Thread: way over weight, I'm going to do this this time!

Good for you Hannah! Happy to hear you're starting a new healthier lifestyle.

Just be wary of "dieting" First, "diet" implies and can create a mindset that it isn't permanent. If you want to lose weight, keep it off, and have a healthy body - this is going to be a lifestyle change that you stick with for the REST of your life. Second, most diets out there aren't very healthy (thinking diet shakes and bars, or those drink detox things, etc). You can eat plenty of food, nourish your body with the fuel it needs to be a fat burning machine, and (best of all in my book) never be hungry - if you're eating the right kinds of foods. Think tons of fresh produce (veggies specifically, 2 or 3 servings or fruit), whole grains, lean proteins.. this is key to being healthy in general, not just a healthy weight.

Also, as you go along your weight loss plan (eating healthy and exercise), try not to be too consumed with the #'s on the scale. The scale can deceive us and discourage us when it doesn't say what we want. Menstrual cycles, changes in fat and muscle, illness, etc can all cause our weight to fluctuate, sometimes pretty drastically. That can cause a sense of failure and ultimately giving up. Better option - keep tabs on how loose your clothes are fitting, get measuring tape and measure yourself once a month, and take notice of your increased energy and stamina in daily activities. These things will show you that you're making progress better than any scale can!

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on your plan and how you're doing as you work through it! I've been on a weight loss plan since June myself, and let me tell you the first few weeks are the hardest I've learned (as you're changing all your old habits, fighting cravings, dealing with sore muscles from exercise, etc).. but if you get through it you're well on your way!