Hi everyone!
My name is Megan and I attend UGA. I've recently decided I want to tone up and lose about 15 lbs. I am now 5'5" and I weigh 148. My doctor told me to shoot for about 130, so that is my goal. I have unlimited gym access, but also unlimited food access since our meal plans here are pretty much all access passes to a buffet at any time of day (yes one hall is 24 hrs.) Really, I need motivation and someone to keep me accountable. Any tips or even critical advice is appreciated.

Have you written down your goals yet? It's a great starting point and a good way of keeping yourself accountable. You could also try keeping a meal log, so you know exactly what you're consuming.

Try those out and see if that helps a little. Good luck!

Yes I write them down. Do you have any suggestion of how much I should be exercising? For example, I've been going to the gym here, running and using the stairmaster, but I'm not sure how many days or for how long I need to go in order for it to make a difference. Any idea?

Welcome!

I am also a college student and in a somewhat similar situation as you. I am 5'4 1/2".. I started out at 155.8 lbs and am now down to 142 after 2 months. Having access to a gym is VERY nice.... I use the gym at school everyday. I work out at least 6 days a week and I count my calories, staying in the range of 1,500 daily. The key to weight loss is working out, watching what you eat, and drinking water! It's actually quite simple once you get into the routine. Counting calories has helped me become much more conscious of what I eat - I still eat and enjoy normal foods but I don't over do it on the junk! There is no certain amount that you "should" be exercising... just get out and do it However much you feel is right for you. Any exercise is better than none!

I also reccommend starting a diary on here. I have been logging in mine every day since I started it and have found it to be a HUGE help in sticking to my weight loss plan. Also, read around other journals to see how other people are progressing or what kind of struggles they are going through. You will be surprised to see how much you can learn just from reading around this forum!

Good luck

~ Sarah

Hi!

Thanks for the advice and congrats on your weight loss! I've been going 5-6 days a week, doing cardio 3 days and resistance 2-3 days. But for some reason I've seen little progress. But I don't eat well... that's my weak point. I've tried writing it down, but I get discouraged when I don't know the calorie count of some things. When I get on a roll, I stay on it. It's getting into it that's the problem.

Another big point for me is remembering that it's going to be worth it in the end. I've always been unhappy with my body, and gone through various stages of ups and downs, exercising and not, eating well and not. I don't want to go through another up and down, but I need some motivation.
Thanks for replying!

Megan