What diets have worked for you?(long)

[2BoxersnOhio]

I usually try to alternate so I can let my body repair...if I work the arms today, then I try to do another area tomorrow. As far as pills go, it's probably not an option for me, as I've had high blood

This is definitely something you want to do. You don't want to work the same things 2 days in a row as far as weight training goes. When I was going to gym with a friend (will be starting back up next week), Mon, Wed, and Fri were our weight training and light cardio days. We would do 20mins on the treadmill, changing speed and inclines every 5 or so mins. Then we would get our weight lifting in. Then the bikes for 10mins. Then we would take a dip in the pool and hottub to relax our muscles (we noticed we felt like crap if we didn't at least hit the hottub after a workout). And if we had time, we'd sneak in a quick tanning session. On Tues and Thurs were straight cardio days.. 30mins on the treadmill, 10-15 on the ellipitcal, and then 10-15 on the bike. Then the pool, etc. I've been told you definitely do not want to do weight training back to back days, you end up hurting your muscles in the long run. Give them a day to recoup. I noticed a definite difference.. I actually had a toned ab area (after having kids, it's almost impossible to get the lower belly toned).

 

[kelseighgirl]

Boxerhelper...Thanks for the FYI about the meds. I will ask my doctor tomarrow.

I think one of my big issues is that I dont like vegetables (except lettuce, cucumbers and celery). I also dont eat fish. I really like chicken so I try to eat alot of that. I am a nibbler and thats what gets me....I think I nibble out of bordom. Sweets are a downfall too...mainly during "that time" of month,than I also get a sour kick after that.
Its probably just in my head but these 20lb I have gained really bother me. I am going to get a bike for xmas so maybe that will help some being able to come home from work at night after everyone is off the road and doing a couple laps around the neighborhood.

 

[littleone]

Jessica,

My pleasure, it sounds like you're doing well - alternating body part workups is the way to go. Also, beware of "mirror body" - only working the parts you see when you look straight on into a mirror. You want to consider the "whole" - front, back, sides. The more toned you are all over, the better you look all over and the better your clothes will look, feel and hang. Losing weight is never easy, but, think of it this way; it took time to put the weight on, so it will take time to take it off. Another tip to minimize the soreness post workout, take 2 Advil (or Tylenol if Advil irritates your stomach), it makes a big difference. Also, on those days that you want to get to the gym, but just can't make it 'cause of work, etc. do a mini "workout" at home. I invested in 5 lbs wgts that can be strapped either around your wrists or ankles, they look like cuffs with velcro straps. We have a 2 story home, I strap my little weights on and then do some housework, laundry, whatever. Believe it or not, after making a few trips up & down the stairs, I'll have to switch the weights from ankles to wrists or visa versa to give one part a rest. It must be working, I've in better shape now than I was in high school!

Penny

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

I really hope you do well with your weight loss, just wanted to add my encouragement. It is positive to see someone taking action about their health . And don't be afraid of that elliptical... I used to be terrified of gym equipment in general and that is the only thing I ever use now! It is super easy and very easy on your joints. (I have knee problems and couldn't dream of using other machines that are higher impact). Just like the treadmill, you can go as fast or as slow as need be. Best of luck :D and keep us all posted on your progress!

PS. If you are feeling like you are getting shin-splints on the treadmill, try making sure that you are walking heel down first and then toe.. reduces the impact on your shins .

 

[abradbury.5]

I think the two main things to do are try to eat healthy (much easier said than done) and to exercise (again, easier said than done). By eating healthy.... I also mean eat in moderation. I don't think it is wise to deny yourself something you REALLY want because then you just end up going nuts! So if you want chocolate, have a Hershey Kiss. Satisfy the craving, but don't eat a box of chocolates! Also, of course, be sensible and try to avoid high calorie, high fat food. I don't think you would want to know what is in Chicken McNuggets!

Exercising is key.... to staying in shape (losing weight/maintaining weight loss), but also to just feeling better in general. Weight train every other day + cardio, and then cardio on two days. If you can get to the gym (or work out wherever) 5 times a week, you're doing great. I feel so much better when I am physically active!

I was eating pretty well (for me, because like Robin, I hate vegetables) and working out 5-6 days a week, and then I started traveling for work. It's very hard on the body to be gone all the time. I traveled every Sunday-Friday for a year, which then dropped to every other week M-F, and is now every week M-Th. So my big challenge is eating well on the road and excercising when I am tired from traveling. I made the decision yesterday to make a very conscious effort about it from today forward.

Good luck to everyone that is trying to lose weight/maintain weight loss. We should start our support group right here

 

[kelseighgirl]

Well I went to the doctor today and asked her about the medication listed above and she said "no way"..(cant blame a girl for trying I guess).
So I am writing down everything I eat from am-pm and see if I can do it that way and I am going to try portion control.
I would be happy to lose 10-20lbs so I will see what happens. I am gonna have to be real good with the nibbling thing. I think the first week will be the worst.

I am also going to look into a water aerobics class so we will see what happens.

 

[lillys7]

Pills and slim fast are short term solutions...I've been there... I've lost 0 lbs and kept it off for 3-4 years. I did start on slim fast it gave me more immediate results, but soon realized I couldn't live like that. I then tried WW and I lost the rest not only over time but kept it off. I was not deprived of any food which I think is important one because you don't have to miss anything just eat in moderation... but two you are not lacking anything in your daily intake...like carbs. I don't "count" points anymore but think about what I put in my mouth and walk or exercise when I find the time. It is a lifestyle change but worth it in the end...I just tell myself if I really want something bad enough I have a chose...eat a small piece or wait until tomorrow...it'll always be there and by the time tomorrow comes the craving is gone.

 

[ssleighter]

I have a great one, it's called the "Boxer Rescue Diet". 37 lbs gone this year and more coming off weekly it seems.

LOL! While the above is true, it's not a diet I truly recommend. Stress and not eating are a bit hard on people.

I am a diehard Weight Watchers fan. I went to WW in 1991 when I weighed 205 (thank goodness I'm 5'10"), I lost 55 lbs and managed to keep it off until about 2001. I'd recommend it to anyone. WW's is slow in regards to some other fad diets, but the weight stays off in a high majority of cases. I think the reason being is because they TEACH you to eat differently. Not to mention that weekly pressure weigh in. :D

Due to Boxer Rescue, I am now back at my WW goal weight, and plan to rejoin in an effort to make sure it stays off this time.

 

[Anna Begins]

Did kind of what you did

I'd eat fruit, veggies, raw nuts (no salt, etc), low fat crackers, maybe some hummus/ pita bread in the late afternoon (went to work at 10a), then have whatever I wanted for dinner... I didn't eat any fast food tho. If I wanted a hamburger, I made it. For me, portions were the key. I walked a mile a day and was up to 30 crunches... even started walking with light weights. I tried to stay at 1000 calories a day and a low fat diet. I lost 50lbs in about 6/7 months... but most of all, the exersize made me feel awsome. That's how it began. I felt like I was 80, so I started stretching. Then I started a short walk in the morning. It got longer and became a meditation thing- I insisted I wasn't trying to lose weight. Then I figured, hey- I'm already walking, maybe I should walk a little faster and try to benifit my health more. I switch birth control too, I'm positive that helped.
I stopped walking about 6 months agao or so, just don't seem to have time- and even less w/ the puppy now...

 

[2boxerdogs]

I'm dieting too...

since Mid April I have been dieting (more like changing my eating habits) and to this point in time have lost almost 50 lbs. At my heaviest I weighed 185 and was on meds for high blood pressure and asthma. Every morning for breakfast I have a bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with a little Splenda with a big glass of 1% milk. Lunch consists of fruits, veggies, sugar free jello, soft boiled egg, slice of turkey, lettuce salad, another big glass of milk--I don't eat all of these at lunch, just a combination of them. For supper I usually eat what I can of the family meal--usually meat of some sort and veggies, fruit and lettuce salad, plus another big glass of milk. For my diet I cut out all sugar, potatoes, most bread (I will eat some type of very good whole wheat), soda-pop (even the diet kind), crackers (sometimes I will eat a few wheat-thins), cookies, cakes, pie, chips--generally speaking the "bad stuff". I also ride my exercise bike 10 miles in the morning and another 10 miles in the evening, so I ride 20 miles a day on that, which takes approximately between 25 to 30 minutes to ride 10 miles. I also drink lots of water, sometimes flavored water (Fruit 2 O) with Splenda. I think one of the most important things I have realized is this has to be a "life style change" at least for me, so I will always have to watch what I eat and try to gets lots of exercise. Paula