Where to start: Weight loss is simple math -calories in and calories out. Start tracking. First figure out your caloric intake (you can google caloric intake and it will give you some great websites to figure this out). Once you have that figure it is all a matter of keeping track. This will be a VITAL key in your weight loss. There are DOZENS of ways to help you track. There are free calorie counting websites (caloriecount.com, sparkpeople.com, livestrong.com, fitnesspal.com etc.) most of which have free apps as well. I love sparkpeople.com--I use their app on a daily basis. Each of these websites has a huge data base of nutritional information, as well as support groups, fitness challenges and a recipe data base. Basically they are chuck full ofgreat information.
Support: Whether you think you need it or not you need support. Tell your family you are trying to lose weight if they care about you and your happiness they will support your decision and try to be helpful. Clear a shelf in the pantry & refrigerator and keep JUST your stuff on it. You have to take some control of your environment.
Exercise: Working out for 3-5 days a week for thirty minutes is great…if you are trying to maintain your weight. If you are trying to LOSE weight (and you don’t have any injuries and have been cleared by a doctor to work out) you should be working out at least 5 days a week for 30-45 mins a day. Of course it will be hard at first but once your body adapts you will feel great. Ever seen the Biggest Loser-those people have a little bit more than 15 pounds to lose and they are still pushing it. You can do it too. Strength training is probably the fastest way to lose weight. I always recommend Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred. This DVD is great! It is a contains 3- 25 minute workouts. Starting with a more basic workout and building up to harder workouts. She has MANY other wonderful DVDs but I would start there. Remember though variety is key. Run one day, then do strength training the next, yoga the next, etc. Remember when you are working out you need to fuel your body properly. Eat BEFORE & AFTER working out or else your body with burn muscle instead of fat. Eliminate soda and stick to water.
Motivation: This is the tricky part. You have to motivate yourself. Sure someone or something may be your motivation for a month or even several months but it won’t last. YOU have to find something in yourself that makes you want to be healthy, want to work out, want to eat better. Until you find that something you can lose the weight but you will eventually gain it back.
Do you have any other advice?
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