A story. (Sorry for long post)

[FutureSlim]

Hi everyone.
I'm a 19 year old female from England.
I'm 5'5" and I weight 187 Ibs.

A couple of years ago.. I lost around 40 Ibs in about 3 months. I'm not sure how I did it but I remember I just used to eat 2 sandwiches a day. One at 7am, and one at 7pm. and that was pretty much it. I was very busy at college and food didn't seem that much of an issue anymore and I just ate when I was hungry and when I had time.

Soo.. fast forward a bit.. and lets just say I gained it ALL back.. and more.

I can't make excuses but I relapsed with my depression. I think that contributed a lot to it because I had to leave college and I was tried on several different medications which made me gain weight, and I just didn't care anymore.

So now I'm still at home, I have severe anxiety and I rarely step out the door. So obviously exercise doesn't come easily.

I've decided to try and turn my life around now, I've come off the medications and I want to lose some weight to try and gain back some of the confidence I had.

A couple of months ago, I completely changed my diet. I included fresh fruit, veg, cereals, etc.. and in over a week, I gained 7 lbs! I don't know why. or how. but instead of discouraging me, it made me more determined. Then I tried Atkins for a few days.. yeah I did lose around 5 Ibs but I did feel very, very deprived and I just can't go without certain foods forever.

So now.. I'm including foods that I love into my diet (toast, ham, mayo), but I've cut out everything like chocolate, biscuits, all sugary stuff. I'm drinking more water and green tea aswel.
I even have one of those stepper things, and I've started off at 20 mins a day because I am quite unfit.

I really, really hope I can do it this time. I don't mind if progress is slow.. as long as it's there. I'm so worried though, because of previous failed attempts..

Thanks soo much for reading this far and I appreciate any comments, tips, advice or anything. Have a nice day. x

 

[CrunkChipmunk]

You know you don't have to give up your favorite foods.

The key to longterm weight loss is eating what you want but controlling the portions so you stay within a calorie range that is right for you that will allow you to lose weight.

So basically a combination of eating what you love, just less of what you love and cardio exercise of some sort be it 30 minutes to an hour a day will lose you weight.

As for the depression I know that can be hard. I've seen family members go through it and experienced some of it myself. Its something you can't just bounce out of and be happy and energized. Sometimes ya need professional help and even then it can still be difficult to overcome.

All I can tell you is we're all here for you fighting your same battle.

Don't give up and also when you get time look at some of Steve's posts on various things.

He's given great advice for beginners to serious dieting.

Ironman's topic in Before and After is also something you should definitely check out.

Its quite possibly the most inspiring thing I've ever seen on any forum.