Hello everyone, im not a newcomer here, but have forgotten my previous account details :).

Well i might aswell start from the beginning. During sixth form (16 years old) I decided to loose some weight, i started at about 215/220 lbs (im about 6' tall)

Rents were also on the same road and bought an Elliptical trainer, so i worked on that, watched out what i ate and kept it at that.

I managed to get down to about 180. Then i moved to uni, where the temptation of alcohol and kebabs have got the better of me. I haven't got too bad, since sept ive only put on about 5lbs or so, but i dont want to slowly go back up. Here's an image to show some progression

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brian.holder2/Trans/trans.jpg

Now, its much harder to go to the gym now because of just sheer workload and cost. What can i do? I've been thinking about doing some workouts in my room, getting some weights but I've got a feeling they wont help too much. I'm all open to ideas.

I still feel fat, i've got people telling me im fine, but still after that pic, i feel vastly overweight. Aparrently my BMI is just above average for my height so meh.

But anyway, comments / suggestions / reccomendations, i'd be very greatful for any.

David

My first thought -- how's your diet? You want to lose fat again? Get your diet in order. Exercise would help your diet, but if your diet is not in line, exercise is not real helpful. I understand that might be difficult while in school -- but anyway, that's where I would begin to ask questions to discover the best way to help.

Pfft, this is where you guys are going to hate me.

I dont really have a diet, i more or less eat on demand. I rarly have breakfast and times i eat my meals are varied, i simetimes have my tea at about 9-10pm lol

Because im a student, i rarly cook, eat microwaveable meals etc, though sometimes i do like to be cautious. And because i cant cook, i can hardly make anything decent.

I could do with a fixed diet of some sort though, i'd definatly need to chat with someone though, or someone off here if they're up for a challenge.

Hi there mate, Well I was in the same position as you - I was at University when I started and had all teh Kebab and beer things as well - In fact coming to think of it since leaving Uni I havent actually managed to kill off the habit completly.

So my suggestion is to start small and start right now, it doesnt mean to not drink or eat the odd kebab etc but small changes and you will notice differences.

First thing maybe to check out the Gym at your Uni - I was at a small uni which had an adequate gym and with all those free's im sure you will be able to fit in time for it :)

First thing to do is try and stop eating processed food. This was my major change, try buying fresh fruit and veg and forcing yourself to eat properly. Also one useful thing i never realised before is women the world over find a guy that can cook very appealing.

When going to the essential Uni Clubs and parties try to go to the gym or doing exercise about an hour before. I found when i did this i didnt want as much to drink and keep doing this now on a friday night. Somehow it feel "unclean" to be drinking stupid amounts of alcohol so this may help.

Also don't believe the "Beer is bad so i will drink Spirits" This is utter rubbish a few mates tried to convince themselves - its the Alcohol in the drinks that gets turned to sugar and causes the calories. Also dont try mixers with Aspartame etc - I haev a brother who is a doctor and he tell me its a bad idea as the Alcohol breaks down the aspartame (this may not be true/fact but makes sence to me)

Above all enjoy yourself, you will only be at uni once, so even if you manage to lose half a pound a week who cares - you should live life. Just don't go back to old habits.

Thanks for your post, it did include some good info.

My uni does have a gym, they spent like £10 mill on a brand spanking new health and fitness building so i guess the excuse "there isn't a good one." cant be used

But the thing is, i'm so caught up with work that i dont really have the time, especially now with the exam season coming up.

I'm going to try some of those things you've suggested, ie getting fresh fruit and veg and try to avoid processed foods etc.

I think now im going to try and get in a routine of having breakfast. Ive come up with a few ideas of what to cook for meals, i can do with some comments if anyone is feeling helpfull.

Breakfast - Corn Flakes (no sugar) / (brown) toast

Lunch - Chicken Salad sandwich (brown bread) / beans on (brown) toast

Dinner - Chicken breast (put in george forman) with salad / Spaghetti + mince beef / Chicken with pasta etc

yeah, i do like my chicken...

next time im out and about in town i think im going to get a cook book, so i can cook vegetables and etc.

Obvously my studies is a piority, but will making simple, subtle changes like eating a bit better, avoiding things like kebabs / coke / fatty foods etc make a difference?