[Saraneedstolose200]

My name is Sara, I am 29 and single. Kind of enjoying the single life right now. I decided that, even though I am comfortable being me...big and all...I need to be a healthy version of me. I don't want to be super skinny or anything. I would be happy being a size 20/22. I am a size 32+.

I just need an idea of what would be a good approach. I know exercise has to be part of it, but is portion control or calorie counting the best? Thanks for the help.

[elvislover324]

Hi Sara!!

Welcome to 3FC!! I wish you lots of success and hope you love this forum as much as I do! I couldn't have lost all of my weight so far without having these amazing people to lean on for the tough times and celebrate the good times.

I do medically supervised weightloss through my doctor's office so it incorporates low calorie food with moderate exercise. And let me tell you, I am NEVER hungry. It has to be through a doctor's office since I only net 600-800 calories a day but I feel like I am always eating, it's just healthy food and not the junk I was eating before.

One of my doctors had suggested weight loss surgery and I didn't want to go that route if I didn't have to (I was petrified actually) so I asked if I could try this first. I have lost weight every single week since I started. I also drink at least 70 ounces of water/tea/coffee a day.

My husband uses myfitnesspal.com to count calories and he's lost over 20lbs in the last 8 months and he was already thin to me. Just being calorie aware of what you are eating is a huge game changer, I don't want to waste calories on soda and chips ever again in my life (plus they aren't on my food plan!).

I look forward to your posts and success. Don't get overwhelmed trying to change too much in your life at once, little changes here and there are sure to pay off in healthy ways!!

[Saraneedstolose200]

Thank you! I was recently in the hospital because I have SVT. and the doctor basically took all my favorite things away from me. soda and chocolate! When I realized that it was ridiculous for me to be upset about not having those again...that's when I decided I needed to be healthy! Also I am an emotional eater, so I eat when I am sad/happy/depressed. I need to fix that first...I just don't know how yet.
Thanks for the advice though!

[Silverfire]

Welcome Sara!

You gotta find what works for you, and I totally suggest starting with calorie counting. If you have a smartphone, there are plenty off apps out there (I use MeNetDiary, popular other ones are MyFitnessPal or Lose it) You punch in all your info and it will tell you approx how many calories you need to be eating to lose weight. Pretty simple.

Weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise. I would try just walking, its an excellent place to start.

Clear out the junky crap from your fridge and pantry and head to the store and find some fresh produce and lean meats. Start with the basics, things you know you like and know how to cook.

I like to try new things so I spend a fair amount of time looking for new healthy recipes. I pick one ingredient that I have been wanting to try (Quinoa for example) and then google the crap out of it until I have a couple of easy recipes to try. Good ones get added to a book to be made again, and bad ones get tossed.

Spend as much time as you can around here. There is such a plethora of info here, as well as incredible support. Everyone here is just awesome and always willing to help

Good luck on your journey, you have come to the right place

[Silverfire]

Emotional Eating sucks Poke around the chicks in control threads maybe!

I forgot to mention. WATER WATER WATER. Drink it all day long, add a lemon, mint or a cucumber and some ice to give it some flavor. Pop is bad, and one of the hardest things that I gave up (Since I started this in Jan I have had pop 3 times!... Ok, so I don't count the zero cal red bulls that I am addicted too still) You can do it!

[Saraneedstolose200]

That's great advice thanks so much!

[firegirl441]

Welcome Sara! Glad you found us and joined in.

The eating plan you follow has to be one you can live with. I do not call it a diet because if you are going to be successful it should be a lifestyle change. You may try several plans before you find one you can live with and that's OK. I am the type of person who has to lose weight at a steady pace or I get frustrated and give up easily. I also am one that can live without the breads, rice, potatoes, sweets etc. I have lost several bodies over my lifetime (LOL) only to gain it back plus extra. I found I do best with the Atkins program because I like meats best. I don't really weigh my meats or measure my veggies. I just eat a reasonable amount until I feel slightly full. Another good thing is with this plan I do not get hungry. I actually have to remember to eat. It is a strict two week induction period then you begin adding healthy carbs back. A lot of people lose 10-15 lbs those first two weeks. Another important aspect is drinking adequate water. Back when I was 254 lbs, my doc instructed me to drink a maximum of 100 ounces of water per day until I got below 200 lbs then drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water. I contribute much of my weight loss success to drinking the water. It also makes you feel full so that is an added benefit. Finally I would say find an exercise you can live with and do it at least 3 days per week. At my heaviest, I had trouble getting around so I started with the Sittercise DVD which is chair exercises. Then I proceeded to walking when I could do it safely. I managed after about 6 months to walk 5.5 miles 4-5 times weekly and 7.5 miles one day per week. I was injured in 2008 and can't do any of these exercises anymore. I have since found our community pool and I go there and exercise for an hour at least 3 days per week. it is much easier to exercise in the water so if a pool is available to you, maybe you should check it out. Whatever you decide, I send you best wishes for success and I will be on the sideline cheering you on.

Blessings,

[penmage]

[bethFromDayton]

Welcome!

I'll just put in my 2cents worth for MyFitnessPal--I find it really helpful, and of course, there are other similar apps for calorie tracking. I'm also a big fan of the Beck Diet Solution: train your brain to think like a thin person

There isn't a single right way to lose weight--and people can change their weight loss plan as they get into it.

[Mozzy]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!

[maroukhane1]

Welcome and good luck to all...