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weight loss advice - 12/13/2008 6:50:52 PM   
michelle1227


Posts: 27
Joined: 7/20/2008
Status: offline 		I am having a problem with weight loss. I understand diet and excerise is the key but I have no energy.

Any ideas how to increase energy levels without doing damage to my body.

My issue is that I need to lose 20 pounds and it's harder than anyone could imagine.

M
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RE: weight loss advice - 12/13/2008 7:45:28 PM   
YourhandMyAss


Posts: 5516
Joined: 6/25/2006
From: Sacramento
Status: offline 		Michelle I don't diet or exercise, I am just very careful about what I eat and how much I eat and I drink insane amounts of bottled water, and I have lost 17 pounds already. Of course I don't know how long that will go on, but  it's worked for me in the past too.

If you eat out a lot, stop. It seriously not only costs to much money to do it regularly, it's seriously bad for the waistline as well as the pocket book.

And if you drink soda stop. Don't go to diet crap soda either, just cut out soda.


< Message edited by YourhandMyAss -- 12/13/2008 7:46:54 PM >

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/13/2008 7:47:16 PM   
Lynnxz


Posts: 4813
Joined: 10/3/2006
From: Atlanta
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: michelle1227

I am having a problem with weight loss. I understand diet and excerise is the key but I have no energy.

Any ideas how to increase energy levels without doing damage to my body.

My issue is that I need to lose 20 pounds and it's harder than anyone could imagine.

M


Being in better shape leads to increased energy levels. Just start out simple, but keep at it, and gradually increase the time and difficulty of your workouts.


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RE: weight loss advice - 12/13/2008 8:08:14 PM   
elegantalexis


Posts: 237
Joined: 1/1/2004
Status: offline 		Walk at least a mile a day...except on rainy days.


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RE: weight loss advice - 12/13/2008 8:21:17 PM   
YourhandMyAss


Posts: 5516
Joined: 6/25/2006
From: Sacramento
Status: offline 		And hell if you don't mind the rain walk in the rain too.


I know treadmills are supposed to be extreamly bad for your knees and ankles and joints, but I gotta love them, even though they are hard to walk on, cause I can walk in all weathers, and after walking miles and miles andmillllllllllllllllllles I don't have to turn around and trudge home.

quote:

ORIGINAL: elegantalexis

Walk at least a mile a day...except on rainy days.


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RE: weight loss advice - 12/13/2008 8:54:27 PM   
DesFIP


Posts: 25191
Joined: 11/25/2007
From: Apple County NY
Status: offline 		Get your thyroid checked. Fatigue and weight gain are classic signs of underactive thyroid.

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 1:07:43 AM   
aravain


Posts: 1211
Joined: 8/26/2008
Status: offline 		I've lost 60 lbs since August...

I haven't worked out a single day of it, all I've done is eat less and more often.

So instead of three meals and some snacks, have one big *meal* with more substantial snacks.

It's worked for me *shrug*.

A commonly misunderstood concept is that the key to weight *loss* is diet and exercise, which isn't so true. It's eating right, which will jostle your metabolism. Eating a little bit more often keeps it working, too. *Keeping* the weight off requires more exercise.

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 2:07:32 AM   
WinsomeDefiance


Posts: 6719
Joined: 8/7/2007
Status: offline 		Hi Michelle,

Congrats on your goal!  It is achievable!  No, it isn't easy, but it is rewarding!  I have a disease that causes fatigue and if I'm not mindful of what I do, will quickly find myself in the hospital with a flare up, and so I do understand how difficuiilt it can be to motivate yourself to exercise when sometimes it takes all your will power just to roll out of bed and forge on with your day.  So far, I've lost about 35 pounds, and I'm working my way toward my next 30, one day at a time.  Here are a few tips that worked for me. 
  1. Set a workable goal and take it slow.  Think 5 pounds in one month, for example, or even just one or two pounds a month.  Appreciate and celebrate each milestone no matter how small...success is success.  It took me about 8 months to lose 30  pounds. 
  2. Identify the biggest empty calories in your diet.  For me it was Sodas, and fast food.  I started replacing sodas with sweetened tea, and slowly cut back my sugar in the tea until I came to enjoy unsweetened tea, or water.  Now, soda is a treat.  Not something I guzzle two or three times a day.  However, when I really want one, I treat myself to a glass, sometimes even two glasses.  Mostly I drink water now.  Not keeping it in stock at home helps.   I didn't just quit eating fast food.  I simply changed the items I ordered off the menu.  Instead of a large value meal with a large soft drink, for example, I'll order a single sandwich without fries and drink water or tea with it. 
  3. Eat smaller portions.  For a while, I had to use a saucer instead of a plate, so that I was eating smaller portions when I ate at home.  Now my apetite has adjusted to being full from those smaller portions and  I naturally eat less than I once did.
  4. Put yourself into a position of having to exercise.  I moved within walking distance to my work and into an apartment on the 3rd floor so that I HAD to walk down and up 2 flights of stairs every day and I could walk to work - which I like doing though not as often as I should.  It was hard.  The first few weeks, I was icing my knee down every night!  But once I made it past those three weeks of anguish I'm now up and down those stairs pain free...I realize that such a major lifestyle change may not be feasible for you, but there are other things you can do.  Park in the very back of your work parking lot or store parking lot and walk the distance into where ever you are going.  Take stairs instead of the elevator, even if its only one way instead of both ways or just halfway.  Look for ways to be more active.   Do situps or leg lifts or twists or whatever works for you, while you are sittng there idle, watching tv.  Just do a set of whatever exercise you choose during every commercial break.  Your metabolism will pick up as your activity level picks up.  Amazingly, so will your energy!
  5. Treat yourself once a week with a yummy edible reward.  Just order a smaller size/portion than what you once ate frequently. 

Good luck and best wishes! 

< Message edited by WinsomeDefiance -- 12/14/2008 2:16:56 AM >

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 2:53:32 AM   
swan70


Posts: 47
Joined: 11/25/2008
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

Get your thyroid checked. Fatigue and weight gain are classic signs of underactive thyroid.


NEED TO HIGHLIGHT AND SECOND THIS ADVICE:

My thyroid is sluggish.  It makes weight loss very hard because it controls your energy levels and your metabolism.

It is a simple blood draw to check.  TOO many docs ignore this and patients suffer.

I lost 50lbs from Nov 2007 to July 2008--been holding steady since then.....(need to go another 50!)  Here were some keys for me:

1) NO eating after 7pm.  They were all empty calories for me.  Metabolism naturally slows down a few hours before bedtime--so those calories do NOT burn--they are stored!  If I had to have something--a bowl of Special K really did the trick.

2) Weigh Down helped me.  Basic philosophy: Eat only when hungry.  Eat what taste good.  Stop when full. 

3) I have chocolate EVERY day--but only a few chocolate chips that i savor and let melt in my mouth slowly.  Kicks the craving for sweets though. 





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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 10:19:58 AM   
YourhandMyAss


Posts: 5516
Joined: 6/25/2006
From: Sacramento
Status: offline 		Swan ironically for me, if I have any sweets it keeps the cravings going full force. I  stay completely away from most sweets, no cookies, no cakes, no ice creams* boy we broke that standard this month an last month though* I never was much for sweets anyway other than a certain kind. And I find when I don't eat sweets at all I loose what little affection I had for them. However if I disregard my personal resolve and choices and do have a sweetie, specially if it's really good chocolate or ice cream, well then my cravings start up and I'll be looking forward to the next bit of sweets.


I have found for me personally, it's best just to stay away from all  sweets.

quote:

ORIGINAL: swan70

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

Get your thyroid checked. Fatigue and weight gain are classic signs of underactive thyroid.


NEED TO HIGHLIGHT AND SECOND THIS ADVICE:

My thyroid is sluggish.  It makes weight loss very hard because it controls your energy levels and your metabolism.

It is a simple blood draw to check.  TOO many docs ignore this and patients suffer.

I lost 50lbs from Nov 2007 to July 2008--been holding steady since then.....(need to go another 50!)  Here were some keys for me:

1) NO eating after 7pm.  They were all empty calories for me.  Metabolism naturally slows down a few hours before bedtime--so those calories do NOT burn--they are stored!  If I had to have something--a bowl of Special K really did the trick.

2) Weigh Down helped me.  Basic philosophy: Eat only when hungry.  Eat what taste good.  Stop when full. 

3) I have chocolate EVERY day--but only a few chocolate chips that i savor and let melt in my mouth slowly.  Kicks the craving for sweets though. 






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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 5:20:31 PM   
sweetpea29


Posts: 21
Joined: 6/4/2008
Status: offline 		Ive lost.  Tons.  Size 22, to size 12, and almost a 10.  I gained weight fom thyriod issues, depression, and high dose steriods.  Start small.  You do not lose 20 by saying 20.  Break it into four 5 pound goals.  Look for healthier substitutes fro snacks.  Plan means with nutrition in mind. 

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 7:25:44 PM   
cagliostro


Posts: 128
Joined: 12/29/2007
Status: offline 		You need to raise your metabolism.  Do brief periods of intense exercise, like interval training.  I tell people that if they can stand at the end of their exercise they didn't go hard enough.  And I walk my talk.  My legs are jello after I run.  But know your limits, don't tear something.

Eat about six times a day.  But eat 1/3 of what you'd normally eat as a meal.  Dean Ornish wrote a great book called Eat More Weigh Less.  There's also a book called The Abs Diet that has a bunch of good stuff including smoothie recipies that actually taste great.  I drink one a day.  Also, Body for Life has a good workout program with a great set of steps for people getting started.  The diet info in that is pretty good too.

The absolute most important thing though, is don't give up.  You're bound to overdo it at times, and there are going to be days when you just don't feel like it.  Just pick back up where you left off.  If you stick with it long enough you'll lose the weight.  I've lowered my bodyfat % by 12.  I stopped losing weight though because the muscle mass has outpaced the fat loss.  It's doable.  Just keep trying.

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 9:42:08 PM   
RainydayNE


Posts: 978
Joined: 10/21/2008
Status: offline 		this is something that i'm now seriously working on. some kind of stomach issues/food intolerance/SOMETHING is causing a weird weight issue =p ugh
once i get back into dance that will help atleast on the exercise front
and i hadn't even thought about the thyroid thing...

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/14/2008 10:04:27 PM   
Aszhrae


Posts: 1030
Joined: 3/31/2008
Status: offline 		Have a girlfriend in the Norwegian Army, she is a drill instructor. Girl asked her about what to do about slimming my self down.
Her reply: fast food is a no go, if you eat outside, eat salad and soup (tomato is a good one)
Sugar is a no-go, if you want a sweetener, artificial is not the way to go, unpasteurized honey is good
Pineapple and pineapple juice is good slimmer.
Girl loves her hot sauces, not allowed anymore, cayenne pepper and ground chili pepper if girl wants to have hot food
Girl was told that sour cream, cottage cheese and feta cheese (goat) is okay.
Stay away from processed meats and keep track of your sodium, carbohydrate and starch intake.

Brisk walks are good and also swimming. If you must run or jog, open terrain, no asphalt or concrete.

That is all she told me.

(in reply to michelle1227)
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RE: weight loss advice - 12/15/2008 4:05:19 AM   
barelynangel


Posts: 6233
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: michelle1227

I am having a problem with weight loss. I understand diet and excerise is the key but I have no energy. Any ideas how to increase energy levels without doing damage to my body. My issue is that I need to lose 20 pounds and it's harder than anyone could imagine.


Hi, without knowing what you are doing, remember if 20 lbs is all you have to lose to get to your ideal weight, it means its going to take longer and be harder to take off because your body will fight you for it.  Be sure to keep your calories UP, because of you don't eat enough your body will think you are in starvation mode and it will hang on to the weight even harder and the lack of calories will keep your energy down. 

Secondly, make sure you are eating enough or a little more protein.  You also may want to check how you are eating your carbs and what type as if you are eating Carbs are tricky lil suckers and if they spike your insulin because of how or what kind you are eating you will find yourself without energy because your body is continuously going through crashes.  Make sure your protein is enough.

Thirdyly, DRINK WATER!  People who are losing weight many times while they drink, they don't drink enough water.  First of all, the water is a fat flusher -- think out damn fat out lol.  Secondly,  When your body is correctly hydrated gives you energy.  If you don't drink enough water, you will also see a significant loss when you first begin to do so, but that is only water weight usually.

Fourth, you may want to consider if you are restricting your diet in some way taking a multivitamin and a series of Vit B, 12, complex etc.  Talk to your doctor to find out what's the best for you.

Finally, make sure you are incorporating weight lifting into your exercise routine.  Many people neglect this but muscle tends to keep your metabolism high even when you are not active and so its like a motor continuously burning throughout the day versus just cardio or no exercise.

Also, have you considered instead of focusing on 20 lbs *especially if its bringing you back to your ideal weight* you focus on a size of clothes or inches lost?  Muscle tends to cause your body to shrink but to weigh more.  It may be less frustrating to watch yourself shrink more so than try and watch a number.

Good Luck,

angel

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/15/2008 7:32:23 AM   
bdaile


Posts: 69
Joined: 12/8/2008
Status: offline 		I'm also working on losing weight, and know how hard it is to get the energy to actually get up and exercise. For me, it's depression. I'm unmedicated, since I have no insurance, and sometimes just getting up in the morning is a struggle, let alone exercising.

The thing is, exercise doesn't have to be walking or weight lifting or anything like that. I open all the curtains in the house (sunlight is an excellent mood lifter!), crank up the radio, and dance with my son. Not only is it something we enjoy doing together, but it burns lots of calories, too. And since it's fun, you won't feel like it's a chore! I also enjoy Yoga Booty Ballet, though even the beginner DVD is a little beyond what I can do right now!

As for diet, I don't. I eat real portions, though, instead of the massive amounts I used to eat. At first I was hungry all the time, and it took awhile to get used to smaller portions. But now when we have pizza I have two or three slices, instead of seven or eight, so I know I'm doing something right!

Have you considered talking to your doctor about it? He/she may be able to give you an idea about the best ways for you to lose weight (depending on where you store the weight on your body), and even whether you really need to lose that 20 lbs at all. I know I'm waaay above where I should be, but I also know that even when I was at my ideal weight I thought I was huge. I don't know you or whether you really do need to lose it or not, but I'd suggest concentrating on your BMI rather than your weight in pounds. It's much more important to be at a healthy BMI than at what you think is your "perfect" weight.

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/15/2008 7:49:57 AM   
OsideGirl


Posts: 14441
Joined: 7/1/2005
From: United States
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

Get your thyroid checked. Fatigue and weight gain are classic signs of underactive thyroid.
I'll second this. I'll also add that fatigue and weight gain are also signs of insulin resistance. It's estimated that 3 out of 4 people in the US have this. Most don't know it. Which means that the calories and excercise won't work.

Get blood work done by a doctor, then figure out what you're doing.

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/15/2008 7:50:09 AM   
MakeMeSmile4U


Posts: 710
Joined: 4/27/2008
From: South Florida
Status: offline 		I've been struggling with weight issues for years.
 
One thing that has worked for me very recently was simple, but tough for me to do (and I fell off the wagon, but I'm back on it this week):
 
I stopped eating carbs after 7pm.  If I was hungry after 7pm I would have a couple of slices of turkey or ham or even a teaspoon of peanut butter (which is close to cheating).  Basically, anything that was protein not carbs. 
 
My usual late-night snack was pretzel sticks or a piece of chocolate.  When I craved chocolate at night I had an Atkins shake (4 carbs).  The first time I used this no-carbs-after-7pm method I changed NOTHING else about my diet.  It kicked my metabolism back into gear and I lost 9 pounds in the first 18 days...not too bad considering I would still eat some chocolate during the day.
 
My next step was to add in some excercise....it doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Anything that gets your blood moving is better than nothing.  Even if you start with a 12 ounce can of food from your pantry in place of barbells it'll help....Just do some arm curls 3 reps of 15.  In a week try for 3 reps of 20.  Even 5 crunches a day is good if you weren't doing any previously.
 
Also....it's tough, but stay off the scale!!! Once a week is more than enough!  I tend to get on everyday and then I'm discouraged when I don't see any changes...or worse yet, a half pound gain.
 
I hope this helps.
 
Good luck to you!

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/15/2008 3:16:55 PM   
sweetpea29


Posts: 21
Joined: 6/4/2008
Status: offline 		BDaile?  Please consider finding a clinic on a sliding scale, or free.  Heck , even try planned parenthood for info on where to go.  MANY places offer 30 days of meds for 4 bucks, some anti deps included.  You could even get freebee samples from your dr. 

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RE: weight loss advice - 12/15/2008 3:45:00 PM   
bdaile


Posts: 69
Joined: 12/8/2008
Status: offline 		Thanks sweetpea. I haven't searched since moving in October, so I should probably look again. I know where I used to live was too far out in the middle of nowhere, we had no clinics like that. I couldn't even get a free pap smear!

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