Newbie Needs Advice on How to Begin

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Newbie Needs Advice on How to Begin
11
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 2:32pm
Hi Everyone,

May I join you here? I'm one of those people who has avoided physical activity all my life but I'm 44 now and having developed a mild heart arrythmia, I realized that it's time I had better look after myself, if I want to live to see retirement and see any future grandchildren I might be blessed with. I have a minimum of 70 lbs. to lose, having gained 40 of them, when I quit smoking a year ago. (Groan, I know, I know, -- I have a steep hill to climb, no pun intended).

I recently joined a gym and walk the treadmill for 20 min. every weekday morning before work. I plan to incorporate weight training 2-3x/wk. at night, in front of the television as soon as I read up on my Bob Greene book "Get With The Program" and was wondering if this plan sounds reasonable?

Now for the diet -- probably the most exasperating of all -- I just want a nutritionally sound, satisfying and permanent way of eating, allowing for the occasional treat, to lose weight. Is it too much to ask? Can anyone recommend a plan they can stick with?

I would every be so grateful for the input.

Debbie

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 2:46pm
Hi Debbie and welcome to the board.Congratulations on stopping smoking, that is great!I think if you have to willpower and determination to do that you can meet any other goals.For myself the only eating plan I'm following right now is to just cut way back on the obvious junk food and fill up on the healthier choices.I think it sounds like your fitness routine is really good.Looking forward to more posts from you.

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 3:02pm
Debbie-

Welcome to Fit Over 40 and congratulations on quitting smoking. That's a tough one. I believe "Get With the Program" offers suggestions on food. Cut out the obvious fat, portion control, good carbs (fruits, vegetables) and get plenty of protein.

Can you increase the time on your cardio a couple of times per week? You will probably see more results by increasing the cardio.

You mentioned that you will start weight training at home in the evening. It could be beneficial to hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to show you what you can do at home, do measurements and body fat analysis and just kind of get your jump started.

We look forward to getting to know you better.

Phyllis

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

Avatar for imthebigsister
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 3:59pm
Welcome, Debbie, and a congratulations on quitting smoking, on getting moving, and on wanting to eat healthier. Good luck with the weight training - although I've been off the mark with it this week, I love it (and I wasn't particularly active until about 20 months ago - medical issues kicked me into gear). I'm not trying to be Ms. Atlas, but I see definition and tautness (in some areas) that I never saw before.

On the lifelong eating plan - even though we talk ice cream, cookies, and goodies a lot (if you've ready any past posts you'll see), the goal is to eat more lean meat and fish, less goodies, less pasta/rice/potatoes/white bread, and more fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Don't try to change everything at once; just one or two at a time, and gradually add healthier choices and eliminate poorer choices from your diet.

Remember the trick when shopping to "shop the perimeter" and avoid the prepared food/snack/pop/bottled juice aisles. It really helps keep you from being tempted to buy what you don't want a lot of around the house.

Post often. We look forward to hearing from you!

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 4:34pm
WOW -- I'm Inspired!!!

With all the choices in exercise and diets, I felt lost, trying to find the "right" way to do it all. From now on, I will relax and take it a day at a time.

Thank you for welcoming me here, I would love to be part of your community.

Debbie

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2001
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 5:06pm
Welcome Debbie,

Congratulations of quitting smoking and on wanting to make lifestyle changes! I really can't offer any other advise other than what's been given! Welcome to the board and hope that you post with us often!

Susan

Avatar for dmm11730
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 11:47pm
Welcome Deb, and congrats on the smoking. Good job! If you can tackle that one finding a food style, and exercise plan should be easy. There are so many ways you can go with your eatting. If you need encouragment then might I suggest Weight Watchers. Healthy eating, easy to follow, with treats included. I did it on and off for years and have found it to still be the best all the way around. Because the bottom line everything is accountable into their points program. I am doing Curves 3 days a week and walk/jog the other days. I have been trying to loose about 25 pounds and unfortuatly I have not been succesful. But I keep trying. I am doing the Curves low carb diet. Hard to stick with, but again I keep trying.

You will love this place. Great ladies, great ideas, great support, and encouragment. We look forward to hearing more from you.

Debbie

Debbie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 5:43pm
Welcome to the board, Debbie, and congratulations on quitting smoking! That's a HUGE accomplishment. If you can do that, you can lose the weight.

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


<

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 10:45pm
Welcome Debbie! You've gotten lots of great advice. Moderation in all things is all that I can tell you about the food. And lots of water and exercise.

Nancy

Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 10:58pm
Welcome Debbie! Love "Get With the Program" and Bob Greene's advice is good, IMHO. Hope you post with us more!

Kat

Katherine (Kat)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 11:07pm
P.S. Congratulations for quitting the smoking! Great move for that heart! Yes, one day at a time is best in trying to lose weight, although a sound plan written down will help. Journaling has worked for some here.

I have found that giving up the sweets and bad carbs/bad fats have been easier once I put some exciting foods out for my palate. I love whole grain products, when I do indulge in carbs, as well as a large variety of fruits and veggies.

Katherine (Kat)

Pages