Losing Weight with Starscream

[Don Fernando]

she just adviced me (and helped me) to change my eating pattern

[goalie204]

if you could tell me how/what that would be great, i can't afford a dietician/nutritionist right now ;/

[Don Fernando]

make sure you have breakfast, one slice of dark bread with light topping (20+ or 30+ cheese for example), 2 or 3 slices of dark bread with light topping for lunch and a small but healty and light dinner. No soft drinks anymore, no snacks. Drink lots of water, 2 glasses of milk and 2 pieces of fruit a day.

[Starscream]

Great work, Ferdinand:tu

[goalie204]

now i want a piece of pumpernickle

[Starscream]

Went to the gym for an hour yesterday. Still can't get the numbers to come down. Hovering at 248 for three weeks straight.

[kayaker]

Even with all the walking I did in Sweden I managed to gain weight and still have it on. Haven't weighed in today, but I've been around 242 or so since I got back.:(

Time to get a pair of sneakers and get my butt moving.

[shilala]

Went to the gym for an hour yesterday. Still can't get the numbers to come down. Hovering at 248 for three weeks straight.
Andy, go to the store and get five cases of this stuff...
http://www.glucoholic.com/images/2008/12/aquafina_flavor_splash_grape.jpg
Keep a giant cup full all day long and never quit drinking all day long.
You'll be a 98 pound weakling in a few months. :)

[Starscream]

Andy, go to the store and get five cases of this stuff...
http://www.glucoholic.com/images/2008/12/aquafina_flavor_splash_grape.jpg
Keep a giant cup full all day long and never quit drinking all day long.
You'll be a 98 pound weakling in a few months. :)

I try to drink at least a liter or more of water every day.
Two liters when I exercise.

[shilala]

I try to drink at least a liter or more of water every day.
Two liters when I exercise.
I drink 8 times that on slow days. For whatever reason I can drink the grape water on ice, but have a hard time drinking just plain water.
I leave the grape water out so it's warm and it melts my ice cubes to where it is watered down to nothing.
I go through so many ice cubes that my ice maker can't recover unless I go away for a couple days.
I just went for a walk. I covered about 500 miles in just under an hour.
I'm going to die now.
Right after I drink a 30 ounce cup of grape water. Lol :)

[Starscream]

I'm going to die now.
Right after I drink a 30 ounce cup of grape water. Lol :)

:r

[kayaker]

I checked in this morning. I glad I'm just under 240 but I really need to get my butt moving.

[Starscream]

:bh

[kayaker]

:bh

:tpd:

[shilala]

I have gone from 184 up to 193.
I'm actually getting abs for the first time in my life. I skipped out on Physical Therapy this week because my back is so screwed up, gonna ice and get it under control and start back on Tuesday.
I had never noticed, but along the way my left leg ended up half the size of my right leg from guarding my back, and I've got about 1/4 of the strength in that leg. It's going to take a few more months before I get everything right and balance at a weight.
It's really difficult to walk and keep moving and do everything I need to do.
I've noticed that I've almost completely cut out red meat and almost completely given up grease, and I love grease. :)
I actually ordered fish at Ruby Tuesday's a few days ago. I think it's the first time I've ever ordered fish at a restaurant in my life.
Lisa is very good at helping me eat and making sure I eat. As a result, I feel a lot better at times. A few more dozen rounds of doctor appointments and I'm threatening to be in really good shape. :tu

[kayaker]

Still hovering around the 240 mark. Usually on the plus side. Shouldn't be surprised I guess. I still haven't made any commitment to exercise regularly.:(

I know. Just do it, right? I'll try to put together a set of simple home exercises and follow daily. Where's the jogging on the spot smiley?:rolleyes:

[Cyanide]

All of universal physics and biology seems to be working against me. I have religiously been putting in 10 km a day (except on the occasional Saturday I take off) along with 30 minutes weights and core....and I have been sitting at 217-218 for most of this year. I temporarilly dip down as far as 214 but that is usually accompanied by such an insanely voracious appetite that I just can't help myself. I think Ian and I have opposite problems, he can't get the exercise in, I can't sustain the dietary changes! :r

That being said, I don't mind if it takes another year to get to my goal of 208.:tu

[Starscream]

Slipped for a week and went up to 254. I've been back on track this week and am back to 248. Been to the gym this week which helped a bit. Let's see if I can make some progress in the next few weeks.

[Starscream]

245 today!

[shilala]

I'm a little under 190 and holding fast.
I think the 184.6 was an anomally. I'd still like to see 180, and I will before too long.
I got fired from Physical Therapy cause I ended up in the Emergency Room on Tuesday, so I'm just gonna have to chill for a bit.
It's really tough losing weight laying on the couch eating peanut m&m's and watching Judge Judy.
I've increased my water intake to the point where I think I'm going to float away.
Yesterday my entire diet was a half a slice of pumpkin pie, four fun size snickers, and 3 peanut m&m's.
I had a couple cups of watered down coffee with milk, too.
That covers the entire food pyramid except for meat, vegetables and fruit.
Not bad. :tu

[Starscream]

I'm a little under 190 and holding fast.
I think the 184.6 was an anomally. I'd still like to see 180, and I will before too long.
I got fired from Physical Therapy cause I ended up in the Emergency Room on Tuesday, so I'm just gonna have to chill for a bit.
It's really tough losing weight laying on the couch eating peanut m&m's and watching Judge Judy.
I've increased my water intake to the point where I think I'm going to float away.
Yesterday my entire diet was a half a slice of pumpkin pie, four fun size snickers, and 3 peanut m&m's.
I had a couple cups of watered down coffee with milk, too.
That covers the entire food pyramid except for meat, vegetables and fruit.
Not bad. :tu

Pumpkin pie is a fruit.;) Just like potato chips are vegatables.:tu

[shilala]

Pumpkin pie is a fruit.;) Just like potato chips are vegatables.:tu
I just had a fun size Snickers, and parmasan noodles for lunch, so all I need is a raisin, and I'm good for the day. :tu

[Starscream]

I just had a fun size Snickers, and parmasan noodles for lunch, so all I need is a raisin, and I'm good for the day. :tu

Snickers: dairy and grain
Parmasan noodles: dairy and grain

raisin: fruit


You still need some meat. Eat one piece of beef jerky and you'll be ok, Scott.:)

[goalie204]

skinny bastards :) <3

[Starscream]

Hanging in at 245 for three days straight.

[shilala]

I was around 189 today. I ate very light.
Lisa and I went out to eat a few times this weekend and I ate almost nothing, just not hungry. I had some snacky stuff watching the Steelers lose today, and I'm all good.
I've seemed to level out appetite-wise again. I don't have one.
That makes things a lot easier. :)

[Starscream]

Nervous about Thanksgiving weekend.

[Starscream]

Thanksgiving put me back up to 250. Got some work to do now.

[shilala]

Still hanging in at around 190. I was at the doctor's yesterday and he drilled me about the weight loss, I told him how I did it and why. He was pleased.
I'd like to lose another 10, it's tough when it's so cold out.
It really takes a lot of patience to make sure I have my water with me all the time, too. I suppose I need to go to the store and get back on track. :tu

[goalie204]

skinny bastards :) <3

i maintain :)

[kayaker]

Down a smidge to day. Nothing to get excited over. Was diving yesterday and am now working on my basement, so I'm getting a little bit of activity. I'll definitely be more active after New Years, but the way things are going, I'll probably be right back to where I started this year.

[shilala]

Down a smidge to day. Nothing to get excited over. Was diving yesterday and am now working on my basement, so I'm getting a little bit of activity. I'll definitely be more active after New Years, but the way things are going, I'll probably be right back to where I started this year.
I got active and put on about ten pounds. Found out at Physical Therapy that my left leg was half the size of my right leg. I've got it back to normal (almost) and I keep doing my exercises (sometimes).
I just have too much other stuff going on to worry about my weight right now, so I don't, and it just kinda maintains.
I've gone back to eating crappy stuff cause I'm too lazy to cook, and that needs to stop. Yesterday's diet was Spaghettios with meatballs, a donut and a half a bag of Sweet Onion Kettle cooked chips.
That's not exactly what I'm looking for. :)
If I'd carry my ass to the grocery store, that'd help. :tu

[Starscream]

i maintain :)
At least you're not gaining.;)
Down a smidge to day. Nothing to get excited over. Was diving yesterday and am now working on my basement, so I'm getting a little bit of activity. I'll definitely be more active after New Years, but the way things are going, I'll probably be right back to where I started this year.
Every bit is enough to get excited over as long as it stays off.:tu
I got active and put on about ten pounds. Found out at Physical Therapy that my left leg was half the size of my right leg. I've got it back to normal (almost) and I keep doing my exercises (sometimes).
I just have too much other stuff going on to worry about my weight right now, so I don't, and it just kinda maintains.
I've gone back to eating crappy stuff cause I'm too lazy to cook, and that needs to stop. Yesterday's diet was Spaghettios with meatballs, a donut and a half a bag of Sweet Onion Kettle cooked chips.
That's not exactly what I'm looking for. :)
If I'd carry my ass to the grocery store, that'd help. :tu

That wasn't a healthy day, but it's not overeating (not in my book anyways).

[Starscream]

245 this morning. Turkey weight is off.

[shilala]

I'm going to go to the grocery store and buy some real food today. I'm excited about it. :D
I'm gonna have some broiled haddock and broccoli for dinner.
Tons of butter, too. And I might sprinkle m&m's on top. Not sure yet.
190 today, I believe. Staying right there.
When I go to the store I'm gonna get a couple cases of grape water and get back to drinking my water. It keeps me from getting hungry so much. Regular water just makes me hungrier. I have no idea why that is, but it's what happens. :shrug:

[Starscream]

I'm gonna have some broiled haddock and broccoli for dinner.
Tons of butter, too. And I might sprinkle m&m's on top. Not sure yet.


:r:r

[shilala]

I'm up to about 195, I'm pleased to report.
Too much girlfriend, too much good eating.

[pmwz]

i havent posted for a long time in this thread and this means usually bad things. i am up to 119.8kg ~ 262 lbs. A lot of stuff didnt go as planned but everything is resolved now.
Going to start to hit the gym again this week + going on a diet after christmas.

[kayaker]

Down another bit to 238.6 this morning. Wings and beers should have taken care of that this evening.:rolleyes:

[shilala]

I worked my way up to 198. Down to about 194 now, and back to dropping rapidly.
I still want to get back to 184 and hopefully to 180 and hold that.
I'm very comfortable at 185, and I'm very happy with that weight. It won't take long to get back to there, either. I just have to do the things I've done all along.
My health has been awful lately, and that keeps me from exercising. Too much couch and too many peanut m&m's and crappy food because I can't cook for myself really exasperates the problem.
I definately have to eat right and drink lots of water, which I've very much gotten away from for awhile. I've slowly been working my way back to that and finally have my water and eating habits back on track.
With that, I'm losing weight rapidly again. :tu
I'm actually looking forward to seeing the scale today, because I didn't pig out over Christmas. :)

[SilverFox]

Allright time to get things started for the Fox

Jan 1 2010 187.4lbs
40.4% Body Fat


Goal is at least 60 healthy lbs by June 30th

Healthy eating and a ton of exercise

Should be a fun run

[Pauly Walnuts]

Stumbled upon this thread while looking at foxs thread. im a big guy myself trying to slim down. im 245 pounds, 18 years old, but 6'4'' and can dunk a basketball, but im still not satisfied with myself cause i got a gut on me. before winter break I was 238 but gained some holiday weight which is to be expected. im gonna start workin out regularly soon again to drop weight. my target weight would be around 210. my support goes out to all the fellow large men :)

[pmwz]

Allright time to get things started for the Fox

Jan 1 2010 187.4lbs
40.4% Body Fat


is the 187,4lbs a typo? 60lbs in 6 months is a lot. good luck + keep us posted.
I am going to start with the healthy eating + more sport right after the bcs national championship game.

[SilverFox]

LOL Ignore my other post seems I thought I dropped 100lbs just by typing.

Allright time to get things started for the Fox

Jan 1 2010 287.4lbs
40.4% Body Fat


Goal is at least 60 healthy lbs by June 30th

Healthy eating and a ton of exercise

Should be a fun run

[SilverFox]

Wow I think I ate more vegetables today than I did all of December.

[Starscream]

Welcome Shawn to the Weightloss thread. I've gained a lot of weight since I quit smoking cigarettes almost three weeks ago, so it's time to get back on track. I haven't weighed in in the last three weeks, but I'm willing to bet that I went from 245 into the high 250s. I'll weigh in on Monday morning and get back on track then. Anxiously awaiting Lent (so I can be a vegetarian again). Good luck Shawn and all the others who are still working on becoming healthier!:tu

[kayaker]

I almost hit 250 over Christmas, but I'm starting to get back on track again. I'll weigh in tomorrow morning for my starting point of 2010. However, it will be over three weeks before I get to weigh in again. I'm heading to work in camp for a 24 day hitch. It will be interesting to see how it balances out. Working 10+ hours a day versus food in camp. :D

Good luck to everyone on their goals. :tu

[Starscream]

Christmas and quitting smoking worked a number on me. I'm up to 258 this morning. 13lbs gained in three weeks.:( I've got a lot to do to get back to where I was in early December and a lot more to do to get down to my short term goal of 225. I haven't been at 225 in almost three years now.

[Starscream]

Gonna weigh in every day this week, then cut back to a once a week weigh in like usual. 257 today.

[forgop]

I did ok for a few weeks, then came down with bronchitis that seemed to get in the way of spinning class and when that happens, my diet usually goes to hell in a handbasket. I'm officially back on the wagon so to speak for 2010. I've made 2 diet related "rules" for the new year:

1) NO FRIED FOODS
2) No SODA(excluding diet)

I have a little more motivation to stick with it this time. I'm having back surgery on January 18th for a minimally invasive procedure to drill off bones spurs pushing a disc into my spinal cord. Doc says this procedure has a high success rate for smaller guys, but larger people may need more in terms of rods/screws/etc. Needless to say, I don't want anything to do with that kind of stuff.

[14holestogie]

Alrighty then. Time for this chubby guy to join in.

220 on Monday, down to 215 today. Adding some ab rolling and stationary bike to help burn calories and tighten up the love handles. Dietary changes to sweet corn and rice every other day and attempting to stop the habitual nibbling.

Anyone ever tried the ab circle? Looks like it could help the obliques, maybe?

[Starscream]

I did ok for a few weeks, then came down with bronchitis that seemed to get in the way of spinning class and when that happens, my diet usually goes to hell in a handbasket. I'm officially back on the wagon so to speak for 2010. I've made 2 diet related "rules" for the new year:

1) NO FRIED FOODS
2) No SODA(excluding diet)

I have a little more motivation to stick with it this time. I'm having back surgery on January 18th for a minimally invasive procedure to drill off bones spurs pushing a disc into my spinal cord. Doc says this procedure has a high success rate for smaller guys, but larger people may need more in terms of rods/screws/etc. Needless to say, I don't want anything to do with that kind of stuff.

Thoughts and prayers sent for a successful operation, Duane. Good luck with the new diet too.:tu



256 this morning.:tu

[Starscream]

Alrighty then. Time for this chubby guy to join in.

220 on Monday, down to 215 today. Adding some ab rolling and stationary bike to help burn calories and tighten up the love handles. Dietary changes to sweet corn and rice every other day and attempting to stop the habitual nibbling.

Anyone ever tried the ab circle? Looks like it could help the obliques, maybe?

Welcome, Tim.:tu
Never tried the ab circle, but I would rather go for something more full body rather than focus on just one section. But if it works for you, go for it.

[14holestogie]

Welcome, Tim.:tu
Never tried the ab circle, but I would rather go for something more full body rather than focus on just one section. But if it works for you, go for it.


Other than the muffin top I've developed, I believe I'm in pretty good shape.

I figure if I can drop about 20 pounds and just tighten up the mid-section, I'd be happy. I'll probably add something else in there for flexibility stretches too. Hammies have been tight for years.

[Starscream]

I'm at 254 today! Four pounds dropped in three days. Gotta get back down to 245 very soon.

[14holestogie]

Congrats, Andy. :tu

214 myself this morning.

[Starscream]

214 myself this morning.

Good deal!:tu

[SilverFox]

Without giving things away due to my contest I am doing well.

Meal stuff is easy and the workouts are getting better, I can start to feel my power coming back and I have to say I miss it.

I am well ahead of plan but that is normal from such a high start point, I dropped in to see my life coach/personal trainer/nutrition guy and he has changed things up for me a little as he says "I failed you last time around and got caught up in your dedication to it, this time we will make a lifestyle change"

Now lets be clear I don't hold him responsible he didn't force the fork to my mouth or anything like that. I used to blame my car accident and what it did to my back but after only a week of exercise my back is the best its been. Amazing how many excuses one can give themselves to be unhealthy.

[Don Fernando]

good to hear things are going great Shawn.

[goalie204]

i gotta work out maybe, just eating right isn't working, and is hard to do

[Starscream]

Without giving things away due to my contest I am doing well.

Meal stuff is easy and the workouts are getting better, I can start to feel my power coming back and I have to say I miss it.

I am well ahead of plan but that is normal from such a high start point, I dropped in to see my life coach/personal trainer/nutrition guy and he has changed things up for me a little as he says "I failed you last time around and got caught up in your dedication to it, this time we will make a lifestyle change"

Now lets be clear I don't hold him responsible he didn't force the fork to my mouth or anything like that. I used to blame my car accident and what it did to my back but after only a week of exercise my back is the best its been. Amazing how many excuses one can give themselves to be unhealthy.
Are you counting calories, carbs, fat, or on some sort of program, Shawn?

i gotta work out maybe, just eating right isn't working, and is hard to do
A mixture of both is what it takes to get the job truly done, Myles. Although I'm guilty of doing only one or the other.

[SilverFox]

I am on a program of sorts, reduced calories and managed eating. It isn't so much as counting calories as learning portion sizes and food mixes.

The basis for not just calorie counting is that statistically while it is a great way to lose weight you are destined to fail at maintaining so I am teaching myself how to eat.......intellectually I know how its the habitual part that is a killer. If you count calories it is always a situation where that is only till your goal is met then you stop counting and slowly progress back to where you were (or at least in my case)

I have lost weight so many times it is actually ridiculous..........I am an awesome weight loser and a horrible weight maintainer, trying to change that. (I figure over 42 years I have lost close to 400lbs how is that for the ultimate Yo Yo)

Along with that I am training pretty hard I will do between 3.5 to 6 hours of Cardio a week and weight training 5 days a week as well.

I am trying to reduce my carbs but mostly through better choices for bulk for calories.

[Starscream]

The basis for not just calorie counting is that statistically while it is a great way to lose weight you are destined to fail at maintaining so I am teaching myself how to eat.......intellectually I know how its the habitual part that is a killer.

Very true. I am counting calories, but also monitoring fat, carbs, protein, sodium, cholesterol, fiber, calcium, and vitamins. I'm using the tracker at nutrimirror.com right now. It works great for me, but not so well for others that I know.

Keep up the good work, Shawn!:tu

[Starscream]

Any of you here who own a Nintendo Wii, check out Dance Dance Revolution: hottest party. You need the Dance pad controller, but it rocks! I bought it for my daughter for Christmas thinking it was a girl's game, but it is a big calorie burner. It has a fitness mode in which you can set the amount of calories you wish to burn and it lets you know when you have reached your goal. I just burned 456 calories in about an hour or less.

[Starscream]

251 today! That's seven pounds off for the week so far.:tu
Just burned 400 calories with the DDR: hottest party game.

[Starscream]

Back up to 253 today. Tomorrow's the official weigh in for the week.

Fat, fiber, carbs, protein, cholesterol, and vitamin intake are good, but sodium is through the roof. I've gotta cut back.

[14holestogie]

The weekend in front of the tv was not too kind to me. Gained back almost all I lost last week. Time to get serious. :su

[SilverFox]

Weight is down and lean body mass is up :)

Exercise is getting easier (well more enjoyable I wouldn't say easier) my power seems to be coming back relatively quickly.

I was looking back at some of my old workout numbers and I can't even lift that now nevermind doing reps.

Cardio has been great too but I fried my heart monitor so I have a new one coming in.

It is nice to see progress.

[Starscream]

Keep it up, Shawn!:tu

[Starscream]

251 for the week! That's a total of 7 pounds lost for the first week. It's gonna start moving slower from here, so hopefully I can keep my patience and not get frustrated this time.
Keep the faith, all!

[Starscream]

I was lazy yesterday. No exercise and ate a bit much. Still didn't go over on calories, but my sodium intake was very high (again) and calcium was low (again).

Still holding strong at 251, but going down hopefully. It's a long time till next Tuesday's weigh in.

[SilverFox]

Met with my trainer today.........seems he had to check his equipment calibration as he figured there was no way I lost what I did in body fat. He was sure it was water weight.

Having said that I am well above my target for the month and isn't yet the mid point.

Been hitting the cardio hard and the weights harder, my intent as I drop is not to lose any muscle mass but just body fat.........it is a little tougher to do but the end result is worth it.

Eating has been relatively good, been staying away from the starches as much as is reasonable and supplementing with lots of fruits and veggies.

Looking forward to the end of this month.............promised myself a little reward if I break the 20lb barrier (a couple of cold guinness and a Cohiba Esplendido Seleccionn Reserva) :)

[Starscream]

Been hitting the cardio hard and the weights harder, my intent as I drop is not to lose any muscle mass but just body fat.........it is a little tougher to do but the end result is worth it.
Looking forward to the end of this month.............promised myself a little reward if I break the 20lb barrier (a couple of cold guinness and a Cohiba Esplendido Seleccionn Reserva) :)
It's very hard to do, but can be done.

Enjoy the Guinness and Cohiba, Shawn!:tu

[SilverFox]

Yup it is something that people typically don't know I think.

It is impossible to gain muscle mass and lose fat at the same time.

One takes a caloric surplus (building muscle)

The other a caloric deficit (losing fat)

That isn't to say you can't get stronger.............which is the part I was always confused about.

The reason people think they are building muscle is that as the fat drops definition of muscle is more visible.

But working your muscles is very important to weight loss as the increase in muscle strength also helps to increase your metabolism meaning that you will burn more calories at rest.

Using a combination of weight training and cardio along with a good nutrition plan is by far the best and healthiest way to lose weight.

Hell I am a weight loss expert...................now if only I could learn to be a weight maintaining expert....................

[shilala]

I have blossomed to 200.0. :)
It's just cause I ate all through vacation and walked a million miles.
I had found that my left leg and arm were severely atrophied, got those fixed up and that's a lot of the weight gain.
Now I'm gonna get back to my water and my routine. I should be back down to 185 and be able to keep my muscles right. I'll be satisfied at that. :tu

[pmwz]

i am now up too 270. thats around my all time high. you know you are lazy if you forgot where you put your gym membership card...
i am going to search it tomorrow.one of my problems is that if i stop drinking cola i get headaches and cant focus. takes 10 days or so until i dont have this problem anymore.
probably switching to tea... :(

[Starscream]

i am now up too 270. thats around my all time high. you know you are lazy if you forgot where you put your gym membership card...
i am going to search it tomorrow.one of my problems is that if i stop drinking cola i get headaches and cant focus. takes 10 days or so until i dont have this problem anymore.
probably switching to tea... :(

switch to something without sugar. Use a sugar substitute or water. Drinks are what add on the pounds.

[SilverFox]

i am now up too 270. thats around my all time high. you know you are lazy if you forgot where you put your gym membership card...
i am going to search it tomorrow.one of my problems is that if i stop drinking cola i get headaches and cant focus. takes 10 days or so until i dont have this problem anymore.
probably switching to tea... :(

Switch to diet cola still has the caffeine. Try to ween yourself off of that too as I am not a big fan of aspartame.

Tea works the caffeine is still there in tea as well.

Tons of calories in Soda and not one good thing either............sure you knew that.

[Starscream]

Try to ween yourself off of that too as I am not a big fan of aspartame.

Both you and Scott have said this. Why is aspartame bad in regards to weightloss?:confused: I try to stay away from Diet drinks as much as possible, but I can't go without my Sweet n Low in my coffee and teas.

[Starscream]

I assume Sweet n Low contains aspartame?

[SilverFox]

Both you and Scott have said this. Why is aspartame bad in regards to weightloss?:confused: I try to stay away from Diet drinks as much as possible, but I can't go without my Sweet n Low in my coffee and teas.

Not bad with regard to weight loss at all. In fact I drink Diet Ice Tea which has Aspartame..........it is like all other things............done in moderation they are ok.

There is a recent study that claims (not really fully vetted yet) that by breaking the link between sweetness and high calorie consumption that you confuse the bodies ability to regulate intake and therefore cause increased appetite in those that consume it. If that increase in appetite is not met with Calories the body's natural response is to lower the basal metabolic rate as it tries to prevent oncoming starvation. The study is inconclusive as it varies across test subjects.

The general consensus in the scientific community is that saccharin (Sweet N Low), aspartame (NutraSweet) and sucralose (Splenda) are harmless when consumed in moderation.




I assume Sweet n Low contains aspartame?

Nope it contains Sacharine



Hope that helps...............I am a little obsessive about stuff, so when I am back into it.............I am all into it :D

[Starscream]

Not bad with regard to weight loss at all. In fact I drink Diet Ice Tea which has Aspartame..........it is like all other things............done in moderation they are ok.

There is a recent study that claims (not really fully vetted yet) that by breaking the link between sweetness and high calorie consumption that you confuse the bodies ability to regulate intake and therefore cause increased appetite in those that consume it. If that increase in appetite is not met with Calories the body's natural response is to lower the basal metabolic rate as it tries to prevent oncoming starvation. The study is inconclusive as it varies across test subjects.

The general consensus in the scientific community is that saccharin (Sweet N Low), aspartame (NutraSweet) and sucralose (Splenda) are harmless when consumed in moderation.






Nope it contains Sacharine



Hope that helps...............I am a little obsessive about stuff, so when I am back into it.............I am all into it :D

That makes sense. I'm not a big sweets fan, so I overcompensate with a lot of meats. Since Sweet n low doesn't contain aspartame, I should be ok. I don't drink sodas at all right now, diet or regular.

[Starscream]

400 calorie burn workout (Don't know how accurate that is, but I'm going by it). Tomorrow is the weekly weigh in, but I'm not optimistic. I overate today and yesterday big time. High fat and too many calories. Also a lot of sodium that will probably help retain water weight. Drank a good bit over the weekend too. That didn't help. My fingers are crossed for tomorrow, but I'm not optimistic about it.

[SilverFox]

400 calorie burn workout (Don't know how accurate that is, but I'm going by it). Tomorrow is the weekly weigh in, but I'm not optimistic. I overate today and yesterday big time. High fat and too many calories. Also a lot of sodium that will probably help retain water weight. Drank a good bit over the weekend too. That didn't help. My fingers are crossed for tomorrow, but I'm not optimistic about it.

The key is to get back at it amigo. We cannot change what has happened and the future is unknown the now is what matters.

On the calorie burn if you want a good accurate measure I recommend polar heart monitors. I use mine religiously. That plus having your heart rate will help you get the most out of your work out.

Besides you have to keep it up, otherwise who will keep up the thread :D

[Starscream]

Besides you have to keep it up, otherwise who will keep up the thread :D

I keep it up then slack off, then pick back up again, then...

I started this thread a VERY long time ago.

But I'm planning on sticking with it this time. slowly but surely. At least this thread has kept me out of the 260lbs range for a very long time. I'm not optimistic about this week's weigh in, but I'm still optimistic about the long term goal.:tu

[forgop]

I am down 8 lbs to 229 after my first 2 weeks back in the swing of things.

I just had my back surgery yesterday and so far, so good. I had bone spurs drilled off of 2 vertebrae that pushed a disc into my spinal cord for 30 days, I'll have. 10 lb weight restriction, but will try to log a few miles on the treadmill and start back in my spinning classes. Doc said i need to relieve the pressure on my back or I may be doing this again.

[Starscream]

Keep it up, Duane!:tu

[shilala]

That's cool info about the aspartame, Shawn. Didn't know that. I did know diet cola makes me want to eat more.
The main thing with Aspartame is that it causes a protein in the joints to turns on and starts eating the joints. It damn near had me crippled. Mind ya, I was drinking nothing but caffeine free diet pepsi all day every day, so I put a ton of it in me daily for about five years to get in bad shape.
I got back to my grape water three days ago, have no appetite to speak of, and am down to 195.4 already. Yesterday I had a bowl of that hay cereal with honey in it for breakfast/lunch, then pizza for dinner.
Scott (Sofaman) switched from cola to grape water a couple months ago and has dropped about 25 pounds already. He feels better, his back and stuff hurts a lot less, and hasn't had to eat tons of motrin every day to get to work.
Grape water kicks ass. :)

It's also not a good idea to switch from a really high sugar consumption to a really low one all at once. Go slow. :tu

[Knip23]

Good luck brother, try eating lots of celery and peanut butter, and Kiwi to speed up the matab.

[SilverFox]

Good luck brother, try eating lots of celery and peanut butter, and Kiwi to speed up the matab.

I am all for Kiwi a great fruit. More than your daily C, tons of potassium which helps cell water, iron.......and is apparently a negative calorie fruit (takes more calories to digest it than it provides)

I would be careful on the peanut butter though........on table spoon is 100cal and ton of fat, also more sodium than you need. Don't get me wrong it is a mostly good fats, measure out a tablespoon........not much there.

[Scottw]

Been on my diet for 5 days so far. Drinking 150 ounces of water per day, taking in two meal replacement shakes per day (one at 8am, one at 6pm), one 400-600 calorie meal per day (at noon) and snacks (an apple or raw veggies) every two hours or so. Taking in around 1200 calories per day and am down 8 pounds in 5 days and that's without cardio. I am moving my elliptical machine into the spare bedroom so I don't wake the wife at 5:30 am when I want to work out. My goal is to drop 40 pounds in the next 10-12 weeks.

[Starscream]

Been on my diet for 5 days so far. Drinking 150 ounces of water per day, taking in two meal replacement shakes per day (one at 8am, one at 6pm), one 400-600 calorie meal per day (at noon) and snacks (an apple or raw veggies) every two hours or so. Taking in around 1200 calories per day and am down 8 pounds in 5 days and that's without cardio. I am moving my elliptical machine into the spare bedroom so I don't wake the wife at 5:30 am when I want to work out. My goal is to drop 40 pounds in the next 10-12 weeks.

That's a lot to drop in 10 weeks. Good luck and stick with it!:tu Keep us updated.

[SilverFox]

Fat Fox Fitness Tip of the Day

You will see on many peices of exercise equipment "cardio zones" and "fat burning zones"

If you are doing cardio as part of your fitness regimen to lose weight here is a little tidbit for you. There is a fat burning zone and a carbohydrate zone (most of us want the fat burning) but in the end it is irrelevant when it comes to overall fat loss. The "fat zone" says lower intensity will burn fat however, when you do higher intensities the body moves more out of homoeostasis, so when it has to return back to normal it takes much longer and requires more oxygen and calories to do so. It is called Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). In fact studies show that increased use of subcutaneous fat happens during this period. So while you may burn a slightly higer amount of fat during the "fat zone" exercise your total burn doing high intensity workouts (anaerobic interval training) for the same time frame will result in significantly more total caloric burn and fat loss and will improve overall cardiovascular capacity much more than "fat zone"

Now having said that it is not for the weak of heart and I mean this both objectively and subjectively. If you are at any risk talk to a doc before trying this out. Also working yourself at the edge of your total capacity is tough. The results are awesome though.

Anyway just a little tidbit for the day.


Good luck to all in there goals whatever they may be.

[Starscream]

Awesome tip, Shawn. I did not know that about the fat zone on the eliptical machine. So it's better not to use the fat zone monitor at all.:tu


Weighed in at 250 today. Down one pound. I was as low as 247 this week, but the weekend hurt me. No exercise and ate a bit too much. But it was my oldest daughter's birthday and we were celebrating (I know that's not an acceptable excuse, but I'm using it anyway).

[SilverFox]

Man I have to say my first month has been filled with success, I am well in advance of my goal. I know there will be a slow down if not a stall even but at this point I am doing very well.

I think the major difference this time around is the ceasing consuming Alcohol (specifically beer)

This was a tough one for me as I love my beer and the last time I did this I reduced my caloric intake but included a beer a day.

Here is the reason I chose not too this time.

Alcohol has a few negative effects.

1. It stimulates appetite helping to dull those sensors in your brain that register when you are full even as little as one drink can cause this.

2. While only around 5% of the calories in Alcohol are turned into fat the remaining alcohol is processed by your liver and turned into acetate which is then transfered to your bloodstream to use as fuel (rather than any fat stores)

3. Alcohol increases the amount of cortisal (a muscle wasting hormone) and breaks down testosterone (a muscle creating hormone) for up to 24 hours after consumption. Less muscle means a lower overall metabolic rate which leads to less calorie burn. The results are amplified if exercise is done after consuming alchol.

4. Beer has many plant estrogens (female hormone) that can cause estrogen increase in men. This leads to increased fat storage in the hips and pelvic region (spare tire maybe) and increase pectoral fat (man boobs anyone)

Those are my reasons for giving up the booze this time around.


If I am pissing anyone off by posting this info up just say so........I am not trying to be preachy to each there own I am only sharing what I have learned.

[Scottw]

Good info Shawn, I too am a beer and wine lover and I have cut out salt, caffeine and alcohol from my diet and today I fit into a pair of pants that I was going to throw out a month ago. 10+ pounds off in 8 days (I realize water weight comes into play as well). I have also been using my elliptical machine and kept my heartrate above 140 for 20 minutes last night.

[Starscream]

If I am pissing anyone off by posting this info up just say so........I am not trying to be preachy to each there own I am only sharing what I have learned.

I'd rather be pissed off than pissed on.:D

Keep it coming, Shawn. Very valuable info you are posting here. Alcohol is my bane as well. I try to keep it to the weekends, but when I down a fifth of whiskey in one or two days, it's probably worse than drinking a little bit every day.

[SilverFox]

Time for a little break from the exercise to let my body recover. Gonna take Saturday and Sunday off and be super strict on my intake.

I tend to the obsessive side and don't want to end up with tendinitis in my hamstrings.

Still on progress and cruising along.

[pmwz]

went to the gym today. first time in 2 months i think. switched from regular cola to coke zero, water + bitter lemon.
i am probably trying to do 45 min cardio before work. I also drive 4,35 miles with my bicycle to work.
dont have much time next week. goal for next week is 4 gym visits.

[Starscream]

went to the gym today. first time in 2 months i think. switched from regular cola to coke zero, water + bitter lemon.
i am probably trying to do 45 min cardio before work. I also drive 4,35 miles with my bicycle to work.
dont have much time next week. goal for next week is 4 gym visits.

Sounds like a good plan!:tu Keep up the good work.

[Starscream]

Weighed in at 250 today. Only a pound less. I need to get more physical.:(

[Scottw]

My pants are getting looser everyday it seems. I'm down about an inch and a half on my waist after 11 days of dieting and amazingly, I am enjoying the challenge. I cut out Alcohol, Salt and caffiene from the diet and am eating more veggies now than every. I make a few trips to the organic farmers market and stock up with fresh produce and am learning how to prepare some pretty great dishes. I'm going to try to lose another 7-10 pounds within the next two weeks.

[CGARG1RL]

GOOOO Andy!!! I'm gonna be your cheerleader. But no pompoms ok? :)

I think it's awesome and you're on the right track here... change of lifestyle. The results may seem 'slower', but they will be results and they will last. No yo yo stuff. Just remember to change it up, especially with exercise. Like cycle on and off things.. key is cardio. .. eh, I'm rambling on what everyone else has touched on..bunch of smart peeps here!! :)

Good luck hun, let me know if I can help. (no I wont go running, to the gym, or cook for you lol)

[Starscream]

Thanks Sondra.:tu

Looks like the only way I'm gonna be effective is to also cut out the alcohol. I know everyone else that has been successful has done so. My problem is too much whiskey on the weekends.:(

[shilala]

I don't drink at all, Andy. Actually, when I quit, it's when I gained so much weight. Go figure, right?
I'm hanging at around 197 still. I haven't been drinking my water near enough and my appetite is all over the place. I'll be screwed up for at least a few more weeks until I'm done changing all my meds for my back.
I really can't concentarte on anything right now cause my meds have my head totally screwed up. I got lost in the living room a little while ago. :)
I've basically tied myself to the couch for the last week, and without exercise, even with nearly no food intake it's hard to keep things under control.
I'm not concerned so far as I don't start gaining quickly, and I'm not. I'm actually still losing weight or staying pat. Still can't get to the 185 I was at, but I'm not at all focused, either.
It'll take about a month for the new meds to smooth in and the old stuff to wear off, so I'm just gonna coast for awhile.
Fortunately my back is feeling better, and my whole spasticity seizure crap is under control. If the "Lost in Space" goes away, I'll be in pretty good shape come spring. :tu
I just gotta keep away from the shop. And that's driving me nuts. I can't do much of anything without screwing it up or getting hurt. :)

[Scottw]

down from 239 to 224 in 14 days. Andy, cut out the booze and you'll see a difference. Looking back, most of my caloric intake came from alcohol and now it's coming off.

[Starscream]

down from 239 to 224 in 14 days. Andy, cut out the booze and you'll see a difference. Looking back, most of my caloric intake came from alcohol and now it's coming off.

I've been tracking it and around 15-17% of my intake is alcohol. Knowing that makes me feel like an alcoholic.:(

[SilverFox]

Hate to agree with you Andy as it sounds like you enjoy your Whiskey as much as I my beer.

Unfortunately as I mentioned before Alcohol has a double whammy. The extra calories you don't need and how it is metabolized.

I don't think of it as giving it up.........only obtaining to reach a goal

Keep at it amigo nothing succeeds like perseverance.

Had my semi monthly meeting with my coach today..........seems I am ripping it up...........in his words "We need to get you to slow down a bit" I know what he is getting at not to keep my expectations that this rate of change will continue but for now I maintain the pace.

Good luck all.

[shilala]

Had my semi monthly meeting with my coach today..........seems I am ripping it up...........in his words "We need to get you to slow down a bit" I know what he is getting at not to keep my expectations that this rate of change will continue but for now I maintain the pace.

Good luck all.
I lost 1.6 pounds a week for however long it took, Shawn. Then I just stopped. Ran out of fat. Now I have a little on the gut, but I lost it all on my back and everywhere else.
50 pounds of fat is a wheelbarrow full. Can't believe I was lugging that much extra around.
I tried to get back to working out by going to Physical Therapy, but it just exasperated my back problems. So I'm back to doctoring (not that I've ever stopped).
It's all coming together slow but sure.
Time takes time, brother. Be patient and listen to your doctor. Don't hurt yourself when all you need to do is be patient. Give your body time to acclimate. It needs it. :tu
It'll all come off. You're too stubborn for it not to. :)

[shilala]

I've been tracking it and around 15-17% of my intake is alcohol. Knowing that makes me feel like an alcoholic.:(
If it's any consolation, Andy, I'm an alcoholic. You wouldn't make a pimple on an alcoholic's ass. That's a good thing. :)
Set it down for a bit and acheive your goals. Either that or find an alcoholic beverage without such a negative impact on your plan.
Once you're reached your goal, you'll enjoy and appreciate your whiskey that much more, I bet ya. :tu

[SilverFox]

I lost 1.6 pounds a week for however long it took, Shawn. Then I just stopped. Ran out of fat. Now I have a little on the gut, but I lost it all on my back and everywhere else.
50 pounds of fat is a wheelbarrow full. Can't believe I was lugging that much extra around.
I tried to get back to working out by going to Physical Therapy, but it just exasperated my back problems. So I'm back to doctoring (not that I've ever stopped).
It's all coming together slow but sure.
Time takes time, brother. Be patient and listen to your doctor. Don't hurt yourself when all you need to do is be patient. Give your body time to acclimate. It needs it. :tu
It'll all come off. You're too stubborn for it not to. :)

Hell Scott were you talking to him........... I swear that is word for word quote what he said to me this morning.:tf

[Starscream]

Well I said my goodbye to alcohol last night (for a while at least). I'll probably have some the week before Lent, but I'll abstain for now.:salute:

[Scottw]

Good luck Andy!

[Starscream]

I'm anxiously awaiting to hear Shawn's results for the end of the month. Almost here!:tu

[kayaker]

Haven't had time to look through all the latest posts but here's my update.

After 3 weeks + in camp with active work I'm down around 10lbs.

Hope I can keep this up, and hope everyone else is doing well.
:tu

[Starscream]

Ian!:salute:

[SilverFox]

Good Job Ian.

Andy I think you will find that without the booze things will progress a little quicker.

I personally have never wanted a Guinness so bad in my life :D

Keep it up amigo.

Shawn

[Starscream]

I personally have never wanted a Guinness so bad in my life :D


I know the feeling, and it's only been two days.:hn

[kayaker]

When I go to camp, there is no alcohol allowed. That helps, as long as I can keep myself from making up for it on my days off. :r

[SilverFox]

Well it was a great month.

I lost 22.5 lbs in January. Would have been more but it was poker night on Saturday and I let myself have a few Guiness and damn if there wasn't hot wings there plus nachos with fresh homemade guacamole.

But right back to the grind. I don't think I can hit over 20 again this month my routine is pretty intense and to do that would mean close to a 2,000 caloric deficit a day for the month.

My expectations are to lose another 10 to 15 and keep up the good habits I have started.

My cardio is through the roof and I have reached the point where my legs give out before my cardio limit has been reached............not a bad thing but it means limiting my time for cardio.

My strength has been coming up very well as I continue with resistance training (weights). As an added bonus my lower back which has been phucked ever since my car accident two years ago has never felt better, I have been slowly adding more back exercises in to test it and make sure i don't overdo it and so far all is good.

Funny I look in the mirror and I don't have a clue where the 22.5 lbs went I look the same to me.............feel a hell of a lot better.

[Starscream]

That is friggin' outstanding, Shawn!

[Scottw]

Awesome work Shawn. I was 223 this morning down from 239 so that's 16 pounds in 19 days. Pants are looser, tummy's flatter, the "you know what" looks bigger, I like this!!
Haven't had a sip of Alcohol in three weeks come tomorrow but I think that is going to change next Sunday during Super Bowl.

[Starscream]

You guys are killing me! Keep it up! I've only lost eight, but still working on it.
Good job, Scott!:banger

[Scottw]

You guys are killing me! Keep it up! I've only lost eight, but still working on it.
Good job, Scott!:banger

No more Papa John's brother!:banger

[Starscream]

No more Papa John's brother!:banger

Did that b/c it was free. Otherwise I'd never eat it. Sometimes money outweighs fitness and health.:td

[Scottw]

Did that b/c it was free. Otherwise I'd never eat it. Sometimes money outweighs fitness and health.:td
Amen, I hear you on that my friend. You'll do great, skipping the booze is a HUGE step in the right direction.

[Starscream]

Amen, I hear you on that my friend. You'll do great, skipping the booze is a HUGE step in the right direction.

I hate to say it, but I feel better, more energetic, lately that I haven't had any booze for about a week.

[SilverFox]

I hate to say it, but I feel better, more energetic, lately that I haven't had any booze for about a week.

Yup

I only had three Guinness and crappy food on Saturday night and Sunday I could feel it. Seems my body likes good for you food and no booze.

Good thing the cigars and pipe don't seem to bother me...............there is only so much a man can do.

[Starscream]

No change this week.:td
I ate right and cut out alcohol, but only exercised on one day. Gotta step up the exercise...

[Scottw]

Down another pound today. Andy, even if you can squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise it would help a great deal. I am doing 35 minutes on my elliptical after work and am going to move it up to 45 soon. I could only do 10 minutes 3 weeks ago when I first started. My future goal is to do 30 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes at night.

[shilala]

195.4 today. :tu
Been drinking my grape water for the last week or two religiously. I sort of got away from it while I was sick and laying around all day and started packing on the fat again. Got up to 200.2 real fast and I wasn't eating anything.
It's a lot easier to put on weight than to take it off. :)

[Starscream]

I'm down too! 249.

[Starscream]

Under 550 calorie meals at Applebee's are delicious!:dr

[SilverFox]

Fox Tip Time

So as many will know I am a somewhat obsessive person (in cigars, bikes, fishing, pipes, cameras etc)

I tend to research the hell out of stuff.

So here is the tip for today.

Get a Journal and keep track of your food intake. Now I don't necessarily mean weighing everything (I did until I was comfortable that I understood portion sizes) but actually recording everything that ends up in your stomach. Here is the quote from ScienceDaily

"ScienceDaily (July 8, 2008) — Keeping a food diary can double a person's weight loss according to a study from Kaiser Permanente's Center for Health Research. The findings, from one of the largest and longest running weight loss maintenance trials ever conducted, will be published in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine."

This has been my personal experience as well. Seems that once you actually fully record everything you start to realize just where your calories are coming from. Hell I used to have 3 or 4 large Lattes a day assuming that they where a drink who counts that (ok naive I know but still)

I use this one and after trying a zillion things from spreadsheets to blackberry apps and iphone apps here is the one that I like the best. There are many out there but this one fits for me.

http://www.peterpauper.com/dealer/images/9781593596705.jpg

http://www.peterpauper.com/dealer/images/big_images/9781593596705.p88.jpg

I don't fill in every column anymore but I used too, now its just portion and I check off if its a fiber, protein, fat, or carb (or a mix thereof)

The fitness stuff on the page opposite is great.

I got mine at Chapters/Indigo or you can order it online at http://www.peterpauper.com/index.php

So far Feb is rocking............my pace has increased...............i suspect a plateau soon that I will have to push through but for now seems I am killing it.

Keep it up gents.

[shilala]

Fox, I'm lazy. If I had to write anything down, I'd give up and go have a steak.
That's why I just carry a cup around. It's a passive persuader. If I get hungry and it's not time to eat, I fill it up.
That's about as involved as I'm willing to get in controlling my weight. Sad, but true. :)

[Starscream]

Fox Tip Time
Get a Journal and keep track of your food intake.

I do this everyday. Food and exercise log. BorisTheBlade here at CA had a post about a website called nutrimirror.com. I have been using it faithfully since January 4th (everyday). I've mentioned this one a couple of times before in this thread, but I like it so much I'll mention it again.

It's free.
It's a great place to log foods (it has a huge food database, and if the food you eat isn't in there, they allow you to add it).
It takes a while to log all of your fnew foods and recipes into the database at times, but it's not too time consuming or difficult.
It's a decent place to log exercise.
There are many great and positive thinking people there.

I'm not a spokesperson for the place, but I like it enough to reccomend it to others.

If you are not using a food log or exercise log, I would highly reccomend you do so, whether you do so on paper or through any website.

[Starscream]

Fox, I'm lazy. If I had to write anything down, I'd give up and go have a steak.
That's why I just carry a cup around. It's a passive persuader. If I get hungry and it's not time to eat, I fill it up.
That's about as involved as I'm willing to get in controlling my weight. Sad, but true. :)

If the cup works (and evidently it has), keep it up!

[SilverFox]

Looks like February is starting off in the same vein as January.

Weight is peeling off..............I am expecting to hit the wall soon but maybe it will hold off for another 20lbs.

Nothing but good nutrition and hard work but damn I feel good. Starting to see some definition in my arms so clearly the under all that fat there is still some muscle residing.

[shilala]

Looks like February is starting off in the same vein as January.

Weight is peeling off..............I am expecting to hit the wall soon but maybe it will hold off for another 20lbs.

Nothing but good nutrition and hard work but damn I feel good. Starting to see some definition in my arms so clearly the under all that fat there is still some muscle residing.

Keep on rolling, brother!!! :tu
Even with all my broken stuff, I feel worlds better than I did.
For whatever reason, I find it's a lot easier to manage the weight when I feel good as compared to when I don't. My brain has as much to do with it as my body, I suppose.
The reason I mention that is that the steady loss really lifted my spirits, making it easy to be "as stubborn as a Fox." ;)
This thread is where I've tracked my progress or lack of it, and being involved with the brothers here has been a huge help. It's made the whole trip fun. :)
I'm down around 194. I have about 10 pounds to go. I expect that'll be gone by my birthday in early March. That'll be an awesome present!

[Starscream]

I went down to 247 on Saturday, but after today I'll probably be back to 251 or more. I gave in to Superbowl eating...:hn

[shilala]

I'm afraid to see what I weigh after the pile of stuff I shoved in my face yesterday. It was well worth it though. Had awesome eats at the superbowl party. :)

[Starscream]

I'm afraid to see what I weigh after the pile of stuff I shoved in my face yesterday. It was well worth it though. Had awesome eats at the superbowl party. :)

:tpd::(

[SilverFox]

Somewhat weight loss related.

A friend of mine won a contest. It is an all expense pair 4 day trip here.

Linky (http://www.mustangpowder.com/lodge.htm)

Trip is worth about 10,000 give or take.

So he drops by yesterday and says hey I won this trip.....................do you want to go?

The weight loss related part is two fold.
- one if I had not been working out like crazy I would not have the legs to ski this kind of terran for 4 hours never mind 4 days.
- two my ski gear would not have fit my fat ass a month ago.

So I have to say that I have some new motivation for another month and a week :)

[Starscream]

That is AWESOME!!!:banger:banger:banger
Have fun, Shawn!

[shilala]

Somewhat weight loss related.

A friend of mine won a contest. It is an all expense pair 4 day trip here.

Linky (http://www.mustangpowder.com/lodge.htm)

Trip is worth about 10,000 give or take.

So he drops by yesterday and says hey I won this trip.....................do you want to go?

The weight loss related part is two fold.
- one if I had not been working out like crazy I would not have the legs to ski this kind of terran for 4 hours never mind 4 days.
- two my ski gear would not have fit my fat ass a month ago.

So I have to say that I have some new motivation for another month and a week :)
I could come and ride ya, brother. You might wanna start working the legs, cause I'm gonna get heavy. :tu

[Starscream]

Fat Tuesday is one week away. I'm gonna drink a good bit this weekend and then eat like a hog on Tuesday (I know I shouldn't but I'm going to anyway). Wednesday begins the period of fasting for 40 days. I don't do it for weightloss, but losing weight is a good side effect.:tu

[kayaker]

Back from camp again. Done up there for now and don't know what's coming up next.

Lost another bit while I was up there. This gives me a head start over last year, so hopefully I can keep it off and more by the time summer kicks in.

[pmwz]

i start with my weightloss tomorrow. stepped on the scale today and my weight is at 266,3.
goal is somewhere between : 187 + 198 lbs
i am using a software this time that keeps track of workouts + diet (first real diet in 5 years). i plan on working out a lot + need some recipe suggestions that are fast + easy to make (+healthy).
I want to post an update every weekend if i dont post on sunday please pm me

[Scottw]

lost 23 pounds in my first 32 days of my diet. 20 more to go!

[SilverFox]

Well I am ahead of plan for February too.

Workouts are getting tougher to keep up the intensity I am going to have to give myself a few days off here soon and let the ole body recover.

Food intake is good.

I have dropped two pant sizes since I started on Jan 1.................wish this f'n spare tire would start going away..........oh well Rome wasn't built in a day.

[GTS21]

Cool thread. Been trying to get healthier as well over the last two years. Dropped 120 lbs so far, feeling a lot better. Still smoking cigars though, can't lose that vice.

[Scottw]

Cool thread. Been trying to get healthier as well over the last two years. Dropped 120 lbs so far, feeling a lot better. Still smoking cigars though, can't lose that vice.

That is amazing bro. 120 lbs? keep up the great work!

[shilala]

194.4 this morning. Finally on the right side of 195. Now I feel good about getting back to 185 and staying there. I'd wanted to get to 175, but it's just way too skinny.
185 is borderline too skinny, even if it's "healthy".
I'm just glad my knees don't hurt anymore. :)

[SilverFox]

194.4 this morning. Finally on the right side of 195. Now I feel good about getting back to 185 and staying there. I'd wanted to get to 175, but it's just way too skinny.
185 is borderline too skinny, even if it's "healthy".
I'm just glad my knees don't hurt anymore. :)

I am with you there, I have gone from trudging up the stairs to bounding up two at a time.

It will be interesting to see what its like at my goal weight.

[pmwz]

down too 259.2 lbs. i planned on weighing in every sunday but i will probably weigh in on wednesday o see if i can hit 10+ pounds.
i prepare every meal + it really helps, drive with my bicycle to work (60min/day) + try to hit the gym every day.

[Starscream]

I'm hanging in there at 249 still right now. Coaching baseball and eating veggies is gonna be a big factor over the next few months.

Hang in there and congrats all!:tu

[barbourjay]

great thread, i started out march last year at 207, i'm down to 170 which was my target.

i can say this, i had to change my entire eating habbits to get this far. i had tried the low carb thing before and it works but only temporarily for me. i essentially stopped eating fried foods completely and have 1 cheat day a week (maybe two). i do cardio more than a few times during the week. i can't do much weight lifting as i have shoulder problems and knee issues from my athletic days.

i try to take in more protein and eat a lower calorie diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables compared to what i use to eat. i grill out a lot (3-4 nights a week) and that helps out a lot, mainly chicken kabobs, chicken breast or beer can chicken. i still do red meat at least once a week or so as well but i just make sure to do a lower calorie side dish (green beans no fat in the mix or corn with pepper).

i try to keep meals around 500-700 calories and my snacks are mainly fruit like strawberries or pineapple. i know most people don't think i was overweight but i was, i use to eat fast food everyday (sometimes twice a day) and probably drink a 2 liter of soda while at work. i feel a lot better physically but have seen a huge increase in energy and i don't have palpatations in the manner i started experiencing before i decided to change everything. taking sodas out of the picture was really hard to do but i think that was where i gained a lot of weight.

i hope everyone achieves their goals. just make sure you are happy with yourself. that's what is really important.

[pmwz]

bad day yesterday.i almost had the whole day off but got a calll that i had assist a disabled student (24 hour shift). had to eat delivery food (pizza) + didnt get a workout in.

[Scottw]

Down to 213 this morning, 26 pounds in 42 days. Trying to hit 195 by the end of March.

[Starscream]

Baseball workouts are strenuous. I need to do them more often. Just hitting fungos alone are exhausting.

[pmwz]

255 lbs this morning. tuesday destroyed my week. hope to get to under 250 next sunday.

[goalie204]

started giving a **** again, and for real this time. Been on the wagon about 1 month, but 1 week on Weight watchers online again. Down 3.5 since the last time i checked :) I really should start adding in exercise, afterall i'm not doing this to look good, i'm doing it for health and preventative measures

[SilverFox]

started giving a **** again, and for real this time. Been on the wagon about 1 month, but 1 week on Weight watchers online again. Down 3.5 since the last time i checked :) I really should start adding in exercise, afterall i'm not doing this to look good, i'm doing it for health and preventative measures


Looking good is just a free bonus that goes along with it :)

But I fully agree, I have been blessed with low cholesterol and great blood pressure levels and at my last heart work up and scan I was ranked a 0 on the scale of 0 to 5 (cardiologist actually told me I had wasted my time getting a work up). But as we age these things can go like a trigger and the next thing you know you are on a gurney.

With my lifestyle desires..............I enjoy my booze (in moderation) and my cigars (less so in moderation :banger) I think its important to do what I can in other areas.

Good on ya Myles.........exercise is awesome (well ok not necessarily at the time) and it makes me feel a tone better.

Keep it up amigo.

[Scottw]

210 this morning, 15 pounds to go!

[SilverFox]

Well I am kicking ass and taking names so far

Dec 25 291.2 lbs
Jan 1 287.5 lbs
Feb 1 265.0 lbs
Mar 1 247.4 lbs

Total loss over two months 40.1 lbs since Christmas day it has been 43.2 lbs

I have dropped my total body fat from 33.5% to 22.1% while maintaining my glycogen index (body water)

I have gone from a 42 waist to a 36.

My workout regimen is tough though and I don't think I can ramp it up. I am at 7.5 hrs of intense (anaerobic) cardio a week as well as 4.5 hrs of weight training.

The eating part is getting tougher, in that I find it hard to continue eating properly to maintain my goals. But in reverse of what you would expect, I just want to stop eating so that the weight goes. It has become a chore rather than an enjoyment. My wife tells me that she thinks I am Manorexic (by the way she says that tongue in cheek - we really need a sarcastic smiley)

Add in that I feel like absolute crap right now, my throat and glands are inflamed and I can't talk (my kids think it is a blessing) and all my muscles are killing me. I am tired and cranky, so no workouts.

I am still motivated however and have now more clearly defined my goals.

The mid goal is 215lbs and 14% body fat. at that point I am going to switch things up and put 15 lbs of muscle back on so that I will be 230 lbs and about 12.5 to 13% fat. The reason for this is twofold, one it will look damn good but the real reason is a bigger engine burns more fuel so adding that muscle mass on will help to increase metabolism and put me in around that 2,500 kcal a day range for maintenance and a reasonable workout schedule.

That is my long diatribe for the start of month three, hope you all have success in your goals.

[Starscream]

Well I am kicking ass and taking names so far

Dec 25 291.2 lbs
Jan 1 287.5 lbs
Feb 1 265.0 lbs
Mar 1 247.4 lbs

Total loss over two months 40.1 lbs since Christmas day it has been 43.2 lbs

I have dropped my total body fat from 33.5% to 22.1% while maintaining my glycogen index (body water)

I have gone from a 42 waist to a 36.

My workout regimen is tough though and I don't think I can ramp it up. I am at 7.5 hrs of intense (anaerobic) cardio a week as well as 4.5 hrs of weight training.

The eating part is getting tougher, in that I find it hard to continue eating properly to maintain my goals. But in reverse of what you would expect, I just want to stop eating so that the weight goes. It has become a chore rather than an enjoyment. My wife tells me that she thinks I am Manorexic (by the way she says that tongue in cheek - we really need a sarcastic smiley)

Add in that I feel like absolute crap right now, my throat and glands are inflamed and I can't talk (my kids think it is a blessing) and all my muscles are killing me. I am tired and cranky, so no workouts.

I am still motivated however and have now more clearly defined my goals.

The mid goal is 215lbs and 14% body fat. at that point I am going to switch things up and put 15 lbs of muscle back on so that I will be 230 lbs and about 12.5 to 13% fat. The reason for this is twofold, one it will look damn good but the real reason is a bigger engine burns more fuel so adding that muscle mass on will help to increase metabolism and put me in around that 2,500 kcal a day range for maintenance and a reasonable workout schedule.

That is my long diatribe for the start of month three, hope you all have success in your goals.

Keep it up, Shawn!:tu:banger

[Monte214]

Guys i am a gym rat, and have found it difficult to maintain muscle mass, its a lot of work for me. off topic a bit, but the formula is pretty simple in theory. Calories in minus calories out must be a deficit in order to lose weight. Eating at least five small meals a day is key, its a pain to have to schedule around eating schedules, but it keeps the metabolism of your body in gear. Egg whites, grilled chicken, veggies, lean protein. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn, that is a fact.

So for all those who are looking to lose weight, starvation method does not work. Eating frequently consuming about 400-500 calories per meal with lean protein is very useful, at least it has worked for me.
Of course working out and being active is necessary as well as it helps burning calories.

I wish everyone good luck in reaching their goals. keep up the hard work

[SilverFox]

F,kn cold.............no energy can't work out.

Throat is so sore I can barely drink water nevermind eat. Which means my metabolism is going to take a **** kicking.

Oh well wait it out and then get things back to normal.

Such is life I suppose.

[Starscream]

F,kn cold.............no energy can't work out.

Throat is so sore I can barely drink water nevermind eat. Which means my metabolism is going to take a **** kicking.

Oh well wait it out and then get things back to normal.

Such is life I suppose.

It'll pass, Shawn. Hope you feel better soon.

[Starscream]

Still hanging in there at slightly under 250. 248 this morning.

[Scottw]

208 this morning. I'd like to get to 195 within the next 3-4 weeks. Time to turn up the cardio a bit.

[Starscream]

208 this morning. I'd like to get to 195 within the next 3-4 weeks. Time to turn up the cardio a bit.

Keep it up, Scott!:tu

[SilverFox]

I am somewhere between recovered and not with this cold and my stamina is damn low. Still getting in my workouts but no energy for effort or time.

I guess some is better than none.

Food is going good, and the nice weather has my spirits way up. Nice to see the sun again after 2 weeks of ice fog.

I am still on track to well exceed my initial weight loss goal.

[pmwz]

250.8 lbs today. trying to get under 110kg until the end of the month + under 90kg in mid august. ~5kg/month should be achievable.
I dont have to work from mid july to mid august and plan on working out a lot.

[Starscream]

Down to 245 yesterday. Hope that can be maintained or lowered for a bit.
Slow and steady wins the race for me, I guess.

[Starscream]

I've been consistent at 245 for the last few days. Hoping I'll drop to 242-243 by the end of the week.

[Scottw]

You can do it brother, Down at about 205, 5-10 pounds to go but this weekend is a Cabin weekend with the guys. Cigars, steaks, beers, quads, etc. so I am not too hopeful in losing any more before next week.

[shilala]

I still keep bouncing between 195 and 200. I can't do much of anything to focus with all the med changes, that stuff really freaks me out. Either I eat like a hog or don't eat at all for days.
At least I eat right on the weekends.
Oh yeah, the Girl Scout cookies came. That doesn't help. Only five more boxes of Dosidos to get through and that problem will be solved. :D
I'm gonna have to send some Girl Scout cookie bombs, I'm afraid.

[Starscream]

You can do it brother, Down at about 205, 5-10 pounds to go but this weekend is a Cabin weekend with the guys. Cigars, steaks, beers, quads, etc. so I am not too hopeful in losing any more before next week.
Have fun this weekend.:tu
Oh yeah, the Girl Scout cookies came. That doesn't help. Only five more boxes of Dosidos to get through and that problem will be solved. :D
I'm gonna have to send some Girl Scout cookie bombs, I'm afraid.
:dr
I've got a box of peanut butter patties that I've been saving as well.

[kayaker]

finally working again. Willl weigh in on Monday and see how I'm doing.

Keep up the good work everyone.:tu

[SilverFox]

Had my weigh in today and I am down 11 lbs in 2 weeks. Had a small amount of muscle atrophy but that is to be expected based on the weight loss.

I figure I am about 8 weeks away from my goal weight then I can start putting the muscle on. Be weird to go from 1800 or so calories a day to 3,800.

Then no more cardio just hard lifting. Should all be done August, at which the plan is to be between 12-14% bodyfat and 230lbs

[Starscream]

Had my weigh in today and I am down 11 lbs in 2 weeks. Had a small amount of muscle atrophy but that is to be expected based on the weight loss.

I figure I am about 8 weeks away from my goal weight then I can start putting the muscle on. Be weird to go from 1800 or so calories a day to 3,800.

Then no more cardio just hard lifting. Should all be done August, at which the plan is to be between 12-14% bodyfat and 230lbs

Shawn, aren't you giving away contest secrets?


Keep on keepin' on! That's a whole dietary change when you start loading up.

[shilala]

I've girl scout cookie and couch tumor'd my way up to 203. :tu
It sure is easier to put on than to take off.

[Starscream]

Put the Girl Scout cookies down, Scott.:D

[goalie204]

back from vegas, and back on the weight watchers wagon :)

[Scottw]

Good luck with that Myles. I gotta say Vegas is a dieters nightmare.

[goalie204]

Good luck with that Myles. I gotta say Vegas is a dieters nightmare.

no doubt, and i only went to a buffet dinner for 1/3 dinners and it wasn't even that bad, but even then... Oh well, good to be back home

[SilverFox]

Shawn, aren't you giving away contest secrets?


Keep on keepin' on! That's a whole dietary change when you start loading up.


nah all the contest posters aren't in here :)

besides I might go on a binge between now and then :r

[pmwz]

249lbs this morning, loosing a little is better than loosing nothing. trying to get to 245 next sunday.

[Starscream]

249lbs this morning, loosing a little is better than loosing nothing. trying to get to 245 next sunday.

Neck and neck with me. Keep it up!:tu

[Starscream]

How's everyone doing this week?
244 today. Down another pound.

[Scottw]

203 this morning, total of 37 pounds lost since January 12th.

[Starscream]

Scott, you and Shawn are killing it this year!:banger

[SilverFox]

Did 40km yesterday on my Bike

Took my daughter to her playschool (she rode in the bike trailer)
Picked her up from playschool

Then went grocery shopping

A great way to burn 1,800 calories.

Things are still cooking for me, I am very close (within a couple of pounds) to the lowest I have been in over a decade.

With the lowered body weight it takes more work to burn off the calories, I am probably up to 2.5 to 3 hours of exercise a day 5 to 6 days a week, thankfully my goal is in sight as I cannot keep this up.

I am looking forward to putting on some mass then getting to the maintenance part of the whole thing..........it is the part that is the hardest for me.

I am probably averaging about 1 lb every 2.5 to 3 days right now...............can't push it any harder...........according to my Doc it is physically impossible to lose the fat faster, any more and I will start to metabolize muscle mass. No wonder people have a tough time sticking programs, I am ahead of the average in the extreme and I am still dissatisfied with the results. Fortunately I am objective enough to know that you can't fight the science, so I am able to calm the emotional responses.

Anyway thats where I am.

This is the before picture, Christmas Day 291lbs

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg158/silverfox67/Christmas2009-14.jpg

[Starscream]

What, no after pic, Shawn?

[SilverFox]

What, no after pic, Shawn?


Its not after yet :)

[goalie204]

don't forget that muscle is smaller than fat, and weighs more :P I'm a blob compared to your before pic, and weather permitting i WILL start walking every day. I will never go as hardcore as you are tho.

[SilverFox]

don't forget that muscle is smaller than fat, and weighs more :P I'm a blob compared to your before pic, and weather permitting i WILL start walking every day. I will never go as hardcore as you are tho.

Who you calling hardcore............just cuz I biked 40km to go pick up my wifes car from the Mechanic, brought it home and jumped back on my bike to go get my daughter from preschool :)

I LOVE BEING IN SHAPE AGAIN.

[pmwz]

stepped on the scale today. numbers should look good on sunday..

[goalie204]

stepped on the scale today. numbers should look good on sunday..

Sunday is my weigh in day too, not sure how they're gunna look :x

[Starscream]

Keep it up fellas. I've been down another pound at 244 for the last few days.

[htown]

I'm down 23 pounds to 243- been on the South Beach Diet.

[shilala]

Its not after yet :)
I hope you wear your Ricky track pants for the after, too, brother.
I have the same exact ones. :D

I made it back down to 199.2 today. It's still easy for me to knock off pounds when I feel good, cause I'm active. I've been feeling good for a week or so, and lost 6 pounds fast. I hope it holds out for a few more weeks so I can get to 185. That's been a very elusive number. :)
I have a few rough doctor appointments in the next two weeks, and I'm hoping I don't have to change meds or add a whole bunch, as things are starting to iron out a bit. (I quit a couple meds that were killing me and doing nothing, I'll probably catch hell.)
I've gone walking for the last two days and it's been a LONG time since I've been able to do that. It's a huge help. Thank God!!! :tu
I've also got to get a cigar in every day on my walks, and I desperately missed that. I'm gonna smoke a big dark nasty stinko today. I can't wait. :D

[Scottw]

Keep it up fellas. I've been down another pound at 244 for the last few days.

Nice work Andy! keep it up brother.

Shawn ,you certainly look like a guy that I would avoid f*****g with no matter what you weigh.

[pmwz]

244.7 lbs today. trying to get to 242.5 till the end of the month

[Scottw]

down to 202, 2 more pounds till my goal although I might bring my goal to 190 now. 9 weeks and almost 40 pounds down.

[MortonMilo]

This thread is motivating me....I feel like I've gotta hop on a bike and run all my errands instead of laying on the couch!

Keep up the great work everyone.

[Starscream]

This thread is motivating me....I feel like I've gotta hop on a bike and run all my errands instead of laying on the couch!

Keep up the great work everyone.

Get 'er done!:tu

[SilverFox]

The body is a truly amazing thing............it can do stuff without your permission.

I went for my semi monthly check in yesterday and my progress had slowed. To which I had assumed was impossible............after all its simple math right.

Calories intaken less calories burned................if that is a negative then you will lose weight............well that is true but there is also Macro Nutrients to consider. Which is why most if not all creditable nutritionists advice a nutrition plan high in lean protein and complex carbs (fruits and veggies) and stay away from processed carbs.

Seems I have been working out too hard and as a result have caused my body to crave (and I mean like a rock hound craves crack) carbs for energy, and I subtly switched my diet so that I was consuming much much more carbs (not extra calories mind you just more sugars and starches). My progress was not what I expected. Now any "normal" person would have been happy with the results but I was pissed and even went so far as to get snippy with my trainer/nutritionist/motivational coach. Not his fault but damn I worked my ass off and expected better results.

Took me a full 24 hours to realize that I let my subconscious guide my eating habits out of the acceptable range of my process but validate it by assuming that calories are calories and all are processed the same. This morning I went back through my journal and could see where the change had started and progressed, it is all a result of increased levels of Anaerobic exercise to the point where my muscles where screaming for carbs for energy.

So reset today..........back on the right plan and have slightly lowered my workout intensity and regimen.....essentially as you lose weight you require less energy to do the same work so in effect you burn less calories and lose less total weight. So I compensated by amping up exercise........apparently that only goes so far........intelligently I know that but my subjective says work harder and it will work.

So that is the if it doesn't fit use a bigger hammer mentality.........damn for such an intelligent person I am a moronic ass when it comes to myself.

Having said that..................I am lower than I have been since I have been married (20 years) and still have the drive to keep it going.

end of rant thanks for listening.

[shilala]

Keep up the good work, Shawn.
I've had exactly the same thing happen along the way. When I get to a point, my body screams for carbs, and I settle back around 195.
The only way I'm going to break that barrier is to get active playing ball and stuff, and that's not going to happen with my health being what it is. Not right now, anyways.
I'm just going to have to be patient, and patience is running thin. :)

[Scottw]

199 this morning. Goal reached, 41 pounds lost since January 12th. I feel great and went shopping the other day and purchased 34 waist pants. I was up to a 40" so this was a great feeling. Last time I was in 34's, I was 25 years old (nearly 9 years ago). I'll go to 190 and then I'll be great! This thread has been a great motivator, thank you Andy for starting it. I found myself wanting to hold myself accountable not only to myself but to you guys here that are doing great with your weight loss goals.

[shilala]

199 this morning. Goal reached, 41 pounds lost since January 12th. I feel great and went shopping the other day and purchased 34 waist pants. I was up to a 40" so this was a great feeling. Last time I was in 34's, I was 25 years old (nearly 9 years ago). I'll go to 190 and then I'll be great! This thread has been a great motivator, thank you Andy for starting it. I found myself wanting to hold myself accountable not only to myself but to you guys here that are doing great with your weight loss goals.
Incredible work, Scott. Congratulations!!! :)
I was totally stoked when I bought 36's. I was squeezing into 38's before I lost all the weight. Never went up to 40's, although I should have.
I'm sure I could get into 34's at this point, but I'm not buying pants again till I get to 32's. :tu

[MortonMilo]

My 34's were getting a bit tight on me, and reading this thread helped me realize I needed action! I typically work out 3-4 days a week, but it was my diet that was killing me. Simple substitution of healthier foods for the crap I was eating has helped me to shed nearly 10 lbs in a little under a month.

[Starscream]

Shawn, great job in going back and finding where you went wrong. That's why journals are a useful tool.

Scott, congrats on hitting your goal! Now to mainain it.

Scott (Shilala), I've been eating nothing but carbs on this road trip which sucks. It's hard to eat healthy when the family wants to stop at BK, White Castle, and Taco Bell and all I can't eat meat right now. That means pretty much french fries.:(

JR, Good luck to you!:tu

[SilverFox]

Well three days back on appropriate dietary intake (both caloric and nutrition balance) and I feel better and I am back on pace.

Unbelievable really but I guess there is more to the power of the subconscious than I am willing to admit.

[shilala]

Scott (Shilala), I've been eating nothing but carbs on this road trip which sucks. It's hard to eat healthy when the family wants to stop at BK, White Castle, and Taco Bell and all I can't eat meat right now. That means pretty much french fries.

JR, Good luck to you!:tu
Don't sweat it, Andy. Shawn's recent discovery is a lot of what I use to manage. I just listen to my body.
Problem with that is that the meds I take screw that all up. One of them has a common side effect that it makes a person crave sweets, especially candy.
Until I get smoothed out, I just try to eat what's good for me. Lots of good cereal and wheatgrass juice (that I grow and juice myself).
Aside from that, I just try to avoid crap. But I do have a whopper now and again cause I love them. :)
If anyone saw what I eat, they'd probably never believe I'm not 500 pounds, but I'm careful and conscious. The whole thing even confuses me, so I'll shut up there. :D
I guess what I was trying to say is that what I eat doesn't appear to be nearly as important as how much I eat. My stomach has shrunk and I can't eat nearly as much at a sitting, and I stop eating when I'm full. That's very important stuff. I even throw food away instead of eating the last five spoonfuls. Honest. Even if it's macaroni and cheese. :D
Oh yeah, got two hot dogs with nacho cheese and onions and sauce at Sheetz the other day. Ate one, put the other one in the fridge. Then I threw it out.
I just can't eat like I used to. :tu

[pmwz]

243 lbs this morning. not too happy but better than nothing. i have two weeks easter holidays and plan on working out a lot. goal is to dropp 10 pounds

[Starscream]

I need to refocus on physical activity. I'm gonna start running/walking again tomorrow. Maybe get back in the gym too.

[goalie204]

passover = forget it

[Starscream]

passover = forget it

I know the feeling.

[Starscream]

Raining hard today. Maybe it'll clear this afternoon so I can run before baseball practice. If not I'll hit the gym.

[forgop]

I'm really struggling at this for some time as I have major motivation issues. After a couple of weeks, I virtually give up. Depression really sucks and I don't know if medication is a good way to go as I think the side effects of a few of them
are weight gain.

[Cyclone]

Hey Shawn,

TC came over for dinner last Wednesday for dinner and cigars...

I almost didn't recognize him at 1st ( down 54 lbs ! )... He is ecstatic about how he looks.

He told me how you and him are motivating each other...

I can't wait to see you in May, Bro'... Keep up the great work!!

[SilverFox]

Hey Shawn,

TC came over for dinner last Wednesday for dinner and cigars...

I almost didn't recognize him at 1st ( down 54 lbs ! )... He is ecstatic about how he looks.

He told me how you and him are motivating each other...

I can't wait to see you in May, Bro'... Keep up the great work!!

Thanks Amigo...........yup he is in awesome shape. He is now seeing the same guy I am using.

Gets tougher as you get close to your goal but worth every pain and drop of sweat.

[Scottw]

I'm really struggling at this for some time as I have major motivation issues. After a couple of weeks, I virtually give up. Depression really sucks and I don't know if medication is a good way to go as I think the side effects of a few of them
are weight gain.

I think battling your depression through the physical challenge of getting in shape and attaining weight loss goals might be up your alley. I was struggling with a touch of depression as I work all the time, don't see my family enough and on top of it I was getting so out of shape that I wouldn't take my shirt off in front of myself. Tell you what, getting in shape helps me sleep better at night, wake up with no issues in the morning. The wife comments on how much she enjoys looking at me now and I have more energy to truly enjoy those limited times with the kids.

People do not change when we tell them they should; they change when their context tells them they must.

I think you need a change.

[shilala]

I'm up around 205 now. I'm gonna go look for the "Gaining weight with Andysutherland" thread. :tu

[SilverFox]

I think battling your depression through the physical challenge of getting in shape and attaining weight loss goals might be up your alley. I was struggling with a touch of depression as I work all the time, don't see my family enough and on top of it I was getting so out of shape that I wouldn't take my shirt off in front of myself. Tell you what, getting in shape helps me sleep better at night, wake up with no issues in the morning. The wife comments on how much she enjoys looking at me now and I have more energy to truly enjoy those limited times with the kids.

People do not change when we tell them they should; they change when their context tells them they must.

I think you need a change.

I agree 100% with the above. I wasn't initially going to respond as each persons issues are there own and to assume what works for some will work for others is something I try not to do.

However, I have been medication free for over 6 months, and over the last 4 have felt even better than when on meds due to exercise. I like being in control of my own well being rather than relying on meds. Don't get me wrong I do not recommend doing anything without discussion with your doc but my personal experience is that changing my physical health and well being has had a direct correlation to my mental health and well being.

There are also some very good physiological reasons to lose weight and exercise.

Researchers have found that although antidepressants facilitate a more rabid therapeutic response than exercise; exercise was equally effective in reducing depression over periods of 16 weeks or more. Exercise helps the brain to build up a resistance to serotonin so the that the body doesn't tire as easily.

Some of the major benefits are



People have reported that, when they exercise, can think more clearly, feel happy, feel better about themselves, lose weight, develop strength, and enjoy a sense of well-being.
Exercise increased positive mood
they sleep better
have less nervousness and anxiety,
Exercise decreased negative mood
Exercise improved vigour
Exercise is effective in reducing stress, anger, fatigue
Many evidence proved that exercise plays a vital role in uplifting depression[/URL]
Exercise improved the motivation and self-esteem in the person
Many people even report that they look and feel younger when they exercise regularly.
Exercise may help in increasing the feelings of coherence
Exercise increased the feelings of social integration
An exercise and depression study in which participants walked daily for even weeks found that the decrease in depressive mood and the improvement in vigour continued after five months.
Another exercise and depression study which compared exercise alone, medication [URL="http://www.depression-guide.com/depression-and-exercise.htm#"] (http://www.depression-guide.com/depression-and-exercise.htm#)alone, and exercise plus medication found lasting improvements after six months in participants who had exercised without medication.
When the participants continued to exercise the on going improvement was even greater. This study concluded that medication may produce quicker relief but exercise yields more long term benefit.

[forgop]

If I was depressed over nothing more than my physical appearance, this is obviously a great thing for me. In my situation, I still haven't really moved on from the loss of both parents, 2 grandmothers, and my job in the span of January 2008 and August 2009. My problem lies in very low motivation to stick with it after more than 7-10 days at a time. I feel like Peter from Office Space at times after being on the plan. I'm just hoping there's something that can light a fire under my ass once again.

[Scottw]

PM sent Duane.

[SilverFox]

If I was depressed over nothing more than my physical appearance, this is obviously a great thing for me. In my situation, I still haven't really moved on from the loss of both parents, 2 grandmothers, and my job in the span of January 2008 and August 2009. My problem lies in very low motivation to stick with it after more than 7-10 days at a time. I feel like Peter from Office Space at times after being on the plan. I'm just hoping there's something that can light a fire under my ass once again.

I wasn't implying that you were depressed over your physical appearance and I apologize if that is what you thought. I am talking about suffering from clinical depression. This is a serious mental issue.

[forgop]

I wasn't implying that you were depressed over your physical appearance and I apologize if that is what you thought. I am talking about suffering from clinical depression. This is a serious mental issue.

I didn't interpret it as such. I'm actually going through an abnormal psychology class right now and it's kinda funny that the instructor joked that a lot of us will somehow feel as though we could be diagnosed with many of the disorders we're covering. It's a pretty interesting class and gives a lot of insight over a lot of these things.

Obviously depression can be attributed to a number of factors in ones environment and feelings over your physical appearance can obviously have a significant impact on it. Obviously the goal is to cut the weight because I obviously recognize the health/mental benefits of it. It's just that darned problem I have with virtually no motivation from the time I start my diet and it just unravels after a few days. I have that goal of losing ~ 55 lbs, but I seem to have lost that competitive edge anymore to stick with it.

[MortonMilo]

Duane, I'm sorry to hear, and wish you all the best.

For some situations, time is one of the biggest healers.

[Starscream]

I'm up around 205 now. I'm gonna go look for the "Gaining weight with Andysutherland" thread. :tu
There's a gaining weight with hardcz thread out there somewhere in thread limbo.:)
I didn't interpret it as such. I'm actually going through an abnormal psychology class right now and it's kinda funny that the instructor joked that a lot of us will somehow feel as though we could be diagnosed with many of the disorders we're covering. It's a pretty interesting class and gives a lot of insight over a lot of these things.

Obviously depression can be attributed to a number of factors in ones environment and feelings over your physical appearance can obviously have a significant impact on it. Obviously the goal is to cut the weight because I obviously recognize the health/mental benefits of it. It's just that darned problem I have with virtually no motivation from the time I start my diet and it just unravels after a few days. I have that goal of losing ~ 55 lbs, but I seem to have lost that competitive edge anymore to stick with it.
Duane, have you tried setting smaller goals? Don't try to lose 55 lbs. Set a goal to lose 5 or 10 pounds. Then when you reach that goal you will feel that you have accomplished something. Then set another goal of 5 or 10 pounds and so forth. Keep setting small goals so you will constantly be successful. Eventually you'll reach that 55 lbs. goal. Short term goals help a bit with motivation. 55lbs seems like so far away that you'll give up more quickly than you would with a 5 pound goal.

[SilverFox]

Tommorrow is weigh in day still time to get a guess in at my contest.

Oh except for you Andy.........:banger

[Starscream]

Tommorrow is weigh in day still time to get a guess in at my contest.

Oh except for you Andy.........:banger

:tg

[kayaker]

Hey everyone,

Hope you are all doing well. Life has been crazy busy since I landed in Alberta. I haven't been able to maintain any kind of regular exercise except when I'm working. The weather is getting nicer here, so I hope to spend more time outside.

My weight has been fluctuating but since the first month or so up here I've been able to keep it around par for me (235). This morning gave me a nice surprise of 231.2. Now the goal is to at least stay at this weight or drop a few more. Maybe I will go run some stairs in the river valley.:ze

[MortonMilo]

Down 12.5 lbs from my peak a little over a month ago to 185. Sub 180 is in my sights!

[SilverFox]

228.8 this morning

For reference I was 240 when I graduated high school.

I am kicking ass and taking names and I have no intent on slowing down.

Muscles are starting to peak through here and there. My wife says that while she always thought I looked hot............that now she fears others might start thinking so (dunno about that ugly is ugly LOL)

No six pack yet but there is a 2 pack (my lower abs are rock hard and showing) pretty damn cool

Body fat % is down to 19.4%, been burning a little muscle the last couple of weeks in addition to fat but that can't be helped.

15 to 20 more to go then its muscle building time.

C'mon over and take a guess for month 4 RIGHT HERE (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=30508)

[Starscream]

Awesome Shawn!:tu
I've spent the afternoon in the heat at baseball practice and then went outside in the yard with my son and worked on catching and fielding. Worked up a good sweat today.

[Starscream]

I just bought a Wii Fit Plus. Gonna test this thing out now.

[forgop]

I had blood drawn on Friday to test thyroid and various other stuff. I figured if I'm gonna do this right, I need to know if my thyroid is working against me anyway. I've also set up an appointment for Wednesday to discuss the results and inquire about an anti-depressant of some sort that will hopefully help me stay on track.

[Starscream]

I had blood drawn on Friday to test thyroid and various other stuff. I figured if I'm gonna do this right, I need to know if my thyroid is working against me anyway. I've also set up an appointment for Wednesday to discuss the results and inquire about an anti-depressant of some sort that will hopefully help me stay on track.

Thoughts and prayers sent for positive results Wednesday, Duane.

[pmwz]

weight yesterday 240.3. gym is closed today + my first day without training in 10 days. big easter meal today + on wednesday i am going to fire up my grill for the first time this year.
The great thing is that the 100 kg mark is in sight. goal is to be under it at the end of may (first time since summer of 2005 when i was 17)
I am also going back to keeping a food + exercise diary after the easter holidays because i dont think i can get to my goal in time without one....

[Scottw]

198 this morning althought ill put on 5 pounds today with all this food. might make a run at 190. I graduated high school at 190.

[forgop]

Thoughts and prayers sent for positive results Wednesday, Duane.

Thanks...I'm actually kinda hoping they do find something a little off with my thyroid so I actually do have a bit of an excuse when it comes to how much harder it's been for me to lose weight in the past 5 years. Being down in the dumps and not really caring about much will do a lot to undermine your dieting efforts as well.

At any rate, I'm hitting the spinning class starting tomorrow from 9:15-10:15am at LA Fitness Monday-Friday and getting back on my program full-time. We'll see if I can keep from falling off the wagon this time around.

[Starscream]

Been playing Wii Fit for about two hours. only burned 250 calories. Too much time taken to explain everything. Maybe when I set up my routines it will let me keep exercising at a steady pace. This things pretty awesome, though!:tu

[shilala]

I think I was 204.8 this morning. The weight is coming off since I got all my drugs settled in. I'm starting to feel pretty good, too. :tu
I'm excited to see what the next month brings. :)

[SilverFox]

Had my 2 week check in with fitmetabolism today.

Had the best two week results since I have started my program.

Add that in to the training for the 200k ride and things should keep progressing nicely...........hell I even had Easter Dinner and still did well.

I have my up days and down days but there seem to be more up of late.

[forgop]

My labs came back normal, so nothing appears to be working against me other than getting a bit older compared to when I had a lot more success 6-7 years ago.

Doctor gave me 6 weeks worth of lexapro and diagnosed me with more of an adjustment disorder rather than full blown depression per se. I think he also wanted to note me as something less severe because he knows I'm going back to school to pursue nursing as he specifically commented to the fact that if I'm ever asked if I've been treated for depression, I can answer no. I'm sensing that issues of depression in the past may work against you going into the medical field, so he's probably trying to help me in that regard. I'm quite jittery after my first dose this morning.

[pmwz]

+- 0 frustrating... had one high cal day + one day without working out...but when i work out i work out hard.
going to keep track of everything i eat again. goal for the month is to get under 105 kg..