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Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

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Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#1

Post by Flemlord »

This was inspired by another Ask YC post that mentioned the Hacker's Diet (http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/www/hackdiet.html).

After extensive research, I tried the Hacker's Diet and lost 60 pounds over 7 months. The big problem with HD is that it doesn't emphasize increasing your protein intake. As a result, I lost some muscle mass as well as fat. I kept the weight off for two years but eventually gained most of it back. Another criticism of HD is that you lose your energy--had I been working at the time I couldn't have pulled it off.

I recently started a medically supervised diet called a Modified Fast which does emphasize increasing protein and virtually eliminating carbs. One of my board members recommended the clinic and they claim they can do 15-20 pounds a month with no muscle loss or decrease in energy. I'm ahead of schedule but I'm only a couple days in so it doesn't really count. (The first 10 lbs are water weight.) I also take an appetite suppressant called phentermine during both diets.

Here's the Wikipedia link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet) for something similar to my current diet. They call it the Ketogenic Diet. (The whole point is to kick your body into a state of ketosis where it rapidly burns off all your fat. The protein is to make sure it doesn't also burn off muscle.)

So YC, have you ever tried to lose weight? If so, how?

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#2

Post by noodle »

i used, to great success, a variation of this:

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/06/how-to-lose-...

in addition to this type of diet and exercise, lift weights to build muscle. more muscle = more calories burned. because of this, make sure to take in extra protein, and during the one "break" day, eat minimal protein.

change around the food and such as you like, but keep the principles the same.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#3

Post by scott_s »

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 in good shape - not just maintain "low weight" - you need to eat well and exercise. For the rest of your life.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#4

Post by zverj »

There's that nice image on internets: How to lose weight in 2 easy steps. Step 1. Stop eating so much you fat fuck. Step 2. Wake up and move your ass.

Well basically that's it. I go to dancing classes. It's not hard and effect is not instant, but I rate that better than gym.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#6

Post by spencerfry »

I use stickk.com as an incentive to workout regularly. I play squash 3 times a week and do cardio and weightlifting twice a week. It's all about regular exercise as well as cutting out fatty foods (hamburgers, fries, pizza, etc.). Also, be careful about eating fruits. Vegetables and lean meats (turkey, chicken) are far better for you.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#7

Post by chaostheory »

To me it's really obvious that you should eat well and exercise... the problem is getting the time to do it. Why not work/hack at the same time as exercising?

My home work desk is configured for standing... right now I'm experimenting with mini-steppers though I have a feeling that I either need to hack a full blown stepper or that I need to buy a treadmill. The problem is that most mini-steppers have bad design and will probably break in a month, though if you want a treadmill that doesn't break after prolonged use; I've heard you need to spend a few grand...

Ideas:

- http://www.engadget.com/2005/06/08/the-treadmill-workstation...

- here's one guys hack: http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/07/31/web-workout-make-a-work...

- http://www.realtechnews.com/posts/3634

- http://www.buzzfeed.com/buzz/Treadmill_Workstation

I also use a combination of Wii and a mini exercise cyle (not usable for most desks and it's too loud for the office) when I play xbox 360 video games.

http://www.amazon.com/Brookstone-Mini-Exercise-Bike/dp/B0000...

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#9

Post by mrtron »

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, you can't healthily lose more than a few pounds a week.

Re: Ask YC: How do you lose weight?

#10

Post by mk »

I just started at the gym. I've gone every other day so far. It's only been the first week, but I am starting out slow with about 30-60 minutes of cardio. Along with that I try to keep in check what I am eating. Eating breakfast is a big thing cause it gets your metabolism going in the morning. For lunch instead of a whole sandwich I eat half a sandwich and some fruit and a yogurt. For dinner I try to keep red meat to special occasions and eat more chicken and fish. I also try to make smarter choices like salad with dressing on the side instead of french fries. Thats about it.

Edit: I also don't drink soda, diet or regular.

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