Beginner running routines?

[legz111]

ok so here it is, im a college student who hasn't bothered with looking after his body. ive had an easy summer playing video games and eating junk food and chilling with mates, but now im starting to feel fat and ugly and want to get ripped so bad for next summer.
i hav been doing my research on exercise and healthy eating and hav realised that theres abit more to it than just lifting weights and going out jogging!

so here r my questions for any1 who is in the know about WEIGHT LOSS.

what is the quickest, cheapest and most effective way of shredding the pounds?

i want to work very hard and push my limits everyday i workout, i hear the first few days r the hardest which i expect and i want to see results!!

shud i drink a small cup of coffee with no sugar? i read that caffeine uses ur body fat to use energy which sounds great! but theres got to b down sides to doing this. And wud it b neccasary to push my limits EVERYDAY??

i need better understanding and reassurance that i can get ripped, if not at least slim in 3 months.

peace out guys. i hope some peeps can reply!

 

[KaraCooks]

I'm sorry, but I can't give you the assurance you want. Getting "ripped" is more than just drinking coffee and pushing yourself until it hurts. And "quick" is not the answer here - sustainable and healthy is what you want.

The first thing I'd suggest is registering for a free account on FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal or Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, Food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate and starting to log your food. This will let you see how many calories you're eating and how your nutrition levels are breaking down. Once you know that, you'll be able to see more clearly where you can make adjustments, cut back, change your nutrition, etc.

The next thing I'd suggest is checking out the various sticky posts in the exercise area of the forum (Weight Loss Through Exercise - Weight Loss Forum). There are some very good posts on exercise, both cardio/aerobic and on incorporating weight lifting into your exercise plans.

I'd also suggest starting a diary in the weight loss diary area (Weight Loss Diary - Weight Loss Forum) as well as reading and participating in other diaries. This is a good way to make updates to your progress and to get support from others. It helps to find the diaries of people who have successfully lost weight (or are losing weight) and reading through them as well. Following the diaries of those who have been successful is both inspiring and informative.

Finally, I'd say you should read as much as you can of the posts on the board, especially anything that's marked "sticky". There is a ton of good information around here and a lot of times questions that new folks have has already been answered very thoroughly - so do take the time to look around and read.

Welcome, and good luck.