Need to get in shape

Jamie1010 · September 2009

I have been somewhat heavy since I was a young girl. I seem to lose weight and then just gain it right back again over time. I will be honest, I weigh about 170-175 and am about 5'3". I'm not sure what the ideal healthy weight for my size is, but I was hoping to get down to at least 140-145 by my wedding day which will probably be next summer. Is this possible? I seem to be on the right track and then I have a depressing/stressful day and overeat and then I get mad at myself for screwing up. So, then for a few days I will not care about what I eat. For the most part, I do eat healthy. I eat a lot of wheat and lowfat foods. I work a lot though(2 jobs) and don't sleep well so I end up just grabbing unhealthy snacks too often sometimes because I don't feel like cooking a real meal and sometimes just because I don't have time. Plus when I am overtired I seem to feel like eating more and eating things that aren't as good for me. I rarely have time for breakfast so I usually just eat a granola bar on the run. I try to go for walks as often as possible. I also want to tone up my arms and shoulders so that I can wear a strapless dress. I am wondering if anyone has any advise, tips, etc. to help me out. It would be much appreciated!

bbyckes · September 2009

Jamie, you're asking for advice and tips to help you out in your efforts to lose weight. You've penned your problems, analyze them - and then correct or modify the behavior. You eat unhealthy snacks, okay - opt to substitute healthier ones. You don't cook because you're tired - okay, start by prepping a couple a meals a day or two in advance, so it will take the same amount of time to cook as it would to go through a drive-thru. You eat when you're "overtired" - again, swap out some other snacks - invest in some 100 calorie pack snacks, pickle spears, mozzarella sticks, etc. The biggest hurdle to weight loss are the excuses - stop making them. Substitute some of the time you spend on the couch watching TV, walking or going to the gym. I totally used the excuse "I don't have time" or "I'm too tired" - really, it was about me being lazy. I try to get to the gym at least 4 days a week. Make time, it's worth it.

ValAndRyan · September 2009

I agree with pp.A tip for dinner, I am always on the go as well with DS and sports so I am always using the crockpot for dinners. So quick and easy and a healthy hot meal when we get home. Find the time to workout - even if it 10 minutes.

ValAndRyan · September 2009

I also want to add that you can do this and we're here to help you reach your goal! Your goal weight loss in the time frame you want to do it doesn't seem unreasonable at all.My issue right now is dieting. I eat good but I know I can do better. I just have a huge sweet tooth! Baby steps for me. This week, I am cutting out a glass of wine a night and only having it for two nights.

Asheia · September 2009

To help control the emotional eating. Drink lots of water so you feel fuller. Anytime you get emotional see what types of foods you go for and try to find lower calorie substitutes or non food substitute all together. Emotional eating is really hard to over come but in the long run will save you a lot of trouble down the road.

beatsbroken · September 2009

You can do this!!! So far I have lost about 15lbs in my goal to weight loss. It's mostly just little changes that can add up to a big change. My tips:The crockpot!!! Saves so much time, makes delicious meals! I love making turkey meat balls in marina sauce with whole wheat pasta. It takes about 5 minutes prep time, cooks all day and is ready for me when i get home! And clean up is usually a breeze b/c you can buy crockpot liners that you just throw in the trash afterwards!My other suggestion - substitute! I don't use red meat anymore - when i make meatballs or tacos i use ground turkey meat. Instead of white bread or regular pasta, I use whole wheat bread or whole wheat pasta. Instead of regular soda, i drink diet. Drinks are where it can make a big difference, there are soo many calories in juice/soda. And i know i drink like a fish so I was drinking about 1000 calories without even realizing!Another tip, don't allow yourself to have unhealthy food in your house. If it's not there, you are more unlikely to eat it. So when you have cravings for snacks you wont be tempted to eat crap if you only have fruit or veggies around. My final tip - do little exercises during commercial breaks. When i watch tv with my guy we usually will toss a medecin ball back and forth during commercial breaks or i will stretch, do situps, or some yoga moves. Helps make the commercials go by faster and you'll be less likely to go to the kitchen and grab food.And of course - exercise regularly! The key to weight loss is getting regular exercise, not exercising big 3 days a week and then being lazy the other 4. Even if it just means walking 10mins, that will make a big difference! Also, trying doing some light weight lifting. That helps raise your metabolic rate so you'll still burn calories even after you're done working out.I hope these tips help..I only have 15 more lbs before i reach my weight loss goal and it hasn't been that difficult! So i know you can do it too!

beatsbroken · September 2009

One more thing - my freezer is stocked with Lean Cuisine meals so when I am too tired to cook and I can still have a healthy meal!

Jamie1010 · September 2009

Beatsbroken- thank you for all the tips. I already eat ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lot of things like tacos, hamburger helper, chop suey, and most anything else that I would use ground beef in. I eat mostly wheat bread if I have bread and I eat mostly whole wheat/grain pasta. I really don't watch all that much tv except when we are going to bed. I bring a lean cuisine meal to work for my lunches everyday. They are actully pretty good and taste good for frozen food.I will definitely have to try the crockpot meals sometime. I never cook in a crockpot... just never tried I guess. My fiance is a very picky eater. Any recipes that you can reccomend?I try to take walks as much as I can, but sometimes I don't get to go as much as I would like to. I should try lifting some weight sometimes. That would probably help get my arms in shape too.I just don't know what else I can do.

Need to get in shape

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