What kind of diet??

Question

Okay so I’m 5’5 and I weigh 164lbs. My goal is to generally just look good in my own opinion, but if I had to lose a certain amount of weight, I would guess that I’m wanting to lose about 20lbs. I’m 19, and I’ve never really had a workout plan or a strict diet. Should I be counting calories or carbs? And how often should I be working out? I want to see results as quickly/healthily as I can! Please give any advice! Thanks! 💕💕

Answer

When I first started to work out 7 years ago, I was doing it 5 times a week, but as I got to my goal eventually, I sometimes do it 3 times a week. Combine cardio with weight training! Both is equally important to lose weight. Don’t skip the weight training. Nike Training app helped so much when I first got into working out and I still use it to this day. So I highly recommend downloading it.
I don’t count carbs, I just eat the healthy ones like green peas, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, chickpeas, potatoes (not fries), beans, etc. I did count calories for a short time and it does help, but you’re very hungry and it’s no longer such a joy to eat food. 
Stay aways from sunflowe and rapeseed oil. Only coconut and olive oil. When you’re grocery shopping for snack always check the ingredients even if it says it’s healthy on the package. Most foods are packed with sugar, oil and other bad stuff. These are also sugars and they are even unhealthier than the real one; sorbitol, maltitol, dextrose and more. You can find them online, I don’t remember all the names, but you’ll know when you see them on foods. 
Also no sodas or juices (only 100% fruit ones), just water! Sparkling works too. Milk I never excluded from my diet, but don’t drink too much and get a low fat one like 1,5%. Cheeses I also eat, but don’t eat crappy ones from the stores that cost a dollar. They are extremly unhealthy. Get the real deal for more money, but worth it. 
For the first two-three weeks, I would recommend to not do any cheat meals or cheat days. It’s too early since you’re only beginning. Do one cheat day after 2-3 weeks, but don’t over eat. And then go back to your healthy eating plans again. 
Thru those 2-3 weeks treat yourself with a piece of dark chocolate, and if you can, find healthy versions of junk food. Some stores and cafes have/make it.
And ofcourse veggies and fruit! But never overeat anything.

Answer

Don’t do any strict diets. They’re hard to stick to and once you’ve lost the weight and drop the diet, you’re likely to gain the weight back by going back to old eating habits. 
Count calories. I recommend the app MyFitnessPal. You answer a few questions and it will give you a calorie goal, then use the app to track it. The ONLY way to lose weight is be at a calorie deficit, meaning you’re putting out more calories than you’re putting in. A really easy way to cut some calories is to stop drinking them. Meaning only water, black coffee, and black tea. 
Keep your plates at reasonable portions, avoid eating fast food, eat lean meats such as chicken breast, opt for veggies as sides. I know veggies sounds boring but experiment with different spices and ways of cooking them (grilled, sautéed, baked, steamed) and find what you like best. But don’t be terrible to yourself. If you want a cookie, eat a cookie. Just not more than one and not every day. 
Also, exercise. If you can get a gym membership, try to find group exercise classes you like so you’re more motivated to go. Let me know if you have any questions!

What kind of diet??

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