Hello Everyone!
Like most of America, I need to lose some weight. My family is prone to obesity and high blood pressure. My body is extremely sensitive and fluctuates a lot. I suffer from depression and I have extremely low self-esteem. Because of this, I cut. I would love to have some feedback in order to be healthy and feel good about myself at the same time.

My diet is a bit erratic, but I am working on it. I posted about it previously in Women's Health under 'hello everyone.' I believe I have a disorder, but I can't label it. I go through periods over not eating (it only lasts about a week). Then, I go into this phase where I will eat whatever I want. I am not exactly sure if I consume enough calories in a day, because I only eat once or twice a day, but it isn't the best thing for you. I have been doing better lately, however.

I have tried to workout religiously, but it is only a phase. This time, I am trying to commit myself to a routine. I would like to know what is the best workout in order for me to lose weight. I am not big on running. In fact, I DREAD it. My breathing makes me extremely uncomfortable.

This has been the first week of my "I'm going to work out almost everyday" plan.
Mon: 10 mins cardio on lunge machine, 10 mins Elliptical, 1 hr. cardio workout class
Tues: jog 12 mins (yuck!), 20 mins Elliptical, 1.5 hr. Yoga II class
Weds: TODAY 40-45 mins Elliptical and Weight training for tone??

Any feedback or input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

Sounds like you're getting a good amount of cardio. Keep it intense.

You should weight train each of those three days, and not for tone, but for muscle. Muscle helps burn more calories. You won't get big, don't worry.

Big key: believe in yourself and stick with your program.

Eat 6-8 meals per day. Do not only eat 1 or 2!

If you know the outcome you want (and it sounds like you do), then you can acheive it by just doing it!

-Rip

Thank you so much guys! I am still learning how to live on my own considering I just graduated high school last June...grocery shopping and cooking is become a bigger issue (especially when it comes to healthy options!) Are lean cuisine meals any good for you?? Easy to buy and cook! Hehe

NO

Grilling chicken, prepping canned tuna, scrambling egg whites are just as easy to buy and cook. As are salads, oatmeal, 100% whole grain bread, etc.

No excuses.

Ok, I have a question that I have been wondering a long time regarding cardio. I know the best cardio for me would be 40-60 mins, but does it have to be consecutive? Do I have to run or do the Elliptical the full 40-60 mins all at once?

well first of all, HELLO & welcome! lol, and about cardio, it's best done @ one time to raise your metabolism higher. but it sounds like you would like to get cardio over in like 15 minutes with the same effect, which is possible! check out hiit, it raises your metabolism and heart rate greatly, and is great for losing fat!! there is an entire forum dedicated to it, take a look @ it!

It doesn't matter what kind of cardio you're doing consecutively (you can switch between different kinds of cardio) as long as you're doing cardio of any kind for 30 - 60 mins.

Mreik made a good suggestion: look into HIIT, high intensity interval training. The concept behind them is that you activate particular energy systems by alternating high-intensity activity with particular amounts of low-intensity/rest. For example:

Do a routine for 20 minutes where you walk for 2 minutes, run for 2 minutes, walk for 2 minutes, run for 2 minutes. This will activate the oxidative system in your body which burns fat and cut down your cardio time in half. It's hard work, though.