I've gotten a few phone calls about this so I'll post about it in more detail than I've let anyone in on up to this point.
As the folks in late night chat have noticed, I haven't been around quite as much lately, mostly in the evenings.
The reasons being, aside from being pretty busy developing new products and designs for sale through my website on top of getting regular orders and jobs completed, I got myself into a nasty rut concerning my health.
Having so many irons in the fire, all of which promote plunking my butt in front of a computer all day, have contributed to a pretty sedintary lifestyle that I am just not really used to. I'm normally pretty active between jetskiing, walking, cycling, etc, but with the workload I've taken on those activities had slipped a bit early in 2003, as well as my diet, but returned to normal later in the year - I noticed weight loss through September and October.
The realization hit hard one day in October. I hopped on a scale just for grins because I saw myself losing weight and friends and family noticed weight loss too. I wanted to see how much I had lost but I was shocked when I saw my weight at 320lbs. The last time I weighed-in was at 280lbs, and I didn't even perceive myself as putting on weight, neither did anyone else because the change was so gradual.
The last weekend in October, my sister got married and my dad came out from Missouri for the wedding. He took one look at me and exclaims "MAN! You've lost 30 pounds since I last saw you!!" The last time I had seen him was in May 2003, when a friend of mine in Missouri got married, and I surprised my dad with a visit.
Most people would be glad to hear something like that but for me it meant, if dad was accurate in his estimate (and past experience with his own weight tells me he is), that at some point I was actually up to 350. Not good!
So, in comes the major changes.
That horrible day in October was my wake-up call and was the first day of the first stage of kicking myself in the butt.
Basically, I gave up evening chat so I could wake up earlier in the morning and get my exercise in before I start my work day. By the time my work day is done I'm too exhausted to sit in chats anyway.
January 1st, 2004 was the first day of the second phase: changing the way I eat. I should also mention my weight on the 1st was down to 304.5 lbs, which isn't bad considering all I was doing for exercise was a 2 mile walk.
Anyway, Jan. 1st I started following (no joke) Dr. Phil's Food Guide for his Weight Loss Challenge. Now, I usually do eat healthy foods anyway, the problem is I love pastas and sweets on top of it and although I do eat fruits and veggies I actually overate those as well, which I didnt really know was possible. So, the food guide starts off with a 2 week rapid start menu, which when I first looked at it thought it should be called "The Shock the Fat People Menu" cause it allows 1200 calories per day.. I didn't think I was going to be able to do this.
Today is Day 3 and amazingly, I have no cravings for sodas or sweets or anything bad. I do have a headache, coming off the caffiene withdrawals, but there are sodas in the fridge and I don't have any desire for one at all - which is amazing for me cause I can drink that stuff like water without even thinking about it.
The food guide is fantastic - it tells you how much of each food, even those that dont have specific portion sizes, to eat. It also gives you the nutritional information on natural foods and pre-packaged brand name foods so you can categorize them into proteins, carbs, etc etc (actually the book does that for you but you can make substitutions on your menus).
Basically what I have learned in only two full days is that my intake wasnt too bad, 'cept that it was unbalanced, meaning I would take in the whole day's protein in one meal, and carbs in another, and fats in another meal, etc so I was left feeling either hungry again or physically drained, and blood sugar was all over the place only making things worse.
Now following the food guide meals are more balanced in the nutrients they contain and less food is required because hunger just stays away longer with these specific food combos. I wouldn't even call it a diet, cause it's not a diet. It's basically just regular food you're supposed to be eating anyway, no extreme difficiencies like cutting out all carbs or fats and no "loading up" on things like protein, which can cause more serious health issues.
I guess it's just what "normal" fit non-overeating people already know!
By the way, I weighed myself again this morning and I've lost 1.5lbs over the last 2 days. It's not just water weight either because I've been putting down water like crazy intentionally. My mom, who is joining me in this effort, has lost 7 pounds but hers is all water indicated by the muscle cramps - she hasnt been drinking a lot of water like I have, but it's very important to drink because the amount of carbs and sugar we've dropped from our diets (both of us, like many others, way over-do the carbs) means the body won't hold as much water anymore.
So, that's where I've been! Going through quite the adjustment period here too. Where will I go? By the last weekend of February I plan on being another 30lbs lighter - if I can manage 40 or 50 that's great but I'm shooting for 30. After that I don't know how far I'll take it but as long as I can maintain my muscle mass (I like being a bit on the bulky side) I'll be happy - maybe 250 or so.
If anyone else wants to make a change in their lives and has had problems sticking to fad diets, check out your local grocers and see if you can find a copy of Dr Phil's Food Guide - it's a small book, the physical size of a novel but about 2 inches thick, FULL of information to help build healthy menus for yourself. At $7.99, it's definitely worth checking out - I already feel a big difference in energy levels. Hell, last night I ran to the grocery store for more salad stuff and I felt so good I was humming outloud!
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Of course its always sad to hear that you needed a smack in the face for reality to set in. Do you have any plans to do something about the fact that it sounds like your overworking yourself?
I myself have thought about doing something to lose a few of my hard earned pounds. Maybe I can try to join you in the effort.
It's not just about losing weight, it is also about changing your lifestyle to allow you to live a better healthier life.
Maybe we as a Letterville family can try to each set a goal for ourselves and those of us that want to lose can do that.
I for one would like to lose about 30Lbs in the next 4 months. I dont necessarily NEED to lose the weight, but I would like to.
maybe we can do a weekly weigh in and see how much each person has lost. Each person post it on the BB lets say Sunday night or something
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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iam on the same road...hennie and i both, she got us a swim club(like a health club)membership. i cant do walking with my back, so more in likely i can get a fuller workout swimming. as for food we are already vegitarian so we need to clean out junk food and simple carbs. complex carbs are good, water in greater amounts to help flush you system. i know iam 280+ so i want to shed at least 50-60 lbs. hennie is 160+ and she was 107 for many years. so her goal is hers, iam only in control of mine. we start monday the 5th......with a weigh in and a NA-KED picture...hahahahah well a picture, in shorts and a t-shirt, so we can compare 60-90-180 days down the road. the one thing thats always bothered me when i see these super fat people(400 and up) is how in the heck can they WIPE THEIR BUTT??? just one of those things that make you go HUMMMMMMMMM????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Have you ever noticed that they usually wear a ton of perfume or cologne? Now we know why they do.
EEEEWWW!
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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I Need to lose 100lbs but when I tell friends and family what I eat, they tell me that I have to eat more.
I might have a buttered english muffin with a big glass of OJ in the morning and than I don't eat lunch until 2 or 3. Then I'll either eat a Stoffer's dinner or go to fast food like Kentucky fried or Wendy's and get their Chicken mardanrin salad. I have tried to stop eating fries and bread as much as possible. I have been trying to eatmore fresh fruit too.
When I come home at night I don't usually have dinner. I might nibble on fruit, cheese and crackers, or some other junk.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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the work thing is something else I need to work on. It's not that I'm overworking or overscheduling myself, it's time management. I spend a lot of time just kinda tinkering around with the new products instead of gettin into it and just knocking it out like I do with jobs that are paid for. The result is spending a lot of time on something and not having anything to show for it... kinda like how the work on my truck is going.
OP: No pictures here! Just weight recordings.
Now that I have the sugars and starchy carbs out of my system, it's kinda nice not feeling the need to munch on stuff all the time.
A Letterville Weight Loss Challenge or support group is a good idea Harris. One day a week everyone can post their progress, we can share menus or recipes, etc etc. Maybe we could get another section added to the forum for those discussions.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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quote:A Letterville Weight Loss Challenge or support group is a good idea Harris. One day a week everyone can post their progress, we can share menus or recipes, etc etc. Maybe we could get another section added to the forum for those discussions.
A seperate forum sounds ideal...what do you think Steve? In the last year, I managed to lose the 15 lbs that I was looking to drop so I'm finally happy with my weight but I really do need to eat better.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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You're in the same unbalanced diet trap I, and probably everyone else is in.
Your breakfast is total sugar rush - the muffin is all carbs and the OJ is all calories, natural sugars and no nutritional value like fiber. I don't know how you make it til 2 or 3 on pure carbs. I used to eat 4 eggs and that carried me to lunch OK.
The nuked dinner is garbage, the fast food salad is probably alright but the dressing is another killer, it's probably full of refined sugars, carbs, fat, etc.
And here's the deal on skipping meals or just grazing.. Your body adapts to its environment, so if you deprave your body of regular meals it will learn to store what nutrition it does get - ie: it stores it as fat.
This is what my menu looks like today:
Breakfast: Two turkey sausage links (these things are GOOOOD) 1 Cup Sugar Free low fat Black Cherry yogurt (Uses Splenda for sweetening which is an artificial sweetener derived from sugar, but no calories or carbs) 1 Serving (1/2 cup) Low Fat Granola, which I mixed into the yogurt for texture as I am not a big fan of straight yogurt. 1 Orange
Morning Snack: 1 Apple
Lunch: Salad: Virtually unlimited amounts of lettuce, chopped green peppers, tomatoes, carrots, sugar snap peas, other salad veggies to suit your taste 1 Serving (about one cupped handful) of chicken breast - I put the chicken on the salad (I have a rotisserie so keeping cooked chicken handy is easy) 1 tablespoon salad dressing - I actually used a tablespoon of Newman's Balsamic Vinegarette, then added a little more pure balsamic vinegar (only 10 calories) for more tangy/sweet taste.
Afternoon Snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese with chopped carrots and other veggies.
Dinner: (I cannot wait for this one tonight) 1 Serving (about 4 ounces)Sirloin Steak Steamed cauliflower Boiled/steamed peas
Now the killer is, after dinner, that's IT. No more eating anything for the rest of the night, no munching, no nothing! That's why I've moved dinner back to about 7:00 tonight.
That, my friends, is a 1200 calorie day, and it's not as bad as you think. The first day is rough, the second is easier, the third isn't bad at all because many of the "devils" are flushed out of your system at this point. Every time I've ever gotten into a plan it's always the first 3 or 4 days that are the toughest, so once you get over that it's actually OK.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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I have a couple of questions/messages for Mike and Laura.
Mike, I am 6'2" and was 250 pounds at one point. Took up walking and got down to 200 at last docs visit. I don't think of myself as overly fat but still want to get down to about 180.
I am curious as to your height Mike? Not to be ignorant or critical but to get a feel of the weight/height ratio. I know that everyone is built diffently.
Good on you for taking charge!!!!!!!!
Laura, not to be critical, but your diet as you describe it is a perfect recipe for type 2 diabetes. Ask me how I know!
Start eating at least 3 meals a day Laura. Your body will love ya for it!!!
I have been struggling with diabetes for the last 6 or 7 years. Medication is keeping it under control but I have found that eating meals at the times that "God intended" (whatever that means) has done more to stabalize my diabetes than either medication OR exercise. I no longer avoid sweets or jam or anything like that. Just eat regular.
Mike is correct about eating regularly...My mother eats like a horse and weighs like a bird. Shirl's mother eats like a bird and weighs like a...(better not go there!!! ) But you get my point. Once again, I know everyone's metabolism is different though.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
Even if you are'nt severely overweight, dieting can be hell. Most of my adult life my average weight was aroun 185 lbs. but in the past three years it managed to creep up to 205 lbs. Thats the most I've ever weighed in my entire life and I'm 6'4".
I decided to start my diet right before my motorcycle accident eight weeks ago. I was determined to lose the weight as a psychological good thing from a bad thing. I've lost about 12 lbs so far and my last weigh in on the scale said 192 lb. Now I'm finding it hard to get rid of the other 10 lbs that I want to lose.
Prior to my diet I only ate one meal a day every 24 hours. Dinner only and thats been my routine for the past 25 years. Since the accident I've been drinking one can of Slimfast for breakfast, one at lunch, and then eating a smaller meal for dinner. I find it hard to not want more for dinner as I dont feel full. I do have to say that having the Slimfast during the day has given me more energy and I seem to feel better.
Today I had the two cans of Slimfast but had a craving for a lemon pepper roasted chicken. I ate the entire chicken and nothing else. (except a stiff rum and coke) Im full now and don't think I'll want anything else tonight.
My problem is not so much my diet as it is my hatred of excercise. I know thats what my body needs most. I'm considering attempting some sort of exercise program for 2004 and see if that helps. I havent been very physical over the past 4 years and I know that has a lot to do with it.
Most people look at me like I'm crazy when I mention I need to lose a few pounds but I can't help feeling fat. Its all relative I suppose. But I can tell and feel an extra 10-15 lbs on me and it makes me tired hauling it around.
Good luck to everyone who tries to conquer the weight demon. I quit smoking cold turkey four years ago from three packs a day so Im sure I can do this.
[ January 03, 2004, 08:15 PM: Message edited by: Bob Stephens ]
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
posted
Re: what Bob said.... I hate exercise... I believe that exercise just for"exercises sp? sake, is a bore and you won't do it for long. If you can find some activity that is "exercise", and at the same time is "fun", or a challenge, or whatever turns your crank, well, then you've got a chance of doing it over an extended period of time, like maybe your lifetime!!!
Some run, love it!, to me it's "work", I ride mtb bike, (any bike will do, ) others hike...Bob Kaschak, High Peak Hiker, OP swims, but it's gotta be something you look forward to, then you do it.... like SIGNS, eh!
Lately, my wife and I have taken "walking" a little further, 1 hour striding walks, helps with the riding, too.
So, exercise is something different to each of us, but moving the Body is Essential to us All.
I'm gonna trrdemark that one!
John Lennig / SignRider
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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Mike, great post. I stand behind you in this. And can't wait to see you back in chat. And i can't wait to hear you reach your goals.
If you don't mind I would like to share with every one some data I learned.
Looks like a bunch of us are in for the same goals. There are so many thoughts about eating but some things seems to be universal. I too ate as so many do who are on the go. Found myself eating a lot Wendies because it was faster. (fantacy)
I was given some instructions from a profesional Dietician last April and learned some lessons.
One: Lose the simple carbs. The ones that your body can diget fast and easy. Don't matter what you call them. (doritoes, chips, white rice, white bread.) Causes insulin spikes and will not stay in your stomach long. You eat again to soon.
Two: Eat breakfast: This is a must. Bacon and eggs (fat and protien) or Grits and eggs (protien and carbs). But not butter and grits (fat and carbs)
Three: Eliminate all transfat from your food. (store bought margerine, donuts, cakes, chips cookies,) No need to talk about this killer because information is all over the net.
Four: Eat major protien and fats together or major protien and carbs together. Do not eat carbs and fat together. Your body will use the carbs and store the fats. Eat lots of veggies too.
Five: Your greatest friend is fiber. He is your secrete super buddy. He is both soluable or insoluable but does certain magic for that is priceless. Processed foods do not have fiber because the flour is pulverized into fine powder and all the fiber is taken out to give to the cows and pigs. Look up fiber on the net and see what this buddy will do for you.
Six: Use olive oil, canola or other oils of this type. Use flax oil for salad dressings. Your cholesterol will fall to good levels.
Following these gudlines from a professional I've lost over 50 pounds and the weight was falling off so fast the doc was concerned. I almost had to force myself to eat because the hunger simply was not there. Traditionally I would put on about 15 pounds over the holidays. This year none.
By the way. Some may not know it but, Gavin (zeeman) is an encyclepedia on nutrition supplements.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Good to hear you're on the path Mike. My weight has went up and down my whole life. I was a powerlifter through most of the 80s and 90s and usually my weight was around 220 to 240. Didnt take long for me to blossom up to 280 though. I was very strong at that weight, benching 450 lbs (no steroids), but was way too heavy. Since then, I've went up and down constantly for the last few years and currently weight about 245, having lost about 25 pounds recently, mainly due to stress. There are so many ways to diet out there, and most of them work well for people that stay focused and determined. After a two year layoff from lifting, I just recently started back and hope to be able to get down to an even 200 pounds. Im 47 now, and everything is much harder than it used to be, but mindset is the trick. My body will do what I make it do. Now if I could just grow more hair. Take care Mike, and I look forward to seeing updates on how you are doing.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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I have always been heavy. Some years more than others. I eat for SO many different reasons. Try a diet here and there, but without really changing your lifestyle and the choices and portions and other things that have to do with eating, well, we all know what happens!!
A couple years ago several of the gals at work joined Weight Watchers, with their point system. I joined with them a month or so later, Feb 2002.
We have a WONDERFUL leader, a gal that talks with us like girlfriends around a table over coffee. Add to that a really good support group of friends, and it does wonders.
In WW, you have a goal weight, once you reach that and stay for 6 wks, you hit Lifetime. I have been Lifetime since Dec 18, 2002, after losing approx 45 pounds.
I know alot of people will run with the different "diets", but that's the biggest problem. What happens when you are done with it, and have to go back to living reality? I don't want to feel deprived, ya know?? Most of the people in our meetings that talk about being on the various fad diets, say the weight came back.
You have to make better choices, not just diet, then return to old habits. And it never ends.
I feel MUCH better now than before. Lots of fun going clothes shopping, too!! Helps for rewarding yourself rather than the food thing, too.
I would be more than happy to help anyone who needs it around here, as I've been there, done that, and realize how REALLY important support from good friends are.
I have some really great websites bookmarked for recipes, restaurant guides, etc. The majority of my stuff revolves around the WW point counting method, which is the ONLY thing that ever really worked for me... and I've kept it off a year now.
Count me in on it, ok? Even though I don't really need to lose more, there is a certain amount of support you need to maintain as well.
-------------------- Dana Ferry St Cloud, MN Posts: 1556 | From: St Cloud, MN | Registered: May 1999
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Mike, good luck to you with your new fitness program. It's just amazing how many health problems can be avoided by good eating habits and regular exercise.
The diabetes experts hammer the point that diets don't work because the weight comes back when the diet ends. They preach lifestyle change - get on a healthy eating plan you can live with forever, and let the weight come off slow. Get on an exercise program that you enjoy so you will want to stick with it.
In my case, I enjoy walking, so an hour walk every other day meets the goal. I kicked junk food, refined sugar products of all kinds, and white bread totally, went to wheat bread and 1/2 cup pasta/carb servings, and all the veggies I can eat. I don't limit meat but rarely eat over 8 ounces at any meal. I work out the portions, eat that much, and stop. I have lost 14 pounds since the beginning of November, and I think I can do this as a lifestyle.
The only issue is food monotony. There are some good products in the big supermarkets but you have to read a lot of labels to find them. My favorite dessert is now Yoplait Light Fat Free Yogurt - no fat, 110 calories, 20 carbs. They have about a dozen flavors.
Anyway, my only point is, the goal is to get it off and keep it off, and losing weight slowly on a plan you enjoy will make it easier to stay on the plan as a lifestyle. Vic G
-------------------- Victor Georgiou Danville, CA , USA Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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I finally dropped 15 lbs, and it came easier than usual. I just started drinking more water and kept moving eating less since I was traveling a lot in Ohio the last few weeks.
Even though I would like to practice more of what I know, these things below seem to help me a lot when I do them! (notice, I said when I do them), but, lately, it is becoming easier and easier when I think about positive people and not dwell on the things I cannot change. It makes a heck of a lot of difference.
Cut, Fresh fruit and veggies and water bottles should crowd the fridge. Spoil yourself with some healthy dip of yogurt blended with strawberries or a little light dressing.
Add miller's bran (health food store) to your diet twice a day in your juice), as it cleans your intestines, as an intestinal broom! Follow with lots of water!
I used to manage General Nutrition Centers in S. Florida, ("assistant manager" they called me forever since I got more work and less pay, of course). I learned from healthy looking elderly people that walked five miles a day and then came into the store, as they didn't look a day over 55! And they were 80!. Also, working in another store in Ft. Lauderdale, the guys that worked out in the gym also came by everyday to buy the miller's bran..said it took 2 lbs off a week with this bran in addition to the lbs from the gym. They also believed in massage therapy to detox, as I am a certified reflexologist. That is a great way to destress and detox with working the hands and feet. and it is healing too!
It can be done, but, I found out hanging around health conscious people is easier than being around junkfood junkies, as we aren't tempted as much from the bad habits, and yet are shown and encouraged by the pros!
Don't forget to check out the "Juiceman" and his vegetable juicer (remember him with the wonderful huge white fu man chu eyebrows?), as this is a great way to deliciously drink lowfat drinks and cleanse your bodies.
You can look into a vitamix too. This keeps the whole vegetable or fruit in the drink and your body just sucks it up! My aunt and uncle are vegetarians and bicyclists and marathon runners, and swear by it!
Don't want to overload your adrenaline systems or burn them out with other things, as that can keep you down. Flaxseed oil is excellent too to throw in that smoothie. Be encouraged, and love yourself! Have a lime in your water, on me! It's easier to exercise when your joints aren't bogged down with yeast from the sugars, and breads and dairies and meats. Easy does it, in fact, until you can safely get off of them. OP does have a lot of good advice, even though he is a softie for ice cream! Right now I am munching on an apple or three while typing on the computer, then I'll get some water. Sure, I splurged on scalloped pot and ham earlier, but, I am desserting on the good stuff now! Hope you have your separate post, good idea, Dana!
[ January 03, 2004, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Congrats to everyone here for losing that weight!
I belong to what's called a 21-day challenge board. It's said that in order to make a goal a habit, if you can get through the first 21 days, it's pretty much a habit by then. So at the start of each 21 days, we make goals for ourselves and help each other get through them.
So many try diets that are either hard to follow and then find they fail. What I've been personally doing is learning to eat healthier so I don't crave the junky food. I've lost 5 lb without attempting to lose weight, just to simply concentrate on eating healthy.
In my reading, one simple thing that keeps standing out and is easy to remember is to eat food in it's natural state. Anything that's been tampered with, is. Remember that foods in their natural state carry the most vitamins and minerals that your body craves to improve health.
Drinking more water has been a goal of mine for the past year. I started with no water and I continue to struggle to get 5 glasses down a day but that's far better than where I was a year ago. Water does way more than just to make you unthirsty. Getting a good book on the topic will encourage better intake.
Many of you hear me on chat how I'm always hungry. Would you believe I don't crave junk during the day? I craved fruit as my sweets then. My junk food time all my life has always been in the pm so that's when I crave it. What helps me get through those times is having mixed nuts on hand.
I'll admit I love dairy, but I know it's baaaad stuff. Eating dairy fills up my mom's lungs with crud, that's just one example. Much better ways to get calcium.
Foods in their natural state. That's been the key for me.
posted
Best of luck to you, Mike. I'm making changes for the same reasons. At 51, I cannot do the things I previously took for granted. Sure 30 and 40 were noticable slow downs, but 50 will get your attention quick. Thanks for the tips.
posted
This is a great thread. Just what the doctor ordered. If misery loves company, then I need you. Like Mike, I have spent far too much time sitting on my duff in front of the computer. Over the last few years I have put on 43 pounds. I feel tired all the time and no longer have an excercise program.
2004 for me will be eat less move more. What do I weigh? Hehehe I'll tell after I loose it! I am 57 yrs. old, but that is not my fault. My weight is my own doing.
Let's stick together on this.
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist. Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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I'm getting back at it this week. Already started Jan first by taking a nice long walk on the beach with Dave. Felt good!
My exercise of choice is what I call "power walking". It's no stroll. The fresh air clears the head, and the fast motion gets ya sweating. Less strain on the joints than running too. It's therapy, and once I get in the routine, I'm addicted!
Moderation and exercise works, and it really is about making a life choice. I don't deprive myself of much of anything, but I think it's a plus that I actually love healthier foods, which give energy rather than weigh me down. Just don't keep much "junk" around the house. I also don't love any food enough to eat to the point of feeling yukky. Just not worth it.
Before grabbing at the junky stuff, (like at the grocery store) I stop and consider just how much I really want it, and do I really want to carry it around afterwards? hahahaaa Actually, that short pause of time to think first actually let's the craving pass.
Great post Mike, I have no doubt that you are on the right road and will do well!
I'll be huffin' my extra holiday pounds around the park this week! Gotta put alittle breathing room back into my jeans! Nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
You live in a climate where you dont have to worry about snow or ice or freezing your goochies off.
I luckily have a stationary bike that I can use and watch the morning news while I do it, or better yet watch one of my wonderful airbrush videos I got for x-mas.
Whatever works for you is what you should do, Make it fun and enjoyable or you wont do it.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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boy alot of us folks definitely struggle with this weight thing...bs(b4 signs)i used to run about 30-35 miles per week...and lifted weights 5 days a week...man i was buff...oh key word..WAS...now i'm a f&*kin pig..oinking out at 25 lbs more than my average adult weight...i'm 5'8"(155 lbs)and i'd be thrilled to at least lose 15 lbs by the hawiaan vacation feb 23. my hubby & i started the new year(since we'll be 40 this month)to get our sh*t together and be like we used to....so we've been doing our walks and lifting at night. all i can say at this point is i ache..haha...but i need to do this. i have been terrible to myself because of stress and work...now i need to make myself #1...and lead the cleaner life style with eating a well balanced diet and exercise....and dana is right...weight watchers is an excellent program!!!! another thing to keep in mind is get rid of the white junk...sugar, white flour and processed food(high in salt)! of course we will all benefit from eating more fruit, fiber and protein. let's keep a tab on this lovely thread. it doesn't matter if you need to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs...if ya can't fit in your pants it sucks all the same! good luck to us all!!!!
[ January 04, 2004, 01:29 PM: Message edited by: KARYN BUSH ]
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Dave Grundy, I'm 5'10" and always have been built like a Mack truck - thick, solid, and prone to gaining muscle mass very easily. If I got down to 250 I would be happy, 200 and I would be less than my highschool graduation weight when I was solid muscle. I'll decide where to go once I get there, for now my first goal is 30lbs by the end of February cause that's right before the next jetski racing season starts.
The sad thing in all of this is that I LOVE veggies, fruits and healthy foods, and for years I've known what I have to do to get there cause I've done it before, I just let things slide and I don't really have any excuse for it.
What I like about Dr Phil's plan is, it IS a lifestyle change. There's nothing in the menus that I wouldnt normally eat anyway, but it's the combinations of the foods and the balanced nutrition that makes it work.
I weighed myself again this morning (Day 4) just for grins and am down another pound. I won't be weighing in again til Day 7 though cause I know from the past obsessing over the scale every day does not help the situation.
This is the best part: This morning during my walk (walking every other day to ease into it) I didn't have any pain in my shins at all, and I think it's because of the change in diet really kicking in and getting the nutrients to the muscles. The last time I walked (and every time before that since October) my shins let me know they didnt like the walking in a big way.
As far as exercise goes, I also think it has to be something you normally enjoy but you have to start somewhere easier to avoid injury until you can handle the other stuff. Walking on flat ground is on the bottom of the list of things I enjoy doing, but right now it's probably the best way for me to ease back into an active lifestyle again without causing any serious problems. I'd rather be hiking or climbing the mountains around here, or on my bike, or inline skating, but those are considerably more intense and the last thing I need is an injury to keep me from doing anything. One thing that has kept me into walking is the challenge of increasing the intensity, you just decide one day you're going to walk a little faster or go a little farther. My walks are no stroll in the park either, I'm doing 2 miles in about 20-25 minutes, and today's walk was a breeze without the pain I had before. To some it might sound like an extreme walk but it's taken two months to safely build up to that distance and pace. Eventually I will be back to inline skating 20 miles at a time like I did back in highschool.
Thanks to everyone for the support and anyone else that needs help, I'll be here too.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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I don't know if any of you have heard of Dr. Mercola. His website is among the top 10 for all health related sites. He has thousands of pages on just about every health topic you can imagine -- all from a holistic point of view.
I am on his vegetable juicing plan. Also using Natual Coconut oil that he recommends. I don't need to lose any weight, but I turn 55 this year and I'm getting more concerned with staying healthy.
Thanks for a good, informative post!
-------------------- Stephen Bolin Signs By Tomorrow Holland, MI Posts: 78 | From: Holland, MI | Registered: Aug 2001
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Herbal teas, swedish massage and regular massage and millers bran are great ways to kick butt! you know your stomachs need to be massaged and do that deep breathing, as it helps detox and without tearing muscles too! Try isometrics while you are driving or sitting, whenever! Suck it in and use those arm and hand muscle resistance exercises! I do! everything helps and feeling good is everything! You may feel immediate results, and we all like immediate results don't we? I am very impatient and love to feel what I did right away, kind of stepping back after a great sign job and ooooing and ahhhing! it will detox also and enjoyable! Yoga, or just stretching does relax and break down toxins, just take baby steps if you have to! and don't walk past the pastry or bakery aisles! just avoid them! Find yummy spices to put in your foods and just go for it! As long as food has flavor, it can be lowfat, nonfat, just as long as it tastes good, right? I keep my water in a purple hard plastic water bottle that I can put in the microwave or cold fridge, but it is so colorful, it's fun to drink, and I keep a few limes around all the time! And Harris, I ran around in the snow today and burned a few calories and got a lot of fresh air in my lungs, as it was nicer than being inside!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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I'm having to start an excercise program without choice. Seems our water at the barn froze and the non freezer mechanism isn't able to keep up with the trough of water, froze right over the thing. So I'm carrying buckets of water, buckets and buckets and buckets daily for the horse, through the blowing ice and snow.
I think this is about when snow isn't that fun anymore.
posted
I am changing the way I eat as well. Splenda, no sugar. Diet sodas if any, brown tea & green tea, no coffee (well once in a while), mostly complex carbs & more salads, veggies. I am down under 200 lbs., lost 15-20 lbs. that I gained over the summer due to my back being out and the medication (Bextra). That stuff puts on the weight bigtime.
-------------------- Rob Thomas 3410 Ketcham Ct Beautiful Springs FL 34134 Posts: 965 | From: Bonita Springs, Florida USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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OP, with a backproblem, have you tried Glucoseamine tablets? They're a derivative of shark cartilage (or some are). I've had a bad back for a year & a half after feeeling I was invincible and carried 45kg water & chemicals in a backpack down asteep rocky hill& I slipped. I have disc & vertebrae degeneration at the sacrum, just above the pelvis now. It's been agony since it happened, but after a week on the glucoseamine pills, it's done wonders.
I have another odd problem- cholesterol-way too high with the (bad) choloesterol & triglycerides , and way too low with the (good) HDL cholesterol, so that the ratio of one to the other is ridiculous. The funny thing is everything else is normal, I don't eat fatty food, and do eat what you're supposed to eat.
Vitamin E is supposed to help. All the posts above about drinking more water are spot on, plus exercise. The hardest thing is breaking old habits!
Good on you, Mike. Best wishes
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Er...I think you'll find thar the sacrum hangs well below the pelvis, Ian.
(Or is that just in the Northern Hemisphere?)
[ January 05, 2004, 01:29 PM: Message edited by: Jon Aston ]
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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ive tried that, mine is not a bone degeneration problem. its L5 disc is blowed out forward and is pushing on the siatic? nerve. pain is terible and it limits my time standing and walking. only time it dont hurt is when i sleep. ive been a vegitarian for 14-15 yrs and went to chiroparacter? and he took x-ray of my back....and when he came in to look at xray, he said "hummm how old are you?" told him 58. he then said he was amazed at the density of my bones. and he dont see em that good on late 30's early 40's patients. told me to keep doin what i was doin to keep them that way. as for cholestrol, the vegitaian lifestlye took care of mine. my bad was 305, 90 days after becoming a vegitarian(i do milk cheese and eggs)but cut these out for that 90 days. had it checked by the same guy that took it when it 305 and he looked at it, now 160, said he couldnt belive that big of change in 90 days. as for SPLENDA its not a natural product as STEVIA is, go here for a look at how its made. http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm and this what found on stevia: http://www.healthy.net/hwlibrarybooks/stevia/questions.asp
[ January 05, 2004, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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A support group would be fantastic. I have yo-yoed around with my weight since I was 40 and started putting it on. About 5 years ago I took it off (mainly through excercise). I shed pounds pretty quickly and never had a weight problem until my 40's.
I developed that nasty back problem "sciatica" by being stupid and trying to show a college intern how to use a sledge hammer to bust up a pallet. All my exercising was put on hold. That put the weight gain into high gear at the rate of about 5lbs. per year. When my back improved, I started running and took the weight off. I was running 15 miles a week and walking 5. We had 2 snowy winters in a row and because I was running at night and some people don't shovel their walks, so I wound up running on the streets. I almost got hit by a car, and decided to play basketball at the rec. center during the winter months. So then I blew out my knee and put the excercise on hold and my weight went right back on. I'm not sure if changing my eating habits will take the weight off, but I'm going to give it a try. Excercise is the key though. That's what works best for me. No pain, no gain.
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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well not being able to eat a dozen DUNKIN DOUNUTS, pound of swiss cheese with ritz crackers, the $3.29 bag of DORITOES, OR FRITOS, OR CHEETOS.....at one sitting, or a pound of macaroni salad, potato salad....THIS IS ALSO PAINFUL!!!!! hehehehehehehehehehehehehe
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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OK, today is Day 7, and now with 6 full days under my belt I am down 6 pounds, from 304.5 to 298.5!!
OP, today at lunch I am entering the world of tofu. Lunch today is eggplant with a tomato sauce (home made, lite), fat free mozzarella and a half cup of tofu - we'll see how this goes down...
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Ian HDL can easily be raised by using products with Omega 3 fats such as flax oil and deep sea fish oil. Or by eating Dep sea cold water fish such as wild pacific salmon albacore tuna or sardines.
LDL can be lowered by avoiding transfats and simple suger foods. Store bought donuts, cookies, cakes, chips. Snack foods are loaded with transfats. And by adding fiber to your diet.
You can by these HDL improving products at any place that sells supplements. Be sure to get flax oil out of a fridge. Room temp makes it go rancid in about a week.
I personally know about this because I changed my ratios in just a few weeks. Now I am at 160 total with HDL at about 55. Many thanks to Gavin for his info on supplements.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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Deb ya dont need eggs, just find a replacement for the protein.
Jenny-O turkey sausage links and patties are AWESOME - I think even better than regular sausage because they arent as greasy and have GREAT flavor.
Great tasting healthy foods like these make this thing easy!
My fave salad dressing is my own homemade recipe - it's simply lemon flavored extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar - I havent tried any seasonings in it yet but I personally think it has enough flavor as-is. I use an oil pump mister (made for the kitchen!) to spray the dressing on as opposed to pouring it - you cover more food and use less oil than pouring it.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Never thought about spraying the salad. Hum, is that 50/50 oil and vinegar? Spices may not spray well Bet it would taste good on tuna too. Guess I need to go to the store tonight! Do you think any spray/mist bottle would work if I cannot find the kitchen one?
-------------------- Debbie Posts: 674 | From: USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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TOFU:can be some nasty crap....IF NOT PREPARED AND COOKED PROPERLY! this said, should make it easier to understand useing it. that big white block in the stores are NOT what you want for your 1st experiances with tofu. i shop at ALBERTSONS and they stock or can get if they dont have it MARJHON TOFU CRUMBLES, this is THE BEST way to experiance tofu. its an 8 oz pkg. looks like cooked ground beef. works best in pasta, chile, or sloppy joe's. or you try it in hamburger helper....but those are sodium, sugar, filled. i dont have a box here to look at but its really low fat. MORNING STAR FARM, BOCA, are THE best prepackaged MEAT SUBSTITUTE....and is not all tofu. most are vegetables, or vegetable protein. the sausage links & patties are great. boca bugers come in a varity of flavors, and their italian sausage is close to the real stuff(without all the grease). the big white blocks....are for those who have developed the taste(if you like egg whites, you wont have a problem eating this)also have learned how to prepare and cook it. these blocks come in SOFT, FIRM, EXTRA FIRM. soft is good if your making a tofu chocolet pie....it will come out of the blender very thick and has the palatablity of a pudding. the XTRA FIRM is used in most restaurants and is wok fried or deep fried. doing this gives it a browned crisp exterior and firm but tasty inside. the best thing to remember with this type tofu is you need to FLAVOR IT....IT HAS NONE!!! we marinate it 30-40 min. in a big plastic baggie with a varity of flavors. soy sauce works good, worchester, throw in some cajun spices,italian, mexican....what ever your looking to get...and the tofu will take those flavors that its marinanted in. most people have never ate tofu cooked properly so i know why most dont like it. chinese, thai, restaurants will usually have a fried tofu appitizer and you can dip the tofu in a peanut, or house, or hot sauce..you tell them which you want, and its really good..specially the peanut sauce!!! cooking tofu on your stove is possable if you take the FIRM wrap it in a towel and press it to remove the water, this is important, if you dont do this, it will cook like runny egg whites. hennie does this cut in strips, marinated in a sauce she came up with, and then after she skillet fries them(browned)she puts them in the oven after she covers them with ground pecans, and bakes for 30-40 min. as close as i can say, they come out tasting like fish strips, add a touch of lemon juice and IT IS FISH!! hahahaha. we have been eating this for 14 years, and its only been the last half of that that we leaned how to prepare it.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Deb, actually I dont know the ratio of oil to vinegar cause I pump the oil, then add vinegar to taste.
Well I had the tofu at lunch, I could take it or leave it which I guess means I don't dislike it, but I did have the block stuff and it felt a little weird going down. It tasted fine though, cause it was cooked in the sauce I had made. My dog loves it, so if nothing else I can use it to feed her medications. maybe I will try the crumbles some day, but for now I'm going to stick to meat protein.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
) But you get my point. Once again, I know everyone's metabolism is different though.
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
hangs well below the pelvis, Ian. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
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