Hi! I REALLY want to lose weight and at least over 20 lbs! I’m a 22 year old female who is about 5′5" and 160 lbs. Might even be a little over that.
What kind of foods should I be eating that will help me lose the most weight?! What should I eat for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner? etc?
And what kind of exercises should I be doing to lose the most weight in the least amount of time…assuming I keep up with a routine?!
If anyone has a website that will give me a list of foods or exercises…for free…please let me know! I really do want to lose this weight and FINALLY be happy with my body. I have been struggling with this weight issue for years now. I have never really been truly happy with my body.
Please help!
And thanks to those of you who try and help 
Hello!
I think I know how you feel. I too had struggled with my weight for many, many years, and yes, I am much older than you. I had tried almost every diet out. Whilst, I was able to lose weight on various diets. Unfortunately, I was never able to keep the weight off. So at the age of 45 I decided to do something else about it. This is what I did.
I gave up on all the quick-fix diets and set out to change my lifestyle for good. I came to the conclusion that I would eat a healthy, balanced, low fat diet and exercise on a regular basis. Well the results were absolutely amazing. I managed to lose 48lbs in just over 6 months. This was over 3 years ago and I have since then been able to maintain my weight with ease.
This is what I did:-
I ate lean meats (no fat on), poultry (no skin on), fish with scales on (not fried in butter or breadcrumbs), eggs, vegetables, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, brown bread, potatoes, , beans & pulses, fresh fruit, soups (but not the creamy ones), fat free dairy products, healthy oils, high fiber and other cereals (but without added sugar), sugar free beverages.
Try to include as many whole foods as you can. As these are full of fibre and will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Keep all JUNK FOODS, ready made processed meals, sugary fizzy drinks, alcohol and takeaway meals to an absolute minimum. These are high in refined sugar and full of satuated fat. The two main ingredients which are responsible for those unwanted pounds.
Junk food is just what it say – JUNK. With one added ingredient in – FAT.
Try to MOVE as MUCH as YOU CAN. EXERCISE will really help to acelerate your weight loss. I took up running. I know that this is not for everyone. But there are so many other forms of exercise that you can do. Try to find one that you can do on a regular basis, something that you enjoy. Exercise is beneficial regardless of your. The benefits of exercise far outweigh the effort it takes. I have just recently completed my first Marathon and am now hoping to do many more.
If, once you reach your realistic target weight (and I really hope you do). Remember you can’t go back to your old eating habits or activity levels. Otherwise all that hardwork will be wasted and you will put all the weight back on again. It really is as simple as that.
Now here comes the hard part. Which is maintaining your weight loss. This is how you do it:-
Continue to eat a balanced, low fat diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Have three regular meals a day.
Always starting with breakfast. This way you are less likely snack in between. Have non sugary cereals, with skimmed milk, low fat yogarts, brown bread, fresh fruit, eggs, lean meats.
Well lunch and dinner. Learn how to choose, prepare and enjoy your balanced diet. Low fat cooking skills, understanding food labels and having the ability to judge portion sizes will really help.
Make sure you LIMIT the amount of certain foods. But try not to avoid any. By this I mean letting yourself enjoy small amounts of your favourite foods without feeling guilty. And if you do over indulge (just like I do at times), or have a big night out. Cut back a bit the next day or do more exercise to balance things out.
Sit down to eat your meals, take time over them and always pay attention to what you are eating.
Keep self-monitoring to say conscious of your new eating habits and activity levels. Remember make exercise a daily part of your routine.
Anyway that’s about it. I sorry I’ve gone on a bit. I do try to keep it short, but it never quite works.
Good luck.
P.S. You have a life to live and enjoy, so hang on the satisfaction of being a comfortable, healthy weight you can sustain.