Exercise/Weight Loss Recommendations - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Exercise/Weight Loss Recommendations

nancy

I have been "sort of"trying to lose weight or the past yr. but not really putting 100 effort into it. I have finally decided I HAVE to eat more healthy, exercise and take better care off myself. Do any of you have any suggestions of motivators that worked for you? I love clothes and cannot wear all the styles I love and that should see like a huge motivator but altho I complain I don't seem to turn that into action. Also any exercise/yoga DVD's for beginners you might recommend? Thank you so much for any ideas/support you can offer.

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

Anonymous

Do you have a YMCA or something like that where you can join some classes? I like to meet with a group. It's kind of scary to just walk into a gym on your own. It's very easy to get bored with a routine on your own also. I have been working out for a couple of years but went into a slump for a few months in the summer and fall that I am just trying to get out of. It's always a matter of finding something new to keep your interest for a while, well for me anyway. I feel so much better this week because I have been working out. You will love it once you get started. Have you ever tried Jazzercise?

Nicole

Veteran

Hi Nancy,

I can totally relate to you're desire to eat better and exercise more and your motivation to actually do so. I have had luck with places like Weight Watchers in the past. There was a show on TLC, "I Can Make You Skinny" with Paul McKenna. I caught small pieces of that program here and there, and I found some of his techniques very helpful and they actually worked to help me lose 15 pounds. He has books on all kinds of self help programs, you should check him out. I found his common sense approach very helpful for me (eat when your hungry, don't eat when you're not, eat what your body is craving, listen to what your body is telling you).

As far as exercising--7 years ago I joined a gym. I enjoyed the social aspect of going to the gym, but after 6 years, I got tired of the same routine--so I've been walking outside and getting the same results. It's getting too cold to do that now, so I'll be going back to the gym, but it was a nice change of pace. Once you get in the habit of exercising you will enjoy the actual activity. Don't give yourself the chance to talk yourself out of it--the best way to do that is to work it into your daily routine, and thinking of it as something as basic as brushing your teeth. The more you think about "having to go exercise" the easier it is to talk yourself out of going.

And lastly, drink lots and lots of water! It is so good for you, and will often satisfy a hunger because often times we think we are hungry when we are really just thirsty!

Good luck! You can do it, and we can cheer you on along the way!

susan

Good Luck on your journey to more healthy eating. I have tried lots of diets in the past-Diet Center, THe Weigh down Diet, the one about carbs where you eat whatever you want for an hour, and finally Weight Watchers. I lost weight on every diet, but just couldn't make the style of eating a way of life. Weight Watchers is different. I highly suggest it because it doesn't require jumping through so many hoops. Check out Hungrygirl.com-good suggestions!

I have been doing yoga almost daily for 4 years and I love it. It has changed my body and my stress level!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Susan hit a key point in regards to diets. They are not a way of life, so while people will lose weight on them for a period of time, they will usually stop losing or gain the weight back once the diet changes.
I have lost 60 pounds in this past year without "dieting" and without ever stepping foot into a gym. No, I don't think these methods are BAD, but I just want to encourage you and everyone else that it can be done, and you don't need to spend gobs of money to see results.
I got really sick two years ago and that jump started my efforts. But it wasn't until a mental shift last year that I actually started to change by leaps and bounds.
I read The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene. Once I figured out WHY I was overweight I was able to make slight changes in my lifestyle to combat that.
I went to Half Price books and bought some used Cooking Light cookbooks and subscribed to the magazine. I also subscribed to SHAPE magazine for extra motivation with workouts.
My workout schedule looks something like this:
Monday: 60 minute weight training (I use Jari Love's RIPPED program which has changed my appearance more than anything else I've done...go to http://www.jarilove.com for more information) in the morning, 60 minute kickboxing in the afternoon (I use Janis Saffel's Kick It! and Strike Zone, as well as Jillian Michael's Cardio Kickbox)
Tuesday: Run 3 miles in the morning, 60 minutes brisk walk in the evening (my husband and I use this as our catch up time and share about our day)
Wednesday: same as Monday, although usually by this day I'm ready for something like Yoga or Pilates in the afternoon (I use Janis Saffel)
Thursday: repeat Tuesday
Friday: repeat Mon and Wed
Saturday: 6 mile run
Sunday: day off (but we try to remain active)

I also do jump roping as an alternative afternoon/evening workout. My favorite DVD for this is Kathy Smith's Cardio Boxing DVD. I'm not a fan of any of her other DVDs, but this particular one features boxers as trainers. The jump roping section is KILLER.

Most of all, I realized that working out and eating healthy was actually a REWARD instead of being lazy and eating junk.
The Okinawan's have a saying that they repeat before each meal that means "only eat till you're 80% full". I think that's a great concept. One of our biggest problems is portion control. Instead of eating three huge meals, eat 5 or 6 small meals spaced throughout the day. The extra food fewer times a day spikes insulin and turns to fat instead of fueling your body.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Weight Watchers and yoga.

I am not much of a class/support group person, but the Weight Watchers plan does work. It takes about a week to get the hang of it.

It is really hard to squeeze yoga into my week, but now that I've been doing it, I'm a bear to live with if I don't!

Alecia

Veteran

Nancy, you've taken big, important step in just making up your mind to make changes. Congratulations. I am a very ardent believer in the power and benefit of being active. Finding excercise that you take to will be a personal pursuit. I do advocate for doing weight bearing excercise and ensuring that you get to high intensity. But these are things that are less important right now than just doing something active and sticking with it. First, get into the habit of being active and then play around.

In both the food and exercise realm, I have found that having a partner is really helpful. I weightlift and run and am now keying into my food. In all instances, I have a partner who helps keep me on track. I'll tell you, waking up at 5:30 in the morning to get a run in is not terribly appealing a lot of the time, especially in winter. Brr. But I have a partner who is counting on me so I drag my butt up and do it. Same with lifting. My partner helps keep me consistent and encourages me to keep going when I'm not feeling like it.

With food, I have recently started a food diary that I e-mail to my friend every day. It helps me focus on what I'm actually putting in my mouth and when. (To Sarah's point, it's important to eat those small meals consistently. In our diaries, we are looking to ensure that we are actually doing that, in addition to eating good stuff.) I'd be lying if I don't have second thoughts about eating that cookie, 3rd piece of pizza, etc. since I know someone else is paying attention.

Finally, remember to incorporate fun into your activity. This keeps things lively and staves off the monotony. Sometimes at the gym we do silly things like skip. It helps our mobility but it's also so fun to just let loose. People take this stuff so seriously all the time. It takes the joy out of it so we try to bring it back from time to time.

Best of luck on this new adventure.

nancy

Thank you so much for the helpful ideas and most of all the support. I am just SO frustrated with myself that I have allowed my weight to creep up, my knees hurt, I can't wear the clothes styles I love. Yet have been saying this for the past 2 years. Maybe with all of your encouragement I can finally do it.

BLB

(website)

Nancy, I too am trying to lose weight in a healthy manner after years of a sedentary student lifestyle. I've started using the website Calorie Count to track calories. http://caloriecount.about.com/

The Weight Watchers system is really just another way of counting calories. If you use something like Calorie Count, it can give you the same benefits for free. The nice thing about Calorie Count is it has a function that will calculate nutritional info and calories for any recipe you enter. This is vital for me as I cook almost entirely from scratch.
http://caloriecount.about.com/.....alysis.php

To save time I don't enter vegetables I eat (unless they're part of a recipe). Vegetables have almost no calories (like 7 for a whole tomato).

My best friend is trying to lose weight and be more healthy too, so we're going to be weight loss buddies. I wonder if we could have an ongoing "health and weight loss club" thread here on the forum. We could post pictures as our clothes begin to fit differently, and post images of clothes or accessories that we will use as our "rewards" for attaining a goal (ie go to the gym 4 times a week = a new headband, lose 15 pounds = a new top).

Angie, would that be allowed? It's totally OK if it's not.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

CalorieCount.com has a great network community and you can add friends and view each other's progress there. Just an idea.

judy

Veteran

Hi Nancy, ...lots of great support here! There are also ways we can gently incorporate more movement into our lifestyles. Like instead of clamoring for the close parking spot near the door where we are going, just save time and park further away and walk it. Or take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. Or walk a couple of bus stops instead of waiting. Instead of making you tired, it's invigorating. I live on a third floor walk up and have no parking spot, so hauling everything and multiple trips become a way of life, one that I really enjoy (most of the time)...but walking can be so lovely too, not just exercise. It becomes an opportunity to see things you don't see in the car and "smell the roses", so to speak. (yes, even across the costco parking lot!) Also, buying and having on hand only the food that really supports you to feel good helps so much...fresher, with colors :)...toss the other stuff or donate it. Many of us here are where you are too...or have been there...you'll find good support to love and dress the body you have now, and shed some of what you don't need!

BLB

(website)

Thanks, Sarah--I didn't know that. Good idea.

Antje

Veteran

Congrats, Nancy, on taking the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.

I have two friends who're doing Weight Watchers right now and they are really happy with it. It's a very sensible program that teaches you to make better choices and reducing portions, without depriving you.

My personal strategy for losing a few pounds is always "more exercise" rather than "less food" (since I just love to eat, and refuse to cut chocolate and red wine out of my life; I do, however, generally eat a pretty healthy and balanced diet). In terms of exercising, what I find most effective is a mix of cardio (for me that's running) and strength training. That combination is killer, and the strength training (with free weights or those machines at the gym, but also with simpler props like elastic bands, balls etc.) is actually a huge motivator for me. I speak from current experience, since I just re-started strength training after a long lapse, and I'm really enjoying watching my body grow stronger as well as trimmer and firmer. And building muscle means you burn more fat, so it helps with weight loss goals (but especially if combined with cardio.) Note that I'm not talking about "bulking up", just working out your muscles to gain strength and tone.

Generally, the biggest thing that keeps me going with my "get fit" goals (not always, but most of the time ;-)) is the relatively quick effect you get when you combine eating less and/or more healthfully, cardio workouts (from brisk walks to running to dance classes, whatever floats your boat...), and strength training. After two weeks, you will for sure notice your clothes fitting better, and that is the best motivator there is.

Kyle

Veteran

Exercise (cardio and strength training) are musts for me, always. But diet is 70% of the formula. After years of starving myself, literally, I have recently had a wake up call. I recommend that you take a look at Tosca Reno's "Eat Clean" program. It's truly not a diet, but a way of life. I'm eating more than I ever have and losing weight (though weight loss is not my intent). You'll find lots of support on YLF, I'm sure.

Nicole

Veteran

Nancy, Something I failed to mention in my last post is not to overlook small changes. One the smallest changes that I made was switching to 1% milk in my coffee (from half and half). I usually drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day. It took me a week to get used to it, and once in a while, I'll treat myself to a cup of coffee with cream--but usually only if I'm at someone's house--because it's easier than asking for milk. (I did the same thing with sugar in my coffee a few years ago).

If you drink juice or soda, cut it out and replace with water. Even diet soda can be problematic--water is just so much better for you.

And choose foods that have a higher nutritional value. For example, I love toast--I also love butter. But I now use a little bit of peanut butter (which I also love) instead of butter on my toast because it has protein. The calorie and fat content might be the same (I don't know for sure) but at least I'm getting the protein with the peanut butter.

ChristineB

I have recently lost 25 pounds, and I did it all thanks to sparkpeople.com - a wonderful, free website that has all the tools & info you need to make your lifestyle a healthy one. Sparkpeople has helped me retrain my brain on what portion sizes should be and on how important exercise is. I did not go on a diet, I made a lifestyle change. I lost this weight without denying myself anything I really wanted, I just made sure the portion size wasn't out of control, and I made healthier decisions in other ways to make up for it.

Sparkpeople takes you through several stages & steps, helping you develop healthy habits. I hope I don't sound too much like a commercial, I just really, really think their methods are wonderful. They have many exercise videos on youtube, a wonderfully supportive online community, and many, many online articles, in addition to food & exercise trackers. Everything you do on the site earns you points, which you can use to reward yourself your your online friends with online goodies.

I stopped tracking my food & exercise almost 2 months ago, and have lost 3 pounds since then, without really trying. Like I said, I now know what I should be eating, and how much I should be eating. It's a very empowering feeling.

Good luck in reaching your goals!!

Christine

shiny

Veteran

Huge calorie-count.com fan here too. I was an active member of that forum for over a year, during which I lost 20 lbs and dropped approx 4 dress sizes.

When I started I was just edging into the overweight BMI range... a tight size 6p at 5'0" with three chins.... I felt like crap but I didn't look all THAT bad at that weight. I could've stayed where I was at and settled happily into middle aged spread, but I have been pre-diabetic since my second pregnancy and diabetes runs very strongly in my family.

At my annual check-up, my doctor took one look at my blood sugar and other numbers and said, "You need to lose weight or you are on track to be full-blown diabetic in no time at all." He was more worried about my weight than my smoking, believe it or not... but I decided to also quit smoking while I was at it!

So I joined calorie-count.com because I have always found that tracking what I eat is the best way to keep me eating healthy and moderately. And I laced up my sneakers and started a walking program that led to a running program. I set a realistic goal to shed the 20 lbs very, very slowly, over about 18 months. I think slow weight loss is important - the slower you lose, the more likely you will not regain the weight.

I also used a computer program - wish I recalled the name - that enabled me to enter my weight each morning, and record exercise information and other data like cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. Then I could chart and graph and it would tell me - based on my weight alone - how much I was over or under-eating and whether I was on track to reach my goal weight. Very cool program!

I used this program because I had read online that dieters who weigh themselves every day are more successful than those who don't. I used a Tanita scale which comes highly recommended by the calorie-count community. It also tells you your body fat percentage (Guesstimate) and your "true age."

I'm happy to say it's been over a year and I have maintained my wieght loss. I fluctuate between 107 and 110 lbs. Remember, I'm only 5'0" - when I graduated high school I was 103, so my doctor says that is a reasonable weight for me; however, any lower than 107, I start feeling ill and think I look sickly, plus I find it harder to find clothes unless I'm shopping in the kids section. Plus, I was 107 when I graduated college, so I think that is a more realistic weight for me. I find I can go up as high as about 115 without my blood sugar going too whacky, but I use any weight over 110 as my flag to move more and eat a bit less.

I no longer record my food every day, but I do still weigh myself a few times a week. Mostly I just pay close attention to how my clothes are fitting. If my jeans are starting to feel a bit tight, I skip dessert and pile veggies on my plate and work in as much walking as I can.

Best of all: my blood sugar is down to normal again; my cholesterol is also back to normal; my blood pressure (which was always low) is even lower; my GERD is mostly under control - I don't need daily meds for it; and my doctor is very very pleased!

According to my Tanita, my "true" age is only 23 years old (I'm 43). I also took one of those online true age tests that gave similar results and suggested I would live well past 100 years old (helped that I quit smoking too!)

shiny

Veteran

.... and tying it all back to fashion!!.....

When I reached my weight goal, I treated myself to my very first ever pair of premium denim - my COH dark wash flares. I have since added to that collection, and now own 8 pairs of premium denim (6 pairs of COH and two of Earnest Sewn).

Knowing that regaining the weight would mean none of those expensive jeans would fit me really REALLY helps to keep me from regaining the weight!

dee

There is so much good advice here but I also wanted to add that I would definitely advocate any sort of program that helps you track what you eat and your weight. I did Weight Watchers earlier this year and lost about 10 pounds in 3 months. It really helped me to plan out my meals and stick to realistic portion sizes. I am already very active so making better food choices made all the difference.

And what better way to reward yourself than new stylish clothes in a smaller size!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous suggestions from our healthy and stylish forum members! Thank you ladies.

I have nothing further to add but that I believe in the power of walking and portion control. Both of these ways of life are easy to adopt and they make a world of difference. It’s also about being able to keep an eating and exercise plan going. Again, both walking and portion control can be integrated into your life anywhere and at any time. And you can do it forever. Simple and effective.

Anonymous

Taking a walk around the block everyday will help you see results very quickly. It doesn't seem like much really but you will feel good with that small step forward. Once you get used the feeling of having some exercise in your life, you will not feel right without it.
I also want to mention the WII fitness made by Nintendo. I'm sure some of you have it, but for those who don't, it is a very fun way for you and your family to get moving. It also weighs you and tells you your BMI and what your 'real age' is. It's a good and fun tool, if you can find one. They sell out quickly.
With the WII fitness you can strengthen your core with Yoga and othe balance games. We have a lot of fun with it. It was a hit with the crowd at Thanksgiving.

Tangee

Member

Hi Nancy, I think it's great that you want to take better care of yourself - because you deserve it! I can kind of relate (actually, I'm sure a lot of people can relate), but I gained some weight over the last few years because my job consisted of me sitting at my desk for most of the day. People at work always brought such good treats in, and I couldn't help but eat them all! After a while, I felt sluggish, my pants were a bit tighter, and clothes just didn't seem to fit like I wanted...I always thought "maybe if I lost a couple pounds, this outfit would look great!"

I've tried a few things over the years...I took a pilates class, step class, the gym, running, walking, dvd's, fitness video games, etc. I did all these things, but none really stuck, until recently when my boyfriend bought me a tennis racquet. I took a beginning class, and now I'm in intermediate and I go to cardio tennis twice a week. This is actually the one activity that I've kept up with...and believe it or not, I've actually asked my boyfriend to get me a more professional racquet for Christmas instead of jewelry! *gasp* I think the reason why this partcular excersise works for me is because I enjoy it, and I think it's fun and challenging - which (I believe) is the secret to exercise...you have to find something you like to do (because going out there and doing it is the hardest part). Plus, I've met a lot of wonderful people, and I look forward to seeing them each week. Getting into a routine will condition your body and mind to do exercise and it'll help you on those days when you don't want to do it - like everyday at 6pm you go on a walk - no matter what.

But that's my thing...think about things you've enjoyed doing in the past. Even go back to your childhood days - did you like swimming? ice skating? shopping? maybe you can go walking in the malls and go window shopping. Pick something you like...and find a friend who might want to do the same thing. It helps when you have a friend who also has the same goals so you can encourage each other.

As far as food goes, portion control is a biggie....and eat lots of fruits and veggies!

Good luck to you! I wish you the best! And remember, just keep at it, you'll start to feel so much better - I know I do.

fearless

Hi Nancy,

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your journey of weight loss… I’ve been wanting not trying to loose weight since I was in high school…That was 12 years ago LOL… I am the biggest I have ever been…But what I have realized is that loosing weight is a conscious decision that I am going to have to make everyday at least until it becomes as natural as bathing everyday or eating everyday for that matter…

So all of the advice being giving by the woman on here is very helpful…As for me I think I am going to start with my food in take in regards to portion…Then I need to start working on the types of foods I am eating…Just some inside info…I am of West Indian decent…My parents are from the Caribbean…And our diet mostly consist of rice and more rice…Not brown rice either…. So I grew up eating rice everyday twice in a day…Lunch and dinner…Very little vegetables are incorporated in our meals and if they are, it’s still not that healthy because it’s covered in all the types of sauces…So the vegetables are a defeated purpose… So ok still not an excuse to eat the way I do, since I am 30 and can make mindful decisions…That was needs to happen…

Ladies I do need your help with an exercise schedule… I live in NYC in the borough of Queens…I work full time as a Family Coordinator for a child welfare social service agency in Brooklyn, NY…I’m in a part time grad program getting my Masters in Mental Health which the school is located downtown Manhattan, NY and last I am the youth leader at my church which is located in Hempstead, Long Island…So to say the least I am one busy lady…I once tried waking up early in the morning and went to the gym…but that lasted all of one day…however I’m trying to get my self back on a schedule I will stick with… It seems to me that the morning time is the best time because I can get it out of the way and continue with the rest of day, I just have such a hard time getting up so early…I get home pretty late most days and because of the nature of my job, doing home visits etc…I am beat and the gym is the last thing I am thinking of at the end of the day…

Nancy I’m sorry if I’m stealing the spot light a little….LOL…

Antje

Veteran

Fearless, I hear you, it IS hard to get up early to go to the gym first thing in the morning! I do it for the reason you mention: then it's over with and it's by far the easiest time (for me) to fit it into the day. I'm beat and hungry at the end of the day, so I know I'd never make it to the gym after work.

To make it easier to actually get up and drag yourself to the gym: Do you have a friend who would go with you? I found that to be a great tool for sticking with it. I carpool with a friend to the gym, and so if one of us is tired in the morning and is tempted to hit the snooze button and skip the gym, we know that the other is getting ready and so we drag ourselves out of bed rather than keep the other waiting or cancel. A buddy can really keep you on your toes.

Another strategy I employ is that I pack my gym bag (with my work outfit, since I go straight to work from the gym) in the evening, and pre-make myself a little snack to eat in the car. That way I can really just roll out of bed in the morning, put on my exercise clothes, brush my teeth, and off I go. I've got the routine down to 7 minutes. Gives me very little time to fret and second-guess myself

Finally, can you create some little reward for yourself for after the gym visit? For me, my post-workout coffee is a compelling reward. For a while I treated myself to a great yoghurt shake they make at my gym (very healthy AND delicious), though I stopped that since it's so expensive. In any case, maybe there is something that works for you as a little incentive.

Hope this helps... It definitely gets easier once it becomes a routine.

fearless

You know I really have not thought about it... But know that I think about it I don’t' really know anyone who would be willing to wake up so early to go to the gym; my day would probably have to start at 5pm... And since it’s still dark when I get up, I don’t feel comfortable working out in my neighborhood; so going to the gym is my only hope for right know or at least I get my apartment suitable for working out with some DVD’s… I mean I would probably have to ask around... the only obstacle I have is that after the gym I would have to come home and get ready since I share a car with the fam... But no big deal...I know I can do this...I guess it come down to how much I want it... I want it really bad...As far as the incentive...That is such a great idea; I'm really going to have to think about it...Thanks Antje...

How long have you been doing your routine?
How long did it take for you to get accustomed to it?

Antje

Veteran

I've been working out at that gym in the mornings for almost 11 years, with the same friend/carpool buddy. Depending on the time in my life (pre-kid vs. post-kid) I've gone between 2-5 mornings/week. Currently I aim for 3 mornings/week, which I make most weeks. And yes, I have phases where I slack off (especially if my friend is on vacation!) but most of the time we stick with it, and it has become part of life and a very cherished one to boot. Good luck Fearless, whichever path you end up taking for your exercise program!!

dee2do

I find the only way I can control my weight is if I exercise which makes me more conscious of eating better.
I'm doing the C25k.com program which is couch to 5k in 9 weeks. It's interval training to go from couch to 5 k in 30 minutes. It starts out with warm up 5 mins. and then jog 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds and continue on for 20 mins.
If you are having knee trouble and walk/jog is not a good idea for you, maybe try swimming? I've also tried Turbo Jam which is kickboxing and fun but that may be hard on the knees because of squats and kicks.
The other option is Mari Windsor pilates. I've enjoyed that too.
I have been on and off exerciser and go up and down the scale 5 lbs all the time.
Now I'm planning lots of healthy snacks because that's where I mess up the most. yams, yogurt, apples, hummus, celery, walnuts, string cheese, crisp bread and cottage cheese, pbutter. And for meals, I try to eat lots of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and squash.
Just decide to make a new choice right now and if you fall off the wagon just get back on and try again until it becomes a habit.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

It is definitely hard to convert to morning exercise, especially if you are not a morning person. I have never been able to successfully keep it up for a sustained period of time, so I admire those who can immensely!! Like you Antje!!!

I have a friend who gets up at 5am everyday to do yoga because she starts work so early. For me, leaving home at 7:30 is hard enough as it is.

That means I suck it up and do exercise in the afternoon. Some days I just don't feel like it, but I always feel better if I can do it despite the tiredness!!