Hi~, new here~Any advice on how to get started?

  • Hi,

    I'm Karin,
    Ever since college started, I've steadily been gaining weight, I used to be 140, but I'm currently 185 lbs.
    Since I'm graduating next December, I'm hoping that in eight months, i'll be able to go down to 115 (though tbh, I REALLY want it to be down to 115 in four months....though I'm not sure I could do that, even with 8 months...maybe 1 year?....ugh.....).

    Anyways, I've never really thought of dieting and I really REALLY hate exercising since I hate sweating but I'm trying to see what I ca do about that :/

    I'm currently thinking that should start off by eating healthy, basically, no junk and process foods (or keep it to a minimum), as well as carbs like rice, pasta, potatoes, but I'll still allow my self to eat oatmeal i guess. I'm going to try and increase my vegetable intake, and eat more fruits, and lean meats and fish. And I'll start off by walking at least 30 minutes five times a week, and then slowly add in exercise; though probably about 3 exercise sessions of 30 minutes a week maybe?

    I'm very concern about not being motivated enough to do this though......and I'm wondering if this would work.....so.....

    Anyways, any advice would be greatly appreciated~
  • Hello Karin,
    I also gained weight in college, the freshman 15 were more like 30 in my case (went from a very active competitive life to just college fun, which was nice.... but not exactly great for my weight) and I lost in painstakingly only to gain it back after life threw me a curveball a couple of years ago. So I am back to losing it...

    I know what you mean about sweating, I am a total sweater... I sweat reading a book, sitting still, drinking a glass of water (and with a mug of tea I get close to dehydration!)... and it bothers me usually, but I found that during sports it doesn't. Because everyone sweats in sports! Rivers running down your temples? Well that guy two rows over is doing even worse!
    I don't think everyone should go to the gym and do the treadmill/elliptical thing... for me that would not work, because if it bores me, I won't want to do it. I think it is best to find a sport you enjoy and stick with that and then be more active in everyday life... walk a busstop further than you normally would, walk those steps you usually take the lift for, etc... I was never a "ballsport" kinda person, I am not a good runner, not a good thrower and a terrible catcher, but I started playing netball with some friends and found it really nice to be part of a team, get some team spirit going and have this to do together rather than just going to the same old pub every week. Now that it will soon be too wet for netball, I joined a handball league and it is good fun too. Maybe something like that would work for you too? Or some fun class! Zumba is supposed to be really fun and readily available as of lately, plus it burns a ton of calories. Have a look, don't be afraid to try things... if they are not your thing, you don't have to keep doing it, but keep your options open!

    Wish you all the best, Mila