New to board

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
New to board
7
Tue, 02-27-2007 - 1:52pm

Hi everyone-

I am new to this board, but not to Ivillage. I am 22 years old and have about 120 lbs to lose to be where I WANT TO BE. Notice I didn't say my "healthy weight" My doctors are telling me I should weigh between 130-150...that is too thin to me. I'd like to be at 175, and I'd be thrilled. I'm 5'10" and all of my weight is in my belly. I literally, have the smallest butt and legs in history! I am SO dis-proportioned.
I really haven't started on any program (eating or exercising) as of yet. The only program that's worked well for me is a low-carb, high- protein diet. To tell you the truth- I lost about 40 lbs on that diet, but it is too expensive! I know I've just gotta go low-cal, and increase cal's burned to cal's eaten. Curious to know- does anybody know of a good exercise (cardio?) to do at home? I can't really afford a gym right now, and I really need to exercise.
I was reading the posts for "100 reasons to lose 100 lbs" and I'd like to add one of my own- Since all my weight is in my belly and my back- I'd LOVE!!! to go into the store, and buy a normal sized bra. Rather than a "full figured" bra. Plus, lose my 2 extra boobs as I call them. (back fat- yuck!)
I just wanted to introduce myself a bit because I'd really like to start something soon. Can anybody give me any tips or tricks they've found to work? Especially for people who can't buy the most healthy foods (due to price) and who choose to exercise at home?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 02-27-2007 - 2:21pm
I don't have any advice to offer but wanted to welcome you to the board and wish you the most luck

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Angela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 02-27-2007 - 4:53pm

Hi and welcome,
Congratulations on getting started! I'm like you in terms of goal weight--anything near a healthy BMI and I'd be thrilled.

Do you have a VCR or DVD player at home? Most libraries loan exercise videos and DVDs, and the best part is by the time you get bored it's due back and you can get another one. The cheapest cardio of all is walking and it's easy on your joints and muscles. For me when I'm on with exercise the rest comes more easily.

Good luck! Your sense of humor is a welcome addition!

Annie

A
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
Tue, 02-27-2007 - 5:41pm

Welcome!

I agree with Annie, walking is a great way to get started (and keep going) with exercise! The difference it makes in the way you feel is amazing, considering how simple it is... and the exercise does seem to make you crave water and healthier foods, somehow.

I'm also a fan of fruits and vegetables as a means to keep you on track. The fiber fills you up and that can't be bad. I try to limit "bad" carbs (not fruit, though) and feeling full helps me stay away from the pasta & potatoes. It really helps without costing a fortune.

BTW, soooooo jealous of your butt, LOL (mine was always a problem, even when I was thin)! Look forward to hearing more from you...

Misha

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Wed, 02-28-2007 - 8:21am

Welcome aboard!!


How come your dr says you should be 130-150? That's my healthy weight range and I'm only 5'5'' (although I'm aiming at 165 cuz i can't imagine being thinner than that, for now at least).


I agree with everybody else, walking is a great exercise. I also like to place my stationary bike infront of the TV and paddle away. At my speed, biking

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Wed, 02-28-2007 - 9:46am

Mary, I am 5'8 and they say my healthy weight is 140-165 but I am shooting for 175 also to start. I would be tickled though just to see 200 again.


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Angela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2003
Wed, 02-28-2007 - 1:09pm

Here is what I am doing. I cut alot of the bad stuff, no more soda. I drink water, unsweet iced tea and occassionaly juice. Every once in a while I have a cup of choc milk made with 1% milk. I buy fruits and veggies that are on sale. I have a small grocery budget. When I buy canned fruit I get it in natural juices or ight syrup. I am allergic to artificial sweeteners. I get whole grain/wheat bread, brown rice. I also use coupons, I do not deny myself anything but rather limit bad stuff. My mom made a carrot cake which I love I had 2 bites. Since Jan 8th I have lost 16 pounds. I cannot afford a gym membership although thinking about curves. I was walking in the summer but I live in the country so no sidewalks and right now we are very muddy, which makes for dangerous walking, but Spring is around the corner. I work retail and park away from the building and try to walk more during work.

Kim

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2006
Wed, 02-28-2007 - 3:20pm

Watch sales and remember that in this day an age, canned and frozen vegetables are sometimes healthier than fresh because they are prepared closer to picking that what you might buy in the produce section of the market. The store brand is usually manufactured side by side to named brand foods! And they are way cheaper. I stock up on pantry items like whole grain pasta and brown rice when it's on sale. I do the same with lean meats.

I follow a simple, basic diet that I got from the Mayo Clinic website. It's pretty easy to follow, 1400 calories per day with a balance of all the food groups with a heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables. And it based on spreading out your servings all day so it doesn't matter if I eat out or someone else is cooking or I am making my own meals. I can usually find a good mix of foods and make the right choices.

Another idea is to fill your meal plate 50% with fruits and vegetables, 25% carbos and 25% protein. No huge plates please!

I also allow myself a small treat some days, sugar free pudding is my favorite. 8 Almonds is a great healthy fat snack that helps stave off hunger between meals.

As for exercise ... try the library for DVDs, lots of exercises that you can do using your own body weight ... push ups, lunges, etc. And I love to walk ... can do it nearly anywhere, anytime ... I have pedometer to track my daily steps ... 10,000 per day is considered healthy. I start each day with a 1/2 hr walk and usually have 4000 steps before I go to work in the day. It gets me motivated to take another walk later if I haven't made my steps for the day.

Welcome and hope this helps.

Colleen