The Not-So-Fat Cats, MKF! (Weight Loss)

[kisstheviolets]

So there's a fitness thread, and somewhere I remember seeing a nutrition thread, but I thought I'd start one as a general weight loss discussion/support thread. I couldn't find such a thread, but if one exists, then by all means Mods, please repost there. Thanks!

I've entered into a weight loss challenge with my brother, his wife, her sister and the sister's husband. We've each kicked in $200 and the winner takes the full $1000. The challenge starts today and runs through September 19. The winner will be whomever loses the largest percentage of body weight. That's the same scheme as the Biggest Loser and I tried to argue that it puts females at a disadvantage but since a woman won this year's show (in the U.S.), my point was kind of weak anyway.

At any rate, we're all doing something different. My brother is doing the 6-Week Body Makeover (which he's done before and given up on after a month because the food is so bland and limiting) and my sister-in-law is doing South Beach (which she's never done before, but had done Atkins successfully years ago). Neither one of them is very active but they're talking about joining a gym. I don't know what the other couple is doing. My chances of winning this thing are really good if I stick to it, because they're all likely to be thrown off if their spouse gives up. Here's one time there is an advantage to being single! (though, the girl I am seeing...a stick thin rail of a girl... says she has been known to be a diet killer for others...grr!)

As for me, I'm doing Weight Watchers (not officially though, just following the program but not going to meetings). I'm terrible with counting calories and the points system works a little better for me. When I've done it before I'd learned to cheat and waste points on unhealthy options for flavor or comfort sake, but I'm going to try to do less of that this time. The one problem I see having is that at my weight I have to start out at a damn lot of points - 30 - and really just get tired of eating that much (despite my weight, I'm not a really big eater - just sedentary and eat really bad foods).

I'm also going to be working out daily on my lunch hour in the workout room in my work building. It's free and super convenient. The machine options are limited but I'll probably just use the time to do the treadmill or elliptical. We have a weight bench and leg machine at home so I can do my strength training there, I suppose.

Anyway, in the interest of full-disclosure and as a motivational tool, I'm going to throw out my quick stats. I'd encourage you to do the same so we can see everyone's progress and support each other when the numbers aren't looking so rosy.

Age/Sex: 30/Female
Height: 67 inches
Current weight: 264
BMI: 41.3


I want to set up a spreadsheet for my challenge group to track our weight, BMI, and measurements but I suck at Excel (I can plug in info but can't do formulas) - if anyone could help, I'd really appreciate it. Please PM me if you're a genius and wouldn't mind sharing your talents! Perhaps it'd be a file we could share with everyone on the board.

Well, that's it for now. Looking forward to hearing what you guys have going on!

[Foomatic]

Hey ktv, great idea for a thread!

My partner and I have been doing the weight loss thing for a month and a half now. We're both doing Jenny Craig and working out at least 4 times a week. It was hard at first, because of the portion sizes, but I've finally gotten used to it. We aren't strict with the diet, we do go out to eat on the weekends, but we justify it with a big work out the next day (sometimes ). So far, I've lost about 20 pounds, but have kinda hit a snag; my weight each week seems to fluctuate between 2-4 pounds. One minute I'm 154, the next I'm 160. WTF?

As for working out, we stick to a weight training/cardio circuit training regime, and it's great cause I'm finding muscles I never knew I had.

Age/Sex: 29/Female
Height: 5' 3"
Current Weight: 157
BMI: 27.8

My goal is to be 135 by mid July, when we go to Hawaii. At 150 I'm treating myself to a new hairdo.

[jay/wt4evr]

Hi
good thread!
When I started practising martial arts I lost almost 7 lbs but I don't think anyone would go train three times,five hours a week just for a challenge, I know I wouldn't
swimming is a really good exercise, it keeps you fit and toned, plus it's relaxing {1 h 500 calories} ..what else..working with horses assures a decreasing weight and an increasing appetite!!
of course durinng sex the one above loses 300 calories
uhm that's all I could think about now...
oh! if youre hungry don't eat a little salad cuz you could faint in the middle of ...somewhere {or something } eat meat if you're not vegetarian, cos it gives everything but fats
vegetables are difficult to digest eggs give proteins and having a giant breakfast with milk and cornflakes helps {I love cornflakes!!} if sometimes you're not up to eat anything for dinner that might be...volumey, eat a bowl of cereals and milk, they're tasty and light!
Oh, going out a lot helps too, just don't eat at fast foods too much

[urnofosiris]

Go for it KTV and all ye other largish kittens. I know of which you speak. The competition element can be a great motivator.
On september 26st of 2006 I weighed in at a respectable 100kg and me being a whopping 1.68m tall, that gave me a body index of 100/(1.68x1.68)=35.5

That day I started a weight loss competition with an administrative female co-worker. We did not bet anything though, it was a way to commiserate with each other and motivate one another. We used the first ´Sonja Bakker´ book, a Dutch dietary consultant who has hit the big times here when she wrote and published at her own cost a book with 9 weeks of ready made perfectly balanced menu´s for every day of the week and brief very down to earth motivational talks and tips. It was perfect for a lazy dude like me. I did not have to think about what to buy or what to eat on any given day.

It is not a diet at all actually, no magic tricks or pills, no essential food groups are avoided, more than enough veggies and fruits, and yes fat and carbs as well. All the calories combined however are obviously lower than what you would need per day. The beauty is you don´t have to count them yourself when you are shopping for food, she has done it for you, just follow the menu´s and you are set. Because of the in between meals small bites/snacks in the menu´s it does not feel like food is lacking at all. What made it hard for me was the no eating after dinner in the evening, except for a morsel of this or that.
I had not eaten that healthy in years, I never ate breakfast or lunch and vegetables were for rabbits, so it was the easy, greasy, heat it and eat it in front of the TV stuff for me until then. After that first book I just kept on going in that manner.

Anyway, now I weigh about 69kg, which means a BMI of 24.5
I am reasonably satisfied, especially compared to where I came from, but I want to lose about 10 more pounds (still have a bit of a belly you see), and just today I started her second book, because I have been slacking a bit in the vegetable department and it helps me stay disciplined. My niece is getting married in September and at this wedding it will be the first time I think I won´t be spending the day avoiding the lens.

Good luck and please do consider posting a before and after picture when you reach your goal.


edited to add thanks to google the conversion of meters and kg into your odd inches and pounds system:

me in 2006:

66.14 inches tall
220 lbs
BMI 35.5

me now:
152 lbs
BMI 24.5

me hopefully in 3 months:
134 lbs
BMI 21.3

[kisstheviolets]

thanks for joining the party foo, jay and dr g! and kudos to you guys for your weight loss to date, that's awesome!

i worked out for the first time at lunch (see the pump you up thread) and now i'm eating my carrot sticks, apple, and lean protein lunch and wishing i had a philly cheesesteak and cherry coke. grr. but i'm drinking plenty of water (had one of those 5 cal. Propel packets with B vitamins in my water bottle during the workout) and just trying to ignore the false hunger and cravings.

good luck everyone!

[JustSkipIt]

Hey there KTV,
What a cool challenge. Nice that y'all decided to end it on my birthday. What a way to honor me!

I'm doing Weight Watchers in a sort of 3/4 assed way. I'm on the online program and recording points when I do and not going to meetings. The big thing for me is realizing how many points things like potatoes and cheese use. I'm also vegetarian and honestly, sometimes I suspect it would be easier to lose weight if I ate chicken.

Anyway, I've been on WW about 3-4 weeks. When I started:

Age 40/Female
Height 5.4 1/2
Weight 165
Now Weight 160
Goal: 150 is my immediate goal with 145 as my ultimate.

[Tiggrscorpio]

I began Weight Watchers last year on Memorial Day. In the last 51 weeks, I have lost 72 lbs. I attended meetings for 13 weeks and have done the rest on my own. I'm using the point system. The most difficult thing for me to give up was regular soda. I used to drink 4 Cokes a day. Now, if I have 4 a week it is a lot. I like that I haven't had to give up all of my guilty pleasures, I just have to watch my portion sizes. We got the Weight Watcher's cookbook for Xmas, and have had a great time making some of the dinners and lower point desserts.

Age/Sex: 42/Female
Height: 5'8"
Start Weight: 247
Current Weight: 175
Goal Weight: 160

[Mestiza]

To everyone who has posted on this thread...

...congratulations. Whether you've lost 5 or 100lbs, you've begun a journey to live a longer and healthier life for yourself.

It's been very difficult to get started and stay motivated e v e r y single day, but it's worth it...I can run now.

For me it's been a simple matter of changing what I eat and how much I eat. But most importantly...exercise.

Whole grains
Plenty of fruits and veggies including dark greens
No soft drinks, real fruit juice, tea, coffee, and PLENTY of H2O
Lean meats
Fats and oils only sparingly

I prepare more home cooked meals, I portion my food, I set down my fork after every bite, I eat 5x a day (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner), all on a 2000 calorie a day plan.

It gets easier and easier as the days go on. I still have to count my calories and it's worth it.

I exercise at least 3x a week for an average of 1 to 2hrs. I do 1 hour of cardio (because its my stress reliever) and I do strength circuit training to tone those problem areas...I have biceps.

I had a minor set back a while back - didn't loose any weight - but, I didn't gain any weight either which tells me that not only can I loose pounds, I can keep it off even through hardship.

I believe in everyone on this board...keep up the amazing work.

Amor y paz.

Date started: 01-2006
Age/Sex: 35/Female
Height: 5'5"
Start Weight: 310
Current Weight: 243
Goal Weight: 160

[kisstheviolets]

my brother, sister-in-law and i said we were only going to do weekly weigh-ins, but tonight after some discussion of our diets (we've now done two full days of our respective plans), we all hopped on the scale.

i was floored.

they have both lost about 2lbs, while i have gained 1.5lbs. wtf? i've worked out twice, both really good, sweaty workouts, i'm drinking plenty of water, and sticking to my ww points (and making healthy point choices at that).

maybe i shouldn't be upset about it after just two days, but it doesn't look promising. who knew i'd start to get discouraged after two days??

does this seem normal?

[xita]

Do not get discouraged no matter what. Water weight can be such a contributor to weight. I have learned on my journey to not worry about up to 4 pounds. It's a normal water weight change that I go through during my cycle. I am always my lightest right before my period but I do go through different times during the month when I dump the water that I am retaining. You'll figure that out for yourself. I weighed every day and I still do.

I was the starter of the nutrition thread and I never gave you the final update.

I lost 102 pounds!! I have some before and after pics if anyone is interested.

I'll give you the stats.

Starting Date: 3/06
Height: 66 inches
Age: 36
Starting Weight: 256+
Current Weight: 153

Starting BMI: 41.3
Current BMI: 24.7

I am actually deciding right now if I need to lose more. I made my goal and I really like the way I look right now so I have been maintaining for 2 months. I've actually increased my calories. I am going to cut back and go back to what I was eating and see where I go. If I don't lose anymore I'll be happy to do it.

If you are interested in my diet, I did my own low-carb diet as dictated by my diagnosis of diabetes. I also have an update on my diabetes. I am no longer on any medicine for it. I am very happy. Anyway, I'll try to check in more and be a cheerleader or give any advice.

It's a rough ride, but I can tell you only discipline will get you there. As far as exercise is concerned, I've only walked and I still only walk. At first I walked on a treadmill as little as 3 days a week and for a period of time, nothing. I am now walking 3-6 days a week. I like my walks now and find that i miss them if I don't take them. Still, I feel that weight loss is 90% diet.

[Tues]

Hey KTV -

I'm no expert, but I'm into health and exercise. Anyone else with expertise or opinions please pipe in!

...while i have gained 1.5lbs. wtf?

There could be a few reasons for this including water weight gain, especially when you're near that 'time of the month' as the svelte Ms. Xita (yoo-hoo! congrats!) mentioned. Weight for women in general does fluctuate typically 1-5 lbs.

Most commonly, when you initially start a diet/workout routine AND your body is not used to it, your body is accustomed to being a certain size and your metabolism is kind of 'set' there (for now). So, your body is trying to maintain 'that size', thus not shedding weight or burning calories, because it has the impression that food (energy) is scarce (because of dieting or change in caloric intake). On top of that, you are now working out! Basically, your body is going into a kind of 'famine alert' to conserve and maintain your size. When this happens not only will you not lose weight, but you may add a few pounds.

Hopefully that made sense.

BUT, don't be discouraged! Your body WILL adjust and lose weight. By eating properly and working out you are re-setting your metabolism and it will start to work. It is crucial to be diligent in the first few weeks of a new diet/exercise regime, ya' know - no slacking or cheating, because your body's metabolism is being adjusted. (Some diets even require or suggest a 1-2 week detox to rid the body of all it's gunk before starting). After the first few weeks you will see changes!

The body is a fine mechanism, it just needs a bit of care and maintenance, like all good things.

Please note, if you continue to gain weight while on this new health regime please see a doctor. There may be an off chance that it could be some wacky hormonal or thyroid condition.

Alright, well good luck everyone! Stay healthy & hoorah for all those who've made such great strides.

Cheers,
Tues-

[urnofosiris]

Hey ktv, you´ve already gotten perfect explanations for that small weight gain, so hopefully you won´t let it discourage you. I´d like to add some general advice: use a fixed point of the day to weigh yourself. Myself I hop on the scale in the morning after I get out of bed and go to the bathroom and before I get dressed (yummie talk, but just get it all out of you before you weigh it, it is extra ballast that does and should not count) and before I eat breakfast. It is also advisable to use the exact same scale to weigh yourself on, at least if you want to really compare whether you´ve lost or gained a few pounds.
Probably not much news in there to anyone here, but it I found it an easy read and it has a few good tips as well:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/metabolism/WT00006

[Adsum]

Congratulations to those who have decided to fight the battle of the bulge and work towards being a healthy weight. It isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. My hat goes off to you (metaphorically, as I’m not wearing a hat at the moment). I will refrain from posting my statistics as it may break the board.

Jillian Michaels, one of the trainers on biggest loser is on talk radio on Sunday’s, covering nutrition, exercise, hormones and many topics. You can call in and ask questions too.
Download podcasts here:
http://www.kfi640.com/cc-common/podcast ... SUNDAY.xml

Jillian Michael’s site has tips to help you reach your goal, and you can also sign up for a free newsletter
http://www.jillianmichaels.com/

For those who have a lot of weight to work on you can get inspiration from watching these contestants’ journeys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U94Fq3-rGsM
and transformations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is0BscITAI4

Season 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/tblaus1
Season 3
http://www.youtube.com/user/tblaus3x

Word of warning, you may find yourself watching this instead of exercising!

Good luck everyone.

[JustSkipIt]

I just did my weekly weigh. I was still at 160 which I'm fine with given that I haven't been able to workout (let's just say I've got a situation that definitely precludes it for a few more days).

[kisstheviolets]

tues, dr. g, and xita: thanks so much for the info and encouragement. i'm sure my body is in quite a bit of shock. my co-worker thinks i'm not eating enough. i have been having a hard time getting to my full 30 points a day (been at about 24-25) and when we counted how many calories i was eating, instead of just the points, i was only eating about 1250-1350 calories. perhaps that's lending itself to my body thinking it's starving! so i'm going to try to up my calories a bit.

water weight really may have something to do with it, too, because i have never been much of a water drinker (my poor body is probably chronically dehydrated because i drink a lot of soda and alcohol - sometimes at the same time!) but i've been drinking a lot the last few days. my body is probably reacting like a camel lol.

and xita and mestiza: daaayym! big props on your respective losses. that's freakin' awesome and definitely inspiring for me.

justskipit: i meant to comment on your remark about the point suckage of cheese and potatoes - it's terrible, isn't it? i'm such a cheese and carb lovin' gal. when i've done weight watchers before i've used reduced-fat or fat-free cheeses on occasion (usually always of a shredded variety) just to give some dishes a little extra. good job on not gaining during your "special time" - i find that's when i'm always the most ravenous and likely to slip. yay!

all right, on to eat and sweat my way to sunday's weigh-in! keep up the good work, people and thanks again for your help!

p.s. I still haven't found a good Excel spreadsheet so if anybody's got one or can help create one I'd be massively appreciative.

[Tues]

KTV -

You're right, you are definitely not eating enough to lose weight! Your body is conservation mode, it thinks it's starving thus not shedding weight. It's seems counter-intuitive, but you have to eat to lose weight. By eating correctly (not just the right kinds of foods, but the right amount of foods) your body's metabolism will continue to burn all day.

Side-note: It's kind of the same thing that happens when you plateau (after losing a certain amount of weight, you can't seem to lose anymore & you're kind of stuck there). You've lost so much weight your body says 'no more', to get to the next level you have to kick up your metabolism again, because it's in 'conserve' mode.

Definitely don't lose hope.

Most nutritionist suggest eating 5 times a day, like Mestiza. 3 meals, 2-3 small snacks in between according to your point system. It's sometimes difficult to shift into that mode of thinking. Eating 5-6 times a day!? But doing this curbs you from gorging during a full meal and keeps your blood sugar level even which in turn maintains your metabolism. If your blood sugar level spikes, then your insulin spikes, that causes weight gain.

Here are a few more tricks to bumping your metabolism:
1. In general, drink water. Now, I know you're not much of a water drinker, but once you wean down your soda consumption like Tiggr you won't miss it as much. Metabolism needs water to work efficiently. Start each meal with a glass of cold water. It will kick up your metabolism right before you eat and your tummy will already be partially filled, so you won't feel as hungry.

2. Never skip a meal, especially breakfast. Studies have shown that if you skip breakfast your body has no fuel to burn right away therefore delaying/slowing your metabolism.

3. Change up and vary your exercise routine. Your body will get used to your workout routine and burn efficiently for whatever systematic workout you come up with. So you need to occasionally shock your metabolism by doing a different workout.

4. Take a multi-vitamin. When you diet and workout you lose nutrients and your body will try to compensate.

5. Develop muscle tone. Though it weighs more than fat, it uses up more energy. I know a lot of women have a fear of getting bulky, but try light weights and multiple reps you'll develop lean muscle.

Hope that helps.

Cheers!

-----

ETA: If you really want to win & you haven't done so already, you might consider lessening the alcohol consumption. Your body will use the break down of the alcohol as fuel to burn and regulate burning fat to the background = no weight loss.

[xita]

Even more interesting advice! And thanks for the congrats!

I also eat several times a day. Mind you, that I count carbs more than calories, but I'll give you averages.

I eat

breakfast - 275 calories - Less than 10 grams of carb.
snack - 150 calories - less than 10 grams of carb.
lunch - Not sure on the calories (400+), 20 grams of carb
snack - 150 calories - 5 grams of carb
dinner - No idea on calories I would guess at least 500 - Less than 20 grams of carb.
snack - 150 calories - 5 grams of carb

I will tell you that in terms of carb I don't count veggies, I don't eat carby veggies: corn, potato, winter squashes, peas. Any other vegetable I eat without counting. I always make sure that I have half a plate of vegetables. I think that keeps me full and it keeps me healthy.

One more tip: Water water water!

I have also read that not eating enough calories will stall your weight loss. It's especially true if you are at the beginning of your weight loss journey. You can consume more calories and still lose weight. I found that I had to decrease portions as I went along making little changes as I hit a stall.

I hope you had another successful day, that's for all our kitties trying to lose weight!

[kisstheviolets]

thanks tues! very sound advice.

i actually haven't had a soda since sunday and have been big on the water since then (no tea either). and i've also been taking a multi-vitamin (one-a-day weight smart). my brother just got a weight bench with all sorts of attachments (for leg and arm workouts, etc) so i'm going to start doing that with him in addition to the elliptical and treadmill at work.

i have increased my caloric intake and am eating my full 30 points, drinking lots of water, having healthy snacks so i'm eating 5 times a day, but i still have not lost any weight. my sister-in-law is doing atkins and has lost 8 lbs so far. i don't get it. she's also sick of meat and cheese, so i can't see her lasting four months on that.

but i really think i have a defective body. i've never been able to lose more than 20 lbs. ever. in twenty years of dieting! (yes, my mother took me to weight watchers when i was 10).

oh well, i've got four months for this challenge (and a lifetime beyond that) so i'm just going to keep at it and hope that things start clicking.

[JustSkipIt]

An unusual way to rev up your metabolism? Ok. Eating hot food. Seriously. You can also just sprinkle some red (cayene) pepper in a glass of warm water three times a day but I love hot food so that works for me.

[xita]

KTV, don't panic yet, just stick to the plan. I am curious about your typical day and what you eat. I am not an expert but the details help. Also about your sister in law, one of the things a low carb diet will do is dump the water weight quickly! It's a fact that going on a diet like atkins will quickly help you shed the water weight so that's the weight you'll see come off quickly on such a diet but then it slows down. So don't feel bad cause she's lost some weight. I am also a low-carber so I tend to think that this is the kind of diet that people who have a lot of weight to lose should be on. I think it's important to balance your sugar load throughout the day. Tell your sister in law that there are choices beyond cheese and meat.

I never lost weight till i was 34. I always just gained and gained... nothing worked for me. Sometimes things just come together and you are ready to make the commitment to make a life style change because to keep the weight off, you have to make a commitment for life.

And I know you miss a lot of the food you used to eat but it does get easier. I am kind of an extremist now lol, but I haven't touched a donut in 2 years, the only kind of pizza I have had is low carb pizza. I haven't touched a pie or a bag of potato chips in 2 years. The list goes on... I have a really hard time at parties because food choices aren't usually healthy and I am very particular about what I eat so I usually come prepared. The key is to be prepared when you are going to encounter foods that you are trying to avoid. After a while it becomes easier to avoid them and be around when people are enjoying junk food. I am a teacher and I have to be around kids and their parties where they gorge on ... crap. The key really is to stay on plan and when you go off plan, get right back on!

[kisstheviolets]

Week One Weigh-in

So, we had our first official weigh-in yesterday. Here are my results:

Start weight: 264.4 lbs
Current weight: 257.8 lbs
Total: -6.6 lbs

I'm stoked! Especially since I had actually gained 2 lbs during the week - making my actual loss 8.6 lbs. The diet itself is going well. I'm eating more healthy than I ever have but not doing anything so restrictive as to make it unsustainable.

I've also not had a soda (of any sort) in a week!

Thanks for all the support guys, I hope you're all kicking ass and hanging in there too!

[xita]

ktv, yay, that's awesome. Congrats! Keep it up!

[Tues]

KTV -

Whoo-hoo!!! I just wanna throw in my hearty congratulations as well.

Keep up the momentum.
Tues-