okay, i just joined 3fc and i'm ready to start this whole process. i'm 22 and in college w/ 2 part time jobs, so time is sort of limited, but i'm not opposed to taking notes to the gym for study-exercise time.

my problem is, i get off track and lose focus a lot. i'm going to need a crew to kick my butt into doing this right. i'm not on any sort of plan or anything, does anyone have any suggestions? i usually work out for 30 minutes about 3 times a week, but i'm willing to amp that up a bit.

HALP.

Hey Aml -

Here's my own personal philosophy on weight loss. You've got to...simply no choice BUT to...commit. 100%. To doing the very best you can to succeed in meeting your goals.

Motivation, focus, etc...they're all fleeting. But if you've made a 100% no kidding around commitment to yourself and your health, you'll make good choices anyway.

I live in a college town, and when I went to a gym, I saw notebooks on people's ellipticals ALL THE TIME. Combining the two is a great way to get things done.

So step one - you need a plan. 98% of people who lose weight and keep it off (per the national weight control registry) restricted food intake in some way. So how are you going to restrict yours? Whole foods? Calorie counting? It may be easier for you to count calories, simply because you're on the run so much and may need to look at some convenience options. Do you live in a dorm or on your own?

Is all of your exercise cardio? Have you ever explored weight training? It makes such a huge difference.

Look around here - and start thinking about a COMMITMENT to being healthier for life. Once that commitment is made, you are on your way.

i'll probably count calories just because i am always going somewhere or doing something. i definitely plan on keeping a food journal, i've heard that always helps. but yeah, i'm ready. my mom lost 60 lbs and my grandmother just got 40 lbs and they've left me in their dust.

also, yeah, i mostly just do cardio. on the elliptical for 30 minutes, usually. i don't really know where to start weight training, and i really just started the 30 minutes daily...i just figured getting in there and doing SOMETHING was better than just sitting around.

People have told me on here that keeping the diet in check is the most important. Exercise is important too, but really getting a handle on what you are eating is the most important. As you can see from my ticker, I am struggling with it, but without this website, I would have totally quit, again. I really like the Couch to 5K program (there are threads about it on here too.) I also was successful at weight watchers the first time I did it. Now I'm just doing the C25K program, a little light weight lifting, a dvd every once in awhile, and counting points (weight watchers.) I should probably step it up and go to the meetings again but I'm going to really give it a good go these last 12 days of October before I start paying for meetings again.

Good luck and just stick with it!

Hey AML,

I can relate to you completely. Being in grad school and having two jobs makes it difficult to find time to work out. Up until about a week ago, I kept making excuses. What I decided works for exercising is to wake up earlier, yeah sacrificing sleep might be hard but I know that I feel great after I exercise and I still have my whole day ahead. If that's not possible, then find time for something you enjoy. Even a 20 minute walk around campus is better than nothing. Just get moving. In terms of food, make healthy choices and always have water around. Fruits and veggies help me get through the long days!!

Firstly I have to say dont look at this as a 'diet'. Don't ever allow yourself to feel restricted and make sure you're feeling happy on the plan you're on. I counted calories and rather than concentrating on if I was hungry or not I'd look at 'how much can I eat with the amount of calories I have left?' which was a very unhealthy thing, because in the end I regained all my weight.

So just make sure whichever plan you take, to try and evolve it into the most positive healthy plan you can. Because it isnt just about food choices and your body but you're mind too. Good luck