Where to start? / Intro
 

Hello,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a 6'0" tall, 244 pound, 22 year old guy from Michigan. I try to run a business while working full time. Eventually I hope to get back in class and finish a degree or two, but I never seem to even have time to keep up with what I'm doing. People say I just have too much on my plate. While that may be true for my dinner plate, I have to disagree on the rest of life. While I have tons of work to do that I am behind on, I just don't have the energy to get up and do what needs to be done. I find that I waste much of my day in idleness, and it frustrates me that I just can't seem to stop this routien of nothingness.

Some people have suggested that if I lose some weight I would have more energy. If this is true I really need to lose these extra pounds, but I still ought to even if it isn't. I can't remember a time when I wasn't at least slightly overweight, even going back as far as elementary school.

Anyway, I have no idea where to start. I have had friends and relatives try all sorts of different things. One is on that Atkins diet, another is in Tops. I guess they both like what they are doing. But, I just can't seem to start anything. I don't even know what to start. What plan should I follow, and what goals should I set? I have no idea what foods I should be eating or what sorts of exercise I should try to get.

I like walking, but I can't seem to make a habbit of it. I get frustrated for sitting around all the time and then go out and walk for several miles a day and wear myself out. I don't know why I can't seem to just get in a habbit of walking a little bit every day, or trying some other forms of exercise.

So, what should I start doing to lose these extra pounds?


Thanks,

Jeff P.

Hi JP and welcome!

First, there are a lot of things that could be causing you to feel tired. Stress, not eating the right foods (aka, not getting the nutrition you need), or lack of exercise can all contribute to fatigue.

That being said, weight loss is a pretty personal thing. No one can say what's right for you. My experience has been that when it comes right down to it, though, there are some basic tenants that hold true for people who are successful at losing weight and keeping it off.

1. Eat whole foods with a focus on nutrient-rich veggies. This means shopping around the perimeter of the store and cooking for yourself.

2. Exercise is necessary. That doesn't mean that you have to go hit the gym. There are plenty of ways to get your exercise in without making it a 'workout'. Try playing a game of basketball, riding a bike, rollerblading, going for hike, go dancing, anything! Exercise not only burns calories, it also relieves stress. Studies have shown that stressed or unhappy people have a harder time losing weight.

3. Have a support system. That's why we're all here! Having people to talk to about your experiences (struggles, failures, successes, life in general) who understand makes all the difference in the world.

So maybe you don't need a set plan. Maybe you just need to make your own. Whatever you decide, stick around! You'll find what works :)

Amen Star!!

Yeah yeah what star says lol.
Psstttt Jeff listen to her ;) the results speak for themselves :)