Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 Yes, it sounds like there will be a book. My husbands brothers were able to ride their bikes when they were young, with Youth for Christ. They took several trips and in 1976 one of them was on the trip that went from Washington state to Washington DC. For young kids that was a big accomplishment. We've traveled around the country and most of the time when we see someone walking we don't think a thing about it. We were out in the Barstow area about the same time that Steve was there, we may have seen him walking and never gave it a thought, since I had not seen his webpage at that time. He's following the same route we've followed many times, so the cities he's been through I recognize. One time we did meet a guy who was riding his bike in the mountains in CO. He was alone, skinny as a rail, and he said he's biked all over the country. To sustain himself he carries a loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter and a bottle of apple juice. This is his diet most of the time, and at night if he's able to find a place to stay he'll have something else. Seemed kind of a boring diet, but he said it was high energy and kept him going. I love meeting people like this. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 Agree - maybe you should put together your adventures into written form - you never know. Makes for interesting reading to a lot of people. I use to have a book my mom gave me called Walk Across America - written by a man who did just that and told of the places he experienced, the people he met - I never read it (too young, naive and not interested at the time) but now wish I had kept it in my "old" age to read. I really want to hear the inner thoughts of what happens on a trip such as this. At what point does something click and why it clicked. What gives meaning to a lot of things. I can only imagine to have the time to just think about life and the purpose of your place there, etc. I'm gathering from the messages that Steve posts that he has a great sense of humor, I hope he touches upon the philosophical side as well. KatBarbara wrote: Yes, it sounds like there will be a book. My husbands brothers were able to ride their bikes when they were young, with Youth for Christ. They took several trips and in 1976 one of them was on the trip that went from Washington state to Washington DC. For young kids that was a big accomplishment. We've traveled around the country and most of the time when we see someone walking we don't think a thing about it. We were out in the Barstow area about the same time that Steve was there, we may have seen him walking and never gave it a thought, since I had not seen his webpage at that time. He's following the same route we've followed many times, so the cities he's been through I recognize. One time we did meet a guy who was riding his bike in the mountains in CO. He was alone, skinny as a rail, and he said he's biked all over the country. To sustain himself he carries a loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter and a bottle of apple juice. This is his diet most of the time, and at night if he's able to find a place to stay he'll have something else. Seemed kind of a boring diet, but he said it was high energy and kept him going. I love meeting people like this. Barb __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 I read that book. It was a great book. You should check and see if your library has it. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 I have become more selfish...selfish in taking care of my needs, my desires. As an overweight person, I tend to put others needs and feelings ahead of my own. I got lost somewhere along the way.The last few months I have decided to find me again. I am more aware of when I NEED to eat, not when I want to eat....when I need rest, when I need to be alone, when I need companionship, the list could go on and on. I have found that when I focus on me and take care of me first, that suddenly I am available and feel good about being there for others. Don't get me wrong, I haven't totally given up on my husband's weight loss (that's another thread !!) but we do lead by example. I am feeling better, looking better. I am a better person all around. > > Hello everyone, > > I have never " belonged " to a group online before and I'm not quite sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was to get to that point. > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until about 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing and be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could do the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel about myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I think that is what I initially " heard " when I read Steve's story. Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to read it? How has it changed how you look at things? > > Kat > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 As someone who succeeded once in losing 125 pounds...I can say that accepting the different body image is a hurdle in itself. I was so used to looking at a " fat " woman in the mirror, all the cushion against the world, etc. I knew my clothes were getting loose, I was having to buy new things, but one day I really looked at myself in the mirror and I saw cheekbones, collar bones, pelvic bones, and I was scared, really scared. I looked at my body in the mirror for a long time and then I looked into my own eyes and it was me, but I didn't know myself. It took a long time for the " mental " to catch up with the " physical " . > Welcome to the group Kat. I personally struggle every day with trying to lose weight and failing every day. Very frustrating but I am determined to eventually win the battle. Steve gives me hope. > Hugs, > in Texas (TnT) > Give yourself a real pay raise. GET OUT OF DEBT! > > > > --------------------------------- > From: thefatmanwalking_group [mailto:thefatmanwalking_group ] On Behalf Of Kathy Doc > Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:07 PM > To: thefatmanwalking_group > Subject: Common issues > > > > > Hello everyone, > > I have never " belonged " to a group online before and I'm not quite sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was to get to that point. > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until about 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing and be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could do the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel about myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I think that is what I initially " heard " when I read Steve's story. Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to read it? How has it changed how you look at things? > > Kat > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 It just occurred to me that the website is called "The Fat Man Walking" but perhaps when he gets to NY he will not be fat! Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 Perhaps. One can hope. Re: Re: Common issues > It just occurred to me that the website is called " The Fat Man Walking " > but perhaps when he gets to NY he will not be fat! > > Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Share Posted September 21, 2005 Wow - what an accomplishment - 125 pounds. How long did it take you to lost that much and have you been able to keep it off? Just to address all those /Steve emails - Come on boys, hopefully we are all adults here and to join a group like this hopefully have some COMMON issues but this bickering back and forth is just plain stupid. - I'm sure we can all form our own opinions about things - There have been enough tv shows, news, magazine articles, newpaper articles to educate everyone and some on scammers, fraud, etc. Give it a rest - if you don't like what you read - don't read it. Everyone has choices and everyone doesn't need someone else's opinion crammed down their throats. I thought this group was about people with common interests wanting to share their experiences/ thoughts with others of the same interest. wvskywatcher wrote: As someone who succeeded once in losing 125 pounds...I can say that accepting the different body image is a hurdle in itself. I was so used to looking at a "fat" woman in the mirror, all the cushion against the world, etc. I knew my clothes were getting loose, I was having to buy new things, but one day I really looked at myself in the mirror and I saw cheekbones, collar bones, pelvic bones, and I was scared, really scared. I looked at my body in the mirror for a long time and then I looked into my own eyes and it was me, but I didn't know myself. It took a long time for the "mental" to catch up with the "physical".> Welcome to the group Kat. I personally struggle every day with trying to lose weight and failing every day. Very frustrating but I am determined to eventually win the battle. Steve gives me hope.> Hugs,> in Texas (TnT)> Give yourself a real pay raise. GET OUT OF DEBT!> > > > ---------------------------------> From: thefatmanwalking_group [mailto:thefatmanwalking_group ] On Behalf Of Kathy Doc> Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:07 PM> To: thefatmanwalking_group > Subject: Common issues> > > > > Hello everyone, > > I have never "belonged" to a group online before and I'm not quite sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was to get to that point. > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until about 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing and be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could do the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel about myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I think that is what I initially "heard" when I read Steve's story. Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to read it? How has it changed how you look at things?> > Kat> > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I agree, Kathy. I just wish they'd stop emailing back and forth, it reminds me of when my kids were kids and they just would have to bicker, just for the sake of it, I guess. I like hearing others stories, and I like hearing about the progress that Steve has made. I think he's an inspiration to us all. I don't care how much weight he's lost. It's possible he would lose inches without actually losing weight because he's getting stronger and since muscle is going to weigh more than fat he's going to be thinner, so the amount he loses is not important. How he feels is the most important thing. Steve, just ignore any more emails from . Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 But he started it.......OOOOO KKKKKK > I agree, Kathy. I just wish they'd stop emailing back and forth, it reminds > me of when my kids were kids and they just would have to bicker, just for > the sake of it, I guess. > > I like hearing others stories, and I like hearing about the progress that > Steve has made. I think he's an inspiration to us all. I don't care how > much weight he's lost. It's possible he would lose inches without actually > losing weight because he's getting stronger and since muscle is going to > weigh more than fat he's going to be thinner, so the amount he loses is not > important. How he feels is the most important thing. > > Steve, just ignore any more emails from . > > Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 It took aprox. 3 years and no, I have not kept it off, I am sad to say. > > Welcome to the group Kat. I personally struggle every day with > trying to lose weight and failing every day. Very frustrating but I > am determined to eventually win the battle. Steve gives me hope. > > Hugs, > > in Texas (TnT) > > Give yourself a real pay raise. GET OUT OF DEBT! > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > From: thefatmanwalking_group > [mailto:thefatmanwalking_group ] On Behalf Of Kathy > Doc > > Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:07 PM > > To: thefatmanwalking_group > > Subject: Common issues > > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone, > > > > I have never " belonged " to a group online before and I'm not quite > sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives > coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was > to get to that point. > > > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until about > 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing and > be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could do > the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all > know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel about > myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I > think that is what I initially " heard " when I read Steve's story. > Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to > read it? How has it changed how you look at things? > > > > Kat > > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 That's a long time to reach a goal and then have it add back on. What happened that you started to gain again? I too have lost and gained and mine is that I made the committment to a lifestyle change and did great with it but then somehow stress got the better of me and I became weak and then I took the lazy way out. I know its not healthy to yo-yo but sometimes it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the eating disorder or the laziness of not excercising enough. Some of my problem is that when I'm motivated, I don't have a support system in check. I don't care what some people say about depending on others - some things in life you do need support for and this is one of them for me. wvskywatcher wrote: It took aprox. 3 years and no, I have not kept it off, I am sad to say. > > Welcome to the group Kat. I personally struggle every day with > trying to lose weight and failing every day. Very frustrating but I > am determined to eventually win the battle. Steve gives me hope.> > Hugs,> > in Texas (TnT)> > Give yourself a real pay raise. GET OUT OF DEBT!> > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > From: thefatmanwalking_group > [mailto:thefatmanwalking_group ] On Behalf Of Kathy > Doc> > Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:07 PM> > To: thefatmanwalking_group > > Subject: Common issues> > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone, > > > > I have never "belonged" to a group online before and I'm not quite > sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives > coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was > to get to that point. > > > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until about > 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing and > be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could do > the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all > know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel about > myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I > think that is what I initially "heard" when I read Steve's story. > Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to > read it? How has it changed how you look at things?> > > > Kat> > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. Sue Common issues> > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone, > > > > I have never "belonged" to a group online before and I'm not quite > sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives > coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was > to get to that point. > > > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until about > 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing and > be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could do > the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all > know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel about > myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I > think that is what I initially "heard" when I read Steve's story. > Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to > read it? How has it changed how you look at things?> > > > Kat> > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. > We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live consciously. Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as much as we can, the weight will stay off. I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make. My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can see this as being something that will continue indefinitely. Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting ( " OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez, that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 I agree 100% moochiecat (love the name). So many people stick with a diet/exercise program until they lose the weight and then drift back into the old habits that caused the weight gain. It's a lifetime commitment to a healthy way-of-life to maintain a weight loss. People with insulin resistance, thyroid problems, etc may have a harder time but with diet changes, exercise and possibly medication they too can lose weight. I lost 40 pounds in 1996 and I've been able to maintain the loss thru diet and exercise. I currently gained five pounds by getting sloppy about the food and a little lax on the exercise but I've jumped right back into counting calories and regular exercise to curtail the upward trend. Beverly Re: Common issues > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE.> We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live consciously.Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as much as we can, the weight will stay off.I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make.My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can see this as being something that will continue indefinitely.Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting ("OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez, that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 I learned my father was terminally ill, which meant I had to move 400 miles to his home to care for him. Which meant quitting a job, etc. Within a few year period I suffered several major life stresses, I won't go into detail here, but my routine and determination left. I have since not been able to regain it. I currently belong to a non-profit weight loss group, but am not very active in it. I agree that support goes a long way in helping some people, the problem lies within me, I just haven't taken that first step again.... > > > Welcome to the group Kat. I personally struggle every day with > > trying to lose weight and failing every day. Very frustrating but > I > > am determined to eventually win the battle. Steve gives me hope. > > > Hugs, > > > in Texas (TnT) > > > Give yourself a real pay raise. GET OUT OF DEBT! > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > From: thefatmanwalking_group > > [mailto:thefatmanwalking_group ] On Behalf Of Kathy > > Doc > > > Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 11:07 PM > > > To: thefatmanwalking_group > > > Subject: Common issues > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone, > > > > > > I have never " belonged " to a group online before and I'm not > quite > > sure how this goes but I would like to hear about some positives > > coming from reading Steve's story and what the thought process was > > to get to that point. > > > > > > I personally after reading it (didn't start to read it until > about > > 1 week ago), felt that if someone could do what Steve was doing > and > > be so committed as he seemed to be those first weeks that I could > do > > the same about myself. I have tried in the past but I think we all > > know how that goes - routine and safe habits. > > > > > > If I can make a difference in my life by changing how I feel > about > > myself I know it will only reinforce my other relationships. I > > think that is what I initially " heard " when I read Steve's story. > > Is that how the majority of this group felt when they started to > > read it? How has it changed how you look at things? > > > > > > Kat > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 Sure we have control over what we put in our mouths and it would behove us to put healthy foods in our mouths - trust me I'm all FOR healthy eating - I don't eat fast food, I don't eat junk food and I try to have less than 25 percent fat in the diet and stay down a bit on the carbs. We also have control over whether we exercise or not and I've exercised daily for 11 years now. What we DON'T have control over is our weight. I proved it loud and clear. And as a matter of fact, a recent rat study showed the regain factor when rats ate the same diets which made them lose weight in the first place. And the sooner we learn this the happier and healthier we will be. I didn't learn it until the last year or so. Hard lesson to learn. I hope some can learn it before the age of 61 and a 45 year history of failed diets. There is one way we can keep our weight down if we have a certain set of genetics... are you ready because I'm going to tell you right now. Here is the BIG secret: 1. eat less than 1000 calories a day (and reduce this amount if you start gaining - fashion models average 300-500 calories a day) 2. drink several cups of coffee a day as a stimulant to overcome " starvation fatigue " (cocaine works even better for this purpose but that's not recommended) 3. have a not long life and probably die earlier like the calorie restricted rats. Now, if you wish to eat " normally " 2000 calories or so a day, your body takes over the weight thing. If you eat healthy and avoid fast food and junk food, and exercise 60-90 minutes daily, you won't get super fat maybe. (unless you've BEEN super heavy already... the body defends the highest weight we've been as what it thinks is a healthy weight). You will be healthy. You will live as long as any slim person who exercises 60-90 minutes day. But you won't be slim unless you eat under 1000 calories a day. And even then, your metabolic damage may catch up with you. I know weight loss surgery patients who are eating 800 calories a day and gaining weight. Remember the old saying " you can't fool mother nature " ? Sue Re: Common issues > > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends > the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven > in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it > within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have > control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. > > > > > We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths > and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live > consciously. > Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the > reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best > nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as > much as we can, the weight will stay off. > > I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be > fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for > most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make. > My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can > see this as being something that will continue indefinitely. > > Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual > to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially > when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss > slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep > talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people > feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has > to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting > ( " OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez, > that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 How many calories did you eat a day to maintain the 40 lbs loss? Sue Re: Common issues > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE.> We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live consciously.Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as much as we can, the weight will stay off.I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make.My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can see this as being something that will continue indefinitely.Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting ("OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez, that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 Finally. A diet I can live with - 3 supermodels a day and a bowl of cocaine. Did I get that right, Sue? SueW wrote: Sure we have control over what we put in our mouths and it would behove usto put healthy foods in our mouths - trust me I'm all FOR healthy eating - Idon't eat fast food, I don't eat junk food and I try to have less than 25percent fat in the diet and stay down a bit on the carbs. We also havecontrol over whether we exercise or not and I've exercised daily for 11years now.What we DON'T have control over is our weight. I proved it loud and clear.And as a matter of fact, a recent rat study showed the regain factor whenrats ate the same diets which made them lose weight in the first place.And the sooner we learn this the happier and healthier we will be. I didn'tlearn it until the last year or so. Hard lesson to learn. I hope some canlearn it before the age of 61 and a 45 year history of failed diets.There is one way we can keep our weight down if we have a certain set ofgenetics... are you ready because I'm going to tell you right now. Here isthe BIG secret:1. eat less than 1000 calories a day (and reduce this amount if you startgaining - fashion models average 300-500 calories a day)2. drink several cups of coffee a day as a stimulant to overcome "starvationfatigue" (cocaine works even better for this purpose but that's notrecommended)3. have a not long life and probably die earlier like the calorie restrictedrats.Now, if you wish to eat "normally" 2000 calories or so a day, your bodytakes over the weight thing. If you eat healthy and avoid fast food andjunk food, and exercise 60-90 minutes daily, you won't get super fat maybe.(unless you've BEEN super heavy already... the body defends the highestweight we've been as what it thinks is a healthy weight).You will be healthy. You will live as long as any slim person who exercises60-90 minutes day.But you won't be slim unless you eat under 1000 calories a day.And even then, your metabolic damage may catch up with you. I know weightloss surgery patients who are eating 800 calories a day and gaining weight.Remember the old saying " you can't fool mother nature"?Sue Re: Common issues> > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends> the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven> in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it> within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have> control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE.> >>>> We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths> and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live> consciously.> Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the> reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best> nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as> much as we can, the weight will stay off.>> I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be> fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for> most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make.> My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can> see this as being something that will continue indefinitely.>> Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual> to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially> when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss> slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep> talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people> feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has> to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting> ("OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez,> that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol>>>>>>> http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 > I learned my father was terminally ill, which meant I had to move > 400 miles to his home to care for him. Which meant quitting a job, > etc. Within a few year period I suffered several major life > stresses, I won't go into detail here, but my routine and > determination left. I have since not been able to regain it. I > currently belong to a non-profit weight loss group, but am not very > active in it. I agree that support goes a long way in helping some > people, the problem lies within me, I just haven't taken that first > step again.... > That first step is hard, and so is the second and the third. I had all sorts of support around me over the years but I just ignored it and did it 'myyyyyyyyyy waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy!!' I mentioned that I struggle with getting regular exercise. I was walking and running for six months a few months ago...I loved it...but fell out of it and I'm like you, waiting for that light switch to go on and start it all over again. Why do we procrastinate like this? It's beyond me. I had a traumatic experience a few weeks ago where we had to put our little Moochiecat down. I've only ever had the one pet and to have to make that decision, and then to be holding her when it happened was a shattering moment for my bf and myself. Something I learned about myself through this was that the way I eat now is the way I eat...it's just a no-brainer, and I didn't feel the need to revert to old eating habits. If there ever was a time I'd want to bury myself in chocolate, it's been the last 3-4 weeks, but I didn't look at that option seriously at all. One thing that has helped me a lot is to look at food 'nutritionally' and ask yourself what it can do for you. I found that by eliminating sugar and increasing my water intake I could get out of bed without a thousand aches and pains AND (big bonus) my skin cleared up! I had topical medication for adult acne, and I threw it out after a month. That blew me away. I enjoy my food, don't get me wrong....we eat really delicious meals, but there is no junk food in our house anymore. I'm glad I got that monkey off my back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 You're entitled to your opinion and I respect that. I don't agree with some of what you've said here, but I'm not much of a debater so I'm not going to get caught up in a back-and-forth with this. I know what works for me: I eat more than 1000 calories a day and I certainly don't exercise over 60 minutes a day, and yet I still manage to keep losing weight. Each to his or her own, right?! :-) > > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends > > the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven > > in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it > > within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have > > control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. > > > > > > > > > We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths > > and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live > > consciously. > > Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the > > reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best > > nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as > > much as we can, the weight will stay off. > > > > I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be > > fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for > > most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make. > > My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can > > see this as being something that will continue indefinitely. > > > > Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual > > to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially > > when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss > > slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep > > talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people > > feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has > > to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting > > ( " OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez, > > that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 hehe not quite but that's ok.... Re: Common issues> > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body defends> the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been proven> in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight regain it> within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have> control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE.> >>>> We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths> and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live> consciously.> Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the> reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best> nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as> much as we can, the weight will stay off.>> I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined to be> fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but for> most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make.> My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can> see this as being something that will continue indefinitely.>> Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each individual> to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, especially> when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight loss> slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself pep> talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people> feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person has> to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting> ("OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw geez,> that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol>>>>>>> http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 Losing's easy.... it's keeping it off that becomes difficult.... interestingly enough, the same program which originally causes a weight loss will suddenly cause a weight gain. Most people don't follow a diet that to degree - they get where they want and then go " off the diet " so they blame themselves for the gain. But those who have followed a diet long enough, all (to their dismay) notice that strange occurance.... the weight comes back whether you over eat or not unless you significantly calorie restrict and there is lots of scientific data which suggests that calorie restriction is a risky behavior. My suggestion is just stay on the program to the bitter end, do not " cheat " and watch the weight still come back. I did. That makes a believer out of anyone. Hard to do but you just have to do that once and you will jump off the diet bus forever so it's worth doing... takes years though to follow through... I started counting my weight watchers points in Oct 2002 and by now, on the same program on which I lost 30 lbs, I have gained back 16 lbs. Very interesting... You see this in weight loss surgery patients all the time because of course, bariatric surgery is the diet you cannot walk away from. And so after 2-3 years they all start regaining although still, cannot eat many calories. And they all are so surprised to see this... that's one of the biggest best kept secrets of the diet industry.... When I shared my little " revelation " with the folks at Weight Watchers they said it wasn't possible. LOL we so believe in this myth that we have control over our weight even though study after study shows that 95 percent of people regain the lost weight within 4 or 5 years of losing it.... Want to see the rat study which gives some of possible causes of weight gain after a diet? hugs, Sue Re: Common issues > You're entitled to your opinion and I respect that. I don't agree > with some of what you've said here, but I'm not much of a debater so > I'm not going to get caught up in a back-and-forth with this. > I know what works for me: I eat more than 1000 calories a day and I > certainly don't exercise over 60 minutes a day, and yet I still > manage to keep losing weight. > Each to his or her own, right?! :-) > > > > > > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body > defends > > > the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been > proven > > > in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight > regain it > > > within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have > > > control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. > > > > > > > > > > > > > We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths > > > and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live > > > consciously. > > > Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the > > > reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best > > > nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as > > > much as we can, the weight will stay off. > > > > > > I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined > to be > > > fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but > for > > > most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make. > > > My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can > > > see this as being something that will continue indefinitely. > > > > > > Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each > individual > > > to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, > especially > > > when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight > loss > > > slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself > pep > > > talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people > > > feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person > has > > > to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting > > > ( " OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw > geez, > > > that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Share Posted September 23, 2005 Personally, I'm going to keep a positive attitude about my ability to lose and maintain my loss, so no, I'm not interested in the rat studies, thanks. Weight loss has a lot to do with attitude and as Loretta said we are the creators of our own destiny. Believing that I can succeed is working for me, I don't see any reason to feel otherwise. I realize keeping it off is difficult, I've already said as much....I'm prepared to deal with it the same way I've dealt with the weight loss process: with optimism and faith in myself to make good choices. I fail to see what you're trying to tell us here. Should we all not even bother to try to lose weight because we'll only end up putting it back on after a few years? Just because this happened to you doesn't mean it'll happen to everyone. I can't quite imagine that if I lose my weight, maintain my good eating habits, that the weight will pile back on. It doesn't make sense. I guess I'll find out. > > > > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body > > defends > > > > the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been > > proven > > > > in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight > > regain it > > > > within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have > > > > control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > We have complete control over what we choose to put in our mouths > > > > and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live > > > > consciously. > > > > Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, and the > > > > reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the best > > > > nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies around as > > > > much as we can, the weight will stay off. > > > > > > > > I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically destined > > to be > > > > fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, but > > for > > > > most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make. > > > > My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and I can > > > > see this as being something that will continue indefinitely. > > > > > > > > Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each > > individual > > > > to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, > > especially > > > > when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the weight > > loss > > > > slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving yourself > > pep > > > > talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when people > > > > feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A person > > has > > > > to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being exciting > > > > ( " OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! (Aw > > geez, > > > > that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2005 Report Share Posted September 24, 2005 Moochiecat5...I agree with you, I think attitude, optimism, determination and faith has a lot to do with weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. I think genetics determine our tendency to be overweight, but lets face it, most of us are overweight because we eat too much of the wrong food and don't get enough exercise !! At least, that is why I am overweight. Both sides of my family tree tend to be large, but I don't believe that means I have to stay that way. I am overweight because I eat the wrong types of foods. As stated in a previous post, I succeeded once in losing 125 pounds. 75% of the time I followed a calorie controlled meal plan, around 1200 calories a day or so. I divorced Little Debbie and Mr. Hershey as well as Mr. Mc. And in order not to spend my entire life planning, planning, planning, I came up with several meal plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a few healthy snacks. I kept these written down in a notebook on the kitchen counter. I knew what I needed at the grocery store and I didn't vary much. I had enough choices not to get bored. I also planned some " fast food " choices for those busy times. This worked for me. As stated before, I have since regained the weight due to several major life events and a loss of my determination. I've recently lost 15 pounds by doing my program, and hope to be able to continue, taking it one meal at a time!!! I have yet to exercise, due to a knee injury, but hope to begin walking soon. > > > > > > What happened that they started to gain? Genetics. Body > > > defends > > > > > the highest weight whether you overeat or not - that's been > > > proven > > > > > in the laboratory.... 95 percent of people who lose weight > > > regain it > > > > > within 4 years.... shown in many studies... do we really have > > > > > control over something so complex as the human body? NOPE. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > We have complete control over what we choose to put in our > mouths > > > > > and whether we exercise or not. It's all up to us to live > > > > > consciously. > > > > > Genetics might give us the predisposition to gain weight, > and the > > > > > reluctance of the body to lose it, but if we are making the > best > > > > > nutritional choices we can make, and moving our bodies > around as > > > > > much as we can, the weight will stay off. > > > > > > > > > > I spent 40 years thinking that I was just genetically > destined > > > to be > > > > > fat. Maybe there are some cases where this might be true, > but > > > for > > > > > most of us, it all boils down to the choices we make. > > > > > My way of life has changed drastically, for the better, and > I can > > > > > see this as being something that will continue indefinitely. > > > > > > > > > > Genetics may play a small part in it, but it's up to each > > > individual > > > > > to work at making the life changes last. It can be hard, > > > especially > > > > > when you've gotten within 20 pounds of your goal and the > weight > > > loss > > > > > slows down to a crawl. You have to really keep giving > yourself > > > pep > > > > > talks (that's where I'm at now!!) and that's the time when > people > > > > > feel their weakest, cave in, and gain the weight back. A > person > > > has > > > > > to be strong and stubborn. This is when it stops being > exciting > > > > > ( " OOO..I lost another five pounds!!) and gets frustrating! > (Aw > > > geez, > > > > > that damn scale hasn't moved in weeks!!) lol > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/ > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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