Okay...first, I just want to second what Angie and others have said and tell you that you look great already as you are, IK. BUT...having said that, I do support your goals because, as you see, I also felt a need to get more fit. And have done so.
But...no 1200 calorie a day diets for me. I ate four or five meals a day, no strict meal plan. I did not count calories at all. (Still don't).
I ate: lots of lean protein, most starchy carbs post workout, lots and lots of vegetables. I worked out with weights, plus did some high intensity interval training/ conditioning workouts. And I aimed for lots of rest and relaxation and sleep.
I lost 33 pounds in 6 months, lots of body fat, and I have lost additional fat (plus a few pounds) in the year and a half since I finished the program.
I followed Lean Eating by Precision Nutrition. http://www.precisionnutrition......n-coaching
Disclaimer: I now work for this company as a writer. But I would not have taken the job if I did not believe in what they do.
Once every two weeks, participants learn a new core nutritional habit. They practice this habit for a while before the next one is introduced. This way, changes are slow, but long-lasting. There is a forum (like this one) for support, and ongoing coaching online. I found the supportive community invaluable; it is a lot like this place; lots of women going through the same issues and lots of understanding and encouragement.
Like IK, I didn't care about the number on a scale. I don't even own a scale! I just knew my health was getting worse and I wanted to make changes.
My blood pressure is now normal, my energy went up, and I feel 100% better. This plan is possible for plant based eaters to follow as well, or people who want to do a paleo/primal/ancestral type diet.
Happy to answer more questions back-channel!
And that's it for today's infomercial!
