taihawk
06-21-2006, 11:12 AM
Hey all. This is my first post on this particular board. I'm a 35 year old male. Have really, really let myself go over the last several years with a sedentary job, and then for the last 2 years, spend all my nights and weekends on a barstool. I am 6'1", around 275 lbs. I don't eat that much, but drink about 8-20 beers a day (8-10 weekdays, maybe up to 20 on weekends).
Here is my plan, and tell me what is right or wrong about it (and please no lectures on alcoholism). this week I am on a one-week "detox" regimine of drinking nothing but water, and chicken/fruits/vegetables (to make it short), which is supposed to detoxify the system and make you drop around 10 lbs. if you are my size. Since staying out of the bar has kept me quite active around the house, I'm using that as a warm-up for re-joining my gym.
Beginning next week, after this diet, I plan on spending at least 1/2 hour 4-5 times a week on cardio, and 1/2 hour 3-4 times a week on weight lifting (nothing heavy... just to try to get a little tone). I plan on cutting back on red meat, really cutting back on fast/fried foods, eating more chicken and fruits and veggies, cutting WAY back on the beer, though not completely quitting... and trying to force myself to eat 3 meals a day instead of one, as I've been doing for 2-3 years. I also broke down and ordered a workout (Tae-bo) set of DVD's in order to try to get me going in the mornings.
Anybody have any suggestions or criticisms of this plan??? I want to drop 50-60 pounds by Christmas, and it would be nice to have 30 or so of it gone by football season.
thank you in advance for ANY input on this.
Here is my plan, and tell me what is right or wrong about it (and please no lectures on alcoholism). this week I am on a one-week "detox" regimine of drinking nothing but water, and chicken/fruits/vegetables (to make it short), which is supposed to detoxify the system and make you drop around 10 lbs. if you are my size. Since staying out of the bar has kept me quite active around the house, I'm using that as a warm-up for re-joining my gym.
Beginning next week, after this diet, I plan on spending at least 1/2 hour 4-5 times a week on cardio, and 1/2 hour 3-4 times a week on weight lifting (nothing heavy... just to try to get a little tone). I plan on cutting back on red meat, really cutting back on fast/fried foods, eating more chicken and fruits and veggies, cutting WAY back on the beer, though not completely quitting... and trying to force myself to eat 3 meals a day instead of one, as I've been doing for 2-3 years. I also broke down and ordered a workout (Tae-bo) set of DVD's in order to try to get me going in the mornings.
Anybody have any suggestions or criticisms of this plan??? I want to drop 50-60 pounds by Christmas, and it would be nice to have 30 or so of it gone by football season.
thank you in advance for ANY input on this.
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Selene71
06-21-2006, 12:06 PM
Hello Taihawk!
First of all, congratulations on making a plan to get into shape--that's the easy part. The hard part is following through with it. ;) I've made similar goals and my plan is almost like yours. I want to lose 20 pounds by Christmas.
The "detox" sounds good for a jump-start. I'm using the "cabbage soup diet" as a jumpstart for me--I think I can survive that for a week. :) I find that the eating part of weight-loss is definitely more important than the exercise. I count every calorie that goes into my mouth on fitday.com. If you haven't already, check it out--it's easy, and you can track your food AND exercise!
I've resolved to work out 8 times per week, for at least an hour. 30-40 minutes cardio, and 20-30 minutes weight training. I'm using magnets on my fridge to keep track of the workouts, and for some strange reason, it motivates me to get to the gym.
I think your goals and plan is definitely workable--it helps to have support of people around you, so let someone in on your plans--that's another motivator! Oh, and even support through these boards is great--I find a plethora of info here!
Good luck!! I hope you post your progress for us to marvel at! :)
First of all, congratulations on making a plan to get into shape--that's the easy part. The hard part is following through with it. ;) I've made similar goals and my plan is almost like yours. I want to lose 20 pounds by Christmas.
The "detox" sounds good for a jump-start. I'm using the "cabbage soup diet" as a jumpstart for me--I think I can survive that for a week. :) I find that the eating part of weight-loss is definitely more important than the exercise. I count every calorie that goes into my mouth on fitday.com. If you haven't already, check it out--it's easy, and you can track your food AND exercise!
I've resolved to work out 8 times per week, for at least an hour. 30-40 minutes cardio, and 20-30 minutes weight training. I'm using magnets on my fridge to keep track of the workouts, and for some strange reason, it motivates me to get to the gym.
I think your goals and plan is definitely workable--it helps to have support of people around you, so let someone in on your plans--that's another motivator! Oh, and even support through these boards is great--I find a plethora of info here!
Good luck!! I hope you post your progress for us to marvel at! :)
bluejbirdie
06-21-2006, 12:16 PM
Sounds Like a Great Start. It will be alot to do all at once...but if you manage it you should get some good results. Be Careful about trying to change too much all at once...it can be difficult.
taihawk
06-21-2006, 12:48 PM
Thanks guys! Agreed about changing too much at once, I've made that mistake all in the past too many times. Just a subtle change in my diet. I am not going on any permanent diet for now, as I know me, and I realize that if I have to "count" anything like 'points' or 'calories'... I'll give up pretty quickly. Plus, any long-term diet will end up by the wayside, because they all seem to limit what foods you can eat. I just like my variety and being able to grab a bit wherever I go and whatever time it is. I'm sure I'll plateau at some point after the first or second big drop in pounds, and at that time, I'll be far enough in on my other routines that hopefully I'll be able to focus more on a particular diet. But, for right now, Its just me trying to adjust to eating regularly and smaller amounts.
taihawk
06-21-2006, 12:49 PM
Selene:
What is the cabbage soup diet??? I've heard of it before, but never asked about it or paid attention. What is the regimine and what is it supposed to do?
What is the cabbage soup diet??? I've heard of it before, but never asked about it or paid attention. What is the regimine and what is it supposed to do?
shucky ducky
06-21-2006, 01:16 PM
If you stick to your plan and stay away from the beer, your weight should drop off fairly quick. Beer is one of the absolute worst beverages you can drink while attempting to lose or maintain your weight.
Selene71
06-21-2006, 01:28 PM
Taihawk
The cabbage soup diet is a 7-day plan that incorporates a cabbage soup recipe as a staple to the whole diet. The soup I make is actually pretty good. I did this diet a couple months ago and lost 8 pounds that week(but it got TERRIBLY hard to stick to it towards the end...that's why I stopped and took a break!)
Day One:
Fruit: Eat all of the fruit you want (except bananas) and the soup.
Day Two:
Eat all the vegetables you want along with the soup. You can have one baked potato included for dinner.
Day Three:
Eat all the soup, fruits and vegetables you want. No Baked Potato.
Day Four:
Eat as many as eight bananas and drink as many glasses of skim milk as you would like on this day, along with the soup.
Day Five:
Ten to twenty ounces of beef or chicken and up to six fresh tomatoes. Eat your soup at least once this day.
Day Six:
Eat beef and vegetables and the soup.
Day Seven:
Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, vegetables and the soup.
You can eat all the soup you want during this week, which is great...but it gets old. I've pureed the soup too, which made the taste more bearable for me. Hey, if you like cabbage and veggies, let me know and I can post my recipe for the soup. I tried doing this two weeks in a row, but had to cheat--I got bored. One week is perfect for this diet! :)
The cabbage soup diet is a 7-day plan that incorporates a cabbage soup recipe as a staple to the whole diet. The soup I make is actually pretty good. I did this diet a couple months ago and lost 8 pounds that week(but it got TERRIBLY hard to stick to it towards the end...that's why I stopped and took a break!)
Day One:
Fruit: Eat all of the fruit you want (except bananas) and the soup.
Day Two:
Eat all the vegetables you want along with the soup. You can have one baked potato included for dinner.
Day Three:
Eat all the soup, fruits and vegetables you want. No Baked Potato.
Day Four:
Eat as many as eight bananas and drink as many glasses of skim milk as you would like on this day, along with the soup.
Day Five:
Ten to twenty ounces of beef or chicken and up to six fresh tomatoes. Eat your soup at least once this day.
Day Six:
Eat beef and vegetables and the soup.
Day Seven:
Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, vegetables and the soup.
You can eat all the soup you want during this week, which is great...but it gets old. I've pureed the soup too, which made the taste more bearable for me. Hey, if you like cabbage and veggies, let me know and I can post my recipe for the soup. I tried doing this two weeks in a row, but had to cheat--I got bored. One week is perfect for this diet! :)
taihawk
06-21-2006, 01:38 PM
Selene: that looks very, very doable for me. I love cabbage and vegetables, and it doesn't seem too limiting. Are you allowed to drink about anything during this time, or are you limited to just water (I noticed the milk one day)? I would love to get the recipe from you, if you have the time.
Selene71
06-21-2006, 03:56 PM
I believe the only beverages you can drink(besides the milk the one day) are water, tea(no sugar), and natural juice. I drank coffee the one week and did fine though. I need to find ways to drink more water, as that really does help with any diet. :)
This is the orginal recipe for the soup:
6 large green onions
2 green peppers
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes
3 Carrots
1 Container (10 oz. or so) Mushrooms
1 bunch of celery
half a head of cabbage
1 package Lipton soup mix
1 or 2 cubes of bouillon (optional)
1 48oz can V8 juice (optional)
Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley, curry, garlic powder, etc. You pretty much throw everything in there and cook it to your liking.
I don't like celery that much, so I add in some other veggies like brussels sprouts and green beans. I also add some spinach to the pot. The first couple days, I can eat it like this--the rest of the days, I puree it in the blender and add more spices--I like to add some hot sauce to it and either drink it hot or cold. Tastes decent. :)
If you decide to try something like this, let me know...I'll do it with ya!
This is the orginal recipe for the soup:
6 large green onions
2 green peppers
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes
3 Carrots
1 Container (10 oz. or so) Mushrooms
1 bunch of celery
half a head of cabbage
1 package Lipton soup mix
1 or 2 cubes of bouillon (optional)
1 48oz can V8 juice (optional)
Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley, curry, garlic powder, etc. You pretty much throw everything in there and cook it to your liking.
I don't like celery that much, so I add in some other veggies like brussels sprouts and green beans. I also add some spinach to the pot. The first couple days, I can eat it like this--the rest of the days, I puree it in the blender and add more spices--I like to add some hot sauce to it and either drink it hot or cold. Tastes decent. :)
If you decide to try something like this, let me know...I'll do it with ya!
taihawk
06-21-2006, 05:41 PM
Will do Selene... but it will be awhile before I go on this "all water" thing again. REALLY craving just one cold beer, ya know??? Maybe in a month or so, or at the end of the summer.
squeakyy
06-21-2006, 07:54 PM
Glad I read this post. Its making me think about making the soup again. I was a member of WW a couple years ago and they had a great soup recipe that included cabbage. (unfortunately I hurt my back pretty bad around that time and quit the program) Anyways, I tweaked it a little bit with the veggies, but its a simple soup that perhaps could be used in conjunction with or as the soup for the cabbage soup diet?
Ingredients:
2/3 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves
3 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1 1/2 cup diced green cabbage
1/2 cup green beans
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced zucchini
Directions:
In a large saucepan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute carrot, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer, covered about 15 - 45 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir in zucchini and heat 3-4 minutes. Serve hot. Makes 4 servings.
What do you think?
Also, having a beer here and there I don't think would hurt... its making it your "main" source of beverage that could. Good luck!!
Ingredients:
2/3 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves
3 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1 1/2 cup diced green cabbage
1/2 cup green beans
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced zucchini
Directions:
In a large saucepan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute carrot, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer, covered about 15 - 45 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir in zucchini and heat 3-4 minutes. Serve hot. Makes 4 servings.
What do you think?
Also, having a beer here and there I don't think would hurt... its making it your "main" source of beverage that could. Good luck!!
Selene71
06-22-2006, 09:16 AM
Hi squeakyy,
That recipe could definitely be used as the staple for the cabbage soup diet.
Taihawk, you had to mention a cold beer, didn't ya? Good thing I didn't read this until morning, otherwise I probably would have a hangover today. :) I have mixed feelings about whether alcohol can be bad for weight loss. I know a guy that drinks at least 12-15 beers a night, eats quite heartily, and is skinny as a rail! I've also noticed that beer curbs my appetite(granted, I still get enough calories for a meal, but sometimes I end up skipping dinner anyways).
I would start out with baby steps with the beer--cut yourself off an hour early, or have a glass of water in between each beer you have. Or switch to hard liquor so you don't have to drink as much. haha..just kiddin. :)
That recipe could definitely be used as the staple for the cabbage soup diet.
Taihawk, you had to mention a cold beer, didn't ya? Good thing I didn't read this until morning, otherwise I probably would have a hangover today. :) I have mixed feelings about whether alcohol can be bad for weight loss. I know a guy that drinks at least 12-15 beers a night, eats quite heartily, and is skinny as a rail! I've also noticed that beer curbs my appetite(granted, I still get enough calories for a meal, but sometimes I end up skipping dinner anyways).
I would start out with baby steps with the beer--cut yourself off an hour early, or have a glass of water in between each beer you have. Or switch to hard liquor so you don't have to drink as much. haha..just kiddin. :)