Basic Things To Losing Weight....

[Jennifer M.]

From You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management

1. Walking for 30 minutes every day.
2. Performing 30 minutes of weight training each week.
3. Doing 60 minutes of additional, higher intensity cardio each week.
4. Taking a stretch break for 5 minutes each day - preferably after your walk.
5. Eating more fiber and cutting out the saturated and trans fats and enriched flours and sugars (the "white stuff").
6. Eating 3 meals plus snacks daily.
7. Trying to eat basically the same thing for breakfast and lunch each day (variety sometimes breeds indulgence).
8. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
9. Getting "some" on a regular basis, if you know what I mean.
10. Drinking lots of water.

[AJames81]

I have actually heard from a bunch of places recently that not eating three meals a day is best (you eat more, not less). Ideally you have the same food intake, but you spread it out over six or seven meals spaced throughout the day. This provides regular surges to your metabolism so that it stays high throughout the day and since you're regularly eating half a meal it also discourages snacking inbetween.

[galena]

I guess this is a rant, but with all the overweight Americans (especially when you see what people look like in Europe, for instance)...it occurred to me when I was grocery shopping the other day that if people would simply buy and eat fresh, healthy food, they would lose weight even if they were couch potatoes!

I have seen people with grocery carts overflowing with chips, cookies, ice cream, Pop-tarts, Coke, you get the picture. And is this type of shopper ever the picture of health? It sounds so simple, but if people would just buy good food, they would eat good food. It's sad to see adults teaching their kids (by example) to eat like this.

[katlnhats]

I agree with you, galena. It's also what you eat. For example, look at all the cars in say... any fast food restaurant next time you drive by "any" of them. The parking lots are pretty full. Eat healthy. You'll lose weight. Leave the junk-snacks out of your grocery cart and you'll lose weight and save money too!

Kat

[misothere]

Yup, I agree with alot of all your comments.
Like Jennifer M. & exercise & weights & cardio & drinking lots of water, cutting out fats & "white processed stuff" ETC...

& AJames81 - In 1999 I did the 5 mini meal a day thing - but also followed Jennifer's rule about eating basically same meal most breakfast & lunches (easier prep when your working). But I did experiment for dinners & gave myself a DAY OFF 1 day a weekend so I didn't feel I'd need to indulge & I also really never felt hungry.

Galena's got it right, eat fresh foods including lots of veggies (make the meat a "compliment to your entree - like some good chinese fresh steamed dishes do). Fresh bread is great if you wanna' do the splurge, but I only buy it when it's hot from the bakery & if all I'm having is homemade soup with it.

Kats got the right idea - stay away from drive thru's - if we can't get outta' the car & walk to any counter to order that's really saying something about our eating & non-excersising lifestyle. I haven't eaten a donut since 1999 & never will & don't miss them (free at work or not)! 1 Bagel has same calories as 6 slices of bread (I heard on TV). Plus the whole "you need cream cheese on them" thing. Try whole wheat mini bagel toasted with natural peanut butter or hummus (which comes in many flavors) & it's satisfying.

My husband can't stand that I NEVER buy cookies & buy a pack of that or danish & keeps in his van for the week at work. Holiday's I do make exceptions (hey - I'm human).

Limited myself to 1 pc. of cheesecake over the whole holiday season (but picked Turtle cheesecake with the carmel & nuts)! Also a couple (OK 3) pc's of BAKLAVA too!

I used to eat a slice of cheesecake anytime I could, & love cookies & tried "justifying" the oatmeal/raisin one's as being healthy! (Still lots of sugar, but if I made them myself I could "adjust" the recipe).

OK - getting hungry & tired, sigining off for now!

[katlnhats]

LOL!!!!! misothere!
The holidays? OMG, Do I ever cheat! I bake all my own goodies and give them to people to and do I eat them? Heck yes! Well, lots have chocolate in them, which saves me from eating them as I'm allergic to it, but the rest? Give me a pie and I'll eat it! I'm lucky that I really don't gain weight.

Kat