I didnt know where to post this, but I guess it might go here. Right, I am a 17 year old student living at home for about a year till I go University. I am 194lb's, and have a BMI of 30 (on the dot Obese). I joined the gym a month ago and my instructor gave me a wonderful program, and it seems that I have lost 3kg and my biceps are starting to take shape.

I know that Calories burnt > calories taken in = weight loss, but I fear that I might be taking in more calories than I burn at the gym, (I burn 500-600 cals everyday @ the gym).

The problem is kinda a home related/personal issue. I mean no offence, but my mother has been feeding me the wrong foods, in large portions since I was a child, which has led to my obesity, but even though I tell her what she's done, I feel she's still doing it. After coming back from the gym, she makes me 2 fried chicken burgers and I feel to bad saying no, but I dont know if its my lack of self control or temptations.

I dont want to feel that im wasting my efforts and gym memberships, and staying obese in the end without hardly any weight loss.

I feel like im eating the wrong diet, and I dont know what to do about it since I dont cook the food, or do the shopping. For example I had today
- Glass of semi skimmed milk
- 2 slices of toast with "cholesterol reducing" butter
- Crunchy Nut Chocolate Clusters <- Looks like a no-no
- An apple

--Went to gym for 2 hrs, burnt 500 cals--

- 2 fried chicken burgers
- Small portion of salad
- Crunchy Nut Chocolate Clusters (again) <- damnit

Thats usually my diet, and I feel its all wrong How do you people avoid the temptations and have the guts to say "no!", I feel im too weak and not disciplined enough for weight loss.

When im on my own, I hardly eat anything, maybe have a salad or apple etc, so I feel that when I go to University and go to the gym there, my weight loss will be more efficient than it is now!

So, how can I discipline myself and learn to say no? What foods should I be eating, and in what amounts? Please help, I would be so thankful!

If that is all your eating during the day you might be ok in terms of calorie intake however the quality of food isn't there as you say.

I recommend sitting down with mum and dad and have a discussion concerning the menu for the week. Ask if you can swap 5 out of 7 evening meals with something a bit more healthy and nutritious. There are some great recipes in the relevant section in the forum.

With regard to cereals, don't give up on your favourite Crunchy Nut Chocolate Clusters altogether, rather save them for say one breakfast a week (not twice in one day!).

Swap out as much processed foods in for whole foods e.g. 2 slices of brown bread toast rather than white bread.

The gym work is great, remember it isnt just the calories burnt at the gym but the metabolism is increasing meaning you burn more calories even when your sat doing nothing.

Good luck!