Hi im a college student looking to lose weight. I'm looking to transform myself a little bit. Kinda like a Carrie Underwood transformation if you know what I mean. I don't have much weight to lose but it seems like the last few pounds are the most difficult. I weigh 115-120 but I carry alot of it in my waist so it may not sound so bad but i'm not happy because like I said I have alot of it in my waist area. So yeah if anyone knows what I'm talking about or feel the same way or are in the same situation give me a holla! If you have any tips I would love to hear them. It's really frustrating I just can't seem to lose these last pounds! I have been running for like a week and a hallf (2.5 miles) and doing some weights and yet i still don't see a difference. I feel like quitting because I feel like I'm wasting my time. What ya'll think? Let me know. Look foward to hearing from ya'll.
Hey there Im a new girl!
- Thread starter nelly2002
- Start date
wishes
Coffee Addict
how tall are you? im guessing on the shorter side if you have fat at that weight lol.
Check what you are eating, also exercise and diet usually have a delayed lagg of a week or three before you notice the weight loss. ie running one week, not the next, then loosing the weight then :O
Check what you are eating, also exercise and diet usually have a delayed lagg of a week or three before you notice the weight loss. ie running one week, not the next, then loosing the weight then :O
Expecting noticeable change in such a short time is crazy. Management of expectations is of utter importance. If your expectations are left unregulated, frustrations will get the best of you.
Losing weight is easy.
However, you don't necessarily need to lose weight at your size. You need to change your body composition = more muscle, less fat. You don't want to become sickly thin.... which is a real possibility if you go about things incorrectly.
The hierarchy of importance as it pertains to you will look something like this:
1. Diet
2. Resistance Training
3. Cardio
With diet, you want to make sure you're getting in plenty of protein. When you don't have much fat to lose and you diet, your body will have the proclivity to 'give up' more muscle than desired. Sure, the scale weight will fall, but you'll be left just a lighter, softer version of your current self. I don't think that's what your after. So adequate protein creates a pool of amino acids in the blood for your body to pull from as needed.... opposed to pulling from existing amino stores (muscle). You'll also want to get in a good bit of healthy fats. Think nuts, natural peanut butter, avocados, fish, fish oil, flax, extra virgin olive oil, etc. This should have come first, but calories are going to be most important. Are you tracking calories? If so, at this stage in the game it's pretty important. You can use something like or . I'd start by setting your cals in the 10-12 per pound range. Again, what comprises those cals (protein, carbs, fats) is critical as well.
With weight training, it's up there in importance for the same reasons that adequate protein is. This is more true than ever for someone in your shoes; that being a female trying to 'tone up' and drop the last few pounds of vanity fat. It sends your body a strong stimulus to maintain muscle while dieting. Remember, diet = calories in < calories out. How should you weight train? I'd focus on something like 3 days per week following a full body routine. Do you have access to a gym? If so, I can provide you with some ideas of what to try.
With cardio, I'd start with 2-3 sessions per week. Doing more probably isn't necessary unless you aren't compliant with your calories. Ya see, cardio, aside from providing a benefit to your cardiorespiratory system, really only serves as a *caloric bank* for your fat loss efforts. The more cardio you do, the more, theoretically you can eat..... as it's all about energy balances. Expend more energy and obviously it creates a bigger cushion (savings account) to use up when eating. However, there's a fine line that must be walked. Too much of anything is bad, especially in your particular situation. I'd start with 2 steady state runs and maybe one tempo/interval run each week. We can discuss that later.
Realize, I'm shooting from the hip here as I don't know much about you beyond what you provided in your original post. Questions, concerns..... let's hear them. Hope this gives you a general idea of what you should be leaning towards in terms of programming.
Losing weight is easy.
However, you don't necessarily need to lose weight at your size. You need to change your body composition = more muscle, less fat. You don't want to become sickly thin.... which is a real possibility if you go about things incorrectly.
The hierarchy of importance as it pertains to you will look something like this:
1. Diet
2. Resistance Training
3. Cardio
With diet, you want to make sure you're getting in plenty of protein. When you don't have much fat to lose and you diet, your body will have the proclivity to 'give up' more muscle than desired. Sure, the scale weight will fall, but you'll be left just a lighter, softer version of your current self. I don't think that's what your after. So adequate protein creates a pool of amino acids in the blood for your body to pull from as needed.... opposed to pulling from existing amino stores (muscle). You'll also want to get in a good bit of healthy fats. Think nuts, natural peanut butter, avocados, fish, fish oil, flax, extra virgin olive oil, etc. This should have come first, but calories are going to be most important. Are you tracking calories? If so, at this stage in the game it's pretty important. You can use something like or . I'd start by setting your cals in the 10-12 per pound range. Again, what comprises those cals (protein, carbs, fats) is critical as well.
With weight training, it's up there in importance for the same reasons that adequate protein is. This is more true than ever for someone in your shoes; that being a female trying to 'tone up' and drop the last few pounds of vanity fat. It sends your body a strong stimulus to maintain muscle while dieting. Remember, diet = calories in < calories out. How should you weight train? I'd focus on something like 3 days per week following a full body routine. Do you have access to a gym? If so, I can provide you with some ideas of what to try.
With cardio, I'd start with 2-3 sessions per week. Doing more probably isn't necessary unless you aren't compliant with your calories. Ya see, cardio, aside from providing a benefit to your cardiorespiratory system, really only serves as a *caloric bank* for your fat loss efforts. The more cardio you do, the more, theoretically you can eat..... as it's all about energy balances. Expend more energy and obviously it creates a bigger cushion (savings account) to use up when eating. However, there's a fine line that must be walked. Too much of anything is bad, especially in your particular situation. I'd start with 2 steady state runs and maybe one tempo/interval run each week. We can discuss that later.
Realize, I'm shooting from the hip here as I don't know much about you beyond what you provided in your original post. Questions, concerns..... let's hear them. Hope this gives you a general idea of what you should be leaning towards in terms of programming.
Thanks for the responses. I have not given up yet. As of lately I have noticed that I am looking a bit leaner, so that has helped increase my motivation to continue on with the exercise. By the way I am short. I am 5’2. I try to run 2.5 miles in 30 min at least 3 times a week and I also lift weights. I am actually starting to enjoy it just a bit. I do have more questions. I am a woman, and naturally I expect my pants to fit me a bit looser but they are not. Right now I am a size 5-7. I think I’m losing the “muffin top” which is great but they are still fitting me tight around the butt and thigh area? I am not known to have a big butt or an hourglass figure. Is this because I am gaining muscle around those areas? In other words I can’t fit into my skinny jeans (size 3) like I have been able to in the past but then again in the past I never weight trained. Is this possible? Or will I eventually drop down in pant size? Is it too soon to tell since its been about 3 weeks. I also have questions about my exercise session. Should I start with weights and then cardio or start with cardio? Does it even make a difference?
I have also been eating more protein. I love munching on special k strawberry protein bars . They are surprisingly filling. I also try to eat egg whites. I wish I could say they taste as great as the bars but I’ve found that they are not so bad with chunky salsa. That’s basically what I eat for breakfast. I don’t really know what to eat for lunch because I am either on campus or at work. I am going to start working more so I going to have to pack something for lunch. Does anyone have any ideas? For dinner I eat lean cuisine or healthy choice. They are good for now but I gotta learn how to make something homeade because pretty soon I am going to grow tired of eating the same thing. Yeah I know they have a lot of varieties but It would be nice if I could make something at home.
Thanks again for helping me achieve a healthy lifestyle change. I still have that nagging belly bulge but I know I must be patient. I have been reading some articles on the internet that say belly bulge is genetic and some people just can’t achieve a toned stomach. This makes me sad and I hope it’s not true ? but I’m going to give it a little more time since I have noticed a slight difference. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
I have also been eating more protein. I love munching on special k strawberry protein bars . They are surprisingly filling. I also try to eat egg whites. I wish I could say they taste as great as the bars but I’ve found that they are not so bad with chunky salsa. That’s basically what I eat for breakfast. I don’t really know what to eat for lunch because I am either on campus or at work. I am going to start working more so I going to have to pack something for lunch. Does anyone have any ideas? For dinner I eat lean cuisine or healthy choice. They are good for now but I gotta learn how to make something homeade because pretty soon I am going to grow tired of eating the same thing. Yeah I know they have a lot of varieties but It would be nice if I could make something at home.
Thanks again for helping me achieve a healthy lifestyle change. I still have that nagging belly bulge but I know I must be patient. I have been reading some articles on the internet that say belly bulge is genetic and some people just can’t achieve a toned stomach. This makes me sad and I hope it’s not true ? but I’m going to give it a little more time since I have noticed a slight difference. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
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Dont give up there is hope
[It sounds like you may need to incorporate some new exercise in your diet plan along with change some of the things your eating to act as a catalyst to getting rid of those extra pounds on ur waist.]Hi im a college student looking to lose weight. I'm looking to transform myself a little bit. Kinda like a Carrie Underwood transformation if you know what I mean. I don't have much weight to lose but it seems like the last few pounds are the most difficult. I weigh 115-120 but I carry alot of it in my waist so it may not sound so bad but i'm not happy because like I said I have alot of it in my waist area. So yeah if anyone knows what I'm talking about or feel the same way or are in the same situation give me a holla! If you have any tips I would love to hear them. It's really frustrating I just can't seem to lose these last pounds! I have been running for like a week and a hallf (2.5 miles) and doing some weights and yet i still don't see a difference. I feel like quitting because I feel like I'm wasting my time. What ya'll think? Let me know. Look foward to hearing from ya'll.[/QUOTE]
[It sounds like you may need to incorporate some new exercise in your diet plan along with change some of the things your eating to act as a catalyst to getting rid of those extra pounds on ur waist.]Hi im a college student looking to lose weight. I'm looking to transform myself a little bit. Kinda like a Carrie Underwood transformation if you know what I mean. I don't have much weight to lose but it seems like the last few pounds are the most difficult. I weigh 115-120 but I carry alot of it in my waist so it may not sound so bad but i'm not happy because like I said I have alot of it in my waist area. So yeah if anyone knows what I'm talking about or feel the same way or are in the same situation give me a holla! If you have any tips I would love to hear them. It's really frustrating I just can't seem to lose these last pounds! I have been running for like a week and a hallf (2.5 miles) and doing some weights and yet i still don't see a difference. I feel like quitting because I feel like I'm wasting my time. What ya'll think? Let me know. Look foward to hearing from ya'll.[/QUOTE]
Try entering our body transformation contest. That should give you some motivation to make goals and finish them - and you may get some prizes too!
I'm back!
Well just wanted to let everyone know that I eventually did reach my ideal size but fell off the wagon quick. I think I started in January and eventually reached my goal in July. I'm not sure if I was consistent in those six months or if I just experimented in those 6 months and finally found the right balance in July. Unfortunately I have forgotten what that balance was. I now have the same problem I had two years ago, small frame, big belly. After looking through some of my diaries I think what worked for me was eating oatmeal in the mornings. Eating oatmeal really fended off my hunger. I also ate more protein. I know I did weight lifting before cardio and my cardio was more incline speed walking than running. My belly was flat for the first time ever but my legs looked muscular which to be honest was not something I preferred. I felt like I had big gymnast legs. Looking back on that now, I'll take that anyday just so that I can have a lean stomach again. I know this works for me, so I'm going to try it again but once I get there I'm gonna stay there this time. I've also started drinking whey protein shakes after workouts now so hopefully that will help. Wish me luck!
Well just wanted to let everyone know that I eventually did reach my ideal size but fell off the wagon quick. I think I started in January and eventually reached my goal in July. I'm not sure if I was consistent in those six months or if I just experimented in those 6 months and finally found the right balance in July. Unfortunately I have forgotten what that balance was. I now have the same problem I had two years ago, small frame, big belly. After looking through some of my diaries I think what worked for me was eating oatmeal in the mornings. Eating oatmeal really fended off my hunger. I also ate more protein. I know I did weight lifting before cardio and my cardio was more incline speed walking than running. My belly was flat for the first time ever but my legs looked muscular which to be honest was not something I preferred. I felt like I had big gymnast legs. Looking back on that now, I'll take that anyday just so that I can have a lean stomach again. I know this works for me, so I'm going to try it again but once I get there I'm gonna stay there this time. I've also started drinking whey protein shakes after workouts now so hopefully that will help. Wish me luck!
Ironwil
New member
weight training helps maintain
Keep going. Maintaining a consistent weight training program will also help you in keeping your body in the shape you want. Weights won't work magic without proper diet, rest and cardio work, but it has a number of positive effects. Firstly, the more lean muscle tissue you have on your body, the easier (generally) it is to stay lean. Muscle burns more calories than fat just by existing, and it also keeps shape better than fat. Watching your diet is a huge step in the right direction. When I say "diet", I'm meaning what you eat on a regular basis, not a short-term deviation from it. How extreme you go with watching what you eat depends on what you expect to get out of it. If you just want to lose that last 5 pounds, fairly mild changes might do it. If you want to look like a beach model, you might have to be more serious. A lot of people miss this one, but get enough sleep when at all possible. Your body won't feel much like exercising when it's fatigued, and the stress from lack of sleep can mess with your system.
Keep going. Maintaining a consistent weight training program will also help you in keeping your body in the shape you want. Weights won't work magic without proper diet, rest and cardio work, but it has a number of positive effects. Firstly, the more lean muscle tissue you have on your body, the easier (generally) it is to stay lean. Muscle burns more calories than fat just by existing, and it also keeps shape better than fat. Watching your diet is a huge step in the right direction. When I say "diet", I'm meaning what you eat on a regular basis, not a short-term deviation from it. How extreme you go with watching what you eat depends on what you expect to get out of it. If you just want to lose that last 5 pounds, fairly mild changes might do it. If you want to look like a beach model, you might have to be more serious. A lot of people miss this one, but get enough sleep when at all possible. Your body won't feel much like exercising when it's fatigued, and the stress from lack of sleep can mess with your system.
Mands
New member
Hi Nelly
Just to wish you gud luck and stay focused and positive. With a great forum like this we should be able to motivate you enough to succeed in your goals.
Im only day 3 in Cohens and it has been difficult. But reading all the posts on this site has really helped me.
Hang in there!
Just to wish you gud luck and stay focused and positive. With a great forum like this we should be able to motivate you enough to succeed in your goals.
Im only day 3 in Cohens and it has been difficult. But reading all the posts on this site has really helped me.
Hang in there!
Ironwil
New member
Day 20 and counting
You said it. I've been on a new and 'improved' diet for 20 days now. I'm not really counting calories, but this is how it goes:
Restricted soda, alcohol or sweets. The sweets part is only occasionally an issue, the alcohol not too bad as I don't drink that much to start with, but the soda has been harsh. I love Mtn Dew, and in 20 days I've had just one.
No hi-fat foods, which means no eating out at Panda Express and such. I know you don't have to cut all of the fat out of your diet to lose fat, and in fact I'm taking those fish-oil pills which are all fat, but I don't eat very much that has much fat.
Don't eat until you're stuffed. By the time your stomach sends your brain the "I'm full" message, you've eaten too much. If you've eaten until you're feeling stuffed, that's even worse. It screws up your digestion, which doesn't sound that bad at first, but here's the deal... When your food doesn't digest correctly, you're not absorbing the nutrients in it correctly either, and a lot ends up stored as fat, since you've eaten more than you needed. I stop eating when I'm still just a little hungry. Also, eating 5-6 smaller meals a day is a good idea. Try not to let your hunger ever really get going. The hunger reflex is telling you that your blood sugar is too low (among other things). Get it too low and you're going to start a roller coaster of highs and lows that isn't good for you. I like to eat healthy snacks through the day. My favorite is fruit. If your office or wherever you work has a fridge, invest in some of those cheap tupperware containers and bring snacks to work with you. Don't pick them up on the way at Circle K. Ick.
For the exercise!!! Don't overdo it, don't underdo it. Was that even a word? Whatever. I used to exercise until I could barely stand, and I noticed that I still ended up breathless when exerting myself. I was training too hard, and it was damaging my system. Now I have a couple days a week that I train hard with weights, but I also have days that I just do some moderate cardio and/or walk my dogs. A fairly quick walking pace will do wonders for losing fat. If you're not exercising now, strongly consider it. I won't tell anyone that they have to do something, but you'll get much faster and better results if you exercise. Don't get a personal trainer at your gym!!! Unless you're a complete beginner, don't do this. If you do need one, express very clearly what your tolerance level is. I've heard of and have been hurt training with personal trainers. They practically live in the gym, and don't always understand that you don't. If you're really confused about how to put together an exercise routine, sign up for a few sessions at most or just ask around a bit. I'll put a post together later today or tomorrow about possible routines for various goals.
You said it. I've been on a new and 'improved' diet for 20 days now. I'm not really counting calories, but this is how it goes:
Restricted soda, alcohol or sweets. The sweets part is only occasionally an issue, the alcohol not too bad as I don't drink that much to start with, but the soda has been harsh. I love Mtn Dew, and in 20 days I've had just one.
No hi-fat foods, which means no eating out at Panda Express and such. I know you don't have to cut all of the fat out of your diet to lose fat, and in fact I'm taking those fish-oil pills which are all fat, but I don't eat very much that has much fat.
Don't eat until you're stuffed. By the time your stomach sends your brain the "I'm full" message, you've eaten too much. If you've eaten until you're feeling stuffed, that's even worse. It screws up your digestion, which doesn't sound that bad at first, but here's the deal... When your food doesn't digest correctly, you're not absorbing the nutrients in it correctly either, and a lot ends up stored as fat, since you've eaten more than you needed. I stop eating when I'm still just a little hungry. Also, eating 5-6 smaller meals a day is a good idea. Try not to let your hunger ever really get going. The hunger reflex is telling you that your blood sugar is too low (among other things). Get it too low and you're going to start a roller coaster of highs and lows that isn't good for you. I like to eat healthy snacks through the day. My favorite is fruit. If your office or wherever you work has a fridge, invest in some of those cheap tupperware containers and bring snacks to work with you. Don't pick them up on the way at Circle K. Ick.
For the exercise!!! Don't overdo it, don't underdo it. Was that even a word? Whatever. I used to exercise until I could barely stand, and I noticed that I still ended up breathless when exerting myself. I was training too hard, and it was damaging my system. Now I have a couple days a week that I train hard with weights, but I also have days that I just do some moderate cardio and/or walk my dogs. A fairly quick walking pace will do wonders for losing fat. If you're not exercising now, strongly consider it. I won't tell anyone that they have to do something, but you'll get much faster and better results if you exercise. Don't get a personal trainer at your gym!!! Unless you're a complete beginner, don't do this. If you do need one, express very clearly what your tolerance level is. I've heard of and have been hurt training with personal trainers. They practically live in the gym, and don't always understand that you don't. If you're really confused about how to put together an exercise routine, sign up for a few sessions at most or just ask around a bit. I'll put a post together later today or tomorrow about possible routines for various goals.