Hey everyone! I'm Kara and I just started my healthy eating and exercise plan a few months ago. I'm 5'7, 25 years old, and my starting weight was 296.5. According to my dietician, I was eating approximately 2750 calories per day to maintain the weight of 296.5. Under my dietician's supervision (I see her every 4 weeks), I am eating a maximum of 1600 calories per day (i've gone over only 3 times). I have to have at least 2 servings of fruit and 4 servings of vegetables every day. Also, any breads or cereals I eat need to be whole grain. My main dishes (meats, cheeses, etc.) must be no more than 5grams of fat per serving. I am allowed to go over this amount occasionally. Any side items (crackers, snacks, side items) must be no more than 6gram of sugar per serving. Also, I shouldn't eat things with more than 10% sodium. It sounds really strict, but it's actually very easy to stick to. I eat 3 meals and 1 snack every day and never go more than 4-5 hours without eating. With just a change in my diet and walking, playing frisbee, and playing football I've lost 23.5 pounds. I find this eating plan very easy to stick to AND I'm not hungry. I always feel satisfied. I've had some people on this board who believe my calories are too low. Is this true?

Also, I'm just starting an exercise routine but I'm not sure what I should be doing! Should I do cardio 5 days a week and weight train for 3? I've thought about getting a personal trainer to help me out.

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I am not an expert, but I did read your post carefully.

It sounds like you have a lot of weight to lose, which makes it okay for you to reduce calories safely to 1600 cals (this is what I have gleaned from reading other posts on similar questions.)

Also, it sounds from your post that this is working for you to lose weight and you are comfortable with your eating plan - that, to me, is half the battle. You are creating a new healthy lifestyle rather than just dieting. That is a good thing!

As to exercize I will let the experts chime in. But I would recommend starting with something light, that you enjoy, and are already doing - just amp it up a little. For example, if you are playing frisbee, can you make it more challenging? Have you tried course frisbee (which is kind of like golf)? That way you are moving between points while playing frisbee. Just add some "exertion" to what you are already doing. In my case, it started with barn chores - I tried to amp them up by doing more than my share, and then added regular exercize to my day once I was comfortable with that.

It sounds like you are on the right track!

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Started eating healthier March 7, 2007.

thanks so much! I'm defanitely starting slow with the exercise thing instead of jumping into it full force all at once and burning out easily. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill yesterday and then a pilates class (which i already enjoy doing). I live in florida, so jogging on the beach, frisbee, and going for hikes are all things i could do for exercise. i appreciate the support....you made me feel better! My doctor says that as long as this is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE (which it completely is) and as long as I am getting the proper nutrition and i'm losing weight, that it's obviously working!

i even tried taking daily vitamins, but they were making me sick. so my doctor told me that i probably didn't need them...that's why they make me sick! so i'm doing very good! (and i've dropped a pant size!)


I STILL NEED MORE ADVICE ON EXERCISE ROUTINE. I want to lose fat and gain muscle...and get really lean in order to prevent loose, saggy skin. I've been obese my entire life! I weighed 90 pounds in first grade....so i've always been fat! ya'll could really help a southern girl out!

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