Newbie :) Could use some encouragement!

hi lisa! you've come to the right place!

first of all, logging your food will make a HUGE difference. you suddenly become aware of what you put in your system--it's a real eye opener and will help you lower your intake. secondly, are you a morning or evening person? find a time in the day that you can dedicate to exercise. start slowly if you need to. 2-3 times a week can then build itself up to 5-6 times a week. if you don't exercise at all and feel that that's too daunting....try even 1-2 times a week. see if you can walk during your lunch break. there are plenty of ways to incorporate exercise without having to log gym hours!

good luck,
laura

Welcome to MFP!

My tips:
- Exercise as much as you can and eat your exercise calories.
- Log everything, every day. Even bad days! Especially bad days!
- Get friends on MFP or find friends here. There's more accountability and encouragement if you lose weight with a social group.
- Get your BF/spouse/SO involved. Even if he's not on MFP, make sure he's on board with your weight loss and willing to help keep you on track, not help you fall off the wagon.
-Take pictures of your progress so you can see how far you've come.

Add me as a friend !

I can totally relate, I have a job in which I normally work no less than 50 hours/week, I am a full time student and when I get some time to breathe I just want to relax. I feel like lately I have been doing the best job to date balancing/coping with it all—and in order to accommodate fitness, I have taken the choosing factor out of working out. I tell myself every time I don't want to go to the gym--"Kelly, you've had your turn to make choices and you've made a lot of bad ones that have landed you right where you are---obese! So get off your a** and go to the gym!" <--I literally say this out loud to myself.

I finally had that tough conversation with myself that if I do not get my health in order I will be even more miserable in a year, ten years, twenty years (if I live that long) than I am right now--and my only option is to eat better foods and work out. I think that eventually if you prioritize yourself and getting healthy at the same level (or even above) work, or school, or whatever is standing in the way, you will get in the right state of mind. I can honestly say that working out consistently has also helped to reduce my stress levels and be on a good path to balancing out my life. I think once you get yourself on the right path, force yourself to do it, stick with it, and put yourself/health first, it will come more naturally. It’s very tough at first, but once you have a routine down it will all come together!

Good luck! We are all here to help you along the way you can do this!

~Kelly

Hello Lisa,

I wanted to say congrats on beginning a new step in your journey. A few things to remember, that may help you stay motivated.

First, remember to have patience with yourself, weight is easily put on, but not always easily taken off. So try not to let the scale be your ultimate motivator or judge. Some lose fat but gain muscle weight, and fluctuations happen more often when dieting than when we are not trying to effect change in our weight. Also, try to be realistic about what it is you’re willing to change in your life, losing weight should be about changing your lifestyle long term...not a quick fix.

I see that you are someone who likes to plan ahead; great strategy...one of the things that has helped me to lose weight is to remove temptation in the kitchen. If you have stuff you will "cheat" with, throw it away or give it to someone else. I recently had to throw away left over birthday cake...it was becoming a distraction. Definitely brown bag at every chance. And really pay attention to all the little extra calories (I actually pay attention to the creamer I put in my coffee. I know that makes me less than fun...but it is important.) after a while, they can really add up.

Getting adequate exercise can also be a challenge; I have 2 degree's so I know what its like to be so busy you don't want to do anything outside of work and school. Try not to think of exercise in a traditional way, be realistic with yourself what will keep you in a workout mode....for example I cannot work out at home, I don't have the disciple. So, I tuned up my bicycle and ride if I have a little time....or I get up very early and go to the gym. They say it takes 6 weeks or so to change a habit. Make exercise a habit and try to make a pact with yourself to do it for 6 weeks. You can do anything for 6 weeks, then see if you’re not so satisfied with the results that you can't imagine stopping exercising. I always feel so much better when I work out, it can be addictive after a while. Perhaps you should look into some DVD's that have a series of 15-30 min workouts. I bet you can find 15-30 min in your schedule.

Last, try not to let your self esteem become a punching bag. You are not your dress size. You are a beautiful young woman with or without the weight, and you seem like a lovely person.

Good Luck To You! Feel free to hit me up if you need a pep talk.

C.