I need help losing weight and getting back in shape (2 Viewers)

[Chadstroma]

I think I got this in the bag. Now, it is not easy but only 5 days in and I don't find it 'hard'.

Yesterday I ran out of my Kickstart so I just did without. Today, I forgot my Slimfast. I really went back and forth on going to get something.... I finally decided to do it because I am already kind of pushing it in terms of calories and felt it would be good to get something.

I ran over to Wal-Mart and got some Slimfast. I decided to get some Slimfast bars too.... mostly because the shake would be room temp and that can't taste good. The bar is mostly close to the shake in terms of nutrition but with an extra 20 calories. (still well under 1K calories for the day and I missed out on 80 yesterday anyways).

Moving along. I can feel my body adjusting well..... it is more about the mental retraining than anything right now.

 

[Sabertooth]

216 this morning. My birthday and the Super Bowl the next two days may bra bit of a challenge.

 

[boots11234]

228 here. Down from about 248 5 weeks ago. So far today had 2 eggs , miso soup with tofu and a 15 oz carrot and celery juice. Eating dinner shortly will have pulled pork no bun and a green smoothie; spinach, yam, avacado, coconut oil, beet, black cherries and pineapple.

Made beet kvass yesterday, will be ready to drink in a week. Going to make sourkrout (sp) tonight.

 

[NREC34]

228 here. Down from about 248 5 weeks ago. So far today had 2 eggs , miso soup with tofu and a 15 oz carrot and celery juice. Eating dinner shortly will have pulled pork no bun and a green smoothie; spinach, yam, avacado, coconut oil, beet, black cherries and pineapple.

Made beet kvass yesterday, will be ready to drink in a week. Going to make sourkrout (sp) tonight.

I read your other stuff you posted before. It's a great feeling when you get on a roll and see the weight fall off regularly. I remember that feeling.

 

[boots11234]

228 here. Down from about 248 5 weeks ago. So far today had 2 eggs , miso soup with tofu and a 15 oz carrot and celery juice. Eating dinner shortly will have pulled pork no bun and a green smoothie; spinach, yam, avacado, coconut oil, beet, black cherries and pineapple.

Made beet kvass yesterday, will be ready to drink in a week. Going to make sourkrout (sp) tonight.

I read your other stuff you posted before. It's a great feeling when you get on a roll and see the weight fall off regularly. I remember that feeling.

Hey thanks. It's great adjusting the belt loop down. You really have to have the right mind set/ motivation to lose weight. IMO you can't think you're on a diet , you have to think it as a lifestyle change. Weight loss gimmicks are just that , gimmicks. Even if you do lose weight on them it usually comes back when you revert to old habits. I've gone up three days in a row and didn't sweat it. I know that if I continue to eat like I do I can't not lose the weight. I'm sad to see we seem to have lost the OP. Between MOP going MOP on him and AZ Ron bioch slapping him in the face with his nine inches , OP has gone silent. Come back Gaussy we want you to lose weight. Some people get frustrated when they want to help yet see you slip and lack willpower. You can do it!!!

 

[Chadstroma]

Hey thanks. It's great adjusting the belt loop down. You really have to have the right mind set/ motivation to lose weight. IMO you can't think you're on a diet , you have to think it as a lifestyle change. Weight loss gimmicks are just that , gimmicks. Even if you do lose weight on them it usually comes back when you revert to old habits. I've gone up three days in a row and didn't sweat it. I know that if I continue to eat like I do I can't not lose the weight.

I agree on the lifestyle change. I am kind of doing it ### backwards but basically going on a crazy diet for a month but it really is about resetting the mental part of it for me. I already mentioned my body has adjusted to the well under 1K diet I am on right now. I really am not tempted by anything right now. The fight is really about retraining the mental motions. The opening the frig because basically that is what you do when you are not doing something or getting something easy like fastfood because... well, it is easy. The first day of my LC (going to use that as a short to lifestyle change) I absent mindedly grabbed a sucker that we have for customers at work and popped it in my mouth. Immediately I realized what I did and threw it out but it was interesting how my auto-pilot reaction was to just grab a sucker and go to town without thinking about it. That is what I am really trying to do right now- reprogram my head by going kind of extreme and then rebuilding my LC from there.

What I think I am learning (too early to tell) is that if I am cognizant of calorie intake and don't make it too complicated- the occasional hamburger or pizza slice wont doom me if I just adjust accordingly to compensate for that. I have a Fitbit Charge HR and I am starting to use all the functions on it. I think this may be key for my successful LC. I can't see myself ever not eating a hamburger again. I am just not a vegetarian or vegan... that is not a LC I want or think I need. But I think I can use tools like the Fitbit to be able to indulge once in a while and keep on track with the rest of my week. I have not focused on it yet as I am really focused on the food but I think exercise will be a bit part of that balanced LC that is my eventual goal.

 

[Chadstroma]

After action report:

So, the weekend was measurably harder than the week was. Not physically, my body really has adjusted mostly to the regime with extra intake of water getting me by the occasional "Wow, I wish I could eat something" but overall, I do not wake up hungry or go to bed hungry or feel like I am starving. Mentally, it was much more of a challenge. First thing is that relaxing is just dangerous. When not doing anything productive the mind goes to "I'm hungry" and I actually did find myself absent mindedly opening the fridge at one point. The other part of it was that my wife made the kids spaghetti for dinner one night and tacos the other. I mentioned it before, I really don't have much of a sweet tooth though I certainly can enjoy a good Snickers, but dang man- some good pasta or some tacos... that makes me weak.

I really wanted to get some good walking in this weekend but one of my sons was sick and my wife was not excited about having a 2 month old, a 2 year old throwing up and a 4 year old running around all crazy. I offered to take the youngest and oldest on a walk but she was not keen on the baby being in the cold. But I did get a good 40 minute walk in on Sunday night. The majority of it at a brisk pace. (kinda tuckered out a bit towards the end).

 

[NutterButter]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

 

[DocHolliday]

After action report:

So, the weekend was measurably harder than the week was. Not physically, my body really has adjusted mostly to the regime with extra intake of water getting me by the occasional "Wow, I wish I could eat something" but overall, I do not wake up hungry or go to bed hungry or feel like I am starving. Mentally, it was much more of a challenge. First thing is that relaxing is just dangerous. When not doing anything productive the mind goes to "I'm hungry" and I actually did find myself absent mindedly opening the fridge at one point. The other part of it was that my wife made the kids spaghetti for dinner one night and tacos the other. I mentioned it before, I really don't have much of a sweet tooth though I certainly can enjoy a good Snickers, but dang man- some good pasta or some tacos... that makes me weak.

I really wanted to get some good walking in this weekend but one of my sons was sick and my wife was not excited about having a 2 month old, a 2 year old throwing up and a 4 year old running around all crazy. I offered to take the youngest and oldest on a walk but she was not keen on the baby being in the cold. But I did get a good 40 minute walk in on Sunday night. The majority of it at a brisk pace. (kinda tuckered out a bit towards the end).

Your focus is outstanding. You are on your way.

A small portion of spags or a taco is not going to hurt you. When I am trying to lose weight, I have to allow myself food that I crave or I go nuts. However, I cannot have as much as I want of that food. I use a small plate instead of filling a normal dinner plate.

I hope you are still lurking Gus. Guys like Chad are showing you how to make the life changes that you should make.

 

[culdeus]

At the SB party I was at last night they did something funny. they had a table spread in different rooms. One was the "paleo freak" room and the other was "dadbod" room.

 

[NutterButter]

At the SB party I was at last night they did something funny. they had a table spread in different rooms. One was the "paleo freak" room and the other was "dadbod" room.

Both sound terrible

 

[Chadstroma]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

 

[Chadstroma]

After action report:

So, the weekend was measurably harder than the week was. Not physically, my body really has adjusted mostly to the regime with extra intake of water getting me by the occasional "Wow, I wish I could eat something" but overall, I do not wake up hungry or go to bed hungry or feel like I am starving. Mentally, it was much more of a challenge. First thing is that relaxing is just dangerous. When not doing anything productive the mind goes to "I'm hungry" and I actually did find myself absent mindedly opening the fridge at one point. The other part of it was that my wife made the kids spaghetti for dinner one night and tacos the other. I mentioned it before, I really don't have much of a sweet tooth though I certainly can enjoy a good Snickers, but dang man- some good pasta or some tacos... that makes me weak.

I really wanted to get some good walking in this weekend but one of my sons was sick and my wife was not excited about having a 2 month old, a 2 year old throwing up and a 4 year old running around all crazy. I offered to take the youngest and oldest on a walk but she was not keen on the baby being in the cold. But I did get a good 40 minute walk in on Sunday night. The majority of it at a brisk pace. (kinda tuckered out a bit towards the end).

Your focus is outstanding. You are on your way.

A small portion of spags or a taco is not going to hurt you. When I am trying to lose weight, I have to allow myself food that I crave or I go nuts. However, I cannot have as much as I want of that food. I use a small plate instead of filling a normal dinner plate.

I hope you are still lurking Gus. Guys like Chad are showing you how to make the life changes that you should make.

Thanks. I know a small portion of those foods won't hurt me but right now- I want to be extremely strict. I see it as being crucial to retrain my brain and also be an example that I can skip those foods and not over eat it every time it is available.

I mentioned to my wife that dinner March 1st will be a celebration of making it and will consist of a nice pasta dinner and that I was not sure if I would be able to control the portions... she replied that by then my stomach will have adjusted a lot and I prob wont be able to eat much more than a small portion size anyways.

 

[Chadstroma]

At the SB party I was at last night they did something funny. they had a table spread in different rooms. One was the "paleo freak" room and the other was "dadbod" room.

Explain "Paleo freak" table to me as if I had no clue what you are talking about (because I don't).

 

[culdeus]

At the SB party I was at last night they did something funny. they had a table spread in different rooms. One was the "paleo freak" room and the other was "dadbod" room.

Explain "Paleo freak" table to me as if I had no clue what you are talking about (because I don't).

Paleo freak was the meat and vegetables and cheese (not paleo, but nobody cared)

dad bod was crap like pigs in blanket, mac and cheese, brownies, cookies, sugar stuff etc.

 

[DocHolliday]

At the SB party I was at last night they did something funny. they had a table spread in different rooms. One was the "paleo freak" room and the other was "dadbod" room.

Explain "Paleo freak" table to me as if I had no clue what you are talking about (because I don't).

Paleo freak was the meat and vegetables and cheese (not paleo, but nobody cared)

dad bod was crap like pigs in blanket, mac and cheese, brownies, cookies, sugar stuff etc.

Pigs in the blanket is an outstanding dish when done right. I am hungry.

 

[James Daulton]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

 

[cstu]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

Apathy...it's real. Primary reason people are fat IMO.

 

[cstu]

Thanks. I know a small portion of those foods won't hurt me but right now- I want to be extremely strict. I see it as being crucial to retrain my brain and also be an example that I can skip those foods and not over eat it every time it is available.

I mentioned to my wife that dinner March 1st will be a celebration of making it and will consist of a nice pasta dinner and that I was not sure if I would be able to control the portions... she replied that by then my stomach will have adjusted a lot and I prob wont be able to eat much more than a small portion size anyways.

I think the people calling you extreme don't understand the issue that a lot of us deal from absent-minded eating. By constantly being hungry food is always on your mind so it is a good way to retrain your brain to think about what you eat.

 

[James Daulton]

Thanks. I know a small portion of those foods won't hurt me but right now- I want to be extremely strict. I see it as being crucial to retrain my brain and also be an example that I can skip those foods and not over eat it every time it is available.

I mentioned to my wife that dinner March 1st will be a celebration of making it and will consist of a nice pasta dinner and that I was not sure if I would be able to control the portions... she replied that by then my stomach will have adjusted a lot and I prob wont be able to eat much more than a small portion size anyways.

I think the people calling you extreme don't understand the issue that a lot of us deal from absent-minded eating. By constantly being hungry food is always on your mind so it is a good way to retrain your brain to think about what you eat.

I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at, but his diet is extreme because he's taking in less than 50% of the calories his body needs just to sustain itself.

 

[flapgreen]

What happened to op?

 

[flapgreen]

And good job, Chad.

 

[boots11234]

What happened to op?

He got MOPed on.

 

[Daywalker]

Soft serve vanilla cone at weinerschnitzel is not a bad snack when u craving. Cheap too. $1.85.

250 calories.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Soft serve vanilla cone at weinerschnitzel is not a bad snack when u craving. Cheap too. $1.85.

250 calories.

Gotta try that one with the wife - no charge.

 

[Chadstroma]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

I discussed two major issues for me in the bad eating habits formed through my pre-teen and teen years fueling the athletic lifestyle that I had. With adulthood and then also injuries- the activity dropped but it has always been a struggle to adjust the eating to normal levels. I have tried many times before and failed to change my lifestyle. Most have been through trying to get back into shape. With a bad back, bad knee and bad ankle many of those attempts were foiled by my body breaking down. The most successful attempt was in my mid 20's when I established long distance running as a lifestyle to the point where when I got home I HAD to go run. Well, that was until my back went out. It is hard to restart things like that after you lifestyle reverts back to less active and doing whatever. I was prob around 240 then. I slowly gained over the years to be more around 280-290ish and pretty stable. Not doing regular exercise but also not totally stationary either. Then- I had a pretty bad car accident about 1 1/2 years ago where I passed out, rolled my truck and totaled it. That took my bad back and made it much worse. I gained that extra 30-40lbs since then because I could do very little for a very long time. Even mowing the lawn was something I was just able to do this last season.

I cared that I was bigger and attempted changes in the past but obviously I did not care that much to really make some changes or else I would have. I am motivated to change because of my kids. They mean more to me than life. It is very important to me that I do everything I can to be here for them as long as I can. A big, though perhaps silly, thing for me to really bring home "Dude, you are getting way too big- you MUST do something soon" was the fact that my belly was sticking out of my 4XL t-shirts if I lifted my arms.

The key for me is that I am naturally pre-disposed to having mules think that I am stubborn but one of my biggest character flaws is that I am not very disciplined. Beyond the back, knee and ankle issues discipline is my biggest problem. That is why I attacked this not so much about trying to develop a disciplined new LC but rather leverage my stubbornness to basically achieve a end goal rather than a new LC. I am hoping to use that to jump start my LC. I felt it needed to be extreme to be something that had a real "wow" factor to it AND for it to be so opposite of my normal that it kind of gives me a clean slate to work from to establish the LC.

 

[hagmania]

We got this Chad. We're gonna make it.

 

[James Daulton]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

I discussed two major issues for me in the bad eating habits formed through my pre-teen and teen years fueling the athletic lifestyle that I had. With adulthood and then also injuries- the activity dropped but it has always been a struggle to adjust the eating to normal levels. I have tried many times before and failed to change my lifestyle. Most have been through trying to get back into shape. With a bad back, bad knee and bad ankle many of those attempts were foiled by my body breaking down. The most successful attempt was in my mid 20's when I established long distance running as a lifestyle to the point where when I got home I HAD to go run. Well, that was until my back went out. It is hard to restart things like that after you lifestyle reverts back to less active and doing whatever. I was prob around 240 then. I slowly gained over the years to be more around 280-290ish and pretty stable. Not doing regular exercise but also not totally stationary either. Then- I had a pretty bad car accident about 1 1/2 years ago where I passed out, rolled my truck and totaled it. That took my bad back and made it much worse. I gained that extra 30-40lbs since then because I could do very little for a very long time. Even mowing the lawn was something I was just able to do this last season.

I cared that I was bigger and attempted changes in the past but obviously I did not care that much to really make some changes or else I would have. I am motivated to change because of my kids. They mean more to me than life. It is very important to me that I do everything I can to be here for them as long as I can. A big, though perhaps silly, thing for me to really bring home "Dude, you are getting way too big- you MUST do something soon" was the fact that my belly was sticking out of my 4XL t-shirts if I lifted my arms.

The key for me is that I am naturally pre-disposed to having mules think that I am stubborn but one of my biggest character flaws is that I am not very disciplined. Beyond the back, knee and ankle issues discipline is my biggest problem. That is why I attacked this not so much about trying to develop a disciplined new LC but rather leverage my stubbornness to basically achieve a end goal rather than a new LC. I am hoping to use that to jump start my LC. I felt it needed to be extreme to be something that had a real "wow" factor to it AND for it to be so opposite of my normal that it kind of gives me a clean slate to work from to establish the LC.

Interesting story. Good luck. You're still good on the average 1,000 calories/day?

 

[cstu]

Thanks. I know a small portion of those foods won't hurt me but right now- I want to be extremely strict. I see it as being crucial to retrain my brain and also be an example that I can skip those foods and not over eat it every time it is available.

I mentioned to my wife that dinner March 1st will be a celebration of making it and will consist of a nice pasta dinner and that I was not sure if I would be able to control the portions... she replied that by then my stomach will have adjusted a lot and I prob wont be able to eat much more than a small portion size anyways.

I think the people calling you extreme don't understand the issue that a lot of us deal from absent-minded eating. By constantly being hungry food is always on your mind so it is a good way to retrain your brain to think about what you eat.

I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at, but his diet is extreme because he's taking in less than 50% of the calories his body needs just to sustain itself.

His body has plenty of calories to sustain itself.

 

[Winning IS Everything]

I will add a update since I have been a little busy to pop in:

posted about a week ago:

I am 6'2" and started at 273 pounds on January 10. Weighed in this morning at 262. I am very happy so far. Keys:

Only have a soda once a week with a meal out with the family. Rest of the time it is water and more water. I even got one of those infuser bottles where you can add fruit and stuff for flavor.

If I have pizza, it is always thin crust and I limit myself to 4 squares and the pizza will be loaded with veggies.

I still eat at every meal, never skip. I have always heard skipping is rough on weight loss so I do not do it. Even if a meal is all veggies or a salad, I eat something.

VERY little alcohol. If I go to my In Laws, I am basically forced to have a Miller Lite with them. I do it as social happiness helps my motivation, but then I do an extra 15-20 minutes in the pool that day.

I now weigh in at 259. I am lifting a lot of weights and doing a ton in the pool. Staying away from the treadmill as it hurts my knees. People notice my muscle build getting better and the stomach shrinking. Not a ton of weight loss, but moving weight in the right direction. Still going strong. Keep on keeping on folks!!!!!!

 

[Chadstroma]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

I discussed two major issues for me in the bad eating habits formed through my pre-teen and teen years fueling the athletic lifestyle that I had. With adulthood and then also injuries- the activity dropped but it has always been a struggle to adjust the eating to normal levels. I have tried many times before and failed to change my lifestyle. Most have been through trying to get back into shape. With a bad back, bad knee and bad ankle many of those attempts were foiled by my body breaking down. The most successful attempt was in my mid 20's when I established long distance running as a lifestyle to the point where when I got home I HAD to go run. Well, that was until my back went out. It is hard to restart things like that after you lifestyle reverts back to less active and doing whatever. I was prob around 240 then. I slowly gained over the years to be more around 280-290ish and pretty stable. Not doing regular exercise but also not totally stationary either. Then- I had a pretty bad car accident about 1 1/2 years ago where I passed out, rolled my truck and totaled it. That took my bad back and made it much worse. I gained that extra 30-40lbs since then because I could do very little for a very long time. Even mowing the lawn was something I was just able to do this last season.

I cared that I was bigger and attempted changes in the past but obviously I did not care that much to really make some changes or else I would have. I am motivated to change because of my kids. They mean more to me than life. It is very important to me that I do everything I can to be here for them as long as I can. A big, though perhaps silly, thing for me to really bring home "Dude, you are getting way too big- you MUST do something soon" was the fact that my belly was sticking out of my 4XL t-shirts if I lifted my arms.

The key for me is that I am naturally pre-disposed to having mules think that I am stubborn but one of my biggest character flaws is that I am not very disciplined. Beyond the back, knee and ankle issues discipline is my biggest problem. That is why I attacked this not so much about trying to develop a disciplined new LC but rather leverage my stubbornness to basically achieve a end goal rather than a new LC. I am hoping to use that to jump start my LC. I felt it needed to be extreme to be something that had a real "wow" factor to it AND for it to be so opposite of my normal that it kind of gives me a clean slate to work from to establish the LC.

Interesting story. Good luck. You're still good on the average 1,000 calories/day?

Yea, I am actually in the range of 700-800 a day. For the most part the only change is the sauce I use on my chicken breasts at night. Not sure how much my Jalapeño sauce is so I went on the safe side and over estimated. I ran out of it (and it is not being sold yet so I getting more is hard) so I used A1 on them last night. That was much easier to quantify the calories and added 90 calories to the rest of my food which is easy to track on calories and takes me to 802 for the day.

140 for the Naked Green Machine, 80 for the Kickstart, 180 for the Slimfast protein shake (less sugar) and then 312 for the chicken (rough estimate as I don't weigh each one to make sure it is exact) + my sauce on the chicken which at liberal amounts of A1 adds another 90.

So far, the only thing I have done outside of that with substitutions of different Naked or Slimfast was some popcorn. (air popped with butter flavored spray and Kernel Seasoning on it) for Friday Family Movie Night with the kids. Estimate of about 100 calories or so which still kept me below the 1,000 calories for the day.

The only thing I am debating right now is that on Sunday our friend wants us to meet up with them at their restaurant (a breakfast place) which has some damn good food. I am trying to figure out if I should stick to the plan or if I can try to eat there and budget my calories for the day to still be under my 1K goal. I am going back and forth on that.

 

[Chadstroma]

Thanks. I know a small portion of those foods won't hurt me but right now- I want to be extremely strict. I see it as being crucial to retrain my brain and also be an example that I can skip those foods and not over eat it every time it is available.

I mentioned to my wife that dinner March 1st will be a celebration of making it and will consist of a nice pasta dinner and that I was not sure if I would be able to control the portions... she replied that by then my stomach will have adjusted a lot and I prob wont be able to eat much more than a small portion size anyways.

I think the people calling you extreme don't understand the issue that a lot of us deal from absent-minded eating. By constantly being hungry food is always on your mind so it is a good way to retrain your brain to think about what you eat.

I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at, but his diet is extreme because he's taking in less than 50% of the calories his body needs just to sustain itself.

His body has plenty of calories to sustain itself.

Plenty is an understatement.

On Sunday when I was "enjoying" my Slimfast shake my two year old son came up "Daddy, was dat?" he asked "Nothing you want bud. Just don't turn into Fatty McFatty like Daddy and you wont have to drink any of it." he obviously had no idea what I was saying, kept playing fiddling with his Matchbox car and walked off.

 

[DocHolliday]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

I discussed two major issues for me in the bad eating habits formed through my pre-teen and teen years fueling the athletic lifestyle that I had. With adulthood and then also injuries- the activity dropped but it has always been a struggle to adjust the eating to normal levels. I have tried many times before and failed to change my lifestyle. Most have been through trying to get back into shape. With a bad back, bad knee and bad ankle many of those attempts were foiled by my body breaking down. The most successful attempt was in my mid 20's when I established long distance running as a lifestyle to the point where when I got home I HAD to go run. Well, that was until my back went out. It is hard to restart things like that after you lifestyle reverts back to less active and doing whatever. I was prob around 240 then. I slowly gained over the years to be more around 280-290ish and pretty stable. Not doing regular exercise but also not totally stationary either. Then- I had a pretty bad car accident about 1 1/2 years ago where I passed out, rolled my truck and totaled it. That took my bad back and made it much worse. I gained that extra 30-40lbs since then because I could do very little for a very long time. Even mowing the lawn was something I was just able to do this last season.

I cared that I was bigger and attempted changes in the past but obviously I did not care that much to really make some changes or else I would have. I am motivated to change because of my kids. They mean more to me than life. It is very important to me that I do everything I can to be here for them as long as I can. A big, though perhaps silly, thing for me to really bring home "Dude, you are getting way too big- you MUST do something soon" was the fact that my belly was sticking out of my 4XL t-shirts if I lifted my arms.

The key for me is that I am naturally pre-disposed to having mules think that I am stubborn but one of my biggest character flaws is that I am not very disciplined. Beyond the back, knee and ankle issues discipline is my biggest problem. That is why I attacked this not so much about trying to develop a disciplined new LC but rather leverage my stubbornness to basically achieve a end goal rather than a new LC. I am hoping to use that to jump start my LC. I felt it needed to be extreme to be something that had a real "wow" factor to it AND for it to be so opposite of my normal that it kind of gives me a clean slate to work from to establish the LC.

Interesting story. Good luck. You're still good on the average 1,000 calories/day?

Yea, I am actually in the range of 700-800 a day. For the most part the only change is the sauce I use on my chicken breasts at night. Not sure how much my Jalapeño sauce is so I went on the safe side and over estimated. I ran out of it (and it is not being sold yet so I getting more is hard) so I used A1 on them last night. That was much easier to quantify the calories and added 90 calories to the rest of my food which is easy to track on calories and takes me to 802 for the day.

140 for the Naked Green Machine, 80 for the Kickstart, 180 for the Slimfast protein shake (less sugar) and then 312 for the chicken (rough estimate as I don't weigh each one to make sure it is exact) + my sauce on the chicken which at liberal amounts of A1 adds another 90.

So far, the only thing I have done outside of that with substitutions of different Naked or Slimfast was some popcorn. (air popped with butter flavored spray and Kernel Seasoning on it) for Friday Family Movie Night with the kids. Estimate of about 100 calories or so which still kept me below the 1,000 calories for the day.

The only thing I am debating right now is that on Sunday our friend wants us to meet up with them at their restaurant (a breakfast place) which has some damn good food. I am trying to figure out if I should stick to the plan or if I can try to eat there and budget my calories for the day to still be under my 1K goal. I am going back and forth on that.

I know what I would do but it is more important for you to do what you think is best. This thread has shown again just how differently all of our brains are wired. What works for me may not work at all for the next guy.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do on Sunday. And, once you make that decision, go with it and do not think about it any longer. Sometimes, I get caught up regretting a poor eating decision for days. Eventually, I realize how stupid that is and let it go. Guilt could also be a great motivator for me.

 

[Sabertooth]

Good god man. 3 kids in that age range and trying to lose a bunch of weight. Talk about challenging times. Good luck.

Thanks. The challenge is not so much right now as I am focusing on diet as will be when I really start focusing on exercise (as this weekend was a good indication of).

I still don't see how anyone, let alone someone your size, can willingly eat so little and not drive themselves crazy. If your self control is so spot on, how'd you get so big in the first place? Just didn't care?

I discussed two major issues for me in the bad eating habits formed through my pre-teen and teen years fueling the athletic lifestyle that I had. With adulthood and then also injuries- the activity dropped but it has always been a struggle to adjust the eating to normal levels. I have tried many times before and failed to change my lifestyle. Most have been through trying to get back into shape. With a bad back, bad knee and bad ankle many of those attempts were foiled by my body breaking down. The most successful attempt was in my mid 20's when I established long distance running as a lifestyle to the point where when I got home I HAD to go run. Well, that was until my back went out. It is hard to restart things like that after you lifestyle reverts back to less active and doing whatever. I was prob around 240 then. I slowly gained over the years to be more around 280-290ish and pretty stable. Not doing regular exercise but also not totally stationary either. Then- I had a pretty bad car accident about 1 1/2 years ago where I passed out, rolled my truck and totaled it. That took my bad back and made it much worse. I gained that extra 30-40lbs since then because I could do very little for a very long time. Even mowing the lawn was something I was just able to do this last season.I cared that I was bigger and attempted changes in the past but obviously I did not care that much to really make some changes or else I would have. I am motivated to change because of my kids. They mean more to me than life. It is very important to me that I do everything I can to be here for them as long as I can. A big, though perhaps silly, thing for me to really bring home "Dude, you are getting way too big- you MUST do something soon" was the fact that my belly was sticking out of my 4XL t-shirts if I lifted my arms.

The key for me is that I am naturally pre-disposed to having mules think that I am stubborn but one of my biggest character flaws is that I am not very disciplined. Beyond the back, knee and ankle issues discipline is my biggest problem. That is why I attacked this not so much about trying to develop a disciplined new LC but rather leverage my stubbornness to basically achieve a end goal rather than a new LC. I am hoping to use that to jump start my LC. I felt it needed to be extreme to be something that had a real "wow" factor to it AND for it to be so opposite of my normal that it kind of gives me a clean slate to work from to establish the LC.

Interesting story. Good luck. You're still good on the average 1,000 calories/day?

He will be fine. Watch survivor. Those people are just fine on way less than 1000 a day for a month straight. Reading the Reddit fasting sub, people do 30 day water only fasts quite regularly.

 

[Chadstroma]

I really don't like the new board so far so I am not sure how much I will be around. But I did want to give an update for those that care.

Still moving along most days about 750-850 calories. I splurged a couple of times with popcorn that pushed me up closer to the 1K limit a couple of times but I am still on average way below my goal of 1K a day.

I am still sticking to not weighing myself until March 1st but I can feel clothes feeling looser on me. I generally feel better though I did get noticeably cranky the other day (I think that was more because I had forgotten my Kickstart and combining the hunger and lack of caffeine was too much... my kids got yelled at much more than they deserved. :( ) Realized that was the likely thing and drank a Kickstart and felt much better. I really do feel like my knee is getting better. My back is still about the same but I expect much improvement with both as I continue to lose weight and don't have so much pressure on them from the extra weight.

Again, my body has adjusted so I am not particularly hungry most times. The weekends are the battle in my mind as my mind still wants to grab something when I am not doing something. Air popped popcorn with Kernel Seasonings has been a savior. It has allowed me to have a 'treat' that is very low in calories and very enjoyable. I still want to limit that for now as I am still trying to force the brain to get retrained.

Another big challenge has been the monotony of my approach. I have combated that with using different stuff on my chicken (ran out of my Jalapeno sauce so had to be creative anyways) so I have used salsa verde and hummus as some extra flavor. I also switched from the Naked to Odwalla- Odwalla seems to be a bit healthier anyways (using Fooducate ap) but also cheaper. I had to break from the fruit/veggie smoothies though, so I got some fruit only. Again- my biggest concern is calorie intake and I am taking a multi-vitamin to help cover any areas I may not be getting enough vitamins/minerals. Just couldn't take the taste every day. Another thing I learned is stick with chocolate for any of the Slim-Fast kind of stuff. The other flavors are nasty.

I haven't made a ton of progress on establishing exercise but that was not really a goal of mine this month. I got one good walk in the weekend before last and that was about it. Other than doing some snow shoveling over this last weekend.

I am a few days past the mid point and I feel like I can knock this out. I will start to try to nail down my goals for next month shortly.

 

[gussy]

Quick update, jumped on the scale, I'm down 8 lbs from when I first posted here and I really think I can be down 10llbs by the end of February. I've never lost weight this way, with just slow, subtle changes, and really slow weight loss, but I do think it's sustainable for me. It's easy to feel like I'm not accomplishing anything, but my stated goal was a lb a week and I'm right on pace with that. The biggest change I've made is the alcohol. We did take a trip to Mexico a few weeks ago and I still drank like my old self, but otherwise I've drastically cut. I've had one drink in the last 7 days, a gin martini, and that's been it. I can't tell you the last time I had a one drink week before. I'm starting to notice some changes, primarily not being as winded when doing steps. I showed 4 homes last night, and I remember thinking "I'm actually not winded" when two of them were two stories. Skipped the elevator and took the steps at our corporate office this morning for a big meeting, just little changes. I'm still not eating as healthy as I could, even though it's better. I'm still not exercising every day, but I am exercising some, which is more than I was doing. I I can be to around 240 by May 1 I'll be excited.

 

[hagmania]

Keep it up gussy, it really is the best way.

Agreed on a weight loss bet with a buddy. July 4 starting now. That 9% is now 0.

 

[comfortably numb]

Good job. Keep it up.

Haven't weighed myself lately but just feel better been making better eating choices throughout the days.
Weather is starting to break in the NEast and hope to start getting out more to train for a few HM i have later on in the spring.

 

[Chadstroma]

I am one week away from completing my goal of under 1K calories a day for the month of Feb. I initially was not going to weigh myself until March 1st but I am starting to really think about my goals for the month of March and felt like I wanted to know the progress weight wise that I have made. I knew I had lost a good amount of weight as I could feel the difference in clothes and even in my bad knee. So, as of the 21st- I am down to 305. That is from 321 to begin the month so about 16 pounds lost. Pretty much 5 pounds a week. I am very happy with that.

I pretty much have stayed in the range of 750-900 calories for each day- safely below my 1K goal. However, that has been through sticking to my plan of a Juice and Kickstart in the morning, Slimfast for lunch and then two skinless, boneless Chicken breasts (with some sort of sauce which I have changed thru the month). The only difference on that (which I originally planned on allowing though I don't remember if I posted that in my original post) was air popped popcorn using Kernal Seasoning. I mostly turned to the popcorn on the weekends for my snack as we do family movie night or just really wanting something other than the day to day juice and chicken. I really did not establish an exercise goal but just generally tried to make more effort in doing more.

So, looking forward to next month. In general, a few things that I know: 1) I am rewarding myself with a cheat day March 1st. I don't intend on going crazy but I think for lunch I might get a hamburger (no fries and no soda) and some pasta for dinner. In general, I am not going to worry too much about the calories though I will track it. 2) My daughters birthday is in March so I will allow myself leniency on that day as well. 3) I want to try to start shifting towards normal eating habits while keeping the calories down for weight loss. Or in other words, not being so strict on my daily routine.  4) I want to also establish an exercise goal and make that a major focus.

My thoughts which I am certainly open to changing for March goals is other than my two days where I will be less focused on calories (I hate using the word 'cheat'- I am not 'cheating' because I am trying to retrain my body and mind towards a lifestyle change- how do you 'cheat' on that?) that I will target 1,500 calories a day. I think for the week- breakfast and lunch may stay roughly the same as now (juice, Slimfast- or maybe other protein shake etc) and then portion out the dinner with whatever we are having as a family. I don't think this will be hard as I am pretty sure my stomach has shrunk over the month that eating smaller portions will be 'easy' to stick to... but I want to be careful in this and not fall into the old habits again. My goal for exercise will be at least 15 minutes of something but not worry to much about what- just doing something, walking, light weightlifting, punching boxing bags, etc. Any thoughts on this are welcome as I am willing to adjust. I know many of you had concerns about how I went about Feb (along with my wife) but I was convinced it was the only way I could be successful in losing weight but more importantly trying to make a honest lifestyle change but it certainly does not mean I don't appreciate the input, thoughts, feedback and encouragement.

 

[hagmania]

Nice work, @Chadstroma, keep it up.

 

[culdeus]

Instead of slimfast why not just swap to a protein powder with whatever liquid hits your macros best?  

When adding calories back make sure lots of it is vegetable based, fiber based first, then proteins second.

It will be difficult to sustain an exercise program on such low calories without causing some setbacks.  I would start just walking your dog and work yourself up to body weight stuff like squats and whatever.  

 

[James Daulton]

@Chadstroma How you can voluntarily exist on so few calories at such a large size mystifies me.

Regardless, well done!

 

[Chadstroma]

Instead of slimfast why not just swap to a protein powder with whatever liquid hits your macros best?  

When adding calories back make sure lots of it is vegetable based, fiber based first, then proteins second.

It will be difficult to sustain an exercise program on such low calories without causing some setbacks.  I would start just walking your dog and work yourself up to body weight stuff like squats and whatever.  

I intend on looking at alternatives to Slimfast for sure. I suppose doing a powder at work for lunch would not be too much of a problem.

Yes, agreed on the veggies being added.

The exercise I envision at this point is that kind of stuff. Somewhat low intensity, low impact.... more of just being active for a dedicated 15 minutes doing something. Again, for me, the goal is more about trying to establish the lifestyle changes and not so much about burning the calories as I still will be losing weight on the calories I will be brining in being low. Squats wont be for a very long time.... pretty much the only thing I will be doing that will involve my legs for now will be walking or riding the bike when the weather gets a bit better. My knee if feeling better (less pressure on the knee obviously) but I need to protect it so I don't end up having a setback with an injury on it. Walking will be the preferred activity for now but I will swap in some body bag/speed bag time or curling some light weights.

 

[culdeus]

I intend on looking at alternatives to Slimfast for sure. I suppose doing a powder at work for lunch would not be too much of a problem.

Yes, agreed on the veggies being added.

The exercise I envision at this point is that kind of stuff. Somewhat low intensity, low impact.... more of just being active for a dedicated 15 minutes doing something. Again, for me, the goal is more about trying to establish the lifestyle changes and not so much about burning the calories as I still will be losing weight on the calories I will be brining in being low. Squats wont be for a very long time.... pretty much the only thing I will be doing that will involve my legs for now will be walking or riding the bike when the weather gets a bit better. My knee if feeling better (less pressure on the knee obviously) but I need to protect it so I don't end up having a setback with an injury on it. Walking will be the preferred activity for now but I will swap in some body bag/speed bag time or curling some light weights.

Legs and back are the single biggest muscle groups that will promote long term health.  If a single body weight squat is beyond your ability now then you really need to work with physical therapists and other professionals first to develop a plan to get mobility.  Sitting around and doing curls works virtually no muscle groups that impact your ability to put on lean mass.  

I only suggest powder over cans of shakes for primarily cost based reasons, plus you can more easily tweak your calorie needs that way.  

 

[cstu]

Legs and back are the single biggest muscle groups that will promote long term health.  If a single body weight squat is beyond your ability now then you really need to work with physical therapists and other professionals first to develop a plan to get mobility.  Sitting around and doing curls works virtually no muscle groups that impact your ability to put on lean mass.  

I only suggest powder over cans of shakes for primarily cost based reasons, plus you can more easily tweak your calorie needs that way.  

When you say "a single body weight squat" are you talking added weight or simply being able to squat down and get up.

I don't think you need to be able to squat more than 100 additional pounds, which is effectively what a 300 pound person who is 100 pounds overweight is doing with a regular squat.

 

[culdeus]

When you say "a single body weight squat" are you talking added weight or simply being able to squat down and get up.

I don't think you need to be able to squat more than 100 additional pounds, which is effectively what a 300 pound person who is 100 pounds overweight is doing with a regular squat.

I'm saying that if you simply can't squat down and stand up it's a big issue, one that ultimately may not hinder weight loss, but certainly quality of life down the road.  Hell, the ability to execute simple squats now is starting to be tied to all sorts of things as far reaching as Alzheimers, diabetes, and others.

 

[Chadstroma]

Legs and back are the single biggest muscle groups that will promote long term health.  If a single body weight squat is beyond your ability now then you really need to work with physical therapists and other professionals first to develop a plan to get mobility.  Sitting around and doing curls works virtually no muscle groups that impact your ability to put on lean mass.  

I only suggest powder over cans of shakes for primarily cost based reasons, plus you can more easily tweak your calorie needs that way.  

I can do squats but I want to avoid anything that could potentially end up causing a setback on my knee or back. My goal for March is really not about the actual exercise but rather just establishing the lifestyle change to be active for at least 15 minutes a day. I know it is not "ideal" just as I knew how I approached Feb was not "ideal" with my severe calorie minimization and pretty strict eating routine. Just as I did in Feb with trying to retrain my mind and establish the lifestyle change- it is more about wiping clean the past and building from there for me. I am not worried about an exercise routine, any particular goals of weight loss or physical goals, or even the most effective way to lose weight in exercise. Right now, it is simply trying to establish a lifestyle of being active every day.

Yea, I know the powder is more economical. Any suggestions on best ones out there to try for taste and health?

 

[Tick]

I hit 100 days on myfitnesspal, and am continuing to drop about a pound per week.  I'm 167-168 now.  

This feels sustainable long-term.  The only thing I miss is the occasional pizza pigout.

 

[James Daulton]

I hit 100 days on myfitnesspal, and am continuing to drop about a pound per week.  I'm 167-168 now.  

This feels sustainable long-term.  The only thing I miss is the occasional pizza pigout.

mmmmhhhhhhhhmmm...pizza...

 

[shader]

Hello my name is Shader and I fell off the wagon.  I went on a cruise and spent a long time preparing for it.

I enjoyed pigging out on my cruise so much that I never stopped once I got home.  

Time to hop back on the wagon of course but I just can't get the motivation.  The cruise reminded me that I love food and I've been unable to stop eating since I got back.