Not sure which sub-forum to put this under....

I just wanted to announce (because I'm bloody proud of this) that I've lost 20 pounds over the last 2-3 months.

Basically what I did was 3 fold:
1. Drink more water. Lots more. And I gave up pop at the same time (except at restaurants)
2. Eat more protein. I eat a protein bar every day along with nuts and other things high in protein. Protein keeps you from feeling hungry as quickly. Plus... big muscles!
3. Eat more green vegetables. I eat 2-4 cups worth of green vegetables every day. I steam them with some salt and pepper and eat them like that. Lots of vitamins but very few calories. Filling and a lot tastier than I expected.

So, that's all I've done really to lose the weight. I've also been careful to watch my carb intake and have limited the "junk" food as well. Still, I've had cake, fast food, etc while on my "diet". I feel pretty accomplished right now.

Good work,of course you have to maintain a balanced diet once you reach the desired weight.
Fyi,protein dosent actualy build muscle,it repairs it.e.g if you work out,your muscles actualy take damage,if you dont get protein your body eats bits of your muscle to get the protein to do repairs,thus,no muscle gain.too much protein with no exercise can be fattening.

yeah, I know. I have 2 kids so I'm getting plenty of chances to use my muscles every day. Try picking up, and carrying, a 35 pound kid. It's a workout on it's own.

Congradulations, Geeo. That is something to be proud of. Do you have plans to shed more weight, or will you work to maintain it where you are at?

I have plans to lose another 20 before the end of the year. That should get me basically down to my ideal weight.

I plan to start to build a workout into my weight loss now. I'm thinking a 30-60 minute walk every evening and then some sort of minor weight training. I can't just lose weight by eating less. I need to start getting my muscles going again.

I just might have to try this. I've been meaning to lose all this extra. And I'm currently trying to build a little muscle.

Wow awesome Geeo i could probably do 2 and 3 but the first one i couldn't i love soda and really don't like water

What i did to lose weight and gain muscle was work out in my uncles gym everyday for 4 hours. I was told that is unhealthy and i believe it is, but after packing in protein and working every machine and weight he had i lost 45 lbs and jumped my bench 125 lbs and squats by 50. not sure why i was no good on the legs but anyway just be active and eat as much as you want and it will work. Of course everyone has different metabolism.

Glad to hear! I can't imagine myself wanting to lose weight like ever. Regardless, that's quite a shedding. You make it sound so easy!

NotJon : it has been easy in ways. To see the weight come off as quickly as it did makes it a lot easier.

That's why I find exercising to be so tough. The results quite often don't start to show for a week or more....

It's not easy though. Having to have the self-control to not just go out and eat McDonald's when I'm feeling a bit hungry is tough.

Anytime some get themselves healthier, its always good to hear. Another thing, can't remember if its factual, but I always heard that sweating really helps in weight loss.

Congrats geeo! Losing weight can be hard unless you stick to it.

Any chance I could have some of those extra lbs? I'm really skinny.

That's very impressive, I really wish I could lose that kind of weight.  I've been trying to lose weight for a while too but I always overdo my workouts and end up putting on to much muscle which means I put some of the weight back on (since muscle weighs more than fat).

How much did you weigh before losing that 20 pounds?

I'd rather not say how much I used to weigh or how much I currently weigh ... not that it's a really high number or anything but I'm not done losing weight.

Although I kind of forgot about this thread.... I'm actually down 25 pounds now instead of 20. The weight loss is definitely slowing down (and my commitment to the plan is weaker now) but I'm still on the losing end of things which is good. Another 10-15 pounds and I think I'll be at a healthy weight.

That's pretty cool geeo, congrats on your weight loss, now you are more fit to do physical activities, keep going and get stronger

How many more pounds do you need to lose before you'll reveal your previous weight?

What do you use for motivation/inspiration?

pacman1755 : that's my goal now. Now I've finally shed enough weight so that I can exercise better.

Davideo7 : I'll probably reveal my weight when I hit my goal of 40 pounds lost. Considering I average about 5 pounds per month I won't reveal until January probably.

Nice.... I going really need to lose my wight...