How did you lose weight?

[Vertigo58]

We all know there are hundreds of books, infommercials and talk shows on the subject. If you ever have or are planning on dropping a few lbs of blubber how would you do it?

I started eating less meat (especially heavy meat) over 3 weeks ago and am finding that my belt is way loose than before. I fell better and sleep better. I also started taking Centrum multi vitamins to make up for the excess stuff I used to snack on. I have one good thing on my favor, I do not have a sweet tooth. I simply never have craved any desserts or candy or anything in that dept. I can't even recall the last time I ate a chocolate bar. If in line at Luby's I just glance at the sweets and move on.

So here is where I am at.

I buy only fruits/fruit drinks & skim milk at the grocery store. If I drink a soda, I make sure I always dilute it with a few chunks of ice. It wont be so strong and not as sweet.

Try to avoid buffet-all you can eat places, if I do go I just eat plenty of salad first. Then If I eat its mostly fish like salmon.

Do as much yard work as possible to sweat. Thats the best thing for you. Sweat (not in public of course)

I avoid eating late and especially just before going to bed.

Here's the killer, cut down on beer. Torture but worth it. Get a hobby takes away the temptation.

If I do drink that night, I make sure I dance, dance, dance. Just get rid of it.

Walk as much as possible if you hate running like moi. When at a mall, walk from one point to another. Just freaking do it!

If any of you have good suggestion's please divulge.

I know I was perfect before but since I'm so vain I thought I might as well push it to the limit. Can't these good looks go to waste! Scaring myself now!

[Pumapayam]

Lay off any soda, but if you must, diet soda only.

They say that soda, regular or diet, helps increase your appetite.

So you eat more.

[Vertigo58]

Lay off any soda, but if you must, diet soda only.

They say that soda, regular or diet, helps increase your appetite.

So you eat more.

That is very true.

I tested and found that Alcohol definetely increases your lust for food. When the buzz kicks in, its like what- the-hell a bunch of this food won't hurt. Wrong!

I forgot to note that I drink plenty of water every day.

I have gallons and small bottles everywhere. When you go to Walmart they have cheap 12 packs that you can put in frig and grab while on the go. Many times I settle for water while eating out. Just get it everyone else does. To hell with that coke or especially beer. Water!

I am lucky I have never had a acme/zit problem even as a teen. I assume since I never cared much for chocolate or candy. Nothing more gross than having to talk to someone with a greasy face. Nothing beats the clear look and feel. Ok now I'm getting too much into it, but it ties into what we eat.

Remember the old cliche' - What you eat is what you are. TRUE

[musicman]

If any of you have good suggestion's please divulge.

don't laugh. i've found that my main problem is portion size. i had to get a physical for work and was worried about my cholesterol so i put myself on a "kashi" diet as i call it. for breakfast i only ate kashi cereal or oatmeal. for lunch i went out, but only had salads and for dinner i had kashi or healthy choice dinners. in a month i lost about 15 lbs and it really wasn't difficult. i was very busy that month so didn't get a chance to really ride my bike, etc. so if i hadn't exercised it would ahve been more.

i dont drink sodas at all unless i feel sick. i know my cholesterol dropped from 205 to 163. and my blood pressure went down as well. i will say i sure did sleep better.

i would switch to fat free milk. if you drink skim now fat free is no different. i think whole milk has 7gm fat/cup. 2% has 5gm/cup 1% has 3gm/cup while skim is less than .5gm/cup. so going from 1% to skim is 6x less fat.

[gwilson]

One of the biggest misconceptions in weightloss is the diet soda crap.

Diet-Soda contains less sugar but twice the caffeine. Avoid soda entirely, in all its forms (unless you want to switch to caffeine free diet, and then there just isn't any point).

Crystal light is your friend. I prefer the lemonade and pink lemonade. Iced tea is also your friend, but no sugar. Sweet n low or equal. You cna skip sweetening all together if you mix it half and half with your crystal light lemonade. Arnold Palmer ftw.

Ditch the fast food.

Portion control.

Light beer or clear alcohols if you drink (mixers should avoid colas, I use sugar free redbull, grape vitawater as mixers with vodka).

Im down 65lbs+ since november.

[RedScare]

While everyone may have something that works for them, the top 2 have already been mentioned. One...cut out the cokes. A 20 ounce coke has 250 calories. Cutting one coke per day would drop 91,250 calories a year. At 3,500 per pound, that is a loss of 26 pounds JUST from cutting one 20 oz coke a day.

Two...MOVE! Walk the dog. Mow the grass. Park farther from the store entrance. Every bit of activity helps.

My list...

1. Dropped the sodas. Read the label on fruit drinks. They may have as much sugar as cokes. I drink the flovored water instead.

2. I mow my own grass. Saves me $30 a week in lawn fees, too.

3. Walk my dog. The dog loves it, and I see the neighbors.

When serious about losing weight, I add these...

4. Take the stairs at work. I started by walking down the stairs. I stopped on 7 or 8, and walked up to 9. Then I did the whole thing. Not every time, just once or twice a day.

5. Ride my bike. Instead of playing golf, I'd do a 40 mile ride. Takes about 3 hours on a weekend, plus the tune up rides during the week. Note: Do this, and you can eat whatever you want.

[Vertigo58]

Im down 65lbs+ since november.

That's incredible!

One rule of thumb I always to when it comes to sugar. IF I drink ice tea, I only place about 1/3 inside the drink and toss the rest. When you think about it, Who's idea was it to create a bag that big anyway?

The manufacturer and that was to make you BUY more. They dont give crap of the consumers health. Don't let someone dictate how much YOU should put into your body.

Now I know that family history plays a major factor in our decisions. My mom's side was all slim, trim & tall. My dad's were all average height and overweight & worse of all most diabetic. They contributed it to what else bad eating habits.

I must add that I have cut down big time on EGGS. I have not ate one in about two weeks. I know now I can do without them. We must remember that grease and ALL FRIED crap is bad news.

If I eat chicken, I try to not get fried only grilled.

Everyone agrees fried food of any kind is bad right???

[gwilson]

Fried food is AWESOME! But it doesn't agree with our bellies.

*sniffle*

[musicman]

One rule of thumb I always to when it comes to sugar. IF I drink ice tea, I only place about 1/3 inside the drink and toss the rest. When you think about it, Who's idea was it to create a bag that big anyway?

I must add that I have cut down big time on EGGS. I have not ate one in about two weeks. I know now I can do without them. We must remember that grease and ALL FRIED crap is bad news.

a package of sugar is i think only 15 calories. in a coke there is so much sugar you'd be amazed. i think using the full package would be ok. i don't use any at all though.

egg-wise try egg whites. not that i cook eggs often, but when i go to telwink i order omelets with whites.

[gwilson]

You can sweeten without sugar. Avoid it completely. It isn't just the calories. It is the fact that it turns in to fat.

[RedScare]

A teaspoon of sugar is 15 calories versus 150 for a 12 oz. coke. One or two teaspoons of sugar in a glass of tea is a far better way to satisfy a sweet tooth than a coke. Eggs in moderation are actually pretty good for you. However, the fat content is pretty high, and the obligatory sausage that goes with it doesn't help. If you must eat them, put them in an omelete just before you go work in the yard.

Note: Stay away from ALL sugar substitutes. They are plain nasty.

Edited August 7, 2007 by RedScare

[Vertigo58]

a package of sugar is i think only 15 calories. in a coke there is so much sugar you'd be amazed. i think using the full package would be ok. i don't use any at all though.

egg-wise try egg whites. not that i cook eggs often, but when i go to telwink i order omelets with whites.

TELWINK

This is the place that I try to avoid. Although the food is killer (literally) you wont believe how disgustingly bad it is for you. Take a good look at all the patrons, really out of shape. Huge, fat, rotund, pleasantly plump, etc.

When I go I sit with some that don't care. This one person orders a huge heap of hash browns. You can see the grease shining and ooozing out. The she pours a ton of ketchup over it. sick. Then they bring a ton of bread, also bad for you. Notice everythig there is just not good at all.

Exception of the white eggs you mention I guess. One egg should do the trick I would say.

Speaking of sausage, I have heard that if you saw how they make it, you wouldnt think of eating it. Serious. Its delicious I know but made quite funky. Most factories scoop remains off the floor and yep pack em in boys! Direct to your kitchen tables.

PORK

I avoid this big time unless I cook a small piece of pork chop once in a blue moon. Pork is known to cause cancer. I know past generations loved it but this is now that we know what the outcome could be people. If I do buy hotdogs or sausage I make damn sure its 100% beef-no pork. Porky Pig will thank you.

ba dee... ba dee...Thats all folks!

[gwilson]

Nah, sweet n low is great. I prefer it in my iced tea to sugar. Yes, it can give you cancer. It would take a pound or two a day for several decades, but eventually, a day or two before you die of natural causes, you'll be told you have ten years to live. Talk about getting your hopes up!

TELWINK

This is the place that I try to avoid. Although the food is killer (literally) you wont believe how disgustingly bad it is for you. Take a good look at all the patrons, really out of shape. Huge, fat, rotund, pleasantly plump, etc.

When I go I sit with some that don't care. This one person orders a huge heap of hash browns. You can see the grease shining and ooozing out. The she pours a ton of ketchup over it. sick. Then they bring a ton of bread, also bad for you. Notice everythig there is just not good at all.

Exception of the white eggs you mention I guess. One egg should do the trick I would say.

Speaking of sausage, I have heard that if you saw how they make it, you wouldnt think of eating it. Serious. Its delicious I know but made quite funky. Most factories scoop remains off the floor and yep pack em in boys! Direct to your kitchen tables.

PORK

I avoid this big time unless I cook a small piece of pork chop once in a blue moon. Pork is known to cause cancer. I know past generations loved it but this is now that we know what the outcome could be people. If I do buy hotdogs or sausage I make damn sure its 100% beef-no pork. Porky Pig will thank you.

ba dee... ba dee...Thats all folks!

Pork isn't as bad for you, in terms of weight loss, as other meats.

Fact of the matter is you can eat anything you want (including sodas and such) in moderation. EMPTY calories are what you should avoid, but we need treats. Cutting things out completely simply doesn't work. While I've ditched fast food on the whole, occasionally, I crave a mexican pizza from Taco Bell. So I indulge.

Increase your activity, enjoy things in moderation, try to make healthy foods the staple of your diet, and you can't really go wrong.

[RedScare]

Sweet N Low on its own may not do it, but the rising rates of cancer, while smoking rates have DECLINED for 40 years, tells me that something is out of whack. Frankly, I would rather have my smokes and ditch the Sweet N Low. I get far more enjoyment from tobacco than an artificial sweetener with an aftertaste.

But, hey, that's me.

[musicman]

TELWINK

This is the place that I try to avoid. Although the food is killer (literally) you wont believe how disgustingly bad it is for you. Take a good look at all the patrons, really out of shape. Huge, fat, rotund, pleasantly plump, etc.

When I go I sit with some that don't care. This one person orders a huge heap of hash browns. You can see the grease shining and ooozing out. The she pours a ton of ketchup over it. sick. Then they bring a ton of bread, also bad for you. Notice everythig there is just not good at all.

Exception of the white eggs you mention I guess. One egg should do the trick I would say.

Speaking of sausage, I have heard that if you saw how they make it, you wouldnt think of eating it. Serious. Its delicious I know but made quite funky. Most factories scoop remains off the floor and yep pack em in boys! Direct to your kitchen tables.

again, is that telwink's problem or the person ordering the bad stuff? they will gladly substitute sliced tomatos for hash browns. who's pouring the ketchup? bringing bread isn't bad for you. eating it is. who makes that decision?

didn't you just say you went to taco bell? that is "disgustingly bad" IMO

Edited August 7, 2007 by musicman

[westguy]

Coke doesn't use sugar anymore. Most manufacturers have switched to high fructose corn syrup in the past two decades, though it may just be coincidental that it's use has risen with obesity rates. If you want sugar-sweetened soft drinks, go to Fiesta or someplace and buy the Mexican-produced products.

I'm not sure what to take about the study that says diet sodas also increase obesity. Supposedly the lack of calories causes people to crave replacements, but I am more inclined to believe that people who drink them are using them as excuses to eat more. I think it's more psychological than chemical.

[gwilson]

Sweet N Low on its own may not do it, but the rising rates of cancer, while smoking rates have DECLINED for 40 years, tells me that something is out of whack. Frankly, I would rather have my smokes and ditch the Sweet N Low. I get far more enjoyment from tobacco than an artificial sweetener with an aftertaste.

But, hey, that's me.

The amounts of hormones and preservatives in our foods added to the extreme processed nature of most of our diet is what contributes to this, IMO.

It is also part of the reason 14 year old girls are walking around stacked like Pam Anderson (girls weren't built like that when I was a kid).

If I could afford it, and I hope to be able to soon, I will do as much all organic as I can. No/low pesticides, hormones, etc.

The demand on farmers is so much for milk, eggs, meat, that they have to pump hormones in so that the chickens continue to lay, the cows continue to lactate and the animals grow quickly enough to slaughter.

Coke doesn't use sugar anymore. Most manufacturers have switched to high fructose corn syrup in the past two decades, though it may just be coincidental that it's use has risen with obesity rates. If you want sugar-sweetened soft drinks, go to Fiesta or someplace and buy the Mexican-produced products.

I'm not sure what to take about the study that says diet sodas also increase obesity. Supposedly the lack of calories causes people to crave replacements, but I am more inclined to believe that people who drink them are using them as excuses to eat more. I think it's more psychological than chemical.

High Fructose Corn Syrup is worse than sugar, you're right.

When I do drink a coke, I prefer the mexican cokes in the glass bottles that actually use sugar. They taste much better. I get them at the Blockbuster at the corner of Gessner and Bellaire.

[Vertigo58]

didn't you just say you went to taco bell? that is "disgustingly bad" IMO

About 2 months ago actually,

Yes, Taco Bell is as nasty as you can get. I know when I worked there as a kid we used to feel sorry for the people walking in with big smiles on thier faces. (whole new topic)

I wasn't blaming Telwink per se. This is all about the individuals own WILL POWER. Which also brings to mind that if you hang around a crowd that eats at crappy places out of habit, maybe its time to not hang around that temptation. Peer pressure will tell you "Oh come one one little splurge won't hurt" yeah right.

If any one you have a minute to Google and see American Heart Association see the LIST of crap they have under salt intake.

Last time I glanced guess what was number one?

Ramen soups, followed by numerous TV dinners. You will heave/barf.

and yes, Redsc mentioned about sugar/substitutes. I cannot stand sweet/low. It is extremely too suggary for me, but thats me.

I was fortunate that while growing up we ate all kinds of food. Never stuck to just one kind. My uncle owned and ran a Chinese restaurant. So we were eating that at an early age.

I can only say that Mexican sweet bread is like suicide. I am not zeroing in on any ethnic group as I am sure everyone has something that is not healthy. Pan dulce as its called is, well just see how they make it. Majority of it is made of fat/grease you name it its there. When you walk out with the bag you can see the grease seeping through the bag. Mmmmm good.

[jm1fd]

When I do drink a coke, I prefer the mexican cokes in the glass bottles that actually use sugar. They taste much better. I get them at the Blockbuster at the corner of Gessner and Bellaire.

Costco has 'em in bulk for I think $.75/bottle.

[gwilson]

Costco has 'em in bulk for I think $.75/bottle.

Thank God I don't have a costco card.

Also, you have to be careful, there are imposter's. They look JUST like the regular mexican coke bottles but use HFCS instead. So sad.

[musicman]

This is all about the individuals own WILL POWER.

it is and it sounds as if you have little. Edited August 7, 2007 by musicman

[Parrothead]

Here's my big weight-loss secret: take in less, expend more. Oh, wait, that's not a secret!

One of my favorite things about Atkins and other low-carbohydrate programs is that it sort of automatically does that for you. Whenever I am eating off-plan, I almost always take in 2200+ calories (I use fitday.com to log my foods) but when I am on plan, and without effort, I manage to stay between 1500-1900 calories every day. Gotta love that!

When I was doing Atkins flawlessly, I lost 36 pounds. Unfortunately, I have gained it back after going completely OFF plan. Now I am back on it for good, per my endocrinologist. I am on Phase 4, or Maintenance (roughly 100 carbs per day, in the form of low-glycemic fruits, veggies, and grains), during my pregnancy. I am also an insulin-dependent gestational diabetic so I *really* have to watch my carbohydrate intake, and how I eat them as well (combining carbs with proper fats). I have some other issues, PCOS, Thyroid disease, random girly things, stuff you guys probably don't wanna know about.

Anyway, that's how I lost weight....and how I plan to do it again after baby #2 is born!

[travelguy_73]

As Parrothead mentioned, I highly recommend fitday.com to track your food intake. Half the battle of weight loss is understanding exactly how much you eat and how that translates into fat, carbs, and protein. I avoid sugar, startchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots, bread, and pasta. Just cutting those out has made a tremendous difference because it has forced my body to burn fat for energy versus carbs. I eat a ton of chicken, fish, green veggies, nuts (almonds and walnuts), cheese, and a daily protein shake after my workout (Met-rx has a good meal replacement shake, and Optimum Nutrition makes a good whey protein shake--both help with the sweet tooth as well). Breakfast used to be cereal, but is now 3 eggs (not egg whites). Once a week I have a cheat meal of whatever I want...this is vital because it is something I can look forward to, shakes up my metabolism, and helps me keep to the overall plan.

I work out 4 days a week, and get cardio in a couple of days a week.

I can see my abs right now, so something must be working. And no, it isn't genetic!

[Vertigo58]

As Parrothead mentioned, I highly recommend fitday.com to track your food intake. Half the battle of weight loss is understanding exactly how much you eat and how that translates into fat, carbs, and protein. I avoid sugar, startchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots, bread, and pasta. Just cutting those out has made a tremendous difference because it has forced my body to burn fat for energy versus carbs. I eat a ton of chicken, fish, green veggies, nuts (almonds and walnuts), cheese, and a daily protein shake after my workout (Met-rx has a good meal replacement shake, and Optimum Nutrition makes a good whey protein shake--both help with the sweet tooth as well). Breakfast used to be cereal, but is now 3 eggs (not egg whites). Once a week I have a cheat meal of whatever I want...this is vital because it is something I can look forward to, shakes up my metabolism, and helps me keep to the overall plan.

I work out 4 days a week, and get cardio in a couple of days a week.

I can see my abs right now, so something must be working. And no, it isn't genetic!

Right on!

I am staying away from potatoes in all shapes and forms. I used to eat a baked potatoe loaded with sour cream & other junk, good but bad as I heard SOUR CREAM is extremely fattening and yes sir, Avocado's are big time fattening. Goodbye guacamole!

I am surprised at the carrot note though but will delete (from eating) as you mention.

Best news, I just got back from Walmart buying only fruit & vegs. Eating celery as I type. I have no probs with grapefruit either just plain!

I love eating wheat cereal too, just plain.

I strongly feel if you "condition" or psyche yourself into staying focused you can do it.

Man, if this keeps up I may go back to working at La Bare again after all these years! Watch out!Vertigo unleashed!

[KimberlySayWhat]

My regimen:

Cardio, 30 minutes of it at least 4 times a week. If I don't feel like doing cardio one day, I'll just walk, but I have to do it for an hour.

My cardio usually consists of step aerobics or Fit TV. Sometimes I'll do a day of yoga or pilates or whatever.

Arm exercises with light weights. I do this just once a week because I don't want to have big arms. However later in the week I might do something more to work the backs of my arms.

200 reps of sit-ups, crunches, etc to target the abs. Usually about 5-6 times a week.

I do additional reps of various exercises, like leg bends and others just whenever.

Eating:

A of vegetables and fruit.

Spinach salad with light dressing several times a week.

100% whole wheat bread on my sandwich.

No mayonnaise.

Limit your sugar intake.

I don't put butter on anything.

Go light on the cheese.

No red meat.

I juice fresh vegetable several times a week, in fact I've worn out about three juicers and I need a new one as I speak.

A lot of water, ice tea, but I do drink diet drinks like Diet Lipton Green Tea and diet "pop", but I try to limit that. I have a cup of green tea every morning; I don't like coffee. I don't drink alcohol.

On the weekends I'm much more indulgent, especially with the fast food and sweets.

Exercise your face as well. Don't scrunch your face. Moisturize. Wear sun screen.

Don't smoke or do drugs. Stay in school.

Edited August 7, 2007 by KimberlySayWhat

[Parrothead]

I would not avoid avacadoes. They are a wonderful fat, not a bad fat. Plus, because of the fat content, you will feel full faster, so I say go for the guac but skip the corn tortilla chips...try it with celery! I also really like RW Garcia's Flaxseed Tortilla chips (but they are a treat for me as I try to stay away from soy).

[Vertigo58]

As Parrothead mentioned, I highly recommend fitday.com to track your food intake.

I just registered on fitday.com!

Luckily I have a flight of stairs to go up and down. Any idea how long would be a reasonable duration to start and stop?

I found it surprising that some people gain weight after quiting smoking?

Are we saying that the habit of smoking hampers the craving or compulsion to eat? Sounds more of a case of nerves? Correct?

I had a friend on the west coast that smoked for a long time then quit for obvious reasons and told me he was getting chunky as a result? Personal deal I assume?

[travelguy_73]

I mentioned earlier about protein shakes as either a supplement or a meal replacement (depending on what kind you buy). The cost of the powder may seem expensive at first (buy it online, not at GNC), but the health benefits are very real. If you are like me and get crazy food cravings all the freakin' time, the shakes can be an awesome way to fill your craving (and sweet tooth) without consuming empty calories. There are a number of recipes online (try Men's Health for some good ones). You can blend or use a shaker cup, try with milk or just cold water.

My favorite blend is a scoop of chocolate whey protein, frozen raspberries, a scoop of peanut butter (natural only!), flaxseed, and cold water. Blend and you have a nutricious shake that tastes like something from Dairy Queen. And everything in that shake is good for you! Vanilla-flavored protein and frozen peaches is good too (skip the PB on that one, LOL).

For a while, I also took Greens Plus pills, but it got too expensive and time-consuming. I'll just eat my veggies, thank-you-very-much.

[travelguy_73]

I just registered on fitday.com!

Luckily I have a flight of stairs to go up and down. Any idea how long would be a reasonable duration to start and stop?

Everything I have read says that you need to elevate your heart rate for 20 minutes a day to gain benefit from cardio activity. Careful with the stairs though...don't want to accelerate joint issues! I ran throughout high school and university but now have to stick to the bike because my knees are a mess (can't even do squats and I'm only 34).

I found it surprising that some people gain weight after quiting smoking?

Are we saying that the habit of smoking hampers the craving or compulsion to eat? Sounds more of a case of nerves? Correct?

I had a friend on the west coast that smoked for a long time then quit for obvious reasons and told me he was getting chunky as a result? Personal deal I assume?

I think smoking suppresses the appetite. I don't know if it is psychological or physical, but that seems to be the case. Outside of the genetic issued related to weight gain, we eat for so many reasons that it is hard to point at one thing as a cause.

[Vertigo58]

Go for it and Reward Yourself!

I hope everyone on Haif reads and prints the attached list and tapes to their foreheads or dashboard, etc.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jht...ntifier=3039981

It's a real motivator.

and stay away from plain salt. You don't need it.

Edited August 7, 2007 by Vertigo58