How am I doing?

[dolphingirl]

Hey all, I know a lot of people write in and ask how they're doing, but I think this will help me. I think I may be on the right track.
I'm a 23 year old female, and 145 pounds, 5 foot 5. I'm not considered fat, but I am definitely chubby in some areas, mainly my stomach/abs, love handles, upper legs, and even some fat in the arms I'd like to get rid of. But mostly, it's all in the middle.
Here is what I usually eat:
Morning - either 1.5 cups of Special K, OR 3 egg whites (1 of them has yolk) and 1/2 cup of ham, or about 1/2 cup of low-fat yogurt.
Snack - carrots with low fat dip
Lunch - Lean ham or tuna
Snack - celery and an apple
Supper - meat (sometimes lean), some potato or rice, and some sort of veggie/salad
Snack - rice cake
**and yes, the odd time - once a week or so - I'll treat myself to chocolate peanuts or chips...I'm human

My exercise routine is:
-20 minute ab workout (pilates and exercise ball)
-20 minutes on step machine
-20 minutes aerobics
-30 minute (3 km) walk
**I do this 5 times a week

I often wonder if I need to eat more during the day...sometimes I get headaches at night that make me wonder if I'm not putting enough in my body. I don't usually get headaches. I exercise at night, so carbs at supper is definitely necessary and notice a difference in my energy.
Any help would be great...even if it's just one sentence
Thanks!

 

[Xab]

Your diet looks pretty good, but if you feel really hungry or are having headaches, you may in fact need to eat more. If you don't eat enough, your metabolism won't work quickly enough, and hence you won't burn hardly any fat. There's definatley nothing wrong with a treat every once in a while, you gotta reward yourself sometimes.

As for your workout, it looks like you are trying to spot-work areas. Ask any trainer or health expert, and they'll tell you that doesn't work. You need to develop a full-body routine, and probably step your cardio up a bit. 3km (1.87mi) in 30 minutes is good, but it could be a lot better.

Set some goals, work towards them, and be honest with yourself and you'll do just fine.

 

[nanook2k3]

How's your water intake throughout the day? I often get late night headaches when I'm dehydrated (especially if my body's trying to process a bunch of protein)

 

[stingo]

Do you do any strength training? It looks like most of your routine is cardio based.

As for diet, you might want to adjust your last two snacks so that you can make them carb/protein combinations. Like a slice of whole wheat bread with some peanut butter.

 

[dolphingirl]

Hey Xab,
Isn't aerobics cardio? I thought 50 minutes per day was actually good, eeek!

Your diet looks pretty good, but if you feel really hungry or are having headaches, you may in fact need to eat more. If you don't eat enough, your metabolism won't work quickly enough, and hence you won't burn hardly any fat. There's definatley nothing wrong with a treat every once in a while, you gotta reward yourself sometimes.

As for your workout, it looks like you are trying to spot-work areas. Ask any trainer or health expert, and they'll tell you that doesn't work. You need to develop a full-body routine, and probably step your cardio up a bit. 3km (1.87mi) in 30 minutes is good, but it could be a lot better.

Set some goals, work towards them, and be honest with yourself and you'll do just fine.

 

[dolphingirl]

Hi all, thanks so much for your answers!
I drink about 8 glasses of water per day (all throughout the day)...
And nope, no strength training...I use 1-pound wrist weights when I do aerobics, but that's it - I know that's not a lot lol. Baby steps

 

[(Silent)]

Hi all, thanks so much for your answers!
I drink about 8 glasses of water per day (all throughout the day)...
And nope, no strength training...I use 1-pound wrist weights when I do aerobics, but that's it - I know that's not a lot lol. Baby steps

Do not use those wrist weights. Those little weights (as i keep saying) are one of the leading causes for orthopedic surgery. They are doing more harm then good. Continue to use them and i can near promise you shoulder injury(long term damage)

 

[dolphingirl]

Wow, when you think you're doing something right, eh?
Would holding them in my hands work better? I plan on getting 5 pound weights and lifting them while I do my aerobics...you think that would work better?
Thanks!

Do not use those wrist weights. Those little weights (as i keep saying) are one of the leading causes for orthopedic surgery. They are doing more harm then good. Continue to use them and i can near promise you shoulder injury(long term damage)

 

[Xab]

Hey Xab,
Isn't aerobics cardio? I thought 50 minutes per day was actually good, eeek!

My bad, I was only considering your running at the time. Aerobics can be good, but again, you should make sure you're doing enough and doing them correctly. All the time at my gym, I see these girls hop on the treadmill and walk (maybe 2.5mph) for 30 minutes. Walking is all well and good, but if you're looking into losing weight, it takes more.

And yeah, like others said, look into a full body strength training program. You don't need to build muscles doing it, you just need to maintain what you have and gain a bit of strength.

 

[(Silent)]

Wow, when you think you're doing something right, eh?
Would holding them in my hands work better? I plan on getting 5 pound weights and lifting them while I do my aerobics...you think that would work better?
Thanks!

No, that would be just as bad if not then worse!

Keep up the good work water girl.