Losing Weight Properly

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ... not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200 calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200 calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.

first off the biggest problem I see here is you are talking in terms of a
difference in your eating to lose and after you lose, you need to find a way
of eating that you can live with from now on. I like WW because it teaches
the things that you are asking within a flexible format that allows for all
preference, and dietary restrictions that one may have due to health,
conviction or religious belief. I can't give you specifics, all I can tell
you is that I weigh 78 pounds less than I did a year ago, all of that but
14.5 was done with WW and I can't say I have been deprived at all, in fact
there is a batch of brownies cooling on the stove as I write this, Lee
John wrote in message
...
I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to
go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I should
be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I
average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin
back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ... not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200
calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat
when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200 calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get down
to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at
the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow
against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to
attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.

I don't know what might be going on with you. I am a 55 year old (very
active) female, 5'8", 159 pounds this morning. I eat around 1800 calories a
day and maintain on that. In fact I have lost about 3 pounds in the last 3
months while trying to learn to maintain. I do lift weights and have done
for the past few years. Are you sure about your intake? If you are not
doing it, try for a few days weighing and measuring everything. Are you
sure about your software? This is a very complex issue (I am sure you are
aware from your post). I have lost a total of 206 pounds from my highest
weight. Don't let anyone anywhere tell you that you can't take this weight
off. You just need to find "YOUR" program.

"John" wrote in message
...
I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to
go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I should
be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I
average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin
back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ... not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200
calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat
when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200 calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get down
to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at
the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow
against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to
attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.

I don't know about your calorie question. As far as the different advice
goes on low carb/mediterranean/low calorie I agree w/ a previous post in
that you have to find something healthy that you will be able to
continue the rest of your life. However, I think the extreme of anything
is harmful, such as cutting out all carbs. Lifting weights is very good
for losing weight, although you may not see the number on the scale
right away. It increases your muscle mass, which help you burn more
calories- this losing fat. Just don't get discouraged b/c muscle does
weigh more than fat and at first you may see a increase on the scale. I
hope this helps.

Amber
214/208/165

John wrote:
I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ... not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200 calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200 calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.

Hi John, welcome aboard. Have you every tried Weigh Watchers? It does work.
Elaine K
331.4/215.6/179

John wrote:

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ... not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200 calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200 calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.

In article ,
"John" wrote:

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ... not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200 calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200 calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.



John,
I am SO with you, my situation EXACTLY. A recent change to a new diet
is low carb, which I've been doing for a month, lost initial 5 lbs in
the first week, that's been it. I have not had a slice of bread in all
that time. Nor do I miss it. I am significantly overweight, and in
perimenopause, but have had weight issues all my life. Genetic
predisposition, but cannot, will not give up, it doesn't even make
sense, that with the sensible way I eat (food types and in moderation),
that my body won't loose. I've been checked, no medical issues causing
this. I'm considering switching over to Weight Watchers which I have
not tried, hoping that for whatever reason with my particular
metabolism, it might respond better to WW. I do not over eat, not a
compulsive eater or binger. No diet is particularly difficult for me to
stay on. My body just wants to be fat. One day I'll accept this and
move on.

--
"Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a desperate battle." Philo of Alexandria. Do not email if posting a response. TO EMAIL, REPLACE X WITH 4

"Robin" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"John" wrote:

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to
go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I
should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight
with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I
average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin
back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a
half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ...
not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200
calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat
when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200
calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get
down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your
body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get
to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at
the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow
against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to
attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of
catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.



John,
I am SO with you, my situation EXACTLY. A recent change to a new diet
is low carb, which I've been doing for a month, lost initial 5 lbs in
the first week, that's been it. I have not had a slice of bread in all
that time. Nor do I miss it. I am significantly overweight, and in
perimenopause, but have had weight issues all my life. Genetic
predisposition, but cannot, will not give up, it doesn't even make
sense, that with the sensible way I eat (food types and in moderation),
that my body won't loose. I've been checked, no medical issues causing
this. I'm considering switching over to Weight Watchers which I have
not tried, hoping that for whatever reason with my particular
metabolism, it might respond better to WW. I do not over eat, not a
compulsive eater or binger. No diet is particularly difficult for me to
stay on. My body just wants to be fat. One day I'll accept this and
move on.

Have you ever thought that maybe you are not eating enough food to lose
weight? I know that it sounds strange but it is true. It was not untill I
started WW that I was able to lose weight. Atkins worked for me for a couple
of months but I could not maintain the way of eating for very long. Way too
restrictive. Too many hidden carbs in everyday things. WW on the other hand
forces you to eat the right amount of food for your weight. You gradually
lower the amount of food as you lose weight. It teaches you the right amount
of food to eat to then maintain that weight when you get to goal. It is a
way of life not a diet. That is a key difference between WW and the other
diets out there. They all work in the short term but don't teach you how to
eat properly. WW does. It is also easy to follow which makes it nice too.
Good luck.

I've never tried weight - watchers .. from what I've read, it's one of those
diets that works, but people seem to gain back the weight once they've went
off that program. I'd love to be able to eat "normal" meals instead of
buying pre-packaged meals. My concern is to know what I should be eating in
terms of calories, to lose fat, but not to lose lean muscle mass -- no one
can seem to tell me this. I realize that lean muscle mass helps raise one's
metabolism, thus I don't want to lose any more of this than I need to.
Perhaps, I'm thinking wrong and should just forget about losing muscle and
get my weight where I want it, and THEN go back and start to build muscle?


"Elaine Kirkham" wrote in message
...
Hi John, welcome aboard. Have you every tried Weigh Watchers? It does
work.
Elaine K
331.4/215.6/179

John wrote:

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to
go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I
should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight
with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I
average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin
back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a
half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ...
not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200
calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat
when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200
calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get
down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your
body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get
to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at
the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow
against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to
attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of
catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.

One of the responses said I shouldn't plan to go back to "normal eating".
What I meant by "normal" was what a standard, 6'2" 45 year old man should
eat per day ... not what was "normal" for me the past 20 years. I dont'
know the exact figures, but I would imagine a "normal" 6'2" 45 year old, 175
pound man shoudl eat around 2200 calories per day with a light activity
lifestyle.


"Robin" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"John" wrote:

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way to
go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I
should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight
with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I
average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another 1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin
back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a
half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ...
not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200
calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat
when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200
calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get
down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your
body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can get
to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights at
the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow
against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to
attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of
catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.



John,
I am SO with you, my situation EXACTLY. A recent change to a new diet
is low carb, which I've been doing for a month, lost initial 5 lbs in
the first week, that's been it. I have not had a slice of bread in all
that time. Nor do I miss it. I am significantly overweight, and in
perimenopause, but have had weight issues all my life. Genetic
predisposition, but cannot, will not give up, it doesn't even make
sense, that with the sensible way I eat (food types and in moderation),
that my body won't loose. I've been checked, no medical issues causing
this. I'm considering switching over to Weight Watchers which I have
not tried, hoping that for whatever reason with my particular
metabolism, it might respond better to WW. I do not over eat, not a
compulsive eater or binger. No diet is particularly difficult for me to
stay on. My body just wants to be fat. One day I'll accept this and
move on.

--
"Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a desperate battle." Philo
of Alexandria. Do not email if posting a response. TO EMAIL, REPLACE X WITH
4

Can I ask you to briefly explain what WW actually is? Perhaps what I've
been led to believe it is, is wrong? I've been led to believe that it is an
expensive "meal plan" where you buy their meals and continue buying their
meals (pre-package) for life.

As to your statement of not eating enough food ... how does one arrive at
the proper amount a person should be eating?

Thanks in advance.


"Laura" wrote in message
...

"Robin" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"John" wrote:

I am very confused on the entire weight loss scheme -- nearly everyone
I
talk to tells me something different. Some say the old food pyramid
is
proven a failure, others say the newer mediterranean diet is the way
to
go,
others say no carbs, still others say very low calorie diets, etc.

The main thing that gets me is this:
I am 295 pounds, 6'2", and 45 years old. I am told by some that I
should be
eating around 3200 - 3500 calories per day just to maintain my weight
with
little or no exercise. I have software where I log my meals, and I
average
around 2000 calories per day and unless I exercise vigorously (like
volleyball, tennis, etc.), I cannot lose weight ... in fact, I'll
slowly
gain at those calorie counts. What would happen if I added another
1000
calories per day? I'm afraid I'd blow up like a balloon. I did begin
back
in June of 2002 weighing 329. I've lose 34 pounds in that year and a
half
now, but have been bouncing between 289 and 300 for the past month ...
not
able to take any more off. I've tried getting down to around 1200
calories
per day, but I'm afraid I'm losing lean muscle mass along with the fat
when
I do that, and I've been told I'll train my body to only use 1200
calories
per day so I'll never be able to go back to normal eating once I get
down to
where I want.

So, what is the key to nutritionally get the proper content for your
body,
yet lose a couple pounds a week (or even more if possible) so I can
get
to
that 175 range I'd like to be? Should I be working out with weights
at
the
same time I'm attempting to lose weight, or does that fight somehow
against
the weight loss as that requires me to eat more protein and fats to
attempt
to build the muscle I need to increase my metabolism (a sort of
catch-22)?

I hope someone here has some really good advice that can help me get
to
where I need to be with my weight.

Thank you.



John,
I am SO with you, my situation EXACTLY. A recent change to a new diet
is low carb, which I've been doing for a month, lost initial 5 lbs in
the first week, that's been it. I have not had a slice of bread in all
that time. Nor do I miss it. I am significantly overweight, and in
perimenopause, but have had weight issues all my life. Genetic
predisposition, but cannot, will not give up, it doesn't even make
sense, that with the sensible way I eat (food types and in moderation),
that my body won't loose. I've been checked, no medical issues causing
this. I'm considering switching over to Weight Watchers which I have
not tried, hoping that for whatever reason with my particular
metabolism, it might respond better to WW. I do not over eat, not a
compulsive eater or binger. No diet is particularly difficult for me to
stay on. My body just wants to be fat. One day I'll accept this and
move on.

Have you ever thought that maybe you are not eating enough food to lose
weight? I know that it sounds strange but it is true. It was not untill I
started WW that I was able to lose weight. Atkins worked for me for a
couple
of months but I could not maintain the way of eating for very long. Way
too
restrictive. Too many hidden carbs in everyday things. WW on the other
hand
forces you to eat the right amount of food for your weight. You gradually
lower the amount of food as you lose weight. It teaches you the right
amount
of food to eat to then maintain that weight when you get to goal. It is a
way of life not a diet. That is a key difference between WW and the other
diets out there. They all work in the short term but don't teach you how
to
eat properly. WW does. It is also easy to follow which makes it nice too.
Good luck.