Okay I've come to a point now where it's time to do something.?

Question

I have been overweight for probably the past 4 years. I'm 5'3" and weigh 170 lbs. up until now I really haven't minded too much being overweight in fact I felt pretty comfortable with it. well now I'm at the point where I'm actually getting depressed over my weight and really want to lose this fat of mine. mostly in the stomach area. There are so many fitness videos out there that i'm not sure which one's really work and which one's don't. I would appreciate any advice anyone could give me regarding what is the most effective work out video on the market today. Now I am looking to mainly target my abs. Thank you. also, is there something out there that will curb my appetite, where I'm not so hungry all the time. I find myself constantly thinking of food, and I don't want to do that anymore.

Answer 1

Consistency is important when it comes to exercise. Interview anyone who exercises consistently, and they will tell you that they truly enjoy it and that it makes them feel good. You need to find a workout that you like doing- one that you look forward to. This will help to ensure that you do it every day.

I would recommend Pilates tapes, since you mentioned that you want to target your abs. Pilates is great for developing lean, strong muscles, improving posture and flexibility. I do Pilates every day, and (since Pilates is not really a cardio workout), I make an effort to walk more during my day (I started walking to school and on some of my errands- made a huge difference).

To curb your appetite, the best thing you can do it eat healthy foods. Fruits, whole grain breads/pastas, and veggies all contain fiber, which help fill you up. Lean sources of protein (egg whites, skim milk, lean meats, light cheese and yogurt, etc) also help fill you up. Protein is also essential for building muscle. Incorporate more of these types of foods into your meals, and you will find that you fill up on less calories, which leads to weight loss.

Answer 2

I'm so happy to hear you're ready to do something about your weight!

The best rate to lose weight is 2 pounds per week. This gives your skin the chance to respond and you won't be left over with saggy, extra skin. To lose 2 pounds per week, you need to cut or burn 500 calories per day. This is much easier than you think.

Walk, ride your bike, jump rope, etc. for 30 minutes to burn about 300 calories. Cut the other 200 by skipping the soda, salad dressing, or eat smaller portions, etc.

Start a food journal today. Write down everything you eat or drink, even if it's just a bite of something. It has been proven than people who journal eat less.

Have 2 eggs and toast for breakfast every day. Eggs keep you full, and people who eat eggs for breakfast eat 300 fewer calories per day, on average.

Avoid fast food 100%. Stop drinking soda. Not even diet - the stuff makes you hungry.

As far as working out, remember that you can't spot-tone an area. Build muscle and burn fat so that once the fat is gone, your toned muscles shows through. Some women lose weight first in the butt, others in the arms, others in the middle. There's no way to control where it comes off first.

Billy Banks and Karen Voight both make great at-home workout kits. You can get them for the best prices at Amazon.com or eBay. They should include a yoga mat, DVDs, weighted balls, etc.

Answer 3

First of all, congrats on getting to this point and deciding to do something. I got to the same point earlier this year and have lost 40 lbs. I follow the south beach eating plan. I suggest you get the book and read it. It has many components to eat but it is easy to do if you understand how food affects your body. I love this plan because I eat every few hours so I am never hungry. I cannot live on shakes or meal replacement bars so I love this real food plan. My advice: find a plan that you will stick with or you are doomed to fail. Take one day at a time. If you set unrealistic goals for yourself, you won't achieve them and you will be disappointed. Don't get depressed when you reach a plateau, and you will. This is normal and will pass. Here is an example: I lost 40 lbs by Memorial Day. Since then, every weekend has been spent at a party/barbeque. I haven't lost any more weight, but I am ok with that because once the summer is over, I will start to lost again. I haven't gained any back, and that is my summer goal, to remain at my 40 lb loss. I drink alcohol and eat bread and desserts at these event, I enjoy them, but during the week, I go right back to south beach. This is what keeps me from gaining. I am strict during the week and splurge on weekends. Good Luck with you plans. I hope you find the right one and have much success.

Answer 4

Being overweight has serious health implications. Your BMI is way over what is normal , you should consult your Dr.
I'm sorry to tell you but no fitness videos work, the people who make them just want to make money, they don't bare in mind what actually works. You probably have a very high cholesterol, try to eat more slowly as you realize when you are full up sooner. you should actually stop eating when you still feel a bit hungry.
Now for the exercise, if you join your local gym they can offer you a personal trainer (at a price!) who Will tell you some special exercises for losing weight in certain places.
You also said that you were guilty of snacking, try to replace these snacks with healthy fruit until you can go without.
Don't miss meals it will not help in the long run.
I hope I have been of help!
GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 5

Forget about the workout videos -somebody is making a lot of money from selling them as well as workout equipment - what you hear in commercials is not all true.
You cant spot reduce (target) body fat - when you lose fat it comes off evenly from all over your body - you will see changes first in places with thinnest fat layer like your face and the last in places where its the thickest like your belly.
Having muscular abs is not gona do more than having muscular glutes (which is the biggest muscle in your body and will burn much more calories than abs)
cardio is the only fat burning exercise - running, jogging, hiking, swimming, rope jumping, cycling, elliptical etc - 4-6 times a week or average of 45min.
combine it with light weight training 2-3 days a week -light weights, many slow reps and 2-3sets (more muscle means faster metabolism)
find daily calorie intake calculator on the net, enter all your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need a day to maintain, take off 300-400cal off that number and thats how much you need to lose.
eat 5-6 small meals a day (eat every 2-3 hours - it optimizes your metabolism) - if you starve yourself you are not gona lose fat
5-8 servings of fruit and veggies a day
8 glasses of water
have complex carbs for breakfast - they give you energy
have protein (lean meat, legumes etc) for dinner - repairs muscle
dont consume foods that are made of white flour (white bread, cakes, pasta etc.), sugar loaded foods (cookies, icecream, candy etc) and nothing fried, oily.
ofcourse you can spoil yourself once in a while with a little treat:)