Hi, just like the others, I want to introduce myself. I am 22 years old and have been heavy all of my life. I use to set goals of getting thinner by the time I graduated (high school, then college) but it didn't work out. I got ill at 20, then lost 25 lbs while in France for a summer, however the illness took its toll--I had to have two surgeries which put that weight back on and then some. Now I am flirting with the 300 level-oh, the horror . So, because of that, and even with still being sick, I am trying to lose weight. I am now working up the energy do do something about it, and finally become the healthier, sexier, and skinner, version of me I know is inside of me.

My goal: To lose an Olsen-twin worth of weight. (about 100ish lbs)

See you in the normal clothes section of the store soon!
CFAN

Haha, this made me laugh, I like your positive additude! Keep coming back here, even when you hit a rough patch. Let's do this

Welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear about your illness and surgeries. Not fun!
Have you decided which food plan you are going to follow? There is a ton of information on this site about many different food plans. I would encourage you to choose a food plan that fits with your lifestyle and you can follow long term. Even though exercise may be hard for you, I would encourage you to try to move a little more, even if you start out by walking half a block or around your couch. It will make you feel better and the more you lose the easier it will be.
Best of luck to you!!

NEMom,

I have been looking, but I have a few problems with most plans that are out there--mainly due to my health problems. Perhaps you could help me narrow the list of them?

My Problems:
1) No gallbladder. That was my surgery. Now that limits alot of green veggies and acidic fruits from my diet. I actually tried to diet and that was what kicked off my illness--stupid alfalfa greens.

2) Food Allergy and Spice Allergy. I am allergic to Soy (so no being a vegan for me!) and to the Lamiales order of herbs. This includes things like Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Bay Leaves, Cinnamon, etc. This makes it hard to eat healthy when most recipes call for these kinds of spices to keep food from Not being bland, which I know the taste is one detractor from eating healthy for most people.

3) "GI Diabetic". This is a term I coined about me. Since my gallbladder surgery, I have learned that I have to eat a substantial meal every 12 hours or I get very sick. While this might not seem like a problem at first glance--oh it is, especially at night. I usually go to bed around 11-1, so I have to have a decent size meal (both a sandwich and a yogurt or something like that) at 10:30 so I do not get sick. While this late night snack hasn't really had me gain weight (merely maintain it, or creep up only a few lbs). I know this late night meal is not conducive to many diet plans at all.

4) No Seafood and mushrooms. I know most of the edit plans essentially shove seafood and mushrooms down your throat, but my family and I do not eat them at all. I used to as a a child, but for me, its kinda like the vegan/vegetarian protest about the killing/preparing of meat, for me--except for seafood, and mushrooms.

So because of these things, I have had problems finding a plan for me. Perhaps you know of one that could fit my needs, one that I can easily modify, or a few I could splice together, to get a diet plan?

P.S.- I pretty much know what I can or can't eat do to my issues, I think its just timing and size I need to work on.

Thanks.
CFAN

CFAN

Since you know WHAT you can eat, I would recommend calorie counting. It is very simple and there are MANY free apps you can use to log your food into plus its FREE.
I have used calorie counting the whole time because it was easy, it was free and it is flexible. I can eat pretty much what I want as long as I stay within my calorie limits. You can google "How many calories should I eat to lose weight" which will bring up a list of calorie calculators which you can enter your personal information and come up with a calorie range to lose weight.
I ate between 1300-1400 calories a day which is probably too low for your current size, my best guess is you would start at 1800-2000 calories a day and still lose weight.
I kept track of my calories by pencil and paper, but if you choose an app and you exercise, try very hard not to eat back your exercise calories (the calories you burn while exercising).
There is a calorie counting forum on this site with a ton of helpful information! Sorry to be so windy. Let me know if you have more questions and I will do my very best to help out.

You made me laugh with the Olsen twin comment!! I'm in the same boat haha. I also calorie count, it's less restrictive and I don't feel like I'm dieting. That way and I can eat more of the things I want as long as it fits in my daily limit. It's definitely something I can live with long term. Good luck with finding what works for you!

hello Cfan, everyone should find what best fits for herself. I could not calorie count because unfortunately i cant control myself on certain foods (for example, i know i could eat a few cookies for breakfast, but should i eat one i would end up eating a whole package)... i find it easier eating low carb.
so... welcome to the forum and good luck on your weight loss journey!

p.s. - i've never used herbs (spices) in my life; just occasionally some basil. And still I cook healthy and tasty!