What have you tried for weight loss? Has it worked?
@LovingLife139 (1504)
United States
May 1, 2010 12:07pm CST
Hi there! This discussion wasn't thought up because of myself but because of my husband. I've always been super skinny and he's always been considered obese, so we make quite a pair. He used to drink alcohol before he met me and gained quite a stomach. I've asked him for years to exercise with me, but he's always been so embarrassed.
A few months ago, I stopped riding him to work (he doesn't have a license), and he began to get really into biking to work. He lost a few pounds from that (not to mention saved us money on gas and the like!), but wasn't satisfied when that leveled off after it was no longer a strain to bike the few miles. So I researched into weight loss for him, and found out you had to use cardio exercising (things that get your heart pumping) rather than other types of muscular exercise (those exercises that build up your abs, your arms, etc.). The website I was on mentioned running, so what did my husband do?
He brought out the Wii Fit. He'd bought it a while back but never used it past a certain extent. Yoga's fun to do on there, and all that, but he couldn't get into a routine. For the past few weeks, not only has he been writing down his calories (which is easy to do already since we're vegans and a) don't eat many calories as it is and b) already read nutrition facts) and eating no processed foods, he's been using his Wii Fit to do at least two 30 minute sessions of running a day as well as building up his muscles with other exercises. In the past three weeks, my husband has gone from 253 pounds to 230-something, when he had to check for his Wii Fit Body Test yesterday.
My question to you: what have you tried (or those you know if you have never needed to lose weight) to lose weight? Has it worked? Did it not work? What have you learned from your experience?
So far, my husband and I have learned that what mystifies most when it comes to weight loss is relatively simple. A good diet and exercise is mainly IT. We've all seen those ads for different diets, diet pills, etc., and we've all seen the consequences of these things. The regaining of weight, health consequences, no weight loss at all, etc. So what are your experiences?
3 people like this
13 responses
@LifeGuru (922)
• Canada
1 May 10
Yes, I have tried to lose weight last year since I was a bit too heavy for my age,
I got into hiphop dance and started building onto it as a skill, after I got injured
by doing some other method of trying to work out and burn it off quickly - tearing
my hamstring in the process. It was not fun, but I was out for a week then I quit.
Quitting isn't always the answer if you want to achieve something - I also went
by easy diets, rather than eating 3 big meals a day, it's 6 small portions per every
few or so hours. ^^ Exercising is the key to burning things off, but if you lack
motivation - you must try to change up your routine every now and then so you won't
get bored of it!!! Some people would buy 'smaller clothes' as a motivation to fit
into them when they reach their goal. I went from a size XL in shirts to S, and same
goes for pants too. So exercise, good eating habits, plenty of sleep would be a key
to weight loss... But what about your overall mental and emotional health?!
The answer, is try to live a stress free life by getting things done and do what it
takes for you to be happy. Because when you're not happy and stressed out all the
time, you will tend to eat more than usual as you would normally expect. It's
better to not eat out to fast food joints also. If you and your husband spends
a day in the park, bring some of your own food from home and make it a picnic! :D
Food joints are great every other week, but if some people tend to visit them
twice, once a week or more... Then they're going to have some problems. o.o
So try to get some good exercise, try to live stress free, and eat a proper
nutritious balanced diet!!! Follow the food pyramid... It's good for you. =D
@LovingLife139 (1504)
• United States
1 May 10
Like you said, food places are always our enemies when it comes to this kind of thing. Like I mentioned in the first post, though, my hubby and I are vegan, so a lot of the places simply aren't options! Being vegan has been a HUGE help to him through this. It's much easier to count calories and nutrition value when you're taking food as close to natural as it gets and making your own things with it. He loves making smoothies with fruit and soymilk, and we've been making salads together, grilling eggplant for pasta, all sorts of fun stuff! 
Another thing I agree with you on is the lack of motivation...he had no motivation at first, so he simply didn't even try to exercise or do anything. I'm not sure what changed him, but suddenly, he picks up his Wii Fit and starts counting calories. Now that he's seen for himself he's lost the weight, I think that motivates him further. 
Another thing I agree with you on is the lack of motivation...he had no motivation at first, so he simply didn't even try to exercise or do anything. I'm not sure what changed him, but suddenly, he picks up his Wii Fit and starts counting calories. Now that he's seen for himself he's lost the weight, I think that motivates him further. @bwaybaby (903)
• United States
2 May 10
My parents have tried a lot of things to lose a little weight here and there. The cabbage soup diet seems to work for them, although that might be because they don't really like the soup.
I'm trying to lose weight, just by watching what I eat and going to the gym three times a week. I'm also trying to do about 15 minutes of yoga a day, although, with finals, that doesn't always work out so much right now.
1 person likes this
@darkangel079 (1488)
• United States
2 May 10
The key is finding a efficient cardio exercise. Only way to lose weight is by losing the calories and fat, not by food supplements or those that tend to try to starve themselves where they can't enjoy certain foods they can eat.
15 minutes of yoga is ok, but not highly efficient for burning off calories. So if you find yourself overweight and do want to lose weight, it's up to you to put a bit more time whether 35 to 45 minutes of cardio to burn off those extra calories by day.
@desireeo (595)
• Philippines
1 May 10
Hello! Congratulations to your husband for being able to shed off the pounds. Everybody knows just how hard it is...I have had some weight issues in the past. It really wasn't that serious. I only wanted to trim down a little bit. What I have found out so far is that diet pills and diets fad only offer short-term solutions. They don't work at all, if it is long-term results you are seeking.
You are right. The right kind of diet and exercise are IT! Nothing else works better. You don't even have to be selective with the foods you eat. You can eat pretty much everything. The secret lies in portion control (although, it's hard, I must admit).
I didn't try anything drastic when I was trying to lose weight. Didn't even get into diet pills although I tried slimming tea (I heard they can also make your skin look healthier). What I did was cut down on my eating. I ate on time, with smaller portions, of course. And, stayed away from softdrinks. Best tip ever. Stay away from softdrinks and flavored juices. Stick with water and real fruit or veggie juices.
Fortunately, I am able to maintain the ideal weight I want. But more than anything else, I want to live healthy. That is why I am trying to consume more fruits and vegetables these days and less meat and other processed products. It is a struggle though since some of my favorite foods are available in McDonald's and Pizza Hut chains. Thank God they are not readily available in my province. Nowadays, people easily get life-threatening diseases because of their unhealthy lifestyle...Anyways, kodus to those who are trying to lose weight the healthy way!
1 person likes this
@LovingLife139 (1504)
• United States
1 May 10
Hey there! I'm glad you're able to maintain your weight and can exercise self control when it comes to fast food chains. That's one of the best things you can have if you want to lose weight, whether a lot or a little...self-control!
You mentioned soft drinks (here we call soft drinks "pop", so don't get confused if that's what I say in the words to follow 
). I haven't drank pop in over four years...not one...and my husband quit around the same time. Pop is basically high fructose corn syrup in a can, doing more to dehydrate you than hydrate you. I always found the stuff disgusting, not to mention it's super unhealthy, even the diet stuff! I'm glad you mentioned it, because if I learned one thing in my years of being in college for dietetics, it was that sugar is awful for those trying to lose weight.
I feel bad for all those people who waste money on pills, or stop eating veggies in order to do the no-carb diet and only end up having kidney problems because of the high amounts of animal protein. Weight loss doesn't have to be that complicated, really! Just stick to the simple stuff! Of course, people don't want to hear that, either. Exercising takes work, counting calories and watching what you eat takes work and self control. If you REALLY want to lose weight, though, you'll gather the motivation to do it!
). I haven't drank pop in over four years...not one...and my husband quit around the same time. Pop is basically high fructose corn syrup in a can, doing more to dehydrate you than hydrate you. I always found the stuff disgusting, not to mention it's super unhealthy, even the diet stuff! I'm glad you mentioned it, because if I learned one thing in my years of being in college for dietetics, it was that sugar is awful for those trying to lose weight.
I feel bad for all those people who waste money on pills, or stop eating veggies in order to do the no-carb diet and only end up having kidney problems because of the high amounts of animal protein. Weight loss doesn't have to be that complicated, really! Just stick to the simple stuff! Of course, people don't want to hear that, either. Exercising takes work, counting calories and watching what you eat takes work and self control. If you REALLY want to lose weight, though, you'll gather the motivation to do it! 
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
1 May 10
Aside from eating better, I do a combination of cardio and weights. When you build more muscle you boost your metabolism because muscle burns more calories than fat... so you're burning more calories even when you're inactive. Plus I don't want to just be skinny, I want my body to look nice and getting toned muscles will do that.
Biking to work will continue to help him, but yes, his body will get used to it and he'll level out so to speak. What he needs to do is add new work outs to the biking, and not stop the biking. If 3 days a week he goes for a walk or jog on his lunch break that will help burn calories. Also I would suggest working on some of the strength training exercises on the Wii Fit, I love them!
I personally have joined a gym and take a few classes each week. I take cycling class, aerobics classes, pilates, yoga. I've also just started to attempt swimming! On days when I don't have classes I try to run 5 miles on a treadmill.
1 person likes this
@LovingLife139 (1504)
• United States
1 May 10
Yes, he actually does two to three 30 minute jogs a day with the Wii Fit. He loves working out with it since first of all, we're both gamers so we'll be on there anyway (plus, it helps remind him!), and second of all, it keeps track of your weight and everything. A lot of people have prejudices against a videogame helping you lose weight...but hey, my hubby's lost 20 pounds and counting!
Yoga was always one of my favorites. I'm sure you've tried to Yoga exercises on the Wii Fit? It's hilarious to stand there in front of a videogame and really strain yourself. It is truly a work out!
@darkangel079 (1488)
• United States
2 May 10
Yes I totally agree in what you say here, except the threat yourself part.
@mcbautista81 (8)
• United Arab Emirates
5 May 10
Oatmeal provides two of the required three daily servings of whole grains required in a healthy and balanced diet. It helps the body to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Since oatmeal and other cereals are rich in fiber, it also promotes a regular bowel movement.
Also, having a healthy breakfast in the morning actually supress appetite later in the day and that makes oatmeal or any cereal food an ideal breakfast for weight watchers. Some people dont want it plain with milk, you can add dried fruits or strawberries for flavour. I personally like it plain with milk and honey.
@mcbautista81 (8)
• United Arab Emirates
5 May 10
Oatmeal provides two of the required three daily servings of whole grains required in a healthy and balanced diet. It helps the body to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Since oatmeal and other cereals are rich in fiber, it also promotes a regular bowel movement.
Also, having a healthy breakfast in the morning actually supress appetite later in the day and that makes oatmeal or any cereal food an ideal breakfast for weight watchers. Some people dont want it plain with milk, you can add dried fruits or strawberries for flavour. I personally like it plain with milk and honey.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
4 May 10
Oh I am going to be quite honest, I need to lose weight. I'm embarrassed to admit that I can not so much as climb stairs with groceries without getting out of breath and my heart pumping. I know my heart pumping is a good thing but at the same time it's not.
I'm obese but I wouldn't say I'm overly fat. I do know that I need to lose the weight, and we have a wii fit I just never use it because it gets my heart pumping and I can't breathe, but if I work through that... yeah I know I'll lose the weight. One key thing I need to do is to eat properly, all three meals, and no late night snacks.
@LovingLife139 (1504)
• United States
5 May 10
A great thing to do with the Wii Fit since you have it is start slow and easy and work up to jogs and such. Hubby started doing ten minute jogs and was sweating like a pig afterwards. I almost had to tell him to stop once because he was scaring me by breathing so hard! Now he's up to three 30 minute jogs a day, plus he runs errands on his new bike, and he's getting used to it, bit by bit.
You also mentioned the eating. One thing that really helps is to eat several small meals in a day, and NEVER eat until you're full, just eat until you're content. Eating slowly and small bites helps your brain trigger the "content" feeling in your stomach before you've eaten too much. That also helped hubby, and now he can eat less and still feel content, too.
1 person likes this
@piya84 (2580)
• India
5 Jan 11
I am vegan also and yes its relatively easy to be fit when you dont eat meat.
I go for jog/walk 2-3 km in the early morning.
I dont eat oil and sugar .I use natural honey instead of sugar.
My daily diet includes rice +chopped vegetable with different sauce and spices,chutney,koshimbir.
Apart from it i have vegetable soups and fruit juice in between lunch and diner.
I dont eat anything at all apart from it.
It works great on me.Only one day in whole month i allow my self to eat whatever i want.
I was never overweight but i not as slim as model as well.In last few years i have got that kind of figure i always wanted and loving it.
@checkmail (2039)
• India
2 May 10
Hello LovingLife139 me too already have tried a few things for weight loss when it was excess.The most convenient was the water therapy with some joging and walking.Yeah it works comfortable and without any expense except our time.Lets make it clear if we go for joging or an extra mile walking we sweat a lot so will require some more fluids in our body and in order to reduce our toxins water is the best, but also can use other fruit juices and other supplimentary drink for it.Think this formula works better than anything else.Even we don't have to cut on our regular diet.Anyways keep it up with your aims, Happy mylotting.
@LovingLife139 (1504)
• United States
2 May 10
Keep on, keep on! Motivation is definitely the best thing to have when trying to lose weight. If you're not motivated, you might not even begin an exercise routine, let alone ever do enough to lose the weight. I have heard water therapy is great for those who have severe aches and pains. Does it help with weight loss as well?
@Sportsnetwork12 (49)
• United States
1 May 10
Here is a tip that help me lose a lot of weight. When your husband wakes up in the morning he should eat his junk food. As it gets later in the day you start to eat less and healthier
That along with excise help me lose about 40 pounds this year. Good luck to your husband
@gaylevillariza (48)
• Philippines
2 May 10
well what an amazing topic! as for me i have tried lots of ways to lose weight..work outs, cardio, diet pills as well as diet...it works! but the most important thing that i did to lose this weight is simply....not having food intake for a week! LOL...only liquids..and it whoa! im so skinny right now...
@mcbautista81 (8)
• United Arab Emirates
2 May 10
I used to be a very skinny girl. When I came here to Dubai 2 years ago, I only weigh 87 lbs. I dont know for some reasons my weight doubled in no time due to lack of exercise. In a span of 6-9 mos, my weight doubled up and I hated looking myself in the mirror. I guess the kind of lifestyle we have is the biggest factor to our weight problem.
with my busy schdule and a very demanding job, even if I wish to send myself to the gym for at least an hour work out, after a long day at work all I wanted to do is just close my eyes and sleep. Also because of stress, I tend to eat more and indulge in sweets. I didn't want to take pills to lose weight so I thought eating less would be a sure way but I was wrong. It just made me crave for more food and eat more.
Then one day I was browsing a local magazine and came across an article about maintaining weight and how to manage your diet daily to achieve a healthy body. One section in that article mentions that soy milk can help you lose weight as it helps you digest food faster and helps your maximize the use of your energy more efficiently.
So I gave it a shot combined with a little walking in the treadmill. If you drink it in the morning, just a glass of soy milk alone kept me energized during the day. I dont feel that hungry at lunch too. Then I also take it in the evening before bed. I lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks. I didnt stop myself from eating, I eat anything I want as usual. Until now I do the same regimen: soymilk morning and night. From 123 lbs I trimmed down my weight to 110 lbs.
@LovingLife139 (1504)
• United States
5 May 10
Soymilk is definitely one of the best drinks in terms of nutrition and keeping disease away. It's great to hear how it was of benefit to you in weight loss as well! I bet you're glad you tried it...so many people don't even try soymilk because they don't like to try new things. Aren't they missing out?
Good luck on getting to your goal!
Good luck on getting to your goal!