7-15-2005: 268lbs, that was yesterday. After a day of eating whatever the hell I wanted to (yesterday being my birthday) I was back up to 270. Meh, you have to go nuts on your friggin' birthday, right?

And I might add that the rib-eye steak I had for dinner was incredible... first big steak I've eaten in over 3 months!

now that i started a job in a jail, i need to start putting muscle on since i will be dealing with harden criminals everyday that probably dont like me so ive been working out, we'll see how this works out.. i have stayed faily active but since recently turning 21 here alcohol intake has increased a little too much...so now im gonna work on it

7-16-05
206.4

awesome ratbastid.

I'm back down to 179 lbs, but for some reason am having trouble getting under that mark. It'll happen, just have to keep working at it.

When I went to my MEPS (Military enterance... something somthing) back in Feburary, I was 235 pounds. I went for my recheck today and I am down to 204. I knew I was losing weight, but I never really went back to compare it to what I was.

I'm pretty happy.

7-23-05 Down to 264. That's a total loss of 46 lbs.

Every overweight person that I work with is coming to me asking what I'm doing. I'm also being called "Slim" at work, which I think is still a stretch. Yes, I'm a lot slimmer than I was, but to be considered truly slim, I still have quite a way to go.

Well, I saw the thread awhile ago, but sexymama and I have been looking to get healthier for a while now, so last week we both joined WW.

I'm down about 5 lbs (weighed with shoes last week, so I know those are about 3 lbs.)

We'll see how this goes.

I did Atkins for about 2 months and lost about 15lbs or so. The problem I have with adkins is that its harder to avoid carbs than count calories, so a few days ago I switched to low cal.

I did a few of those 'calculate your intake' and for light exercise (I erred on the side of caution, I'm most likely over 'light') for someone my size it estimated I needed 2990 calories a day to maintain.

Well the last few days I have been doing around 1400 a day, and I haven't been overly hungry either. I know that it would be considered to low, and I've lost 3 lbs in....2 days.

Should be interesting to see how this goes. I've also been hitting the gym for the last month or so and I've seen some pretty good gains so far.

With the birth of baby Lebell and breast feeding, I'm down 25 lbs.

Joined WW last week (LOVING IT!) and lost 4 more. My goal is to get rid of 55 more pounds for a total of 84 lbs. More then that, I want to change my eating habits in order to live a long and healthy life. To be 43 and a mother of a newborn is risky enough. I want to be around when he is getting married and having children of his own!

Ratbastid -- you inspire me!

8-2-2005: I've hit the big five - oh. No, not in years, in pounds! This morning I weighed in at 260, which represents a total loss of 50 pounds!!! I also went out and bought some new pants, waist size of 40". And although I had never actually purchased anything larger than 44's, I do remember the tux I got married in came to me with a waist size of 48", yowsa.

The Casual Male "Big & Tall" store will be receiving no more of my business, thank you very much.

I look forward to this day. Huge congrats :)

I'm gonna hop on this bandwagon.

I officially started 10 days ago but didn't weigh myself until Tuesday (8 days ago) and weighed in at 258lbs. This morning I was down 11lbs to 247. I weighed once this past weekend and was down 6lbs and was surprised at the 11. My plan was to cut out all soft drinks and junk food and cut back to 1500 cals a day, I joined a gym yesterday and plan on working out at least every other day. I know the quick weight loss was a combo of cutting out my 32oz of Coke and decreasing my calorie intake, so it will be harder going forward.

Right now I'm motivated to lose, but I know as time goes on temptation will increase, (pizza commercials on TV kill me), but I plan on getting healthy and in shape, if not for me for my wife and daughter.

Is anyone doing the online Weight Watchers? I'd prefer that to having to go to meetings...

I have to admit that having a child was a big motivator for me. Its not fair to a kid if his dad kicks off early due to poor health, seems I'm not alone in this.

I started at about 235 with a goal of 205. I also started working out as of the middle of June.

Currently I'm 212, and its nice that the old tired mark in the belt is now a notch or two past its former norm.

Last night I did the wife test. I asked her if I should keep losing, and she pointed out my now slight but still there love handles and the touch of belly left, so I guess my 205 mark was pretty well on the money, maybe even 200 but that will most likely be too low unless I stop working out.

Congrats to everyone keeping with this.

Three weeks of changing my life style and down 7 lbs total. Not bad as woman loose so much slower then men!

Went shopping today.

Down to a 36 inch waist from a 40, which I have been for about 3 years, and a 38 for god knows how long before that.

34 is the lowest I recall having in 'adult' years so just about there.

The big difference is that the gut is not the determining factor but the hip bones, my work pants were close to falling off me.

Ill join this thread.. not really to lose weight but to sustain it and maybe gain a few pounds... I do have a stomach, its not flat or toned, although I plan to tone it... the whole "emo-skinny" if anyone here knows what that it.. anyway I was 150 in april and since then it has been fluctuating around the 140's but from mid june to present it has dropped from 146 to 132, height 5'7. ouch. Im not unhealthy and the only diet I pursue is vegetarianism... so Ill try to keep a log here of toning success with my stomach and of my weight, which will hopefully level off soon. Im currently a size 28 waist(size 32 in april), and a size 7 in girls jeans, which although a guy I wear more often now. easier to find. wish me luck!

Xero - are you getting enough protein in your diet? I'm just trying to help you out a little, since I've seen too many vegetarians who don't get sufficient protein. That should help with your goal of muscle buildup to keep an eye on that and make sure you're getting enough.

256 this morning. A total loss of 54 lbs.

I had a tough week, well, I had a tough weekend last week. I partied pretty hardy on Friday night, drinking a lot (beer & booze) and eating a lot of pizza. After that one binge, I managed to gain 3 lbs! No wonder I was so big before. I'd do that every weekend and ate too much during the week.

A binge every now and then keeps you in line, well, as long as you recognize it... 54 lbs is still something to be proud of!!

Woops, didn't read the date on the original post. Can anybody tell me how to delete a post entirely?

Ok, another update for me. I actually went up to 146 (from 144) a few weeks ago...

Weighed at the gym today...down to 142. Whoohoo! The past two weeks I've been going to the gym religiously, and we've cut back to going out to eat once a week. I know it's only 2 (technically, 4) lbs from my initial weight, but I'm still stoked.

Another week another weigh in. I was surprised to see that I was down to 251, which makes for another -5 lb. week. I haven't had one of those for a while. I'm almost to the point where I'd feel comfortable posting in the Titled Exibitionism forum. Well, almost.

Whoops. I was meaning to post more like once a week than once a month. Alright, so here's a quick recap.

First off, I'm going up, not down let's recall. Always the guy to go against the trend. I started at 5'11" and 141 lbs, had a rough week and promptly lost 6 lbs, then began working my way back up. As of three minutes ago, I weight 146 lbs and am converting the bit of fat I put on back into muscle. I feel so much healthier and not as if a stiff breeze is going to take me off my feet.

Still a long way to go to 170, though. Or 180, my long (long, long) term goal.

OK people, I see a significant droppoff in post frequency in this topic. Let's give a status report, eh? Even if you are suffering a setback, it's good to tell others about it and look for their words of encouragement.

8-26-2005 I weighed in at 247, another 4 lb loss.

okay--i read the first page, and skipped to the last page. to strange/famous: you said that you were "really gonna push yourself this week" after having a bad week.

don't need to do that. just try to stick to what you want your routine to be. hell, you've punished yourself enough to get to 300+ and now you're doing something to help yourself. punishing will only tend to make you resent the whole idea even more.

when i quit smoking cigarettes some 18-20 years ago, i just said i was going to stop. but if i wanted another, i would, no bfd.

never had another one. but i NEVER stressed about the occasional craving [which DID go away]. if you can't have one, you want it more; if it's not bad to have one, then it's not as desirable.

so be kind to yourself. keep focused on your LONG-TERM GOALS!! they are quite noble. and achievable.

my daughter had a baby a year ago, and has lost over 70 pounds with weight watchers. smaller now than high school--she just turned 32.

trick is to find something--anything--that works, and stick to it.

good luck to everyone!!

Last sat's weighin I was down exactly 25lbs. I just checked and I should be down at least another 2.

:)

I'm currently 237lb, my 5 week loss is at 21lbs..

Mainly eating smaller portions and no junk food, and walk 3.5 miles a day... 2 notches off the belt thus far :)

"What happens in Vegas, causes weight gain in Vegas." At least the saying goes something like that. Yep, I went to Vegas this past weekend for a wedding. Two nights of drunken debochery ensued...

I tried to be good, I really did, but it's virtually impossible. I knew I was going to get shit-faced on Friday night at the bachelor party, and I figured I'd have at least one large meat-filled meal at the wedding. Open bar at the wedding too, ugh. But wherever we ended up eating, the healthy choices were few and far between. We had buffet coupons, so we ate there, twice. I actually ate fairly healthy there, but I did eat more than I would eat normally. Everyhting at the cafe and room service had some sort of fatty/oily sauce on it that didn't seem to be on the menu, ***sigh***. All things considered, I didn't go 100% hog wild, but I definately could have done better.

I left on Friday weighing 245, and came in this morning at 248. Not too bad, but I may continue to gain for a day or two as the body continues to process the intake. Back on the wagon again.

BTW, maybe it's because I have been dieting for so long now that I notice just how many REALLY overweight people are out there. At the buffets, it really is sickening the way these people eat. This one guy must have been about 5'10" and near the 400 lb mark, he had a plate filled edge to edge with scrambled eggs, then PILED it up as high as it would fit with cheddar cheese, then poured some sort of sauce all over it. I'm sure nobody enjoys being that overweight, but with eating habbits like that, it seems like they are really trying to do it to themselves.

Start weight 232.

Goal weight 205.

Current weight 205.8.

I could MAYBE lose 5 more without looking too thin, but I'm pretty happy with it right now. I'm now onto the idea of body building rather than just focusing on the fat, and the best thing about muscle beyond look/feel is you burn free calories just by sitting around :)

9-5-05
198.5

Not too bad considering i feel better and stuff

still trying to drop the fat and put on the muscle....maybe i'll go get a body fat % test, then i would really know how im doing......

Right, weigh in time, a week late (again).

I'm 148 now. I'm quitting smoking today for at least the next three weeks due to finances, which (aside from making me not a nice guy to be around) should have a side effect of slowing down my unbelievably fast metabolism. After those three weeks if I really want to smoke again I will, but I might see about staying off the cancer sticks. Depends on stress levels and just generally how I feel, I suppose.

pretty cool this is still doing.

At the moment I weigh about 290.

I lost about 20 lbs in 4 weeks going to a slimming club, but then things kind of drifted off, I stopped going, I put back on 7 or 8 lbs of what I lost...

so, not great, but Im still down by the numbers I guess. But I guess I need to kick it off again... I'll weigh in properly on Monday and go from there!

One of the kickers for me wanting to get into a more healthful lifestyle, was one day waiting to get into restuarant at the mall, a bus pulled up with a bunch of senior citizens, and I noticed that none were seriously overweight. I started looking around and noticed that you don't see many fat old people...so either they were hiding or dead...

As crude as this sounds, it helped motivate me...

Down 2lbs today, just shy of 30lbs. Was a bit disappointed I only lost 2, but we had poker last night and it was a rough week.

On the positive side, sex is getting more...interesting :)

Some of you might remember I started working out a little while ago...

I just got back from my morning run and figured Id recap.

Couple of months ago (dont remember exactly) I was 101KG (222lbs) and am now 90KG (198lbs). I'm happy with what I have so far but my goal is somewhere between 75-80 KG (165-176).

I've gone down three belt sizes now and pretty much have to go and buy new pants for work (and a new belt!). I only decided to start running a couple of days ago (after walking the rest of the time), I've been pretty depressed lately but as soon as I'm walking or running I just feel great again so its a pretty good motivator :) (get to forget about the crap in my life :D)


So..

14/09/05. - 198lbs

True dat! You also don't see too many seniors who have the habbit of heavy smoking or drinking. Only the "squares" have survived to a ripe old age. It's not crude at all, it's the simple truth. My mom has smoked cigaretts for 50+ years, I'm surprised that hasn't caught up with her yet, she's 71.

As for the weigh in... 241 this morning. I've recovered from my Vegas weekend and the fat burning machine is back on track. I also tried running for the first time the other day, and it may be a while before I actually do that with any regularity, it's very stressful on the legs/knees.

233 this morning (-4 lbs in the past 2 weeks).

I'm not starving, eating what I like (except no junk). Would be more I'm sure if I completely cut alcohol out, but going to bar and drinking Diet Coke just seems wrong....

I recently had to do the new pants thing and its a great feeling. I also told my wife, don't worry how much you spend on clothes, as long as its a smaller size I don't care. Needless to say shes had great fun shopping, and luckly she understands restraint :)

Down 32.2 lbs now.

Is anyone else still wanting to do this thread?

150. That gives me a net gain of 9 lbs. Not stellar, but at least I can say that I'm a healthy weight now.

Alright, I'm in. This'll be a great way to keep track and stay motivated once I leave the free gym...

Sept. 19, 2005 - 158 lbs.

Doesn't sound like much but I ain't that tall. I've actually been hitting the gym for the last 6 weeks for 3 or 4 x 1 hour long work outs a week. No change (I've been weighing in since the start).

The good news is that I feel a little thinner and my midsection and arms are becoming more defined, so my theory is that I'm losing fat in place of muscle (which weighs more). Another goal of mine is to cut down on desserts, which is difficult because of the awesome buffet they have where I'm staying.

The day of reckoning will be when I return to Toronto. No free gym, but no free dessert.

3-4 hours is a LONG work out. I find I am able to 'burn out' my upper body in slightly less than an hour and I won't do any again for 4 days. Same with the lower body.

One thing I learned the hard way is if you work for endurance, it takes a LOT longer to look defined. I work for a happy medium and I've seen a good improvement in how I'm 'cut' in three weeks.

The other issue is diet. A lot of people who work out eat too much using the work out as a mental excuse.

Think of joining a gym when you get back as an investment. Fattening cheep food is always going to be there for you, so even if its not free you will find it.

oh, I didnt forget my own thread... exactly

18/09/05 - weight 301 lbs

Not great, but before I started the whole slimming thing I was 313 lbs, so at least Im started from a bit better position than last time.

I bought lots of sald things and vegtables at the weekend... today didnt go tremendously I suppose, but I had squash tomorrow and badminton Wednesday.

9-23-05, This morning the scale came back at 238. That's a 72 lb total loss.

While I'll admit that I do look A LOT better than I did, I'm still somewhat taken aback by how many people are telling me "You look fine, and should stop dieting." or "What's your goal? (I tell them it's to be 200 lbs.) That's too thin for your height, you should stop dieting."

Well, they don't see me with my shirt off, I still have a gut and man-boobs, yes, they are smaller than before, but still there. According to http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm , a man my height ( 6'4" ) should be somewhere between 155 and 204. Now 155 would make me skin-&-bones, THAT is definately WAY too thin. But me aiming at 200 is still on the upper end of the scale, which I think is very realistic.

Even with that goal in mind, once I get to 200, I may want to take off another 10+ lbs depending on what I look like. I know I have very little muscle mass, because for a formerly "big guy" I was remarkably weak. As long as I continue to lose weight in a healthy manner, I see no reason to stop.

This weeks weigh in: down 8 lbs to 40.2.

I didn't eat or drink any water this am before weigh in and I didn't have a lot of water yesterday, so some of that could be water loss.

Still.. :D

Yeah for us! I'm down 24 lbs. on WW -- 52 since baby was born. I'm feeling great! And Lebell is looking good!

It took Mrs. Ustwo just under a year to get back to 'normal' and shes still trying to get rid of the last bit of baby gut. Keep hanging in there. Last night she was looking at baby pictures and found some from July where she thought she looked pretty good at the time. Her reaction was 'oh my god' when she saw her arms (from a fat stand point).

One thing I've found is that as I eat less I WANT to eat less, almost as if over eating was an addiction of sorts. Ironicly the problem I've been having lately is not eating enough.

Edit:She just poked her head in the door to tell me her new all time weight low (for the last 6 years or so).

Just got back from my first session at the UNI gym, the instructor even wrote up a plan for me (its during uni holidays, normally they dont have time to do that as they have to do 4 or more people at a times orientation usually) ill be making up another thread with what he gave me in it, probly going to go there 3 times a week (i have uni friends that have been going for a while so i'll have people to keep me motivated too)

I need to confide...

I weigh in at 170lbs. I would like to weigh closer to 145, and I do intend on working toward it.

I went to the gym for the first time in at least six months today, and I've started a "yoga fusion" class that's a mix between yoga and pilates.

Now I just need to get my eating right.

10-1-2005, This is now 5 months of dieting and I'm at 234, down from my starting weight of about 310.

Now people who normally don't even talk to me are noticing how much weight I've lost. Here is a typical conversation...

Them: Wow, you've lost a lot of weight. So what are you doing, that 'low carb' thing?"
Me: No, I'm doing a low fat thing.
Them: But you still count carbs, right?
Me: No, I don't. In fact I eat a lot more carbs now, because they are low in fat.
Then: Well, you should still limit your carb intake, they're so bad for you.
Me: I've lost 76 lbs in 5 months, I think my diet is working for me.
Them: Wait, what are you doing, exactly?
Me: I attempt to explain it. At that point they tend to lose interest.

What is it with people thinking that this low carb trend (and it is a trend) is the best or only way to lose weight? I don't know how a diet that puts bacon and cheese on the 'good' list and puts fresh fruit and pasta on the 'bad' list can possibly work for anyone. I guess it does for some people, but I just can't get my head around it.

Must...motivate.....self....to...go...to...gym....sigh...

I used to be an athlete. 10 years ago I could actually run 6 minute miles. I averaged around 200 lb with about 12% body fat. My legs became extremely strong due to playing soccer and skiing. As a result, I've always had a fairly high calorie intake. I've also been addicted to sugar for a long, LONG time.

Then I got into computers as a career. And eventually I stopped doing regular sports. Since then, I've put on a lot of fat and weight. It used to be I stayed around 250 lb for about 2 years, then it went up to 270, and now 280. I have weighed between 270 and 285 for almost 2 years. Except in 2004, when I went to a gym and worked out every day, which hadn't happened in several years. I'd go to work until 5 or so, then change and head over to the gym before going home. I was taking an advanced mathematics course (DiffEq & linear algebra) at the time as well. Eventually, after about 2 months, I lost about 25 pounds. But I quit going because I had to put more time into my studies. That paid off: I had one of the highest scores on the final. Unfortunately it came at the expense of my weight: I got lazy and gained it all back. And that's where I've been since.

But it taught me that even at my incredible weight level, it's still quite possible and relatively easy to maintain a good exercise program. The only trick is getting started, especially if your job is mentally difficult. It used to be school was, now it's work.

And since then, I have completely quit drinking pop. That's right folks: I have not drunk any pop or soda of any kind whatsoever (diet, non-diet, caffeine, and/or caffeine-free) since August 4, 2005. I have also started riding my bike again. I have been talking to several of my neighbors and friends to try to arrange a regular racquetball game. That was one of the BIGGEST catalysts for summer 2004: I went every day and ran on the treadmill because I was used to going there since I went 3-4 times a week to play a fun game. It worked incredibly well for me. And I'm going to do it again.

My goal is to get to the point where I am comfortable skiing. Last time I skied (winter 2002-2003), my legs hurt like a bitch just going down the hills. Never again. I know I need to lose weight to about 190-210, which is where I was especially strong almost 10 years ago. And I need to increase my muscle mass and decrease my body fat to around 10%, perhaps less.

In short, I've got my work cut out for me. It starts today, October 1. And I'll be out in the mountains skiing next month when they open, to see how it's gone. And hopefully by the time holiday vacation comes around, I'll be ready for a few days of intense skiing with my brother.

Hope that was a good read...

Okay, I'll chime in again. Today I was 192, which is in the ballpark still, but I think I am much more toned since this spring. I've been lifting 3 times a week and running at least once. I know if I just buckled down and really, REALLY watched what I ate for a 3 month period or so my stomach would look incredible- it's at the point that I can see my abs when I look at it right, in the right lighting, move some skin around.. etc.

I need to cut out some of the booze, too. Today my jog was terrible, I cramped up not even 5 minutes into it, which went away, but was still scary. Short of breath the whole time. I stopped halway to get a drink of water because I know I was very dehydrated.. but I really try not to stop in the middle of a jog :(

Im still the same size, and weight, exactly, as last time.

how depressing

Okay I am in for this it looks like a damn good idea.

I actually started a few weeks back so to bring you up to speed this is where I am at.

03/09/2005 – 16st 13lbs (237)
10/09/2005 – 16st 10lbs (234)
17/09/2005 – 16st 07lbs (231)
24/09/2005 – 16st 06lbs (230)
01/10/2005 – 16st 02lbs (226)

I'm on the GI diet more or less and also taking in an exercise routine to try and shed a few more unsightly pounds. Nothing too drastic, just something that I should be able to stick at for foreseeable future rather than chocking myself off after a couple of weeks. This is as follows:-


Begins with twenty minutes warm up on the exercise bike.

1. Alternate dumbbell press
2. Alternate dumbbell curl
3. Squats
4. Bench press
5. Dumbbell flying
6. Abdominal raise

I will keep you updated each week. By the way my target weight is 12st to 12st 12lbs, and my height is six foot. Great thread Strange Famous, it's nice to see other people struggling and getting somewhere, I think that the support could be very decisive.

I must say I am very proud of all of you for doing such amazing work at keeping healthy in life.

correction

Am now 308 lbs

I could cry!

This has to be the final straw. Strict deit, harsh workouts, blanket ban on alcohol. I cannot bare to be this big anymore.

Weighed in yesterday at 226, total so far 40lbs since July...

I noticed I bounced up on weekends and realized its probably from alcohol, so gonna work on cutting that back for the short term...

Strange Famous: I mentioned it before in another topic you started, and I'll say it again here. You need to do something drastic to prove to yourself that you are taking control. As of right now, you are sabotaging (sp) yourself by allowing alcohol to control you. TAKE CONTROL NOW. Go to your liquor cabinet and get rid of it all, pour it down the drain. Then go to your fridge and pantry and throw away all the unhealthy food you have in the house.

I don't know what your living arrangement is, but if you don't live alone, tell the others you live with that you need their help. Ask them to also go on the wagon with you, or in some way have them kick you in the ass if you are feeling weak.

As for a workout, I don't think you have to go to the gym and hit every single machine, work every muscle and be there for 3 hours. In all honesty, you are not in good enough shape to do a workout like that. Just walk for 30 minutes a day. That's all I did, and I'll tell you from experience, it works.

All in all, YOU have to really want it, and THEN be willing to actually do something about it. Wishing the weight away isn't enough. You can do it, but you have to stick with it. After all, you starting this topic was one of the best things for me in helping me lose weight.

Dude,

I got to that point which is why I went to weight watchers. I would guess you have them over there too.

The hardest part is going to the first meeting, but it's not like they make you talk, AND you're with people who KNOW how hard it is.

So far I'm down about 43 pounds.

I went to Slimming World (an equivalent thing) and lost 22 lbs in 4 weeks. Then I stopped going and put it all back on in the last 8 weeks. I am my own worst enemy. I weighed myself this morning and I was 306 lbs.

At the end of the day, I just need some willpower... you can't drink 30 pints of beer every weekend and wonder why you're overweight, can you?

08/10/2005 - 16st 06lbs (230)

Arse! I put the four pounds back on that I lost last time. Oh well just better laugh it off and try and figure out where that came from, because for the life of me I cannot think where that came from in one week. Oh well hopefully things will be better next week.

30 pints of beer in 2 days? Yeah, there's your problem. At about 150 calories a pint, that's 4,500 calories you are adding to your intake. That's enough calories alone for 3 days worth of total intake, and its all in addition to whatever you actually ate.

You know what you have to do in order to have success, the question is why are you not doing it? Perhaps a deeper issue is driving you to drink?

Not to mention when one drinks they tend to eat more...

Start slowly, cut back on the bar time to only 1 night. Once you break that habit start adjusting your diet. You're right it will take a lot of willpower and it's all up to you to get the ball rolling, and results take a while to come, but they do..

Never posted in this thread before was just wondering if any one has ideas on how to stop eating junk for reasons other than hunger ( i tend to eat if bored, upset) i have all the good intentions and i exercise regularly (least 3 x gym a week, just took up swimmimg too) but the eating lets me down and i dont seem to be able to stop myself....HELP

You can either drink water every time you feel like eating or replace the junk food with something healthy like raw vegetables. Neither of those 2 options are very "satisfying" or exciting, but it will help. Especially if your typical snack was something particularly unhealthy.

Oh, and I forgot to post my weigh in, 10-11-2005, 229 lbs.

What is easier, being slim, or becoming slim?

To most (apologies to those of you here to gain weight, this will probably not interest you) of you in this discussion the answer is obviously ‘being slim.’ The reason that I ask is that something occurred to me today.

When we need to shed a few pounds the effects that it can have on our confidence and drive may be a perpetuating factor. Doing the unfamiliar, certainly for me, is more difficult, because of my physical attributes. Sports or even the less strenuous activities in life can be marred by my self image. Not to a huge amount, but by a subtle degree, that can sometimes make all the difference.

An active social life may mean more than just exercise. It could be that it is as much about what we don’t do of a weekend that allows us to shed weight. Something that SF mentioned about going it out and drinking struck a chord with me. I love drinking, but obviously this would have a drastic affect on my gut line, so I stop.

Trouble is that I then find myself sat in bored of an evening with nothing to do to occupy my tiny mind. Had I been more confident in the past about going out and doing new things then I would have a different social grounding that would be of use here.

As it is I don’t, so I end up getting bored and finally give in and go get drunk again. The problem is that absence makes the heart grow fonder and the gap makes it seem so new and enjoyable that I am soon back out regularly and any lost inches soon reaffirm themselves back to my waist.

This it occurs to me is why they say ‘you should never deprive yourself on a diet.’ The everything in moderation (including moderation?) ideal, where we try to gain balance in our lives. For that reason this time around I am quite prepared to have a night on the lash once a week.

I guess what I am trying to highlight the importance of looking at weight loss as a change of lifestyle. If we think and act as we would were we slim, then surely this can only help us to achieve a healthy weight.

I realise this isn’t a complete solution, and certainly not as well thrashed out here as it no doubt has been in all the diet books. It’s just one portion (ha ha – pun!) that occurs to me, that relates to my struggle. So I thought that if I tried to put it into words then someone else might be able to benefit from it also.

Good points all around, Donovan, but I'll chip in my 2¢...

About being slim as the harder to do, I think I'll agree there. Because I know how to gain weight, (slip into my old habbits) and I know how to lose weight. (do what I'm doing now) But when I hit my desired weight, I'll be at a loss for what I should do. In fact I planned on starting another topic when I hit my goal weight asking just that question, how do I stay the weight I am?

Having one night per week 'on the lash' is also a part of what I'm currently doing. The thing about that is, it's so easy to let that creep back into your daily routine. OR when you are out and about, there definately needs to be a cut off point, beyond which you will end up doing more harm (to your routine) than good (for your mental health). If I can use SF as an example, 30 pints plus any bar food consumed during that drinking will without a doubt negate anything 'good' that was done during the week. For someone like him where one drink leads to a 6-pack, which leads to a 12-pack and so on, cutting it out completely is the only option.

Myself, I have completely eliminated red meat and pork from my diet, with the exception of my birthday and holidays, I haven't had any in 6 months, and honestly, I don't miss it. All recipes that call for ground beef, I now use 99% fat free ground turkey. Even when I did have a big slab of cow for my birthday, as good as it tasted, I couldn't help but think how many days it would take to 'work it off.' That alone is enough to keep myself honest.

I have also found out that there are several layers of what I was doing wrong when I was heavy. I ate all the time, too much of it, and usually the fatty foods. I never would leave the table unless I was stuffed. I now know the difference between 'wanting to eat' and actually 'being hungry.' I also now know the difference between 'having enough to eat' and 'being full' and 'being stuffed.' Just because I can eat more doesn't mean I should. This knowledge alone should help me once I achieve my goal weight.

As for my bad drinking habbits, let's just say I was actually beginning to think I was becoming an alcoholic. 10+ drinks each and every night was common. I now drink less than 10 per week, usually 5 or less. 'Getting drunk' is something I genuinely dislike now, I can't explain it, as soon as I get somehat buzzed, I'll stop drinking. The feeling of being drunk and the hangover that comes afterwards just isn't worth it to me anymore.

I also agree that for someone who was overweight for many years, such as myself, I'm going to have to change my habbits for life. Not just while I'm 'on my diet.' Let's face it, people are different. My uncle drinks like a fish, eats whatever the Hell he wants and remains skinny as a rail. We all know someone like that, right? Life deals us a hand and we have to play it, we just have to find out how to make it a winning hand, there is no one solution for everyone.

Good points guys, I'm thinking same Coaster, what do I do when I get to my target. I'm currently losing weight by eating around 500- 1000 calories less each day, so to maintain I should be able to add that back in. The foods I'm eating now is going to be what I will enjoy for the rest of my life, but I will be able to occasionally be bad and order pizza as long as I enjoy it in moderation.

I still eat red meat (maybe once every 2 weeks), in fact a 6oz Sirloin steak is less than 300 calories, and is a very lean cut so lower in fat, just don't cook it in butter, many marinades are low/no cal as well. Fried foods and pizza was my enemy so I've cut them out completely.

Besides, it can be fun counting calories and planning meals, I started eating salmon again, something I haven't had since I was a kid and now I'm wondering why I stopped eating it..

Just noticed this thread....

2 months ago August 3rd to be exact I weighed in at 240, though my highest recorded weight was 245.
As of yesterday October 11, I weighed in at 199. :thumbsup:

Losing 40 pounds in 2 months has taken a lot of work and a very strict diet that I am guilty of breaking a time or 2.

What worked for me was eating Lean Cuisines for every meal, and running 2 miles 3-4 times a week. I still go out and drink from time to time. And I eat fast food about once every week or 2.

I lost one! And I can run much better now.

I know it's not much, but I'll celebrate even my little successes!

Good luck everyone!

Good work, everybody.

I've lost almost 2 pounds and am down to around 156. Over the last week I haven't been to the gym at all, but as far as intake I've unintentionally compensated by going vegetarian (Hong Kong will definitely polarize your views on meat eating - either you'll like it even more or be turned off).

Another week another update. Well that four pounds that I put on last week has once again disappeared. Back down to 226lbs. Plodding along nicely I guess.

Down another 4 for a total of 46.6 lbs.

Every lb. thinner is a lb. less gained! Good job everyone. I am under 200 now -- a milestone I thought I'd never see again! Down 57 lbs. total.

today - 302 lbs

well, I suppose its less than before

My roommate and I have decided to start doing Weight Watchers. Hopefully we can be good support for each other and since we do our grocery shopping together we're trying to concentrate just on buying healthier things. Are there any foods or meals that anyone really enjoys that are on the plan? We bought stuff for stir-frys and other than that I mainly eat sandwiches and SmartOnes microwavable meal things. Thanks for any suggestions or ideas.

10-21-2005, 227 lbs.

Even though this is a 2 lb loss from my last weigh in, I've been stuck for about 3 weeks now at/above/below 230. Seems like I've stalled out. Then again, I do know that I have had a few more bad days in there, celebrating my anniversary. I think if I can stay 100% on my plan for the weekend, I should get back on track.

Up to 8-14-05 I weighed in at 208 lbs.

Last time I checked my weight was about three weeks ago. I weighed in at 190.5 lbs.

I've lost even more weight since then. I bet I weigh around 185 lbs. right now.

Went from a 36 inch waist starting to get tight on me to a 34 inch waist that's starting to get loose on me.

I haven't checked in here for awhile, but I've gone from 144 to 140. Woot, go me!

I am starting to have much better eating habits and they are a lot easier to stick to than I thought it would be, so I'm pretty happy about that.

Oh yeah, there's lot's of positively tasty things that don't kill you for points.

For example, I had a frickin huge salad (lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms) with Paul Neuman's Lite Balsamic dressing and a 1/4 cup of Feta cheese. I could have doubled the dressing and Feta and still be under my lunch quota.

We also like Blue Bunny Lite ice cream (2 points) and cous cous (can't recall, but cheap). Costco also has a black bean hummus that is yummy and VERY cheap point wise. Get some low carb wraps, cucks and tomaters and you can pack it in on this stuff.

They also sell pickled Asperagus (sp?) spears that are FREE, as well as pickles, which are also FREE.

I personally don't drink any more sugared soda, and I've cut WAY back on my alcohol (3pts a regular beer).

I eat A LOT more fruit now, as well as vegies, most of which I can pig out on all day.

So there's lot's out there, it is just a matter of the choices you make.

Well, even after pigging out last night at my birthday dinner (pad thai, yum!), I'm down another 1.6 for a grand total of 48.2 lbs.

Of course, I was VERY good during the week. I might have been down 4 lbs if we hadn't gone crazy last night, but it was worth it...

From 226 to 224 so I guess that's another step in the right direction.

I also changed my exercise routine last week, which now reads:-

20 Minutes Of Cycling
2 sets of each of the following:-
-French Press
-Dead Lift
-Bench Press
-Heel Raise
-Bent Over Rowing
-Side Bends

Guess I'm in for the long haul...

I'm down 46 lbs now, been good even considering my birthday just passed.

Only 2 lbs a week is fine, you should only lose 2-3 lbs a week, and if its more than that its more than likely water gain. Keep in mind it you have to burn 3500 calories to lose 1 lbs of fat...

I had a good weekend last week, and a rather strict week, and the results are in, another 5 lb loss for the week! My goal weight is within sight and that's pretty exciting, only 22 lbs to go!

10-28-2005 222 lbs.

Been sick this week, but I still stuck to my diet. Three pounds down resting now at 221lbs. I reckon the extra pound may have been from muscle loss, from the lack of exercise. Still at this rate another five months and I could waste away to normal.

52.0 lbs :)

Am down to about 152lbs.

Free gym is over and we'll see what effect not being at the hotel anymore has, but for now I feel quite good (except for the stupid jet lag).

190 as of yesterday, a grand total of 55 pounds lost in one day shy of 3 months

50 lbs so far in a little over 3 months

Another week another loss. From 221, down to 218, so another three pounds down. Feeling quite positive at the moment, I hope that I can keep the momentum going not only until, but also through the Christmas period.

I figure all bets are off for the holidays. I've earned the right to go a little crazy. The holidays are all about the food, so who am I to even pretend to try and stop that. Besides, healthy versions of Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes just sound like a bad idea. I'll just eat a little less of them.

Weigh in... 10-5-2005... 220, 2 lb loss. Brings my total to 90 lbs lost.

BTW, we have some impressive weight loss totals here, Catdaddy, Confederate and Lebell are over 50 lbs! Way to go, folks!

To all who want to build a better body not just lose weight:
If you've never heard of Body-for-Life I suggest checking it out. It is similar to weight watchers, but emphasizes eating to fuel workouts. I packed on the pounds (up to 220) during college and tried this program and went down to 170 lbs and my bodyfat was in the lower single digits. I used to work at GNC and I saw many former weight watchers customers use the Body-for-Lifestyle with great success. There is a book called Body-for-Life... check it out sometime.

I'm starting to think that there is a con when it comes to the Gi Diet. It's like the Monty Python's Spanish Inquisition of the diet world.

The only thing that you have to remember is to eat foods that have a low Gi (Glycemic Index) rating, and are low in calories.

Two...two things that you have to remember are a low Gi rating, low in calories, and low in fat.

Three...three things that you have to remember are a low Gi rating, low in calories, low in fat, and low in processed carbohydrates.

Four...four things that...

Now I'm not sure that a low fat, calorie, and carbohydrate food is capable of having a high Gi rating, so surely this diet is actually just a bastardisation of all other diets. I mean it seems to be working so I will stick with it, but I'm not sure that it's quite as revolutionary as the writer wants us to believe.

Sorry for not checking in last week; we were out of town.

Anyway, the current total is 56.8 lbs.

From 218 to 221.

Bugger!

Not really sure what went wrong this week. Hopefully I will be able to put this down to 'just one of those things.'

i joined the gym january 15, 2005 cause i had a stomach and my thighs touch and alot of my pants hardly fit, let alone i felt crappy! i did really good for a while but i have only gone to the gym a few times within the last month. i work til 8:30pm so its hard to not eat after 7 or so but i have been pretty good at it, it took me a while tho. basically i have been eating better and less along with going to the gym or running. i am about 5' 7".

01/15/05 - 160lbs
11/13/05 - 145lbs

I had one of those weeks, I didn't cheat at all and I was a little peeved, my wife said it could be water gain..I laughed..she was serious though and sure enough the following week I dropped 5 lbs.

I am fat, and that is a good thing. Catdaddy33 you pretty much hit the nail on the head in terms of what happened. I lost 5lbs and I am now 15st 6lbs. Which by the way now means that for my height (according to the BMI chart in my diet book) I am no longer obese, and I am instead merely fat.

Inch by inch, step by step, I just keep plodding along...

Don't feel bad about a small gain like that. It happens all the time. Last week (which I forgot to post) I was 216. Mid-week I went up to 219. This morning I'm back to 217. I have had several weeks with such "yo-yo-ing" between weights.