Hi ladies... another newbie!

[stkitts2010]

Hi ladies! Am I ever glad to have found this place.

Here is a little about me and how I ended up here:

I use to be fit at one point in my life. I enjoyed weight training and even cardio. It was a part of my every day life for most of my life until about 5 years ago. My father passed away. He was my best friend. Unfortunately my world turned upside down. I don't even recall what I did the first year. It seems like a blur. I do recall never going to the gym, eating unhealthy and eliminating exercise of any kind from my life. Without my husband I don't think I would even be alive. Finally I am at a point where I feel enough is enough! I can't take the way I feel or even look! Trust me its not pretty.

Ive had a hard time getting back into things. I don't fully remember how I use to eat, which I think is the biggest of my concerns right now.

Long story short, I ended up here in hopes of allocating resources to get back to my old healthy and fit body. Hopefully some of you can help.

My current stats:
5'4"
195lbs
?%BF (I don't even want to know.)

My goals are:
To maintain a clean diet.
Shed body fat to maintain a lean physique; build muscles!!!!
Make weight training and cardio a part of my every day life once again and never part ways with it like I did.

I'm not particularly interested in reaching a certain number on the scale. I just want to look GREAT.

 

[dirty~d~]

Welcome to EF! Congratulations on your decision to recreate a healthier you. It sounds like you already have an understanding of what it takes to achieve your goals... EXCELLENT! Ask away about anything. The women (and men) here are so flooded with knowledge you'll be on your way in no time.

My request is that you create a journal. Logging your updates and progress not only helps you see your results, but others who are trying to do the same thing can use your progress as motivation.

Now go KILL THAT SHIT!

 

[Strategus]

Hi! Welcome!!

I've lost my parents also. Each time, it happened at a point in my life where I should have been doing fun things and expanding my world, rather than turning inward (which is what I did). The first time was right before I graduated high school and went off to college (w/honors). The second time was when I was in my early 30s.

I was very active as a school kid until my father became ill, although I didn't play sports. I rode my bike a lot.

After losing my folks (who were a lot older than average when I was born), I didn't exercise much until I got into my late 30s. I really regret that, not so much physically but mentally.

Fortunately, I didn't gain more than maybe 15 unnecessary pounds, but I missed out on the pleasure from being strong...the pleasure from a good bike ride...and so on. Also learned recently that my bone density is on the low side, which I suspect is partly hereditary but also partly from not having exercised sufficiently during my 20s and 30s.

Regarding diet...I would start out simple.

Rather than trying to measure portions, count calories etc. right at the start, first do a couple of easier things to improve your eating:

-go through your cupboards and read the ingredients. Throw out anything that contains high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This means throwing out sodas as well as a variety of prepared foods.
-make a shopping list that includes several of the following:

~boneless/skinless chicken
~tuna or salmon (if you like it)
~eggs, preferably the Omega 3 kind if whole, or egg whites
~spinach (fresh, for salads)
~broccoli
~carrots
~blueberries and/or blackberries (in season right now!)
~oatmeal - PLAIN in the canister, not the sweetened kind
~unsweetened bran cereal
~olive oil for cooking - use in limited quantity.
~basmati or brown rice (rather than white rice)
~almonds or walnuts as a snack

Most of us have cravings for sweets. Dark chocolate (or of course the blueberries) is probably a better way to satisfy this than most other sweet things.

Best wishes!

P.S. What kind of cardio do you enjoy? Do you live in a place where you can go for a hike on weekends or ride a bike?

 

[dabuffguy]

Welcome to elite fitness. There is a great community here. You cn go over the the chat section and get to know members, tell us a bit about yourself and chat for fun. Also, here we have the best and most knowledgable senior members to help you out with your fitness goals.

glad you are here!

 

[Tatyana]

Hello and welcome,

So sorry to hear about your loss, and glad to hear you are back on track.

There is a shopping list in one of the sticky threads, you may want to check that.

We also have a great recipe thread.

You could also post up what you are eating now, and we could make some minor adjustments, I do think that altering your diet in stages is a much better idea than making radical changes.

 

[vixensghost]

Welcome! Congrats on taking your first step back to loving yourself AGAIN!

Sorry about the loss you've suffered too. I been there and done that TWICE. They say time heals, I still feel the pain! I'm sure you do too. I'm sure your dad would want you to move on and take charge of your life again too. I know my dad and mom always were proud of my healthy lifestyle!

As noted, please take some time to read, read, read allll the information around the entire board!

There are some fantastic ladies around here who will not only help you, but allow you to cry and bitch along the way too.

You like cardio? Are you nuts? lol Hey, you are ahead of most if you like cardio at least.

Once again- WELCOME AND CONGRATS on taking the step to a better lifestyle!

 

[Bikini Mod]

I feel like I am a day late and a dollar short LOL...

You are in GREAT hands with the ladies here. As you can see you will be able to gain support and information from women from all walks of life, all over the world, with varied life experiences.

YOU must be the one to do the work though. (Which I am certain you already knew).

We will be here along the sidelines cheering for you all the way, regardless of what path you will choose.

 

[*ebony*]

i joined ef recently as well and everyone around has been very nice and encouraging. browse the forums and use the search tool. i found it exremely helpful.

 

[stkitts2010]

Sorry I was out of a town for a few days.

Thanks all for your support and encouragement. Glad I am amongst you girls. I am positive the time is now to finally get my ass in shape!

I plan on reading tons and starting off slowly but in the right direction. I will be sure to post my menu in the next few days. Perhaps even pictures along my progress and ask questions and such eventhough I have done this before. I may be in need of some refreshing for my old mind. Haha!

 

[needtogetaas]

Welcome

 

[MrsJnuts]

Welcome to E.F.

I lost my brother to cancer 5 years ago. I still miss him terribly, but time does heal. Just take one day at a time I agree, the advice you get on this board is awesome, these ladies know their stuff.

 

[drsketch]

Welcome and good luck on your journey

 

[bw1]

Welcome

 

[the_alcatraz]

Welcome to EF