**Spring Game Challenge**

[chrisleakfan4life]

I am going to start what I'm calling the "Spring Game Challenge". The Spring game is roughly 5 months away so i am going to lose as much weight as i can and give it everything the next 5 months whether its at the dinner table or at the gym.

If things go well, i will possibly look into posting before/after picks and my weight loss numbers.

If anybody else feels like joining in, feel free.

[supagator]

I can't wait!

[Dreamliner]

The gauntlet has been thrown down. Any takers ?

[LeafUF]

Best of luck. Do you have a specific goal or have a plan you will be using?

[StrangeGator]

I started my workout regiment in February of '09 and lost 30 pounds by July. The combination of dinner table and gym were crucial. Didn't count on either one more than the other.

[BossaGator]

Great idea. I'd take part if weight loss was one of my goals. Great way to stay motivated through the holidays & winter months.

[LeafUF]

Setting a goal during the holidays is definitely one of the better ways to keep from overdoing it with all the meals and family stuff that goes on this time of year.

My sister and one of her best friends are actually going to be training for the Arnold which is March 1-4 so hopefully I can just ride their wave of commitment and see what shape I can get into.

[Dreamliner]

One of my trainees was about to bail on me because the eating season is nigh. He was wanting to 'get going again' after New Year's. I convinced him to go into the dragon's lair and lose weight over the holidays. But I'm compromising with him because I do want him to enjoy himself. So, we agreed on a modest weight-loss goal during the holidays, to be accelerated after New Year's.

[your_perfect_enemy]

One of my trainees was about to bail on me because the eating season is nigh. He was wanting to 'get going again' after New Year's. I convinced him to go into the dragon's lair and lose weight over the holidays. But I'm compromising with him because I do want him to enjoy himself. So, we agreed on a modest weight-loss goal during the holidays, to be accelerated after New Year's.

I dont understand his orignl rationale at all... I'm going to be eating a lot over the next 6 weeks so I should stop training? Even if you're going to completely ignore any dietary guidelines/goals why would you make it twice as bad by not excercising?

[Dreamliner]

I dont understand his orignl rationale at all... I'm going to be eating a lot over the next 6 weeks so I should stop training? Even if you're going to completely ignore any dietary guidelines/goals why would you make it twice as bad by not excercising?

Well, actually I see his point. It's almost impossible to out-exercise over-eating. His present exercise routine would hardly have made a dent.

[LeafUF]

Well, actually I see his point. It's almost impossible to out-exercise over-eating. His present exercise routine would hardly have made a dent.

At the same time though there may be some benefit to sticking to your workout routine as it may help you stick to a better diet. I think there has been some evidence of people eating better on days they work out.

[Dreamliner]

At the same time though there may be some benefit to sticking to your workout routine as it may help you stick to a better diet. I think there has been some evidence of people eating better on days they work out.

It does appear that, for many people, exercise and adherence to diet go hand-in-hand. Not for this trainee though. Not so far. And in any case, I suspect I taught him too well. I told him that he would not lose the weight through exercise alone. Knowing that this was the case, he reasoned that if he wasn't going to cut back on food, then what's the use ?

Early in my career, I think it is evident that my primary role is that of an 'eating coach.' That's because the substantial majority of people I work with want to lose weight, and also because my exercise philosophy tends towards 'minimum effective dosage.'

[LeafUF]

I would bet 90% of the general public who use trainers do so to lose weight. And diet is the main way to do that.

Still, since he is going to continue training and maintain modest goals through the holidays it seems you managed to convince him just what the use is. I would have just said you can stick with me and make it through the holidays a little better off or start again in January with even more weight to lose.

[Dreamliner]

I would bet 90% of the general public who use trainers do so to lose weight. And diet is the main way to do that.

Still, since he is going to continue training and maintain modest goals through the holidays it seems you managed to convince him just what the use is. I would have just said you can stick with me and make it through the holidays a little better off or start again in January with even more weight to lose.

Context: after over an hour of intense discussion ... he conceded that it would be better to persevere through the holidays as opposed to waiting until January. And not because he'd be even heavier. He would have predicted that. But because he and I both knew that, knowing him, post-holiday would not be markedly different than pre-holiday in terms of the usual appetite triggers.

And of course it briefly occurred to me that I should invite him to call me back in whenever he finally got serious. But I somehow took this one personally and strongly conveyed to him that his fight was also my fight. I felt like I had to assume it was now or never for this individual.

[slmdLS1]

I changed my lifestyle July 15th 2010, and made short and long term goals

Short Term: 18-22lbs in a month.
Long Term: 100 lbs in a year.

I think i hit my long term goal in 6-7 months. I just recently thought of setting a new goal since the weight is down.

I'd like to have:

1. A 6 pack (or)
2. sub 9% body fat

...by that July 15th date. I might just go ahead and shorten the time frame to the spring game. I think i'm at around 16% now.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Not off to a good start this past week with it being my birthday. But i had a solid day today, took in around 1600 calories though.

Tomorrow is the big day, gonna have to stick to turkey/ham and nothing else.

[LeafUF]

http://www.leangains.com/2010/11/cheat-day-strategies-for-hedonist.html

[Dreamliner]

Holiday caveat: while it is a myth that the average American gains 5-7 pounds over the holiday, more like 1-2, these are pounds that are typically never lost, meaning that the average American may be ten pounds heavier, five years from now, BASED ON HOLIDAY EATING ALONE.

Now, the same study does show that obese people gain 5-7 pounds over the holidays.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Didn't eat much at dinner, some potato's with gravy, couple slices of turkey(not big pieces) and a piece of ham.

Avoiding the dessert and alcohol that's for sure.

[LeafUF]

Ive been eating and drinking all day long. Eff me.

[dylan383]

I am definitely on! Weigh 262 now and want to be 180 by summer. By spring game getting to 200 would be fantastic!

[dylan383]

Anyone else joining?

[Dreamliner]

Anyone else joining?

Don't worry about everyone else. Go for it! We'll be here to cheer you on!

[dylan383]

Sounds great. I am starting today. 263 lbs this morning with the goal of 175 by the spring game. :)

[LeafUF]

Best of luck to you dylan that is a big goal ahead of you. Put together a plan and stick to it.

[dylan383]

Will do. I've had a good two days and weigh now 158. :)

[Dreamliner]

I don't have any weight to lose but hope to be able to bust out a few cool moves by Spring Game. Maybe I'll have to post a vid.

[dylan383]

I weigh 156 today...lost 6 lbs since Dec. 1st. :)

[Dreamliner]

I weigh 156 today...lost 6 lbs since Dec. 1st. :)

What's your secret ? Dismembering limbs ?

[LeafUF]

106 pounds in a few days is certainly a record.

[chrisleakfan4life]

106 pounds in a few days is certainly a record.

Wish i could lose that quick

[Dreamliner]

Wish i could lose that quick

You can do eet!

[dylan383]

No secret...just been watching calories..wasn't doing that. 251 today.

[dylan383]

Oh...and that was a typo...obviously about the 156...256.

[Dreamliner]

Oh...and that was a typo...obviously about the 156...256.

Oh, okay. That does make a difference. Good work! And I'll say it again: eating fewer calories than you need is 100% effective. There isn't a drug in the world you can say that about other than, say, massive dosages of arsenic.

[dylan383]

Oh, okay. That does make a difference. Good work! And I'll say it again: eating fewer calories than you need is 100% effective. There isn't a drug in the world you can say that about other than, say, massive dosages of arsenic.

Absolutely agree...exercise and other things may help but it does come down to calories. My goal is 25 lbs a month. Hope I can do it.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Absolutely agree...exercise and other things may help but it does come down to calories. My goal is 25 lbs a month. Hope I can do it.

Closer you get, 8 pounds a month is more realistic

[Dreamliner]

That's about right. It's not unusual to see 20-25 pounds the first month ... then it tapers. But of course 25 pounds off would be very exciting. I'll never know what that's like.

[dylan383]

Agreed. Well getting 25 this month would be great.

[96Gatorcise]

Dylan, here is some inspiration for you...keep it up

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/my-primal-transformation-discovering-the-art-of-fit/

from the article

Over a 13 week period I managed to lose 43 lbs of fat, going from a little over 30% body fat to 12%.

[Dreamliner]

IF! It works, no matter the food choices. The devil is in the dose and not the food. Consider decreasing food frequency to lose fat. This way you can, in a sense, have your cake and eat it too. You can enjoy the foods you like and fairly substantial meals if you're eating less frequently. I'm basically a two meals a day guy and at the age of 55, I'm leaner than I was when I graduated highschool.

[Dreamliner]

Do the math: a heavy male will likely lose weight steadily on 1.500 calories a day. Eat two meals a day and you get two 750 calorie meals, or maybe a 500 calorie lunch and a 1,000 calorie dinner.

Or, you could eat six meals a day and eat your meals out of thimbles. Your call.

[dylan383]

That's inspiring: "I now weigh 167 lbs with a 29 inch waist at 8% body fat while packing on extra muscle in the process. This all took place in a 6 month period." and the guy was 255, working out 3 times a week but not losing any lbs. I wonder what his calorie restricted diet was--not sure what the primal blueprint is.

[Dreamliner]

That's inspiring: "I now weigh 167 lbs with a 29 inch waist at 8% body fat while packing on extra muscle in the process. This all took place in a 6 month period." and the guy was 255, working out 3 times a week but not losing any lbs. I wonder what his calorie restricted diet was--not sure what the primal blueprint is.

Research: Paleo. Add in basic bodyweight strength routine, occasional wind sprints and lots of walking ... and you basically have the Primal Blueprint. FWIW, I agree with it ... except the rigid Paleo part. Again, the devil is in the dose, not the food choices. Eat thee foods you enjoy, just eat less overall.

[dylan383]

That makes sense. How much walking--3 hours a day--about 9 miles?

[imnotcrazyiswear]

I'll game! I started dieting November 2010 at a whopping 210 lbs. Today I weigh 150 lbs. I will be 120 pounds by the Spring game! Will post before and after pics.

[Dreamliner]

That makes sense. How much walking--3 hours a day--about 9 miles?

If you have the time and inclination to walk that much ... don't let me stand in your way! But for perspective, the average American probably gets 1-2 miles a day, if that. If you were so much as to double that amount ... I bet you'd be happy with your results.

[Dreamliner]

I'll game! I started dieting November 2010 at a whopping 210 lbs. Today I weigh 150 lbs. I will be 120 pounds by the Spring game! Will post before and after pics.

Welcome! Look forward to your 'before' and after' and also hearing how you did it!

[imnotcrazyiswear]

Welcome! Look forward to your 'before' and after' and also hearing how you did it!

Thank ya, thank ya!

[dylan383]

So far surviving the holidays. Walking about five miles a day and at 249. Wanted to get to 238 by year end but will make a big push after new year's day.

[chrisleakfan4life]

Did not do good on my dieting since this thing started but I know what i need to do and i just need to take it a day at a time.

I still think i can reach one of my goals by the spring game though.

I can get down to my major goal weight by June if i stay focused i think but we'll see.

I might be going to Europe this year when my dad does European Delivery on a BMW or Audi so i want to slim down for that trip and its my motivation.

My problem is late night eating and i think i need to eat healthier foods as im earing too much junk high in calories.

Im gonna try to stick more to Chicken, turkey sandwiches, fruit and soup.

Im gonna try to drink more water too and im gonna try get more cardio in.

My "gut" never really bothered me in the past but now im pissed off about it and its time to get over the damn hump once and for all.

Sent from my iPhone using GatorCountry

[Dreamliner]

chris -

Take this for what it's worth but there is a difference between white-knuckling it and acquiring the permanent habit of eating according to your needs. Hint: the first one is very unpleasant and doesn't work long-term. The second one does work and should not be unpleasant as it serves to incorporate foods you enjoy. The first involves deprivation. The second calls for savoring foods you enjoy.

[dylan383]

The new year is here. I'm ready to get serious!

[Dreamliner]

The new year is here. I'm ready to get serious!

It's all downhill from here!

[dylan383]

Sounds great!

[imnotcrazyiswear]

I've lost a total of 70 pounds so far. Obviously my diet did not start when this thread did, but if you have a major amount of weight to lose there is a way to do it. And easily at that.
You have to be committed to it, and want it for yourself. I've always heard of people putting pictures of models on the fridge for motivation. I have a picture of myself at my fattest. I've heard people say don't weigh yourself daily because it causes discouragement. I weigh myself daily because it gives me encouragement. I also use clothes of smaller sizes as a goal, but my goal is only one size at a time. You can't cheat. You're only cheating yourself.
Always keep in mind you have to have something to work up to. If you are trying to lose 50 pounds and you start off walking 3 miles a day, you don't have a lot of room for exercise to work up to. Eventually your body will be used to those 3 miles and you no longer lose weight from doing it. It'll put you at a stand still point. Sure it'll burn your calories, but your body will need an excess of exercise or decrease in calories after a certain amount of time. I started off walking a mile a day and not changing my diet. Now, a year later I'm running at least 2 miles a day, walking probably about a mile.
I eat anything I want. But I don't eat all of it. Now, I eat only half of my meals. So if I have a burger, I cut it in half and eat just the half.
This is my best advice in summary: Leave room for increased exercise and decreased calories if you're trying to lose a larger amount of weight than 30 pounds. 8 pounds a month is about average weight loss. DO NOT DRINK SODA UNLESS IT IS DIET. And don't allow yourself one regular soda a day. Been there, done that. Didn't work. Cherry Coke Zero is great. After a couple of weeks of calorie free soda, it won't miss the taste of it. Don't eat your feelings, run them.
I sincerely hope this advice helps those of you who are struggling with your diet. I know what works for me may not work for you. I'll post pics of my body differences soon, but I really gotta get back to the Broncos game.
Good luck guys.

[tec68]

I am in starting tomorrow.

[imnotcrazyiswear]

Oh yeh, one more thing...Juice is your enemy. Okay bye again. :p

[Dreamliner]

I've lost a total of 70 pounds so far. Obviously my diet did not start when this thread did, but if you have a major amount of weight to lose there is a way to do it. And easily at that.
You have to be committed to it, and want it for yourself. I've always heard of people putting pictures of models on the fridge for motivation. I have a picture of myself at my fattest. I've heard people say don't weigh yourself daily because it causes discouragement. I weigh myself daily because it gives me encouragement. I also use clothes of smaller sizes as a goal, but my goal is only one size at a time. You can't cheat. You're only cheating yourself.
Always keep in mind you have to have something to work up to. If you are trying to lose 50 pounds and you start off walking 3 miles a day, you don't have a lot of room for exercise to work up to. Eventually your body will be used to those 3 miles and you no longer lose weight from doing it. It'll put you at a stand still point. Sure it'll burn your calories, but your body will need an excess of exercise or decrease in calories after a certain amount of time. I started off walking a mile a day and not changing my diet. Now, a year later I'm running at least 2 miles a day, walking probably about a mile.
I eat anything I want. But I don't eat all of it. Now, I eat only half of my meals. So if I have a burger, I cut it in half and eat just the half.
This is my best advice in summary: Leave room for increased exercise and decreased calories if you're trying to lose a larger amount of weight than 30 pounds. 8 pounds a month is about average weight loss. DO NOT DRINK SODA UNLESS IT IS DIET. And don't allow yourself one regular soda a day. Been there, done that. Didn't work. Cherry Coke Zero is great. After a couple of weeks of calorie free soda, it won't miss the taste of it. Don't eat your feelings, run them.
I sincerely hope this advice helps those of you who are struggling with your diet. I know what works for me may not work for you. I'll post pics of my body differences soon, but I really gotta get back to the Broncos game.
Good luck guys.

Nice going! Calorie deficit works 100% of the time! And as far as I'm concerned you accomplished that in the most sensible manner. You continued to eat the foods you enjoy ... just less of them!

I'll bet your health markers are better too.

[imnotcrazyiswear]

Yes, I'm definitely a lot healthier and I feel terrific. The only food that I do enjoy but avoided was honey buns. C'mon 460 calories...gimme a break! But I did recently have a strong craving for one so instead of letting that craving build up, I went and bought one. But instead of driving to the store for it, I ran, skipped lunch, plus added an extra mile to my run. I think letting the craving build up until you burst and eat 10 instead of 1 is a bad idea. Or I'm just telling myself that to ease my guilty conscious. The good note is eating it made me no longer want it. Ate one a few weeks ago and to this day I'm good. Ahhh :)

[Dreamliner]

Yes, I'm definitely a lot healthier and I feel terrific. The only food that I do enjoy but avoided was honey buns. C'mon 460 calories...gimme a break! But I did recently have a strong craving for one so instead of letting that craving build up, I went and bought one. But instead of driving to the store for it, I ran, skipped lunch, plus added an extra mile to my run. I think letting the craving build up until you burst and eat 10 instead of 1 is a bad idea. Or I'm just telling myself that to ease my guilty conscious. The good note is eating it made me no longer want it. Ate one a few weeks ago and to this day I'm good. Ahhh :)

Whatever works. I do think the battle that has to be won is the battle in the mind. Hunger hormones are actually fairly innocuous.

On your portion control, how did that work ? Would you actually buy a hamburger, eat half and then, what ? throw the rest away ?

Folks need to know this stuff!

[imnotcrazyiswear]

When I eat a burger, either my husband or dog eats other half, or I pick at it through out the day. If I pick at my burger, I won't eat a whole half at a time. It's a matter of only eating when you're hungry. Food doesn't taste near as great as healthy feels. :)

[imnotcrazyiswear]

Before:
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m487/imjustascrazyasyouthink/DSC_0311.jpg
Today:
http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m487/imjustascrazyasyouthink/IMG02369.jpg

I will go through c.d.s with body pics of "Before" but for now you should be able to see the difference in the face pic.

[Dreamliner]

Boo-yah! And you did it all by yourself! How exciting!

Please do become a permanent fixture on this forum. I suspect you'll be able to help some folks over here. And again I always find it especially encouraging when I see people losing lots of weight eating the foods they enjoy.

[dylan383]

Excellent. I've lost a little since we started but now with the new year in full swing it is time to give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration.

[imnotcrazyiswear]

Absolutely! I check and read the forums daily. Sometimes I spend too much time here...
If there's anyway I can help, even if it's just to inspire, I will. P.S. I'm still on my weight loss mission.

[dylan383]

How is everyone doing? I'm down ten pounds so far.

[Dreamliner]

I knocked off one of the crazy goals that I had and am getting close to knocking off another. Keep you posted.

[bludigal]

Ok, I am in. I just found this thread today. Started working out a 2 weeks ago or so. I turn 40 this year. My mantra is I can be 40 or fat but not both. So I need to drop 60 pounds by October and 80 by next February. My starting weight was 276 say around 1/1. I started eating healthier (smaller portions calorie reduction) but nothing unattainable. I am looking at this as a lifestyle change not a diet. Today came and I weighed in at 261. So far so good. I want to build muscle and lose fat so I am trying to reduce calories combined with working out. Here is hoping for under 200 by Halloween!

Dream if I forget to check in here just yell at me on a random THFSG thread!

[Dreamliner]

Ok, I am in. I just found this thread today. Started working out a 2 weeks ago or so. I turn 40 this year. My mantra is I can be 40 or fat but not both. So I need to drop 60 pounds by October and 80 by next February. My starting weight was 276 say around 1/1. I started eating healthier (smaller portions calorie reduction) but nothing unattainable. I am looking at this as a lifestyle change not a diet. Today came and I weighed in at 261. So far so good. I want to build muscle and lose fat so I am trying to reduce calories combined with working out. Here is hoping for under 200 by Halloween!

Dream if I forget to check in here just yell at me on a random THFSG thread!

:wave:

[dylan383]

Lent is going to help me

[Dreamliner]

Have achieved two of my three primary goals. Got the one-armed pushup in January. Got the pistol squat in February. Will likely fall short of the double-bodyweight deadlift though. No matter. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm in no big hurry but I'll get it sooner than later.