From Samantha, Age 23 - 05/13/12 - IP#: 74.124.81.xxx  Click here to reply  
Ht. 6'0", Start: 320 lb, Today: 312 lb (BMI: 42), Goal: 190 lb - I was first introduced to this web site in high school, but now I am serious about losing the weight. I have lost 8 pounds so far but I have a long way to go... But I have a major sweet tooth so its hard to fight that but I am trying to find substitutes for that. Wish me luck!
Reply from Renee the Nutritionist - 05/17/12  - IP#: 204.76.166.xxx
The focus should be VOLUME. You want to get the most VOLUME with the least fat and calories. That means more fruits, vegetables and whole grains (and good fats like avocado, nuts, and seeds). Your plate should be 1/2 vegetables (some fruit here is ok too), 1/4 protein source, and 1/4 whole grain starch. Your protein choices should be lean like chicken without the skin, fish, or egg whites (beef only occasionally), or you can have vegetarian meals by replacing animal foods with beans and rice, or beans and pasta, or beans in a salad, etc. Vegetarian meals are not only better for the environment but for your health! You 1/2 plate vegetables should be varied like leafy greens, peppers, onions, green beans, artichokes, eggplant, asparagus, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, etc. Whole grains are things like 100% whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, bulgur wheat, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, barley, etc. Stay away from processed meats (hot dogs, sausages, salami, bologna, etc.) and processed flour (white flour). DO NOT have any sweetened drinks or juices in the house. These are just a gateway to obesity. Kids, and adults too, need to drink plain water (or carbonated) and milk (soy, almond or oat milk good too) and that's it. Many studies have surfaced about 100% fruit juice being as bad as soda. You get the sugar and the calories without the fiber from the whole fruits. Feel free to go to my site for healthy and quick recipes: www.2-b-well.net. Good luck!		 
Reply from Michelle, Age 49 - 05/17/12  - IP#: 71.88.23.xxx
Hi Samantha, I have a daughter who is just like you...23...same weight..sweet tooth ..loves food..in college..but i want her to be healthy..You keep working hard...this is for your healthy..you don't want knee replacements...blookd pressure, sugar, heart issues...you have a long life ahead of you...fight for it.... do it for yourself...and the family and people who love you.!!! GOOD LUCKKKKKKK