I need to drop 50 pounds . . . progress thread
 

They say that you should publicly proclaim any personal goal setting in order to make it more tangible and therefore less likely to fail.

I didn't do so when rehabing from compulsive masturbation . . and have relapsed several times . . .

But I figured I would do it on GC for fat loss.

Earlier today some poor little girl screamed in horror "Beached Whale!" and called the stranding center to come push me back out to sea . .

So as I stand here with a home liposuction kit, a shopvac, knife and a garden hose, I figure its time for a change.

Now, I have started working out again . . . but its not resulting in a lot of fat loss. So I did the math .. .

The pluses . . . 25 minutes of cardio . . . 30 minutes of weight training . . .

The minuses . . . 4-5 thousand calories a day mostly made up of fast food and alcohol consumption . . and nachos before bed time . . the nachos deserve their own category. Denn'y nachos late night are the devil.

Ok so I resolve to lose a minimum of 20 pounds in the next four weeks. And 45 total in 10-12 weeks.

According to my fat percentage I should look pretty ripped and muscular at about 220 pounds.

I will keep GC updated. Feel free to cheer me on. And offer well meaning advice and motivational quips.

Carbs are not the devil. :p Eat them. Good luck!

I'm not an expert of course, but I wonder if you should do more cardio? I usually do 60-80 minutes, four times a week and then do weight training for 60 minutes twice a week. Of course sometimes I'm a slacker and don't do that, but those are my goals.

Now if only I could stop eating cheese. I should go vegan.

I want to lose 20 pounds by June 1st when i go on vacation!!

I'm going to start working out more and I'm going to try and cut down on the carbs. i won't eliminate them totally but I'm going to eat a lot less of them!

Good luck James! I'm rooting for you! :D :)

I lost almost 20 lbs beginning in January of 2003. I have kept it off by watching what I eat and getting up and moving.

Weight training will make muscles stronger and help you burn calories while doing nothing. However, it will only work with a diet and intense cardio. Otherwise your strong muscles will only push fat out further... hense not getting those washboard abs after doing 15 million crunches and no cardio.

See if you can find your target heart rate with a trainer at the gym if available. That will be the training heart rate to use when doing cardio... otherwise you will just be burning sugar rather than fat.

I second doing the cardio 4 times a week. Most people only need about 30 minutes on that... just up the intensity. Or try circuit training.

My goal is to lose my tummy before my trip to Hawaii at the end of June. While I have been working out since January and the tummy is still kinda there... I have more energy, I eat less, and I have lost weight in other places.

Carbs are good! They give you energy. Just cut out the simple sugar crap. Fruit never hurt anyone.

good luck babe! i know that you will do it :D

i don't have any good advice... i kind of suck at this kind of stuff..... lol :p

I'm also trying to lose weight, not just for my health but for mental & emotional states. :)

I've been running 45 minutes about 3 times a week & I do about 15-20 minutes of lifting weights (usually for my arms & legs) each day that I run. I've been counting calories (I went to see a dietician & that is how she recommended I watch what I eat) & trying not to eat more than 1500 calories a day. The hardest part is giving up a lot of "bad for you drinks" like my Cafe Mocha!

....as i sip my latte.... oops:eek: lol

Oh, how I miss coffee!

Best of luck! Keep us updated.

You could drink it black...

Actually, the caffeine is what I can't have. And to me, decaffeinated coffee is a waste! :(

Well that just sucks

Just curious, why can't you drink coffee? Caffeine has been linked to studies correlating to weight loss. Also, the amount of calories in a sugar packet is very miniscule, i think it's around 20 or so, not enough to make a substantial difference.

James, dude, there's no way in hell you can get in shape eating like that. You're gonna have to match a lifestyle change, and do it gradually with little substitutions here and there. For example, if you're drinking 2% milk, drop done to 1%, then in a month from now drop down to 0%. You won't be able to stick to the change if you eliminate all your indulgences at once.

i gave up lattes and mochas for lent... but i usually get them non-fat and sometimes sugar free (yes, they exist... but only if you like vanilla.)
Sure I sound high maintenance when ordering a non-fat, no whip, sugar free vanilla latte, but at least i am saving on the calories. ;) :p

Caffeine is terrible for you! I have never seen a study advocating caffeine to lose weight! My dietician will tell you that caffeine is bad bad bad! And I'd rather trust someone that I can see once a month that I know has a degree & studied diets & nutrition for 5 years that someone who I've never met & decided to write an article. They may have degrees too, but I'd rather stick w/ the tried & true than try some new fad.

Uhm caffeine in an ECA stack is proven for weightloss.

I've heard differently when you use caffeine through keto based diets though.

-Rudey

my doctor told me that caffeine causes you to be hungry - i forgot her exact reasoning but drinking caffeine usually leads to eating or snacking.

I can see if you were having 5 cups of joe a day for months on end. It can shoot your heart rate up.

But a cup every once in a while won't kill you. Same goes for soda... red bull... etc. Everything is fine in moderation... except maybe smoking... but that's my opinion.

Caffeine definitely ups your metabolism. The problem with it is that the primary ways people get their caffeine (soda, coffee with tons of milk/sugar/whipped cream/whatever, chocolate) are full of empty calories. But in moderation it's not going to be that bad for you.

Caffeine will up my metabolism for at least a half hour after I've drank a cup of coffee/mocha jo/diet coke/whatever but after that initial "high" wears off I'm dead as a doornail for hours after that! Usually convincing myself to just go home & sleep after I get off work. Its awful!

And maybe caffeine will work for others, but that is why I went to see a doctor-she is able to help me understand what will work for me & why! Everyone is different!

I've read that caffeine breaks down fat cells.
If you look at supplements geared toward cutting down (e.g. hyper cuts) they're all loaded with caffeine.

I don't need to drop 50 lbs, but 20 would sure help....
 

Hey James. I totally feel what you're going through right now. I just returned from Spring Break, and I felt like a cow the entire time (it doesn't help when the people you go on vacation with only weigh 100 lbs). I've been working out a lot lately, but I think my eating habits are getting the best of me. So, I started a new plan where I am doing cardio 3 times a week and I will weight train 2 times a week. The weekends are game for whatever workout I want, just as long as I do something.

Currently, I have a decent amount of muscle. I realize that muscle weighs more than fat, but I want to tone up the fatty areas by focusing on cardio, and then I'll tighten them with weight training. If I stick to it, I will be on this plan for the next 6 weeks, after which I will change up the routine. I'm not looking to lose 50 pounds...but 20 pounds sure would make me a happy person. No more sweets for me...unless they come from a box labeled Slim Fast or Healthy Choice. ;)

Good luck (we can be each other's moral support). :p

I don't think that's true. My caffine intake is ridiculous...(Yay for diet Coke), and it doesn't help me lose weight...unless it's water weight with all the trips to the lav!

Hey JAmes,

good luck on your venture.

I too just started working out recently...my goal is 35 pounds - lost 2 so far :p

Anyway, I was wondering why such a time limit on it? I mean, it took me 5-6 years to gain all the extra weight, so I'm not planning on losing it even within a year (although the trainers at my gym say I could reach my goal by September - I doubt it)

I'm still eating trash too - trying to be a bit more careful though (actually only had fast food once last week - which is good since i live a block from Mickey D's and smell it all the time!)

Well, keep working at it, and have faith!

Valkyrie-Now if only I could stop eating cheese. I should go vegan.
:eek: See, we have another thing in common !!! Cheese is my downfall (and potatoes of ANY kind).

James, it has been in studies that if you make ONE simple change. without any effort, you can drop 20 lbs in a year. This is without dieting and exercise. For instance, if you take cream in your coffee, switch to a low cal substitute. If you drink regular cola change to diet cola. Now doing this and adding some exercise will increase and speed up the action.
I have always believed that carbs were not our BEST friend, but in the end, it's ALL about calories and exercise. A little bit of fat
in your diet helps you feel satisfied.

I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS! The way I look at it, one substitution taking a year to lose 20 lbs...well what else are you doing during that time?

A BIGGIE-I don't know if you drink beer, but BEER IS THE ENEMY!
Oh, I know it's the best on a swealtering day, BUT IT'S THE ENEMY!!! G & Ts are much better-weight wise.
GET BACK ON YOUR PLAN! RAW-RAW!:D

James- You can do it! Believe me, if I can find a somewhat reasonable diet and exercise plan to stick to and lose weight (while still on corticosteroids!), so can you!

As you know, what I eat greatly affects my disease so I can't do some things a lot of other people can do. I already can't eat dairy, raw fruits and veggies, many cooked veggies because they have skins or shells on them and I can't digest them, pork, or red meat. Turkey is notorious for making you gassy, and the last thing anyone with IBD needs is more gas!:p So, I have...well... chicken, potatoes, rice, and Ensure. I can't stand the taste of fish and I'm allergic to shellfish. I do take Omega-3/Omega-6 pills twice a day to make up for that.

You'll find something that works, I promise! Drink lots of water, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further from the entrance to the store than you normally would. Every little bit helps!

ETA: or you could just get IBD. It's the best weight loss plan around. I lost 25 pounds in a week! Our support group motto is "Losin Weight Without Speed (or Sunflower Seeds!)" ;)

James, I am reposting this from another thread that I shared this in.

I believe that you have difficulty controling your urges, just like me. I've had five bowls of Lucky Charms. Since 4:30 pm.

For people like us weight loss will have to be a two step process.

1) We must learn to control our urges. No working out at all until we find those good foods and start adhering to good eating practices. Not changing up your diet wholesale but finding foods that fit your lifestyle and eating them in moderation.

2) Cardio Heavy exercise. Cardio for a few weeks, then add on other elements. Cardio will work wonders for burning fat. That alone may cause most people to look ripped and tone. It's all about that metabolism.

I hope you can garner some helpful tips from this.

=============================================
Posted by laidbackfella
05-13-2004 12:03 PM



I'd rather see you do it the old fashioned way though. Now please take my suggestions with a grain of salt because I am not aware of your eating habits nor your exercise regimen.

1). I'd suggest that you start eating different. Reduce your intake of junk and fatty foods. Eat less fried food, less sugary food and less breads and grains. Eat at least three meals a day but in smaller portions. If you do go out to eat put HALF of your meal in a to go container off the top. Drink more water, less sodas and other drinks. Eat fruits after 7 pm.

2). Maintain this diet for about three weeks. You should also take a short walk after each meal, if you can. Nothing to get you sweating but about 7 to 10 minutes. You should notice a difference in your weight, depending on your prior diet.

3). After three weeks and once you've stablized your eating habits, start a cardio specific exercise regimen. Don't workout with weights just yet. Just focus on cardio. Aerobics, Tae Bo, Ballet Sculpting, Step Classes anything that gets you moving, your heart beating and your body sweating. Keep you heart rate elevated for at least 30-45 minutes. Early morning workouts are better since they get your metabolism jump started.

4) Maintain the workout regimen for about four weeks. Then add in weights and what ever else you would like. You should really see some results after week eight.

Unfortunately there is no quick and easy way to lose weight. It involves a two part commitment. And this is where most people fail. The first, and most important commitment, should be to the food you eat. The second part is commitment to exercise. Most people fail because they try to make both changes at one time. Stablize your eat habits first, because that will ultimately dictate your workout needs.

If you can't let sweets, extra portions and late night snacking go. You would have to step up your workout routine. Most folks think that working out 30 minutes means that they can celebrate and eat anything on the menu. NO. You have to find out what your diet will be, what you truly can live without and then find a routine that fits your actual caloric intake.

Other tips would include, park far away from you building, make sure it's safe to do so, and walk to your office.

Small Steps
http://www.smallstep.gov
Take Small Steps Today!

1. Walk to work.
2. Use fat free milk over whole milk.
3. Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
4. Walk during lunch hour.
5. Drink water before a meal.
6. Eat leaner red meat & poultry.
7. Eat half your dessert.
8. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
9. Take family walk after dinner.
10. Skate to work instead of driving.
11. Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
12. Mow lawn with push mower.
13. Increase the fiber in your diet.
14. Walk to your place of worship instead of driving.
15. Walk kids to school.
16. Get a dog and walk it.
17. Join an exercise group.
18. Drink diet soda.
19. Replace Sunday drive with Sunday walk.
20. Do yard work.
21. Eat off smaller plates.
22. Get off a stop early & walk.
23. Don't eat late at night.
24. Skip seconds.
25. Work around the house.
26. Skip buffets.
27. Grill, steam or bake instead of frying.
28. Bicycle to the store instead of driving.
29. Take dog to the park.
30. Ask your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin.
31. Go for a half-hour walk instead of watching TV.
32. Use vegetable oils over solid fats.
33. More carrots, less cake.
34. Fetch the newspaper yourself.
35. Sit up straight at work.
36. Wash the car by hand.
37. Don't skip meals.
38. Eat more celery sticks.
39. Run when running errands.
40. Pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games.
41. Take wheels off luggage.
42. Choose an activity that fits into your daily life.
43. Park further from the store and walk.
44. Ask a friend to exercise with you.
45. Make time in your day for physical activity.
46. Exercise with a video if the weather is bad.
47. Bike to the barbershop or beauty salon instead of driving.
48. Keep to a regular eating schedule.
49. If you find it difficult to be active after work, try it before work.
50. Take a walk or do desk exercises instead of a cigarette or coffee break.
51. Perform gardening or home repair activities.
52. Avoid laborsaving devices.
53. Take small trips on foot to get your body moving.
54. Play with your kids 30 minutes a day.
55. Dance to music.
56. Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office.
57. Make a Saturday morning walk a group habit.
58. Walk briskly in the mall.
59. Choose activities you enjoy & you'll be more likely to stick with them.
60. Stretch before bed to give you more energy when you wake.
61. Take the long way to the water cooler.
62. Explore new physical activities.
63. Vary your activities, for interest and to broaden the range of benefits.
64. Reward and acknowledge your efforts.
65. Choose fruit for dessert.
66. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all.
67. Take stairs instead of the escalator.
68. Conduct an inventory of your meal/snack and physical activity patterns.
69. Share an entree with a friend.
70. Grill fruits or vegetables.
71. Eat before grocery shopping.
72. Choose a checkout line without a candy display.
73. Make a grocery list before you shop.
74. Buy 100% fruit juices over soda and sugary drinks.
75. Swim with your kids.
76. Flavor foods with herbs, spices, and other low fat seasonings.
77. Remove skin from poultry before cooking to lower fat content.
78. Eat before you get too hungry.
79. Don't skip breakfast.
80. Stop eating when you are full.
81. Snack on fruits and vegetables.
82. Top your favorite cereal with apples or bananas.
83. Try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta.
84. Include several servings of whole grain food daily.
85. When eating out, choose a small or medium portion.
86. If main dishes are too big, choose an appetizer or a side dish instead.
87. Ask for salad dressing "on the side".
88. Don't take seconds.
89. Try your burger with just lettuce, tomato and onion.
90. Try a green salad instead of fries.
91. Bake or broil fish.
92. Walk instead of sitting around.
93. Eat sweet foods in small amounts.
94. Take your dog on longer walks.
95. Drink lots of water.
96. Cut back on added fats or oils in cooking or spreads.
97. Walk the beach instead of sunbathing.
98. Walk to a co-worker's desk instead of emailing or calling them.
99. Carry your groceries instead of pushing a cart.
100. Use a snow shovel instead of a snow blower.

Good luck James!

I too am trying to lose some weight, after a 3 month hiatus from any kind of physical activity, I find that most things in my closet don't fit me anymore :( I've been on my diet for about a week. I haven't had any success yet, but I'm sticking too it. Keep it up! Remember, when you slip, it isn't as bad as you think it is. Just gat back on the bandwagon and start over again, because getting in shape slowly is better than never getting in shape at all (I keep saying this to myself!).

ETA: Laidbackfella, that is some good advice! I'm going to give it a try.

I'll join too! I gained almost...uh...60 lbs :eek: during my pregnancy. The baby was born right before Christmas, and I've lost almost 45. I can't do any 'bad' diets, because I'm still breast feeding! But, it's a bonus, because that burns an extra 500 calories with very little effort!

I'd like to loose at least 20 lbs more. I'd probably be further along with this goal if it weren't for that damn Easter candy being 90% off! ;)

aj

Wait wait wait! Breast feeding burns off 500 calories? Awesome, I am going to have people suck on my nipples all day long.

Good luck, James! :)

James i am rooting for you!!!!!! talk about making a lifestyle health change. I just have a had a life changing moment recently where i had to have major surgery because a real bad cancer scare. nonetheless the tumor and cyst are benign it makes you think of the long run and wanting to make changes in your lifestyle when it comes to healthy living.

I have wt to loose and the only way dr and nurses have been preaching to me over the last few weeks is low carbs tonso f excercise and healthy living without alcholol smoking, healthy eating and plenty of sleep and postive outlooks on things that make you all tense and stressed.

I swear by this soutbeach diet i have a dad who is 100% diabetic and he has been insulin free since christmas because of it!


I wish you well in your pursuit!

Is that type 1 or type 2?

shot dependent of insulin

Ummm...Was he always on insulin?

I'm type 1 and I will always have to take insulin for ever and ever and ever, no matter how great my diet is. Simply because I do not produce any of my own. Your father must still prduce some of his own insulin which is why he can control his diabetes by diet.

I would say he has type 2.

yea! it took a whole week but I lost 1 pound. :-)
I'm going for my second pound this week.