Diet successes

[cowgirl836]

never focused on exercise much because growing up on a farm, it's not a big concern. Gained a little weight in college but walked enough on campus I didn't worry about it. Got an office job out of college and that's when the fun started. Work did a yearly health checkup and my first year - only a few months out of college - cholesterol and stuff was fairly normal.

Over the next two years, my weight only went up by 4lbs, but my blood test numbers had become borderline for my age. At least in college I was walking a fair amount. With my office job, I sat all day and then usually went home and sat some more. But those numbers scared me. Never wanted to be one of those "workout" people and was never a fan of diets. Somehow found myself with a gym membership and started tracking in MFP. That was a wakeup call - could no longer convince myself whatever I was eating didn't have that many calories in it. Small changes turned into bigger ones and over the next couple years my numbers moved back to the excellent category, and I felt much stronger and healthier. Really only lost about 10-15lbs but put on a good bit of muscle. Clothes fit better and I felt better in them.

So I guess things that worked for me were:

• tracking in MFP
• starting small with food and exercise changes
• not buying or rarely buying foods I knew I would struggle to eat in moderation - like Tre said, sometimes it's easier to change buying habits than consumption habits
• treating exercise like an obligation - I even put it into my work calendar the couple days I need to leave on time so that I don't get caught in end of day meetings.
• changing my lifestyle for me. Not to lose x lbs by my wedding, or someone else's wedding, or summer, or for my spouse. For me. Because I wanted to change how I looked and felt. Not for anyone or anything else.

 

[dmclone]

The only time I could ever eat what I wanted was when I was training for a marathon. I completed the marathon, stopped running, kept eating the same, got fatter.

I know what I need to do to lose weight but it is hard to stick to it for the long run. It makes it a lot easier when the wife is also trying to lose weight.

 

[BikeSkiClone]

not a big fan of MFP's calorie limits. It had me at 1200 which is not idea. I'm more a fan of the TDEE method. You find that, adjust the MFP calories to match, and go from there. And don't eat back the exercise calories with that method.

Agreed. And another reason why I track my exercise on my own and not in MFP. Just for fun I put in that I ran this morning and it said "____ calories burned"....went back to the log screen and those "____ calories" had been added back into my "daily calories remaining" amount, defeating the entire premise of "more out, less in". If I was trying to maintain, sure. But likely where many people get stuck if they only follow the numbers the program spits out.

 

[chuckd4735]

Agreed. And another reason why I track my exercise on my own and not in MFP. Just for fun I put in that I ran this morning and it said "____ calories burned"....went back to the log screen and those "____ calories" had been added back into my "daily calories remaining" amount, defeating the entire premise of "more out, less in". If I was trying to maintain, sure. But likely where many people get stuck if they only follow the numbers the program spits out.

See, I like it because I dont stick to a strict diet, so if I plan on going out to eat that night and know Ill go well over my calorie goal, that I can work towards at least zeroing out my calorie intake. Regardless, sticking to 1500 calories as much as possible has never been an issue for me when it shows you have exercise calories left to eat. Plus, its pretty cool when you bank a bunch of exercise calories when you finish your daily log, and it tells you you will be down 15-20 lbs in 5 weeks if every day was like today.

Honestly, my biggest beef with MFP is that it wont show calories burned with weight lifting. Im assuming the pro version does, but I hate paying for things.

 

[CloniesForLife]

never focused on exercise much because growing up on a farm, it's not a big concern. Gained a little weight in college but walked enough on campus I didn't worry about it. Got an office job out of college and that's when the fun started. Work did a yearly health checkup and my first year - only a few months out of college - cholesterol and stuff was fairly normal.

Over the next two years, my weight only went up by 4lbs, but my blood test numbers had become borderline for my age. At least in college I was walking a fair amount. With my office job, I sat all day and then usually went home and sat some more. But those numbers scared me. Never wanted to be one of those "workout" people and was never a fan of diets. Somehow found myself with a gym membership and started tracking in MFP. That was a wakeup call - could no longer convince myself whatever I was eating didn't have that many calories in it. Small changes turned into bigger ones and over the next couple years my numbers moved back to the excellent category, and I felt much stronger and healthier. Really only lost about 10-15lbs but put on a good bit of muscle. Clothes fit better and I felt better in them.

So I guess things that worked for me were:

• tracking in MFP
• starting small with food and exercise changes
• not buying or rarely buying foods I knew I would struggle to eat in moderation - like Tre said, sometimes it's easier to change buying habits than consumption habits
• treating exercise like an obligation - I even put it into my work calendar the couple days I need to leave on time so that I don't get caught in end of day meetings.
• changing my lifestyle for me. Not to lose x lbs by my wedding, or someone else's wedding, or summer, or for my spouse. For me. Because I wanted to change how I looked and felt. Not for anyone or anything else.

So much winning in this post. This is truly the best way to go about it. I would add find workouts and types of exercise that you ENJOY. Not everyone is going to enjoy the same things. I HATE running just to run around for no purpose but some people love it. I really like biking though so that's what I do for my cardio.

 

[cowgirl836]

So much winning in this post. This is truly the best way to go about it. I would add find workouts and types of exercise that you ENJOY. Not everyone is going to enjoy the same things. I HATE running just to run around for no purpose but some people love it. I really like biking though so that's what I do for my cardio.

finding something you like (or can at least tolerate) is huge. Probably should add that to my list. I started by just doing 30 mins on an elliptical/10 min running on a treadmill. I've since learned that I'll do just about anything else rather than be on a stationary machine. Workout classes, rec sports, outdoor running, Pinterest workouts - all more likely to keep me engaged. And change it up! Try something new once in a while.

 

[CloniesForLife]

finding something you like (or can at least tolerate) is huge. Probably should add that to my list. I started by just doing 30 mins on an elliptical/10 min running on a treadmill. I've since learned that I'll do just about anything else rather than be on a stationary machine. Workout classes, rec sports, outdoor running, Pinterest workouts - all more likely to keep me engaged. And change it up! Try something new once in a while.

Yeah I can't stand ellipticals, treadmills, etc. but some people love them. To each there own. Going in trying to copy someone's workout just because they look good will more often than not end in failure. Even when it comes to lifting weights. There are tons of different programs and ways to go about it. Do what YOU enjoy. Not something that some big jacked bro does just because he says

 

[jbindm]

I'm on Day Five of the Yoli system. It's ok, I guess. My wife really wanted to try it and didn't want to do it alone, so I'm along for the ride. I miss coffee in a bad way, but no other real cravings. I'm 6'6 and started at 216. I'm good where I am but I wouldn't mind being a little closer to 200-205.

I don't think the thirty day plan is anything close to sustainable, but there are some good lessons to be taken from it. I've discovered that when we get off track it's usually due to portion control (and booze. We're going to have to cut back on booze a little after this is over). Spending $20 on a food scale is going to be a good long term investment for us. My workouts have suffered some but I'm hoping my body responds better after the first week.

Smaller portions, fewer carbs, eliminate added sugars and processed stuff...I suppose none of that is any big secret but I have to admit it does help to be on a regimented plan to actually get the ball rolling on those habits.

 

[mj4cy]

I've noticed I'm really embracing the "dad bod" look even though I can hide it with my clothes pretty well. Some things I'm going to try (I admit I'm terrible at sticking to something).

-Less booze (at least less before bedtime)
-Less snacking after dinner
-Smaller portions
-Cut down soda from almost 1 a day to 3-4 a week (maybe even more)
-Walk/jog 2-3 times a week (I've done nothing all winter).

Not crazy lofty goals, but I think they're attainable.

 

[jbindm]

I've noticed I'm really embracing the "dad bod" look even though I can hide it with my clothes pretty well. Some things I'm going to try (I admit I'm terrible at sticking to something).

-Less booze (at least less before bedtime)
-Less snacking after dinner
-Smaller portions
-Cut down soda from almost 1 a day to 3-4 a week (maybe even more)
-Walk/jog 2-3 times a week (I've done nothing all winter).

Not crazy lofty goals, but I think they're attainable.

Just out of curiosity, are you a new parent?

 

[intrepid27]

Counting Carbs worked for me two years ago went from 235 to 210 in 6 months. Still watched carbs after that and haves stayed under 220 ever since. Rarely eat anything with flour or sugar in it. My cholesterol (borderline high) stayed the same. I also have chronic heartburn which is now MUCH easier to control. Eat lots of eggs, meat, nuts and unprocessed fruits and vegetables.

 

[mj4cy]

Just out of curiosity, are you a new parent?

Nope. I have a 6, 4 and 8 month old.

 

[jbindm]

Nope. I have a 6, 4 and 8 month old.

That's tough. I mean, kids are great and all but they're hell on your health. I keep thinking that as my kids get older I'll be able to get back into my old (and better) eating and workout habits but I don't know.

 

[harimad]

Nope. I have a 6, 4 and 8 month old.

If they're 6, 4, and 8 months old, I'm guessing you're a polygamist? Either that, or maybe some time-travel paradoxes (paradoxii?) to get around the nine month gestation period of homo sapiens?

Obvious jimlad.

 

[lars4isu]

Ok. I am in my 50's so staying in shape is getting harder. I tried this low carb method called the Cruise Control Diet and it works great. I have lost 25 pounds in 6 weeks or so and still going. I have not been this weight since college. I don't want to call it a diet because I eat as much as I want. I eat all the meat, eggs, cheese, veggies and some fruit. Just stay away from processed food, juices, breads- anything high in carbs. I don't drink pop so that is not a problem. I love bread and beer so I have some of that but I don't get crazy with it. Busch Light only has 3.5 carbs a can by the way! One slice of bread is 14 grams to put it in perspective. You can have one cheater day a week to which I have something like pizza or other carb loaded crap. I don't crave the cookies and candy bars like I used to. Every morning I look at the scale and I am loosing weight if I work out or not. It is crazy easy!

 

[Bewilderme]

We're expecting our first child this month, so I'm committing myself to change for the long run. Reading this thread is helpful! I'm a tall guy who hides it well, but crept up to 270 over the last 10 years and that was too much. Here's my plan:

-No ordering in. Cook. Meal plan. I'm the cook in the house, and like to think I know what I'm doing, so I rely only on myself for that.
-Fruits and veggies for breakfast and lunch, cook whatever I want for dinner, within reason.
-No beer at home. Happy hour is fine.
-Exercise (bike + minor weights/sit ups) 6 out of 7 days. Even if it's only 15 minutes sometimes. Build the habit.
-Drink water.

I'm not a big structure guy, so hoping this simple plan will work for me. Goal is to get back to 220-230 within a year or so.

 

[jbindm]

We're expecting our first child this month, so I'm committing myself to change for the long run. Reading this thread is helpful! I'm a tall guy who hides it well, but crept up to 270 over the last 10 years and that was too much. Here's my plan:

-No ordering in. Cook. Meal plan. I'm the cook in the house, and like to think I know what I'm doing, so I rely only on myself for that.
-Fruits and veggies for breakfast and lunch, cook whatever I want for dinner, within reason.
-No beer at home. Happy hour is fine.
-Exercise (bike + minor weights/sit ups) 6 out of 7 days. Even if it's only 15 minutes sometimes. Build the habit.
-Drink water.

I'm not a big structure guy, so hoping this simple plan will work for me. Goal is to get back to 220-230 within a year or so.

I hope you guys get a good sleeper. That's what got me with my two kids. The lack of sleep and fatigue breeds so many bad habits and poor eating decisions. Something to watch out for. Good luck!

 

[mj4cy]

If they're 6, 4, and 8 months old, I'm guessing you're a polygamist? Either that, or maybe some time-travel paradoxes (paradoxii?) to get around the nine month gestation period of homo sapiens?

Obvious jimlad.

 

[mj4cy]

We're expecting our first child this month, so I'm committing myself to change for the long run. Reading this thread is helpful! I'm a tall guy who hides it well, but crept up to 270 over the last 10 years and that was too much. Here's my plan:

-No ordering in. Cook. Meal plan. I'm the cook in the house, and like to think I know what I'm doing, so I rely only on myself for that.
-Fruits and veggies for breakfast and lunch, cook whatever I want for dinner, within reason.
-No beer at home. Happy hour is fine.
-Exercise (bike + minor weights/sit ups) 6 out of 7 days. Even if it's only 15 minutes sometimes. Build the habit.
-Drink water.

I'm not a big structure guy, so hoping this simple plan will work for me. Goal is to get back to 220-230 within a year or so.

I think this is so simple yet huge. Water can help metabolism and help make you feel more full. I am awful at this so am going to add it to my list.

 

[carvers4math]

I’m trying to convince my adult kids to quit picking up carry out and eating out so much. The sodium and sugar in that is crazy.

Husband’s blood pressure was creeping up and convinced him to quit eating lunch out so much and sending a lunch with him. Numbers went down in just a few months and when he turns 60 this summer he will be one of the few people I know that age not taking blood pressure meds.