Hello everyone! My name is Shannon, I'm from IL, and just about to turn 21. I've been struggling with my weight since I was 15 years old. I never really cared about what I was putting into my body, and would eat mostly fast food and drink anywhere from 3-6 cans of soda a day (sometimes I swear I was addicted!). My weight over the last 6 years has always fluctuated by 20lbs or so depending on what was going on in my life at any given time. I'd get depressed and over eat or I'd just be bored and eat too much. Then life would pick up and I'd lose some weight. Then I would eat too much because I was happy and comfortable. I've been 6' tall since the age of 14, so being overweight was never too bad. I carried my weight well and still managed to attract guys and lead a mostly happy, active life.
BUT at of the end of last December I weighed in at 260lbs, my heaviest EVER. I couldn't fit into my fat jeans anymore. I was getting tired easily, my skin was looking horrible, and when I finally looked in the mirror, I mean REALLY looked in the mirror, I saw a girl in need of help. So I started my first real diet. I never thought I'd do so well! Since January I have lost 21lbs. I've never been more motivated or excited.. because I realize that with continued effort and some more hard work, I can look exactly how I want to look, and be healthy!
I've been on a low calorie diet (1300-1500 cals/day). I've been eating only once or twice a day (I know this doesn't work for everyone, but it has worked wonders for me because it allows me to eat more in one or two meals and feel really full!). I've cut soda out of my diet completely, I've been taking vitamins, and I've been exercising lightly for about 20-30 minutes a day. I do 1 mile jogs or 20 minute cardio workouts, and 10 minute resistance band workouts. I hate working out, but I'm getting used to it, and doing it for 20-30 mins every day has so far been much easier than working out for an hour or two a few times a week.
The best part of this low calorie diet? I can eat whatever I want. I've eaten cheeseburgers, ice cream, chocolate, loads of carbs, yes, basically whatever! But I've been recording every single thing I put in my mouth. I watch my calories, fat and protein intake like a hawk. I aim for a good balance (the 30%/30%/30% ratio) of each. And it works!
My goal is to reach 160lbs, the mid-range norm for my height and age. When I reach that goal, I'll see how I look, and then decide if taking off another 10lbs will look good on me or not. I don't want to look super skinny (ick), just slim and in shape!
Good luck to everyone here... I know if I can do it, so can you!!
