[Z0a]

I am 16 years old and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I am unbelievable sick of my clothes not fitting, not getting asked to dances, and just feeling gross. So I have embarked on a mission to lose this weight (and keep it off) by my senior year. I have 30 days until summer and have challenged myself to see how much I can get accomplished by then. I want to HAVE to go back to school shopping. Between working out (running, Zumba, dance central, walking) and trying to eat healthy I hope to feel good about walking into my school next year.
So hello, any advice for a girl who really just wants to change her life?

[Brid]

Welcome, and good luck!

You've already taken the first step in deciding it's time for action. The first step's supposedly the hardest, but don't let that fool you into thinking the rest is a doddle. Overhauling your diet and exercise habits effectively means overhauling your life, but don't let the prospect daunt you into inactivity. You can do this. Talk to your friends and family, and let them know you'll be needing their support on the road ahead, because they can be invaluable allies. And keep checking in here for extra motivation and support.

It sounds like you've got lots planned on the exercise front; my advice for that would be to keep track of what you do, favour little and often over an occasional exercise binge, and don't get disheartened if you don't see results straight away. Even if it doesn't make you lose a single pound, regular exercise will make your body healthier and improve your metabolism.

What are your plans in terms of food? Will you be following a particular diet plan, or calorie counting, or just aiming for a general awareness of what's good and what's bad and aiming for the former rather than the latter? One thing I've seen a lot around here is that planning makes diets easier to stick to, so it would be good for you to have a clear idea about what's allowed in your mouth in future and what isn't.

I wanted to lose weight when I was your age too, but could never find a way to motivate myself, and now I feel like I've wasted most of my twenties on being fat. I hope you prove better at this than sixteen year old me did; the sooner you can hit the point marked 'happy and healthy', the better. Again, good luck!

[sontaikle]

Originally Posted by Z0a

So hello, any advice for a girl who really just wants to change her life?

The fact that you say you want to change your life rather than just "lose weight" is huge. It really shows that you're on the right track already

My piece of advice is this: The exercise is great but it is a much smaller component to a healthy lifestyle. Your eating is where 80% or so of your success will come from.

Poke around the forums, find a plan that fits your lifestyle. If you are 16 I am assuming that you live at home. While I am a bit older than you, I live at home and I know the challenges that poses. I chose calorie counting for that reason because it allowed me to adapt whatever was available at home into my eating plan. But still, just because it worked for me doesn't mean it will work for you. Look around and see what appeals to you!

Good luck

[Exhale15]

Oh, you've got this - great attitude

You've got lots of great cardio lined up (I love Zumba and walking); remember that weight loss is 'mostly' eating clean; the exercise is for getting more fit and boosting your metabolism. Speaking of metabolism, think of including some 'weight' work; barbells, squats, push-ups - to build muscle. And include one 'rest day' from your work-outs to let your body heal and refresh.

You are soooo going to succeed. I am happy for you