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2008 Get-in-Shape/Weight Loss thread
- Thread starter knary
- Start date
MANDYPANTS
New member
OK, so 2.5 pounds isn't much, but that's how much I lost last week. I realize this could be water weight or a million other things, but I'm letting it be encouraging motivation! Woot!
Also, I took a tip from Poobah and have started eating half as much per meal as I am served. I have started substituting French fries for steamed veggies, fruit or salad. When served a sandwich, I eat half, eat my healthy side and stop for at least 10 minutes. If I am still hungry, I let myself finish the food. As of yet, I have always felt comfortable full after just 1/2 a sandwich. I had been eating the whole thing all along, and feeling overly full and miserable. I'm learning to rethink how much my body needs!
In an attempt to be eco-friendly as well (and realizing that I look like a weirdo for doing this), I am keeping a Gladware container with me when I go out to eat. This way, I'm not using Styrofoam containers for my leftovers. I get some weird looks, but people used to look at me weird when I'd grocery shop with a canvas bag. Now it's catching on!
I attended a women's health conference on Saturday and learned that when you are exercising regularly, you only need about 200 additional calories per day (about the size of a Snickers bar). I had thought that I'd need to be loading up on food to sustain me, but this is simply not true!
Also, I took a tip from Poobah and have started eating half as much per meal as I am served. I have started substituting French fries for steamed veggies, fruit or salad. When served a sandwich, I eat half, eat my healthy side and stop for at least 10 minutes. If I am still hungry, I let myself finish the food. As of yet, I have always felt comfortable full after just 1/2 a sandwich. I had been eating the whole thing all along, and feeling overly full and miserable. I'm learning to rethink how much my body needs!
In an attempt to be eco-friendly as well (and realizing that I look like a weirdo for doing this), I am keeping a Gladware container with me when I go out to eat. This way, I'm not using Styrofoam containers for my leftovers. I get some weird looks, but people used to look at me weird when I'd grocery shop with a canvas bag. Now it's catching on!
I attended a women's health conference on Saturday and learned that when you are exercising regularly, you only need about 200 additional calories per day (about the size of a Snickers bar). I had thought that I'd need to be loading up on food to sustain me, but this is simply not true!
mika
Still Wondering
What kind of surfaces and places do you plan to ride?
I am a road warrior. It will be streets and roads. I may take my roadster off road but I don't see myself as a moutain biker at this point. There may be a gravel road in the area I will be in, but that is about it.
monkeywork
Mad Scientist
I had an interesting conversation with a friend over the weekend. The body's pH has a lot to do with fat retention and overall health.
are you eating a lot of foods and drink that end up on the acidic side of the scale? Meats, grains, coffee, alcohol... verses all the green stuff that is on the alkaline side.
The body's pH should be around 7.4, neutral. I tested around 5.5, not terrible, but definitely acidic.
Time to make some changes. I've already cut out the coffee and soda, adding more water to the mix, and looking at some green stuff on my plate of beige.
I've even started adding water to my scotch.... I'm in this for the long haul.
are you eating a lot of foods and drink that end up on the acidic side of the scale? Meats, grains, coffee, alcohol... verses all the green stuff that is on the alkaline side.
The body's pH should be around 7.4, neutral. I tested around 5.5, not terrible, but definitely acidic.
Time to make some changes. I've already cut out the coffee and soda, adding more water to the mix, and looking at some green stuff on my plate of beige.
I've even started adding water to my scotch.... I'm in this for the long haul.
knary
looking for a coal mine
If you're just getting started, a good place to being is a hybrid. They have a relatively upright and comfortable seating position. They're not the lightest, fastest or most high tech - and so the prices can be reasonable. They're great in-town bikes, and good for the more leisurely paces of someone just getting their legs under them.
These kinds of bikes are perfect for commuting, running errands, etc. The better ones are built ready to take fenders and racks.
An example of a hybrid is the Trek 7.2 FX, MSRP $460.
I myself am looking for a similar bike to use in town. My primary ride is a 'pure' road bike - built to go fast. I find it a comfortable place to be for hours, but it's skinny tires and bent over riding position aren't as practical for dealing with curbs, pot holes and groceries.
The best advice I can give is to go to several rea bike shops. If you can help it, don't shop at a sporting goods store for a bike. They won't know what they're talking about. You need a place where the people ride bikes and can both evaluate your needs and get you on a bike that fits you. The exception to the dedicated bike shop would be REI. They've got a good selection and the folks in the bike department are actual riders.
Do you have a budget in mind?
26667
the Wizard of Oz
maybe some help
My downfall has always been eating and drinking after I get home from work at 11:00 or midnight, and then straight to bed. Some years back my wife gave me the gift of six visits to a personal trainer. Since it was already paid for, I had to go. The first 4 visits were hell, but by the 5th and 6th I was feeling stronger and really got hooked on the excercise thing. Give yourself a little time. It's hard to get started.
Among the helpful things I learned from the trainer guy was to find out what your body turns into sugar. Like Bread. Lay off bread for two solid weeks and I bet you'll be astonished at your weight loss. But you have to REALLY not eat bread. No sandwiches, no toast, no crackers in your soup. take that big mac apart and eat the burger etc.
Some of the others are more obvious, like candy, Ice-cream and alchohol, but I didn't realize that corn becomes sugar too. Even some veggies aren't helpful.
But seriously, the bread thing, gang! Two weeks, and then add some back in.
My downfall has always been eating and drinking after I get home from work at 11:00 or midnight, and then straight to bed. Some years back my wife gave me the gift of six visits to a personal trainer. Since it was already paid for, I had to go. The first 4 visits were hell, but by the 5th and 6th I was feeling stronger and really got hooked on the excercise thing. Give yourself a little time. It's hard to get started.
Among the helpful things I learned from the trainer guy was to find out what your body turns into sugar. Like Bread. Lay off bread for two solid weeks and I bet you'll be astonished at your weight loss. But you have to REALLY not eat bread. No sandwiches, no toast, no crackers in your soup. take that big mac apart and eat the burger etc.
Some of the others are more obvious, like candy, Ice-cream and alchohol, but I didn't realize that corn becomes sugar too. Even some veggies aren't helpful.
But seriously, the bread thing, gang! Two weeks, and then add some back in.
knary
looking for a coal mine
Thanks that helps.
Budget?
So you're not buying?
I would like to keep it below $600
You can definitely do that on a solid new bike. Used bikes are, of course, also an option. But be aware that like so many other industries, technologies filter down to the less expensive stuff fairly quickly. This means that the price of the used bike may match the price of the new bike with the same features - making it silly to buy the used one.
mika
Still Wondering
One last question:
My big concern is frame strength not the weight of the bike.
My weight loss and increased conditioning will be more important for a very long time before the weight of the bike is a factor. Even after gaining 7hp on the Roadster scale I am still a giant economy size kind of guy. Recommendations on brands or what to look for in a sturdy frame?
Have to go I'll check back latter
My big concern is frame strength not the weight of the bike.
My weight loss and increased conditioning will be more important for a very long time before the weight of the bike is a factor. Even after gaining 7hp on the Roadster scale I am still a giant economy size kind of guy. Recommendations on brands or what to look for in a sturdy frame?
Have to go I'll check back latter
knary
looking for a coal mine
Any of the brands found in a real shop should be fine. You should also be fine with most any aluminum or steel frame. The latter will, generally, be lighter and stiffer (and somewhat rougher riding). The former will be, generally, heavier but more forgiving. Where the big guys get in trouble is with the rims, not the frame. At this price point, where they're not building for maximum lightness, you shouldn't have a problem. But you might mention it to those helping you at the bike shop(s).
Once you've found some bike shops, and sorted out which of their bikes might suit your needs and buget, you'll be trying to figure out which of the bikes fit you best. When my wife went bicycle shopping last year, she rode nine different bikes at three different shops - as well as poked and prodded scads more. Take a bunch of bikes out for test rides. If the bike doesn't fit you reasonably well (and they can be fitted to you), you won't be comfortable and you won't be pedaling efficiently. Many a rider has had sore knees because the bike wasn't the right size and/or set up for them.
p.s 7hp = 49 lbs?!? Yes? wow
monkeywork
Mad Scientist
another eating thing. Evidently, one should not consume water while eating. It dilutes the stomach acid.
Have water before the meal. Then an hour or so after. Also, the more you chew your food, the easier it is for the stomach to break down.
Have water before the meal. Then an hour or so after. Also, the more you chew your food, the easier it is for the stomach to break down.
knary
looking for a coal mine
Scott, M1ka... can we split off this topic to a stand alone bikes-specific thread? I'm interested too.
Good idea. Let's see if we can get someone with the power to make it so.
tessler
univers zero
You're referring to either Gandalf or He-who-needs-a-tiller...Good idea. Let's see if we can get someone with the power to make it so.
knary
looking for a coal mine
Who have you been talking to? I think someone's making it all a little weirder and more complicated than it needs to be.
Scott's how to lose weight plan that'll work for nearly anyone:
Eat enough.
Eat better.
Eat better than that, dummy.
Stay hydrated but not with soda, beer, etc.
Get some exercise.
Get more exercise.
The challenge is figuring what "enough" is. This is where Weight Watchers helps so many. Better, OTOH, is easy and, I've found, when you're really exercising, your body will steer you pretty well.
monkeywork
Mad Scientist
my friend is a nutritionist, the body pH thing is often overlooked.
if you're body gets too acidic all kinds of problems develop, fat just being one of them.
balancing out the diet with foods of a more alkaline nature helps that.
if you're body gets too acidic all kinds of problems develop, fat just being one of them.
balancing out the diet with foods of a more alkaline nature helps that.
O
OUTBACKUFO
Guest
my steady but tasty food intake system is now in serious jepoidy... i found a new guilty pleasure in the food relm today... in the hot food bar at the local grocerystore... they had
fried mac&cheese wedges.... just soo good and gooey and greasy..
is it over ... makes good bacon seem pale in compairison..
fried mac&cheese wedges.... just soo good and gooey and greasy..
is it over
... makes good bacon seem pale in compairison..
mika
Still Wondering
B
belquar
Guest
The body's pH should be around 7.4, neutral. I tested around 5.5, not terrible, but definitely acidic.
The acid-base balance in the body is very very important. On so many levels. But there are many different types of acidosis. The body in order to maintain homeostasis keeps the blood pH between 7.37 and 7.64. A blood pH of 5.5 is not compatible with life. But would be a rather acidic pH in the urine which can range from 4.5 to 8. The kidneys and the lungs are the two major players in regulating pH in our bodies.
Okay, so a first week report. I quit coffee, am back to a mainly vegitarian diet and quit the high calorie snacks, no more chips, muffiins, bagels and creme cheese etc. I'm drinking a lot of H2O and no soda's. Dropped two pounds since last friday so down to 213. I started back in the gym at IUP which has a great fitness center. next week I'll also swim a couple of days. The gym consisted of 35 minutes on the treadmill at a varied pace working up to 15 mph pace and 5 degree elevation. Got my heart rate right about in the zone at 132 beats a minute. Knees feel good with the elimination of all sugars and most acidic foods from my diet. After the treadmill I lifted weights for 30 minutes with a routine I'm familiar with, bench press, curls, lat pull downs etc. Then about 15 minutes of yoga/stretching. It felt good and I didn't get too sore. The weights were only on Tuesday and Thursday, but treadmill and stretching routine everyday.
I also got a $700 refund from my club in Pittsburgh (annual fees were around $950 and the IUP fitness center is $72.50 for the summer session. What a deal!
I'd like to hear how everyone else is doing.
This weekend I'll go on a 2 hour horseback ride and probably walk on Sunday. Of course I'll be on the dual sport bike as well, which is something of a workout.
I also got a $700 refund from my club in Pittsburgh (annual fees were around $950 and the IUP fitness center is $72.50 for the summer session. What a deal!
I'd like to hear how everyone else is doing.
This weekend I'll go on a 2 hour horseback ride and probably walk on Sunday. Of course I'll be on the dual sport bike as well, which is something of a workout.
