Newbie here...

tamnix

tamnix

New member
I joined these forums in late March, but, it took me quite sometime to prepare myself to the reality of, and take on the responsibilty, that "it's my fault, no one elses, that I'm overweight, and if I really try, I can do this". But I can't do it on my own, I have my fiancee's support, and hopefully some other peoples (that's why I'm here).

I'm 19 years old (and I'm roughly 5'4, 5'5), and I stepped on a scale a couple months ago after not for such a long time, and it went past the max on the scale. It read 313lbs, and that really scared me, I mean, it really did, I'm far from healthy... and I know it, I started crying, and I'm crying now.

I don't know where to start, but I do know I have to try, or it will get more out of control then it is now. I want to look into the mirror and see someone beautfiul, not someone hideous. I want to go shopping and actually be able to find my size. My goal isn't really pounds, but more for health reasons, but it's either 180lbs (my main goal)... I'll have mini-goals along the way so I don't give up easy this time around... or 18W-16W, for now, I'm 26/28W (barely) right now, so like 4-5 pants sizes?

I was always a chubby kid, but 3rd-4th grade it went from chubby to fat, now I guess you'd say I'm obese?

The way I guess I'm going to try to go about this (since I'm limited money wise) is no junk food at all, make a list of groceries, and stick with that list. No soda, no chips, no candy, no cookies, no icecream, no nothing like that. Eat more veggies, more fruit, stay away from too much bread, and pasta, eat more veggies, rice, chicken and fish.

I've dieted before. But this can't be a diet. I refuse to say I'm on a diet, because when I do I fail... and I can't fail this time... life is too important... I have too much to look forward to... I weight a lot for my age. But I have that advantage, don't I? I'm still young, I still have a chance to look like I want to, wear what I want to, move around easier, work better... and finally be able to look at myself in the mirror and say "I love you".

I sure hope I can do this, because if I can't, I'm afraid of what might happen... diabetes (if I don't have it already)... and all the other risks.

Thanks to whoever actually read all of this. I hope these forums are helpful to me, I think they will be, from what I've read your all really nice.

-Tamara.
 
Last edited:
Hi :)

I agree. Its not a diet. Its a healthy life choice.

Once you start replacing the bad food with healthy food,you are going to feel a whole lot better. You will actually have a pride in knowing that you chose the right things to eat instead of an easy way out.


Hugs
stef
 
Welcome to the forum! I'm so glad that you decided to finally post. :D There are lots of supportive people here who will be glad to help keep you accountable. ;) Good luck! :D
 
Hello Tamnix! I'm so glad you decided to make a change for life. You're going to feel so great. I know what you mean by wanting to look in the mirror, and see someone beautiful. I feel the same way. But don't worry, you'll get tons of support on here! It's good you're making all those food changes, you'll loose weight, and reach your goal!
 
good luck

I want to wish you good luck on your weight loss! I like your idea of comingup with a plan, but I do have one suggestion. Don't eliminate things you like completely from your diet. That is generally not sustainable long term, and you want to make changes you can live with for a lifetime! Consider allowing yourself occasional treats, but try to keep your eating to about 500 to 1000 calories lower than what it takes to sustain your weight. You can use one of many online calculators to get an idea of what that number is.

Just to give you kind of an idea, I started at 245 and I have lost 17 pounds in just over 7 weeks. For me, I try to stick to about 1500 calories a day on average and I walk at least 4 days a week. This has resulted in a weight loss of about 2.4 pounds a week. I try to eat healthy foods, but I also have snacks - so long as they fit in my calorie target.

Anyway, my point is, you don't have to suffer to lose the weight. At a loss of just 2 pounds a week, you will drop over 100 pounds by next July. And if you lose at that rate, you won't be so likely to end up with floppy, saggy skin. You can do it!
 
Twinmom, thanks for your suggestions. I was thinking about treating myself once in awhile with like low-fat icecream or something, or even saving the money that I would have spent on junk food, for a whole new wardrobe later down the line. I really appreciate your suggestions and will definately use them.

And thanks everyone else for your kind words and support.
 
Tamara, welcome! You CAN do this! Your health is your biggest motivator so USE it!! Sit down with a pen and paper, or the computer, and LIST all the reasons you want to lose weight. Revisit that list once a month or so to remind yourself.

You are right to not make this a "diet". That word suggests a temporary change not something you can live with for life (think "fad"). You a great plan in place and I am looking forward to helping support you along the journey :D

YOU CAN DO THIS!
 
Tamara - seems to me that you have got the right attitude - and some good advice here to succeed! See it as a lifestyle exchange - the bad one which is going to lead you to serious illness, for a new healthier lifestyle - where you can be the person that you really are. There is plenty of good advice to be found here - or google around for more nutritional information. Fibre is great - read up about unrefined cereals - not only does fibre aid health - but it stops you from feeling hungry. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads - especially while its all still in season. Avoid bad fats and oils - but not the good oils such as Omega 3. Theres lots to learn.

If you slip from the path - don't give up - understand why it happened, then get back into the saddle.

Consider exercise - but check with your doctor before pushing yourself too far. A gradually increasing programme of exercise goes great with healthy food and drink. It works well for me anyway. Walking is a great exercise to start with. Its not strenuous, but walking further and further, it gets easier, exercises the heart, and burns those cals.

I'll be looking out for your progress - good luck with your journey, and welcome to the board!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top