Obesity Discussion Forums

[guigui812]

Hello everybody
i've joined this community just a few days.
As a new year resolution and as always i've decided to lose weight!
It's not only a necessity because it's affecting my health but it is also a affecting my relationships with everybody else.
I've always been a fatty and now that i moved to a new country, i see how much it affects me.
I recently moved to France, to Lille to be more exact.
And i find it difficult to integrate this new society that only cares about apperances.
My family gave me a balance for christmas so you see how much they bother me with this issue.
I have come to understand that my weight has become a wall between me and others.
I've always been the fat kid with glasses that expends her time reading in the back of the class.
But now i refuse to keep being this person.
I want to go out and meet new people, have friends.
I am 203 lbs, i want to reach 132 by june, this means to lose 4 per week.
This is my goal, and i hope to reach it.
But i need help, i need the support from other people.
I want to share this with others that are goign threw the same thing and therefore help eachother.
I cannot do it alone, i know i cant.
So please help me, as i wish to help you.
Thank you all
Hope you have a good year
VG

[Audrey]

Welcome to the forums!

What kind of help are you looking for? Have you decided what you're going to do to loose the weight?

[guigui812]

Hey
thank you very much for replying.
Since New years, i've stopped smoking and drinking.
I eat 2 apples in the morning, a normal lunch and another apple or yogurt in the afternoon.
I'm doing good so far.
But when i go to sleep i feel my belly making sounds.
My body has been used to eating so much everyday that now that i've cut back its hurting.
Well guys if you have some other suggestions or tips, feel free to tell me.
I am a student in a foreign country so i have a budget, i have to eat in the unisersity restaurant, which food is not always healthy.
talk to you soon
VG

[chazzyb31]

Hi VG,

It sounds like you have a lot to contend with - stopping smoking and drinking, moving to a new country, starting a new diet and living on a tight budget. I'm concerned that you have given yourself a lot to contend with all at one time. I hope this doesn't overwhelm you.

I don't know where you come from originally, so I don't know what sort of diet you are used to. I know you want to lose your extra weight quickly, but it sounds like you might have cut back too much on your food. This can shock your body into storing everything you eat as fat and actually set your weight loss back. It's much better for you to eat sensibly rather than not at all.

I'm not familiar with the cuisine in France, but if it's possible I would suggest that you eat wholegrains, like cereal and wholemeal bread for breakfast to sustain you until lunch time, then lean protein like grilled chicken or fish with vegetables for lunch and dinner. Keep on eating the apples, as fruit and vegetables are important to everyone's diet, but make sure you get a good variety, otherwise you'll get bored and give up. You said you were eating a "normal lunch". What does this consist of? Is it possible to make your own food and take it with you to University? That way you stay in control of what you're eating. It might also be cheaper than buying food from the University restaurant. Without knowing exactly what you're living arrangements are I can't really advise you properly.

In general terms I would suggest that you eat wholegrains, lean protein and lots of fruit and vegetables. Be careful of hidden sugar in your yoghurts. Choose 0% fat plain yoghurt and add fresh fruit to sweeten it. If you're really desperate you could add one teaspoon (no more!) of honey. This is still a better option than some of the brands on offer in the supermarket.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep you hydrated. This also flushes out the toxins in your body and helps to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Keep fat and sugar to an absolute minimum. Try to drink skimmed milk if you can and stay away from all those French cheeses! Walk past the boulangerie and patisserie too - I visited Paris once and know how tempting they are!

You haven't mentioned an exercise plan, but to achieve your goal as quickly as you want you'll need to do some form of exercise. My own journey has been very slow because I haven't followed an exercise plan. I'm hoping to change that this year and have a better weight loss than I did last year. Do something you enjoy so that you keep at it. If you enjoy walking and there are parks or countryside nearby, take advantage of these. Perhaps you enjoy swimming or cycling instead? Anything that increases your heart rate and makes you sweat will be beneficial.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you manage to achieve your goal. I look forward to reading more about your progress. Happy New Year x

[Alexxa]

Hi and welcome!

I'm new to dieting as well, so I can´t advise you very much, but listen to what people like chazzy tell you and you'll be on your way sooner than you expect!!

What I can tell you is that exercise is the key to it, so make sure you include it in your daily routine. I know it may be hard in the beginning (I found it extremly hard - and I still do) but it's really worth it!!

Remember: NOTHING TASTES BETTER THAN BEING SLIM FEELS!

[guigui812]

Thanks Chazzy for the suggestions.
Back home, i used to eat a lot of junk food everyday, i had anything fried for lunch, no breakfast because i didn't have time, a some sweets at night as dinner.
When i moved to France on august, i started having breakfast (cereals with milk) , then lunch at the university and for dinner a couple cheese sandwiches. Since August i've gained around 20 pounds.
No i have eliminated my usual breakfast and dinner for fruit, which is usally apples or oranges.
Fruits and vegetables are pretty expensive here, so i have to eat in the university, it's much cheaper. There's usually fish and veggies, so i'll try to pick the best everytime.
About working out, i was planing on joinin a gym ( but to expensive!), i don't really have much time these days because finals are comming up, so i guess after i'm done with finals, i'll try to walk more, maybe do a 5min routine everymorning.
Well thanks again.
ttus

VG

[William Wallace]

Originally Posted by chazzyb31

Hi VG,

It sounds like you have a lot to contend with - stopping smoking and drinking, moving to a new country, starting a new diet and living on a tight budget. I'm concerned that you have given yourself a lot to contend with all at one time. I hope this doesn't overwhelm you.

I don't know where you come from originally, so I don't know what sort of diet you are used to. I know you want to lose your extra weight quickly, but it sounds like you might have cut back too much on your food. This can shock your body into storing everything you eat as fat and actually set your weight loss back. It's much better for you to eat sensibly rather than not at all.

I'm not familiar with the cuisine in France, but if it's possible I would suggest that you eat wholegrains, like cereal and wholemeal bread for breakfast to sustain you until lunch time, then lean protein like grilled chicken or fish with vegetables for lunch and dinner. Keep on eating the apples, as fruit and vegetables are important to everyone's diet, but make sure you get a good variety, otherwise you'll get bored and give up. You said you were eating a "normal lunch". What does this consist of? Is it possible to make your own food and take it with you to University? That way you stay in control of what you're eating. It might also be cheaper than buying food from the University restaurant. Without knowing exactly what you're living arrangements are I can't really advise you properly.

In general terms I would suggest that you eat wholegrains, lean protein and lots of fruit and vegetables. Be careful of hidden sugar in your yoghurts. Choose 0% fat plain yoghurt and add fresh fruit to sweeten it. If you're really desperate you could add one teaspoon (no more!) of honey. This is still a better option than some of the brands on offer in the supermarket.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep you hydrated. This also flushes out the toxins in your body and helps to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Keep fat and sugar to an absolute minimum. Try to drink skimmed milk if you can and stay away from all those French cheeses! Walk past the boulangerie and patisserie too - I visited Paris once and know how tempting they are!

You haven't mentioned an exercise plan, but to achieve your goal as quickly as you want you'll need to do some form of exercise. My own journey has been very slow because I haven't followed an exercise plan. I'm hoping to change that this year and have a better weight loss than I did last year. Do something you enjoy so that you keep at it. If you enjoy walking and there are parks or countryside nearby, take advantage of these. Perhaps you enjoy swimming or cycling instead? Anything that increases your heart rate and makes you sweat will be beneficial.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you manage to achieve your goal. I look forward to reading more about your progress. Happy New Year x

Very good advice Chazzy although I would be careful about eating too much fruit as fruit is loaded with sugar...in moderation though would be good. I also would not discount eating protein for breakfast as well, and not just whole grains/breads until lunch.

VG, losing 4lbs per week is double of what most doctors will recommend. Losing weight is not a sprint but a slow and steady progression. Many people who try to lose weight at that pace burn out quickly or have other complications. Based on what you are eating right now it seems like you may be borderline starving yourself. If you would like we can help you figure out a safe calorie amount to eat that will allow you to lose pounds in a safe yet effective manner, and I'm sure your tummy will like you more too!

Keep in mind that if you do not eat enough food, your body is not only going to lose fat, but muscle as well, and you need that muscle not only for looks, but muscle also burns calories all day long!

[guigui812]

Hey guys
I'm so happy, i woke up this morning, and weighted myself : 198 lbs! YES!!!
This means my new style of life is kickin in.
Everymorning i eat 2 apples and 2 glasses of milk.
I have lunch at the university restaurant and later at home i have another apple with milk.
I also do a little 5 mins work-out routine.
I know next week i want lose the same amount, but still im doing good.
Well hope all of you keep up the good work 2.

[vickinb]

Good luck with the diet. I would find it too restrictive personally. I love apples but would need more than that in the evenings. Have you tried eating yogart with the apple or maybe a bowl of oatmeal. That would be more filling and you wouldn't have the stomach rumbles at bedtime.
Good luck.
Vicki

[Willow]

Wow what a feeling to be under the 200lb mark .:~*~:. Congrats

It doesn't matter how much above the 200 mark you are, just getting back under is is great!

Willow ~*~

[guigui812]

Hey Guys
thx again for the support!
Im keepin my exercice and eating routine.
I'll weight myself every monday morning.
The stomac cramps are gone, so i'm good.
Everybody keep up the good work!

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by guigui812

Hey guys
I'm so happy, i woke up this morning, and weighted myself : 198 lbs! YES!!!
This means my new style of life is kickin in.
Everymorning i eat 2 apples and 2 glasses of milk.
I have lunch at the university restaurant and later at home i have another apple with milk.
I also do a little 5 mins work-out routine.
I know next week i want lose the same amount, but still im doing good.
Well hope all of you keep up the good work 2.

Good for you! I'm curious though, the only thing you have for dinner is an apple and milk?

[guigui812]

Hey guys
well tomorrow i'll weight myself again, hope to see those nimbres drop.
I'v done my workout routine everyday, eatten as i planned but on friday i had some bread. I'm sorry i was weak, i couldn't help myself. I had 2 cheese sandwiches. Well i truly hope this doesn't mess up my plan.
I'll right back tomorrow with my numbers.
Everybody keep up the good work and dun do as me! jiji

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by guigui812

Hey guys
well tomorrow i'll weight myself again, hope to see those nimbres drop.
I'v done my workout routine everyday, eatten as i planned but on friday i had some bread. I'm sorry i was weak, i couldn't help myself. I had 2 cheese sandwiches. Well i truly hope this doesn't mess up my plan.
I'll right back tomorrow with my numbers.
Everybody keep up the good work and dun do as me! jiji

It's OK to eat bread, just not going overboard which it seems like you're nowhere near doing so. I am curious to hear what your numbers are, keep us posted and good luck!

[guigui812]

I lost 3 pounds this week!!
I have to keep my routine, no going overboard!
good luck to you all

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by guigui812

I lost 3 pounds this week!!
I have to keep my routine, no going overboard!
good luck to you all

Congrats on the weight loss, though I am a bit worried that you may be under-eating. Do you know how many calories a day you are consuming on average?

[S. Max Gordon]

Hey there, I'm sorry I didn't read through all the other replies, but I wanted to say that I'm new too and if you ever need someone to talk to or some advice, I'm here for you!

[guigui812]

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

Congrats on the weight loss, though I am a bit worried that you may be under-eating. Do you know how many calories a day you are consuming on average?

Hey
I have no idea how many calories i consume per day,
Since i eat at the university restaurant it's kind of hard to figure out how many calories does each dish have.
But I'm feeling good!

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by guigui812

Hey
I have no idea how many calories i consume per day,
Since i eat at the university restaurant it's kind of hard to figure out how many calories does each dish have.
But I'm feeling good!

There are some websites out there that will tell you the approximate calories in food in general based on serving size.....might be worth checking out!

[Big Joe]

You may want to work out a little longer than 5 minutes. When I walk my dog, I don't start to feel anything until at least 10-15 minutes. I know you're busy with school, but an extra 15 minute walk every day (maybe around campus) will definitely help!