Completely new to this all and scared. Update!

[BabyPiglet]

I have never really dieted in my life, but I seriously need to lose 58 pounds. On June 1st I will be throwing out all my junkfood, high calorie/fat food in my house and starting from fresh. I was so incredibly pumped about this until I started looking for new recipes, and realized I had no idea what I was doing.

I've never counted calories or paid attention to them at all! I have no idea about the basics even. I've spent all day researching this and still really have no clue.

I've decided I should probably start on some sort of plan, at least at first. What are the best?

I'm actually scared now! I need all the tips you can share, please!

 

[50sjayne]

You should join the biggest loser summer thread and or/Diva'a thread. Somewhere you will be held accountable and encouraged every week. Set mini non food goals and rewards--that helps me a lot-for example I have found movies really motivate me if I really want to see a movie when it opens I have to have lost at least a pound that week. And I stick to it.

 

[estherhead]

Welcome to weight loss! It's a daunting challenge, but you can do it. As for cooking, just be prepared to have some failures. When I started WeightWatchers 7 years ago we threw away quite a few dinners as I had to learn to cook over again, without starting with a ton of olive oil or butter. But now I'm back to being an excellent cook and no one even knows they are eating healthy.

Sparkpeople is a pretty good place to learn about calories. And it is important to count them. Keeping a food journal is one of the most successful ways to lose weight. But if I could give some advice it would be to not get sidetracked by all the info that is out there. It will confuse you & clutter your efforts. Focus on the basics. Eating less calories & spending more calories by moving more. Also, try not to go crazy and starve yourself and only eat chicken and salad. If you have 58 lbs to lose you need to be in this for the long haul, and that means eating a huge variety of fruits & veggies & proteins & calcium. Your statement that you are starting from fresh is good. Fresh foods are best. And summer is the perfect time to start.

This board is super supportive and I'm sure they will have lots to say. I've lost 40 lbs & kept it off for 7 years. I've never felt healthier and happier and will never go back to my old habits. You can do this!

 

[pjlla]

One of the first and most important things that you need to wrap your brain around is that this will be a LIFESTYLE change! If you are not ready to make a change, you will not succeed. You need to be ready to make the right choices for the LONG HAUL! I know it can sound overwhelming and daunting, but it will get (somewhat) easier as you go along. I have been on Weight Watchers for almost 18 months straight now.... just a lifetime left! (And believe me, this is far from my first attempt at weight loss!). I just keep reminding myself that this is not a "quick fix" or a temporary "diet". This is a lifestyle change to healthier, lower calorie eating and increased exercise. I know that in order to lose the weight and KEEP IT OFF that I need to keep doing this THE REST OF MY LIFE!!

Since you are unfamiliar with ANY weight loss plans, maybe you would do best on a system like Weight Watchers, where there are folks to help you out. I know that there are also many online programs that are available (some for free).

Start with the basics and work from there.... eating less and burning more. That is the key. Good luck.....................P

 

[ohMom]

to WISH!!

why wait until June 1st? you have chosen to transform your eating into a healthy lifestyle......what are you willing to do right away? I think small changes are a great way to baby step into a new healthy lifestyle. i.e. decide to drink 64 oz of water each day...when that becomes natural and routine pick another habit to make/change/eliminate. small steps still get you there


be careful of overwhelming yourself into frustration..for me it does not work to go cold turkey and start an eating plan, i had to search and find a way that I do not feel restricted, make sense? others thrive on the black and white laid out plans


great advice already given....just wanted to welcome you!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome to WISH!

You can do this. The advice offered here is what you need. I'd like to add too that you don't think of this in terms of the "D" word. Find ways to make this new lifestyle fun and enjoy learning about new things. Set goals that you can achieve. Make them small and enjoy the fun of success!

Let us know how you are doing.

 

[::Snow_White::]

I agree with the above posts. I'd suggest writing your goals down and looking at them daily, maybe invest in a few good exercise videos and just stay motivated. I know you can do it Jenny, and I wish you the best of luck!

 

[JoanneNC]

1st off GRATS for reaching this decision...

I also wonder why wait another 6+ days. Nothing like the present....

WW helped me lose 50+ lbs and I found it very easy to follow and very flexible. Water will be a critical component as well as daily exercise.. Walking is a great starting place. I recommend setting smaller goals.. 58lbs can be a daunting goal to concentrate on losing 10% - Also realize that when you slip some and eat something you didn't plan on or you skip an exercise day - don't beat yourself up - just get right back on..

I just started my 21st week following Weight Watchers and I lost 20lbs .. It has been a very slow loss and very frustrating at times, but I stuck with it and will continue while I lose another 10lbs. I took up running and will do my 1st 1/2 marathon at Disney in January so anything is possible when you want it for the right reasons....

Good Luck

 

[BabyPiglet]

Update!

For those who were wondering, I wanted to wait til June 1st so I could get prepared, find the best way to eat healthy, find the best cardio to do, etc.

I started on June 1st with just old fashioned calorie counting. I'm doing 1200 right now, but that's because I haven't really started exercising yet. I'm taking the stairs, parking in the back and walking up, walking in place while doing the dishes, etc.

And guess what? I've lost 5 pounds! I went from 177 to 172 in a week! I know it's just the water weight coming off, but it is still super exciting.

I got a lot of advice from this board, so thank you all. I'm excited at the prospect of feeling healthier and lighter and going shopping for smaller clothes. I think this 5 pounds was an amazing start, as it will definitely keep me in my place.

 

[illuminationsfanatic]

Congratulations on the 5 pound weight loss!!!!! Keep up the great work. I'm sure that loss will help to keep you motivated.

 

[luvsJack]

Baby Piglet, I started on June 1st too. I joined Weight Watchers that day. Congrats on the 5lb weight loss! That's a great start. And it sounds like you are on a sensible program and getting a good start to exercising too.

I weigh in tomorrow and am hoping for a loss (any amount would be great!)

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I'm happy to hear that you are being successful in your healthier lifestyle choices. Great job!