Looking for weight loss support and motivation

[ABugge]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Amber. I am 21 and have been trying to lose weight for a little while now. When I moved to the south from Virginia I gained alot of weight. I have always struggled with my size but never been this unhappy with my appearance. I am not very self motivation and I am about 50 lbs away from my goal weight. I need some push sometimes and seeing other people's stats and success really drives me. I would love some more friends to swap stories, tips, and recipes. All in all, I just want people who will help motivate me and others who share a similar weight loss dream.

[SunsetRunner]

Hiya Amber!!! 

Good news, you got this!!!

2 parts to the equation...first is getting moving with some exercise..what is your current routine?  Fitbit is great at challenging you to compete and beat your friends.  once you get moving though, need add in some other exercises to tone up.  I can help you there too!

The other part of the equation is what you're eating.  Many here count calories, but not all calories are equal.  Small steps like ditching processed foods (open box, add water...eat..kinds of things) and from me you'll get lots of suggestions for adding veg, veg and more veg to your meals.  Relatively easy to 'healthy up' whatever your normal foods are.  Most of us (me included) weren't raised with best nutritional models....but easy to work on!

Oh...forgot to ask where you're from in VA? I'm originally a NoVA (Dulles airport area) transplant to Colorado.

[Oya]

Southern/midwest cooking not the most healthiest but boy its yummy.  🙂  I am trying to lose at least 50 lbs myself if not a bit more.  I am from Indiana but moved to ca and then moved back to indiana.  when I moved back I gained weight.  But now I am back in CA and trying to lose it again.  

By your picture you are a cute young lady and I am sorry you are not feeling it.  Start using that fitbit and slowly but surely you will lose everything.  Check out FI.IT.com it makes it a game and get yourself some friends on here.  Before I got it and started I too lacked motivation big time.  Now I am out getting as many steps as I can.  I even started to workout besides.  You got this.  

[SunsetRunner]

California......#jealous!!!

[TCG]

You didn't state where in the south you moved, I live in Florida and the summer is the hardest time for me because of the heat. I don't want to exercise in the heat of the day so I go early in the morning to do my walking or ride a bike. Now in the Fall is the best time to be outside. I have had the Fitbit for 3 months and it helps me not only keep track of my activities, it lets me know how bad I slept. Getting a good nights sleep is crucial in helping manage weight loss, also keeping track of what you eat. If you have an I-phone download the My Fitness Pal app and it will help you see what you are eating and if it's high in protein, fat or carbs. It was just updated to show how much of each you are taking in. When you start an exercise plan don't get shocked if you don't drop weight right away, at first you will be trading fat for muscle. For every pound of fat you lose you will gain a pound of muscle and the scale will not change but your body will. I'm 59 and I have been working with a trainer for 6 months, I lost 16 lbs but the biggest change has been my clothes I am now in things that are 2 sizes smaller than when I started. I also completed my first bike-a-thon and Sunday. When I'm not at the gym I'm either walking or riding my bike. Most people say they can't afford a gym membership or trainer, I got the least expensive membership I could find and I can afford my trainer because I am saving a bunch by not buying junk food or eating out at fast food places. You would be surprise at how much you save a month. Congratulations on your new journey.

[ABugge]

Thank you! 

I do yoga on Monday. Zumba every Tuesday and twice on Thrusday back to back. I also go to a aqua kickboxing class once every month. I have a bum knee so I have been trying to find something to do that doesn't hurt it as much. Like I said I am not very self motivated so doing things that don;t make me feel like Im working out but rather just having a good time is a plus. That is why I like Zumba because it is such an amazing workout but you are having so much fun while doing it.

I try to eat as healthy as possible. I have just started weight watchers so I am hoping that will help me control what I eat and to see what I need to possible cut out of my diet. My main issue is when I am at work because there is always unhealthy food around. Constantly they are having potlucks and free treats being handed out. Not to meantion the bake sales. I justy have a hard time with sweets. I have the biggest sweet tooth.

No Way! I loved NOVA. I am from around the Woodbridge & Manassas area. Grew up there my whole life moved down to West Florida at the end of 2012.

[ABugge]

@Oya
Thanks! You got this too. It may seem hard but we can do it! We have to believe that we can.

@TCG
I live in West Florida so I understand the heat thing. It is hard to get out when its so hot and the beach and pools are swarming with people. I really like doing activities that are upbeat and fun. That way I don't really feel like I am excersising but I am getting a crazy workout in. Congrats on your 1st bike-a-thon. I need to invest in a bike cause I could do that in the morning before work. I am running my 1st 5k this weekend for the Color Run.