[ritahayworth]

Hi! I'm new and I've previously introduced myself in the Introduction thread not too long ago. Since there isn't a thread for high school students/college, I'll just have to stick to this which someone had recommended that I do.

I'm 17 years old and I weigh about 172-174. I am about 5'6''. I've no set diet and I've tried many things. I know I've failed a few diets only because school work, my job, and a lot of other stressful things. But since I'm done with getting in college, I want to work out and shed those pounds.


Since I'm planning to lose about 30-35 lbs...I hope to lose 2-3 lbs a week until prom...which is in May. I think it's a pretty healthy amount. I'm accustomed to a carb lifestyle. I'm Chinese and my family eats lots of rice and what not. It's very tempting..but! I'm willing to adjust to a fruit/veggie/no carb diet if neccessary. I just need a diet plan..if anyone could suggest.

I hope to wear a really pretty dark burgundy strapless/halther dress for prom. I hope to look classy and sophisticated and what not. That's my goal/dream for the end of the year. Then I'll know I'm an accomplished woman. I've defeated my enemy for most of my life.


I have really big arms. They aren't manly/buff, but they are just...well...not loosy fat...it's a fit, but most of it is fat. I know arm fat is the hardest to lose. I don't know how to go about it.

I make sure I go to the gym 5 times a week. I work cardio on the elliptical for 3-5 miles and I work on the bike for 7 mi. I usually do an hour cardio to an hour and a half.

I lift weights for my legs, shoulders, biceps/triceps, and do ab crunches. I'm not sure if my work out is intense enough. I think my main concern is my eating. I love to eat....not sure what to do. Any questions to help me...that would be great. Any advice..that would be great as well! Please suggest!

[SlimLindy]

Hi, "Rita"! I'm not a 20-something, but I saw your post... You are a very pretty girl (I looked at your photos) and your goals are good, although 3 pounds a week of weight loss is a bit difficult to sustain. Anyway, I want to congratulate you on facing this challenge and knowing you can do it. You are at a GREAT age to really educate yourself about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Good for you!

[RememberHowToSmile]

Hi Rita.

I think it is really great that you are dealing with your weight at such a young age. When I was in HS I did WW for like 6 months and lost a lot but then gave it up and gained all of it plus. Now that I'm 23 and a full time law student I will say it is harder to lose weight because my life is very busy.

I too looked at your pictures and agree that you are very pretty and I really like the dress you have on in the first picture. I also have to agree with SlimLindy that 3 pounds is a lot to loose a week. I aim for 1-2 pounds and I normally hit that sometime more sometimes less.

Everyone is different with what works for them but I would say don't do anything you don't think you can keep up for the long term. I eat carbs (they normally account for about 50% of my calories). So if you like carbs, especially since it is part of your culture then I wouldn't do something like Adkins or Southbeach. What has worked for me is calorie counting. I log all of my food into fitday. I try and eat between 1200 and 1400 calories a day. I slowly moved myself down to that number. I also try and limit my sugar intake and fat. I try to eat no more then 20% of my calories from fat. It seems like a lot but it's what worked for me and it is something I think I can keep up for a long time.

That is just personally what works for me. I know there are a lot of other people who do different things. You might what to check out some of the diet specific boards and look at the different plans.

Best of luck I’m sure you can do it.

[shrinkingchica]

Hey Rita, Welcome!
I am not sure on how to advice you on exercise as I am not at all an expert and do mostly cardio.
But....I think that you can find alot of great advice on this site.

BTW: You look adorable in that dress.......I am sure you will be in GREAT shape for prom!

[grannyjc]

I am trying to get down to 125, I am down to 162 from 170 in 9 days. I just hope that I can keep doing as well. It is nice to be able to read what other people are doing. I went shoping this morning for more veggies, I snack on them if I gaet to hungry. JOyce

[FaeReverie]

Welcome Rita!

Let me tell you first of all that I am like you.. I love carbs! And it's worse because I'm the world's pickiest eater (I won't eat any seafood or Chinese at all, for example). I'm currently about where you are now, and I can tell you that you can eat carbs and lose weight. I'm a calorie counter, try to have between 1400-1600 a day, and I try to make my carbs as healthy as possible, using wheat pasta, rice, and bread instead of white whenever possible.

Welcome to us! I cannot stress at all how valuable this forum has been to me over the past 4-5 months. Come here, read, post... you'll find it's easier than you think!

~Fae