Weight loss question

[Bill_Storey]

I had a dr appointment today. Nothing special, just check vitals, get prescriptions renewed, pay the man and go home. However I did get some good news. Since the first of the year I have lost about 21 pounds, with about 10 more to go.

Now a question. How long does it take to get rid of the "spare tire"? I've only lost about 1/2 inch from my waist, and would really like to lose another 3-4 inches.

[mikeschn]

The answer is, it all depends... How much do you eat? how much do you drink? And is it nutrient dense foods or empty calories?

Good job on your 21 pounds though. Everytime I try to lose weight I end up with kidney stones. I wonder if it has something to do with giving up beer? But on the bright side, I've learned how to drink lemon juice straight up, with just a small swig of water to wash it down!

Mike...

P.S. Crunches might help with the spare tire...

[Ken A Hood]

I've been exercising since March, then stopped for a while (but that's when I started working doing landscaping, cutting grass, weeding, trimming hedges, fixing block retaining walls etc..) and I've lost 19lbs and 5 3/4" on my gut.

I've been using an eliptical trainer, and I'm assuming it helped with the gut/stomach since I'm using my upper body/arms too. I tried a stationary bike in the past with little in the way of results (except for stamina/endurance)

[starleen2]

I've watched every one of those weight loss infommercial - and haven't lost a single pound yet

[Bill_Storey]

Mike, basically I now eat about 1/4 less than I did before. I cut portion size a little, cut down on potatoes and white bread, increased veggies and whole grain bread, cut way down on fast food and sodas, only drink 1/2 pot of coffee instead of a full pot a day, increased unsweetened iced tea, milk and water. I still drink 1-2 beers a week, but have laid off the sour mash and rye.

Ken, yeah, I need to start exercising but I gotta make time to do it.

[mikeschn]

Well it sounds like you are doing everything right...

I would just take 30 seconds, laying on your back, to do 10 crunches every other day... and take Sundays off!

And if you don't remember what crunches are, look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKg_cdwq9l4

Mike...

P.S. Did you cut back on your meat a little bit too?

[tinksdad]

Off and on dieting over the past 4 years, I've lost 130 pounds and almost 20" of waist (310 with a tight 48 waist down to 180 at 30"). The last 30 has been since February. The key during the whole experience, I am sad to say, is exercise!! The pounds and inches don't come off as fast if I'm not getting my walking and bike riding in. I haven't been a beer drinker in over 20 years; but there is a definite correlation between my weight loss and how often I go to the package store for another bottle of Vodka.

[Bill_Storey]

Mike, Yeah, I cut down meat about 1/4 also, also cut down the amount of deep fried foods quite a bit, probably 50 %. I didn't really plan to "go on a diet" but rather just started out to cut down fast food and eat a little healthier. If I really want something, I have some of it but I try not to gorge myself. If I start on the sour mash, I seem to forget that, so I just cut it out for now.

Yep, I remember crunches. When I first heard of them I thought they were for W>I>M>P>S. After all, my generation did sit ups. Anyway I thought they were for wimps until I finally did about 200 of them one day. I hurt for 3 or 4 days afterward.

[swissarmygirl]

Well it sounds like you are doing everything right...

I would just take 30 seconds, laying on your back, to do 10 crunches every other day... and take Sundays off!

And if you don't remember what crunches are, look here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKg_cdwq9l4

Mike...

P.S. Did you cut back on your meat a little bit too?

Wow Mike! I can watch that guy do crunches all day!

[mikeschn]

You might want to store this tidbit in the back of your mind somewhere...

If you ever have back problems, pinched nerves in your back, or even weak discs, one of the exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back is the crunch.

Mike...

[Claw]

My brother went from size 40 jeans to size 34 in about eight months and credits 3 miles a day walking 1.5 in am 1.5 in pm and disciplined meals, fill the plate once. It improved his health, appearence and attitude. When I saw him last week after his commitment to the lifestyle (he said it was a change in his mind that made the difference) I have to say I was impressed.

[Jason and Amanda]

You want to get rid of the spare tire and fast?

Jog.

Crunches do wonders too but jogging will tone you like no other. Treadmills just aren't the same. However if you require low impact (for your feet or back) then jogging is not for you. It will wear down your knees, back, and feet if you are prone to issues in those areas.

[emiller]

I found that getting away from the TV works, My only problem is too many good looking girls on those workout shows that keep me watching TV.

[Mary K]

Off and on dieting over the past 4 years, I've lost 130 pounds and almost 20" of waist (310 with a tight 48 waist down to 180 at 30"). The last 30 has been since February. The key during the whole experience, I am sad to say, is exercise!! The pounds and inches don't come off as fast if I'm not getting my walking and bike riding in. I haven't been a beer drinker in over 20 years; but there is a definite correlation between my weight loss and how often I go to the package store for another bottle of Vodka.

Congrats!! Wow!! 30" waist would be cool....

[Miriam C.]

Way to go guys! I have been taking the girls (teens) to the mall daily and they meander for a few hours. They don't actually walk fast but all of them need new, smaller jeans. Yes they drink pop and snack while there. Maybe just standing up and moving is the key. Now If I can just get off this chair and go burn something.