I know "I" accept people of all shapes and sizes but for my health lately I have been working on weight loss.
Any good tips?
I am also pampering myself today and intend on watching a sappy chick movie. :) Got to do that sometimes!!
Too many years ago the best advice I ever heard was from a doctor.
"The best exercise in the world is pushing yourself away from the dinner table."
Ferret
I hate to suggest something that costs money, but many times buying smaller plates and bowls will alter the mental image of a full plate. On average, our plate sizes have gotten bigger, causing our portions to get larger just to make the plates look full...find a smaller plate and the amount of food you use to fill the plate will decrease...
Yeah, I have been at this for a while now and have seen improvement, just trying to keep motivated.
I do use smaller plates, great advice and lol, Ferret, that doctor was very wise! :)
I like to set small goals...for example...I like to buy the next size smaller in jeans to keep me motivated ;D
+1 on the small goals thing.
Smaller portions. Eat more often.
More water. Lots more water.
Not just regular exercise, but also any excuse for more activity... stairs instead of elevators and escalators...parking further away from the store entrance, etc.
Don't ever do the same exercises in the same way in the same amounts on the same day. You'll plateau, and quickly. Thus making the efforts essentially in vain. So for example, if you're walking, walk 20 mins one day, and 25 the next, take a break the next day and walk 15 the following day, followed by 25 mins, and so on. Slower on the longer walks, quicker on the shorter. Keep 'mixing it up' like that, all the while increasing the overall average time.
Do the same with other exercises/activities.
Eric the Ugly reminded me of something.
Stand as often as possible. Get a standing desk or something...you burn more calories by standing.
When I was in karate, the instructor said that we can strengthen our stomach muscles by, while stopped at a red light, clenching our abs, holding for five to ten seconds, then release. Do this regularly and the muscles will come out. Same can be done for the buttocks.
...and Jade's reminded me of something! -lol- ;D
You may not be interested in building muscle, but don't dismiss the value in terms of weight loss (or fat loss, rather). Having muscles in your body helps you lose weight. Due to the way the body works, you lose fat just by the mere existence of muscles in your body.
In other words, the more and the more healthy the muscles, the more fat you burn.
The single most effective thing you can do....don't have fattening foods in the house anywhere. If you live alone this will be easy, but even if you have kids in the house...well, they can do without that crap too. Children quickly adjust to eating whatever is available and I have never seen a single child die for lack of cookies, cake, candy or chips of any sort. Sugared cereals should not be in the cupboard at all; they are no better than candy disguised as food.
Other tips:
Keep a glass bowl of chilled water with celery and baby carrots in the fridge, and take a baggie-full to work to snack on.
Make your own soups if you can, if not, then read the labels on the canned and dry varieties. For weight loss, a rule of thumb is 'if it has more than 90 calories a serving (most cans have 2+ servings), don't buy it'. That eliminates just about everything creamed, chunky or containing noodles (ouch).
Write down everything you eat, you will be surprised at how quickly you reach your max calorie allowance for the day.
There is no such thing as a 'low calorie' restaurant meal. Even the 'light' entrees contain 500+ calories. If you are dieting, that's almost 1/2 your allowance for the entire day. The best you can do here is split the entree with someone else.
On the topic of eating: when you take a bite, put your fork/spoon/roll down and finish chewing before you take another bite. When the food remains in your hand, or the fork, you'll keep biting/nibbling/scooping/shovelling...
The momentary break gives the food a digestive moment which will simulate a fuller feeling sooner rather than after you've eaten all of grandma's turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, candied yam, those sweet rolls, and five apple pies... the food you've just pushed through. Imagine it like a queue of people...the faster you push everyone through the more annoyed you, as customer service, will get. The more you work one person at a time, the more satisfying the job is when they leave smiling...(I know, it sounds like a strange comparison, but it came to mind and makes sense in my head....)
Also, apparently, we as modern humans, mistake our bodies needing water for being hungry. This physiological 'misunderstanding' likely exacerbates the problem. So, much of the time you feel hungry, it's actually your body wanting/needing go ol' H2O.
I love all of the replies because things were brought up I truly DID NOT know!! I am going to do as much as I can.
I live alone now so keeping the bad foods out of the house SHOULD be easier.
And I have already been building up muscle so that should help.
I also do Yoga every day, I am just a beginner but it feels really good.
As far as water, I drink a lot but I have heard you have to drink another glass for every 10 pounds you are overweight?
I read a long time ago when I was in grade school about a trick to stave off hunger and to help keep focus. Chewing gum. The motion of chewing and the taste from gum helps start a process that ends up causing the body to think it's getting food when it's not and it helps focus since the body thinks it's being fed.
I don't know how well it would work for loosing weight, and I know some people can't stand chewing gum (such as myself) but I thought I'd throw that in there.
I was reading something the other day that was talking about cravings and how if you visualize eating the food you crave it can stop the cravings. You have to like picture eating it though. Like actually chewing it, the texture, swallowing it, if you just think of the taste it will make cravings worse.
Jade Sapphire Emerald and Becky, good ones!
I dont mind chewing gum so that might work. LOL, maybe I have to visualize the other while chewing the gum. :D
The thing I heard about water is you take what you weigh and instead of pounds make that number ounces and cut it in half and you have the amount of water you should drink.
So if you weigh 160lbs you should have 80 ounces of water each day.
When I first heard it I was like....yeah oookay but I've tried it a couple times and it actually works pretty well if you do it all. It's also a good way to tell if you're really hungry or just food-lusting for something
I've been working on losing weight for the last couple of months (just about 10 pounds gone so far!) and it hasn't been too hard so far. My method has three parts:
1) Stop eating when I'm not longer hungry. Don't eat until I feel "full", that's too much food. Just stop when I'm not hungry. Seriously think "Do I really need this?" when contemplating a snack (and consider #3).
2) Exercise more. I was running but that's difficult to do outside in the cold, so I've been walking instead. I don't manage to get out every day, but I do walks of up to 7 miles and really enjoy them. The *only* thing that will make you lose weight is burning more calories than you take in, and while there are all sorts of ways to try to do that, that's what they all come down to. Walking burns (very roughly) 100 calories per mile.
3) Have a goal in mind all the time. And for me, a simple goal of xxx pounds hasn't really worked in the past, there needs to be more to it than that. In my case it's "I am going to look amazing in my Bellatrix costume I will make for the next Harry Potter movie" and I need to get to xxx weight to make that happen. My goal was to lose 30 lbs by then (now I'm hoping for 35, but 30 will be just fine as well)--just over a pound a week.
Good job Maggie, keep up the great work!!!! :)
I am SO not a morning person (usually exercise about 1 or 2 in the afternoon) though during the warmer months usually take the dog for his morning walk around 5 or 6 am.(THEN go back to bed,lol)
I HAD to be up early this morninig though since my youngest son was stopping in so did a killer workout after he left. Yay! :)
Goals are a good thing. I have about three months until the next big family gathering and I want to look better.
It's recommended that you do a workout when you are comfortable doing such. If you're not a morning person (no matter how much coffee you have) then dont work out then.
My issue is feeling like working out at all...
Yeah, thats about it here too,lol. But I figured since I was awake...anyway, its improved my mood for today. :)
I got malaria and lost 20 pounds in one week. I don't recommend that, however.
But then in order to get back to health, I went to the basics: Eat right, drink a lot of water, and exercise.
I aim for five servings of fruits or vegetables a day, four servings of whole grains, three servings of protein, and one reasonable treat.
I exercise each weekday -- brisk walking for a half hour.
I was at 210 before I got malaria, and since then -- more than two years -- I've maintained 170-180.
It's one thing to get where you want. It takes consistency to stay there.
Drinking water is definately a biggie, but also cutting out sodas even if they are "diet". Also, drinking hot tea before and after a meal helps it digest better. Even little things like taking the stairs for one or two flights and getting up to get something instead of asking some else to do it can make a difference.
As a Weight Watchers lifetime member I found the following things worked for me.
Eat smaller more frequent meals
Cut out empty calories from soda, sugary drinks and alcohol (sadly)
Watch portion sizes
Get some sort of daily aerobic activity even if it's cleaning your house/washing the car/yard work
Eat before you go out or to a party, you won't be hungry or tempted by bad food choices
If you really want something have just a little bit, it usually satisfies your craving and you don't feel deprived
I also find that the older I get, the more difficult it is to lose or maintain weight loss. So it's important to stay motivated, even when you have setbacks. If you slip up and drink 6 beers in one day so what? You can start fresh the next day.
So good luck and good for you Mairte!
Gina
Gina
Its nice enough today that I think I will take a walk later this afternoon. I love being outside but after a while, winter defeats me. :-\
I know they say lots of water and NO soda but when I saw a nutritionist, they said a can of diet/caffeine free was okay? I am going to cut it out anyway, just in case.
Gina, Trillium, iain robb, thanks for the input. (And iain robb, I will take your advice and NOT try to get malaria! ;D )
On the topic of alcohol...
In terms of weight loss: don't drink it.
In terms of health, including heart health...One to two glasses of red wine at night is very advantageous to the heart. Same goes for one or two bottles of beer. Shots, on the other hand, I would not recommend....only because sometimes when you start, there's no stopping.
If you live close to the store or anything, I find that walking to the store for those two or three items you need does wonders! You get the items you need, save money on gas, gotten a walk for the time being, and if you stick with a few things a day, you'll be able to walk every day (especially if you live alone and go to the store weekly, it works well if you space out what you buy in the five to seven day period.)
Yeah, I like to drink every once in a while, so know that is a load of calories. But since its only every now and then, I am going to give myself a pass on that,lol. Plus I have very low tolerance and a couple drinks has me over the edge.(My friends and family tease me about that all of the time!) At least I dont have to worry about over drinking. ;D
Not much for wine or beer.
Yes, in the warmer weather when I walk the dog, I pop into the kwik trip and get a tea or something. (He behaves well so they overlook it...I could leave him outside but then anyone tempted to touch him without me there would unfortunately probably be minus an arm.... :-\)
As said, I usually go about 5 or 6 am and then go back to sleep. :) Then again later in the evening. I DO walk him in the winter as well, we just dont go as far.
I have no tips, but have been reading. I could use a few tips myself. But then I saw this and decided I must cross-post from the funny pics/images thread!
Quote from: ladybootlegger on February 04, 2011, 12:13:52 PM
(http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/ad162/eday52/WeighCorrectly.jpg)
:D :D :D
Well, just a comment. Its getting easier (been doing this for a little while) so after the weekend I am going to increase exercise time and do a little of the more advanced. I guess its really the only way I am going to get there.
Does anyone else have this problem? I find I cant drink water straight away in the morning or I start vomiting. My stomach is ultra touchy in the morning. No,lol, I am not pregnant!!! I generally have to sip the first glass down and then later on I am okay.
If you 'feel' hungry, drink water, wait a bit, then see if you do need food. I have started to do that. I find I wasn't really hungry at all.
I do not keep anything sweet or snack type foods, in the house, now.
If I really want something, it means I have to get dressed and go get it! LOL! :D Too cold to run out....hahahaha! ;D
*** LOL!, Lady Kett!***
Quote from: Mairte on February 05, 2011, 11:41:37 AM
Does anyone else have this problem? I find I cant drink water straight away in the morning or I start vomiting. My stomach is ultra touchy in the morning. No,lol, I am not pregnant!!! I generally have to sip the first glass down and then later on I am okay.
I am the same way, I cant eat or drink in the morning it kills me. My dad made me a huge breakfast this morning and I felt so bad telling him I couldnt eat it.
And they always tell you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! I am lucky if I can eat anything before noon!
(http://www.srhconline.org/images/NoStep.jpg)
There are certain thing I just don't buy anymore, because I have ZERO willpower... Girl Scout cookies is one thing I'll buy, but strictly limited to 4 boxes a year. That's down from 17 CASES I bought one year (Yes, it's true, and, no...I didn't eat them all!). It sux when you have several GS nieces, and all of your friends have GS daughters. A big glass of milk and a box of Girl Scout cookies= one snack.
Lay's Potato Chips..."Bet You Can't Eat One!" One chip...no. But one BAG! NOW you're talking.
My solution: Stay the hell away from temptation.
Sigh. Its what I have been doing and it actually IS getting a little easier. As said, it helps when I dont have to cater to anyone elses food needs in the house!
I do find myself eating apples as snacks, I love the Braeburns.
LOL, LOVE that cartoon!
Getting the extra pounds off is one thing, but keeping them off is a daily battle that requires support, education, and will power.
I lost 60lbs, going from 220 to 165 like this:
1. calculated how many calories my body needs at total rest, ate less.
2. portion control
3 removal of all temptations in the home.
4. allow rewards once a week.
5. split meals.
6. read labels.
7. eliminated fast food
8. pack lunches with known calorie counts.
Do not skip meals, eat breakfast, even if you don't like it. You will adjust.
Don't 'save up calories' for bad food. That is hooey.
Even things you might think are "good for you" might not be. do research.
I lost that 60 lbs in 5 months and have gained a single pound back in 2 years.
Very good tips crashbot.
I HAVE heard that much we think is good to have on a weight loss diet, absolutely is NOT.
Grocery shopping this week, I think I am better at not choosing the bad foods as I once was. Or I like to think so!!
At my current job they have free workout equipment. So, for the first time in (literally) decades I bought a pair of tennis shoes. Not just any tennies I bought the Danskin version of the Shape-Up shoes. And let me tell you, THEY WORK! I can actually feel what muscle groups they are meant to target when I'm doing time on the treadmill.
So, just a thought, for those of you who walk for your workout, you may want to consider these shoes.
Walmart sells the Danskin version for $21.44 (if I remember correctly). They also have a Dr. Scholls version for $30 or so.
Eat less (duh - start a journal and write down everything you eat and at what time)
Eat healthier foods (no fast food, soda, fatty foods, processed foods, etc. eat fresh when possible.)
Exercise more (a lot of eating is due to boredom. find something fast paced to do with your time. walking, shopping, chores, large projects, etc.)
Anything else is voodoo fads and merely tricking your mind to do the above.
It's all about will power. Thin people have it. Large people don't.
Egads I want a BK bacon double cheeseburger! Have not had more than 5 in the last year, if that. 200# down to 180#.
Also:
This 'drink a lot of water' thing is WRONG. Your body wants electrolyte balance. Drinking water can dillute this. this will force your body to expell water. If it cannot expell fast enough, it will store it in the fat cells. Exercise loses electrolytes as well, so you have a recipe for disaster. Drink vitamin water. Take 1/2 of a multi vitamin every day. NO MORE. Those can toxify a system and cause the bodt to purge too much. Besides, the body cannot safelt absorb most of it at a time, anyhow.
You should drink plenty of water, but William MacKean is correct that too much is harmful. How harmful? How about heart failure?
Too much water, especially when doing heavy exercise, can reduce your serum potassium to a dangerous, even fatal level. Loss of sodium can be equally dangerous. Replenishment and maintaining a balance of electrolytes is essential. It's not going to be much help to exercise if you're not going to be around to enjoy the fruits of your labours. There are plenty of bottled and canned electrolytes at the grocery store. For heavy exercising, you should have some around.
For less intensive exercising, like walking, just having plenty of tap water along is fine (unless it's egg-frying hot out). Unless you're perspiring heavily, most of the moisture loss is from expiration—breathing—so you have to replace the water so that the sodium, potassium, and other mineral levels don't get too high.
The best weight loss tip? Moderation in all things! Anything excessive that you do to your body, be it food, water, alcohol, binging, purging, sex, et al, are all bad! well...not sex.....
So far things are going good. I was glad to get the info about the water. It was something else I didnt know.
I have been eating more fish, chicken etc. not so much red meat. Though once in a while I HAVE to. :-\ (Cravings)
There have been some pretty noticeable changes. I just hope I can keep motivated when I hit a plateau. I am sure I will though...because I feel so much better once I exercise. I havent felt this well in quite a while.
HEY. I bet even excessive sex might be bad for someone after a while,lol. :D
If your exercise is cardio-based, white meats and fish are the way to go. If you do any strength training or stretching (yoga, pillates, etc.) then you need some red meat to rebuild muscle.
If ever you get injured, be it a sprain, tear, strain, or even a muscle ache, you need red meat.
If your joints experience pain, then you need more fish and chicken.
Fish oil pills are a good idea, but only 1 every 3 days. In the morning before the afternoon exercise is OK, too.
I have been doing both so will have to re-think the whole eating thing. I will get it figured out!
One question, since I have been building up more muscle, I have found myself to be hungrier. Is that normal?
Yup. Hunger assiciated with workouts is a protein callout. When hungry, eat a beef jerky & a vitamin water. Maybe eat chicken, steak, or rice & beans.
Also VERY important:
Avoid Gatorade unless working up a monster sweat at a gym or something. I mean a monster sweat. It is formulated for football players and high impact athletes, not for average people like us working out. Vitamin water is better. Gatorade can add too many electrolytes and toxify your system causing abnormal thirst variations and water retention. Hard on kidneys for light athletes.
I dont really care for gatorade so thats not a problem.
I know I need to eat more in the morning but I have been having water and a HUGE Braeburn apple. Once I get used to that, I will add something else. I sometimes wonder if my lack of appetite in the morning is related to my weird sleeping habits.
Yeah, I kind of thought the hunger thing was protein related. I did pick up some beef jerky today and chicken.
One of the things I have had a craving for is raw almonds. I have never craved that before so thinking its something directly related on how I am eating. I did pick up a bag today. I always heard they were "fatty''. :-\
Almonds are very very good for you...the fat in them is a good fat and they also have calcium...so win win.
Cravings are inexplicable. I had a craving for a real Italian veal sandwich but I got the taste without the extra carbs and fat by only eating half of the bun and all of the meat. Now I am craving beer battered fish and chips so I need to find a healthy way to enjoy that. If I make it at home then I can control so many of the factors....a good quality fish, a fresh light coat of tempura batter, pure canola oil (which is healthier than the deep fryer crap) and make baked wedgie fries in the oven. Same taste sensation....better nutrition.
Good to know about the almonds!!! Thanks. :)
I also get salt cravings but usually satisfy those with different kinds of herbs that are better for me. It doesnt always work!
Baked wedgie fries that satisify the beer battered fish/chips craving? I am familiar with canola oil, but what is tempura batter?
Sounds like a recipe I need to try!
Cravings aside...
Something I forgot is meal planning!
I had a friend who was monitoring her weight and she planned her meals in two week intervals. Generally lunch and dinner meals. It worked well for her. She had a folder that had the recipes of her favorite meals, the nutritional information (if findable) of the recipes, and what she would make for lunch and dinner for a two week period. If something was large to make, she would have it marked for leftover lunch for the next day.
It's a tad OCD, but it works...You don't need to do two weeks. Just a week ahead works too. Vary it up. It helps, as well, in knowing exactly what to buy from the store when you have a list of what you'll be making.
Something taht I pointed out to my hubby last night...
If you use your local cable provider and they have an on-demand library, check for exercise programs. Ours has a plethora a various types, most are 30 min or less and gives you a variety of types of exercise to keep you interested and your body working harder.
The wii fit and associated games work great, the games are fun while giving you a good workout at the same time. For those who do not feel comfortable going to gyms, I highly recommend it.
Quote from: crashbot on February 13, 2011, 02:35:51 PM
The wii fit and associated games work great, the games are fun while giving you a good workout at the same time. For those who do not feel comfortable going to gyms, I highly recommend it.
Agreed. Comfort and time and money all play a factor. Oh, anf the fooking cold! :D
The new kinect system for xbox is lots of fun also. That was our xmas gift. We have a blast and you don't even realize your exercising. and you don't have to hold anything or strap anything on
Lost about 20, gained back 8, IN A WEEK! Thats one major thing you have to watch out for, the "I did a good job I can have these...and these...and these...and these-"
Quote from: Becky10 on February 14, 2011, 11:46:19 AM
Lost about 20, gained back 8, IN A WEEK! Thats one major thing you have to watch out for, the "I did a good job I can have these...and these...and these...and these-"
Yup. You have to remember that it is a lifestyle change and an addition to break. Allowing yourself to indulge is not much different from a smoker or other addict saying 'I have not [whatever] for a week, so I earned one.' Doesn't really work that way. It is not ad rigid as I am implying, but it should be much more the rule than the exception.
You are doing great! Keep at it. I believe in you.
I found that the last 10 pounds was a lot more difficult than the first 10 pounds. :-\
Rewards only come after goals are met and then only in moderation.
My wife and I have 1 day a week that we go out to eat. Even then we split the meal and are right back on our planned meals the next day and rest of the week.
You have to realize that if you are going to indulge one day, on a vacation, or a party, that you need to reign it back in as soon as that period is over. \
Example, we went to NOLA for 4 days and I'll be damned if I am not going to enjoy some good food. I gain a few while on vacation, but they drop right off as soon as I am back. I have a comfort zone, if I notice I am getting close to the high end of it, I cut back a little on my meals and work out a little more until I am back in safe zone.
It is a lifestyle change.
Bingo, Crashbot... Lifestyle Change.
Should have planned on changing my life AFTER my teenage years. ;D
Luckily I seem to top off at 122 and it'll take alot before I go over that. I ended up at like 130 which is when I went decided to be slightly more adult as to what I eat. Trying.
122#-130# sounds like a great range, unless you are 4' tall or 6' tall. Then you might have a problem. At your current weight, you could switch to more strength training with light weights or resistance bands to build more lean muscle. Lean muscle is useful in burning fat and preventing fat build-up. Your weight may temporarily spike as the muscle is built and the fat begins to be processed. Fear not, BUT continue the path or you might stall out with more muscle and more fat. It's called 'the hump.' Once you are over it, you are in the clear. If you keep to your diet, your body will lose those cravings and make the liftstyle easier.
I have really found all of these tips to be a great thing. :) Lifestyle change is right!! I practiced self control at the grocery today but it wasnt easy!!!!! That said, all of this makes me feel better.
Quote from: William_MacKean on February 11, 2011, 12:16:50 PM
Yup. Hunger assiciated with workouts is a protein callout. When hungry, eat a beef jerky & a vitamin water. Maybe eat chicken, steak, or rice & beans.
Very true. I tend to get a good stab of hunger pains right after I get off the treadmill (I read while I'm walking) so I stoke my craving with small squares of jerky. Meat processes much slower than vegies and satisfies longer.
I didn't want to start a new thread... since it is somewhat related...
Counting Calories
I've read that it is recommended to consume 2,000 calories per day for a healthy diet. Does anyone know how many calories is considered healthy to burn on that same 2,000 calorie diet?
Any other thoughts on calorie counting?
Everyone is different. Google BMR (base metabolic rate) calculator or consult a nutritionist (pretty cheap one time visit) Your age, current weight, height, and activity level all factor into it. If you are a couch potato or obese and want to lose weight you will need to take in far less than 2000 calories. If you are a marathon runner, you will need much more.
I do not work out very often and have a desk job and in order to maintain my weight I need ~1700 calories a day. I am 37, 6'0 and 168 lbs.
My status was about the same as yours, Crashbot, though I was 57. Then I quit smoking...and started eating constantly for a while. I peaked at 200, and am now working to get back down to original weight. I normally have no problem maintaining my weight given my lifestyle. The nervousness created by stopping the nicotine was highly disruptive.
Oh, I understand that totally.
Got out of the Army after 12 years +20lbs
Office job +25lbs
Quit smoking +20lbs.
Before I knew it I had gone from 160 to 224. It took a friends picture of me from a night out to slap me back into getting healthy. As much as it might hurt someones feelings, if you see a friend blowing up, tell them.
Well, I am still on my weight loss program. Some days go better than others but overall its going well.
This weekend was the first time somebody actually NOTICED I was losing weight,lol. Gave me more incentive. :)
Yay! You Go, Mairte!
I am NOT giving up. :) I was diagnosed with pneumonia today BUT I am still getting exercise and trying to eat right. My daughter said I probably would have felt worse if I hadnt been on the weight loss program. She might be right.
As long as you have pneumonia, try and take it somewhat easy. You don't want to exacerbate the situation...it could end up worse than just a few pounds from being sick...you know, like, hospital and all that...
I am keeping it somewhat toned down but I feel I HAVE to do something. Of course though, I dont wish to end up in the ER,lol.
The rule of thumb for exercising and sickness is as long as the illness is the neck and above you are okay. Pneumonia is in your chest so you should probably take it easy. Just remember that being sick burns extra calories so as long as you aren't overindulging when you are sick you are okay.
Thats true. I am definitely NOT overdoing,lol. Too lethargic. :-\
I am getting some activity in every day though. I was wanting to up my exercise to the next level before all this happened but going to wait until this crap takes its course. :-\
Feel WAY better after a little over a week of antibiotics! :)
I had a LONG walk with the dogs early this morning, it sure felt good to be outside in a bit nicer weather again.
LOL, as far as exercise for weight loss, the dogs make sure I keep moving and dont dally too long! ;D
That's good! My fiance is diabetic, and slightly over weight and we've been wanting to get a dog (but my allergies make it so that I have to have the special dogs that cost two college kids way too much...) so we've been working on walking the cat with a harness and leash...he does keep us entertained, but it's taking a long time to get him to leave his bubble of comfort.
Dogs can definately help with the activities!
I have seen people walking cats before, I often wonder how they get them to do anything....
Arent Labradoodles supposed to be good dogs for people with dog allergies? I dont know that much about them but around here there are often puppies being given away or sold for fairly low prices. Of course I have seen them cost your first child too,lol.
I have been walking the Chow/Akita and German Shepherd at the same time. I think my arm gets the most workout. ::) :D
I also walk the dachshunds a short ways sometime during the day. They dont like to go as far and usually mutiny and want me to carry them if the walk is too long! (soon it will be down to one doxie as my daughter is coming to get hers back next week. I will miss the little guy and it took me forever to break the bad habits she let him get into.)
Anyway,my eating habits have drastically changed though I have to admit falling off the wagon occasionally. :-\ Reeses Pieces can be my downfall!!
Sometimes resistance is futile!! But I dont consider it a failure and keep on trying. Its working slowly but surely. :)
An update? Still doing well?
Yes, but have now reached a plateau and thats kind of frustrating!!! I still feel better than I have in a long time because of the exercising.
And with the warmer weather I have been getting in more walks with the dogs. :)