Hey everyone. I just joined this site in the hopes of having some company along the way to getting back to my former self. A little over a year and a half ago, several events conspired to keep me from the gym and I gained 17 pounds. It's been really hard for me because I've always been athletic and I'm not used to seeing myself with this...flab. Honestly, it grosses me out. Being a full time student and also working part time makes it difficult to get to the gym consistently. I hope to have success real soon to share with everyone!

Trust me, be proud you joined because the support is great. I am a student and I know what its like tryin to get back to shape and its a lot hader then I expected. If you need motivation and help, or want to help and motivate just go for it.

Hey Michelle. I am a student as well. Welcome to the site. If you need any motivation, feel free to ask. Keep up the good work and watch that flab melt away. The people here are friendly and very helpful.

another student. it's hard with studying, stress, grades and all, but definitely do-able!

hey my names Alex and im a student as well i joined this thing yesterday and just looking at how much wieght people have lost has motivated me.
trustme your gonna love the site and its support

hi i'm a sudent as well and I'm also new to traineo!
Looking for something to motivate myself during those long hours in the library.... at the moment am 29 lbs over my goal weight.

I actually found it a lot easier to lose weight when I was at school last year then when I am home. Probably because I have a lot more freedom to eat what I want, not to mention the mile walk to work and half mile to my classes ~_o

My family is not very health-conscious, I grew up in the country where my grandparents used to own a farm, and at home we still eat like we work the farm from 5am to 9pm, but we don't actually have any work to do. I just watch what I eat, walk everywhere, hit the gym for as long as I can when I am on my way back from class, etc.

What I found REALLY helpful is to get a friend to go to the gym with you, and while you are working out, lifting weights, biking, etc, have your friend read you questions from a study guide. Once in a while, take a break and do the same for him/her, so you get your studying done while you are helping your body! If you need a snack, munch on pretzel sticks instead of fritos, drink crystal light rather than pepsi, just little things that add up.

I'm a very picky eater, too (hence the avatar). I eat a lot of peanut butter, whole wheat bread, and chicken. I wish I liked a wider variety of foods so that I could eat healthier, but I just don't. I drink water only (small lemonade w/ breakfast), don't raid the vending machines... I'm not eating differently than I was before I gained weight. It's so frustrating, especially when my first vacation in nine years is coming up and I won't even be able to get into my bathing suit. I just wish I could have some time for myself so that I could go back to boxing or get on a sports team at school.

Watch out for peanut butter. Lots of calories. I think about 160 in a tablespoon

The chipmunk brand peanut butter has reduced sodium and only 90 cals per tablespoon.

My mistake. I meant 2 tablespoons. Sorry. I get things mixed up so easily

hi.. newbie and fellow student here too. (hi!)

my trainer at the school gym sent me to this site.. what a great place! I look forward to keeping up with you all..

(btw is peanut butter bad? i thought it was good b/c it has protein...)

if you are counting calories, it is not so great but it is full of protein and its a wiser choice than say, cheesewhiz

Foods like Cheese and peanut butter are good in the sense that they have higher amounts of protein, but they also include high amounts of fats. The body needs fats, but based on your eating program, these will add calories fast. I havent been able to find a fat free peanut butter because it would be impossible to create peanuts without fat, but they do make fat free cheese.

I finally got back to the gym today after over a week of NOTHING. I'd hurt my foot (but that really isn't a great excuse). I did 30 min on the elliptical and managed to burn 300 calories according to the machine. I'd like to get up to 600 a day either through a combo of exercise/eating different food or exercise alone. Hopefully I can get back to boxing soon, even if it's only once a week. But, I'm glad to be back in the gym.