CoG Weight Loss Club

[Mot Wakorb]

Anyone interested in doing a weekly weight-loss thing? I'm trying to get into the habit of going to the Y more and eating better, and I'd think that getting multiple people involved helps the motivation and competition factors. Let me know if interested. I'd think that doing things like helping each other watch what we eat, doing "check-ins" monthly (not as in give your weight away, but give +/- numbers for your weight... that sort of thing?

Now that we have enough interest, here's what to post:

1. Your goal(s). If you're looking to drop 50 lbs, state that, if you just want to be healthier, that's fine too, but state your goals.
2. What you're going to do to get to this goal. What will you give up, what will you push yourself on to make sure you stay the course? Will you change your eating habits, if so, howso?
3. What could stop you from meeting this goal. Work, stress, all of that.
4. How often will you check in with your progress. Remember, rome isn't built in a day, and losing weight and stuff takes time.

Remember - don't call this a diet, because that's not the goal. The goal here is to push yourself to get healthier.

Also, advice from Klunka:


- Planned diet cheating: Seriously the best thing you can do. You're much less tempted to cheat if you can say "I can have a giant steak Saturday night if I don't eat like a pig right now"

- subtle changes: don't do anything too drastic right off the bat. You want to get in the habit of excersizing and eating right, not doing it for 5 months and then going back. Make slow changes so you can get used to it all.

[Jackel]

I'm in


Starting Values:
Weight:217 lbs
BMI: (TBD)

Goals:
Drop 17 lbs,
Drop BMI to a respectable level (TBD once BMI test gets done on friday).

Routine
Workout at the gym (Mon, Wed, Friday mornings at 6)
Swim for 1/2 hr after working out.
Go for a 1/2 hr walk (Tues / Thurs).

Results:

To come...

[Mot Wakorb]

I would be up for this. I've started going to the gym again and swimming. I actually don't need to lose weight, just convert fat to muscle...so I think i might fail this thread.

Well, that could be a stated goal... say what you're trying to do and work on achieving it... like I said +/- and ways you're accomplishing your goal.

[pseudopseudo]

I'm completely for this. I'm in the middle of getting back into working out already, but it'd be really nice to kind of have a buddy system online.

[Mot Wakorb]

Bump... so people see it.

[Jackel]

Going to the gym this morning. 5:30AM yikes.

Hoping they'll do a BMI for me, otherwise I'll just get a weigh. I'll copy full goals & such later tonight on my initial post.

[Suave Peanut]

I want in.

I worked at a fast-food place a few years ago and still haven't lost the 30 lbs (14 kg) that I gained from eating there ten times a week.

[Lint of Death]

According to one of those websites I have a BMI of around 16 so this is probably the opposite of what I need.

[Typical Michael]

I am allergic to exercise, so I just signed up for this:

www.caloriecount.about.com

It even has a toolbar and an app for your phone to add food, with a bar to watch and information and stuff..pretty cool. Thats what has always helped me, anyway, counting calories and staying under a certain amount.

[aVaKus]

I'm in. Been doing the p90x workout the past 5 weeks and it's been kicking my ass. Starting to really see some results now.

[Klunka]

I'm proud to say the 3 years ago I was 250 pounds. I currently weigh in around 155 pounds. I'd be happy to hand out some advice about what worked for me and the things I find were most effective. Some quick tips:

- Planned diet cheating: Seriously the best thing you can do. You're much less tempted to cheat if you can say "I can have a giant steak Saturday night if I don't eat like a pig right now"

- subtle changes: don't do anything too drastic right off the bat. You want to get in the habit of excersizing and eating right, not doing it for 5 months and then going back. Make slow changes so you can get used to it all.

I'd be happy to talk more on it if anyone is interested.

[ADDGirl]

I'll join, I'll make Santa join, we have been going to the gym and eating healthy since the beginning of August Santa has lost 29lbs and I have lost 17lbs... Men apparently lose faster, Damn you men! I would be willing to post healthy recipes and snack ideas to help us all out if anyone is interested

[Commissar Rob]

I'm in! I just ran my first 5K last weekend, and I've been running every day. Right now, I tip the scales at 215 and would really like to get down under 200 again.

[Mot Wakorb]

Myself:

1. I'd like to start at 50 pounds. I know this won't happen in a day, and it'll take work, but I'd like to start there.

2. I've got to change eating habits first and foremost, less processed stuff, less eating out, more making meals at home. Portion control is also key. I've started a "personal fitness program" at the Y to help keep me on a track and watch how I'm doing.

3. Work can be like hell sometimes and it cuts into the time that I want to go to the Y. Also, things like gaming and such tend to be too tempting at times and I ignore other things. The engineers love to go out here for lunch daily, so I need to learn how to say no.

4. Once a week for me, I've already started my cardio program at the Y and have my first 35 minutes of cardio work in, averaging 160 for my heart rate while I do the treadmill, bike, and cross-trainer.

[Typical Michael]

1. Currently 179, calorie counter says I should be 157. I dont think I have ever been 157 in my life, so we will see how that works out. I will be pleased with something like 165-168.

2. I am down from 185 from when I started this about a month ago, but now I am getting serious. Drinking water instead of soda and energy drinks, and if I need something fizzy, diet soda. No more empty calories from beverages.

3. Its really difficult to eat anything at work other than fast food, and we get discounts on energy drinks. I really love me some Full Throttle, but I am going to do what I can to cut it out since thats 200 calories a can. Also, I like to drink 3 or 4 beers once or twice a week, and thats an extra 800 calories a week. I've stopped that too, drank what I had and havent bought any more. I'll start eating more fruits and vegetables, and meals that are easily quantifiable, like stuff out of cans and single serving things. Its the endless box of something or the meal that you have no idea how many calories is in that is the problem.

4. I figure once a week is good.

This is also to save money...fast food at $6 a time, sometimes twice a day, plus $2 energy drinks, really chipped away at my available funds, it was terrible.

[Purple Santa]

I'm proud to say the 3 years ago I was 250 pounds. I currently weigh in around 155 pounds. I'd be happy to hand out some advice about what worked for me and the things I find were most effective. Some quick tips:

- Planned diet cheating: Seriously the best thing you can do. You're much less tempted to cheat if you can say "I can have a giant steak Saturday night if I don't eat like a pig right now"

- subtle changes: don't do anything too drastic right off the bat. You want to get in the habit of excersizing and eating right, not doing it for 5 months and then going back. Make slow changes so you can get used to it all.

I'd be happy to talk more on it if anyone is interested.

This should be posted at the top of the thread! Great advice.

1. My goal is to drop 87lbs. Although i'm not sure if at that weight my BMI is good enough. I first want to lose the 87lbs then fine tune if I need. I'm a bit short so I think it's going to be another 5-8lbs after that.
2. I've lost weight before, lots of it and never kept it off. I finally feel I know how to snack right and "cheat" appropriately. I am in the gym 6 days a week doing an hour of cardio on elliptical machine. I'm going to begin running again on the treadmill, where not so long ago I was running 4-5 miles. I'm on a 1200 calorie diet and I don't find that difficult at all. It's all about finding satisfying alternatives, which help amend your eating habits.
3. Feeling the urge or need to eat something i'm better off not eating. Most of the time I don't have a problem. Sometimes, though, if the right situation occurs like being mentally stressed and a food I like is around...I have to do some big time talking to myself why I don't need to add those calories to my day's eating.
4. I weigh myself on friday. As Ms. Claus said...i'm down 29lbs. I'll post on friday's what i lost or....<gasp>...gain. Ms. Claus keeps me in line so I don't gain :)

[modeps]

1. I'm currently 247, down from 255 when I started 3 weeks ago. My current goal is 200.

2. I've completely changed my eating habits. I've given up soda completely and currently am doing the 6 meal a day thing, taking in much less calories than I used to as well as trying to do some sort of exercise ever day. I've given up using the elevator at work (I work on the 5th floor), and I've also given up eating out while at work (bringing my lunch daily)

3. What could stop me? Easy. Work and Family... I've got a 2 year old that requires a lot of attention, and my wife is ready to give birth to #2 in a month.

4. I currently check every week.

[Mattism]

I am currently 178 down from around 225 in June. I have been exercising every day (taking Saturday and Sunday off sometimes) through a little bootcamp program.

I am eatting better. Though I have taken a step back this last two weeks. It would be good to talk about it and encourage people. If anyone is in OKC feel free to join me in the mornings (5:30 a.m.) if you are up for it.

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

Unless I am wrong, losing weight is all about diet?

[Typical Michael]

Unless I am wrong, losing weight is all about diet?

Someone had posted a good link, called "Hackers Diet", somewhere on one of these forums. I read through it, and it made sense, its all about what you eat. Runnning straight for an hour burns something like 225 calories...thats 1 snickers bar. If you eat a snickers bar every day, you could not eat it and thats the equivalent of running for an hour.

[Ghostbear]

My goal is to lose 75 lbs. My main contributor to gaining weight is soda, as of about 4 days ago I have removed it from my diet. There is a gym in my apartment complex that I can use for free, my roommate and I are going to start attending that together after his foot heals. Me, I am going tonight.

[Lint of Death]

Make a lifestyle of eating less and working more is what I and my time in past health and biology classes would advise. A lot of one's body structure is either genetic or established by a certain age (e.g., generally don't expect to end up looking like the super-muscle-bound types selling exercise equipment), so a diet is only temporary relief - leaving the diet brings it all back.

[OrigamiPanther]

1. Goal: Drop about 40 lbs.
2. I've already started to eat healthier (more vegetarian meals and less snacking), drinking more water, and cutting out sodas as much as possible. I'm trying to implement a weekly exercise routine for every Saturday/Sunday morning as well.
3. General laziness. Getting up at 8:30 on Saturdays/Sundays to work out can be a bit challenging at times. I don't know anyone in my apartment complex that would be a work-out buddy. Any suggestions for getting that motivation going?
4. Plan on checking in about every 2 months.

[Mot Wakorb]

Unless I am wrong, losing weight is all about diet?

Diet in a sense. Diet in the sense of "watching what you eat", not in the sense of "fad diet" like Atkins. I'd think we'd want to keep it to trying to change eating habits. One of the things my doctor actually recommended to me as a slow start is not to drastically change your diet, but change how much you eat. Try eating half of the normal portion you'd eat, get your body used to that fact. It's working pretty well for me.

[Rock Bandit]

Sounds like fun. I got about 210 pounds on my 6'3 frame, let's see if we can get that down to 195.

[Ghost Rider]

Diet in a sense. Diet in the sense of "watching what you eat", not in the sense of "fad diet" like Atkins. I'd think we'd want to keep it to trying to change eating habits. One of the things my doctor actually recommended to me as a slow start is not to drastically change your diet, but change how much you eat. Try eating half of the normal portion you'd eat, get your body used to that fact. It's working pretty well for me.


In my opinion that is the approach I would encourage people looking to lose weight to follow. A lot of people who decide to lose weight jump in at the deep end, making extreme changes to their schedule and diet. While this can work for some, many will lose motivation after a short period of time, which can be extremely destructive in terms of acheiving your goals.

Making small changes is not only easier to do, but also makes it easier to train your mind into not wanting that extra bit of food.

Also, remember any form of transforming your body (whether it be getting rid of unwanted fat or building muscle) takes time, so keep the faith with whatever you do and the results will follow.

[itchyeyes]

1. My target weight is 225lbs, currently at 242lbs
2. Currently work out 3 times a week for ~30min. Would like to expand to 5 times, but not sure how practical that is.
3. The biggest hurdle for me is my schedule. 10hrs at work + 2hrs at school + 8hrs of sleep doesn't leave a lot of time to fit in exercise Mon-Thurs. The best time is in the morning, but that means getting up at 5am. Most of the time I opt for the snooze button.
4. I check my weight daily. If I can get up to exercising 5 times I week, I think 3 months is a realistic time period to reach my goal.

[Ancalagon]

I weigh about 97kgs now I think (not sure what that is in pounds? probably nearly 220). I'm just over 6 foot tall, so my BMI isnt too bad, but I want to hit 90kgs (maybe 190?). I used to weigh 100, then I changed my diet and lost a few kgs in a few months.

I started eating 2 pieces of fruit and digestive biscuits at work instead of snacking on chocolate. I now have a rule - no chocolate in day time. I do still have chocolate at night, which technically I shouldnt... but for me its a start. I used to have a chocolate in the day and then a chocolate at night, so at least half of that is gone. I also have healthier things for lunch - brown bread, cheese, lettuce and tomato is nearly a staple for me, whereas last year there were weeks in which I ate nothing but hotdogs, or bacon sandwiches.

For supper, I usually eat fairly healthily, but I think my portions are still too large. Also, I share cooking with 2 other guys - one of them often gets lazy and just gets frozen pizza. I like pizza, just not too often, and not frozen. So it irritates me a bit.

My reasoning with this diet change, is thats is nothing drastic. My body probably isnt getting far less energy than it used to, its just getting healthier foods and probably slightly less food. Also, even if I eat the aforementioned frozen pizza for supper, my body has already had 2-3 servings of fruit (when including lettuce and tomato) and possibly an extra one in the form of a glass of orange juice. Whereas before, if I didnt eat veggies at night, it would mean I ate no veggies the entire day. Its the kind of thing which I can keep up forever comfortably. The last time I ate any fastfood was about 2 months ago, but I stopped being big on fastfood after leaving university anyway. You dont miss it if you dont eat it - in fact now the smell of burger king or macdonalds just about makes me sick. Seriously, it smells gross.

As for exercise.... I try to walk about an hour a day, which is at least something. I have a hernia now, which I'm waiting to have surgery on, so I'll have to wait until I've recovered from that before I take up jogging.

[PathMaster]

I would love to drop around 30 lbs or so. I actually eat healthy, except maybe portion size, which is a huge hurdle living at home.

[Mdot]

Anybody still rocking P90X, like we were from the thread at EvAv? I'm about to start Phase 2 but have been slacking a bit.

[Purple Santa]

I would love to drop around 30 lbs or so. I actually eat healthy, except maybe portion size, which is a huge hurdle living at home.

Excercise. And slowly try to cut portion size.

[Nameless]

1. I'm looking to start with losing 20lbs. If I can do that, I will try to continue from there.

2. I'm trying to eat out less, eating at home as often as possible. I hope to start working out at least once per week, hopefully around 2-3 times per week. I want to start walking/jogging in the morning to get used to getting up early all the time. Also, I will cut soda out of my diet completely.

3. Laziness. I have a hard time getting up in the morning if I don't have to, which will be a problem in my future career, so it's a bad habit I'm trying to break. Also, I tend to eat some bad stuff when I'm bored/lonely, which tends to happen on Sundays. So I've gotta try to keep more healthy snacks lying around.

4. I usually check two-three times per week. In fact, since I've started Teacher's College, I've actually dropped 10lbs., so really I'm hoping to keep that going. From what I hear, your first placement is another great way to drop 10lbs.

[Mot Wakorb]

3. Laziness. I have a hard time getting up in the morning if I don't have to, which will be a problem in my future career, so it's a bad habit I'm trying to break. Also, I tend to eat some bad stuff when I'm bored/lonely, which tends to happen on Sundays. So I've gotta try to keep more healthy snacks lying around.

A suggestion I might make: try getting up earlier and going to the gym. Start small, say one day a week, then try further. Your body will adjust, and it's true when they say you get energy out of doing that earlier in the day.

[Loki]

Starting Values
Height: 6'
Weight: 210 pounds
BMI: 28.54

Goal
Lose 25 pounds in weight over a 6 month period.

Guide
Run at 17/18 calories per minute for 30 minutes a day
Minor weight lifting. Pushups, curls, sit-ups, etc.
Eat better. No more fast food, long live Oatmeal, eat more fruit, less servings of everything.
No more pop, including diet.
No more 'beer'. More diet 'mixed liqours'.

[KingGorilla]

Goal

Lose 2-4 pant sizes.

I am in my big boy 36s right now.

To do that my goal is at least 5 days at the gym per week, down from last year which was every day, for an hour and a half each day. But I lack the time. Then I got lazy and ate a lot of fried food.

I have axed the snacks. Less drinking. I am mostly on a low carb diet, but I will not freak out at a sandwich anymore.

[modeps]

So, I just did something I have not done in a loooong time. After my pushup session, I actually went jogging... outside. Not sure exactly how far I ran but my lungs were burning, I was sweating, and man... I missed this feeling.

[TheEvilNarwhale]

When I left for Alaska I was 255. When I got back home I was 225. My goal for the rest of the year is to get down to 200. I have been paying much better attention to the things that I eat. Which turned into vegetarian living. I walk from my apartment to class rather than taking the bus. I cut out soda and fast food while I was in Alaska. I go to the gym and do cardio or play racket ball at least 3 times a week. I will be starting tennis and going on bike rides pretty soon. I am stoked. My size 34 jeans I got when I got back are already falling off.

[Mot Wakorb]

A minor setback and "push forward" for me:

Few days ago I started having intense pain in my left shoulder, went to the doc today, it's a severe muscle strain. Normally you hear to stay off of it, not use it... doc says "go lift weights, do these three weightlifting exercises and you should be okay." So, one more thing to tack on to my workout, even though this is gonna hurt like a bitch for a while.

[MrBeowulfe]

I'm actually at about the weight I want to be, 195lbs or so at 6'2" isn't a bad weight. I'm NOT in shape however. My girlfriend just bought me the P90X system, so I'm going to be starting that here pretty soon. I guess my main goal is to simply get myself in shape.

[Serapth]

I started getting in shape about 3 months ago. Little girl in my life now and I want to be able to keep up with my kid. Anyways, about two years back I quit smoking cigarettes and a year back quit smoking completely ( and promptly gained 30lbs! I was always underweight before that ) and then about two months ago I all but quit drinking.

So, Ive been exercising pretty steady for about 3 months as I said. I started out doing mostly high intensity cardio, 10 - 15 miles on the bike at a 15 - 20 mph pace. Two months of this and NOTHING. Not a single lb lost, not a single lb gained, fuckall.

Two months of exercising 7 or 8 hours a week, dropping about 5000 calories a week from my diet and generally just eatting better for two whole months and not a single fucking lb!

So, I decide to start taking the supplement hydroxycut, which was onsale at Walmart. Didnt change a thing, just took the supplement as advised and worked out the same as I always have.

First week, 8lbs. Second week, 1lb ( had ALOT of parties/dinners out/etc... plus I hurt myself and couldnt cycle ), then this week I am down another 4lbs in 4 days.

I started at 6'2 220lbs. Right now I am 207lbs, my target is about 190-200lbs then I am going to start working on bulking up a little bit.

So, 2 1/2 months == 0 lbs
2-3 weeks == 13lbs

Since my experience, both my Mom and my Mother in Law started taking Hydroxycut aswell, and both are down about 3-4lbs in 2 weeks. Neither of them are really overweight and both are quite active, so 4lbs is actually a ton.

Oh, and Wii fit seems to think I should be 170lbs. Wii fit is stupid. Oh, and as a scale the @$@$ing thing is unreliable as fuck.

[astranoir]

Oh, and Wii fit seems to think I should be 170lbs. Wii fit is stupid. Oh, and as a scale the @$@$ing thing is unreliable as fuck.

I don't know about the accuracy of the scale, but I know using it has helped me lose 8 pounds (I gained 2 back when I went a month moving houses and not using it, but I'm losing weight again now, little by little).

[Shandor]

For me, it's a big amount to lose. Granted, I'm already part way there. November 2 years ago, I was at 478 pounds (thankfully, I carry it well and nobody ever thought I weighed that much). Since then, I've gotten down to 369. That was in April. I've stalled since then and gone back up to about 375. Right now, I just need to get back in the swing of things. My overall goal is 240 (I'm 6'1" and I really am a big boned guy :)). Overall, my changes are just getting a bit of excercise (bike) and a change in diet (cutting out fast food and soda almost completely and cutting my portions down). No starvation diet or anything like that. I also signed up to that Calorie Count Plus website recently. Cool site, but they are missing a lot of nutritional information and it gets frustrating, having to enter everything in by hand. :)

[cassiusregicide]

Starting Weight
210 lbs 27.5 BMI

Goals
170 lbs 13 BMI

I started cross fit twice a week and MMA twice a week. I bought one of theose BMI testing scales and realized I'd really let myself go. Time to get back into shape.

[nixpayn]

aside from actually.. you know.. doing something.. losing weight is really simple math.. you just need to intake less calories than your body uses - so it burns fat. of course without exercise, all you're doing is maintaining body weight.

sounds easy - hard to do :)

and to have it work out to weight loss, you need to use a lot more energy than are taking in calorie-wise. like for myself, if i sat and did absolutely nothing but kept my body alive for 1 day, i would burn about 1200 to 1400 calories - this is approx what my body uses in energy just to keep my insides tickin'.

i am about 168 lbs and 5'8 right now, so i could stand to lose a couple pounds and get to 160, or put it back into muscle mass. if i wanted to do this, i would try and take in around 1300 calories in a day, and no more, and i would go out into the real world and do some exercise. if i was to use up say 2000 extra calories in a week, for a guy my size, i'd burn about 1lb, maybe a little less in a week. for someone whos around 220lbs, you'd need to burn about 3500 calories over a week to lose 1lb. and as you get healthier, your metabolism increases, and the weight loss gets faster. metabolism btw is basically the rate at which you naturally burn calories - so if im super healthy i can burn maybe 1800 calories in a day sitting on my ass doing nothing. but if i stopped exercising.. it would slow back down and i'd gain weight again.

i lost 30 lbs in a month and a half a few years back because i was single, going clubbing 5 nights a week and dancing (no drugs lol), i didnt drink beer. My diet consisted of a lot of salads with kidney beans, chick peas and sometimes tuna, pitas and hummus, and grilled chicken.

before i noticed, none of my clothes fit and i had to make new belt holes. i wasnt intending to lose weight, it just happened - this is NOT a healthy way to do it. fortunately i didnt get sick or anything, but i really could have.

if your goal is to lose weight, my suggestion is watch diet, cut back on ALL alcohol (except vodka actually, its almost completely ok with the exception of .. you know.. its still not good for your liver, which usually isnt an issue for non-alcoholics - just watch what you mix with hehe), and focus on cardio.

you dont need to lift weights, you dont need to spend a ton of money. get yourself some good shoes with support (espcially if you're quite over weight), and start by walking - yes, some people get out of breath walking for 10..15..20..30...40..minutes.

Take the stairs up to work. Walk to school if its less than 40 mins by foot and the weather is ok. Play drums in rock band instead of guitar all the time.

Start by going jogging - yes, even if youre a smoker (like me) it just takes a bit longer to get your body used to it. first few times i did, i was wheeeeeezing and coughing like crazy.. then after a couple weeks it was no problem at all. your lungs will adapt - in fact it helps them get working harder again, which is good - and try to run for 5 minutes, then walk a bit, then jog again.. after a couple weeks, shoot to be running for 15-20 minutes, then walking, within a month or two you should be able to run for 40+ minutes no problem.

if you do weights + cardio, and you're doing it right, you'll lose a bit of weight at first, and then when you get to a certain point, you'll level off and wont lose anymore. but its not because you're not losing fat - you're gaining muscle. this is the kicker tho.. you stop the routine for more than 2 months and guess what... all that work is for not and now you've got muscle turned to fat :) so unless you plan on beefing up and staying that way, do weights in moderation and focus on the cardio to lose. once you get to your ideal weight, its all just diet and normal physical activity - walking more, taking the stairs, jogging once in a while. but really, if you know your metabolic rate, you CANT gain weight if you watch what you're eating. if you stop the exercise, your metabolism will slow back down and you'll gain weight easier, so if you get lazy again, stick to the healthy stuff and say no to bad sugars and fatty foods.

whatever you do - do it right, be realistic, and dont starve yourself. if you dont take in enough calories and you spend too much energy, what you have is a body that doesnt have enough energy to maintain itself, and you'll have a heart attack or your body will start cannibalizing itself. good times!

hopefully this post helps make a bit more sense about how yer body works. it seems so simple - and it is, and most of us know this.. we're just too lazy to act on it. hate the wii all you want.. but wii for an hour can be a couple hundred calories depending on the game you're playing. DDR is like over 450 hehe.

one thing i forgot to add (believe it or not) -

for those of you who have a case of the lazies or cant get up early. i found that when i had a regular routine of going to the gym after work for about 30 mins of weights and 45 mins of cardio, i was crashing out at about 11-12pm, but i was waking up earlier and earlier. my alarm was always set for 7am, but i'd start waking up at like 6:45, then 6:20.. after 5 months i was waking up at 5:30 in the f'n morning and i'd be wide awake. so like it or not, when your metabolism gets better and your body has more energy, you'll probably start waking up earlier regardless how you feel about it hehe.

[Shandor]

Yep. I've found losing weight to actually be prettty easy. You just need to keep to what you're doing. For me, just changing my diet made a HUGE difference. Granted, I lost some of that weight too fast (the last 70 pounds all happened in about 4 months). But, when you've got as much weight to lose as I do, it'll go pretty fast at times. The biggest thing that has slowed me down is a bit of work frustration and the ability to get the crap snacks for free at work. But, I think I've got my brain back in gear, so hopefully I can get the loss started soon.

[Nameless]

A suggestion I might make: try getting up earlier and going to the gym. Start small, say one day a week, then try further. Your body will adjust, and it's true when they say you get energy out of doing that earlier in the day.

Thanks, I've been thinking of getting up a half-hour to an hour earlier and going for a quick jog/brisk walk before I get ready for my day, at least three times a week and seeing how that would help me out.

Bunch o' stuff

That's some really great and useful information. As much as you say it's common sense (and to some degree it is), not everyone is great on common sense! Some of those suggestions are really useful though, thanks for that.

A question: I'm a fairly large guy, how heavy is too heavy for jogging? I know that it's a much greater workout than walking, but I've heard some bad stories about knee damage, and I really don't want to fuck up my knees, as I've seen what that can lead to later in life. I'm just wondering if anyone has some good info on this. Thanks, everyone, this thread is really helpful.

[Church42]

Count me in. Not sure what my BMI is at...I'm 6'3"ish (pretty close to 6'3) and I'd guess after having started about 3 weeks ago on more dedicated working out, I'm around 225.

Goal is sub-200

Currently working out 5 days a week

When downstairs neighbors are NOT home - 7 km on Nordictrack, followed by about 1/2 mile of running

When neighbors are home - Apartment gym...on programmable bike for 20 minutes (hill climb program) followed by 5 minute cool down, then .5-.75 miles of running and .5 miles of walking. If the bike is not available, running 1.5 miles and .75 miles of walking

Then maybe weights, otherwise before bed, either I do free weights, pushups, or situps

[Shandor]

A question: I'm a fairly large guy, how heavy is too heavy for jogging? I know that it's a much greater workout than walking, but I've heard some bad stories about knee damage, and I really don't want to fuck up my knees, as I've seen what that can lead to later in life. I'm just wondering if anyone has some good info on this. Thanks, everyone, this thread is really helpful.

I've wondered the same thing. I can run now, but I'd rather not, for that reason. I always figured I'd wait until I got to 300 to start jogging. In the mean time, walking and for the most part, riding my stationary bike.

[Mot Wakorb]

I've wondered the same thing. I can run now, but I'd rather not, for that reason. I always figured I'd wait until I got to 300 to start jogging. In the mean time, walking and for the most part, riding my stationary bike.

I've had problems with my knee since I had surgery back in 2000. Try increasing the speed of your walking and slowly approach running - impact based workouts aren't always the greatest thing, which is why you're seeing a lot more elliptical machines at gyms these days, they take a lot of that impact away. I generally walk 3.5 MPH for 10-15 minutes, but I set an incline, since you'll work harder on an incline, then do elliptical work at higher speeds, since it just doesn't hurt.

[Church42]

Shandor - Not sure about the recommended weight to run at...but I have heard (but its probably just a made up statistic) that for every pound you lose, you take about 4 pounds of pressure off your knees.

With the weight I've dropped, I feel more spry in my knees

[Shandor]

I can believe that. My knees defiantely feel better. But, then again, I've always been a big guy, so my body has held it up well. I have more lower back problems then anything else, though. Granted... bad backs run in my family, so I'm screwed there either way. :)

[Phades]

I really like the idea behind this thread. Count me in!

Since I got married I've put on quite a bit of weight. I'm 6'4" and about 306 now (this is down from 346 a few months ago). When I got married I was 230, which is ideal for me so that's my goal to get back to.

I really need to start excercising more. My work will provide up to $1500/year for "wellness" items like exercise equipment and the like so I've been thinking about picking up some stuff. Any recommendations?

[Shandor]

Man, that would be nice. I wish my work did that. The things I'd go after first, would be a stationary bike, adjustible weights and then a treadmill. Already got the bike and weights, though. :)

[the Jack]

Hire someone to beat the shit out of you every time you're tempted to over-eat.

Not only will this reduce calorie intake, but the hope is that eventually you'll start defending yourself and get ripped from all the fighting, a la Wanted's "Fixer".

When I was fat and out of shape the way I got in shape was by increasing the calorie burning then reducing the calorie intake. I started with a simple 5 minute jog that raised my 10-second pulse to higher than 15-20 beats.

I did this every other day, and after two weeks I added a short rest (about two minutes) and another five.

In retrospect, this sucked because it killed my knees (despite owning an expensive pair of sneakers, running on concrete is never a good idea). If I were to go back and change what I did, I would go for an hour's yoga, daily.

Yeah, yoga. Unless you've actually tried it you have no idea how killer a good yoga session can be, for flexibility, resistance, and cardiovascular (heart-lung) training.

I recommend a beginner's course in Ashtanga and working up through the ranks.

A quick note about calorie intake vs. burn: everyone is different, and it takes a lot of time and educated experimentation to reach a true balance, but in the end it is all about numbers (minus pleasure).

My current regular diet? Brown rice and protein powder, 6 times a day. I've conditioned myself away from sweets and eating for pleasure. I'll still go out and enjoy a "meal" with friends, though for me that consists of a cup of tea and picking at their leftovers.

EDIT: My old website/blog thing that I posted to get into Tokyo Game Show on press days, the Healthy Gamer (http://dark-acre.com/thg/health/). Chock-full of 10 years of blood, sweat, and tears. Mostly sweat.

[nixpayn]

A question: I'm a fairly large guy, how heavy is too heavy for jogging? I know that it's a much greater workout than walking, but I've heard some bad stories about knee damage, and I really don't want to fuck up my knees, as I've seen what that can lead to later in life. I'm just wondering if anyone has some good info on this. Thanks, everyone, this thread is really helpful.

well if you're worried about knee damage due to weight, low impact cardio is of course better. so brisk walking for starters, with a good diet. it wont happen over night, but you will lose weight. when you feel up to it, try jogging a bit - but stay OFF the sidewalk! find somewhere that has a dirt path or a park with a lot of grass. the give in the ground surface will take a lot of the shock off your knees.

if you have the cash for a gym membership, the elliptical is your best friend. its a weird machine to use at first, but there is 0 impact on your knees and its a good workout. you can burn 400+ calories in 40-50 minutes.

[Purple Santa]

I lost another 2 lbs this week. My weigh in is on Friday's. So i'm down a total of 31 lbs since August 4th.

[KingGorilla]

There are a lot of you guys mentioning an ideal BMI, don't. That system is broken. Consult a doctor to be sure of a healthy weight and weight loss goal. But you should focus more on the heart, lungs, and nutrition.

BMI really becomes worthless if you are also working with weights to build muscle. Hence my pant size goal. I an down 1 inch for 6 months, and 0 pounds.

[astranoir]

I lost another 2 lbs this week. My weigh in is on Friday's. So i'm down a total of 31 lbs since August 4th.

Congratulations!

[PathMaster]

There are a lot of you guys mentioning an ideal BMI, don't. That system is broken. Consult a doctor to be sure of a healthy weight and weight loss goal. But you should focus more on the heart, lungs, and nutrition.

BMI really becomes worthless if you are also working with weights to build muscle. Hence my pant size goal. I an down 1 inch for 6 months, and 0 pounds.

Agreed. Bone density alone throws it way off.

[Shandor]

Agreed. Bone density alone throws it way off.

Yeah. I have no clue what my "proper" BMI would be.

[Mot Wakorb]

When I went to my doctor the other day, he told me straight up, drop 80 pounds. No BMI, nothing - drop 80. So, there's my new goal.

[The Iron Weasel]

I work out really regularly, since April I've lost 30 pounds and wish to drop about another 22 pounds, but the fat and muscle have definitely been trading places pretty steadily

[Camel]

I was up to about 220 at the beginning of summer and am now around 195. I'd like to lose another 5-10 lbs to put me back at my high school weight, but it seems I've hit a wall in the last few months.

I stopped drinking pretty much everything that wasn't water, and cut out a lot of sugar from my diet. Instead of eating ice cream, one of my favorite foods, I switched to things like popsicles and yogurt and fruit. I also started running again, something I hadn't done with much regularity since early in college.

Another thing I have been doing since summer is keeping track of my calories each day. I use The Daily Plate (http://www.thedailyplate.com/) website to keep track of things. You put in your weight, how much you would like to lose a week, and some other stuff, and it gives you the amount of calories you should be eating each day. It has REALLY helped me! You feel like a complete piece of shit every time you go over your calorie limit, and it teaches you some discipline. It's a pain in the butt to have to log in and record food, and I curbed a lot of snacking just because I didn't want to go and record the calories. It also shows you how terrible things like fast food are for you (it is really depressing to count calories if you eat a lot of pizza, which I do). If you don't want to keep track online, a food journal is a good idea as well!

Some possible roadblocks before I make it across the finish line:

Since I started working fulltime, my running regiment has completely stopped. I really need to pick that up again!

Also, I am becoming a cookie FIEND. I seriously need to stop eating cookies every damn day.

http://szeryf.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/cookiemonster_1.jpg

[Shandor]

Since I started working fulltime, my running regiment has completely stopped. I really need to pick that up again!

Yeah. That's one of my biggest issues. With the hours I work most of the time, it's hard to get motivated to excersize when I'm at home. I at least need to get back into the habit of using my bike when catching up on TV. That makes a big difference.

[Nameless]

I lost another 2 lbs this week. My weigh in is on Friday's. So i'm down a total of 31 lbs since August 4th.

Dude, that is awesome! I've started losing weight since the beginning of August as well, but not nearly that much!

[CrysDark]

Is there still room to get it on this?

[Mot Wakorb]

Is there still room to get it on this?

Of course, just join in!

[Jeffool]

I'm absolutely up for this.

As for targets: I hope to get to a point where I can find out how much I weigh. (So, 350, as that's where most scales end. I don't know how much I weigh except for "more than that.")

As for plans: I'm dropping soft drinks, and switching to mostly water. I currently eat one meal a day. I plan to eat multiple smaller meals.

Also, I plan to start doing some cardio around the house. Let's hope I have the self discipline.

[Jackel]

Question for anyone in the know. Obviously Water is the better choice, but my wife is trying to get me into tea...is there anything calorie wise I should be avoiding?

[the Jack]

Question for anyone in the know. Obviously Water is the better choice, but my wife is trying to get me into tea...is there anything calorie wise I should be avoiding?
Sugar.

If the tea contains caffeine it may also act as a diuretic, which would cause you to dehydrate somewhat.

Otherwise, depending on the infusion, tea may provide many holistic benefits (anti-cancer, anti-aging, etc.)

It should be taken as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, water.

[Jeffool]

So, is there anything you guys would recommend as good drinks in addition to water? I mean, giving up Coke, Vault, Mountain Dew, and Dr. Pepper is going to suck.

[Camel]

So, is there anything you guys would recommend as good drinks in addition to water? I mean, giving up Coke, Vault, Mountain Dew, and Dr. Pepper is going to suck.
Only for a little bit! Nowadays, I can barely drink pop because it actually makes my teeth hurt. As for other drinks, I can't help that much because I pretty much only drink water. My roommate likes V8 Splash, but that might have a ton of sugar in it too. I'm not really sure.

[astranoir]

Only for a little bit! Nowadays, I can barely drink pop because it actually makes my teeth hurt. As for other drinks, I can't help that much because I pretty much only drink water. My roommate likes V8 Splash, but that might have a ton of sugar in it too. I'm not really sure.

The Diet V8 Splash we have in the fridge has 2g of sugar per serving.

[Shandor]

I've been using the crystal light single drink mix packs. They've worked out pretty well for me. Low calorie. Not much sugar.

[Phades]

I've been using the crystal light single drink mix packs. They've worked out pretty well for me. Low calorie. Not much sugar.

I read somewhere that those are actually a great idea, as long as they're low-cal or calorie free. They actually increase the amount of water you drink every day (since they taste good) which is of course a good thing.

[HALO 32]

The Diet V8 Splash we have in the fridge has 2g of sugar per serving.

V8 Splash is great! I cannot stand just regular V8 :(

I should go get some, I've had enough Diet Root Beer and Diet Rite.

[Kielaran]

I am in a slightly different boat than most. Weight isn't my issue, but being in shape is. About 5 months ago I started going to the gym Tuesdays and Thursdays hand missed maybe 4 times (including vacation).
A few tips that help a ton:
1. If you arent' one to work out before goign to work, do it afterward. Here is the key: GO STRAIGHT FROM WORK. I count my workout as an extention of my work day and it keeps me going. Before I would go hom and sit down, not wanting to get back up and leave again. Bring a change of clothes and change at work or at the gym. This will make going to the gym much more consistant.
2. Drink lots of water. It helps flush out your system and though you may even gain a pound or two of water weight at first, as you exercise, you will easily lose this.
3. I cannot stress this enough. DON EAT BEFORE BED. Stop eating at least an hour before going to bed, two hours if possible. Doing this will make losing the calories you take in far easier because less of it is converted to fat.

Best of luck all.

[the Jack]

3. I cannot stress this enough. DON EAT BEFORE BED. Stop eating at least an hour before going to bed, two hours if possible. Doing this will make losing the calories you take in far easier because less of it is converted to fat.

While this is excellent advice, it's no so much the timing but what is eaten.

If you're doing some form of resistance training during the day, or any activity which is stimulating muscle growth (even light walking), it's advisable to consume some form of protein an hour before sleep. It also helps prevent the accidental nocturnal consumption of pillows, blankets, limbs, etc.

There are two basic types of protein when talking about diet supplementation, casein (slow-acting) and whey (fast-acting).

You want some form of casein before bed as it will release, rebuild, and recharge the body while you sleep.

At any rate, avoid saturated fats and high-calorie carbohydrate-based foods. These are best eaten early in the day and tapering off before sleep/inactivity.

[Kielaran]

While this is excellent advice, it's no so much the timing but what is eaten.

If you're doing some form of resistance training during the day, or any activity which is stimulating muscle growth (even light walking), it's advisable to consume some form of protein an hour before sleep. It also helps prevent the accidental nocturnal consumption of pillows, blankets, limbs, etc.

That I was not aware of (the protein before bed, not the missing limbs part...I knew that, because I once woke up and had gnawed off both my legs in my sleep, try explaining that to the ER doctors!:eek:)

I was leaning toward the whole no snacking before bed, sepecially sweets or high carb stuff. One of the biggest guys I knew had a very healthy lifestyle but loved his spaghetti before going to bed.

[MrBeowulfe]

Started P90X yesterday. I'm sorta in the same boat as Kieleran apparently. I'm 6'2" weighing 195lbs. I don't want to lose weight, in fact I'd like to gain another 10-15lbs. I DO want to get out of this sorry excuse for shape that I'm in and actually get in real shape for once. My goal is to gain 15 pounds (won't be too upset if I don't meet this one, but I'm going to try) and get in the best shape of my life by Spring. I want to compete in a firefighter challenge this summer and totally crush it. I'm tired of being me, it's time for a change. Today is day 2 of P90X for me...I hurt...I'm tired...but I love it already. Good luck gents, no matter what your goals or your methods of reaching them!

[Jackel]

Damn.....2 Fails in a row. Missed going to the gym on Friday & this morning...and unfortunately not having a babysitter means I won't be able to make it up.

[Shandor]

I read somewhere that those are actually a great idea, as long as they're low-cal or calorie free. They actually increase the amount of water you drink every day (since they taste good) which is of course a good thing.

Yeah. They've been working out well so far. The ones I drink are 10 calories per drink with no fat or sugar. I've pretty much settled on the Cherry Pomegranate, Raspberry Ice, Raspberry Lemonade & Wild Strawberry flavors. I used to drink only about 20-30oz of water per day (not counting sodas), now I drink about 6-8 17oz bottles. heh. So, I'm definately getting my water needs filled now.

[Church42]

So I got a question about sodas...I know alot of people say "cut out the soda, its just empty calories"....makes sense and all, but is there a good reason out there to cut out DIET soda?

I've been drinking diet soda for years and while I know caffeine is a diaretic, I don't know any good reason to cut the diet soda out (aside from the 1 kidney stone which may or may not have been because of (at the time) 15 years of soda consumption).

[Shandor]

Honestly, I keep hearing that diet soda is bad for you in it's own way, but I can't remember exactly why. heh.

[Kielaran]

Never will soda be as good for you as water, even if it is diet. Also, I believe it still has some empty calories (save coke 0 or pepsi 1) and sugar as well.

[The Iron Weasel]

Never will soda be as good for you as water, even if it is diet. Also, I believe it still has some empty calories (save coke 0 or pepsi 1) and sugar as well.

Theres literally no calories in diet soda, but it contains aspartame which has been linked to cancer.

[Mot Wakorb]

Theres literally no calories in diet soda, but it contains aspartame which has been linked to cancer.

Forgive me - what hasn't been linked to cancer at this point?

[PathMaster]

High Fructose Corn Syrup is bad for you as well. I occasionally drink a Jones soda, which has none, but does have a lot of sugar otherwise.

I am trying out the water flavoring thing atm. Cranberry Rasberry, Walmart brand. Only has about 70mg of Sodium, nothing else. Not bad. You can actually use those as flavoring as well in yogurt.

[Commissar Rob]

Forgive me - what hasn't been linked to cancer at this point?
Wholesome Wisconsin cheese curds! :D

[Mot Wakorb]

Wholesome Wisconsin cheese curds! :D

God bless ya.

[Church42]

Theres literally no calories in diet soda, but it contains aspartame which has been linked to cancer.


Meh, aspartame...I can get cancer from the sun, so like Mot has said, what hasn't been linked to cancer (aside from Wisconsin cheese curds)?

I'm gonna keep drinking diet soda...diet soda still has 0 calories, last I checked

[Phades]

Theres literally no calories in diet soda, but it contains aspartame which has been linked to cancer.

If you look at those things linking it to cancer they're kind of ridiculous in the sheer volume they gave the mice. Yes, if you inject half my body weight of aspartame into me I might have problematic side effects. Fortunately, I try to limit myself to 127 cans a day.

[Kielaran]

Fortunately, I try to limit myself to 127 cans a day.

Now that's self control right there!

[the Jack]

Healthy, refreshing drinks?

Pure fruit/vegetable juice diluted with water would probably be the best alternative to soda, and while you do get a fair number of calories from it they're not the "empty" version.

And you get your vitamins, beta carotene, and so on.

These days, once a week, I do a partial "juice fast" where I replace most of the complex carbs (the ones from grains, starches) with juice. Usually on a Sunday when I don't have such a high energy demand.

Again, as a reminder, consider food as "gasoline for the body". Fuel up when you expect to be active, reduce when you expect a period of inactivity.

[Lithium Flower]

I need to lose about 25-30 kilos. I'm aiming for achieving that in 6 months. Joined a gym today and got a personal trainer.

First day, about 50 minutes of cardio (treadmill, elliptical stepper, stationary bike) and 30 minutes of weight training and 15 minutes of stretching and stuff. Almost two hours. Feel really tired now but in better spirits already.

EDIT: Oh yeah, forgot to mention the diet. I am supposed to eat grass for the month to begin with...which sucks... I miss my beef burgers already and I haven't even started. =(

[Spacetronaut]

I'll get in on this. I'm in the middle of a weight-loss thing but it always helps to have peer pressure to stay motivated.

1. I started at 310 and as of Sunday I'm currently at 268. I doubt I can much lower than 210, so 58 pounds is my goal. I'd like to hit my goal in 6 or 7 months, which means about 2-3 pounds per week on average.

2. My routine is to lift weights for 30 minutes or so, and run 3-4 miles every day. I've cut out soda and fast food, but my attempts to get myself to just eat less in general have met with mixed results.

3. Laziness is my greatest enemy and most likely to keep me from hitting my goal.

4. I'll check my progress every week on Sunday.

[Kielaran]

I've cut out soda and fast food, but my attempts to get myself to just eat less in general have met with mixed results.

If that isn't working, try eating about the same amount, but spread it out. If you eat less food more often it can help to increase your metabolism and much of the time will show better results than eating less altogether.

[Dukefrukem]

modeps and I were doing ToolsToLife workout challenge

if anyone is interested, please post in here and i'll start a new challenge. it logs how much you work out in a 30 day period and compares it to set goals before you start.

http://toolstolife.com/challenges/show/167

[Purple Santa]

modeps and I were doing ToolsToLife workout challenge

if anyone is interested, please post in here and i'll start a new challenge. it logs how much you work out in a 30 day period and compares it to set goals before you start.

http://toolstolife.com/challenges/show/167

I joined. I even set up a goal for myself...i'm PurpleSanta on there...i'll do a challenge with you and Modeps

[pirateTITAN]

Anybody still rocking P90X, like we were from the thread at EvAv? I'm about to start Phase 2 but have been slacking a bit.


Haha, nice to see you here man. I'm almost done with the session that I started with the P90X thread on EvAv, but I'm going to strap another session onto it.

Goals
Be as healthy as I can (and maybe be ripped in a few weeks;)).

What I'm Doing
I'm almost done with my current session of P90X, only about 2 weeks left including today. And I eat crazy healthy, the only kind of unhealthy food I eat nowadays is some Taco Bell once every month or two months. And I'm a teenager, that's like a hundred point bonus.

What Would Stop Me
Nothing really, I've been going at it so long that it's become a routine part of my life.

Check Progress
I don't normally take my weight, the best way to check progress for me is the mirror and pant size.

*edit: My simple advice to everyone, track everything you eat for a few weeks, whether it's old-school pen and paper, or all those fancy new online trackers. That's probably been the one thing that's helped me become healthier, over time you'll start tracking calories in your head automatically, and with that you can't conveniently "forget" and fall off of a diet.

[darkbase]

Just wanted to drop in and say I've been 230 for a long time and I'm kicking it. I think Stanley from The Office inspired me, as did the trying on of my new Batman Hush shirt, size XL :\

Started walking/jogging for 20 mins a day, following with as many sit ups I can do, then really watching what I eat and how much.

[Spacetronaut]

I was pretty sick all week, so I only got in to the gym twice. My inability to eat anything not soup compensated though, and I maintained my 3 pounds per week average. 265 now.

[KingGorilla]

High Fructose Corn Syrup is bad for you as well. I occasionally drink a Jones soda, which has none, but does have a lot of sugar otherwise.


It is not that it is bad for you. But that it has become such a common additive into foods, that so much shit contains ludicrous ammounts of sugar because of it. Cane sugar is expensive relative to corn syrup. If you drink a can of pop once in awhile or eat a hostess cake, no big deal. The issue is the people who guzzle galons a day.

[Dukefrukem]

I joined. I even set up a goal for myself...i'm PurpleSanta on there...i'll do a challenge with you and Modeps

Awesome! It's a great site and i start the challenge every month.

[darkbase]

You know what can provide great motivation for going on a diet and working out? Discovering you weigh 20 more pounds than you originally had thought and been telling everyone for a long while. -_-

[Mot Wakorb]

Alright, for those that are in, updates? So far I've gotten better at working out - the Y has helped this along, working out three nights a week. My eating habits are getting better as well - three distinct meals a day and that's it, no snacking. Had a bit of trouble recently with a shoulder injury but my doctor had me lift weights to work it out. So far, so good. Haven't weighed myself yet, I plan to in a couple weeks.

[Typical Michael]

If you want some good meals, try progresso light soups...I just had one for dinner, lots of soup with only 160 calories to it. This was my birthday weekend so I sort of fell off the wagon, but its on again starting now.

[xoanon]

I'd like to get back below 200. I'm 223 right now. Cutting back on beer would probably be a good first step, but I also need to exercise more.

[Jackel]

I've been slacking lately in getting to the gym, although it is not entirely my fault..my kid just doesn't want to sleep right (she's teething).

I have been eating better though, and so far I've lost 2 lbs.

[KingGorilla]

I'd like to get back below 200. I'm 223 right now. Cutting back on beer would probably be a good first step, but I also need to exercise more.
Do what I did, switch to imports only and whiskey. A man can only drink so many Guinness or Arrogant Bastard. And Whiskey, well Bourbon is just so 'Merican. What killed me were the keggers in college, lots of cheap light American beer for 2 or 3 nights a week.

[Lithium Flower]

Okay, I started on tuesday and it's tuesday again. So let me chime in with my update.

Gym is closed on sunday, so I had that day off. In addition I couldn't go on saturday because of a friend's engagement party. So in total went 5 days.

As for the diet, I guess what I'm doing is primarily atkins, low carb. But I cheated once or twice. A glass of pepsi, a small scoop of ice-cream, one pita bread and some tacos.

My personal trainer isn't allowing me to weigh myself yet. I have to wait a month to get back on the scale but I think I am feeling just the tiniest fraction trimmer, could be my imagination.

I suppose I might feel more active, if my muscles weren't aching so much all the time but everytime I bend over or stretch, they scream out in agony. I have noticed that I feel sleepy earlier than before and also wake up slightly earlier without losing quality of sleep.

[Kielaran]

I've been slacking lately in getting to the gym, although it is not entirely my fault..my kid just doesn't want to sleep right (she's teething).

I have been eating better though, and so far I've lost 2 lbs.

Have you been doing push up, sit ups, etc.? They may not be as good as the gym, but it's better than nothing. Plus a set of dumbells at home greatly increases the amount of exercises you can do.

[Serapth]

3lbs to target ( 200lbs ), currently 6'2 203lbs, started at 6'2 220-225lbs.

Once I hit 200, or 195 - 200 I will completely ignore the scale and just switch to muscle and endurance training. Right now I am focusing on fat burning. Yes, I know it makes no sense and the numbers on the scale really mean nothing, but damned if I dont want to tick off certain boxes.

That said, with only 3 lbs to go, I should easily hit that within a week.

[Karak]

Went from 290 to 205 on Atkins or restricted carb. Been like that for 13 years now.
Wonderful wonderful feeling to lose that much weight.

Oh and I still do p90 x and martial arts and run and have ADD or OCD or something I can't remember.

[xoanon]

Do what I did, switch to imports only and whiskey. A man can only drink so many Guinness or Arrogant Bastard. And Whiskey, well Bourbon is just so 'Merican. What killed me were the keggers in college, lots of cheap light American beer for 2 or 3 nights a week.

I'm way ahead of you, and that's part of the problem.

3lbs to target ( 200lbs ), currently 6'2 203lbs, started at 6'2 220-225lbs.

Once I hit 200, or 195 - 200 I will completely ignore the scale and just switch to muscle and endurance training. Right now I am focusing on fat burning. Yes, I know it makes no sense and the numbers on the scale really mean nothing, but damned if I dont want to tick off certain boxes.

That said, with only 3 lbs to go, I should easily hit that within a week.

Way to go, dude.

[DylonCorp]

I'm trying to head in the opposite direction, I'm a little under 130lbs and am 5'7". I've been bitching about getting a little meat for a while, but I've been cast in a play where I have to be shirtless and I'd prefer to not terrify the audience. Right now I'm just throwing in some Whey formula and more push/pull-ups.

I'm looking at the p90x though. Thoughts?

[sea7marie]

Can I join late? LOL

I'm on a week & a half of SouthBeach.... Boring, but I'm down 4lbs as of today!

[TheEvilNarwhale]

Woo down 3 pounds from last time I went to the gym mostly from what I consume. Total loss for the year so far 38 lb.

[violent]

I recently started making vegetables a major part of my daily diet. I rarely ever drink soda and when I do, it's diet. I have a very low sugar intake, even my coffee is black. If I have to eat bread, it's wheat or multigrain. Lots of water and no junk food. Also a eat a lot of tuna and turkey. It's not the most exciting thing but the items on my menu I find delicious. I eat when I'm hungry and what I eat I genuinely enjoy. I've lost about 7 pounds since I started about 2 weeks ago.

[H.Bogard]

In 2006 I shed 75lbs in two months. Ended up with low blood pressure for a while, but it was a wonder. (I was at around 110Kg/242lbs with a 6'2'' height... shed till 75Kg/165lbs).

Recently I gained some due to plenty of After-fasting parties during Ramadhan month here and started my special workouts (tweaked some routines to help my blood pressure and sugar) on 9 October [weighing at 86Kg/189.2lbs on that day]. Its been around 8 days now and I've lost 10 pounds with a normal diet (Didn't quit pepsi/coke, ate a bowl full of custard with biscuits yesterday, etc.).

I divided my workouts from two body parts + abdomen TWICE a day with almost zero sugar/carb diet to just one body part+ slightly less ab-workouts every night with two normal meals a day. Doesn't kill my blood pressure like before. As stated, I've shed 10 pounds in about a week.

Oh, and I'm competing with Lithium Flower even if she doesn't admit it.

I can post in detail if anyone wants to know, 'cause its kindofa big effort to type it all.

[samcity83]

So I am totally in, last year I had reached my goal weight and unfortunately I got ill and gained a bit of it back at the beginning of this year.

1. My goal is to lose 15-20lbs (my weight fluctuates so to keep from getting depressed I try to stay within a range), and get regular cardio exercise for a healthy heart.

2. To reach this goal I am going to make myself drink 8 glasses of water a day and cut down on all other beverages. I just have a habit of drinking anything but water. I am also going to look into a gym so that I can make sure I get 45min of cardio three times a week. Finally, I am going to work on eating smaller portions at dinner time. I tend to eat dinner late since I often do not get off work until 7pm and by then I am starving, so despite eating healthy I just eat too much.

3. Stress, my health and some already formed bad habits could disrupt that goal, specifically snacking while I watch TV, but I have taken up knitting so that my hands are busy while I watch TV instead of eathing.

4. I am going to check my progress once a week starting first thing tomorrow morning... Saturday morning weigh in!

[samcity83]

Okay, I started on tuesday and it's tuesday again. So let me chime in with my update.

Gym is closed on sunday, so I had that day off. In addition I couldn't go on saturday because of a friend's engagement party. So in total went 5 days.

As for the diet, I guess what I'm doing is primarily atkins, low carb. But I cheated once or twice. A glass of pepsi, a small scoop of ice-cream, one pita bread and some tacos.

My personal trainer isn't allowing me to weigh myself yet. I have to wait a month to get back on the scale but I think I am feeling just the tiniest fraction trimmer, could be my imagination.

I suppose I might feel more active, if my muscles weren't aching so much all the time but everytime I bend over or stretch, they scream out in agony. I have noticed that I feel sleepy earlier than before and also wake up slightly earlier without losing quality of sleep.

Last when I started going to a personal trainer I was in so much pain! the first night after working out I was getting out of my car and pulled a muscle in my leg which led to me face planting in the Las Vegas asphalt parking lot at night... I limped for a good week and had to leave the leg presses alone for a good 3 months... It was great!

[samcity83]

what it really comes down to with diet soda... it is made with unnatural products. The best diet anyone can ever be on is all organic foods. Now I know that most of us cannot afford that, fake sweeteners can affect your digestive system, your liver and your pancreas. Plus some people's bodies do not handle carbonation well. While cutting out soda completely,diet or otherwise is the best thing for you, it all comes back to one real rule... anything in excess is harmful. So just use it as a treat, or a pick me up once in a while. I use diet soda to help curb a sweets craving, but if you start drinking soda everyday... it doesn't matter what kind it is, you are not doing your body any favors.

[President Fred]

I'm pretty close to my ideal weight now though an injury (2 months so far) has halted my progress slightly. I have lost some weight which I do as soon as I stop working out. I am 77 kg and I want to get back up to 80 in time for December when I try to lose a kilo or two of body fat.

As soon as I get back from injury I will be training in the gym 4 days a week (down from five)
Running 1 day a week 5-10 km (down from 2 because of my injury, plus I used to run to the gym 6 km 5 days a week)

My gym sessions are split 2 times upper body and 2 times lower, basically only compound movements. I am really not looking to get any bigger as it slows my running down, plus I am going to start training Karate again after the New Year and I want to remain mobile.

[samcity83]

Question for anyone in the know. Obviously Water is the better choice, but my wife is trying to get me into tea...is there anything calorie wise I should be avoiding?

Green tea is your best choice.

[court12b]

My appetite has been going CRAZY the past few days. I've been eating poorly though and I think that's the cause. I made a "good" trip to the grocery yesterday (now there's just a bunch of food in my kitchen that I "should" eat but don't often want to <bleh>) but that's how it goes.

My new vice is smoothies made from frozen fruit, milk and vanilla whey powder.

been rather depressed lately though which isn't helping.

[Spacetronaut]

It turns out the best diet is to just not eat anything. I had strep this week, so I couldn't work out but I also ate literally nothing but water and cough drops for 5 days in a row. I lost 8 pounds since last sunday, but I don't know if I will jump back up a few now that I'm eating food again. Anyway, 257 now, we'll see if I go at all down next week.

[Xerxes]

1. Turn on PS3 (or Xbox.)
2. Start up Wipeout HD (or Fighting Game of Choice and but on hardest setting)
3. Play.
-You win match, continue playing.
-You lose, 10 push ups, sit ups (crunches), squats, chin up, bar bell curls, or what have you.

I remember when DOA 3 first came out I use to do this and I played the arena round with endless opponents. Ended up going through different exercises until I was popped out on all of them and laying on the floor sore. Had to stop playing or get better. I first came up with this playing Madden but I went some suckage to good player so fast. Also in a football game doing reps when the other team scored seemed so far away. I think with any modern fighter has a pretty tough HARD setting that you can't just constantly whip on. Always room for improvement. Wipeout, trying to get gold is hardcore. I played one map like 30 fucking times. I hadn't started doing reps yet but I either would have got my gold or been laying on the floor at the end of that hour. I still haven't got gold, but it's midterms right now. Study study study... and posting.

[Crowe]

It turns out the best diet is to just not eat anything. I had strep this week, so I couldn't work out but I also ate literally nothing but water and cough drops for 5 days in a row. I lost 8 pounds since last sunday, but I don't know if I will jump back up a few now that I'm eating food again. Anyway, 257 now, we'll see if I go at all down next week.

If I remember correctly your body goes to your muscles for sources of protein if you don't eat correctly. So try and eat healthy once your better :).

Also you will probably put a little back on as you may have lost body fluids.

[Purple Santa]

Forgot to update last week...I lost 4 lbs and now have lost a total of 37lbs in 11 weeks. I have increased my days of excercise from 5 to 6 and now i'm doing 7 days of cardio for one hour at the gym. I'm thinking of start running on the treadmill again which should be interesting. If I suddenly don't show up anymore...it's not ADDGirl who killed me...it was the treadmill :).

[Typical Michael]

I am down 6 lbs from when I started recording it, on Sept. 29th. Down about 12 lbs since I said "I should do something about this", which was probably a couple of weeks before that. CalorieCounter says I have 16lbs to go before I am at my target weight. Ugghh, this stuff takes forever.

[Kielaran]

Today (10/24/08) Amazon's video game deal of the day is My Weight Loss Coach for the DS for 28$. Not my thing, but I thought someone else may be interested.
link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_6716412_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000208101&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-1&pf_rd_r=1WXW3JY06D48MPH0847Q&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=410200701&pf_rd_i=468642)

[Purple Santa]

I am down 6 lbs from when I started recording it, on Sept. 29th. Down about 12 lbs since I said "I should do something about this", which was probably a couple of weeks before that. CalorieCounter says I have 16lbs to go before I am at my target weight. Ugghh, this stuff takes forever.

I wish I only had 16lbs. It's great you are doing this now...keep it off and never have to worry about it. It truly gets harder when it's more than 30 lbs and as you get older it's more challenging to lose it.

[Typical Michael]

I wish I only had 16lbs. It's great you are doing this now...keep it off and never have to worry about it. It truly gets harder when it's more than 30 lbs and as you get older it's more challenging to lose it.

Thats what I figured, better now than later. It really hasnt been that difficult, small changes. Lots of cold water (flavour packets help, and cold water raises your metabolism and makes you feel full), walking every chance I get, and really watching caloric intake. At first I was getting pretty hungry, then your body adjusts. I haven't eaten fast food in a month, and I feel better without it. Plus, I was spending probably $35 a week on fast food. Bad news bears.

[Dark Prince]

Ok, so I've really been into losing some weight but haven't seriously gave it any thought until now. I don't need to lose much, but I would really like to lose enough so that I have an active body instead of the slouch look that I'm in now...

Current Weight: 170ish lbs
Target Weight loss: Around 10-15 lbs...

I'm trying to figure that I would like to start going to the gym as I think it's the only way I'll be able to get any real workout done before work. I'm taking a health class right now that has pretty much given me the realization that I need to get back into the shape I was in high school.

I would like to start with changing my food intake of course. Most of my weight had alot to do with soda and for some reason its the hardest thing to let go of because I've gotten so used to it. I'm going to try and start drinking more water more times a day as well. I don't really have anyone that I could to the gym with so I have to make sure I'm completely self-motivated.

Looking at some old-pictures I realize I could do to shape my body a bit to make it more reasonable. I'm not looking for something too outstanding just something that'll make me feel more confident about myself...etc.

So, I think the first step is changing my pantry around and making the "good" trip to the grocery store. I'll have to think about how I want to work out the gym thing....

[Purple Santa]

Ok, so I've really been into losing some weight but haven't seriously gave it any thought until now. I don't need to lose much, but I would really like to lose enough so that I have an active body instead of the slouch look that I'm in now...

Current Weight: 170ish lbs
Target Weight loss: Around 10-15 lbs...
*snip*

Stopping the soda is important. It might be difficult going cold turkey so you might have to wean yourself off with diet soda or something else to eventually get you to water. Don't be afraid to wean yourself off of anything. Better to take it slow and make it last than go to fast and then give up.

Same thing with food. It's great you want a better pantry. Just make sure the food is tasty to you. What's your pantry going to look like now?

Edit: What gym are you going to? Curious to see if you are in my neck of the woods :)

[Dukefrukem]

I encourage everyone to join my challenge to work out 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day. It's a great way to help motivate exercise and cheer people on. You can join here (http://toolstolife.com/challenges/show/195/).

[PathMaster]

Was around 255, now around 248, been about three weeks or so. That was mostly lower my caloric intake, ie not constantly eating all the time. Using water to make hunger pangs go away works, just takes a lot of water, least for me.

[Purple Santa]

Was around 255, now around 248, been about three weeks or so. That was mostly lower my caloric intake, ie not constantly eating all the time. Using water to make hunger pangs go away works, just takes a lot of water, least for me.

Actually using water like you are is an awesome way to get rid of hunger pangs. Eventually your body will balance the insulin etc so you will feel less hunger pangs. But I've done that...still do...also drink coffee...nothing like caffeine to act as a appetite suppressant...

[Schnoogs]

I need to gain weight...where is my club?

[H.Bogard]

I need to gain weight...where is my club?

Pancake/waffle thread.

[DylonCorp]

Welp, got a big white box with the p90x today. Maybe I should start another thread...

[Purple Santa]

I lost 3 lbs this week. I'm now at the grand total of 40.5 lbs in 3 months. Celebrating with some pizza tonite with Ms. Claus. And i'm at the gym 7 days a week. Yay me!

[Typical Michael]

I lost 3 lbs this week. I'm now at the grand total of 40.5 lbs in 3 months. Celebrating with some pizza tonite with Ms. Claus. And i'm at the gym 7 days a week. Yay me!

Thats pretty hardcore, granted you are working a lot harder than I am. Im down 8 since I started counting a month ago, and about 15 in total.

[Purple Santa]

Thats pretty hardcore, granted you are working a lot harder than I am. Im down 8 since I started counting a month ago, and about 15 in total.

But to be fair to you...you had a lot less to lose than me. In comparison, 15 lbs is a lot of weight for you. Although i would say to anyone losing 15 lbs, it's a great accomplishment.

As for being hardcore...lol...i've been on the roller coaster of losing weight for to many years. I finally got fed up with it. I was simply tired of being fat. And breaking eating habits that I have had wasn't easy. There is a lot more to eating behavior than simply stating "i'm not going to eat". But thanks for the "hardcore" compliment. At least i'm hardcore somewhere in my life...it's certainly not in gaming :p

[H.Bogard]

Slowed down... I think I've lost 15 pounds in total in three weeks.

[Typical Michael]

Slowed down... I think I've lost 15 pounds in total in three weeks.

Are you still eating food? Because I pretty much stopped eating food, and only lost 9 in a month.

[Disgustipated]

I lost 3 lbs this week. I'm now at the grand total of 40.5 lbs in 3 months. Celebrating with some pizza tonite with Ms. Claus. And i'm at the gym 7 days a week. Yay me!

Not healthy. You need to set aside at least 2-3 days/week to rest, otherwise you're going to progress slowly due to your muscles not getting any rest.

Anyways, I'm doing this challenge silently. Love the idea though.

[Variable Gear]

I'd have to join this club myself, but I have a super metabolism. Still, I need to work out more.

[H.Bogard]

Are you still eating food? Because I pretty much stopped eating food, and only lost 9 in a month.

I hit the gym twice a day sometimes. Steady diet of two meals a day, of which chicken corn soup is all I eat for dinner at times.

[Xerxes]

I lost 3 lbs this week. I'm now at the grand total of 40.5 lbs in 3 months. Celebrating with some pizza tonite with Ms. Claus. And i'm at the gym 7 days a week. Yay me!

http://www.yourselffitness.com/images/home-promo-maya-kneeup.jpg

[Disgustipated]

I hit the gym twice a day sometimes. Steady diet of two meals a day, of which chicken corn soup is all I eat for dinner at times.

Again, unhealthy. Probably eating up your own muscles. You go and work them and then burn them off again. No progress. You need to have a good amount of carbs and proteins to actually benefit, which means 3-4 decent meals a day.

[H.Bogard]

Again, unhealthy. Probably eating up your own muscles. You go and work them and then burn them off again. No progress. You need to have a good amount of carbs and proteins to actually benefit, which means 3-4 decent meals a day.

Not really... I sneak in a snack sometimes, but I have done this often enough to differentiate craving from hunger, so I can assess when I need to eat without killing my body.

And a 1 hour long workout only burns 500 calories, TOPS. What it does fix is your metabolism and eating habits... so you don't eat as often and start getting tighter.

[Purple Santa]

Not healthy. You need to set aside at least 2-3 days/week to rest, otherwise you're going to progress slowly due to your muscles not getting any rest.

Anyways, I'm doing this challenge silently. Love the idea though.
I only do cardio. I'm not lifting 7 days. And sat. and sunday are my off days, meaning i'll do only 1/2 hour instead of my usual one hour.

I'd have to join this club myself, but I have a super metabolism. Still, I need to work out more.
Is that like the super soldier serum? I want some of what you got! ;)

http://www.yourselffitness.com/images/home-promo-maya-kneeup.jpg
I wish I could ever look that slim. Only if I close my eyes and dream...

[Disgustipated]

Not really... I sneak in a snack sometimes, but I have done this often enough to differentiate craving from hunger, so I can assess when I need to eat without killing my body.

And a 1 hour long workout only burns 500 calories, TOPS. What it does fix is your metabolism and eating habits... so you don't eat as often and start getting tighter.

I burn 400 calories in 20 mins of a one hour long work-out. Think your calculations are a bit messed up. In an hour... 600-800 calories.

So yeah, eating 3-4 meals a day is a bit more productive if you're burning calories like I do.

[Typical Michael]

I really wanted McDonalds breakfast this morning...wanted it hard. Stay strong, typical_michael, stay strong.

[bapenguin]

Gonna be joining the club again.

We just got an Eliptical Machine. So I plan to work out 4 days a week, 3 of the mornings before work and one day on the weekend.

I'm currently 235, and I'd like to be about 205 by April when my kid is born.

Off we go!

[Lithium Flower]

Alright, it's been nearly a month and I weighed myself and the results are pretty disappointing. =(

I've lost 2 kgs in 3 and a half weeks. That's 4.4 lbs. Working out 5 days a week, 120 minutes a day. 1 hour of cardio, 45 minutes of weights, 15 minutes of stretching and mat exercises as well as the low carb diet.

I need to lose 25 kilos, at this rate it's going to take over 18 months. -_-

I am a sad panda. ::sad panda face::

[PathMaster]

Need ideas to help stave off the frequent eating on the weekends. As I sit around the house I just seem to munch on things all day long. Ideas?

[Purple Santa]

I really wanted McDonalds breakfast this morning...wanted it hard. Stay strong, typical_michael, stay strong.
Good job on avoiding that ugly food :D. I have those type of conversations with myself all the time.
Gonna be joining the club again.

We just got an Eliptical Machine. So I plan to work out 4 days a week, 3 of the mornings before work and one day on the weekend.

I'm currently 235, and I'd like to be about 205 by April when my kid is born.

Off we go!
Welcome! Elliptical machines are awesome. You will lose plenty doing that exercise.
Alright, it's been nearly a month and I weighed myself and the results are pretty disappointing. =(

I've lost 2 kgs in 3 and a half weeks. That's 4.4 lbs. Working out 5 days a week, 120 minutes a day. 1 hour of cardio, 45 minutes of weights, 15 minutes of stretching and mat exercises as well as the low carb diet.

I need to lose 25 kilos, at this rate it's going to take over 18 months. -_-

I am a sad panda. ::sad panda face::
That's about normal...you might pick up the pace when your body continues to lose. Don't give up.

Need ideas to help stave off the frequent eating on the weekends. As I sit around the house I just seem to munch on things all day long. Ideas?
Popcorn. The saving food for me. 3 cups is 80 calories. Also good fiber, a complex carb. too. Sugar free jello is another one I use...and sugar free pudding....with sugare free cool whip. Ms. Claus likes to cut up cheese sticks into circles and bake them. They taste like cheese potato chips. I have more if you don't like these...

[PathMaster]

Popcorn. The saving food for me. 3 cups is 80 calories. Also good fiber, a complex carb. too. Sugar free jello is another one I use...and sugar free pudding....with sugare free cool whip. Ms. Claus likes to cut up cheese sticks into circles and bake them. They taste like cheese potato chips. I have more if you don't like these...

Hmm Popcorn sounds good. Jello idea reminds that is a better desert then what I have been having. Cheese is a hard one for me, lactose intolerance sucks. Keep them coming.

[Purple Santa]

Ms. Claus is big on raw vegetables and lo cal dressing. Also she suggested sugar free ice pops. That's one I like too...

[Dukefrukem]

does anyone here use Nike+?

[Skull3r]

I was actually thinking about picking Nike+ up, just as an additional motivator to working out. Although, I'm currently on a college campus so I can't do any of the "attach it to your workout equipment" stuff, but I do like the idea of tracking my runs.

oh yea:

Height: 6'0
Weight: 175

Goals:
This is more of a getting in shape process for me (I think I want to be more around 160-165).

Methods:
- Eating healthy (I need tips on that, I'm a snacker. I guess its good that I switched from donut holes to pretzel crips and hummus <- that stuff is addictive, but should I stop snacking altogether?)
- gym/swimming 5x a week (the gym is an unfortunate... or I guess now fortunate reminder during my walk home from the lab to my dorm). For the gym, does anybody else get a little self-conscious while on the machines? Since the fitness trainers who are supposed to be watching and helping us out are usually students who are doing homework (I don't blame them, I would be doing the same), I usually enter the gym and try to figure out what to do by what the pictures are saying.
- walking/jogging/running in the morning everyday (if I make it everyday, I'm more likely to follow what I set myself out to do)

Great thread.

[Purple Santa]

Welcome to the thread. I wouldn't try to stop snacking. That would prove unlikely, and you would only crave unhealthy snacks. I had some suggestions for snacks not to long ago to Pathmaster. I'm sure it's on the previous page. It's a start, and since you are trying to tone up, not so much lose a ton of weight, you have more options on "healthy" snacks, such as nuts etc.

When I first started going to the gym, I would go in the middle of the night. I have a gym that is 24 hours. I would be there at 3am. So I know self conscious. And now my gym has been redesigned, I have mirrors across from me while I work out. Yuck. Last thing I want to look at is myself working out... I wouldn't use trainers either for the reasons you stated :). The important part is you are going...machines aren't that hard to figure out.

Jogging/running is a great option too.

Let us know of your progress.

[MachEnergy]

I just found this thread, and I am interested in using this community as a motivator. My wife keeps asking me, "whatever happened to Wii Fit?" Maybe I should just switch my diet to eating only the dust that has gathered on that thing.

I'm 230lbs at 6'0". I am looking to drop to 190lbs. I have started eating Lean Cuisine lunches, but I haven't kicked the crappy dinners or soda habits. Personally, I like how I feel when I exercise. I just don't like getting sweaty after coming from from work. Anyone know a way around that?? :)

[Skull3r]

I'm 230lbs at 6'0". I am looking to drop to 190lbs. I have started eating Lean Cuisine lunches, but I haven't kicked the crappy dinners or soda habits. Personally, I like how I feel when I exercise. I just don't like getting sweaty after coming from from work. Anyone know a way around that?? :)

Personally, as for changing my diet, surprisingly my laziness worked to my benefit. I used to go to a cheap chinese food place across the street because it was the fastest, and the closest. (I also went there for drinks whenever I was thirsty, or hit the vending machines downstairs. Well, I still have a fridge I got for free last year (college students buy too much stuff and can't fly home so they give away surprisingly good things). I stocked it up with water and healthy snacks (hummus, salsa for my wheat thins, yogurt), and now that I have that, I actually avoid the whole soda habit.

Also, you could try working out in the morning, before a morning shower. I've been reading up on this movie series (expensive :( ) called p90x. That's more of a home workout thing, but it apparently works really well.

[Dukefrukem]

I just found this thread, and I am interested in using this community as a motivator. My wife keeps asking me, "whatever happened to Wii Fit?" Maybe I should just switch my diet to eating only the dust that has gathered on that thing.

I'm 230lbs at 6'0". I am looking to drop to 190lbs. I have started eating Lean Cuisine lunches, but I haven't kicked the crappy dinners or soda habits. Personally, I like how I feel when I exercise. I just don't like getting sweaty after coming from from work. Anyone know a way around that?? :)

Sign up! (http://toolstolife.com/challenges/show/195/):)

I start one once every 30 days.

[Spacetronaut]

Finally got back into the gym yesterday after close to a month away. I was sick for a couple weeks and once you get used to not going it's tough to go back. I definitely noticed a hit to my strength and endurance (down about 20 pounds on bench and my usual 3 mile run included a walking portion) but hopefully it will bounce back quickly now that I'm going again. I didn't lose any weight over the last month but I also didn't gain any back, which is good. 259 as of yesterday.

[Lithium Flower]

I've amazingly dropped 2 kgs in the last 10 days. So now after a month and 2 days at the gym, I've lost almost 4 kgs.

Still keeping up with the gym though I have relaxed my diet a bit.

[Typical Michael]

I've hit a plateau, this sucks!

[Purple Santa]

I've hit a plateau, this sucks!

It does suck. But quite normal. Not that it makes it any less frustrating. But if you didn't gain, then look at it from the perspective, you didn't gain. Staying still for a moment is better than going back.

[JayVe]

New to the group

I've steadily been losing weight by making simple lifestyle changes. I'm 6 feet tall and started at 190 (34 yrs old). Made a series of lifestyle changes, Walking more. No soda. More veggies. Eating out infrequently. No eating before bed. I'd managed to drop around 10 lbs.

After using Wii fit regularly, I lost another 15lbs maintain a healthy (and good-looking!) 165 lbs. If I don't use Wii fit on a regular basis, I gain around 5 lbs.

No gym, but Wii Fit has helped me become stronger.

Edit: Mrs. Kamalot uses Yourself Fitness

[Purple Santa]

Welcome to the thread JayVe. Great to hear you have started losing already. Keep us posted on how you do.

[Skull3r]

New to the group

I've steadily been losing weight by making simple lifestyle changes. I'm 6 feet tall and started at 190 (34 yrs old). Made a series of lifestyle changes, Walking more. No soda. More veggies. Eating out infrequently. No eating before bed. I'd managed to drop around 10 lbs.

After using Wii fit regularly, I lost another 15lbs maintain a healthy (and good-looking!) 165 lbs. If I don't use Wii fit on a regular basis, I gain around 5 lbs.

No gym, but Wii Fit has helped me become stronger.


Are you really endorsing Wii Fit that much? What do you actually do with it? (I know I'm sounding like a skeptic, but I'm actually curious and been waiting to give myself a reason to pick it up).

[JayVe]

Are you really endorsing Wii Fit that much? What do you actually do with it? (I know I'm sounding like a skeptic, but I'm actually curious and been waiting to give myself a reason to pick it up).

Well, Wii Fit is no better or worse than any other exercise program... if you don't use it, it will do nothing. That said, it 'tricked' me into playing. It is structured a lot like a game, with high scores which initially had me in competition with others to get the 'best lunges score'. After a week or so, i started to see the results in the graphs. That kind of feedback was really exciting. I could FEEL myself getting better, more tone, and standing straighter. That kind of learning process was really exciting.

A typical workout for me consists of:
step - like DDR for dummies. It isn't interesting, but since I workout in the morning, this helps me wake up, and warm up
a few yoga poses - I'm much more flexible now, and can even touch my toes, something I couldn't do since high school. These are my stretches.
rhythm boxing 10 min - this is for calorie burning. I sweat, a lot, when I do this.
strength building - I pick and a few strength building exercises. Usually push-ups... which are really hard cause they are so damn SLOW! When I started, I could barely do 5. Now I can burn through 20 or so. Some of the others are really good too, like the crunches (not really crunches, but close)Overall, I try to get in 30 min 3 times a week on it. I'm not hardcore fitness guy by any stretch of the imagination, but I don't like looking tubby either.

Also, I made the switch to organic food. I find that i actually eat less of it because it is more satisfying. When I'm snacky, I grab carrots, celery (acquired taste - add a bit of salt-free seasoning), or even one of those bags of salad (spinach leaves! Yum!)

I still have a tummy, but I wear size 32 pants, which I haven't worn since high school.:D

Wii Fit is fun, and works well for gamers who need the same kind of incentive program games usually offer such as unlockables, higher difficulty, and LOTS of encouragement! It isn't, by itself, anything special though. One thing I did was take up the challenge of the virtual trainer. Every time I unlocked the ability to do more reps, I did more reps. Very painful at first... but I guess it pays off.

Also, the chart goes a LONG way to building my motivation since I can SEE the results.

Also also, if you want to burn calories, play the WiiWare game Helix on Hard mode. Wow!

Edit: Due to Wii Fit, I stand straighter. People say I look taller.

[Skull3r]

Just a quick dietary question:
Should diet sodas be avoided at all costs? Are they that much better than drinking regular pop?

[Purple Santa]

Just a quick dietary question:
Should diet sodas be avoided at all costs? Are they that much better than drinking regular pop?

Avoid it if you can. If you need it to detox yourself off of non-diet soda, then do that but then detox yourself of the diet as well. Look at the ingredients in a bottle of diet pop. Don't we put enough chemicals in our bodies without adding that too?

[Typical Michael]

Typical_Michael is done with that plateau, and is making the needle move again!

[JayVe]

Typical_Michael is done with that plateau, and is making the needle move again!

Awesome! Congrats! :D

[Mr. Murphy]

Alright guys, I'm in.

I'm an alcoholic. I've been drinking beers pretty heavily for the last few years, and it's put on a lot of empty weight. I don't know my weight since I don't own a scale, but none of my pants fit any more. I find myself wearing them unbuttoned, with a belt on, so nobody can tell. It's pretty humiliating.

I look fine when I'm dressed, but the simple fact that my clothes don't fit and I can't have a good sex session without killing myself is really getting to me. But I mean, I've been drinking 6-12 beers a night, five nights a week, for years. I've gone from being a 23 year old tall, gangly jogger to an almost 27 year old lump. And my tattoos are on my chest and stomach, which I am now afraid to show off!

Not drinking is hard enough, but not drinking and not overeating is really getting to me, especially since my primary hobbies are sedentary, and I am currently unemployed - so, no money for a gym, and no time away from my couch. I live in the ghetto and am literally afraid to jog in public around here, and I totalled my car a few months back, so I can't drive anywhere else to run.

So it's coming down to a war of willpower - I've been eating half the portions I had been eating, which is still plenty since I was always a big eater, and focusing on drinking a lot of water. I drink water whenever I want a beer, and it helps, a little. No soda, my girlfriend is a vegetarian so I'm getting very little meat, I take a daily multivitamin... but I just can't get myself to exercise.

I don't even know what advice you guys could give me that hasn't already come up in this thread, I guess I just wanted to talk about my struggles with somebody. God I can't wait to move back to Maine - I used to run four miles a day, every day, sometimes twice a day. I tried to go for a run with the girlfriend a few weeks ago and died after five minutes.

I think I need to stop being such a chicken and just go for a run through the city, but if you guys could see the area I live in... it just, it makes me nervous. Headphones are definitely out, since I certainly don't want to give the impression that I have anything worth stealing on my person. But I mean, I live in the kind of place where dudes get mugged for their shoes.

[Purple Santa]

Just the change of your eating habits you should be thankful to yourself. So take that as a first positive step. After at least a week or two, you should start to see some results. That will most likely have you thinking about exercise. Take it slow. You didn't gain the weight in a month...you aren't going to lose it in a month. Take it from a fellow flabby...I know. Basically saying...don't make yourself guilty over anything you aren't doing. Be positive of your change of eating. You will build upon that success. Besides, if you don't we will send some gamer thugs to kick your ass :).

[Skull3r]

Also, what's your living situation, Murphy? There are several workout programs that you can work within the confines of your house/ apartment (with neighbors who don't mind the occasional jumping sound).

[JayVe]

Just the change of your eating habits you should be thankful to yourself. So take that as a first positive step. After at least a week or two, you should start to see some results. That will most likely have you thinking about exercise. Take it slow. You didn't gain the weight in a month...you aren't going to lose it in a month. Take it from a fellow flabby...I know. Basically saying...don't make yourself guilty over anything you aren't doing. Be positive of your change of eating. You will build upon that success. Besides, if you don't we will send some gamer thugs to kick your ass :).

Purple Santa speaks wonders of wisdom here. Also, it sounds like you are on the right track, Mr. Murphy. You've identified the problem, and admitted it. Keep positive, and eventually you will see the results you want.

[Jackel]

Well...I've been really really bad about keeping up with this. And with christmas coming around...I'm not sure my eating habits will allow me to lose weight like I want to.

The one positive is that I recently picked up the wii fit as an x-mas present for my wife, so that will make this a lot easier for me to get excersize (I won't have to find a babysitter for my daughter).

[Purple Santa]

Typical_Michael is done with that plateau, and is making the needle move again!
That's great. We knew you could do it. Patience paid off...great job...
Purple Santa speaks wonders of wisdom here. Also, it sounds like you are on the right track, Mr. Murphy. You've identified the problem, and admitted it. Keep positive, and eventually you will see the results you want.
Thanks. I've been battling the weight war a long time. I finally feel i've made real progress and just passing along what i've learned on the very long road.

Well...I've been really really bad about keeping up with this. And with christmas coming around...I'm not sure my eating habits will allow me to lose weight like I want to.

The one positive is that I recently picked up the wii fit as an x-mas present for my wife, so that will make this a lot easier for me to get excersize (I won't have to find a babysitter for my daughter).

The Wii Fit is a great way to exercise. Exercise is exercise really. And if you don't gain weight from now till the new year, then that is a plus. Not losing, staying stable is just as important as losing. You said it best...with the holidays here it's hard. So a good goal is to stay steady at your weight. Keep us informed...this is one giant support group in here. We are all here to keep each other going.

[n3rdXcore]

I haven't read this full thread yet, but I will tomorrow. I came in because my work is having a Biggest Loser-esque competition from early December to the middle of March. There are some pretty badass prizes up for grabs, and I've been looking for some extra incentive to lose those extra 25 college pounds. AND I live right next to a beautiful lake that is 2.8 miles around - perfect for a 30 minute jog in the morning. AND I'm going to quit smoking on Monday. This is the perfect time to become uber-healthy :p

Off-topic: One of the prizes at work is for best blogging of your weight loss, so can anyone recommend any good free blogging services?

[PathMaster]

244 now, lost a few pounds over a few weeks. I also hit a plateau, but am now moving past it.

Currently all I am doing is just cutting down on food intake. Mornings and Lunches are hit or miss. Sometimes I eat them, sometimes I do not. Always have dinner though. I switched from a large plate to a salad sized plate/dish and try my best to have only ONE dish of food and if I am still hungry, only add veggies. So happy last night, that at 1.5 of those plates I became VERY full and had to stop eating. Before I would have eaten 2-3 times that amount of food easily.

[n3rdXcore]

Here's a great recipe for an all-veggie stir fry dish that a vegetarian friend introduced me to. I eat this about once a week (I'm not a vegetarian, it's just damn good). This serves 2, as long as you make a side to go with it. I recommend brown rice to keep up the healthiness. It’s relatively cheap as far as I know, and doesn’t take too long to prepare once you get good with a knife.

All Veggie Stir-Fry Recipe

½ onion, julienned
1/3rd green cabbage, julienned
1 carrot, sliced
1 handful of mushrooms, roughly chopped
½ green pepper, julienned
½ zucchini, sliced
1 handful of snow peas
½ small can water chestnuts
½ bunch of scallions (green onion), finely chopped
Oil
Stir Fry sauce

You can pretty much use any veggies you want in any amount you like chopped however you see fit, this is just what I use when I make it. Have all veggies chopped beforehand, as everything cooks very fast and you most likely do not have 3 arms to chop veggies and stir at the same time.

Heat a wok (or big ass skillet) on highest heat possible for 1-2 minutes. You want this thing hot as hell. Add 2 tbsp of oil (I prefer sesame, as it adds some extra Asian flavor) and the onion. Now start stirring, and don’t stop until you turn the heat off. Since you’re working with such high heat, leaving the food in one place for too long is going to result in burning nastiness. After the onion turns translucent (probably around a minute or two), drop in the cabbage and carrot. Stir those around for 2 minutes or so, until the cabbage shrinks up a bit and starts to change color. Now drop in the mushrooms, pepper, zucchini, snow peas, and water chestnuts. You’re going to want to cook these until they’re almost all the way done, which will probably take 2 or 3 minutes. This stuff will be ready when the mushrooms start turning nice and darker, and the snow peas get all super green. Then it’s time to add the scallions, and enough stir fry sauce to coat everything lightly (After some looking around, I realllllly like House of Tsang’s stir fry sauce, check it out). Stir for like 30 seconds just to coat everything, and serve!

If you're going to be serving it with rice, I suggest starting the rice and veggie chopping at the same time, since rice usually takes 20 minutes or so to cook.

If you're going to substitute different veggies in this meal, make sure to add them at the correct time. The reason the cabbage and carrot go in first is because they take the longest to cook - the scallions are last because they just need to hit the heat for a short amount of time. Keep this in mind.

[Nameless]

OK, so I've not been losing weight since I first posted here, though at least I haven't gained any either. I have, however, lost a notch on my belt, which I still don't understand.

My plan now is to start using the weight room at the school that I'm doing my placement at with my associate teacher after hours, three times a week, and picking up DDR with some holiday cash to work on my cardio. Does anyone have any experience with DDR as a weight-loss method? I imagine it's way better than drumming on Rock Band, where I only build up a sweat on the hardest songs, as the whole body is into it.

Anyway, now it remains to be seen whether or not I can keep up with the plans that I have in my head.

Oh, also, I'm going to try to cut out soda. I've fallen back into that habit and I need to stop. From now on, I'm only buying diet soda, and eventually, I hope to wean myself to only water/juice.

Here's hoping I can make it through the holidays without gaining any weight, but that seems like an almost Herculean task.

[H.Bogard]

Hello folks. Been a while since I posted an update.

I've dropped 11 kilos (That's 24.2506 lbs) since I started. I've taken up jogging as well as a not-too-hard diet now. It feels good to be in the 70's range again (160+ in lbs).

This would be the third time I've worked on major weight loss, the first being losing 77 lbs in 2006, and then 22 lbs again a while after that (Had gained that much because of slacking). I could get used to this.

[Skull3r]

I guess an update is in order. I dropped five lbs. (yay). Turns out, cutting out fast food and chinese food helps a great deal!

[Nameless]

Well, I started out well, as I went to the gym today and worked out for about an hour and a half, then I went to the martial arts room to practice grappling with a friend for another hour and a half. So now, I'm hoping to use the weight room with my associate teacher every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the school I'm teaching at, as well doing some sort of activity on Saturdays (next week, Squash! With plans to go climbing in a couple of weeks!).

Really, at this point, I just need to keep at it, if I can keep this up for a few months, I should start to see results, and then it'll feel like I'm accomplishing something.

[Serapth]

So, I dropped about 18 lbs total ( 6'2 220 to 202 ).

Then I switched diets to eat healthier as part of something called the 52 day challenge. My wife wanted to do it so I figured WTF. It basically means balancing your proteins and not eating crap. Now i've gained back 4 lbs and I am miserable from not being able to eat all the shit I love.

So, fuck this super healthy shit, I am going back to semi healthy and more happy. I lose more weight that way.

[Karak]

One thing I can not stress enough. I recently purchased of all things a Total Gym.
As a lifelong martial artist and workout fiend I NEVER believed in these things. But one of my friends was moving and said hey do you want one.

Holy shit.
I will not give up free weights because I do like the gym. But those things are fucking insane and will take some time out of my normal free weights routine.
The amount of workouts and the speed at which you can do them is just amazing. The ability to add tons of weight to your own body weight. I think I can add around 200lbs to 80 percent my weight is basically maxing.

It is just amazing.
I never thought I would say that about a cable system. But the ability to do so many different things in a short period of time was like a breath of fresh air.

I actually asked Wesley Snipes if he trully used one at a Martial Arts tourny 4 years ago and he said ya. I thought maybe he was full of shit but I actually believe him now.

And for the first time in say 9 years I got sick from a leg workout. Being in martial arts my legs are one of my best muscles and it was always hard to push them. But wobbly kneed and almost ready to vomit(ya sometimes I work that hard) I was astonished.
Chuck Norris may be on to something here:)

[PathMaster]

So how did everyone do for Thanksgiving?

I think I maintained my current plan well. I stuck to one, maybe 1.5 plates of food at a meal.

[Karak]

So how did everyone do for Thanksgiving?

I think I maintained my current plan well. I stuck to one, maybe 1.5 plates of food at a meal.

I didn't gain or lose.
But I did get ROLLED by one of my students. Totally awesome move on his part and Karak was OUT like a light. I love that kid.

[Skull3r]

Total Gym is Awesome post

I was looking at this because it would be really nice for my apartment situation. The price is not college-student friendly though. Any advice on other home-gym type items that'll work in an apartment situation?

[Karak]

I was looking at this because it would be really nice for my apartment situation. The price is not college-student friendly though. Any advice on other home-gym type items that'll work in an apartment situation?

First I would say look for them used. New it was 299 at our local Big Five and I got mine used for 150.

For college apartment situations it is probably the best bet aside from really hard militant set ups using random shit around the house. Its hard to really do and I know because I lived in an apartement for 13 years and I hear you. Its tough to do. That is why I went with it. Maybe a pay by month plan?
I will say this, if its 20-30 bucks a month for a year its fucking SO worth it.

[Purple Santa]

So how did everyone do for Thanksgiving?

I think I maintained my current plan well. I stuck to one, maybe 1.5 plates of food at a meal.

I was sick a week before Thanksgiving so I barely got to the gym and ate to feed a cold :(. Thanksgiving wasn't to bad. I didn't gain but back at the gym sporadically. Now the holiday is over i'm feeling better, eating healthier again. I'm just proud I didn't gain...

[Typical Michael]

The past week hasnt been all that good, I still have 7 lbs to go and havent gotten anywhere. Havent really gained, but I think thanksgiving and the day after screwed up my stride.

[Purple Santa]

Not gaining over this holiday is a huge plus. It's all about not gaining, even if it means not losing either.

[OldeWolf]

Alright...I'm biting the damn bullet.

1. Your goal(s).
Current weight: 200-205 (depends on how much shit I have inside waiting to be released :p)
Goal: 185 or Mass muscles and little fat at 200, whichever is first.
Secondary goal: increase endurance and stamina to last a long time (dunno how to measure this)

2. What you're going to do to get to this goal.
-Join YMCA
-Give up computer gaming (already unsubscribed from EVE-online and World of Warcraft)
-Find like minded people to help me stay motivated
-increase fruit and veg intake
-Need more help finding ways to stay naturally motivated (very hard, coming from a family of "lazy genes" [whether it's actual genes or not is besides the point])

3. What could stop you from meeting this goal.
-Wife (Long story and not very pretty)
-Hard to find like minded people open to communication let alone Body Building
-Laziness
-Brain gets distracted by informations or tidbits all around me.

4. How often will you check in with your progress.
-Once a week, at the end of the week or weekend
-Major check up at the end of each month
-Photograph: Before, each monthly check up, and After.

There...I said it, now I must do it.

But I'm man enough to admit I might need help finding ways to stay motivated and un-distracted by ... certain things in my life. Materialistic rewards has no meaning to me, so that's out of the picture.

[Purple Santa]

Alright...I'm biting the damn bullet.
Goals and objectives...

You write goals and objectives as part of your job don't you? Just curious...just looks a lot like writing i'm used to seeing...

Great goals...good luck achieving them. Keep us posted...

And we are going to want to see a pic of that bullet you are biting. A requirement for the thread ;)

[Jackel]

Got started using the Wii Fit w/ the wife.

I'm enjoying the games...it'll be interesting to see how motivated they keep me.

[Purple Santa]

Got started using the Wii Fit w/ the wife.

I'm enjoying the games...it'll be interesting to see how motivated they keep me.

I'd be interested in how long someone does keep motivated with it and/or does it lead to other exercise or not.

[Zagrash]

Got started using the Wii Fit w/ the wife.

I'm enjoying the games...it'll be interesting to see how motivated they keep me.

I'd be interested in how long someone does keep motivated with it and/or does it lead to other exercise or not.

I'll probably check in with Wii Fit periodically myself, my fiance likes it an awful lot. I just ordered P90X, so I'm hoping for that to kick my ass into shape pretty quickly. I've glanced over this thread since coming over to the site, but I will hopefully be a more regular contributor in the near future!

[Ghost Rider]

I've never understod people wanting to lose weight via things like Wii Fit, if you feel you want to lose weight or change your body's appearance you will get much more productive and quicker results by joining a gym and altering your diet.

If Wii Fit convinces you to do that it's a different story, but by itself I find it hard to support it.

[Xerxes]

I was watching biggest loser the other day on Hulu. The show is commercial after commercial, then are the commercials. So much product placement. They did get me to look into the BodyBugg (http://www.bodybugg.com/index.php) setup but then it was like, "Let's eat some Orvelle Redding Bockers Smart Pop Kettle Corn 100 calorie pack. Wow look how much we get." Then they zoomed in on the box and the people walked off. O_o

[Ghost Rider]

I was watching biggest loser the other day on Hulu. The show is commercial after commercial, then are the commercials. So much product placement. They did get me to look into the BodyBugg (http://www.bodybugg.com/index.php) setup but then it was like, "Let's eat some Orvelle Redding Bockers Smart Pop Kettle Corn 100 calorie pack. Wow look how much we get." Then they zoomed in on the box and the people walked off. O_o

It's true, the amount of product placement nowadays is staggering, especially of the junk food variety.

Along the same line, what gets me is when McDonalds sponsors sports shows etc. when they're one of the biggest contributors to young people's weight issues. Of course I'm not saying it's their fault entirely, lack of discipline, bad parenting and bad education food wise all contribute, it's just the McDonalds - Sport relationship just doesn't sit well with me.

[Typical Michael]

I weighed in today, ready to be depressed, and saw that I am 3 lbs away from goal! As long as I stay true, that shouldnt take much longer.

[TheEvilNarwhale]

I am down 40 lbs and 2 pant sizes for the year. I am stoked. Not quite gonna hit my goal for the year, but I am okay with that. Made a ton of progress.

[Ghost Rider]

Well done. Progress is great, you have to appreciate the journey to truly appreciate the destination.

[Bone]

Somehow I lost around 15 pounds this year, and two pant sizes. I made a lot of small changes, none that really felt like much of a sacrifice:

Drink less soda, or drink diet soda when the urge hits me. If I have to drink a sugary soda, I try to make it a Mexican Coca Cola (which uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup).

Eat healthier. BK and I try to go to the local farmer's market and get vegetables, ground lamb, and shrimp. If I eat fast food, I try to skip the fries (3 out of 4 times).

Walk up the stairs at work (three flights) instead of using the elevator.

Of course we also lost a beloved pet in August, and that can lead to weight loss (or gain!).

It was a shock to see recent pictures of myself onstage, wearing my nice suit that fit me last year. It was so baggy, I looked like Charlie Chaplin. The legs especially looked ridiculously large on me.

In the new year I'll set a real set of goals (weight isn't important to me now, I want to add muscle mass and tone to my lighter but still doughy body). For now I'm riding the high of my extended family fawning over me at Thanksgiving and telling me to stop showing off (all I did was wear my new clothes that fit me properly). I just quit smoking 11 days ago, so it may be tough to keep the weight off, which is why next year I'll need a real plan.

[Ghost Rider]

Somehow I lost around 15 pounds this year, and two pant sizes. I made a lot of small changes, none that really felt like much of a sacrifice:

Drink less soda, or drink diet soda when the urge hits me. If I have to drink a sugary soda, I try to make it a Mexican Coca Cola (which uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup).

Eat healthier. BK and I try to go to the local farmer's market and get vegetables, ground lamb, and shrimp. If I eat fast food, I try to skip the fries (3 out of 4 times).

Walk up the stairs at work (three flights) instead of using the elevator.

Of course we also lost a beloved pet in August, and that can lead to weight loss (or gain!).

It was a shock to see recent pictures of myself onstage, wearing my nice suit that fit me last year. It was so baggy, I looked like Charlie Chaplin. The legs especially looked ridiculously large on me.

In the new year I'll set a real set of goals (weight isn't important to me now, I want to add muscle mass and tone to my lighter but still doughy body). For now I'm riding the high of my extended family fawning over me at Thanksgiving and telling me to stop showing off (all I did was wear my new clothes that fit me properly). I just quit smoking 11 days ago, so it may be tough to keep the weight off, which is why next year I'll need a real plan.

That's a great example of how small changes can make significant differences in the long term. Also, your point regarding high fructose corn syrup is EXTREMELY valid. Anyone on this thread looking to lose weight should immediately cut that out of their diet IMO.

[Bone]

Thanks Ghost. Yep, I have a hard time with making major changes in my life (except quitting smoking, which I have to do cold turkey- see the Angry thread). This incremental way of improving my diet and habits has worked well. There's no system or program. I try to do one thing differently, and when I look back and realize I've made it a habit, I try and think of another good habit to pick up, and do that. It's built up to a year of healthier choices that on paper would have made me say "fuck that" if I looked at is as a health plan.

[Ghost Rider]

Thanks Ghost. Yep, I have a hard time with making major changes in my life (except quitting smoking, which I have to do cold turkey- see the Angry thread). This incremental way of improving my diet and habits has worked well. There's no system or program. I try to do one thing differently, and when I look back and realize I've made it a habit, I try and think of another good habit to pick up, and do that. It's built up to a year of healthier choices that on paper would have made me say "fuck that" if I looked at is as a health plan.

For a lot of people, that is the best way to do it. Too many try to change too much at one point which is too much for them to handle. A lot of it is mental strength as well. I.E someone can say I will do this, this and that and stick to it, whereas others find it much more difficult.

The way you've done it is great, and i would encourage more people to follow your example if they can't make wholescale changes, especially as you alone have proved that a little change can get you serious results.

I forgot to add, well done.

[Bone]

I really appreciate it. I hope I don't fuck it up when the no-smoking thing makes me hungry.

[n3rdXcore]

I lost a good 5 pounds or so just by quitting soda altogether, which is a great way to lose weight. It wasn't that hard for me though, as I've never had a super sweet tooth. But man, losing the rest of the weight is a little difficult as I quit smoking at the same time, so my metabolism is all out of whack right now.

[OldeWolf]

I really appreciate it. I hope I don't fuck it up when the no-smoking thing makes me hungry.

Working out or physical activities (such as swimming) + eating = you can eat as much healthy food as you want. Hell, you can even have one day per week to eat junk of whatever kind you want and you wont see any consequence.

The high point of that method is that eating good food 6 days of the week will change your taste to the point where when you eat junk, your body suddenly rebels and make you regret eating junk. Best of all, you can eat as much healthy food as you want in a day (keeping your stomach acid continuously working all day long = more calories burnt. So having only 3 meals a day = a bad idea. Have like 6-7 small meals all day long.).

[n3rdXcore]

The high point of that method is that eating good food 6 days of the week will change your taste to the point where when you eat junk, your body suddenly rebels and make you regret eating junk.

Man that's so true. I stopped eating McDonald's about 9 months ago, mainly because there were none close by after I moved, but now I have absolutely no interest in eating it because it sounds gross to me.

[OldeWolf]

Man that's so true. I stopped eating McDonald's about 9 months ago, mainly because there were none close by after I moved, but now I have absolutely no interest in eating it because it sounds gross to me.

I haven't had McDonalds, Burger king (signed "booger king" :D), any fast food except subway for almost 5+ years. I haven't had Dairy Queen for almost 2-3 years now, ever since I saw that a large blizzard = I think 4,000 calories.

It's a good idea to make it a point looking at the nutrition of all your favorite "fast food" places and scare yourself at how high the fat and calories are, not to mention cholesterol or any other harmful stuff.

[Disgustipated]

Oldewolf is right: looking at the "nutrition" facts of fast food will scare you straight. However, it is still ok to get a plain old hamburger with mustard, ketchup, and veggies. It's not bad at all. I usually skip the cheeseburgers, unless it's from a restaurant or something, so it's more of a treat. Or I make home-made ones with 2% milk American cheese.

Since my Fall semester is almost over, I've decided to intensify my training. I finally bought some Whey Protein (mmm, vanilla) and will proceed to do about 2-3x more activity than I did before.

[Ghost Rider]

Also, since OldeWolf brought up meals, he is right in the 6 ish small meals in order to keep your metabolism at a consistent pace, however schedule wise that isn't always ideal. Generally I believe 3 solid meals a day is still fine, as long as your not snacking in between on junk. If you do want to eat something in between, have a banana or the like.

Also, never forget how important breakfast is. Whether it's for the metabolism reason or making sure your brain is in check, it simply is THE most important meal of the day.

Always have breakfast.

[Karak]

I haven't had McDonalds, Burger king (signed "booger king" :D), any fast food except subway for almost 5+ years. I haven't had Dairy Queen for almost 2-3 years now, ever since I saw that a large blizzard = I think 4,000 calories.

1000-1400
But still not good for you.

[Skull3r]

I haven't had McDonalds, Burger king (signed "booger king" :D), any fast food except subway for almost 5+ years.

I was wondering about whether Subway counted as "fast food". It seems relatively healthy, or at least their advertising is very good at promoting that idea. I usually get something off their "under 5 grams of fat" menu, with as many vegetables as I can.

Regular order:
Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki on Wheat Bread, no cheese, "the works" - red onions, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, carrots, and sweet onion dressing.

Is my regular order unhealthy?

[Xerxes]

I'm about to jump into the game next week. Two weeks of vacation with nothing to do but loaf. Well that's what I would normally do but I'm going to put some hours working out, trying to jump start things. Then I'll be the fat guy people hate at the gym who start taking up elliptical at the start of the new year. FUCK YOU HATER! But fitness is just one of the many things I'm working to improve and change.

[Dark Prince]

So, I'm pretty poor at starting these kind of things. I made a post earlier about how I was going to try to get things together for this but that never panned out.

I have a high sweet tooth and seem to always go for the soda to relieve it, which is bad. I think the bulk of my overweightness is mostly because I started drinking soda towards the end of high school and haven't stopped. I think if I quit soda for a while and get my tooth used to water and stuff like iced tea, maybe it'll calm down and I'll actually be able to lose something.

I've also been considering joining the gym to start getting active since I'm a lazy bastard with my routine during the day. Most of my moving around occurs at work or whenever I need to do something around the house which is pretty bad.

I really want to get into this, but somehow my motivation to do so immediately drops after I think about it.

[Ghost Rider]

So, I'm pretty poor at starting these kind of things. I made a post earlier about how I was going to try to get things together for this but that never panned out.

I have a high sweet tooth and seem to always go for the soda to relieve it, which is bad. I think the bulk of my overweightness is mostly because I started drinking soda towards the end of high school and haven't stopped. I think if I quit soda for a while and get my tooth used to water and stuff like iced tea, maybe it'll calm down and I'll actually be able to lose something.

I've also been considering joining the gym to start getting active since I'm a lazy bastard with my routine during the day. Most of my moving around occurs at work or whenever I need to do something around the house which is pretty bad.

I really want to get into this, but somehow my motivation to do so immediately drops after I think about it.

Ah, lack of motivation. It's what hinders so many people.

You have already made it clear you know a source of your weight issues. The soda.

So instead of trying to find the motivation to make wholescale changes, take it one step at a time. Make your first goal to reduce to amount of soda you are drinking. Then take it from there.

[Nameless]

Well, I haven't had any soda for a week now, which is a huge accomplishment for me, as I don't think I went two days without a sugary soda for (I'm embarrassed to admit) several years. Basically, I've been drinking a lot of water, a bit of juice here and there, and, when the urge is really strong, a can of Coke Zero or the like.

Anyway, since September, I've lost almost 15lbs, and that's without putting too much effort into it. I imagine it comes from all the extra walking I've been doing, and a slightly improved diet. Now, it remains to be seen whether I can keep the weight off during the holidays. I dread my next post after New Year's...

[Xerxes]

I just bought me a GoWear Fit. Supposed to wear for 24/7(excluding showers). We'll see how that works out come Thursday. Thanks Amazon Prime 2 day shipping. Also a friend wanting to walk 6 miles a day with me.

I love the holidays. None of the food normally interests me. So while everyone is getting big on 2 plates, and then too tired to do anything, I can grab a turkey leg and go back to playing games.

[Dark Prince]

Ah, lack of motivation. It's what hinders so many people.

You have already made it clear you know a source of your weight issues. The soda.

So instead of trying to find the motivation to make wholescale changes, take it one step at a time. Make your first goal to reduce to amount of soda you are drinking. Then take it from there.

I'm going to try and make a goal of no soda for a month maybe 2 in general and see how that turns out. I'll more then likely be really tempted during that time, so it's unfortunate that it will test my sweet tooth. I did good before only drinking water for a while but that died out and went back to soda again.

I know I have to better my diet as well since that also has an impact on it specifically those good meatball subs I eat almost every week and the dominos pizza from work. Damn I'm an unhealthy bastard.

For the next couple of months I need start buying my own food instead of what my parents throw in the pantry.

[diablopath]

How would one suggest getting on a program to lose weight/get healthy?

I'm not like, obese, but I'd say I'm a good 15-20 pounds over what I should be.
My biggest concern is I just want more energy. I feel like I'm always exhausted and fatigued now, so I'd like to get rid of that.

The only place my town has is this place: http://www.mcdowellwellness.org/services/personal_training.htm , so I've no idea if that's about what I should be paying or if it's overpriced. I honestly have zero clue on fitness, so I do not think it's something I can do alone.

[Karak]

How would one suggest getting on a program to lose weight/get healthy?

I'm not like, obese, but I'd say I'm a good 15-20 pounds over what I should be.
My biggest concern is I just want more energy. I feel like I'm always exhausted and fatigued now, so I'd like to get rid of that.

The only place my town has is this place: http://www.mcdowellwellness.org/services/personal_training.htm , so I've no idea if that's about what I should be paying or if it's overpriced. I honestly have zero clue on fitness, so I do not think it's something I can do alone.
Those prices are actually not horrible. They could be much worse or much better but it didn't cause sticker shock when I saw them.
If you are looking to ONLY lose 15-20 pounds there is a very good chance your energy level is not connected to those 15 pounds. True energy level hindering comes at higher weight levels than this. Not that it would hurt you to lose it.
If you do not think you can do it alone by all means get a personal trainer. Its good you do not have the outdated idea that its dumb to have one. Get them, get them to help you and use them for a month or two. After that you should be able to sculpt a program that either keeps off weight or causes slow lose.
As for your wanting more energy. Make sure you look into the mental aspects of your life as well. Make sure your not in a funk which can drain energy far quicker than 15 pounds.
Other issues it could be;
Sleep changes-Bad bed, loud noises etc...
Work problems-Dread of work can literally make you a zombie

[MachEnergy]

Does anybody know if you can see Wii Fit progress for online friends? I like that my wife and I can see each other's progress, but it would be great to compare against online friends and family.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Does anybody know if you can see Wii Fit progress for online friends? I like that my wife and I can see each other's progress, but it would be great to compare against online friends and family.

It's unlikely. Nintendo likes to keep anything internetty to a minimum.

[astranoir]

Does anybody know if you can see Wii Fit progress for online friends? I like that my wife and I can see each other's progress, but it would be great to compare against online friends and family.

Unless they updated something since I've been home, you can't. I would really like to be able to have friend "leaderboards" like there are the local rankings since part of what really motivated me to use it was competition (after I finished unlocking everything), and now my friend with whom I was most competitive isn't my roommate any more, so I don't feel so competitive :(

[diablopath]

Work problems-Dread of work can literally make you a zombie

Nailed it. -.-

[Karak]

Nailed it. -.-

Work out and such will not fix this. People can always get in better shape but plain and simple if your world doesn't have balance no matter what you do you can not enjoy it.
Basically I do a couple things.
I take joy in ANY friends I have at work. 1 good friend and 50 shitballs...doesn't matter because one good friend is worth 100 shitballs.

I take joy in ANYTHING that is positive about work. Even the fact that I have it. The fact that I help people or that I get someone to laugh or that I get someone to have enjoyment in their job.

I take joy in NOT falling to someone else's level. I have a couple shitballs and every day I walk out of the room I know that NO ONE can talk bad about me, but they can always talk bad about the assholes.

Plain and simple you have to rewire. I learned all this from Tony Robbins. Ya its stupid sounding but I could not get out of my funk. For the last 5 years I have basically completly turned around my life and watched 4 of my best friends do the same with what I learned from him.

[Purple Santa]

But fitness is just one of the many things I'm working to improve and change.
I would hate to see you change your loving and cuddly ways ;)
Work out and such will not fix this. People can always get in better shape but plain and simple if your world doesn't have balance no matter what you do you can not enjoy it.
Basically I do a couple things.
I take joy in ANY friends I have at work. 1 good friend and 50 shitballs...doesn't matter because one good friend is worth 100 shitballs.

I take joy in ANYTHING that is positive about work. Even the fact that I have it. The fact that I help people or that I get someone to laugh or that I get someone to have enjoyment in their job.

I take joy in NOT falling to someone else's level. I have a couple shitballs and every day I walk out of the room I know that NO ONE can talk bad about me, but they can always talk bad about the assholes.

Plain and simple you have to rewire. I learned all this from Tony Robbins. Ya its stupid sounding but I could not get out of my funk. For the last 5 years I have basically completly turned around my life and watched 4 of my best friends do the same with what I learned from him.
I really like that word "rewiring". I never read any of TR's stuff but I may peruse it...

It's true what Karak stated. It's all about balance. As i've stated in this thread, been up and down with my weight to many times. This time around i'm keeping it off, and maintaining a weight for the first time due to my balance in my life. You can't motivate yourself to feel better, to make you care about yourself if the rest of your life is awful. One change in your life means all of it will become affected. That means work on all aspects of your life. This doesn't mean you suddenly become a happy person, but it is all connected to bettering yourself.

[Karak]

I really like that word "rewiring". I never read any of TR's stuff but I may peruse it...


People usually hate on this kind of stuff...and I admit I was a prick when I was younger and thought...stupid shit, no one can tell me how to live.
Then I randomly saw him in...yes Shallow Hal and...well lets just say the entire movie reflected a damn bit on my own life(except I actually got the pretty girls:)
So one day I found a CD of his plopped it in.
It was life changing. And that rarely happens to me, especially with the life I have lived and what I have seen.

If I could be a commercial I would for free for that guy. I went from a job I despised and barely getting anything to making quadruple what I did in a job that is fantastic and energetic and filled with the possibilities I bring to it. I KEPT the girl of my dreams, I brought a ton of freaking awesome enjoyment in my life and am stoked every day...even the days I am down.

The best part. I got 4 of my friends to listen and the changes are all amazing. 1 guy however is night and day different. He was miserable. Basically living so he could die. Just hanging on to life. Always bitching, never happy, unrealistic expectations in an unrealistic life.

Now he is just made so many turn arounds. Its incredible.

Sorry for the ramble but I can NOT speak any more highly of TR and if you knew me it would mean even more.
EDIT: I describe to may gamer fans that TR is like a person who wrote an Game FAQ for my life. I already knew the controls and knew the levels, but sometimes I got lost or found a new enemy. I learned how to embrace getting lost to see new things and how to get back on track, and to kick some enemy ass, or make them my pal(Like training a Pokemon) hahahaha

[Xerxes]

I've been walking 5 miles a day lately.

[Karak]

I've been walking 5 miles a day lately.

Good for you.

In non related news-My girlfriend just started Nutrisystem which looks fantastic for portion control and cost. Way less than we were spending a month on grub.
She also began walking in the morning which she seems to like.
When do you walk Xerxes?

[Serapth]

I've been walking 5 miles a day lately.

Aren't you living in Detroit these days?

You are one brave son-of-a-bitch Xerxes!

[Xerxes]

Aren't you living in Detroit these days?

You are one brave son-of-a-bitch Xerxes!

DETROIT!

Naw, I'm in Houston. I think I'd get beat up by the cold more than anything. I was walking 9 in the morning but since started back up for my friend, we go noon. On the weekends, with or without her, I think I'll still try and do it in the morning.

After I get use to it 5 miles, a friend of mines is going to get me a membership at 24 Hour Fitness. He says step class on Friday mornings is like this...
MIohJZ-rhyk

Well, he described it and that video kept playing in my head.

[bapenguin]

So with the wife being pregnant, the holidays, and my first ever Nega-Diet (I just ate like all fuck between X-mas and new years) the toll has been taken.

10 pounds gained in 45 days. Needless to say I started a diet on Saturday. I've been using the LivestrongApp for the iPhone to count my calories. All but one day I've been under the goal amount. I'm excercising on our elliptical machine 4 days a week (might bump it to 5) and lifting 3 of those 4 days.

So far I'm down 2.5 pounds, but I'm guessing it's just some of the nega-diet coming off.

I'm 242 right now with a goal of being 220 by April 10th - My daughter's due date.

[Kelegacy]

So with the wife being pregnant, the holidays, and my first ever Nega-Diet (I just ate like all fuck between X-mas and new years) the toll has been taken.

10 pounds gained in 45 days. Needless to say I started a diet on Saturday. I've been using the LivestrongApp for the iPhone to count my calories. All but one day I've been under the goal amount. I'm excercising on our elliptical machine 4 days a week (might bump it to 5) and lifting 3 of those 4 days.

So far I'm down 2.5 pounds, but I'm guessing it's just some of the nega-diet coming off.

I'm 242 right now with a goal of being 220 by April 10th - My daughter's due date.

Oh man do I know what you mean. We're due in July, but I'm at my highest weight EVER. I'm 220 lbs right now. About 1.5 years ago I was 160-170. That's scary.

I need to cut down. My clothes don't fit, I don't like the way I look at all, I have acid reflux in the night sometimes (that's scary), and I now snore. I'm becoming a fat piece of shit. I used to have an athlete's body.

I need to start counting calories again, that's how I dropped my excess college weight. And it stayed off...until I adopted a shitty lifestyle with my girlfriend and now a baby coming along makes us both eat more for some reason.

I've gone back to drinking tons of water, and hopefully something will click and I'll start eating better. I think I'm continually being sabotaged by my girlfriend, too. Even before she became pregnant.

Anyway, I figured I'd post here because misery likes company. But I need to change things...SOON. I know I can do it because I did it before.

[Karak]

I think I'm continually being sabotaged by my girlfriend, too. Even before she became pregnant.


Sabotage. Man I hate that.
When I started loosing weight people would get PISSED that I wouldn't eat what they wanted. I mean seriously angry. I had people leave me cookies, try to put suger on items, just ANYTHING. It is amazing what people will do. Even my mom and dad had to rethink how they did things. It was actually sad and in a way instead of feeling that they were right it caused me to realize that they, and anyone who does this was wrong. Dead wrong. I get ribbed at work for eating the way I eat, and people are always talking about how I am no fun because I wont go to staff functions and gorge myself.
What a weird fucking world.

I hope both you and Bab see success. I know I did and still do.

[Kelegacy]

Yeah, when I dropped 50 lbs a few years back--my college weight that lingered for too many years--people were always telling me they were worried about me. I work with tons of fat women, but when I started "wasting away" they thought I was doing harm to myself. My girlfriend even says I looked sick at the time. No, that's what a person is SUPPOSED to look like. I even talked to a nutritionist that comes into work and she said I looked fabulous. I was back to weighing what I weighed in high school nearly, and people were intimidated. I succeeded. They tried to make me feel terrible, and they did. I wasn't sick or starving myself, my body was just regaining its healthy shape.

It still pisses me off when I think about it. All those people that could have been helpful, but weren't. But what did they know? I started getting laid lmore after all that...becoming desirable again. It was awesome.

[bapenguin]

My biggest problem with my wife is there's just all this food in the house that tempts me. She's really upped her intake being pregnant, and she just buys the most random things to eat.