Games consoles and technology took over my life and I've decided it's time for change.

[PaulC]

Hi, basically I just turned 16 years old around 3 months ago and I said to myself this year I will lose my stomach and get in a good body shape. This will take time and perservierence but I'm willing to put in the hard work.

My question is will C25K actually help me achieve a flat stomach and get me fit like I used to be around 2 and a half years ago?

Also, can someone recommend a good diet planner?

[suki_007 Graduate]

Yes, you can get a pretty-flat stomach, and I found a great way to lose weight for me was through weight watchers online, in fact that's how I found C25K. When you run, really pay attention to your posture and keep your stomach pulled in - that's really hard work, but the payoff is brilliant. Relax your shoulders and jaw, stand tall and any forward leaning comes subtly from the ankles not the waist. Don't go for a long stride, try to land on your midfoot and take short fast steps. I started back in the spring/summer and I looked permanently pregnant, now my stomach's rock hard, not quite a 6 pack but getting there. As for can you get fit through C25K, definitely. You can do it!!

[Mitts Graduate]

Good for you - and you will definitely feel much fitter after just a few weeks. You won't get out of breath half as quickly, and running for a bus or to beat the green man etc will turn into a real pleasure!

I haven't used it personally but a lot of people here like a website called my fitness pal to help with their diets.

Good luck, get started - slowly, don't overdo it the first few weeks, just do what Laura on the podcasts tells you - and let us know how you get on!

[poeciliareticulata Graduate in reply to Mitts]

I'll second myfitnesspal (both website and app). It's free to use and you can set it to lose weight slowly (half a pound to a pound a week) which might be more appropriate given your age than trying to shift weight fast. But just replacing junk with healthy snacks as Chocotwit says below would be a really good first step. Good luck!

[Chocotwit Graduate]

Well done PaulC, you've taken the first step already. The most difficult bit is persuading yourself to start. Once you've downloaded the podcasts and done the first run, you're well on the road. Keep it up and you'll feel fit and ready for anything. The podcasts really do work. If you want to lose a tummy you may need to look at your diet, but to be honest at your age I think you just need to avoid eating junk food, and make sure you eat 3 nutritious meals a day, with healthy snacks (apples, bananas etc) to keep you going between meals, and if you are doing this program the weight will fall off.

Good luck mate, you've everything to gain

[sfb350 Graduate]

I agree that My Fitness Pal is a useful and straightforward App to use.

As said above, don't try to use the weight too quickly and don't be too disappointed it the weight loss doesn't happen during your first few weeks of running. A lot of people here have found that it doesn't happen until later on in the program. Also, remember that muscle weighs more than fat but more muscle means more calorie burning so it is all progress. Don't weigh yourself too often, the fit of your clothes and your body toning will probably be noticeable before any drastic changes on the scales.

At your age, it is very important to eat a balanced diet and ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need so it's better to simply start making sensible food choices rather than following strict diets.

Good luck !

[Pearsey]

Hi Paul-All excellent advice above. Basically a good diet is a well balanced healthy diet-no junk, no sugar (no-you do not need added sugar-plenty in the food you eat). You need the support of your Practice Nurse at the surgery. She will weigh you monthly (or as I used to do measure your waist-I don't believe in weighing people). This will give you the support and impetus to keep going-if you know your appointment with the nurse is on such and such a day you will keep going. Use this blogsite. You will reads some amazing stories and get the additional support you need.

May I say how courageous you are in not only acknowledging you have a problem, but doing something about it and blogging your story. You are amazing!! :-).

Once you've started, Paul, you will find that you want to do it. The first week is the hardest-running for 1 minute, but hey, we've all done it and yes there are others like you (me for instance). I really thought I was going to die the first time out, but then it got easier.

Laura is there for you-she will hold your hand through the runs. So much so that you start to believe she can really see you -).

Tell your family and friends what you are doing. Having said that I didn't tell my family, even though it was one of my son's that forwarded the link to the site for me. I told all my friends and got their backup, then went quietly to work. I knew that I wouldn't be seeing them for 9 weeks. I Graduated, then they visited the following day. My son (the one who put the email down) complemented me on my new top, so I said well if you go down a dress size you need new clothes. They all said they thought I'd lost weight-but really weren't too sure. Then they could really see it and we talked about the programme. I lost 5kgs in 9 weeks. I've lost another 1kg, but have reached a plateau, as you do. I'm not worried. My other son gets married the end of March, so I need to lose another 7-8kgs by then.

Set yourself some goals-write them down, as more permanent that way. Confide in someone-us maybe, if you don't want your family or friends to know, but it will make it more real for you.

Above all-have fun! And, Keep on Running!

Colette