Starting @ 240... Need Help!

[TubbyNoMore]

Hi Everyone! I am starting my journey towards a healthy and happy life! I would like to lose weight gradually. I have done yo-yo dieting in the past few years, my heaviest being where I am now, at 240 I was recently diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and my doctor has suggested for me to lose 30 pounds but of course I would like to lose more over the next year or so. I am having difficulty starting with making dietary modifications, every time I go to the grocery store to buy "healthy food", I feel lost! I did recently join the gym and now just need to build up the courage to go to a public gym! I'm very nervous but I HAVE to do this! I would sincerely appreciate all your help and suggestions! )

 

[Wayne1]

Congratulations for taking the first step. ;p This means you are starting on the road to success! Keep it going.

Do you know that oatmeal is a healthy diet rich in wholegrains that contain dietary fibre that may reduce the risk of heart disease? Oat is 100% wholegrain and is a natural source of dietary fibre, magnesium, sodium and zinc. It has no cholesterol and is low fat.

But many may find that oatmeal is boring. Well, it is true if you do not know how to cook it. Traditionally, people cook oatmeal for breakfast. Have it plain or add stuff like milk, raisins, strawberries or any other fruits to add in the flavor.

But for me, besides breakfast, I have oatmeal for dinner… And I don’t have it plain. Hmmm… wondering how? Never heard before? Well, that’s easy. Here’s one of the recipe – fish soup. You can give it a try.

First, you cut two sticks of corn into say four or more pieces each. If you want to eat the corn as you drink the soup, you can also cut out the corns on four sides. Boil everything together for about ½ to ¾ hour or longer.

Then, you can add sliced fish (can be seasoned with some salt, a bit of corn flour, pepper and sesame oil) into the soup. You can also add one tomato (cut into quarters or six pieces) and also some green vegetables. Taste the soup and adjust the flavoring based on your preference.

And finally, after the soup boils, you can add your oatmeal. It can be 5 spoonfuls or more. This also depends on how much is enough for yourself. Then, let the soup boil. Personally, I do not like the oatmeal to be too soft. So, I boil for only about ½ minute or so. Of course, for those that prefers it to be softer, boil it a little longer. And then, the soup can be served.

Give it a try. It tastes superb! It is nutritious and healthy! And most importantly, this is a weight loss recipe!

You can do the same with different types of soup - corn soup, mushroom soup, seafood soup, spinach soup, cabbage soup etc. Basically soup has lessor oil and fats. So, it is more healthy. Avoid fried and oily stuff, that's a MUST!

Good luck and all the best!

 

[size32someday]

You dont have to be nervous about the gym. I was too at first but then I found out everyone is just doing their own thing. You can go and no one will talk to you or bother you unless you try talking to them. Ive been going for weeks and not a sole has said a word to me. they all just doing their own thing and shooting for their goals just like you. As far as being around a bunch of skinny people what ive found is many of them didnt just start out that way. they have been in the same position as us, they are just further down the path then we are. so try to not let it get to you.

what i usually buy at the grocery store is egg beaters. this is real egg without the yolk. its only 30 calories a serving. wheat bread they have some that are 50 calories a slice compared to most that are 100. all sorts of vegetables. i like the green giant in a box that it steams in the microwave. those keep the most nutrients. i buy alot of fruit for sugar cravings. fresh blue berries instead of cookies. tyson has grilled chicken strips pre cooked. i seperate this bag into 7 servings and put them into plastic baggies. its 100 calories a serving so i throw the chicken on top of a salad. i buy celery, cucumbers, and tomatoes. fresh chicken. i try to cook boneless skinless chicken breast ahead of time and use it for sandwich and meals.

many buy sweet potatoes but i hate those things. stay away from white foods like white bread white rice ect.

beware of salad dressings many are almost 100 calories per tablespoon and can destroy the point of a salad calorie wise. 2 tablespoons of some types of salad dressing equals walking 50 minutes on a treadmill to burn it off.

 

[wevie]

Start by tracking your intake!! There are many websites available to help you do this and many are free. The one I use also has a BlackBerry app so I can update from anywhere!!

After tracking, you will easily see where your problem areas are. Then we can help you devise a healthy plan to work around the problems!

 

[TubbyNoMore]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions and support! I'm excited to work towards my goal!

@ Wayne-I will definitely try the oatmeal idea! It sounds delicious and healthy! I'm a big fan of soup!!

@ Size32someday- Thank you for the motivation! I just have to get in the gym a few times and hopefully I'll be feeling comfortable! Thank you for the grocery shopping ideas! I find myself lost between those "Low-Fat" "Low-Calories" processed foods! I would like to start out with veggies and chicken/seafood. My doctor told me to cut out all rice, bread and pasta which is when I asked her "So what am I going to eat then?!" I'll have to learn though! Thanks again!

@Wevie- Hi! thanks for your suggestion! I downloaded an app for my phone that helps track my weight loss (can't wait to see that line move down!!) and I put together an excel sheet that tracks my weight loss, as well. Hopefully, those numbers will start coming down soon!

 

[feelinfluffy]

Hey!
You should already be proud of yourself! Getting started was the hardest part for me. I was at my heaviest a little over 220..so I know the feeling! And you've got the right idea as far as losing weight gradually. That's the best way to do it.

As far as food intake, I can only recommend what I did for myself..I never deprived myself of anything specific. For example, I never said "no cheese" or "no bread". At this point, just making little changes in your diet will make all the difference in the world. Make sure you pay attention to what you're putting into your body, and, if possible, keep a food journal to keep yourself accountable. I can't remember how many times I didn't eat something because I didn't want to have to add it to my list! Just be honest with yourself, and remember that weight loss is possible!

And as far as being worried about going to the gym, I've been there too. When I first started working out, I was really self conscious. You should find some reassurance in knowing that everyone is there for the same reason. They all want to change something about their bodies and work towards a better self. That's what you're there for too, and no one will judge you!

And last, but not least, I can't stress enough how important it is to make sure that you're doing this for you. It's easy to set goals for yourself that are dependent upon what other people are telling you. It's also easy to get caught up in worrying about what they will think. I think that the reason I always quit "dieting" and never lost the weight was because I didn't really care about changing my body or my lifestyle. Losing weight truly is a lifestyle change. You have to be committed to eating the right things and to exercising (as many times as you've heard that!)

Respect yourself, and respect your body. Weight loss will follow, and you will be so happy with the results!



Sorry for such a long post, but if you need any support, let me know!
You can do it!!

 

[Gigs]

Hi!!!
I saw your post on my thread and figure I can just post my insight on here for ya.

I had started at 240 as well and ALSO have been diagnosed with PCOS. It took me quite a while to actually start up but sometimes you just have to let it hit you hard to make a change.

Everyday you have to tell yourself that you can do this. I know it's really hard at times to believe that but you have to start somewhere. Some days will be harder than others but I believe you can do this. You posted on here and you are gaining insight and it's the best start you have given yourself!!!! =)

So right now I workout 6 days ago. 4 days resistance and all days cardio. I started out with 3 days resistance at first. Since I'm near my end I have to go a bit harder.
Take one day at a time and see how your body feels with everything you do. Don't push too hard in the beginning because then you will wear out and stop for awhile and that will lead to a yo-yo factor. Start slow and you will gain your consistency.

As for eating right, I'm still also working hard on that. Some things that have drastically changed are that I rarely touch any soda (DIET included), I don't do it, once in a blue moon I'll touch fast food but I actually am trying not to do it at all and it's pretty easy not to now, and I pay attention to my salt intake. My sugar has always been pretty low so that wasn't a problem for me.
I also pay attention to my fat intake. Especially with PCOS, you have to watch your fat intake and your salt.

When the loss started happening, the symptoms that come along with PCOS have also drastically decreased and that's a great feeling. I want you to get there and I believe you can totally do this!!!!!