What does it REALLY mean to take care of yourself? I eat healthily but I'm overweight. A dietician/work colleague indirectly voiced?

[Anonymous]

her surprise when she realized that I ate well. I eat some candy every evening which may include a chocolate bar or some chewy candies or ice cream. Sometimes it's a slice of cake or biscuits. I used to eat more (of everything) as an under 18 year old as I worked out for hours in a day (PE was also part of my curriculum). I then gained weight once I started working in a sedentary position. As that happened, people remarked that I did not take care of myself. So what should I be doing?

I've started to use Kiehls products in order to smooth out my bumpy skin (allergic reactions and combination skin). I also have a masque but not sure how often. Some say microdermabrasion is also important.
When going to the bathroom, I note the smell of urea an hour later. Should I drink more water?

As for exercise, I've not engaged in many days working out in the last year.
I prefer to engage in exercise like weight lifting or activities which are target related e. g. cycling to work. I find running exhausting and don't like HIIT exercises. I'm trying to find a fun cardiovascular activity which I could do after a long days at work.

Any other bits of advice?
My current weight is 75.8kg and I'm 5ft 5. I was 67kg 1.5 years ago. Moved countries and gained weight as you can see. I've also noted more cellulite -including on my abdomen.

ALL ADVICE WOULD BE HELPFUL THANK YOU.

Updates

+1 y

Thanks very much guys. You have all been wonderful with your advice. Thank you.

[snowangle]

I'm certainly no role model when it comes to fitness (I'm a healthy weight but I never exercise) but I'll share everything I know that has either worked for me, or other people.

Pick something you'll stick with. I suspect you know this already though, since you don't want to pick an exercise you hate lol. Personally, for you i works recommend the elliptical or even a Just Dance game you can do at home. It's fun but actually great cardio. Personally, I love Pilates (which isn't Cardio but works your abs really good).

When it comes to diet, you should make junk food a treat rather than an everyday habit. For example, I used to eat fast food every day. Then I decided to save it for only one time a week, and I found that I savored the food more that way.

Staying hydrated is always a good thing.

Taking little steps adds up. Like, intentionally park far away from the store so you can walk. Do just a few squats and lunges a day. When I was in high school, I used to do leg exercises while talking on the phone (standing on my tiptoes, etc) and I noticed a difference after a while. Nowadays I'm a nanny, and I use the baby as an exercise machine haha. Rolling on my back while lifting him up with my legs actually makes me sore.

Okay, I'm making myself sound a lot more dedicated than I really am haha. The truth is, I have worked out in the past and now I work two jobs and have trouble finding the time and energy. I really do need to fit that back into my schedule though.

Anyway. Hope I helped even a little bit!

[Asker]

You're lovely. Thank you.

[RJGraveyTrain]

When guys say they want a girl who "takes care of herself" he typically means a well kept (hair done, makeup done, nice clothes) who looks "fit." Some guys may not realize that you may very well take care of yourself but because your appearance isn't indicative to what they think is a woman who "takes care of herself."

My suggestion is to just continue to take care of yourself, perhaps push yourself to try new exercises and continue to eat healthy. When in doubt, talk to a doctor and see what he/she thinks would be a good way for you to increase your health.

[Asker]

Interesting point. The one thing I did do little of was make up and used to tie my hair back a lot. I didn't think it would matter but some women approached me at that time. Now, I wear it down, wear more makeup but exercise is the one thing I want to restart. I was reconsidering pilates as one person mentioned below. I joined a live pilates website a while ago and liked it. Another exercise is dancing - great suggestions!
From experience, physiotherapists are better at providing that type of information.

[RJGraveyTrain]

Well I'm glad you found it insightful and I agree that finding alternative sources of exercise is helpful (let's face it, not everyone enjoys the gym) so I hope all of that works out for you.

[ichot]

Hello misguided fellow.

"I eat healthily".. Okay great.

Not stop eating so much. If it isn't clear, WHAT you eat isn't a problem as much as HOW MUCH you eat.

Okay, Carbohydrates have more calorie per gram than protein. But that doesn't make weightloss entirely on carbohydrates impossible. You've got (of course men...) losing weight eating simply twinkies/mcDonalds menu/Pizza. Additionally drinks don't exclude you from weight gain. (I've met people who believed otherwise)

No amount of exercise will do you any good if you aren't cutting back on the amount of stuff you put into your mouth.

[Asker]

Good point. One thing I do see is that I can eat a small portion but this may in fact be a 3-4 serving even if its smaller than the average palm of a woman... I do think serving size is an issue.

[AdamThomas]

It seems the main reason for your weight gain is the lack of exercise. Weight lifting is good, you could do that 3-4 times a week and some cardio stuff 2-3 times a week. HIIT is the most effective way of burning fat and the most time efficient, and can be done after weight training - it's supposed to be exhausting, no pain no gain. It sounds like you do need to drink more water (your urine should only be very lightly yellow/clear not dark yellow).

[BertMacklinFBI]

fun cardio?

riding a bike should be fun.

[Asker]

Hated indoor cycling with a passion! Cycling in the air outside was amazing however my other half and father banned me from doing so when a few people were killed along the same route I cycled to work each day.

[BertMacklinFBI]

couldn't you find a new trail?

[Asker]

Moved country and death rate is higher for cyclist. Have asked and they all said No:(

[BertMacklinFBI]

i dont think that should stop you from doing what you like though.

life is nothing but risk, if people are so worried about the statistics, then they shouldn't even leave the house.

[Asker]

I was much lower in weight (65kg) 1.5 years ago from cycling alone and 57kg in 2007 when I decided to do cardio at my local YMCA for 2 hours every day while a pesca vegetarian. I was cycling for 1 year in a small town with little traffic and many cycling lines. There is the option of cycling with a team over weekends or borrowing a bike to cycle in a park. Is laziness my excuse then? How can one define lazy? I work hard every day and even over weekends some weeks. I used to work on night shifts for the last 8 years. I decided to quit it. This is one reason I like to be doing an activity which is a necessity for me to be active as opposed to starting off just because... . Mind you, I've recently come to recognize that commitment is the main reason people stick to good things. It's easy to be 'lazy' and commit to health problems in the future. Hmm...

[BertMacklinFBI]

that was response for me?

[BertMacklinFBI]

wow brain fart.

was that response for me?*

[Asker]

Yes my dear 25 year old:)

[BertMacklinFBI]

well im not one to judge a lazy person unless its dead obvious, but from the sound of it, you have a busy life that you need to tend too, so not being able to exercise wouldn't count towards being lazy. people have priorities, and I get that.

[Asker]

Thank you. Most of the time, want to return home and do nothing however it's having its toll...

[BertMacklinFBI]

just do what you gotta do, and that also includes some potato couch days, trust me lol.

[Asker]

Thank you

[beautifulangel76]

Jump roping is good for cardio. Like someone else mentioned you are probably eating too much. If you are eating to many calories then this will cause to gain more weight and will keep you from losing weight.

[Asker]

Yeah... Get that impression too.. Thank you. Skipping is fun

[fueledbythc]

Genetics probably. You might have a naturally slow metabolism or that's your ideal weight for your body. No human being is the same and maybe you are meant to be that size.

[Asker]

I was 20 kg less only 8 years ago. 10 kg less 1.5 years ago. I don't think its metabolism...

[DasVoz]

Based on your preferred exercises and overall activity level, a ketogenic diet would help you lose the most weight.

[Yellow_]

Did you check with your doctor?

Sometimes some health conditions stop one from losing weight.

[Asker]

My thyroid is perfect and so were most of my bloods last year. I've been on the anaemic side only.

[Asker]

I do have poor circulation though from being sedentary.

[Yellow_]

Oh man, then I can't really tell.

[Anonymous]

Swimming is usually fun and good cardio then some light weight lifting, should eat more vegetables and fruit, stay away from sugary products, eat nuts not candy when craving something and yes drink more water

[Asker]

Swimming... may be an option, thank you. We have a gym and swimming pool in our apartment block.

[Opinion Owner]

Only thing I could think of that people enjoy doing that's good excercise all around

[Spiralex]

It means to maintain a healthy weight and higiene