Ready to do this right, but need major HELP!

[ajcarloz]

I'm not new to this site, but I took a break and had some major life changes...

I graduated college last May, broke up with a boyfriend of 3 years, got a job as a middle school teacher (talk about STRESS) and moved all the way from connecticut/boston to New Orleans! While all that was going on I managed to gain back all the weight I had worked so hard to lose last year.

So here I am...totally uncomfortable in my own body and ready to do something about it but I know I need help and I need people to hold me accountable and push me along. I'm so lazy these days...I used to love the gym

I know it's going to be really hard to find the time and energy since I am a first year teacher, but I also know I really have no choice. I am so unhappy with the weight I have put on.

I want to lose 2 lbs a week at least...I am joining a gym in new orleans next week and plan to start with 3 days a week of at least 45 min cardio and weights. I am going to write down everything I eat in my journal on here and try to stay within 1500 calories.

Last I stepped on the scale I weighed 176. I am 22 years old and 5' 7". My goal is (and has been since I was about 15) 140 lbs!

If you would like a weight loss buddy or are a great motivator let's stick together! I need all the help I can get!

Thanks for reading!

 

[KaraCooks]

Hi and welcome.

Here are my suggestions for getting started.

The first thing I'd suggest is registering for a free account on FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal or Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, Food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate and starting to log your food. This will let you see how many calories you're eating and how your nutrition levels are breaking down. Once you know that, you'll be able to see more clearly where you can make adjustments, cut back, change your nutrition, etc.

The next thing I'd suggest is checking out the various sticky posts in the exercise area of the forum (Weight Loss Through Exercise - Weight Loss Forum). There are some very good posts on exercise, both cardio/aerobic and on incorporating weight lifting into your exercise plans.

I'd also suggest starting a diary in the weight loss diary area (Weight Loss Diary - Weight Loss Forum) as well as reading and participating in other diaries. This is a good way to make updates to your progress and to get support from others. It helps to find the diaries of people who have successfully lost weight (or are losing weight) and reading through them as well. Following the diaries of those who have been successful is both inspiring and informative.

Finally, I'd say you should read as much as you can of the posts on the board, especially anything that's marked "sticky". There is a ton of good information around here and a lot of times questions that new folks have has already been answered very thoroughly - so do take the time to look around and read.

Hope that helps you to get started.