Help DUer's, Weight lose questing

[Dying Eagle]

Ok, I need to get off my lazy ass and work out. I have a tread mill and some weights. My lower back is starting to hurt and I am about 50 lbs over weight I think. So I am willing to put in the hard work but I need Help.

I have issues with craving and energy. I have tried weight lose pills in the past, the only one that ever worked was the Stacker 2's when they still had Ephedra. Now I have no idea what to use. Do any DU'ers had any luck with any other weight loss pill??

Any other tips??

[sui generis]

1. some simple rules of thumb

1. a pill isn't going to save you
2. COMMIT and don't give in to yourself
3. Have discipline; bitch, whine, moan but goddammit do it.

Then:

1. get to a gym EVERY DAY for 60 minutes. You need to be around other people doing the same thing, and you need variety in your workout. Walk on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes, and watch what other people do when they work out with weights and do the same for an additional 30 minutes, adjusted for your strength level.

2. cut your portions by 1/3rd, and by one half on dinner. Restrict hard for 5 days a week (every two or three days, eat your normal fare but don't splurge unless it's your birthday or a holiday).

3. Cut out all snacks that aren't fruit or vegetable.

4. Stop making excuses. Do not allow excuses.

You will lose weight / girth quickly but the trick is that you will also be able to tolerate the "diet" since it's the same stuff you already eat, just less. Just do it.

[Dying Eagle]

6. I agree with most

I am just wondering if there is any pills that can help me get a edge, not a answer to all. I have bad cravings and zero energy.

Plus I have to work out at home, I am broke. I have worked out a gym in the past, but I didn't like it. Too many up tight assholes, at home i can get some support from my wife.

I will take the other advice. Thank you.


Another questing. I tried Atkins once and I lost 10 lbs in a week, but I was so tired that i slept 14 hours a night. I was thinking of taking some ideas from Atkins but I wont go nuts on it. Is this a good strategy along with cutting portions.

BTW, I also need stop quit smoking weed on weekends, Munchies are a killer!!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. Your diet may be unbalanced

Try a multivitamin with minerals.

That's the only "pill" you should be taking in conjunction with a weight reduction program.

[sui generis]

10. actually, a great way to help with cravings

Drink strong green tea during the day -- it's loaded with anti-oxidants and it has a mild appetite control benefit. Drink decaf if drinking at night. There are no pills that work, and many that will hurt you. Luke, use the force. You must seek within yourself, right? Bajillions of other people do it, so can you.

A daily multivitamin is important also -- if you restrict your diet you need to be sure the nutrients you require are still there, and the B vitamins in the multivitamin help metabolize things efficiently.

About cravings: snack on carrots, apples, grapefruit. Fruit fiber also helps clear things out, and although you may still "crave", you will change the things you are craving to "healthy" cravings.

And, work out. Working out will change your cravings too, and it blasts you full of "feel good" endorphins that reinforce working out.

And yes, take a break from the weed - ganja and workouts don't mix. Reward yourself occasionally, not every weekend.

[NorthernSpy]

13. the pills can hurt you pretty badly...

I don't really have any weight loss advice, but please consider this: all those sympathomimetic stimulant drugs (such as ephedrine and its derivatives) tend to be cardiotoxic. People who have taken them have wound up with serious -- or even deadly -- heart conditions as a result.

No matter what your weight, I'd say the same thing: 'speedy' drugs (even legal ones) can do real harm to your body. That's why those of us with asthma typically take beta-agonist bronchodilators in very small doses via inhaler -- so that they can exert their effects directly on lung tissue, without risking systemic effects.

You must make your own decisions, but I'd be really cautious about the pills if I were you.

Best of luck!


Mary

[RebelOne]

14. Since I became a vegetarian 8 years ago,

I have not had much of a weight problem and I pretty much eat what I want. I think it would help to cut out pork and beef. And for the best exercise, get a dog and walk it every night. At least that works for me. I walk down and then back up a hill which is a killer.

[flamingyouth]

15. Definitely do the last thing & stop the weed

That is a sure-fire way to make your cravings way worse. The cheapest exercise there is is going out for an hour-long walk every day. Doesn't cost a dime, and you get outside in the fresh air. If it's too hot or humid, do it very early in the morning or at dusk. Good luck!

[daisygirl]

21. I'm with you on the gym thing

but for different reasons - I just feel terribly shy about working out around a bunch of strangers. Working out at home is workable, though - you just need to stick with it long enough to make a habit of it. And don't do what I did and take a week off! It's been three months now and I'm having to start back up really slowly because my back troubles came right back once I hadn't worked out in a while. (I'd been doing really well for over a year and backslid really badly once I decided to take a "little" break from working out.)

It really helps if you have someone to work out with or if you enlist your wife to prod you into it.

Some words of advice from someone who's also had back problems - you really need the weight work to get stronger so your back will feel better, but go easy at first - the last thing you want is to strain your back. Depending on how much your back is bothering you, you might want to start off with just walking until you're in a little better shape and then add in the weight work.

As far as energy, when I don't work out I'm tired all the time - when I work out consistently I have a lot more energy and it's easier to get up in the mornings, etc. A multivitamin plus a B-complex wouldn't hurt, but anything else is just a crutch IMO - in the long term you'll get better results without weight-loss pills.

[prolesunited]

2. First, stay away from pills

There is no magic pill to help you lose weight. Perhaps you can keep a food diary for a week to see where your pitfalls are and then work from there. I'm not one for fad diets. Just put your emphasis on fruits and veggies and rid yourself of refined carbs, like sure, white rice and flour-based products. You should go for whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta, oats, etc. It's tricky, though, because it can't just say wheat, it has to be whole grain.

Weightlifting is excellent because it builds muscle mass, which revs up your metabolism. The higher your ratio of muscle to fat, the more you burn up calories just sitting there. Only thing is, you might not see the results on the scale as much as you'll see it in the way clothes fit.

I think changing your lifestyle is hardest the first few weeks and you just have to fight through the cravings and fatigue as your body detoxes from the unhealthy things you've done to it. BUT, after about 4 to 6 weeks, you'll start feeling so fabulous that you'll want to stick with it.

Believe me, I'm far from perfect and obsessed about all of it. You just have to cheat in moderation (probably not at all when you're trying to establish new habits) and get back on it the following day.

Good luck!

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

3. I've been drinking lots of water ... without weight loss pills .

I have been warned against taking any weight loss pills from a friend who basically got addicted to them . I keep a water bottle nearby at all times . And so far I have lost about 10 pound since June .

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. No weight loss pills

They can mess up your body and get your metabolism permanently out of kilter.

Exercise, including working more exercise into your daily life: walk or cycle instead of driving whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator, mow the lawn with a non-mechanized mower, etc. Sign up for a class or group in a recreational activity that you enjoy.

Emphasize vegetables and lean protein in your diet. Stay away from fatty foods, white flour, and sugar.

Sorry, there are NO magic pills, at least not any safe ones.

[Bertha Venation]

5. PROTEIN and lots of it

First thing: no pills. Sorry. I can't think of anything worse.

Second thing: The only thing that helps me get over cravings and gives me energy is eating PLENTY of protein and trying to avoid too many carbs. This advice does not come from popular diet culture. It comes from my experience, on a medically-supervised program that has nothing to do with atkins or south beach or any other fad diet.

The protein will give you energy. The carbs will SAP IT! Energy comes from the body breaking down fuel (that's ultra-simplistic, I know). It takes a long time to process protein. It takes little time to process carbs.

Protein helps me feel "fuller" longer. Carbs make me hungry ten minutes later and increase my craving for more carbs.

This site might come in handy: http://www.calorieking.com Its name sounds faddish, and the site certainly looks faddish on first glance, but it's a fantastic, serious, NOT one-plan-fits-all site. Plenty of in-depth food databases, for starters.

Best of luck.

[Dying Eagle]

8. Good advice

Also, I have some left over Creatine and Protein power left over, I got some good results from them in the past, but its very costly, is it worth the investment to go with Protein and Creatine powders?

[midnight armadillo]

9. Maybe

If you're getting plenty of protein in your diet from good sources (meat, dairy, nuts, some soy) and you're not really trying to build muscle, you probably don't need to invest in protein supplements.

If you're really working to build more muscle, a protein shake after a workout will help. Creatine may help with recovery, but maybe not. It's really expensive, and you can lose weight without either.

If you want cheap protein powder, mail order it from www.proteinfactory.com.

Working out at home: you can do a lot to vary your workouts. If you run, do distance and sprint workouts. Jump rope. Put up a pull up bar. You can invest a small amount of $ in elastic bands for workouts from www.ironmind.com. Go to www.dragondoor.com and invest in some kettlebells which will thoroughly kick your rear end. Really, really, kettlebells will kick your ass hard. I have to start using mine again.

[prolesunited]

11. Not worth the investment

Don't focus on easy solutions or quick results. The only way it works long term is to alter your lifestyle.

I have to disagree on consuming tons of protein, especially if you're already having fatigue issues. However, don't go for white bread, cookies, snack foods (not sure what your weaknesses are). Complex carbs found in whole grain products, fruits and veggies do not have a high burn rate and will keep you feeling full.

If you want proof, look at any of the Mediterranean or Asian cultures. Is obesity an epidemic there? It's our emphasis on refined carbs (junk "food") and lack of exercise that doom us. And if you're set on protein, go for soy rather than animal products.

[Rainbowreflect]

12. I cannot give you a magic pill, but i have lost over 60 lbs

in the last 18 months.
I work out at home every (almost) morning.
Start out slow!
A few simple weight lifting exercises for all your muscle groups. Two days between working the same muscles.
Some type of aerobics most days. Walk, dance, use a video(most libraries have some exercise videos, so it does not have to cost a lot).
I also do yoga for stretching & relaxing most evenings.
Measure what you eat. Keep a food diary. And avoid processed foods.
When I have a food craving I try giving it some time, but if I am really craving something I find it best to have a small amount of what I really want. If I try eating around my craving I usually would end up eating all this other stuff & giving in any way.
If the craving is just for food in general, but you are not really hungry, figure out what it is you really want. Maybe you just need to talk to a friend or write down you feelings or scream.

[LWolf]

16. No pills.

I am facing this same situation right now; after a summer of doctors and tests to see what was wrong with me, it turns out that my thyroid is not producing, which has led to a whole host of other problems, weight being just one. I also have issues with craving and energy; it's a blood sugar issue. Here's what works for me:

Cut out all sugar and complex carbs for a few weeks. Including alcohol. It's hard the first few days, but the cravings go away amazingly quickly after that. Restrict fat consumption, and make sure whatever fats you do consume are "good fats." You'll lose weight this way, and you can do it without discomfort.

So will I...once they decide what to do with my thyroid.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

17. Weight Watchers

nt

[AndyTiedye]

18. It's No Wonder People Find it Hard to be Motivated to Exercise...

...when they pick such dull and boring ways to do it.

> I have a tread mill and some weights

Wouldn't it be easier to get motivated to do something outdoors,
rather than sweating in a tiny room with your exercise gear?
Save the treadmill for winter.

Bicycling and swimming are very good exercise, and almost always
more enjoyable than working out with gym gear.

It is natural for our bodies to want to move. When we were kids,
we got hounded by adults to "sit still", and in "phys ed" class,
we were taught that exercise must always be either totally
competitive or mind-numbingly repetitive and boring.

Given such a choice, is it any wonder that many become couch-potatoes?

> I have issues with craving and energy.

Put on some good psytrance or techno and dance yer ass off.

Dancing is the best.

[IcyPeas]

22. about music and working out...

Andytiedye

interesting thread and something you said specifically hit home with me. i can stay on a treadmill (or other boring machine) if I have great music to listen to. So my question to you, since you mentioned it...... is SPECIFICALLLY what songs by which psytrance or techno bands can you suggest - because I like that music but it's hard to find (some of it is too slow - nice, but slow) If you could make any specific suggestions to some good long fast paced stuff I, for one, would love it. Maybe "music to workout to" should be a separate thread unto itself. thanks.

[harper]

23. The only music that helps me to work out is Motown

I could walk forever on the treadmill as long as I have Gladys or Aretha for company.

[yellowcanine]

19. No pills. No weed. No gimmick diets. It is all about exercise AND

portion control. Get rid of all salty, sugary and high fat snacks. Replace them with fresh fruit and veggie snacks. Eat a good sized breakfast of high fiber cereal with skim milk and fresh or dried fruit (raisins or craisins) and a large glass of fruit juice. Pack your lunch for work with a sandwich (made with whole wheat bread), raw veggies, and a piece of fruit for dessert. Go light on the alcohol - not more than 1 glass of wine, 8 oz glass of beer, or 1 mixed drink per day. Plan dinner at least a day ahead - you should have a moderate plate full of food - and don't take seconds. Again, fruit for dessert. If you enjoy high calorie desserts - ice cream, cake, etc. - have them once a week - keep the portion size to a cup and don't take seconds. Limit eating out - and avoid fast food like the plague. Some restaurants have very large portions - take some home or some restaurants will allow two people to split an entree. Be particularly careful at parties - it is easy to chow down on munchies. That's the easy part, initially anyway. Now the hard part: Exercise. Start slowly but start and keep it up. Increase the pace and time over weeks and months. Eventually you want to be doing at least 30 minutes a day of vigorous exercise (sweating and heart rate up). In addition, walk instead of ride when possible. (for example, choose the stairs over the elevator when possible) Hopefully you have access to a fitness center. Incorporate weights if possible several days a week (particularly if you are a woman). If you are having problems with knees, back, etc., swimming may be better than something like jogging - however, pay attention to SHOES if you are running or jogging - go to a running store and have an expert fit you with the right ones - and replace them after about 300 miles. If physical problems persist and you are sure it is not shoes see a sports physician and get an evaluation. If you can afford it you may also want to consider a personal trainer. Being accountable to someone can help with the motivation issue. Keep a log of both food intake and exercise. If you are trying to lose weight you want calories out to be greater than calories in. It is that simple. Go slowly and keep it off. Losing a pound a week for a year is 52 pounds lost if you can keep it off. Also, you should be shooting more for a lifestyle change here than just losing weight. If you eat right and get plenty of exercise over time you will be healthy and fit even if the height/weight chart says you are a little overweight.

On Edit: Get a pedometer and count steps per day. Work up to 10,000 steps per day (5 miles). The average is about 3,000 steps per day.

[gauguin57]

20. If there were a magic pill, there wouldn't be an obesity epidemic.

Weight Watchers is a good program, once you have the courage to embrace it. Portion control, eating less, exercising -- that is the ONLY way to lose weight and stay fit.

WW is a very balanced program -- you can eat anything (in limited portions). And, within the WW program, you can choose the "good carbs" (whole grains, etc.), if you're into watching your carbs. The program helps you plan for your pig-out days (or vacations or picnics or parties or just going out to dinner). Your leader and the other members of your weekly meeting will give you ideas for dealing with your trouble spots. And a lot of the people in the meeting will be in the same boat as you.

A couple of free tips:

DRINK YOUR WATER (it keeps you hydrated, keeps your system running properly, and fills you up so you'll eat less).

THOSE SCARY SNACKS you can't resist? Put rubber bands around the bag so they're harder to get into, and put them up high somewhere in your kitchen, so you have to drag out the stepstool to get to them.

EAT A SALAD at the beginning of a big meal. If you're having pizza, a stomach full of salad will make you want fewer slices.

WALK outside (it's a good all-around exercise that doesn't stress your knees so much -- and you can watch the world go by (and talk to people with Kerry signs in their yards!). Or go to a track with your Walkman/MP3 player.

[SarahB]

24. My advice

NO sugar or refined flour- zero, zip, nada. Eat plenty of protein, vegatables, and whole grains. Plus exercise too.

I lost 70 pounds. I've kept it off close to a year now. It's easy. (I won't say the dreaded "A" word to describe it, but that's what I initially began with and it worked extremely well for me.)