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[DJ Jazzy J]

This was a great read. Thanks Gaf.

My situation isn't really drastic, but I don't like the way I'm trending. I'm too close to 200 for comfort. I don't eat anything that's too terrible, and I'm generally active. My problem is I just really like eating. I do it even if I don't feel hungry.

And it's like my body has been tricked, I feel 'hungry' way too often. I mean I love all the ideas. Cut out carbs, eat meat, fruits, veggies, great. But I will be fucking starving by midday, and unable to function. How do you get over that hump? Feeling THAT hungry isn't really a sustainable way to live. Even if it was just for a few weeks to break the habit.

Sometimes I don't eat that much. Feel okay about myself. Lay down in bed, and suddenly I'm fucking famished. Like I'm so hungry that I can't sleep. So it's midnight snack time, and now I've eaten a ton, and my 'good' day of not eating too much is down the drain.

I'm a cold turkey type guy. I can't really take intermediate steps. Tomorrow I'm gonna chuck all my food that has bad carbs in it. I'll go to the store and buy fruits and vegetables. I'll feel fine. By 6oclock I'll be starving, and by bed time it will be impossible to sleep because I'm so hungry. What can I do about it? If I could get over that hump, I wouldn't have much trouble at all.

Thanks all!

I'm by no means an expert but I got into the habit of eating smaller portions more frequently. That helped me get used to not needing as much food to get full and I don't really get that hungry because I snack so frequently. My sister actually makes fun of me because I have to eat like, every 2-3 hours, lol. You just have to make sure that your snacks are healthy if you're eating that frequently. Initially I do think you'll have a problem with being hungry though because your body needs time to get used to eating less. Hope this is helpful!

Also, kudos to everyone trying to get healthy! It's a constant battle for me too so I know the struggle! Good luck!!

 

[Tevious]

I've gained and lost weight many times in my life. Maybe the most I ever lost being 80 pounds (36kg) in just a couple months. I always struggle to keep it off though. You really just need to get the willpower to control your eating habits. I work best at dieting when under pressure. For example, I had a medical checkup before a job, so I was dieting the month before and lost 15 pounds.

I recommend maybe using this thread, setting a goal for the next month, and post your results with a picture (you don't need to show your face, though) at the end of the month. It might help your willpower to stay away from tempting food knowing if you give in, you might fail your goal and then have to post about it here.

As for dieting itself, everybody is different, but for me, only extreme dieting is what works. If I workout, I just build more muscle and don't burn fat. Carbs are the worst. Maybe you should get off of anything with flour in it. Very small amounts wont hurt, but stick to eating meat, fruits, and vegetables. Don't go crazy with fruit or potatoes, though. My last diet, I had half a grapefruit for breakfast (which was hard for me because I never have an appetite in the morning), then I would eat an apple or some other fruit for lunch, and then I'd eat dinner, which was mostly protein. For example, I'd eat a rotisserie chicken (not a big one), or some kind of steak, or a pasta-less spaghetti with onions, mushrooms, and peppers. Find some time to get some exercise, though, even if it's just walking for 40 minutes, you'll burn more calories than you take in if you stick to something like what I did.

Your body can adjust to ignore your hunger after a while, so just struggle through it knowing it will eventually get better. Don't keep too much food in your home either, or you will cheat.

 

[MrT]

Edit:
For funsies and some self reflection I totted up everything I ate last friday and it's uhhh enlightening (at least I came in under my protein goal....).

This is exactly why I'm such a fan of calorie counting. I had no idea how much I was eating until I added it up and that kicked off my journey. I was eating things that seemed "healthy" but just having too much of them. I notice you don't have any drinks listed there, but that was a big thing for me too. I think a lot of people just don't even consider drinks having calories but they really add up too.

Like some others have mentioned, don't focus on being perfect. You're on the right track, so keep it up!

 

[cyberheater]

Yesterday I consumed 1,754 calories which is a great achievement and I went to bed smiling which is unusual. Today things are going ok, I went through to the late afternoon feeling really good about my situation but now it's hitting me pretty hard. I have a very strong urge to go to the shop and buy a mountain of chocolate. I'm sticking with it and i'm about to make some more baked potatoes with greek yogurt which is real good.

There is a very long journey ahead of me and I think I need to learn to accept that this is my life now and there is no going back.

At first loosing weight it great. It falls off you. You see quick results. It's great.
But after a while you hit these occasional plateaus and you get fed up and start eating again. Tough it out. The weight will start dropping off again. It's your body trying it's hardest to hold on to what it's got.
I'm also going to the gym 5 times a week with 3 of those being full body weight training. I've also got a fitbit and hit my goal of 10k steps most days.

I've lost 21lbs since Xmas and nearing my target weight. I'm also only having a protein shake with water for breakfast and lunch and a main meal with plenty of veg in the evening with snacks of nuts and fruit. Probably not exactly super healthy but it gets the job done.
I'm aiming for around 1500 cals or less a day.

Remember each lb cost around 3500 cals which is why most folks on a diet can manage to loose 2lb a week. That's a deficit of 7000 cals a week.
It has to be said that modern thinking on this now supports that you need a deficit of 7000 cals to loose 1lb due to the way the body works to desperately maintain the weight.

 

[Kilrogg]

OP I've never been really fat so I can't even pretend to understand your struggle, but on top of all the advice people are giving you here, might I suggest watching Boogie2988's YouTube channel? He's better known for his raging alter-ego Francis, but the man is adorable. He's basically the most well-loved obese person on the internet, and his videos occasionally touch upon his struggle with obesity, and his health problems. I think they can give you some comfort and support.

Here's his channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/boogie2988

His backstory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ1cUup0ATg

You'll find some videos about his health on the channel.

Hope you find it useful in some way.

 

[poppabk]

End of day 2.

I feel conflicted. I came in well under my calorie goal for the day but I got through it by eating an Ice cream and some other sugary crappy things. Am I doing this wrong?

Edit:
For funsies and some self reflection I totted up everything I ate last friday and it's uhhh enlightening (at least I came in under my protein goal....).

Don't stress about what you are eating, just worry about hitting your calorie goal. In fact I would be more concerned that you came in under your calorie goal. Unless you were feeling full all day don't be afraid to eat a little more. You need to be on a diet that doesn't require significant willpower to maintain, otherwise in the long term when the initial thrill of dieting is over, you will start to lapse.

 

[Goron2000]

This is exactly why I'm such a fan of calorie counting. I had no idea how much I was eating until I added it up and that kicked off my journey. I was eating things that seemed "healthy" but just having too much of them. I notice you don't have any drinks listed there, but that was a big thing for me too. I think a lot of people just don't even consider drinks having calories but they really add up too.

Like some others have mentioned, don't focus on being perfect. You're on the right track, so keep it up!

People have mentioned drinks a lot in this thread and I should probably respond. I actually don't like sugary drinks which I know is weird considering what I eat but it's just something I decided when I was young. I mostly drink diet coke and water.

 

[GraveRobberX]

So I've struggled with weight my whole life

I was dealt many bad hands that exacerbated the process, with depression and pressures of real life pushed on me really at young age.

I paid for it all last year with my leg fracture and spinal issue
Learning to walk again and be better than last time takes a huge undertaking

In the hospital I was on a liquid diet for 4-5+ months, which made me drop weight drastically
I was 475lbs last February (2015), today I should be under 300, but being home and adjusting to home life, I've gained weight eating house food and schedule going out the window

So come Sunday its reset for me also
I enjoyed 1.5 months of freedom but time to get back to the grind

My mom is my helper, but being Pakistani, food is a huge issue with our cooking and calorie amount
I'm still using a rolling walker and my legs are still hyperreflexia

So I ordered nutrisystem, its getting delivered soon
That will be my in take, 6 times a day, every 2 hours keep myself satiated
I always did leg exercises in the morning and walking in the afternoon, but I'll be boosting that up

I really want to hit 200lbs, so I can get skin removal surgery that the hospital I stayed at promised to help me with
That would drop me to 165-170, great for 5'5" guy.

Willpower is an essential part to this
At the moment I can't do all the things GAFfers have said to do, which are amazing posts
I'll keep this thread saved and be here if you need OP

How about a challenge OP

Every 1st week of the month we will post pic of each other, I would say every 1st day of the month (if you want that, I'm OK with that), but if time can be an issue, at least we have ample time to

Then just keep motivated and you be my competition
I'll be yours
Me and you are in the same weight range at the moment

Remember I was 475lbs and dropped to < 300 lbs, took me roughly a year to do so
So I know this will be no small undertaking

So how about it OP, come Sunday you ready to compete?
I'm starting my push from that day and want to be at least < 250lbs by September, so 5 months to lose roughly 50+ lbs
Would be fun to have friendly competition and we just get it done


Water is your friend!
I drank before, but its become an essential part of my diet
Just chug away, it does help
I pee like a mad man, but it cleans out the system quick and keeps you feel a little full

Also if you want add a cheat day, but enough to enjoy something that you miss once awhile
For me it was every 3 weeks
I'm going to take every 2 Sundays just to enjoy something homemade, but diet overall 28-29 of the 30/31 days

 

[~ Zyzomys ~]

I am finding that logging all my food via MyFitnessPal is very useful. I am shocked at the calories in some of the food I have been eating - especially now that I am weighing each item (when possible - obviously not when I am eating out!).

 

[Skellig Gra]

I am finding that logging all my food via MyFitnessPal is very useful. I am shocked at the calories in some of the food I have been eating - especially now that I am weighing each item (when possible - obviously not when I am eating out!).

Apps like that are an amazing tool for starting a healthier lifestyle. Most people are just completely oblivious to how unhealthy stuff is. Even little changes add up and can make a huge difference.

 

[Kaneda Shotaro]

I lost 18 pounds these past two months. I want to get down to 165 which would be another 10 pounds. I've been stuck at 177 for over a week now. Why? My diet hasn't changed and I'm doing the same routines. I just cannot get below 177 and it's really frustrating me, I want to give up. I even tried to cut back a couple of things and nothing. I check every few days, 177 or a little above it. Really don't know what to do at this point...

 

[Kilrogg]

People have mentioned drinks a lot in this thread and I should probably respond. I actually don't like sugary drinks which I know is weird considering what I eat but it's just something I decided when I was young. I mostly drink diet coke and water.

You wanna avoid Diet Coke though, unless you really drink it sparingly. That goes for everyone btw, not just fat people. Soda in general isn't exactly good for your health. Assuming you drink large quantities of Diet Coke on a regular basis, cutting your consumption will help improve your health.

 

[HolySheep]

@kilrogg, based on what? (in regards to diet coke)

 

[Shambalakan]

Don't eat dinner.

 

[Sylas]

I lost 18 pounds these past two months. I want to get down to 165 which would be another 10 pounds. I've been stuck at 177 for over a week now. Why? My diet hasn't changed and I'm doing the same routines. I just cannot get below 177 and it's really frustrating me, I want to give up. I even tried to cut back a couple of things and nothing. I check every few days, 177 or a little above it. Really don't know what to do at this point...

You eventually need to cut more calories or exercise more to continue seeing change. You might be reaching that point.

 

[MadLaughter]

So I've logged calories for 2 days, and have found that 2 of my 3 meals/day are pretty tough to count the calories on. My mom cooks the food and right now we're just kind of eyeballing the volume or guessing the weight, which I'm really unsatisfied with.

Do I need to get a scale? Should I eat out of containers with very specific volumes?

For example, there was no nutrition info on the steak that I ate, and I don't have a scale, so I just looked up top sirloin and estimated.

Any suggestions/tips?

 

[Chorazin]

I lost 18 pounds these past two months. I want to get down to 165 which would be another 10 pounds. I've been stuck at 177 for over a week now. Why? My diet hasn't changed and I'm doing the same routines. I just cannot get below 177 and it's really frustrating me, I want to give up. I even tried to cut back a couple of things and nothing. I check every few days, 177 or a little above it. Really don't know what to do at this point...

Congrats! Healthy weight loss is usually 2 pounds a week, and you are already above that. Sometimes your body will get stubborn and refuse to lose. Just keep it up and it'll start again.

 

[Kilrogg]

@kilrogg, based on what? (in regards to diet coke)

While things are apparently not clear-cut from what I've read, the idea that aspartame is this magical thing that has all the benefits of sugar without the drawbacks has been called into question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_drink#Health_concerns

But again, I must emphasize that, if the OP only drinks Diet Coke every now and then it's not much of a problem. That said, assuming the OP is from the US, I know that people in the US tend to drink soft drinks much more frequently than other countries (including mine), and I've known people who drink more soft drinks than water. That, regardless of whether your soft drink is diet or non-diet, is unhealthy. If the OP drinks Diet Coke everyday, replacing it with water can only do good.

 

[HolySheep]

I lost 18 pounds these past two months. I want to get down to 165 which would be another 10 pounds. I've been stuck at 177 for over a week now. Why? My diet hasn't changed and I'm doing the same routines. I just cannot get below 177 and it's really frustrating me, I want to give up. I even tried to cut back a couple of things and nothing. I check every few days, 177 or a little above it. Really don't know what to do at this point...

Might be water retention. When i lost weight, i would go for 7000calories deficit per week. Usually my weight remained unchanged untilt one day i would lose 1 kg in one day. This happened pretty much every week.

If not, keep in mind that as you remain in caloriedeficit your metabolism may slow meaning you might have to eat less then before. I would reccomend weight lifting. This will make sure you dont loss muscle mass. Your BMR will increase and it will be easier to maintain your weight when you are done dieting.

 

[FreddieQuell]

So I've logged calories for 2 days, and have found that 2 of my 3 meals/day are pretty tough to count the calories on. My mom cooks the food and right now we're just kind of eyeballing the volume or guessing the weight, which I'm really unsatisfied with.

Do I need to get a scale? Should I eat out of containers with very specific volumes?

For example, there was no nutrition info on the steak that I ate, and I don't have a scale, so I just looked up top sirloin and estimated.

Any suggestions/tips?

I think getting a food scale is a great idea. I use it all the time, even for things that you might think to use measuring cups/spoons for. Once you start using it, it gets rid of one more source of uncertainty, which I appreciate.

 

[Psychotext]

How about a challenge OP

Every 1st week of the month we will post pic of each other, I would say every 1st day of the month (if you want that, I'm OK with that), but if time can be an issue, at least we have ample time to

Then just keep motivated and you be my competition
I'll be yours
Me and you are in the same weight range at the moment

I hope you guys do this (or maybe just taking a pic of the scale weight or something to start with).

...and good luck with your changes too!

 

[HolySheep]

While things are apparently not clear-cut from what I've read, the idea that aspartame is this magical thing that has all the benefits of sugar without the drawbacks has been called into question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_drink#Health_concerns

But again, I must emphasize that, if the OP only drinks Diet Coke every now and then it's not much of a problem. That said, assuming the OP is from the US, I know that people in the US tend to drink soft drinks much more frequently than other countries (including mine), and I've known people who drink more soft drinks than water. That, regardless of whether your soft drink is diet or non-diet, is unhealthy. If the OP drinks Diet Coke everyday, replacing it with water can only do good.

Well Aspartame has been researched countless of times. Its generally considered a safe subtance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame

Also i wouldnt say it gives all the benefits of sugar. I can easily taste the difference between diet sodas and regular. The diet soda tastes fake-ish

 

[brawly]

@kilrogg, based on what? (in regards to diet coke)

Diet soda is chemical garbage. Definitely avoid it. If you have a craving from time to time just drink the original instead.

 

[jmdajr]

-Boneless chicken
-Fish
-Oats
-Fruits
-Veggies
-Low fat Yogurt
-Eggs/Egg whites
-Rice
-Low fat milk
-Black beans
-Find things that say "100% whole grain"

Let me know if you want a couple of recipes.

All good. Get some grass fed beef so you don't get bored OP. It's fine.

And any type of beans is good too, as long as they are not loaded with sugar like bbq beans.

Get some nuts.

here is a random recipe.

tastes like a waffel but less damage. the picture shows honey, but I'd skip that!

 

[Koriandrr]

This is exactly why I'm such a fan of calorie counting. I had no idea how much I was eating until I added it up and that kicked off my journey. I was eating things that seemed "healthy" but just having too much of them. I notice you don't have any drinks listed there, but that was a big thing for me too. I think a lot of people just don't even consider drinks having calories but they really add up too.

Like some others have mentioned, don't focus on being perfect. You're on the right track, so keep it up!

Same with me.
What made the biggest difference in my life was when I started using myfitnesspal to track my calories. I realised that what I thought was a little bit of food, was actually super high in calories or fat and that most portions are ridiculously large and we don't even realise.


I believe in you OP, you can do it.
Start counting calories first, then hit the gym. I personally find the gym the hardest part. I cut all junk food and fizzy drinks off my life 3 years ago, haven't had any since then and that was easy. Easier than it sounds. I'm not tempted by them now at all, as they taste and smell like shit, I honestly have no idea how I ever ate so much of it. For me food was the easier part, but the gym can be so so so boring and hard to get into if you don't have a buddy. Make a nice playlist and make sure you go somewhere close. If you have to walk like 15-20min to get to the gym, that's a deal breaker, you will stop going. I'm lucky now to live right next to a gym so all I gotta do is go downstairs, which is the biggest factor, I think.

 

[Violet_0]

I lost 18 pounds these past two months. I want to get down to 165 which would be another 10 pounds. I've been stuck at 177 for over a week now. Why? My diet hasn't changed and I'm doing the same routines. I just cannot get below 177 and it's really frustrating me, I want to give up. I even tried to cut back a couple of things and nothing. I check every few days, 177 or a little above it. Really don't know what to do at this point...

I went from 161 lbs to 132.3 in two and half months with a Keto diet (or something close to that, it's not always easy for me get my to daily carbs intake below 25g) and zero exercise, so I lost quite a bit of muscle mass as well. Anyway, in my experience low carb diets work pretty well when your BMI is already in the green area. You most likely need to lower the amount of calories you eat

 

[poppabk]

While things are apparently not clear-cut from what I've read, the idea that aspartame is this magical thing that has all the benefits of sugar without the drawbacks has been called into question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_drink#Health_concerns

But again, I must emphasize that, if the OP only drinks Diet Coke every now and then it's not much of a problem. That said, assuming the OP is from the US, I know that people in the US tend to drink soft drinks much more frequently than other countries (including mine), and I've known people who drink more soft drinks than water. That, regardless of whether your soft drink is diet or non-diet, is unhealthy. If the OP drinks Diet Coke everyday, replacing it with water can only do good.

This has not been proven to be true, except when it comes to dental hygiene. If he can switch to water with no impact then that would be great, but if he enjoys diet soda and it helps him fight cravings then it could be a mistake to switch at this point.

 

[Griss]

End of day 2.

I feel conflicted. I came in well under my calorie goal for the day but I got through it by eating an Ice cream and some other sugary crappy things. Am I doing this wrong?

Edit:
For funsies and some self reflection I totted up everything I ate last friday and it's uhhh enlightening (at least I came in under my protein goal....).

I'm so happy that you went back and took a look at what you were eating previously. That's really the big wake-up call that will show you that you need to be counting calories for the rest of your life. Not sticking under 1,800 the rest of your life, not stressing out over every meal the rest of your life, but at the end of the day before bed, you need to have a good idea of how many calories you took in and whether you're on track or out of control.

It's only two days but you've made a great start. Don't stress over using treats to make up the spare calories you have left over after a meal. That's what keeps you sane. Just know that using those spare calories on bigger amounts of protein or veg will help keep you more 'full' and feeling less like you're on a diet.

I have a 150 calorie bar of chocolate pretty much every day. My budget allows it, it's not that much, and I take in enough protein that I still feel full. If I was expending 80% of my calorie budget on sugar my life would be a tired, hungry nightmare.

This has not been proven to be true, except when it comes to dental hygiene. If he can switch to water with no impact then that would be great, but if he enjoys diet soda and it helps him fight cravings then it could be a mistake to switch at this point.

I switched from soda to diet soda about ten years ago and it had an overall positive effect on my health. I dropped weight and my other health signs improved too. The problem is dental, as you said. I've spent over 10k on dental fees, and my teeth are a wreck. (I have them more under control now, but still) If you don't drink soda, don't start. If you can quit soda, quit it. But if you drink 6 cans of normal coke a day (as I did for a decade), switching to the diet stuff will have a massive effect on your weight and health.

My problem has always been that I'm an addict. I'd wake up at 4am, get in the car and drive to a petrol station for a can of coke / diet coke. And then the second I got that caffeine hit I could sleep again. Classic addict behaviour.

 

[Kilrogg]

This has not been proven to be true, except when it comes to dental hygiene. If he can switch to water with no impact then that would be great, but if he enjoys diet soda and it helps him fight cravings then it could be a mistake to switch at this point.

Sure. Again, if he doesn't drink much of it and it's a substitute for something much worse, then keep on keeping on.

 

[OmegaTreeFish]

You will get lots of different opinions about what works and thats simply because different things work for different people.

A long while back i hit my heaviest at about 225 pounds and it made me misserable and i wanted to lose the weight. After trying all sorts of things i finally found a routine that worked for me.

1. My fitness pal, keept a food diary. Wrote down everything i ate.

2. Some kind of fitness monitor. A simple step counter will do. Went for a couple of walks a day and got my 10,000 steps in. I own a fitbit charge that i will use if diet has gone out of wack and i want to get back into routine.

3. Changed how I eat. I used to eat a tiny breakfast as i hated eating first thing
Then way to much for lunch and a giant dinner. I changed this to the following
Breakfast
Morning snack
Lunch
Afternoon snack
Dinner
i made sure the portion wasny ridiculous.

This 5 smaller meal technique worked wonders. I wasnt hungry and i wasn't craving. My system was never left dormant.

4. Set my self a calorie deficit that world in theory lose 2 pounds a week. If i slipped up here and there it wasnt tr end of the world and i wouldnt let it destroy me. I just trucked on.

This worked and i got down to about 195 pounds. However i then hit a wall and couldnt work out why i couldnt lose anymore. Then i saw a program about food and how bad very processed food can be. So i switched up my diet a little bit more and added in a morning 15 min routine to get some strength training in and some stretching. My time is limited as i have job, wife and kid.

Diet changes:
Breakfast became poached egg on whole grain toast.
I love crisps and would still sneak them in now and then. They are now at max a 1 time a week treat.
Changed dinners to be freshly made 90% of the time.
Lunch became rice, chicken and a little sweet chilli sauce. A small block of cheese for after
Morning snack become fruit.
Reduced drinking to once a week (and not always that) and restricted to vodka and diet pepsi. Even then not many.
Basically anything that was super processed i replaced with an alternative.

After this i dropped to 180ish pounds really fast. Im still that weight over a year later. It feels great. I like what i eat. I dont endlessly crave food. I don't crave giant portions anymore. I still live on yhe same diet and as its a small deficit i can have the odd snack and not worry.

My morning routine is basically situps, then arm weights (i use kettle bell weights) and finish with stretches.

I know you can do it to. Its just about finding what works for you.

 

[MadLaughter]

So I'm looking into a scale, and this was the first one that came up, with seemingly good reviews. Does anyone have any experience with it?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N07KUE/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[jmdajr]

Calorie counting at least for me is useless. If you eat more real food, avoid added sugar and refined carbs...it's hard for your weight to get out of control.

I believe the quality of food is way more important than the quantity.

But if you absolutely can't live without junk food, calorie counting might work.

 

[iapetus]

For anyone in the UK looking into this, I heartily recommend https://www.britmilfit.com/ as an alternative to a gym. I'm getting far more out of it, and I'm so much fitter than I was before I started just a month or two ago...

 

[Psychotext]

So I'm looking into a scale, and this was the first one that came up, with seemingly good reviews. Does anyone have any experience with it?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N07KUE/?tag=neogaf0e-20

They're all pretty much the same. Get one you like the look of with good reviews.

 

[OmegaTreeFish]

Calorie counting at least for me is useless. If you eat more real food, avoid added sugar and refined carbs...it's hard for your weight to get out of control.

I believe the quality of food is way more important than the quantity.

But if you absolutely can't live without junk food, calorie counting might work.

I think this depends on what state your body is in. For anyone with a lot of weight to lose it should absolutely work. But you can hit a point like i did where you then need to change the quality of what you eat to see further progress.

 

[Koriandrr]

For anyone in the UK looking into this, I heartily recommend https://www.britmilfit.com/ as an alternative to a gym. I'm getting far more out of it, and I'm so much fitter than I was before I started just a month or two ago...

Thanks!! Will definitely check out, looks good.

Calorie counting at least for me is useless. If you eat more real food, avoid added sugar and refined carbs...it's hard for your weight to get out of control.

I believe the quality of food is way more important than the quantity.

But if you absolutely can't live without junk food, calorie counting might work.

I think this depends on what state your body is in. For anyone with a lot of weight to lose it should absolutely work. But you can hit a point like i did where you then need to change the quality of what you eat to see further progress.

I would have to disagree. I've never been like overweight or anything, I'm pretty petite in general, but I've been super lazy and eaten stuff I didn't even realise how bad they are for me for years. My fitnesspal helped me lose a bit of weight, not too much, but the difference I felt was on a whole different level. I could see it on my body, less fat areas, my skin tightened up and cleared up as well. The things a good diet does for your skin.

 

[OmegaTreeFish]

Thanks!! Will definitely check out, looks good.







I would have to disagree. I've never been like overweight or anything, I'm pretty petite in general, but I've been super lazy and eaten stuff I didn't even realise how bad they are for me for years. My fitnesspal helped me lose a bit of weight, not too much, but the difference I felt was on a whole different level. I could see it on my body, less fat areas, my skin tightened up and cleared up as well. The things a good diet does for your skin.

Im not sure how you are disagreeing with me?

 

[Koriandrr]

Im not sure how you are disagreeing with me?

sorry, not you, jmdajr, I was actually agreeing with you

 

[OmegaTreeFish]

sorry, not you, jmdajr, I was actually agreeing with you

Ah, that makes way more sense lol.

 

[Goron2000]

So I've struggled with weight my whole life

I was dealt many bad hands that exacerbated the process, with depression and pressures of real life pushed on me really at young age.

I paid for it all last year with my leg fracture and spinal issue
Learning to walk again and be better than last time takes a huge undertaking

In the hospital I was on a liquid diet for 4-5+ months, which made me drop weight drastically
I was 475lbs last February (2015), today I should be under 300, but being home and adjusting to home life, I've gained weight eating house food and schedule going out the window

So come Sunday its reset for me also
I enjoyed 1.5 months of freedom but time to get back to the grind

My mom is my helper, but being Pakistani, food is a huge issue with our cooking and calorie amount
I'm still using a rolling walker and my legs are still hyperreflexia

So I ordered nutrisystem, its getting delivered soon
That will be my in take, 6 times a day, every 2 hours keep myself satiated
I always did leg exercises in the morning and walking in the afternoon, but I'll be boosting that up

I really want to hit 200lbs, so I can get skin removal surgery that the hospital I stayed at promised to help me with
That would drop me to 165-170, great for 5'5" guy.

Willpower is an essential part to this
At the moment I can't do all the things GAFfers have said to do, which are amazing posts
I'll keep this thread saved and be here if you need OP

How about a challenge OP

Every 1st week of the month we will post pic of each other, I would say every 1st day of the month (if you want that, I'm OK with that), but if time can be an issue, at least we have ample time to

Then just keep motivated and you be my competition
I'll be yours
Me and you are in the same weight range at the moment

Remember I was 475lbs and dropped to < 300 lbs, took me roughly a year to do so
So I know this will be no small undertaking

So how about it OP, come Sunday you ready to compete?
I'm starting my push from that day and want to be at least < 250lbs by September, so 5 months to lose roughly 50+ lbs
Would be fun to have friendly competition and we just get it done


Water is your friend!
I drank before, but its become an essential part of my diet
Just chug away, it does help
I pee like a mad man, but it cleans out the system quick and keeps you feel a little full

Also if you want add a cheat day, but enough to enjoy something that you miss once awhile
For me it was every 3 weeks
I'm going to take every 2 Sundays just to enjoy something homemade, but diet overall 28-29 of the 30/31 days

It would be an honour, GraverobberX. Do you think that this thread will be a good place for the challenge updates or should it be taken elsewhere?

I'm guessing we begin on the 1st of next month! You're going down! (In pants sizes)

 

[GraveRobberX]

It would be an honour, GraverobberX. Do you think that this thread will be a good place for the challenge updates or should it be taken elsewhere?

I'm guessing we begin on the 1st of next month! You're going down! (In pants sizes)

Just keep it in here
Sunday starts May 1st
I'll take a picture of me, ordering a weight scale through amazon

Let's do this!

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

+1000 for buying a weight scale

So useful if you want to lose, gain, or maintain!

 

[GraveRobberX]

I have certain goals I want to reach...

I think I've been complacent in many areas of my life due to fear and depression

Goals from small to huge

I really want to learn how to swim... Thing is my spinal injury and hyperreflexia stops me at the moment, but eventually my body will get back to it's "regularly scheduled program" then I will look into doing this

As weird as this may sound/look, get healthy/better then try to get my first date and hopefully kiss a girl...
(Life hasn't been kind, 50/50 environment and my doing)

Somehow get legal so I can at least travel and at least take my mom to Mecca, its first born son duty to abide and do the Hajj pilgrimage as her right hand

Right now my goal is to be able to mobile with full ambulatory functions that I'm public bound by December
I would rely like to catch Star Wars on the big screen

Right now I'm limited mobility so public venturing is out the window

I missed 1.5 year worth of entertainment, but all that can be caught up on
Right now its small goals I'm chasing after

Gonna start being more independent than dependent on mom
Nutrisystem food arrived
I have 28 days worth of food stockpiled and set up

Breakfast @7-8AM, Lunch @12PM, Snack @3PM, Dinner @6PM, Dessert/Snack @8pm
I can skip 1 portion or snack if need be

Also I still have some Ensures left over that used to be my breakfast meal that can be put in as a replacement (finish them off)

Water will be drank like a camel thristy on a very hot Saharan day, everyday
Cutting out most things

Only thing I'll ever put in is maybe a Red Bull here or there, but that's like 2-3 max per month
My legs for some reason benefit and my body feels refreshed, it might be a placebo effect that my brain thinks that it gives me wings, but goddammit it does something for me

In between meals will be more active walking and using weights to build up upper body and ankle weights to tone my legs
I already have a morning bed exercise that my therapist taught me that I do to loosen my legs
I'll just increase rep everyday
Need to start pushing my walking rotations, I can do up to 5 from going back and forth in the long hallway of ours, takes me 15 minutes to do 5 laps, roughly 70 steps per lap, for a total of 350 steps

Might switch the lap, rather than do more in one lap set increase frequency rather than reps

So rather than just do 5 laps morning and night for 10
Do 3-4 laps morning, afternoon, night and reach 10 or maybe more

The more I think about it, the faster I drop weight will move me quicker
I might lose fun time with my ps4, but I have to tell my brain enough enjoyment has been had last 2 months
I need to go back to super casual and play in small doses like when I came back home
I was getting way go invested in Destiny again and I need to slow down

Gaming still continued w/o me and I can catch up any time

So I'm forcing myself to get better and play within small fraction of playtime
If anything I can just unplug it

Let's see how I shift myself cone Sunday and how much my vices try to deter me, but I know I can do it, I have too...
At least I have awesome GAFfers for insight and some cheerleading, comments from the peanut gallery to go along for the ride

Amazingly a shirt which is I think 3XL that I bought maybe in 2006, tried on twice but it was so fucking tight, that it would ride up my belly and look like a tank top holding my B cups cause it didn't go around my waist
That same shirt fits me now properly...

I was scared a 10 year old shirt I bough off a whim and closeted away due to me being so big and being ashamed, now gives me motivation to make my body become so small that this short feels very loose on me

I have some shirts/pants that I still have from my high school days that are brand fucking new, never worn, like 20 years ago, because I became big at an extraordinary rate

Be crazy to reach weight and size so I can at least wear those lol
Show GAF '90's era clothes never worn, kept safe in clothes bin...

 

[GraveRobberX]

So as promised, me as of May 1st, today

I'm still lean in the front, its my sides aka hips/spare tire and backside that needs to be toned


Started my diet today, also worked out and walked casually for 45 minutes
Did 3 laps, 90 steps using my rolling walker, 15 minutes total
Then used 8lb dumbbells and worked upper half 30 minutes

Will repeat for Lunch and Dinner


The nutrisystem food and calories are very favorable
Like I ate a Turkey Sausage, Egg Biscuit for 180 calories
Than drank an Ensure for 220 calories

So 400 calories for breakfast isn't bad
Lunch will be reach roughly 500 calories with a small burger and 1 vegan burrito
Snack will be a granola bar @ 120 calories
Dinner will be Stuffed Shells @280 calories
Desert a Orange Popsicle @90 calories

So 1390 calories, 1400 to average it out
Trying to keep a 1500 calorie/day for 1 month
Then get to 1200/day and remove the Ensure (just finishing off the reserve I have left)

So I've got my game plan set, now let's see how me and you do
Game on!, Goron2000

For reference, this was me @475lbs last February 2015

 

[lordfuzzybutt]

So as promised, me as of May 1st, today

I'm still lean in the front, its my sides aka hips/spare tire and backside that needs to be toned


Started my diet today, also worked out and walked casually for 45 minutes
Did 3 laps, 90 steps using my rolling walker, 15 minutes total
Then used 8lb dumbbells and worked upper half 30 minutes

Will repeat for Lunch and Dinner


The nutrisystem food and calories are very favorable
Like I ate a Turkey Sausage, Egg Biscuit for 180 calories
Than drank an Ensure for 220 calories

So 400 calories for breakfast isn't bad
Lunch will be reach roughly 500 calories with a small burger and 1 vegan burrito
Snack will be a granola bar @ 120 calories
Dinner will be Stuffed Shells @280 calories
Desert a Orange Popsicle @90 calories

So 1390 calories, 1400 to average it out
Trying to keep a 1500 calorie/day for 1 month
Then get to 1200/day and remove the Ensure (just finishing off the reserve I have left)

So I've got my game plan set, now let's see how me and you do
Game on!, Goron2000

For reference, this was me @475lbs last February 2015

Go man go. Looking forward to see your and OP's progress.

 

[Goron2000]

Here are my pics and it's really hard seeing what I've done to myself but it's for the greater good.

The 1,800 calories is going well and im tracking everything. I think im going to keep doing this for the next month and then add another step.

You've already made great progress GraveRobberX. I hope we can continue to motivate each other.

 

[GraveRobberX]

No problem man, I'll be watching and posting here

Your my competition bruh, so let's do this!
I'll post my weight when the scale arrives from amazon

Want to lose 20-25lbs a month, I've done it in the past
Willpower and staying motivated is key

I would be super active and be a gym oriented guy, but right now with my spinal issue its a long way away

So for me little milestones of increasing reps and loops every week hopefully yield me good results

1 thing that really motivates me is the fat vs muscle picture
This keeps me saying I will transform myself

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

Keep it going boys!

 

[grumble]

That is exactly what it's about. Without a calorie deficit there will be no weight loss.

So yeah, do that OP. What I recommend is intermittent fasting: eat from 12 o'clock midday to 8PM, fast for the other 16 hours. Drink lots of water. No calories in those 16 hours.

While at 320 there is definitely a total weight loss factor, it always rubs me the wrong way when people talk about 'weight loss'. We don't want to lose WEIGHT, typically, unless you're competing in some sort of weight class sport: we want to lose FAT. Going to the gym means that you lose fat and not muscle. You might even stay the same weight and look and feel different because you'll have lost fat and gained muscle mass.

That is why resistance training is so critical, to everyone but especially those looking to lose fat.

 

[Omok]

There is no excuse to be fat. Nowadays we have macro apps on my phones. We can literally track everything we eat with a scale and our smart phone. No more writing on a notebook to track what we eat.