Going on a diet.

Those who know me, also know I am carrying a big package (and no, not one where it counts!). The package is around my waist. I am a small guy, but right now, I weigh 180. I should probably be about 150-160, so....it's finally time for a diet. I need to lose about 20-25 pounds.

1 year and 3 months ago I quit smoking, cold turkey, but unfortunately, I also started eating a LOT of Turkey....and in fact, a lot of EVERYTHING...and even worse, started increasing my alcohol consumption. I have probably handled the smoking thing as I have not cheated even once in all this time, but, now I must conquer this other problem.

So as of last Monday, I have quit eating. basically. The stuff I am consuming hardly counts as real food. Leather and bits of wood probably taste better. Well, of course I did not quit eating. But, unsweetened soy milk and a half a banana for breakfast, a small cup of yogurt for pre-lunch. A turkey hot dog (no bun, no condiments) for lunch with a small bag of carrots, a small serving of almonds for pre-dinner and then one 260 calorie lean cuisine for the dinner...what joy! I have absolutely zero to look forward to. If I could kill myself and get away it, or at least avoid going to jail...I would probably do it.

Anyway, I am totally miserable, but friends tell me this feeling of no energy, hunger and general malaise should go away soon, once my stomach shrinks and I no longer notice that I am starving. of course, this means no more alchohol. I believe my next drink will be at Tiki Oasis (where I will allow myself a little leniency), so I have a ways to go.

Wish me luck! Life sucks SO much right now!

Hey, it's hard, really hard but so worth it. Dan and I are trying to get healthier and Oasis is a good goal to set. It really helps to keep busy. There is another swap just starting, this time it's tropical birds. It doesn't matter if you make your art in clay or a baggie. Participate and make new friends and have some fun. Look under crafts with the author Hewey. You can look up the past threads for swaps. I've done the menu swap and the shrunken head swap both were a blast. I've really found if I'm doing a fun project then I don't keep eating non-stop. If you don't want to try art then do every project you've been putting off forever. Keep busy. Best Wishes, we'll be doing with with you. Wendy and Dan

I thought it was a YouTube diet? oh well......:lol: :lol: :lol:

May I suggest you investigate the South Beach diet? You can buy the book(s) for not too much $, but you can also find all the essential information — including lots of recipes — online for free. It allows you to eat like a human being and still lose weight.

If you PM me I'll send you some links to online resources.

• fm

Lucas, first of all let me congratulate you again on QUITTING SMOKING!!!! :drink: If you can do that, you can do anything you want to!

I'm no expert at weight loss but at 52 years old, I'm 5'11' and 180, I must be doing something close to right. Remember that dieting is not like quitting smoking, you can't stop cold turkey because you still have to eat. My daughter is a Registered Dietician, here's her advice; eat sensible portions, cut down on fat intake, do not skip meals, AVOID FAD DIETS! (grapefruit juice WILL NOT erase fat, nor will Acai, HydroxiCut, Agave Syrup, Green Algae, etc :) ) take it slow and easy - it took 25 years to get fat, don't expect to get skinny in 3 weeks. And don't set up a diet so rigid that you can't enjoy eating or enjoy life.

The formula to weight loss is actually quite simple (in theory, not always in application); if you burn more calories than you take in you WILL lose weight. You can either decrease your calorie intake, increase your calorie expenditure (EXERCISE!), or both

Oops, I didn't mean for you to lose 20 or more pounds in 6 weeks. Mike's message is all good advice. I try to lose 1 pound every week or two and if it takes a year that's fine because in the end I'm able to keep it off easier. Build good habits that you can maintain forever. Never give up, if you hit a week or two with no loss then just exercise more. Wendy

Exercise. 1500 calories a day and at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise (vigorous cardio. Get that heart rate up) will cut lbs. off. BTDT. I went from 210 to 188. Need to do it again. I still exercise, but not like I should. Now that I'm off the meds that stalled my metabolism rate out, perhaps I can do it. I'm just so hungry all the time...

[ Edited by: phinz 2010-07-03 16:40 ]

Me too. Can't stop thinking of food. In fact, I find the food "withdrawles" to be remarkably similar to what I went through when I quit smoking. Curious. But, I was able to almost complete Mile Square park this morning, and only pooped out on the last quarter. I am guessing that I have indeed cut my calories from about 2700 to about 1500. The lean cuisine meals actually are not as bad as I thought they would be. I look at what I have eliminated, and it is basically all simple carbohydrates and anything with trans fat. And I have stopped the midnight snacking and of course, all alcohol.

Hang in there, man! Lifestyle changes are a real bitch but the long term payoffs really are greater than the pain you endure achieving your goal.
~50% of my patients are type 2 diabetics and only a handful have BMIs anywhere near normal. If Americans really took a proactive appproach to our health and lowered our collective AVG BMI to the mid 20's the whole "cost of healthcare" crisis would become a non-issue.
Loose weight and exercise more, not only does it do a body good, its the patriotic thing to do!

Yep, I agree wholeheartedly. I also worried about the whole diabetes thing, because I was starting to get strange reactions to super sweet foods...which I am sure you could tell us, is not a good sign.

Starting my diet on Tuesday, after I celebrate July 4th. You are not alone. As someone else said, keep busy because 90% of the battle is psychological. Too often, we get bad habits and eat out of boredom not real hunger. I think I will keep busy by starting some tiki bar projects (homemade tapacloth, routering wood trim, carving tree trunks, putting up my sound system, practicing guitar, etc.)

Some things that take my mind off hunger (until my next healthy meal):
drink lots of water
exercise
chewing gum (sugarless)
coffee or tea
yard work
drink lots of water and more water

Oh, and don't watch those late night hamburger commercials!

Have you noticed the almost porn-like way that food is portayed in commercials and adverts?

The meat patty, glistening, the lettuce laying suggestively and almost launguidly over the patty...the bun, the pickly peeping out with just a "come hither" glance....

I guess the good news is that at most fast food places, the food really does not look like that and in fact has been sitting behind the counter for a LONG time by the time you get it....

but just as the food my not be as good looking in person as it does in the adds,
its all about the taste.

I wish you well on your diet,
I need to get on that wagon too.
it's really hard to talk myself into it.

Jeff, if you are ever considering any lifestyle changes, I am totally here for you, bro!

One person who has really been an influence on me is the crazy Tiki Bong. He is not so crazy, actually. He has advised a lot of people on getting in shape...and just look at him! 50 years old, body of an astronaut! Rock solid! He is a highly disciplined individual. There is a lot that people wanting to quit bad habits can learn from him.

But that's what I do: Look around me and see who has been succesful at lifestyle health changes, and then copy them.

There was a girl at my work who was pretty big, and even though the current craze seems to be bariatric surgery, within a year she had lost a good 60 pounds just be switching to whole grains, vegetables, and lean meat...and by avoiding all simple sugars and fatty food. And like me, she is a government worker...and you know what that means: Employees and co-workers so fat that they don't walk through the halls, they ORBIT!

Of course, for us Tiki people who like the Mai-Tai and other sugary drinks...you know this means we have to stop if losing weight is a goal. In fact, pretty much all alcohol.
Like I said, I am going to allow myself to enjoy myself at Tiki oasis, but prior to that, my drinking days are over. I just have to learn other ways to have fun (sober)! It's actually not too bad. I don't miss the tobacco any more, I have cut down on "burnage" considerably, and have not had any alcohol in 8 days! And like Bong said, eventually your stomach shrinks and you get used to it.

I don't know how well this stuff works, but a local DJ, "Kane" on Hot 99.5, is pushing it. He is on the chunky side himself and his ads for the stuff include annecdotes of his own experience.

Since he started (I guess three or four months ago) he is reporting having to now start buying smaller sizes of clothes.

The way he describes it is that it gives you a little energy boost, but mainly it reduces the cravings for food. When he's hungry, he only has the appetite for smaller portions, etc.

Check it out. It might be good.

Healthe Trim

Great thread! I'm totally going to second what Mad Dog said. I was a very heavy kid growing up, and my parents went through an endless cycle of diets to try and lose weight. From their experience, I've grown to avoid dieting like the plaque. A few years ago I became very unhappy with my weight and state of health - after a rough year I had let myself go, and was tipping the scale at around 215, and could no longer fit into most of my clothes. I had been running off-and-on for a year or so, but I decided to bravely join a running group in my town. Since then, I'm down about 50 pounds, and I don't have to worry about food or calories! As a bonus, I get my best art ideas when out on the road. Now, I know that some people hate running - and I don't blame them - but I think that it is very enjoyable if you start with extreme moderation. I highly recommend the couch to 5 K program:

http://www.c25k.com/

gets you from the couch (non-runner) to running 5k (three miles) in 9 weeks. It is a solid program, designed to avoid injury and allow your tendons and muscles time to grow strong. Ms. VanTiki loved it.

I will now get off my soapbox :)
Henrik

Here's my advice. If you have a television, get rid of it. Use the time you usually spend watching TV and take a walk, or go running, or join a gym. The average American spends 2.8 hours each day watching TV. Build muscle mass, speed up your metabolism, burn the calories and then you can eat whatever you want (but avoid junk food) and drink 1-2 alcoholic beverage each day.

I haven't had a TV in 15 years and I'm in better shape now than when I was 15 years ago.

TV is a big waste of time anyway.

And reading too. If you have books, magazines or newspapers, get rid of them. Use the time you usually spend reading and take a walk, or go running, or join a gym. The average American spends .028 hours each day reading. Build muscle mass, speed up your metabolism, burn the calories and then you can eat whatever you want (but avoid food) and drink 1-20 alcoholic beverage each day.

I haven't read any books in 15 years and I'm in no better shape now than when I was 15 years ago!

Reading is a big waste of time anyway.

Obviously a TV addict. :)

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2010-07-08 23:38 ]

On 2010-07-08 23:12, JOHN-O wrote:
Obviously a TV addict.

Not really. 1hr per day average, but only while on the treadmill.

How are you doing? I've really changed what I'm eating and it's working. Wendy

Everything in Moderation Mick.

Have that Mai Tai now and then.

Have that ice cream or Hamburger now and then....NOT EVERYDAY....but don't deprive yourself, because your fat ass will fall off the wagon faster than Bong gets to his vaporizer for a puff.

Portion control and SLOW weight loss is the ticket.

Right now I'm using an iPhone app called "Lose It" . It forces you to log everything you eat, as well as excercise. That's a great way to keep track of what you eat. Of course, the weight loss goal is 2 lbs a week....SLOW, but slow and steady wins the race with weight loss.

Good Luck !

I think I have probably lost about 2-3 pounds already!

Diet is a dreaded 4 letter word,
but so is.
Ouch
Pain, and
Dead.

I really need to do something about my weight soon.
I don't fell well sometimes.

Jeff(btd)

On 2010-07-15 01:09, bigtikidude wrote:

I really need to do something about my weight soon.
I don't fell well sometimes.

Jeff(btd)

Neither did I. I am trying to see if (among other things) losing the pouch around my waist will lessen my constant back pain.

Mine isn't back pain, its just a over all feeling crappy,
and lack of energy, and motivation.
that's why I been missing some shows lately.
I get home from work, and plop in the recliner and don't want to move.

Jeff(btd)

On 2010-07-15 09:01, bigtikidude wrote:
Mine isn't back pain, its just a over all feeling crappy,
and lack of energy, and motivation.
that's why I been missing some shows lately.
I get home from work, and plop in the recliner and don't want to move.

Jeff(btd)

Jeff, that's a classic symptom of eating way too much food in one sitting.
So...next time you order that burger....DONT order the fries. Just get the hamburger...it'll be enough.
What I've noticed as I grow older is that eating fast and ALOT of food in one sitting has given me that awful feeling you guys are describing.

On 2010-07-16 11:19, tikiyaki wrote:

On 2010-07-15 09:01, bigtikidude wrote:
Mine isn't back pain, its just a over all feeling crappy,
and lack of energy, and motivation.
that's why I been missing some shows lately.
I get home from work, and plop in the recliner and don't want to move.

Jeff(btd)

Jeff, that's a classic symptom of eating way too much food in one sitting.
So...next time you order that burger....DONT order the fries. Just get the hamburger...it'll be enough.
What I've noticed as I grow older is that eating fast and ALOT of food in one sitting has given me that awful feeling you guys are describing.

I would take it one step further and say eat the meat, cheese, lettuce, pickles and onions on a plate without the buns, and hold the ketchup (It's full of sugar).

If you're looking to cut back on the calories but still want to indulge in a cocktail or two, I'd recommend checking out this book. Some good ideas on crafting drinks that still pack a punch but don't hit you in the gut:
http://www.amazon.com/SkinnyTinis-All-Fun-Half-Calories/dp/0470447060/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279580287&sr=8-1

Don't let the "girly" theme scare you. I've used some of the book's ingredient ideas to craft my own "skinny" cocktails when I don't want to load up on the sugar and carbs.

I've done pretty well so far this year just cutting down on the stupid carbs (bread, pasta, etc). Never was a soda and fries guy. Even with very regular visits to my favorite bars I've already dropped nearly 20 lbs.

I went into a Yoshinoya beef bowl last night. They had the calorie counts on the menu.....a small beef bowl is 650 calories (I bought one and ate only half of it) but grab this: The combo bowl (Sliced beef on one side, vegetables in the middle and chicken on the other side, all over a bed of rice) is a whopping 1070 calories! 1070! You combine that with a 300 calorie coke, and you have already come close to the 1500 calories that are recommended DAILY for losing weight! That's how they get you! I used to eat the combo bowl with a coke all the time! No wonder I am such a fat bastard right now!

I looked at the side order of rice....300 calories! And those are empty calories.

This diet thing has made me really realize that so much of what we eat has empty calories, excessive calories, huge portions....and you can't escape from it by just sticking to a salad. A chicken salad at California Pizza Kitchen, for example...about 900 calories!

You've got it covered. The Atkins diet was no whites, no rice, no white flower, no white sugar. Lot's of protein. I'm on this with you and so far it's working. I just ask myself is this good for me or is it just empty calories. Keep it up it's so worth it, Wendy

I have co-workers that look at me and ask, "why are you dieting, you are not that fat"....

well......

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38629117/ns/health-fitness

Lucas I am on the quest to lose 25 lbs.I have only lost 8lbs in two weeks.
I think one of the most important is the exercise .If you do at least 45 minutes of
cardio a day it makes all the difference in the world .Watching what you eat
is important however the exercise is just as important.I have been more active
surfing or going to the gym in the morning ,which is where I am headed now.
Don't lose your focus and keep with it.Good luck my friend.