The journey from 260 to....

[Da Klugs]

Came back from vacation in early april and stood on the scale: 260!!!

A new high water mark for me. Decided that it was "time".

A little background. Started doing push-ups as a token "gotta get fitter" effort back in September. Did 10 the first day. Each and every day since I have been doing push-ups. Worked up to 100. Then added a few after 10 deep breaths. Got to 100 then 50 in the morning and 100 at night by the spring of this year.... and I was as big as ever... the 260 mentioned earlier.

Came to the conclusion it's a 2 prong thing stupid (dats me) need to eat more sensibly and do cardiovascular exercise to get the heart rate up and break a sweat.

The exercise habit was hard to aquire. Seemed so hard to actually get off the couch and "do something". In my case, it has been riding the 25 year old Schwinn Airdyne in our basement. Have gotten the religion and do it 5-6 nights a week for 35-40 minutes. Come off it dripping, which I guess is the point of things. Was gaining back pounds each weekend at the lake (away from the bike) until this weekend. Kait talked me into an "island walk" 3 miles of powerwalking which ... who knew, made me drip with sweat as well.

Simultaneously the "eating right" habit is jsut as hard. When I started consciously trying to lose weight it was a daily fight. Loved chips, and every other form of potato. Burgers, pizza man it was my life. Took about a month to get to sensible portions and off the junk food habit.

Once the cardio and eating were aligned the weight started dropping. 20 in the first month, 10 in the second, and targeting 15 in the third. These last 15 have been the hardest, requiring a reduction in calories and increase in cardio to keep the scale moving in the right direction.

216.4 this morning. New goal is 210. We will see.

[icehog3]

Congrats on all the progress so far, Dave....excellent commitment, to the point where now it is likely "habit" for you.

Who would have thought 1 year ago that today I would outweigh you by 30+ pounds. :r

[NCRadioMan]

:=:


Grats bro!

[Old Sailor]

:tu:tu you can do it Dave,congrats!

[E.J.]

Good on you! Congratulations.

[Mattso3000]

Great progress! Keep up the good work... I've went the other way. Ran 2 half marathons a year and a half ago and tore the meniscus on the second one. Also damaged ankle ligament 6 mos ago and broke my foot 2 weeks ago. Up to 215 without the cardio (from 180)

[hammondc]

Damn right, man. Well done. Feels good doesn't it?

[kaisersozei]

Excellent job, Dave! :tu

And knowing that there are plenty of guys around here who are pursuing those same pursuits, in any number of threads, I hope makes it motivational and inspiring for you. Keep up the great work!

[Chainsaw13]

Excellent job Dave. Got any before/after pics to show your progress? I"m bummed I didn't take any before pics, although I can probably dig up something once I reach my goal.

[kelmac07]

Great job Dave!! Keep at it brother. :D

[yourchoice]

Awesome, Dave! As Gerard said, there's many motivational threads here...they helped me with my pursuit to better health. Keep up the good work, man! :tu

[Volusianator]

As a 245 guy myself, this is incentive, thank you and congratulations! Keep fighting the good fight.

[elderboy02]

Good luck Dave! :tu

[EricF]

Congrats Dave!!!! :tu

[hotreds]

:tu:tu

[Starscream]

You've come this far. The rest will be much slower, but it should also be easier b/c the habits are already instilled within you. Keep it up, Dave!:tu

[markem]

Congratulations, Dave!

[Genetic Defect]

Awesome Dave :) Keep at it!

[Da Klugs]

Had a "blip" yesterday. I think it was the cheddar cheesburger soup mismarked at Zoup = 225 calories. The way it tasted must have been more like 1000. :)

Pre workout last night 220. Provided the motivation to hit it hard hard hard last night. Extra 5 miles on the bike, extra 100 push-ups (350 for the day) and ... a point of failure curls session with the hand weights last night. Normal routine of 150 push-ups, + 60 12 lb curls, 100 squat thrusts and 50 sit-ups this morning

After all that 216.9. Had a 400 calorie soup and salad lunch and hope to get to the 215 level either tonight or tomorrow. We will see. Gotta stop getting anxious on the progress of #'s. It will come, just never seems to come fast enough when you are watching too closely.

[Chainsaw13]

Yep Dave, it's that whole "watch pot never boils" thing. I'm sure you've already noticed too that your weight is the highest towards the end of the day. Keep up the good work, you'll hit your goal in no time.

[longknocker]

Congrats, Dave! Keep It Up, Brother!:tu

[Genetic Defect]

I think a mirror is a good way to judge progress. You may not see on the scale lose as you gain muscle and lose fat.

[Da Klugs]

Got a bit obsessed about 215 today. Zoup lunch for 450 calories.... then pickles and nicorette for dinner.

Hit the bike hard after work. 45 minutes, 14 miles. Did 100 push ups, 60 curls x 3 different ways. Bunch of leg lifts till I couldnt do any more.

214.8 :D:D:D

Going to try and come back from 5 days at the lake without gaining much back. Looks like its MGD 64 time.

Have a great holiday!

[Da Klugs]

Been drinking like a fish for 2 days at the lake. Not going to get any better till the 5th.

Did the 3 mile powerwalk yesterday evening, this morning and again this evening. Hop;ing not to come back on the 5th to sutim ugly.

Eating way way more than usual but its the holiday. :)

[Da Klugs]

So.... 4 days of eating and drinking later. We powerwalked 3 miles around the island Th nite, 2x on Friday, 2x on Sat, 1x on Sunday. Seemed infectious for Kait and Hals as they joined in most times and it was "social" more than just exercise. Hit the bike last night when I got home.

Scale this morning ... 214.8. The same as when I left. Life is good. :) Thinking Next week or 2 I get to 210 and then figure out how to stay there while eating more normally. Whatever normal means now. Or, set a new goal. Always assumed 200 would require decomposition but maybe a revised goal. We will see.

[icehog3]

Another benefit of your lifestyle changes is likely a more efficient metabolism, Dave, which means you will probably be able to maintain your weight even when adding a few more calories. :tu

[Chainsaw13]

I know what you mean Dave. I had set a goal of 220, but as I near it, I"m not content with the way I look. I want a leaner look. We'll see how it goes as I progress through the workout program I"m on. Keep up the good work though, you'll hit 200 in no time.

[Da Klugs]

I know what you mean Dave. I had set a goal of 220, but as I near it, I"m not content with the way I look. I want a leaner look. We'll see how it goes as I progress through the workout program I"m on. Keep up the good work though, you'll hit 200 in no time.

It's addictive but getting harder. Swam with the kids last night, hit the bike for 15 miles and did the push-ups. 213.1 this morning. :)

Zoup has the 100 calorie garlic chicken today. Might have to treat myself to the 4 oz. $ .99 upgrade making it 150 + the 240 calorie salad.

[icehog3]

Vegetable trays instead of honey baked hams for lunch at the Shack this year? ;)

[Da Klugs]

Vegetable trays instead of honey baked hams for lunch at the Shack this year? ;)

Nah... but will be adding honey roasted sliced chicken breast to the menu. Freakin good. Had some last weekend. Had an ear of corn on the cob last night for dinner. Not bad without the butter. :)

[GreekGodX]

I like the "nicorette gum and pickles for dinner" :r

If you get the 2mg or whatever the small amount of nicorette gum it can be a great hunger supressant without getting addicted :tu

[icehog3]

Nah... but will be adding honey roasted sliced chicken breast to the menu. Freakin good. Had some last weekend. Had an ear of corn on the cob last night for dinner. Not bad without the butter. :)

Sounds yummy! :dr

Good sweet corn doesn't need butter. :)

[Da Klugs]

Took some advice earlier and did some research on body fat. Using a bunch of the tools, some interpretation etc. came up with the stats.

In my usual obsessive compulsive way added them to the stats I have been keeping track of, added some goals and ....

here it is:

[M1903A1]

Very good! :tu

[Da Klugs]

Went to Dicks after Zoup.

36 pants it is. Fit perfectly.

and....

L is the shirt size. :D


Crazy - 3 months ago 42 and XXL.

[357]

Went to Dicks after Zoup.

36 pants it is. Fit perfectly.

and....

L is the shirt size. :D


Crazy - 3 months ago 42 and XXL.

Congrats on how far you've come already. I got motivated in Jan '10 and lost 40. I've gained 5 of it back, which is surprising given my lack of self control with overeating. I'm ready for another attempt. I think this time I will have to make exercise more of a focus. I truly want to make it habit and create a life-long change. Your story is encouraging Dave. Thanks, and keep us posted.

[Chainsaw13]

Mike, check out this book at your local library. "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite." I'm reading it right now and it has some really interesting information about why we overeat. I'm to the part know where it talks about breaking those habits.

Congrats Dave on the success. Gives me hope that I can get to that point as well. Pretty much in the same boat as you, ~4 months ago, 42, size 46 pants, XXL shirt. Now I'm nearing the pant sizes that start with a 3 and even XL shirts are not necessarily loose, but fitting well.

[Da Klugs]

Walked the island sat, sun and today. Hit the bike etc this evening.

208.6

[Chainsaw13]

Dayum Dave. That's awesome. :tu

[racerX]

nice work. Keep it up.

[Da Klugs]

IN the past couple of weeks actually starting to "feel thinner" not sure if that makes any sense but it is what it is. Pants size has changed 2x in the last 3-4 weeks.

209 this morning but we had a big outing yesterday and 10 beers and a big dinner didn't help much. Back to Zoop 400 calories for lunch to quench the guilt. :) Part of the path to normalcy I need to end up at pretty soon anyway.

Going to try for 200. (actually have this need to see 199 on the scale as the "end point") Could mean 34 pants, dunno. Mid August ends the weight loss progarm regardless. Need to be done with the weight loss and into "weight maintenance" by Shack herf time. Too obsessive complusive on both to manage them simultaneously. :)

[NeuRon]

wow congrats man, thats alot of work....

im in the same boat, and slowly starting to see it come off.. although im a long way from you.. lol..


So what kind of diet are you basing your meals around? i see you mentioned soups and salad, etc.. do you take anything like protein drinks, multi-vitamins, meal replacements, etc? or you just want to balance your eating and exercise and splurge when needed?

again Dave, good work!

[Da Klugs]

Took the Sinatra approach. Did it my way.

Soup and salad for lunch. Try for arouind 350-400 calories. Dinner - usually salad, some kind of vegetable, fruit and grilled chicken or fish. Try to keep it under 600 calories. Leave room for 3-400 calories per day of "snacks". I like the 60 calorie chocolate pudding - seems to quench my chocolate urges. Buy the 3 lb "source bag" of veggie chips from zoup make 3 oz snack bags for 125 calories which are a nice potato chip replacement. Use 5 calorie jello and 0 calorie pickles for "volume snacks" when I feel hungry off cycle.

Take a multivitamin daily but that's been about it.

The key has been the combination of calorie reduction ... down to about 1200-1500 per day and massive amounts of cardio. I ride the airdyne about 55 minutes now and lose 3+ lbs from start to finish. Lot of water weight that comes right back but some doesn't. Plus the daily 250-300 push-ups, leg lifts and some hand weight upper body things.

wow congrats man, thats alot of work....

im in the same boat, and slowly starting to see it come off.. although im a long way from you.. lol..


So what kind of diet are you basing your meals around? i see you mentioned soups and salad, etc.. do you take anything like protein drinks, multi-vitamins, meal replacements, etc? or you just want to balance your eating and exercise and splurge when needed?

again Dave, good work!

[NeuRon]

hmm good call with the pickles, good snack.. as well as the pudding for chocolate bliss.. sounds pretty similar to mine, only ive been replacing my breakfast with a METrX meal replacement bar. They have alot of protein and it usually keeps me full til lunch.. I do the multivitamin as well. keep up the good work brother!

[Chainsaw13]

Another good snack is 1oz of nuts; walnuts, pecans, peanuts, cashews. Lots of protein, good fats and some fiber. Just make sure to portion out the 1oz, because they have a lot of calories and it's easy to overeat. I was surprised how well that small snack will tide me over from one meal to the next.

[Da Klugs]

hmm good call with the pickles, good snack.. as well as the pudding for chocolate bliss.. sounds pretty similar to mine, only ive been replacing my breakfast with a METrX meal replacement bar. They have alot of protein and it usually keeps me full til lunch.. I do the multivitamin as well. keep up the good work brother!

Never been a breakfast eater. Have some quaker oats 90 calorie granols type bars that once in a while I have for breakfast when the "urge to eat" becomes too strong.

Another good snack is 1oz of nuts; walnuts, pecans, peanuts, cashews. Lots of protein, good fats and some fiber. Just make sure to portion out the 1oz, because they have a lot of calories and it's easy to overeat. I was surprised how well that small snack will tide me over from one meal to the next.

Nuts are like potato chips to me. Portion control is outside of my ability to control. :)

[icehog3]

Will there be any Dave left by SHVII? :D

[Da Klugs]

Fighting it this week. 209-212 seems like a plateau for me. Ate about 1100 calories yesterday, hit the bike and other routines hard. Ended up in the same place 209. Low hanging fruit has been picked me thinks so these last 9 pounds are gonna be a female dog.

[Da Klugs]

Relatives in town yesterday dinner and drinks were...excesive. Hit the bike at 11:30 last night. Nicorette and coffee for breakfast and lunch last night. Went home at 4 and exercised early before a light dinner.

205.6

- 54.4 pounds in 100 days.

Of course i"ll be closer to 210 than 205 on Monday. But it's the lowest I've seen on a scale in 25 years. Starting to believe that 200 is attainable.

[icehog3]

Amazing. :)

[GreekGodX]

I'm starting to believe 190 is attainable for you, Dave! Wow!

[Da Klugs]

Long weekend at the shack. We had "healthy meals" lots of fruits, veggies adn chicken as the primary meat. Drank like a fish, but walked the island each day.

204.5 this morning. :)

I'm starting to get confident about making it to 199.

[markem]

Congratulations, Dave! Walking is very good exercise. I'm sure you are like me and have fond memories of walking to school, uphill both ways. :tu

[Da Klugs]

Congratulations, Dave! Walking is very good exercise. I'm sure you are like me and have fond memories of walking to school, uphill both ways. :tu

Don't forget the chopping of wood before and after school. :D

[Da Klugs]

Wow things have happened quickly.

Been on customer golf outings the past couple of days in the heat. Continued the normal workouts and have eaten on average 1000 calories a day for the past couple of weeks.


199.9 last night after my workout, 199.6 this morning. :banger


The goal (Revised down a couple times) has been met. Seems like a new goal might be in order, and this is the last one.

the answer to the to.... is going to be 195. Pretty sure I can keep things between there and 200 and I''m sick of buying new clothes.

[hotreds]

Bravo! Check out Larabars- healthy, tasty bars in many flavors.

[icehog3]

Can I have your old clothes, Dave? ;) :r

[baddevildog82]

Great job! Hard work and determination always pay off. Keep it up!

[ahc4353]

Congrats Dave! Very, very impressive.

[massphatness]

Kudos big, er little, guy. :)

[shilala]

Well done, my man. I knew you'd do it. :tu
You're gonna pass me up. Slow down a little, will ya?
How bout you catch me at 195 and we'll race to 185? I'll even bet you five bucks to make it interesting. :D

[Whee]

Great job!

All us skinny people at Shack this year means we can fit more onto the jetty!:r

Down almost 50 myself since last year.

[Da Klugs]

Well done, my man. I knew you'd do it. :tu
You're gonna pass me up. Slow down a little, will ya?
How bout you catch me at 195 and we'll race to 185? I'll even bet you five bucks to make it interesting. :D

Not gonna happen. 195 is my self imposed lower limit. (ok maybe 190) Thinking it's a "healthy weight" for me. Based upon BMI, Body fat etc, my theoretical low is around 182-185 but that is with a 4% body fat, not sustainable or healthy for the non-athlete, grandfather that I am. :)

[shilala]

Not gonna happen. 195 is my self imposed lower limit. (ok maybe 190) Thinking it's a "healthy weight" for me. Based upon BMI, Body fat etc, my theoretical low is around 182-185 but that is with a 4% body fat, not sustainable or healthy for the non-athlete, grandfather that I am. :)
I have no idea what my theoretical low is, I only understood about half the words you said. I was 185 for lots of years before I got fat and I wrestled 165 in 7th grade, so I figured around 175 for an old guy?
How does one figure out what they "should" weigh?

[Da Klugs]

I have no idea what my theoretical low is, I only understood about half the words you said. I was 185 for lots of years before I got fat and I wrestled 165 in 7th grade, so I figured around 175 for an old guy?
How does one figure out what they "should" weigh?

Remember to add the 10 pounds of undigested red meat in your colon to the numbers. :)

The Published BMI tools are out there. Most of them are BS as they dont take into account different "body types", muscle mass etc.

I was a swimmer in HS. 185 pounds and you had to look for any fat.. probably in the 8-11%% of body fat range.

College got in the 200 pound range without the "fitness" associated with my prior good habits. Probably moved into the 22-24% range.

Without getting out the calipers or going in for a rigorous test... this is a fairly good tool you can use with just a tape measure to calculate your body fat % which is different than your BMI:

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/

It's not perfect but gives you a sense of things. Says I'm at 17.2 but in reality I'm a little lower than that based upon body type, muscle mass etc.

I tend to agree with this overall view:

http://www.bmi-calculator.net/body-fat-calculator/body-fat-chart.php

Feeling pretty fit and losing another 5 lbs put me in the middle of the range so it makes sense based upon my experience. The simple height and weight calculators out there are wacked.

The other sources that use the height weight formula to calculate BMI but tend to want you to be a skeleton before they consider you healthy and it's just not realistic.

It's helpful to find out your BMR (Basic metabolic rate) and then use the Harris Benedict Equation to figure out your basic calorie needs. It's an eye opener but explains why you lose or gain weight based upon activity and calorie consumption.

But... have found that for me, an hour a day of cardio + 1000-1300 calories is the formula for rapid weight loss. Less cardio - less loss, more calories less loss. Have sdjusted the cardio up to this point over the past 110 days and the calories down over that time from 2500 to current levels.

[OLS]

I know one thing, I only see you once a year, and the last time I saw you was STARK change for the better.
I was muy impressed. Wish I could say I took that as motivation, but I am bigger than ever. Good thing about
the shack though, there's always somebody bigger than me. ;)

[Da Klugs]

Hallies boyfriends family came to town from NH. Spent 4 days with us at the shack. Ate and drank .... way to much. Came back and the tale of the scale was ugly... 206. Been working on it for a couple days. Back to 202 this morning.

The folks at Zoup must be missing me by now been almost a week. On the good news front my morning push-ups are now one set of 150 vs the break after a 100. Feeling stronger and looking leaner. It's just much harder to lose weight now.

195 is going to be the end point for this. 2 more weeks and then maintenance mode. Whatever that means.

[shilala]

2 more weeks and then maintenance mode. Whatever that means.
That's what I'm waiting to hear about. I have no clue how that part works.

[Texan in Mexico]

Thanks for sharing - as many have said it is motivating and makes me proud to see your results. What it makes me realize is that I need to up the cardio and push-ups to get down to 240 on my way to 220.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Hippiebrian]

Congrats! I've been on a slow weight loss ride since the heart attack a couple years ago. Not quite as good at it as you have been, but have dropped 50 lbs slowly just replacing driving with riding my bike.

Keep it up, man, I see good things!

[SNKBYT]

congratz Dave, great job.........wish I could walk, but my injuries make to hard to exercise.....but I try to watch what I eat, was 198 when I returned from Afghanistan and went up to a high of 231 now down to 224 and holding

will see the new you in 21 days

[Da Klugs]

Thanks for sharing - as many have said it is motivating and makes me proud to see your results. What it makes me realize is that I need to up the cardio and push-ups to get down to 240 on my way to 220.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yup.... and radical reductions in calories. Gotta do it all or it just doesnt work, at least for me.

Congrats! I've been on a slow weight loss ride since the heart attack a couple years ago. Not quite as good at it as you have been, but have dropped 50 lbs slowly just replacing driving with riding my bike.

Keep it up, man, I see good things!

Good on ya! Slow is much better way to go than the crash progarm I have been on. It's hard and hard on you. My experience with this has led me to lifestyle changes regarding eating and exercise that I hope will stick with me when the drive to lose is finished.

congratz Dave, great job.........wish I could walk, but my injuries make to hard to exercise.....but I try to watch what I eat, was 198 when I returned from Afghanistan and went up to a high of 231 now down to 224 and holding

will see the new you in 21 days

There are infinite ways to exercise that can help. Just tightening your butt muscles a few hundred times a day burns significant calories. 12 pound hand weights. Leg lifts, etc. It comes down to choices. If you choose to do what you can to achieve a goal and actually stick with doing those things consistently over a long enough period, it will happen.

Hit it hard last night with the usual routine plus swam with Jane for a half hour. Got back to 200.1 this morning after doing a morning trip on the Airdyne for the first time. Maybe going to 2 a days is what I need to get to the end point of this.

[Da Klugs]

It's Deja Vu all over again. 199.9 this morning after a morning workout. Probably more of a real weight this time vs a week ago when I hit the same number. Ate well last night so its not a stretch like last week was.

Definitely much harder to move lower from here than it has been. Keep hitting plateaus that are tough, tough tough to break through. Hoping it was just my zeal last week to push to a number now reflected in a more normal weight.

Yesterday started doing the cardio in the morning as well as at night. Almost 2 hours a day. Going to try this for the last couple of weeks of my journey of weight loss to see where I can end up. Still think 195 or a bit lower is attainable just not sure it's a weight I can stay at given what it takes to get and stay there.

[Whee]

It's Deja Vu all over again. 199.9 this morning after a morning workout. Probably more of a real weight this time vs a week ago when I hit the same number. Ate well last night so its not a stretch like last week was.

Definitely much harder to move lower from here than it has been. Keep hitting plateaus that are tough, tough tough to break through. Hoping it was just my zeal last week to push to a number now reflected in a more normal weight.

Yesterday started doing the cardio in the morning as well as at night. Almost 2 hours a day. Going to try this for the last couple of weeks of my journey of weight loss to see where I can end up. Still think 195 or a bit lower is attainable just not sure it's a weight I can stay at given what it takes to get and stay there.

:tu

I've been stuck in the 195 area for about 6 weeks now. Keep pushing!

[shilala]

It's Deja Vu all over again. 199.9 this morning after a morning workout. Probably more of a real weight this time vs a week ago when I hit the same number. Ate well last night so its not a stretch like last week was.

Definitely much harder to move lower from here than it has been. Keep hitting plateaus that are tough, tough tough to break through. Hoping it was just my zeal last week to push to a number now reflected in a more normal weight.

Yesterday started doing the cardio in the morning as well as at night. Almost 2 hours a day. Going to try this for the last couple of weeks of my journey of weight loss to see where I can end up. Still think 195 or a bit lower is attainable just not sure it's a weight I can stay at given what it takes to get and stay there.

Just keep doing healthy stuff, Pap. I've stalled around 193, it seems. I hit it before much like you explained your brush with 199.9. I went back up to around 198 and came down slowly to this again, without effort.
I think you're taller than me, so we both might have hit rock bottom for our ages. I hope not, I'd like to get rid of the rest of this gut first. :tu

[Da Klugs]

Jumped on the scale post... err um expulsion, pre lunch 198. :)

Looked over the stats and realized I have been trying to push the numbers.

Weight loss by month:

April - 20
May - 10
June -15
July - 17 so far. (been trying for 20 by Aug 5th.)

Need to stop obsessing about this. Unfortunately I am who I am. :)

[icehog3]

I assume you plan to keep up with the cardio work even after your final goal is met, Dave? Good for the heart, ya know. :)

[Da Klugs]

I assume you plan to keep up with the cardio work even after your final goal is met, Dave? Good for the heart, ya know. :)

I hope so. Been hitting things lately at a level that 4 months ago would have killed me. Need to find a calorie and exercise balance that is sustainable... but not just yet. :)

[Da Klugs]

Friday worked out before leaving for the lake. 197.8 after workout the new low point. Walked the island 2x on sat and sunday morning. Came home last night dreading the scale. After working out... 199.5. This morning post AM ride... 198.5. This is the lowest I have started out a week at. Feeling pretty confident that 195 is within reach by Friday with the "2 a days" and avoiding the strawberry and peach sundaes I ate over the weekend. Friday marks 4 months of this crazy weight loss process. need to decide if that ends the manic "loss" program or if there is room and/or inclination to go lower.

I don't feel thin. Feeling fitter but not necessarily thinner. Does weight loss turun you into a 16 year old girl? :D

[icehog3]

Just by the look of your face in the most recent pick it is obvious you are thinner, Dave.

I can't comment on 16 year old girls in any fashion per my probation officer. ;)

[kaisersozei]

Need to stop obsessing about this. Unfortunately I am who I am. :)

First, outstanding job so far, this is terrific progress! :banger But second, what you've stated is great advice. Weight loss is so much harder as you get older--the ol' body just doesn't want to shed the pounds like it would have when your chemistry was different.

Couple things you might want to consider:


Cutting out the bad calories is good, but just make sure you're not running at too much of a deficit. Ya gotta feed the machine to burn fat. Sometimes people get stuck at a weight because they aren't eating enough. Counter-intuitive, but true.
It sounds like you are varying up your exercise routine, so that's good. Resistance/strength training is key to fat loss. You may not see it in the scale since you're adding muscle mass, so maybe take a few measurements (waist, chest, bicep) and note any progress. As you see changes, that will make you feel better about the stuck scale. ;)


Keep up the great work!

[Hippiebrian]

Just a thought, but maybe ignore the scale for a while. Keep doing what you're doing with the exception of checking the weight for a bit. The lower we get, the longer it takes to burn up that last few pounds, which can get frustrating. I've found that if, at least for a while, I concerntrate more on how much better I feel than how much I've taken off, I stay motivated. Then, when I finally capitulate and step on the scale, I'm usually pleasantly surprised!

[Da Klugs]

Just a thought, but maybe ignore the scale for a while. Keep doing what you're doing with the exception of checking the weight for a bit. The lower we get, the longer it takes to burn up that last few pounds, which can get frustrating. I've found that if, at least for a while, I concentrate more on how much better I feel than how much I've taken off, I stay motivated. Then, when I finally capitulate and step on the scale, I'm usually pleasantly surprised!

Too obsessed to ignore the scale. I do weigh ins pre and post workouts. 198 even this morning after working out, which is good as there is movement to come that will create movement. (Hey its an old guy thing).

Got up at 6:15 and hit the bike hard for an hour. Did the 150 push ups and 150 crunches. Plan on Zoup for lunch 350 calories and maybe go easier on dinner today less than 1000. Ate about 2500-3000 calories yesterday because my body was telling me it needed it. Last night - Pre workout weighed in at 203... arrgh. Post was 199.

Your point is well taken though regarding feeling better. I do. Seem to be poised to make the sub 195 move sometime in the next week or so if the pattern is similar to the past plateaus.

[Da Klugs]

196.5 This morning new low. But the only way to make it to 195 by tomrrow is a little fast today. Thinking about it but zoup sends its siren song email each morning. :)

[SNKBYT]

196.5 This morning new low. But the only way to make it to 195 by tomrrow is a little fast today. Thinking about it but zoup sends its siren song email each morning. :)

:tu:tu

[icehog3]

196.5 This morning new low. But the only way to make it to 195 by tomrrow is a little fast today. Thinking about it but zoup sends its siren song email each morning. :)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/soupnazi-1.jpg

No Zoup for you! :D

[Da Klugs]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/soupnazi-1.jpg

No Zoup for you! :D

The tee on that one was tall and pretty. :D

The question is ... when 195 is reached... am I "out" :D

[icehog3]

The tee on that one was tall and pretty. :D

The question is ... when 195 is reached... am I "out" :D

I won a contest. :)

[Da Klugs]

I won a contest. :)

Daily winner? :noon

[hotreds]

Have you tried "HIIT" training where you max out for 30sec-1min every 2 or 3 min(or variations thereupon)? Might be the push your body needs......

[Da Klugs]

Have you tried "HIIT" training where you max out for 30sec-1min every 2 or 3 min(or variations thereupon)? Might be the push your body needs......

I'm bull headed about this subject. Been using the "Sinatra method" i.e. doing it my way. Seems to have worked so far though trying to go much lower might require a different method.

The next phase of this might require what you suggest. Weight loss and general fitness improvement was the initial goal. Now it might evolve into more of a general fitness, targeted program to eliminate some "trouble spots". Chest is not as fit as back after all the push ups being the primary example.

[Da Klugs]

Just bought new pants ..... for the 4th time now.

34 shorts!! (from 42)

M - workout shorts (from XXL)

Should have bought stock in Dicks...

[shilala]

Dave, my BMI says I'm 27.98. It says if I was 175, I'd be 25.11, which still means I'm fat. I don't buy that. I would if it weren't for my musculature. This Isaac's sh1t makes my muscles work 24/7, and I've got serious muscles.
I still have a gut and side and back fat that would definately amount to another 20 pounds. I suppose when I get to 175 I can reassess? At that point I'll bug you for a real BMI thing you do with a measuring tape and stuff.

On a good note, I got new shorts. A couple pair of 34's. They're falling off me already.

[Da Klugs]

Dave, my BMI says I'm 27.98. It says if I was 175, I'd be 25.11, which still means I'm fat. I don't buy that. I would if it weren't for my musculature. This Isaac's sh1t makes my muscles work 24/7, and I've got serious muscles.
I still have a gut and side and back fat that would definately amount to another 20 pounds. I suppose when I get to 175 I can reassess? At that point I'll bug you for a real BMI thing you do with a measuring tape and stuff.

On a good note, I got new shorts. A couple pair of 34's. They're falling off me already.

Ignore the BMI its BS

Try this one:
http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/home-body-fat-test-2774-143.html

It factors in age and some measurements vs just height and weight.

Says I am at 15 or so which jives with my view.

BMI says 25.8% which would mean I have 50 Lbs of body fat ... after losing 65 pounds. That is total BS and easy to prove it.

Using the BMI calculator from my starting point:

260 pounds - Yields - 34.5 or 89.7 pounds of fat

current calculation:

195 pounds - Yields - 25.8 or 50.3 pounds of fat

So the 65 pounds I lost contained only 39.4 of fat? What was the rest?

[icehog3]

Should have bought stock in Dicks...

What, like Chippendale's stock? :noon

[zemekone]

34 shorts!! (from 42)

M - workout shorts (from XXL)


WTF?!? dude dave! i wear 32s and M in workout shorts too! :tu

[shilala]

Ignore the BMI its BS

Try this one:
http://www.healthcentral.com/cholesterol/home-body-fat-test-2774-143.html

It factors in age and some measurements vs just height and weight.

Says I am at 15 or so which jives with my view.

BMI says 25.8% which would mean I have 50 Lbs of body fat ... after losing 65 pounds. That is total BS and easy to prove it.

Using the BMI calculator from my starting point:

260 pounds - Yields - 34.5 or 89.7 pounds of fat

current calculation:

195 pounds - Yields - 25.8 or 50.3 pounds of fat

So the 65 pounds I lost contained only 39.4 of fat? What was the rest?

Here's mine now...
You have 22.8% body fat.
You have 44.5 Pounds of fat and 150.5 Pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water).

So if I follow that trend, what is a decent weight for old Dad here?
Ahhh, it says the average american is at 22%, and I should be around 15%. Does that sound right?

[Da Klugs]

Here's mine now...
You have 22.8% body fat.
You have 44.5 Pounds of fat and 150.5 Pounds of lean (muscle, bone, body water).

So if I follow that trend, what is a decent weight for old Dad here?
Ahhh, it says the average american is at 22%, and I should be around 15%. Does that sound right?

"They want us to be rail thin" Easier to stack us in the overcrowded nursing homes as we age. :D

[Da Klugs]

Drum roll.....

The smell of victory is actually pretty nasty around my exercise bike... but......

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/879/victoryi.jpg

Time to stabilize and find a balance in my life that includes the occasional cheeseburger and fries.

April 5 through August 5th - total weight loss 65.3 pounds.

Pants from 42 to 34

Shirts from XXL to L

Third party exercise and diet advice - $ 0

Actual cost - thus far about $ 2500. (bought 40, 38, 36, and now 34 pants plus all sorts of shirts and exercise wear)

[EricF]

Congrats Dave!!! :tu

[Chainsaw13]

Awesome job Dave.

[shilala]

Drum roll.....

The smell of victory is actually pretty nasty around my exercise bike... but......

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/879/victoryi.jpg

Time to stabilize and find a balance in my life that includes the occasional cheeseburger and fries.

April 5 through August 5th - total weight loss 65.3 pounds.

Pants from 42 to 34

Shirts from XXL to L

Third party exercise and diet advice - $ 0

Actual cost - thus far about $ 2500. (bought 40, 38, 36, and now 34 pants plus all sorts of shirts and exercise wear)

Nice work, my man. :tu
Continue to keep us filled in on how you maintain. That's what I'm excited to hear. It's uncharted territory for us both. :D

[357]

Congrats Dave!

[ucla695]

Congrats! Keep the the good work! :tu

[Da Klugs]

Nice work, my man. :tu
Continue to keep us filled in on how you maintain. That's what I'm excited to hear. It's uncharted territory for us both. :D

It's a female dog so far.

Still doing the push-ups, crunches etc. plus...

Friday - rode the bike before leaving for the lake
Sat - Walked/ran the island twice once AM once PM (3.3. miles each)
Sun - Walked/ran the island once, Rode the bike when I got home.
Mon - So far - Rode the bike

197 and change. Its the lowest starting point for a week so I think that is good. The difference is... had a couple cheeseburgers, Ham and turkey sandwiches (with bread) drank like a fish and in general, ate more normally than I have in months this past weekend. Might need to tone it down a bit though. Feel the "binge urge" coming on.

Thinking about making a new goal... longer term. Maybe 190 over the next couple of months. Slow and steady tryhing not to have the large 6-7 pound weekend swings. Easier to keep on the path if there is a goal in mind.

This strategy does not work in the long term but for now... :D

[icehog3]

The "good eating and drinking" with very little weight gain would indicate that your metabolsim has become much more efficient, Dave.....nice fringe benefit. :tu

[Aporschaguy]

Good job man. Loosing weight feels great. I went from 265 to 225 a year back and all my lower back pain all but disappeared. Plus all my suits fit again... I plan to shed a few more with the wife as soon as she is done breast feeding our son. I need to hit the gym again...

[Da Klugs]

Been difficult since last week. Keep working out but the food consumption got out of hand.

194.7 again (finally) this morning. Going to the indians game tonight in the club level where all the food is free. Skipping lunch today. :)

Not sure if I am going to make 190. My body seems to like 200 as it constantly goes back there with the slightest addition to consumption.

Been reading up on interval training for the airdyne. My monotonous cardio routine of 50 minutes @ 4 might have been the reason for plateau. Going to try and mix in some much higher difficulty for 30-60 seconds and dropping down to 2.5-3 in 3-4 minute rest periods for the 50 minutes vs just the one pace.

[Lear31MX]

Dave, Interval training is a good idea, just watch your heart rate.

[hotreds]

Maybe 200 IS your "ideal" weight.

[Da Klugs]

Maybe 200 IS your "ideal" weight.

Maybe but going to make one final push before the herf to see.

[Da Klugs]

194 this morning. Been a tough week. Hopefully today and tomorrow are "moving days". :)

Tried some "intervals" on the airdyne last night. .8 miles normal pace (4), .2 miles at "max" (about 7.5 if that means anything to anyone). Max kicks your butt.

Not sure where this leads but it certainly changed the dynamic.

[Whee]

:noon:noon

[Da Klugs]

193 This morning. Probably going to be the lowest I go for a couple weeks given the wekend is here followed by the herf. It's a real weight slowly reached this week so I'm hoping for a not so large weekend bounce.

Been eating well but smart. Thinking 185 might be possible but 190 is definitely "in range" by early September.

[shilala]

Keep on hangin', brother. I'll keep watching to see what happens.
I'm still stuck in this mid-190's area. That's good, I suppose, because I haven't given any of this stuff much attention (read : zero attention) at all for the last month or so.

[icehog3]

Can I have your "phat" clothes, Dave? :D

[Da Klugs]

No weekend bounce. 192

[Aporschaguy]

Been difficult since last week. Keep working out but the food consumption got out of hand.

194.7 again (finally) this morning. Going to the indians game tonight in the club level where all the food is free. Skipping lunch today. :)

Not sure if I am going to make 190. My body seems to like 200 as it constantly goes back there with the slightest addition to consumption.

Been reading up on interval training for the airdyne. My monotonous cardio routine of 50 minutes @ 4 might have been the reason for plateau. Going to try and mix in some much higher difficulty for 30-60 seconds and dropping down to 2.5-3 in 3-4 minute rest periods for the 50 minutes vs just the one pace.

How tall are you? 200 is awesome if your around 6 feet.

[pnoon]

How tall are you? 200 is awesome if your around 6 feet.

He's 4'11". :=:

[icehog3]

How tall are you? 200 is awesome if your around 6 feet.

How tall do I have to be to be "awesome" at 245?

[Genetic Defect]

How tall do I have to be to be "awesome" at 245?

My guess is over 7ft

[icehog3]

My guess is over 7ft

Better get your elevator shoes, Fratello. :)

[Genetic Defect]

Better get your elevator shoes, Fratello. :)

:r at my weight I'd have to be 11fT

[icehog3]

:r at my weight I'd have to be 11fT

I'll be right behind you at 9'8. :)

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Nice job Dave!

[Da Klugs]

I'm starting to believe 190 is attainable for you, Dave! Wow!

I believe as well ...... now.

:D

[Whee]

I believe as well ...... now.

:D

:noon:noon:noon

Great job!

[Chainsaw13]

Great job Dave. Now go have that hang nail taken care of! :r

[irratebass]

Fantastic Dave!!!! :banger

[hotreds]

How tall do I have to be to be "awesome" at 245?

You're awesome now, Tomaso!

[icehog3]

You're awesome now, Tomaso!

:wo :wo

Somehow I lost 10 pounds on Shack weekend....I musta kept "forgetting" to eat. :r

[markem]

How tall do I have to be to be "awesome" at 245?

http://images2.cpcache.com/product/375491242v5_350x350_Front_Color-Black.jpg

Congrats on 188.8, Dave!

[IBQTEE1]

Congrats Dave. You look amazing. :)

[GreekGodX]

I believe as well ...... now.

:D

Awesome Dave :tu

I was looking through some past Shack pics and comparing them to you now. You look so much better now. Don't ever let yourself get back there! But don't go all anorexic on us though either :) Lower than 180 and you are going on a eating binge.

[NeuRon]

Dave. Eat a Twinkie.

Love Ron :)

[Da Klugs]

Awesome Dave :tu

I was looking through some past Shack pics and comparing them to you now. You look so much better now. Don't ever let yourself get back there! But don't go all anorexic on us though either :) Lower than 180 and you are going on a eating binge.

No lower than 180... agreed.

But for now: Big moving day. 1/10th off the low goal. TIme to figure out how to stop before I melt away.

[Da Klugs]

Been a struggle the past few weeks. Bounced back up to 193-4 after the big move to 185.1 posted last. Gaming the system to get to a number (not eating all day and then working out for a second time and weighing again) just makes it harder to keep moving from there as I was really a couple weeks away from that as a stable weight.

Been working out hard after the holiday weekend 2x a day every day this week on the bike, 300 push-ups and 300 crunches each day. Have stayed in the 180's all week and hit 184 for the first time this morning.

Thinking about joining a gym/getting advice from a personal trainer. Looking and feeling pretty fit but there are still a few problem spots that I think professional advice could assist with. (Man boobs and ass)

[icehog3]

MMMM....Director of Corporate Fitness. I have been thinking about a good retirement gig. ;)

Kudos on the continued success, Dave. :)

[DPD6030]

Great job. Now if I only had motivation. I'd like to be about 150-160 with more muscle than fat. I'd also love to improve my cardio. I guess it's time to hit the gym and get a brace for my wrist so I can lift.

[Da Klugs]

Went on a boys trip to Ogelbay to play golf and stimulate the economy $1 at a time this past weekend. Drank, drank and then drank some more.

Great time but ugly on the Sunday reality check on my scale. Back below 189 today and looking for a final little 2 week push before calling for stability - whatever that is. Targeting 181 for Friday morning this week. By next friday want to stabilize and see if I can stay at 180-185 as "the new normal". Might not be realistic but not going to fret about a few.

Looking for a new obsession, been working with an architect to design an addition for the shack. :D

[icehog3]

Looking for a new obsession, been working with an architect to design an addition for the shack. :D

Potential retirement job: Full time security at The Shack. ;) :D

[357]

:wo :wo

Somehow I lost 10 pounds on Shack weekend....I musta kept "forgetting" to eat. :r

I'm thinking that's because there aren't many calories in Tequila or Vodka. Most of the carbs have been converted to alcohol, hence the weight loss. :D

. By next friday want to stabilize and see if I can stay at 180-185 as "the new normal". Might not be realistic but not going to fret about a few.

Looking for a new obsession, been working with an architect to design an addition for the shack. :D

Good work on the weightloss/lifestyle change. It's not easy. BTW, would that mean it would cease to be "the shack"? Perhaps Shack Estate, Shack Manor, or Shackzilla?

[Da Klugs]

Decided that one last push was in order. Worked out every day for the past 14. Last 6 days 2x a day hour on the airdyne, 150 push ups, 150 crunches, etc in each session.

The end has been passed. :D

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/1989/thegoalismet.jpg

Time for maintenance mode. I think 180 is probably a little to light starting to scare myself. Going to target 185 as a stable weight. Challenge is now how to move from always trying to get lighter to .... staying at a place.

A good problem compared to weighing 260 as I did 6 months ago.

So ... final numbers:

Start: 4/5/2011 - 260 Pounds
End: 9/30/2011 - 178.9 Pounds

Total Weight Loss: 81.1 Pounds

[icehog3]

Congrats on all you've accomplished, Dave, and to your stick-to-it-ness in the future.

[galaga]

Congrats Dave. I know how hard of a job that is at your age......;)

[icehog3]

Congrats Dave. I know how hard of a job that is at your age......;)

There's the pot calling the kettle old. :r

You coming up North in November, Rick?

[yachties23]

Awesome job Dave.

Some people say the first few pounds are the hardest to lose, others say the last few. I think the hardest part about losing weight is keeping it off. You feel like you should reward yourself for all your hard work, so the occasional snack or treat becomes real easy to cave in to.

I think one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is to think in terms of what it would take to work it off in order to eat it.

Say to yourself "That cheesecake looks awesome, but its like 45 minutes on the treadmill"

[galaga]

There's the pot calling the kettle old. :r

You coming up North in November, Rick?

Just giving the young fella a little ****. Yesterday was a S.H.I.T.



Where you going to be?

[Da Klugs]

Congrats on all you've accomplished, Dave, and to your stick-to-it-ness in the future.

Been a long 6 months. I think the long term nature of it helps though. Pretty much determined not to go back to where I was. Lifestyle changes that include some 4000 calorie consumption days is where the balance needs to come in.

Congrats Dave. I know how hard of a job that is at your age......;)

:tg Hey I can only think hard hard it would be at yours. :D

Awesome job Dave.

Some people say the first few pounds are the hardest to lose, others say the last few. I think the hardest part about losing weight is keeping it off. You feel like you should reward yourself for all your hard work, so the occasional snack or treat becomes real easy to cave in to.

I think one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated is to think in terms of what it would take to work it off in order to eat it.

Say to yourself "That cheesecake looks awesome, but its like 45 minutes on the treadmill"

The last 10-15 was the hardest no contest. First 30 was a piece of cake. Last few were a female dog. Bounced around for a month or 2 to get them off. Finally took some extreme diet and exercise to get to this morning. We will see what it takes to stay in the 185 range. Intentionally went lower to enable a stable point around 185. Figure anything between 180 and 190 is going to be acceptible movig forward. 190 is the "danger Wiil Robinson point".

[irratebass]

Fantastic Dave! That had to have been some hard work (I am not reading the entire thread....sue me if you posted how hard it was), but the outcome is the reward....very very cool :salute:

[shilala]

Keep us posted, Dave. I ballooned up and now I'm dropping back again. It is definately a female dog, no doubt.

[Da Klugs]

Keep us posted, Dave. I ballooned up and now I'm dropping back again. It is definately a female dog, no doubt.

The last couple of weeks required as much willpower as I had. Just got tired of the 185 to 195 bouncing I had been doing. I think the end of the shack season helped as all the drinking and eatring there would cause me to gain 6-8 pounds every weekend.

I'm curious if I can keep the weight off that the crash program of the last 2 weeks though. Figure on continuing the more extensive workouts and tapering as the weight stabilizes.

Been keeping track of things. The goal now is to keep the weekly high weight down for the next couple of weeks. 8-10 pound weekly swings are not good.

Last 9 weeks high and low weight and next 2 weeks goals below:

[shilala]

The last couple of weeks required as much willpower as I had. Just got tired of the 185 to 195 bouncing I had been doing. I think the end of the shack season helped as all the drinking and eatring there would cause me to gain 6-8 pounds every weekend.

I'm curious if I can keep the weight off that the crash program of the last 2 weeks though. Figure on continuing the more extensive workouts and tapering as the weight stabilizes.

Been keeping track of things. The goal now is to keep the weekly high weight down for the next couple of weeks. 8-10 pound weekly swings are not good.

Last 9 weeks high and low weight and next 2 weeks goals below:
I didn't really change my food intake much, but my activity fell off cause my neural stuff had been really bad for a month. In all honesty, towards the end of that run I started eating Almond Joys and other junk like that, which I usually do when I get real bad. I'm not sure if it's the "comfort" aspect, or if my body needs something in it. (I'll eat crap food because I can't stay on my feet long enough to make decent food, as well.)
It worked because things have ironed out pretty well and I'm already losing what I put back on really fast.

I really wouldn't worry about those 8-10 pound swings as long as they correct themselves. With your size and your body's ability to put up water, and as much food as you can have backed up in your system as it's being metabolized, you can carry a good ten pounds right there.
So if you're at Shack over the weekend and literally eat 8 or 9 pounds of food, plus all the beer and so forth, it's going to take days to just get that through the digestive tract, and your body is going to burn all the alcohol sugar before it goes to work on the food you stuffed down the hole. At our age we don't metabolize like kids, either. It takes time to work that food off.

I'd stack Shack in with cigars. What you do there is what brings you joy, and that's what we're here waiting for. God's Grace is huge up there on the lake. The benefits of a weekend there far outweigh any negatives, just as with smoking cigars. Plus you continue to exercise there, and get right back to your eating routine during the week.
I guess I'm suggesting to look at the net aggregate rather than the immediate changes. Maybe stretch your "okay range" just a bit and call it good. You've been busting your ass so long and so hard and so maniacally, it's probably hard to back up and let things just "be" now. That's why I've been waiting to see you report on how that end part goes. I knew it was going to be tough for both of us. :D

[Da Klugs]

Just went 72 hours without doing any workouts. Don't laugh, it was hard not to hit it.

185 this morning and feeling pretty good. Going to exercise the next few days and then next week start a 1x only a day workout schedule with weekends off. See where it takes me.

Ate a Big Mac on Tuesday night at 1 am... :)

[OLS]

After seeing you at the Shack in Aug 2011, my advice is to keep up the excercise and stop trying to lose weight.
You need to be fit, not anorexic. You look good now, if a bit skinny.

[icehog3]

Ate a Big Mac on Tuesday night at 1 am... :)

Was ya drinkin'? :D

[irratebass]

Man I am finding it harder and harder to find time to work out (not an excuse) by the time I get home it's after 6pm, dinner is anywhere from 7-7:30 then I usually work out after that and TRY to get a cigar in before bedtime by 11pm.....lately I have been skipping the workout and smoking, I need to get back on the horse....steady at 27 lbs aint doing it for me.

[icehog3]

....steady at 27 lbs aint doing it for me.

That is awfully light, unless you are 3 foot 2. ;)

[irratebass]

That is awfully light, unless you are 3 foot 2. ;)

:=:

[Jasonw560]

That's awesome. Congrats!!

Let me ask you something. When you miss a workout, you feel all giddy and anxious, like you need to do something until you actually work out?

I only ask because I started walking 3 weeks ago. (Bad ankles, no running for me). I do it 3 times a week. I have a VERY sedentary job, and I get that feeling and I have to walk the floors of the hospital. Plus, before I go out to walk when I am at home, I get fidgety until I go and walk. Taken me from 285 to 270, though. Just wondering if I was just weird like that.

[GreekGodX]

Just went 72 hours without doing any workouts. Don't laugh, it was hard not to hit it.

185 this morning and feeling pretty good. Going to exercise the next few days and then next week start a 1x only a day workout schedule with weekends off. See where it takes me.

Ate a Big Mac on Tuesday night at 1 am... :)

I didn't, I totally understand. It is so hard for me to skip workouts, or take days off.

I'll excuse the Big Mac and agree with Tom that you were drinking :D

[liltim]

Sounds like you have made a lot of progress. Congrats brother, you are definitely moving in the right direction.

[Da Klugs]

That's awesome. Congrats!!

Let me ask you something. When you miss a workout, you feel all giddy and anxious, like you need to do something until you actually work out?

I only ask because I started walking 3 weeks ago. (Bad ankles, no running for me). I do it 3 times a week. I have a VERY sedentary job, and I get that feeling and I have to walk the floors of the hospital. Plus, before I go out to walk when I am at home, I get fidgety until I go and walk. Taken me from 285 to 270, though. Just wondering if I was just weird like that.

Exercise is not my addiction. The process of measurment and weight loss goal attainment is. So when I skip its more of a ... darn look at that number in the spreadsheet kind of problem.

180.6 after my morning workout. This is the lowest I have been on a Monday morning in this process. This is the week the template that I would like to reapeat .... forever happens. 6 lb weekly weight range of 184 on sunday night to 178 on friday morning. I think I can do it averaging less than 1 workout a day.

[Da Klugs]

Last Friday morning... 174.6.

Decided enough is enough.

Didn't work out Fri night - Sunday night. Didn't work out this AM either.

Weighed 179.5 when I went to work today. Seems like a good starting point for the week.

Going to cut back the exercise to 6-7x this week week. Had been running 10-11 times. Just trying to find the balance to stay in the 177-180 range so that all my new clothes will still fit. :)

[Da Klugs]

Ups and downs the past few weeks. Got down to 173 and up to 185 during that time.

180 now and seems like the "right place" for a long term objective.

Trying to "take days off" from exercise and only do so once per day when I do. The addiction to "lose more" was strong and still tugs a bit. Got pretty good at it and not breaking it would have only one end point. :D

[hotreds]

In fact, one can become addicted to exercise as well- and that's not really healthy either. All things in moderation seems to be the key.(except for :ss)

[Da Klugs]

Backed off the exercise last week probably too much. Hit 186 on Saturday night. Worked at it a bit the past few day. 179 this morning without doing any cardio. (I lose 2 lbs doing cardio).

Back on track. Should go to bed tonight at the target 180. Hallie and Elliot are coming home this weekend and that should take care of any concerns about getting too light. :)

[icehog3]

Take the cannolis. Leave the gun. :)

Good job, my wafer thin friend. :)

[Da Klugs]

Take the cannolis. Leave the gun. :)

Good job, my wafer thin friend. :)

Wafer? Where are the wafers? :dr

[icehog3]

Wafer? Where are the wafers? :dr

Control yourself, My Good Man!! :lr

[Da Klugs]

Control yourself, My Good Man!! :lr

The one thing I have never been good at. :sh

[Da Klugs]

Started the week this morning at 180.. my targeted maintenance weight. Perfect. Resisted the urge to workout this morning.

Worked out 8 times this past week lost a couple. Previous week worked out 4 times and gained a couple.

So....Going to try working out 6 times this week and see where it ends up. :D

[Da Klugs]

SO faast forward 2 months.


From Dec 14 thru last week pretty much ate what I wanted.

Broke a couple ribs on Dec 22 so no exercise for a while. A week ago started again (weighed 192).

Been eating more sensably and doing a daily on the aerobics. UP to 175 push ups in the morning and again in the evening.

183 this morning so back in the desired 180-185 range.

[357]

Not a bad fluctuation for a 2 month hiatus. Sounds like you've really made this a lifestyle change. Congrats.

[Da Klugs]

Ribs finally knit up and the exercise program is back in place.

Upped the push-ups to 200 in the am and 200 in the pm a couple weeks ago in addition to the "routine". Been doing the cardio (bike) 8-9 times per week.

Cycled up and down but being able to exercise again is a good thing. Trying to settle into a "pattern" that ranges around 180. Wake up at 179, gain 3 lbs during the day, lose 2 exercising at night, lose another 1 sleeping... waking up at 179 the next morning. Woke up at 180 this morning so pretty close to goal.

[icehog3]

You are a machine, My Friend. :)

[Jasonw560]

Wafer? Where are the wafers? :dr

It's just a wafer thin mint...

[shilala]

I made it to 188 today, Dave. I've officially lost 60 pounds. I need to lose 2.4 more pounds to have lost 1/4th of me.
I was thinking 185, but I think you're right in that 180 seems like a real good target weight. I've been losing rapidly the last month because my Isaac's is up and my muscles work out 24/7 whether I like it or not. They're calming down now and I'm at the doctor's office. I'm sure I'll be leaving with a new regimen of meds.
That'll change everything again. I'll have to reassess and create a whole new act. If I can just get tweaked to where I can put in a good day's work every day, I'll be all set. With my new diet, that should be more than adequate to keep my weight down.
If things work well enough, I can get back to the gym. :tu

[Da Klugs]

I made it to 188 today, Dave. I've officially lost 60 pounds. I need to lose 2.4 more pounds to have lost 1/4th of me.
I was thinking 185, but I think you're right in that 180 seems like a real good target weight. I've been losing rapidly the last month because my Isaac's is up and my muscles work out 24/7 whether I like it or not. They're calming down now and I'm at the doctor's office. I'm sure I'll be leaving with a new regimen of meds.
That'll change everything again. I'll have to reassess and create a whole new act. If I can just get tweaked to where I can put in a good day's work every day, I'll be all set. With my new diet, that should be more than adequate to keep my weight down.
If things work well enough, I can get back to the gym. :tu

:chr

Getting there is like being on a quest. Once you get there.... maintenance is always less exciting. Establishing the right eating and exercise habits while on the quest is the key to happiness once you reach maintenance mode. $.02

[maninblack]

Damn you all are inspiring. I'm trying to get back to my college weight. Damn its hard to do but fun trying.

[shilala]

:chr

Getting there is like being on a quest. Once you get there.... maintenance is always less exciting. Establishing the right eating and exercise habits while on the quest is the key to happiness once you reach maintenance mode. $.02
I started on some new meds and was eating too often just to keep my stomach down. I jumped up a bit. Now that's normaled out and I'm back to not being hungry and eating reasonable portions and getting full real quick.
I was guessing at 185 for my target weight, but I think it's going to be more around 180 with that 7 or 8 pound range around it.
I start physical therapy this Friday and that'll put my fat ass in the gym. I'm sure they'll give me a routine and I'm maniac with that stuff, so I should be in reasonable shape in a month or two. It's good, I get winded and jammed up way too quick. It's tough to get any work done.

[Chainsaw13]

Keep at it Kevin, you'll get there. Plus when you do, it's such a huge personal reward you'll ever wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

I had stalled around the 187 mark for a few weeks. I was good with that. But now something's kicked back in for me. I"m down to 183. Strange cause I feel like I've increased my caloric intake. I guess I should start tracking things again to really see.

[shilala]

Mine falls off when I'm not looking too, Bob. If I just do what's right (and comfortable) it takes care of itself. When I start thinking, that's when I have problems. :)

[Da Klugs]

Been bouncing between 180 and 190 the past few weeks. Seem to have gained some upper body muscle in the past few months. Think it's a combination of the pushups and the isometrics I added to the yoga like pre push up routine.

Happy in my skin here. Pants still fit so 185 must be the new 175. :)

Going to key west in 2 weeks on the one year anniversary of this weight loss and fitness quest so maybe a little push to be "pool ready".

Went in for an 11 hour long executive physical week b4 last. pretty extensive, including a treadmill stress test. Written report in a few days but.... I can now die happy.

A woman looked me in the eye and said I was perfect. :). Some fancy gagetbthey use to measure body fat, muscle density bmi etc. Spits out recommendations. Mine was blank. She got the results and had some fun with it ... "don't let this go to your he'd but.... You're perfect" That felt pretty good after a year of working on my fitness.

Doctor did an end of day preliminary review. Blood pressure 106/62.
Colesterol 124. Psa low. Etc. Said my cardiovascular age is 41. Got 13 mets on the stress test, whatever that is.


What would have been a fearful and depressing event a year ago was a nice affirmation of the results. Of course the colonoscopy is in a couple weeks...arrgh.

[icehog3]

Here's to many extra years of health, happiness and grandchildren because of your hard work and lifestyle shift, Dave.

:chr

Don't worry.....it's "light" beer. :D

[DBall]

Unbelievably awesome!

[Da Klugs]

Here's to many extra years of health, happiness and grandchildren because of your hard work and lifestyle shift, Dave.

:chr

Don't worry.....it's "light" beer. :D

:) thank you my friend.

[longknocker]

Great News, Dave!:banger WTG, Brother!:tu:D

[Coach Deg]

That is great Dave. Good to hear!!!!

[shilala]

Well done, my friend. :tu
The doc told me last week, after checking my mri, that I had a 30 year old brain. With my brain, your body, advances in modern science, and your high rate of income, it'd be crazy to think you can't live to be 245, maybe 300. :lr
(You're welcome to my juvenile brain as soon as I'm done using it, don't show up with a chainsaw.)
I'm still stuck around 193. I just went back on a strict low-potassium high-carb diet, so 180 should come around shortly. 170 would even be better so I can bounce between 170-180. We'll see what happens.

[Chainsaw13]

Congrats Dave. You and I seem to be right at the same point, although I never made it down to 175. 182 was the lowest, now maintaining at 185.

[shilala]

I should also mention, Dave just plain looks great. It's taken me awhile to get used to skinny Dave because he looks so much different, but now I can't imagine him any other way. It's truly an incredible transformation.

[Jasonw560]

Congrats!! Great feat there. Still working on mine. I've told myself every day M-F I'm doing my workout.
I haven't seen 180 since HS. I'm hoping for 210-215.

[Da Klugs]

Congrats Dave. You and I seem to be right at the same point, although I never made it down to 175. 182 was the lowest, now maintaining at 185.

Good on ya! 173.5 was my low and it was too low. Sub 10% body fat at that time. Caused food to be too important to my view of the world. Being able to maintain "a weight" seems the point. What that is needs to fit with your lifestyle choices and liveability factors.

Well done, my friend. :tu
The doc told me last week, after checking my mri, that I had a 30 year old brain. With my brain, your body, advances in modern science, and your high rate of income, it'd be crazy to think you can't live to be 245, maybe 300. :lr
(You're welcome to my juvenile brain as soon as I'm done using it, don't show up with a chainsaw.)
I'm still stuck around 193. I just went back on a strict low-potassium high-carb diet, so 180 should come around shortly. 170 would even be better so I can bounce between 170-180. We'll see what happens.

Scott you need to find a place you are comfortable with. You look great at the weight I saw you at last. "The Quest" for weight loss is a temporary thing.. with a goal or many revised versions thereof. There is an ending point that you need to be able to live with and the implications of that were the difficult thing for me to accept. Just because we can drive the number down to the 170's does not mean that it's realistic to expect that to be a stable end point. For me, this was the most difficult part of the journey. Spent months fighting back down to the 170's only to bounce right back to the 180's. Now I use 190 as the ... ok get back on your game a bit threshold. The changes to eating habits and exercise seem to fit with a 180's range acceptable lifestyle for me. Hope that you find your happy place.

Congrats!! Great feat there. Still working on mine. I've told myself every day M-F I'm doing my workout.
I haven't seen 180 since HS. I'm hoping for 210-215.

Hope and $ 1.95 will get you a $ 1.95 coffee at Starbucks. :D The best advice I can give is to think about what yoiu can live with/the lifestlye choices you can make permenant to keep a particular weight as "normal". Forcing to the lowest number possible is part of the mindset of weight loss. Stabilizing and maintaining a number is going to yield a different answer for each of us. Good luck!

[NeuRon]

congrats again Dave.. i never seen you at the plump stage, but you were looking great at Shack.. i had alot of time to watch you during your Blitzkrieg cornhole session.. lol

[Da Klugs]

congrats again Dave.. i never seen you at the plump stage, but you were looking great at Shack.. i had alot of time to watch you during your Blitzkrieg cornhole session.. lol

You are the picture guy along the way... I've avoided forthe most part but after reading your thread adn realizing it has been almost exactly a year...

Can you tell which picture was from today? :)

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/9374/davethenandnow.jpg

[ahc4353]

Personally I like either of the Klugs in the photo above. :)

Not an easy task to achieve what you have. Congrats and continued good health!

[Emjaysmash]

Well done Klugs!

[NeuRon]

You are the picture guy along the way... I've avoided forthe most part but after reading your thread adn realizing it has been almost exactly a year...

Can you tell which picture was from today? :)


hehe, very nice dave.. you should be proud brother..

BTW, i noticed that the pictures "help you see" the transformation along the way.. sometimes its hard to think that your hard work is paying off, but ive noticed that looking back at old pics gives me motivation!

be well and keep up the great work!



BTW, here is a more refined B&A for you and the crew!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/Sixtydashone/dave.png

[OLS]

From John Goodman To John Hamm in 18 months. It really paid off, Dave.

[maninblack]

Wow, looking good Dave! Great job!

[MajorCaptSilly]

This is a great thread. I'm tall (6'5'') and topped out at 280. Saw some pictures of myself and asked who the fatso was. I absolutely hate exercise unless it's outdoors or playing basketball. I've forced myself to do the bike/treadmill when it's cold and do a 3 mile fastwalk with my wife when it's warm. I do crunches while watching TV. Food was my biggest problem. I eat a small breakfast and lunch but snack like crazy from 8-12 every night. I cut out a lot of the chips and sugar and stopped eating after 8pm. I've been stuck at 251 for about 2 weeks but am keeping with it. I just have to motivate myself to exercise more. Also using a calorie counter on my iPhone which helps a lot. I think 230 would be great for me and hope to hit it this year.

MCS

[Da Klugs]

This is a great thread. I'm tall (6'5'') and topped out at 280. Saw some pictures of myself and asked who the fatso was. I absolutely hate exercise unless it's outdoors or playing basketball. I've forced myself to do the bike/treadmill when it's cold and do a 3 mile fastwalk with my wife when it's warm. I do crunches while watching TV. Food was my biggest problem. I eat a small breakfast and lunch but snack like crazy from 8-12 every night. I cut out a lot of the chips and sugar and stopped eating after 8pm. I've been stuck at 251 for about 2 weeks but am keeping with it. I just have to motivate myself to exercise more. Also using a calorie counter on my iPhone which helps a lot. I think 230 would be great for me and hope to hit it this year.

MCS

We have the same weakness.. snacks. I tried giving them up, it just doesnt work. Same time frame problem for me as well.

Some things I did which you might try.

1. Changed the snacks. Added a lot of diversity, but lower calorie options. Everything from pickles, sugar free jello, fruit and yougurt (the combination is filling and tasty), nuts, 100 calorie snacks are good but you end up eating a bunch of them. Try and limit each itme to 1. If you need more eat a different snack. I set a upper threshold for the snacking that fits within a daily calorie number. For example, since I like to snack eat fewer calories for L,D so that there are 4-600 calories in the plan for snacking.

2. Water, water, water. When I snack, I force myself to drink a glass of water with each snack. Seems to prevent the "going deep" urge.

3. The deadly time window - that 8-12 period where you can just get in the grazing mode. The best solution I have found is to do my exercise around 8:30 or 9. Including prep and clean-up it burns an hour and a half of the danger zone.

[MajorCaptSilly]

We have the same weakness.. snacks. I tried giving them up, it just doesnt work. Same time frame problem for me as well.

Some things I did which you might try.

1. Changed the snacks. Added a lot of diversity, but lower calorie options. Everything from pickles, sugar free jello, fruit and yougurt (the combination is filling and tasty), nuts, 100 calorie snacks are good but you end up eating a bunch of them. Try and limit each itme to 1. If you need more eat a different snack. I set a upper threshold for the snacking that fits within a daily calorie number. For example, since I like to snack eat fewer calories for L,D so that there are 4-600 calories in the plan for snacking.

2. Water, water, water. When I snack, I force myself to drink a glass of water with each snack. Seems to prevent the "going deep" urge.

3. The deadly time window - that 8-12 period where you can just get in the grazing mode. The best solution I have found is to do my exercise around 8:30 or 9. Including prep and clean-up it burns an hour and a half of the danger zone.

I do those Jello Chocolate Decadence cups at 60 calories. I too do the water thing. I keep a 24oz jug with me at work and go through 3 before 5:00 and then have 2-3 16oz glasses when I get home. The snack thing is easy unless I'm under a lot of stress as I'm a stress eater.

MCS

[GreekGodX]

Dave it is always amazing seeing your pictures side by side. You didn't use the phrase but I just don't like term "before and after". I think many will like "Before and Current". "After" implies that you're finished, done, and cannot get better.

Any of us in the weight loss, maintaining, muscle building game do not want to think we're finished. Be happy with your results (Dave and all), but strive for more. "Dissatisfaction is the basis of progress."

My words of wisdom for the day :)

[Da Klugs]

I do those Jello Chocolate Decadence cups at 60 calories. I too do the water thing. I keep a 24oz jug with me at work and go through 3 before 5:00 and then have 2-3 16oz glasses when I get home. The snack thing is easy unless I'm under a lot of stress as I'm a stress eater.

MCS

Intake vs Consumption

Do you keep track of these?

Start here: http://nutritiondata.self.com/tools/calories-burned

Mine looks like this:
Calories Burned

Your Calories BurnedDaily Energy Expenditure: 2695 kcal ( 11283 kJ)
Additional Calories from Exercise:+ 610.0 kcal ( 2554 kJ)
Estimated Energy Requirement: 3305.0 kcal ( 13837 kJ)

Around 2700 calories in my "normal" semi active life burned each day.
+
610 calories burned by daily exercise routine.

= 3300 calories burned per day in my current mode.


So... intake of great than 3300 per day = weight gain. Less equal weight loss.

Takes 3000-3500 calories to lose or gain a pound. So in theory, and in my experiece over long enough time frames, an example -if I consume 2500 calories a day will lose a pound every 4 days or so.


The hard part for me was being honest about understanding the intake part of the equation. It's a starting point for doing something about it. :)

[shilala]

Scott you need to find a place you are comfortable with. You look great at the weight I saw you at last. "The Quest" for weight loss is a temporary thing.. with a goal or many revised versions thereof. There is an ending point that you need to be able to live with and the implications of that were the difficult thing for me to accept. Just because we can drive the number down to the 170's does not mean that it's realistic to expect that to be a stable end point. For me, this was the most difficult part of the journey. Spent months fighting back down to the 170's only to bounce right back to the 180's. Now I use 190 as the ... ok get back on your game a bit threshold. The changes to eating habits and exercise seem to fit with a 180's range acceptable lifestyle for me. Hope that you find your happy place.

Agreed. 193 seems to be where I want to "stick". I'm just not happy with it. Mostly because I still haven't been able to develop a regimen of exercise/eating that I'm happy with. One that's "normal".
Not eating or eating right is not a problem. I really could care less what I eat anymore and I'd be happy with noodles and rice every day. That helps keep my Isaac's in check and allows me to work. Not being strong, I'm not doing well accepting that. I've lost a lot of strength over the last year.
I just finished up Physical Therapy and wanted to head straight to the gym with Lisa, but a bad bout with Isaac's blew out the back of my thigh and my shoulder. Now I have to heal those before I can even ride the bike at the gym.
It's been tough to find that "Happy Place" with all the health drama, but it'll come as my faith allows it.
I went from 38's to 33's, so that's something to be happy with. :)

[Da Klugs]

Agreed. 193 seems to be where I want to "stick". I'm just not happy with it. Mostly because I still haven't been able to develop a regimen of exercise/eating that I'm happy with. One that's "normal".
Not eating or eating right is not a problem. I really could care less what I eat anymore and I'd be happy with noodles and rice every day. That helps keep my Isaac's in check and allows me to work. Not being strong, I'm not doing well accepting that. I've lost a lot of strength over the last year.
I just finished up Physical Therapy and wanted to head straight to the gym with Lisa, but a bad bout with Isaac's blew out the back of my thigh and my shoulder. Now I have to heal those before I can even ride the bike at the gym.
It's been tough to find that "Happy Place" with all the health drama, but it'll come as my faith allows it.
I went from 38's to 33's, so that's something to be happy with. :)

Forget the gym, Lisa is a beautiful woman. Have you considered focusing on a more natural weight maintenece and health progaram? Daily recreational sex? :) (Sorry not meant to be crude just married guy funny for the impossibility of the thought - as your house can only hold so much furniture)

[croatan]

Congrats on perfection, my friend! Dave, you look great. Now the important question: has it helped with the golf swing? ;)

I'm down 70 since you last saw me. 235->165. Haven't felt this good in loooong time. I don't really want to lose any more and should probably hit the gym to try to put back on some muscle--the only exercise I've really been doing has been yoga and tennis.

[shilala]

Forget the gym, Lisa is a beautiful woman. Have you considered focusing on a more natural weight maintenece and health progaram? Daily recreational sex? :) (Sorry not meant to be crude just married guy funny for the impossibility of the thought - as your house can only hold so much furniture)
I've focused on it such that it's created chafing, my friend. :lr

[Da Klugs]

Congrats on perfection, my friend! Dave, you look great. Now the important question: has it helped with the golf swing? ;)

I'm down 70 since you last saw me. 235->165. Haven't felt this good in loooong time. I don't really want to lose any more and should probably hit the gym to try to put back on some muscle--the only exercise I've really been doing has been yoga and tennis.

Most excellent my friend! SLight improvement in the golf as I can have a more natual swing.

Muscle building is where I am at now as well. From my low to now which is + 12 lbs figure about 50/50 fat and muscle.

IN my executive health check-up the fancy machine said I was at 13% body fat or 25 lbs. 12 pounds lighter / ago I got near or below single digit body fat % and was looking "too thin".

[NeuRon]

2. Water, water, water. When I snack, I force myself to drink a glass of water with each snack. Seems to prevent the "going deep" urge.


alot of people i know do the theory of "Waterloading".. if they want a snack, they will drink a bottle of water, and THEN have a snack, and then dont drink for 45 mins after the snack, so it retains in your stomach for a while, and by the time the water settles in, it helps give you a full feeling

[shilala]

I have a 30oz. tupperware cup full of water within reach 24/7. It has a lid and stopper so I don't spill it continuously. There is no doubt it keeps me from being hungry all the time, or at least it used to help until new habits kicked in. Now I do it for the health of it. Keeps the motor clean. :tu

[NeuRon]

so where have you been hovering Dave? lets get an update !

[NeuRon]

come on dave, lets get an update! hope your not slippin! lol