I am motivated! Please help me stay that way!

Aug 31, 2011

Brittany H.

So, I got extremely motivated to lose weight today. I am 18 and and a size14-16 depending on what brand. I do feel as if I am beautiful, but I want a change. What got motivated was growing my nails out...strange right! But I had been biting my nails every since I could remember and I had tried to stop that habit a million times. A few weeks ago I decided to stop biting them and I haven't since nor do I plan on doing it ever again. So...this made me think that If I could stop biting my nails then I could lose weight.

So to start off my weight loss journey, I am only going to drink water! This is going to be hard for me because I am addicted to diet coke and I know that it's not good for me. Eating healthy is going to be a big problem for me. My parents never buy any healthy food and I do not have a job so my key will be moderation. I do not have a problem with eating healthy at school because my school serves fruit and salad trays. If anyone has any more tips on what to eat please let me know!

As for exercise, I like to do Zumba, Pilates and Im going to start walking everyday or every other day. If anyone has any tips on exercise that would be nice as well!

Hopefully with all of this, I can get down to the 10-12 size range. I will be happy with that, Hopefully I can reach my goal by October because that is when I want to take my Senior pictures! If everyone could help me stay motivated I would enjoy that greatly. 

Aug 31, 2011

Andrea H.

The only person, and the most important person that can motivate you is you. But i can help you, because I am too a 14-16, and I'm struggling like hell. I don't have a lot of self confidence but you just have to look at the bigger picture, there are people who have been 300 pounds and have dropped down to 150. it's hard but it's not impossible. You need a partner. You also need to be stern with yourself but not hard on yourself, don't say stuff like "screw this i only lost a pound" say "damn i lost a pound, I'm gonna aim for another." if you don't think so much about it being 'only' a pound and you tell yourself that you're gonna keep trying, sooner or later that one pound will turn into 10 then 15 then 20.

but for me, I'm muscular so i weigh like 180 or something, and i've leaqrned that you shouldn't focus on weight but more inches. I've learned that weighing yourself often can really throw you off. I mean besides no one is gonna say, "how much do you weigh?" they'll say "wow you look smaller" even if you weigh the same but lost inchesl.

it's funny because i have self image issues and am extremely hard on myself, and my motivators are my mom dad stepmom and sister. they have told me all of these things i'm telling you. i want you to know that i'm here and we can struggle together, because at the end of the day i know what it's like to need someone to struggle with and tell your issues to. i've longed for that too.

Aug 31, 2011

Andrea H.

by the way, zumba is great. it helps to keep your abs tucked and tight, and really use your hips. when you shake your booty remember it's in your legs not your butt. I live in a home with a central american and they can DANCE their ass off so just some tips. feel free to contact me :)

Aug 31, 2011

Brittany H.

Thank you so much the help :D Weight has been an issue for me since 5th grade, I know that I am never going to be below a size 10 because I have really big hips, another problem is that I am really short, im only 5''1 1/2. This time loosing weight is very different to me because I have several reasons why and they are all things that deal with me like, My senior pictures, and a fresh start for college next year because when I have my mind on my body its hard for me to concentrate on anything else and I want a clear mind for college. I think when you start helping someone else with their body issues it makes dealing with your own easier, so I hope this helped you as well :D 

Sep 1, 2011

Andrea H.

omgosh same. and i'm only 5'0''
yes, so you can post on my profile daily to vent and talk about stuff that you're goin through and i'll do the same

Sep 1, 2011

Antonio Z.

Well I started to loose weight a while ago...
tips and tricks now...
when eating healthy is a great option to eat mean, YES, meat go to starving is not a good plan, I sudgest you if you are gonna eat meat go for chicken best option(becuse of proteins), followd by fish, and turkey.
Try to get this thing with as low oil as you can...
id better no oil, to replace that try if you can, to eat nuts the best ones i think are almonds(still need to get good oils), though after eating some I don't like to keep eating them.
yes, drink lots of water that helps a lot too.
stay away from any kinda yogurts, they only have suger and no healthy stuff in them, but once a while go for it, Moderation is the key and watch what you eat.

Oh this helps a lot check out the site http://www.myfitnesspal.com
I'll put the exercises I started with too, from youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BjWLaGqEAg&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=SPA423AB626146609E

If this helps tell me, or if you got any questions just shout it.
Hope is helpful

Sep 1, 2011

Brittany H.

Yea, I am very limited with healthy options! hopefully when I go to college next year and i am out on my own I will be able to give myself more options. And Andrea, I will most def. be letting you know my progress! 

Sep 2, 2011

Hannah M.

Zumba is great exercise! And I know exactly how you feel I am 15 almost 16 and wear about the same size. In order to stay motivated I am probably going to do vlogs on my beauty channel talking about my weight loss journey starting in the near future (link if your interested- http://www.youtube.com/user/misshannahmaggie?feature=mhee) The first one will probably come in a week or so. Drinking water will be a major thing to do for weight loss. I used to be addicted to soda and would never drink water but drinking 6-8 glasses a day has really been helping me. I know it's hard, because I used to hate water...unless it was bottled (weird i know) but I recently bought a huge water bobble (one of the things with a filter in it) and drinking water has become easier. I originally stopped drinking pop altogether for about 2 weeks and went through major caffeine withdrawal. I now drink it about 3 or 4 times a week. Just with certain meals (I drink diet too) But other than that I really try to drink water. I also go to the grocery store with my mom and pick out healthy foods for me to eat rather than just eat the unhealthy stuff my mom would normally buy. I also eat snacks and such but moderation is key. Or go for healthier snacks. So yeah, changing the way you eat and starting to exercise is always hard, I've fallen off the wagon many times before. But motivaiton is key, and talking to people can help you keep motivated. Your post has me more motivated in a way. haha. So yeah if you ever want someone to talk to I'm here!

Sep 2, 2011

Angela W.

Good for you! It's so amazing to read about a girl who is determined to lose weight for the right reasons... the right way!! You've inspired ME!! I've always struggled with weight and have to eat smart and workout very regularly to keep myself healthy and fit looking. It's been an even bigger struggle lately... but every time I think about giving up and eating the entire box of mac and cheese I remember how good it feels to be able to run that mile at the gym without walking, button my jeans without having to suck it in, and feel good about myself when I catch a glimpse in a reflection.

Much like yourself, there aren't always super healthy options available to me. I just remember that it's all about math in the end- what goes in must be burned off! It requires 3,000 calories to be burned in order to lose 1 pound. So next time maybe just reach for one cookie instead of two... or have both! but then be prepared to run an extra mile at the gym or around your neighborhood. And one trick that really works for me is this: When I want to snack I ask myself "Am I hungry or just bored/upset/whatever." I drink a glass of water and then 15 minutes later I ask myself if I still want to eat whatever I thought I did. And most of the time, I don't anymore!

YOU CAN DO IT!!... You ARE beautiful, just the way you are, but I don't think it could ever be a bad thing to try to be more active or be healthy about the foods you fuel your body with.

Sep 3, 2011

Meg B.

ok, i'm on the path of wellness as well. I've been reading a lot about how to lose weight the healthy way.

Food: don't starve yourself. eat five times a day, YES, FIVE TIMES. in small portions of course so that you are energized the whole day and don't end up binge eating during the night when you have less opportunity to burn those calories. Eat fruits and veggies for fiber, you'll need it. Eat 0.5 to 1.0 gram of protein per pound of your weight, meaning if you are 120 lbs, eat about 60-120 grams of protein per day, spread them out as you wish. focus on lean meat, chicken or turkey (without the skin), fish, and soya. protein takes longer time to digest which means more calories are burned while digesting. also, protein is necessary to build muscles, muscle-building burns more calories. Remember, you should take in less calories than you use up. Also, keep yourself hydrated. often times we think we are hungry when in fact our body is just asking for liquids. if you feel hungry, drink water. if after that the hunger is still there, snack on nuts or dried fruits if you have a sweet tooth.

They are right to say that you should NOT focus on your weight, but on your size, throw away your scale and replace it with a tape measure. remember that muscles are heavier than fat, a pound of muscle is much smaller in volume than a pound of fat.

Exercise: i do yoga, and I walk. i play badminton too, and a little strength-training. I do yoga because i want to develop long lean muscle, not the bulky kind. I walk because I read from Dr. Oz that walking 30-minutes a day, no excuses, helps to slim your waistline, and that is a great thing to reduce heart-related illnesses. I play badminton as my cardio workout, and i do strength training for toning my muscles. I normally use my body-weight for that, like push ups, planks, crunches, leg raises, and squat jumps. also, look up plyometrics and HIIT (high intensity interval training) on YouTube. my favorite to watch on there for fitness is ToneItUp and Tara Stiles for Yoga.

For Motivation: I watch The Biggest Loser. I mean, if they can do it, why can't I?

Sorry if my post was too long, but that's what I try to do for myself.

Sep 3, 2011

Brittany H.

Thanks so much to all of you. I am glad that my post makes you feel good because all of your comments make me feel good as well. So far I am doing well with everything besides the temptation of diet soda. Hopefully I will be able to work on that! I have also taken some of your techniques especially with exercise :D  

Sep 4, 2011

Kim D.

YAY!! Good on you!! I lost 60 pounds a few years ago. I have only gained 10 max from then...I think what helped me the most was starting slow and setting realistic goals. I knew I was out of shape so there was no way I was going to succeed even running for two blocks lol so I started doing short walks everyday, then longer ones, then faster ones, still not jogging that just isn't for me! hahaha then I got into yoga, dancing etc. I really had to force myself to get out after a long day to exercise, it really took my all but after a couple weeks I got in a routine and I really started feeling better with myself not to mention my mind was more clear and less stressed.

As far as food, I cut most carbs and refined sugars. I would still eat brown rice pasta though. Portion control is huge, and eating many small snacks every couple hours to keep your metabolism going is huge. I would have one cheat day a week but would keep my eating that day still in moderation. Maybe mention to your parents what you are wanting to do for yourself and to help you by buying healthier food..non processed food are really great....

Don't give up and remember don't be to hard on yourself ;)

Sep 4, 2011

Rachael Y.

I work in a doctors office and I am in Nursing School. I am also a thyroid cancer survivor. If you know anything about your body and its metabolism, then you know that your thyroid controls alot of it. Without a thyroid it is very hard to keep weight off. After I had my thyroid removed, I packed on a quick 30 lbs in a matter on 2 months. It took me a while to finally get up and start working out and stop eating all the crap. When I finally did, I was taking 2-3 FIBER PILLS (you can get them at a GNC) about 20 minutes before I ate with a whole glass of water. That helps curve your appetite and not eat as much. When I started to lose weight and I started to feel like me again, I started doing pilates (and I love it). I am back down to my normal weight.

When it came to my actual diet, this is what I was told to do from a few different doctors: CUT OUT ALL CARBS (bread and pasta)... you cant even eat whole wheat. NO CARBS. 6-8 oz. of poultry daily, unlimited salad with low fat/fat free dressing, 2-3 servings of fruit (daily)... minus grapes. NO GRAPES. unlimited amount of veggies. You will need to research which veggies are better for you, same with fruit. I have a whole list that I was given.

Good luck with it all. The only other thing I have to say is dont deprive yourself. If you are craving chocolate... have some. But not alot. I saw with myself, that if I deprived myself of the food I really wanted... then I ate that much more when it was in front of my face. I will normally treat myself to dessert 2-3 times a week (but not alot). I will have 1/2 of piece of cake, or just 1 scoop of ice-cream.

Sep 4, 2011

Ellen E.

Just to add my 2 cents, on the soda issue: I feel your pain. I've tried to give up soda soooo many times. A good substitute is seltzer water. They sell some at Target, but your grocery store might be better. Just make sure you're aware that not all seltzers are created equal, some have aspartame in them, so you want to find the ones that are only carbonated water and flavoring. La Croix is a national brand and so is Polar seltzer. Both of these have a couple flavors that are good. You get the bubbly of soda, without calories and chemicals, yay!

Good luck! And remember to stay positive, even if you slip up! And don't forget to reward yourself periodically with a bit of chocolate or something else. Also, the new sugar-free candies that are everywhere don't actually taste that bad, so having a bag of them on hand might be a great way to reward yourself :)