Losing weight

Unfortunately, in my getting re-accustomed to American food, I've put on a bit of weight. (Stupid American food!) I'm hovering right under 150lbs right now, and absolutely hate being such a fattie. Now that I'm finally in my own place and have more control over my time and finances, I'm trying to get things back in order. (Eat smarter, get back into an exercise routine.)

My girl is coming to visit in mid-December, and I'm wondering how much weight I could realistically lose in the 45 days or so that I have left until that happens. When I say realistically, I mean without going to a health club for two hours every day or starving myself. What would be a realistic goal for that period of time? I know, that's a tough question to answer, because there are a lot of variables. But any wild guesses / thoughts?

Also, besides eating better, and exercising (beyond normal life and the constant running around I do at work, I'm trying to do 30 minutes of exercise as many days a week as I can), are there any other suggestions? I'm not looking to start popping diet pills, but are there any kind of suppliments, vitamins, or whatnot that safely help a person in their goal to lose weight? I know nothing about those sorts of things, so I don't know if they are all just "miracle" nonsense stuff, or if there are things that would really be an honest benefit to me. Or, if anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

When I was in grade school, I was a SUPERFAT kid. I mean, huge. Between 6th and 7th grade, I spent an entire summer (approx 3 months) eating healthy and riding an exercise cycle for an hour a day. I lost a TON of weight.

You don't need all those pills and shit. Eat less and better, and exercise.

Now, have you just gained weight, or are you out of shape, too? If you're just trying to lose some extra fat, the best thing is cardio. Just remember that it takes about 20 minutes to get your heart into the target zone... only what you do after that counts.

45 days, huh? I'd say 10-15 pounds, but that depends heavily (HAR!) on how out of shape you are.

EDIT:Of course, this is all coming from the guy that put on 30 pounds in college and is still trying to lose it... :sweat:

Yeah, I've also gotten a bit out of shape. While I was in Japan, I walked everywhere. Getting back to the States, it was driving a car everywhere.

I'm trying to play more DDR to help myself out. Out of everything I've ever tried, that above all else really helped me get into good shape before. (Also doesn't hurt for dropping the weight.)

before i give any advice, i just need to know, are you just trying to lose weight? or burn fat?

i would imagine since his girl is coming he doesnt want her "grabbing" anything she doesnt need to.

If you're not worried about building muscle, it's fairly easy to drop weight. Me, I work out, so I have to balance eating to lose fat with making sure I take in enough protein to gain size and strength.

First of all, what would you consider your ideal weight? They say if you're looking to lose weight, and actually keep it off, you really shouldn't lose more than 2-3 pounds a week. This gives you a chance to grow accustomed to your new eating habits, and thus prevents you from starving yourself, going on a binge, and gaining it all back. This is why Oprah's weight keeps going up and down. She goes on some wacky crash diet, loses a ton, then sees a ham and goes wild.

So, going by the realistic goal of 2-3 pounds a week, and you having 45 days, you could lose close to 20 pounds with a little effort. Besides, you tend to lose the most weight in the beginning of a diet, so things look good for you.

Here's a few tips:

Diets work, but combine it with some exercise. No, you don't have to go to the gym 2 hours a day, but try to take at least a 30-minute walk/bike ride/swim (swimming's the best, since it's a total-body workout) several days a week. Not every day, since your body will become accustomed to that. Also, park in the far spot from where you have to go and walk there. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. They whole thing about losing weight is mixing things up, not giving the body a chance to get used to things. If it does, your metabolism tends to slow down a bit.

Don't go the no-carb route. It's not a long-term solution, and unless you take vitamins out the ass, you're not going to get all the nutriments you need to stay healthy. Long-term no-carb diets also give you bad breath, brought on by the bacteria produced by kitosis (which is the state your body goes into when it's forced to solely burn fat for energy, as opposed to burning carbs). Also keep in mind that burning fat isn't as efficient as burning carbs for energy, and you well tend to get sluggish if you do the Atkin's bullshit.

The trick with carbs is to mostly eat complex carbs- carbs with low sugar (rice, veggies, potatoes, whole wheat/grain breads, salads). In fact, try to limit your sugar intake as much as possible. Not sure if something is a simple (sugar-based) or complex carb? Check the label...under the carbohydrate listing, see how many grams of the total is sugar. The greater percentage of sugar, the worse it is. Complex carbs burn more slowly, thus providing you with a more constant source of energy throughout the day. Simple carbs burn quickly, and spike your insulin levels, making you burn fat less effectively. You should eat simple carbs, however, but limit it to natural things like fruit. Also, try to limit your carb intake after dinner...after dinner, you only have a few hours before you go to bed....why do you need to eat carbs for energy then?

Also, try to eat some protein in every meal. Why? Because if you're trying to lose weight, and you're not eating enough protien to maintain what muscle you have, your body will burn muscle instead of fat, and you don't want that. Also, keep in mind that muscle burns calories, and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn just sitting there.

Watch your fat intake.

Drink lots of water.

Some people also say to cut out dairy products, but they don't bother me. But if you're desperate to shed a few pounds to impress your woman, maybe give that a try too. I love cheese too much to do that, however. I just try to stick to fat free cheese and 1% milk. :)

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

BTW, how far does your girl live from you? Long distance relationships are damn hard...

You know I have been thinking of trying to cut out about 15 - 20 pounds but I really don't know how to go about it. My gf just joined a gym which I am glad, it gives her something to do and frankly she needed it but I wasn't about to say anything.

Quote:

---

I'm hovering right under 150lbs right now, and absolutely hate being such a fattie.

---

Unless you're as tall as Danzig 150 lbs is hardly overweight.

The first thing you should do is stop being such a woman. 150 lbs really isn't fat at all, unless you're some kind of midget or you're just going for the Iggy Pop look.

That said, if you want to lose weight, just do some aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week, eat about 1000-1500 calories per day (depending on your size), cut out the fats, and eat healthy.

Hmmm, since I've started my Marine Corp workouts I've been gaining 2-3 pounds a week (some pretty heavy work outs:P), though I guess running would be a good way to lose weight and get in shape at the same time. I'm guessing I do 2-3 miles a day with a good deal of hills, that's the best I can offer you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sleeveboy

The first thing you should do is stop being such a woman. 150 lbs really isn't fat at all, unless you're some kind of midget or you're just going for the Iggy Pop look.

---

Funny because it's true :lol:

I agree with Dolemite on the swimming thing. It's fun and it works at your whole body. I'm going to start doing that very soon.

I was also wondering if any of you guys have tried the atkins(sp?) diet or any others and how they worked out for you.

Since I got to college, I've lost over 25 lbs. And it can work for you! Here's how the magic Grave diet works.

1. Run out of money. Shit, that's not hard! Buy some CDs. Spend it all on orange juice, because you don't need food! When you do need food, eat Dinty Moore microwave beef stew. If that doesn't stop you from eating, nothing else will. One meal every 3 days will make you appreciate food of any quality, and not only that, you'll have no choice but to lose weight!

2. Walk everywhere, because you're too damn cheap for cabs and public transit!

3. Smoke like a chimney. Constantly. If you ever open your mouth and smoke doesn't come out, you're not smoking enough. Pussy.

And in no time, all your clothes will be ill-fitting and malformed and you'll need to put another hole in your belt for your pants to stay up. Fun times.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Violently Happy

I was also wondering if any of you guys have tried the atkins(sp?) diet or any others and how they worked out for you.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dolemite up above

Don't go the no-carb route. It's not a long-term solution, and unless you take vitamins out the ass, you're not going to get all the nutriments you need to stay healthy. Long-term no-carb diets also give you bad breath, brought on by the bacteria produced by kitosis (which is the state your body goes into when it's forced to solely burn fat for energy, as opposed to burning carbs). Also keep in mind that burning fat isn't as efficient as burning carbs for energy, and you well tend to get sluggish if you do the Atkin's bullshit.

---

Also, another thing about Atkins is that, once you start eating carbs again, you gain the weight RIGHT BACK. Atkins is a sham, it's only good if you're temporarily trying to drop a few pounds. It's unhealthy and completely ineffective in the long run. It doesn't teach you how to eat normally at all.

That being said, I've never done Atkins, but I know several people who have. None could stick with it, and when they went off it, the weight came back almost instantly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Violently Happy

I agree with Dolemite on the swimming thing. It's fun and it works at your whole body. I'm going to start doing that very soon.

---

Yeah, swimming is fun. Plus, there's no impact on the joints like with running, so if you have joint problems, it saves you some wear and tear.

Running is great too, however. I like to mix up long distance jogging (I can go three miles now without stopping) and wind sprints.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Grave

3. Smoke like a chimney. Constantly. If you ever open your mouth and smoke doesn't come out, you're not smoking enough. Pussy.

---

:lol:

Step one: Destroy your car in a Final Fight bonus round. You dont need a car. Cars are stupid.
Step two: Eat whatever you want but go hungry every once in a while. Being hungry builds strong bones.
Step three: Walk everywhere. About a hour and a half everyday. Wear a bookbag with everything you own to increase the effect. Or tape a porkchop to the back of your pants and run past the neighborhood dog. Either is good.

Do this and you will be skinny. You Ganguro luvvin Kawaii speakin son-of-a-bag-of-whore! :lol:

'doshi, how tall are you? Holy shit. Being 150 lbs is not fat. I'm 5'9/ 5'10 and I'm around 150-155 lbs, and I want to GAIN weight. I've been eating and eating and yet at the end of the day I alway hover around 150/155. It sucks ass, especially since I'm trying to bulk up.

So guys, how do I get fatter?

also try and eat several meals throughout the day. Smaller meals, but very often, every 2 or 3 hours if you can. Five or so meals a day, you're body needs to be constantly fed energy instead of a big 3 meals where it sits on the unused stuff and turns it into fat, 5 small meals will just give it the energy and there won't be as much left over to be stored (as fat etc) and this will also help your metabolism. Basically everything Dolomite said is absolutely spot on. Drink lots of water, a gallon a day if you can. Take a multivitamin to help assimilate everything and it will help keep you from being drowsy n' shit. You've got to do a minimum of 30 minutes cardio, otherwise you don't get your heart rate up and burning fat for very long.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

Unfortunately, in my getting re-accustomed to American food, I've put on a bit of weight. (Stupid American food!) I'm hovering right under 150lbs right now...

---

Wait wait wait. Are you like four feet tall? Because I weight about 155lbs (that's five pounds more than you) and I'm pretty damned skinny (I'm 5' 10").

Anyway, if you're living in California then you should be riding your bike to work. I ride to school and back, which totals about 100 miles a week. It keeps me fit and sexy. FIT AND SEXY

Yeah. im pretty thin too. 6' and 163. But for a thin dude, i work out alot, so I'm cut even though im not bulky. Good stuff :D.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MarkRyan

Wait wait wait. Are you like four feet tall? Because I weight about 155lbs (that's five pounds more than you) and I'm pretty damned skinny (I'm 5' 10").

---

Well the Japanese are stereotypically quite short.


Although you shouldn't believe in stereotypes, at least thats what it says on the back of my box of Earl Grey.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DHG Otaku

also try and eat several meals throughout the day. Smaller meals, but very often, every 2 or 3 hours if you can. Five or so meals a day, you're body needs to be constantly fed energy instead of a big 3 meals where it sits on the unused stuff and turns it into fat...

---

Also, don't eat anything in the two hours or so before you go to bed, for the same reason.

It's also not necessarily how much you weigh that's important, but rather what your body's fat content is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DHG Otaku

also try and eat several meals throughout the day. Smaller meals, but very often, every 2 or 3 hours if you can. Five or so meals a day, you're body needs to be constantly fed energy instead of a big 3 meals where it sits on the unused stuff and turns it into fat, 5 small meals will just give it the energy and there won't be as much left over to be stored (as fat etc) and this will also help your metabolism. Basically everything Dolomite said is absolutely spot on. Drink lots of water, a gallon a day if you can. Take a multivitamin to help assimilate everything and it will help keep you from being drowsy n' shit. You've got to do a minimum of 30 minutes cardio, otherwise you don't get your heart rate up and burning fat for very long.

---

Forgot about mentioning the smaller, more frequent meals thing. Good call, Otaku.

Overweight at 150lb? Man, that makes me feel totally overweight at 6'/180lb (fully-clothed.)

3 years of office work contributed to a bit of an extra belly, but I have fairly large muscles in my legs from no-car syndrome.


Why do you have to be in Cali to ride your bike to work? I ride mine to work in the middle of blizzards...

excercise, drink alot of water, less protein, more veggies :D.

also mental motivation wouldn't hurt. you'll feel better in more then one way.

Dolemite, 2-3 pounds a week is a lot. At anything more than 1 pound per week you're losing muscle mass as well.

To lose 1 pound of fat per week, you need to burn 500 more calories than you ingest every day.

What would I recommend doing? Run 2-3 times a week, 2-3 miles. It's not as hard as it sounds!

Cut out the soda. Each can of soda has 150 calories. Cut out most sweets, eat sweets once or twice a week (because if you absolutely deprive yourself of them, it becomes triply hard to keep doing it because its easy to get discouraged). Stop drinking beer or other alcohol because alcohol is very high in carbohydrates.

Be realistic, though, most of all. In 45 days I dont think you could lose any more than 5-10 pounds in a healthy manner. Sure, you could starve yourself and shit, and that might be what you have to do if youre really fat, but there's no way you could be really fat at 155. Im 5'11" @ 165 and Im pretty damn skinny.

Losing weight or getting into shape requires patience most of all. I just started working out and its kinda blah, but all the studying makes it all very very hard (had to stop for the past week and a half because I have so much to study, starting back up this Saturday).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Klonoa

'doshi, how tall are you? Holy shit. Being 150 lbs is not fat. I'm 5'9/ 5'10 and I'm around 150-155 lbs, and I want to GAIN weight. I've been eating and eating and yet at the end of the day I alway hover around 150/155. It sucks ass, especially since I'm trying to bulk up.

So guys, how do I get fatter?

---

Just takes time man. Patience is the key.

patience is a virtue for people that want immediate results. Excercise is the best idea i could give you Shidoshi, works for everyone no matter what, and ive never heard of anyone getting fatter by working out, unless they did something else on the side.

Cardiac and water. I can't stress how important water is, to me at least. I've gotten to the point that I piss about 10 times easy a day...with almost every time being pure clear water. Yup, I drink so much water that my piss is actually water.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dolemite

This is why Oprah's weight keeps going up and down. She goes on some wacky crash diet, loses a ton, then sees a ham and goes wild.

---

Classic line Dole, that shit was hysterical. She must go wild for Thanksgiving.

Everyone tells me it isn't healthy, but heres what I did, even thought I wasn't actually trying to loose weight.

I use to eat pretty crappy, and pretty often. Now, I only eat 2 meals a day, and only drink water. I still don't eat that healthy, but I eat fairly small quantities considering I only eat twice a day. I’m around 6 feet and use to be like 190, and now I'm down to 170. Everyone tell me it isn't healthy, but now I feel better (my stomach use to hurt all the damn time) and I sleep way better.

I don't recommend it to anyone because everyone says it bad, but it seems to work for me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rich

Cardiac and water. I can't stress how important water is, to me at least. I've gotten to the point that I piss about 10 times easy a day...with almost every time being pure clear water. Yup, I drink so much water that my piss is actually water.

---

Ha, he's actually right. Well it isn't water, but it's a white enzyme.

When I moved out of my house for a while I created a "diet" of sorts.

Step one: Work as a busboy in the Hard Rock Cafe.
Step two: Eat only what you can steal. Save your money for important things. Like beer. Don't eat any bread.
Step three: Spend all free time drunk, stoned, and playing Street Fighter with your roommates.

I lost about thirty pounds in less than three months. I don't understand it... but it worked for me.

Key ingrediants here are "eat less, and excercise".

Imagine that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rich

Cardiac and water. I can't stress how important water is, to me at least. I've gotten to the point that I piss about 10 times easy a day...with almost every time being pure clear water. Yup, I drink so much water that my piss is actually water.

---

I get water from the cooler at work constantly. I piss water, too.

WE CAN BE PISS PALS!!

Exercise and eat right.

While calories are burned, and muscle is built at the gym: Weight is lost in the kitchen.

All the exercise in the world won't make you lose weight unless you decrease your calorie intake while increasing your metabolic rate. Start jogging and eat healthier foods keeping portion control in mind.

Works most of the time for almost everybody.

Yes, I know, I'm a total girl about my weight. I'm 5'7", so in reality no, being 150lbs is not obese. But I don't like the extra weight that I have, and would prefer to be back in the 130-135lbs range. At the size, for my height and build, I look the best.

And thanks for all of the advice. Some of them I knew - be strong about exercise, eat right, more smaller meals. One of my big vices is that I drink a can or two of Coke a day, and I really have to get back to only drinking water. Food wise, I'm trying my hardest to make all of my food, and not buy any sorts of pre-packaged stuff.

As for my girl, she lives in Japan - so, yeah, it's a bit of a long distance relationship.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by diffusionx

Dolemite, 2-3 pounds a week is a lot. At anything more than 1 pound per week you're losing muscle mass as well.

---

Not really, I've read several bodybuilding books that say, as long as you keep up your protein intake, you can realistically lose 2-3 pounds of fat a week and retain (and even continue to build) muscle mass. Now that I think about it, however, this might not really apply to a normal person like Shidoshi who doesn't really work out or exercise much. For someone like him, maybe a pound a week is a bit more realistic. I was just thinking that he seemed to want to get the weight off fast so his woman doesn't think he's a great big fatass, and if he did what it took, he could do the 2-3 pounds a week.

Quote:

---

Just takes time man. Patience is the key.

---

Exactly. Most people get frustrated easily and give up. There's no quick fix in getting the weight off, especially if you want to do it in a manner that makes it easy to keep it off.

Wait... are you saying Kirby is fat?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

Yes, I know, I'm a total girl about my weight. I'm 5'7", so in reality no, being 150lbs is not obese. But I don't like the extra weight that I have, and would prefer to be back in the 130-135lbs range. At the size, for my height and build, I look the best.

---

Wow, you must be one little guy...I'm 6'0" and weigh between 190 and 195, and I'm fairly muscular. I could probably stand to lose 5 more pounds (and I'm trying), but otherwise I'm happy.

Quote:

---

As for my girl, she lives in Japan - so, yeah, it's a bit of a long distance relationship.

---

Japan? Geez...you ever think about getting a girl closer to home? I mean, how much satisfaction (and I don't just mean physical) can you get out of a relationship like that? You see her what, once or twice a year?

Well, the relationship started during my time over there, and by the time it came time for me to return to the States, we were nine months into a relationship. So, it wasn't a case where I could just say, "Well, it's been swell, nice knowing ya!" *heh* But yeah, it's a total pain. She's coming over here to stay for three months, but what we do past that... who knows. My end goal is to go back over there, but I don't see that happening soon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by padman

Although you shouldn't believe in stereotypes, at least thats what it says on the back of my box of Earl Grey.

---

:lol:

Dolemite is the man, man. =p

So I have a question - how does someone with hypoglycemia get a good workout without destrying themselves? I'm told to eat more than most, but I don't gain much, and my blood sugar is low, so I can't exactly cut that. I'm just looking to build tone on my muscles anyway, not drop 50 pounds =p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by diffusionx

Stop drinking beer or other alcohol because alcohol is very high in carbohydrates.

---

Not entirely true. Beer contains carbs and alcohol. Liquor doesn't have much in the way of carbs, but it has plenty of alcohol, and a 7 calories a gram, it's almost as calorie-dense as pure fat.

Anyway, if you decide to work out, try to maintain a low to medium level of exertion for at least an hour. Like someone else said, you don't start to burn fat until you've been exercising for twenty minutes, and if you exert yourself so hard you can only go a half-hour, you're not burning much fat. Also, you need oxygen to burn fat (like anything else), and if you're working hard enough to be out of breath, that oxygen is going to replenish your tired muscles and not to burn fat. A hour a day is best.

Otherwise, don't starve yourself. You'll lose weight, but you'll break down muscle instead of fat and you'll look and feel like shit. The Adkins thing will work (it really helped a lot of my family) but you will go through a period of sluggishness and you will gain the weight back once you quit. It's best kept for absolute fatasses who have no hope of exercising.

Sticking with it is really the hard part. I'm 5'4" 165 lbs. and I pretty much look fine clothed, but I'm really trying to shed a good twenty pounds.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

Yes, I know, I'm a total girl about my weight. I'm 5'7", so in reality no, being 150lbs is not obese. But I don't like the extra weight that I have, and would prefer to be back in the 130-135lbs range. At the size, for my height and build, I look the best.

---

At your size it wouldn't be healthy to try any of the extreme diets. You're probably around your optimal weight but losing fifteen pounds shouldn't hurt you as long as you go the reduced calories/balanced meals/low level cardio route.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hero

Dolemite is the man, man. =p

So I have a question - how does someone with hypoglycemia get a good workout without destrying themselves? I'm told to eat more than most, but I don't gain much, and my blood sugar is low, so I can't exactly cut that. I'm just looking to build tone on my muscles anyway, not drop 50 pounds =p

---

Lift weights. Start on weight machines if you have access to them, and you should if you're still in school. If not, do some calisthenics - like push-ups, sit-ups and what not. You're a little guy - don't be intimidated by the weight other people can lift, they're not you. And stay far away from the cardio machines (the bikes, the treadmills) until you get a doctor's advice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hero

So I have a question - how does someone with hypoglycemia get a good workout without destrying themselves? I'm told to eat more than most, but I don't gain much, and my blood sugar is low, so I can't exactly cut that. I'm just looking to build tone on my muscles anyway, not drop 50 pounds =p

---

I've had low blood sugar problems in the past, though things have been under control lately. In addition to that, I have a ridiculously bad diet. I rarely eat, and when I do, it's usually instant or extremely poor quality food. Sometimes I'm unsure that it'd even qualify as edible. That, and I smoke a lot more than I should. And yet I'm still able to lift. So you can probably do that. It's a good way to build muscle, and you can feel the change set on pretty quickly after you start doing it. Of course, you'll be insanely sore when you start, if you push yourself to the limits. The thing is, stick with it and the weakness and soreness go away really quickly. Work through the pain. Even if you're relatively weak, you can still lift. Just use small amounts of weights, do as many reps as you can, rest for a bit, then do it again. Find a friend who lifts to help you out, that's how I got into it. Learn some exercises, then you can go on your own when you need to.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Grave

Work through the pain.

---

I agree with everything you posted but this. In the middle of a set, you need to work through muscle fatigue. That's fine. But if a set of muscles is sore from a good workout for a few days, you need to let them heal. Muscle is built not during the workout, but during the recovery - the point of the workout is just to tear them up so they can rebuild themselves better.

If you're lifting sore, you're cutting off your recovery and slowing down muscle growth. In the extreme, frequent lifting can actually deplete your muscles.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

I agree with everything you posted but this. In the middle of a set, you need to work through muscle fatigue. That's fine. But if a set of muscles is sore from a good workout for a few days, you need to let them heal. Muscle is built not during the workout, but during the recovery - the point of the workout is just to tear them up so they can rebuild themselves better.

If you're lifting sore, you're cutting off your recovery and slowing down muscle growth. In the extreme, frequent lifting can actually deplete your muscles.

---

I don't mean immediately after it, but when I began, I was sore for a good week. I felt like I had to go back so I could work on getting myself into a routine. The second time was 4-5 days later, and my arms still hurt, but I was functioning well. Now I'm hardly ever sore after lifting, unless I push myself incredibly hard. I mean, sometimes it's just impossible to. After the first time I could hardly push myself out of bed in the morning, and the ab pain made it hard to even move around. There are times where resting is all you can do, heh.

I was expecting everyone to tell me how I'm going to die in 4 days like everyone else does when I tell them my diet.

I'm disappointed.

That's because your diet isn't all that unhealthy. It's probably not optimal but it's better than what you used to eat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hero

Dolemite is the man, man. =p

---

:D

Quote:

---

So I have a question - how does someone with hypoglycemia get a good workout without destrying themselves? I'm told to eat more than most, but I don't gain much, and my blood sugar is low, so I can't exactly cut that. I'm just looking to build tone on my muscles anyway, not drop 50 pounds =p

---

Burgundy basically said it right- just lift some weights. Make sure you stretch and warm up properly beforehand to prevent injuries. Always make sure you do a high-rep warm-up set of the exercise you're about to do as well- like about 15-20 reps. Then, do a few more sets with more weight. Since you said you just want to tone, aim for about 10 reps per set, keeping your form strict. Take the sets until you can't complete another rep without compromising your form. Don't worry about lifting tons of weight, just concentrate on being strict, and make sure you train everything- legs, back, shoulders, arms, chest, abs, etc. Toning up is fairly easy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

Yes, I know, I'm a total girl about my weight. I'm 5'7", so in reality no, being 150lbs is not obese. But I don't like the extra weight that I have, and would prefer to be back in the 130-135lbs range. At the size, for my height and build, I look the best.

---

I'm 5'8" and when I was 160 I looked damn good.

You must be a scrawny bastard. :)

Yeah, pretty much. Back in high school, christ, I was pretty skinny. Right now, I'm actually not bad, I just have a bit too much in a few places. As I said, back when I was around the 130-135 range, that was really the best point for me build. I'm not sure I'd want to go much below that, though, because I'd start getting back to a point where I look "skinny" instead of "normal." (Normal for me, at least.)

I'm 5'8", and I'm at 170 :(

In high school I was 125... it's like I'm carrying a midget wrapped around me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

I'm 5'4" 165 lbs. and I pretty much look fine clothed, but I'm really trying to shed a good twenty pounds.

---

Same here. I'm 5'12 and 170 lbs and everyone says I have no fat because my arms and lower legs are skinny, all my fat condenses around my stomach and ass so no one has any clue.

I'm also usually hungry 24/7, but for some reason I can forget about my hunger a couple days at a time. Wierdness.

Blah, screw all this complex shit. Do what I did

Go on the Taco Bell diet

Grab you a little something for breakfast, a Drink of some sort is best.

Then for lunch go to taco bell. Stay away from the beef. Get something with chicken in it. And don't get a meal, just get one thing. Like a chicken chelupa.

I lost 20 to 30 pounds with that diet. And thats with snacking on candy bars and drinking softdrinks for breaks during the day.

Well, since it was Taco Bell, I'm guessing that... pardon the grossness... you lost all the weight out your ass. *heh*

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

Well, since it was Taco Bell, I'm guessing that... pardon the grossness... you lost all the weight out your ass. *heh*

---

Chicken, veggies, and mild taco sauce gives you the shits? When did this happen?

I am seeing some very good advice here, so i figured i would chime in with a few bits of advice that i havent seen mentioned yet.
1. Eat breakfast. thsi gets yoru metabolism revved after sleeping,and also helps keep you from pigging out for lunch. otherwise you are going on no food since last night's supper(or midnight snack:D)

2. Prepare to gain sme weight when you first start working out, that is good, its your muscles transitioning, they get heavier, but their capacity increases so you can work out more efficiently and longer.

3. I see a lot of talk about water, dont think that that is limited to just clear flavorless stuff. There are a number of flavored waters out there(clear american, clear choice,and some walmart brand) that easily taste better than any soft drink on the market. no diet works if you cant stay with it, and finding good alternatives are key, i also am a fan of lean cuisine pizzas, its not as good as real pizza, but its about 80% there.

4. Intensity of workouts is key, the 30 minute workouts are all well and good, but a more intense workout(see a trainier for specifics) will keep you burning calories for a time even after the workout.

5. Check for behavioral cues,at 150 this dosent pertain to you doshi, but alot of people eat when they are either bored or upset, if you clamp these down, for snacking by recognizing the behavioral triggers and replacing them with other enjoyable behaviors, you can plug a lot of leaks.
6. walking is good,but i also am a big fan of the jump rope, it is a fast, intense workout that will work your legs and burn calories, check it out. I use a weighted one, but you should try for a regular one for now.

Some really good advice in this thread. I started with a low to no carb diet and lost 25 lbs in 3 weeks but only about 4 in the following 2 weeks. But I cheated on the diet (thanks to a trip to vegas and the devil that is all you can eat buffets & unlimited beer) and gained 20 of that back. Now I've decided to just start eating right (healthy) and working out every day (walk 3 miles, run 1 mile & lift weights). I've got a treadmill set up in the basement with a tv & ps2 in front of it so I can play games while I'm walking and watch dvds when I'm running. So far in 3 weeks I've lost 8 lbs and feel generaly better.

I'm going to keep this up untill I can handel more, I really need to get under 200 lbs again (I haven't been that small since wrestling in HS, 185 is my ideal weight). I've done nothing but smoke pot, drink, eat horribly and sit on my ass for the past 3 years and I've balloned to 250. And I'm god damned sick & tired of being a fat ass.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by frostwolf ex

1. Eat breakfast. thsi gets yoru metabolism revved after sleeping,and also helps keep you from pigging out for lunch. otherwise you are going on no food since last night's supper(or midnight snack:D)

---

Well, this is a given. I mean, your metabolism is at it's fastest in the morning (it slows down towards the evening), so it makes sense not to skip breakfast. Or any meal. Just eat right. Starving yourself just makes your body want to hold onto it's fat reserves all the more.

Also, when it comes to weight loss, fuck the scale. Go by what you see in the mirror. If you're not eating right you might be burning muscle instead of fat. It would still translate as weight loss on the scale but that's not the kind of weight you want to lose.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by IronPlant

Chicken, veggies, and mild taco sauce gives you the shits? When did this happen?

---

I was thinking more along the lines of ANY food that is purchased from Taco Bell. Don't get me wrong, I eat there at times, but whatever that stuff is, it isn't real food...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

Unfortunately, in my getting re-accustomed to American food, I've put on a bit of weight. (Stupid American food!) I'm hovering right under 150lbs right now, and absolutely hate being such a fattie.

---

150? How short are you for that to be considered fat?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Grave

3. Smoke like a chimney. Constantly. If you ever open your mouth and smoke doesn't come out, you're not smoking enough. Pussy.

---

Truth. Smoking is the #1 quickest way to lose weight. Hungry? Have a Marlboro.

Just cut an arm off, man. You'd be amazed at how much they weigh. I'd give them a good 25-35 pounds, depending on the person.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tracer

Truth. Smoking is the #1 quickest way to lose weight. Hungry? Have a Marlboro.

---

There's absolutely no way I'd be able to survive my workload if not for smoking. All nighters with no chance to nap and no food require it.

Or I could balance my work like a sane person. That too.

p.s. go with lucky strikes

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by frostwolf ex

3. I see a lot of talk about water, dont think that that is limited to just clear flavorless stuff. There are a number of flavored waters out there(clear american, clear choice,and some walmart brand) that easily taste better than any soft drink on the market. no diet works if you cant stay with it, and finding good alternatives are key, i also am a fan of lean cuisine pizzas, its not as good as real pizza, but its about 80% there.

---

No joke. I really like those lightly carbonated flavored waters. I've had Clear American and the Sam's Club brand, assuming that was a different brand, and they were both really good, and come in a wide variety of flavors. Good stuff. And they never upset my stomach like some sodas do.

And considering I'm lactose intollerant, I figure I should throw the soymilk option out there. I don't know a lot of people who do drink milk regularly, but if you do, it's a healthier option, I guess.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shidoshi

I was thinking more along the lines of ANY food that is purchased from Taco Bell. Don't get me wrong, I eat there at times, but whatever that stuff is, it isn't real food...

---

I stick with the chicken, and sometimes steak bits. I try to never eat the grown beaf. I don't trust any meat that is grownd up to a point of being a powder.

I need to second (or third) the enhanced water suggestion - I tried Gatorade's lemon flavored Propel tonight and it had to be the greatest beverage I've ever consumed. And it's packed with vitamins, and only has ten calories a bottle.

This thread got me back on the fitness bandwagon. I've been busting my ass in the gym the past few nights. Thanks all!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by IronPlant

I stick with the chicken, and sometimes steak bits. I try to never eat the grown beaf. I don't trust any meat that is grownd up to a point of being a powder.

---

Yeah, Taco Bell's "grown beaf" is pretty bad. The steak and chicken are okay, though! Seriously, the food's not as bad as people make it out to be, but if you can get real Mexican foods where you live, I could see it not looking very appetizing. I think even Del Taco is a notch above Taco Bell.

But I do have a soft spot for bean burritos. Delicious vomit-like refried bean paste~~~ Amazing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

I need to second (or third) the enhanced water suggestion - I tried Gatorade's lemon flavored Propel tonight and it had to be the greatest beverage I've ever consumed. And it's packed with vitamins, and only has ten calories a bottle.

---

Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, buddy! If you can find berry-flavored Propel, stock up. I think it's been discontinued. However, it's an amazing drink, my favorite flavored water ever. I would drink gallons of it if I could.

In addition to that and on the Gatorade subject... There was a flavor of Gatorade Frost that looked like cloudy dishwater, but was delicious. It had a slight citrus flavor, like a watery citrus sort of thing. I liked it a lot, but I think it was killed off. A few months back I discovered a Japanese drink, Pocari Sweat, that tastes just like it. Does anybody know if there's another readily-available American product that tastes like that? Does anyone even know what I'm talking about? Pocari Sweat is way too expensive here, but it fills the gap that Gatorade left. I suppose there's always the mix... that's somewhat more economical. Still not ideal, though. Maybe if I could buy cases online or something...

Personally I think the chicken and steak tacos at the Bell are the most healthy fast food items you can find. Maybe Subway is up there too, but that's about it. I actually prefer Taco Bell to authentic Mexican food.

I debated between the berry and lemon flavors of Propel tonight. I went with the lemon because every other berry themed water drink I've tried tastes like diluted soap. But I'll give it a try.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Grave

In addition to that and on the Gatorade subject... There was a flavor of Gatorade Frost that looked like cloudy dishwater, but was delicious. It had a slight citrus flavor, like a watery citrus sort of thing. I liked it a lot, but I think it was killed off. A few months back I discovered a Japanese drink, Pocari Sweat, that tastes just like it. Does anybody know if there's another readily-available American product that tastes like that? Does anyone even know what I'm talking about? Pocari Sweat is way too expensive here, but it fills the gap that Gatorade left. I suppose there's always the mix... that's somewhat more economical. Still not ideal, though. Maybe if I could buy cases online or something...

---

It's been a while since I had Pocari Sweat, but I remember it tasting like diluted Red Bull. So you might want to try that... although, even diluted, Red Bull will end up costing more than Pocari.

Now if I could only find a cheap substitute for Calpis...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by salmonax

It's been a while since I had Pocari Sweat, but I remember it tasting like diluted Red Bull. So you might want to try that... although, even diluted, Red Bull will end up costing more than Pocari.

---

I can't say I find the flavors similar, but I'm going to go hunt for that Gatorade soon. And if all else fails, I'm going to try my hand at using the Pocari Sweat mix and water bottles. If I can find a funnel and the right ratio, I will be set for life!

I drink too much Red Bull as-is. I'm going to have a heartattack within a year, I think.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by salmonax

Now if I could only find a cheap substitute for Calpis...

---

I just got back from Cherry Mart, and god damn it, it was cold and rainy as hell. But I needed more Pocari Sweat. I'm a sad, sad man. I forgot to buy powder, too. I was in a hurry to get back. Next trip.

But I did have the foresight to buy a bottle of Calpis Water. And...

This... is amazing. Milky, but not heavy like milk... smooth, sweet.

At $1.80 a bottle, I will drink this. I will drink the hell out of this.

I'm going to start bringing my backpack for my weekly trips up there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MechDeus

Same here. I'm 5'12 and 170 lbs and everyone says I have no fat because my arms and lower legs are skinny, all my fat condenses around my stomach and ass so no one has any clue.

I'm also usually hungry 24/7, but for some reason I can forget about my hunger a couple days at a time. Wierdness.

---

isnt 5'12"........6'?

and grave, ive had that cloudy gatorade. i want to say the name is arctic something......and i remember it being really good as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

.

I debated between the berry and lemon flavors of Propel tonight. I went with the lemon because every other berry themed water drink I've tried tastes like diluted soap. But I'll give it a try.

---

strange, i tried the black cherry propel at my store,and the flavor seemed kind of light for me, but this is good, if you want a lighter flavor, propel, if you ned more flavor, try the clear choice/clear american/american fare stuff.
and good to see you started working out, your body will thank you.

Right now my body is sure as shit not thanking me.

i tried a propel once. didnt like the taste at all. really bad after taste like a diet product. been wanting to try again tho.

Step one to getting me to loose weight is to get this godamn delicous guacamole doritos away from me. !

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

Right now my body is sure as shit not thanking me.

---

:lol: no, at first your body will be royally pissed at you, but then when its carrying less weight and is moving more efficiently, then the ho' will come crawling back

I hate Fitness Water. All that shit tastes like pure ass in a bottle if you ask me. Propel is trash. Smart Water or whatever the fuck it is is trash. And so forth.

It just tastes nasty. It tastes like juice that's been well, watered down to the point where it just doesn't do anything except leave this horrible nasty aftertaste in your mouth that SORT OF tastes like something that is familiar but ends up tasting like a garbage can.

If youre gonna drink water, drink water. Thats what I say. Plenty of ways to get your nutrition otherwise.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

Not entirely true. Beer contains carbs and alcohol. Liquor doesn't have much in the way of carbs, but it has plenty of alcohol, and a 7 calories a gram, it's almost as calorie-dense as pure fat.

---

So what are you saying here? Please clarify, Im dense sometimes. Alcohol has 7 calories a gram? So liquor is actually worse than you than beer? If that's the case wouldn't the fact that you drink less liquor offset that fact?

Im 5'11" and 164, and I know I need to gain weight, but at the same time I got fat that needs to go (In the past month I lost 2-3 pounds of it, so Im on my way). Im hoping to shed that fat and put on the muscle, but that's a slow slow process. Anybody know whats a good amount of muscle I can expect to put on in a year or so from fairly constant working out? (3x a week right now). Im in this shit for the long-haul so Im not expecting immediate results at all.

There's nothing wrong with H2O. I drink Propel because I like it, and I wind up drinking twice as much water as I normally would.

The calories per gram of alcohol is constant no matter what you drink, the difference is with beer, you're also drinking lots of empty carb calories with your empty alcohol calories. The type of beer makes a great deal of difference - Mich Ultra has a hell of a lot less calories than Guinness. Of course, if you mix liquor with something packed with sugar like Coke or OJ, you're in the same ballpark as the beer.

(Obviously, a glass of vodka has more calories than a glass of beer, and almost as much as a glass of butter. But when you compare drinks, you compare a 12 oz. beer to a 1 1/2 oz. shot of liquor.)

Ideally no alcohol would be best, but that's no fun. You can minimize the damage by drinking your liquor straight or with club soda, diet soda or veggie juice. Or sticking to the lite beer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by burgundy

There's nothing wrong with H2O. I drink Propel because I like it, and I wind up drinking twice as much water as I normally would.

---

Thats cool man. I just hate it. That's all. One of my short-term goals is to up my water intake (Im prolly drinking 1/4th of what I should), but yea its a lot and I dont dig Propel so...

Quote:

---

Ideally no alcohol would be best, but that's no fun. You can minimize the damage by drinking your liquor straight or with club soda, diet soda or veggie juice. Or sticking to the lite beer.

---

Gotcha. Outside of the times when I just need to have that Olde English 800 (and its fairly often), I like my alcohol straight anyway. Im just not big into the whole mixed drink thang, outside of Tom Collins.

You're pretty safe drinking whatever you like (regarding water, not alcohol.) It's just that most drinks are so packed with sugar that they do you more harm than good, including soda obviously but most juices as well. Milk is a good choice if you like it and you can stick with a lower fat percentage.

Though I stick with water exclusively when I'm working out.

I like Fruit20. I also drink a lot of water and iced tea. Here and there I have a Coke.

I've never had a weight problem and am only 5-10 lbs heavier now, 10 years after high school. I eat until I feel close to full and then stop. I drink plenty of milk, orange juice, and occassionally water-- no alcohol, soda pop, or synthetic drinks. I don't snack on junk food between meals, nor do I eat at fast food restaurants.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mman

Step one to getting me to loose weight is to get this godamn delicous guacamole doritos away from me. !

---

You're not lying, those fuckers are tasty. And I'm a fat guy what loves the eating.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedCoKid

no alcohol

---

:rolleyes:
I won't even start.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedCoKid

I've never had a weight problem and am only 5-10 lbs heavier now, 10 years after high school.

---

I was 160 in high school, really skinny. I weight between 190-195 now, and I'm not fat. I just filled out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mzo

:rolleyes:
I won't even start.

---

We need to hook up a Jack Daniels IV to this kid's arm.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dolemite

We need to hook up a Jack Daniels IV to this kid's arm.

---

I suppose a drink once in a while wouldn't be so bad, but obviously ethanol contains a ton of calories since it can make cars run as well.

BTW, I've never gotten drunk. :p