Drop some lbs before the big day! (Better???)

[LittleMissMagic]

Urg maybe I wont try P90x. That just sounds like my college workouts all over again. I have enough muscle. I actually want to loose alot of it (as well as my little tummy!!!) hmmmm

P90X has a "light" version if you don't want to "bulk up." However, the workouts don't have much cardio. The plyometrics workout DVD is definitely the most cardio, but it's still a muscle-building exercise (legs).

If you're looking for cardio and want a workout program to keep you motivated, I'd blindly (since BF hasn't actually completed it, yet, I don't know the results) recommend Insanity over P90X. If you don't want to invest in a program, then running/biking/swimming are great cardio workouts. Swimming is really the best workout... it burns the most calories, and you stay cool!

One simple way to lose weight is to not eat out (difficult, I know!) and not drink any soda, not even diet (also difficult - that I could never do!). You could also restrict your caloric intake. BF is a wrestler (I sound like I'm saying bf, bf, bf, but it is because he is the best weight-dropper I know... he lost 50 pounds in 3 months two years ago), he knows a lot about dieting to drop weight (a lot of wrestler weight loss is water loss, though... not necessarily long-term). According to him, the most effective weight-loss strategy is to restrict calories to 1000 a day and stick with lean meats and protein.

 

[Firefly09]

My usual cereal is Honey Nut Cheerios. It fills me up and is not too sweet.

 

[FutureMrs.B]

Is anyone or has anyone done Weight Watchers points plus? I just signed up today and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. I only want to lose about 10 to 15 pounds, and I have 5 months until the wedding. I'm working full time and going to school full time so there goes my exercising. Something has to work though. LoL

 

[MissManners]

P90X is great for muscle-building, but if you're looking for more cardio/toning, then look into Insanity, beach body's newest workout program. And it's only 60 days, rather than 90.

My BF is in his final week of P90X, and his before/after pics are crazy. He has built a lot of muscle, but he still carries fat in his tummy (he was actually "skinnier" pre-P90X, but he's definitely stronger and more defined, now). He's doing insanity over the summer to tone his body, then he's going back to P90 again in the fall.

P90x has a lean program designed specifically for weight loss. The classic program, which I'm assuming your DF did is designed to increase muscle mass and definition. I did not want to turn into the Incredible Hulk, so I opted for the lean program and it has been fantastic so far... much more cardio than is in the classic program!

 

[KristiLyn]

I just lost 12 pounds in 13 weeks before my cruise. I did it by counting calories using the iphone Lose It app. They also have a website. You tell the program your goal and it calculates your daily caloric intake for you. I was shocked when my app told me how many calories were in certain things I was eating almost every day (400 calorie Ice Blended drinks!!!!) I signed up for the Hungry Girl newsletter and read Eat This, Not That. I changed my eating habits only slightly and increased my exersize to five a days a week and I reached my goal.

Then I gained it all back on the cruise.

I did this before and it worked great!! I plan on doing this again starting May 1st for the wedding diet The thing that works the best for me is counting calories!

 

[chellebelle18]

Is anyone or has anyone done Weight Watchers points plus? I just signed up today and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. I only want to lose about 10 to 15 pounds, and I have 5 months until the wedding. I'm working full time and going to school full time so there goes my exercising. Something has to work though. LoL

I haven't done the new points plus weight watchers but weight watchers in general is great!!! I think its a great way to lose weight if you really wanna keep it off. I did it back in high school and lost 20 pounds in 2 1/2- 3 months and that was without working out. Good luck!!

I'm trying to lose about 35-40 pounds... I guess I have a year but ahhh!!! that number seems so big lol and losing weight is so hard!! This is a great thread thou! Has anyone done the insanity DVD??? It looks ridiculously hard but Im curious....

 

[princess lil]

I love eating cereal too. The best are the ones that have high fiber and protein (like Kashi). Have a serving with nonfat milk and you have a well balanced, healthy 300 calorie meal.

The best way to loose weight is definitely portion control. It can be hard to have the self control, but as long as you make sure you're actually eating enough (Doctors recommend no fewer than 1200 calories p/day or your body will go into "starvation mode" and will begin to store fat), then just put up with being hungry for a little while. Your body will adapt and it will get easier. And, of course, there are lots of ways to feel full. Make sure all your meals and snacks are fiber and protein first, then carbs, then sugar. Snacking every couple hours (raw veggies, almonds or walnuts - not peanuts, fruit). Start out cutting portions little by little and replace the unhealthy food with a healthy choice until your whole diet has changed. Once you have the self control, you can eat whatever you want; steak, burgers, anything, b/c you'll be able to eat an appropriate amount mixed in with an overall healthy diet.

There are always ways to cut corners and not feel like your missing anything too. Oat bran is a great replacement for oatmeal for breakfast, and replace brown sugar with some cinnamon and vanilla extract. it gives a yummy taste. Yogurt is great too, (especially greek) but compare brands b/c a lot are mostly sugar. When you go out to eat, have a broth based soup or salad with only half the dressing before your entree. I always drink lots of water (and vitamin water zero) and when that gets boring, soda water with lemon and sugar or splenda is great; like drinking sparkling lemonade. And for anyone who likes to drink alcohol (like me!) mix your favorite brand with diet or club soda and a squeeze of lemon, have wine, or choose cocktails that use real fruit juice instead of sweet and sour and simple syrup.

I always make sure to allow myself 1 treat every day; dark chocolate, 1 serving of chips or ice cream. and then have the 1 day a week cheat where you can have a full serving of fries or that sugary drink. Good luck to everyone!

 

[librarygeek]

Healthy snacks in between meals help a lot. One thing I've done is make sure I buy everything in small packets, or if I buy a big bag I literally count out a serving and put it in a bowl. otherwise I know that I tend to overeat and just scoop crackers or something out of a box without thinking. Some good snacks: if you're craving potato chips, try veggie chips (I actually like them better!). Apple slices or celery with peanut butter. Peanut butter is good because it gives you protein that you might need, but it does have some calories. If you want to keep the calories down, try apple slices with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on. I love how this tastes (my mom used to make it for me when I was little) and it's low cal too! And an apple is pretty filling for a quick snack!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

P90x has a lean program designed specifically for weight loss. The classic program, which I'm assuming your DF did is designed to increase muscle mass and definition. I did not want to turn into the Incredible Hulk, so I opted for the lean program and it has been fantastic so far... much more cardio than is in the classic program!

Yes, he did the classic one. I knew of the lean program because he and his friend have baited me with it.... "come on, you won't be superwoman!" But I don't like to sweat... I have done a few of the workouts with them like kempo, plyos (I almost died!), and yoga (I'm too silly for that). I even did arms and shoulders one day, but for fear of getting man arms (and pure laziness), I wouldn't lift more than ten (like one day would pump me up!).

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

My wedding is in 7 weeks so I am in my last panic mode of wanting to lose weight. So I recommend to everyone who wants to lose weight for their weddings, start early! As I get closer it becomes harder and harder to find the time to get to the gym. However, I am in my 3rd week of my 10 week major diet/exercise plan, and I have lost four pounds so far. I am hoping to lose another 10 in the next seven weeks, it will be tough! I have wrote down a plan, where I need to increase time at the gym and decrease calorie intake each week, so far it has been working pretty good.

 

[SleepingBeautyBride]

I love eating cereal too. The best are the ones that have high fiber and protein (like Kashi). Have a serving with nonfat milk and you have a well balanced, healthy 300 calorie meal.

The best way to loose weight is definitely portion control. It can be hard to have the self control, but as long as you make sure you're actually eating enough (Doctors recommend no fewer than 1200 calories p/day or your body will go into "starvation mode" and will begin to store fat), then just put up with being hungry for a little while. Your body will adapt and it will get easier. And, of course, there are lots of ways to feel full. Make sure all your meals and snacks are fiber and protein first, then carbs, then sugar. Snacking every couple hours (raw veggies, almonds or walnuts - not peanuts, fruit). Start out cutting portions little by little and replace the unhealthy food with a healthy choice until your whole diet has changed. Once you have the self control, you can eat whatever you want; steak, burgers, anything, b/c you'll be able to eat an appropriate amount mixed in with an overall healthy diet.

There are always ways to cut corners and not feel like your missing anything too. Oat bran is a great replacement for oatmeal for breakfast, and replace brown sugar with some cinnamon and vanilla extract. it gives a yummy taste. Yogurt is great too, (especially greek) but compare brands b/c a lot are mostly sugar. When you go out to eat, have a broth based soup or salad with only half the dressing before your entree. I always drink lots of water (and vitamin water zero) and when that gets boring, soda water with lemon and sugar or splenda is great; like drinking sparkling lemonade. And for anyone who likes to drink alcohol (like me!) mix your favorite brand with diet or club soda and a squeeze of lemon, have wine, or choose cocktails that use real fruit juice instead of sweet and sour and simple syrup.

I always make sure to allow myself 1 treat every day; dark chocolate, 1 serving of chips or ice cream. and then have the 1 day a week cheat where you can have a full serving of fries or that sugary drink. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for the tips! I think I am going grocery shopping tonight to start my Cereal Diet I'll keep ya posted on the progress. And loveeee the alcohol tips! HAHA that’s just something you don’t think about much I guess.

Another good one (my aunt is on a 500 calorie diet and does this) is get a good vodka and then drop some flavored stevia in it. She has orange flavored drops. Then she mixes a little sparkling water and wa la! A VERY low calorie strong alcoholic beverage. And honestly when she made me one I didn’t even taste the vodka (not too much of a vodka fan, I'm a whisky girl!).

Healthy snacks in between meals help a lot. One thing I've done is make sure I buy everything in small packets, or if I buy a big bag I literally count out a serving and put it in a bowl. otherwise I know that I tend to overeat and just scoop crackers or something out of a box without thinking. Some good snacks: if you're craving potato chips, try veggie chips (I actually like them better!). Apple slices or celery with peanut butter. Peanut butter is good because it gives you protein that you might need, but it does have some calories. If you want to keep the calories down, try apple slices with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on. I love how this tastes (my mom used to make it for me when I was little) and it's low cal too! And an apple is pretty filling for a quick snack!

Ohh! Love the snacks

My wedding is in 7 weeks so I am in my last panic mode of wanting to lose weight. So I recommend to everyone who wants to lose weight for their weddings, start early! As I get closer it becomes harder and harder to find the time to get to the gym. However, I am in my 3rd week of my 10 week major diet/exercise plan, and I have lost four pounds so far. I am hoping to lose another 10 in the next seven weeks, it will be tough! I have wrote down a plan, where I need to increase time at the gym and decrease calorie intake each week, so far it has been working pretty good.

7 weeks in plenty of time to cut down! You can do it!!!! 10lbs is very doable! Let me know how you are doing each week You exersize plan sounds good too!!!

 

[archdandy]

I'm using sparkpeople too! If you wanna look me up or add me as a friend my username is archdandy3828. I'm 136lbs right now and 5'1". My wedding is in June and we are going to WDW for our honeymoon. I started out in January at 156lbs and am trying to get down to 120lbs or as close to it as I can get by the wedding. I'll keep you guys updated. Mostly I am just watching my calories (no more than 1500 a day) and excercising like mad. It takes a lot of excercise for me to lose weight. On a good week I will lose 2lbs and a normal week 1lb. Lately I've been doing an hour on the elliptical 2-3 times a week and strength training 2 times a week for half an hour and also other fitness activites on other days like yoga or walking or bike riding.

Good thread

The last time I tried on my wedding dress I weighed 136 pounds. I'm now down to 126, and I only want to lose a few more and then maintain it. I was never much of an exerciser so doing anything helps for me, I'm doing the Couch 2 5K running program, as well as using Wii exercise programs. I use sparkpeople.com to monitor my calorie intake. Drinking a lot of water does help. Also, I agree with the above poster that you should treat yourself to dessert. It always makes me feel better! I get a lot of the 100 calorie packs and also Breyer's and Weight Watchers ice cream bars that aren't too bad. Also, I live alone right now and just don't buy anything unhealthy that might tempt me. I think things will be harder when I move back in with my parents for 2 months and there's tons of unhealthy snacks!

 

[princesswendy720]

I've been on weight watchers for over 2 years. I lost about 25 pounds and have kept it off for 2 years. It's a simple formula - low fat, low carb, high protein, high fiber foods and portion control. I don't really recommend the cereal diet or any fad diet as they are not ideal for sustained, long term weight loss. They are more of a quick fix- and when you go back to your normal routine you are more likely to gain back all the weight. What I've learned over the last few years is that you really need to change your lifestyle..how and what you eat. I really don't exercise much at all, so I was able to do this through my diet/lifestyle changes.

 

[MissManners]

Yes, he did the classic one. I knew of the lean program because he and his friend have baited me with it.... "come on, you won't be superwoman!" But I don't like to sweat... I have done a few of the workouts with them like kempo, plyos (I almost died!), and yoga (I'm too silly for that). I even did arms and shoulders one day, but for fear of getting man arms (and pure laziness), I wouldn't lift more than ten (like one day would pump me up!).

Hahaha yea if you don't like to sweat then I wouldn't recommend it! I use very light weights, 3-5 lbs and just do more reps so I don't bulk up. Kempo kicks my butt every time!

 

[Mindyjoy]

I agree with PrincessWendy. Fad diets are ultimately ineffective and sometimes bad for your health. The key to weight loss and keeping it off is a combo of healthy eating and staying active. Counting calories and paying attention to portion sizes is the best place to start.

When I was trying to lose weight I also reduced the amount of animal products I was eating. My best friend is vegan and gave me some pointers. Morningstar sausages are REALLY good and have a lot of protein, also Gardien products are delicious especially the chipotle lime chicken strips. I want to eat them every day. I also switched to egg beaters, laughing cow cheese wedges to replace mayo, and soy milk (Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla is really good).

 

[SleepingBeautyBride]

Hello!!

I found a weight loss ticker if anyone wants to join in. I went ahead and put mine in my signautre. You can measure your progress by waist size, weight, weight lost, etc Its actually pretty cool and a fun little motivator!!!

 

[FutureMrs.B]

I've been on weight watchers for over 2 years. I lost about 25 pounds and have kept it off for 2 years. It's a simple formula - low fat, low carb, high protein, high fiber foods and portion control. I don't really recommend the cereal diet or any fad diet as they are not ideal for sustained, long term weight loss. They are more of a quick fix- and when you go back to your normal routine you are more likely to gain back all the weight. What I've learned over the last few years is that you really need to change your lifestyle..how and what you eat. I really don't exercise much at all, so I was able to do this through my diet/lifestyle changes.

Do you do the new one (points plus)? I'm a bit anxious bc I've heard mixed reviews. I only want to lose 10-15 pounds but I have the same point allowance as people who are heavier than I am. I was just wondering what your experience has been.

 

[princesswendy720]

Do you do the new one (points plus)? I'm a bit anxious bc I've heard mixed reviews. I only want to lose 10-15 pounds but I have the same point allowance as people who are heavier than I am. I was just wondering what your experience has been.

Yes, I switched to online only once I hit my goal weight - so I didn't have a choice but to use points plus once they made the switch (I don't have my old paper calculator or anything). I really haven't noticed that much of a change - but I do eat fewer carbs now because the points on those items went up the most. I've also been eating more fruits and veggies since they are 0 points on the new program (even bananas!). But I don't find that I'm eating more/less overall. I also can't estimate the points on something by looking at the nutrition info like I used to. I got the minimum amount of points on the old and new program (18 vs 29). When I stick within my points and drink all my fluids, the program still works like a dream! If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

I did this before and it worked great!! I plan on doing this again starting May 1st for the wedding diet The thing that works the best for me is counting calories!

I just looked at this--- it looks great, and free! And I'm starting May 1st too!!!!!

 

[brer rabbit 28]

This is a great thread ladies! I'm sure we will all be feeling much more motivated by reading this and helping each other along the healthy eating path (diets a dirty word. It makes me feel deprived of food!!).

I can't wait now to get my plaster off so I can be in control of the shopping again

Another good tip that I've tried before and really did help was juicing. I would have cereal for breakfast and then make a veg and fruit juice to take to work with me. If I drink it slowly throughout the morning then I didn't feel the need to eat loads at lunchtime. It also made me feel full of energy and may skin was much clearer. Here's what I put in, although you can juice almost anything:

3 green apples for sweetness
big handfull of spinach
half a cucumber
2 carrots
stick of celery
slice of lemon and a small slice of ginger to give it a little kick!

Juice it all down and then mix in a blender with half an avocado. This made it a little thicker like a milkshake and made it taste really creamy.

It does create a bit of washing up first thing in the morning but the benefits are worth it. Have a look at Jason Vales website. He has some great juicing recipes.