New here! Any helpful hints to keep motivated?

[sugarface]

I'm brand new here. I looked up "weight loss inspiration" on Google and this site came up! Seeing all the REAL LIFE stories are so motivating so I decided I HAD to join.

So... I'm 18 years old and 5'0" and recently gained a lot of weight (a death in the family, loss of a friendship, AND college classes led to stress eating). I'm about 164 lbs now, and I need to get in shape because I want to be able to keep up with my friends! My weight loss goal is to get down to 114 lbs so my BMI is considered healthy.

I've been watching what I eat (not a diet per se, just healthier living) and I just recently started exercising again. I can only do about 15-20 minutes cardio (with 2 minute breaks here and there) and 20 minutes strength training, but I often exercise twice a day or do 5-10 minute mini-workouts in between workouts. Will this show results?

Any great exercises that worked for you? What kept you motivated?

Also, I have intense sugar and salt cravings (i.e. ice cream and baked potato chips) and need to learn to kick those to the curb! Any helpful tips on that?

 

[Omega]

Well done for making changes in order to make your dreams come true. Welcome to the forum.

I think that most people would benefit from wearing a pedometer all day long every day. Exercise does not have to be done at a gym to be effective. Simply becoming more active in every day life does bring noticeable results.

I love to eat sweet things too. I swear by sugar free jelly (I believe that you call it jello). It is really easy to make up a pint of the stuff and let it chill in the fridge (so you have to work a day ahead of your requirements) - but it is lovely and sweet and next to no calories.

I also find that sugar free gum or sweets can help.

I also have quite a lot of fruit.