Newbie :)

[kkbryant]

Hi eveyone My name is Kelly and I am 30 yrs old.

My relationship with food really started about 9 years ago after I seen a photo of myself at New year. I wasnt particulary fat possibly around 9 1/2 - 10 stone, but for me this looked lots and I felt so bad.

I was going to my husbands sisters wedding in the April so I decided I wanted a white trouser suit to look really nice, this is when I started dieting.

At first I would have breakfast, cuppa soup and a tin of fruit for lunch and then tea. I worked over the road from boots so would weigh myself now and again. As I started losing a few pounds I started getting obsessed with the weight machine and was weighing myself everyday. Everytime I ate something I would do 50 sit ups I then started not having breakfast, the only having a cuppa soup for lunch and tea. I was constantly tired, ill and got down to about 8 1/2 stone. I was happy though as I was skinny.

My life with food from then on was counting calories in everything, exercising and just constantley thinking of food and whats good or not.

This continued for years until 2008 when I got pregnant. I always thought it would be hard as I would not want to eat lots but after 2 miscarriages I thought "stuff it" so began eating normal and everyday foods, without worrying. I put on about 2-3 stone, which I was very upset but determined to get it bk off after baby.

Now I am not sure but I think as I had went bk to eating normal and left my motivation in the hospital I have found it very hard to lose weight. I go through spells of hardly eating during the day but then is starving at night and end up eating lots, I cut photos out of mags of fat people and skinny people to motivate me, but I am so tired looking after kids all day as I am a childminder so feel I cant diet but need to cut down portion sizes and try have 3 healthy meals per day, with snacks of fruit and veg and nuts.

I get so motivated at times and think, "yes this is time, I will do it this time" then I muck up again.

So I am going on holiday in May to Tenerife, and I dont want to look fat on the beach and in my photos so I am determined this time, I just need support and encouragement when I feel like giving up so that is the reason I joined something like this. I hope I can do it, I will feel amazing and so proud of myself if I can. xxxxxxxx

I am now about 11 and a half stone and 5 "6. I want to be at least 9 and a half stone so need to lose 2 stone in 3 months???? Tips and advice greatly appreciated xxxx

Kelly xxx

Kelly x

 

[bluebuckeye]

First, welcome to the forum. There are lots of places to go for support and advice on how to lose weight around here. If you see any posts by Steve, pay attention, because he knows what he's talking about. If what I say contradicts something he's said, he's probably right and I'm probably wrong.

Second, three months is not really that long and losing that much weight in that amount of time especially at your size (it's harder to lose weigh the lighter you are) could be difficult. I don't want you to set yourself up for failure. It IS doable, but it honestly would be more work than I would be willing to do. That said, here is what you should do.

First, find out how many calories you need in a day. A calculator like this will help: . It gives you calories for caloric intake in order to maintain, and lose. For two pounds (just less than 1kg) a week a week (which will put you right at about 24 lbs, 2 stone, lost in 12 weeks) you will have to eat 7000 calories less than maintenance per week, or 1000 calories less per day. (1 lb of fat is 3500 calories.)

Second, find foods you love that are low calorie. Stuff that's naturally low in sugar and fat will be lower calorie. That said, fat makes you feel sated so make sure to get enough of that. If you like to cook check out Cooking Light (the website and the magazine). You'll get some great low calorie stuff there. If you don't? Then honestly it'll be easier. Buying prepared foods that already have the calories on the containers make calorie counting very easy. Watch out for foods that are high in sodium though. Make sure to get enough protein and fiber. Also, give up sugary drinks (juice included) drink lots of water. It's good for you and helps you feel full.

Third, track what you eat. Fitday, Loseit, Sparkpeople, and Livestrong are all great resources to track your calories. But you have to be vigilant and track everything you eat, otherwise your numbers will be off.

Fourth, exercise at least three times a week, but don't go crazy. 30 minutes to an hour three times a week should be enough. Don't focus just on cardio, as muscle burns more calories and building muscle helps increase your metabolic rate.

There are lots of other tips and tricks that other people have (brushing their teeth when they're hungry so they don't eat, not keeping food they like to munch on in the house, packing their lunch) but you have to find what works for you.

Lastly, do not be discouraged if you do not meet your goal. Weight is just a number, and it does not define who you are. Your family loves you regardless of your size. Weight loss is not a short term thing, it's truly a lifestyle change. So if you make that change, and are happy with it, and are losing that should be the most important thing. You can totally do this.

 

[kkbryant]

Thank you so much for all your advice I really appeciate it and I guess it is quite a lot to lose in a short time. I realy just want to lose some weight as I want to try for a baby after May, but I do not want to put on more weight on top of what I already am, so would like to lose some to start again. I was 9 stone so even if I could lose a stone and be 10 stone, then after having another baby I can change my habits for the long term and lose the baby weight sensibly yeah?? xxx