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Im lookin for an easy solution to lose weight!

what if I eat...
2 slices of wheat bread with peanut butter, with fruit
bowl of oatmeal, with fruit
can of peas, and a piece of fruit
and that would be it for a day, is this enough and balanced enoughed to lose weight and stay healthy?


Wed. Dec 7, 2:28am

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I am not an expert on the subject at all, but I do know that the menu you suggested does not have enough calories to sustain an adult. Going below 1200 calories (for most people, depending on your current size and height) puts you at risk for malnourishment. The body is designed to feed off of itself if it is not given enough calories per day. In fact, the body will burn muscle before it gets around to burning any fat because it thinks it is in starvation mode, and will need the fat for later. Please take a look at the food pyramid (mypyramid.com) for some excellent ideas. There is no quick fix or easy solution to losing weight...less calories in, more calories burned. Best of luck!

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 4:44 AM

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So are you saying this is what you want to eat every day? Or is this just what you ate today? It's not horrible, just for one day I think, but I would tend to think it's not enough calories and nutrients for you. All of these can be great foods in a diet, but variety is healthy and so much more fun. I think some veggies are needed - not just peas. Good luck!

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 4:56 AM

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First, there is no easy quick fix. Usually the easy, quick fixes, 95% of the time, the weight comes back on plus more. Could you really sustain eating the same thing over and over again? Maybe to get some ideas, you could look at some group members logs? or some of the members in the spotlight?

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 7:07 AM

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I don't see much protein in your choices. Protein is an essential part of any balanced diet.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 7:12 AM

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Body for life gives you a lot of great ideas of how to lose weight and develop a real energy for the things you like to do. It's easy to flip through and read.

Link

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 7:19 AM

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Pretty much your whole diet is carbohydrates - two pieces of bread, oatmeal, and all the fruits. You are only getting a little protein and fat from the peanut butter. You need 1200 calories a day (definitely not less than 1000), and you need a relatively even balance of where the calories come from!

Right now,
2 slices of ww bread = 200 calories
2T peanut butter = 180 cals
bowl of oatmeal = 150 cals (for 1/2 cup dry rolled oats)
3 pieces of fruit, maybe = 300 calories, probably less
can of peas = 100 cals

total = 930 calories
750 of these calories are from carbohydrates! That means that over 80% of your calories are coming from carbohydrates - far too many! The Zone diet, for example, tells you to have 40% calories from carbs, 30% from fat and 30% from protein. Fats and proteins are more filling than carbs, and are harder for your body to break down. You'll feel better if you add some of each, and cut the carbs. Maybe either have toast OR oatmeal, not both, but add some cheese and a chicken breast cooked with a little oil, on a bed of spinach leaves, and you'll be much better off! Also, veggies that are fresh (or even frozen) are much better for you than canned, which usually have a lot of salt and not as much nutrients.

Good luck! And add some calories, protein and fat!

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 10:55 AM

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Dieting vs Behavior Change

To the original poster:

There is a thread in the community forum with the subject "Dieting vs Behavior Change. It has a lot of comments from a lot of different people on how best to go about losing weight.

If you take a look at this thread, I'm sure you will could get a lot of insight on the subject of how best to go about losing weight and keeping it off.

Good luck!

Digby

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 3:44 PM

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There is no quick fix, losing weight takes time and planning and a lot of work. I'm surprise that you would even ask, is this some sort of joke? If not I highly suggest you seek professional help with a diet and exercise program.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 10:04 PM

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I agree with the previous poster. When I read this I just shook my head. Just that fact that you have asked it makes me think you know that it's really not a good diet.

Thursday, December 08, 2005, 9:06 AM

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The above two posts seem a little harsh to me, although I do agree with the thought that there is no quick fix to weight loss - if there was, we'd all be skinny!

To the original poster: PeerTrainer is a very supportive community with a huge amount of collective knowledge about what works and what doesn't in weight loss. Please follow the above suggestions about looking at past threads and checking out the spotlight members (I know Kissmekate has lost a lot, I'm sure others have also, but I haven't been following them as closely). Also check out the logs that have been made public (you can find a list in the blog). Finally, join several groups, and keep asking questions here!

If you are ready to commit to a lifetime (or even just one day :) of improving yourself and your habits, we are ready to support you every step of the way.

~B

Thursday, December 08, 2005, 10:20 AM

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I totally agree

I think we have all been there at some point- where we think: geez, isn't there an easier way?
So that's a totally normal question.
You may want to look into the "Phase" diets, like South Beach, Weight Watchers, and others, where you restrict your intake of certain white carbs and sugars in the first couple of weeks. Those allow you to get a psychological boost (although it is mostly water weight you lose) and give you the push to continue with some more permanent changes.
Take heart, and good luck!
Sophie

Thursday, December 08, 2005, 1:51 PM

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I am the original poster...

I have been dieting for quite some time and I do know there is no easy solution to losing weight, however I am looking for an easier way than just diet and excercise, Thank you to all the positive posters on this thread, and to the rest of you, Find something better to do with your time rather than critize others to make yourselves feel whole and that is no joke!

Thursday, December 08, 2005, 3:27 PM

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To the OP: I wasn't going to say anything, as I'm still fairly new here, but your response to this thread bothered me. There isn't enough information about in your original post to really answer your question fully - Do you exercise at all? Current weight? Height? Weight to lose? Trying to just lose a little for a special event? (It seems like many of the questions on here regarding diet leave out this important info) Therefore, you shouldn't be surprised to get a varied response because we don't know your situation. Everyone who responded basically said the same thing based on the info you provided (there isn't an easy way & this diet would not be healthy), but some just said it in a gentler way and some gave detailed advice.

When I read your question, I had the same reaction as the 2 people had the guts to call you on the validity of this question. I was surprised someone said they sounded harsh, but actually what that diet would do to your body over time would be harsh and I think these responders were just being honest. This is supposed to be a supportive environment, but supportive of what? Eating disorders? The diet mentioned is unhealthy, unrealistic & unsustainable as are ALL very restrictive diets. If someone was on that diet for a long period, I would advise them to seek professional help too! (And I have, I have a degree in dietetics & I used to volunteer at a teen center in college.) I'd be surprised if someone on this "diet" wasn't binging frequently. However, if someone needed to lose 5 pounds to fit into that black dress in a few weeks, a short-term restrictive diet would do it, BUT they WILL gain those pounds back as soon as they stop the diet.

I would question why anyone not under a doctor's care would put themselves on a very restrictive diet. As so many here have said, weight loss is about modifying your behavior to eat a HEALTHY diet and to EXERCISE (you cannot get around it!). Take a look at your whole situation and do what is healthy, which isn't easy and no "diet" will keep the weight off for the long term. Health isn't a number on the scale or a dress size.

I really and truly do wish you good luck and good health.

Thursday, December 08, 2005, 5:31 PM

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Not safe for everyday, but you could work in a day like this in the week

Like fasting, you could have a day or two during the week where you seriously restrict your calorie intake, and that may help jump start your weight loss.

What alarms people here is the idea that you are planning to starve yourself day after day. Not a good plan, and you'll suffer from malnutrition- and possibly develop an eating disorder.

The real emphasis should be on developing a healthy diet and exercise plan you can maintain as a way of life, not crash weight loss.

But it can be discouraging to be doing everything right and not see results.

I don't see anything wrong with working in a few days throughout the month where you eat very little, as long as it's not your main diet plan.

Friday, December 09, 2005, 11:52 AM

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Question for OP and some suggestions

If there were an easier way than diet and exercise, wouldn't we all know about it? Besides gastric bypass surgery which IMHO is a terrible solution. I didn't get fat quickly, so it's unreasonable to think it will come off quickly or easily. Life ain't fair and that may be the hardest lesson I've had to learn.

BUT, I think if you can find aspects of diet and exercise that you can feel good about, it makes the process easier. If the mindset is diet and restriction, it's all negative and will never be easier for you. What can you feel GOOD about in relation to diet and exercise that will make it more pleasurable for you?

Maybe find an exercise or sport that you love by trying new things. Learn to be a better cook, using wholesome ingredients. Heck, maybe even become a gardener and grow your own vegetables - a source of pride and good health.

I've lost 80# and maintained that loss for over 2 years and there are a few things that I (personally) know to be true:

* Everything in moderation. Lots of restriction will derail your diet eventually.
* Find exercise that you love and set goals that keep you motivated.
* Weight training, weight training, weight training.
* Nurture your body with proper nutrition and exercise and you will be rewarded. A lifetime focus on healthy living will pay off.
* Find ways other than the numbers on the scale to measure your success: clothing fitting better, stronger more defined muscles, running/biking longer than you ever could before.

Good luck.


Friday, December 09, 2005, 1:37 PM

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great thread given the recent discussion of atkins and fat smashers.

Thursday, October 05, 2006, 2:04 PM

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Me, too.

I have tried all the fads and popular diets and am finally conviced that wataching calories and exercies is the only way to go and feel great. But, I also found out that all calories are not created equal. Junk food provides little to no nutrition and will rob your health and energy. Now I am a huge endorser of a balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies. Weight Watchers Core and Flex are awesome plans.

Thursday, October 05, 2006, 5:01 PM

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Regarding your sample menu. That is not bad for a day. You do need to mix it up a bit for better nutrition. Also, consider a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement. I like Nature's Plus brand. It helps a lot, but only in addition to healthy eating. Supplements don't replace food, they enhance it.

Thursday, October 05, 2006, 5:05 PM

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where is your protein?

You muscles need protein!!!!!!

Thursday, October 05, 2006, 7:52 PM

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Oatmeal has protein, and so does PB. :)
I can suggest maybe throwing in some lean turkey bacon with breakfast (just a few strips) and maybe alternating that with one egg fried in Pam. Very filling, choc full of protein, and low in cals.
I think your plan (short-term) looks great. I would suggest doing it only for about 4-6 weeks, and just finding alternatives to the can of peas or even the 2 slices w/PB, so you don't get bored.
I'd also not advise to go below 1200 cals, unless you can alternate 1000 and 1200 cal days, with maybe some 1500 cal days in there on workout days? I think the choices are great, just give yourself some alternates, and always, of course, the mental flexibility to eat slightly more if you're really hungry.
Also, stay away from Diet soda (makes you crave sweets) and try to drink mostly water. I've found that 8 oz. water before meals and 8 oz. during is a great rule of thumb for me to eat enough for my body, but not too much.
Good luck, let us know how you do! How much are you looking to lose?

Friday, October 06, 2006, 8:29 AM

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bump

Friday, October 06, 2006, 1:23 PM

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Bump??? Bump what??? I didn't know we could bump posts off like craigslist. I have seen some I'd like to bump. Someone has probably wanted to bump mine. It always peaks my curiosity when it happens, although I probably really better off not knowing. I have to literallly do a mental check saying "Wait..I really don't want to know, as I might regret knowing."

Anyway. We should probably stay on subject. I think this has been a good thread.

Friday, October 06, 2006, 4:58 PM

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Quick fix????

Eat less & exercise more! Calories in calories out!

Did you get fat quick? No?

Then you won't get skinny quick either!

Saturday, October 07, 2006, 12:15 AM

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easy there, 4:58pm

a "bump" keeps the thread going. It "bumps" it to the top of the list so people can see it and keep it going.


Sunday, October 08, 2006, 10:56 AM

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What if you have lowered your calorie intake but are not seeing the results? Does that mean that raising your intensity/duration of exercise is more effective at weight loss? I want to lose 10 lbs but firm up my abs and thighs at the same time...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 4:27 PM

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bump


Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 11:32 AM

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