HELP!!! I wanna lose weight!
 

Hey everyone I need your help!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

I know we've talked about it here before but I wanna lose weight! Does anyone have any REAL, ACHEIVEABLE, ideas? Here's the catch though........ I want to go from a size 12 to a size 8 by this summer. I've tried alot of things but I've only been abole to drop a dress size. I got upset then gained it back! What's a sista to do?

Exquizit,

I feel ya! I want to lose weight also. I can't seem to get enough energy to do anything about it. I did talk to my doctor. He said that if I were to drink plenty of water and ate half of everything that I normally eat I would lose weight. I wished I could wear a size 12. Shoot! I am interested in hearing of other success stories regarding this matter. I wonder does aerobics really help? Are there any herbs that we can use to help?

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You are the master of your own destiny!

hey all,

EX girl first off how are YOU!!! i miss our chats. anyway i'll lend my PE/exercise science expertise and say that if you lift weights as well as cardio you will be a-okay. (eating right does you good too) my problem is that i am trying to lose my booty. i have a small waist with HIPS AND BOOTY lol. i have to wear a twelve just so my booty will fit in my jeans. if i didnt have it i would probably be wearing an 8. i am going to start an aquatic aerobic/resistance training class when school starts back up. it should be fun.

water also flushes out anything that needs to go. if you drink alot of water then your body wont feel as if it needs to hold onto as much. CONSKEETED aerobics helps but weight traning will speed up your metabolism. (dont worry about bulking up, our bodys are not made for that unless you are on roids of some type or if you do it for a living http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif )

anyway maybe we can keep each updated on our progress? take care.

Meeks

and poplife quit following me around greekchat!!! lol



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The truly educated never graduate!

When I was about 17 I was a size 12. That's not bad if you're BUILT to be a 12. But my mom and dad are naturally thin so my frame is pretty tiny.

I went from a size 12 to a size 6 in about 6 months and have been keeping it off for a long time. I stopped eating so many fried foods, drinking soda's, and ate almost no red meat. That was in conjunction with attending dance class/aerobics faithfully three times a week. I was an emotional eater so I started finding other outlets to express myself.

Losing weight really is a lifestyle change. You can't change your eating habits for a short amount of time, go back to your old lifestyle, and expect to keep the weight off. I just did a lot of substituting. Grilled for fried, juice and seltzer water for soda, veggie pizza for meat lovers...it gets fun after a while if you're creative. There are a lot of healthy cooking books out there. And you'd be surprised at the amount of the things that taste great and are healthy.

Note: If you are already the size that God intended for you to be then you won't see many results. I was overweight so what I just talked about worked wonders for me. If you are just unhappy with your natural size then you have to take that up with HIM. *lol*

Peace and Blessings!!

LOL...meeks I just saw what you wrote! You'se a wild one!

I understand where you are coming from Exquizit. I am trying to shed 10-12lbs myself. I am 5'1" @ 132lbs. My doctor says I'm overweight for my body frame. His advice to me was exactly what Meeks and Poplife stated. Exercise (weight training and aerobics) and Good Eating Habits .

I haven't started because it's been hard for me to fit it into my schedule without missing some sleep time or study time , neither of which I can afford to miss.

Good luck to you though, because I know it's hard.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif Hey Meeks and POP!! How yall are? LOL! Girl I'm feelin' you with the booty! I have to do the same thing!
Where I'm from though, it just seems like the women here just stood in line twice when God passed out the Butt! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif
I'm going to try my best to stick to it this time. I think no matter what though, my frame will always be a small waist with bigger hips and butt. When I was thinner it was the same way, but at least then it was a bit easier to fit into clothes!

I just know I can't give up my Christams Gumbo. That would be like taking away a finger or toe! lol http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

That Tae-Bo tape kicks my butt yall! That thing makes you sweat! No pain no gain right?

I had to reply to this topic!! I recently (this summer) went from a size 14 (and on my way out of that) to a size 8!!! I am still excited everyday I get dressed. I completly bought a new wardrobe...which was so much fun! I think that there are several questions you have to ask yourself before trying to lose weight:

1. Can I change my lifestlye?
2. Am I gonna EXCERCISE?
3. Do I have the time for this?

I knew this summer I would have more free time than normal, and I had to say goodbye to that awful diet I was eating. Ladies Famous Amos was really starting to be a regular part of my day (and night LOL). I started eating low fat foods, drinking alot of water, and excercising atleast 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. I had to get off my a**, but it was worth it. I know I look better, feel way better, and realize weight loss is also about your health. As you can see I could go on forever on this topic, I am even trying to have a Health/Excercise program sponsored by my chapter next semester. On a side note Exquizit I really don't think you need to lose weight, but you know if you wanna workout call me!!

Hey serenity, I am in basically the same size range as you. Maybe we should buddy up when we start so that we can track our progress and give each other support and motivation.

Or maybe we all should just start a weight loss/healthy living club in general! What do y'all think?

I'm jealous of POP and Wonderful08! You guys did a great job in your weight loss! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

Wonderful08, most people tell me I don't look like I wear the size I do and that I shouldn't really lose any, but I just feel so darn HEAVY!!!

I wanna tone up these arms of mine too, you know women catch extra "flaps" in the upper arm area. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by exquizit (edited December 11, 2000).]

Hope you all don't mind my intrusion....

exquizit-

Weight Watchers is a great way to lose weight. I joined this summer and it was pretty easy. Everyone is so supportive and knows exactly what you're feeling. Once you lose those first few pounds, everyone is SO proud of you!

They even throw in incentives (bookmarks, free books, food, etc) every once in a while. And if you reach your goal and keep it for a few months, you become a lifetime member and never have to pay another dime again for your whole life! You can still go to everything and not pay.

It is $15 to join (they often have free signups though) and $10 a week after that. I had to quit because I couldn't afford it, but I still have all my literature and try to follow it as best as I can. Once the summer comes, I am joining again.

Diet and exercise go hand in hand, but sometimes you just need that little push to get you going. Weight Watchers did it for me! (and for the friend I joined with!)

Good luck!

-cash78mere

(PS...I'm no spokeswoman for WW but I truly believe in their system. I know at least a dozen people who have lost and kept off weight with WW.)

Let's do it Sweetsista!!!! I've been trying to get my friends to motivate me so that I could get started, but they haven't been any help.

Isn't it sad that I had to go on-line for some help????? But I'm glad I did. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

EXQUIZIT,
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER, TAKE VITAMINS OR A VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT, DO SOME SORT OF EXERCISE AT LEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK, STAY AWAY FROM CARBS, SET ASIDE 2 HRS FOR YOURSELF A WEEK TO MEDITATE/YOGA. YOU CAN ALLOW YOURSELF 2 TIMES A MONTH TO BE "BAD" (WE'RE HUMAN, I.E, A CHEESEBURGER OR SOMETHING). BE STRONG AND PRAY ABOUT, IT WORKS. I HOPE THIS HELPS http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Are there any emotional eaters out there? When I am bored, I will eat on cookies or something. Is anyone familiar with the diet pill called (alipx or alepx or alipex)? I am not sure of the spelling. My doctor wrote me a perscription for it; however, I have been a bit apprehensive about using it. Sorors, I really get depressed when I think about all of the weight that I have gained. I used to cheer in junior high, high school and college. After I had my second child my body just...........I can't even talk about it. I am signing off! Love you guys!

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You are the master of your own destiny!

Ladies I feel all of you on this one. Let me tell you I was chubby every since I was like in the third grade and getting picked on by classmates as well as family members was a pretty hard pill to swallow! I could never understand why I was the size I was because I didn't eat anymore than the next person. Also, both my parents were tall and thin. Anyway the summer before my sophmore year of high school I did the dumbest thing! I starved myself almost the entire summer. I only ate like one sandwhich per day. Granted I did lose weight but I suffered numerous health problems such as anemia etc. During my freshman year of college I decided to do things the right way I cut out all red meats only ate fruits, veggies, chicken and drank lots of water. I excersized like 5 days a week doing a combination of step aerobics, sit ups, weight training, and resistance. I went from a size 13 to a size 9 and i've managed to stay a size 9 for years now! Staying in shape is an everyday commitment it's ok to have a burger every now and then but just remeber to drink lots of water and fit a lil tae bo in at the end of the day to work it off! lol http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Wisemen Speak Because They Have Something To Say, Fools Because They Have To Say Something!
Failure To Plan Is Planning To Fail!!!

Hello Ladies!
Yes weight watchers is a wonderful plan. I lost close 20 pounds. I'm off the plan now because I could not afford it anymore but they teach you to make healthy LIFE STYLE CHANGES. This is very important. You have to control your portion size. And Ladies...when I coupled my life style changes with taking a step aerobics class 2-3 times a week, the weight FLEW OFF http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif People at my job and at church asked me what I was doing. It comes down to: Life style changes (drinking water, portion control)and exercise.

I recently had surgery and was on leave for 6 weeks and gained some weight. I just started going back to the gym (woo hoo http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif) and would love it if everyone posted their progress. It's good to have a support group!

Hello Ladies:

Hope you all don't mind me butting in.

The keys to safe weight loss have already been echoed on this thread.

Weight training is the key as well as cardio. Lean muscle burns more calories that fat does so the weight training is the absolute key (for me at least). Additionally cardio is a must as well. 30-45 minutes (for beginners), then try to increase to an hour. The reason I sat this is because it takes your body 15-20 minutes to even "realize" that you are exercising. The remainder of the time you are burning.

If you can afford it, get a heart rate monitor. This will indicate where you are within your training zone and how many calories you are burning...even when walking.

Finally diet. For me, I limit my carbs. I don't eliminate them, I limit them. The bulk of my carbs, I eat in the morning so I burn them throughout the day. ALso, I try to eliminate excessive potatoes, breads, rice, etc. from my diet. If I mus have them, I try to eat fortified types and whole grains, etc. WHite wonderbread...a no-no.

I've talked enough. I can go on forever on this topic.

Good luck.

Sorry for any typos..it's a laptop.

I think the name of the pill is Adipex. My best friend used it, and it works, but they are a little pricey. I, too, am trying to lose weight. I used to be an emotional eater, but not too much anymore. I changed a lot of my eating habits, but I still have a long way to go. Drinking water is the hardest thing for me. Well, outside of exercise, but I've started back with my Tae-Bo, and I hope I stay motivated enough to stick with it. The doctor that prescribed the Adipex for my friend is an obesity doctor. He also gave her a shot of Vitamin B12, and a diet. The diet is a little strict, but I tried it, and it works. It basically reduces your daily caloric intake. Nothing I would do forever, but it's nice to do once in a while, just as motivation. So, in trying to take the cheap way out (obesity doctors are a little pricey, too), I went to GNC and got some little diet fuel (not hardly like MetaboLife, that stuff has TOO MUCH caffiene in it!!), and some Vitamin B12 tablets. The B12 is to increase your metabolism. The diet fuel is more of an appetite suppressant, which is what Adipex is. So it's pretty easy to do these expensive diets for next to nothing!! But they are not lifestyle changes! It's just a start, I think. It helps to motivate you when you lose 10 Lbs in a week, to keep exercising and eating right to keep it off. I think I'll try weight watchers, since some of you guys have had such good things to say. And I agree, it is so much harder when you don't have a support group around you. Me and my best friend tried it, but she's two hours away, and it's just not the same. But I am definitely interested in having a little online support!!! Ok, this post has gotten a little out of hand, so I'll end now!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Ideal08 (edited December 12, 2000).]

First of all let me thank you guys for letting me know I'm not alone in this! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Anyway, I've heard so many bad things about GNC products. Ripped Fuel was something I tried and it was just like I was on speed! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif I lost weight really fast and of course it all came back! I'm a little frightened of any type of diet pills after that.

Thanks for the correct spelling. I could not understand my doctor's handwritting.

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You are the master of your own destiny!

Has anyone tried Meridia? If so, what results did you have?

Hey serenity! Email me so that we can start this!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif sweetsista7@yahoo.com

Exquizit,

I don't own a scale to weigh myself. If I did, I'd be obsessive-compulsive and looking at every .lbs I would want lose. I'd be in the gym or working out every hour on the hour...

I have held a size 6 for the past 6-7 years and now I'm a 30 something... It seems it's harder to lose weight as a woman gets older.

I agree with the others with weight loss: it mainly has to be a lifestyle change with a consistent exercise regimen. More than ever before, I would highly suggest making sure you are checked out by a physician before you try any massive changes for weight loss.
When I switched to a vegetarian diet, including no chicken or fish, my hair became really dry and started to fall out. It wasn't until I started taking a vegetarian multi vitamin when I started getting better. But being a veg eater gets way too expensive... I still eat dairy products, i.e. things that have milk/eggs in them such as coffee with cream or sweet potato pie, but I don't buy plain milk or eggs, nor order it when I eat out.

Which reminds me, watch that eating out!!! You can massively tack on pounds that way even if you order a salad!!! Take your breakfast/lunch/snack/dinner with you to work!!! And no money except to buy a liter of water... That way you will only be forced to eat what you bring.

Also, try not eating after dark because if you goto sleep after eating, you are not working off the calories which turns into fat while you sleep---AND no, don't do a chromium picolinate or other metabolic suppliment while you sleep thingy, that pumps up your blood pressure and you don't want hypertension, too!!!

If you are super-duper hungry after dark, drink all your foods (meaning no alcohol!!!).

And the way to tell you are increasing your metabolism safely, and this is rather disgusting but it works, is you are very regular--not diarrieha (sp.) or constipated, but regular with ease at least daily. Drinking 8 oz of water or more really helps this process...

Serenity, pleeeaaasssee! Girl I wish I was 132lbs! I am 5'2" and weigh 152lbs. with a big ole grandmama booty! Girl, my mother is 5'9" and wears a size 6(still has the figure) and was a model. I have soooo much pressure to lose this fat, it is depressing just to talk about this.

But on a postitive note, I lost 12lbs over a few months period. I lost track but I will start back(after finals)this Sunday and tighten up because before you know it, Spring will be here and besides, you don't have to wait until summer to think about your health.

WARNING: PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN TAKING PHENTERMIME, MERIDIAN, VIASOMETHING, ETC. Girl, not only will you gain your pounds back but you may also suffer from side effects years from now! If you do decide to go this route, PLEASE consult a doctor first, and don't just randomly purchase this items off the internet. Please, don't get upset, just trust me.

I WISH I weighed 152 pounds! I'm 5'2, 185 with a big old grandmama booty. Ezquizit, I'm glad you brought this thread back up to the top. I joined a gym to take an aerobics class. I have Tae-Bo tapes, but I've discovered that I cannot work out alone. It's more fun if you know other people are "suffering" with you. I've got to get rid of these pounds for my health's sake. I have a family history of diabetes, fortunately it hasn't caught up with me yet, but I'm not going to wait on it. (and you know I gotta be cuter for the summer!

How do I got in with the motivational group?? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by 12dn94dst (edited February 07, 2001).]

I mentioned this on the Sisterly Forum (o.k.a. Seeker) but there's a video tape that my mom has called "Body Flex". For those of us who don't have time to take a yoga class or anything like that, the video tape is 15 min and EASY. My mom went from a 10-12 to a 4-6 (women in my family are small, and she knew what weight she was supposed to be. Like Pop said, if you're naturally built a certian way, talk to God, and Thank Him/Her for it! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif). In the tape, the instructor informs you as to why the tape is basically only breathing and stretching (serious stretching). One example she gives is of ballet dancers. When I did ballet, I was always toned up, and I never did any other excercises (sp?). The exercise comes in the stretching of the muscle (the stress causes blood to flow to that spot in the body) that is inherent in ballet. Anyways, the tape talks all about that, and like I said, it works. Not only are you burning fat, but your building up your muscles also. Also, try to educate yourself about the foods you take in. I think if more people knew the reality of the harm we do to our bodies by what we put in it, we'd be better off. It doesn't matter if you eat "health food" frozen dinners if they have been cooked once (which removes the nutrients) frozen and recooked (no nutritional value left in the meal).
OH!!! One more thing, now this may sound odd, but CLEAN YOUR COLON!!! Besides the fact that it reduces our risk for colon cancer (a growing malady in our community), when food is trapped in there our metabolism is decreased. So just some tips...please keep us posted!!! You can do it!!!

WOW! I didn't know your were Seeker! I shout you out often! LOL http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif. I'm going to try a few of these suggestions because I want to be healther overall as well as being cuter for the summer. I gotta flex! LOL

This just goes to show you how small the world is!!! LOL!!! I saw one or two names on this board that were the same as on Sisterlyforum, but never assumed that they were the same person (sometimes, NOT assuming can be just as bad http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif). I had to change my name because someone already had Seeker (although there is only ONE original Seeker http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif). Talk to you soon!

Girl I am going to the gym today after about 3 weeks (no let me stop a month) of not going. I really haven't gained any weight. But I am starting to become untoned(quickly)Not to mention my boyfriend inspired by my weight loss...will NOT have a better body than me!! So call me, I am going to Foxy's on a free 2 week pass, they have free passes all over town.

Girl don't play! I'm at 147lbs. as of today, I am on a mission and I'm not taking any prisoners. I'm not going to lie, I cheat a little bit with(Metabolife). And it is ssssooooo hard to get into the habbit of drinking 64ounces of water a day. But it is happening, it's easier now to eat 2-3pieces of fruit a day than a month ago. But I have to do it for my health.

One good motivator for me was joining a martial arts class(I know this sounds stupid or extreme) but trust me, it is fun, you sweat a lot, and after a month you will think you can beat the world. Also, my stress level goes down alot and I feel sooo relieved. Hey, if you can, sign up for a class at leat twice a week. If you go to class for 50minutes/twice a week, that is more than what you've done before.

Go for it, what do you have to lose but weight. Good Luck. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

In my weight lost quest I tried walking daily every morning....5:30. It seems as if all my partners quit walking and I end up walking alone. I lose my motivation when I exercise by myself. I walked for two months faithfully and didn't see any results. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/mad.gif You know we all want that instant gratification http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif I wanted to try Metabolife, but I was scared of the side effects. Right now I'm taking Body Solutions Evening Formula. I heard about this product from a local radio personality and she mentioned how she was losing weight. Right now it's the new "fad" in my city. It works but it's a gradual process....I guess the way it should be. You take the product at least three hours from your last meal....you're supposed to take it right before bedtime. The only thing about it, you will be hungry as heck when you wake up in the morning and I'm not a breakfast person. The website is www.bodysolutions.com for anyone that is interested in reading up on it. I've lost, but I don't know exactly how much because I don't want to be a slave to the scale by weighing myself everyday. This Saturday will be one month since I've been taking it. I'll keep you all updated on how I'm doing. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Total Elegance,

It's funny you should mention Body Solutions. I was investigating that just yesterday. It's a lil pricey for me, considering I have spent hundreds on exercise equipment that's collecting dust & suppliments that made me feel entirely too hyper. The thing that interested me is that you take it at night and not during the day so I imagine it doesn't keep you awake at night like some other suppliments do.

Like you, I lose motivation when I exercise by myself. It's too easy to rest and stay rested when you're tired.

I am seriously encouraged by what everyone has said. In fact, tomorrow when I go for my twice weekly torture session (otherwise known as step aerobics), I will inquire about getting a trainer.

All I have to say is these men better watch out. We're already dangerous. Who knows what will happen once we get to where we want to be! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif BE ENCOURAGED Y'ALL!!

Ok WONDERFUL!! When are we gonna workout? Has anyone had any success with their weight loss goals? I lost 15lbs due to stres. Then all of a sudden but butt just started growing again! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif I haven't given up though!

Good Luck! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif I'm going to my torture session today! My calfs still heart from my last martial arts class. But at the same time, I can see my legs beginning to slim and shape. Good Luck!

One more thing, me motivated but don't burn yourself out. Take it easy.

Hey sorors and sisterfriends!
Here comes another Delta chimin' in on your thread..... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif
OK, I have a PhD. in Dietology!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I modeled for several years after I graduated from college, and If the diet exists, I have been on it! Let me save everyone some time...
THEY DON'T WORK THEY DON'T WORK THEY DON'T WORK! Oh yeah, and by the way, THEY DON'T WORK! OK, let me get real for a minute...The main problem 99 percent of women have with diets is 3-fold...
1. They do not get real with what they will actually do to lose weight. (saying you will work out 10 days a week when you have not been to the gym since Good Times was still on CBS is not realistic!)
2.They do not know why they have gained it in the first place (hint: it is not because of the food).
As an addition to #2, we all know full well what we should and should not eat, but until we realize WHY we allow ourselves to participate in such destructive behavior, we will not stop. Ya gotta get to the emotional triggers and change them!
3. We run away from being overweight, instead of running towards a permanent goal. If you don't have a destination, where are you going, besides leaving where you are! In the war between the unknown and the comfortable, we always feel better in the comfortable!
I am 5'11", and went from a 14 to a 12 to a 14 to a 10 to a 6 to a 10. When I was modeling full-time, I lost 20% of my body weight trying to fit the skinny stereotype, and fainted on the runway/backstage (more than once.) I had to gain some weight back just to have a period, OK! It was pretty bad. Now I am a 10, and I am pretty comfortable with that, although I wouldn't mind losing 10 Lbs. I know my mistake has been trying to lose weight fast (20 Lbs. in 2 weeks and other ludicrous feats!), and never figuring out why I ate things I knew I should not, along with what triggered the behavior.
This time, I am going to keep a journal of my feelings and spiritual thoughts at the same time, and make it a group effort! That is where everything begins.
Sisters, All the ideas about exercise, supplements and water, water, water, DO really work and are very important as part of a total life adjustment, just make sure you tailor the whole plan realistically to your life. Increase slowly so you dont have the desire to give up because of the insurmountable goal of 10 classes a week, etc., you have given yourself. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif Go from 1-2 classes a week, or activities with exertion, and work your way up! Slow and steady wins the race, and NO habit is typically changed overnight. If it took you 5 years or more to get there, it won't be 10 days to go back.
I want to be in the support ring too! If you need any more info about prescription diet pills, e-mail me, I've been on one, but I know several girls I modeled with who have been on just about all of them, so I can give you some insight there too! OK, I'm wayyy beyond my $19.13, so I'll hush! Good luck, and let me know when the meetings are! I wanna be in on it! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Support is priceless!!!

soror6

Ladies,

You know the posts on this board are always RIGHT ON TIME. I haven't been to the gym in about a month but guess what is sitting next my desk at work today? My gym bag http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif One of my friends motivated me to get back on track and you guys just gave me some more. It is good to see I'm not alone in my quest for "slimness" http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I agree with all of the previous advice given, and I also wanted to add what worked for me.

I started keeping a diary of EVERYTHING that I ate (right down to the last 3 M&M's that I found in my bag-LOL), and at the end of the day, I reflected on what it all was. This REALLY helped me, because not only did I get to see exactly what I ate, but I was also able to track when I ate unhealthy (which was usually around the afternoon-more fatty foods). From seeing this, I immediately changed that habit.

Another thing that is essential to losing weight is water. Personally, I don't like drinking plain water, so I'd go and buy what water tasted the "best" to me (I hate Crystal Springs, but I loooove Evian and Black Mountain). Keep a large bottle with you, and (if you want) add a few lemon wedges in it. When i "thought" I was hungry, I'd sip some.

I stopped eating after 8pm-that was one of the hardest things for me to do, cause I get the cravings BAD at night!

I could go on and on....but if you'd like any more advice, feel free to email me!!



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"Mind ya own, stay true to ya own, be ya own."
Peace and God Bless
Classy_Diva5

One word...Pilates. They hurt like a madman, but you feel amazing afterwards. They're great for muscle tone...I'm not so sure about weight loss.

An idea that I had was to keep a binder with different sections: Spiritual, Financial, Emotional, Physical. Each day, you write a journal entry in each part. Examples: For spriritual, you might write what you learned in Bible study or church. In financial, you keep a record of your spending habits, so you can see where you spend to much, and where you don't spend enough. This allows you to move toward financial planning, saving, and investing. The emotional section would be like your personal journal. Then in the physical section, keep track of what you ate that day, at what time, and your exercise for that day, and for how long. You can also track inches/pounds lost in this section.

Just wanted to share an idea! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

After being thin (5'9", 135 lbs) all my life, I began gaining weight after developing thyroid disease. It's been a long hard battle back to being healthy. I'll never be that thin again (and don't want to be), but I'm not as heavy as I was when my thyroid disease was at its worst. I went on the Adtkin's Diet in Sept 99 and lost 65 pounds in 8 months and have kept it off. I'm in a size 10 dress now, down from a 16. The secret for me was to cut back on sugars (in fruit and soft drinks, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc) and other carbs (to include pasta, breads, rice, corn, and potatoes). I also increased veggies, and drink LOTS of water. I do allow myself a treat (McD's fries, ice cream, some hot, buttered corn bread muffins) now and then. I just don't go to the extreme and go hog wild, and I don't beat myself up about breaking my lifestyle change, either. The next day, I make up for it with better eating habits. In terms of exercise, I walk, walk, walk. I take the stairs instead of the elevators and park as far out in parking lots as possible. It's simple things like this that make a difference. Juggling two kids, two cats, a full-time job, and grad school, I've just recently gotten the energy to start combining weight lifting and aerobics to try to tone up and reduce body fat. Two suggestions about supplements: take multi-vitamins with B-complex and stay away from ANYTHING containing MaHuang and/or Guarana. Both of these additives artificially raise the heart rate, metabolism and other bodily functions, sometimes dangerously high. The potential damage done to your body isn't worth losing a little weight. What ever you do, make it a lifestyle change. Work to get healthy, not just to lose weight. My last admonition: no matter what size/shape you come in, be comfortable with yourself as you are.
Skee Wee, Sorors and peace SFs and others.