Looking for some ideas...

[Briarprincess]

Hey everyone. I've been around this forum before, but haven't been back since I went off my diet a few months ago. I was wondering if anyone would be able to give me some good ideas about how to lose weight in a healthy way. Some info that's important: 5'4, close to 200 and I'm only 19, not to mention a stress-eater. As a sophomore Elementary Education/Psych double major and Special Education minor in college, there's a lot of stress in my life, so I've gained back everything I worked so hard to lose. I go to Curves 2-3 times a week depending on course load. Other than climbing stairs at school, walking about a mile from the parking lot to my classes, I haven't found much else that helps.
I have the motivation to lose weight (hopefully getting engaged within the next 6 months ), but don't know how to go about it. I'm an EXTREMELY picky eater- no beef other than ground, no seafood of any kind, few few grains and other limitations. If anyone has any ideas of how I can lose weight, I'd really appreciate any help you guys can give! TIA!!

 

[DisneyGirl]

Hi Briarprincess!! You sound a little like me-- I am also a stress eater, about the same height (and weight)-- I gained weight in undergrad, lost it all when I graduated, and gained it back in law school (and am trying to lose it again )

The thing that works for me is weight watchers-- I don't go to the meetings, though, because I just can't relate to any of the other people who go there, so I do the online program. The reason it works is that you can eat whatever you want-- there are no restrictions (so you don't HAVE to eat seafood, and if you don't want to eat any meat but ground meat, you don't have to). It focuses on healthy eating and portion control. I've found that if you follow the program, you definitely lose weight, and get healthy. I never did it while I was in college, but I know there are a lot of people who do, and the versatility even allows you to go out on weekends and have a drink it you want to!

I also work out *a lot*. I've never been a curves member, but from what I understand from others, it's a circuit training program (which I have done, as a supplement to other workouts). I also understand that there really is a point where you kind of hit your limit as far as what Curves can do for you. If you can, I would suggest trying some different activities-- do you have a gym at your college?? I love exercise classes like step and cardio kickboxing because it's a scheduled workout, and there are other people that keep you motivated throughout the workout. I also worked my way up to be able to run a bit! I know it's hard to get motivated to work out (my favorite excuse was that I didn't have time because I had to study)-- if you do work out, in the long run, you actually end up with more time since it reduces your stress, you aren't as tired, and as a result, you can use your time more efficiently (I even taught myself to read on a treadmill, so I could bring stuff to study with me).

Good luck, and keep us updated!

 

[Jane E.]

Welcome to the Wishboards, Briarprincess! Congrats on deciding to get into shape. Whatever program you choose make sure its something that you can live with. When you exercise select an activity that you enjoy. Do you like to walk, ride bikes, swim, do workout videos? I've been able to try several workout dvds free from the library - Ross also has them reasonably prices & I've also picked up some used ones at Goodwill. Walk Away the Pounds, The Firm & Yoga dvds are some of the programs I've tried.

For eating there have been times I've relied on Lean Cusines & Smart One's frozen foods. The thing I like is that I can see exactly how many calories/fat grams I've eaten because its listed on the package. If you can find dinners you like that may help with your busy schedule.

THese boards have been an enormous help to me. Reading about other Dissers food plans & exercise programs always motivates me. Be sure to post & sign up for some challenges. You can do this!

 

[Briarprincess]

Thanks to both of you! I love going to Curves when I can because a friend and I always go together so there's always someone to talk to. Since I live at home, I don't get on to campus much other than for class, and despite there being a new rec center on campus, it's always over-crowded and I have friends who have to wait 20-30 minutes to get on to ANY machine. We have a treadmill at home (that I actually asked for) but we put it away for the holidays because of space issues. My boyfriend has offered to join me on walks when he's home since he's gained weight since starting school. Curves has started offering a 6-week nutrition class that I'm going to look into, but I've already spoken with my mother (who's paying for any weight loss costs since she wants me to be healthy) that if Weight Watchers has food I'll eat, we can try it for a while. The issue with sports is that I have a recurring knee injury when I stress it too much without a break every hour or so. If I walk Magic Kingdom starting at about 10am, pacing myself, I need ice on it by the 3 o'clock parade if we don't plan the day right. So even though I used to play soccer, I need to take it easy on certain sports.
Thanks for the ideas, I'll look into Weight Watchers tonight! And hopefully we can get the treadmill back in the house before too long. If I find the time this week, hopefully I can print out some menus from Disney and tell my boyfriend were we're allowed to eat in March