Don't do an overnight makeover but slowly phase in health changes over the course of weeks and keeping adding on to them. A common problem I see is people overwork themselves with exercise and give up all their favorite foods and it works for 1 week and then it's back to the old ways because they stressed themselves out to much physically and mentally. To start, try to just jog/walk for about an hour, jog as much as you can, but don't over work yourself, do that 3 times a week, try to rest a day in-between (try to keep track of how long you spend jogging and walking, I use a stop watch). In terms of your eating, try to watch your portions, I would absolutely give up the soda and replace it with water. Get some more fruits and veggies in your diet, like instead of reaching for a bag of chips, grab an apple or some carrots. Get fiber in your diet, it keeps you full for a while, I recommend fiber one cereal. I find hunger urges can be diminished by chewing on some gum. Makes sure you get water in your body though, the brain can be tricked into thinking it's hungry when it really is thirsty. Also chew your food (it's hard to do but take 30 seconds/chews each time, the brain needs time to catch up to the stomach, that's how we over eat, cause we thinking were hungry when we're really not.). Then every week or two phase in another healthy change, like jogging for a longer period of time than before or exercising longer distances or giving up one of your favorite foods or snacks. For now, especially if you're trying to lose weight, focus on your cardio opposed to gaining muscles (ie. pushups, situps, etc, you can phase these in once you get a consistent cardio routine). Honestly, I feel it's all about building mental strength, you don't gain that in a day. You gain it by pushing your body little by little each day. Losing/maintaining weight is a life style change not a 2 month diet.
Good Luck, just remember you can do it. There will be times where you want to quit and if you do, just pick yourself up again and try harder the next day.
P.S. Sorry for the long wall of text, you don't have to read it, but I was in a similar situation as you a year ago, I felt pretty hopeless at times, but a year later, I went from being really chubby to being slightly cut (I'm now finally focusing on my muscles, so my goal of being totally cut is still months away, but I still make sure to get in my cardio 5 times a week).
Edit: As far as your calories go, don't worry about it for now, there is no need for you to count calories gained and lost. You need to first phase in a healthier meal plan and just get some exercise for a consistent period of time before you worry about the exact caloric value of things. Trust me, if you count calories now, you'll most likely lead yourself to quitting or eating binges (because you don't want to cold turkey your body just like that, you have to slowly change).
hockey73
^^This advice, about 6yrs ago now I lost 35pounds in 3 weeks from breaking my ribs. Overall after that I lost about another 15lb. But with all that said, the above advice is the wisest one said in here. To add a little though, try to break up your meals into smaller ones. And cut yourself off from eating about 2-3hrs before bed time. Its really hard to do some nights. But usually when you sleep is when your body can burn a lot of calories if your on a empty stomach. This is how I lost my last 15lb.
But, back to the small meals. Try to keep it simple, 100-300 Cals at about 5-6(2-3hrs apart) times a day. It will feel like your eating a lot as you'll always be eating, but it helps your metabolism keep up with ya. Then for working out, try to always workout on a empty stomach(preferable in the morning when you wake up or 2-3hrs after a meal to assure your on a empty stomach). You can eat about 30min to 1hr after your workout of course. But this method gets your body in calorie burning mode and gets used to burning your food when you eat it. Rather than eating then working out, your body can get used to storing food expecting you to burn it off soon afterwards.( I use this method still today in order to maintain my weight).
Now also know that everyones body is different. Even all I said or above said may not be the best method. So find what works for you, the BEST way to lose and maintain weight is to get into a routine. A routine that works, isn't hard to follow, and makes you happy.
The biggest Key to losing weight is SIMPLICITY. So no matter what method works for you, just do your best to keep it simple.
I was actually fatter at your age, which just happens to be the age I was when I lost my weight. I was 200lb at age 14 and was around 5'8-9". Today I'm about 5'10" and 150-154LB. I still watch what I eat and have to work hard to keep the weight off. But its well worth it, the energy I have and overall happiness is just, well Awesome.
Another quick tip(if possible, hard with other family members) keep less food in the house or at least around you. Anyways, sorry for making this all long, wish ya the best of luck. Just believe you can do it. And with time, you certainly will!!
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