How to get back in shape...

[billy_boy967]

A few years back I lost a good bit of weight and have not only kept it off, I've gotten into the best shape of my life. How did I do it? I (re)discovered running and it changed my lifestyle. In order to lose weight you have to change the way you live, not go on a diet.

Dieting can lead to a vicious cycle, you eat less, lose some weight, but eventually you'll be low on energy and likely to give into cravings anyway.

I realize running isn't for everyone, but here's why it worked for me: Running is not only an activity that burns a lot of calories, but one with a community and races/events to train for. After I got started I met other runners, got sucked into running a local race, met more runners and got caught up in their training plans, etc. As soon as that happens, a community has been established and a sense of accountability forms. You don't want to sleep in and miss your morning run because you know your dear friend will be waiting for you at the trailhead.

Personally, I've never done well with gym memberships. It's hard to have a goal or really get involved in any sort of activity through workouts at the gym.

In contrast, running is one of those things where the sky is the limit. You might start working to set new PRs, run longer distances, or start tackling some dun adventure runs. (Not to brag, but I was pretty damn proud to have run a double crossing of the grand canyon a few months back!)

I would forget about supplements and just focus on finding an activity that you enjoy, one that will lead you to new goals with good friends.

Trust me, once you lose your weight and get in shape you'll never want to go back to the way you were before. And since this is a Literotica forum, it's maybe appropriate to mention that you'll feel hot and want to shag all that much more!

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[forged2008]

It's not easy, but cut out as much as possible any grains, dairy, or sugar. Eat as little processed food as possible.

 

[tigerjen]

I've always had issues with my weight, esp. during college and post-college. Believe me, no pill, supplement, power, etc can boost whatever to help one lose the weight. It's all about portion control, eating healthier foods, cutting back on "white foods" such as white bread, white pasta, etc. and also processed food. Fast food also packs on the pounds if eaten regularly. Naturally exercise is a great way to help aid in weight loss----best to find something you enjoy and keep active! Walking is wonderful, which is what I did when the weather was a lot better.

I joined my town's Parks/Recreation Fitness Center right after Election Day back last month, and been going on a daily basis since then w/ the exception of holidays (when the gym's been closed) plus a couple days when I was unable to get there. It is not an easy process to drop weight, believe me, I know it all too well.

If your budget permits, try Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig---I did WW a couple diff times and did drop weight but the downside is when you go off the program you gain it back. Try checking out different websites such as HungryGirl.com for ideas on healthy eating, etc. There are many options out there.

Green tea supposedly helps in aiding metabolism, but if anything, have your thyroid checked by your doctor to make sure things are okay. Also take a daily multi-vitamin.

It is not easy but I wish you good luck in your journey to becoming healthier!


tigerjen

 

[sabre_11]

Good advice

Best advice I can give is (1) set reachable goals and (2) weigh yourself!

If you set a unreachable goal and you want results straight away, you are setting yourself up to fail. Give yourself a target, if you think that you have 20 pounds to lose, then target losing 10 pounds in 3 months. Set a time-line of when you are going to weigh yourself and track how your weight fluctuates (always weigh yourself in the morning after going to the toilet if possible so your weight is accurate).

The most important thing is to not instigate a diet that you'll never be able to stick to (I would recommend more exercise as opposed to a diet any day of the week though...).

All you have to do is break your body's equilibrium, do your best and keep track of how it all changes.

Summary: no crash-course diets, slow gradual weight loss and keep recording your weight.

 

[xXMorticiaXx]

last october i started seeing a personal trainer. i go twice a week. she does it out of her home and is fully certified and insured.

I found out about her through the wife of my FH's coworker. She and another girl both found success this way. my trainer sets specific eating plan, and suggets lifestyle changes, which arent hard for most to change. drinknig a gallon of water a day (usually by 5 pm) working out at least an hour a day three times a week, getting rest in the evening and not drinknig alcohol.

Of course, i do terribly on the diet, but not as bad as i used to be. I'm more concious of my decisions, and i try and workout at 100% when i go to her, even if i REALLY WOULD NOT like to do so. I have lost a total of 65 pounds since i had my son, i gained 41 with him. Im currently at the same weight i was when i met my fiance 4 years ago, and im sure it would be much greater if i followed all of her advice.

Sometimes in order to get my son to eat i have to eat the same things as him, (chicken nuggets, hot dog s, etc) so my diet isnt always perfect. Also, i work in a restaurant, and eating very healthily isnt always feasible.

But working out with my trainer, either by myself, or with a maximum of 4 other people helps significantly. I feel better, i look forward to my workouts (im actually pissed we had to cancel today because of the frickin blizzard!!!!)
and i have much more confidence than i have had since never. its more focused than at a gym, and its easier to workout when i have set appointments than (oh, maybe ill go to the gym after work...."

she suggests not weighing yourself very often, because if you start to build muscle, the number might not change as much as you want it to. This can be very discouraging. Take note of how your clothes fit, and how you generally feel. i hadnt weighed myself in 4 months, and i fit into a belt i havent fit into in about 8 years, and i even had to use a notch i never used before! i took that as a sign that i should check out the scale, and maybe do a lil shopping =) I had lost about 20 pounds, and i had thought i shouldve been at about 30 lost, but my love handles were gone (which was a NEW THING, i've had them my whole life!)


I highly suggest it!

 

[billy_boy967]

Pardon me if this is a dumb question. Are you hoping to lose weight or get in shape? These are not necessarily the same thing. I know a lot of thin people who are not fit and probably an equal number of people who have decent fitness but could lose a few pounds...

 

[Firebrain]

It's not really about dieting. It's about sorting out healthy habits for life, right? What you do has to be sustainable and you have to find a way to enjoy it. Supplements aren't going to help (and that's if they work).

There's Orlistat/Adios. It's a fat binder which you can buy over the counter. It only works if you stick to a diet and the side effects are extremely unpleasant. Anal leakage, anyone? It also doesn't work for everyone.

I'd sign up to a website like www.weightlossresources.com -- you count your calories and monitor your intake of protein vs carbs vs fat etc (instead of a fad diet, it's just about understanding what you eat). That balance is important. I'd then look for exercise you enjoy (mine is dancing around the house like a retard. Works, though ). You've had a rough time; exercise promotes mental wellbeing and may provide you with some solace on top of everything else.

Don't treat it like a diet -- treat it like a time period of making long term changes; learn to cook new things, discover new foods. Find the balance that works for you. Good luck.

 

[bi2nz]

What has worked for me over the last 9 months has been YRG. It is a resistance yoga and includes dieting in limiting or removing gluten. There are days when I can crank out 3-4 workouts because I am trying to get rid of energy. I have dropped 45 plus pounds and have been alot more flexible. check it out yrgfitness.com

 

[davion2308]

Let me chime in

Before you write this off, let me give you some ideas.

1. It's tough to stay healthy and in shape. I know your feelings are hurt because of what your man said about you. At the same time, be happy that he pointed out something you can change to refind that sexual energy you have. He said, "Do this and I'll be happier," and you CAN! I wish my wife said, "Do this and I'll want you more."

2. First, figure out your BMR. It's the amount of calories your body burns in a day of just living and doing stuff. Once you get that baseline, figure out how much activity you do and what you burn.

3. Now, start keeping track of every single thing that goes into your mouth. Everything you eat and drink. Write it all down. Keep a diary. Once you start monitoring, you can do the math and keep your consumed calories under your expended calories, losing weight.

4. Add some exercise and you'll burn more calories and lose more weight. Family history can make things more difficult but your will, desire, and effort will overcome those. It's HARD to be in great shape. YOu have to work a lot but you can do it.

5. Lastly, there's no silver bullet. No injections, no tea, no anti-oxidants, no pills that will boost metabolism. The only thing they do are suppress your hunger. That's dangerous. Don't take pills. There's no magic to it, though, just hard work.

6. Shameless plug: I have a story about losing weight. If you look up my name and check my stories, it's in the How To section. It's called "let's lose weight" or something like that. Have a read. If you have questions, email me at g********1111@gmail.com. I'll help you out.

Good luck!

 

[dollface007]

It's not easy, but cut out as much as possible any grains, dairy, or sugar. Eat as little processed food as possible.

Actually, this is very simple and doable and has worked for me. I read Michael Pollan's book In Defense of Food, which I recommend. I cut out almost all processed foods, dairy and sugar. I dropped weight with little-to-no effort and my skin got clearer too, since sugar and dairy were causing a lot of inflamation. He has a guideline that says, "More leaves, fewer seeds." I incorporated more leafy foods into my diet by eating salads for meals a few times a week.

I do have a rule that I don't refuse anything that I am served as a guest in someone else's home. That way, I can indulge every now and then and i don't have to make my "special diet" anyone else's problem.