Losing Weight

I agree with Lilac. Also, perhaps best to avoid pure fruit juices too... because according to a recent article in the New York Times (Still Counting Calories? Your Weight-Loss Plan May Be Outdated; by Jane Brody, July 18, 2011), pure fruit juice is on a list of foods that contribute to the greatest weight gain.

"The foods that contributed to the greatest weight gain were not surprising. French fries led the list: Increased consumption of this food alone was linked to an average weight gain of 3.4 pounds in each four-year period. Other important contributors were potato chips (1.7 pounds), sugar-sweetened drinks (1 pound), red meats and processed meats (0.95 and 0.93 pound, respectively), other forms of potatoes (0.57 pound), sweets and desserts (0.41 pound), refined grains (0.39 pound), other fried foods (0.32 pound), 100-percent fruit juice (0.31 pound) and butter (0.3 pound)."

Link to article: http://www.nyti  html?pagewanted=

It sounds like you're off to a good start - yoga and the evening aerobics. The evening class may be hard at first, but stick with it--it will get easier and be worth the effort. If you have a crockpot you might want to try using that to help with the evening meal. That way it will be ready when you come home and you won't be tempted to snack. I hope you're drinking plenty of water; that will help with hunger. Also cut-up veggies would be great for the commute. Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress.

Keep sneakers at your desk and go walking at lunch when you can. In bad weather you can climb stairs if your building has several flights. I try to do 15-20 minutes and am trying to increase. Clean up in the bathroom with hand sanitizer towelettes and keep deodorant in your desk drawer. Short, effective workouts and you still have time to eat a healthy brown bag lunch! Good luck!

The best way that I have found to lose weight is with an exercycle. I bought one used for $25.00 and it's the best investment I've ever made. You can start off slow, only going 5 miles or so till your legs get used to the activity. Gradually increase time spent riding the bike till you're up to 20 miles or more. The weight will come off. Just give it time. I've lost 35 lbs. and kept it off. Good luck!!

Have you had a complete physical? Constant hunger may be a sign of a thyroid problem or other medical problem. Before undetaking any weightloss program, please have a physical and allow your physician to give you the best guidance based onyour health!

Have learned that AM exercise is more beneficial than at the end of the day exercise.

YOU are on the right track, but you do not need a DIET. I was overweight and 49yrs old with a very stressfull job and little energy. I lost 50lb so I know of what i speak. YOU NEED a lifestyle of eating, food is our disease just like anyother only worse. It is tough to stop drinking but you do not have to face it 3 times a day, you HAVE to eat you can not avoid it, so it is harder to control. Same type of weakness in both diseases, need for comfort, lack of control, being a gentle sensitive person etc. Do weight watchers if you can and do it right not your own version. They give you support, they encourage you, other people are going through it with you, AND they want you to eat so you can feel like exercising. You must have oil in your diet, you must have dairy products, etc. If you get the right foods you WILL NOT BE HUNGRY or feel deprived. You can live your life, you can stop at MICKY D's and have a burger. You will learn portion control and they will support you for a life time, cause some people need the support for a lifetime. You will learn how to eat anything youwant, you just have to learn PORtiON control and limit setting. Cost 11.00 a week right now or 15.00 if you just want to attend one meet a month, (I suggest the weekly ones) but getting your life back is well worth the cost. DO NOT DIET. I wish you all the best.

I'm 29, but also overweight and trying to get myself into shape. My grandmother was diabetic and my mother is borderline diabetic, so I want to avoid that fate if I can! I have slowly lost about 15 pounds, and I've done a few different things to do that. I really started to watch my portions--I do my own home version of the 100 calorie packs you find in stores. I buy my favorite snacks, then come home and open the box, look at what a 100-125 calorie serving size is, then put that amount into baggies. I then put the baggies back into the box so that instead of reaching in and eating way too many crackers, etc., I'm getting only one serving at a time. I also have started to try to stay away from a lot of processed foods, and I read labels at the grocery store before I put something in my cart. It also helps to eat smaller, more frequent meals. I have a co-worker who is in GREAT shape and also is a part-time aerobics instructor, and she calls this "fueling the furnace" so that your body has the energy it needs and you don't get famished in between meals. I don't have a lot of time or money to exercise (I'm mom to a 2 year old!), but I bought a pedometer and then put my son in his stroller and take long walks. I've gotten to the point where I can walk about 6,500 steps, and I've heard that they recommend 10,000 a day. Hope some of these things help--I know what a struggle it is. Best of luck!

I've struggled with this all my life and I'm currently in Weight Watcher's. There are a couple of web sites that are free if you don't want to or can't afford a paid program. Spark People is a great FREE site, Hungry Girl has an excellent diet out, but you have to purchase the book. Perhaps you can get the book used on Amazon or from the library. Skinny Taste is another great book. My philosophy is to do something that you can live with for the rest of your life. If you restrict yourself, the "diet" is guaranteed to fail. I've used the word "diet" here, but I don't like the word. "A way of life" is a much better way for me to look at it. And, you're still young, so get used to that dreaded "e" word... exercise. Keeping active is so important, not only in weight loss, but for your overall health. You don't have to join a gym; walk, walk, walk.

Measure and weigh your portions and get used to what a "portion" looks like. There's a ton of information out there. There is no one size fits all way to do it. Do what works for you and you'll be successful. For me, I have to stay busy and not sit and just watch TV. If you like to dance, that's a great way to burn calories. I went out dancing last Saturday night and burned a ton of calories and had a great time. Hope this helps. Try to not let the scale rule you. You are more than a number on the scale.
Best of luck to you.

You are smart to get fit while you are young because it is much more difficult to lose weight when you are older. My family has had a lot of success with the G.I. diet books by Rick Gallop. We all lost weight and never felt hungry. When you say that you barely eat, it may be WHAT you are eating, not how much you are eating. You can read about the diet and books here: http://gidiet.com/us/about.html The express book is a condensed down version of the full book. Check your library or I checked on Amazon and they sell used for as low as 1 cent.

My husband reached his goal weight without exercising and has kept it off for a few years now. This diet isn't really a diet. It is a way of eating. It is easy to understand using a stoplight method. Red foods you avoid while losing weight, Yellow you eat sparingly, and green you can eat more than enough of. When my husband notices that he is gaining a pound or two back, he just avoids the red foods again.

I have also lost weight with this method and liked it because I didn't have to count calories, points, etc. I tried Weight Watchers, but found that it made me think about food constantly. I was hungry all the time, and always had to be thinking about how many points everything was.

I also have a 20 year old son, and an 18 year old son. They, too have benefited from this way of eating. Also, they both had symptoms like you describe with your feet turning red and swelling up when you are on them. My oldest was really bothered by this so we took him to the doctor about it. They ran tests and determined that he had Raynaud's syndrome. Both my son's started exercising and the symptoms seem to have resolved themselves. I am not suggesting that this is what your diagnosis would be, but you should go get checked out before changing your diet and beginning to exercise, anyway.

The form of exercise that works for me is bicycling. We used a regular bike and turned it into a stationary bike with a bike trainer stand. My husband found this stand very cheap on Craigslist. (You could put in a request on Freecyclers in your area. I have seen people give away bikes all the time on there. Also after new years, people give away exercise equipment when they get new stuff or during Spring cleaning, they give away the new stuff when they decide they aren't going to use it.)

With my asthma, I had to start out using the bike for only 5 minutes at a time - that was all I could do. But now I am up to 32 minutes on low tension. I listen to music so it doesn't feel so undo-able. Also, if I do the inhaler about ten minutes before getting on the bike, I think it helps. Still, I have to make sure that I am breathing deeply enough while exercising, or I get really out of breath.

The walking idea is also good for people with asthma. You might even find someone who would pay you to walk their dog while you are walking for exercise. This would also make it a commitment and more of a motivation to follow through. Here is a place where you can read more about exercising with asthma:
http://www.live  asthma-patients/
Good luck and don't give up--the more fit you become, the better you will feel!

I agree with Cyinda. Fasting is a good way to clean out your system, but it's not a good way to lose weight. I've never heard of a gradual fast, but I definitely wouldn't recommend eating nothing but yogurt, broth, and ice pops for two weeks. You would be depriving your body of essential nutrients needed to maintain good health. If you are set on fasting, you could do the gradual fast, but I wouldn't truly fast for more than three days. And if weight loss is your goal, I suggest you look for other ways to achieve it.

How much weight do you want to lose? If you are in reasonable shape, you could try P90X. All of the advanced ranks in my martial arts class were required to do this workout/diet program at the beginning of the year, and I know from experience that it gives you results. It will teach you proper nutrition and good eating habits while improving your strength, stamina, and flexibility.

When you don't eat, your body thinks you are starving and begins to slow down it's metabolism. When you do eat, it stores everything in case there is no more. You might lose weight for the two weeks, but then you will gain it back and then some. It's the rebound effect.

My favorite fast, and it's one of the healthiest, (many body builders use it shortly before a competiion) is:

First three days alternate fresh raw fruits and fresh raw vegetables plus fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

Next three days alternate fresh fruit and vegetable juices and no food.

Last three days do the same as the first three days.

You can eat every hour if you want to, and actually the body is more efficient that way because it isn't thinking it's starving and is getting lots of nutrients. Be sure to alternate those fruits and veggies because the stomach uses different acids to digest them. Limit your intake to the amount of food you can cup in one hand (actually, that should become a lifelong habit).

During all nine days drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day, spread out during the day.

No caffeine and no nicotine (if you do smoke at least try to limit them to just a couple a day)!

You can have a couple cups of non-caffeine tea a day but no coffee including decalf!

Be sure to take your vitamins and don't cheat yourself on sleep ;-)

When the fast is over be careful of what you eat for a few days because you don't want to shock your system. Stay away from fatty foods and too much sugar.

You may not lose a lot of weight on the scale but your body will be cleansed and toxins gone and you will notice you are slimmer because you aren't puffed up from toxins anymore. I lose a dress size each time I fast (of course the size comes back when the body says too many toxins again ;-).

I used to lift weights and still had the energy to lift as usual during a fast so be sure to exercise whether it's weights, aerobics, walking, whatever ;-)

Last year I lost 50 pounds. The first 20 pounds came off by doing nothing but stopping soda pop (Coke) and just drinking water and sugar free koolaid. Koolaid mixed with Splenda and water.

The other 30 pounds came off by just stopping all junk food.

Breakfast was usually similar to this:
1 small banana
1 sugar-free breakfast bar
1 container of fat free/sugar free yogurt

Hot tea with honey

Snack:
1 can of V-8 juice (11.5 oz.)
Water

Lunch:
Sandwich of whole grain bread, mustard, turkey breast, lettuce, black olives, tomatoes, pickles, green bell peppers

Carrots &/or celery

A piece of fruit

Water

Snack:
homemade mixture of dried apricots cut up, raisins, pecans, cashews, peanuts and coconut

Water

Dinner:
Grilled chicken breast
salad
vegetable (brocoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, etc.)
1 slice of whole grain bread
Water

Snack:
1 container of sugar free, fat free yogurt
2 graham crackers

I walked on the treadmill for about 15 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day; or I walked outside or at the mall.

It has been over a year since I lost the weight and I never want to gain it back. I wasn't hungry on these foods. The weight came off slowly.

When I was young I tried to find out why some ladies do not put on weight as they get older. I have followed their rules and I have not got any fatter ( I am 51 years old). My sisters are all fat.

The rules are:
Exercise 6 days a week - I spend about an hour a day at home while watching TV
Don't drink alcohol
Don't drink sodas
Don't eat junk foods, especially salty snack foods

The good news is that eating sweet foods such as chocolate does not seem to do too much harm.

Hope these rules do not sound too harsh.

It may be because your body is happy where it is at. It sounds like you are healthy, and if you are not overweight, then just be happy at the weight you are.

Linda :o)

You should really talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your weight. As a teenager, your body is doing a lot of growing and changing. It is easy to develop a poor body image during this time, which can follow you around your whole life. Your doctor can discuss your diet and exercise and give you the best advice.

As for not losing weight even though you are exercising, it might be because you aren't eating ENOUGH food or the right types of foods. A lot of weight loss and fitness experts say that your body will store extra fats if you are increasing your exercise. Frustrating but true. I would make sure that you are eating enough protein, veggies and healthy fiber (whole grains), especially after you work out. And don't forget that water!

I've been on Weight Watchers for a couple of years now and have lost over 60 pounds. If your doctor feels that you could benefit by a structured weight loss plan, I highly recommend it.

Good luck and don't beat yourself up about it. Trust me, in years to come, you will probably wonder what you were complaining about. Be kind to yourself and your body.

Both my daughter and I have been successful losing weight on the Atkins program. You can go to the website and sign up for a beginners kit. Also, look at the forums on that website. My daughter, who had been having fibromyalgia pain for years, found that she was allergic to wheat and her symptoms subsided after getting away from wheat and gluten. There are alternative flours to wheat or gluten that are acceptable on this website. I hope this helps.

I have started using PGX fiber supplement, recommended by Dr. Oz. Too early to tell yet if it is going to result in weight loss or chloresteral reduction. However, I do find that I am less hungry and often eat less, and it helps with my heartburn, which is wonderful bonus. I buy mine at health food stores or Costco.

Thank you,

Nailfanatic from Poteau, OK

Answers:

Help Losing Weight

I have lost 50 pounds and I still need to lose about 10 more. The first thing that I suggest is to not waste your money on diet pills or diet anything for that matter. You need to learn how to eat real food because after you lose the weight you are going to want to keep it off and you are not going to want to eat diet food for the rest of your life. How I started is by exercising and I did not cut back on calories until about 4 weeks later. The reason I did that is because I wanted my body to get used to the exercise and to get my metabolism going, I thought if I started to cut back on calories that it would cause my body to think it was starving and would actually slow my metabolism down. The good thing is that during that four weeks you will build muscle and more muscle burns more fat. Once you are ready to cut back on calories go easy on yourself, no starving! If you starve yourself you will only give up quicker and cheat on your diet. Eat breakfast! Your body has gone without food all night long and your metabolism is slowing down, so feed it to jump start it! I like oatmeal and fruit, or a whole wheat bagel. I eat small meals all day long, that way I never even give myself a chance to feel hungry. I eat healthy things, whole wheat breads and cereals, fruit, raw vegetables, cheese, etc. I drink lots of water, it helps you to feel full and is good for you too. I don't deprive myself, if once in a while I want potato chips I buy the small snack bag of chips and eat that, or I buy the cookies that are prepackaged in the 100 calorie packs. I measure all food and I count calories, it is time consuming but it is time well spent. I chew things very slowly and drinks sips of water to allow time for my body to get full and realize that it is full. Most people eat too fast and consume too much. Stay away from fast food, even thought they are trying to get healthier food I just don't need any temptation. The biggest thing is that if you do go on some eating binge, don't get angry with yourself and give up; tell yourself that tomorrow is a fresh start and get back to your diet. Also, don't think that if you aren't losing weight right away that you should give up either. While you are working out on your Bowflex you will be burning fat and turning it to muscle, muscle weights more than fat so you may not lose pounds on the scale but you are actually losing pounds and gaining muscle which will help you to burn more calories!! The hardest part for me was having patience, it took me a year and a half to lose the fifty pounds. I wanted to lose it all in two weeks! But, I kept telling myself that I didn't gain all this in two weeks, how could I expect to lose it all in such a short time? The best thing about finally succeeding is how good I feel, I am stronger, eating healthier, and my back and knees aren't hurting anymore! I wish you all the best in your weight loss program, you are on your way to a healthier and happier you! Oh, and I hope you like clothes shopping because once you lose the 40-50 pounds you are going to need a new wardrobe! Good luck to you, Paula (10/23/2006)

By Persnickety Paula

Help Losing Weight

I saw a commercial for FiberChoice Weight Management (Chewable Strawberry Flavored) Tablets. I figured it couldn't hurt to have more fiber. I purchased it at Walgreens. I've only been on it for a week, but it does help suppress your appetite. I've lost 2 lbs, so that is a start. You are on the right track. (10/23/2006)

By Ace

Help Losing Weight

Heyl, Paula. Rose Anne, here. I can certainly identify with your dilemma, and good for you for actively looking for alternatives!

There are a LOT of diets out there! And one thing I've learned in all my years of searching and trying? The ones which we can live with the most easily are the ones which make the most sense and don't leave us feeling starved.

I'm glad you're exercising! Please don't quit! (It's important, even after you get to your target weight.)

I think there's a style of eating for everyone, but mine might not be yours (and I don't call it a 'diet' anymore: after 15 years of maintaining my ideal weight, it's a way of life, not a diet.)

Anyway, consider removing as much fat as possible from your daily eating? Eliminate cheese, milk, butter, cream and cream-based sauces, anything fried, eggs ... If you like alcohol (as do I) aim for low-fat and low-sugar beverages such as ... vodka and water or soda or gin and tonic.

I recently wrote the following recommendations for a girlfriend who wants to lose 80 pounds.
- coffee/tea without sugar and without cream: 1% or skim milk only (if anything)
- avoid sugar
- substitute PAM or chicken broth for cooking oil
- avoid butter or margarine and all cheese
- avoid pasta sauces containing cream or milk
- drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
- eat whenever hungry (5 - 6 small meals @ day will speed your metabolism, provide non-stop energy and burn calories galore)
- broil, boil, steam or barbecue all meat
- choose lean cuts of meat
- as much as possible eat vegetables raw
add as many herbs and spices (including salt and pepper) as you like
- check all labels carefully when buying groceries; pay attention not to % fat, but to such ingredients as oil (and avoid anything with oils), although high fat % will provide a clue as to suitability (mustard, for instance, can be 0 grams fat, or not, but read the label and choose the lowest)
- drink as much fruit or vegetable juice as you like
- complex carbs (such as whole-grain breads) provide energy; aim for 2 servings/day

When you're ready to cook, let me know: my chili, jambalaya, curry and gumbo recipes are tasty, easy and quite low in fat (I'll send them if you're interested: e-mail me at wordswork AT telusplanet.net)
- avoid Caesar and Ranch dressings as well as anything with peanuts, avocado, coconut, cream, milk, cheese and sour cream
- undoubtedly, you'll experience serious cravings for something with fat, but it will pass: add a few (1 tbsp.) sliced almonds or peanuts to your salad to help alleviate the craving (nuts are high in fat but also quite nutritious: keep consumption to a minimum).

Dining Out

Fast food outlets and restaurants offer a good variety these days.

Subway sandwiches, for instance, can be easily adapted to low-fat eating by simply omitting mayonnaise, processed meats (sausage), subway sauce and cheese. For flavour, add hot peppers or one of their low-fat sauces.

McDonalds and Wendy's offer salads, but choose Italian dressing.

Restaurants are amenable to adapting menu selections. Salad dressings 'on the side' are common and any sandwich can be made without butter, mayonnaise or cheese. When the item described includes the word, grilled, ask whether it's fried or broiled (as grilling can be either).

Maintenance

Although, in my opinion and experience, this "style" of eating is extremely healthy,
weight loss is inevitable (particularly when contrasted with higher-fat diets). You won't want to continue losing pounds and once you've reached your weight goal, maintenance of that weight will naturally include "treats" (the number and degree will require some experimentation on your part). So yes, once every two weeks or so, have a slice of pizza or a small bag of chips or a wedge of cheese. But continue to weigh yourself first thing every morning and you'll easily learn the degree of treats your body will absorb without weight gain.

Good luck to you! Try this for at least a month (weighing in daily) and let me know if you see a difference?

Cheers,
Rose Anne (10/23/2006)

By wordswork

Help Losing Weight

hi.I have been very thin and after 4 kids pretty heavy. I am now back to thin. I found that keeping constantly busy not sitting for any length of time helps. I also walk whenever I can. If I need bread or can run an errand and walk I do so. Park a few blocks from a lot of your destinations.

When it comes to eating, a few "tastes" ie chocolate : ) of something is fine and if you linger with it in your mouth, it does satisfy. Every time you are hungry and want a snack, as a rule ALWAYS drink a full glass of water first, even before meals.
After every meal eat an apple before you even think about eating seconds : ). The apple absorbs some of the fat you ate and fills you up : )
Hope this helps. (10/23/2006)

By debbie

Help Losing Weight

I lost weight by exercising and eating small portions. Stay away from diets. You just simply need to retrain your eating habits. Don't not eat what you like just half it instead. I love chocolate! And too much of anything isn't good. That where I fall short. Sugar too. But exercise everyday! Even if it's only a few minutes. Move your body daily! I believe that was the biggest success for me. Also it will help you as you get older. I didn't have to exercise when I was young because I naturally was on the go. After around 35, now forty, I notice I have to move DAILY! You really will start to feel better every week. So start by walking. Take a 20min walk. I use an indoor cycle & ride 2miles daily. I also have a total gym. I use it for ten -twenty min. It's the best half hour of my life. Anytime I want to eat, I jump on the cycle instead-it curbs the want! Feed your body with exercise. Remember this is going to make you feel better & look better Good luck! To your health!
Jennifer CA (10/23/2006)

By jjager

Help Losing Weight

This is simple. You need to exercise. By that I mean daily walks, that sort of thing.

Next, learn about a diabetic diet. Why? It's healthy, and it teaches you portions, which is what you need to learn.

BTW, when you get your portions back to normal, you'll be able to afford the better foods in the world. For example, prime petite filet, great salads, healthy deserts and beverages. This is because you will learn how to evaluate food in the store and restaurants. You can pick the best because portions are smaller--thus a lower cost.

In a restaurant, package everything that is more than a portion to take home. Do it before you eat.
Now you have two meals for the same price--a 50% savings.

Millions of people follow this diet their whole lives without a problem. You can, too. (10/23/2006)

By the Oracle

Help Losing Weight

Diet pills aren't the way to go. When I was on them years ago, I thought my heart was going to jump right out of my chest!! The Dr. said to stay away from diet pills, they're no good!! Yes, they're big money products for the manufacturers. I had a dear pal a few years ago, dying due to his use of steroids and power products. He said to stay away from the energy powders, energy pills, energy drinks. He said they'll kill your liver. Best of Luck on your lifestyle change!! (10/23/2006)

By

Help Losing Weight

I have found the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to go to Weight Watchers once a week. You learn how to portion your food and keep track of what you eat, every bite counts. You have to be dedicated to attending every week as they all have the same problem and discuss how they were successful for the week, how to get through weddings and parties and keep losing.

At the same time, you need to exercise regularly. I go to Curves at least 3 times a week and walk when i can. (10/23/2006)

By Eletha

Help Losing Weight

I don't have any words of advice for losing weight, but I certainly do admire you for taking control of your life at such a young age. Good for you! (10/27/2006)

By tedsmom

Help Losing Weight

What is the diabetic diet? Thanks for all the advice. (11/08/2006)

By

Help Losing Weight

here's what's working for me. I've never been obese, but always 10-30 pounds overweight. I'm sure this would work for an obese person also.
I started off in April on Atkins. It's now November, and I'm still doing well, but I changed a few things. I'd been on Atkins before, and lost 20 pounds. Only thing about Atkins, I had intense sugar cravings. This time around, I decided that I was going to eat carbs that were good for me, so I went out and bought all the fruits and vegetables that I enjoy. I don't worry about the carb content. I know they are good for me, regardless of carbs. When I want a sweet, I eat an apple or grapes or cantaloupe, etc. I find it keeps my appetite at bay, and I don't eat near as much protein when I've had the carb earlier. Lots of veggies, and drink water, water water. I hate drinking it, but it's something we all have to do for health. Anyway, I've lost 20 pounds since April, it's coming off slow, but I'm finding for the first time EVER, I can stick to this meal plan. I'm not calling it a diet because I think I can stay on this and call it a change in my eating habits. No potatoes, no pasta, no rice, and no bread. It's hard to get used to at first, but now I find I don't miss it. Once in a while, when my hubby and I go out, I indulge in fries and desert, but get right back on track the next day. I'm very encouraged about sticking to this, since I'm not finding it hard or depriving.
Luck to all! (11/30/2006)

By gouligann