Official Weight Loss Club Thread

[Muffie's Mom]

Originally Posted by jbarile

Your welcome

Hey friend! Thanks for the post. Anyone else have anything they'd like to share with everyone? We can all benefit from the same information.

I'm a firm believer that you can't have too much information.

Good luck to everyone.

[jbarile]

America has become a nation of pill-popping junkies. We take calcium to prevent osteoporosis, fish oil to stave off heart disease and statins to lower cholesterol, so why not take a few tablets to prevent obesity, right?

While diet drugs are not the ideal way to approach weight loss, they are appropriate under certain conditions, claims Tara Gidus, M.S., R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. With at least one diet pill prescription being considered for over-the-counter use, it's important to remember that healthy lifestyle changes are important, too. Here's your go-to-guide for the top five diet drugs on the market:

Acomplia
How It Works: Currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Acomplia turns off certain pleasure sensors in the brain, reducing your urge to overeat.
The Caveats: "Acomplia shows some promise for weight loss, but more studies need to be done," says Gidus. And be aware that the drug may cause side effects ranging from dizziness to diarrhea.

Meridia
How It Works: One of only two prescription medications approved by the FDA for long-term weight loss, Meridia suppresses appetite by altering feel-good brain chemicals including serotonin and norepinephrine.
The Caveats: Meridia can cause blood pressure to spike, so if you have hypertension or are at high risk for heart disease, steer clear.

Xenical
How It Works: Unlike most other diet medications, Xenical works in the gut, inhibiting the absorption of fat. In fact, the drug blocks 30 percent of the fat and calories that a person takes in. (Xenical is the second FDA-approved diet drug.)
The Caveats: "It's expensive, it's not covered by many insurance plans and it can cause embarrassing side effects like gas and diarrhea," says Gidus. And, if you’re on a very low fat diet, the drug may prevent the absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E.

Zantrex-3
How It Works: With metabolism-boosting ingredients like caffeine, guarana, green tea leaf, yerba mate and ginseng, Zantrex-3's claim to fame is that it's ephedra-free.
The Caveats: Zantrex-3 may cause rapid heart rate, jitters and serious insomnia. What's more, Zantrex-3 does not have scientific backing and according to Gidus, claims about melting fat and cellulite are completely unfounded.

Hoodia
How It Works: After frequent appearances on 'Desperate Housewives,' interest in Hoodia has skyrocketed. The substance originates from a cactus-like plant in South Africa and Namibia and has been long praised for its ability to help tribes make long treks through the desert with little food.
The Caveats: There are no peer-reviewed human studies on the supplement, so side effects and long-term effects are unknown," says Gidus. "It sounds too good to be true" -- and it probably is.

-- Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.

[jbarile]

It's the sinister ingredient often overlooked in a quick scan of food labels. Trans fats may add that extra crunch to crispy foods, but they also raise your bad cholesterol.

Now, health officials plan to expose "hidden" trans fats in your favorite foods.

Until this month, consumers had to seek out words like "partially hydrogenated" to uncover the unhealthy ingredient, but under the new rule, food manufacturers must disclose the amount of trans fats in their products. A quick glance at the nutrition facts panel will reveal trans fat content right below saturated fat -- unless the product has less than 0.5 grams per serving.

What Makes Them So Bad?
Trans fats are formed when hydrogen is added to a vegetable oil, converting it from a liquid fat to a solid, more shelf-stable fat (think margarine). The process allows greater functionality in foods, making crunchy foods crispier and creamy foods smoother. Commonly found in processed foods like cookies, crackers, baked goods and the like, these fats raise harmful LDL cholesterol levels. The result: an increased risk for heart disease.

Seemingly healthful foods, like granola bars and cereals, may also contain trans fats, surprisingly. Plus, they're a natural component of some high-fat meat and dairy products. Health officials say that making consumers aware of the damaging ingredient could prevent up to 1,200 cases of coronary heart disease and save between 250 and 500 lives over the next three years.

How to Lighten Your Load
The American Heart Association recommends restricting total fat intake to no more than eight teaspoons per day. And while there's no recommended dietary allowance for trans fats, experts claim intake should be limited. The best way to lighten your fat load: rely on whole foods, lean meats, fruits and vegetables. And when you need some fat to make foods more palatable, stick to oils like olive, canola and peanut rather than saturated and trans-fat laden butter or margarine.

-- Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.

[jbarile]

Originally Posted by jbarile

America has become a nation of pill-popping junkies. We take calcium to prevent osteoporosis, fish oil to stave off heart disease and statins to lower cholesterol, so why not take a few tablets to prevent obesity, right?

While diet drugs are not the ideal way to approach weight loss, they are appropriate under certain conditions, claims Tara Gidus, M.S., R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. With at least one diet pill prescription being considered for over-the-counter use, it's important to remember that healthy lifestyle changes are important, too. Here's your go-to-guide for the top five diet drugs on the market:

Acomplia
How It Works: Currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Acomplia turns off certain pleasure sensors in the brain, reducing your urge to overeat.
The Caveats: "Acomplia shows some promise for weight loss, but more studies need to be done," says Gidus. And be aware that the drug may cause side effects ranging from dizziness to diarrhea.

Meridia
How It Works: One of only two prescription medications approved by the FDA for long-term weight loss, Meridia suppresses appetite by altering feel-good brain chemicals including serotonin and norepinephrine.
The Caveats: Meridia can cause blood pressure to spike, so if you have hypertension or are at high risk for heart disease, steer clear.

Xenical
How It Works: Unlike most other diet medications, Xenical works in the gut, inhibiting the absorption of fat. In fact, the drug blocks 30 percent of the fat and calories that a person takes in. (Xenical is the second FDA-approved diet drug.)
The Caveats: "It's expensive, it's not covered by many insurance plans and it can cause embarrassing side effects like gas and diarrhea," says Gidus. And, if you’re on a very low fat diet, the drug may prevent the absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E.

Zantrex-3
How It Works: With metabolism-boosting ingredients like caffeine, guarana, green tea leaf, yerba mate and ginseng, Zantrex-3's claim to fame is that it's ephedra-free.
The Caveats: Zantrex-3 may cause rapid heart rate, jitters and serious insomnia. What's more, Zantrex-3 does not have scientific backing and according to Gidus, claims about melting fat and cellulite are completely unfounded.

Hoodia
How It Works: After frequent appearances on 'Desperate Housewives,' interest in Hoodia has skyrocketed. The substance originates from a cactus-like plant in South Africa and Namibia and has been long praised for its ability to help tribes make long treks through the desert with little food.
The Caveats: There are no peer-reviewed human studies on the supplement, so side effects and long-term effects are unknown," says Gidus. "It sounds too good to be true" -- and it probably is.

-- Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.

the diet pill information is only to answer questions should anyone be contemplating using them, I noticed the TV ads promising weight loss! So basically I wanted to enlighten the downfall of using them..

[Jaspermom]

Originally Posted by Muffie's Mom

I'm a firm believer that you can't have too much information.

LOL, Pat, That is COMPLETELY obvious to ALL of us, LOL!! Love ya, girl, and I have no idea how anyone can fail to lose weight if they study all of your wonderful research!

Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you??

[Muffie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Jaspermom

LOL, Pat, That is COMPLETELY obvious to ALL of us, LOL!! Love ya, girl, and I have no idea how anyone can fail to lose weight if they study all of your wonderful research!

Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you??

Oh, thank you! I just look at this as my "job" right now!

I love helping people. I sure don't want to see any of my NEW YT friends going the route that I had to go!

That's why the BIG push to help them as much as possible to start eating healthy NOW. Not next week, not next month - but NOW!

Good luck in making those new healthy decisions everyone!

Come on everybody!

Get on the "healthy eating wagon" right here!

Glad and I are your personal "cheer leaders"!*!*!

[Muffie's Mom]

8 Things to Think About When Choosing a Gym

A Checklist for Fitness Facilities

First of all, ask if they have a GROUP of people changing their lifestyle and eating better. If they have such a group, perhaps you could join that.

Also, ask if they give 2 FREE one hour sessions working with a trainer showing you how to use the machines and filling out YOUR personal guide to use for the settings on those machines. GOLD'S GYM DOES THIS.

Also, can you workout as long as you want to or are you set to just a certain workout time. Some places are like that.

BEFORE YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT, ASK IF THEY'LL WAIVE THE SIGN-UP FEE FOR YOU. TELL THEM YOU ARE A PART OF A GROUP OF PEOPLE NATION WIDE THAT ARE IN A "LIFESTYLE CHANGES" GROUP.

Ask your friends for recommendations, read a good review, or check them out before you spend your money and time there. If you enjoy your first workout, you’ll return again and again.

A good gym will fit your own unique personality, and motivate you to come back and exercise on a regular basis.

When considering a particular gym, set up a tour and bring a list of questions you want answered. Try to set up this tour during the time you usually exercise. More often than not, the staff will give you a free day (or month)pass so you can try out the equipment, classes, and other amenities firsthand.

There are several key criteria to consider before you choose a gym. Keep these questions in mind as you begin your search.

1. Location, Location, Location

If you choose a gym on the other side of town, will you really make it there consistently to work out? Often, a gym located somewhere between your home and office is best. On days when you’re crunched for time, having a gym close by will make things easier on your hectic schedule. After all, a good workout is supposed to lower your stress level, not increase it.

2. Hours

Is the gym open when you’ll use it most? While some gyms are open 24 hours a day, others are closed on weekends. Whether you workout early in the morning or late at night, make sure the hours fit your schedule, or you’ll be paying for something you can’t access.

3. Members

Everyone responds differently to those around them, and you should keep this in mind before you choose a gym. You should feel relaxed in your exercise environment, not embarrassed or intimidated. Some gyms are co-ed, while some are same-sex only. Others attract individuals of certain age groups. Will you be comfortable exercising around the current members? On your tour, does the gym seem overly crowded?

4. Staff

The staff members of the gym should be supportive and courteous, ready to answer questions or spot you on a machine if needed. They are there to help you make the most of your workouts. Before selecting a gym, ask about the certifications of the staff members. Are they qualified to guide you through your fitness routine? If you need a trainer, what are their rates?

5. Cleanliness

This may or may not be obvious on your first trip to the gym, so keep your eyes peeled. Make sure that towels are available to wipe off the equipment after each use. Also, look to see if staff members enforce this standard of hygiene. Peek into the locker rooms and showers, especially if you’ll be using these often. Look at the toilets, sinks, and showers themselves to see that they’re properly maintained.

6. Equipment

Take a good look around. Are there enough of the "popular" machines to go around, or do members have to wait in line to use them? Find out if there is a sign-up sheet or a time limit on cardio equipment. If you run on a treadmill for an hour, then a 30-minute time limit won’t really suit you.

Make sure that there are a wide variety of machines, but don’t be intimidated by new ones. Notice whether or not instructions and pictures are posted on the machines, or if staff is available to help you. Be cautious of out-of-order machines; this might be indicative of a poorly maintained gym.

7. Classes

Ask to see the schedule of fitness classes offered at the gym. Make sure that the classes you WANT to take are offered at the times you can attend, and find out if you need to show up early to reserve a spot. High-energy classes like spinning might interest you, or a calming yoga class might be more up your alley. If group classes are the staple of your exercise program, find out if the gym charges extra for classes before you join. Decide whether or not these fees are affordable before you join, or you might be paying for a membership that you don’t really use.

8. Fees

Cost is probably the deciding factor when choosing a gym. Many gyms have a sign-up fee, but these are often waived during certain promotions. Take a look at the payment schedule. Do you pay each month, or do you have to commit yourself to an entire year as a member? Can you cancel without penalty? And ultimately, does a gym fit into your budget?

When it comes down to joining a fitness center, you may feel like you’re signing your life away—if you aren’t informed and prepared. Be picky! Shop around, talk to friends, and take the tours until you find a place that meets all (or most) of your expectations at a reasonable price. After all, finding the right gym can be the key to a healthy lifestyle!

ASK IF YOU BRING IN SOME FRIENDS WITH YOU TO SIGN UP, IF THEY'LL GIVE YOU A REDUCED RATE. WE DID THAT WITH OUR CARDIAC REHAB GROUP.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

[Muffie's Mom]

What to Do After a Workout
When the Exercise is Over, the Work Isn't

Many of us have a great pre-workout and workout routine. We drink plenty of water before and during exercise, warm up, stretch, work the entire body, and even get in some cardio training as well. Then, after the last exercise, we promptly head back to the locker room, change, and journey home.

What so many out there do not realize is the importance of what you do after you work out. You may have done the majority of the work, but how you treat your body in the minutes and hours after you exercise has a direct effect on muscle soreness, muscle strength and growth, and staying hydrated.

Cool Down

After your last exercise, your workout is not over. The first thing you need to do is cool down. Even if running was all that you did, you still should do light cardio for a few minutes. This brings your heart rate down at a slow and steady pace, which helps you avoid feeling sick after a workout. Walking on a treadmill for five minutes is a good and easy way to cool down.

Stretch

Then, you should stretch again. This is one of the most important things you can do. After a workout, muscles naturally contract. Stretching again prevents them from shrinking. It allows your muscles to rebuild, growing bigger and stronger, and thus allowing you to get the full benefit from your efforts.

Stretching after exercise also relaxes your muscles, helps speed circulation to joints and tissues, and helps removal of unwanted waste products, thereby reducing muscle soreness and stiffness. Add mental sharpness and you have all the reasons you need to make sure stretching comes not only before, but after every workout as well.

Drink Water

Even when you are actually done exercising, you need to keep replenishing your fluid levels. It’s recommended that you drink another 2-3 cups within two hours after you have finished. Then, drink water regularly afterwards. You may not feel thirsty anymore, but you still need to replenish yourself to avoid getting dehydrated.

Refuel

Eating is one of the last, but one of the most important, items to do after a workout. You have not only burned hundreds of calories and lost carbohydrates, but you have also actually torn your muscles. You need to repair your muscles and boost your energy level, and you need to do it fast. It’s recommended that you eat within 90 minutes of your workout, but the sooner the better. Look for foods that are packed with complex carbohydrates and high in protein. A perfect example is a tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread.

The carbs will re-energize your body, while slowly turning into calories - so you have plenty of time to burn them before they turn to fat. The protein helps repair your muscles, so they grow stronger while your body rests until the next workout.

Next time you put down the dumbbells and think your work is done, remember these after-workout necessities to maximize your efforts and get the most out of exercising.

[Muffie's Mom]

Do's and Don'ts of a Successful Fitness Plan
Avoiding Common Fitness Pitfalls

Starting a fitness program doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you are armed with the proper tools to get things rolling. Once you’ve committed to getting in shape, there are several things you can do to ensure you’ll exceed your short and long term fitness goals. There are also some things you should avoid at all costs to ensure you stay on the path to fitness and wellness. What exactly are the rules when it comes to fitness?

Do’s

Write down your fitness goals. You’re more likely to stick with a program once you have set some specific goals.

Always strive to eat a well balanced diet that includes ample servings of vegetables and fruit.

Break down your meals so you are eating several mini meals per day.

Assess your current fitness level before starting an exercise program. By doing so, you’ll be able to establish goals that meet your specific fitness needs.

Consider talking with your health care provider before embarking on a fitness program, particularly if you are struggling with a health condition such as diabetes or obesity.

Supplement your diet with essential fatty acids. You can do this by eating two servings of fish per week.

Choose alternatives to satisfy your cravings when possible. Consider frozen fruit over ice cream or opt for a mini chocolate instead of the whole candy bar.

Always stretch before and after your exercise routine.

Don’t over do it! Try doing too much at once and you’ll burn out swiftly.

Slowly increase the intensity of your workouts.

Diversify your workout routine. If you do the same exercises day after day, you’ll quickly tire and are more likely to skip workouts.

Work out with a friend. You’ll help motivate each other.

Keep healthy snacks available at all times. You’re less likely to grab junk food if something good for you is readily available.

Don’ts

Over-train. Your body needs time to recover in between workouts.

Skip breakfast. Eating breakfast will jump start your metabolism and provide you with the energy you need to get through the day.

Skip stretching.

Skimp on sleep.

Set unrealistic goals. A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week.

If you have 50 pounds to lose, don’t expect it to come off overnight, you’ll set yourself up for disappointment.

Compare your successes and failures to others. Everyone is unique, and what works for some may not work for others.

Work out randomly. Work out regularly to maximize the benefits you’ll reap from a consistent fitness routine.

Give up. Consider talking with a friend in times of discouragement.

Forget to reward yourself on occasion.

[Muffie's Mom]

Small Bits of Fitness Add Up
Exercise Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

"Where did the day go?"

Is this a common question in your life? Many of us jam-pack so much stuff into our daily routines, seemingly there’s no time to relax for just one minute, let alone exercise. Lack of time is one of the most common excuses for not having a decent fitness regimen. But do you realize that in the time it might take you to go through your e-mail, you could fit in a good workout? We’re not talking about giving up 60 minutes either; all you need is 10.

Just 10?

Forget the "all or nothing" mentality when it comes to exercise. Fitness does not live or die by 60-minute workouts; there is middle ground. Short spurts of exercise, when they accumulate, have been shown to share similar benefits of longer workouts.

Your body will reap numerous benefits just by becoming more active. This approach is perfect for times when you don’t have time for a regular workout, or when you want to start off slowly and build up a routine.

Easier Than You Think

Treat these 10 minutes like you would a regular workout. Take 1-2 minutes to warm up and get the muscles ready, including stretching. Follow with at least 7 minutes of exercise at a medium or high intensity. Then make sure to include a 60-second cool down.

Since it’s brief, it’s important to work at a fairly high intensity to obtain all of the benefits. Work at raising your heart and respiration rates. Just like regular workouts, try to include cardio, strength training and flexibility work in your shortened routine. Either knock out all three during the 10 minutes, or plan a 10-minute segment for each area.

Example: Push out 10 cardio minutes on the stationary bike. For strength, do push-ups, wall sits, or lift dumbbells. For flexibility, it’s helpful to just stretch every day. Work different muscle groups and keep it simple. After 10 minutes, you will feel healthier and be on your way to developing solid fitness habits.

But I Still Don’t Have Time

It only takes 30 minutes a day, broken up into manageable chunks of 10. Start with a quick exercise when you wake up. The second session? A lunch break is possibly the perfect time to re-energize and get the blood flowing again. The last 10-minute blitz could come in the evening, even while you are watching TV. It’s an ideal way to involve the family as well. Go for a power walk after dinner with your spouse or ride bikes with the kids.

It is all about convenience; if you try, you can fit exercise into your schedule no matter where you are. Do it at home or at work, outside or in the living room. Start building exercise spurts into your daily routine and you’ll start feeling better.

REMEMBER: ONLY YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY!

[Muffie's Mom]

Different Strokes

If you're self-driven, you can design your own plans, based on your needs and choices. If you're tech-savvy, there are web sites you can use to track food intake, calorie needs, and activity levels. You can also find tips and group support through online discussions and chats.

Include a healthy diet and regular physical activity in your plan. These tips will help ensure that your efforts are safe and successful:

Take inventory. Slow down and look at your lifestyle. What patterns do you notice? Be honest as you ask yourself these questions:

How and when do I eat? (Late at night? In front of the TV or computer screen?)

Do I skip meals?

Am I a junk-food junkie?

Do I take time to eat regular, balanced meals?

Do I eat under stress?

Do I eat for other reasons besides being hungry?

Do I drink enough water?

Identify your bad eating habits and plan for change. If you visit the vending machine a lot at work, bring healthy snacks from home, like carrot sticks, apple slices, and raisins instead. Keep a water bottle at your desk and be sure you're getting enough to drink (at least eight glasses a day). Switch from whole-milk to skim in your cereal or lattes.

Do your homework. If you don't know what a healthy diet is, find out. Use credible resources like AARP, the American Heart Association, or USDA for printed and online nutrition information.

Watch your portions. Many of us eat too much food. We've gotten used to big portions. Try down-sizing, not super-sizing.

Check your weight. Find out what your healthy weight should be for your height and frame. Determine how many calories you should get each day. Your doctor can help you. You also can find healthy weight charts online.

Take your time. Avoid any diet that promises "overnight success." A safe goal is about a pound a week.

Get moving. One of the main reasons Americans are gaining weight is that they're not active enough. About 34 percent of us over age 50 get no physical activity. Physical activity burns calories and can help you keep weight off by building muscle and increasing your metabolism. Combining regular exercise with a balanced diet is the healthiest, most efficient, and most sensible way to lose weight, and keep it off.

Change your lifestyle. If you go back to old habits after you've reached your weight-loss goal, you'll gain it back. The lifestyle changes that helped you lose weight have to stick like glue. Adopt a healthy diet and regular physical activity plan for life.

Here are some other tips diet experts suggest:

Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. You'll only feel hungrier, which will make you overeat at the next meal.

Drink plenty of water. A glass or two before a meal will fill you up so you eat less.

Eat bulky foods that are filling and low in calories. These include fruits and vegetables, which have lots of fiber and water but not a lot of calories.

Keep a food journal. Writing down everything you eat and when you eat it will tell you where your calories are coming from and where you need to cut back.

Don't give up. Sometimes we have to try something many times before we succeed. For many people, this is especially true of losing weight for good.

Making major lifestyle changes – quitting cigarettes, having a healthy diet, exercising regularly – takes time and determination. But if you stick with it, you'll achieve your goals. And you'll be glad you did!

[Muffie's Mom]

Healthy Snacking

Choosing healthy foods is as important at snack time as it is at mealtime.

Healthy snacks can add fiber and nutrients to your diet without unwanted calories. They can give you an energy boost during the day and prevent you from overeating at meals.

To avoid gaining weight from snacking, keep your food portions small and try to space your meals and snacks three to four hours apart, advises Betty Nowlin, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association in Chicago.

Also, keep your snack under 250 calories. Food labels can help you determine the number of calories in packaged foods by portion size. Many snacks are coming in single serving portions now, which is helpful. But you still want to be careful about what kinds of food you choose to snack on!

Sugary and fattening sweets like cookies and candy lack nutrients, and many salty foods like chips can dehydrate you. These foods should be eaten in limited moderation.

For healthy and filling snacks, try these:

Fresh fruit or a handful of dried fruit, such as raisins

Raw vegetables - carrots, celery, red and green pepper - cut and portioned in small plastic bags (try filling celery with peanut butter or low-fat cottage cheese, or dipping your vegetables in low-fat dressing)

A whole wheat English muffin with apple butter and a cup of herbal tea

A slice of angel food cake with non-fat whipped topping

Non-fat, whole-grain crackers (could be topped with cheese or peanut butter)

Non-fat cottage cheese or yogurt

A handful of nuts

Hummus on wholewheat pitabread

A smoothie (blend nonfat milk and/or yogurt with fruit)

So forget the bag of chips or candy bar and reach for an apple, pear, or handful of nuts and raisins.

You'll get extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all for about 50 calories. With proper portions and healthy food choices, snacking can enhance, rather than hurt your diet. "Think of a snack as a 'mini meal' that will help you have a healthy diet, rather than as an opportunity to consume treats."

[Travelvixen]

Hi All,

First of all, Kara, remember to start taking that Folic Acid supplement if you plan on getting pregnant, it is incredibly important for your baby's development! Also start yourself on a regular yoga program, it will help you immensely.

To the rest of you. Congratulations. Losing weight and staying fit and trim isn't an aesthetic necessity, it is important for your longevity, physical and mental health not to mention libido! I have my own experience and advice below if you are interested.

I tried to diet over the years and only found myself losing weight when I wasn't trying, (stress, travel etc) however it rarely lasted and the pounds would creep right back on after a few months. Last year a friend of mine told me that I was too heavy and she could help. She is ten years older than me, looks ten years younger and is in fabulous shape.

Before you continue: I enjoy one meal per week of anything I wish, french toast, pancakes, any bad stuff I want within reasonable amounts.

It was an exercise and nutrition program that has an initial two week period and then a maintenance period afterwards. It is amazing. I lost so much weight that for the first time since I was 17 (I am over 35 now) I dropped two bra sizes not to mention my jeans. Was it easy? No. However, I was eating five times a day. At times I had to force myself to eat. The secret is of course cutting out sugar, starches (pasta, bread, rice, potatoe etc) and carefully balancing healthful carbohydrates (green vegetables) and lean protein (egg white, chicken, fish) with EVERY meal. It is the protein that kills the appetite. You don't need to be hungry to diet. It was like magic. Oh, did I mention the exercise? Lots. 45 minutes of cardio (running, cycling or similar to get the heart rate up) and then 1 hour of the exercise program in the book including push ups, sit ups, and lots more. My husband actually complained that I lost too much weight. He had the typical spare tire that lean men can tend to get so I put him on the program and he too dropped the weight built up muscle and looked amazing.

The name is the Ultimate New York Body Plan by David Kirsh. However, I am already phsically fit to a certain degree. This program is not for everyone. Look at the exercises in the book before you buy and decide if you can accomplish them or not. Having said that, I strongly recommend his meal replacement shakes (especially vanilla) which are easy to use, especially on a plane or train. Can you tell that I travel a lot? I just put the powder in a small water container (evian or like that) put the top on and shake. It is that easy. I just returned from five weeks in India and I can't tell you what a relief it was to have the David Shake with me when I was stuck in a 10 hour train ride with dubious food available or on a bus etc. The other meal replacement that I like even more and makes me feel great but is more complicated to make and requires a hand blender at minimum is "The Ultimate Meal". That stuff is fantastic. No fat, no sugars, Kosher, Organic and more. It doesn't taste as good as the David Shake, but the resulting weight loss and overall energy level is incomparable. Try it, you have nothing to lose but weight, right?

[Muffie's Mom]

I commend you on all your endeavors and success in getting healthy again. I know it doesn't come easy. You have to work hard at the exercising. I can attest to that. You have worked very hard to get where you are. Thank you for writing and telling us your story.

I wish others would do the same.

I agree with what you said except for the "Meal replacement drink" but if I understood you correctly you're using it for when you travel. I don't know if you are using that when you're at home.

I drink a Protein drink before I exercise and immediately after I finish exercising but this doesn't replace a meal. This is to help the body and muscles rejuvenate from the hard work-out. I normally work an hour and 45 minutes 3 times a day at Gold's Gym. In addition, I walk on the treadmill on days we don't go to the gym.

Remember, it's all about eating healthy and exercising - this is for the rest of your life! That's why I put the "heart" at the top! LOL

Congratulations to everyone on their good hard work.

Does anyone else have any success stories to tell us about.

[Jaspermom]

Originally Posted by Travelvixen

Hi All,try it, you have nothing to lose but weight, right?

Thanks for your input! We appreciate the fact that you have proved that watching what you eat and getting lots of exercise can indeed lead to weight loss! We are all working really hard on similar plans, and it is nice to hear from someone who has had such success.

We aren't subscribing to any commercial diet plans on this thread, although we do appreciate the other tips. We are working on changing our bad eating habits to healthy eating for life. Sounds like you have done the same, and I commend you!

Feel free to stop in with tips and hints anytime!