2012 (Biggest Loser) Tug Weight Loss Thread

[jlr10]

Mainly doing this on changing my eating habits and paying attention to nutrition and portion control

The most impressive part is the doing it just by changing your eating habits. Congratulations!

After the, now closed, 'Fat Lady on a Plane' posting I joined Take Shape for Life, associated with Medifast, in May. Now down 52 pounds and visited my doctor this week. All my tests came back in great ranges. I was normal in most before but they have all improved, and he was thrilled with the loss. I finished my first half marathon an have one schedule every month for the next 4 months. I still would like to lose at least 10 more pounds but am happy with the progress. Even better on my last plane flight I decided to sit in the middle seat because I was sure I was not going to spill over on anyone else's space. Turns out it was only 2 seats to the row but just knowing I didn't have to worry about it anymore still made it worth it. :whoopie:

 

[heathpack]

The most impressive part is the doing it just by changing your eating habits. Congratulations!

After the, now closed, 'Fat Lady on a Plane' posting I joined Take Shape for Life, associated with Medifast, in May. Now down 52 pounds and visited my doctor this week. All my tests came back in great ranges. I was normal in most before but they have all improved, and he was thrilled with the loss. I finished my first half marathon an have one schedule every month for the next 4 months. I still would like to lose at least 10 more pounds but am happy with the progress. Even better on my last plane flight I decided to sit in the middle seat because I was sure I was not going to spill over on anyone else's space. Turns out it was only 2 seats to the row but just knowing I didn't have to worry about it anymore still made it worth it. :whoopie:

Triply impressed!

 

[Gophesjo]

Moi Aussi - Godspeed on the last ten pounds...

 

[AwayWeGo]

Pigging Out All Week In Las Vegas.

Ellis Island sirloin steak special -- twice.

South Point buffet.

Hash House A Go Go, 2 times -- at Imperial Palace the day after we got here, at "M" Casino the day before we head home.

Colossal ham & eggs special at Irene's.

M.O. all week has been to limit pig-outs to once daily & stay away from between-meal snacks.

Meanwhile, I am keeping up with daily exercise at the timeshare workout room -- Hamster Wheel on alternate days + moving iron on in-between days. (I'm too feeble to pump iron. But I can & do move iron. So it goes.)

Next time I step on the scale will be 2 days from now, back home. That will be the moment of truth, revealing the undeniable consequences of pigging out in Las Vegas.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[MuranoJo]

Alan, at first I thought the links you provided would take us to wonderful, drool-producing photos of the food you actually ordered. Kinda like Heathpack's photos. :hysterical:

At least the 'Hash House a Go-Go' came through for us. Yum! (Now what was the topic of this thread?)

 

[heathpack]

Alan, at first I thought the links you provided would take us to wonderful, drool-producing photos of the food you actually ordered. Kinda like Heathpack's photos. :hysterical:

At least the 'Hash House a Go-Go' came through for us. Yum! (Now what was the topic of this thread?)

Ha, ha, I went to Hash House a Go Go and got the chicken & waffles. The
service was bad, the food was ok and abundant.

H

 

[AwayWeGo]

I Partly Resemble That Remark.

Ha, ha, I went to Hash House a Go Go and got the chicken & waffles. The
service was bad, the food was ok and abundant.

We got good service at both locations -- slightly better at Imperial Palace than at "M" Casino, but good service any way you shake it. And the food was yummy at both locations. (Atmosphere & decor at "M" Casino were head & shoulders better than at Imperial Palace. But that's another story.)

Next time I eat at Hash House A Go Go (if there is a next time) I will order off the sr. citz. menu. It offers smaller portions than what's on the regular menu -- still humongous, but not as jynormous as the regular-menu size.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[AwayWeGo]

Could Have Been Worse.

Next time I step on the scale will be 2 days from now, back home. That will be the moment of truth, revealing the undeniable consequences of pigging out in Las Vegas.

211●6​

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[BevL]

211.6

Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.[/FONT][/SIZE][/RIGHT]

That's really great, Alan. Looks like your strategy worked - only a pound.

 

[TUGBrian]

ill get in on this too.

ever since nov of 08 (when that ABC nightline show aired)...I was topping out at 290ish lbs and a 44" waist....now nearly 4 years later, im at 225...and wearing a 36 pant.

sorry, but its nearly my birthday and im feeling good this year =)

(and after looking at that chicken and waffle meal above, Im pretty sure I just gained 4 lbs)

 

[bjones9942]

ill get in on this too.

ever since nov of 08 (when that ABC nightline show aired)...I was topping out at 290ish lbs and a 44" waist....now nearly 4 years later, im at 225...and wearing a 36 pant.

sorry, but its nearly my birthday and im feeling good this year =)

(and after looking at that chicken and waffle meal above, Im pretty sure I just gained 4 lbs)

Congratulations!

 

[Sandy VDH]

I am down 43 lbs since the beginning of the year.

I am working out and following the Pam Anderson inspired diet, "No Bread, No Men."

What else can you do when you get divorced. I have been busy working, working out, and catching up with the dog for a few hour in the evening. Not ready or willing to really date yet.

Ok in my defense, I will never be one of those 115 lbs female. For those who don't know me I am 6' 0" tall, large frame. I can nearly palm a basketball as I have mitts for hands. The last time my weight was 115 I was 8 years old and 5 ' 6".

Even back when I worked out like crazy, roller bladed 10 miles a day home from work (3 seasons anyway), went to WW and watched every calorie I ate, I was still 180 - 200 lbs. It is hard to make a frame that tall and large weight that little. I managed to be as skinny as I ever was in my adult life. I was a size 12. Never any smaller. So that is my starting point.

But this was all pre illness and pre arthritis and pre knee injury. Now I am trying to work out with all of the above and it gets much harder when you are getting older. But I am trying.

As long as I keep making progress I will be happy.

 

[Passepartout]

ever since nov of 08 (when that ABC nightline show aired)...I was topping out at 290ish lbs and a 44" waist....now nearly 4 years later, im at 225...and wearing a 36 pant.

Good for you, Brian! You must be very tall, I wear 36's, but am 195#. Oh, down from 230 when I retired. The result of eating my own cooking and a little less sedentary lifestyle. Little else.

If I'd quit looking at Heathpack's food photos, another 10# would disappear.

Jim

 

[AwayWeGo]

36 Is As 36 Does.

225...and wearing a 36 pant.

There is not much size consistency in men's trousers, slacks, shorts, jeans, etc. -- not only from brand to brand but from style to style of the same brand.

I can fit into some 36s with just a little room to spare. Some other 36s, I can't even fasten around the middle.

Sizing is so inconsistent that I can't even count on, say, Dockers running reliably loose while Wranglers (say) tend to fit tight. I'm not saying those brands do or don't, just trying to illustrate the problem. In the real world some Dockers & some Wranglers fit tight at the same time that other Dockers & Wranglers fit loose.

And if 36 is too tight, I can't just move up to 37, which would most likely be OK. When 36 won't fit, the next larger size I can try is 38, which falls off if I don't hold it up or bunches up around the middle when snugged by my belt.

If just 1 clothing company started offering odd-number waist sizes, they would have a major serious competitive edge.

Of the millions of people out there of the male persuasion, many hundreds of thousands could wear odd-number waist sizes more comfortably than what's available now -- surely enough for the clothing makers to continue taking advantage of their accustomed economies of scale because they would sell lots & lots of 35s & 37s & 39s & 41s, etc.

Meanwhile, consistent & accurate sizing under the current even-number-only system remains an unattainable goal.

Good thing the stores have try-on booths.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[MuranoJo]

I am down 43 lbs since the beginning of the year.

I am working out and following the Pam Anderson inspired diet, "No Bread, No Men."

What else can you do when you get divorced. I have been busy working, working out, and catching up with the dog for a few hour in the evening. Not ready or willing to really date yet.

Ok in my defense, I will never be one of those 115 lbs female. For those who don't know me I am 6' 0" tall, large frame. I can nearly palm a basketball as I have mitts for hands. The last time my weight was 115 I was 8 years old and 5 ' 6".

Even back when I worked out like crazy, roller bladed 10 miles a day home from work (3 seasons anyway), went to WW and watched every calorie I ate, I was still 180 - 200 lbs. It is hard to make a frame that tall and large weight that little. I managed to be as skinny as I ever was in my adult life. I was a size 12. Never any smaller. So that is my starting point.

But this was all pre illness and pre arthritis and pre knee injury. Now I am trying to work out with all of the above and it gets much harder when you are getting older. But I am trying.

As long as I keep making progress I will be happy.

Congrats! Honestly, for your height and frame, I would think 180-200 lbs would be an ideal low-end weight so even a bit higher would be reasonable.
I'm 5'8" and believe the guidelines say my upper limit is like 165 or so.

Tall is beautiful (and has better views).

 

[AwayWeGo]

Slow Progress.

211●6​

210●0​

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[TUGBrian]

got down to 224 at one point...now i hover right at 228/230ish

i must have donated 20+ bags of XXL clothing last year....the change is incredible from being on nightline back in 08!

cant believe I went from a 44" waist...to 34"

 

[AwayWeGo]

Size Matters.

I went from a 44" waist...to 34"

I will never see 34 again.

Right now, 38 is way too loose & 36 is snug.

Meanwhile, The Chief Of Staff wants me to start wearing golf shirts in size L, instead of XL.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[heathpack]

In Sept 2010, I set a goal of losing 40 pounds. I lost 35, was happy and plateau-ed. I was ok with the plateau, because the weight loss was pretty easy to maintain and the extra effort to get the remaining 5 pounds off really didnt seem worth it. But then I slacked off a bit and regained 5 pounds over a 6 month period of time.

So in Jan, I recommitted myself to the original goal and I'm almost there- just 1.5 pounds to go. I set a training goal of running a "virtual" triathlon- a 14 mile bike, a 3/4 mi swim and 4 miles on the elliptical. I bought a new bike, took up weight training and started yoga once a week. The "triathlon' will take place April 26 at my local YMCA and the surrounding bike paths.

I use a calorie counting app and according to that I have burned 11,582 calories in the last 4 weeks alone. I really like to eat, so exercise is where its at for me. I bike two-three days a week, swim twice, lift weights (currently10,000 pounds per session, all upper body, abs and lumbar spine, not bad for a girl) twice a week, elliptical once or twice a week, yoga once a week and take one day per week off. I also walk to/from the train station on weekdays and sneak out if I get a little break between things at work for another 20-30 min walk during the day.

Having an awesome time with the training, and I LOVE the new bike.

H

 

[Passepartout]

Still Sooo impressed with you guys (and gals). When I stopped collecting a paycheck, and began being the chief cook around here, my weight dropped from about 230 pretty easily down to 190ish. Over the subsequent 4 years, 10 lbs have crept back, but I still hold at under 200. Not great, but comfortable and easy. Some goes away in Summer, and comes back to it's spot above the belt in Winter.

The dog does his part by bringing his leash a couple of times a day, rain or shine or snow and ice. It helps with the motivation.

Jim

 

[TUGBrian]

I will never see 34 again.

Right now, 38 is way too loose & 36 is snug.

Meanwhile, The Chief Of Staff wants me to start wearing golf shirts in size L, instead of XL.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

i think its in the different jean sizing!

there are some lee jeans i can wear in 34...and 36 is stupid loose

then i have some levis that 36 perfect...and 34 is well...not gonna fit :rofl:


I still claim 34!

 

[BevL]

Okay, I will pitch in here. Had lost 50 pounds as of March of 2012. Breezed through the summer, lots of walking, easy to eat healthily.

Then had some "stuff" to deal with in the fall and suddenly cookies and candies were my new best friend!!

I cut out alcohol three months ago and I feel much better for it. Eating pretty well again and have lost half of the 12 to 15 pounds I'd gained. I figure I should have it licked by the end of April and I am determined not to repeat the same thing.

It's a struggle but worth it. It won't get any easier putting it off.

Heathpack, your exercise regime is amazing!! I am seriously analyzing my schedule to try to fit in some strength/weight training. It's just the time commitment that has me worried as I can do my pole walking for cardio any time, whereas I have to schedule more closely going somewhere to actually work out. But it's inspirational, that's for sure.

 

[heathpack]

Okay, I will pitch in here. Had lost 50 pounds as of March of 2012. Breezed through the summer, lots of walking, easy to eat healthily.

Then had some "stuff" to deal with in the fall and suddenly cookies and candies were my new best friend!!

I cut out alcohol three months ago and I feel much better for it. Eating pretty well again and have lost half of the 12 to 15 pounds I'd gained. I figure I should have it licked by the end of April and I am determined not to repeat the same thing.

It's a struggle but worth it. It won't get any easier putting it off.

Heathpack, your exercise regime is amazing!! I am seriously analyzing my schedule to try to fit in some strength/weight training. It's just the time commitment that has me worried as I can do my pole walking for cardio any time, whereas I have to schedule more closely going somewhere to actually work out. But it's inspirational, that's for sure.

Walking is actually my biggest calorie burner- I have the kind of job in which I wear sneakers to work. So I can literally walk whenever without needing a shower or taking much time out from my day. Walking to/from train station is 40 minutes round trip, and if I can sneak another 20 min in somewhere during the day, suddenly I have walked an hour without even noticing.

The Y is a 5 min drive from my house or a 15 minute bike on the bike path, so I am lucky there. Our Y has this computer system for the weight room. Your trainer goes in with you on your first visit and sets your weights and range of motion. Then the computer beeps when you are at the top of your ROM and then again at the bottom. It also tells you if you are lifting too fast or too slow. The computer tallies total weight lifted at the end of the session, which is why I know how that I am now lifting 10,000 pounds per session.

I didn't use to like weights but now I find it very repetitive and zen. I also like the zen of lap swimming and I find yoga very mellow mentally (but not physically).

The Y in my town is a very good deal- $35/mo. That includes unlimited classes (I just do yoga), unlimited meetings with your trainer, a weight room, cardio room, pool and computerized fitness tracking system. I also joined the Masters Swim program which is $7.50 for a 90 minute coached swim work out. I am lucky to live in a town with a really nice aquatic center (way better pool than the Y, $4 per session for lap swim) and a gazillion bike paths. I can leave my house, ride 1 block to the bike path and then ride on bike paths for many hours.

I work 11 hour days (+/-), but only Mon-Thurs. I go to the gym usually 3 work mornings per week for weights, swimming and elliptical. Friday is yoga/weights in the morning and later a bike ride if I have the time and feel up to it. Sat is the 90 min coached swim. Sunday is the day for a long bike ride.

It's all pretty doable really.

H

 

[AwayWeGo]

I Resemble That Remark, But It Makes No Difference. (Go Figure.)

I really like to eat, so exercise is where its at for me.

I was working out daily at the gym approximately 1 year with no discernable weight loss despite alternating cardio (bike, elliptical) on some days & moving iron (Natilus-style machines) on in-between days. (I am too puny to pump iron. I just move iron.)

Despite that, my weight stayed pretty much unchanged until I went back to the Dr. Phil Fat Folks Diet & stuck to it consistently, despite a few memorable holiday setbacks & a couple of regrettable Las Vegas backslides.

The Dr. Phil Fat Folks Diet was not devised or endorsed by Dr. Phil. He doesn't even know about it, as such. It derived from a commercial-break teaser quiz on the prime-time special kicking off Dr. Phil's syndicated daily TV show several years ago. At break, the screen asked how much weight a person gains over 1 year by adding just 1 donut every day to what the person regularly eats anyhow. After the commercials, the screen gave the answer: Thirty -- 30 -- pounds !

If that is true, then subtracting 1 donut (or the caloric equivalent) from what I regularly eat every day should result in losing 30 pounds over the course of 1 year.

That led to what I call the Dr. Phil Fat Folks Diet -- No 2nd helpings. No desserts. No liquor. No beer. No wine. No soda pop, etc. No snacks between meals. (Unless I get so hungry my stomach thinks my throat has been cut. Then I can eat an apple or orange or banana or peach or pear, etc.)

Exercise alone just made me hungrier. Exercise + Dr. Phil Fat Folks Diet, applied consistently with few slips (really, only a very few), got results.

So far, so good.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[BevL]

It's all pretty doable really.

H

Well, that makes it sound easy!! Not really but no more excuses especially since I"m self-employed so am master of my own schedule

Thanks for the Y suggesteion. We don't have a Y but have an excellent community rec centre with all the facilities you described. Hubby went there for seniors aqua fitness - great for his mobility level and it was pleasant but not at all a challenge. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that as opposed to private fitness place, which is more expensive.

But your post has inspired me to take a look at the class schedule and I am going to commit to a three month pass. Reasonable cost and they have trainers although you have to pay for a session if I get to a point where I want to do some actual weight training.

I will never "find" the time, but I am determined to "make" the time.

Thanks, Alan, for resurrecting this post. Now that I have "put it out there" that I"m going to get working on the fitness end for three months, it will be a big push - I hate to fail and accountability is a huge motivator for me.