New here. Definitely think this a good site! Thoughts?

brittanyjeanxo
brittanyjeanxo Posts: 1,829 Member
edited September 2024 in Introduce Yourself
A little background: My name is Brittany. I am 19 years old. I'm 5'4" and I weigh 290-ish, but I round up to 300. I know, I know, I'm really overweight. The past week or so I have been speed walking/jogging. I am taking baby steps though. I speed walk to the stop sign at the end of my road, then I turn around and jog back (about a quarter mile all told.) Though I do get out of breath, my heart is in VERY good shape, my cholesterol/blood pressure are always perfect. I don't eat healthy, per se, but I don't eat a lot of junk (though admittedly more than I should!) I'm looking forward to getting healthier. My goal weight is 200 pounds, which still isn't all that healthy, I know. But, baby steps :) I don't know whether or not I should set a goal for myself as far as time goes though (for instance, drop 100 lbs. in 1 year, 2 years, etc.)and I would appreciate some encouragement and tips from more experienced people! It feels great to get a start on this while I'm still healthy enough to. Thanks for reading!

Replies

  • Rworthy
    Rworthy Posts: 271 Member
    Nice to see you trying to get healthy. This is about health, and it's a marathon not a sprint! :/ Don't give yourself a deadline unless you are comfortable with failure (we all fail, but it's getting back out there that makes it a success). Just aim for healthy weight loss of about 2 pounds per month. (1/2 pound per week). Which is totally doable. This is for the long run. Don't do crazy dieting. Just eat healthy (er) than you used to. Drink a half gallon of water each day and you'll feel better in about a week - and that's what all this is about.

    Side effects of living an unhealthy lifestyle: Boredom, low self esteem, poor self image, poor health, unwilling to change.

    Side effect of living a healthy lifestyle: Weight loss, self confidence, determination, willingness to get better.

    (Weight loss isn't / shouldn't be the goal. But it is an awesome side effect of determination and perseverance).
  • brittanyjeanxo
    brittanyjeanxo Posts: 1,829 Member
    I like that thought, that weight loss is a side effect of being healthy! That's a great way to think of it. So weight loss isn't the goal, it's the side effect. :) I definitely agree that it's a marathon not a sprint. I was kind of aiming for about a pound a week; do you think that's too high?
  • strbryt
    strbryt Posts: 488 Member
    Ye tis a good idea to set a long term goal but do not focus on it. If you keep staring a 100 lbsin the face you will fall on yours and never be able to recover from it. I personally set 25 lb goals. When it hit them I give myself a reward. Something to look forward too. I have had a healthy lunch with a friend I have a new outfit and so on. Rememberr to stay focused and be proud of yourself. I sometimes have to remind myslef when it gets hard just how hard I have worked and that I am doing great things. Also another thing I tell myself is that I may not be where I need to be but atleast I am not where I used to be. Good luck on this journey. Feel free to add me if you would like.
  • Rworthy
    Rworthy Posts: 271 Member
    I set my goal way too high, and haven't reached it yet. I think that was a mistake. But I'm too much of a perfectionist to change it now. I WILL reach the goal - THIS YEAR!!!! Hahah. 1 pound per week is totally doable. Especially in the beginning.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I think 1 lb a week is a good target, and aiming to get to 200 first is very smart - rethink when you get there.

    Good luck!
  • Maggiedc
    Maggiedc Posts: 49 Member
    Looks like you're off to a great start!!! Just keep going and you'll do great...feel free to add me...I'm new too!
  • brittanyjeanxo
    brittanyjeanxo Posts: 1,829 Member
    Thanks everyone for the advice and support! I hope everyone does well on their journey as well!
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