Have to lose 15lbs

Thanks Mallory

Check out jillian michaels or cindy whitmarsh's exercise dvds, they do wonders and they're both great trainers to get you motivated. Also the exercise that sees some of the fastest results is just good old fashioned running. I know running sucks, but it will instantly slim you all over

EXACTLY, LOL. Don't not sweat the technique but SWEAT! Yes, Ebony TWIST YOUR WAIST! That will bring down those inches you were talking about in the side and back area. When you walk twist your waist and throw upper cut punches like you're boxing, lol.

Oh ok thanks everybody

What are you doing so far? If you keep your food intake the same and add in exercise, you should start seeing the pounds come off.

Also, try using livestrong.com - I put on about 45 pounds (yeah, a lot I know)... and so I was really working to get it off. Going to the gym helped me lose about 20 of it on my own, but then I was stuck. When I heard about that website, I started to use it (it's pretty easy and registration is free) and realized I was eating way more than I really should be. (I'm short, so I can't eat as much as other people!) Anyway, it helped me realize how much I was actually eating and let me use both exercise and a healthier diet to keep burning the calories. I'm now 32 pounds down!

You've just gotta start a healthier routine and stick with it. Good luck!

Echoing what others have said,

This is what works for me, drink only water,cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast and snacks. Since your worried about your back try doing some toning work like swimming and pilates. I always notice difference pretty quickly.To help cut down potion sizes I have small glass of wine with dinner.

FH and I also like to cut up watermelon and keep in the fridge so its "easy" to grab and snack on. Same with Oranges and grapes.

Smaller portions saucer size snack every 3-4hrs small healthy snacks veggies nuts etc basically that gives you 3 meals and 3snacks. Which keeps your metabolism going. For weight loss you have to up your exercise longer than 30mins or do it more times a week. If you want to see results sooner. I go to the gym 5days a week 1 1/2hrs. Weight training doubles your weight loss. Juices,sausages, desserts etc bad foods refined sugars, processed foods should be restricted. I don't consume them at all. Some people can't just give them up so at least minimize them. Basically it takes time discipline, persistence, and patience

I've started replacing 1-2 of 3 meals with protein shakes. If you can find a version that isn't high in sugar and tastes decent, they can actually be pretty filling. BUT you can't have those AND snacks or it doesn't work. Seems to be starting to work but I JUST got started on it.

I lost 16 pounds on Weight Watchers in about 4 months, without majorly exercising. My old company sponsored a WW at work program, and I enrolled from Jan-April of last year. I followed the old point system, and lost 16 pounds! I'm not a fan of cardio/weights, so I defintely didn't do anything out of the ordinary in the exercise department. (I normally do basic exercise such as taking the stairs, parking far away, walking on a regular basis.) I started at 156 and ended at 140. It was easy once you got past the first month or so. I've been off it for over a year, and I have gained back 6 lbs, but that's because I eat like garbage. I will go back on the plan shortly and incorporate exercise because I know I can have even better results.

WW is great because it teaches you portion control. Even though I no longer follow the plan I'm always aware of what I'm consuming (I just ignore my guilty conscious.) GOOD LUCK!

Weight watchers is good for some people each individual has to find what works for them long term. I have two friends who lost tons of weight with weight watchers. One gained it back other one kept it off. But one of my friends lost nothing. Your goal should always be to be healthy not just lose weight. Everyone for good health requires exercise. If you can't afford a plan like weight watchers a nutritionist will give you the same information minus the meetings.

I love myfitnesspal.com! I've lost 22 pounds and use it religiously to log my food intake. You'd be shocked at how many calories you're eating a day! When you total up for the day, it tells you how much weight you'd lose in 5 weeks if you ate the same way you did today. When you see that you'd actually GAIN weight eating how you normally eat, it might shock you into action :-)

Also, I just don't go near fast food, bread, potatos, cake, cookies, candies or rice. Sounds harder than it is.

I do all the groceries, and don't allow any crap in the house. FH very supportive.

I echo everyopne on the water intake. And I walk 5 miles a day from work to home, which is also easier than you think.

I've also, just cut a lot of tv time. I find TV=mindless snacking!

Laslty- if you have an ipod, I've been using a weightloss hypnosis app which discourages eating bad food and snacking. I have to say, it's kind of worked and if nothing else, helps me fall aslep faster!

Good luck!

@Natalie - I totally agree. Exercise is clearly an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I was just sharing my experience on WW, and honestly I didn't do a ton of exercise.

I have a friend who has been on WW for seven months. She follows the plan religiously and began working out at the gym. She lost almost 60 pounds. She looks amazing. Not only has she lost weight, but she's feeling healthier. I think that a healthy lifestyle and weight loss go hand in hand.

I'm not recommending WW just to lose weight. I'm recommending it because it teaches you how about living a healthier lifestyle. It's also not a quick fix. 16 pounds in four months averages out to 1lb/week.

Go vegetarian (or even vegan) The pounds will melt off.

Ooh i forgot about going veg- great idea THW- when i first went vegetarian I lost 10 lbs in the first month!

@Kerry yes totally agree wasnt at all debating that WW isnt good. And it totally isnt a quick fix. Was only referencing that people have to find what works for them. Almost any diet will work if you follow it. Most of them are teaching portion control and exercise. Slimfast, jennycraig, etc Some people donot do well following those programs. It requires discipline. For instance my friend who did WW still does not understand portion control. When they started giving more points for fruits she started over indulging in them. I personally know someone who did WW and she started at a size 18 and is now a 4. Im so happy for her and proud of her. I went to WW meetings before and their program is nice. If you cant afford it and find a good nutritionist. They teach you the exact same thing. But of course WW has the group support. So Im not knocking it if it works thats great. Personally Ive found that discipline, exercise and persistence are the key. Any diet program is a great jumpstart.

Continued..... but in the end its all mind over matter. Because if you dont stick to it. You wont lose weight.@THW vegetarian is a great way to go if you can. I became a pesco-vegetarian over a year ago. Best decision I ever made for me. Lost 15lbs right away. Then added more exercise now down 55lbs

ZUMBA!!! Works wonders! I got in great shape with zumba and it's so fun and addicting!

Also I ask myself the following questions prior to eating to help ensure that I eat healthy:

1. Am I hungry? If so how hungry am I?

2. Is eating this food worth the calories?

3. Will you regret eating this food?

4. Is there a healthier option I can choose?

5. What have you eaten already today?

Good one Sara

Never heard of pesco-vegetarian before. I have to look that up