Dieting & Weight Loss

[MooseBreath]

I think the obsession with calories is a bit of a falsehood, you can consume as many calories as you want as long as you burn them off, I think you need to be more aware of the amount of fat you consume, that is really the problem, being too fat, I know calories lead to fat, but so does fat, I get pissed off when I see low calorie options that are actually very fatty.

A calorie is a calorie. Fifty calories from fat is the same as fifty from carbs or protein. Fat isn't the reason most people are fat. Most people are fat because of too much sugar, which is a carb. The most misleading foods are actually the 'low fat' foods because while they may well be low in fat, they are often loaded with sugar.

[JonnyBoy]

A calorie is a calorie. Fifty calories from fat is the same as fifty from carbs or protein. Fat isn't the reason most people are fat. Most people are fat because of too much sugar, which is a carb. The most misleading foods are actually the 'low fat' foods because while they may well be low in fat, they are often loaded with sugar.

things like healthy cereal bars are a scam because they are packed with 'carbohydrates of which are sugars' being a high content, thus turning into fat

[SOCCERROO FOX]

I can assure you its correct. I have allocated 25 cal per cup of tea, but I should have said recently I've not been having any sugar in my tea for the past 10 days or so. I'm not sure if I omitted to mention this or not, but thought I had elsewhere in the thread. I allocate 25 cal per cup of tea since we often have full fat milk at work, but I still don't have mine sugary.

I do eat a lot of fruit though, which contains natural sugars.

I have a list of everything I've consumed for the last couple of weeks, some days its been as high as 1200, but ordinarily circa 950/1000. One day when I was particularly busy at work, it was about 820.

Can i suggest swapping your normal tea for green tea as it doesn't need sugar. The Benifits of Green Tea are really good worth reading up about it.

Last year I lost about 50-55 pounds (25kgs), since my younger days of playing AFL and Cricket i hadn't been very active. Didn't set myself any real goals other than to manage a 10km fun run and to be able to do it with out walking, would die after about 500m of running at the start can now run 15kms.

All i mainly did was cut out most carbs, eat pretty strict watching the calories with out starving myself Monday - Friday (Tried to stay under 1200 cals) and tried to minimise poor eating on the weekends but i would still go out on weekends. During the week i would have one PT session and 2-3 gym sessions and mixed up weights and cardio.

Just basically used common sense, knowing what is good and bad etc. But i didn't want it to effect my social life, dieting and excersise is hard enough and can get you down, with out a social life it's even worse. So if i went out for Tea with mates might have one beer or just water (Only ever drink those 2 and green tea) steak and vegies (no spuds). Also try not to get down on myself so if i had a bad day, I would just try harder the next day.

Also I wouldn't recommend using scales I actually don't own any, only know how much i lost as my trainer weighed me at the start and then again about a month ago. I know i was losing weight by people telling me and my clothes becoming really baggy. Once people start telling you that's the best all though i get embarrsed it strives me to keep going. Some bloke at the gym last night i've never spoken to commented on my weight loss as i was leaving that helped me make the decsion to have a Tuna Salad for dinner as apposed to a pasta dish.

[FoxesAreBlue]

A calorie is a calorie. Fifty calories from fat is the same as fifty from carbs or protein. Fat isn't the reason most people are fat. Most people are fat because of too much sugar, which is a carb. The most misleading foods are actually the 'low fat' foods because while they may well be low in fat, they are often loaded with sugar.

Close, but be careful as fat has 9kcal per gram compared to 4kcal/g for both protein and carbs.

As for the guy judging people on what they drink out of, When I'm training I tend to drink from a golden chalice engraved with precious gems and rubies, crowned with a blood diamond - at first I thought it may be pretentious then then I thought fvck it. I AM pretentious so I totally agree.

People drinking water from a shaker clearly have no idea - i'd even go as far as to question their sanity/sexual persuasion.

[Captain...]

A calorie is a calorie. Fifty calories from fat is the same as fifty from carbs or protein. Fat isn't the reason most people are fat. Most people are fat because of too much sugar, which is a carb. The most misleading foods are actually the 'low fat' foods because while they may well be low in fat, they are often loaded with sugar.

So why do I see low calorie products that are quite high in fat? And how do different types of fat work with calories, saturated and trans fats are worse than natural fats like those found in nuts and avocados?

[The People's Hero]

Can i suggest swapping your normal tea for green tea as it doesn't need sugar. The Benifits of Green Tea are really good worth reading up about it.

Last year I lost about 50-55 pounds (25kgs), since my younger days of playing AFL and Cricket i hadn't been very active. Didn't set myself any real goals other than to manage a 10km fun run and to be able to do it with out walking, would die after about 500m of running at the start can now run 15kms.

All i mainly did was cut out most carbs, eat pretty strict watching the calories with out starving myself Monday - Friday (Tried to stay under 1200 cals) and tried to minimise poor eating on the weekends but i would still go out on weekends. During the week i would have one PT session and 2-3 gym sessions and mixed up weights and cardio.

Just basically used common sense, knowing what is good and bad etc. But i didn't want it to effect my social life, dieting and excersise is hard enough and can get you down, with out a social life it's even worse. So if i went out for Tea with mates might have one beer or just water (Only ever drink those 2 and green tea) steak and vegies (no spuds). Also try not to get down on myself so if i had a bad day, I would just try harder the next day.

Also I wouldn't recommend using scales I actually don't own any, only know how much i lost as my trainer weighed me at the start and then again about a month ago. I know i was losing weight by people telling me and my clothes becoming really baggy. Once people start telling you that's the best all though i get embarrsed it strives me to keep going. Some bloke at the gym last night i've never spoken to commented on my weight loss as i was leaving that helped me make the decsion to have a Tuna Salad for dinner as apposed to a pasta dish.

I'm doing about 2 cups of green tea a day and slowly getting in to it. I do enjoy the healthier food, what I find difficult is that my wife is eating exactly what she fancies, which I prepare for her every night and that is when I fancy those foods. When they are out of sight, they really are out of mind.

Same reason I've stashed all our booze away with no sign of it in sight!

[Unabomber]

Close, but be careful as fat has 9kcal per gram compared to 4kcal/g for both protein and carbs.

As for the guy judging people on what they drink out of, When I'm training I tend to drink from a golden chalice engraved with precious gems and rubies, crowned with a blood diamond - at first I thought it may be pretentious then then I thought fvck it. I AM pretentious so I totally agree.

People drinking water from a shaker clearly have no idea - i'd even go as far as to question their sanity/sexual persuasion.

Close, but he said fifty calories of fat are the same as fifty calories of carbs or protein which is correct. However 50calories of fat is 5.5grams, while 50calories of carbs or protein is 12.5grams. It is just that you can get more volume by eating carbs and protein, however fat is essential for hormone regulation and general health, so I get angry when I see the media spout these low fat diets and products, which compensate for the lack of fat (flavour) with unnatural refined sugars instead (a good example of this is low fat yogurts)

[FoxesAreBlue]

Close, but he said fifty calories of fat are the same as fifty calories of carbs or protein which is correct. However 50calories of fat is 5.5grams, while 50calories of carbs or protein is 12.5grams. It is just that you can get more volume by eating carbs and protein, however fat is essential for hormone regulation and general health, so I get angry when I see the media spout these low fat diets and products, which compensate for the lack of fat (flavour) with unnatural refined sugars instead (a good example of this is low fat yogurts)

That's what I was trying to get at really, you worded it better.

A general rule of thumb is to read "Low Fat" as "Chemical Shit-storm" also, by law the low fat version only has to have less than the original so the difference can be marginal - always read the nutritional information on the back.

[Poakey]

Has fasting been mentioned?

I have been fasting for a day a week for the last 2 months and lost about a stone. Also seems to help on other days as i dont seem to feel so hungry as i used to.

[Unabomber]

Has fasting been mentioned?

I have been fasting for a day a week for the last 2 months and lost about a stone. Also seems to help on other days as i dont seem to feel so hungry as i used to.

I have used intermittent fasting before which is amazing. I would fast 16 hours and have an 8 hour "eating window" so I would eat between 1pm and 9pm and basically it makes it easier to diet as you can eat more substantial meals while still losing weight. It is very easy to stick to aswell. Although I would never fast a day as your body needs macro and micronutrients within each 24hour day, it will also result in muscle loss.

[ADK]

So why do I see low calorie products that are quite high in fat? And how do different types of fat work with calories, saturated and trans fats are worse than natural fats like those found in nuts and avocados?

Fat is about 9 calories per gram and it dosn't matter what type of fat it is. The type of fat may be important for people with raised cholesterol, saturated fat is linked with raised cholesterol. When it comes to energy, they all contain 9 calories per gram, whether its olive oil or bacon rind. Its a common misconception amongst dieters that unsaturated fat contains less calories. If a product is low calorie and high in fat it must be that they are banking on you having a small portion.

[Haydos]

I think the obsession with calories is a bit of a falsehood, you can consume as many calories as you want as long as you burn them off, I think you need to be more aware of the amount of fat you consume, that is really the problem, being too fat, I know calories lead to fat, but so does fat, I get pissed off when I see low calorie options that are actually very fatty.

I'm currently trying to shift a couple of pounds, but by changing my habits, such as stopping snacking on cheese and bread, and eating smaller portions and cooking more from scratch and doing more exercise.

I firmly believe this is a fvck up by the government in the long term. All that needs promoting is a balanced diet and portion control, not 'fat is the devil'. People have gone on too long thinking fat is the enemy and scoffing their faces with bread, rice, pasta and potatoes thinking they're eating 'healthy' when in actual fact any carbohydrates that they don't use will be stored as fat.

And you'll rarely see low-calorie options that are very fatty as fat has 9kcal per gram compared to 4kcal that protein and carbs have.

[MooseBreath]

thinking they're eating 'healthy'

A lot of people don't seem to realise that a healthy diet is not synonymous with a diet which will help you lose weight as well. From a pure weight loss perspective there is no difference between eating a 1000 calorie salad and a 1000 calorie box of fried chicken. You can eat all the most unhealthy foods and still lose weight so long as you are in a calorie deficit. Likewise you can eat all the healthiest foods and still become fat if you're in a calorie surplus. Things like pasta which you mentioned are loaded with calories. People eat them thinking they're being healthy and will lose weight when in fact they're probably just as well sticking with chips.

To be fair I think the new colour coded packaging you get on some foods is pretty good. It's now clearer than ever to see exactly what you're getting and makes it harder to hide behind 'low fat' or 'healthy option' labels.

[Haydos]

A lot of people don't seem to realise that a healthy diet is not synonymous with a diet which will help you lose weight as well. From a pure weight loss perspective there is no difference between eating a 1000 calorie salad and a 1000 calorie box of fried chicken. You can eat all the most unhealthy foods and still lose weight so long as you are in a calorie deficit. Likewise you can eat all the healthiest foods and still become fat if you're in a calorie surplus.

To be fair I think the new colour coded packaging you get on some foods is pretty good. It's now clearer than ever to see exactly what you're getting and makes it harder to hide behind 'low fat' or 'healthy option' labels.

While having a very high fat diet long term probably isn't the best, a lot of people are still scared of having it as part of their diet. Not enough is made of the recommended calories and not worrying too much about the percentage of macros you eat.

[The People's Hero]

I'm glad fried chicken was mentioned as I just ate some! Boss' treat for the staff so I couldn't refuse.

Extra few press ups tonight (probably need about 300 per piece of chicken!!)

[lucymountain]

Don't see it as a diet, see it as a lifestyle change. If you have enough motivation, you will get there!

I swear by green tea, i drink about 4 cups a day and it works wonders

[FoxyPV]

TPH - get a chin up bar. You can get one on Amazon for about £10. They are the dogs balls.

Edit - Search for Iron gym. It hooks on to the door rather than destroying the door frame.

[FoxesAreBlue]

Someone mention that excess carbs get converted to, and stored as fat. True story. So does protein, it's often why you see all of the muscle Mary's in the gym with huge chests and arms on top of a lovely beer(protein)belly. Often being badly hidden under a weight belt.

Surprise surprise, It all comes back to the old balanced diet again!

[SOCCERROO FOX]

Don't see it as a diet, see it as a lifestyle change. If you have enough motivation, you will get there!

I swear by green tea, i drink about 4 cups a day and it works wonders

Get on the Vanilla Green Tea, have 2 large cups a day generally don't mind the taste either.

[Alexikokopops]

Someone mention that excess carbs get converted to, and stored as fat. True story. So does protein, it's often why you see all of the muscle Mary's in the gym with huge chests and arms on top of a lovely beer(protein)belly. Often being badly hidden under a weight belt.

Surprise surprise, It all comes back to the old balanced diet again!

Is this why everyone on the World's Strongest Man just looks fat?

[Haydos]

TPH - get a chin up bar. You can get one on Amazon for about £10. They are the dogs balls.

Edit - Search for Iron gym. It hooks on to the door rather than destroying the door frame.

I'll add a recommendation for a chin up bar. Chins ups and pull ups are great exercises and the bar is great for upper body work with these and their progressions.

[The People's Hero]

I'll add a recommendation for a chin up bar. Chins ups and pull ups are great exercises and the bar is great for upper body work with these and their progressions.

Thanks - I will. There are loads on amazon, and I don't want to do any damage to any door frames etc - can anyone kindly link me a good one (don't want to spend too much)

Not being lazy, just don't really know what I'm looking for.

[Haydos]

Thanks - I will. There are loads on amazon, and I don't want to do any damage to any door frames etc - can anyone kindly link me a good one (don't want to spend too much)

Not being lazy, just don't really know what I'm looking for.

I doubt there'll be any 'bad' ones. They just hook over the doorframe and because the weight is spread over the length of the frame there's no real pressure on it.

http://www.amazon.co...59021993&sr=8-2

That should do you fine, cheap and good reviews.

EDIT: There's plenty you can do on them. (Pull ups are palms facing away from you, chin ups are palms facing toward you). There are lots of variations and progressions that all help with upper body strength.

http://www.beastskills.com/tutorials/

This website is great for a variety of things progression-wise. I'm just getting into bodyweight exercises like handstands (a lot included here) and they're an awesome workout. I think I'd recommend the push up route, handstands, pistol squats and pull ups as a routine to hit your whole body.

[Unabomber]

Pull ups and press up variations are a great starting point for working out, especially seeing as you can do both at home.

[The People's Hero]

Thanks guys - and the 'at home' stuff really appeals. I know I'll do it each day as well.

Thanks for the help. Have ordered.