Need some advice and motivation....
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Need some advice and motivation....
| Mon, 06-13-2005 - 11:49am |
Hi...I'm new to this board. I am 31 and am currently overweight. I was an overweight child, then when I was 21, I lost 100 lbs., bringing me down to 160. I am 5' 10" with a large frame, so that was considered to be a healthy weight. Since my divorce and other stress in my life, I have gained back almost all of it, and am frustrated beyond belief. I have tried Atkins, South Beach and have lost up to 20 lbs., but just gain it back. I am a carb-a-holic, so those diets really don't work for me, and they screw up my metabolism anyways. I probably consume too many calories, at least 1800-2000, and I do a lot of walking mixed with going to the gym. I also have the Firm workout, but I can't get myself into a regular routine. I am eating lots of regular foods, such as healthy cereals, wheat bread, and even low-fat or fat free ice cream. Today I have fresh fruit and yogurt as my lunch, which I think is acceptable. I try to drink 100 oz. of water per day, but I admit that I drink WAY too much diet pop on a regular basis. Any suggestions in mind so that I can lose most of what I gained back? At this point, I'd be happy to weigh in at 175.

Hi!
Some suggestions:
Don't look at how much you have to lose. Try for 10-15% of your current weight. It's a much more managable goal. You'll feel better & look better and that amount can make a huge health difference. Once you reach that goal then do the same thing again...10-15%.
If you are working out regularly then 1800-2000 calories is not unreasonable, but you might try dropping to the lower end of that, say 1800.
Remember, if you're working out regularly, the scale can show a gain as you build muscle. Pay less attention to the numbers on the scale and more to measurements & clothing fit.
Make sure you're getting enough protein.
Try to cut back on the diet soda, probably no more than one per day.
Watch the low-fat & fat-free foods. Manufacturers replace fats with sugar and many of the low- and non-fat foods have as many, if not more, calories than the regular versions.
Remember that you NEED fat for metabolism. Don't cut out all fats, just watch what kind you eat.
Also, whatever you do MUST be a lifestyle change. Diets don't work because people go back to their old way of eating after they lose. Whether it's Atkins, South Beach, low-cal, WW or any other program it has to be something you'll stick with forever.
Susanne
Hello :)