Hey everyone!
I registered for this forum a few days ago, have had a look around, and have now decided to make my first post.
I'm a 20 year old female.
Current Weight: 168
Goal Weight by July 29th: 145
I was so shocked when I stepped on the scale about a week ago and saw 170 lbs. I used to be an athlete, and since stopping competitive rugby and hockey and being in Uni I guess I sort of let my weight go.
11 weeks to lose 23 lbs seems reasonable to me. My brother and I are doing this together with a weigh-in every monday morning. I haven't been in the 140's in a while, and I'd be happy to see them again!! I know July 29th seems like a random date, but it's the day I leave Canada to travel Europe, see some old friends, and live six months in Ireland.
I recently went back to the gym, and have gotten back in decent cardio shape fairly quickly. I like some variety to what I do, and realistically I make it to the gym 5 days a week. When I go, I do mostly cardio. Typical for me would be 25 mins of interval training (5 mins at 6.0 mph, then 1 min at 8.5, repeat 4 times). Then hop on the bike to cool down, go for another 20 minute steady run, then 10-20 mins on elliptical. I have no set routine really, I just mix up the cardio. I used to go for endurance - running as long as I could till I felt I would pass out (40-45 mins at 5.8 mph), but after joining this form, interval training seems to be what most people prefer. Am I right in assuming that?
I throw in some exercises, squats, lunges, and random weights when I can. I was a goalie so I'm used to doing a lot of leg exercises.
As for diet, it's obviously hard. I don't mind eating well, but I don't have a lot of time to prepare anything. To count calories I feel like I basically have to buy everything prepackaged so I have definite calorie counts. I haven't written down calories ever (mainly because I work full time and am in university, so I've never tried to find the time), but I think it's about time I do that. I have a lot of lean cuisines/smart ones, and lots of different snacks (granola bars and fruit). I think I need to add more fruit and vegetables to my diet, anyone know a site or reference good for determining the calories in say, a number of baby carrots or pieces of broccoli?
Also, mainly because I'm 20, I don't cook. Many people are big fans of chicken and lean meats, but I don't even know how to cook a chicken breast. I have a grill I guess I could try tossing it on. Another thing, my mother sometimes makes home cooked meals. This is what has discouraged me from counting calories in the past. When dieting before, I'd just eat very well throughout the day, and take a sensible portion of whatever she made for supper. This could range from spaghetti, goulash, chicken with vegetables and gravy, to whatever. Any tips for watching this?
If I start writing down my calories, I'm going to try to aim for 10 calories per pound. I know 12 is recommended (Steve I read your posts, and I hope you reply to mine
), but I'm ok with going a little lower.
Because my weight isn't THAT high for my frame and muscle (or at least I don't think), I do get a bit discouraged after working out so hard, eating so well, and only losing 2 or 3 lbs in a week. I guess if I keep in mind that 11 weeks X 2.5 lbs a week = 27.5 lbs, I'll be at more than my goal weight by the date I leave Canada.
Anyways, I know this is realllly long but hopefully some of you read it! Hope to get some encouraging words! I can do this, right?
I registered for this forum a few days ago, have had a look around, and have now decided to make my first post.
I'm a 20 year old female.
Current Weight: 168
Goal Weight by July 29th: 145
I was so shocked when I stepped on the scale about a week ago and saw 170 lbs. I used to be an athlete, and since stopping competitive rugby and hockey and being in Uni I guess I sort of let my weight go.
11 weeks to lose 23 lbs seems reasonable to me. My brother and I are doing this together with a weigh-in every monday morning. I haven't been in the 140's in a while, and I'd be happy to see them again!! I know July 29th seems like a random date, but it's the day I leave Canada to travel Europe, see some old friends, and live six months in Ireland.
I recently went back to the gym, and have gotten back in decent cardio shape fairly quickly. I like some variety to what I do, and realistically I make it to the gym 5 days a week. When I go, I do mostly cardio. Typical for me would be 25 mins of interval training (5 mins at 6.0 mph, then 1 min at 8.5, repeat 4 times). Then hop on the bike to cool down, go for another 20 minute steady run, then 10-20 mins on elliptical. I have no set routine really, I just mix up the cardio. I used to go for endurance - running as long as I could till I felt I would pass out (40-45 mins at 5.8 mph), but after joining this form, interval training seems to be what most people prefer. Am I right in assuming that?
I throw in some exercises, squats, lunges, and random weights when I can. I was a goalie so I'm used to doing a lot of leg exercises.
As for diet, it's obviously hard. I don't mind eating well, but I don't have a lot of time to prepare anything. To count calories I feel like I basically have to buy everything prepackaged so I have definite calorie counts. I haven't written down calories ever (mainly because I work full time and am in university, so I've never tried to find the time), but I think it's about time I do that. I have a lot of lean cuisines/smart ones, and lots of different snacks (granola bars and fruit). I think I need to add more fruit and vegetables to my diet, anyone know a site or reference good for determining the calories in say, a number of baby carrots or pieces of broccoli?
Also, mainly because I'm 20, I don't cook. Many people are big fans of chicken and lean meats, but I don't even know how to cook a chicken breast. I have a grill I guess I could try tossing it on. Another thing, my mother sometimes makes home cooked meals. This is what has discouraged me from counting calories in the past. When dieting before, I'd just eat very well throughout the day, and take a sensible portion of whatever she made for supper. This could range from spaghetti, goulash, chicken with vegetables and gravy, to whatever. Any tips for watching this?
If I start writing down my calories, I'm going to try to aim for 10 calories per pound. I know 12 is recommended (Steve I read your posts, and I hope you reply to mine
), but I'm ok with going a little lower. Because my weight isn't THAT high for my frame and muscle (or at least I don't think), I do get a bit discouraged after working out so hard, eating so well, and only losing 2 or 3 lbs in a week. I guess if I keep in mind that 11 weeks X 2.5 lbs a week = 27.5 lbs, I'll be at more than my goal weight by the date I leave Canada.
Anyways, I know this is realllly long but hopefully some of you read it! Hope to get some encouraging words! I can do this, right?
