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As the mother of a 9-year-old daughter, I want to say it is very encouraging to see a young person wanting to take control of their life and be healthy. This site is great for that. Make sure you do it the healthy way. As everyone on here will tell you, there is no "get thin quick" formula. Slow and steady win the race. Use the support on her, but also try and find a friend or two at home that you can have to give you support, exercise with, eat healthy with. It's a lifestyle change, not a diet. You'll do great! Welcome.

i am 27, im from texas. i would tell you start now. if you say mon then you will keep postponing it. test yourself for thanksgiving. eat a lil of your favorite food. whatever you usually get eat half. that will be a start. for thanksgiving i will start with the veggie and fruit tray. by the time i get to the main course i will be full. so i wont be able to eat much. if i do have room for dessert i will get half of a piece of pie. what type of recipes do you want. i would say change your oil to spray they have no calories. get cleaner foods such as whole grains and fruits and veggies. do your usual meals but clean it up.

I agree with the others start now. Have a good thanksgiving. Then back to it the next day.

Please don't let the scale rule your life. I didn't get on the scale the first 3 months. I just stuck with a certain amount of calories and the weight came off.

As for fun exercise. Dance girl! There is nothing like dancing to get the heart rate and your mood up. When you're feeling down, don't mope or eat, dance. I like Hip Hop Abs. But like others said whatever you enjoy doing should be your exercise.

Your are truly awesome starting so young and you're gonna do great.:flowerforyou:

First of all; GREAT JOB!

My condensed pointers:

Learn what real portion sizes are; they aren't what you think. 5 a day of fruits and veggies really isn't that tough (1/2 a cup of veggies is a serving!)
Exercise; ya gotta do it; but the first week or so expect to feel extra cruddy; your boddy is detoxing when you're sweatin' it out. You'll feel better once you get past the 2 week mark; drink lots of water to help! Don't forget to stretch (helps with the soreness)
Don't get discouraged if you fall off the wagon; but also don't set yourself up to EXPECT failure. Resolve that you won't and if you do, don't wait until "next" whatever monday/week/month etc. Start that moment. If you really feel discouraged about what you're eating throw it away! Even spit it out if you need to. Sweets are not the enemy, but remember portion control. (Doing Weight Watchers for even 3 weeks can give you a GREAT eye opener to what real portion sizes are!)
You have to exercise, but find something fun (I know that sounds like an oxymoron); I recommend Beachbody.com the workout kits are pricey but last forever and its cheap compared to a gym membership; plus the bonus of at-home workouts that you can travel with, or do in privacy whenever you feel like it. Turbo Jam is really fun!
No matter what; keep your eyes on the prize! Some inspiring words I know; "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels", and (I dunno if you're a believer or not but... ) "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength." Keep pressing through, and visualize your victory! Slow and steady really does win the race. Take it one baby step at a time and remember that while every bite DOES affect your body, every step/decision and movement forward in self control affects your body, mind and spirit!
YOU are gonna do great!!!
If you ever need some motivation/encouragement, you are welcome to email me: josephandmandy@hotmail.com

start today!!!! don't wait till monday or the next monday, today is the first day to the rest of your life. just start logging your food good and bad it is a beginning. once you see what calories are in what you eat and it might just help you to make better choices.

good luck you can do it !!!! you are part of a very good site to help you achieve your goal.