With all these threads about Diets

[BD231]

Originally posted by: Wingznut
If you aren't (or weren't) overweight, then you'll never understand. And there's nothing I can say to you that will help.

That's just the plain truth.


All that being said, I am one of those here who have lost a significant amount of weight (41 lbs) by doing the Atkins plan. It was probably the most difficult thing I've done in my life, as well as one of my proudest accomplishments. I will not gain it back because I have accepted the fact that I cannot go back to my old habits... And I've worked too damn hard (to lose the weight) to screw it up.

I still have another ~15lbs to go, but I'm having a somewhat difficult time in losing that... One reason, because the last pounds are always the most difficult. But mostly it's a motivation thing. I'm simply not unhappy being ~175lbs, like I was at ~216lbs. But I won't give up.

Keep going man, getting thin is fun, though very draining. Make sure to keep a positive mindset, and keep your eye on the sexy body your going after!

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: BD231
I personally got to 360 pounds by the age of 16.

A combination of my mother?s depressive eating habits I picked up as a kid and a dangerous stomach infection which I got at 13 that eventually got me bed ridden by my sophomore year in high school is how I got there.

My dad left my mom with 2 kids, so we we're crazy poor until I was about 10. All I ever had to eat was outdated cereal or those kudos bars from a Church donation place. Living off that for a few years made me feel like Taco Bell or Burger King was good eats, holy lord did I feel better eating that than cereal or snack bars?

Eventually I found a doctor who knew what the hell was going on and from there I just started running three miles a night and eating meat all the time. I got down to 180 but that was way to thin, and now I hover around 200 to 210 depending on how much exercise I do each week. It was really hard work loosing all that weight though, and like everyone else I felt like a social outcast. Once you feel like a social outcast there's almost NO will to loose any weight, I think that's really what gets bigger people stuck.

I still like sh*tty food though which is a pain, as people who loose lots of weight tend to be sensitive to weight gain afterwards. Fortunately I?m only 19 and feel like I?m growing out of the junk food phase. It?s really pucked up to show anger towards overweight people though, you never know what may be causing the problem.

Wow, that is quite a weight loss.

When I graduated high school at 17, I weighed 255. However, I am 6'5", so I didn't look terribly overweight. I knew that I was overweight though, since I kept breaking down shoes and they would start to squeek! Seriously, that is what made me realize that I needed to do something. I started running and riding my bike like crazy. After two years in college, I was down to 205. Since then, I've climbed back up to 240, but I'm exercising again, and I am at 230 right now. My goal is to get back down to 210.

Squeeky shoes made me realize that I needed to lose weight.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: BD231
I don't bust my ass for applause, I do it for myself. I don't need to post pics of myself to impress those whom I never will meet in person. All I can say is that no matter your age there is no reason to let yourself become a spooge. And if you find yourself overweight or grossly oveweight you can do something about it. Never give up, just be patient, it didn't take you six months to get in the shape you are in now, don't expect to get fit in six months. However, if it takes you a year or more to get healthy it will be because of a lifestyle change and the longer you stick with it the better chance it will become the norm for you!

It takes alot of will to loose weight, it's not your place to be shooting people down for their faults. Food is no different than drugs for some.

It's my place to post my opinion on an insignificant Forum. Whether you want to read what I post or not is up to you.

Now if what I posted stung you because you happen to be a person who is obese I ask youself this, wouldn't you prefer not to be in the situation you are in right now? Don't you think you can do something about it? Trust me you can. It's a lifestyle change which is never easy but once you set yourself on that course your life will become much more enjoyable and worth living.

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: radioouman
Squeeky shoes made me realize that I needed to lose weight.

My motivation... The "straw that broke the camel's back", was when someone (from behind) mistook me for someone else who (I thought) was significantly bigger than me. It happened twice in one day. I thought to myself, "Is that what I look like to others???"

Last week, someone mistook me for someone else who is thinner than I picture myself.

(Keep in mind that I work in a cleanroom, in a bunny suit. So, we all look similar from behind. )

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: BD231
I don't bust my ass for applause, I do it for myself. I don't need to post pics of myself to impress those whom I never will meet in person. All I can say is that no matter your age there is no reason to let yourself become a spooge. And if you find yourself overweight or grossly oveweight you can do something about it. Never give up, just be patient, it didn't take you six months to get in the shape you are in now, don't expect to get fit in six months. However, if it takes you a year or more to get healthy it will be because of a lifestyle change and the longer you stick with it the better chance it will become the norm for you!

It takes alot of will to loose weight, it's not your place to be shooting people down for their faults. Food is no different than drugs for some.

It's my place to post my opinion on an insignificant Forum. Whether you want to read what I post or not is up to you.

Now if what I posted stung you because you happen to be a person who is obese I ask youself this, wouldn't you prefer not to be in the situation you are in right now? Don't you think you can do something about it? Trust me you can. It's a lifestyle change which is never easy but once you set yourself on that course your life will become much more enjoyable and worth living.

I think what he is saying is that you ought to be careful to criticize unless you've walked a mile in their shoes.

(Not like anyone has ever accused YOU of being sensitive to others' feelings, though. )

 

[vi edit]

I ballooned up close to 50 pounds while in college. My freshman year in college I was a hardcore cross country runner and I weighed around 160 pounds and was 6'. In the middle of the season I had basically a career ending injury that prevented me from running, and well, basically any sort of exercise that invovled my feet. In about 2 years time with a combination of pathetic eating habits, depression, completely lack of exercise, and basically zero motivation to do anything about my health, I bloated up to an all time high 210 pounds.

I sat at that weight for about a year and half. For whatever reason, I said I was sick of being a big fat ass and I hit the gym and weights and dropped back down to a very trim 175.

Two years later I, was graduated, working 40-50 hour weeks, constantly on the road, and blimped back up to 210.

Now, at nearly 26, and being out of college for almost 4 years, I've started getting serious about my health again. I've cut out pretty much all snack foods, candies, and needless calories (with the exception of a beer every now and then). I'm exercising 4-5 times a week and lifting again. And I'm back down to 178.

You don't really notice yourself growing into a fat ass. Just out of the blue some day you notice something, or someone says something that whacks you upside the head and makes you realize what that is.

For some it's a family member that says something, for others it's a friend that hasn't seen them in a while, for others it's noticing that clothes no longer fit well.

It just slowly creeps up on you and gets melted away back to health even slower.

 

[slag]

I was in no means a very fit person in high school, but I was in track, did play basketball, and performed in marching band, etc, stuff like that. Those years are the best since you have a super high metabolism and with track and basketball, my cardio was in the best shape its ever been in. I always had a small gut, but it was nothing really.

In college, I played some racquetball and was in marching band, but by and large, I got most my excercise by chasing down carts at walmart where I worked a combined total of 7 years in highschool and college together. The last year or so of walmart, I moved indoors to an electronics position where I got ZERO excercise and started ballooning. The weight quickly adds on when you have nothing to eat but ramen foods and other foods high in fat and sodium.

I then got a desk job after college and grew to probably 250+. The most I ever weighed officially on a scale was 241 lbs at a physical checkup where I was found to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This was shortly after the birth of my second son. The pictures we took of our family earlier this year really grossed me out. I'm this big guy in the picture.. not really huge, but you can tell i am uncomfortable and out of shape.

So, I started atkins. I'm now 30 lbs lighter and still losing. My target goal is 200 lbs and a size 34 jeans. I'm down from a tight 40 slacks to a somewhat loose 38, but not quite a 36 yet. I can fit into them, but they arent comfortable. I can wear size 36 jeans with ease and my shirts are all much looser. This is all without excercise. I plan to start cardio real soon now and am in the process of setting up a small gym in the corner of my basement.

oh, btw, i went in for a blood test the other day. My blood pressure is GREAT.. the best its been in a long long time, and my cholesterol is much much lower also--in the norm.

Joe

 

[Wingznut]

Good job, Joe!

But get into the exercise routine soon... You'll be glad you did, and probably kicking yourself that you didn't start earlier.

 

[RossMAN]

So Red, how's your exercise plan coming along?

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
So Red, how's your exercise plan coming along?

Plan? I have no steenkin plan, it's a way of life. Right now I am recuperating from a blown tire (pulled calf muscle) It's almost 100% though and when the snow melts I'll be back hard at it. If the snow doesn't melt then I might have to pay some money and join a gym!

 

[apoppin]

My getting out of shape was caused by injury.

I managed to go from 140 to about 170 in just about a year when I couldn't exercise.

Now that I am OK, I lost 35 lbs (135 now and FIT) between May and September JUST from EXERCISING again.

Part of the problem was that I moved away from the ocean (I am a surfer) to take care of my ailing mother . . . depression sure didn't help me - a change of attitude (and exercise program) did.

EDIT: A current leg muscle injury to a tendon has me temporarily sidelined for this past week . . . however, Arnica Montana, Ruta Grav., and Calc. Carb. [homeopathic remedies] really doubles healing time.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: RossMAN
So Red, how's your exercise plan coming along?

Plan? I have no steenkin plan, it's a way of life. Right now I am recuperating from a blown tire (pulled calf muscle) It's almost 100% though and when the snow melts I'll be back hard at it. If the snow doesn't melt then I might have to pay some money and join a gym!

Local neighborhood gym or chain like 24HourFitness, Golds, Bally's?

The local gym has memberships for around $15/mo, gives you all you need for basic work out stuff.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: apoppin
My getting out of shape was caused by injury.

I managed to go from 140 to about 170 in just about a year when I couldn't exercise.

Now that I am OK, I lost 35 lbs (135 now and FIT) between May and September JUST from EXERCISING again.

Part of the problem was that I moved away from the ocean (I am a surfer) to take care of my ailing mother . . . depression sure didn't help me - a change of attitude (and exercise program) did.

EDIT: A current leg muscle injury to a tendon has me temporarily sidelined for this past week . . . however, Arnica Montana, Ruta Grav., and Calc. Carb. [homeopathic remedies] really doubles healing time.

Well my problem was I would always come back to soon and reinjure myself. This time I took 2 weeks off and my leg feels great. Also I've always found that when I've taken some time off the results I got when I started back up were magnified. I guess it has to do with Muscle Memoroy.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: RossMAN
So Red, how's your exercise plan coming along?

Plan? I have no steenkin plan, it's a way of life. Right now I am recuperating from a blown tire (pulled calf muscle) It's almost 100% though and when the snow melts I'll be back hard at it. If the snow doesn't melt then I might have to pay some money and join a gym!

Local neighborhood gym or chain like 24HourFitness, Golds, Bally's?

The local gym has memberships for around $15/mo, gives you all you need for basic work out stuff.

Yeah but then you have to deal with all the people at the gym. That said it looks as if I am going to do that. Winter here in Boston isn't like Winter in CA where you can workout outside 356 days a year (rain never stopped me but 3' of snow and frigin temps do)

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: apoppin
My getting out of shape was caused by injury.

I managed to go from 140 to about 170 in just about a year when I couldn't exercise.

Now that I am OK, I lost 35 lbs (135 now and FIT) between May and September JUST from EXERCISING again.

Part of the problem was that I moved away from the ocean (I am a surfer) to take care of my ailing mother . . . depression sure didn't help me - a change of attitude (and exercise program) did.

EDIT: A current leg muscle injury to a tendon has me temporarily sidelined for this past week . . . however, Arnica Montana, Ruta Grav., and Calc. Carb. [homeopathic remedies] really doubles healing time.

Well my problem was I would always come back to soon and reinjure myself. This time I took 2 weeks off and my leg feels great. Also I've always found that when I've taken some time off the results I got when I started back up were magnified. I guess it has to do with Muscle Memoroy.

You might look into the remedies I suggested . . . they work for most people and have no side effects (plus they are cheap; about $5-6 each for a week's dosage).

My healing time has nearly halved by taking them. Along with acupuncture, homeopathy has kept me surfing Big Hawaiian waves including Pipeline all through my 40s.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: apoppin
My getting out of shape was caused by injury.

I managed to go from 140 to about 170 in just about a year when I couldn't exercise.

Now that I am OK, I lost 35 lbs (135 now and FIT) between May and September JUST from EXERCISING again.

Part of the problem was that I moved away from the ocean (I am a surfer) to take care of my ailing mother . . . depression sure didn't help me - a change of attitude (and exercise program) did.

EDIT: A current leg muscle injury to a tendon has me temporarily sidelined for this past week . . . however, Arnica Montana, Ruta Grav., and Calc. Carb. [homeopathic remedies] really doubles healing time.

Well my problem was I would always come back to soon and reinjure myself. This time I took 2 weeks off and my leg feels great. Also I've always found that when I've taken some time off the results I got when I started back up were magnified. I guess it has to do with Muscle Memoroy.

You might look into the remedies I suggested . . . they work for most people and have no side effects (plus they are cheap; about $5-6 each for a week's dosage).

My healing time has nearly halved by taking them. Along with acupuncture, homeopathy has kept me surfing Big Hawaiian waves including Pipeline all through my 40s.

I might if I incur a bad injury. This last one was just a bad muscle pull. I was able to walk normally after 2 days but I could still feel pain after a week. Now there is no pain. I plan on testing it out this weekend or maybe Monday depending on the weather.

 

[apoppin]

I'll give you an example . . . this last Sunday i woke up with my muscle/tendon aching from my knee to the ankle. It was also swollen, red (discolored) and hot. Couldn't walk very well - far or fast. i started taking the three remedies I mentioned . . . today - Thurs - I am walking normally without a limp and the swelling is almost gone except in a 2" area above the ankle . . . normally this progress would take me at least 10 days.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: RossMAN
So Red, how's your exercise plan coming along?

Plan? I have no steenkin plan, it's a way of life. Right now I am recuperating from a blown tire (pulled calf muscle) It's almost 100% though and when the snow melts I'll be back hard at it. If the snow doesn't melt then I might have to pay some money and join a gym!

Local neighborhood gym or chain like 24HourFitness, Golds, Bally's?

The local gym has memberships for around $15/mo, gives you all you need for basic work out stuff.

Yeah but then you have to deal with all the people at the gym. That said it looks as if I am going to do that. Winter here in Boston isn't like Winter in CA where you can workout outside 356 days a year (rain never stopped me but 3' of snow and frigin temps do)

The gym ain't nothing, we have a 70 year old that comes in and lifts. We have a 340 lb guy too, and a guy who is stick thin. All different shapes, sizes, and forms. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

BTW: Pics or BAN!

 

[Kyteland]

It's very easy to get overweight. I was never thin as a kid, but my first two years of college in the dorms I packed on the weight. It wasn't that I was sitting at my computer all day long stuffing my face, but the food I got at the cafeteria was unhealthy. Considering that I never had the choice to not eat the dorm food (you are forced to buy a meal plan and I couldn't afford to make my own food on top of that) I continued to gain weight all throughout those two years. I'll admit that I could have done more to keep my weight under control, but I wasn't overeating. By the time I left the dorms I was 170 lbs.

I promptly lost 35 pounds after leaving the dorms between June and November. All that really changed was the food I made (I cooked it all myself) and I did start playing frisbee for 2 hours a week. I went as low as 130 before I started lifting at the school gym and by the time I started my first job out of college I weighed 140 lbs.

Since then I've gained weight steadily and not good weight. It was not hard at all. All it took was sitting at my desk all day and working. I'm up to 155 now, 1 extra lb for every month at my job. I know that if I started running in the morning it would all melt off, but until recenty I haven't had/made the time.

I guess the point of all that rambling is that it is very easy to gain weight. Although I've never gotten to the point where it affected my health or lifestyle, I could see someone giving up once they got there.

As for me, I need to hit the gym pretty hard between now and June. I've already started making plans for a month long solo hike, most likely the John Muir Trail and the area around Yosemite, and if I can't get myself in peak shape by then I wont risk such a long trip.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: RossMAN
So Red, how's your exercise plan coming along?

Plan? I have no steenkin plan, it's a way of life. Right now I am recuperating from a blown tire (pulled calf muscle) It's almost 100% though and when the snow melts I'll be back hard at it. If the snow doesn't melt then I might have to pay some money and join a gym!

Local neighborhood gym or chain like 24HourFitness, Golds, Bally's?

The local gym has memberships for around $15/mo, gives you all you need for basic work out stuff.

Yeah but then you have to deal with all the people at the gym. That said it looks as if I am going to do that. Winter here in Boston isn't like Winter in CA where you can workout outside 356 days a year (rain never stopped me but 3' of snow and frigin temps do)

The gym ain't nothing, we have a 70 year old that comes in and lifts. We have a 340 lb guy too, and a guy who is stick thin. All different shapes, sizes, and forms. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

BTW: Pics or BAN!

Well it's not the people per say, it's waiting to use the equipment. I use to be a Musclehead like Amused but when I hit 47 my back kept on going out so I have started doing HIT with lighter weights and more intensive cardio. I also changed my dietary habits, eating leaner meats and a lot more vegetables. I still occasionally enjoy Chinese food or a Pizza but it's rare when I do eat that. Hell what's the use of being in shape if you can't enjoy some of life?s culinary pleasures.

When I don't exercise I go stir crazy, I mean it really gets to me. If I don't do at least an hour of heavy cardio a day I feel weird. I guess the toughest obstacle I face is not to get neurotic over not working out when I am injured. Ganja and Brandy has a way of easing my neuroses

 

[StageLeft]

I wonder, how did some of you let yourselves get so out of shape? Time and time again I read where this guy or that guy says they lost 80 lbs on Atkins or with another diet.

I've wondered that myself a lot too. You hear people saying "One day I looked in the mirror" or "One day I realize it was finally time to do something about it. " My God man you weigh 300 lbs, I should frigging well say so!

Personally my weight has fluctuated a lot over the past decade or so, but any time I've gotten to the point (twice in that period) that I actually start to develop a belly and find myself having to suck in so that my belly doesn't show, I've used that as the marker to really stop dicking around and get back into it.

So I guess for me if I can have any belly sticking out I've gone too far. For others if they can't see their 6 pack it's gone too far. For others if their fat belly is so huge they can't grab their dick, that's going too far.

However, no matter how good food tastes it can't replace the feeling of being healthy and not looking ridiculous when you dress and go out in public.

For me and for you, but I guess for fat people they'd rather continue eating even though they hate how they look. Scarily some of these shows on tv have fat people who actually pretend that they're totally ok with it, and in some cases I believe they really are ok with it. I saw one lady (had to of been 400 lbs) who with a straight face said that not only is it how she's meant to be but she was sure that her health was perfect and it wasn't presenting any health problems. The lengths people will go to deceive themselves.

BTW I believe a lot of people get fat because they know that in society it's accepted. Sure some will say that the media belittles people who are not rails, but let's be honest here. 2/3 of adults are overweight. It's accepted. Mrsskoorb and I have received (her moreso, since women are grossly insecure about weight compared to men) flak in the past for our eating habits. Everyone at work goes out for lunch everyday, but I'm the only one in my group who doesn't have a belly. They see others who are chunky and realize that if everybody can be chunky then they won't feel so guilty themselves about it.

 

[Electric Amish]

I'm probably 30-40lbs over.

For me it's basically a lack of motivation to lose. I'd rather sit in front of my computer than exercise.

When I do exercise, even a little, I shed the pounds relatively quickly.


All my friends are overweight, ranging from about my size/weight to a guy that's 5'10" and 350lbs. They exercise a little, but what I see the most from them is their tendency to eat very large meals and at least 2 large meals a day. They'll get a combo meal and then another burger....stuff like that. I think if they just cut back their food intake they'd be much better off.

My wife is over by probably 50lbs. She has a legitimate excuse, though. With her illness she's lucky if she can get out of bed, let alone exercise. Many of the medications she's had have side-effects of weight gain as well. She hardly eats anything, but I believe the lack of exercise is what gets her.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

I wonder, how did some of you let yourselves get so out of shape? Time and time again I read where this guy or that guy says they lost 80 lbs on Atkins or with another diet.

I've wondered that myself a lot too. You hear people saying "One day I looked in the mirror" or "One day I realize it was finally time to do something about it. " My God man you weigh 300 lbs, I should frigging well say so!

Personally my weight has fluctuated a lot over the past decade or so, but any time I've gotten to the point (twice in that period) that I actually start to develop a belly and find myself having to suck in so that my belly doesn't show, I've used that as the marker to really stop dicking around and get back into it.

So I guess for me if I can have any belly sticking out I've gone too far. For others if they can't see their 6 pack it's gone too far. For others if their fat belly is so huge they can't grab their dick, that's going too far.

However, no matter how good food tastes it can't replace the feeling of being healthy and not looking ridiculous when you dress and go out in public.

For me and for you, but I guess for fat people they'd rather continue eating even though they hate how they look. Scarily some of these shows on tv have fat people who actually pretend that they're totally ok with it, and in some cases I believe they really are ok with it. I saw one lady (had to of been 400 lbs) who with a straight face said that not only is it how she's meant to be but she was sure that her health was perfect and it wasn't presenting any health problems. The lengths people will go to deceive themselves.

Well the best reason to stay in shape (besides your health and self Image) is that my libido is as strong as it was when I was in my 20's. That in itself should be motiviation for all those in their 20's to take care of themselves

 

[StageLeft]

Well the best reason to stay in shape (besides your health and self Image) is that my libido is as strong as it was when I was in my 20's. That in itself should be motiviation for all those in their 20's to take care of themselves

Otherwise their libido will be like somebody in their 40's :Q

Plus, honestly, who wants to have sex with a fat person anyway? If I can't look at myself in the mirror when I'm carrying 20 pounds I shouldn't expect anybody else to want to

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
When I don't exercise I go stir crazy, I mean it really gets to me. If I don't do at least an hour of heavy cardio a day I feel weird. I guess the toughest obstacle I face is not to get neurotic over not working out when I am injured. Ganja and Brandy has a way of easing my neuroses

When I became a fanatic exerciser (again, this last May) - like Red - my metabolism "took off". I can now at age 51 eat anything in just about any amount I can digest and still not gain weight. So I don't sweat the week or so off. In fact, I had to start to eat at bedtime to keep from losing even more weight (I had dropped to 132lbs this November and had to eat XXtra hearty to gain the 3 lbs I wanted back).

In fact - never before in my life has my metabolism been so fast. Weird.

And I'm making the "special" brownies right now . . . for . . . pain . . . yeah, pain.









EDIT: And yeah, being "fit" has a way of attracting younger women. I am dating most HALF my age (and loving it)