A rant about basic concepts I - Page 9

Steve · #**121** (**permalink**) April 16th, 2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyJ

I am new to this forum but this is a great thread (long but great) lots of information. and truth be told I skipped a few. Hey i am lazy if I weren't i wouldn't be fat.

It's gotten long over the months.

It really started as me just ranting about some things though... it wasn't meant to be a Q&A.

But it's fine that people ask questions here.

Quote:

I am just starting out again. I lost 70lbs. over a year ago and have packed on 40 od them again. I wasn't eating healthy when i lost last time and have since read and agree with the biggest loser books.

What were you doing that made your diet unhealthy when you lost weight the last time?

Admittedly I haven't read the biggest loser stuff, so I can't comment on that.

Quote:

1 I don't eat breakfast. I hate breakfast foods, and i can't stomach food before around 11:00 most days. I try to atleast drink a cup of skim milk or v8 juice but is that enough to start my body off right for the day. I eat lunch around 1:00 and snack on veggies (used to be junk started today) around 11:30 or 12:00 then dinner is between 5:30 and 6:30.

First let me say I'm a fan of breakfast. Not only b/c I'm hungry as all hell when I wake up, lol, but I think it's a good thing to fuel your body up after the evening 'fast.'

That said however, I don't see any real issues with you waiting to eat assuming:

1. You're getting adequate protein in your diet
2. You're able to get in adequate energy even though you're starting late
3. The lack of food in the A.M. doesn't lead to binges in the PM

Quote:

2 my husband is very over weight (over 400lbs) he is pretty solid in that he doesn't look like he weighs that much. He is not very active daily but camps with our sons scout group and things like that. He wants to lose weight but doesn't know how to start. He will get on the treadmill once every few weeks do 5 minutes and that is it. If I am understanding the thread it is okay to start with weights. We have a weight bench with a barbell, an elipticle, a treadmill, a stationary bike, and a home gym (weider with pulleys). I should tell you we all hate the bike but I am considering buying a recumbent bike (I used to use that at the YMCA but it was $70 aa month and I have all this equipment set up gym style in my basement.

Your husband needs to do things that are going to contribute best to expending energy (calories). Traditional weight lifting probably isn't going to be the best.

First, his primary point of concern/focus should be nutrition. You can't out exercise a bad diet, especially when you're over 400 lbs.

I can't stress that enough.

But I'd start him with primarily cardiovascular activities. I'm not sure of his endurance/capabilities, but maybe he could start with splitting up each session into 2-3 more tolerable bouts.

It doesn't really matter what form this cardiovascular exercise comes in, I'd just make sure it's nothing that has high impactive forces associated like running.

Walking, swimming, bike, high rep-low rest weight lifting, etc, etc.

CindyJ · #**122** (**permalink**) April 16th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

It's gotten long over the months.

It really started as me just ranting about some things though... it wasn't meant to be a Q&A.

But it's fine that people ask questions here.

What were you doing that made your diet unhealthy when you lost weight the last time?

Admittedly I haven't read the biggest loser stuff, so I can't comment on that. Biggest Loser is about calories and getting enough calories by eating healthy less processed food in a healthy diet. In a nut shell 4 veggies or fruit (but more veg then Fruit) 3protein, 2 starches (whole grains not enriched not sure why but I like them so it doesn't matter), 1 fats and oils.

I was eating nothing but fruit and 1 lean Quicine a day. I kept fat grams down to 10 - 15 a day. I rarely ate meat or starches. and I hit the treadmill 3 to 4 times a day for 20 minutes a time and walked 2 miles a day with a neighbor.

First let me say I'm a fan of breakfast. Not only b/c I'm hungry as all hell when I wake up, lol, but I think it's a good thing to fuel your body up after the evening 'fast.'

That said however, I don't see any real issues with you waiting to eat assuming:

1. You're getting adequate protein in your diet
2. You're able to get in adequate energy even though you're starting late
3. The lack of food in the A.M. doesn't lead to binges in the PM

I am not hungry in the morning but I force myself to at least drink a cup of milk (skin for calorie sake) so that I don't get hungry early. If I miss that i have hunger pain around 10:30 and I will grab milk then and be okay.

Your husband needs to do things that are going to contribute best to expending energy (calories). Traditional weight lifting probably isn't going to be the best.

First, his primary point of concern/focus should be nutrition. You can't out exercise a bad diet, especially when you're over 400 lbs.

I can't stress that enough.

But I'd start him with primarily cardiovascular activities. I'm not sure of his endurance/capabilities, but maybe he could start with splitting up each session into 2-3 more tolerable bouts.

It doesn't really matter what form this cardiovascular exercise comes in, I'd just make sure it's nothing that has high impactive forces associated like running. No worries there.

Walking, swimming, bike, high rep-low rest weight lifting, etc, etc.

So will a evening stroll around the neighborhood at basically a snails pace help. I am packing his lunch for him (again started today) and I make a healthy dinner in the evening. He did munch carots with fat free ital. dressing for snack while we watched TV last night. And he is on his own for Breakfast as hate it. I cook breakfast foods (pancakes, waffles, french toast etc.) and freeze them for our son I just don't like them. To me the are syrup sponges and that is gross.

CindyJ · #**123** (**permalink**) April 16th, 2008, 02:41 PM

Sorry apparently I am not good at replying so some of the answers are in your quote

Steve · #**124** (**permalink**) April 16th, 2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyJ

So will a evening stroll around the neighborhood at basically a snails pace help. I am packing his lunch for him (again started today) and I make a healthy dinner in the evening. He did munch carots with fat free ital. dressing for snack while we watched TV last night. And he is on his own for Breakfast as hate it. I cook breakfast foods (pancakes, waffles, french toast etc.) and freeze them for our son I just don't like them. To me the are syrup sponges and that is gross.

Anything above and beyond what he does not will help. I'd find something he enjoys are at least tolerates. If it's evening walks around the neighborhood, so be it. I'd also start really emphasizing the idea that you guys are doing this together. Talk about how good things will be once the weight is lost. This will create and maintain a positive frame of mind which in most cases will reinforce consistency.

If he starts walking, and assuming he keeps his diet in check, progress will ensue. Once he starts realizing that good stuff is happening, it will most likely translate into the desire to do more. At that time, he can step it up in terms of exercise and start walking further, using a bike, or whatever else he feels fit to do and wants.

It's all about setting up a plan for him.... and not making it something he must do or else. If you don't make it an enjoyable part of his lifestyle, there's no way in hell he's going to lose weight and keep it off.

Most importantly I think is linked to what I said above about the positive frame of mind. If he doesn't establish this, he's not going to adhere to your food plan. No way. Sure, he might eat what you make him for lunch and dinner. But you aren't watching 100% of the time and though he'll appease you by eating your meals, trust me, his he'll appease his natural desire to eat whatever he wants too!

On that note, don't be too restrictive in terms of diet. He's a big guy and can afford to eat a good bit. Caloric requirements are based on body weight. The more you weigh, the more you can eat. If you're too strict, I doubt he'll last long at all.

Janka · #**125** (**permalink**) April 24th, 2008, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the tips.

sharoo · #**126** (**permalink**) April 30th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Steve, I like the way you think.

Steve · #**127** (**permalink**) April 30th, 2008, 04:02 PM

I like people who like the way I think.

Thanks!

maleficent · #**128** (**permalink**) April 30th, 2008, 04:03 PM

Ack !

don't encourage him

ceghead · #**129** (**permalink**) May 15th, 2008, 12:31 AM

thats just the sort of bold as balls no bulls**t i need to hear! its true i guess, i think im eating about 1200 calories a day and that a couple of hours moderate walking is enough to shift 10lbs, but the scales aint moving on me!
prob cause i dont count all the calories from the milk in the 15 cups of tea i drink and i forget to add on that glass of wine or those pesky liquorice allsorts i scoffed. I am always the 1st to say "its not rocket science, eat less move more", but i think i lost my way and caught up with the whole Stuuuuupid and unrealistic idea of looking like something off the cover of vouge which i both detest and deplore yet secretly would love to be. I think its just gona take a large helping of common sense and honesty, lying to myself aint gona shift that excess and a stroll with the dog isn't gona burn the fat. I know in my heart that i am NOT trying hard enough, its like a pathetic fultile attempt to convince myself Im doing well, when I'm not. If i want the body of a vouge model Im gona have to work DAMMED hard to get it and quite frankly, I do not think that is realistic, like you said, you have to be realistic in your approach to your ideal weight and given my build, a svelt, lean physique aint gona happen. I always compare it to horses, some horses are naturally thin long and lean like Arabs, some, are stockier and heavier yet just as healthy, like an irish draught! I....am an irish draught! i am NOT prepared to sacrifice my health in the long run for some stupid unachievable ideal that spurs from the sim[ple fact that i am insecure about my body image, when in fact, i am a perfectly healthy weight! nothing and i mean NOTHING can help me now other than some good old simple excercise.
Thank you for that post, Im at work and regretting last nights Liquorice splurge, kyou've really put it all back into perspective for me. Roll on 4:00 so i can go home and start to get fit!

Steve · #**130** (**permalink**) May 15th, 2008, 09:28 AM

Glad to hear that thread lit a little fire under ya!

Is that you in your AVI?

Also, you're right. Chasing after the body of someone else is a 'dangerous game' to get involved in.

There are just some people genetically inclined to look certain ways. Their training and diet have nothing to do with it. The reality of the situation is that you're not going to make your body look like anything other than what it wants to look like.

Everybody has the potential to look phenomenal, relative to their own starting point. It's just that your phenomenal isn't going to be my phenomenal... or is it going to be anyone elses for that matter.

People start focusing on ideals instead of realistic outcomes, which is too bad because even the realistic outcome will be enough for most people.

ceghead · #**131** (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 02:50 AM

yeah you're right! i think its a bit more of an emotional thing for me at the mo, i recently split from a 7 year relationship and now I'm probably thinking along the lines of needing to get myself sorted out and sexy again! I think this is gona be more a mental challenge then a physical one!
I should be happy as i am but I guess emotional times make everyone beat themseleves up a bit and look at themselves differently and in a bad light! ah well, onwards and upwards. yeah, thats me in the picture! i was rather drunk that night! lol

Steve · #**132** (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 05:08 AM

Well here's a secret for you...

This is an emotional ride for all of us. No matter the circumstance. There are a lot of hurdles along the way to improving your body. Most of them are mental.

Everyone is capable of exercising and eating properly. It really isn't rocket science. So these are little hurdles. It's the mental side of things where people get caught up.

It's a nice picture you have there... you look beautiful. I wouldn't worry too much, which I know is easier said than done. I know plenty of normal guys that would think, "hey, she's hot!"

I haven't read all your posts, but I remember seeing a few of them and from what I recollect, you don't have a lot of weight to lose, if any. It's more a matter of shaping up. That said, resistance training is going to be critical.

ceghead · #**133** (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 09:18 AM

hehe, im blushing!!!!

well the stats are im 5ft 7 and weigh 9stone and 10lbs, i have a 27inch wasit and 40 inch hips another user told me that was ok, im naturally quite broad as im busty and wonder if 9stone is achievable? or realistic?

I was thinking of at least dropping to 9stone 5 and then starting on building tone and definition! a few years back i was gym obsessed and i always found that my arms, stomach and back tone up super fast but my legs and bum are a nightmare to tone! is there anything i can do whilst walking the dog that will help improve my legs?

Steve · #**134** (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 02:23 PM

I think you need to get away from the numbers of it all. Who cares what the scale says?

Work on achieving a body you love.

What exactly are you unhappy with right now?

And convert those numbers into pounds for me... I'm too lazy to do the conversion myself, lol.

ceghead · #**135** (**permalink**) May 18th, 2008, 05:35 AM

136 lbs.
i just wana slim down a bit more really! just to shed off the lumps and bumps!