On the way to after

rarazt · #1 (**permalink**) March 11th, 2008, 05:00 PM

Hello everyone,
I've fluctuated between 205 and 240 for my adult life. I've been healthy, but haven't "looked" fit. I am now going to apply myself to the goal of getting in really good shape. This site seems to be a good place for motivation and encouragement. I am going to start p90x this week. If anyone else is on it, or completed it, I would appreciate some tips. I did a few workouts from it and was extremely sore. I enjoyed it, however.
Also, my 15 year old nephew is living with me and has the same extreme weight problem I had in high school (I lost 60 lbs). I'm wondering if anyone has any motivational tips I could use with him without sounding like I'm putting him down.
Thanks for reading.

funshine · #2 (**permalink**) March 11th, 2008, 08:11 PM

Welcome!

Congrats on losing the 60lbs and wanting to continue with improving your health...that's great!

Your nephew - has he shown a desire to lose weight/get healthy?? or is this something that your trying to approach him with?

I know for me I was heavy when I was younger and to be honest my parents never took the time to talk to me about it, encourage me to do anything about, etc.
If he doesn't seem concerned about it but you are - just talk to him about how important it is to be healthy. Just start by suggesting you two go out and do some kind of sports or activity - something that might not seem too physical at first just to get him interested. It's not good to make a child feel insecure however a little tough love will save him a lot of heartache and struggles later on.
And I'm assuming that you buy the food in the household - start incorporating in some healthier options for him to choose from to help him realize that good tasting food doesn't necessarily have to be junk food.

RJAZ520 · #3 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2008, 11:53 AM

Good luck on your journey!

in regards to your nephew i so wish someone would have just laid it down for me... spared the nice dont want to hurt your feelings BS and broke me down. If i would have known then what i would have known now it would have been so much different. I can admit that maybe its best comin from someone else other than family, maybe someone else who has fought the battle and wish they could have had an earlier start.

leshric · #4 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2008, 12:04 PM

Just from my experience (being overweight in high school and being told about how I could and should change) teens for the most part don't have a long-term outlook. Only once in a while you will have an exceptional teen that can see the big picture. Teens and many college students very much live in the moment. Whether it's with school work, weight loss, partying, whatever.

Now, with that in mind, that's not to say that you don't have an influence. Do what you can, by offering healthy options, encouraging physical activity, and talking about the challenges you face because of the choices you've made, but ultimately he's got to make the choice to change.

rarazt · #5 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2008, 05:56 PM

Thanks for all the advice. My plan is to set an example for him and keep clean food in the house.