Losing Weight Advice

OK, I am not beautiful or svelte - in any way. However, about 4 weeks ago, I started doing something about it and have dropped 16lbs. If I keep things up at this rate, I should be pretty much within 'reasonable' parameters by the new year.

Now, I've never done this before, but I want to know how realistic this is. i.e. is it normal to expect to loose 4lbs a week for 8 weeks?

Currently, I'm training in the gym most nights (doing between 500 and 1000 calories as measured by whatever I'm on) and trying to avoid eating in the evenings. I do let myself have a glass of red wine in the evenings, and want to stick to say, a banana or some kind of fruit in the mornings.

I also want to allow myself a big night out at the weekend and don't mind one or two 'slipups'.

What do you people think? Is this doable? Is it healthy? I need something that I can see visible and measurable results, otherwise I am liable to get bored and loose all interest.

[pcockren]

I think a realistic goal would be 2-3 lbs per week if you are eating healthy and exercising. A lot of the 16 lbs was probably lost in the first week(due to the sudden change to your body). Some weeks you may lose more and some not at all but the most important thing is to remember the goal and not get discouraged when there is a week where you don't lose. Another way to inspire yourself is to take measurements every week also, because sometimes you may not lose weight but you may lose inches...but i think average healthy weight loss should be about 2-3 lbs per week...

[dylanmarsh]

I agree with pcockren's view of 2 to 3 pounds a week.

If you're looking for a quick but possibly not long-term fix, then the diet-work out routine you are on is perfect. Depending on your size, a piece of fruit and not eating in the evening is not healthy. To manage your weight more efficiently, you might try to stick to three balanced meals with the same sort of work out routine. I try to keep a diet of high protein and low fat coupled with excluding empty calories like soda and sweets. Chicken, ground turkey, non-fat milk, steamed veggies and fruit are great ways to eat healthy and still feel full.

Thanks for the advice guys - If I don't make the 4lbs per week, I wont be disheartened

[jfelco]

im also trying to shed of some weight. big breakfast, good lunch, and light dinner with a smoothie seemed to work for me last time. my problem is when football season starts i tend to drink alot of beer during the games. so the weight im trying to lose is my beer belly. is there a different approach to shedding this off, aside from no more beer??

[dtheriault]

Big low fat high fiber breakfast is ideal. Cereal with almonds, protein powder, and berries. Or oatmeal.

snacks: hardboiled eggs (ditch the yolks); fruit; veggies; low-fat yogurt

dinner: don't eat after 6pm unless you're going out. you can have a banana or apple if you're still hungry before bed.

Don't sweat the carbs. Drink water or tea. Stay away from refined sugar.

If you're a guy and you're 30+ the only way to lose your beer belly (depending on the size) is working out at least 7 hours a week or basically starving yourself. A "little" fat is the body's way of protecting itself from famine. Embrace it or attack it. If you really want to lose it then limit yourself to 2-3 beers and work out later.

[Cowman]

A lot of mis-conceptions in this thread.

do some more reading..

Sorry Cowman, but without a little more detail your post is worthless. I don't trust people whose job it is to sell me a diet-plan or a book or whatever, their job is to sell, not to tell me the truth - If you read something somewhere that you thought was helpfull or insightful then please share. I'm asking for information, and yes, I am going to read it. If you are just going to blanket criticise, then it's of no interest to me.

Do you have anything productive, or helpful to say?

[st33lr4t]

Originally Posted by Cowman

A lot of mis-conceptions in this thread.

do some more reading..

yes bad mojo here.

nutrition is key...its not only what you eat that matters but when you eat it. your current diet of not eating in the evening is unhealthy. yes the weight is coming off...and by weight i mean fat and muscle. i would suggest you head over to forum.bodybuilding.com and read their nutriton and fatloss forums. read up on what your body needs and then you can make yourself a diet that will suit your body type.

basically my current diet consist of 50/40/10 split of carbs/protein/fat. i try and eat every 3-4 hours. i mostly eat chicken, tuna, eggs, rice, skim milk, whole grain bread, whey protein, water, lots of veggies and fruit.

also you mentioned your 500-1000cal routine at the gym. i would suggest you read up on HIIT. its the most efficient way of burning fat.