Okay, I've been looking on here for ages, and I thought I'd finally post because I think It'll help me start/document my journey.

From the age of about 7/8 I was a chubby kid, not overly so, but enough for kids my age to make fun of me. I look back now and wish it hadn't of got to me because now I realize that I wasn't actually that big. Anyway, from the age of about 14 I've been gradually putting on weight properly, with the occasional loss here and there followed by putting it all back on plus more. For me I eat when I'm bored, I don't have that cut of point, I never tell myself "no, you've had enough." I got to the point where I didn't care, I wanted to eat all these unhealthy foods so I would, add not exercising and boom I'm overweight and it's seriously starting to have a negative affect on me. At the moment I'm the heaviest I've ever been, 177 pounds and I'm about 5.7.

I've always been quite shy but a big reason why I lack confidence is how I look, I dreaded seeing relatives the other day because of my weight gain. Also, I'm a young woman, 20, and I see so many clothes that I want to wear but know that I wouldn't look good in them because of my weight.

So, as of two days ago, I decided that I'm gonna lose this weight once and for all, I'm not gonna try, I'm going to do it. I must say I commend all of you guys on here, my target is to get down to about 120 pounds, but some of you guys are losing 100+ pounds, that shows tremendous character and drive and I admire every one of you for that.

Anyway, I'll try and get around to posting some before pics in a few days :s

Oh and any tips at all are very much appreciated, especially from former yo-yo dieters, It's a hard habit to break!

Amy

Welcome to the forum,
You have taken the first step to a healthy lifestyle.
Try to drink at least 1 gallon of water a day evenly spread out.
Green tea is very good for the body and revs up metabolism.
Fruits and or vegetables depending on your taste preferences.
Multivitamin every day.
As for cardio, start off slow if your body is not used to it and build up endurance and length of time spent on cardio as time goes on.
If you can, start weight training 2-3 time a week.

Be sure to stretch before you exercise (something I still don't do), and make sure to easy yourself into it. I've lost about 25 lbs in 2 months but when I first started with strength training excerises such as push ups and side planks, as well as cardio (running and others), I was incredible sore for several days after. My body just wasn't used to it, so be sure to easy yourself into it.

I'm male, 21 myself. So we're around the same age. I started at 241 and I'm currently 217. I also noticed lack of confidence when I gained all the weight, I Just didn't care how I looked because I was so heavy. But I can tell you losing the weight definitely makes you feel better about yourself..especially when you can see the changes. Thankfully the most I've seen in myself was in the stomach and face especially, I hated having a fat face.

Perhaps we can support each other. I suggest perhaps you make a diary in the diary section, just log the food you eat. You can google the nutritoin facts on veggies and such. Be sure to drink alot of water, and when you're hungry, eat veggies. You can basically have unlimited veggies because some of them are so low in calories, celery for example. And they're packed with fiber so you feel fuller longer.

Good luck
Kevin

PS: Also, you may want to make a weight loss ticker. Click on the signature below to make your own. Also something I've learned, diets don't work. Say you have a diet like jenny craig (I was on it), you lose the weight then when you reach your goal weight, you go back into your regular eating habits. I think its important to make healthy eating part of your life style, for your entire life. This doesn't mean you can't sometimes eat the things you want that are bad for you, such as chocolate or sweet, salty foods like chips, but just do it in more moderation. Several members here have a day called a 'free' day every week. Basically they eat more than they would normally on their lifestyle days, so instead of say 1200 perhaps they would eat 2200. But they don't over do it, don't go too overboard, but have enough for that one day to make it your 'free' day.

Hi Amy, and welcome.

Great that you are serious about your health, and starting to fix it at a young age. If only I had started when I was 20....

Take a look around, read the sticky posts in the various sections for good information on how to effectively and safely reach your goals.

I recommend tracking your calroies and nutrient intake using a free site like FitDay.com

If you have any other questions or need help, just ask.

Good luck!