Weight loss tips?

Its HARD. The past year has been without a doubt the year I obsessed over food... what I was eating, what I wasn't... how much, how little. Ugh!

Here are some more things I've noticed:
* There IS such a thing as eating too little. I notice if I eat every few hours, I'm never hungry. I don't over-eat at meals. I have consistent energy.

* Mix up your food. I ADORE oatmeal. I was eating it every single morning. I noticed I flatlined when I did, so I make myself mix it up. I eat oatmeal most days but I also throw in cold cereal and the occasional pancake breakfast.

* give yourself a treat each day. My current treat-du-jour is a Hershey's kiss. I look forward to that kiss every day. I make myself stop at one, unless Cameron insists I need one.... calories eaten on his say-so don't count ;) I also love to look forward to fortune cookies, 100 calorie packs, etc.

* don't keep the food around. My daughter came home from college and wanted cheese cake. I'd have gladly goten it.... but I knew it would be inhaled the second it came home. I'm actually scared of Easter baskets next month! :eek: I can't resist jelly beans and Peeps.

* I can't stress portion control. Its shocking to see what exactly IS a portion. I now measure how much cereal I pour into my bowl. I was eating twice what I should have and had no idea.

* Also..... I can't stress the importance of a journal. Keep your thoughts and frustrations, as well as your success on paper. It makes you accountable. I never kept a food diary, but am told its the most powerful tool. I was just honestly too scared to SEE my food intake on paper.... then have a written record that someone else miught find? :eek: I have been thinking about trying one now though.

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Originally Posted by ramanth

Johanna, I have friends that are using P90X right now and are seeing awesome results. It's pretty hardcore, so I'm using BFL as a stepping stone and I plan to transition into P90X. :)

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Kimmy,
Does PS90 require 90 minutes of exercise every day? Is there a diet component with it? (Since I am a veggie, I have found many diet programs are heavy on lean flesh...and it is hard to do a substitue with non flesh).

I will have to check out BFL!

"Have a look here - and get the book if you can (it's a small softcover, nothing huge). Made a difference for me! And they say 'skinny', NOT scrawny"

I really disliked this book. I don't need someone cursing at me! It's also a bit unrealistic everything they want you to cut out completely.

I lost 60lbs a few years ago. I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired! I did go to WW and it helped alot. I would recommend that for sure. Particularly good for moral support when you are discouraged.

My father, who was a smart ass (and skinny!) always said the only excercise he needed to stay thin was to turn his head to the right, then the left and repeat several times when offered food! :p

Claudia

One thing that helps me resist the sugar urges is lots of fruit!


One of my favorite treats when I want something sweet, cold and tasty is apple slaw.


I buy a bag of apples, I love green ones because they are tart! I add some red or galas to balance the flavor out....

I shred them, add some lemon or lime juice, raisins and maybe some celery, carrots or orange slices.

I keep a tub ready to eat and love it when I wake up in the middle of the night. A small plate and a few spoonfuls satisfy and refresh me on warm nights.

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Originally Posted by Cataholic

Kimmy,
Does PS90 require 90 minutes of exercise every day? Is there a diet component with it? (Since I am a veggie, I have found many diet programs are heavy on lean flesh...and it is hard to do a substitue with non flesh).

I will have to check out BFL!

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P90X says it'll help transform your body in 90 days. There is a variety of workouts that come with the DVD's, but I'm not sure how long they are. I think the length of the workouts vary.

There is a nutrition plan but I didn't research it much.

With BFL, I work out for 45 minutes on my weight lifting days and only 20 minutes on cardio days.

For protein, I eat a lot of egg whites, cottage cheese, boca burgers and fish. I have chicken occasionally and red meat very rarely if at all.

I think BFL is very vegetarian friendly. Tempeh, Seitan, Tofu, Soy, ect. are listed as approved Vegetarian Proteins. :)

Hey Slick, what always messes me up are grains! I do well on a more protein-based diet.. nothing excessive, I just have to watch the amount of carbs I take in. What I'll do at night is boil a few eggs and have them ready to go in the morning. I try to eat small frequent meals through out the day so they make for a nice breakfast or snack during work.

I had a hard time dropping weight in the beginning. I'd drop a pound or two, then stay there.. didn't matter how well I ate or how much I worked out. Then all of the sudden the pounds starting dropping really quickly! It's also possible you're just building muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so it's a good idea to try body measurements too!

I've picked up a few tricks over the past little while.. I allow myself to eat whatever I want. If I want chocolate cake, I can have it! The only thing is that I HAVE to work it off at the gym. I don't feel like I'm restricted or missing out on anything. I also have healthy snacks ready to go in zip lock bags. I have frozen grapes in the freezer. They make for a nice healthy snack when I'm getting the munchies. If I crave chocolate I grab a baggie of Special K Chocolate. Filling, and there are chocolate pieces! :D

There are so many delicious low fat treats around today, one never has to feel like you are missing out, and especially in the states your choice is unlimited,so no excuses really.

I would like to say set yourself little goals in increments, and reward yourself when you reach them,NOT WITH FOOD THOUGH, maybe a new hair do, a book, a movie.

I have mine set, first is to get my highlights done, i have reached that goal already, but have no money yet for it, has been an expensive month, ho hum, next goal i reach i will get a weight watchers magazine subscription and then the final will be at my goal target weight, of course will be new clothes, outer and under, cannot wait.

For me it is going to take a long time, i envision being there for the summer, and quick is not always the best, slowly but surely will help you keep it off.

I intend to try and eat as i do now forever, except i will allow myself a few extra points per day, which will be consumed in fruit, and if i want a special treat i will work it in with my points.

Anyhow good luck everyone.:)

Wow...I had forgotten that this thread existed. I have dropped maybe a couple of pounds, but not much. And it's frustrating! Nothing seems to be really working. What is BFL?

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Originally Posted by sumbirdy

What is BFL?

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Body For Life - http://bodyforlife.com/index.asp is a 12 Week program.

I have friends that had fantastic results with this program. To cut costs, I picked the book up at the local library.

I'm down from 140 to 130 currently. :) I'm at the beginning of Week 8.

Weight Training - http://bodyforlife.com/exercise/weighttraining.asp
Cardio - http://bodyforlife.com/exercise/cardiotraining.asp
Meal Plan - http://bodyforlife.com/nutrition/createmeal.asp
Food List - http://bodyforlife.com/nutrition/foodlist.asp

Sumbirdy:
I certainly didn't mean to hijack your thread. :( I've been wondering how you are doing.

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Your body is saying, "Woman, what are you doing to me?"

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:D LOL Richard.

I'm now proud to say that it's working....I've lost 5 pounds since March 9th. I wasn't losing any weight to begin with, then all of a sudden I saw results at the snap of a finger. I guess my body was really getting used to this idea of actually getting oxygen to all the muscles. :rolleyes:

I've decided not to use WW just yet. I'm doing this only with sensible eating and a rigid exercise program. The only "rest' nights are Friday and Sunday. We work out on the treadmill and weights on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Tuesday and Thursday are swim nights. I have a personal trainer coming over next Saturday the 28th to give us some motivation and tips.

My problem foods are salt, butter and cheese. I've cut way back on butter and cheese but salt is my problem child. However Gini told me about Mrs. Dash and I've purchased two different flavours....Extra Spicy (because I love foods with a "kick") and Lemon Pepper and they really seem to be doing the trick for me.

And continuing to talk about food, I'm finding that I need variety so I'm trying to switch things around a bit. For example, today I allowed myself one piece of toast with 1 oz of melted Partly Skimmed mozza cheeze sprinkled with Extra Spicy Mrs. Dash. Man....I savoured every mouthful.

I'm getting sick of eating Oatmeal every morning so I bought some Cream of Wheat yesterday. I'm eating at least 3 pieces of fruit a day and lots of veggies. I must say that right now I can't eat as much as I used to. I get full faster. Could my stomach be shrinking? :confused:

I'm going to allow myself 1 treat per week. That can be in the form of food or in my case tonight I've had 1/2 glass of wine. I know alcohol is off the menu but if my diet is too rigid and too predicable I won't stay on it. Once a month I'll do something for myself like a manicure or taking my Mom out for lunch.

I'm not sure why but my mind is really set on doing this and the fact that I'm doing this with my neighbour really helps alot. We signed a contract for 3 months and I guess what motivates me is that I don't want to let her or myself down.

Oh and the one huge plus is that I'm sleeping so much better.

Congratulations to all of you participating in this struggle and I celebrate your successes. :):love: And thanks for all of the tips and tricks.

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Originally Posted by slick

Sumbirdy:
I certainly didn't mean to hijack your thread. :( I've been wondering how you are doing.
:D LOL Richard.

I'm now proud to say that it's working....I've lost 5 pounds since March 9th. I wasn't losing any weight to begin with, then all of a sudden I saw results at the snap of a finger. I guess my body was really getting used to this idea of actually getting oxygen to all the muscles. :rolleyes:

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Afraid of getting your arse kicked, eh?;)

You made me think about the "Mr Clean" thread and wondered if Mrs. Dash made an appearance.:eek:

Your stomach is shrinking and you will find that you must adjust your portion sizes otherwise you will eat and old sized portion and end up miserable with a tummy ache.

The thing that I have learned about 'diets' and 'giving up' treats is that if you treat yourself in moderation, a few cookies every other day, a cheat here or there, you do not freak out and tell yourself "I have to run 30 miles tomorrow to work off the cheese cake!"

Know what you can do after you have a treat. You do not have to suffer to lose weight.

Keep at it!:D

Richard you hit the nail on the head there, i don't feel at all like i am suffering, i have just eaten a very delicious WW chocolate eclair, and the best part is i know at the end of the week i will loose weight, and i have still enjoyed a few treats along the way.

It is the only way to do it really, as if it is too strict you will certainly go off it, Slick you have the right idea there and congratulations on your efforts, keep at it, it will come off, be patient, not that i have any of that, i want it off today all of it, and it is very slow, but i am getting there.

Sumbirdy, two pounds might not seem a lot to you, but it is still two pounds you are not carrying around with you anymore, think of it as two pounds less of butter, go look in the supermarket , that is quite a lot,you will get there , have faith and don't let that little voice in your head,tell you different,give it a chance and keep at it.:)

I have been struggling with my weight since the birth of my second child almost 17 years ago, been up and down,but this time i am highly motivated, and success is just around the corner for me, i have my ups and downs too, but for me the motivation was a health issue, having arthritis in my knees and hip, and also i want to look better, but this time my main reason is health and that is why i am so motivated and determined to do it once and for all this time,with no going back.

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Originally Posted by slick

Sumbirdy:
I certainly didn't mean to hijack your thread. :( I've been wondering how you are doing.
.

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It's fine. :D Actually I'm very happy you brought this thread back as I had forgotten it existed. And right now, this is a thread I can really use.

Slick, have you tried the laughing cow lite cheese? It is wonderful. A wedge is 1 point (I think!) I spread that on a half piece whole grain pita, add lettuce, sometimes a veggie sausage, and yum!!

I think these 5 things are helpful. Eliminate all junk (and that is different for each of us)from the diet except 1 or 2 items. Eat better and high fiber/filled foods. Eat less of the better foods. Move and finally move some more!
Moving more means more energy spent, better heart health, and less sub-conscious snacking(unless you are eating while walking!)

You know i never give up cheese when on WW, infact i seem to crave it even more, i need it for my calcium intake as i am not a big dairy product eater or milk drinker, i do not have a lot, but i always have it grated with my salad,so in summer i nearly have it every night, it is about the amount not what you eat really, i do choose a lower fat option and eat Edam cheese .:)

I'm down 10 pounds since March 9th. I figure 10 lbs a month is slow enough that I'm going to keep it off. This is by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do....my cancer sir jury was a breeze compared to this. No WW, no commercial products....just a good healthy diet and exercise. I've already seen a significant drop in my blood sugar level and blood pressure even with only 10 lbs. 50 more to go.

Hey, if I can do it, YOU can do it! :)

That's awesome, Slick! And it really is a lot of work, more than I thought it'd be. I've managed to lose 20 pounds so far.

I went from this:
http://photos-a.ll.facebook.com/phot...84288_4099.jpg

To this:
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...1794e20f1f.jpg

I want to lose 20 more. That will put my BMI in the middle of the "normal" range, right now I'm 2 pounds away from not being overweight! I now know what I have to do too. It's a great feeling. I've put this off for 5+ years now, and just have to tell anybody that wants to lose weight that there's no time like the present! The feeling of accomplishment is awesome!

I took full body pictures of myself every 2 weeks as well and set them as my background on my computer for awhile. It helped me to actually see the results and keep me motivated.

I also used Sparkpeople.com religiously for the first month or so. I tracked every food I ate and every time I went to the gym. It held me accountable. I'd get on just to read the motivational forums if I was feeling lousy. It made a big difference for me and actually made me commited to a healthier lifestyle.

what a fantastic result, you look wonderful, you were so pretty to begin with anyway, but i bet you are feeling on top of the world now.

I am really happy with my results so far, i now have lost 5.8kgs and i intend to keep going and hopefully loose another 7kgs,(I have not weighed at this weight for over six years, infact i am slightly lower than i was then,) I have reached my first interim goals, now two more to go and the last one is my goal weight,i am giving myself plenty of time to loose it, and i hope by xmas time to be at my goal, if not before,,i know if it comes off slower i will have a much better chance of keeping it off once and for all.

Keep at it everyone it is so worth it, i went shopping for a new pair of jeans today, as my others are nearly falling off me even with a belt,and i also spent two hours trying on clothes, most of which I would have had no chance of fitting before, not everything looked great, but they sure as heck looked a lot better than before.

I bought a long sleeved hooded top with a shiny motif on it with rock written on it in pink on black, it was for my daughter but she did not like it, i tried it on and it fits, a tad tight, but hey will be there in a few weeks, now that was a good feeling lol.

Way to go Ashley!! :cool:

I completed 9 of the 12 weeks of BFL. I sabotaged myself by working out while ill during Week 9. When I went to start Week 10, my body gave out.

Instead of trying to redo the weeks I missed, I decided to start a second BFL Challenge. :)

I've dropped 10 pounds so far. Just a few more to go. :)

Before:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...front_copy.jpg

Today:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16.../c2w1front.jpg

Tough! ;) :D
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...1frontflex.jpg

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Originally Posted by RICHARD

The secret?

Drink water instead of pop- I cut back on my pop intake- now it's more a treat than a thrist quencher.

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I used to drink two 12-ounce cans of coke at every meal. Then I went cold turkey and started drinking only water instead. It was awful and I hated it, but within time I got used to it. Now I always drink water at every meal, and I can't stand the taste of coke. That one thing was the only adjustment I made.

And oh yeah, I dropped from 245 to 190. Now all the women want me!

By the way, I do eat less than before. I've thought about it, and I think that the coke tasted so good at the time, and I was enjoying eating so much because of it that I tended to eat more. Switching to water slowed down my eating a bit. Just a theory.

Well Done everyone, I am still going strong with Weight Watchers i have now lost 7kgs, i intend to loose that all over again if i can, by the summer time, i am taking it slow, as it is not that easy to loose anyhow at my age, and i want it to stay off for good this time, people are telling me not to loose anymore, which really bothers me, i know there is a lot more i need to loose, sure it has taken a wee toll on my face, but what can you expect at my age, a few more wrinkles in the face are sure to appear, but you cannot have it both ways, i want to be healthy and slim and i am going to be.

Keep at it everyone.:)

Congrats everyone!

My total weight loss so far is about 17 lbs. I've got a long way to go but I'm happy with my progress so far.

I wish I could say I'm still doing well. I'm back up another 15 pounds. :o I've been stress-eating like crazy. I KNOW what to do to lose the weight, but I just can't seem to get back to eating properly. Sigh.

Congrats to those of you who are losing -- I know how exciting and empowering it is!

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Originally Posted by slick

Congrats everyone!

My total weight loss so far is about 17 lbs. I've got a long way to go but I'm happy with my progress so far.

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And you wanted to quit, you wuss. :love:

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Carole,
It sounds better in 'pounds'! :)

Richard you are so right it does indeed, i have now lost 16.1 pounds, i weigh the lowest i have in nearly 17 years and i intend to go further yet, doing a happy dance today, as i have now reached my third goal, only one more to go to my goal weight., keep at it everyone , it is so worth it.:)

15 pounds and counting :)

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Originally Posted by slick

15 pounds and counting :)

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Just do not do one of those crazy diets...Like only eating fruits, like watermelon.:eek:

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Originally Posted by Maya & Inka's mommy

I've tried everything too, and the only method that works, is WeightWatchers!
They not only learn how to loose weight, but also how to live healthier.
Look on their site, and you will find an address close to where you live, and also lots of tips! Good luck!!

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WW is defenitely the best!! I've lost 18 kg by now!

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Originally Posted by Maya & Inka's mommy

WW is defenitely the best!! I've lost 18 kg by now!

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Like I told Carole....It sounds better in pounds!

Congrats!

I am stuck at a 7 lb loss but I feel better and have stamina, sleep better and have fewer stomach probs!:D

LOLOL
I have to laugh - post #62 said I lost 17 pounds and my recent one says 15 pounds.

That's because I hurt my knee and I have to stay away from the treadmill. That, and really I have not been watching what I've been eating.

Guess I just have to try harder! :( OK, I'll just put it out there. My goal is to get below 200..... there now, don't you skinny people feel better now??? :p

Well Done everyone, i too am still sticking with it on WW, doing it at home alone, is a bit hard, but i can do it, so far i am down 18 pounds and like you Slick still counting, i have not too far to go now, and this time i am putting it in kilos Richard because it sounds better, i only have 4.8 kilos to goal now, i cannot believe i have done itthis time, i have struggled for so long, well i better not get ahead of myself, i am not there yet, but my determination is so strong, that i can say with confidence i will be there before summer, for the first time in 17 years i will be looking forward to the summer.

This is the lowest i have weighed in coming up 17 years, my daughter turns 17 in August, does that all give you a clue,yep i am only loosing my pregnancy weight now, actually to be honest that is not completely true, when i left hospital after having her i only weighed 8 pounds heavier than when i became pregnant which is the weight i am aiming to get to now, i weigh 800grms heavier at the moment than after having my baby girl. lol

I watched Oprah the other day, and see her struggle begins again along with the biggest loser guy, i actually found it made me feel very low, as i too have lost weight before but never seem to keep it off, i could not help but think will that be me again in a year's time back to square one and then some, i know negative thinking, so now i am thinking positive, NO WAY , i am going to keep it OFF for life now.

Keep at it folks, you are all an inspiration to me,and help me to keep at it, i hope i can help you all to keep at it too.:)

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Originally Posted by carole

i have not too far to go now, and this time i am putting it in kilos Richard because it sounds better, i only have 4.8 kilos to goal now, i cannot believe i have done itthis time

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Yes, You are allowed to do it that way, it make it more manageable!

You can do it!:D

Thanks matey i know i can too.:)

Slick, I hope you haven't totally lost it! :D Are you back on track?

It's summer now (sorry Carole, not for you), so we're all bound to lose some weight! :)

Remember, carrotts are filling! Grate some and put hazelnuts and sultanas in, it's yummy! :p

Up until I was 35, I was just under 50 kg. = 110 Pounds, but now I'm 65 kg, which is 143 Pounds, and I'm hoping to stay there, or just under 140.

Since I'm confused, I found a converter:
http://www.convert-me.com/en/convert/weight

I must say Randi, it has been really cold down under the last two weeks, and i really found it difficult to stick with my programme, i did eat at least one point over, probably every second day or so, but i maintained,this week i am trying to get back to loosing again, i am really pleased with my results, considering it is winter, i am aiming to be at goal for the summer and maybe enjoy summer for once.

Keep at it everyone, it is so worth while, i am very slack on the exercise,although i walked for around six hours shopping yesterday, so i think that must help a little, talk about shop until you drop, literally i just about did when i got home, every muscle ached, i was exhausted lol, still it was mostly window shopping although i did purchase a lovely scarf with small leopard print and tigers faces on it. :)

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Originally Posted by RICHARD

Like I told Carole....It sounds better in pounds!

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Wow yes!! Here it is in pounds then: I've lost 39.68 pounds so far :):)
Hehe, sounds sooooooooo much more, lol!!:):p

That is an awesome result, and i have seen your pics too, congratulations, you have done extremely well, and you keep me inspired, i only have about 12 pounds to go now, but it is a struggle at the moment, probably hit my plateau right now,still with summer on the horizon, i am determined to get there, Well Done everyone, keep at it.:)

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Originally Posted by Maya & Inka's mommy

Wow yes!! Here it is in pounds then: I've lost 39.68 pounds so far :):)
Hehe, sounds sooooooooo much more, lol!!:):p

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And you say the weight you PLAN to lose in KILOS. that way it does not sound like a lot of weight!:D

That rocks.....keep at it!


NOTICE that Carole did not post a picture of the scarf!;)


Randi,

A woman NEVER tells her weight, age or how many credit cards they own!:eek::D

I'm in the same boat. I went from a size 8 when I got married up to a 16. I am working out now. For dieting I quit the 4 or 5 diet pepsi's a day and am having half water and half gatorade, or skim milk. Also for dinner have a lean quizine(spelling)? meal container for a plate and eat all meals on it, if it doesn't fit then your portion is too big. I give myself a seperate bowl for salad though. Kelley D.

i thought posting a pic of the scarf might be a tad boring, although it is a lovely scarf Richard LOL:)Is there a point to the comment, because i am missing it mate?:confused: