Weight Loss?
 

Anyone here actively and agressively trying to lose weight?

I'm down 12 lbs in 10 days. I am currently doing Atkins, I don't plan on doing Atkins long-term, but I have to say that I'm amazed at how well it works when you're trying to get back up on the horse.

For the longest time I'd laughed at people who did the Atkins diet and either failed because they didn't it half-assed or they simply gave up. I also mocked it's principles because they go against everything we know. However, after seeing many lose a ton of weight by not doing much at all I figured I'd give it a try.

I'll tell you, if you follow the rules it does work. However, it still doesn't seem naturally healthy to me. I'm going to move to Body For Life at the end of the first 30 days. The principles of that program seem much healthier and it emphasizes discipline and balance.

Any one have techniques that have worked for them?

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I am currently and actively and aggressively on a new me plan.

I work out four times a week. I no longer even attempt to argue with my trainer about atkins or any other diet...as he has me on a nutritional plan that works...and is very healthy for me, using foods I will eat, not that crap they try to make you eat.

I lose one pound a week, no more, no less...men can lose two....bastards.....no offense...but my honey is doing the same thing....and has lost twice the weight in half the time.

I have metabolism and once I lose the rest of my weight...people will be able to see the toning of my muscles....

I've decided to make this a permanent thing, because we put in a flagstone patio this spring and I had to sit down every fifteen minutes. I thought I was dying.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I also pay a trainer because otherwise, I don't know that I would do it.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

nah man, I have been struggling with it for a long time... and I gleefully waste thousands of dollars on weight loss stuff all the time. I couldnt do atkins... i just love bread way to much. But one of my Filipino employees sent me a cook book for pansit and as soon as I can talk my wife into buying the noodles on line I think we will have a whole bunch of new, very healthy choices to add to our diets.

but if ya know of any good pillls LOL


spaz

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Let me just say - whatever Raven is doing is working!

I've gained 10 pounds in the last few months - and I was already 40 pounds over what I know I should weigh so I am trying to cut down. Eating out is my killer though. And the fact that the only exercise I get is walking to the car........

Re: Weight Loss?
 

That sounds really smart, and it is something i would try too except it would be impossible here. I would have to drive for 2 hours to get anywhere close to where a personal trainer would be.... i guess it is the price I have to pay for living in a small town


spaz

Re: Weight Loss?
 

To each their own. There are lots of things that will work. My entire family maintains good health and is very active. I get lazy and often enjoy cooking and subsequently eating more than working out. I was looking at some recent pictures and was disgusted at what I saw. I look 10 years older than I really am.

I took a drastic step in the right direction.

Everything in moderation. Burn more calories than you consume. Enjoy the change of life.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Amen!

My summer vactioning. (Look!! I still take less holidays that Bush!!) has been adding on the pounds , plus littke exercise when at home.

I tried Atkins a yeart or so ago , dropped 20lbs in a mth.

Gained it back real quick , and also read the fact that basically you are making your body act like you are diabetic.

I think it is really an unsafe and unsound diet from what I have read.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I did Atklins for two months and a half months last year and lost 38 lbs as I was doing cardio work 6 times a week as well. Then I broke my elbow and my diet and exercisde got all shot to hell. Thinking about trying this new approach that is called Slow Carbs for Life. Not nearly as restrictive as Atkins and still effective. I'm also considering, believe it or not, trying Jenny Craig. :blush: One of the Packer players did it in the offseason here and loved it.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Atkins isnt a diet, its a weight loss program. And a very efficient one.


But its certainly not a healthy diet.


I lost 15 pounds in the last year or so, I dont really know how that happened... Another ten and Ill almost be healthy ;)

Re: Weight Loss?
 

this is a point that has always annoyed me and that no one seems to understand. the initial dramatic weight loss is not fat. losing weight and losing fat should never be confused.

a significant amount of dehydration occurs in the first 2 weeks and it will be 50% or more of total weight loss.

your muscles store glycogen with water together.

stop eating carbs... you then deplete glycogen stores... stored water gets pissed out... body weight drops really fast.

then of course... start eating carbs again.. the opposite occurs. you can gain 10-20 pounds in a few days (depending on your own body composition/muscle mass) which is also not fat.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I've heard good things about the Lindora diet from a few people I know that are on it. If anybody's interested in checking it out... http://www.lindora.com/ :)

Re: Weight Loss?
 

checking it out now thanks :)

spaz

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I've simply stopped drinking surgared sodas, switched to sweet n low in my coffee and cut out white bread in place of whole grain bread and I take a one mile walk every night plus do 30 minutes on the ab-lounger every day and have lost 15 pounds in the last two months, including a full notch on my belt and I feel better than I've felt in years. When the weather here starts cooling down, I plan on increasing my one mile walk to twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Simple, old fashioned, eating better and getting exercise is working well for me...

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Tha'ts exactly what you need.

Limit the caloric intake, increase the expenditure.

or

Eat less, workout more.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Speaking as a diabetic, I'm with Anthony, Sykkboy and JR on this one.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Speaking of gradual weight loss, I started improving what I ate about 18 months ago. Just more variety, more seafood, a lot more fresh vegetables. Still eating the red meat, the pastas and such. But less often. Lost 10 pounds over the course of a year. Then it stopped.

I know I have to do some exercise (the only I do now is walking, and it's either feast or famine -- seems I'm either sitting at the computer all the time or somehow going on marathon walks, don't ask me why.) I felt best at 180-185 lbs and a 34-36 waist. But the last time I was that was about 15 years ago. Got up to 212, now hovering around 200.

I really have to lose that 15 or 20 more pounds though. And get myself toned again. And quit smoking. Grrr. Ok, one thing at a time. I'm sure if I get exercising, I'll probably get out of breath more often and stop smoking. My problem is -- like others -- actually DOING it instead of talking about it.

The other problem is -- and I welcome any tips or recommendations on this one -- is when I actually get going, I REALLY get going!! Too much!

What's scuttled all of my past attempts has been that. It's like hitting the gas pedal and the brake at the same time then taking the foot off the gas (for all you ex-street racers out there, you know what I mean!) The momentum to actually get off my ass builds and builds and wham I got at it too much, too fast and have always ended up hurting myself at the start of every time I finally got off my butt and exercised.

I just don't know how to get the impetus to do it, and then when ready do it nice and slow and carefully. Now that I'm even older and more out of shape (eesh!) I'm even MORE concerned about hurting myself good by doing too much too fast. Thoughts?

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Thanks, Peaches....I gave up sugar years ago, so that wasn't so much the problem. But, when a formerly active and fairly petite girl gains as much weight as I did....and then can't breathe....it became a life and death thing for me..or it did in my own head.

As it's been explained to me..just weight loss doesn't distinguish between the loss of fat and protein and carbs..it's indiscriminatory...so working out...or weight resistance training tones my muscles as the nutrition plan and cardio allow me to lose that one lousy pound a week....I still have a ways to go.....but, in all reality, I could go for a long brisk walk which doesn't require a gym...I could go out and buy a set of free weights...even doing them wrong will do something.....I could buy a treadmill....

Money is what has resonance for me...which is why I chose to go this route..and, as Steve says...everyone makes their choices. I have tried dieting.....including Atkins..and, yes, it takes the weight off and rather quickly.. But, I want a metabolism..so that when I go to Internext, I gain one pound..instead of ten....and then lose it within a few days. Gotta love metabolism....

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Whatever you been doing its had an impact in a month!

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Guess it's going to be the Svelte Fucking Nobodies meeting at the salad bar soon! http://oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/smile.gif











Naaaawwwww!!!

Re: Weight Loss?
 

It's the diet that I am on doof, why didn't you mention that?


If you order anything from them, order the book Lean For Life.


Lindora is not a diet, it's a lifestyle change.. After you've lost all the weight you want you start a maintenance plan to keep healthy and keep it off, for life!

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Unfortunately all diets place some strain on your body - some more so than others. When you lose weight fast it can throw the way your body functions way out of balance and some organs can evenb begin to fail.

For example, if you were ever likely to have problems with your thyroid sudden weight loss will bring them on very quickly. If you already do have thyroid problems sudden weight loss will make it much much worse.

So if you're dieting keep in tune with your body because it will tell you if it isn't feeling happy and if you notice any unusual signs go see a doctor.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I was on Atkins a few years ago, lost about 20lbs, but found it hard to stay on it. Since then I have gained all of it back, plus interest :rolleyes:

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I've also cut out my late night snacking and if we order a pizza, instead of grabbing 4-5 slices like I used to, I take 2 slices and drink a lot of water with it.

Drav, I still eat red meat and pastas too, but have become more selective with my sauces (and the amount of sauce) and I eat a lot of fresh veggies with the red meat. I also eat those Lean Cuisine meals and they seem to be large enough to fill me up and all of that along with the exercise is really helping.

I'm even joining a co-ed softball league with some friends this fall.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

In a month, Gonzo? ROFL...this is my fifth month of torture.....But, hey, I AM Raven.
Damn, that night was funny...

Re: Weight Loss?
 

On my diet, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want. You can eat a whole strawberry cheesecake at 3 a.m. and all that happens is you get fat!

Re: Weight Loss?
 

We share something in common ;)

Re: Weight Loss?
 

You must fight nature when it comes to losing weight.

Our bodies are designed for feast or famine. Cavemen went for long times not eating. Think about that for a second.

When there's food, your body wants to store it in fat. When it loses that fat due to some fad diet (Starvation/famine), your body remembers, and now wants to make sure that it is prepared for the next famine, so it stores even more fat.

Do it smart, lower your intake, increase your expenditure.

Colin is a good person to get insight on this.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Less intake, no fast food or alcohol .. ab crunches, cardio vascular, weights all around, stretching, punchbag each day with some slow release whey smoothies with either pineapple or a banana ..

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Because you haven't officially really started it, I mean, to a "T"...

But, since we know someone that did and you've talked to others that have said good things about them and it seems to have worked for them, I mentioned them.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Been there, done that....starved myself thinner and gained it all back. Done with that. Now I eat six times a day....work out, let a trainer beat on me three times a week, cardio four times a week....and four months later...even I can see the difference. It's slow; but, it took me seven years to get out of shape. I figure a year is worth it.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

No alcohol?! http://oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/eek.gif

Oh screw that, I'll just rent a forklift some day!! http://oprano.com/msgboard/images/smilies/drink.gif

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Try meth...

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Jenny Crank? :lol:

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Re: Weight Loss?
 

yes this option is one i have considered and reconsidered over and over. I am approx 6 foot tall and weigh in excess of 450lbs... the reason for the estimate... try and find a scale that will weigh you when your that heavy... you seriously need a cattle scale and.... well those are a bit out of my price range.... would i benefit from GB cuttin? Yeah no doudt about it. But at about $20K for the cutting and another $30K for the plastic fixes later (the hanging roll of skin) it is so far out of my reach it's more like a fantasy like winning the lotto.... not to mention the fact that a lot of insurance companies wont cover the surgery because they view it as 'unnessesary'. But I dream of the day I could get GB and view it in my case as a real life saver.


spaz

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I'm still dealing with the skin, however, insurance covered the GB...Anyone 100lbs or more overweight is now undeniably covered by insurance. Taking any shitty day job with benefits makes it worthwhile. Just don't come back after you get cut. You simply cannot believe the difference in how you feel and live with all that weight gone.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

And the skin thing? Two points on this.

1. Everyone you know and everyone you will meet in the future will be so amazed by how skinny you have gotten, the skin is not an issue to anyone but yourself.

2. Medical tourisim in Thailand. The $30k is reduced to about $6k in Bangkok, at a hospital that is recognized as one of the best in the world...I'm shooting for March on that.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Bumrungrad is awesome. I used to live on Sukhumvit. Been to that hospital a few times. Many of my friends from Eastern Russia have flown there for various surgeries as well. Cheap. Amazingly professional and high tech.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Exactly where I'm going! Gonna get a room at the Nana hotel for 3 days, do unspeakable thing with the gogo girls, then get cut and stay at the Bumrungrad serviced apartments till they decide it dosen't hurt bad enough to fly for 23 hours back here.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Dude - go get a complete medical exam and contact this guy:
http://www.vizualxcellence.com/

You're on a b-line to very serious probs. That guy is a training/diet guru. He trains/consults with everyone from competitive bodybuilders to the average joe. Explain your situation and he'll set you up on a program for you that you can handle to start.

Skin will shrink unless your like 90...plus there are things you can do/drink to help shrink the skin gradually (natural lemon juice tightens the skin). That should be the least of your worries in all honesty tho.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

down 124 lbs and counting....

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I know what you mean. When I end a relationship I always have to lose the 20-30lbs I put on, and when I start it off I'm so pumped I keep going, but after being idle for so long, even with plenty of stretching, you'll be all cramped up for like 5-7 days. You are just so pumped to start getting results.

You gotta write down what and how much you are going to do before you exercise when just getting back into it. And when you get back into it, keep going, find some motivation. My only motivation is women, I don't really care what I look like. I'm starting to get back into the gym, but very slowly...still fucking my ex girlfriend. I'm at my fattest ever at 202. My thinnest as an adult was when I was single 2 years ago, 153 at 6' 3". We should start an exercise support forum on oprano, this biz makes everyone get outa shape at some point or another.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Actually, you're not 100% right and you're not 100% wrong. I'm not a nutritionist, a personal trainer or a guru of fitness, or pysiology. However, I'd agree with you if I wasn't monitoring body fat. I'm working out too and you know what? If I'm retaining that much extra water, I'm glad to have it gone.

Sorry to annoy you. 15lbs is 15lbs and it's a great start. I'll be doing Atkins for another 5 days and then I'll be moving to a sensible meal plan again.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

By the way I'll be heading out tonight to get some new pants and a new belt Both of which aren't workign now that I'm down an entire pants size since Internext.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

I'm proud that people are talking so openly and frankly on this subject. I've always had little will power to food.

I'm working my way down quickly to get those initial easy pounds off. I'm running, biking, swimming, and doing weights on alternating days.

My entire family is fitness conscious, I'm the odd man out. I have a brother that's been a trainer for the Giants, another brother that's a triathlete, a senior citizen father who's in better shape than most people that I know.

Fitness is a very important thing but getting that initial weight off is a key part of finding and continuing motivation.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

Why is it?

I had an uncle, 35 he was - ran, swam, biked and did all sorts. He still died at 35 of a heart attack!

Before you ask he'd been in to fitness since school and he's the only one from my mothers side ever to die of a heart attack.

Answer me that.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

all you know is that he died of a heart attack. there was a reason for it. heart attacks don't happen to 35 year olds without reason.

and that still does not mean that being healthier isn't healthier ;)

Re: Weight Loss?
 

1) i am not wrong.

2) i am not annoyed. if you need to believe what you believe to keep going thats great. but a poor understanding of what you are doing will be hurtful in the long run when weight loss slows/stops and like most, you will get depressed and feel a sense of hopelessness the first time you eat some sugar and gain 10 pounds and think you gained fat, not realizing that it is water. water that your body would be holding anyway under normal conditions.

3) 15 pounds of water is still 15 pounds of water. the goal is to lose fat. there is no point to dehydrating yourself and calling it weight loss when you will gain it all back by simply drinking fluids. the net fat loss will still be zero in the end.

read up a little on ketogenic diets. there is better information available losing weight by inducing ketosis in body building articles about CKD's (cyclical ketogenic diets) and TKD's (targeted ketogenic diets) than about atkins. if you really want to understand the mechanics of ketosis, read "The Ketogenic Diet" by Lyle McDonald - which is as of to date, the most comprehensive source of information on the matter. atkins and others do not talk much about the physiology involved simply because there are few studies on ketogenic diets and most of what is known comes from studies in using these diets to control epilepsy in children.

i would love to debate the issue all day, but i fear it would fall on deaf ears. i have read the books. read the studies, and i spend 5 days a week in the gym and consider myself fairly well informed on the subject.

4) losing 12 pounds of fat only in 10 days would require a caloric deficit of over 3600 calories per day which is not likely. right now i eat 2200-2500 cals a day at 5'10" and 240 pounds and my BMR is around 2200. that would mean i would have to eat zero and then run for an hour and a half every day to achieve that. if you know anything about basic physiology and exercise science, you would know that you cannot lose fat that fast without losing significant muscle mass as well. your heart is also a muscle. most who do achieve this level weight loss (unless they are morbidly obese) cause significant damage to their heart. thats why it is always recommended that safe weight loss should be around 1-2 pounds per week.

Re: Weight Loss?
 

It also doesn't mean being healthier is going to make you live longer either :)