Category: Health and Wellness
OK, folks, I'm surprised this hasn't been posted here before. Or maybe it has, but I'm not going through all the old posts to find it. Grin. Anyway, along with many people in the world, I'm struggling with being overweight. Not terribly so, but enough to start effecting me. Part of the problem is my medications. I'm on several that are definitely weight-gainer drugs. But the vast majority of the problem is myself and my habits. I'm needing to change said habits, but I'm also wanting something that will jump-start the weight loss, so I can feel healthier, and so I can avoid being placed on cholesterol lowering medication.
So, my question is this. What diets have you guys tried that have actually worked? Key word, what has worked for you, not what hasn't? There's all kinds of frauds and gimmicks out there, and yet we're all individual. So, I'm like to know what has worked for you guys, and how. Hopefully we'll get some interesting stories and ideas going around. I'm sure I'm not the only one to have struggled with this. Look forward to hearing from you!
I find exercising helps me more than anything. If I feel my clothes getting a little tight, I just go back to riding my exercise bike every day instead of just two or three days a week. I also try to do exercises for my abs and some light resistance training two or three days a week. I'm diabetic so keep a close watch on what I eat most of the time but don't go for fad diets.
I'd like to knkow as well sister dawn. I was taking so many meds that caused weight gain. Guess the doctors dont' care if someone gets fat or they wouldn't give us those types of medicines. lol. I haven't found anything that has worked yet. I can eat healthy, eexercise until I'm ready to drop and do this for 6 months and will not lose a pound. So I don't know? If you find something, let me know. lol.
Looking at your lifestyle, and the things you do, is a start. It's not healthy, or wise, to go by fad diets. Starting (and keeping), an exercise program, will help tremendously. You also need to look at the type of things you eat, when you eat it, and how much of it you eat. The things you drink can affect you greatly, too. For instance, do you drink a lot of soda? If so, cut it out of your lifestyle. If you don't want to do that, then at least cut back drastically. I personally know someone who cut soda out of her everyday lifestyle, and it helped dramatically. Sugars, if not burned, turn to fat, so that's one reason why it's a good idea not to consume too much. Be sure to drink a lot of water. This will help you stay hydrated, but it's also crucial to helping you cleanse and flush out your body. Also take a look at the things you eat. Cutting back on foods with high fat (especially saturated and trans fats), sugar, cholesterol, etc., will be a great thing. Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
A lot of it is your basic common sense. You just have to take a look at your lifestyle, and make some adjustments. It may seem a little hard at first, but believe me, it can be done. I wish you luck, and be sure to keep us posted on your progress.
I have nener been struggling with being overweight, but, but I remember I gained a few extra pounds when I was in the US, so when I came back home, I wanted to try and put my weight to normal again. As it was summer time, I mostly ate natural healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, try to do walking and excercising as much as possible and didn't snack much. Just 3 meals a day and nothing more. It also helps to balance what you eat to a certain amount and even if you feel hungry from the medication you are taking, raw cabage with a little bit of lemon juice inside would never make you fat. (Smile) Good luck and let us know how things go.
I'm a bodybuilder, so I agree with the posters before me that sate you must exercise and eat good, but while both these things work, they don't work without the proper method. Now what do I mean proper method? First you must get a jernal of some kind to track your progress. This is to help you actually no if your moving along or just thinking you are. Next you must be consistent with your program, or eating and excerising schedule must be done daily all the time every week. I don't believe in fad diets because you get in to the up and downs cycle and the up usually makes you gain more weight then you lost on the down side, plus they cost to much money. I'd like to suggest 2 starting things for you to do and if you like I'll continue to help you with this. First go to www.bodybuilding.com you'll find a search box and type in weight loss for women in there. You'll find a wealth of good healthy information on your issue and it will be specific for your sex. Second get the book Body For Life written by Bill Philips and read it. It is full of sample meal plans and a exercise program that will and does work. You can get it from the library for the blind on tape. Last consult your doctor about meds that you can use in replacement to the ones your now taking. My claim to success is a student I trained for a time that was able to get free of his drugs with his doctors blessing. He had high blood pressure and all that changed. I'm going to make a crazy statement now, but I want you to give it some thought before you say "yeah right Forereel!" Your success starts between your ears. The correct mind set is the key.
I lost 10 lb last year by calory counting and exercise. I'll post more later but it's not just about losing weight it's about changing your lifestyle.
I want to echo what Forereel said about talking to your doctor. Often there are other brands of medications that won't have the same affect, so if you know which ones are causing weight gain, ask him or her to be willing to prescribe other brands.
I have a diotrisation, I have tried dieting the first one worked Scottish slimmers it is called for people in Scotland. I lost 11 pounds after christmas.
11 pounds is good, but it's mostly water weight. I'm not discurraging, but diet programs will not tell people that the first 10 or 15 ponds we'll come off on just about any program out there. You see water makes up most of you body weight when your bloated, so if you change to any good eating diet, or fad program you'll lose that water quickly making you believe it's working fast, so you continue. The fustration sets in when the next 5 pounds doesn't move for 2 or 3 weeks if at all, and sometimes you'll even gain 5 pounds back. It's the solid weight, or body fat that is most difficult to move. Anyone reading this board topic check out my suggestions then be devils avocate and I'll answer.
Last the Bill Philips book well promote E A S products, because he owns that company. While great products they are more costly then others, so some research can help you save a few dollars and get the same results. E A S products are great tasting and work as they state if used par instructions, I just know the same results can be gained spending less money.
i am skinny, and i have never struggled with over weightness, but i have heard from my mom, and you shouldnt take those diet pills, because they sometimes have tape worms eggs in them, and then the worms grow inside u, and eat your fat, ya sounds nasty right? and then you have to get wormed, how embarrassing, just excersize, and cut back on chips, cookies, soda, fatty foods, and eat healthier, we had to keep a journal of what we eat for a week and if you want to gauge what you have been eating go to, foodtracker.guv, i think that's the website, anyway u type in what you have eaten and it tells u if it was healthy or not, good luck
I've also heard that eating late-night snacks can contribute to weight-gain. DO NOT eat after 7:30 because since your metabolism is slower at night, when you're less active, that will go toward gaining weight. hope this helps
The only diet I've seen that makes sense to me is the Weightwatcher regiment. It's jsut the commonsense diet people have been talking about but more specific, with recipes points etc, if you want to be all organized about it and have $16 a month to spare I think it's a good plan to go by, I'd use the online plan, not the meetings mind you.
Then whatever people have been saying above. I'm a snacker so I try to stick with grapes fruit and pretzels (basically no or low fat snacks), plenty of fluids, enough sleep (less sleep makes you more hungry), big breakfast (at leat for me this is key, if you start the day out full you won't snack + you have ccalories when you need them) the good ol exercise 3 to 4 times a week etc.
I've been gaining weight from my chemo therapy, be it lazyness, bad eating or steroids they inject with the drugs, but I just started my turn around programme.
I'm personally kick starting it using a drug called Alli, you can check it out at myalli.com I don't recommend it or not yet, it's the only FDA approved drug and it only works by limiting your fat intake. I don't know if it's good or if it works at all, I should know in a few weeks, but at least the FDA approval indicates to me that it is safe, my friend has tried all the caffeine ephedrine stuff, it works but at a cost, high bloood pressure, fast heartbeat etc and it's practically dangerous.
Cheers
-B
I've also been trying to lose some weight as well.
Not teribly over weight, but would like to shed a few unwanted pouns.
*sigh*
Hi,
I've tried to lose weight, more than once. I notice that all the things, mentioned about how you think, how you eat, and how you excersise, are things that I've done, and things that did help. I remember thinking though, that it would be nice to do this program or that with someone. And since the meetings don't help because they use the print book, I would do it online. I advocate weight watchers, only because they do suggest limiting how much a day you eat according to your body weight. The only problem is that it's hard to know how many "points" something would cost you. Because you can't read the package to get fiber callories and whatever the other thing they use to calculate it is. So the flex plan is hard with weight watchers. Then there is the Core plan, where there are only certain foods you're allowed to eat but you can eat as much of those things as you like. I would just hate not being able to eat certain foods all the time. Just lots of excersise and healthy intake, and positive mind set. If someone's interested in discussing this further with me, Private message me on here. I'm on all the time, I'd be glad to chat.
Blessed Be,
Renee
Hi all. This is karens * Karen s * I am a new member. I love this site,just discovered it recently. This is great, so much here. anyway, I too, am struggling too lose weight. I have lost weight but still would like to know what works for others especially in the area of exercise. I hate to exercise, except for dancing and swimming, I find other forms of exercise difficult. have an exercise bike but don't use it as much as I should. How do you get motivated? also, do any of you know what activities we would be good for bline folks such as ourselves? To answer some of your questions, I know, if you find the right balance between diet and exercise, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and workout for 20 min 3 days a week for the minimum then you will lose. however, I am having trouble increasing my metabolism. do not eat after 7 pm and experts recommend eating fruit in the morning, eat every few hours, several small meals and smaller portions. also reduce caffeine products and snacking. I am a coffee drinker, addicted and can't go without drinking at least 2 or 3 cups of coffee daily. any suggestionson how to cut back on it? There are also some really good programs out there weight watchers, Jenny Craig and even something called e-diets. also somecalorie counters. check with your doctor first and have blood work done too. my lab worked showed I had a low thyroid, so on meds for it as well as to increase metabolism. really struggling. would really appreciate suggestions and if I can think of anything to help any of you, I will write back later. :) ie.
Try exercising with a friend who would be happy to join you. That way it's less boring than doing it by yourself.
When I was at my last college, I lost too much weight because I wasn't eating much and when I got home for the holidays, I weighed 6 sotone.
I am stil strugling to loose weight. My problem is that I am a fussyer eater and love chocolate. At the moment i cant go out for a walk because my guide dog has just had an opperation.
Can't you go out using your cane?
When it comes to lossing weight, have to remember a few things.
1. Exercising
2. Earing the right foods.
3. Portions
4. Will Power
You need to exercise at least 1 hour a day. You don't have to it in one whole our. You can brerak time up into small activities that gets your heart pumping.
Eating the right foods in very important. Fruits, vegetables, whole wheat items, low fat-fat free-or Soy, and etc. Whole wheat bread, tortillas, pitas, and such is the healthies way to go. I'm sure you've heard about earing atleast 5 servings of fruits and vegetables this is very true. Low fat, fat free, or soy products arer much healthier.
Portions size. The amount of food you eat is very important. You can go online and search food portions. You'll see exmaples on what portions of food to eat.
Will Power! It's hard to loose weight at first, but it's worth it, trust me. Just keep saying " I can do it. It's for my own good."
I hope this could help.
P.S. just because you want to loose weight, doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite foods. Such as yunk food, soda, candy, etc. If you eat right, exercise, watch your portions, you can still eat your fave foods. OH yeah, if u like chocolate, dark is the best, if it 60 percent or more, the better.
good way to loose weight is to be stressed. lol just kidding. my first year, i went down to 80 pounds because i was so overwhelmed with the new experience at a college dorm and to make it even worse, i had no support from anyone and my roomate was a total bitch. she put me down instead of supporting me and always did things to jeperdize my safety by putting sharp cactus plants near my dresser and all over the place so if i fall i'll be stung and hurt.
If you feel like you're gaining a few extra pounds, don't stop eating! I find eating regularly throughout the day, but eating smaller portions helps, along with exercising. Too much stress will actually indirectly cause most people to gain weight. So eat, drink water, exercise, and stay happy! Lol.
Ocean dream, I totally agree with you.
I now have a personal trainer, and I am going to the gym twice or three times a week, plus one day a week workout with my personal trainer.
It is good to eat five, or six times a day, but smaller portions. Lots of fruit and veg, but also unsaturated fats. Have some nuts inbetween your main meals maybe. Fruit helps, but nuts have more fibers and last longer, and you don't get hungry as quickly.
And exercise of course, that's important. I think a personal trainer is definitely helpful because you have someone to kick your rear and to motivate you. He also helps me how to change my thinking so I think positive.
You have to have the right support too. If you have a family or a partner who loves sweets and refuses to cut down so you have less temptation, this makes ith arder, but not impossible.
And don't try to do too much at once. For example don't set yourself three goals and decide to tackle all at once, such as quit smoking, lose weight and be more organized, etc.
Good thing I'm not a smoker too, then. Lol. I totally know what you mean. Last year, my braillist was sort of my self-appointed personal trainer, because she loves to work out, and has a lot of experience. I find just her support and pushing me not only kept me motivated all that year, but still keeps me motivated now. It's always more fun to have a friend or family member to work out with, though, I find.
Oh it is. I totally agree. I don't have that though. Not many friends in the area, and my family is in another country. So, I have to try and workout alone or, with said trainer.
It's so hard to actually get up and work out. But once you are actually doing it, you end up enjoying it, at least that is usually the case for me.
If you have a favorite audio book, or series of audiobooks, use an mp3 player and only allow yourself to listen to it while working out.
I find working out with someone else is sometimes beneficial but it can also be a distraction, if you are working out with someone who wants to chat and work out. I know there are different theories on how hard you should be working out, but for me I know if I can talk without problems while working out I am not going hard enough.
You got a point there. But I'd rather listen to some real up-beat music to a workout and not to an audio book.
Yeah good music can help motivate. Keeping track of progress is something that keeps me motivated; there are probably other places online but I use myfitnesspal.com for tracking how much I've eaten and everything because I found the site a little after I first started working on losing weight and because it has an app for my iPhone so I can track things when I'm out, so it makes it easier deciding what to eat and stuff. I haven't cut out anything and that's probably hindered my progress a little but I've been doing smaller portions and limitting my soda intake and I think that's helped a lot. I tried Alli and I did lose weight, but I wouldn't recommend it because its expensive and the side affects can be rather unpleasant and I won't go into details here but yeah. LOL
I heard of that, that the side effects can be nasty. So I won't buy that. I tried Xenical Orlistad but ... same thing really.
Smaller portions is the way to go, since that shrinks the stomach. Cutting things out might help but I realized that you mustn't be too hard on yourself.
Is this site that you use to track your food intake very accessible? Is it very much American so that you can't find any British brands etc? I wouldn't mind trying to use that.
Hi, since the first of the year, I've been on a quest for weightloss. Like everyone has said, it's about common sense as far as food choices, exercise, will power and motivation. I am much more conscious about what I put in my body (well most days). I really cheated big time this weekend. But, I got back on my stationary bike, drank lots of water, and now I feel better. Slip ups are normal. I would recommend at least half an hour of exercise (cardio), at least 5 days a week. I'm up to 45 minutes 6 days a week. Plus some good stretching and some isometrics when I remember them. It really is a lifestyle change, but an absolutely fabulous one. If anyone wants to chat about this, feel free to private message me, as this is very motivating and encouraging. Start slow, and set small goals, like eating one or two healthy meals a day, if that's all you can do at first. Also, no need to eat healthy foods you don't like. If you don't like whole wheat, then don't eat it. Most people like at least a few fruits and vegetables, Make a list, like I did, and pick from those. If you want to save money while eating healthy, buy frozen vegetables, most of these are just as good as fresh, and sometimes better, as they are flash frozen right afer picking, as opposed to sitting around on trucks until they reach the produce section. Also, choose fruits and veggies that're in season. This isn't that hard to do, and you'll save a lot of cash. Have some healthy snacks on hand. If you're a little hungry before bed, it's best to not eat late at night, but if you have to, eat a light snack, like a glass of milk and a banana, or a piece of toast. Make your mp3 player your workout partner. Keep a timer on hand to calculate your exercise time, but don't check it often, for me, this makes the time go slower. Just pick an activity, start doing it, and soon, you'll get in a zone. It might be hard at first, but the results are definitely worth it. Your body, mind and soul will thank you. Hth.
The site is pretty accessible; I haven't had any issues with it, anyway. I've seen some British things in it when I was looking to add things I'd eaten to my journal, but I really couldn't tell you if its more American or not because I don't know much of anything about brands over there. I've never been good at cutting things out and I'm sort of of the opinion that you only live once and might as well enjoy it, but I've gotten a lot better at at least limiting how much of stuff I eat. LOL
I realized now that attitude towards yourself is a big key. If you accept yourself and want the best for yourself deep within, you achieve more.
Also I have to take back my opinion about Xenical or OIlistad. It helps providing you don't eat too greasy. If you do, it only causes bad stomach upsets.
I agree with BLW - you must work out with your MP3-player. It gives you energy.
Also, BLW, thanks for your recommendation about frozen vegetables. I was always a bit uncertain about this.
For all of you: don't try and lose weight to love yourself more, lose weight because you love yourself. This is key. You also have to have positive people around you who will help you to be strong when you're not.
I have just lost 21 pounds in 1 month by doing my best to combine all of these things.
Good luck and every success to you all.
God bless
Ines
I've never struggled with this, but I do know that having a positive attitude is crucial. also, it's unnecessary to cut things out; what's necessary, though, is portion control. in addition, I agree with others that've said exercise is a necessity as well.
Yes, eat in small portions, but don't ever starve yourself. And don't eat just salads because that won't solve anything either. I've posted this on other board topics, but if you just stop eating potatoes, pastas, and breads for 3 weeks, I guarantee you will lose weight. Cut back on the sweets as much as possible. Eat lots of beans because that's what you're going to be using to fuel your body. I will guarantee you, you will lose weight if you eat like that. My dad lost about 15 or 20 pounds because of it.
there's lots of different weight lost diet on the market, however, there're all not for long term effect. i would suggest you try not to eat junk, thats include food and drinks like soda etc etc. also, try to reduce the consume of potatoes, pastas, breads, and cheese might help. try to do regular excersize, might be a good start with perhaps 15/30minutes excersize per day. also, try not to eat and go to bed in less than 2hours time. let your body work out the digestion, before you go to bed. medic professions do suggest that eat before 4 hours prier to sleep.
good luck
The cutting out of carbs like pasta, potatoes and bread might help, but also makes you have hardly any energy. Just have the whole weet variety of Pasta and bread, that makes you eat less, and yes, have less of it but don't cut it out.
You just need a balance of carbs, proteines and vitamins, that's important.
Ugh gutting. I could not register with myfitnesspal.com because it didn't recognize my postal code. that sucks.
Well, that's why I said to eat lots of beans, because that's what you will use to fuel your body. Beans have protein in them.
To say nothing of the additional jet propulsion you'll get.
also try to eat more meals but eat less. instead of having 3 big meals, might want to consider having 5 relatively small meals.
small, well-proportioned meals. That's where I'd have a problem. i tend to eat a lot in one sitting.
Okay, about that "jet propulsion" Haha!! If you wash beans off before you cook them, you'll have less of an Um issue! I just put some excellent workout songs on my mp3 player. Some Shakira, Lady Gaga, Killers, Depeche Mode, and some eighties and nineties stuff. Upbeat music really helps!! I now have an elliptical trainer, and have just started working out 35-40 minutes a day. I'm aiming for 6 days a week, but if I slip up, I'll just get back into a routine. I drink tons of water. If possible, I'd recommend a water filtration pitcher like Brita or Pur. I have one by Pur, and it was relatively inexpensive. You'll be amazed at how crisp and fresh your water tastes. Replacement filters are pretty reasonable, and you'll save a bunch of money on bottled water. I've tried to cut down on my soda intake, but I'm not sure how long that will last! I also have a George Forman grill, and I rarely fry foods. I'm not saying I've sworn off Twinkies, I just try to indulge in them less often! If you don't like whole wheat, multi or whole grain products are fine. Just make sure they're 100% whole grain. I try to avoid canned fruits and vegetables. The exception being pineapple, pears, baked or chili beans, and tomato sauces. If you're gonna buy canned fruits, make sure they're canned in their natural juice with no sugar added. Most frozen vegetables don't have additives, unless they're packaged with some type of seasoning or sauce. I normally buy the plain kind. Progresso makes some relatively low-cal soups that are pretty good. For a nutrition boost, try adding a half cup of cooked beans (I used pinto beans), or steamed vegetables. It's very yummy! Steer clear of so-called low-cal or low-fat foods. These usually contain more calories and sugar than their regular counterparts to compensate for taste. A good rule of thumb is to eat food that is close to the field or the animal. In other words, limit your consumption of processed and packaged foods. But, don't deprive yourself of a treat once in awhile. Hth.
Those eliptical trainer things are *AWESOME!* When we lived at a place with a gym, I used one and the first thing I found out is you can crank the setting thing up, and go wicked fast without any joint jarring in the knees and ankles. For some of us, them shocks and struts don't respond the way they used to ... damn! Just sayin' you're gonna end up working out harder faster meaner if you can get onto one of those. It'd be nice to have in my garage, but for now I'm back to using a ledge as a stair step. But still: Those elipticals are awesome, and I even saw an elderly person get onto it, she was working it pretty well. Basically for those that haven't got on one, the sensation is just like running on sand, your feet are on sort of pedal boards things, and you have hand grips you hold onto / your arms are pumping while you crank out. I should think one o' those would be perfect for someone starting out, but im no expert / trainer or anything of course.
Those water filtration jugs are great. I just got myself one and I can only agree.
What kind of beans are good then?
I do buy canned sweetcorn and kidney beans, but in water and not in sugar stuff.
I just made a lamb casserole with lots of frozen mixe3d vegies because I didn't want to chop. It works and it's really good!!!
Hi, my elliptical is kind of dumb, cause it doesn't have arm handles. But, it's still a pretty good workout. I eat a lot of pinto beans, but you could use kidney, northern, yellow, navy, basically any kind of cooked dry legume. I don't eat a lot of canned beans, though I do love Bush's baked beans. I'm planning to buy a small electric rice cooker/steamer. I also just bought a small convection oven. It's kind of hard to cook for one person, so I'm hoping to simplify the process in order to eat more healthy meals.
oh, loosing weight is easier done than said for me. but gaining weight is easier said than done.
anyway, if you all wanna loose weight, eat small portions and stuff. but the key is to eat slowly that helps you become a lot more aware on how full you are. Why do you think thin people don't gain much weight.
My roomate is like you should eat faster and stuff and she'll trick me to eat faster by telling me "we have to get to the store to buy some stuff i need in 15 minutes, i really need that stuff now so hurry up.
I've gone to whole wheat bread and buns. The whole wheat is much better for you. eating white bread is just empty callories, since the nutrients have been stripped out. Beans are almost protein, but the whole wheat bread makes it complete.
drink lots of water. Weigh yourself, then divide that number by 2. then drink that many ounces of water per day. exercise is good, definitely, but there's a difference between working hard and working smart.
I hate to prescribe anything for anyone who says they're on 'weight gainer drugs'. But have you asked your doctor about NutriSystem? That doesn't sound unreasonable, and if I'm not mistaken you even order the meals you want & have 'em delivered to your home.
What has worked for me has been walking...I forgo elevators altogether & instead take stairs when possible...and I did abdominal exercises like mini situps while I was pregnant. You really don't need to do anything drastic. Since I haven't personally used NutriSystem, I would reccommend taking 4 or 5 small meals a day instead of 2 or 3 big ones so you don't get hungry & eat everything in sight. If that's not possible because maybe some of your meds have time limits how long before or after a meal you need to take 'em, maybe your doctor can reccommend something better.
I like the eating smaller meals approach. I snack a lot during the day, so keep lots of healthy snacks on hand during the day. It's easier to get in all your produce, if you eat it as snacks. A carrot, apple, banana, with a glass of milk and a few whole wheat or multi-grain crackers is a great snack. I try not to eat white bread if I can help it. The previous poster was right, it's basically sugar flour and water, with very few nutrients added back in.
Exercising at a gym for about an hour four times a week. Treadmill, bike, wieghts. Cutting way back on fried foods, meats and cheese. Try a vegetarian pizza with NO cheese. Hamburgers, maybe once a month.
As fas as meats go, I eat mostly chicken, turkey, and fish. Lots of veggies and fruite. Don't add salt to anything. Pasta with peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and maybe some grilled chicken is good. Drink lots of water. Cut way back on anything with sugar. If you're going to have a dessert, share it with somebody. Baked chips and baked fries are okay. Avoid anything with real mayonnaise. Use the lite stuff, or switch to mustard. Eat whole grain breads. Do not cut out carbs. Your body needs them for energy. Also, if you cut them out, your brain will make adjustments to protect your body and you won't rfeally lose any weight, other than a few pounds of water.
BLW, you are right, cooking for one bites, and is hard to do healthily. But, like you say, eating more small meals is best, rather than the few big ones most of us like to eat. I know I'm guilty of that. And, thanks for all the other suggestions, I like them.
Something like NutriSystem would be good, but that takes a crap ton of money to do. That's the other issue with living a healthier lifestyle, it costs way more. If you order food from a program like NutriSystem, the costs are really huge. But even just bying the healthier foods is more expensive than the processed stuff. And the government wonders why people on food stamps don't eat well. But that's for another topic. LOL.
Anyway, I've enjoyed reading the posts, even if I haven't been answering much lately.
This might e slightly off topic, but it isn't really. Has anyone used Weight Watchers before? How did you manage to find out the points value of food? I've just joined and I'm clueless. Any suggestions?
I'll echo what some have said about exercise:
I lived in an apartment complex for a year where I had a gym. Kinda like High school only they upgraded stuff over the past 20 years but I'm talking full weight room, eliptical, treadmill, etc.
Now, I just work out in my garage by treating a concrete ledge as a step, do good ol' fashioned military pushups and crunches, plus a bit of work with some 10 / 20 lb weights. There's a lot of marketing out there that says 'buy this' or 'do your routine that way', or 'learn this really complicated set of steps / moves / dance on your head' type stuf.
But if you just keep it simple, you're likely to relieve stress, work it off, hell I even solve a lot of technical issues while working out. I'm no meathead: I wasn't even into sports as a young person. I'm just your average-looking forty-something. But people try and complicate the whole process, count this heartbeat, dance this number of steps, etc. But really, what is exercise anyway? Just bust your ass a bit, sweat good and call it a day. I couldn't put in the prescribed hours at a gym, travel there, wait in line, get back late, etc. Probably neither can you. Just make it fit your place and space. If you kweep it simple, and be relatively consistent, you'll likely do okay. I can't say I put in five days a week: I like it when I can, but you gotta live, so things come up. Don't get yourself down if you skip a day, or don't do it the way they say on Biggest Loser or whatever. All that belly-aching and carrying on the fitness nazis do is just so much barking at the moon.
Stairs are awesomeness if you have them at work or wherever. Also the way they carry on about going for an hour or more may not be realistic: Your ancestors sat for hours not moving, more sedentary than you can imagine, waiting for prey, only to jump and instantly with full exersion go after it. And they could pick up any of these howlers, swing them around a few times, and pitch 'em a few yards without even breathing hard.
So basically, if you only have 20 minutes before school, just use them for all it's worth, doing something rather uncomplicated but strenuous. If you're heart's beting hard, and you're breathing hard, you're doing good.
People have been active in snow, sand, forests, mines, plains, all sorts of places for millennia without the high-dollar and high-volume types anywhere around. I personally think it's all in being flexible with your environment. You know where you live and what you're capable of better than anyone else does.
are there any excersizes that you can do without paying so much to go to a gy? only because it bites to pay membership for a gym and you end up not going most of the time except 2 times in once in a blue moon.
Like I said, use stairs for one: Got a stairwell in your complex? Use it.
If you have a step or a ledge like in a split-level, use that. Generally if you wanta move you'll find a way, just don't make it all complicated for yourself: otherwise it's yet another thing to try and learn.
Plus for the non -aerobic kinds of things, push-ups sit-ups and stuff, grab a piece of carpet and go.
When I was at University 20 years ago, I took the stairs everywhere, and beat the people at long lines for the elevators. Keep it uncomplicated and leave the fools selling this program or that, to just bark at the moon.
i feel fine, but the only thing i would like is a flatter stomach becuse my stomach sticks out a little bit. else, it's not flabby, but it protrudes a little bit. i don't know if it's my imagination. haha maybe it is. my mom's like "your stomach is a little protruded" and i'm like mom, but i don't eat much at all. i only eat what i need. well do i eat junkfood. not really. + mom doesn't buy soda anymore only ocasionally because she has problems with gaining weight easily. on top of that she has cholesterol and trigliceride problems too, that's why mom doesn't buy any junkfood except the ocasional cookies or apple pie. pie. i mostly spend time on the computer filling out applications for jobs since i'm job hunting and studying for the GRE which i'm taking soon. so i mostly spend time doing that since i have not much else to do. but other than that i'm fine like i said. Is it possible for very thin people to have a little bit of abbs?
Try doing some isometrics. This uses muscle contraction to help you tone up. For instance instead of doing fifty crunches, just lift your shoulders and head up like you normally would. Keep your ab muscles contracted, remember to breathe, and hold the position for 20 or 30 seconds. It works, and puts less stress on your back cause you're not doing as many jarring repetitions.
To sister Dawn eating healthily really isn't that expensive. Here's a few tips that might help.
buy produce in season, it'll be less expensive than out of season stuff. Frozen vegetables are great, cause you can just steam what you need, without any waste and freeze the rest. These keep well in the freezer in a sealed bag. Buy meats and then divide them into individual portions and freeze in small freezer bags. Then you'll have your portions measured. If you're like me, you'll get a package of chicken out of the frreezer, only to have the rest thaw in the fridge, where'll you'll forget about it. Pasta and rice are relatively inexpensive. I bought a rice cooker with a vegetable steaming tray. This is an easy way to make a quick healthy meal. Canned beans such as pinto, navy or black beans are really healthy. They're loaded with fiber, protein and iron. They're relatively cheap, and you can buy low sodium varities. For snacks, buy the 100 calorie packs. I know at some stores, you can buy 2 boxes for like $5.00. Or buy yogurt in the fridge packs, it's cheaper than buying individual containers. Oatmeal, if you like it, is a great healthy breakfast food is inexpensive. Salsa is a great vegetable dip, and is pretty cheap, just watch the sodium. I like to use bottled sauces and marinades, but very sparingly. This'll add some flavor to your meat, without lots of calories. Broiling and steaming are great ways to cook healthy food. Pans to do both are relatively cheap. Look on amazon or ebay for these if you don't wanna go out and shop for one. I use a water filtration pitcher by Pur. I absolutely love it. Filters are about $6.00 each, but they'll last a month or two. This makes much more sense than buying tons of bottled water. I refuse to drink tap since I heard a gross story about what's in water pipes. Crackers an be bought relatively cheaply. Even store brands often offer whole or multigrain varities. Okay, so I hope these really help. I totally get you on the cooking for one thing. Hopefully these tips will help. If I think of any more I'll post them.
BLW, you rock. thanks so much for the tips! Smile. Those are very helpful.
No problem! The goal of buying healthy foods is to buy stuff that's gonna keep you full and give you energy. Buy old-fashioned rolled oats, they're like $2 for a big container. Whole wheat or multigrain pitas and tortillas are good too. Invest in some freezer safe storage containers and buy big packs of stuff, rather than individual-sized portions. Then you'll save on packaging too. I like plain cereals like shreded wheat ( the spoon-sized kind), the unfrosted kind, whole-grain cheerios, and chex. These are usually cheaper than their sugary counterparts. Once in awhile, I'll indulge in a box of Trix, I love that stuff! If you're trying to cut down on soda, drink unsweetened tea. I like Celestial seasonings. You can get tons of varieties, and it's zero calories. If you have leftover vegetables or fruits, use them in a casserole, soup, or the fruit in a smoothie. I like unsalted nuts like almonds for a great snack. Raisins are good too I like salad, but find that lettuce doesn't keep that long, so I'll just buy some veggies and eat them with a small amount of salad dressing. I avoid most frozen meals, but will buy frozen french fries once in awhile. Most frozen stuff has a lot of preservatives, which I don't like. Just for good measure, I take a multivitamin made for women. I like to buy protein bars or multigrain fruit bars as a quick snack. I also like low-sodium peanut butter. I find that baby vegetables are more expensive then their full-sized counterparts. Plus, I hear they're sprayed with a funky hormone that stops them from growing. Kinda freaky in my oppinion. Also, if you have the time, chop your own vegetables. Pre-chopped stuff is almost always more expensive.
Okay, enough rambling for now. I just read my posts from last year. Let's just say, I fell way off the wagon. Time to get back in shape. Maybe tomorrow. I just pigged out on a McDonald's cheeseburger and fries. Rereading all these posts is actually kind of motivating. Hth.
although my mom said "you look quite different these past two weeks. well it's because i've been extremely stressed due to family issues and on top of the whole mess grad school applications and the preparation for the graduate record exam which i took this past weekend. it is very very anxiety inducing.
BLW, the ab thing? never heard of it sounds rather interesting. Generally I kick it old school in the garage and resort to pushups and crunches, the old situps anymore tend to give my back trouble at least that's what the wife told me, she knows this stuff like you all.
I will add one thing I do in the office though I'll start doing BLW's suggestion: works as a distraction, do calf raisers where you stand up, like you're gonna pace thinking out a problem anyway, stand tall at attention then go up on your toes and hold it till you feel the burn, then hold that for awhile, then drop - repeat. Also squats without weights just like you're squatting halfway down a bunch of those and then go back to what you're doing on the computer. Good stuff and most of all very simple rather than the convoluted rain-dance-style natives exercises people come up with / sell on DVDs.
Hope it helps
the key to loose weight is to eat less than you normally would. and eat slower. it really works, i swear by it. no wonder why my college buddy always jokes about me and says, you should eat faster and bribes me to do so. as for the abs thing. the only way to really loose it is to walk a lot and pace around. hahaha but in terms of eating i do eat slow, that's why my friend is like "hurry up because i have to go to target to buy some stuff for school and i'm like "are you urgently needing that and she's like yes i don't mean to rush you but i have to buy this stuff for school. that's how she bribes me into eating faster sometimes. she then is like seriously you should try to chunk up a little because then you'll suffer through the winter. she's like you're fine, but you'll feel better and be alittle more healthier. well i'm happy the way i am and i can't change that. she just worries too much. oh well, that's life. life is about accepting how you are and liking yourself the way
So here is my question, I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor, so what exercises can I do that won't wake the neighbors or annoy them? I have the leslie sansone walkaway tapes but I can't do them.
What I do when I can't wake anyone, even when just in my office, is things like squats or deep knee bends, calf raisers, or the full squat and calf-raiser in one move.
Also any push-ups, crunches, situps, etc. are all yours. If your apartment building has a stairwell, even a fire stairwell, those are generally pretty vacant and you can use those. There's a lot you can do without equipment or without making a lot of noise, you may want to google apartment exercises.
Hope this helps, and try and compete with noone else but yourself.
Here's my experience. I've struggled with weight issues for several years. I did the weight watchers thing, and I liked it, but when their new plan was put in place, I realized, or felt like I couldn't eat all of my points, so I gave up. However, I am now on a diet that's given out by a doctor. I was on appetite suppressants for a little while just to help me get started. They were only 15 Milligrams so they weren't major. I'm going to quit calling this a diet because it's definitely a lifestyle change. I've cut out pork and beef. I eat mainly chicken, turkey, fish, Etc. I also don't eat a lot of bread and what bread I do eat is whole wheat, but you have to watch the breads you buy. Just letting you know because a lot of them that claim to be whole wheat are actually just white bread with wheat thrown in. I drink at least 100 ounces of water a day. I eat every 2-3 hours, but my meals are very very small. I no longer do 3 really big meals. Finally, I'm exercising. What I'm enjoying doing right now are the walk away the pounds videos. I've done the 3 mile walk several times now, and I hope to start the 4 mile soon. However, I also do things like planks, squats, Etc. I also try to change up my exercise. For example, one day, run on the tread mill and the next day do my exercise video. I have some hand weights I use also that I do certain things with. I don't have everything down perfectly, but I lost over 70 pounds last year, and I'm very happy. To all who feel like they can't lose weight, it's not true. Like one of the very early posts in this topic said, your mindset is key. I know for myself before I changed my lifestyle, I didn't want to tell myself no ever, but now, I've learned how to enjoy my life and not depend on food to make me happy.
BLW, my Dr. would have a cow about cereal. She says cereal has practically no nutritional value whatsoever. I wasn't a big cereal fan anyway.
For those of you who love fried chicken, I have a recipe that will help you. You take a pack of chicken breasts and cut each one in half. Then sprinkle each piece with italian breadcrumbs. Put a small bit of olive oil in a skillet and cook it uncovered on the stove top. It's really good. I also have several dessert recipes.
PS, if you want to sprinkle both sides of the chicken with breadcrumbs, you can do that too. I will say this, it doesn't take a lot of crumbs to get that fried taste. I promise. Another quick thing, be careful about how much olive oil you use. You don't want super greasy chicken.
I was just on iTunes this morning, and for those of you who enjoy Leslie Sansone's workouts, she has workouts you can put on your iPod. They aren't movies. They're listed under albums. There's a 1, 2 and 3 mile workout. Just letting everyone know.:)