new here w/ 20 lbs. to lose!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-1998
new here w/ 20 lbs. to lose!!!
14
Tue, 06-14-2005 - 8:33pm

Okay, I'm ready to get myself into shape!

I'm 36, 5'4" and 150 pounds. Based on some of the tables, I'm about 10-15 lbs. overweight. I'd like to lose about 20 lbs.

Here's what I've done so far for the past week and a half:

Diet...nothing processed, nothing fried, no major bad carbs (processed and refined). I usually eat oats/dried cranberries/almonds/soy milk/protein powder mixed together for breakfast, then yogurt for a snack, a lunch of tuna (with mayo) and pita bread and cottage cheese, then fruit for a snack and a light dinner of either Lean Cuisine or chicken. I've been watching my diet faithfully for almost two weeks now, but I'm afraid my caloric intake is too low and I've sent my body into starvation mode. :(

Exercise: run/walk 2 or 2 1/2 miles daily, and also try to weight train at home a bit.

Are my goals realistic? I'd like to be toned, firm and look better in fewer clothes! LOL I guess I just wonder when the weight will start to come off and how quickly I can realistically achieve my goal.

Can anyone help guide me?

Thanks,
Lisa :)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 7:37am

Welcome Lisa, and good morning (I see you've stopped by already)!


It sounds like you have had a really positive start to this journey- and realistic too. You didn't mention how many calories you are taking in-- do you know how much your body needs? Or were you just 'cutting' down on several things? Check out this link for iVillage's health calculator, which includes a daily caloric intake requirement: http://diet.ivillage.com/healthcalc


A couple of us us fitday.com to record our food, and exercise. I suggest going over there and giving it a try. It's here: www.fitday.com


In regards to how long it will take- everyone is different. My guess would be about a month maybe until you feel or notice anything.


Have you taken your measurements? It's not only weight that you might shed ;-)


And don't forget to add water to your daily routine!!


Once again, welcome aboard! Looking forward to posting with you-

~IslandGirl



*** Moderation Is Key ***


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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-1998
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 11:39am

I'd say I'm taking in about 1500 to 1800 calories per day, give or take. I've completely eliminated all junky snacks and soda. Water intake is up to approx. 80 oz. per day and I only drink one or two cups of coffe (black) per day now, versus 5-6 about two weeks ago.

I find the fitday.com link very helpful!! Thanks!! I'm tracking my progress and I input my food selections, too!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 11:58am

Hey Lisa!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-1998
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 12:43pm
With all the hype on carbs, is there a gram limit I should be shooting for on a daily basis? I notice that fruit, while good for us, is high in sugar...is there any harm in eating up to 4-5 servings of fruit daily? Will that sabotage me in any way?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 5:07pm

Lisa, it really depends on whether you are following a specific diet or not.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-1998
Thu, 06-16-2005 - 11:42am
I'm running 2.5 to 3 miles almost every day, so I would imagine that most high-quality carbs are going to be used as fuel, right?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Thu, 06-16-2005 - 3:55pm

I would think so, I mean as long as you are getting enough protein, and not too much fat and you are exercising regularly, I would think you will see some results.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-1998
Mon, 06-20-2005 - 10:36pm
I know on the Running Woman board, there is mention of me adding a few hundred more calories to my daily intake, since I'm running at least 3-4 times per week. Any ideas on what to add?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Tue, 06-21-2005 - 10:44am

Hi Lisa...I'm adding my welcome!!

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 06-21-2005 - 12:18pm

Protein (fish, lean meats, eggs, low-fat dairy products) are usually a good bet - how about a yogurt snack?


Veggies & Fruits - You can eat a lot of these without doing a lot of harm but they won't add a ton of calories


Fibre rich food - Try adding some brown rice, high fibre cereal as snacks.

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