hello!
I'm starting on the way to lose some much needed weight. I have some questions.

Are pretzels, chex mix/train mix, and popcorn healthy snacks?

Where can I find yummy but healthy recipes for an EXTREMELY picky eater (i really dont like anything)

I will have free range of a gym at my new school whenever I want, what are some good things to do to aid in my healthy eating? I dont usually exercise but Im not opposed to walking on a treadmill or stair stepping.

how much exercise per week/day is good? my schedule for school is pretty open (with blocks of about 3 hours free every day between classes) so i was hoping on maybe a 1 hour exercise routine to do 3-4 days a week is that too much? too little?


im determined to do this for myself and my health. my family has a history of high blood pressure and heart attacks i dont want to be another candidate.


thanks in advance!

Hi Meg...I copied and pasted from Bizi's post...be sure and click on snacks


Include them often when planning your meals and snacks.

Vegetables
asparagus
artichokes
avocados
Red, yellow, and orange peppers
Mushrooms
Romaine Lettuce
Carrots, baby and regular
Kale and other greens
Garlic
Onions
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Green onions
Winter squash
Cabbage
Beets
Tomatoes

Fruits
Apples
Red grapefruit
Melons, any kind
Dried apricots
Red grapes
Prunes
Oranges
Berries, any kind

Dairy
Skim or 1% milk
Low fat yogurt with active cultures
Low fat cottage cheese
Meats and Seafood
Fresh fish, unbreaded
Salmon, canned or fresh
Tuna, canned or fresh
Lean, fresh beef, poultry or pork
Eggs
Soup beans, caned or dried
Veggie burgers
Nuts and seeds

Grains
100% whole wheat bread, bagels, pitas
Whole wheat pasta
Cornmeal
Millet
Bulgur
Brown rice
Whole wheat pancake mix
Oatmeal
Shredded Wheat
Dry cereal with >3 grams fiber
Low fat Triscuit crackers
Wasa fiber rye crackers

Miscellaneous
Extra virgin olive oil
Black olives
Dark (not milk) chocolate
Green tea
Salsa
Calcium-fortified juice
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Last edited by bizi; 04-12-2008 at 09:55 PM.

What about whole grain bread? I find it much more filling and satisfying to eat than whole wheat.

i'm not an expert but it sounds like you have a good exercise plan forming.
i call my treadmill the "dreadmill". i have mobility issues and can manage 8 min's/day at a slow pace. but, it's what my body allows so that's what i do.

i think it's important to find something doable. then make a plan and follow thru. i put stickers up on my wall calendar each day i walk as a little reward, and as a reminder that i need to walk that day.

i believe it's recommended that one do 30 min's of a cardio (where you raise your heart rate) 3-4x's/wk. HOWEVER, you must listen to your body. know your limits. find something that's doable. that way you'll be successful.

as to the eating i would suggest you start to read labels. watch the sodium (salt), carbs and sugars. fresh veggies and fruits are good choices.

when i first started i saw a RD; registered dietician. she helped me come up with a reasonable but healthy plan. her advice was invaluable. well worth the $$$.

i understand your struggle. i lost 40lbs over a yr and put 20 back on. now i'm fighting again.

you CAN do this. i commend you for starting. that's often the hardest part.

meg, i forgot.

i also suggest that you get a small notebook and journal what you eat.
you don't have to calorie count.
just be aware and accountable.

good luck.

check out our sticky threads and there are other good topics - books, foods, exercise - as you go thru the list of thread titles.
our useful sticky thread -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1619.html
exercises-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread44082.html

It's hard for us to suggest a firm plan for you at the gym, it really depends on what level of fitness you are at now and what your health level is.

Just going and being active there with a variety of things should be a good place to start.
Be sure to do a warm up before and a cool down after and stretches - start slowly so you don't get sore right off the bat.
Drink lots of water.
If you do lift weights ask for help with proper form & breathing.

OoPs there I go quoting again. My computer likes too.

But they are so right. Its not a problem to do what you can on a exercise routine. Like I personally do about 10 to 12 minutes on a exercise bike and
10 minutes on a treadmill and then a cardio routine that a personal trainer helped me set up 3 times a week at present. But that is what is considered
best for me.

I also walk the other days. And do some other things.

Donna

I have found through the years (constant dieter here) that if I say I am on a diet I fail miserabley.

I have chosen now to call it a life change, or as you call it a journey.

I have lost 10 lbs within the last couple of months by really paying attention to my body. I eat when I'm hungry (no certain times).

I choose healthier foods and the main thing is I pay attention to Portions.

Imho anytime a person wants to get healthier and lose some weight all you have to do is pay attention to your portions.

A piece of meat (the size of your fist) Big salads etc. Lots of lemonwater!

When I go out to eat I order what I want but I only eat half.

I'll separate it before I eat and ask for a carry out box. I'll put the half in before I eat. (it really does work). I also have learned to put my fork down after each bite. (When I'm chewing I now truly enjoy the flavors and I get full much faster.

Good luck on your journey. I will certainly follow along

What a great post Beth.

I've never seen you post here before. Hoping you return often.

Donna

hi meg,

how's it going?
any changes to your plan?
please keep us updated.