Getting back into a fitness routine/health eating (less that 5 months till wedding!)

hordol

Hello! I've enjoyed looking through a lot of the posts on this board for inspiration but I have a few questions. (Sorry if this is really long!)

I used to be very fit--I've run a couple marathons and have done some triathlons, too. I've dabbled in weight training here and there but never very consistently. After my second marathon this past June, I injured myself and kind of gave up working out regularly (I don't think I had taken more than a few days off at a time for over 4 years.) I was mentally burned out and took a much needed break until December.

However, I haven't been able to get back into working out. I'm definitely done with distance running---it's done nothing but spike my appetite and make me gain weight (after my second marathon I was up 10 lbs from my pre-marathon days and for the 5 months or so I gave up exercise I actually dropped 5-6 lbs of it.)

In December, i rejoined a gym and started working out 3x a week, weightlifting 2 of those days. I do one day a week upper body and 1 day lower. 1 day is usually just cardio (HIIT on the treadmill mostly.) After I lift weights, I also do 20 minutes of cardio, usually some sort of walk/run intervals.

My eating needs some work. I have heavy breakfasts 2-3x a week (2 eggs, 2 pieces bacon, and a piece of toast) and then a lighter breakfast 2-3x a week (greek yogurt with a piece of fruit and granola bar). Lunches are leftovers from dinner the night before and dinners are usually meat, carb, veggies (like tonight was chicken breast, baked potato with some sour cream and cheese, and green beans.) So not terrible....I estimate my calories to be around 1800-2200 per day (I don't snack much but usually end the day with something sweet.)

I have my wedding dress and I fit into it so I'm not looking for a major transformation, but I wouldn't mind losing 5lbs or so in order for it to be a bit more comfortable (it's a little tight.) I'd also like to look a little better in a swim suit come the honeymoon. I'm having a hard time coming up with a fitness routine/diet that produces some results so I'm looking for input.

I need something reasonable that allows indulgences because i find that they more I try to restrict/control what I eat, the worse I actually do with all of this. What are some things that you find work for you?

Lobsters25

Welcome and congrats on your upcoming wedding and on all of your past work and accomplishments - super impressive and you have a lot to be proud of!

We're all about balance an room for indulgences here!, so don't worry, no one is about to suggest fasting or anything.

You said you estimate your calories, but do you actually track them?  If not, that could be a huge help in the right direction.

Everyone here has great workout suggestions - and if you're looking for a structured weight routine, some even have great plans that you could use.  Are you looking specifically for workout routines, or for more guidance in terms of machines to use, or what?  I personally use p90x, and vary my cardio activites by whatever I'm in the mood to do.

Sometimes its a little slow on here in the evening, so make sure to join in on the accountability thread tomorrow (many of us check in each week day, and sometimes on weekends) and just jump right on in - you'll find tons of help and support there, and everyone is so awesome.

firsttimersluck

Welcome and congrats! 

As far as a work out routine goes, while you're in the beginning stages, I suggest group X classes. They will keep you motivated and you don't have to think much; you just have to get your butt in the door. 

I also think that picking up a Shape, Fitness, or Men's Health magazine could be a great starting point. Whenever I get stuck in a rut, I'll grab one and do their work out plan for the month. THey usually keep a good balance of lifting to cardio and hit all the major muscle groups. 

Of course we all stress food logging here. It's just a great wake up call to what we are putting in our bodies, and how well we're balancing the fat/carb/protein ratio. 

If you have anything actually specific you're looking for, please feel free to go into more detail, but that's my general advice  

Hi and welcome! Hope you stick around! 

Tell us about your wedding! Colors? Picture of the gown? We like to AW here!  

joheryl

Welcome!  I defintely recommend like PP to track your food.  I find to lose those last 5 or 10 lb I have to eat less empty calories.  My Fitness Pal will track your carbs, fats, proteins, sodium as well which is good for monitoring the kinds of foods you are eating.

5 months is plenty of time to get where you want to be.  My wedding is in 2.5 months and I am trying to lose a little weight around my midsection to avoid having to let my dress out.

hordol

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your encouragement and support! I used to track calories religiously but I don't anymore because it kind of made me obsessive, although I have a good idea of what a serving size is and what the calories are for most foods because of those years I spent doing that. However it has been awhile so I think it would be good for me to track for awhile just to make sure I haven't been eating a ton of empty calories. I'm looking for some great weight lifting workoutswhat I'm doing now is ok but it might not be intense enough. I'll definitely have to start using the accountability thread!