Hi guys!

I've decided to have a complete lifestyle change. I've spoke to a few people about it and I just get the whole "your only 21, you have your whole life to diet."
I've never been happy with the way I look and for someone of my age, it's a horrible thing to deal with.
I am not good with the whole healthy eating thing. I suffer from ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) and trying new foods seems to aggravate this.
I've noticed that my health is not at the best at the moment and I need to start doing more exercise and eating right. I'm currently 11st6lbs. People keep telling me that I don't need to lose the weight but I'm not happy.
I guess all I'm really asking for is some advice. This is the first time I've actually been serious about loosing weight and changing things so I just need to know how people stick with it when they feel like they have had enough or what kinds of food do you eat to stop snacking on chocolates etc.

Welcome! I think you have made a great first step. You say you want to get healthy. That is important. I try to eat more fruits and veggies - I stay away from chocolate this way. I also love pretzels! They are healthier than a candy bar.

You have taken the first and most important step, which is to change for you, not anyone else. The next step is to eat what you want, in moderation of course. There is no need to completely cut yourself off from treats. Remember, it isn't a diet that is transitory. It is a new way to live your life. After awhile, you don't miss or crave those things anymore.

Good job on taking the first step! (:

I believe a person's self-esteem is very important and if you are not happy with your weight, then dieting would be a good thing, as long as you are not underweight. You can still eat foods that you like, but in moderation. You can also try incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

It is great that you've taken the first step. That's always the hardest part.

A lifestyle change is great rather than a quick fix diet as it can be continued in the long term for the health benefits and is more likely to work.


Best of luck!

I'm not sure why so many people always try to sabotage other people when they want to diet and eat healthier. That is the major hurdle to get past. Don't listen to the people that discourage you.

Although it is never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle, you being 21 years old is a definite advantage. After the age of 30 it just gets harder to lose weight.

Having IBS makes things more of a challenge for you with what you can and cannot eat. Can you have your doctor refer you to a nutritionist for a proper diet based on your condition?

Just because someone has an opinion about you does not make it a fact. They might think you don't need but you really might need. A few friends of mine that also deal with tummy troubles have said that exercise and changing your edit (healthier wise like the fruits and veggies) tends to help it too. Remember slow steps, even those like me without tummy troubles still get issues when we try to change everything in one go.

I think you are on the right track. One thing I can suggest is to study your body and know your body. If you are allergic to something, you will know if you listen to your body. Some people are allergic to corn, wheat, gluten, etc. Start small with eating a healthy salad most days for lunch. Then, you can move on to other choices like eliminating cookies, candy, crackers, and a lot of bread.

Thank you all for the advice. I will do all of the things you have suggested just hope that I will be able to stick to it haha!

Hi and welcome to the forum 💜

Eating healthier and losing weight helped my IBS ... 21 doesn't mean you shouldn't look after your health, can't believe someone would pretty much say you're young diet in the future!

Good luck x