[BeaGiraldo]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say hello! I'm brand spankin new to this, I just recently joined the gym, started watching what I eat, etc. I'm doing okay for the first month and a half that I've been trying but I could definitely do better.

****Any pointers/tips would be greatly appreciated****

I need help! What supplements should I be taking? any diet pills? a certain diet? I did see a fitness trainer at the gym, who has put me on a workout routine (cardio - eliptical machine, stairmaster & some weights)

[Effie_drine]

Welcome!
I'm so glad that you started taking care of yourself. My best advice is to stay off the scale. I know it will be hard to do, but it's just a number. The way you feel and look is going to be more important. Most women think they are going to lose pounds right away. And if they don't they get depressed and quit. It's true you will lose some weight. But remember a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat.

Supplement are great! I take ALA, a good Multi vitamin ,Extra vitamin E & C.
I also drink a protein shake after my workout.
I sometimes take a fat burner such as Hydro-cuts when I feel I need it.

The biggest mistake anyone can make is not drinking enough water. Water is very important!

Good Luck! Bea

[dirdybirdy]

Welcome BG! Its awesome that you're getting into the fitness part of life- I bet you'll notice that you feel better all around the more time you spend taking care of your body.

Effie's right about the scale too- I have a weight goal (to help maintain my focus), but now I only let myself get on the scale once a week because everyday changes kill my motivation if the numbers start moving the wrong way you know? She's also right on with the water drinking: the more water I drink the faster I drop fat....

As far as the diet goes, it depends on how much you want to focus. A couple of basic good ideas:

Eat a small meal every 2-3 hours to keep your metabolism going, and try to make it protein, carb and veggie....Egg whites, chicken/turkey breast, fish are good proteins. Plain, dry rolled oats (they're good, I swear) or Fiber One cereal are good for carbs.

And I try to organize everything beforehand so I can grab and go....

If you fall off the healthy eating wagon don't stress or beat yourself up, just GET BACK ON, and don't procrastinate about it.

Good luck!

[Liftingchic]

good stuff so far.. I totally agree with the scale thing.. muscle weights more then fat. so just go by body fat % if you have to..

and i agree with the diet thing too..


good info ladies

[BeaGiraldo]

Thanks to all of you! I must say, I am obsessed with my scale, it's to the point that I weigh myself before I eat, after I eat, after I shower, before I go to bed, when I go to bed, etc... But I will try to hide it (deep in the back of my closet)

I will definitely check out the suggestions made... I'm ready to try anything. I feel like I'm stuck, I started about a month and a half ago. I've lost 13 lbs, and I do feel better about myself, and people do notice the difference. I'm getting tone (the clothes are definitely getting loose)

Again thanks!