HELP, Ready to change! (again...)

[OtakuJolyn]

Whoo!!! Go NerdFitness!!!

 

Okay, so I just came back from my yearly convention vaca!!! go boston! but...

I realized how... overweight... I am (again). I want to get in shape and lose weight (again).

I have done this many many times, I don't want to feel like a failure or give up (again).

I guess my previous downfalls were either; a lack of direction, quickly losing motivation, or poor planning skills.

 

During my vacation I ate a lot of junk food (cause Boston food-court food is expensive!), right now i am craving and binging on junk! but I know that this is what happens when you eat junky processed foods for 4 days straight...

The next 6 week challenge is approaching and I'm getting ready to meet this challenge!

...but i don't really have a plan! (again...)

HELP!

I need some focus and direction, any advice or something!

What is a good place to start?

 

Thanks guys!

[Horsedog]

The best place to start is to define your goals.  Then, find (or build) a plan (or plans) designed to help you reach those goals.  Make your goals SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

 

Your plans are going to be completely goal-dependent (or should be).  Know what you want first.  Plan for how to get there second.  Execute said plan third.  Assess progress fourth (ongoing and should overlap with executing).  Tweak plan as needed fifth (minor tweaks are best, unless your plan stunk to begin with ).  Result = Goal attained

 

I like to have a good mix of behavioural goals and performance goals, too - with each behavioural goal driving the performance goal.

 

Example:

 

Behavioural goal:  follow whatever workout routine for 6 weeks

Performance goal:  increase whatever lift by 25% in 6 weeks

 

The behaviour of following the workout routine drives performance improvements.

 

Hope that's helpful!

[GolfCart34]

In addition to using the SMART rule for making my goals, I also use the, "Hey, Dad!" test to make sure what I want to do is worthwhile. The "Hey, Dad!" test is when you pretend you are telling (or actually telling) a close friend or family member about your goal. If the goal is understandable and generates more conversation, it passes the test. If the other person is more "meh" or doesn't understand the goal then it's back to the drawing board for you.

For the record, I actually read about the "Hey, Dad!" test in a book on goal setting and I thought it was a nice quick-and-easy way to work on goal setting.

[fengor]

what helped me in the past was (S)low Carb food. Basically no rice, potatoes, bread or grains. Legumes like lentils or beans are okay. Start the day with a protein rich breakfast like eggs. Worked for me pretty well. One tricky thing is that you actually have to eat more since you are cutting the msot dense things from your diet. Definately cut out the junk food and sodas. that alone will net you a few hudnred calories less a day.

 

Another approach would be strength training. Building muscle will increase your Basic Metabolic Rate. 

[sweetleaf5]

I think most importantly...push yourself!  I've been going to the gym for years - lifting lighter weigts.  I'm a small person and stuck with what was "comfortable" for me.  I've been wasting a lot of time!

 

After finding this website and doing some reading I decided to try lifting heavier weights...I really surprised myself and found that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was - I just never really tried.  Knowing that I am gaining strength is very motivating to me and it is also very measurable...I suggest having a heavy lifting goal in your plan somewhere.

[OtakuJolyn]

I agree with slow carb method; no breads and whatnot. Also, lifting weights, and building muscles!

If i were to make a goal for these 6 weeks it'd be... eat healthy, (slow carb) and progressive weight lifting?

maybe I should only focus on one?

It's a start...