I need to lose 15 lbs.

Honestly, quitting the pop will likely get you 10 of those 15 pounds. Switch to coffee if you need the caffeine.

Seconding dropping the (soda). Every Pepsi you drink is an extra ~150 kcal with no particular use. If you weight is stable now you could probably make no change except for replacing the Pepsi and lose 15 pounds in a month or two.

If you need caffeine and don't like coffee, try black tea. You can even add sugar and it still won't be nearly as insane as other sodas are.

Third on the coffee. It's kind of a double whammy with it too; coffee supresses appetite (seriously, see how hungry you are after you drink a cup of joe) and w/o a ton of cream and/or sugar, has basically zero calories.

What about Pepsi Max which has zero calories? Will running slower than usual still burn the calories I need to lose the weight I want?

Diet soda has been associated (not proven to cause) weight gain and disregulated appetite, and more evidence is emerging that suggests a causative relationship. Switching to coffee would almost certainly be better for weight loss. But pick habits you can consistently maintain. If that's diet pepsi, so be it.

I go through periods during the year where I drink a Mr. Pibb every day. I find I gain about 4-5 pounds. If I switch to Diet Dr. Pepper I don't really lose any weight. If I quit the pop all together I will lose the 4-5 pounds in a matter of a few weeks and FEEL much better. Plus, I am less injury prone. I swear there is a connection between soda and tendonitis.

Good luck.

Pickup a stomach virus. That'll drop 3-6 lbs in a day or two...

What about the easy running that I mentioned? Will the fact that I am running way slower hinder my weight loss goal?

in my opinion running faster for a shorter period of time even will supress your appeptite further, for me easy running doesn't do that much for weight loss, tempo runs is where i really start to cut down, but everyone is different

Same here. When I start adding tempo runs, hill repeats and long runs of 2+ hours I really start seeing a difference. Or you could go on the Christian Bale diet for a couple weeks to kick start things quickly. One apple and one can of tuna a day (of course water) for two weeks. STOP the Pepsi and that goes for any pop. It's just bad news any way you look at it.

Have you ever thought that might have retention issues?

1. Please drop the soda. It will do you wonders, buddy.

2. Honestly, after about a month (maybe a little more) of solid running and watching what you eat, the weight should be gone. I find this to be the case with many runners I know. On our ncaa team there are guys who routinely put on about 10lbs every down period (about 1-2weeks) between seasons and proceed to drop it all off after a couple weeks of workouts/lifting/core. Obviously it sounds like you've been away from the sport for a longer period of time, but the same should hold true. Your body will naturally gravitate towards the most efficient weight for your training and after 4-6weeks of running it should realize you're back to consistent mileage.

cut carbs for a few weeks...the lbs will drop off fast...stick to chicken, fish, vegetables, etc...lots of water.

70s guy... wrote:

cut carbs for a few weeks...the lbs will drop off fast...stick to chicken, fish, vegetables, etc...lots of water.

That could mess you up if you're training hard at the same time.

I never found dropping cokes to be a panacea. I tried it a couple of times and did not see a difference. That being said, I maybe had 1 with lunch. Not a big deal. People that drink 4-5+ a day is something else...

After a long lay off, I just saw the weight drop off at the 6 week mark. It was almost like clockwork. I would run easy and build up to 40 miles a week or so. Once you are really getting your rhythm back, just listen to your body. I have found that is the best thing. Anytime I started to get really restrictive with my diet, I got sick or hurt. I was never wolfing down 20 cheeseburgers everyday or anything, so it was not like some Biggest Loser thing. If you are running easy, and not really overweight ("running" overweight is more normal sized...), be patient and the weight will come off. Good luck.