Can You Lose Weight Without Exercising

[romantico]

I'm trying to lose some weight and am curious how difficult it is without exercising. I've always diet and exercising is the best way to lose weight. I am going to need to have some knee surgery done in the near future and am hoping that by just watching what I eat and counting calories will be enough. I've really been eating awful since March and have put on more weight than ever.(would like to lose around 15 pounds,maybe a little more but I'd be happy with 15) Any suggestions?

[snappyturtle]

1. Yes, you can lose weight without exercising. nt

[psychopomp]

33. Get into keto

I've seen plenty of testimonials by people who have dropped quite a bit of weight while eating as much as they want here: www.reddit.com/r/keto

I've not used it myself, though I have had it on my todo list for some time...

[Denninmi]

2. The problem is that exercise stokes your metabolism.

It really helps to get weight off a lot faster.

But, there are thing you can do to work around physical limitations.

Two things are 1) do whatever exercise you can. You may not be able to do X, but you could possibly do Y instead. Can't run, well, sit in a chair and do free weights. That sort of thing.

2) Drink a TON of ice water, and keep the temperature in your house low. You will feel like you're freezing to death half the time, but it takes heat calories to raise your core body temp, if you chill it, and you aren't taking in many calories from food, your body will use your body fat. Feeling cold is a sign that you're losing weight.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. You can, but it will be difficult to keep off....

more important to make it part of a lifestyle change (even gradual) - combination of better eating and adding some increased activity. I've lost 65 lbs over the last 1.5 years (I have two torn ACLs in my knees)....can't describe the difference it has made.

[Denninmi]

6. Well, that's impressive.

Now it's my turn. I decided that I need to lose about ... wow, not nice to see it in print ... about 40 lbs. I had abdominal surgery in 2007 and was down to like 155. Well, needless to say I have NOT been careful about what I have been eating AND it does get harder and harder with age. My clothes are all tight, and I feel like crap.

I started this week. Really eating the bare minimum, high protein, low fat, lower carb, no refined sugars, only diet pop, a lot of water. Walking, I did 2 miles this night and was actually surprised at how fast I went and didn't have any problems (if you see my lounge post that was just for dramatic effect).

My goal is to lose 40 lbs by the end of October.

[NRaleighLiberal]

9. You can do it! I am 56 - went from 258 to 195.

Fruit and veggies....water....

the main thing - for the past 1.5 years plus at the end of each day, in a Google calendar entry, I type out EVERYTHING that passed my lips that day (OK, Hopehoops...keep it clean). I did Weight Watchers and can convert food to points easily - so I keep my self on track through total honesty!

[REP]

4. Check with your hospital

Many hospitals have a weight-loss program for patients with upcoming surgery. If your weightloss needs don't fit their program, they can at least help you with a meal plan and exercise program to fit your needs (even with an injured knee, sitting and/or upper body isometrics might be possible).

Without knowing you, it's almost impossible to suggest a new way of eating that would help, but in general, most people benefit from eating more raw fruits and vegetables, high fiber foods, and fewer processed foods. And don't think of it as a "diet" as in a restriction - a diet is everything a creature eats. You're just changing yours

Good luck with the surgery!

[Ron Obvious]

5. Sure...

I unfortunately gain weight easily, but I've been able to take 30 pounds off on about 3 or 4 occasions. From my experience, I'd say it's 75% what you eat, and only 25% the amount of exercise you get. We underestimate the enormous amount of exercise we have to do to compensate for a relatively small amount of food. One Cola is about 160 calories, which is 15 to 20 minutes of hard exercise on the Nordic Track for me for example.

I know which is easier -- not drinking that Cola.

[laundry_queen]

15. I totally agree.

I've had better luck with changes in diet 'only' plans than with exercise only plans (my own plans, BTW, lol). I remember an old workout show I used to follow as a teen, and after a half hour of aerobic exercise, I'd be dripping with sweat, out of breath, wobbly legs from the effort and the perky blond would declare, "Now wasn't that a GREAT workout! Just think, you've burned a WHOLE glass of orange juice!" or "That workout got rid of half your bowl of cereal!" I used to think, WTF? I'll just drink water then, and eat half a bowl of cereal thank you.

[romantico]

7. Thanks

Thanks for the replies. I know exactly how I gained. I've been lazy when it comes to preparing my meals. I eat what is quick and easy,not always what is healthier.Plus I have gone out to eat more this year then in my entire life. Not sure why, I've just taken friends out and they've taken me out. Every movie I've seen this summer (about 6) We go out to eat and then afterwards we'll get ice cream. I've stayed in doors because it is so hot. Locked myself at home in a Air Conditioned house in front of the TV or computer eating. Like I said, this all started around March or so. I'm going to eat my fruits and veggies and do less snacking. I rarely drink soda. Once good thing is I do drink lots of water and I love fish,so I am going to have to make up some menus and just start planning my meals.Thanks again for the helpful replies!

[elleng]

10. Eliminate bread (if you can.)

Helped me a lot.
GOOD LUCK!

[laundry_queen]

16. One hint that helps when you eat out

is to remember portions are usually double what you need, so when you get the meal, ask for one of their take home containers to come with your meal, and when your meal arrives, immediately split it in half and put the one half in your take-home container for later. It's helped me a lot when I eat out.

And the ice cream is killer. I seriously couldn't believe how many calories a DQ blizzard has. Ridiculous. Might as well eat half a cheesecake.

[noamnety]

8. Yes, absolutely!

I started a slow carb diet last august, and had surgery the same month. Right after the surgery for about a week (?) I didn't stick exactly to the diet because I was having crackers, ramen noodles, jello - easy to digest things, but still a lessened calorie load.

I lost weight during my month of no exercise after that, but I did lose more once I started up again. I've heard something like 90% of losing weight is diet, the other 10% exercise.

[auntAgonist]

11. Yes you can. Why not join us over in

the weightloss group?


Lots of great folks there each with their own story and lots of encouragement as you travel the same roads together.

You'd be welcomed ...


http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1154

aA
kesha

[romantico]

13. Thanks

I am always amazed at the groups we have here at DU.

[pscot]

12. A good, persistent case

of bacterial diarrhea is guaranteed to melt away the pounds.

[kurtzapril4]

24. 15 lbs in 2 weeks! n/t

[HeiressofBickworth]

14. I lost 20 pounds in 10 days -- the hard way

Following surgery, I was in bed in the hospital, with nothing-by-mouth for 10 days. When I got home, I had lost 20 pounds. I don't actually recommend this, of course. But it illustrates that it is possible to lose weight without exercising -- or eating. Not a good way to do it.

[HopeHoops]

17. Yes. Two keys: what you eat and how much. Limit proportions, avoid saturated fats.

Snacking isn't a major problem as long as it is healthy foods such as fruits. Exercise will always help, but it isn't the major factor.

[Generic Brad]

18. Amputating a limb or two makes an impact

Just don't lose your head over it though.

[Honeycombe8]

19. Definitely. It's mainly what you eat. I recently lost a dress size in a few weeks....

accidentally. I was going through a traumatic time in my life. I just couldn't eat much at all. I didn't exercise. I stayed in bed a lot. I slept, but sometimes lay awake all night. I did walk the dogs almost daily, but not long or fast walks (I always walk the dogs...it has never caused me to lose even one pound, altho it's good for my health).

I wasn't weighing. I even asked the dr at my annual exam if I could get something to help me sleep and eat.

In about 3 weeks, 4 tops, I'd lost an entire dress size. My jeans were hanging off of me, my midsection was smaller than I'd seen it in years.

I am a person who struggles with the same 10 pounds and simply can NOT lose weight without a great deal of effort. I'm permanently chubby, it seems. Still...I dropped weight in no time mainly from NOT EATING.

When I did eat, it was healthy. I ate no junk food. I'd eat a piece of skinless baked chicken, health cereal with skim milk, a salad, an apple, etc.

I asked a relative in a nursing home, who is bedridden, about it. How could I lose weight when I wasn't being active? She says it's mainly what you eat. When she's sick, she'll drop weight because she's eating next to nothing, even though she's bedridden.

I've gained most of that weight back,now. Even though I'm exercising and moving around a lot more. But I'm eating more, so the weight came back on.

[NYC_SKP]

20. k/r n/t

[romantico]

21. I

I think my problem is I am VERY heat intolerant. I can't stand this humid weather. I've always liked summers but does anyone remember back when the summers were nice and not so damn hot? We use to run our AC maybe 3 or 4 times over the summer and even then it was for a few days or a week or so. We'd always get mini heatwaves that lasted a few days. We use to always keep our windows open during the summer.

This summer I've stayed in doors,cranked the AC on,watched TV,been online, and have not been very active. I've eaten more ice cream this summer then ever in my life(I got addicted to Magnum ice cream bars. Need I say more?) I've really been eating nothing but junk food plus for some reason whenever I watch a movie I found I just HAD to have something to eat. I never use to snack this much. Chips,pop corn,ice cream,Cookies,you name it, I had to have something by my side while watching a movie or Rachel Maddow or anything.

So, it's not a mystery on how I gained the weight. I one day a couple weeks ago was at the department store and walked by their full length mirror and took a glimpse of myself. I was horrified.I suspected I may have gained a pound or two but seeing the belly on me and my thick neck made me panic. I always gain weight in my face first but I always lose weight in my face first,so I was not as freaked about that. It was my stomach that shocked me.

Anyway,thanks for the tips.I need to start making a menu out before I go to the store next week. I think I am going to have smoothies replace my ice cream habit.

[Quantess]

22. Go on a juice fast.

[retread]

25. This thread is making me hungry! n/t

[JI7]

26. yes, what you eat counts far more than exercising when it comes to weight

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

29. I think that's true

A one hour walk will burn 200 - 300 calories which is not all that much. If you do nothing but fast for an entire day and just normally move around, your body will burn from 1800 - 2400 calories, depending on age and gender.

[Bertha Venation]

27. Yes. I am living proof.

I have lost 30 lbs since May 6 on Medifast. (And just when I finally get to the point of making exercise a habit, my left foot is put into a boot for 3 weeks. Figures.)

I must say, though, that exercise is highly recommended. But of course, you already know that. But I understand that motion may not be your friend right now.

Best wishes in your weight loss and in the knee surgery. Keep us updated!

[romantico]

28. I've

I've lost 7 pounds since August 6th. Oatmeal or Carnation breakfast drink in the AM, smoothie or sardines or yogurt for lunch.I usually have a piece of fruit in the afternoon and some nuts after dinner. I'm looking to add some stuff to my new eating habits. I love fish,so I plan on eating more of it. Scallops and maybe some salmon or catfish. Chicken is also a must. I really haven't eaten any red meat or meats in the past month(except for the sardines)

Drinking a lot of water and Perrier and skim milk. Still drinking my coffee in the morning from Starbucks and hope to start drinking more tea in the afternoon and evenings since the cooler weather is coming. A friend of mine said he has a cheat day. He does not go over board but says its one day where he can eat what he normally doesn't. If I can lose a little more weight I might do something like that. I'm really watching my portions. Anyway, hope this helps someone else who like me wants to drop a few pounds (or more) LOL.

[Monk06]

30. I lost 30 lbs in six months by eating nothing but steamed chicken, sweet potatoes and cole slaw

with a yogurt, and turmeric dressing. Lots of turmeric. And lots of garlic in the chicken stewed in broth with the sweet potatoes.

[sarge43]

31. In fact the best thing you can do pre op is exercise.

Toning and strengthening the leg muscles goes a long ways toward post op recovering. Even slow easy walks will help. Of course, you will have post op physical therapy. Talk to your med team about a pre op exercise program.

[Chan790]

32. In a short term (such as the inactivity window from knee surgery), yes.

In fact it's not even that hard to do. The problem is that your body will adjust with 2 months and if you don't start exercising, you'll regain weight fast.

It's pretty simple. About 20 minutes before your two biggest meals of the day, drink a glass of soluble fiber (such as Metimucil) and chase it with a large glass of ice water. Continue to drink water with your meals.

This causes weight-loss in three ways...it basically scrubs out all the gunk hanging out inside your digestive track, the fiber expands in your stomach due to the large volume of water making you feel full faster while eating, and the fiber will absorb some portion of the dietary fat in your meal carrying it out of your system unabsorbed. Very important is to eat slow and stop eating as soon as you feel sated...otherwise you won't do anything but expand your stomach volume. Some people feel uncomfortable leaving uneaten food on their plates...I got around this by switching to eating off 5" bread plates. I was always free to take more if I was still hungry.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

34. in some ways its easier without exercising but its harder in the long run to keep it off

get a app on your smartphone (assuming you have one) like myfitnesspal and document everything you eat. stay within the recommended calories and you should start losing weight soon

[RebelOne]

35. Yes. a starvation diet. It worked for me.

I hurt my back several years ago, and the pain was so intense that I couldn't eat. I lost 20 pounds.

[fbguy_144]

36. of course

[Arugula Latte]

37. I've heard weight loss is often 80 percent in the food and 20 percent in the exercise

Of course it's much better to exercise along with changing eating habits.