-30lbs in 5 months?

The best way to get started is to find motivation. I have found that using my FitBit really gets me moving throughout the day, and I WANT to exercise to reach my steps. I also searched Pinterest for tons of workouts to do in both the gym and at home for days when I can't get out.

30 pounds in 5 months is a large amount, I personally have never been able to lose that much in that timeframe.

You're going to get a lot of advice. I just want to say that I'm there too with the non stop weight gain and insane stretch marks. Really bums me out. I've been able to lose 18lbs but have a long way to go. You're not alone!

I wish losing weight was as easy as putting on weight in that you don't really think about it as much when you're putting it on.

Is there a reason you can pinpoint that caused you to put on this weight? Start there and try to fix that!

Anything is possible, but you deff want to do it in a healthy way. Everyone's body is different so a diet that works for one person may not work for another; however, I lost weight easily and quickly when I cut refined sugars and significantly decreased my carb intake while increasing my protein intake. Oh and portion size is a big factor. Also, don't skip meals cuz it truly doesn't help you in the long run. Multiple smaller meals are deff the way to go. Good luck!!

I believe it's typically one to 1.25 pounds a week for 3-4 pounds a month that's considered healthy. You'd need to lose like 1000 calories a day for two pounds a week

@Kate I will join here in a second

To answer questions on why I've gained so much so quick. I will be completely honest,

1. Stress! (I have been seeing a therapist for about a month now to handle my life situations and anxiety)

2. I eat out for lunch almost EVERY DAY. Its horrible. I have to stop!

3. Laziness

When losing weight your diet is generally more important than exercise (something like 70% diet, 30% exercise) but you really should be doing both. Since you're on a time crunch commit to a very specific diet and exercise plan (I really like South Beach, I lost 6lbs in the first two weeks and then 2lbs a week for the next couple of weeks). Don't be afraid to build some muscle since the more muscle you have the easier it is to burn fat.

Using an app like my fitness pal for tracking exercise and food. Also lots of support boards. Realistically after the first week, on whatever plan you choose, you will only lose about a pound a week. Strength training will increase calorie burn and increase metabolism, but any exercise you can do will help.

If your weight gain is not medical, the safest and fastest way to lose weight is to cut out all sugars, unnecessary salt, stop eating out, cook all meals and work out.

You can drop a lot of weight fast and in a safe way by this. Please make sure you get your nutrients and still eat food.

I agree with Emily that it's an ambitious goal. It could happen because many people lose a lot in their first couple of weeks, but then lose much more slowly. Keep at it and forgive yourself when you slip. Don't give up.

@Deanna okay great! At least you're able to recognize why you gained weight so you can focus on fixing those areas. You're seeing a therapist.. Awesome! Try meal prepping for the week on Sundays. It's not my fave thing to do, but it saves me the money and extra cals during the week since I won't go out to eat. And hopefully that Facebook group can help you get motivated

Why don't you and you FH go for hikes/walk? go to the gym- i think having him there will give you some motivation. And start bringing you lunch to work- cheaper and healthier!

Just Dance has helped keep me motivated! I love dancing and am a sweaty mess at the end. Going to the gym and running are huge bummers for me. Finally found something fun that I look forward to. Any sport you liked playing in school?

@Amanda do you use pinterest for meal prepping? I just don't want to stick to all those chicken and brown rice and veggie meals, I need more variety! Haha

If you do start really working out as well as dieting, get a measuring tape and focus on inches lost as well as/ instead of pounds on the scale.

Muscle weighs more than fat, so you may only lose half a pound one week, but really dropped a pound of fat and built half a pound of muscle, which is more valuable long term than just dropping the pound of fat!

@Maria, I ran cross country and track and played soccer. I was very athletic and now, not so much. Crazy to see how much changes in 7 years out of school HAHA

You can absolutely do it! But you need to be determined about it - because motivation fades.

Use a tracker app like My Fitness Pal - track what you what and how you exercise. It helps you set goals too. For my macros, it averages about 1250 calories a day IF I don't work out, but if i work out I can gain some of those back.

Drink lots of water - figure out your hunger- if you're actually hungry, or if you're really just thirsty or boredom eating.

cut your sugars, less processed food.

Also - don't deprive yourself. This will set you up for failure. just look at everything you eat - that tasty donut in the break room - is the momentary satisfaction worth it? Or would a piece of fruit be better?

ETA - saw you eat out a lot - cut that down! not only will it save you calories it will save you $$. For your stress - maybe go for walks more often - then you get your personal time AND some exercise

My fitness pal and fitbit helped me drop 15 lbs before the wedding! Gained 5 back in the month since so I have started tracking my food again!

@deanna s. Don't get yourself down. I feel when I focus to much on my weight or body nothing changes. Go for walks,...it will help ease your mind and body., especially of stress. Drink water. Do not step on the scale! Go by how you feel. I had a eating disorder when I was younger. The scale can be your enemy. Focus on what you want to change one day at a time. Keep your chin up girl...you'll be a beautiful bride

Did you find them fun? Maybe recruit a group for soccer. Or just kick a ball with friends or FH?

I am loving everyone's feedback. You guys are making me feel so much better already! Thank you!