Welcome to Gaia! ::

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude.

You have the best name ever!

Four years ago I was 30 to 35 pounds overweight.

Since then I've lost all that weight. I'm 26 years old now and I think just being active can make a big difference. I didn't think I would lose weight this fast, but it had a lot to do more with how much I was working than a change in diet. The only change in my diet was cutting the rice I eat in half. I still think I eat a lot. But again, it was the work I was doing that made the difference.

I was teaching, going to school, AND working at an after-school program this past semester, and somehow I lost ten pounds. I was surprised, 'cause I was still eating a lot, so it must have been my activity. It helps to do something active that you love to do!

Thanks on both. xd

lol, I can tell you right now my stomach certainly hasn't shrunk! In fact, it looks like it's expanded... crying How can one lose 15 or so lbs and still look basically the same as they did before??

As for exercise, I don't really have many options. There's no equipment in my house and paying for a gym membership is beyond my means. I usuallly lift weights 3-4 days/week and go for an evening walk of a little under 2 miles every day (it takes about 30 minutes, usually less). I'd cycle, but I don't have a bike - but I'm looking in to getting one. 3nodding

I'd seroiusly love to hear your advice on mixing it up - both diet-wise and exercise-wise! I fear I've hit one of those plateaus you mentioned...I've been at relatively the same weight for about 5 weeks now. It's very disheartening... crying

Just keep walking and keep positive =) Reduce carbs and eat plenty of greens. Mind you, carbs are important 'cause it gives you energy but you only need so much energy per day right?

I was in the exact same position as you a few summers ago but I wasn't working and I just walked pretty much everywhere I went. Not fast or anything. I lost about 20lbs that year (yet I've gained it back now.. d'oh!).

I'm overwieght too, Illefyia, so I feel your pain. crying

Find something you like to do! I love swimming, and that's the best workout for you! It uses all of your muscles, your heart gets going, it's fun, too! blaugh

So, I suggested you go to a pool(Maybe at a YMCA?), and try swimming! 4laugh

Also, if you want some more motivation and tips whenever, you should watch the Biggest Loser. 3nodding

I used to be overeight when I was in my early teens... and suffered a lot beacuse of it. I'm 28 currently, and I can say that losing weight is something to feel good about, but not something to be overly proud or become narcissistic. I tried diets and they worked... for a while. I usually rebounded when, after 3 months of steady weight loss I became tired/discouraged or simply bored and wanted to eat as I usually did.

I learned the hard way: You need to comprimise and change both feeding habits and excersise to change your body. As some fellow Gaians stated above: the key is making it fun - give yourself short term goals and for heaven's sake, chose a sport that's fun and not stressful. I goy into Soccer but became quicly bored, swimming was good but expensive and finally I ended up in martial arts. Capoeira (a brazilian system of fighting and dancing in a game-like mood) was perfect for me, I done a lot of friends there! you should above all seek for the method that adjusts to you, not try to adjust yourself to a system.

Also: Here's a nifty webpage that can help you get started if you are short on money or too far away from a gym or sport field: One hundred push-ups (don't be scared of the title LOL)

keep us posted on your progress and here's hoping you get motivated to be healthy! *hug* smile

If you go to Walk away the pounds website it has a ten day challenge. I have already lost 6 pounds and I am on day 8. I am overweight too and I would definintely recommend walk away the pounds, it is a great walk program and I have already seen great results.