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Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

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Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#11

Post by mrtron »

scott_s wrote: post #3

First of all, exercise. You can't get in good shape through diet alone. Exercise is more than just cardio; strength training increases the amount of muscle mass you have, which allows you to burn more calories. "Diets" don't work because the word implies a temporary change in your eating habits. In order to maintain weight loss, you need to change your eating habits for the rest of your life . Further, in order to be…

Excellent points. Muscle mass is key for many things, including burning more calories.

I wouldn't focus on being a certain weight or losing a certain weight - you should initially be staying about even since you will be increasing muscle mass while reducing fat mass.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#12

Post by WilliamLP »

The best resource I have ever found on this is Lyle MacDonald's materials. You can go to (http://www.bodyrecomposition.com) for articles. He takes a geek approach to nutrition, and talks extremely straight about it, and bases all his conclusions on science and research.

There are many myths and pieces of information out there on dieting. Yes, keeping protein intake up, to a point that many people would even consider disgusting, is important. It's ultimately pure thermodynamics: eating less than you burn. However, it is a big mistake to try and do too much in the gym. The eating is by far the most important part of the equation.

Another big key is that certain diet patterns are much easier to follow. Low carb works very well for me (after a week or two of adjustment where I'm absolutely fried). Once it's locked in, all cravings for high carb and junk foods just disappear. But I have to be careful, because any break from this leads to extreme temptation again.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#13

Post by scott_s »

mrtron wrote: post #11
scott_s wrote: post #3

First of all, exercise. You can't get in good shape through diet alone. Exercise is more than just cardio; strength training increases the amount of muscle mass you have, which allows you to burn more calories. "Diets" don't work because the word implies a temporary change in your eating habits. In order to maintain weight loss, you need to change your eating habits for the rest of your life . Further, in order to be…

Excellent points. Muscle mass is key for many things, including burning more calories. I wouldn't focus on being a certain weight or losing a certain weight - you should initially be staying about even since you will be increasing muscle mass while reducing fat mass.

I also think that for many people strength training can be more fun, and consequently, are more likely to continue doing it. It's more visceral than most cardio, and the goal/reward system of increasing weight and reps gives faster gratification.

Part of the problem is that most people have no idea how to do the basic lifts, and most personal trainers don't teach them. Another problem is a basic lack of structure, which is why I advocate focusing on the basic lifts: bench, squat, deadlift and maybe clean & press.

Doing both cardio and strength training is important, but I think most people already understand the basics of cardio.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#14

Post by ejs »

scott_s wrote: post #3

First of all, exercise. You can't get in good shape through diet alone. Exercise is more than just cardio; strength training increases the amount of muscle mass you have, which allows you to burn more calories. "Diets" don't work because the word implies a temporary change in your eating habits. In order to maintain weight loss, you need to change your eating habits for the rest of your life . Further, in order to be…

From someone who exercises a good amount (usually 5-6 days a week for 1-2 hours at a time) I never really believe in exercise for weight loss.

The math just doesnt work out, go and run hardcore for about 3 miles at 250 lbs bodyweight and you are looking at burning about 500 calories. While thats a good amount its the same as maybe 2 bottles of soda. Its a lot easier to cut out 100 calories from 5 meals then to run 3 miles...

So I never advocate exercise for weight loss purposes as much as diet. I greatly advocate exercise for all the other benefits plus the motivation it helps with in dieting.

Really as someone else stated, if you are overweight you need to make a lifestyle change. Cut out all the crap esp empty calories like soda (sugar) pastries, and other junk.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#15

Post by asillyusername »

mrtron wrote: post #9
asillyusername wrote: post #5

expend more calories than you eat

easily said, harder to do. Lookout for hidden calories. Soda, juice, etc can contain about 250 cals per glass. It takes probably about 15 minutes of running to counteract that. So, to balance those scales of calorie intake (or tip them into your favour) focus on eating better and drink mostly water, coffees and teas. Exercise is a must. Do whatever form you can do regularly. Patience is the final piece the puzzle, yo…

People who think juice is a healthful food are nuts.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#17

Post by scott_s »

ejs wrote: post #14
scott_s wrote: post #3

First of all, exercise. You can't get in good shape through diet alone. Exercise is more than just cardio; strength training increases the amount of muscle mass you have, which allows you to burn more calories. "Diets" don't work because the word implies a temporary change in your eating habits. In order to maintain weight loss, you need to change your eating habits for the rest of your life . Further, in order to be…

From someone who exercises a good amount (usually 5-6 days a week for 1-2 hours at a time) I never really believe in exercise for weight loss. The math just doesnt work out, go and run hardcore for about 3 miles at 250 lbs bodyweight and you are looking at burning about 500 calories. While thats a good amount its the same as maybe 2 bottles of soda. Its a lot easier to cut out 100 calories from 5 meals then to run 3…

Your math doesn't work because it's not that simple. The effects of exercise - strength training or cardio - do not stop once you stop. Your metabolism is raised for hours after, and your body has to start repairing itself.

Also, please note there is more to exercise than cardio.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#19

Post by neilc »

asillyusername wrote: post #15
mrtron wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

easily said, harder to do. Lookout for hidden calories. Soda, juice, etc can contain about 250 cals per glass. It takes probably about 15 minutes of running to counteract that. So, to balance those scales of calorie intake (or tip them into your favour) focus on eating better and drink mostly water, coffees and teas. Exercise is a must. Do whatever form you can do regularly. Patience is the final piece the puzzle, yo…

People who think juice is a healthful food are nuts.

Not everyone has a problem with calorie intake.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#20

Post by webwright »

Joe Hruska (one of my co-founders at RescueTime, YC08) has lost 42 pounds in the last 3.5 months with approximately zero exercise.

He pretty much did the South Beach Diet. It's kinda faddy, but it really is approximately what humans were designed to eat. You should pick up the book, but approximately: no white flour, no white sugar, no rice, no potatoes. First two weeks are pure carb-free (painful) but the rest of the time, complex carbs are okay in moderation.

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