how to acheive what I want

[Sianne]

I want to loose weight and tone. I may change my mind after I reach that goal and go further and bulk up, but not at this time. I have switched to diet soda, 2% milk, and other foods that are light(lite) to help with the fat intake. But I was wondering does my diet need to be as strict as most of ya'lls? I think if I have a little self control I can look better than I do, but god, I love my food. (Plus I'm 18 days into quitting smoking and I really think I should keep my main focus on that since it's the worse on my health, and don't want any relapses there)

I do Tae Bo workout 3 times a week, try to walk everynight, and am doing weight training twice a week.

Height-5'6"
weight-about 190 *blush*
age-27

And I was wondering. My mother has been dieting and lost like 70 pounds. She has alot of flabby skin right now. But what kinda stuff would be good for a woman in her 50's to loose the hanging skin? She has no health problems or conditions. Thanks.

[MDC]

Sianne,
What you're doing sounds like a very reasonable plan to me. 190 isn't so heavy that you need "extreme" measures to get in much better shape. With your weights, lift heavy, and with your walks, walk fast!

You'll probably be posting pictures in a few months! I did!

[Sianne]

I'll look for your pic. I really wish I could go to a gym. I would like to do the tanning there too. But til I can I'll get some heavier weights, all I have is 2 lbs, and I put 2 in 1 hand to do anything.

[TrishB]

Sianne...

Great to have you on board! :)

The hardest part for most is the diet....and it is extremely important. Do not think of "diet" as starving though.
Eat 6x day....clean meals. Check macronutrient labels carefully, do not just look at the front and see "Lite" and assume it is good for you.
Go onto Fitday.com and keep track of your diet. Plan ahead...write out what you will have the for the next day and stick to it! We can help you with how many calories you should be taking in, as well as how to plan the ratios of proteins/carbs/fats. It sounds complicated, and it will be a little difficult to do in the beginning. But this is not something you do for a few months and then quit.

We all have short term goals (12-16 weeks) and long term goals.
You need to set realistic goals...where do you want to be in 12 weeks....6 months....1 year from now.
Then plan how to achieve those goals.

We are here for you!! Best of luck!! :)

[Sianne]

Thanks Trish. I will check out that site to see if I can get me some meals going. Yes, I get totally confused when I run across posts about how many carbs or proteins someone has had or needs to have.

I wasen't ignoreing ya, been busy around this house lately.

[Chameleon]

Sianne... the only thing I would add to TrishB's adivice would be to get heavier weights... see if you can pick up some heavier weights if you can't get to a gym... try to pick up some 10 and 15 lb weights to start out. The more muscle you start to build the more fat you will burn. good luck ;-)~

[imperfectly_lou]

I agree with Chameleon. Unfortunately, 1 and 2lbs weights simply won't cut it.... Try getting a set of adjustable dumbbells.....

As for loose skin for older women, unfortunately that often happens. Usually when people lose weight too fast and don't do weight training..... At her age, there is not much she can do. If it is really bad, surgery is an option.

[Sianne]

I just got me a set of 5lbs weights, and eyeballing a weightbench also, lol. I'll get some 10 pounders soon then. I also use tie down bands for resistance. I wrap them around this heavy table I have and pull on it and it works kinda like a BoFlex.