Instead of feeling like a failure because the summer passed by without hardly losing a pound, I am going to try, try again...

I am going to make this long term. Normally I start "trying to lose weight" a couple weeks before some type of event, but this time I going to start NOW and look forward to February when I am planning to go to Mexico with friends.

I really need support and encouragement. I have the hardest time sticking to a weight loss regimen. I actually never have, and have roughly been at this weight for years with minor yo-yoing. I have zero self control and just eat all the time. I am sick of maintaining!

I am at such a high weight for me right now that I lose on 1800 calories (because I usually eat much more so this is a lower amount). I know most people eat 1200 calories to lose weight but that would send my system into a shock! I want to go moderately at first between 1500 - 1800 calories daily and adjust thereafter as I get smaller.

I walk to and from work right now but my last day is on Friday and then school starts but I also walk from the train station to school (about 1/2 hour each way). I don't consider that enough of a workout so I will include 1/2 hour on the treadmill most days.

Stats:
age - 22
height - 5'2.5
weight - 140
1st goal - 130
2nd goal - 120
3rd goal - 110

I would love some company if anyone else is in the same boat! Join me, will you?

So this is my food for today. Believe me, I am fully aware that some of is not healthy - I am focusing on counting calories and portion control for now.

Breakfast: 315
strawberry/banana shake - 140
1/2 bagel with cream cheese - 175

At work: 360
cinnamon roll from Tim Hortons - 350
coffee - 10

Lunch: 410
tortilla - 225
beans - 55
cheese - 50
salad - 80

Snacks: 175
banana - 85
watermelon - 90

I will update if I end up eating anything off plan today or eat more in the evening. Total for now 1260.

Hi Cyndy, good for you for starting over. But when you're dieting Tim Hortons is a very dangerous, evil place. (So far I haven't tried the cinammon rolls, but have been sorely tempted.) One day I asked if their yoghurt and fruit used sugar-free yoghurt. The very young clerk looked at me like I was crazy and said "I would think so, everything else here is full of sugar".

I agree that it's not a good idea to go below 1500 calories, especially if you're active. !800 is also low enough to lose if your bod is used to a lot more. But do try to make those 1800 cals count: whole grains, good protein, lots of fruit and veg. And of course enough water to stay hydrated.

You might want to join one of the challenge threads. They're very welcoming and supportive, and setting goals and reporting on your progress can be very helpful. Maybe I'll see you there!

Hi Carla! Thank you for the support, I appreciate it! Maybe I should look into one of those challenge threads, I could probably use it.

I think 1500 calories is a perfect amount for me to aim for, I would lose weight pretty steadily I think. It's so hard when you have skinny friends who seem to eat whenever, whatever. But hey, I guess we all have our own issues.

Cyndy,

I just read ur food list above....and well i think ur calorie count might me wrong.

Look up on the website if u can find calorie charts....i am sure u will get a different no than 140 when u input what all goes into that banana strawberry shake.

Good Luck!

Depends on if she's making it herself - I would make a banana/strawberry shake with fresh fruit, ice and skim milk - about 150 calories.

Just to clarify on the shake.

1/2 cup strawberries - 35
1/2 small banana - 40
1/2 cup 2% milk - 65

Total: 140

I never go by fitday or those calorie sites because it would just be one big estimate! I calculate myself!

Just curious...but what kind of a tortilla did you eat? That seems like a lot of calories compared to the amount of beans and cheese you ate? I'm just curious here..not really commenting!!
Good luck and I think it's great that you are comitted and ready to do this!!
That's the hardest step!!!

It's just a regular sized flour tortilla! I put 1/4 cup black beans, some shredded cheddar, bit of salsa and fill it up with lettace. It is very good

you go girl don't you dare live in the past forget it each day is a new day now you do what you have to do to become who you want to become. You can.......no you will become the woman you want to become never give up on you.

Thanks for the encouragement - it is much appreciated!!!