People Who Have Lost Weight Or People With Medical Knowledge

[RhymesayersDU]

Here's a question: Are any of these diet pills (Stacker, Hydroxycut, etc) safe to aid in weight loss?

Before anybody answers, I do want to state that I have vastly changed my diet since coming home, and I work out daily. I just feel like I could use a little boost and help in the area. So I'm not necessarily looking for some wonder pill, but if there is something out there that could help, it would be good to know.

I'm not morbidly obese or anything, but I wouldn't mind dropping some poundage and flattening out the belly a little bit.

While we're on topic, anybody got any diet tips, or things that have worked for them?

[Spider]

Here's a question: Are any of these diet pills (Stacker, Hydroxycut, etc) safe to aid in weight loss?

Before anybody answers, I do want to state that I have vastly changed my diet since coming home, and I work out daily. I just feel like I could use a little boost and help in the area. So I'm not necessarily looking for some wonder pill, but if there is something out there that could help, it would be good to know.

I'm not morbidly obese or anything, but I wouldn't mind dropping some poundage and flattening out the belly a little bit.

While we're on topic, anybody got any diet tips, or things that have worked for them?
well this isnt what you are looking for , but I dropped from 250 , to 210 ,I realy didnt change my diet , my seceret was getting heavier chains to throw , and putting more chains on a load then it required ....... Chains I throw now are 90 pounders 30 foot long , then when using snap boomers , take the extra link and realy work to get it to snap ........ I also find walking up and down mountian sides works realy well also , I dont know what kind of work you do ,but if in a office , use stairs , park futher away , and lay off the soda if you drink soda .........

[BroncoBuff]

Here's a question: Are any of these diet pills (Stacker, Hydroxycut, etc) safe to aid in weight loss?


Couple ideas:1) - If you haven't switched to diet soda and soft drinks, there's plenty of calories to be cut by doing so. Despite what you might think, it's not a deprivation of any kind. It tastes bad at first of course, but after 2 or 3 weeks, suddenly it tastes much better than the sugar-sodas ever did. Something about the aspartame molecule fooling your taste buds.

2) - Ephedra and ephedrine are actually still legal while the FDA goes through the appeals process. You can get 'em on the Internet ... just be careful and hydrate if you use them. Don't go Korey Stringer on us.

3) - Switch you butter/margarine spread to Smart Balance or Promise. They taste great imo, and are actually therapeutic because they are loaded with HDL (high density lipo-protein) cholesterol - the GOOD cholesterol ... the more good cholesterol the better, because it cancels out the bad LDL ... it "balances" them, hence the name.

[RhymesayersDU]

Gracias guys.

I don't drink regular soda at all, so I'm good there. But I will look into the butter suggestions and perhaps talk to the Doc about ephedra.

[Spider]

Gracias guys.

I don't drink regular soda at all, so I'm good there. But I will look into the butter suggestions and perhaps talk to the Doc about ephedra.
I will say , I didnt use diet aids , but I feel alot stronger , faster now then I did at 250 ........But Swimming , that will do more for you then diet pills ........
I just hate to see people lose weight the wrong way or the easy way , most i know that have used diet pills have lost wieght only to gain more back a year down the road .......

[RhymesayersDU]

I will say , I didnt use diet aids , but I feel alot stronger , faster now then I did at 250 ........But Swimming , that will do more for you then diet pills ........
I just hate to see people lose weight the wrong way or the easy way , most i know that have used diet pills have lost wieght only to gain more back a year down the road .......

I've been reading that as well. The main point I've been reading is that you can't really "diet" at all, because once you get off the diet, you're screwed. It's gotta be a lifestyle change. So we'll see. I just gotta stick to my workout program and be conscious of what I put in my body, I guess.

[Spider]

I've been reading that as well. The main point I've been reading is that you can't really "diet" at all, because once you get off the diet, you're screwed. It's gotta be a lifestyle change. So we'll see. I just gotta stick to my workout program and be conscious of what I put in my body, I guess.
thats the best way ....... all that matters is you are healthy ....... all I set out to do was lose the spare tire ;D
but i have worked Muscles I forgot I had .........

[RhymesayersDU]

thats the best way ....... all that matters is you are healthy ....... all I set out to do was lose the spare tire ;D
but i have worked Muscles I forgot I had .........

Like the love muscle? ;)

[BroncoBuff]

I will say , I didnt use diet aids , but I feel alot stronger , faster now then I did at 250 ........But Swimming , that will do more for you then diet pills ........
I just hate to see people lose weight the wrong way or the easy way , most i know that have used diet pills have lost wieght only to gain more back a year down the road .......

You look pretty tall in your pix, Spider ... how tall? The 40 or so pounds you lost - not diet, but just lifting heavy chains? How long was it ... and did you lose mostly fat or what?

I agree that swimming is the best exercise - zero impact, negative ion rush, full-body workout. My gf uses a Tony Little "Gazelle" - like the commercials (you can do it!) ... it's actually an excellent machine - really. Zero impact, it works both legs and arms, and it's aerobic. Unlike swimming, though, it does nothing for your gut, and you should really stretch out both before and after you use it.

I need to get started on a program of some kind too ... I'm 6'6", and when I moved from LA to Seattle nearly three years ago I was a svelte 230. I hesitate to admit this here, but I'm pushing 300 now. I look like hell. Something's gotta change. Rhymes - maybe we can have a weight-loss friendly competition or ?? .. encourage each other like those chicks in Weight Watchers.

[RhymesayersDU]

Rhymes - maybe we can have a weight-loss friendly competition or ?? .. encourage each other like those chicks in Weight Watchers.

That's a great idea dude. I google'd "Weight loss tips" and I came across this website with 50 tips to losing weight. One of those tips was join a support group/blog/forum with others in your same situation.

We should start a "self improvement" thread or hell maybe board (if TJ will let us) as a subforum here on the 'Mane, where we can share workout programs, foods, recipes, etc. I'm headed to the grocery store now and I'm getting that butter you recommended, along with some other healthy items.

Also, I just found this website last night, it's called FitDay.com. Totally free, you sign up, put in your height and weight, and then it takes you to a menu where you can type in everything you ate that day. It calculates fat, calories, etc for your food. Then you can input everything you did that day. From taking a shower, to walking the dog, to even sex is on the "activities" portion, and it will tell you how many calories you burned. (And yes, I checked. Active sex for 30 minutes = 26 calories burned.)

You can chart progress, weight loss, etc. Today is literally my first day using FitDay, but it seems pretty damn cool.

[Orange_Beard]

well this isnt what you are looking for , but I dropped from 250 , to 210 ,I realy didnt change my diet , my seceret was getting heavier chains to throw , and putting more chains on a load then it required ....... Chains I throw now are 90 pounders 30 foot long , then when using snap boomers , take the extra link and realy work to get it to snap ........ I also find walking up and down mountian sides works realy well also , I dont know what kind of work you do ,but if in a office , use stairs , park futher away , and lay off the soda if you drink soda .........

Great tips. I am not really even sure what "chains" are but the concept of walking and not taking the easy way are part of what keeps me fit.

Also "soda" is the devil.

[Spider]

You look pretty tall in your pix, Spider ... how tall? 6'0 even


The 40 or so pounds you lost - not diet, but just lifting heavy chains? How long was it ... and did you lose mostly fat or what?
Some of it , alot of it was retoning what I had , I used to be a brute , got lazy ;D retoned now though

I agree that swimming is the best exercise - zero impact, negative ion rush, full-body workout. My gf uses a Tony Little "Gazelle" - like the commercials (you can do it!) ... it's actually an excellent machine - really. Zero impact, it works both legs and arms, and it's aerobic. Unlike swimming, though, it does nothing for your gut, and you should really stretch out both before and after you use it.

I need to get started on a program of some kind too ... I'm 6'6", and when I moved from LA to Seattle nearly three years ago I was a svelte 230. I hesitate to admit this here, but I'm pushing 300 now. I look like hell. Something's gotta change. Rhymes - maybe we can have a weight-loss friendly competition or ?? .. encourage each other like those chicks in Weight Watchers.
;D swimming is damn good , but here is how I did it , I didnt worry about it , Seriously I stayed away from scales , worked hard, parked futher from the Truck stop store and walked , Drank Gatorade ,let things progress from there , all in all I lost 40 pounds in a year , but it is staying off ..... I didnt starve myself , didnt measure or wiegh myself , just went about life ......

[Spider]

Great tips. I am not really even sure what "chains" are but the concept of walking and not taking the easy way are part of what keeps me fit.

Also "soda" is the devil.

Logging Chains to secure loads on my trailer ...... I have 90 pounders now that I have to "throw "over cargo to secure it ........ want a work out , Just throw 90 pound chains 6 times a day ;D

[Spider]

I still drink mountian Dew , just not as much ;D

[BroncoBuff]

Hey §pider ... can you ship me a crate of those special weight-loss chains? ;D

That's a great idea dude. I google'd "Weight loss tips" and I came across this website with 50 tips to losing weight. One of those tips was join a support group/blog/forum with others in your same situation.

We should start a "self improvement" thread or hell maybe board (if TJ will let us) as a subforum here on the 'Mane, where we can share workout programs, foods, recipes, etc. I'm headed to the grocery store now and I'm getting that butter you recommended, along with some other healthy items.

Awesome, Rhymes - awesome stuff. I actually suggested to TJ that he start two new rooms: a tech/computers/phones/games room, and a Health Room for weight loss and health stuff ... he might still do it. But for now, one of us should start a new thread maybe? Inviting others too?

Right now I'm going to the store to stock up for CU-Arizona State, so I'll start my eating-right part now ... plus I'll try to weigh myself while I'm out (we don't have a scale).

I have the funny feeling that in a few months I'm gonna owe you - big time - for starting this thread.

[Spider]

Hey §pider ... can you ship me a crate of those special weight-loss chains? ;D




Sure , all you do is buy 3/8th cargo chain , then find some realy big Iron , then throw the chains over it .........

[loborugger]

Rhymer, I would definitely, without a doubt, stay away from the ephedra stuff. It raises your internal body temp - that is how it cranks up your metabolism.

Folks on here have made a lot of good suggestions.

For my money - nothing but nothing beats running. Even better, all you need is a good pair of running shoes.

I see you live in Abq - lotsa good places to run there. I used to run on that sidewalk along Tramway.

If you lift weights or go to a gym, a good tip is to keep moving. Guys in there will do a set, rest for 5 minutes, and then do another set. If you keep moving, studies show that it not only increases fat burning, but will encourage muscle development more quickly.

Good luck.

BTW, I just recovered from double foot surgery. I am looking to shed the lbs that I put on while I recovering (I think I have lost a few). If you wanna keep tabs on each other, that would be cool. GL.

[BroncoBuff]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6337/1111dy5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[kappys]

I actually lost around 25 lbs and have some medical knowledge.

I recommend staying away from dietary supplements. Think about it this way - if any company could prove they had a safe pill to induce weight loss the profits would like be in the trillions of dollars.

Topamax(an antiseizure drug) is a proven appetite suppresant. The side effects are generally mild, however, use for this purpose is not FDA approved and sudden withdrawal of the medicine could have very serious side effects.

A few meds like Xenical block the absorption of intestinal fat. The side effect is oily diarrhea every time you eat fatty foods.

Most other diet supplements had amphetamine like compounds, which are similar in effect to ephedra. The side effects of these can be quite severe such as sudden death. Many people believe that they can beat the odds by being careful and well hydrated. However, there is some evidence that the mechanism of action of these drugs can cause slowly accumulative heart damage leading to heart failure.

Caffeine as an appetite suppresant seems relatively safe. One study looking at people drinking 5 cups+ of coffee a day did not seem to show any increased risk of heart disease. That's still less caffeine then one would get by using over the counter pills frequently.

I lost weight via dropping regular soda, as many mentioned. Also I went the South Beach way and try to avoid white sugars, flour, etc. My policy is only to eat a desert item if I know it will be particularly good from a fine restaurant or bakery - no grocery store deserts or cheap candy.

[RhymesayersDU]

Well, in the spirit of encouragement, blogging, etc, I figure I'll keep this thread going.

Walked 3.3 miles with my mom and our two dogs this morning. Boy am I tired! But, the good thing is I got off my butt and walked during all the pre-game hoopla, and now I'm home and showered with only 30 minutes until the morning games start, and a day full of football ahead of me!

[Spider]

Well, in the spirit of encouragement, blogging, etc, I figure I'll keep this thread going.

Walked 3.3 miles with my mom and our two dogs this morning. Boy am I tired! But, the good thing is I got off my butt and walked during all the pre-game hoopla, and now I'm home and showered with only 30 minutes until the morning games start, and a day full of football ahead of me!
3.3 miles ..Damn good start ....... impressive ..........

[BroncoBuff]

Also "soda" is the devil.

Do tell.

I have an anti-soda story you won't believe ... but explain your remark first.

[BroncoBuff]

I actually lost around 25 lbs and have some medical knowledge.

Good info, kappy. ("Kappy retired, huh? It's PO-mona ... not Ramona. God, you'll be in the car half the time.")

What about Hoodia? Those 60 Minutes fossils really unleashed a spam mountain on me with Hoodia ...

Any advances on treatments to counter the human body's lockdown "survival mode starvation beater" hormone called ghrelin? Even the best diets usually "hit the wall" 6 to 8 weeks in, when this mega-powerful human hormone senses starvartion and unleashes an irresistable urge to gorge. Biological self-defense. Let's see Jenny Craig beat that one.

BTW - Jenny Craig is fat. Too fat to be her own spokesman now ... Dr. Atkins had layers and layes of fat, and Carney Wilson has gained back much of her gastric-bypass weight looss - as I'm now hearing the great majority eventually do.

Well, for 25,000 years or however many, humans and their ancestors fought and scraped for food and sustenence. It's just the past 100 that food has become so readily plentiful. It ought to take awhile for our biology to adapt. I hope it adapys in the next 6 months or so .... I look like hell!

[BroncoBuff]

Anti-Obesity Vaccine

Recently Scripps research scientists have developed an anti-obesity vaccine, which is directed against the hormone ghrelin. The vaccine uses the immune system, specifically antibodies, to bind to selected targets, directing the body's own immune response against them. This prevents ghrelin from reaching the central nervous system, thus producing a desired reduction in weight gain.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghrelin

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I'm all for a weight loss challenge thread here.

After I quit playing ball in college I gained about 40 pounds of fat. I lost most of it with an Atkins type diet before anyone ever heard of him. Over the years I have done that a couple of more times.

As I have gotten older, the body has changed and while I weigh only about 5-10 pounds more than I did 35 years ago, I could lose 30-35. My joints can't take running anymore, but I do 30 minutes on an old Nordic Trak machine every morning for some cardio exercise. I eat almost no sweets, but I could certainly improve my diet.

[scorpio]

Here you go, fatties.

Marcus' guide to nutrition for weight loss (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=1222)

Gravithomer's Fat Loss Guide (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=19229)



:flower:

[ludo21]

I went on vacation to Colorado for the game and i went Rafting, Hiking all weekend

[Master___Pain]

Rhymes, it appears that you have received some sage advice so far.

Bypass the diet pills, thay are a waste of time

You don't drink soda so that's good.

If you are going to drink beer, go light. And don't have a twelver. It's best to cut out booze all together, but I like beer and red wine a lot so that my splurge "foods".

Try and eat these twelve powers foods every day

Almonds and other nuts/seeds
Good: Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkins seeds, avacados
Bad:Smoked and salted nuts
Why? The fat in these nuts/seeds helps suppress your appetite. Great mid-late day snack

Beans and legumes
Good:Soy beans, pinto, garbonzo(chickpeas) black beans, white beans, kidney beans, green beans, lentils, hummus, edamame
Bad: Refried beans or baked beans
Why? Lots of good protien, iron and fiber

Spinach and other greens (tough to get fresh spinach right now though)
Good: Spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus, peppers, field greens, romaine, arugala
Bad: Iceberg lettuce (basically it's all water. It's pretty much worthless)
Why? Lots of vitamins and good fiber.

Dairy, Fat free or Low fat
Good: Milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese
Bad: Whole milk (lots o fat) frozen yogurt (lots o sugar)
Why? Calcium is a key ingredient to weight loss. You can also use the milk or yogurt as a base for a smoothie

Oatmeal (Get the one minute Oaker or store brand plain oats)
Good: Oatmeal and other high fiber cereals
Bad: Flavored or sweetened oatmeal
Why? Lowers cholesteral, sittfles the appetite
Tip use fresh/frozen berries with the oatmeal. Use honey as a sweetener

Eggs
Good: Eggs, egg whites, egg beaters
Bad: Loaded omelette
Why? The protien in eggs is better at building muscle than most other sources of protien
Tip: For quick scrambled eggs, beat them in a microwave safe bowl and nuke for 60-90 seconds.

Turkey and other lean meats
Good:Turkey, Chicken, fish (salmon and tuna in particular) shellfish, Canadian bacon, lean beef like extra lean ground beef, tenderloin, flank steak, london broil
Bad: Sausage, bacon, cured meats, ham, fatty cuts of steak
Why? It takes more enrgy to burn protien than carbs or fat, so you simply burn more calories by eating these meats. It's also got lots of protien to help build muscle.

Peanut Butter
Good: All natrual and sugar free peanut or almond butter
Bad: Sugary brands or transfaty peanut butters
Why? Contains monosaturated fats which help to keep you full and it tastes pretty good!

Olive Oil
Good: Olive Oil, canola oil, peanut oil, sesame oil
Bad:Vegatable oil and hydrogenated oils, trans fatty acids, margarine
Why? Same monosaturated fats as the peanut butter. Curbs cravings.

Whole Grain breads and cereals
Good: Whole grain bread and cereal, brown rice, whole wheat pretzels, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas
Bad: White bread, bagels, doughnuts, breads labeled as "wheat" not "whole wheat"
Why? Aids the digestion systems because these are fiber rich, keeps insulin levels low so you are less likely to store fat.

Extra-Protien Whey Powder
Good: Whey powder, ricotta cheese
Not as good: Soy Protien (Get the Whey powder)
Why? High quality protien that has amino acids, which build muscle and burns fat. Highest amount of protien in the least amount of calories.

Berries
Good: Rasberries, Blue berries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries and other fruits like apples and pears
Bad: Jelly or preserves
Why? Lots of antioxidants and have fiber to keep you feeling full.
Tip: Blueberries are the most power packed of the bunch that are readily available. If you want something really good, try finding Acai (a brazilian palm fruit) at your local health food store. The stuff I like it made (into a pulp that great for smoothies) by a company called Sambazon.

Try to eat 6 times a day and workout at least three times a week

[scorpio]

I think you owe David Zinczenko $24.95

[OrangeShadow]

best way is to diet, excersise(i run a lot) and drink a lot of water

[Bronco9798]

My favorite subject.

Never use the word "Diet" you set your self up for failure. Losing weight and maintaining your ideal weight is about "Life change". It's actually easy to lose weight, it's harder to maintain it once you lose it.

Losing weight is all about two things. Food and Excercise. Don't deprive yourself of food to lose weight. You have to eat to lose weight. Eating 5 or 6 small meals a day is the perfect way to keep your motor burning and burning calories all day long. Never miss Breakfast. It's like starting your motor. You want to feed your body with fuel (food) every 3 to 4 hours to keep your metabolic rate working.

Foods to avoid are almost anything white. Bread, rice, potatos, etc. I eat whole wheat bread, Brown rice, Sweet potatos, etc., There are a ton of good foods to eat. Just avoid chips, fast foods, and the high carbs stuff.
Pretty easy really. I snack on almonds, protien bars, yogurt, etc., I also eat two MRP's day. (Meal Replacement Powders). These are great for one or two of your 6 meals a day.

Excercise is the key though. I lift two to three days a week and run 4 to 5 times days a week. The best excercise for burning body fat is interval training on a treadmill. It only takes 20 minutes and is "High-Impact" training. It basically consists of Walking, jogging, and sprinting in 30 sec to 1 minute intervals for 20 minutes. It's tough but if you want quick results, try it.

Don't think you have to drink water to lose weight. You need to keep your body hydrated but water isn't the only solution. That theory is overrated. You can drink diet pop, unsweeted tea, etc. Just make sure it has no calories in it. People tend to drink to much of their daily caloric intake instead of eating it.

I weigh 185 and I'm 6'1. Ive maintained my weight for 10 years now. I started out with the body for life program and then adjusted it to fit my needs.

There's a lot more you can do. But those are some things I would suggest.

[RhymesayersDU]

Thanks for the advice. I've already started off poorly, as I've been eating way less (in the realm of depriving myself) than I normally do. I shall start tinkering with my diet to get some good meals in throughout the day.

[Bronco9798]

Never let a bad day or time bother you, but don't try to compensate for it either. Just start freash again the day after you blow it. Nothing wrong with a little failure along the way. And, once you get a few weeks in. Cheat like hell for one day. Fast food, ice cream chips, what ever junk you like. One day won't hurt you. Just pick it up for the next week. Then treat yourself in a couple weeks again.

[ant1999e]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6337/1111dy5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

How long did it take you to find that?LOL

[BroncoBuff]

How long did it take you to find that?LOL

It's about time somebody gave me props on that!

I found it in .82 seconds or something (I was looking for something else, actually) ... but it took FORTY FREAKING MINUTES to Photo-Shop in the chains and change the word on the bottom to "CHAINS"

(I really need to get a life *SIGH* :( )



Here's the original:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2815/spideyjx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Spider]

It's about time somebody gave me props on that!

I found it in .82 seconds or something (I was looking for something else, actually) ... but it took FORTY FREAKING MINUTES to Photo-Shop in the chains and change the word on the bottom to "CHAINS"

(I really need to get a life *SIGH* :( )



Here's the original:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2815/spideyjx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I missed it ;D ..............

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

So how about we get this Orange Mane Weight loss challenge going. anyone got an idea of how to organize it?

[Master___Pain]

I think you owe David Zinczenko $24.95

LOL, he's already been paid!! :spit:

[ludo21]

I try and run a couple times a week, and try to do crunches 3x a week.

"TRY" is the key word, ;D

I really need to be consistent!!

[BroncoBuff]

So how about we get this Orange Mane Weight loss challenge going. anyone got an idea of how to organize it?

First I think we need a new thread .... I don't mind starting it, but we should decide on some parameters:

1) Obviously, it's all on the honor system
2) We should bar (or at least try to bar) insults
3) Nobody has to list their ACTUAL weight ... well just use a "00" and "-4" or "-12" or (heaven forbid) "+6" type of progress tracking.
4) Each person who wishes to join should post a "I'm starting today. Current: 00 " on the date they start, because they might come in a week after the others and should not be penalized by comparison and implication.

Peronally, I'm against any 'competitive' tack to the thing ...

[ludo21]

I think making it 'Competitive" is a great thing.

Makes for people to hold themselves accountable and get their butt in shape. ;D

Start er up, ive already lost 1000 lbs. Do i win? ;D

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

First I think we need a new thread .... I don't mind starting it, but we should decide on some parameters:

1) Obviously, it's all on the honor system
2) We should bar (or at least try to bar) insults
3) Nobody has to list their ACTUAL weight ... well just use a "00" and "-4" or "-12" or (heaven forbid) "+6" type of progress tracking.
4) Each person who wishes to join should post a "I'm starting today. Current: 00 " on the date they start, because they might come in a week after the others and should not be penalized by comparison and implication.

Peronally, I'm against any 'competitive' tack to the thing ...

Agree on the new thread and the "no insults" policy. #4 sounds fine and I really don't care about #3. I would not be adverse to divulging my weight, height and age (to show youngsters it is harder as you get older :) )

I think everyone should let others know their diet and exercise plan so that we can see what works for everyone.

[RhymesayersDU]

I think everyone should let others know their diet and exercise plan so that we can see what works for everyone.

This is most important thing, IMO. Tell people what you're doing, what you're buying, cooking, etc. Obviously everybody's bodies respond differently to things, but suggestions/tips will be crucial to all our success.

I would like to call this competition "The Biggest Loser" like they do on NBC, but the Mane already has a biggest loser named Bob. So no dice on that.

[RhymesayersDU]

So, to revive this thread, here's some info for me:

I've lost 5 pounds in the last week/week and a half since I really started watching my diet.

I eat about 1000 calories a day max, and spread it out as much as possible. The whole, 6 small meals a day thing kinda is hard with work and other activities, but I try. I basically cut out all sweets. I did eat a fun size baby ruth the other day, but I think that is the worst thing I've had in like 2 weeks... Which doesn't sound like very long, but I love chocolate, flat out, so it's a big win for my will power.

For those of you who have a sweet tooth (and believe me, I am one) I highly suggest buying the sampler pack of popsicles that are sugar free. They come with 20 bars, and they have popsicles, fudgsicles, and creamsicles in the box. The fudgcicles are like 40 calories, and they taste like chocolate, so it's a nice little snack. Also, I enjoy sugar free jello.

Also, I suggest doing a somewhat modified Atkins diet. Now, I'm not saying you have to watch carbs, and hell, I still don't eat bacon and other fatty stuff like that, but carbs are still bad, and things like big bowls of pasta will only hurt you. I've been eating things like a lean steak with a side of broccoli for dinner. The broccoli I make is sautee'd with butter, but it's that Promise butter suggested earlier in this thread, and is considerably healthier then other butters. So the broccolli has a great taste and is still really healthy. I don't use the A1 or 57 Sauce with the steak like I used to.

So, it's not a no-carb diet per se, but focusing on fruits and veggies and eating lean meats is a great way to really get going. Plus the protein helps with the workouts.

I work out every afternoon. I do about 33 minutes on the eliptical machine (SP?) that burns 400+ calories, then I do some light weights... Nothing major, just right now bench, biceps, and triceps. I do want to expand the weights, but I think that will happen when I lose more weight, and I expand the weights and perhaps go lighter on the cardio. I'm not lifting for power (i.e., lots of weight, few reps) but to make the areas lean (i.e., lower weight, lots of reps) and it's nice. Plus I start every day at 5 PM, because I do my 30 minutes of the elyptical during the Simpsons, and it flies by. My mom prefers music when she works out, but I find having to follow a plot, concentrate on what's going on on the TV, really takes your mind off the work.

I'm also considering trying out those Ensure health-shake things. They seem like a healthy way to replace a full meal, but I need to get to the grocery store, check out the health label, etc.

Anyways, how is everybody else doing?

[Sassy]

I like the "I can't believe it's not butter" spray...it even works well on toast and veggies.!

(I've lost a few pounds too!)

What I cut out:
Sweets/Baked goods
Fast Food
Butter/Margarine
(not saying I don't cheat once in awhile...like in Denver all last weekend but...)

I'm making more smoothies with fresh fruit and eating more veggies...and pretty much eating Weight Watchers/Lean Cuisines for lunch. I also switched from Breves (espresso with 1/2 and 1/2 to lattes with skim milk). I've also been riding bike and going to water aerobics. I've cut down on "big" meals and I am eating smaller amounts during the day.

Good luck everyone! It's not easy...but it's well worth it! ;)

[Sassy]

How's it going Rhymesayers?

[RhymesayersDU]

How's it going Rhymesayers?

It's going well! The thing that is confusing me is this issue with calorie intake. After posting here as well as other places that I'm only eating around 1,000 calories today, many people told me that wasn't good, that I need more, etc.

What I don't get is, why is it wrong? I'm not starving myself by any means, I just substituted foods. For example, instead of eating a greasy burger and fries, I'm eating a grilled chicken sandwhich and a side salad. Instead of eating ice cream for dessert, I'm eating fruit or sugarless popsicles.

So, I'm at a crossroads, so to speak. I really need to find a nutrionist to talk with so I can get on the right track. But as far as food goes, It's been good cutting out the sweets and stuff. It does kind of suck at times, because sometimes you just want a slice of pizza or a burger, but there is a lot of good healthy food to be had out there.

But working out is going really well, doing the elyptical machine and hitting the weights daily. It's been feeling really good to get out there and do it, be active, etc.

How about anybody else? This thread kinda died out minus Sassy and I.

[Spider]

It's going well! The thing that is confusing me is this issue with calorie intake. After posting here as well as other places that I'm only eating around 1,000 calories today, many people told me that wasn't good, that I need more, etc.

What I don't get is, why is it wrong? I'm not starving myself by any means, I just substituted foods. For example, instead of eating a greasy burger and fries, I'm eating a grilled chicken sandwhich and a side salad. Instead of eating ice cream for dessert, I'm eating fruit or sugarless popsicles.

So, I'm at a crossroads, so to speak. I really need to find a nutrionist to talk with so I can get on the right track. But as far as food goes, It's been good cutting out the sweets and stuff. It does kind of suck at times, because sometimes you just want a slice of pizza or a burger, but there is a lot of good healthy food to be had out there.

But working out is going really well, doing the elyptical machine and hitting the weights daily. It's been feeling really good to get out there and do it, be active, etc.

How about anybody else? This thread kinda died out minus Sassy and I.
Calories give you energy , you need some ..........glad things are going well ......... I wish I could give you some post hole diggers and let you do some fense repair on Tims Ranch , that will whip you into shape in no time ;D

[Sassy]

Sweet tooth? Swap the lollies for sugarless chewing gum. 10 Jelly Beans has 100 Calories. Give them up or go up a dress size each year.

Low fat foods can still be high in sugar, Sugary kids breakfast cereals are low fat but a small bowl full (30 grams) has almost 4 teaspoons sugar!

A burger will contain between 3 and 5 teaspoons of fat and 400-500 Calories. I hope you like a clean house because you will need to spend between 1.5 to 2 hours vacuuming to burn off these Calories.

Be careful with alcohol - it dilutes your willpower. Make your first drink non-alcoholic and kilojoule free (water or a diet drink) this is the one you usually drink the fastest.

Try a big bowl of vegetable soup or plate of salad before a party to help you avoid the snacks. A small packet of potato crisps plus some crackers and dip could set you back 500 Calories. That 1 hour and 50 minutes of scrubbing and sweeping floors after the party.

If you replace 1 slice regular cheddar cheese (that's 30 grams or a 3cm cube) a day with a 25% fat reduced cheese you will save the equivalent Calories of 4 kilogram in body weight a year.

Trade milk for chocolate without guilt. Swap your regular milk for skim milk and you save enough Calories to have Mars Lite funsize chocolate bar every day. (Based on 500mls of milk per day).

Did you know that your average milkshake has a calorie value that takes 7.5 kilometers to walk off?

Do you enjoy a coffee? Then give yourself a break. Switching a daily cappuccino from full fat to skinny saves you 2 kilos in weight a year (3 kilos if you usually upsize to a large).


Swapping a daily can of softdrink to diet softdrink will save you enough Calories in one year equivalent to about 8 kilograms of body weight.


Learn to drop the biscuits with your cuppa! For every 2 chocolate biscuits you will have to run 4 kilometres if you don't want to gain weight.


Switch from premium ice cream to low fat to save 70 Calories per 2 scoops. If you have 2 scoops per day that's 3.6 kilogram in weight saved a year.


Stir fry your vegetables using oil spray only. This has about 100 Calories and virtually no fat, compared to a plate of roasted vegetables and gravy at over 400 Cal and 4 teaspoons of fat.


A healthy sandwich daily instead of a burger will save you about 7 kilograms of body weight in a year.


Always keep fruit in your bag. If you feel hungry then there is no need to go to grab a cake. One slice carrot cake equals has the same Calories as about 5 apples.


10 jelly beans a day equal a weight gain of 100 grams a week. That is about 5 kilograms in body weight over a year.


Get a good night's sleep - research shows those who sleep less than 5hours a night are 70% more likely to be obese.


To burn up the Calories from a daily can of softdrink you would have to walk 21 kilometres a week or 1092 km per year (roughly the same as walking from Sydney to Melbourne).


Avoid cocktails - they are deadly for weight gain with some up to 500 Calories per drink. That's a 2 and a half hour walk to burn off each cocktail.


Would you like fries with that? A medium serve of fries contains 320 Calories and 4 teaspoons of fat. That will take 1 and half hours to walk off or you could run for 35 minutes!

[Jason in LA]

Fat burners, like any other supplement, only work if you have a clean diet and a good workout program. If you aren't eating right, or working out, fat burners won't do anything for you. Neither will any other supplement. Remember, a supplement is supposed to enhance a good diet and workout program, not take the place of either one.

I look at it like this. I'll use a point system. Diet gets 50 points. Workout program gets 50 points. If I maximize both of them, I'm working at 100%. When I'm at 100%, the right combination of supplements can be worth an extra 20 or so points. So now I'm working at 120%, which is really good.

Now lets say my diet is only getting me 40 points, meaning I'm lacking in some area of my diet. And my workout program is only 40 points, so I'm not working out my hardest. I'm only getting 80 points. So those same exact supplements that got me 20 extra point before may only be worth 5 points now, because I'm lacking in some important areas. If I'm only working at 50%, meaning that I'm barely working out, and I'm only eating a little better, those same supplements aren't going to be worth any points.

I hope that makes sense. If you workout hard, and consistant, and you have a good diet, fat burners, and supplements like whey protein and creatine, will work great. If you eat like crap, or don't workout hard, you'll be wasting your money.

Now about fat burners, I've used them and gotten good results, especailly ephedra. That stuff has a kick. It's hard to find, but you can still get it. But be very careful when you use it. I only used it before I went running. The lable says take it twice a day. But I only took it once, before I ran, which was 2-3 times a week. So I wasn't taking much of the stuff. The people who had problems with it were people who took too much of the stuff. These newer fat burners don't have the same kick, but they still work well.

For your diet and workout programs, I suggest you read Muscle & Fitness. It's a body building magazine that geared towards the everyday person. Flex, Musclemag and Ironman are geared toward the muslce heads who want to be 250 lbs with 6% body fat. I don't think any of us are looking for that look. Muscle & Fitness will diagram a workout and diet program for you, and it will teach you how to be your own personal trainer.

I hope that helps, and good luck.

[RhymesayersDU]

Great reading, courtesy of Pendejo:

Diet Myths Parts 1 & 2:
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/joybauernutrition/2805/diet-myths-exposed-part-1
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/joybauernutrition/3055/diet-myths-exposed-part-2

[heydensmom]

Not sure if it's mentioned or not, but fitday.com is a very useful free tool to calculate fat/calories/protein.

[RhymesayersDU]

Not sure if it's mentioned or not, but fitday.com is a very useful free tool to calculate fat/calories/protein.

FitDay absolutely rules, I love it.

[ksBRONCOfan]

It's going well! The thing that is confusing me is this issue with calorie intake. After posting here as well as other places that I'm only eating around 1,000 calories today, many people told me that wasn't good, that I need more, etc.

What I don't get is, why is it wrong? I'm not starving myself by any means, I just substituted foods. For example, instead of eating a greasy burger and fries, I'm eating a grilled chicken sandwhich and a side salad. Instead of eating ice cream for dessert, I'm eating fruit or sugarless popsicles.

So, I'm at a crossroads, so to speak. I really need to find a nutrionist to talk with so I can get on the right track. But as far as food goes, It's been good cutting out the sweets and stuff. It does kind of suck at times, because sometimes you just want a slice of pizza or a burger, but there is a lot of good healthy food to be had out there.

But working out is going really well, doing the elyptical machine and hitting the weights daily. It's been feeling really good to get out there and do it, be active, etc.

How about anybody else? This thread kinda died out minus Sassy and I.


Have you calculated you body mass index? Just google it and figure out where you are at. Also try this, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calorie-calculator/NU00598, and find out what your calorie intake needs to be to stay where your at. Cut back from there to lose weight. This is all stuff my doctor has showed me.

[RhymesayersDU]

I'm starting the New York Diet, as of tomorrow, per David Kirsch's book. I will let everybody know how it goes.

[BroncoBuff]

I heard the book "Sugarbusters" is excellent.

[Old Dude]

I've actually lost 15 lbs in the past six weeks. Mostly just eating smarter, exercising and suffering gut-wrenching angst that has destroyed my appetite.

[RhymesayersDU]

I've actually lost 15 lbs in the past six weeks. Mostly just eating smarter, exercising and suffering gut-wrenching angst that has destroyed my appetite.

Come on, Plummer isn't that bad!

[Old Dude]

Make that 18 lbs in seven weeks.

If Plummer doesn't get his act together, I'm going to blow away in the breeze.

[Mile High Shack]

if you like higher blood pressure and feeling jittery and making your heart race

take the pills

[Old Dude]

if you like higher blood pressure and feeling jittery and making your heart race

take the pills

I don't need pills. I've been hit with a gypsy curse.

20 lbs now and still losing.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I don't need pills. I've been hit with a gypsy curse.

20 lbs now and still losing.

Please send details of the gypsy curse. My diet has been awful lately due to competing priorities.

[Old Dude]

The hardest part is finding the right gypsy. After you do that, they are fairly easy to piss off.

[2KBack]

Have you calculated you body mass index? Just google it and figure out where you are at. Also try this, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calorie-calculator/NU00598, and find out what your calorie intake needs to be to stay where your at. Cut back from there to lose weight. This is all stuff my doctor has showed me.


Online BMI tests are crap. The only way to get an accurate result is to go and get tested by a professional. Online BMI calculators give me an index of 27.3, with 30 being obese. They don't take into account body type at all, I may be 5' 9" and 185 lbs, but I also have 10% body fat. The best thing is to ask your doctor for a test, or oftemntimes you can get a good test at whatever gym you belong to.

[maven]

Here's a question: Are any of these diet pills (Stacker, Hydroxycut, etc) safe to aid in weight loss?

Before anybody answers, I do want to state that I have vastly changed my diet since coming home, and I work out daily. I just feel like I could use a little boost and help in the area. So I'm not necessarily looking for some wonder pill, but if there is something out there that could help, it would be good to know.

I'm not morbidly obese or anything, but I wouldn't mind dropping some poundage and flattening out the belly a little bit.

While we're on topic, anybody got any diet tips, or things that have worked for them?


Tell the truth! You want to bone more chicks!

[Jason in LA]

Tell the truth! You want to bone more chicks!

That's the point of working out, isn't it? ;D

[Spider]

Iam still holding the line despite egg nogg ....... I have bout 4 gallons in the fridge ....... Southern Comfort old style Nogg , Southern comfort Vanillia , 2 quarts of pumpkin spice , 2 quarts of regular Eggnogg ........ I love thanksgiving ..... but noway I will contian myself ..........

[loborugger]

Bump

Hows everyone doing?

I ran 5 miles last nite. I had been working up to that for a while. However, I had surgery on both of my feet this spring, so I dont think I will repeat that often. However, I aim to do 3 miles 4 or 5 times a week. I gave blood this last week and my heart rate had dropped from the low 80s to the mid 60s... I have been as low as 51 or 52 - so many years ago.

The holidays are around the corner. Stack out your corner of the gym before the New Years Resolution rats take over for 30 to 45 days.

[2KBack]

Bump

Hows everyone doing?

I ran 5 miles last nite. I had been working up to that for a while. However, I had surgery on both of my feet this spring, so I dont think I will repeat that often. However, I aim to do 3 miles 4 or 5 times a week. I gave blood this last week and my heart rate had dropped from the low 80s to the mid 60s... I have been as low as 51 or 52 - so many years ago.

The holidays are around the corner. Stack out your corner of the gym before the New Years Resolution rats take over for 30 to 45 days.

Are you running on a treadmill or around town? I used to run around the mall when I still lived in Annandale. DC is a good town for that.

[loborugger]

I live out towards Man-asses. I run at a middle school track. I need to find a spot with a nice, soft, none asphalt track. Any suggestions?

PS - what the hell is Trent Green's head doing on John Elway's body???

[Old Dude]

Bump

Hows everyone doing?

...

Minus 26 lbs. now, courtesy of the Curse.

Had on an old pair of pants yesterday, and when I unhooked my belt, they dropped to the floor, still zipped and buttoned.

The belt has run out of notches. I need to gouge out a new notch or get a shorter belt.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Minus 26 lbs. now, courtesy of the Curse.

Had on an old pair of pants yesterday, and when I unhooked my belt, they dropped to the floor, still zipped and buttoned.

The belt has run out of notches. I need to gouge out a new notch or get a shorter belt.

Congrats Dude. I need to do the same. I can lose weight if I maintain an eating schedule, but when I am on the run constantly and just grabbing something is when I gain weight.

[Old Dude]

Congrats Dude. I need to do the same. I can lose weight if I maintain an eating schedule, but when I am on the run constantly and just grabbing something is when I gain weight.

For fast food fixes, try the salads at Mickie-D's. Grilled Chicken is okay. The Yogurt isn't too bad either. Skip the pop.

Mostly, though, it's just taking the 25-30 minutes to work out every day...

[Spider]

Well Iam down to 210 pounds and feeling great , 33 inch waist line .......