Tykk Member

I checked out the pills with my doctor. Two things to know - they are largely based on amphetamines, so they can be addictive. And in some people they cause heart problems. They're also not that magic bullets - average weight loss is modest. Read up on the side effects and consult with a doctor to decide if it is worth it.…

I am doing low-carb. I'm not sure I lose weight any faster than doing a high-carb calorie restricted diet, but I do know that I'm less hungry. This, for me anyway, makes it easier to follow over the long term. There is a theory that people react differently to highly refined carbohydrates. Some tolerate them fine, while in…

Congratulations! Is it your first?

I was just trolling through Engadget, and found that the new BodyMedia device has just been announced. It's smaller, and uses BlueTooth 4, which means it will consume a lot less power on your smartphone. Unfortunately, the new version won't be available until August. Linky:…

Thanks for that pointer. Really enjoyed that article. The effect of salt is overrated, though, compared to the effect of carbs. For the vast majority of people, easing up on sugar and white flour will make sodium a non-issue.

I have completely given up booze, but I'm thinking that the occasional scotch on the rocks is not going to be a problem. It's not alcohol so much as all the stuff you add to it! (Helps that my wife gave me a beautiful set of new scotch glasses for Christmas!)

Yeah, I find that backfires on me. I get hungry, weak, headache-y, and then compensate by over-eating. Glad it works for you though - sounds very difficult with allergies.

Can you tell me more about eating maintenance? I have no idea what (for me) that means.

Add me too! I gained a ton of weight after my kid was born (and I'm a guy, so go figure!), so I am impressed that you are taking the bull by the horns. Best of luck with your progress! But 100 lbs in a year is a lot. Don't be disappointed if it goes a bit slower!

Avoid highly refined carbohydrates (sugar, bread, potatoes, white rice) for your dinner because they lead you to be hungry again soon. Use the same calories on food with protein and fat instead, and you will stay full longer.

I have exactly the same problem, also just around 225. I think for me it's something really simple. Around that weight, I start being able to buy "normal" clothes in normal shops. Above that weight, I have to go to specialty stores. This is such a big goal, that I think I mentally start to think "mission accomplished", and…

Congrats on getting started! That's always the hardest part! Swimming is a really good exercise too - no impact at all. If you have easy access to a pool of course...

True! I am procrastinating.

I have tried Atkins in the past - lost 60 lbs, fell off the diet, and gained it back. But... the same is true of every diet I've tried. The big advantage for me with Atkins was that I didn't feel hungry. With standard calorie reduction diets, I *always* feel hungry, and am just dying for the next snack/meal to roll around.…

Interesting. I read that book and really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure how to "operationalize" it, though. It helps with general awareness, but doesn't exactly give a recipe for breaking ingrained habits. How have you been using this practically?

Wow, you guys are awesome! Already a whole mess of advice and friend requests! Thanks! Yes, short term goals are great. I really try not to look much beyond the next five pounds or it's too depressing. Seriously, all I'm concentrating on now is that in about 10 lbs, I should be able to wear a bunch of clothes hanging in my…