Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

Cassie15 Posted: Apr 09, 2009 04:59 PM

Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

Hi:
I was wondering if any ladies can offer any advice on losing weight with effective results?
I've been gaining weight about two years ago. I'm only 5'1 weighing approx. 138 pds. Before gaining the weight, I was 120. I've been working out 3 days a week at NYSC along with diet of mostly Special K cereal w/ skim milk, whole wheat toast or oatmeal, and lots of chicken, salads, brown rice, and veggies. Then there are occasional cravings: junk food- mostly icecream, sweets, chocolate, Wendy's, carbs! I know, I should really lay off the unhealthy fast food and junk food. It's been a constant struggle to completely cut off quick eats esp. late nights at work. I figured if I work out hard enough, I'll be able to indulgence once in awhile. I joined the gym since Jan and I've been working out on and off sometimes gaining and losing. Any ladies recommend any work outs that's effective as well as tips to tone the body? I'm trying to shed and trim off the weight. My biggest concern is my stomach and arms which I'm trying really hard to tone up. I appreciate any advice anyone has to offer. Thanks!!!

Mrs. V 2008 Posted: Apr 09, 2009 05:13 PM

Re: Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

I plateau a lot at certain weights..so I know how frustrated you feel..when you hit a plateau the best thing to do is switch up your workouts. Try eating 6 small meals everyday..it will speed up your metabolism. NEVER skip breakfast..it jumps starts your metabolism for the rest of the day and keeps you from overeating during other times of the day. When you skip meals,...your body MORE than compensates for the loss..which means weight gain. Try to stay at around 1400, 1500 calories a day to lose...2000 to maintain. I work out most days of the week (usually five) for about an hour and a half. I do 45-60 min of cardio, and 30 min of strength workouts. Switch up your routines often though, or your body becomes used to them. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. It keeps you feeling full longer. Eat more fiber, which also keeps you feeling full. Wactch intake of sugars and salt..which can make you bloated. Best advice is never give up..you can lose the weight..math is really what its all about. You need to just burn more calories than you take in...Good luck!! HTH

debismom Posted: Apr 09, 2009 07:10 PM

Re: Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

Hi, Christine!!! I'm currently on 1200 cal./day to lose. I've lost 16 pounds, since Jan. I'm weight loss resistant because I'm diabetic, and I don't exercise per say at all. But I find the 1200 cal. diet to be satisfying, and it's the diet I was placed on in 1999, to lose weight when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I usually eat frosted mini wheats with banana/fat free milk, for breakfast. The fiber is filling. Instead of junk food, try Vita Tops, in the frozen food case. I loveeee the choc. /choc. chip, and they're only 100 cal. I microwave for a few seconds and top with low cal. whipped topping. (PS, They do have sugar in, but I'm not able to eat any artificial sweetners). They curb my choc./sugar craving I also keep low cal. cheese sticks on hand. Drinking lots of water, is definitely good for losing, and if you have NO health issues, like diabetes, which limits one's intake of protein, eating lots of protein is also helpful in losing weight. I also plateau too, but eventually the needle on the scales moves again. I have a plateau diet from Weight Watchers, from a long time ago, or perhaps check some of these sites out. Mary MOB

Sites on how to break a plateau

RockysGirl Posted: Apr 09, 2009 08:18 PM

Re: Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

i hear ya!! I put on a little since the wedding and have been working to get it off, but it's HARD to do! Especially now that I'm eating real meals with DH (before we got married, I basically lived off of grilled chicken & yogurt and lost a LOT weight fairly easy then).

The other girls gave great advice, so to just add to it - I'd suggest making sure that you're drinking a full 64 ounces of water a day, but not too much more otherwise you'll get bloaded and gain water weight.But water is sooo important when it comes to losing weight and just being healthy in general. Also don't eat anything up to 3 hours before bed.

And really what i've been doing lately (which works) is cutting back on the carbs. Seriously - that really does the trick. Starches are the WORST! I try to stick with yogurt for breakfast, grilled chicken, fruits, & veggies for lunch and/or dinner, and for a snack just a health bar (gives me my chocolate fix). And then when I get the craving and just NEED to go off a bit, I only do it on the weekends. It's easier to stay healthy during the week if I KNOW that I can go off a little on the weekend, ya know?

HTH

curiousgeorge Posted: Apr 10, 2009 07:31 AM

Re: Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

If you are going to eat carbs, eat equal amounts of protein with it. Chicken and pasta...add some fiber ( veg ) In the morning as the other girls said, do NOT skip breakfast. Consider have 2 pieces of fruit daily as your snacks, and carrot sticks are awesome and filling. You can also add peanut butter with your apple to keep you fuller longer! Do not consume more calories than you can burn. Drink tons of water, it will keep you full and help you lose any water weight. Change up your routine at the gym. DO NOT eat ANY fast foods!!!! Fast food will set you back so far. 800 calories for a burger!!!! Try not to waste calories on soda or fruit drinks, drink water only!! I gained 10 pounds after I got married and it took me 8 weeks to lose it. Stay motivated!!! You can do it!

OH and as for deserts and craving chocolate....fudge bars are awesome and so are lowfat puddings!

Madison-Todd2009 Posted: Apr 10, 2009 08:28 AM

Re: Is anyone going through the ordeal of losing weight??

- try to incorporate more protein into you diet. If you are having toast .. add eggs.
- i find yogurt more filling in the am. than cereal, although I am a huge fan of special K.
-a major problem may be your salad dressing. Limit yourself to no more than 2 tablespoons of dressing. Even better is to try to eat it with just lemon juice or vinegar and some oil instead of bottled dressings. Add protein if you aren't already eating protein in your salad.
-some veggies cause belly bloat... gassy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, beans ect.
-a handful of nuts and seeds is a great snack that is packed with protein and fiber. make sure they are dry roasted nuts.
-a great snack is peanut butter on apple slices.
-grapefruit is supposed to curb hunger and cravings.

a combo of cardio and weight training or toning will be the best for getting in shape.

good luck.