How long does it take to lose weight?

How long does it take to lose weight? I do see a lot of weight loss ads that promises instant results in losing weight. Most suggest that you can lose a lot of weight in about a month. True? Well, seeing these ads brought a lot of excitement to me. I even thought about liposuction in the past because thinking that it will produce instant results. Somehow its very expensive. Its true that you can lose a lot of weight in a month but its not going to work your metabolism. If your metabolism isn't good at all, you'll gain back all the weight you've lost instantly. Although there are some ads that promises that they will also work on your metabolism. Its just that you'll still eat junk foods because your body is used to it.

The best way to lose weight is still the old fashioned way which is diet and exercise. Remember that you won't see changes in a month. You'll probably see changes in about 6 months or more. Just don't worry if it takes long because its more of a lifestyle change. Once you succeeded on weight loss using the old fashioned tips that I gave (diet and exercise), you'll notice that you can eat as much as you want without worrying about weight gain. Your body will get used to exercise. It will also get used to the food that you eat. I myself noticed that I've been eating a lot of clean stuff ever since I succeeded in my weight loss. I do eat junk foods but I don't crave for it the way I craved with it before.

pic from http://www.shaaditimes.com/images-article/2007/feb/losing-weight.jpg

RETWEET THIS POST

Automatic Diet

A lot of people asked me how I lost weight. I gave them the typical weight loss advice. The hardest advice they can't take is go on a diet. Dieting is really hard especially if you become tempted by comfort foods most of the time. Even I myself had a hard time dealing with it. Anyway, I know of a program called "automatic diet". I just noticed this program myself. Its automatic because it just happens. The first thing you need to do before it happens is to exercise more. Stick to your standard eating habits first. If you have a hard time giving up that mouth watery juicy burger, that is fine as long as you exercise. Discipline yourself with some exercise. I do schedule my exercise in the afternoon. I do 30 - 45 minutes cardio but I don't do cardio immediately after eating. Weeks after doing it, I noticed that my eating habits started to change. I began eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. I did neglect them before. I even noticed that my point of view with junk foods changed. That is how the automatic diet works. The good thing about it is that this automatic diet is really fun. You won't feel the grudge of dieting when you do this kind of program. Its just automatic!

pic from http://www.staugustinebootcamps.com/

RETWEET THIS POST

Weight loss books. Do we need it?

If you're totally serious in losing some weight, you probably need to invest on a weight loss book. There are many kinds of weight loss books depending on how you want to lose weight. Most people want to lose weight. First thing they do is ask someone, whether an expert or not, on how to lose weight. Some read blogs and some do what their mind is telling them. In case they ask an expert on how to lose weight and the expert suggested them a thing that they can't do, they easily give up. When they rely too much on blogs, a different opinion from another will totally change their mind. Whenever they rely on their personal thought about weight loss, they lose motivation once the mood is gone. Books are more of a daily guide. It helps you become motivated.

Weight loss requires knowledge. Its not as easy as you think. There are many ways to lose weight and all people have different perspective when it comes to it. When I decided to lose weight, I decided not to give up junk foods. I went online and read a lot of blogs that made me confused. After days of research, I bought a book titled "Burn the fat, Feed the muscle" by Tom Venuto. He does have some tips there on how one can lose weight without giving up the food he/she loves. Well that is my point of view in losing weight. I know others have a different point of view on how they can lose weight.

Weight loss books are really a great source for weight loss. Just remember to stick to one weight loss book that you love. It takes a week of research to find out what it is. Do you want to lose weight the normal way? Do you want to lose weight without giving up junk foods just like I do? Do you want to lose weight without giving up beer? Do you just want to lose your tummy fat? Its up to you to find out what book is for you.

photo from http://livingrightlosingweight.com/blog/

RETWEET THIS POST

Law of attraction and Weight loss

Law of attraction is one big requirement when it comes to weight loss. The more you picture yourself that you lost weight, the more you will succeed. Most of us who go on a weight loss journey easily give up especially if we don't see results in a week or two. For me, its normal not to see results in that short amount of time. Going on a weight loss journey should be more of an exciting adventure instead of a struggle. If you think of it as a struggle, there is an assurance that you'll give it up right away. I remember reading Tom Venuto's book called "Burn the fat, Feed the muscle". Its actually placed near my desk so whenever I see it (just the title itself), it does remind me of me burning the fat in me and trying to gain some muscle all through out my imagination. On the first part of the book, Tom suggests that before you decide to lose weight, you have to be happy. I know happiness is a big part of law of attraction. Its more of accepting the fact (contentment) that you are fat or overweight. Because of that you'll be able to motivate yourself more on losing weight. The more you don't accept yourself for who you are, the more you compare yourself with others, and crave for comfort foods like junk foods.

I also think of the food we eat as positive and negative. Positive foods like fruits, vegetables, and highly nutritious lean meat give a good outcome on our bodies. Negative foods (I don't mean the negative calorie ones like fruits...) like junk foods makes us fat and sick but it doesn't mean that we have to give them up. We just need to eat them moderately. During my journey, I eat them once a week. The more positive foods we consume, the more fit we'll get and speed up weight loss as well. Same thing with life, the more positive you are, the more good things happen to you.

photo from http://beechcroftretreats.com/upload/weightloss.gif

RETWEET THIS POST

Getting used to weight loss routine

When I started to lose some weight, I told myself that I will not give up eating the foods that I love. I'm a big fan of junk food because the people around especially my friends love to eat them. I'm a beer drinker as well. I also remember myself as some lazy person who doesn't walk, move, and exercise that much. I told myself that I wanted to lose weight so therefore I need to take action. I made a list of foods that I will mostly eat. I also made a schedule of exercise. Lastly, I did make a schedule for a diet cheat day. I usually do the cheat day during Saturdays because special occasions happen on that day. I also suggested to myself to move more instead of being lazy. Then I tell I told myself that when this is over, I'll go back to my happy go lucky lifestyle.

A few months later, I noticed that Im getting used to the program. Exercise has been part of my weekly routine. My diet became automatic. Even though I hang out with my friends to eat, I pick the healthy choice in the menu most of the time. I also started to realize that eventhough I don't need to lose weight anymore, Im still living the healthy lifestyle. My addiction to junk food is gone but when there are days that I crave for it, I give it a go. I also noticed that I tend to move more these days. If one location is about 5 kilometers or less away from me, I just walk instead of using my car. I really don't do these things around 8 months ago but now it has been part of my lifestyle and Im totally loving it!

photo from
http://www.sortoutstress.co.uk/sos_images/features_lazy.jpg

photo from
http://us.123rf.com/

RETWEET THIS POST

Starvation mode

photo from http://opinionhead.com/wp-content/

I went to weight loss forum site yesterday and saw a question about someone who wants to lose 10 lbs before Halloween. The person who asked this question is willing to go to starvation mode. She does not want to listen to any other advice about diet and working out. She just wanted to try and see if it will work. Most people including me who answered her question said that it is too dangerous. I know people who tried them and all of them fail. I wonder why most people define diet that way.

Starvation mode doesn't really work at all. It might be obvious that you'll lose weight on it but most of the weight that you'll lose there is water weight. The bad thing is that you'll regain it all back. Not too good for a hard work huh? It will make you look weak and it will even ruin your confidence level because you'll look different. It will also ruin your mood and people will start to hate you. What I suggested to that person is to go on a detox diet for atleast 2 weeks. Its a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. These foods are totally low (most have negative calories which will promote more weight loss) in calories and can help you lose more weight the healthier way instead of you looking sick. Remember to eat when you are hungry but in case you wanted to lose weight, eat the healthy ones instead of the unhealthy ones. Isn't it obvious?

RETWEET THIS POST

Less sodium to flatten tummy

This afternoon, an idea came in my mind about how to lose tummy fat. Its actually the hardest part to lose because it is where the food comes first when we eat. Sit ups will only help if your total body fat percentage is less than 10%. Most people in the gym don't do cardio because of the fear in losing muscles. I thought about it as well. I just do cardio once or twice a week. Before I do it everyday. I've been thinking how to lose tummy fat without losing those hard earned muscles I've been working out for months now. The first great idea that came in my mind is to eat well meaning more veggies, fruits, and water. Another tip is not to make yourself go hungry. Whenever you feel hungry, eat something healthy in the right amount. I use to follow the 6 meal day diet plan. In that plan I include my favorite potato chips. I thought it was alright to include it since its less than 400 calories. I finally know that its wrong. Although it didn't make me gain some weight, it didn't trim my little tummy as well. Maybe its because of the sodium. I learned that too much sodium retains the water in your body. Its too much because, I made it a habit in between meals. Im going for a clean diet plan now. I will substitute those potato chips snacks with some fruits and veggies.

RETWEET THIS POST

Discipline

photo from http://media.photobucket.com/

Whenever I think of the word "discipline", one thing comes to my mind. Boredom! Although its a must if you really want to lose weight or become fit. Starting to become fit can be a little bit boring at first. Maybe its because most people are comfortable with who they are already until a great warning strikes them. Before, I don't really care about losing weight. All I ever do in my life is eat whatever I want, drink beer, and binge on sweets. My brother even tells me why I should go on a diet if eating is fun.

Weight loss is more of a goal. Its not just a simple goal but a long term goal. In order to achieve a long term goal, you have to have a long term discipline. How do you get discipline on weight loss? Its up to you. If you think you're doing the right thing, do it. During my weight loss days, I remember that I use to jog 6 days a week. I wonder why some suggest if I should exercise with a friend. What if my friend doesn't want to? Shall I force him/her? I don't care what the people around me tell me. I just do it according to my willpower. If I tell myself that Im gonna spoil my diet once a week, I follow it. Now that I succeeded in improving my metabolism, I spoil my diet 3 days a week because I don't worry about gaining weight anymore. If I tell myself to stop eating when Im full, I do it. Another good example of discipline is when I go to the gym. If I tell myself that Im going to focus my workout on my chest and triceps, I just focus on it. If I say 4 sets and 12 repetitions each, I go for it. I don't play with my other muscle parts.

So that is how discipline works. It can boring at first. You'll just be surprised that you'll become use to it in the days to come. Its like its gonna be part of your lifestyle. Right now, I still exercise even though I don't have to. Why? Maybe its because it automatically became a part of my weekly routine and I just love doing it.

RETWEET THIS POST

Cheat day

I remember during my weight loss days, I usually schedule a cheat day on it. Eating healthy foods everyday becomes boring so its important to go junk once in a while. Cheat day is very important when it comes to weight loss. We are not perfect when it comes to this goal. Most fitness experts suggest that one should have a cheat day. At least once a week. I do schedule it on Saturday or Sunday. Without it, I just start to crave.

I do admit that I'm totally addicted to burgers. Whenever I walk inside a mall, I find it hard to resist the smell of a delicious burger. A burger meal(with fries and soda) is around 1000 calories or more. Its pretty hard to get rid of it when you're with your friends. When you're on a cheat day, I do suggest that you move more on that day to burn extra calories. You don't have to run or do something extraordinary. A long walk is fine.

I do invite my cousin to eat at Chilis restaurant every Saturday. After a heavy meal, we usually go for a 2 mile walk. Another great tip that I can offer on a cheat day is to save some calories. Substitute your drinks with a diet one instead of the sugary one. It will be great if you go for water. Diet drinks are zero calories too but you don't have to drink them often. If there is a wheat bread option for your burger, go for it! Its healthier compared to white bread.

RETWEET THIS POST


Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification

Walking your way to weight loss

Walking has contributed a lot on my weight loss. Ever since I starting saving money for gas, I decided to walk as much as I could. The grocery is a mile away from my home. Instead of filling up my refrigerator with loads of food, I just walk everyday to that grocery back and fort to buy the food Im in the mood to eat. The good thing about it is that the food that I buy is 100% fresh and that is a real advantage for me. I also noticed that the more you walk, the more you decide to pick healthy foods in the grocery. I don't how it happens but I guess its an automatic program.

I remember my cousin who stood on my weighing scale a few weeks ago. He was 180 lbs back then. 2 weeks later, he came back to my house, stood on the weighing scale and found out that he was 199 lbs! I asked him how he got that heavy in a span of 2 weeks. He told me that he didn't have any control of what he eats. He is a burger fan like me. He even told me that he is too lazy for exercise. Anyway, I told him to walk often and limit his food intake. He can bring his back pack with him loaded with some books. I remember that the heavier you are, the more weight you'll lose that is why I suggested the back pack.

If in case he can't resist that juicy burger, he can schedule it once a week. I'll even join him if I crave for it. 2 weeks later I invited my cousin to come over to my place and stood on my weighing scale surprised to see that he lost 5 lbs. He told me that he did follow my advice. Instead of using his car to school, he just walked. He ate meals moderately. His school is around 2 miles from his home. He even saved a lot of money for gas as a bonus. He decided to continue the program but I don't know if he'll be committed to going down to 170 lbs. Its up to him I guess.

Weight gaining tips

I did have some weight loss program before which I find successful. From some fat guy who looks like alcoholic and someone who doesn't care about his health to a slim guy who looks like a new teenager. Although, Im not a teenager anymore. Im saying this because whenever I look at my pics when I was a teenager, I see comparison to how I look like in the present moment. That is why I decided to gain some weight. Let me share my weight gaining tips. I got confused at first that is why I did some research on how I can gain weight the right way. I became afraid to eat more because of the fear of gaining a tummy fat and ruining my metabolism again.

I decided to go to the gym. In order to make the process quick, I invested on a whey protein. I drink it immediately after workout. I lessened my cardio to once a week. Sometimes I do it on times when I had too much fat and cholestorol on my body. I really can't skip temptation most of the time. I focused more on muscle building which is one of the best weight gaining tips. I also eat 6 small meals a day. Sometimes its more than 6 cause my rule is not to get myself hungry. I stepped on a weighing scale this morning and noticed that I have gained around 9 pounds. Its ok because when I measured my waist and tummy with a measuring tape, I noticed that I lost 1 1/2 inch. I also measured my arm size. Just noticed a little addition to it's size but thats ok. That could probably the reason why I gained weight. I will continue this program and still take note of its progress. Well then this are just a few weight gaining tips to share for now.

RETWEET THIS POST

Exercise from home

I remember last year when I decided to lose weight, I bought myself a new elliptical trainer. Its expensive for me and I only used it for about a month and a half. Is it worth it? Most of my program were exercise from home. Well it made me lose a little weight like 5 or 10 lbs with diet included. Most of it are weight coming from fat because the elliptical trainer maintains muscle weight because you are carrying your own weight to burn some calories. In my conclusion, I believe that buying exercise machines at home is effective as long as its in your own room. If you display your exercise machine in your living room, the people in your house will see you exercise and they'll probably tempt you not to exercise (base on my experience). The most productive exercise equipment that I had was those 2 10 lb dumbbells that I bought. It may not made me gain some weight but it did help me lose some during my first few weeks especially on that time I went on a weight loss plateau.

Outdoor is still the best exercise to lose weight compared to exercise from home. I went to my neighborhood and Im lucky enough that there is a jogging track in it. Good thing about it is that Im not the only one jogging in it thats why its motivating for me. To other people who wanted to lose weight without a jogging track near you, my advice is for you to attend some sport activities, go to the gym, or jog in the morning to gain more focus and lose more fat. Relying on weight loss machines only helps a little. There are so many ads about it on tv that tempts us to buy no matter how expensive it is as long as we will lose weight on it. Somehow, I feel kinda sorry for my elliptical trainer machine. I tried to sell it but its been rusted by rain already. I still see it everyday and I use it as a remembrance of me when I was motivating myself to lose weight.

RETWEET THIS POST

Best way to loose weight

Why most people don't lose weight?

The first reason to that is that they don't have time for it. They spend 9 to 10 hours a day at work then go home to relax and unwind themselves. Weight loss is more of a decision making. Its a long term goal. Its not just something you do because you're in the mood to do so. You are your own boss when you're on this program. You make your own schedule and ask some pro if you have additional questions.

Second reason is that they think there is a shortcut to it. They see this infomercials on television that promises weight loss in a week or two. I believe some of these infomercials work but not the way you expect it to be. I tried a slimming tea before. It helped me lose weight but it does ruin my mood most of the time. I regained the whole weight back immediately. I don't know with other weight products but I think most of them have side effects even though the endorser tells you it doesn't.

Third reason is that they are already happy with themselves. They think that skipping their favorite meals will make them miserable. They even think that they are already satisfied being fat as long as they are happy. Well it does happen, but if you are really concerned about your health then think of it as part of the program. You never know one of these days, those favorite food of yours will give up on you. Do you want your doctor to tell you that you should stop eating ice cream, pizza, and mouth juicy burgers? When you're on a weight loss program, there is still word called "sacrifice". You don't need to worry about it because there is also this word called "cheat day" where you can schedule a time of eating what you want. It does happen once a week. Even I myself can't get rid of comfort foods. Please be informed that once you succeeded on your diet (which will take just a few months with one cheat day a week), you can go back on eating what you want because your metabolism is way much stronger compared on the day you started. Some even think that weight loss is for people who are too concerned about their looks.
At first I thought it was but then it wasn't. If you only think you are overweight then go on a weight loss program. If not, then just go on weight maintenance mode unless you plan to shape up for some occasion.

And lastly, they think its expensive. There are ads out there that tell us that you can get thin right away if you have a lot of money. I agree and totally disagree to that. You can get thin with liposuction but it won't really work on your metabolism. Losing weight the natural way is still the best way to loose weight. It will boost your metabolism which will further allow you to eat more. Did you notice how models endorse food products like pizza? They just take a small bite and recommend it to people! These models do have some money to burn.

RETWEET THIS POST

Eat six small meals a day

I was actually thinking about it right now. Its a type of program where you eat 400 calories per meal(according to my diet plan) because excess calories turned into stored fat. Its also defined as to stop eating when you're full. Why should I eat 6 meals a day? I know that our body burns calories even if you're not doing anything. Probably the reason why we should eat 6 meals a day is to prevent muscle loss and ofcourse to trim that tummy fat. If I starve myself, its going to get some energy from my muscles. I don't want that to happen. I was also thinking about cardio. It lowers overall body fat percentage. Overall means fat from everywhere including arm muscles which isn't good at all. I do heard that when you do cardio after workout, it won't let you lose muscles. Although its pretty confusing at the moment. I know it is really hard to stick to this kind of program (Eat six small meals a day) but I guess I'll give it a shot. When temptation strikes again, like eating out with my buddies, I'll take full control of it for the sake of the small tummy fat I need to reduce. I know that I can't stick to this program forever but I do know as well that it boosts metabolism.

RETWEET THIS POST