Need Advice About Losing Weight

I started Weight Watchers online on 12/12/08 and I have lost 18 pounds and my husband has lost 37! I love it!
A.

Another vote for Weight Watcher's online. It's not really a diet, more of a lifestyle change. I joined last summer and lost 15 pounds in about 12 weeks. I've kept it off, too. No foods are forbidden and you don't have to eat specific foods. Oh, I also did not exercise during the weight loss, but now I'm walking because it makes me feel good. Also, check out the Hungry Girl website (just google the name). She started out as a WW blogger and now has her own website with great low calorie food finds and recipes. Good luck.

Richard Simmons plan may be old, but the idea of eating 1200 calories per day is not outdated. That is what you should be eating to lose weight (unless you are extremely overweight, then you will need more than that at first). I do have a suggestion though. Try to eat ALL 1200 calories. I was losing and then hit a plateau. I realized that I was only eating around 1000 per day. Once I started eating 1200 I lost again. You don't want your body to think it's starving and try to hold onto the fat. Also, drink TONS of water. It is hard sometimes, but maybe you could bring a few bottles with you and drink while you clean (which must be great exercise!). Good luck! I have lost 25 lbs since September and I have 32 lbs left to get to my goal.

BTW, I am on Nutrisystem and I love it!

Another vote for Weight watchers. I really think it is the healthiest way to lose weight and still enjoy foods you love. 1-2 pounds a week is normal and safe as far as weight loss goes.

Your house cleaning is probably really good cardio type exercise, and I am sure you definitely work up a sweat...but have you been doing it a long time? Your body gets used to exercise after a while and you have to change it up sometimes. Maybe add in some weights a few times a week at home. Just 5 pound weights would work.

Good Luck! Losing weight is hard and frustrating work.

KD,
1-2 pounds per week on average is perfect as you will more likely keep it off. Exercise! Walk moderately 6 days a week for a 1/2 hour if you can. On your lunch, with a stroller in the mall.....whatever works for you. Yo Yo dieting can cause metabolism imbalance too. There is a science behind it, but you can get that weight off without starving yourself and feel great at the same time. You can lose inches at the same time with a better change of keeping it off with leucine in your diet and some weight bearing exercises to help keep your metabolism stable. You should eat something like this:
Aim for this distribution:
40-45% of your calories should be Complex Carbohydrates. Pick low glycemic carbs with lots of fiber like whole grains, beans and plant based phytonutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
25-30% of your calories should come from lean protein foods like soy, low or nonfat dairy, fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids and lean poultry.
25-30% of your calories should come from healthy fats like olives, nuts. avocados and seeds. Just be careful about your portions.

All that said I have a diet plan that can make it a lot easier. My husband is on the plan and feels fabulous. Men lost 2-3 pounds per week. He has been on since January 1st and this is the first week he has not lost, but he has lost inches. He feels really good and is never hungry. If you have interest look at my website to see the science of it. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Whatever you decide good luck! www.cinchplan.com/healinghappens

First off, thank you to you and your husband for your military service. 2nd, I think 11 lbs in 2 months is excellent. I do not think it is healthy to loose more than 3-4 lbs a months. I also think you could up your calories to 1500 a day. If your calorie intake is too low, your metabolism slows down and goes against the weight loss program. Good luck and keep up the good work.

I exercise all the time because I love it. The only thing that has helped me make significant changes in fat loss has been the "Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno.
I've done weight watchers, and everything else you can think of. This diet works and will teach your kiddos how to grow up healthy so they don't inherit the same issues.
Good Luck!

I am also trying to loose weight. I found the coolest website and its FREE. Its Lance Armstrong's wwww.livestrong.com The site is full of nutrition and fitness info as well as "the daily plate" where you log everything you're eating. It'll ask you your weight, height, age etc then tell you how many calories a day you should be eating to lose 1 or 2 lbs a week. Its very neat. I figuared out I was not eating nearly enough calories to lose weight. Now that I'm eating enough, I am loosing weight. Best of luck in your journey!

Arbonne has a great weight lose program that is all natural and really works.
http://www.gofigure8.com/tools/diary_index.asp

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of any help to you.
____@____.com
www.barbfullen.myarbonne.com

Good Luck to You!
B.

For anyone trying to lose weight, exercise (not just cleaning houses) is extremely important. If you do some weightlifting and/or resistance training, it will help you burn fat and lose weight that simply changing your diet won't do. You don't need to pump iron to become a body builder. Simply lift 5 to 10 lbs using free weights at home or do some resistance exercises (i.e. pushing against a wall), and you'll get the results you're seeking. The 1200 calories a day that you're eating should include lots of fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Also remember that as you build some muscle and watch the fat disappear you might gain a pound or two, because muscle weights more than fat. What you'll notice first is that you clothes will fit or be too big. It's a much better success indicator than a scale.

You might consider meeting with a professional trainer. I go to the City of Allen's Natatorium, and they are great sources of information or what you should (and shouldn't) do to exercise and eat properly.

Good luck!