[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by Santorin

Hi all. I'm a noob to the forum. Someone mentioned this site on another forum that I am on and thought it would be a good idea to join the site.

I'm 28, female, 5'8" and weigh 176 lbs. I used to be somewhat active and worked out a bit, but have become very lazy over the last couple of years, plus I had knee surgery last year so it hindered my ability to be as active as I was before.

Now, I am looking for a change. I quit smoking in December and that has been great and now I want to work out again, ride my bike; just get back in shape. Before I started gaining all this weight, I weighed in at 135. I didn't have much muscle, but looked good. Now I would like to add a some muscle and become leaner.

I think my major issue right now is the types of food I eat. Fatty, greasy, cheesy, etc. The way I eat has caught up to me in more ways then one. I now have GERD...or better known as Acid Reflux.

Okay...I seem to have written a novel here. My goal is to get down to 140-145ish. I'm not sure what my ideal BMI should be, though.

Any incouraging words or support are gladly welcome. Any food ideas would be great, too. I do have to say that I am a very, very picky eater. I like very few vegetables, a handful of fruits, no fish, mainly like american and italian foods. Sigh...

Anyway, I look forward to reading all the success stories on the site.

First off welcome to the site!!!!

I really wouldn't concern yourself so much with BMI. BMI is not an ideal measurement tool to determine your weight or health levels. BMI does not factor in muscle you have added to your body. In fact, when you add muscle, you get penalized for it in the BMI calculation! For example, my BMI comes out to 26 which classifies me as overweight, however, I am an avid weightlifter and fairly trim these days.

Italian foods are very tough because they frequently are either fried or ladened with carbs, butter and oil. Can you list some of the exact foods you do like so maybe we can help you find some foods that are healthy that you and your stomach will enjoy as well?