dont even know where to start

[Hekela]

first time post with a lot of questions to ask.

i just moved out on my own and looking to start over... with everything. im 19, 5'8" , and weigh 190 lbs. im visiting my family on thanksgiving and would love to surprise them with a great new me!

ive scanned some posts and notice a lot of people doing the carb/protein diets. however, i don't really know what is right for me.

i walk to school in the morning, but have free time in the afternoons and evenings. i have easy access to a gym and a pool (where i love to swim!) just to give you an idea. i love to munch, which is probably one of the things that stops me from loosing weight. (cheerios are my favorite!)

im looking at losing at least 40 pounds, but again, i just have NO idea where to start. people have mentioned cardio exercise, but what is considered cardio? are there pills i should be taking? food i REALLY need to stay away from, other than the obviously fat kind? is there food that most people think is healthy, but really isn't?

because i haven't really done this in the past, im not sure how much exercise i could do in one day. however, i would love to just be fit, for once in my life!!

im very new at all of this, but im also very interested as well. if anyone has time, and they would be willing to give their advice, i'd appreaciate it. thank you.

Hekela

 

[DManRocks]

I would suggest grab a copy of Bill Phillips "Body for Life" (at any local bookstore) it's a great book for beginners. It has everything you are asking about. Start doing cardio as soon as you can. eliptical machines, bike, treadmill. all good cardio work. Good Luck

 

[toga22]

I agree with DManRocks, go out and pick yourself up the book "Body for Life."

Exercise is going to be one of the main keys to achieving your goals. Walking, swimming, aerobics, treadmill, whatever, figure out which one is your favorite and start doing it. After a week or so set some goals for yourself....start out small. For example, today I swam 30 laps in 40 minutes, tomorrow I will swim 35 laps. Build on your achievements and be be proud of your accomplishments. After the first few weeks, you will want to consider adding weight training to you cardio workout.

Water is going to be your best friend, until you really get yourself situated in a routine. If you get the munchies, drink a big glass of H2o and take a brisk walk around the block. As far as food goes, read the labels and keep a journal of what you are eating, including how many calories, carb grams, fat grams and protein grams.

My personal feeling, as far as finding a diet exercise plan you can stick with is making it routine. Incorporating it in your life. If it becomes routine, a part of your daily schedule, you will stick with it. The hard part will be the first 2 weeks, when you are making it your routine.

As far as supplements and pills, wait a month. These are very helpful aids in helping you achieve you personal goals, however they will not work on their own and they can be easily misused. Get your diet and exercise routine in check first. And when you decide that it is time to add supplements to your diet, research what you are using and how to use them properly.

Best of luck to you.

 

[mlomker]

im very new at all of this, but im also very interested as well. if anyone has time, and they would be willing to give their advice,

My favorite books is http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/073820403X

I just bought a copy for my younger brother. It's a great place to start and talks about how to put together a program with cardio, weight training, and proper diet. You can't get to where you want to go without all three pieces.

 

[Smurf the little pea.]

I think some good avice is, do not eat at night. After your last meal, just drink water. And have smaller portions of food, and never have seconds.

 

[gymtime]

I think the BFL thing is a good idea. It will give you everything you need in one package, meaning a complete diet and workout program.

Gotta disagree with the young Smurf though. Eating at night is not the sin it used to be. It all depends on your overall diet and training. I lift fairly late in the evening and sometimes don't get my last meal in until 9:30pm.

 

[Ingram]

I've got to agree "Body for life" is your best bet, but you must be willing to follow its advice completely. If you do, you will be satisfied with the results. The hardest thing to do is keeping yourself motivated. Good luck young grasshopper.

 

[Honeynut]

Hi!

Good for you, you certainly have the right attitude! Getting enough exercise and eating a "clean" diet (meaning avoiding certain things such as processed foods, sugars, and bad fats, focusing instead on unrefined foods, low fat meats, veggies and fruits, and good fats) will help you reach your fitness goal.

Cardio is exercise that gets your heart rate up. Brisk walking or jogging, riding a bike, rollerblading, swimming are all options. You said you're already a swimmer, if you're used to the activity I'd suggest trying to fit in an hour of it a day. If this is too much, start slowly and work your way up.

I strongly reccommend reading the women's board for exercise and diet pointers, there are quite a few girls who've been in your position and will have good advice to share with you.

Welcome

 

[twinturbo]

Drink water like there is no tommorow- best advice I can give you- shoot for 1.5-2 gals. a day if your just starting..