Weight loss

In recent weeks I have really began to make a concerted effort to lose weight. This includes walking daily for 3-5 miles, cutting out alcohol completely, eliminating processed foods from my diet, and eating more fruits and vegetables. I have been also drinking tons of water. In the past two years alone I have lost quite a bit of weight, but now I am really starting to get serious about it. It's been easier than I thought it would be so far, but I think that comes from being determined more than anything. Before I couldn't stick to anything, but I started to realize that if I don't start to get into shape, I never would. I thought quitting alcohol alone would be hard enough, but I don't even find myself craving it like I used to.

 

Run

 

Add more spice and chilli to your meals to speed up metabolism.

 

Thanks for the tip. I am taking cayenne already as a supplement.

 

Coffee is awesome too. Its a good appetite dimmer for me, and I think it helps with metabolism. Exercising with weights/weight resistance helps a lot as well. Try and consciously eat things that are high protein.

Congrats on the weight loss and good luck!

 

eat less, move more

 

Don't overdo the fruit if you want to lose weight, it is full of sugar.

 

Yes, that is true.

 

I have also recently committed to losing weight. I started a new job about a month ago, and they have a decent gym. I've been hitting it hard for a couple weeks and am starting to see results. The hardest thing for me right now is eating healthy. I live in a house with several people who eat very unhealthy, and temptation has got the best of me. When I used to lift weights regularly it didn't matter what or how much I ate, because I burned everything off. I hope to get to that point again soon, but for now My body is still getting used to heavy excersice, and my eating habits need to change.

I refuse to give up beer though.....Im cutting back, but only till my body gets used to lifting again and I can get a full workout in without being sore.

 

It's weird to think, I used to run at least three miles 6 days a week, and lift weights 4-5 days a week.....I was in great shape. All the while smoking a pack a day and eating more than I do now.

 

Well listen, there are many of benefits of exercise, you´ll live longer and healthier, and you'll be happier, but while moderate increases in activity will increase your metabolism, more strenuous exercise will not necessarily translate to weight loss.

Weight loss in itself is a very simple formula. Calories consumed versus calories burned, if you are running a deficit you will lose weight. If you ate two big macs a day (at 600 calories each) and drank diet coke you would lose weight. Of course that's not a healthy diet.

My point is, that you should plan your meals for one month. It's tedious and tough to stick to, and it doesn't have to be completely ironclad, but it will work.

WebMD has a pretty calorie burning/calorie consumption tool, and a meal planner.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fitness-calorie-counter

Other than that, I would just recommend staying away from fad diets, balance is the key to nutrition, your body needs sugars, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

My other piece of advice would be to pretty much eliminate all drinks that have calories; beers, colas, anything. Maybe a glass of juice or milk in the mornings. Most Americans get up to 25% of their calories from beverages.

It sounds like you're making great progress, congrats.

 

Good for you, it's awesome that you're taking care of yourself!

Evolutionarily speaking, it's no surprise that there are so many overweight people - this is the first time in the history of humanity that we've had more than enough to eat (that is, if we can afford it). Humans always had to put in a huge amount of effort just to get enough nutrients, so the ones who retained those calories more efficiently had higher fitness and passed on their genes.

Of course there are huge behavioral factors that dictate a person's fitness, but it's really interesting to see how much of an effect genetics have.

 

I was talking to somebody about that today, lugubrious...we've retained a hunter/gatherer lifestyle in that so many people yoyo...going through periods of gorging and famine, just like hunter gatherers, except with modern people its overeating and dieting. What a pattern.

 

Very true. There's a local hockey league that I want to join, so strength training is also my goal. I miss the feeling you get from an intense workout. And the ability to push my own limits.

 

I figure Ill just keep the extra pounds on so that when i get stomach or colon cancer I have some calories in reserve to give me a few extra days in the end.

 

I love the feeling of sore muscles. I hate working out, though. I'd rather do manual labor or take a walk...something interesting.

Now that its spring and I'm going barefoot again my whole body's sore. Just that full body awareness you get from walking outside barefoot gives you a decent workout.

 

That is really awesome Matt!

 

I have put on a huge amount of weight in the past 6 months since I moved to Australia. For me, it was due to having my first ever desk job, in which I literally sit down all day. Previously I could eat whatever I wanted and was always rake thin. Now I have a stomach ant and an ass that I hate.

It's all about getting into good habits as you said, and that is something I have been struggling with, after being able to eat and drink anything without exercising for so long.

Work can make it hard - for me my job's long hours combined with a lot of drinking to cope with the stress has added to the lack of activity.

Good luck, and maybe some of your motivation will rub off on me.

 

I don't think you can NOT be fat with a desk job, unless you become a fitness nut - you know, those guys/girls who spend every evening at the gym or ride to work with their expensive bikes. It's not just the inactivity, it's just such an unnatural way of living and the body knows it.

 

Good for you rat. If you work out you can still enjoy beer.