I figure that the way to really stay on track with a diet and exercize plan is to keep a journal that charts my progress. I'm going to post before and after pics to show progress, and I'll try to make it like a real journal: I'll post problems and pluses. Right now, I'm about 170, and I'm only 5'2, so you can see how frustrated I am with the way I look. My goal is about 115-130. I'm going to walk for an hour each day, do half an hour of aerobics. I'm also a vegan, and I'll be going on a raw food diet. I really want to change my life around, and improve my lifestyle and make healthier choices. So if anyone had any tips or advice or comments, I'd really appriciate it! thanks for your time^^
I can't give you any advice as I'm on the same route but I wish you good luck in this journey. Its an enlightening one indeed.
maybe a little bit of light weight training added in a few days of the week if possible could help. just to build up some lean muscle to help burn calories. walking and aerobics are great...so have fun doing them. if your not having fun, maybe try picking up another cardio program. the best cardio is the cardio you will continue to do. other than that, i don't know what to say cuz i have no clue about a vegan lifestyle nor a raw food diet. but good luck.
A weight loss journal is a good way to stay focused. My advice is that, in the event that you add weight training, make sure that you are getting enough protein from other sources since you have eliminated animal products.
i do that! i have what i call a "journey to better health" blog on livejournal.com. it's separate from my regular blog i have on there. i haven't posted any pics of myself yet, but i plan on doing so soon. i also keep a private food journal. i have a few emotional issues with food and eating. it's weird. basically if i start to eat healthy i sabotage it by overeating, and eating junk. the really weird thing is i don't even realize i'm doing it WHEN i'm actually doing it. compulsive overeating is my disorder. i saw a therapist about it for a time when i first realized i had this disorder, and she recommended i start keeping a food journal. it's kind of like a crutch. basically it teaches me to be mindful about feeding myself and to learn to use food and eating to nourish my body and to move away from using it as a defense mechanism. it's sort of a complicated issue, but i find using the food journal to be the most helpful thing. it's a safety net for me. if you do have even small issues with emotional eating, it can be so helpful! i am almost exactly your size and weight. that's crazay! good for you in deciding to change your lifestyle to a healthier one. and remember, you're not very overweight. sometimes i beat myself up and feel like i'm SO overweight, but then i remember that 30 lbs is not a lot.
yeah i'd definitely follow fitzy's advice and lift some weights...dont worry, you wont turn into a female arnold schwarznegger...but you wont lose much muscle when you lose weight, you'll lose mostly fat.
please please please everyone just don't go on any stupid diets like slimfast or others where the only goal is to lose weight. if you have a healthy body then you will be a healthy weight. i can't stand these diets that don't teach you about eating the right foods and will never let you experience the effect that good nutrition will have on your body. i know you said you wanted to be healthier too so cool, i just hate all these 'diets' which are really just a load of bollox! i know they can help you lose weight but there are other and better ways to do it without sacrificing your health. so take care and know that food gives you life, and the better the food you eat, the better your life will be. x
i know, sorry, its just other people will read this and i just hate those diets because they miss the point and turn food into an enemy. sorry!
I just wanted to wish you well on your continued journey. I am embarking on the same myself. If you need support feel free to PM me... Love Laughter and Light to you Laura
