View Full Version : What diet/exercise programs worked the best for you?
Miss_McKenna
03-28-2012, 06:59 PM
^ I was too, I hate the taste of water and as kids we were never allowed soda so when I moved to college I couldn't get enough of it. Then I just never stopped drinking it, but recently I switched to making my own big jugs of crystal lite and it's going well so far.
sammii
03-28-2012, 07:10 PM
I hate the taste of water and as kids we were never allowed soda
This is exactly why I'm so addicted to it.
I've never tried the crystal light but I'll buy some the next time I'm at the store because I really need to drink more water.
shywebcamgirl
03-28-2012, 08:47 PM
I'm addicted to soda. I know it's still bad for you but I've switched to Coke Zero since then.
I got away from soda by moving to juice and club soda, and now I just drink club soda or sparkling bottled water when I need something bubbly. YMMV, of course.
tuesdaymarie
03-28-2012, 11:40 PM
Also, y'all, keep in mind that protein isn't super great for your body (read The Protein Myth). People don't need much protein at all, actually. It's very hard on your kidneys to digest protein. So just be careful with it.
Could you elaborate on this? I've always been chastised about my low protein intake (vegetarian and I don't like most protein powders), but even though I probably get about half of what I "should," I don't feel as though my health has suffered...
mediocrity
03-28-2012, 11:47 PM
Could you elaborate on this? I've always been chastised about my low protein intake (vegetarian and I don't like most protein powders), but even though I probably get about half of what I "should," I don't feel as though my health has suffered...
About 40-50g a day, which is only about 4-5 glasses of soy milk. Or if you drink cow milk, about 6 glasses.
charlie61
03-29-2012, 04:59 PM
Could you elaborate on this? I've always been chastised about my low protein intake (vegetarian and I don't like most protein powders), but even though I probably get about half of what I "should," I don't feel as though my health has suffered...
You do need to make sure you get complete proteins, which may be the issue (also, if you're vegetarian and female, keep an eye on your iron...take an iron pill with meals every so often). Quinoa is a complete protein (and delicious!). Chia seeds are also good sources of protein. And, of course, eggs, nuts, beans...
I actually pay pretty much no attention to my protein intake...protein deficiency is extraordinarily rare.
http://www.theproteinmyth.com/how-much-protein-is-needed/
ukmissy
03-30-2012, 01:09 PM
I only drank water. I barely worked out. I was hungry like all the time, but I learned to like the feeling (lol). Some people's bodies just aren't meant to be really thin.
That's verging on eating disorder , very unhealthy for both mind and body - the affects on the reproductive system , especially for women are catastrophic ! I'm glad it's in the past tense though ! Kim is mucho sexy :-)
Djoser
03-30-2012, 05:59 PM
"Despite his temporary success, Haub does not recommend replicating his snack-centric diet."
So much for the Twinkie Diet lol.
I will never forget when I was dating a woman who was about 10-15 pounds overweight. She worked out a lot, and pretty much tried to eat healthy--she just had a 'heavier' metabolism. But she was really trying to get serious about it and asked my advice, so we went to the grocery store together. I got so mad reading the labels of all these 'Diet' and 'Low-Fat' processed foods--which invariably jacked the sugar and high-fructose corn syrup levels so people wouldn't think they were missing out on what are in effect powerful drugs, that also give a powerful psychological fix via the taste buds. Legal, mild cocaine that also satisfies the Sweet Tooth, for all intents and purposes.
Who could forget the Mighty Cornholio, Beavis' alter ego when he ate too much candy? And it really happens--I have to stay away from sugar as it makes me high then tired as hell--and I have never needed a diet in my life. Anyway, getting away from the sugar=drug effect and back to the story.
The woman got really pissed at me because I kept saying 'This is bullshit! How can they call this 'Diet' food when they've cranked the sugar??' and I have a really loud voice when I am excited. But every box or jar I picked up and read the ingredients label on in the 'Diet' section was full of horrible processed shit and chemicals. So I was getting more and more excited about the fact that the processed food manufacturers, rather than trying to assist this cute girl become a serious hottie, were apparently trying to fucking poison her instead, while making sure she stayed 10-15 pounds overweight. But there were grandmas and children present, listening to me cussing in the suburban Publix.
The best 'Diet' I've seen yet in 12 years working the Florida clubs is The Cocaine Diet, or maybe The Meth Plan. That usually leads to a drastic reduction in calories, and can actually promote exercise in certain individuals (fights, running from police, etc.). But I sure wouldn't recommend it...
:D
sweetheather
03-30-2012, 06:31 PM
One meal a day isn't healthy, you're body needs at least 1200 calories a day. When you starve yourself you're body eat away at muscle, not fat and will cling to fat because it doesn't know when it'll get what it needs again.
GlamourRouge
03-30-2012, 10:32 PM
One meal a day isn't healthy, you're body needs at least 1200 calories a day. When you starve yourself you're body eat away at muscle, not fat and will cling to fat because it doesn't know when it'll get what it needs again.
Some people just don't need the extra calories. Especially on days when you're not as active. I only lose weight when I eat low calorie, and I would say I eat pretty healthy minus the mararons here & there.
FiendishGyrator
03-31-2012, 05:50 AM
One rule of dieting: never drink your calories!!
I think this is mostly why I've gained weight while with my boyfriend. He is ALL about the soda and the pre-prepped coffee drinks and sugar vitamin water.
ugh!
Jessie_tinydancer
03-31-2012, 06:42 AM
well that's just not true and if you bothered to read anything me and other small framed girls posted in this thread and many others you might realize that what you're saying is offensive and promoting bad eating habits.
Although I agree some people dont need as many calories as others. We all have different sizes, shapes, activity level, etc. Having only 1 meal/day in the long run probably wont meet any goals because it slows your metabolism and your body clings onto everything cause it doesnt know when it will be fed again. Blood sugar/insulin levels will be all over the shop. Best to eat your calories throughout the day to maintain energy and keep your metabolism working rather than giving it an on/off switch. Of course that might make it harder to fight cravings (I saw somewhere BOM you try not to eat at the start of your day). The reason that works for you is because its helping your will power to eat less overall, but really if people can pretty much graze on low cals they will lose more. But you need strong will power for that one.
Jessie_tinydancer
03-31-2012, 03:19 PM
^ I think you do eat throughout the day though other than brekkie right? I mean in the what did you eat thread you usually have a few things listed on there. I assumed you dont eat it all at once? Obviously ideally brekkie would kickstart your metabolism, but I thought you were eating throughout the rest of the day not 1 time in 24 hours?
Jessie_tinydancer
03-31-2012, 05:15 PM
^bummer :( are you exercising as well?
BlkSharpie
03-31-2012, 08:15 PM
I know you dont want to hear this BOTM, but I swear it...I have the same issue and its truly true...eating more meals is the key here. As crazy and illogical as it sounds...it does work.
I have the issue where I forget to eat, and end up only eating once a day...if I want to maintain the weight that I am at, I *have* to keep eating just one meal a day, or I will gain weight. But if I want to lose weight, I have to give in and allow my body to get used to eating and taking in more calories..which *sucks* because I hate seeing the pounds go up... But what happens is, my body starts getting used to taking in more calories, and then instead of holding onto every single bit of fat, carbs, what have you that Im putting into my body, my metabolism finally has real work to do and it will finally start allowing it to burn off. It takes about a week or two of consistently eating more, but after my weight goes up, its peaks, and then starts dropping off like crazy.
Also, I have to say...I dont track calorie, only because on the general, cause I only eat one meal and the rest of the time drink coffee, I generally, consistently eat about 500-800 cals a day. And yet, I hover around the upper limit of overweight for my height... When I eat throughout the day, I dont eat crap foods, I just try to make sure I eat breakfast, like a hard boiled egg and some toast. Ill try to snack on some celery or have some fruit or a handful of cashew nuts for a snack, Ill make a sandwich or (my favorite) a bowl of cheerios... and then my one usual meal that Id've had anyway. Even with all that, Im only adding maybe 200-300 calories, but that already brings me up to 800-1100 cals, which is closer to actually giving my body something to burn off.
I have the additional problem of, my body is naturally very muscular...so when I work out, my muscles develop fast and I get huge like..immediately. All that about how women dont develop muscles like that, or Im doing the wrong kind of training...Ive heard all of it. I never work out and people think I live in the gym and I actually had one date want to arm wrestle me (I won lol) Im just muscular.
So yeah, add the two of those together...trying to eat regularly and gaining weight, working out and getting bigger...trying to do the exercise and eat right thing is hella depressing for me :D But Ive done it before and got down to a size 2 at one point of my life, and know, if I stick to it...I will lose weight again. But I am being all stubborn, and trying to do my "eat very smalll meals, keep my cals super low, drown myself in red bull, and only start exercising after I lose at least 20lbs, so that theres less fat and when my muscles get bigger I dont look like a whale" diet plan. Its not working so far...but Im keeping the hope alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
BlkSharpie
03-31-2012, 08:46 PM
Well thats fair enough, if what youre doing is working for you and youve lost weight and feel good and everything, then definitely dont be frustrated by anyone telling you otherwise...you already have the results to show for it :)
I really want to lose this weight, I know what it takes, Im just trying to do the same thing I do anyway but get different results, stuck in the definition of madness here :D
neliana
03-31-2012, 09:27 PM
So far my diet plan has been looking at bikini models/the perfect body thread in picture post every time I feel tempted to order pizza or stuff my face w candy. It's actually working lol, I swear when I see how toned other girls are it kills my cravings. I gained 10 pounds recently and it sucks! Also I try to workout everyday either on my elliptical or with a workout vid on netflix. Lots of fish, veggies and fruit, no soda/candy and limited carbs
GlamourRouge
03-31-2012, 10:01 PM
But it doesn't work for me. That's what I'm trying to say. One size does not fit all and I discovered awhile ago what is truly the healthiest for me, and it's frustrating for people to tell me that I'm wrong. And its also annoying because I know I'm not the only one with a body like this so I think it's important for people to know that if traditional diet plans aren't working, there are alternatives that *are* healthy. And not just on the scale-I never feel more energized, sleep the best, and feel the best emotionally than I do when I keep my calories between 800-1200, with most of those calories being in one meal.
Doesn't work for me either. And eating multiple meals (spreading out my calories) is usually worse for me because I stay semi-hungry all day. I'd rather just have a salad and then a smoothie a couple hours later and be done with it. Every time I eat, I feel tired and sluggish. No matter what I eat.
BellaK
04-12-2012, 12:54 PM
I lost 40 lbs in college on the Atkins diet, and I have kept it off for years even though I am a vegetarian now. My nephrologist recommended I go on it, and he was monitoring all my blood levels. It didn't make me unhealthy in any way.
I worked as a weight loss consultant for Jenny Craig for over two years, and that program really does work if you follow it but the food is expensive ($100-150/week, plus you have to buy your own fruits and vegetables to supplement). I tried Jenny Craig for a few weeks to get a feel for what my clients were going through and I absolutely loved it, plus I lost several pounds. I only regained them because I drink like a fish.
As for exercise, Tae Bo worked wonders for me back when I was in high school and gave me a very toned and strong look, but the thing that has worked the absolute best for me as far as exercise is walking. A couple of summers ago I bought a pedometer and made it my mission to walk 20,000 steps per day every day. That's the equivalent of 2-2.5 hours per walking/day. I guarantee that if you walk 20,000 steps consistently on a daily basis you will become incredibly lean in practically no time. For someone of average weight, 20,000 steps will burn around 1,000 calories. In fact, I just recently started using my pedometer again but I am only shooting for 10,000 steps per day.
Atkins really DOES work! I was on it before.....lost weight without having to workout (which I hate, but have been trying to do to tone). It was AMAZING.
Drinking required daily water works too, Ive heard.
Pulse
04-13-2012, 12:56 AM
The biggest thing for me diet wise was watching portion sizes. I love the hell out of food so salads aren't going to cut it for me, but I found if I keep on top of portion sizes (eating small amounts, more often) I tended to lose weight better than counting calories specifically. And of course, drinking lots of water!
As for exercise, I've used Turbo Jam and Brazil Butt Lift for "official" workouts. The best thing for me though was also finding hobbies that were active, so that I was doing things that were fun and didn't make me think of what I was doing as a workout. I'll rotate between pole dancing, hooping, and learning different styles of dance (bellydance, hip hop, etc)
SlutGoddess
04-13-2012, 12:55 PM
Oh, and also remember to vary your diet. Rotate the foods you eat, and alternate between eating more and eating less. If you eat way too little, your body will go into starvation mode, and it will become VERY difficult to lose weight (since your body will be focused on conserving as much fat as possible). You also run the risk of losing a lot of muscle and retaining mostly fat if you don't give your body what it needs. You need to trick your metabolism by sometimes eating more and sometimes eating less (similar to alternating between different types of exercises to avoid plateaus).
I read that starvation mode is a myth. It only happens to people who are already thin. If you're overweight, the only way to burn fat is to undereat. It's like walking a trapeze and tipping to the right, you have to tip to the left to regain balance.
_Avery_
04-13-2012, 01:04 PM
Zumba for my kinect has been helping me out A LOT!
I do that once a day (a full class) and then with other kinect games like Just Dance, Rise of Nightmares.
It makes it really fun. And I'm in the comfort of my own home.
I've also been taking Tonalin...so that with my workouts has been doing wonders. :)
GlamourRouge
04-13-2012, 08:33 PM
I read that starvation mode is a myth. It only happens to people who are already thin. If you're overweight, the only way to burn fat is to undereat. It's like walking a trapeze and tipping to the right, you have to tip to the left to regain balance.
That's SO true! I hate that argument. I mean... how else do you REALLY lose weight? Unless you have a medical condition causing you to gain weight, the only way to lose weight is to eat less and/or more more. A clean diet takes priority over working out a lot though in terms of results.
charlie61
04-14-2012, 07:15 AM
I read that starvation mode is a myth. It only happens to people who are already thin. If you're overweight, the only way to burn fat is to undereat. It's like walking a trapeze and tipping to the right, you have to tip to the left to regain balance.
I totally agree with you. For me, starvation mode is definitely not a myth--but you're right, I'm already thin. If I don't eat enough, my metabolism grinds to a halt, and I don't lose weight. But I think you're completely right that 1) the only way to lose weight is to either undereat or eat the same amount as usual but exercise (or eat more, but eat healthier foods, etc.), and 2) if you're actually fat and you undereat, then you will lose weight despite the starvation mode thing.
Obviously there are limits to the starvation mode theory--if there weren't, then no one would ever starve (since they wouldn't lose weight). :)
lifetravelergirl
04-17-2012, 01:56 AM
What works for me, cheap $15 Goodwill Nordic Track (cross country skier model)
No sugar, no chips, no cookies, cake donuts. No candy. No simple carbs, no potatoes, no bread, no alcohol except at work in moderation (as in unavoidable at work). And when I do drink I go for gin and tonic or vodka soda... something that does not contain sugar or corn syrup. No cheeseburgers, no burgers, no sausage, no bacon... only lean meats. When I started craving sweets I remembered to eat pineapple. I eat bananas.
I eat in moderation, green vegetables, carrot juice, fish, shrimp, turkey, dill pickles, apple cider vinegar, vit C, D, E. Multi vitamin, biotin, hair-skin&nails, hyraulonic acid, resveratrol, msm.. In the beginning I didn't allow myself any dairy, now I have some lowfat Greek yogurt and on special occasions a little cheese.
I have been living on about a 700 calorie per day diet. I may have to raise it a little since I am working more days now. I changed my body shape in 90 days and I am looking rather good ^_^ .
Right now I am eating throughout the day but I'm not losing weight. I only lose weight when I eat one meal a day and maybe one 100-200 calorie drink or something. It really sucks because only eating one meal a day is hard but it's even harder to try to eat 5 150 calorie snacks so I usually end up going over my calorie limit. I'm averaging 1200-1700 calories I think and all it's doing is maintaining my weight, which is borderline overweight.
You should google intermittent fasting. It's the newest theory on weight loss..... It's all based on eating one huge, calorie/protein heavy meal per day, or every other day. One super ripped guy has a blog about it, where he breaks down the exact science, how your body uses calories, and how many are burned whilst digesting food, and how your insulin levels really don't swing up and down, it's a misconception. Very interesting stuff.....
FiendishGyrator
04-17-2012, 02:29 PM
I never lost pounds, belly fat, and cellulite faster than I did when I was living on 200-500 calories/day. Than I went on birth control and couldn't keep it up lol.
Didn't this hurt you longterm?
Because I could do something ridiculously low calorie-wise but I'm worried about when I bring my eating up to a normal healthy level, like 1200-1700 when I'm working out the same.
EricaErotica
04-17-2012, 03:11 PM
For me I am my slimmest when I workout about 4 - 5 days a week. I do an intense dance workout that I created myself. If I do this exercise routine and eat 3 meals a day that are about 400 - 500 calories each I can maintain a dress size of a size 4 - size 6. My meals consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts/seeds, and lean protein. Also, try to drink only water. This helps cleanse your system, keeps you hydrated, and regulates your hunger. Sometimes when you feel hungry your body is actually thirsty.
FiendishGyrator
04-19-2012, 12:58 PM
cool. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. thanks.
melb_oz_n00b
04-19-2012, 02:45 PM
What has worked best for me in the past: Gluten-free, making my (regular) workouts 80% weights 20% cardio, and dancing 4-5 times per week. Consistently. The rest of the stuff is the obvious, like eating more vegies than anything, lots of frozen blueberries, water, green and herbal teas, rarely drinking alcohol, etc.
Cosima
04-30-2012, 06:06 PM
when i stick to 1200 calories a day, 3 meals and 2 snacks I lose weight but I find that once I start to diet when I'm at a lower weight my weight won't budge even if i'm restricting more and working my butt off. sighhhhh. i got stuck at my lowest weight for the longest time ever and started to gradually up my intake until the 2 months in which i was overeating, like 2500 calories a day and i gained 10 lbs. now i'm trying to drop that and 10 more. i have a terrible feeling that it might take more than the 1200 a day because i'm near my 'natural' weight
crystalize
05-01-2012, 10:42 AM
I look the best when I work at least 5 nights a week, don't work out or maybe a little cardio (I know it's weird but I just look leaner) and eat moderately good and the last meal before I get to work. I can even drink every night I work if I want but I'll look so much better than if I am not working, but dieting and working out.
NotPepper
05-02-2012, 02:00 AM
For me it was as simple as intense pole work, healthy eating (everything in moderation and smaller portions), and replacing all caloric drinks with water.
kortneykay
05-02-2012, 11:31 PM
I'm going to have a weekend of totally fattening, yummy food and will continue my "lifestyle" change when I get back lol. I live in a military community laden with trails, gorgeous fit men and a free gym so it's easy to get into the groove. What's helped me previously was to eat smaller portions. I would limit myself to lots of veggies, turkey (Jennie-O 100% white meat turkey burgers were yummy to me once I got over the first initial shock) fish and chicken. I got addicted to Chrystal light instead of sodas and juices. I also worked out 4-5 times a week doing cardio and strength training every other day. The weight came off fast and I felt amazing. All I did was stop using huge plates and switched to the smaller ones, made sure I had more veggies on my plate than meat. I wouldn't deprive myself though either, if I wanted a burger and fry I would give it to myself and I never binged. Moderation and cardio works best for me.
sammyg
05-04-2012, 11:13 AM
nothing with sugar added to
AmishGirl
05-05-2012, 11:34 AM
So far my diet plan has been looking at bikini models/the perfect body thread in picture post every time I feel tempted to order pizza or stuff my face w candy. It's actually working lol, I swear when I see how toned other girls are it kills my cravings. I gained 10 pounds recently and it sucks! Also I try to workout everyday either on my elliptical or with a workout vid on netflix. Lots of fish, veggies and fruit, no soda/candy and limited carbs
I know what you mean .... I should just look at this photo before every time I eat / work out ... TRY TO LOOK LIKE THIS!!! DAMN IT!!!
http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lriv8sbJrd1qduepao1_500.jpg
Cosima
05-06-2012, 09:15 PM
i found this site today! it is so helpful, from diet to body type and creating calorie deficits
http://www.superskinnyme.com/
glitzy
05-06-2012, 09:49 PM
I think that dancing can fuck with the metabolism. Whenever I quit I lose five pounds...I don't know of its the bad sleep, late nights, dehydration or what but I SHOULD get skinny when I work out AND dance but I lose when I only do yoga and don't dance. It's weird. It's like it sends my body into panic mode. My boyfriend always says sleep is critical to weight loss and I'm finally starting to realize the importance of circadian rhythms in health.
I really like the idea of utilizing a juicer/blender to lose weight. I like the tastes of most fruit but my teeth are too sensitive to eat them so I don't :(. I have a blender that looks to be about 15 years old but still worked great the other night when I put in a potato and some asparagus to make cream of asparagus soup. Its a bitch to clean though.
I'm going to compile all of your smoothie ideas and start trying them out!
I'm too lazy to see if anyone else responded to this, but I use sensodyne, it helps a lot. Like my teeth used to hurt from breathing through my mouth it was so bad, and I don't have any problems now really. :)
charlie61
05-07-2012, 05:47 PM
I think that dancing can fuck with the metabolism. Whenever I quit I lose five pounds...I don't know of its the bad sleep, late nights, dehydration or what but I SHOULD get skinny when I work out AND dance but I lose when I only do yoga and don't dance. It's weird. It's like it sends my body into panic mode. My boyfriend always says sleep is critical to weight loss and I'm finally starting to realize the importance of circadian rhythms in health.
It could just be stress...I know cortisol (stress hormone) puts fat around people's bellies. I could be wrong, but that's what I've heard.
"Under stressful conditions, cortisol can provide the body with protein for energy production through gluconeogenesis, the process of converting amino acids into useable carbohydrate (glucose) in the liver. Additionally, it can move fat from storage depots and relocate it to fat cell deposits deep in the abdomen (8 )."
-http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/stresscortisol.html