[quote=soon2bkimk;24496]@gallusgal..thanks for the advice..this place is great. Just what I have been needing. I'm 23 and started gaining when I was 16/17.
I didn't even realize it! It really did sneak up on me. It all came to a realization when I was watching a home video of my niece's birth at the hospital. I saw myself walking past the camera and was in shock! I know that the camera adds, but 45 LBS?? I have been working hard to lose it but am having difficulty finding all the time that goes into making healthy foods and snack..to exercising. When I do have time though I love Zumba! Best workout ever!
Yeah, it's funny how it sneaks up on you like that! I must have had a magic mirror or something, I didn't accept how FAT I was ( I am not going to say 'overweight', I was FAT no, I was OBESE!) till I saw the Xmas pics from last year. If ever I needed motivation that was it. Lizzy is right about diet. Going on a 'diet' is setting yourself up for failure from the get go. You lose, sometimes quickly but gain it all back and more.
I had to re-think my approach to food and excercise. I hate to use the 'L' word, but I had to make a commitment to changing my lifestyle, forever.
You need a plan, and I am sorry if it sounds harsh, but you need to make time. A healthy meal can be easily put together. And once you get into a pattern it becomes second nature.
You can factor in your chocolate, but do you really need a whole bar? I never was a choc lover, but I have a savoury rather than sweet tooth. I have a bag of low-cal potato curls every other day and I allow for that. I also allow for the odd social glass of wine or two, a chinese take away every once in a while, (chop suey or a noodle dish) all the things that you don't do when you are on a 'diet'.
But I am meticulous about logging everything and I don't binge. Sorry for rambling on, I really wish you all the best. Read some of the threads on here, listen to advice (especially lizzy and almeeker) and go for it! The Zumba is great exercise, move lots, eat less processed crap, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve in a relatively short time!