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OK Cupid's Biggest Loser Thread (Weight Loss)
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TNCodeMonkey
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I joined a gym 2 weeks ago, and have been going every day. So far my most intense workout measured 500 calories of cardio. I hope to increase that, although last time I went, I developed sudden foot pain quite quickly, limiting me to only 250 calories burned. Still better than nothing though. Of course, my weight loss goal is only about 40 lbs., but I would really like to see it come off. Being in a relationship, and on certain medications (particularly birth control) has caused me to gain weight in the last year and a half, and I'm not pleased with it. One thing I have learned is that yes, you can still have your favourite foods, provided you limit the portions and pay attention to calories. Treating yourself every now and then is also okay, and helps you stick to a diet longer without losing your mind, just don't overdo it. Don't eat that whole pint of Ben & Jerry's in one sitting, but have a few bites, then put it back in the freezer. Snack healthy. Protein bars make great, relatively low calorie snacks, that really curb hunger. A small bowl of cereal or a cup of yogurt is great for a midnight snack. Chew sugar-free gum instead of snacking from boredom. And if you really need something to crunch, grab a pickle spear, 0-5 calories, depending on brand. |
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mymomscool
71 pounds sheesh, thats great, congrats :) |
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I've lost ~15% of my body weight from high school, putting me at about 185. I'm not doing the math atm, but I was 220. I was around 210 at the beginning of this year, so the last 25 lbs has been pretty quick, within the last two or three months. |
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Keep kicking ass OP. |
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Also, I disagree that you can't go back to your old eating habits. That all depends on what your eating habits were before- if you were the type who would CRAM food into your stomach even after youre full (finish-the-plate types), then no, you can't. You probably won't be able to. However, if your eating habits were excessive but relatively stable (you ate a lot, but not so much that you continually gained weight) you can probably return to them on one condition. You have to build an intense workout/active lifestyle. You can't be both lazy and carb-crazy. Remember this- working out will make you very very hungry. You are going to eat a TON when you work out. And this is ok, especially after you notice you're starting to lose weight well. Eventually your workouts will boost your metabolism so that you can eat whatever you want and pretty much be fine. A lot of people find that they do have to stuff theirselves full just to maintain weight (which would be important for a lot of athletes). Distance running and stength training are the best ways to get there, but don't neglect speed running. If you can't run, walk and or jog. If that's too violent for your knees, cycle, but I HIGHLY reccommend walking at least part of the time. Your knees will gain resistance to the impact. |
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I've been back on weight watchers since may and lost about 40lbs since starting. You can't think about it as a diet. Diets start and finish. Changes should be a lifestyle change and you need to incorporate them into your life. Learning to live with the positive changes is key. Learning to not beat yourself up if you make the wrong choices is also key. It's life, and you're not going to always make the best choices, but you can compensate for them, or chalk them up to experience, and move on. I've been on the program and had a few false starts where I just wasn't ready, or I was way too hard on myself. This time around I feel a calmness, and I'm not overcritical of myself. Yes, I follow the program, which includes tracking food intake, and tracking activity, however there are days I do not do it. There are days I just don't feel like it. Do I consider myself a failure? No...just human. I'm not in any hurry, I just know I'll get there when I'll get there...and the entire journey is a learning experience. WTG guys on the success! :) |
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Hi, I started making an effort to lose weight around the middle of August 2009. |
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@JennNIN
First, it's good that you want to do something about your weight. However, I don't believe in mass marketed diet programs. It's true that you can lose some weight on some of these programs. But, the problem lies in keeping it off. It doesn't really teach you how to eat. I know from experience. For example, you have to eat so many points for what your weight is. But, what if the amount seems way too much for you to be eating? It doesn't matter if the foods you eat are more healthier than before. Why? If you feel like your full and you make yourself eat more because of points, how is that helping you? It's still overeating! It certainly makes you feel that way. That doesn't help a person losing weight in psychological manner which can lead to other matters. The guide for exercise and points is not clearly defined. It should be more precise and detailed. The fact that they make a points guide for fast food is a horrible idea. It makes a person seem like it is okay to still eat these things.
The meals.."Smart Ones" by Weight Watchers are horrible!!! Here is some nutrition information of having a sandwich and soup vs. a smart one meal. Sandwich
A sandwich and soup is more healthier because it has less fat grams and less cholesterol. This means it is better for your heart over all. More cholesterol and fat= bad bad bad for your heart..makes your cholesterol high as hell, which in the long run increases your chances of having a heart attack and other problems down the line.
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Got back up to the 500 calorie mark during my workout yesterday, and yes, I had soup and half a sandwich afterward. Right now my favourite thing about working out is that it's already building up my metabolism. I have more energy during the day, I'm not as hungry, and I can work out harder/longer without getting worn out. All the cardio machines at the gym have their own TV, but I don't watch it because it's too distracting. I work out much harder/better with just some upbeat music on my iPod. I'm one of those "music = life" people, so when I get a good enough song going, I transcend to the point of not even feeling the workout. It's awesome. |
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Although I applaud the idea behind this thread, the original information is false and inefficient. It is very much about what you eat (certain foods are more readily absorbed and "cleaner" than others) and calorie counting doesn't work the way you think it does. This is all actually based heavily on insulin levels, which is why carb-controlled diets work better, especially carb-cycling. Carbs control insulin and insulin controls how big/small you get by shuttling protein and triglycerides into cells. Fat is most definitely mobile. Cutting calories really only works because you cut carbs as well. They've shown this in studies by putting people on a low calorie/high carb diet and having them still gain weight and then other people on a high calorie/low carb diet and having them lose weight.
Here's a bunch of info: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4362041487661765149# http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/eat_your_lungs_out_while_getting_leaner http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/a_beginners_guide_to_carb_cycling
I have a B.S. in exercise science if anyone ever wants any diet/exercise info.
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TJMachine
I used to weigh 365lbs, and I'm down to 215 now. I did this over a course of about 9 months (I know, I know, too quickly.) My diet was low carb, low fat, high protein. I also joined a weight loss program that gave b6/b12 injections 3x a week. I basically tried to keep my carbs to under 100 a day, didn't eat any sweets or high carb foods, and lots and lots of veggies, and chicken and fish. I also threw in a protein shake or 2 a day. I would catalog everything I ate meticulously, and was very strict on myself. When I first started, I would go to the gym 5x a week, and just hit the elliptical for 30-60 mins a day. Once I got down to like 230, I started weight lifting 5x a week, and doing basketball, football, and frisbee on the weekends. I stick to my diet, thought not as strictly now, 5x a week. I give myself a little leeway on the weekends so I can drink and have a good time. A lot of people tell me I should have been on the Biggest Loser TV show, and that what I did was a huge accomplishment. I don't really know, it doesn't seem like it, although I am a LOT happier with myself now, I have more confidence, I love to go out now, and I have a lot more energy. I wish you all the very best.
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I love this thread!I am making healthy changes in my life, and thought okc is the perfect place to do it publicly cause what a great way for me to stay accountable for my goals, want to show those potential dates of my motivations to change. Speaking of motivations u guys are inspirational! now i want to get off the pc and go play. I do need the support I started the couch to 5k plan for the second time http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml , i did it years ago and it really helped me but with all the stress in my life i got away from running. I love doing the program but i am having a hard time getting myself to do it, any tips. I like the cool running forums lots of great info but with just a little time to type id rather be here. I also carry the book around with me called "you on a diet" its by Dr oz the guy who is on Oprah.
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I disagree that the only thing that matters is calorie balance. I do believe that what you eat is very important. Your body metabolizes different foods differently. Also do not overlook low thyroid hormone function (this can occur even if your thyroid itself is working just fine). If your base metabolism is low, then you are going to have a very hard time losing weight. Most of your calories are burned by your body just doing it's thing, exercise burn is *relatively* minor. The "secret" of weight loss is not "eat less and exercise". Ignore the commercials trying to make money off you, seek out good basic health advice from qualified individuals from organizations such as the A4M. |
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I too have been on Lexapro since 2006 i should be able to come off all meds but i want to be healthier first, but i cant help but wonder if lexapro is slowing me down. I like the concept of a u-turn in the YOU book it basically says that if you are driving and u miss ur turn u simply just make a u-turn and your on your way. u wouldn't go oh i missed my turn oh well i guess I'll just keep driving where ever it takes me, also you wouldn't beat your self up all day/ week about missing your turn. This can be applied to diet, exercise and life in general. So you eat the wrong thing oh well make a uturn and on u go. The other concept i like and it helps with the food bills is eating more of the same things everyday it helps with building good habits. Now if i could find a supportive thread like this to help me with my business I will be set. Any ideas? Waist measurement 42" Waist goal 32" Current weight: 200.0 lb. just a
guess needs some help with this
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I know what to do however why don't i do it? For example i love oatmeal made with water and fresh fruit it taste great and makes me feel good. I also can make a great breakfast burrito with good ingredients like a little bit of sharp chedder it satisfies but not too much and some homemade fresh salsa, so why is it that all morning i did't eat breakfast cause i know i am going to the bank soon and McDs is right there and i want the steak bagel and a large coke. and i wont feel very good after i eat it. i do this sort of thing all the time. Why does this happen and what can i do to change it? |
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zulls, habits and cravings... we have been trained to like unhealthy food. It takes time to build healthier habits. Most people are malnourished, your body craves nutrition and pushes you to eat but most people eat junk (McDs) (processed food) lacking in nutrients so they just keep consuming more calories and gaining weight. Another problem can be imbalanced gut flora. Lots of yeast overgrowth (this applies to men and women) causes a craving for sugars and carbs fueling even more yeast growth. Probiotics can help, iodine can help. We are also lazy, it's a lot easier to grab something preprepared than it is to actually fix a healthy meal. |
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I registered an account on OKCupid several years ago. I didn't actually get a date until last year. Guess why. http://i35.tinypic.com/2z9bevq.jpg
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TNCodeMonkey
Zulls> You can lose 1 to 2% of total body mass a week safely. You're at 200 and wish to reach 140. That's about 2 lb. / week for you or 8 lb. / month. Dropping to 176 lb. by Christmas isn't unrealistic. You should reach your goal 3 months later in March - say St. Patrick's day. |
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Get active! I started training for marathons and triathlons and lost 50+. A year ago, I couldn't run a 5k. Since then, I've run 2 half-marathons (with 2 more halfs and a full planned before the end of the year), and have done sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. Now I'm training for an Ironman. Never lose faith. You *can* do what you put your mind to. If you want this life change bad enough, you will find a way to achieve it. |
I'm surprised that the board doesn't have a general weight loss thread here in Life advice thread. In this thread post what's working for you or advice seek, and also your current milestones. I'll go first - disclaimer - I'm no dietitian, this is just what is working for me.
First I'm going by classic calorie count. Any diet asking you to control what you eat is crazy in my opinion. What isn't important, it's how much. That said different foods have different calorie densities. If you're very badly overweight like I was (I now am merely "badly" overweight instead of "very badly") chances are good your stomach has a high volume capacity that needs to be filled to feel sated. So foods with a high volume for their calories are needed - low starch vegetables like celery, cucumbers, lettuce and the like - not potatoes though.
If I were my proper weight 2000 calories per day would be my need. Anything below that will cause a weight drop. I feel I can go to about half that (1000) without triggering starvation reflex.
Diet alone isn't enough. The other part is to raise the amount of calories used per day. Because of my weight my body uses around 3000 / day just to maintain body core temperature. As weight drops this will drop. Walking (and when my weight is low enough that my knees won't be at risk running) raises this amount. The idea is to get the amount of calories taken in far away from the amount used.
Rate of loss is important. You can safely lose 1% of body mass per week - for me that's 3.5 lb. 2% is pushing it but doable, 7 for me. More can be done, but if you do this the body will immediately try to recoup the loss as it will fear it is starving.
Final note - commitment to a diet change is PERMANENT. You cannot go back to your old habits - if you do your old weight will come back and probably with interest (yo-yo dieting).
Oh well, I've not typed anything that hasn't been typed before. So here's my stat and I'll update the thread once a week at least. I encourage others to do the same - mutual support folks.
Current weight: 352.4 lb.
Total loss from January 2009: 71.2 lb.
Goal weight: 200 lb.
Distance to goal: 152.4 lb.
Next Milestone: Weight 300 lb. at Christmas ( approximately 90 days out)
Distance to milestone: 52.4 lb.
Weight loss per week required to milestone: 4 lb.