs, fat free cottage cheese, deli meat, shredded cheese, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, graham crackers, protien powder and maybe fat free greek yogurt which is honestly a majority of my diet . Im just worried about hitting protien goals & I actually want to use my meal swipes cause Im paying for them..alot..
This was alot. I got alot to say.
This is a tricky situation, hard for an outsider to discern, and even more difficult without knowing what you look like. Given your stats, it's likely that losing a few pounds isn't a bad thing. But it's hard to determine if you have a bit of body dismorphia or if those around you are so accustomed to seeing overweight people that "normal" looks too thin to them.
I wouldn't aim for the end goal just yet. Keep up smaller chunks and reevaluate every 5 lbs or so. Also understand your weight loss could/should be a little on the slower side since you don't have a ton to lose. Even a pound a week might be a little aggressive
Sorry I don't have advice about the meal plan7 -
I think one more question is how old are you? Are you trying to get down to a weight that was from before you were done growing?
As others have said. 10-20 lbs is reasonable in that timeline, but we don't know enough to know if it's reasonable for you3 -
It sounds like you are pretty active. I'm not going to give advice about how you look or anything. However, I do urge you not to cut calories too deeply. Unfortunately a lot of female college athletes just don't eat enough to fuel their activity and it can have negative consequences. If you haven't already been as active this summer as you will be once you get to campus, I would suggest aiming to eat at your current maintenance level while upping that activity level through the cheer activity. You could see a great improvement simply through that added level of activity, which would substitute for eating less than you do now.
If you are intent on cutting calories, and need to know how to handle the dining hall...My guess is that they offer the same foods on a regular rotation. If you continue to eat the same general foods over and over (which most people tend to do no matter where they are getting their food) you can tell if you are eating the right portions for weight loss based on your results. Go to school and estimate/log your portions for a month. Then look at your progress. If you are not losing, eat a little bit less of those foods the next month. You don't need to cut out a huge portion from each meal, just a bit, and then keep watching your progress.
Best of luck and have a good year!2 -
I'd say it's reasonable, but what is more reasonable is to get used to college life first (tests, grades, classes, schedule), etc. Then worry about your weight. It was a long time ago for me, but I remember how stressful it was.
I think the best thing you can do is move more and eat less. Don't count calories, don't measure things, don't weigh your food. Eat well (un-processed, as natural as you can get, limit sugar, drink enough water, etc). Don't add more stress into your life. Before you go, figure out what portions SHOULD look like. And eat that. At your age, you really don't need to go "full hog" on this. Avoid all the college "traps", parties, late night eating, lots of drinking. Have fun, just don't go crazy. I found I lose weight when I went to campus because I was walking soooo much more. I didn't have a car to rely on.
Honestly, I'd never suggest even using MFP at your age. Especially since you are active and not really overweight. Learn how to manage our weight now, so you don't need MFP later. Good luck! Your college years are the most exciting of your life!1 -
The rate at which you can lose is dependent on how much you have to lose. Since you're so close to a normal BMI and only have 10-20 pounds to lose, a healthy and safe rate of loss is going to be 1-1.5 pounds per week at first, and then it will drop as you get closer to your goal weight.
"Can I lose 20 pounds" is the wrong question; the right one is "how much could I lose safely, while still adequately fueling my body for all the activity I'm already doing?"
Say you start off aggressively, and lose 4.5 pounds during the rest of August. In September and October, you drop your goal to 1 pound per week, and lose 7-8 pounds during those two months. (Remember that weight loss isn't linear, so we almost never lose exactly at the rate we want). Then in November and December, taking into account the holidays, finals and the fact that you're getting closer to your goal weight, you drop your goal to 0.5 pounds per week and lose 4 pounds during those two months. That gives you a total of about 16 pounds by January. Even if you have some ups and downs, that kind of a plan would still get you in the ballpark.3 -
I think one more question is how old are you? Are you trying to get down to a weight that was from before you were done growing?
As others have said. 10-20 lbs is reasonable in that timeline, but we don't know enough to know if it's reasonable for you
Ive been in the 140s and high 130s all of highschool and Im 18. Im pretty sure the last time I was in the 120's was middle school.0 -
The rate at which you can lose is dependent on how much you have to lose. Since you're so close to a normal BMI and only have 10-20 pounds to lose, a healthy and safe rate of loss is going to be 1-1.5 pounds per week at first, and then it will drop as you get closer to your goal weight.
"Can I lose 20 pounds" is the wrong question; the right one is "how much could I lose safely, while still adequately fueling my body for all the activity I'm already doing?"
Say you start off aggressively, and lose 4.5 pounds during the rest of August. In September and October, you drop your goal to 1 pound per week, and lose 7-8 pounds during those two months. (Remember that weight loss isn't linear, so we almost never lose exactly at the rate we want). Then in November and December, taking into account the holidays, finals and the fact that you're getting closer to your goal weight, you drop your goal to 0.5 pounds per week and lose 4 pounds during those two months. That gives you a total of about 16 pounds by January. Even if you have some ups and downs, that kind of a plan would still get you in the ballpark.
I really like how you rephrased that & thank you for the advice!0 -
kristen8000 wrote: »I'd say it's reasonable, but what is more reasonable is to get used to college life first (tests, grades, classes, schedule), etc. Then worry about your weight. It was a long time ago for me, but I remember how stressful it was.
I think the best thing you can do is move more and eat less. Don't count calories, don't measure things, don't weigh your food. Eat well (un-processed, as natural as you can get, limit sugar, drink enough water, etc). Don't add more stress into your life. Before you go, figure out what portions SHOULD look like. And eat that. At your age, you really don't need to go "full hog" on this. Avoid all the college "traps", parties, late night eating, lots of drinking. Have fun, just don't go crazy. I found I lose weight when I went to campus because I was walking soooo much more. I didn't have a car to rely on.
Honestly, I'd never suggest even using MFP at your age. Especially since you are active and not really overweight. Learn how to manage our weight now, so you don't need MFP later. Good luck! Your college years are the most exciting of your life!
Thank you :-) Ive considered switching back to intuitve eating as I did lose alot of weight doing that and it was alot more freeing.1 -
It sounds like you are pretty active. I'm not going to give advice about how you look or anything. However, I do urge you not to cut calories too deeply. Unfortunately a lot of female college athletes just don't eat enough to fuel their activity and it can have negative consequences. If you haven't already been as active this summer as you will be once you get to campus, I would suggest aiming to eat at your current maintenance level while upping that activity level through the cheer activity. You could see a great improvement simply through that added level of activity, which would substitute for eating less than you do now.
If you are intent on cutting calories, and need to know how to handle the dining hall...My guess is that they offer the same foods on a regular rotation. If you continue to eat the same general foods over and over (which most people tend to do no matter where they are getting their food) you can tell if you are eating the right portions for weight loss based on your results. Go to school and estimate/log your portions for a month. Then look at your progress. If you are not losing, eat a little bit less of those foods the next month. You don't need to cut out a huge portion from each meal, just a bit, and then keep watching your progress.
Best of luck and have a good year!
Thank you.0 -
This is a tricky situation, hard for an outsider to discern, and even more difficult without knowing what you look like. Given your stats, it's likely that losing a few pounds isn't a bad thing. But it's hard to determine if you have a bit of body dismorphia or if those around you are so accustomed to seeing overweight people that "normal" looks too thin to them.
I wouldn't aim for the end goal just yet. Keep up smaller chunks and reevaluate every 5 lbs or so. Also understand your weight loss could/should be a little on the slower side since you don't have a ton to lose. Even a pound a week might be a little aggressive
Sorry I don't have advice about the meal plan [/quote]
Thats definitley understandable & Im on the right if that helps any :-) Thanks for the advice!
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Major colleges will have healthy options. Ask if in doubt. Often you will see grilled chicken or fish and veggies.2
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determinedtolivefree wrote: »I think one more question is how old are you? Are you trying to get down to a weight that was from before you were done growing?
As others have said. 10-20 lbs is reasonable in that timeline, but we don't know enough to know if it's reasonable for you
Ive been in the 140s and high 130s all of highschool and Im 18. Im pretty sure the last time I was in the 120's was middle school.
It may not be reasonable then. Do you know your frame size or body fat percentage?0 -
determinedtolivefree wrote: »I think one more question is how old are you? Are you trying to get down to a weight that was from before you were done growing?
As others have said. 10-20 lbs is reasonable in that timeline, but we don't know enough to know if it's reasonable for you
Ive been in the 140s and high 130s all of highschool and Im 18. Im pretty sure the last time I was in the 120's was middle school.
It may not be reasonable then. Do you know your frame size or body fat percentage?
Medium and I have no idea, I have a very inaccurate scale that says 32% but I thought that was kinda off since abs are starting to show and then an online one said 25% (most likely) or 22% I believe0 -
determinedtolivefree wrote: »determinedtolivefree wrote: »I think one more question is how old are you? Are you trying to get down to a weight that was from before you were done growing?
As others have said. 10-20 lbs is reasonable in that timeline, but we don't know enough to know if it's reasonable for you
Ive been in the 140s and high 130s all of highschool and Im 18. Im pretty sure the last time I was in the 120's was middle school.
It may not be reasonable then. Do you know your frame size or body fat percentage?
Medium and I have no idea, I have a very inaccurate scale that says 32% but I thought that was kinda off since abs are starting to show and then an online one said 25% (most likely) or 22% I believe
It probably would be good to talk to a doctor about it.
Generally you need to see your doctor to make sure your vaccinations are up to date and have a physical before leaving for college, that would be a good time to talk.
A doctor won't judge like friends and family, but they will tell you the truth.1 -
During my first year of college eons ago, I was astounded by the variety and amount of food offered. Everything looked good (and it was) and in retrospect, I probably tried everything to include everything on the dessert table. All the meals were similar in the variety of offerings and amounts. I wasn't heavy when I entered college, but by the end of my freshman year, I had gained about 20+ lbs. To add to the tempting meals was the easy delivery of subs, pizza, etc. in the evening. Most others would order and I wanted to be part of the evening food fest. The only activity I had was walking to and from classes. I loved the food. I wish you well. The cheerleading and extra physical activity will certainly help.
PS - I also had snacks in my desk - cheez-its, chips, goldfish crackers, peanut butter, etc.,1 -
According to BMI, you are on the edge of overweight, and 125 is a healthy weight for your height. Some things to consider, however: you are athletic- which makes it more likely(but still not probable) that BMI is an inaccurate scale for you. A high proportion of muscle can sometimes put a perfectly healthy person in the 'overweight' category.
Right now you are in the range that any weight lost would be considered 'vanity pounds'. It's a really hard place to be, because everyone has an opinion on where you 'should' be. (I'm an ex-ballet dancer, so I am highly familiar with people giving unsolicited opinions on vanity weight loss) Some people will tell you you are too large, and some too skinny- figure out where you would feel most comfortable within a healthy BMI- since you have a medium frame, I would try aiming for the middle of the range, as the low end will likely be too low. At your height a healthy weight range is 110-145 pounds. As you are planning on staying in that range, it is unlikely that slow weight loss will cause you harm, as long as your diet is varied enough to provide the nutrients you need. Follow the recommended calorie allotment from MFP at a slow loss of .5-1 pound/week, don't try to push yourself to a lower weight too fast by eating much less than your allotment -You're planning on being around anyway, so you have lots of time to figure out where you actually want to be. A reasonable, conservative goal by the beginning of January would be between 10 and 15 pounds, 20 would likely be a push considering your current weight.
For help with sticking to what you want, and as a way to monitor what you look like, try taking progress photos- it's a much more honest view of yourself than the mirror (at least, this has been my experience ). Unless you are having medical issues or psychological issues related to your weight, YOU are the person who gets to decide what weight looks/feels good to you- not you mother, not your friends. Other things to monitor while losing vanity pounds are energy levels and your period. If you are getting too tired while losing weight- kick up the calories a bit. If your period becomes irregular/stops, this is an unmistakable sign that you've lost too much weight, and need to kick up the calories. As long as you are honest with yourself about what isn't healthy or appealing, you should be ok.3 -
KiraChristiansen wrote: »According to BMI, you are on the edge of overweight, and 125 is a healthy weight for your height. Some things to consider, however: you are athletic- which makes it more likely(but still not probable) that BMI is an inaccurate scale for you. A high proportion of muscle can sometimes put a perfectly healthy person in the 'overweight' category.
Right now you are in the range that any weight lost would be considered 'vanity pounds'. It's a really hard place to be, because everyone has an opinion on where you 'should' be. (I'm an ex-ballet dancer, so I am highly familiar with people giving unsolicited opinions on vanity weight loss) Some people will tell you you are too large, and some too skinny- figure out where you would feel most comfortable within a healthy BMI- since you have a medium frame, I would try aiming for the middle of the range, as the low end will likely be too low. At your height a healthy weight range is 110-145 pounds. As you are planning on staying in that range, it is unlikely that slow weight loss will cause you harm, as long as your diet is varied enough to provide the nutrients you need. Follow the recommended calorie allotment from MFP at a slow loss of .5-1 pound/week, don't try to push yourself to a lower weight too fast by eating much less than your allotment -You're planning on being around anyway, so you have lots of time to figure out where you actually want to be. A reasonable, conservative goal by the beginning of January would be between 10 and 15 pounds, 20 would likely be a push considering your current weight.
For help with sticking to what you want, and as a way to monitor what you look like, try taking progress photos- it's a much more honest view of yourself than the mirror (at least, this has been my experience ). Unless you are having medical issues or psychological issues related to your weight, YOU are the person who gets to decide what weight looks/feels good to you- not you mother, not your friends. Other things to monitor while losing vanity pounds are energy levels and your period. If you are getting too tired while losing weight- kick up the calories a bit. If your period becomes irregular/stops, this is an unmistakable sign that you've lost too much weight, and need to kick up the calories. As long as you are honest with yourself about what isn't healthy or appealing, you should be ok.
thank you SO much for this response0 -
Is it safe and reasonable to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary?
Yes, it's perfectly safe and reasonable to lose 15-20 pounds by January. Aim to lose about 1-2 pounds a week, not faster than that.
Its personally really hard for me ignore the comments telling me not to lose weight and that Im being ridiculous. I also dont generally tell people that I am losing weight or that that is my goal weight unless asked. I dont want this to be an excuse anymore but I dont know how to handle it. Any advice?
I totally hear you. This can be so annoying. Realize that you're an adult. You are not obligated to answer every personal question people throw at you. Your weight is up to you (and possibly your doctor if you've discussed it with him/her). You do not owe anybody else an explanation. Do not take the bait and get into a discussion where you are defending your choices.
I'm a 5'4" woman and I believe the normal weight range is about 110 (more or less, not looking it up) up to 145. Your goals are reasonable. In the end, it's your body and your choice. You have the right not to talk about personal things like weight.
Practice some simple comebacks:
My weight is between me and my doctor.
My goal is to be healthy.
My goal is to be more fit.
Would you please stop it?
I'm not going to get into that (and change the subject).
Question #2: Im going to college and I have a meal plan. The food in the dining hall isnt the best but calories and macros are posted and online. I have no clue how to know that what theyre serving me is the correct size and even if the calories are right. I think it may be a bit crazy to weigh my food in the dining hall but I was planning (shhh) to sneak some food out every once in a while.
Im just worried about hitting protien goals & I actually want to use my meal swipes cause Im paying for them..alot..
I would try to figure out how to weight these things, too. One thing to watch: sodium. We need some sodium to stay healthy, but a lot of food today is loaded with it -- sodium will make you retain water weight.
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determinedtolivefree wrote: »My question is, is it reasonable to want to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? I actually have a lot of questions. I talk alot.
If you want to ignore the long post my questions are: Is it safe and reasonable to lose 15-20 pounds by Janurary? and What can I do to make sure portion sizes from the dining hall are correct and hitting my macros?
Anytime Ive asked anyone this question theyve just told me that I dont need to lose that much weight & thats unrealistic amount of time but is it really?
I am 5'4 and 146 so I am overweight by one pound but I dont feel that I personally look overweight. My ultimate goal is 125 and the lowest I'd probably 120 or 115. I will be cheering (competition meaning tumbling & stunting) 4 days a week for two hours and I have NO idea how many calories that burns and planning to still lift weights.
Just a little vent:
Its personally really hard for me ignore the comments telling me not to lose weight and that Im being ridiculous. I also dont generally tell people that I am losing weight or that that is my goal weight unless asked. Also, when I got to the 130's previously I was told by my parents that I looked like my 60 pound grandmother and then by peers and a dance teacher I was accused of having an eating disorder. That hurts. I do honestly just avoid trying to have conversations about my fitness and diet besides everyone knowing I lift weights and eat a lot of peanut butter. The unsolicited and annoying comments really bug the shiz out of me. Its like I am aware that I dont look overweight and I have "abs" but most of my weight is held in my legs and I am not happy with how I look and I want to change it. Im not happy with how I look and yeah I get its a little odd from an outsides point of view to weigh everything you eat but thats what helps me and thats what I want to do so shut the up. I know my roommates are going to look at me crazy too. I dont want this to be an excuse anymore but I dont know how to handle it. Any advice?
Question #2: Im going to college and I have a meal plan. The food in the dining hall isnt the best but calories and macros are posted and online. I have no clue how to know that what theyre serving me is the correct size and even if the calories are right. I think it may be a bit crazy to weigh my food in the dining hall but I was planning (shhh) to sneak some food out every once in a while.
Foods I will have on hand all the time (or a majority at least) are: goldfish, quinoa & brown rice, ezekiel bread, oats, peanut butter, eggs, fat free cottage cheese, deli meat, shredded cheese, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, graham crackers, protien powder and maybe fat free greek yogurt which is honestly a majority of my diet . Im just worried about hitting protien goals & I actually want to use my meal swipes cause Im paying for them..alot..
This was alot. I got alot to say.
Yes it's safe. I'm striving for 40 pounds by January. As long as you are not loosing anymore than 3 pounds per week (even 3 is pushing it) you're fine. Anymore than 3 and your basically loosing muscle too which is bad. The first couple weeks you might loose more than that but that's normal depending on your weight because it'll be water weight which will always fall of first.
TIP 1: drink at least 8 cups of water each day and to make sure you're drinking one with your meal. Water will help fill you and help you to eat slower. It takes 20 minutes for signals to reach the brain indicating you've had enough to eat.
TIP 2: Stock up on fruits and veggies if you have a mini fridge in your dorm room. This will help you not run to a vending machine filled with unhealthy choices. This way snacking won't be a big deal.
TIP 3: grab dark greens and/or less starchy vegetables first. Make this your biggest portion or equal portion on your plate. Grab something starchy a potato is equal to 110 calories. Last you grab your protein beef, chicken, fish, I'm not entirely sure what your place serves but you can usually work around things. (Stray from dressings, butter, sour cream). Yes it can be hard to estimate how much you are grabbing. I would drink water 20 minutes before going so you're not starving and grab more than you need.
Look up abby pollock on YouTube she has a great video on how to eat while on a college food plan and get the results you want.4 -
determinedtolivefree wrote: »
thank you SO much for this response
No problem. Like I said, I've been there, and it makes you feel like you might be going crazy when everyone around you is so negative about something that is a reasonable, informed decision. They are generally well-intentioned, but the comments often end up doing more harm than good. Try as much as you can to not let it get under your skin, and have responses like the ones RedSierra suggests at the tip of your tongue. Do your best to find some friends who are supportive without being nosy or pushy.
As to the dining hall problem- at least they are giving you nutrition information. That's a big help. If they let you take food to go from the dining hall (they should?-not sure what their policies are- would suggest learning this) figure out a few things that you would like to make your staple foods, take them to-go and weigh them a few times, keeping track of the actual portion they gave you of that particular food- after doing this a few times, you'll have a good average serving to assume that you eat each time you pick that food. Don't do this for everything- just the things you eat most often/repeatedly. Everything else, make the assumption that their posted serving sizes are this sort of average, and use whatever they say they are giving you- if you start eating it consistently, try to calculate an average serving for it. If you are still concerned, try bringing measuring cups for a bit so you get used to seeing the portion you actually want on the school's dishes. They are less conspicuous to carry around than a scale
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Wow, great advice from everyone! You mentioned your weight is in your legs and you were not happy with that. Just a reminder that muscle is beautiful! You are an athlete and are strong and beautiful! Hugs0
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