Hi guys, My name is Kate im 19, I joined this forum today, pretty much seeking some support. The last few weeks have really put things into perspective for me. Its not just about wanting to lose weight anymore, its the need to lose it. My little brother asked me the other day, why are you so fat? I was devestated at the time had a cry and got over it. But the thing that has scared me to death is, my cousin had a heart attack a few days ago, he has only recently turned 21, the doctors say it has a lot to do with his weight. So I have decided that I am going to do something about it and stick to it. I have tried various times in the past and failed. But I am willing to give this a fair crack, put 110% in!

Sorry to hear about your cousin. But It's great that you are wanting to do this for yourself and that's always the first time - doing something for the right reasons, your reasons.

I am currently trying to lose weight and get back to my 50kgs. I've invested in the program called winsor pilates. I just bought the kit of the web and have been doing it for two weeks now along and have started seeing my body tone up.

I have always started watching what I eat. E.g. no soft drinks, limited junk food and low carb meals.

I love rice and pasta and that was the biggest problem for me, I could never control myself so I have learned to cut back my portion size or go without. I have got a few recipes with low carb ideas such as salads, vegs, soups etc.

Don't start out too high and set yourself up to fail. Start by writing down everything you eat for a week and than assess what you have to take out from your diet. Start eating healthy foods and introduce regular exercise such as walking, slow jogging or swimming. Start with 20mins a day and than work your way up. Slow is the best way to go. What kind of exercise do you think you would enjoy? Don't do anything you won't enjoy. You have to like it.

I keep a book where I write down what workouts I do everyday and than what I eat. I exercise right before bed (not sure if that's the best time) and after 30mins, I have a shower and am so tired that I fall off to bed.

Dear Kipa,
I too am sorry to hear about your cousin. Your so young honey and that is definitely in your favor. That young energy is one big step in helping you to achieve your goal !
I've lost nearly 120 pounds and did it with a blend of South Beach Diet and The Sugar Busters. I weighed 260 pounds about 7 years ago and lost 100 pounds in about 6 months and succeeded in keeping it off until in 2006 I had a doctor botch a bunion surgery that resulted in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy that is an incurable central nervous system disorder that consists of constant pain that can if it wants to, go full body. Meds I was on for that caused me to gain weight (about 45 pounds). I was in a wheelchair for nearly a year then had a spinal cord stimulator put in and that was a blessing. I got off the meds , out of the wheelchair and lost that weight and continued to lose additional weight that I had wanted to lose.
You have the perfect mind set to achieve your goal and that is
"determination". Stick with that and don't just diet, be sure to excercise whether it be power walking or joining a gym or doing your own routine a home but do something. Diet and excercise go hand in hand and the excerciise will help you to lose at a faster rate and boost your determination when you see the scale on a downward trend. Don't beat yourself when you go into plateau's as they happen. Don't beat yourself if you slip up and eat something that you shouldn't just get back on track. Drink enough water, avoid eating after 7 pm , "kitchen closed !" Buy yourself an outfit that doesn't fit you now (a realistic smaller size) and hang it where you can see it at all times and know that you "will" get into that outfit.
Don't let anyone discourage you or break your heart with words.
It's your life and you have the power to change it. Anyone who has never had an issue with weight has no idea how hard it is to lose and how easy it is to gain. They think it is a simple matter of just not eating so much and it is so much more than that.
You can do it !! All the best to you, just keep your chin up and keep picturing the new you !! You've already made the most important decision now it's just a matter of self disipline and never say "diet", it's a healthy life style change.

Hugs of Luck to you,
Juniee

TRY THIS!!!!
Here are some basic guidelines to follow if you want to burn fat:
1. DIET
Eat 4-6 small meals per day that consists of the right portions of good protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
Avoid high glycemic "bad" carbs as much as possible.

Sample Meal:

BREAKFAST
1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese & 1/2 cup pineapples =or= 2 hardboiled eggwhites with 1 apple or grapes.

MID-MORNING SNACKS:
2-3 slices of turkey or chicken (whitemeat) & 2 slices of swiss cheese

LUNCH:
1 grilled chicken breast, or salmon fillet on a salad with lots of fresh veggies, =or= 2 cups steamed =or= stirfry green veggies =or= a salad with tuna (fresh or canned) or chicken on it with any olive oil vinegratte dressing.

MID-AFTERNOON SNACK:
1 Low fat Yogurt (any flavor)

DINNER:
6 OZ GRILLED CHICKEN OR FISH OR LEAN PORK LOIN USE NO SALT ADDED SEASONINGS OR MARINATED ONLY.....with 1 small plain baked potato =or= 1/2 cup brown rice

REASON: This will help to keep you from getting too hungry, will reduce your overall calories, and will keep your blood sugar regulated.

2. EXERCISE
Do interval training instead of long "same speed" cardio routines
Add lean muscle mass by doing total body strength training sessions 2-3 times per week. Do not just use the strength training machines at the gym.
REASON: To burn calories and increase your metabolism.Good luck and remember that persistence pays off

REWARD FOR DOING A GOOD JOB EACH WEEK:
YOU CAN HAVE ONE(1) CHEAT MEAL A WEEK....EAT WHATEVER YOU LIKE. THEN BACK TO YOUR ROUTINE.....REMEMBER THERE IS NO SHORT CUT OF LOSING WEIGHT......EXERCISE 2-3 TIMES A WEEK IS A MUST...NO EXCEPTION.

AGAIN GOOD LUCK!!

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