Advice for a Beginner?

[user934]

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to the forum, so I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong place.
I have a few basic questions, but before that I'll give you my "specs".

Age: 17
Height: 6'4
Weight: 240lbs

Basically my goal is to lose weight. I don't necessarily have a target goal or anything, I just know I'm too heavy, and I wanna come down. (Just to be clear, this isn't muscle, I'm definitely out of shape.) I've been researching online, and all these "lose weight FAST" type things just seem fishy to me. I'm willing to cut things that I eat, and do whatever exercises that are necessary, I just want to be sure that I'm not wasting my time with "fad diets" that don't actually work. I have a treadmill at home, and I also have a dog, so if jogging will be of use to me, I can probably do that in the mornings.
I've also heard that cutting all sugar from your diet is a good thing, and also some other stuff about carbs?

I'm totally lost at the moment, so if anyone could recommend a certain diet to me, or give me some guidance in this process, it would be much appreciated!

 

[user934]

Thanks. So I guess I'll start by cutting sugar, if that's my most productive bet.

Do they have programs out there that tell you what to eat, and what exercise you should be doing? When I look it up online I seeing stuff along the lines of "LOSE WEIGHT REALLY REALLY FAST" which just seems un-healthy and unrealistic to me...

Also, thanks for the corrections, I figured I had my wording wrong in certain places.

 

[Pinkpanther1]

hi there
another new member here but certainly not a newbie regarding trying to lose weight.
You are certainly right with sticking clear of all fads and stuff saying they are miracle cures: these dont exist
I would start by taking a really good look at what your normal diet includes and trying to cut out all unecessary sugars and carbs.
Running around with your dog is certainly a great idea and your dog will love you for it too
If you really want scientific help then a couple of visits to a good dietician could also help you get started in the right direction. You dont necessarily need to go back regularly but will give you a good idea of what to avoid if you are totally clueless

 

[user934]

hi there
another new member here but certainly not a newbie regarding trying to lose weight.
You are certainly right with sticking clear of all fads and stuff saying they are miracle cures: these dont exist
I would start by taking a really good look at what your normal diet includes and trying to cut out all unecessary sugars and carbs.
Running around with your dog is certainly a great idea and your dog will love you for it too
If you really want scientific help then a couple of visits to a good dietician could also help you get started in the right direction. You dont necessarily need to go back regularly but will give you a good idea of what to avoid if you are totally clueless

Thanks for the info! Are there any trusted "online dietitians" I could make use of? I have a decently busy schedule as of recently and don't think I'd have time to make an appointment with one.