Getting into shape/losing weight

[mrsmaalox]

Cookies are my downfall. If I see a cookie I'll eat it. It's horrible. And it doesn't help that my co-workers bake cookies on the weekends and then put them in the break room. As far as snaking goes, I've been eating those stringy cheese stick things for a while, trail mix and bananas for some time. Another downfall is that the girls in my office go out for lunch..all the time. I know there are healthy alternatives when going out, it's just choosing them.

And you, not eating fried food? That's sacrilegious!

You know all the fast food food places and restaurants havetheir menus and nutritional info online now. I've found that I can eat almost anywhere and stay within bounds of reason if I just decide what I'm going to have before I get there. It's the spur of the moment decisions that kill me.

And I know exactly what you mean about cookies. I swear if I have them in the house they call out my name constantly and I just can't think of anything else!

[florige]

Cookies are my downfall. If I see a cookie I'll eat it. It's horrible. And it doesn't help that my co-workers bake cookies on the weekends and then put them in the break room. As far as snaking goes, I've been eating those stringy cheese stick things for a while, trail mix and bananas for some time. Another downfall is that the girls in my office go out for lunch..all the time. I know there are healthy alternatives when going out, it's just choosing them.

And you, not eating fried food? That's sacrilegious!

lol. I never really had much of a sweet tooth unless I didn't eat all day and I need some sugar before I pass out. Make sure you eat breakfast and don't try and go on one of those starve yourself diets. I used to go to the gym AND eat fried food all the time. But I got tired of people asking me was I trying to gain weight when clearly I wasn't. I was fat for my size 5'8 190, but I told myself-"" that is was mostly muscle. For me once I started eating right and seeing the weight come off I now feel REALLY bad if I eat something that is considered "bad". I figured me busting my ass in the gym everyday just to come out and eat a fried chicken dinner was really defeating the purpose of going in the first place. There are tons of guys at my gym who I know still eat whatever because they are there just as much as I am and still look like they don't workout period. They ask me what I do and I pretty much tell them that diet is about 90% of it unless you are just one of those people who spend 8 hours in the gym everyday non-stop. It's really not all that complicated as some people make it out to be. I do read the back of whatever I buy to see the nutrition facts though.

[tlongII]

I recommend elliptical training machines and aerobics classes for you. Work into it gradually so you don't overdo it at first. Try to get 3-4 workouts in per week. After a month you should be used to it. Watch what you eat as well. I don't do a very good job at that part. And BE PATIENT.

[marini martini]

...


I've just about had it with me arms and legs. I saw a picture of myself on facebook from Easter in a sleeveless shirt and it was just plain ole gross (don't go trying to find it..I untagged that sucker).

I know I'm never going to be a perfect 110 lbs 5'3 girl without getting some type of Heidi Montag style surgery. That was shortly after I started the new job and now that I'm all settled I know I have some time to fit in some type if fitness routine in there.

I know a lot of you guys go to the gym and work out a ton (so maybe the same stuff you do isn't what I'm looking for). What type of stuff do you all do just to get started? How long did it take you to finally get into the "I have to go to the gym every X amount of times a week" mentality? I'm looking for something light to moderate and preferably no running involved (I'm a bad runner and crap out at like 1/2 a mile) to get toned and to lose some weight (thinking like 20-30 eventually).

I haven't taken the plunge into getting a gym membership yet....but maybe soon (I was actually thinking Planet Fitness since there are two close to my office and 1 close to home and it's only $20 a month). I was thinking like yoga/pilates, dance like tapes and stuff to see if I'll stick it out because knowing me I'll be all "workout work out work!" for a few weeks and then by mid June give up...

What do you think?

Quit spending so much time on the computer!!! Quit eating, drinking, snacking, etc. while on line. Get off you butt and move it, move it, move it!!!!

[dastrey]

Losing weight is 80% what you eat and 20% being active. The easiest way to gain weight is to skip breakfast and eat big dinners everyday. Learn to eat small meals through out the day. Cut out any drinks with sugar. Only eat lean meat, chicken and fish. Eliminate fried foods. Eat a vegetable serving with every dinner. Don't eat a few hours before going to bed. Eat healthy 6 days a week and have a cheat day. It's very easy. How bad do you want it?

[TDMVPDPOY]

get into porn, big chicks is the niche these days

[DJ Mbenga]

I recommend elliptical training machines and aerobics classes for you. Work into it gradually so you don't overdo it at first. Try to get 3-4 workouts in per week. After a month you should be used to it. Watch what you eat as well. I don't do a very good job at that part. And BE PATIENT.

if anyone knows about getting in shape its this guy:

[montgod]

I will keep it short and simple, follow these two tips to lose weight, get in shape, and actually be healthy:

1. Eat healthy - Highly recommend the book and videos, "Eat to Live." It can be difficult at first because it focuses on eating right and re-programming how you eat (basically cutting out processed foods, etc.). My co-workers, wife, her friends have loss a lot of weight and eat a whole lot healthier now which will benefit them in the long run instead of a quick fix diet.

2. Workout on a regular basis. Doesn't really matter what you do as long as you get your heart rate up for 30 min. + on a regular basis. P90x is excellent, but can be very difficult for beginners. It's based on calisthenics though and is a really great program. Running is good too for an overall workout, but can be a bit taxing on the knees and joints. Alternate running with an elliptical exercise routine or aerobic class to give your joints a break.

Hope these helps.

[tlongII]

if anyone knows about getting in shape its this guy:

[montgod]

Losing weight is 80% what you eat and 20% being active. The easiest way to gain weight is to skip breakfast and eat big dinners everyday. Learn to eat small meals through out the day. Cut out any drinks with sugar. Only eat lean meat, chicken and fish. Eliminate fried foods. Eat a vegetable serving with every dinner. Don't eat a few hours before going to bed. Eat healthy 6 days a week and have a cheat day. It's very easy. How bad do you want it?

Good advice, but I wouldn't completely eliminate breakfast. She just doesn't have to overdue it. Eating oatmeal, fruit or something along these lines will definitely benefit her and also help with her digestion. People tend to forget that your body has been fasting for 8 hours (sleep) so to start the day out with nothing might help lose weight, but isn't healthy in the long run. A big glass of water first thing in the morning is also very beneficial in speeding up her metabolism and cleansing her system.

I also would also mention eating a big/medium-sized dinner 3 - 4 hours before bedtime.

Lastly, make sure you get a good night's rest every night. Helps your body to recover from the regular workouts.

[tlongII]

Good advice, but I wouldn't completely eliminate breakfast. She just doesn't have to overdue it. Eating oatmeal, fruit or something along these lines will definitely benefit her and also help with her digestion. People tend to forget that your body has been fasting for 8 hours (sleep) so to start the day out with nothing might help lose weight, but isn't healthy in the long run. A big glass of water first thing in the morning is also very beneficial in speeding up her metabolism and cleansing her system.

I also would also mention eating a big/medium-sized dinner 3 - 4 hours before bedtime.

Lastly, make sure you get a good night's rest every night. Helps your body to recover from the regular workouts.

Actually the advice to skip breakfast and eat a big dinner is entirely incorrect. You should eat a bigger meal earlier in the day. You don't need the calories at the end of the day.

[Libri]

Lastly, make sure you get a good night's rest every night. Helps your body to recover from the regular workouts.

Eating some fat free cottage cheese before bedtime will also help the body recover after a workout. It contains slow digesting protein that the body will use throughout the night when it's not receiving any food.

[montgod]

Actually the advice to skip breakfast and eat a big dinner is entirely incorrect. You should eat a bigger meal earlier in the day. You don't need the calories at the end of the day.

I don't know what I was thinking (working on a paper all night), you are correct. Swapping your breakfast and dinner is usually a good technique in helping to promote weight loss because you will be using your breakfast/dinner as energy for the day instead of getting ready to go to bed with all that food to digest (not a good thing). Eating smaller sized meals throughout the day is also a good method instead of having one meal much larger than all the rest.

It also really depends on when you workout. If you workout in the evening, then a medium-sized (not really a fan of telling folks to have a big dinner) meal to help support the workout you just had (of course, waiting at least 30 - 1 hr to eat it imo) is not a bad thing at all as long as you aren't going to bed within a 4 hour window.

Honestly, if she follows the "Eat to Live" plan, it won't matter as much because it is mainly comprised of fruits, veggies, and salads which will clean you out and nourish your body at the same time.

[BadOdor]

Man, once I graduate from college, I'm ed. I can't stand going to the gym/running.

I love doing sports though. My advice is that you find something you love doing - that way, it doesn't really feel like working out as much as simply having fun. I can't stand to run even a couple of miles, but I'll play a 3 hour tennis match no problem.

[Scola]

Speak for yourselves fatties
I can eat fast food every day and won't get fat.

[montgod]

Speak for yourselves fatties
I can eat fast food every day and won't get fat.

Doesn't mean you won't get clogged arteries and have a heart attack (not that I wish that on you or anything - just saying be aware).

I remember this girl I was dating back in my early college years used to only eat fast food despite my suggestions for her to eat healthier. She had a nice body (even though she never worked out) so it wasn't evident that fast food was an issue. Well, she had to go get a blood test and I went with her and the doctor came back and asked if she ate a lot of fast food. She said... "kind of but not really" (my eye brows told the doctor another story). Well, he brought out her blood and showed her how it had seperated with half of it being fat. It was sooo disgusting! Of course, the doc gave her a health lecture for like ten minutes about eating fast food.

[Scola]

Doesn't mean you won't get clogged arteries and have a heart attack (not that I wish that on you or anything - just saying be aware).

Thanks for the heads up :]
I'm usually pretty good at exercising but have slacked off lately... will def try to improve on that this summer.

[florige]

A person I used to work with was like that. He could scarf down doughnut after doughnut, whopper after whopper and still maintain a flat stomach. If I eat a whopper now I can feel my stomach expanding I don't give a crap how much I run or lift weights.

[Kori Ellis]

hidden mini-forum thread

That forum hasn't existed in over two years.

[bus driver]

I've lost 40 lbs just from calorie counting. In order to lose more I will have to start walking at least.

Good luck!

agree

[tlongII]

Speak for yourselves fatties
I can eat fast food every day and won't get fat.

How old are you? I could do that when I was young. I'm not young anymore.

[EmptyMan]

If you count calories, you can have cookies. That's the cool thing about the science of it all. 1 is 1 and 2 is 2. If you are at 1300 calories for the day, and some cookies are 250 calories, you can eat those cookies and still be at 1550 calories for the day. The extra sugar will not kill you.

As long as you are in a calorie deficit, you will lose weight. If you are lifting, you'll put on some muscle so your weight might stay the same but you will begin to look noticeably better.

Also, you can eat before you sleep. It's not a big deal. Slow-digesting protein such as cottage cheese is good. Your body is in fasting for 8 hours while you sleep. That's mainly for putting on muscle though.

[EmptyMan]

Rofl at p90x. what the IS that? Sounds bogus and like another "quick fix".



WeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaAaAaaaaKkkkkkkkk

lol c'mon son. It is pretty much the ONLY thing you see on TV that is the real deal. This is truth.

[ashbeeigh]

I am very surprised that this thread hasn't turned into madness yet. and and hidden forums. I've never even looked at the mini forums. I don't think I'm cool enough.

I've always always always been a breakfast eater. A bagel, cereal, occasionally pancakes now and then...it's the co-workers (who don't eat healthy) and then after work dinner time that gets me in trouble.

I'm going to try to do some cardio stuff to start with just to work up to being able to jog/run and see how it goes. Keep the advice coming and if anyone else needs the advice feel free to jump in too.

[Cry Havoc]

...


I've just about had it with me arms and legs. I saw a picture of myself on facebook from Easter in a sleeveless shirt and it was just plain ole gross (don't go trying to find it..I untagged that sucker).

I know I'm never going to be a perfect 110 lbs 5'3 girl without getting some type of Heidi Montag style surgery. That was shortly after I started the new job and now that I'm all settled I know I have some time to fit in some type if fitness routine in there.

I know a lot of you guys go to the gym and work out a ton (so maybe the same stuff you do isn't what I'm looking for). What type of stuff do you all do just to get started? How long did it take you to finally get into the "I have to go to the gym every X amount of times a week" mentality? I'm looking for something light to moderate and preferably no running involved (I'm a bad runner and crap out at like 1/2 a mile) to get toned and to lose some weight (thinking like 20-30 eventually).

I haven't taken the plunge into getting a gym membership yet....but maybe soon (I was actually thinking Planet Fitness since there are two close to my office and 1 close to home and it's only $20 a month). I was thinking like yoga/pilates, dance like tapes and stuff to see if I'll stick it out because knowing me I'll be all "workout work out work!" for a few weeks and then by mid June give up...

What do you think?

First of all, I personally hate running on a treadmill. I think it's notoriously boring, not nearly as productive as running outside (since you have a belt that's forcing your feet to move), and I have concerns that it prevents a natural running gait from developing.

To my knowledge, the absolute BEST thing for your heart and overall level of fitness is swimming. Reason being, it uses your ENTIRE body as one giant floating muscle, and you have to consistently move just to stay afloat. If you hate running (especially if you hate running), I would recommend swimming to you.

I also want to stress the mistake I see a lot of women making: Don't go by your weight. I know too many people who think that if they're not losing much weight, they're doing something wrong, so they constantly change diets, hoping one of them will work from day 1. This can shock your system to the point where you make yourself sick, or worse.

Which is preposterous. Your body may be called a "machine", but it's still an incredibly complex system of fibers and chemicals. It takes time for it to adapt to a new routine. In fact, upon initial workouts, you might actually gain weight from new muscle being created. However, exercise is the only method to lower your body's "set weight", the weight which you normally operate from. This is why dieting alone almost NEVER works. Eating right (not less food, and sometimes MORE food, but the right food) is only one part of the equation here.

My advice to you: Throw away your scale and start judging your body based on how it feels. If you run up a flight up stairs and feel exhausted, that's a bad sign. If you can go up 10 flights of stairs without breaking much of a sweat, that's a sign you're getting healthy, regardless of your weight.

Start small. Swim a little (5-10 minutes). Run a little (5-10 minutes at a pace you can handle). I recommend this phenomenal book:
http://www.amazon.com/Chi-Running-Da.../dp/074325144X
I used to run with shin splints, until I read Chi-Running. Now I might get them once every other month. It made running easy for me. You don't NEED to run though, as there are plenty of exercises out there, but running is great.

Aerobics are great to start with, as others have suggested. If your heart rate is increasing, your body is working itself! Do some very light, high repe ion weights for muscle tone. Start by working out 15 minutes every other day, and increase when you feel comfortable doing so.

And STAY AWAY from weight loss products. No discussion on this.