Church

I just finished watching Supersize Me, and I must say, it got me thinking. At this point in time, I disgust myself, and I would like to change. I am currently 19, and I weigh 201 pounds at 6'2". And only about half of that is muscle.

The question that pose to the TFP community is a two parter.

1) What are some daily tips that you can suggest that I can easily fit into my schedule between college and work, knowing that walking to college is not an option. Eating tips/tricks, little exercise I can pick up on the way, etc. are the kinds of ideas I'm looking for.

2) For those that saw Supersize Me, what were the 'detox vegetables' that Spurlock's girlfriend were referring to?

Thanks for you time,
Church

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Sp0rAdiC

I'm in the same boat as you, except I've got it a little worse. Since last May I've lost about 30lbs though, and I'm not finished yet. The biggest thing I have done is cut out soda and sweet drinks, and most candy. I drink lots of water now, and only have candy like once a week. I also check out nutrition facts, and try to watch out for high calorie, high fat foods. It's not that specific, but it just lets me be a little more aware. I've also been playing a lot of DDR, which isn't for everyone, but it's great for me.

And I did see that movie, it was very shocking. I don't know what the detox vegetables were, but I know that I haven't eaten fries since I saw that movie, and I've cut back a lot on the fast food. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

hannukah harry

simple things you can do are taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking as far away from campus/work as you can without being late, you can do standing calf raises if you're just hanging around somewhere (say while watching tv, do those during the commercials). watching what you eat would be very important.

and while i haven't seen the movie, my guess would be that detox vegtables are those that are high in fiber, probably green to dark green, celery, lettuce, spinach, stuff like that.

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Church

Excellent. Thanks for the responses! Keep em coming if anyone else would like to contribute!

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Through counter-intelligence, it should be possible to pinpoint potential trouble makers, and neutralize them.

Willravel

It's really easy to change your diet. Just buy healthy things only from the store, instead of chips and sodas. As long as your house has only healthy foods, you will limit your access to unhealthy foods. Out of sight, out of mind. Also, make sure that your schedule does not allow for snack brakes at mcdonalds and at the vending machine.
Enjoy exercising, and be sure to make time for it.I don't know how your schedule is, but I know that you probably amazingly busy. Remember, being healthy is just as important as having a good career. I found that making seperate times for homework and exercise and keeping the schedule works. If you stick to the schedule for 4 weeks, treat yourself to one candy bar of your choice. I use snickers. If you cheat, the clock resets and it's another 4 weeks to candy bar. Giving yourself positive reinforcement can really help. Eventually, you won't care about the candy bar. There is a hump that unhealthy people have to get over. Mine was about 2 and a half months. The trick is making sure they pass as quickly as possible. Don't give yourself time to worry about how that cheesburger would taste. As soon as you're over the hump, it becomes much easier to exercise and to eat better. You'll feel better and have more energy.
Yes, the veggies mentioned are high fiber foods that, according to my doc, can clear out your system better than anything. Carrots, 100% wheat cereal, celary, and others can be really good at purging some of the bad stuff out.

chickentribs

I second the motion of cutting out sodas (juices aren't really any better as far as sugar content) and sweets. Those in between meal snacks will get ya! Try to get in the habit of eating raw veggies with a fat free dip instead. Drink a ton of water to help keep everything flushing in your system.

If you can work in just 10 - 15 minutes in the morning to do some push-ups and sit-ups and stretching, it will help get your metabolism raised and you will reap the benefits all day long. You don't have to make huge changes to start seeing results - good luck!

Oh - and I saw the movie as well. Pretty amazing, huh? Just goes to show the little things can make all the difference if we stop to think...

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and most oft there Where most it promises
- Shakespeare, W.

dumbnutofak

besides above mentioned... find you a 1 gallon plastic jug (milk or store bought water) and keep that around EVERYWHERE you go. Drink, drink, drink. Not only will it help you out, it makes you pee alot and keeps you full. I drink 1 gal of water a day if not more. I norm do it within first 6 hrs of day and try to refill and do again.

Find you a work out buddy, do a search (i know there are discussed workout plans on here) and goto gym 5-6 a week. I know I am starting with some of my fraternity brothers in the am... thats 3 hours from now @ 6:30.... i'm up cuz i can't sleep... anyone got a cure for that?

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thingstodo

At least start walking 30-45 minutes/day. Cut the processed food - which I know is tough but you can do it. Lay off excess sugar from all the sodas and juice and substitute water. Walk around with a liter bottle at all times and refill or buy more. No transfatty acids and all the hydrogenated oils. Fruit of many different colors, fiber, fiber, fiber.... we need 30-35 grams/day and most people get 1/2 of that at best.

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Stangers have the best candy.

SparklingDot

Think colors. Bright veggies are great for snacking. Buy whatever is in season and cut it into manageable sized pieces. Veggies and fat free cottage / string cheese is awesome. Buy a big box of cereal and portion it out into snack bags (paying attention to serving sizes). Drinking water is great. And free on campus. While in college, free is really good. Pretzels are good too. I'm trying to think of all the things that are easy to transport and college budget friendly...

If you do go fast food, go for a salad. They're everywhere, and gigantic. Or go to Subway instead of a burger spot. If you go to a place that actually has plates, only eat half of your food. Take the rest home and eat it later. Portions are usually more than enough for two servings. Speaking of portions, do some research on portion control.

Have you considered keeping a food diary? You'd write down everything you ate for each day. You could even write down the nutritional info for each food.

Good luck!

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17 seconds is all you really need
- Smashing Pumpkins

Ripsaw

Before you eat any meal, have half an apple, and an 8oz glass of water. Both will make you feel more full, making you eat less at the table. Also, eat more slowly, and chew more thoroughly. Both of these things will help you realize when it is time to stop eating. We often get too much food into ourselves too fast. Portion control is key here. You can eat whatever you like, just not as much as you like.

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Willravel

Very good. Apples do have natural hunger supressing enzimes in them (read in a medical journal, I'll go find if you want).

CConner

Okay Church...

Listen To My Story!

Right now I am 20 years old and weigh 168 lbs. at 6'0. Three months ago I weighed 195 lbs. I lose weight and gain muscle in one of the most healthy ways possible. I eat healthy and get a good workout 5 days a week. Pay attention to the Nutrition Facts on labels. I tend to watch calories and some carbs more than any other but I still watch the others, just not as close. Let me give you an example of one day.

Monday: (Carry water bottle with me every where I go, just refill at water fountain)
-Breakfast: (7:00 A.M.) 2 eggs (I add a LITTLE ketchup for extra flavor), Half a bagel, bannana, and small glass of orange juice.
-School: (10:00 - 2:00) Bannana (pretty filling)
-Home: (2:30) Eat a 6oz. pouch of "Chunk Light" tunna. (Albacore is good but it has more calories and only a couple more grams of protein, not worth it to me.)
-Relax: (2:30 - 3:30)
-Pre-Workout Meal: (3:30) Half of a grilled chicken, a few cashews, small thing of yougurt, and an apple.
-Relax: (3:30 - 4:00)
-Workout: (4:00 - 5:30/6:00)
-Home Relax: (6:00 - 7:00)
-Dinner/Snack (7:00) Usually either some fruit, and other half of grilled chicken.
-Spend the rest of the night doing whatever I need to. (NO more food)
-Sleep

If I have to work, I just work around my schedule.



I love my grilled chicken. I always prepare about 5 peices of grilled chicken a week and store them in the refrigirator. I only drink water, milk, or juice. I usually only drink water during the entire day except during breakfast. I do cardio everyday after I workout and do abs 3 days a week. When I workout I am there for one reason. I don't go to socialize. I don't think you are but if you are new to workingout I suggest you learn about the right way and wrong way. Form is the most important thing to pay attention to.

I could go on and on but this has worked for me. I have done this in the past as well but I always seem to get out of routine after about 6 months in and start to gain weight. I always decide to get back into it and here I am again, haha. I'm in the best shape ever, even compared to other times I have trained hard. Just keep at it.

*When eating, remember to try and eat small meals. If you are ever dieing pf hunger afterwards you can always eat more. Don't try and eat too much. I make sure that i eat way less than I can eat at one sitting.

Example: When making a sandwich, I could easily eat 2 but I only make 1 and after doing this a few times my body does'nt grave for a second one, and I have trained my body to become full after just 1.



-Chris

tarvuz

maybe set a timer so you do not overdo the internet.

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Blackthorn

1) You must eat frequently. Eat 5 to 7 times a day but the meals should be smaller than that half of a Domino's Pizza you are currently eating for lunch. Stay away from chips, beer, and other emtpy sources of carb-calories. High quality protiens (chicken, turkey, salmon, etc) and good complex carbohydrates (apples, broccoli, and the like).
2) Drink more water. When you think you've had enough water drink some more.
3) Exercise. Get off your arse and do it. Five to six days a week preferably first thing in the morning. Alternate resistance & cardio. You can get a good workout done in less than an hour. Look for more information here: Body For Life
4) Get a good night's sleep. 8 hours...maybe 9.
5) In 10 to 12 weeks enjoy the new you!

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Clark

I topped out at 315 lbs and I am 5’10. I have lost 70 lbs currently and am still losing.

That is the good news now for the not fun part I am at almost the 3 year mark of my weight loss. It took me years to put it on and will take my years to get rid of it, But the way I am doing it every mounth I lose a few ponds and have not gained a pond in those 3 years. And as I said I am still losing weight. How I did it was in steps. First I gave up soda and juice. When I want a drink with lunch I have unsweetened ice tea if they do not have that I have water. Then I gave up fast food all together. Next I started eating only food I cooked. I also will not by any processed foods only cook from scratch. Once I lost 30 ponds or so I fond that the gym was not so hard on me and started working out. I did nothing crazy at first just 30 min of light cardio 3 or 4 times a week. Now I still go the gym 3 or 4 times a week but I do cardio and lift over the last three years I have changed my habits little by little in ways that I can live with for the rest of my life so that I will never again be so large. Good luck it is a hard path.