I apologize for the long post..

Hi everyone,

My name is Jess and I am eighteen years old. My current weight is about 190 to 195. This is the heaviest I have ever been my whole life. When I was younger I was never "the thin one". That changed when I was in about 5th grade. I started purging and restricting around that time and I stayed at around 100-110 pounds all the way to 8th grade when I got an ulcer in my throat and was diagnosed Bulimic with anorexic tendencies then hospitalized. Through high school I rarely thought about my weight (or what I was eating for that matter.)
Now that I am graduated I have started to notice my weight again and it is killing me. I don’t have a large frame (I'm 5'3") and the nearly 200 pounds I’m lugging around is straining my knees, ankles, and back.
My goal is to get to around 135-140 by January 2008. And I want to lose the weight the right way. My plan is to keep my calorie intake at around 1300-1400 and work out 5 days a week for a min of 2 hours per day. I absolutely love elliptical machines and stationary bikes so I think I am going to stick with those until my body gets used to working out again. Also I don't want to put too much strain on my knees and ankles right off the bat by jogging on treadmills, running outside ect...
I have a few questions about everything. What are some easier to reach weight goals I can make in between now and January? Does my calorie intake/workout seem right or should I change some things? Lastly, has anyone taken Xyence XCBF or Xelerate? My brother told me to use them together and see how they work for me because they worked wonders for him. But he is into lifting so I'm not sure if they will have the same effect for me.
Thank you guys and sorry about such a long Introduction post...

-Jess
 
So I have been thinking and There are three main areas that I am wanting to target most. My stomach, arms and thighs. I want the areas to be toned and lean. Anyone have any suggestions on the types of food I should be eating and exersises I should be doing to work on these areas? Also, I noticed in a lot of the threads Whey protein is mentioned.. Is that just used for bulking?
thanks
 
Welcome to the forum - I've found a mix of cardio (yes, I started out on the elliptical as well) and strength training (full body workout 3x a week, no you won't bulk up) have been very helpful in losing weight, especially since you can't spot reduce fat. I'd also suggest giving yourself a performance goal as your primary goal, so that it will help put your nutrition into the context of "what can I eat to help me improve my abilities?" vs. "what should I not eat to help me lose weight". You've probably experienced it yourself where your body will slow down its metabolism as you cut down the number of calories you take in.

I think protein's important because it helps to (re)build muscle. If you're talking about using it as a post workout drink, I think the idea is that it will help protect the muscles so that the body doesn't break them down to use for energy.

You might also want to consider posting a diary so to log your progress. Hope this helps.
 
Thank You bunches Stingo! What kind of strength training should I do? I live on an air force base and I have access to the fitness center for free. At the gym there are weight machines and free weights. How are they different(besides the machine part) and which is the best to use? Im going to start at the gym on sunday because it has been closed for July 4th events and other base things. Lately I have just been walking my two dogs (a black lab/golden retriever puppy and a beagle) for an hour and a half to two hours a day. Also, I have very poor sleep habits. I know this effects my fitness level. Is there really anything to help my sleep pattern?
thanks again
 
I think free weights are better than machines for most people because they don't restrict your range of motion and therefore you work more muscles. Think about the chest press machine - you move your hands through that straight line, and that's it. As opposed to a bench press where you not only are pushing up and down, you have to stabilize the weights left to right. Does the fitness center you have access to have a trainer? If so, he/she might be able to set up a program for you, and show you proper form/how to use the equipment. Also, you might want to see your doctor before starting on your program just to be sure, as well as check on your sleeping habits/issues (insomnia?).
 
Thank You. yeh I have an appointment on the 10th for a yearly check up thing so i will mention it. And yes I actually can get a personal trainer for free on base.
 
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