life101 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Hello I am 5'6 230 and I need to lose weight I have let my self go too long... I have three children and have not really watched what i have been eating...I am really just wanting to feel better about my self image, if anyone has any suggestions on diets or so on it would be greatly appriciated! Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 learn to count calories and know how many calories are in EVERYTHING you eat. set a caloric limit for each day. be more active each day. the weight will naturally come off. try to shoot for losing a pound each week which would mean eating 3500 less calories per week which means you have to cut your caloric consumption by 500 calories per day. the key is to lose the weight slowly so that you don't put it back on. change you lifestyle. maybe try out CBT....WWIU could help you with that. Link to post Share on other sites
Author life101 Posted September 16, 2009 Author Share Posted September 16, 2009 learn to count calories and know how many calories are in EVERYTHING you eat. set a caloric limit for each day. be more active each day. the weight will naturally come off. try to shoot for losing a pound each week which would mean eating 3500 less calories per week which means you have to cut your caloric consumption by 500 calories per day. the key is to lose the weight slowly so that you don't put it back on. change you lifestyle. maybe try out CBT....WWIU could help you with that. Thanks! What is CBT and WWIU? Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Thanks! What is CBT and WWIU? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and member Whichwayisup Link to post Share on other sites
Author life101 Posted September 16, 2009 Author Share Posted September 16, 2009 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and member Whichwayisup Okay thank you!! Link to post Share on other sites
deux ex machina Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I think alphamale's got you covered pretty well there. Just remember to be patient with yourself. You could go on a diet, things like that - but one reason I find myself agreeing with alpha's advice to you is that eventually you will have to get back into living in the "real world" - so while diets may help in the short term, it's best adjust the overall lifestyle more. That will benefit you more in the long run. Your goal sounds realistic. Best of luck! Link to post Share on other sites
CarrieT Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 I am 5'4" and at the height of my restaurant reviewing career (yes, I ate professionally!), I weighed 225 lbs. I have dropped over 80 pounds but I was not able to with Weight Watchers, Nutrisystems, or any other "program." How I lost weight was two-fold: I walk at least five miles every day. I got myself one of those pedometer things to track it. I am not heavy into exercise and honestly, I don't like sweating, but at least by walking, it gets my heart rate up. On the food thing, because I ADORE food, I never wanted to feel deprived and so many diets don't let you have certain things (like onion rings or cake). So I do not deprive myself of anything -- I eat whatever-the-heck-I-want, I just eat HALF. If I want a burger and fries and malt, I order it and I do not stress about the fact that half of it is going to get thrown away (think about it -- it is going to be flushed down a toilet anyway!). Now I actually try to order things that will work well as left-overs for breakfast or lunch so food does not get wasted. And when it comes to desserts (my weakness), I have a three-bite rule. I don't say I can't have a piece of cake, but I relish and enjoy three glorious bites but I don't need a whole piece. And I can show you pictures; this has worked for me and I have kept those 80 pounds off for almost four years now. Link to post Share on other sites
Left in a Lurch Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 One thing I found is when I started working out like a fiend, the pounds weren't disappearing and I knew muscle weighs more, but I still expected to see my weight drop. I stopped weighing myself all the time and instead paid attention to how much looser my clothes were. It told me I was getting rid of fat and trimming down even if the scale didn't indicate it, and I could tell which areas were slimming even though I couldnt see it in the mirror. I'd say just get more active check the scale occassionally to make sure you are staying in a weight range, and when you want a juice or a pop or a donut, wait about 15 seconds before you grab one and a water and bag of almonds will sound just as good after you get past the initial urge. I also found that freezing bottled water and letting it melt makes it pretty refreshing and I started to crave really cold water over pop or juice or even coffee in the morning, and went to drinking water almost exclusively which makes a huge difference. Link to post Share on other sites
Enema Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Pretty simple stuff: - Exercise 3-5 days a week for at least 30 minutes. - Cut down on sugar - Cut down on breads - Cut down on booze - Make your meals 75% of the size they were For me, it's all about exercise. I go a little crazy with booze and sugar on weekends, but I run 5 days a week and recently competed; so the weight stays under control. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 - Exercise 3-5 days a week for at least 30 minutes. - Cut down on sugar - Cut down on breads - Cut down on booze - Make your meals 75% of the size they were thats basically what i said Link to post Share on other sites
Author life101 Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 I think alphamale's got you covered pretty well there. Just remember to be patient with yourself. You could go on a diet, things like that - but one reason I find myself agreeing with alpha's advice to you is that eventually you will have to get back into living in the "real world" - so while diets may help in the short term, it's best adjust the overall lifestyle more. That will benefit you more in the long run. Your goal sounds realistic. Best of luck! Thank you! Link to post Share on other sites
Author life101 Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 I am 5'4" and at the height of my restaurant reviewing career (yes, I ate professionally!), I weighed 225 lbs. I have dropped over 80 pounds but I was not able to with Weight Watchers, Nutrisystems, or any other "program." How I lost weight was two-fold: I walk at least five miles every day. I got myself one of those pedometer things to track it. I am not heavy into exercise and honestly, I don't like sweating, but at least by walking, it gets my heart rate up. On the food thing, because I ADORE food, I never wanted to feel deprived and so many diets don't let you have certain things (like onion rings or cake). So I do not deprive myself of anything -- I eat whatever-the-heck-I-want, I just eat HALF. If I want a burger and fries and malt, I order it and I do not stress about the fact that half of it is going to get thrown away (think about it -- it is going to be flushed down a toilet anyway!). Now I actually try to order things that will work well as left-overs for breakfast or lunch so food does not get wasted. And when it comes to desserts (my weakness), I have a three-bite rule. I don't say I can't have a piece of cake, but I relish and enjoy three glorious bites but I don't need a whole piece. And I can show you pictures; this has worked for me and I have kept those 80 pounds off for almost four years now. Yes that would be nice...Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Thank you! you're welcome Link to post Share on other sites
Author life101 Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 One thing I found is when I started working out like a fiend, the pounds weren't disappearing and I knew muscle weighs more, but I still expected to see my weight drop. I stopped weighing myself all the time and instead paid attention to how much looser my clothes were. It told me I was getting rid of fat and trimming down even if the scale didn't indicate it, and I could tell which areas were slimming even though I couldnt see it in the mirror. I'd say just get more active check the scale occassionally to make sure you are staying in a weight range, and when you want a juice or a pop or a donut, wait about 15 seconds before you grab one and a water and bag of almonds will sound just as good after you get past the initial urge. I also found that freezing bottled water and letting it melt makes it pretty refreshing and I started to crave really cold water over pop or juice or even coffee in the morning, and went to drinking water almost exclusively which makes a huge difference. Thank you!! Link to post Share on other sites
BeSteady Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 eat 5 smaller meals a day like every couple of hours or so. It keep your metabolism up. portion your calories to be about 300 or lightly less per meal. This will keep you from overeating and your blood sugar up so ou dont get that dieting feeling. And exersize, try starting by walking 30 in the AM then 30 min pm 4 days a week. It is good to add weight training to the process, adding muscle will help you burn more fat. It is amazing how a little weight training will help you see improvement quickly. Link to post Share on other sites
freestyle Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 One thing I found is when I started working out like a fiend, the pounds weren't disappearing and I knew muscle weighs more, but I still expected to see my weight drop. I stopped weighing myself all the time and instead paid attention to how much looser my clothes were. It told me I was getting rid of fat and trimming down even if the scale didn't indicate it, and I could tell which areas were slimming even though I couldnt see it in the mirror. I'd say just get more active check the scale occassionally to make sure you are staying in a weight range, and when you want a juice or a pop or a donut, wait about 15 seconds before you grab one and a water and bag of almonds will sound just as good after you get past the initial urge. I also found that freezing bottled water and letting it melt makes it pretty refreshing and I started to crave really cold water over pop or juice or even coffee in the morning, and went to drinking water almost exclusively which makes a huge difference. Are you aware of the recent studies saying NOT to freeze water in plastic bottles? I used to do the same, until I read a couple of articles. I'm not sure if I can articulate it properly, I'll see if I can find a link. Something about dioxins leaching out of the plastic and being ingested............... Link to post Share on other sites
freestyle Posted September 19, 2009 Share Posted September 19, 2009 I return thoroughly humbled. I checked Google for related articles regarding the dangers of freezing plastic water bottles.................. To fond that both Snopes and HoaxSlayer have debunked that claim as an Urban Myth. Interestingly, Snopes catagorized it as partly true, partly false. It depends on the type of plastic used, and from what I read, it's still being researched. My bad. Link to post Share on other sites
LakesideDream Posted September 20, 2009 Share Posted September 20, 2009 Find the thing in life you want to accomplish then look for positive reinforcement for reaching your goal, or reaching tangible steps toward your goal Celebrate your success. When that first 10 pounds dissappears, do something for yourself that makes you feel good. Or, if you are really lucky you will have a SO that supports you and will participate in your positive reinforcement. View each success as accomplishing a percentage of your goal. You want to lose 80 pounds. When you lose 16 remind yourself that your hard work and committment has lead to meeting 20% of your goal. Investment is important. When you invest the time, effort, and pain to meet 20% of your goal, and think about it... really acknowledge your effort, you have a better chance of remaining comitted. Link to post Share on other sites
SadandConfusedWA Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Go and get some coconut oil. It speeds up metabolism, boosts your energy and is an appetite suppressant. Link to post Share on other sites
georgia girl Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I think all of the advice you've gotten here is fantastic. The only thing I'll add is get out of your own head. When I first started running, I could run just a half-mile around a flat track and "I couldn't take one more step" and had to walk. I just finished my first half-marathon a few weeks ago. What I learned was that I was beating myself mentally, not physically. I was so focused on how miserable I felt running - my legs hurt, I was breathing hard, etc. - that I didn't realize that my legs didn't hurt that bad and I really wasn't breathing that hard. To this day, the first mile is the toughest to run. Once I get at about 1.5 miles, I think, "Why did I dread this? It feels soooo good." So, keep your head in the game, whatever exercise you do. Ignore that "Doubting Thomas" voice. And be so proud of yourself for starting the journey. You've already done the hardest part! Link to post Share on other sites
Teacher's Pet Posted September 28, 2009 Share Posted September 28, 2009 2 words. Weight Watchers. Teaches you to eat sensibly.... no supplements, no required foods to buy (though the pre-packaged ice cream treats are really good!).... Easiest and safest weight loss. If you have a lot of weight to lose (like me)... go on WW for a while, and once you start losing the weight (it happens almost immediately), slowly work moderate exercise into your daily routine. You don't have to do anything crazy, just an occasional walk will help boost your weight loss. I also do the Hollywood 24 hour diet once in a while as an added "boost".. it takes a little willpower, as you can't have solid food for 24 hours (but the juice drink you have to take is very safe and doesn't taste too bad).... gives your diet a little "kick", even if you do it once a month.... So far, I'm down over 20lbs in just a couple of weeks. -TP lean, mean, sex machine Link to post Share on other sites
deux ex machina Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Congrats on all of your hard work paying off, Teacher's Pet! Link to post Share on other sites
ecm Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Go and get some coconut oil. It speeds up metabolism, boosts your energy and is an appetite suppressant. what do you do with the coconut oil? Are they pills? or an oils you add to food? Link to post Share on other sites
11bgentleman Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I would say start off slow. If you are counting carbs, try to taper them off throughout the day. Eat five to six meals a day. Pre package some almonds to snack on, eat some chicken breast, green veggies, and yogurt. Like the others have said, take it slow. Go for one to two pounds a week. Weight yourself only once a week. Your weight will go up and down throughout the week. Don' fret over it. Link to post Share on other sites
boogieboy Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Run, Run, and lastly Run. The pounds will melt off. Link to post Share on other sites
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