Getting my life together

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Jesper
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19 Jun 2010, 12:55 am

Hi. When I'm alone I think a lot about my life and it makes me depressed. I am 16 years old turning 17 in a month. I have very low self esteem and I flat out suck at conversations. The "main" reason I have low self esteem is because I am not comfortable with my body. I want to lose weight, get in shape and puzzle my life back together. I can't do this on my own and I am asking whoever is reading this to give me some tips/help on how to start because I am completely clueless. I would greatly appreciate if someone would take the time to tell me how to get started and maybe a basic plan on how to lose weight and get in shape. I have lots of free time now in the summer and I don't want to spend another summer in front of the computer. I apologize if my writing is a bit messy and I hope you understand me.



Linear2
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19 Jun 2010, 4:07 am

I lost weight by trying a gluten free diet. But whatever diet you start, it should be a gradual thing. You can count calories and eat a little less each day. As for exercise, you can start off by walking.



LostAlien
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19 Jun 2010, 6:57 am

As Linear2 said, walking is a good start. Then, when you feel fitter, finding out if you'd like other activities. Also as Linear2 said, anything you decide to do should be gradual.

Diet is important but balance is a key there, fruit and vegetables are good to use as snacks (and meals). Having celery and carrot sticks with low fat cream cheese can be a healthy snack (in moderation).

Grapes, strawberrys and other small berries can be carried easily in lunchbox/coolbox and are a good snack (but are not so filling unless eaten with raw nuts, like walnuts or peanuts). Avoid salted, sugared and cooked nuts as they are higher in fat but otherwise nuts are good for you (unless of course you have a nut allergy).

Hope this info helps.



Asterisp
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19 Jun 2010, 10:48 am

Diet can be a good step, but in my experience movement is really important. When I was younger I had a job delivering newspapers and I had a good shape, when I quit the job (because of a 'real' job) I got more weight.
Riding my bike with lots of weight in it was enough already. So maybe you can find a job or hobby with riding bikes or walking?

I started geocaching recently, that gave me already some lenghty walks.



Jesper
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19 Jun 2010, 1:59 pm

Thanks for all the tips and good information.
How long(time) do you think I should be walking?



LostAlien
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20 Jun 2010, 4:05 am

Jesper wrote:
Thanks for all the tips and good information.
How long(time) do you think I should be walking?

Per day? I'm not sure. Perhaps five/ten minutes morning and evening until your body gets used to it and then increasing the time to fifteen/twenty min etc. Also, if walking in early morning or late evening, a high vis waistcoat would be a good idea (because cars can't always see walkers easily at these times).



Kells
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21 Jun 2010, 11:38 pm

I always lose a lot of weight when I lower my carbohydrate intake. I know the "low carb" diet craze people are probably tired of hearing about, but the truth is that it really works. The enemies are-anything processed or non organic, sugar, carbs and calories. Fat is actually very good for you if it's the good kind-such as olive oil.

As far as exercise goes, walking is a good start for the cardiovascular system but I would also incorporate some strength training-push ups, sit ups, etc. This will boost your metabolism and help shed pounds.