Thread: New to dieting - where and what?

Hi!
I am a male. I need to lose weight as recently I have gained weight due to work stress and severe personal stress which I am hopefully beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I used to be a waist size of 32 but now between 36 and 38.
I admit, the past 2 months has been nothing but junk food. The odd healthy salad and soup and of course, that doesn't help.

I know I need to cut down my soft drink intake and have water/squash instead.

I don't drink or smoke - never have, never did and I am a vegetarian (do eat fish and quorn products).

I don't know where to begin or what to do in terms of dietry requirements.

I don't know what food is good for me and what is not.

I would appreciate any valuable advice given and sincerely will adhere to that. I know I need to lose weight and ideally, I would like to lose it fast but also maintain it.

I am not a great excersizer and really should begin to do them but given the nature of my work - it is a little impossible especially as of late.

I haven't had breakfast in over 6 months because I haven't had the time and because of my depression to some extent but now I have finished a big bit of work, I am now wanting to "renew" myself.

Many thanks!

The good thing is that you seem to know what you haven't done right with the food, lack of exercise, etc. The other good thing is that it sounds like those obstacles that were keeping you from losing weight are behind you, or at least getting behind you. So really, you're way ahead of a lot of people right off the bat.

This is very broad, but most people require between 1600 and 2400 calories a day so it's important to make those count:
- Each can of soda is over 100 calories, and none of that is working in your favor. Drink water instead.
- Getting your protein and omega 3's from fish is a great head start, as long as you're not eating fried fish.
- It's important to incorporate the proper proportions of carbohydrates, dairy, grains, proteins and of course fruits and vegetables to ensure that you're getting the right nourishment while you're making the transformation, and there is a ton of information out there to help guide your nutritional decisions.

Otherwise, it seems like a simple change in habits is all you need to get the ball rolling. Just keep your goals in mind throughout the process. Stay in touch!

Good tips everly. Firehawk, my suggestions are:

1. Get rid of all the junk foods and replace them with fruits and vegetables. No fast foods either.
2. Exercise. Being active helps burn calories and fat. If you don't have time to go to the gym, try walking or biking around your neighborhood at least 30-40 minutes a day. Listening to your favorite upbeat music will help you keep going.
3. Avoid fatty/oily food. Bake or steam them instead.
4. Eat in small portions and reduce your carbo intake. Drink water instead of soda.

The first few weeks will be really difficult but as soon as you get used to your new lifestyle, it will be as natural as breathing.. Keep it up, you will definitely see the results in a few months.

Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Thank-you.

its been a tough few months for me or since I last posted due to my client but now I've finished with them 2 weeks ago - I now can do what I want to do.

I feel stupid. I dont know why. I just dont know what to eat which is healthy. I have started to have breakfast now (after 5 months!) and I am having onken strawberry wholegrain yoghurt.

For lunch/dinner I have either rice or some bean soup.

of course - not the best options here. I just dont know what things to eat or cook - what food contains what etc...

it doesnt help my tastebuds have been messed up due to the stress from the client and the very dynamic and unexpected day to day routine in terms of work and working hours and very short times.


any suggestions are welcome. I used to, for a couple of months recently - just have 1 meal. that would be dinner. and a snack at lunch (again - due to the stress!)

help!

be sure not restrict yourself too much or it will backfire. Set a calorie intake limit and stick to it. You can google the calorie intake calculator. Good luck! I agree with everly and sasa. Those are excellent tips. I've tried them before and it worked.

hang in there!

The tips here are really good and sounds so easy to do. Actually dieting isn't a rocket science. We just need to keep in mind that junk, fatty, salty, and sweets are not going to do our body any good. We just need to keep everything in moderation. We have this misconception that if we want to go on a diet, we eat less and skip meals which is wrong. That will only slow our metabolism down and make us more hungry. It's not easy because I have been struggling as well. Mind over matter. We can definitely control it and constant correct practice makes perfect . Good luck to us all!