[Cheyenne]

Hi there! I'm new here, my name is Cheyenne. I'm just 17, but am not happy with how I look. I'm not looked at as the "fat" girl, but I certainly have some weight to lose! It is a new year and I would like to lose about 25 pounds by May 1. That's just over 6 pounds a month, which I think to be do-able, but if you all think that's a bit much to achieve, please let me know, as I'm not positive on how quickly to lose the weight.

A little about me:
Although I have 25 pounds to lose, you may not look at me and think I'm really much "fatter" than most. I'm 6 feet tall, so I guess 25 pounds on me is much different than 25 pounds on a 5'5" person. Even though I am strong, I still am not happy with my weight. I am on swim teams, and do very well, but that doesn't matter to me..the fact of the matter is I want to be comfortable with me. I want to be at least a size 8 in pants, as now I am a 14 or 12. I want to be able to wear a bikini gladly in the summertime. Seeing as I do work out a lot, I have toned legs and arms (for the most part) and all my extra weight lies..on my tummy (basically). SO I think for that...all I can do is watch what i eat, right? There aren't specific exercises for your stomach I believe.
At home:
My family tries to be supportive on my losing weight, but it's a strange subject, really. My family is lucky enough to have nice sit down dinners with the whole family each night, and although my mom cooks mildly healthy, homecooked meals, it's still difficult. It's not that she is making fried chicken, or something just horrible, honestly most of the meals are from cooking light. The problem is portion control. If I don't eat "enough" to my mom's liking, she thinks I do not like the food, or am starving myself. And i PROMISE..I'm not under eating, she just doesn't understand what a true portion should be for dinner. I don't know why she doesn't understand this, as she eats very small meals for breakfast and lunch, but for some reason thinks you should just eat so much at dinner. PLUS..it doesn't help at all that we don't eat until about 7:30 every single night. I've told her time and time again that eating so late takes a toll, especially on me, as I go to bed by 9:00 because I have school in the morning. But it's like she doesn't even listen, because before dinner she sits and talks with my dad, for hours. I can appreciate that as a married couple, they want time to talk about their day and stuff...but why not after dinner?! perhaps you guys could give me some ideas to help me change her mind here...?

I appreciate all the help I know you all will give me! And I only hope that in time, I can help others and give them advice...based off of my success story haha! Thanks for listening and I am glad to be a part of this community now!

[angelskeep]

Welcome! It's difficult for you because you aren't the one in control of everything, I would imagine. You didn't say how much you weigh, but guessing by the size you wear, you seem fairly slim, IMHO. Why do you think you need to lose weight? How did you decide on 25 lbs? I wonder if your mom is concerned that if you don't eat enough you might develop an eating disorder? Pick a time that is NOT in the middle of dinner or when she is busy and talk to her about why you think you need to lose the weight and why you need her help. See if she thinks it's a good idea. Can you talk to a dr. or nutritionist to see if you need to lose or if it is just your own perception?

I guess I'm saying to make sure you really DO need to lose 25 lbs. If so, then I bet your family would be really supportive. If a professional says so, then there's no arguing with the facts.

The best way to lose weight is to eat good healthy food. No sugary snacks, no sugary drinks, lots of fruit, veg, lean protein, dairy, complex carbs. With all of the activity it sound slike you are getting, you should be in a good position to stay nice and healthy. Keep track of what you are actually eating every day...write it sdown, every mouthful or nibble, and then you'll be able to see how you can adjust.

Good luck!

Barb

[Kristen81985]

Hey Cheyenne,
I know its hard as a 17 year old living with your parents to do things on your own schedule. I think you should talk to your mom and tell her exactly what you told us. She might not realize how you feel.

In order to lose weight the weight you want you should keep track of everything you eat and see how many calories are in each thing. You may not realize how high in calories something may be. There are calorie counters all over the internet too. aCalorieCounter.com is one. Figure out how many calories you should be eating in a day and subtract 500 from it to lose weight.

We are all here to support you. Good luck and keep checking in!

Kristen

[Cheyenne]

I'm pretty sure I have that weight to lose. I am 197 pounds, so to lose 25, I'd be just over 170. According to height/weight charts, a large framed, 6' tall girl should be anywhere from 158-179. I know those are a rough estimate, but that's right in the middle, and I think I'd be a good size there, not too thin, but not much extra flab.

[Cheyenne]

OH ps...how do I get a weight loss ticker in my signature? (the bottom of my posts) I have made a ticker...but I don't understand where to get it in my signature.

[Kristen81985]

you need to be a member for 20 days and have 20 posts. its to avoid spam.

[JessandEmma2011]

Hi Cheyenne! I think you are being very reasonable. It must be quite difficult in your position - I am 27, so I have control over how much I eat, and when I eat it. Additionally, I applaud you for wanting to take control at 17 - when I was 17 I had about 25 lbs to lose (5'9'' at 180 lbs), and now I am 27 with about 50 to lose. I wish I had taken better control when I was younger, so good for you! As for your mother, have you had a chance to speak to a counselor at school about it? I imagine your mom is still trying to feed her "baby", and she may feel strange that you are a woman with body-weight goals. A guidance or nutrition counselor at school may be able to give you some guidance on how to sit down with your mother and have a serious heart to heart with her. I wish you the very best!

[Summer2010]

Hi Cheyenne! Welcome! You are tall so your weight loss goal would put you in a normal weight category. I think it is very realistic. I am 5'11'' and shooting for 175 lbs-if you go too low, it may be hard to maintain. So, I think you are doing well in that you have set a realistic goal for yourself.

Welcome and good luck!