Stop telling me you lost weight by walking and cutting out beer.
Replies
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »So what is your daily calorie intake?
I average about 1500 including days that I don't have time to eat more than a few bites here and there (full time childcare for the win) and celebratory days that are more calorie dense. but I track and weigh everything and never have a day when I walk less than 20,000 steps and do at least 45 mins of strength training. I'm not complaining about the work I've had to put in, just the people that make it sound like its so easy a rodent could figure it out.
I kind of IS so easy a rodent could figure it out. It isn’t the figuring it out part that’s hard, it’s sticking to it. Eat in a deficit you lose weight. BAM! Figured it out. How you want to achieve that deficit is 100% up to you.
Yes, I stopped drinking soda (I already walked a bunch). I also started weighing my foods and eating in a deficit. The walking helps me STAY in a deficit because sometimes I eat too many calories. I also lift 4-5 times a week and do other cardio besides walking (2nd job is helping husband MOVE commercial gym equipment, also have a treadmill at home, C2 rower, summit trainer, and an arc trainer to help switch up the cardio and avoid boredom).
I’ve lost over 25 lbs with 45 more to lose. Obviously the more I lose, the harder to stay in a deficit as my calorie needs change.
Again, figuring out HOW to lose weight is easy. Figuring out how YOU individually can accomplish it, is much harder.13 -
Full disclosure, I've hit a plateau in my weight loss and it had made me more than a bit salty. However I've always thought this was annoying but now just need to put it out into the universe. I am so sick of people saying they've lost forty pounds -or whatever- just by walking a few miles a day and stopped drinking their calories. I walk anywhere between ten and thirteen miles a day on average. I never drink beer, or soda, or any other 'devil drink' you can think of, I don't have mindless calories to cut out of my day. I do strength training six days a week and worked incredibly hard for every pound I've managed to lose. I get that when you look at me you think I don't move very much or that I am guzzling the calorie laden drinks when no one is looking, I understand that people think that telling someone to walk is a helpful tip to start a weight loss journey, but respectfully that doesn't work for everyone. I can't be the only person out there that rolls their eyes every time someone says 'start walking and don't drink your calories', can I?
I have to say, I really don't understand why you're so negatively affected by other people's opinions, let alone other people's stories about what worked for them. Ignore unsuitable advice, otherwise meh. (Lynn made a good point about this. They think the conversation is about them. 😆)
In your case, their experience is literally irrelevant to your success (or lack of), and resentment is pretty toxic to the resentful party. Total waste of time, energy.
I understand being frustrated by a weight stall, and venting about that part.
Sijomial has given you what sounds to me like good advice; Specific, personalized.
Weight loss via calorie counting is a personal science fair experiment. Since there are no grades, imprecise measurements are fine, as long as they're working. (It's all estimates, anyway.)
But, in your case, it sounds like it's not working. In that case, it's a useful diagnostic technique to
estimate your food intake and exercise absolutely as precisely as possible.
Half avocados and MFP database exercise estimates when you have a Fitbit? Not your most accurate option.
" Weigh all your food and log in grams whenever possible.
* Don't forget condiments, oil used in cooking, bites/licks/tastes.
* Never use database entries for other people's homemade foods ("lasagna one piece", "egg salad sandwich' kind of thing).
* Check food database entries for accuracy again the label or an authoritative source like USDA.
* Weigh single serve prepackaged foods. Some manufacturers are generous, or inconsistent.
(I'm not accusing you of not doing those things. I'm just summarizing standard advice about logging accurately.)
On the exercise front, either synch your Fitbit, or use its estimates for actual exercise sessions plus set your MFP activity level based on realistic average daily life activity (steps at work and such). (if you want to be a tad more in the ballpark, use the MFP exercise database for strength training estimates. That's one case where MFP is a better source than most HR-based devices.)
You don't necessarily need to do all of that forever, but do it for a few weeks. Fine tune your science fair project. Then, after 4-6 weeks, adjust intake to dial in weight loss at a sensible average rate.
You'll see the occasional scale weight stall for a week or two sometimes from water weight, regardless, maybe longer for premenopausal women. Bodies are weird. 🤷♀️
As an aside, believe me, I know that average people are often unrealistic about the role of exercise in weight loss. Sure, increased activity can be a big help for truly inactive people, as part of a weight loss approach. But I was training and even completing as a short endurance athlete, while staying obese for over a decade. Still, when I lost 50+ pounds, people would say "it's your rowing, isn't it?" Um, no, or I would've lost weight 10 years ago! I think it's pretty hilarious, personally.29 -
I stopped drinking craft beer during the week and exercising more and that has enabled me to start loosing unwanted pounds...
Calorie counting has helped too... lol4 -
"I'm walking and I quit drinking beer" is a valid way that some people introduce a calorie deficit, which is what creates weight loss. It takes more than just walking and quitting beer for me to lose weight (because I love food and it's easy for me to eat enough to replace the beer calories unless I focus on a calorie deficit), but I think it's great when other people have a easy time of it. I mean, how does it impact ME negatively if someone else has an easy time managing their weight with those simple actions? That's great for them!
I'm not BETTER OFF if they have to work harder at it, am I?25 -
Sometimes when I finish my walk, I have a nice cold beer. 15
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I don't see anything wrong with starting a walking program and axing the alcohol as part of a diet strategy, and also can't think of anything wrong with sharing that with another person if they ask how the weight is being lost.
Although, I'm not a big fan of sharing my techniques with other people IRL. Whatever the goal is, talking about my diet never seems to lead to it.11 -
janejellyroll wrote: »"I'm walking and I quit drinking beer" is a valid way that some people introduce a calorie deficit, which is what creates weight loss. It takes more than just walking and quitting beer for me to lose weight (because I love food and it's easy for me to eat enough to replace the beer calories unless I focus on a calorie deficit), but I think it's great when other people have a easy time of it. I mean, how does it impact ME negatively if someone else has an easy time managing their weight with those simple actions? That's great for them!
I'm not BETTER OFF if they have to work harder at it, am I?
Exactly. 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese. This has very real costs for everyone. In that sense, anyone who reduces their health risks reduces health costs borne by everyone (either via taxes in the case of medicare/medicaid or via insurance premiums). So other people managing their weight isn't just great for them; it also impacts me positively. That's how I look at it, anyway.16 -
eh but I did lose 60 pounds by walking and cutting out soda lol.(not a beer fan) I wouldn't tell you that unless you asked though.11
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asthesoapturns wrote: »If you aren't asking how they achieved their weight loss, they can keep their mouths shut, but if you're asking, and that's the answer their giving, then it's not fair to be annoyed. Not to come across as an *kitten* but that IS how I've lost what I've lost. Not drinking excessive calorie heavy *kitten*, portion control and walking. And it was easy once I made the decision to do it, just time consuming.
^^ Agree with everything here.
I'm age 66. I've maintained almost one year. Last year I lost about 34 pounds, 30 on MFP and a few before.
Exercise: only walking, about 60 to 90 minutes a day. Otherwise, I controlled my calories. I don't drink alcohol, but that doesn't matter. Reducing my calories and accurate tracking caused weight loss for me.
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If we're in the market for losing weight/gaining a healthier lifestyle, our ways of doing it are as unique as the next person. It's easy for some, not for others.
I, personally, don't appreciate comments said as if it's a 'piece of cake' for everybody because it just isn't. AND(even though I am guilty of this as well because I was totally ignorant at the time)people saying 'if I can do it you can do it'.
Those types of comments just are not helpful because the journeys are all different. We just do the best we can. If we fall down, we get back up.3 -
dragon_girl26 wrote: »Sometimes when I finish my walk, I have a nice cold beer.
It helps that a micropub is at the end of my walk
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If we're in the market for losing weight/gaining a healthier lifestyle, our ways of doing it are as unique as the next person. It's easy for some, not for others.
I, personally, don't appreciate comments said as if it's a 'piece of cake' for everybody because it just isn't. AND(even though I am guilty of this as well because I was totally ignorant at the time)people saying 'if I can do it you can do it'.
Those types of comments just are not helpful because the journeys are all different. We just do the best we can. If we fall down, we get back up.
Although I would never say “if I can do it you can do it” to someone because that’s just rude and completely non beneficial; it isn’t false. Everyone CAN lose weight. The process of HOW they lose weight will be different for each person though and yes, for some people it is easier than others.10 -
HeidiCooksSupper wrote: »
I had a nurse practitioner tell me to eat carrots instead of cookies.
Yep, last time I went to her.
ohmygoodness- same experience. I laid out my diet (between 900 and 1300cal/day, vegan, no added sugar, exercising three times a week) and 0 weight loss. When doc found out my husband and I go out to eat every other week, he said that was the reason I wasn’t losing... and the meal was only 1100 calories! (And I IF, so I only get about 300 cal that day before dinner anyways.
Soooooooooo done with hearing how people just quit soda or quit sugar or quit dairy and the weight “melted off”.0 -
I have friend who would probably lose weight super easily is she stopped drinking the equivalent of 20 - 24 oz of 2% milk a day in her coffee. Yet somehow she never thinks to just not drink her calories because she "loves milk" (that being said she barely eats meat and thinks fat in her meals isn't great so I think she could end up super hungry not eating enough protein or fat if she cut it out or down without other adjustments). I am not going to say anything when she complains about her weight because I know she isn't looking for logical solutions and probably doesn't actually want to lose weight. But maybe if someone told her randomly... she already does the walking.
Some people would probably benefit from the advice you're complaining about. You won't. If its a conversation, feel free to follow up with describing that you count calories and exercise so you know its not enough of a solution for you. You can teach them back. Everyone who has any success thinks they know all the secrets!2 -
I have friend who would probably lose weight super easily is she stopped drinking the equivalent of 20 - 24 oz of 2% milk a day in her coffee. Yet somehow she never thinks to just not drink her calories because she "loves milk" (that being said she barely eats meat and thinks fat in her meals isn't great so I think she could end up super hungry not eating enough protein or fat if she cut it out or down without other adjustments). I am not going to say anything when she complains about her weight because I know she isn't looking for logical solutions and probably doesn't actually want to lose weight. But maybe if someone told her randomly... she already does the walking.
Some people would probably benefit from the advice you're complaining about. You won't. If its a conversation, feel free to follow up with describing that you count calories and exercise so you know its not enough of a solution for you. You can teach them back. Everyone who has any success thinks they know all the secrets!
Lol, I had an official person who helped me start to lose weight tell me to stop drinking my calories and... well, I ignored her and decided I prefer my coffee(about 400 ml daily oat milk or soy milk) over eating more stuff. Losing weight ok now.
It would have been stupid to get angry with that advice, I wanted her help and it was a generally good tip, but it just would not have worked for me on an emotional "can I keep this up?" level.
People have to be aware how much calories they consume (and where those calories come from) to be able to lose weight. But sometimes the simple, easy, obvious solution may not work for a given person and they'll have to find a different way of getting results.
I think I will be able to half my oat-milk-and-coffeee consumption at some point, but less is not a thing I'll consider.5 -
Lost 40#'s twice cutting out canned beer and soda that I stocked my frig w/in 12-18 can cases and use to drink 4-6 cans of soda and 3-4 cans of beer EACH DAY, when I did that
Still don't drink sodas any more but will drink a beer or 2 occasionally when eating out , as well as glass or 2 of wine and/or hard liquor at home w/in my calorie limits.
After one relapse over 7 yrs, I 'veeen able to maintain my wt bet 155-160 for the past 5 yrs.8 -
Full disclosure... I have not read this entire thread.
Two thoughts:
1) I think it is a great thing that some people lose weight by doing very simple things. It is a reminder that weight loss is a simple energy equation and for people like me that once made weight loss harder than it needs to be it is a lesson.
2) The problem with the cut caloric drink diet is that I have never known anyone that for them it was enough. It was enough to get about a third of the total weight they needed to lose but then it stopped. It also was something I have watched some repeat nearly yearly losing the same pounds each time.2 -
I'm getting smaller eating more and doing less. But I get flack for saying that.3
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AndreaTamira wrote: »I have friend who would probably lose weight super easily is she stopped drinking the equivalent of 20 - 24 oz of 2% milk a day in her coffee. Yet somehow she never thinks to just not drink her calories because she "loves milk" (that being said she barely eats meat and thinks fat in her meals isn't great so I think she could end up super hungry not eating enough protein or fat if she cut it out or down without other adjustments). I am not going to say anything when she complains about her weight because I know she isn't looking for logical solutions and probably doesn't actually want to lose weight. But maybe if someone told her randomly... she already does the walking.
Some people would probably benefit from the advice you're complaining about. You won't. If its a conversation, feel free to follow up with describing that you count calories and exercise so you know its not enough of a solution for you. You can teach them back. Everyone who has any success thinks they know all the secrets!
Lol, I had an official person who helped me start to lose weight tell me to stop drinking my calories and... well, I ignored her and decided I prefer my coffee(about 400 ml daily oat milk or soy milk) over eating more stuff. Losing weight ok now.
It would have been stupid to get angry with that advice, I wanted her help and it was a generally good tip, but it just would not have worked for me on an emotional "can I keep this up?" level.
People have to be aware how much calories they consume (and where those calories come from) to be able to lose weight. But sometimes the simple, easy, obvious solution may not work for a given person and they'll have to find a different way of getting results.
I think I will be able to half my oat-milk-and-coffeee consumption at some point, but less is not a thing I'll consider.
Yes the difference there is that you consciously count calories and adjust your food to allow for it. My friend has said she will never do that but then still complains about her weight. So it would be the simplest change for her to make at very least to see if it works for her. I'm not saying go down to zero, but nearly 700 ml a day of 2% is a lot for anyone. Oh and oat/soy milk has fewer calories than 2% cows milk (i even drink the sweetened soy and it is still fewer calories per cup, 110 for sweetened soy, 100 for sweetened oat vs 130 for 2% milk). So your 400 ml of oat milk is 160 calories a day but her 672 ml of 2% is 347 calories. Double. She could make a pretty good difference in her daily calories if she changed that and nothing else. Instead of claiming nothing works for her.3 -
AndreaTamira wrote: »I have friend who would probably lose weight super easily is she stopped drinking the equivalent of 20 - 24 oz of 2% milk a day in her coffee. Yet somehow she never thinks to just not drink her calories because she "loves milk" (that being said she barely eats meat and thinks fat in her meals isn't great so I think she could end up super hungry not eating enough protein or fat if she cut it out or down without other adjustments). I am not going to say anything when she complains about her weight because I know she isn't looking for logical solutions and probably doesn't actually want to lose weight. But maybe if someone told her randomly... she already does the walking.
Some people would probably benefit from the advice you're complaining about. You won't. If its a conversation, feel free to follow up with describing that you count calories and exercise so you know its not enough of a solution for you. You can teach them back. Everyone who has any success thinks they know all the secrets!
Lol, I had an official person who helped me start to lose weight tell me to stop drinking my calories and... well, I ignored her and decided I prefer my coffee(about 400 ml daily oat milk or soy milk) over eating more stuff. Losing weight ok now.
It would have been stupid to get angry with that advice, I wanted her help and it was a generally good tip, but it just would not have worked for me on an emotional "can I keep this up?" level.
People have to be aware how much calories they consume (and where those calories come from) to be able to lose weight. But sometimes the simple, easy, obvious solution may not work for a given person and they'll have to find a different way of getting results.
I think I will be able to half my oat-milk-and-coffeee consumption at some point, but less is not a thing I'll consider.
Yes the difference there is that you consciously count calories and adjust your food to allow for it. My friend has said she will never do that but then still complains about her weight. So it would be the simplest change for her to make at very least to see if it works for her. I'm not saying go down to zero, but nearly 700 ml a day of 2% is a lot for anyone. Oh and oat/soy milk has fewer calories than 2% cows milk (i even drink the sweetened soy and it is still fewer calories per cup, 110 for sweetened soy, 100 for sweetened oat vs 130 for 2% milk). So your 400 ml of oat milk is 160 calories a day but her 672 ml of 2% is 347 calories. Double. She could make a pretty good difference in her daily calories if she changed that and nothing else. Instead of claiming nothing works for her.
It's not a fair comparison to say 400 ml of oat milk has 160 cals and 672 ml of 2% has 347 calories.
It's more like 1.5X the calories for similar volumes of oat milk and 2% dairy milk -- and you get 2.5X the protein with the dairy milk. So you're "paying" about 14 calories per gram of protein with 2% dairy milk, and about 22 calories per gram of protein with oat milk (I'm using Planet Oat unsweetened oat milk for my comparison, as it's the one I have logged in my diary).3
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