I need a weight loss plan... - Weight Loss Message Board

TripleX · 12-29-2003, 11:21 PM

Alright, over the past few days I have noticed I am fat. Actually, it has been longer then that, but until I saw the family Christmas pictures, I didn't know I was this fat. The last six months I have spent inside my house, usually at my computer, trying to make the deadline for my novel and my screenplay, so I have had little time to exercise and watch what I eat. I don't eat much, but what I do eat usually consists of an *** load of fat. I seem to have kept my muscles tight (God knows how I did, but I did), yet the fat is still there. My arms (aside from a little flab on the bottom of my upper arm) and my lower legs are just fine, it is my gut, my sides, and I am starting to develop a chubby face and a little chin. I think I'm starting to develop man boobs too

. Any ways, all I need gone is the fat, and I need to keep it off. I am 6'4" and around 240 pounds (my weight when I am my regular self is about 220).

What do you all suggest? I can't do much jogging because I have a problem breathing (caused from a sinus infection), and I don't have access to a gym. I've been looking into these TrimSpa pills, but how long will a bottle of it last? I'd rather not spend $40 a week on something that may or may not help me. A diet maybe? Any help would be great.

ltedeschi · 12-30-2003, 07:40 AM

I would suggest that you begin to pick healthy snacks at the computer and what I have suggested that has helped people who are stationary alot is fidget.
The bottom line is more calories out than in. Every move you make takes calories. Tap a pen wiggle your foot etc. This will begin to tell your body that you are moving than take a little walk to think rather than sit. Gradually build your self up to more activity. I know that when writing you have down time thinking Have you tried a treadmill with a mini recorder???
You must make your activity fit into your life not someone elses.
Good luck

karen430 · 12-30-2003, 09:16 AM

I recently read a book called "Protein Power" by Drs. Michael and Mary Eades. I know a lot of people will say that low-carb diets are unhealthful, but this book explains all the scientific and biological reason why we shouldn't be eating carbohydrates excessively (except the good kind--vegetables). A few years ago, and this past summer, I followed the Atkins diet, which is SO hard to do. I got great results, but it was difficult, and it was obvious to everyone that I was dieting. However, with this protein power diet, I don't feel as restricted by the foods I have to eat--I can even eat fruit! (in small quantities). It is definitely something to look into if you know that you are eating badly, but don't seem to have the time to exercise . You can eat simple things for snacks like a piece of cheese and a slice of lunch meat, or a handful of nuts. I have started it, and after the initial headaches and tiredness--I feel great! Also, there are these great bars called Carbwise, that help me so much in the morning since I don't like to eat eggs for breakfast and can't stomache salad or chicken first thing in the morning. This is just a suggestion to you if you want to seriously change your lifestyle, because this diet is a lifestyle change. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do!

Herd_Fan · 12-30-2003, 06:33 PM

I just read a post from a new mom who was having trouble balancing exercise time and baby time. Oddly enough, my reccomendations to you are the same as what they were to her. Get moving! I am a reporter and spend much of my time chained to a computer, much like you.

One of the first things you should do is purchase a step counter at any drug store to see how many steps you take in a day. The average person takes between 4 and 6,000 per day ... with you, it may be less since you spend so much time on the computer. If you average the norm, try and take 10,000 steps a day. An easy way to do this is to walk around when you would normally be sitting. For instance, if you're talking on the phone, walk around the room instead of sitting on the couch. When I suffer from writer's block, I no longer sit at my desk thinking ... I walk around. If you're printing something, you don't need to sit at your desk ... get movin'! It doesn't sound like much but it really helps.

Once you get out of that sedintary lifestyle, you will start feeling energized. I agree with the post that said to eat healthier snacks at the computer. I got rid of potato chips and opted for granola bars and fruit. Eat celery ... it's so tough to chew I bet you burn more calories than what's in a stalk of celery just from chewing the stuff! And I'm not a big water drinker but it's the only thing I keep at my desk while I work ... that way, when I get thirsty, I'll drink whatever I have (Plus if you spill it on the computer it's a lot easier to clean up.)

And there's nothing wrong with a protein diet. Just keep it balanced! The main thing is lighten up on the snacks and get moving. I know that's easier said than done but try the step thing and see how you feel after a week or two. Many people want instant gratification when it comes to diet and exercise. You may not see instant results on your body by taking more steps but you do get a sense of accomplishment when you see your steps go from 4,000 a day to 10,000. That's a quick and easy way to notice you are doing something and maybe help with the motivation factor. It is an energizing step in the right direction. Walk, run, play basketball ... anything to get your mind off your work and get your muscles moving. You have to breakaway from the computer ... even when you're on deadline. Exercise will give you energy and you will probably work better and faster.