losing weight

[nvrbdn]

23 lbs is a great start. keep it up. and progress pics would be good too,(if your comfortable doing it) im starting mine after the weekend. i had lost 17 lbs a few months ago, then i started camping and bbqing and hitting the mich ultra's and kids birthdays with cake. need i go on? so its on again starting monday. 

[elacruze]

High Fructose Corn Syrup = bad.    

American soda in all forms, including the "diet" versions = fatness.

I cut out Sugar, specifically HFCS but all sugar almost completely for a month-I lost 8 pounds, and I was only 165 to begin with. The annoying middle-age paunchy belly went away! No amount of exercise or gym workouts got rid of it, and the answer was in getting rid of Fructose. Here's a great link to how Fructose works, what it does and why too much of it is bad;

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/02/highfructose-corn-syrup-alters-human-metabolism.aspx

I figure, our bodies are evolved specifically to store Fructose rather than burn it, because it's naturally available in Fruits-which are plentiful right before the Winter starvation season. The problem now is, we don't have to eat apples for a month before winter. Everybody has a 2-liter Mountain Dew in the fridge, and a box of gummy candies next to the TV year-round. Cut the HFCS, and you'll lose weight without changing any other part of your lifestyle.

I have to add, that I've been a sugar junkie all my life; quitting sugar and candy has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I have to equate it to quitting smoking or heroin. I can't really qualify sugar as an addiction, since every single human requires it and is biologically engineered to enjoy it...but just try to stop and you'll feel that smoker's pain.  

[Troy]

High Fructose Corn Syrup = bad.   

American soda in all forms, including the "diet" versions = fatness.

I cut out Sugar, specifically HFCS but all sugar almost completely for a month-I lost 8 pounds, and I was only 165 to begin with. The annoying middle-age paunchy belly went away! No amount of exercise or gym workouts got rid of it, and the answer was in getting rid of Fructose. Here's a great link to how Fructose works, what it does and why too much of it is bad;

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/02/highfructose-corn-syrup-alters-human-metabolism.aspx

I figure, our bodies are evolved specifically to store Fructose rather than burn it, because it's naturally available in Fruits-which are plentiful right before the Winter starvation season. The problem now is, we don't have to eat apples for a month before winter. Everybody has a 2-liter Mountain Dew in the fridge, and a box of gummy candies next to the TV year-round. Cut the HFCS, and you'll lose weight without changing any other part of your lifestyle.

I have to add, that I've been a sugar junkie all my life; quitting sugar and candy has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I have to equate it to quitting smoking or heroin. I can't really qualify sugar as an addiction, since every single human requires it and is biologically engineered to enjoy it...but just try to stop and you'll feel that smoker's pain. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I typically have a Mountain Dew in hand pretty much any time I'm awake. I am fairly active in the summer and winter and too much dehydrates me so I cut back (not so in spring of fall). If I switch to water I can lose 5 pounds or more in less than a week - and I'm not that heavy to begin with! I've been mixing up Propel in a water bottle at work OR setting a bottle of water next to the Mountain Dew at my desk so I remember to alternate. Just drinking water alone will make most people lose weight. Of course, the weight is just one of the drawbacks to drinking too much soda but it's probably the most noticeable - on and off.

Troy

[triple_green]

My experience is that you need to work both volume of food consumption and exericse. However you can do it with just  one of the other. I have found that controlling diet/volume is about about three times as effective as exercise. But they both contribute.

I lost 35 pounds in 18 months. Eat only one modest portion of food at each meal. ( i was eating 3 portions at dinner) and have dessert only 1 day a week. Cut out evening and night time snacking. I exericse 45 minutes a day 5 days a week. I alternate between swimming and running every other day. The exercise mostly makes you feel a lot better and sleep better.

weight has stayed off for 2 years now.

3X
Mark

[nh_mopar_fan]

The only weight loss advice you'll ever need:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKs0oEIVOck

[Troy]

I have heard many different fitness "experts" say something to the effect of "great abs are made in the kitchen". So many people will do sit ups and crunches until they can't move yet still have a little flab they can't seem to get rid of.

Troy

[Ponch ®]

The only weight loss advice you'll ever need:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKs0oEIVOck

 

reminds me of some of my middle aged / older co-workers - you know, the auntie/grandma-type secretaries. Every time I go in to the lunch room they are discussing some new fakakta diet scheme ("...and so then you take a boiled banana peel, wrap it around a pickled tomato, and down it with a cayenne pepper laced green tea..").

Then theyll comment on how much weight Ive lost and ask how I did it. When I tell them "just running a lot and going to the gym..thats it" they say "oh...im too old/fat/tired to be doing that" and go back to eating their Lean Cuisines and planning their miracle diets.

[nh_mopar_fan]

I have heard many different fitness "experts" say something to the effect of "great abs are made in the kitchen". So many people will do sit ups and crunches until they can't move yet still have a little flab they can't seem to get rid of.

Troy

Completely true. You can work the abs hard all day but until you lose the fat that is on top of them, it'll be flabby. Oh, and you can't target that area specifically to lose weight. Doesn't work that way.

[xpbprox]

Just curious, what songs, if any do you guys listen to when you work out?

[nh_mopar_fan]

Depends on whether it weights day or running day.

Weights day is hard rock/metal. One of my favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihYwcaxEEUk

Running favorite:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKsxPW6i3pM&ob=av2e

[SRT-440]

I need to lose some lbs also...I'm 5'10 and am "supposed" to weigh in the neighborhood of 155-165ish but instead I'm at 216. I need to drop about 50 lbs...I don't smoke or drink but my weakness is good food..not really fast food but "southern cooking" is my fav!
I used to get a lot of exercise playing drums in my old band but since that is over I don't do much.

I'd be willing to be apart of a weightloss thread (including before and progress pics). 

[Ponch ®]

Just curious, what songs, if any do you guys listen to when you work out?

I actually have a pretty eclectic taste. I really don't need a specific type of music to get me going, just something that im really digging or that I haven't heard in a while. Sometimes ill be listening to Sinatra and Hank Williams during a run, and the next itll be Motorhead and Kanye West. Quirky as it may sound though, when I go to the gym I let Pandora do the work...i just shuffle between the punk, hair metal, NIN-style stuff, and hard rock...but when I go running i take my mp3 player...for some reason I like to choose the songs.

I'd be willing to be apart of a weightloss thread (including before and progress pics). 

Cool. Ill def. try to start the thread this weekend...my home computer took a dump on me, so maybe I can do it before i leave work today.

[xpbprox]

Depends on whether it weights day or running day.

Weights day is hard rock/metal. One of my favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihYwcaxEEUk

Running favorite:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKsxPW6i3pM&ob=av2e

Both good songs

The original Phil Collins one used to be my football teams pre-game song. every time i hear it, i get the chills and it brings me back to the locker room just before games. Damn I sure miss it

I'd be willing to be apart of a weightloss thread (including before and progress pics). 

Sounds like a good idea to me

Cool. Ill def. try to start the thread this weekend...my home computer took a dump on me, so maybe I can do it before i leave work today.

Let us know, if you cant do it. Im sure one of us would be more than happy to start it up.

This is my JAM right here. I love Shakira
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KewfYKJy8YU
and pretty much any good country songs, old school rap like dr. dre, some trapt, Offspring, linkin park, Rise against, santana, some motown (marvin gay), Britney Spears!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Edv8Onsrgg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzU9OrZlKb8&ob=av2e
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-sxSd1uwoU&ob=av3e

[Rolling_Thunder]

I actually don't listen to music when I run...   I found a run at a steady pace without music...   making it easier to run...    when I listen to music I tend to speed up and slow down - making holding a steady pace difficult and tires me out faster.     Hitting weights it is mostly rock, country, and classic rock.


I'd be down for a weight loss thread.   Post what works, what doesnt...    etc.         and yes - your diet is the biggest thing when it comes to weight loss...        I cut out lactose and gluten almost all the way out of my diet as well as red meats. I only eat chicken about once a week at most now.

breakfast: scrambled egg whites and one whole egg with slight seasoning.  water. and 1 cup of raw spinach.

snack: more spinach -or- an apple.  water

dinner: Sliced cucumber, nectarines, apple, plums   water

Supper: Salad with a few peanuts and a slight drizzle of dressing (oil based) and more spinach    water

Snack: Spinach and  water


I drink about 72oz of water a day...    or more.   

Go for a run every other night - 3 miles and hit weights on my off days.

[nh_mopar_fan]

The key is protein. Lean protein needs to be the center of every meal.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with real eggs either.

You should try to eat as soon as you can once you're up. I usually do 2 eggs/egg whites, or Kaschi Go Lean cereal. 13g protien. 10g fiber.

3 or so hours later, grab a snack. I usually get a cheesestick or some almonds just before I head for the gym.

Lunch is usually tuna over some salad with a little olive oil or a cup of soup with some canned chicken added.

mid-afternoon, snack again, see above

dinner is a salad with steak/chicken/pork/fish

3 hours later another snack. Usually a shake with some fruit added. I like this stuff. Tastes great: http://www.designerwhey.com/

Drink at least 8 glasses of water. Try to down a full glass when you get up in the am.

The protein keeps your metabolism revving. Very important. Leaner the better but I still do red meat a coiuple days a week.

This is what works for me.

Good luck to all.

[derailed]

I listen to the Pink Floyd/Gilmour channel on I tunes. Been on that kick lately.

[flmopars]

I am all for a fitness challenge. I am 145lbs at 4'11 but I am a woman and i should be at 110-123 for my height so I need to loose like 30 lbs but my biggest problem is I drink soda all day long and if I dont have the soda I get a headache as I am addicted to the Caffenine from the soda so how do I not get a headache what is the magic cure I wonder. Let me know when this all gets under way so I can join in on the challenge

[Rolling_Thunder]

Well its been about 4 days at 23lbs...      hello first plateau...      time to change up the work out     

[Mike DC]

Anyone who knows me knows that I typically have a Mountain Dew in hand pretty much any time I'm awake. I am fairly active in the summer and winter and too much dehydrates me so I cut back (not so in spring of fall). If I switch to water I can lose 5 pounds or more in less than a week - and I'm not that heavy to begin with! I've been mixing up Propel in a water bottle at work OR setting a bottle of water next to the Mountain Dew at my desk so I remember to alternate. Just drinking water alone will make most people lose weight. Of course, the weight is just one of the drawbacks to drinking too much soda but it's probably the most noticeable - on and off.

Troy

Ever switch to the "Throwback" version of Mountain Dew they're selling lately?  At first I didn't like the real sugar sodas as much as the American HFCS stuff.  But after forcing myself to switch, the sugar-based stuff has grown on me a lot.   

[greenpigs]

Just curious, what songs, if any do you guys listen to when you work out?

Back then it was Megadeth.

I can say that eliminating Mountain Dew dropped 5 pounds off me and that is all I did different.

[Ponch ®]

It's on, fools!

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,83304.0.html

[Khyron]

I lost 185lbs

[elanmars]

I used to weigh about 235 6 years ago, horrible eating habits. lots of candy, popcorn and hotdogs at the movies, drank cokes constantly, would eat lots of fast food, specially late at night, didn't move much at all. I've been at 195-200 lately and I haven't had much of a chance to work out. I can't afford a gym membership but I do have a treadmill at home. and i've been trying to get back at it, about 2-4 times a week.

question-would I "plateau" if I did cardio constantly? I mean, I don't care if I plateau at 175 or so, that's how I used to weigh when I was 18-22, I don't need to build up, I just want to be skinny fit/look good when going to the beach or pool with my little one. I don't want to be the dad with the white shirt on or with the belly rolls (not that I do now, but I want to tone up). I'm 29 now. Busy with work, school and being daddy leaves me with little time for anything but I do have better eating habits now.

For example, absolutely no high fructose corn syrup. If I have a soft drink, it's very rare that I do and I try to make it one of those with real sugar, sometimes coke does that in bottle form (or if you go to certain supermarkets in the Mexican food section, their bottled cokes don't have HFCS), I know pepsi, dr. pepper and mountain dew have real sugar "throwback" versions. Again-that's rare. If I have some sort of desert or candy, again, no HFCS. Ketchup, bread and other things that a lot of companies put HFCS in, there's the non-HFCS versions available which is great.

I've cut out meat entirely-which is a bit extreme for some and I'm not judging anyone, I'm not preachy about it/don't care for peta, it's for health reasons and some other things I believe. It's amusing that when I was a total meat eater, I had VEGAN girlfriends! haha they really liked me, obviously, to be with me with their views, which they were very open and vocal about.

It wasn't difficult for me to do away with meat altogether, it never tasted amazing to me, I always bathed bites with ketchup/bbq, no matter if it was legit "game" super awesome meat or the cheapest fast food, just never did anything to me/for me. I had enough burgers for a life time when I was younger and it was easy to cut out since it never made me feel great. pork is gross to me and chicken was the tough one to cut out but after reading a lot about factories and the way things are done, it's completely disgusting to me. Watching documentaries like Food INC and Earthlings helped as well, as reading the book "skinny bastard".

I just need to vary what I eat, experiment more and educate myself more via more vegetarian/vegan cookbooks. skinny bastard was a pretty good start and i need to re-read it to write down and reference some things. I need to cut down dairy more, not entirely, as I love cheese but all the junk that's pumped into dairy is ridiculous.

there's a lot of sketchy stuff done with food in the US nowadays, just read about "frankenfoods" and the explosion of diabetes and other diseases since they've been introduced (these food companies have a LOT of dough to buy people out and keep things on the hush hush for the most part)...a corporation by the name of Monsanto, they're like some EVIL sci-fi corp for real.

anyway....uhh...yeah I want to lose more, work out/run more and eat even better!

[nh_mopar_fan]

If you're looking for alternatives to soda, try some of the flavored seltzers out there.

zero calories, all the soda fizz, and there are at least 6-7 different flavors that I've tried.

[Ponch ®]

If you're looking for alternatives to soda, try some of the flavored seltzers out there.

zero calories, all the soda fizz, and there are at least 6-7 different flavors that I've tried.

I drink a lot of those Crystal Light-type 'diet' drinks. Except I don't get actual Crystal Light, but rather one that's called Wyler's. You can find them at Walmart or even the 99 Cents Only Stores. You're supposed to do a packet for a 20 ounce bottle of water, but its still too sweet to me...so I just take a gallon water jug and drop three packets (it's perfect for my taste) and it lasts me a couple of days. 5 calories per little packet...so even if I drink the whole jug, it's still only like 15 calories. Not bad considering a can of soda has up to 140 and its full of that fructose crap.