Help. Fitness related

Dovey1122

I need to lose weight and I don't even know where to start.

I've always been the one who's underweight. I'm not fat by any means, but I'm not comfortable anymore. I need to lose about 10 lbs.

Problem is...I don't even know where to start. I start thinking about it and I feel overwhelmed.

Any help or tips to get started?

shorty20

I lost 20lbs before my wedding 6 years ago by counting my calories, watching my portions and working out 5-6 days a week doing both cardio and strength training.  I also overhauled my eating.

Counting cals is a pain in the butt sometimes, no doubt, but it really worked for me, it was the only way that I truly realized how much I was eating.  I used sparkpeople.com to track mine, but there are other sites you can use like livestrong.com or if you have a smartphone, I think there is an app for myfitnesspal. Even if you only do it for a week or two, you'll at least get an idea of how much you're typically eating.

I switched from white starches to whole wheat ones (this included bread, rice, cereal, etc), started eating more fruits and veggies, tried to incorporate more healthy fats (and get rid of most of the saturated kind) and really paid attention to my protein and fiber intake, which helped keep me fuller for longer.

I also started eating 6 times a day (3 smaller meals and 3 snacks).  At first I felt like a heifer and that I was eating all the time, but I got used to it.  At least for me, eating every couple of hours helps me to never get ravenously hungry, which is when I start reaching for the chips, chocolate, etc.  Now I keep my work desk stocked with healthy snacks so if I do get hungry, I have something to go to.  I also pack my lunch almost every day so I'm not left hungry and have to run out to get fast food or takeout.

I never cut any food completely out.  If I wanted something, I would have it, but just in a smaller portion.  That's another huge key, portion control.  Start actually measuring your food so you know what the serving size looks like.  I used to have huge bowls of cereal, but then I started measuring out what an actual serving was, and I was astonished at how much more I had been eating.

Sorry, that got really long, but I hope it helps some and you can get some useful info out of it.  Also, hang out on the Health & Fitness board, there are some really inspirational ladies on there.

One more thing, it may take awhile to lose 10lbs, so please don't get discouraged.  The less weight you have to lose, the harder it is to lose it.  It took about 8 months for me to completely lose mine.  Not that it will take you that long, but just be patient

Dovey1122

Thanks, shorty!

535 views and no other responses is creepy

shorty20

Dovey1122:

Thanks, shorty!

535 views and no other responses is creepy

Seriously!

conradtn

I think she gave good advice. Definitely make sure you eat enough calories to give your body fuel, and eat within an hour of waking up to jump-start your metabolism.