Making a change

[KellyB95]

I want to lose about 40 pounds but I don't know where to start I mean I keep buying ice caps / candy / chips / Pepsi and I have no motivation to do anything... I need help! I'm 20 years old and I weigh 176 pounds

[stormbeard]

Own it Kelly. It's not too late, but it'll be the hardest thing you'll ever do.

[Hidden]

Hello Kelly

Welcome!

When you say "I have no motivation to do anything", it sounds like you might benefit from help from your GP in case you have depression. A lot of us comfort eat to deal with unhappiness. I certainly do. Your GP might be able to offer you CBT or other talking therapy. Exercise is also really really good for improving mood so have a look at for example C25K.

How overweight you are depends on how tall you are. You would be only a few pounds overweight if you are 5ft 10. There are BMI calculators online to work out what is a healthy weight for your height. Also measure your waist as that is a better indicator of health. There may be no need for you to lose 40 pounds.

In terms of a healthier diet, the NHS website has sound advice on the basics. If you want to deal with the cravings for junk food and sugary food specifically, it might be worth looking at lower glaecemic load diets. I find that after a few days with no sugar or high GI carbs (white bread, rice), my cravings get much much better and I have more control. It also helps my self-control if I make sure I eat enough protein and healthy fats.

All the best

Gail

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Some links

BMI:

nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyw...

NHS weight loss:

nhs.uk/weightloss

NHS running program:

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

something on low GI

nhs.uk/chq/pages/1862.aspx?...

[las2811]

I used to feel the same way. I was 109.2 kg (240 pounds) when I started and now I am 97.2kg (213 pounds) after 11 weeks. I still have lots to lose but I now know I can do it.

Just remember that you didn't gain all the weight overnight and you wont lose it overnight. It takes time but just think of how you will feel and look at the end of it.

It can help to write down your goals and have visual cues around the house. For example I have pictures of women in bikinis around the house, to remind me of what I am aiming for. This is good for putting on the fridge too as a deterrent.

Just remember you are totally capable and there are lots of different ways to achieve it, this is just what has worked for me so far.

[BunnyBun]

Hi Kelly,

I admire you for being open about this. The first step is to realise that you have a problem with food. I too would suggest a visit yo your GP to see if there are any ways in which they can help. When it comes to eating unhealthy foods try and think whether you really need it and why you want to eat it. Try hard to replace the cravings with an activity that you like and see if the craving passes, or remove the temptation. The first few weeks are difficult but it does get easier to make better choices. You never know you may find that by making healthier choices you find other foods that you really enjoy. Also remember, that changing eating habits takes time and if you occasionally lapse through that period it's nit a problem as long as eating healthy more often than the not. Go for a walk as well. You may feel tired yo start with but once you get out there it gets easier and you should start feeling better. Start by setting small but achievable goals. Most of all believe in yourself and know you can do it. Think of it not just as weight loss but as a change of your life's habits. You have youth on your side and a your whole life ahead of you and I wish you all the very best of luck. Xx

[MrsBooboo]

I would say start with re-reading about nutrition and health benefits of all different foods you like and don't mind eating. Then see how you can incorporate lots of little changes into your lifestyle and diet.