Time to take control...

[kris8503]

Hello! I am new here and wanted to just introduce myself. I am ready to take control of my life back. Unfortunately, I have to take control back FROM myself. I am 24 years old, and I weigh over 350 pounds. I am here for support. I am here for tips. I am here for a way to document my journey.

I live in Montana, which is great! I can't wait until I lose weight and can be more active. Some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen are within a 2 hour drive from where I live. I don't get to see them very often right now - I hate being out of my house unless I absolutely have to. That is a huge goal for me. I want to hike in the mountains and take in the beauty of it all.

The plan is to get myself going to the gym and become active. I work in a call center right now, so for most of my 8 hour work day I am behind a computer. Not very conducive to being active. I am also going to cut back on portions and track food intake. I am currently seeing a nutritionist and have a lot of support from the people I see everyday.

This doesn't seem like a lot for me right now. It just feels like I need to be doing more. One of my biggest obstacles in this journey is to learn how to do baby steps and not over do it. I tend to give up if I over do it.

Good luck to everyone else - I am sure we will talk soon!
Kris

 

[KaraCooks]

Hi Kris and welcome.

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.

 

[slimbride2b]

Hi Kris, just wanted to say good luck to a fellow newcomer. I Just joined yesterday.

Montana sounds beautiful. The mountains must be such an inspiration, and right on your doorstep. I attempted mountain hiking last year, and it was such a disaster, I had to stop every few steps because my lungs felt like they would burst. Maybe I'll try it again once I'm closer to my goal.

 

[Chicagofm]

Hi Kris

Chris, what you posted took a lot of courage. It's not easy to admit our flaws. There was a time when I was very much over weight. What made it worse was I have a twin brother who has always been thin.

The best advice I can give you for weight loss has a lot to do with what you mentioned-the gym! The key is consistency. No matter what happens, make going to the gym a big part of your life. Schedule your gym time just like you would work, school or anything else. On days when you are tired, go anyway. You might not see results over night, but in time, they will come. If you work hard, stay focused, and never forget how you are feeling today, it won't be that hard to keep going. I wish you the best of luck!

Also, try drinking some Green Tea and lots of fruits. The fiber from the fruit will help you digest food, and the green tea actually boosts your metabolism.

Hope this helps!

Georgio

 

[Verobc1]

I wanted to wish you good luck, but really luck as nothing to do with loosing weight. Instead I will wish that you feel inspired by the success story you read and learn from the less successful ones and that you reach your goal. What helps me is making mini goals that help me get to the ultimat big goal. My goal is to loose 2 lb a week and 8 a month so that by my Birthday in August I will have lost around 60lb wich is my ultimate goals. Take it one day at the time and once you start feeling the results it gets easier. Also you have to understant that loosing the weight is only half the battle keeping it off is important. In my experience diets work when you want to loose weight but if you go back to your former habits after you lost you won't maintain you have to make a change iin your lifestyle! I am a receptionist wich is basically the same as working in a call center I sit beside a phone and pc all 8 hour of my work day, I try to go out and walk on my lunch hour but in the winter I find it too cold!