I've read these posts and am wondering how you guys have done it. Is there a certain amount of miles per week that you had to run to lose the weight. Were you guys doing other things as well like taking diet pills, elimating caffiene, etc. I just can't seem to get back to the weight I want. Thanks!
ttc,
It's not all about having pride in yourself. Some people more easilt pack on the weight than others. That's no excuse though, and everyone can keep it off if they really set that as a priority, but I'm telling you that if you have been "shelved/injured" and didn't gain hardly anything then you are one of the ones for whom weight gain (at least now) is not an issue - fortunate for you.
Even during the time that I gaied all the weight I did, I still ate very healthy food and did a ton of running. I was just eating too much of that healthy food. I've never been a junk food person ever, so its not just about eating crap and not taking care of yourself. I have to make sure to run at least 50 miles per week if not more and eat very sensibly and with moderate to light meals or I will gain weight.
Not sure how old you are, and perhaps you are older than I am and will always be thin, but just do know that metabolism changes as you age and unless you have ever had a problem with weight you never know just how difficult it is to lose it. I am fit and thin again after recognizing I had to make a change, but I'm not arrogant enough to think that it couldn't happen again. Here's hoping you never find out how tough it is (I know, you are SO on top of it that it will never happen - hopefull that is true).
At my fastest--which isn't all that fast compared with most on this board--I weighed between 139 and 145, and that was in 1987-1989. Today, after dealing with injuries, clinical depression, and just getting a lot older--I'm right at 200 give or take 3 pounds. Yes, that's over 60 pounds of fat. Yes, I feel like a slug. Yes, my "speedwork" is now done at the same pace I was once able to run a whole marathon at. BUT, my goal is to qualify for Boston in the next three years (again, not as fast as most dudes on here) so 2003 is the year of the incredible shrinking man. I will do it.
Never say never.
My suggestion for people who gain weight easily like me is to totally cut out eating any food that makes you hungry then sleepy.Also any food that you eat too much of.
Compensate by not counting calories.Eat as much fresh fruit and veggies as you want.
I stay completly away from breads,cakes,icecream,chocolate,potatos,etc.
For the first few months the urge to eat some of the above was very strong but after 5 months I rarely get any food cravings.
The result is an 18 lbs net weight loss but I have lost more fat than that because I have added a few lbs of muscle.
I also have way more energy and recovery quicker from workouts.
this is not a low carb diet,it is not really a diet at all it is just recognizing that alot of people reacte in an addictive way towards certain foods and those people should treat those foods like harmful addictive drugs and avoid them.This type of approach is worth a try.
If you are 'mentally challenged' when it comes to losing weight, I recommend getting rid of sugar in your coffees etc, so that your 'sugar threhold' is increased so that you don't like the taste of rich foods like cream puffs. It worked for me. My 'threshold' is so high that I can eat a lemon now easily - without thrashing about from the bitterness.
On another point; when your fat levels are low, and say, you want to lose some upper body muscle; would you minimise protein in the diet, or would that turn your legs to sticks even though you do hillwork a lot??
Flagpole Willy,
It's POSSIBLE that I am one of the lucky few as far as metabolism goes. But, like I said, it has slowed considerably in the past few years. However, there are such things as stairmasters, eliptacle (sp?) riders and other low-impact cross-training methods.
In addition, extra weight-lifting, push-ups, sit-ups and even shadow-boxing (I hit a heavy bag after my running) are alternatives to either burn, or put on weight more effectively......as well as eating less, obviously.
I will grant that running is probably the best calorie control excercise and being away from it could cause some weight gain for some people, no matter the cross-training....but, within reason.