[watchstephielose]

Hey yall! I have two questions about my weight loss, I'm not exactly if where to post these, so I'll just try here!

I'm 5'6, 18, 230-40 pounds, unhappy about my weight, and generally, I wear a 16. I want to get down to about a size 10/12 just to make it easier for me to shop at the clothing stores most people my age can, like asos, top shop, the cute stuff at forever 21, modcloth, etc. I plan on eating around 1500 calories (compared to about 2700) and doing 30-60 minutes of cardio and some light weight lifting a day. Keeping all that in mind, how long should it be until I've dropped those dress sizes? Is there anyway of speculating?

Sorry that's so much! I'm just ready to lose that weight and finally be able to dress the way I want!

[MadameZombie]

It depends on a lot of factors, mostly how your body weight is distributed as well as composition. There are far too many variables to be able to predict when you will fit into a size 10/12 but I think for a majority of women at 5'6" it will probably be between the range of 180-160 pounds. 1500 calories is a good number to shoot for for a steady weight loss, as you get closer to a goal you might want to lower it to 1300-1400. It will take some time, but if it's important to you then you will find reasons to be committed. If you safely lose around 5 pounds a month you could potentially be at a size 12 in about a years time. Again, that is very rough approximation.

One thing I would like to point out is that 'light' weight lifting isn't going to do much. You will need to do heavier weights if you want to build muscle as well as keep a higher protein diet. It's not really necessary to do more than 30 minutes of cardio a day. Try finding a weight lifting routine and then do your cardio after. The reasoning behind this is you will have more blood sugar to power through your lifting which requires you to be more alert in order to avoid injury.

[ValRock]

There are so many variables. Focus on changing your lifestyle, and getting healthy without an end date.

Agree on the heavier weights. It makes SUCH a difference.

[Raven132]

I'll give you the advice I wish someone had given me at your age:
Eat whole foods, make sure you are getting plenty of fat, and lift heavy. Watch the carbs, eat lots of meat and low carb veggies. Some berries or fruit on occasion. Leave grains, dairy, and legumes alone.

Turns out I am gluten and dairy intolerant, but didn't know it. Eliminating these things has made me feel a million times better physically and mentally. The paleo lifestyle is easy to maintain, and cheap. Fat is essential for hormones, so make sure you get enough.

[watchstephielose]

Thank yall so much for answering my questions! Those post were all really helpful