How I lost 70 lbs. in one year.

[Philosoraptor]

I know it probably seems out of place to discuss it here, but I just have to share.

I had terrible eating habits, I ate all day, I ate anything in front of me, and I was making myself sick all the time, I even went to the emergency room with a belly ache, and they told me I was severely dehydrated and hooked me up with a needle to hydrate me.

Well, I started researching and I asked my doctor for advice. I took his advice to heart and I gave up some of my favorite foods, FOREVER. No more potatoes, no more white rice, white bread, no carbonated drinks, and most importantly, I began drinking lots and lots of water.

They say 90% of Americans are dehydrated. Dehydration is very dangerous to your body, and when you drink the required daily amount of good ol' water, every organ in your body works better, even your brain. It lubricates the joints and restores them, it softens the skin, it builds muscle mass, etc.

At first it's a little hard to swallow, all the water, but after a week or so your body absorbs most of it, and you're not running to the bathroom constantly.

And that's it. Using this simple formula, I was able to go from 250 pounds, a weight I maintained for over 20 years, to my current 180 in one year. All in all it was rather painless and it's turned out to be the best and most effective diet I've ever tried.

And the amazing thing is, I did it without ANY strenuous exercises. I can't exercise much, I'm in a wheelchair from infantile polio. With no exercises whatsoever I am losing weight every day. I lose about 2 or 3 pounds a week average, and I'm no longer afraid to step onto a scale, in fact I look forward to it now.

My friends are all amazed. I am amazed and my Dr. is now taking me off several of my high blood pressure meds, and I no longer require insulin as I was starting to show diabetic symptoms.

Frankly, I had given up any hope of ever losing weight, and had resigned myself to a life of obesity. I am no longer obese, which is apparently 200 lbs. for a man my age.

Anyway, I just had to share, I know it's not earth shattering news, but I often see this very subject spoken about here, and I have found a simple solution that works for me and I just had to share. I truly believe that anyone can have the same results if they follow these simple suggestions.

Yes, you have to say goodbye to certain foods forever, farewell junk chain foods, farewell pepsi and coke and fanta, goodbye to some of my favorite comfort foods. It's worth it, and I feel better than ever not having to hoist an extra 70 pounds around all day. Hell I'm taking it all the way to ZERO!

I'm not stopping till I'm 160 and NEVER, EVER going back.

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.

How many glasses per day?

[Philosoraptor]

4. About 6 average size glasses

I spread it out over the day, so I don't feel like I'm drowning, I've noticed that when I drink 8 glasses, it happens even faster. I'm literally washing away the fat and toxins.

[southernyankeebelle]

56. I love water and drink alot of it. But sadly am still fat. The way I see it you finally

hit your bottom sort of speak. I envy you and want to say congratulations. I hope I get to where you are. I'm not there. Your inspiring. Keep up the good work. That is the best example to others. I know one time I was on Weight Watches and lost 100 lbs. But I wasn't able to keep it off. Then I had surgery to lose the weight and gained alot back. I always called it the curse. I didn't preach though. The best example is what you did along with leading by example and not preaching. People will ask you then tell them. I have been on so many diets but you found what I always thought but haven't been able to do. But your an inspiration and maybe I'll try again at the new year with a new leaf. Good luck and pray you can keep it off.

[Philosoraptor]

120. I think it has to happen in your brain

And you are right, I had reached my lowest and largest point, and I was miserable and my brain had to re-adjust from zero and that can be a difficult point to reach. For me it truly was a moment of clarity, and I had to turn off a switch in my head.

And I also think that people get frustrated when it doesn't happen immediately, they should maybe just hang in there and not obsess about it and just do it. Easier said than done of course.

[southernyankeebelle]

122. So very true. I am glad your able to get over the hill. Am 65 and I'm still waiting to get

my brain in your mode, LOL. But it's kinda like stop smoking. In every part of my life I can control except food. I cold turkey on smoking. I stopped biting my nails.

[NYC_SKP]

2. K/R (nt)

[RedCappedBandit]

3. Congratulations

But no, you really don't have to say goodbye to certain foods forever.

If adhering to those rules is working for you though, good for you.

[Philosoraptor]

5. I do crave some junk, and I can eat it now, but rarely.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

44. You got it right. Eat healthily and you can actually enjoy rare treats as treats.

Too many people gobble and snarf and inhale comfort food and junk food without really tasting it or enjoying it.

Get in touch with the taste of food by spending time tasting it as you chew it and eating a varied and nutritious diet. Then treats are really treats.

Well done!

[Skittles]

16. I agree

I cannot imagine saying I will never eat potatoes again. Not at ALL. I eat plenty of potatoes and have never been overweight but I do exercise regularly and not lightly either - I go at it

[Philosoraptor]

19. I LOVE me some spuds

Everybody's body is different, metabolisms etc. But everybody needs more water.

[Skittles]

24. yes

I want to tell you though that you CAN exercise while in a wheelchair - I know because a coworker in a wheelchair told me about his regime which includes weights and accessories for seated folk...... research on the internet....don't blow off exercise - it's as good for you as any hydration program!!!

[Philosoraptor]

28. I do excercise

But of course I have to do it sitting down. I do housecleaning, which to me is excercise. And I am a musician so I get out and move around with that too. It's much easier moving around now of course.

[RedCappedBandit]

43. People can eat what they want.

When it comes to weight, it is a question of quantity. Of course, if avoiding certain foods entirely helps certain individuals keep from overeating, more power to them.

Exercise is a great addition to a lifestyle change, of course.

[Skittles]

75. I agree

I know I can eat anything I want, and I do - and that includes junk food; I also know I cannot eat as MUCH as I want

[SammyWinstonJack]

6. Can water intake be in the form of iced/hot tea. I drink a lot of both, daily. Just plain water,

not so much of that, though.


Oh and congrats!

[Philosoraptor]

9. Apparently tea or coffee or juice don't count as water

But I bet it'd work as long as you don't use much sugar. Hell, I'm no dietician.

[SammyWinstonJack]

11. Well...darn!

I use splenda.

[woodsprite]

14. The rule that my doc gave me was that less than

Half your intake could consist of tea as long as it was
decaf and either unsweetened or sweetened with an
artificial sweetener. Caffeinated drinks are diuretics
which does the opposite of hydration. If you drink
caffeinated, he suggested limiting it to one cup in the
morning. If it's coffee, sweeten with artificial sweetener.
If you like creamers or flavored creamers, use
nonfat liquid creamer and something like splenda-based
sugar-free syrups like Torani or Davinci make.

[Skittles]

20. I use sugarless creamer and find that alone does the trick as far as sweetening

I've tried and I just cannot stand black coffee

[Philosoraptor]

23. I use non dairy creamer too

I tried to give up my morning java, but I'm WEAK!

[Skittles]

25. nothing better than that first cup, am I right?

naw, I will never give up my coffee

[Philosoraptor]

29. No coffee, no workie.

[RebelOne]

77. I love ice cream and have discovered sugar-free ice cream.

And I have also found sugar-free chocolate syrup. Now I can eat ice cream without guilt.

[oldbanjo]

84. I eat ice cream nearly every day

and don't gain any weight but I can't get near peanuts or mixed nuts.

[oldbanjo]

83. Try a little salt in your coffee,

that's the way we make it and we drink it black, it keeps it from being bitter. I have the single cup type coffee maker, I refill the used cup with Maxwell House coffee add some salt and cover with heavy tin foil.

[tridim]

61. That's actually not true.

Water is water. Your body doesn't know the difference.

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

[TahitiNut]

12. Caffeine is a mild diuretic, as I understand it.

Thus, it causes more DEhydration than the water component would hydrate. Thus, caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, etc.) should be avoided when hydration is sought.

[Philosoraptor]

13. True

And I have 3 cups a day, but I overwhelm the coffee with h20.

[Skittles]

15. how much water do you drink daily on average?

I try to drink more water but get tired of constantly peeing; it certainly does not stop for me after a week

[Philosoraptor]

17. 4 tumbler size glasses

I believe they suggest 8 average size glasses a day, seems like a lot at first, but I got used to it. Running to the rest room is part of it I guess. But I don't feel like I'm peeing excessively. It does take a little getting used to.

[TahitiNut]

65. Peeing is just the body taking an "inside shower."

Hell, I'd rather use a "Stadium Pal" than stop drinking water.

[Philosoraptor]

68. I never believed it until now.

[SammyWinstonJack]

31. I drink only celestial seasonings decaf teas, using splenda for a sweetner.

Guess I should drink plain water too.

Not a fan.

[Philosoraptor]

33. My mother is 82 & obese & she HATES water

She's severly diabetic, but she makes no effort whatsoever to lose weight. She says water makes her sick, and she drinks only soda, but hey, she's 82. But she's quite miserable.

I admit, sometimes it's a little hard to swallow that much water, but it truly working for me.

[FailureToCommunicate]

48. What about trying to get her to drink flavored soda water? Maybe start with Truvia to sweeten

Last edited Tue Dec 18, 2012, 10:42 AM - Edit history (1)

it to the level of her sugary drinks, then cut back. Of course see if that's okay with her doctor diabetes-wise...

Another trick might be to keep some chilled, or add ice. For me at least, this GREATLY helps interest in plain water (even in winter)

Also, I know a number of even power-chair bound folks who have benefitted from upper body exercise, particularly weight lifting (like even a dictionary!) The mild stress of the effort in even just the upper joints sends signals to ALL the rest to gear up for work.
Congratulations to you, for your perseverance!

Here is a lay person's text on the subject:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51L117qHo3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

[oldbanjo]

85. I'm 67 and have never drank water I

drank Decaf Tea until two days ago when a picture of tea got sour i got a glass of water and that's what I've been drinking ever sense. I have never drank a bottle of water, may be drink 5 Cokes a year. We have well water and I have a carbon filter on the Island sink, that's where I get water for coffee in the morning and now too drink.

[gateley]

111. I found that when I made myself drink a lot of water a day, I ended up LOVING it!

I'd fill up a bottle from the tap (with a filter on it) and refrigerate it - and it tasted as good to me as anything else. I never thought that would happen, but it did!

[marlakay]

55. I drink a lot of ginger tea and other

Cafeine free teas plain nothing added to them. I like them that way. But I don't drink much plain water. I use my tea bags more than once so I feel like most of what I drink is mostly flavored hot water.

My doctor told me I am a lot healthier since I quit caffeine and drink ginger tea. All of my acid reflux and stomach problems went away. I have been drinking it for 4 years now daily.

I always have plain water with me in the car and take it to the gym.

[obamanut2012]

34. If it's unsweetened, and if you also drink plain water

If you use ANY sweetener, then it's as bad as soda. Artificial sweeteners, in my book, are worse than sugar. Diet sodas are just toxic.

[Philosoraptor]

35. Diet soda is a sick joke

My sister drinks diet pepsi all day, and no water, and she's becoming diabetic.

[obamanut2012]

40. REgular soda is better for you

Even though it's bad for you, but still better. Diet soda isn't just basically toxic and leads to weight GAIN, but also tastes awful Need the caffeine? Drink some unsweetened tea. A cup or two is perfectly fine, as long as you have good water intake. Endurance athletes use caffeinated gels for a reason, and they certainly are concerned about hydration.

I eat very healthy and run quite a bit, and am pretty fit. Good for you. It's relatively easy to lose weight (ie the logistics of how to do it), but it isn't something that happens overnight, so many people get discouraged.

[gateley]

112. Stevia (NOT Truvia or the other commercial one "based on" stevia)

is okay for you. It's purported to have healing properties (have no idea if that's true or just legend) but it has zero glycemic impact and sweetens just fine. Sweet Leaf is the best brand I've found (some can taste a little bitter).

Of course, stevia is not artificial -- I totally agree with you on artificial sweeteners. Including the ones, like Truvia, that are tweaked to the point of being toxic like others (and cheap to manufacture) but are riding high on the anti-artificial sweetener wave.

[shanti]

113. i use purevia

is that one ok?

[gateley]

125. PureVia is Pepsi's version of Coca Cola/Cargils TruVia.

Both were developed to get a share of the stevia $$$ pie.

In the early 90's I started using stevia but it was sold as a "facial serum" because the couldn't legally market it as a sweetener. It was hard to find, and I don't know how the barriers were broken down, but eventually stevia became popular with those into "natural" foods.

Both PureVia and TruVia use a smidgen of stevia so they can market it as incorporating stevia, but the amount is so infintesimal that the majority of ingrediets are the stuff we really don't want. I wouldn't trust anything from those huge companies anyway -- look at aspartame.

Here's a snip about PurVia and TruVia

http://www.bryanmarcel.com/truvia-and-purevia-are-not-stevia

I've tried most brands of stevia, and as I said, many have a bitter, odd taste. Sweet Leaf is the only brand that doesn't and I like the company profile. You can get it at natural stores, the natural food section in a lot of stores, and online. Here's their site:

http://www.sweetleaf.com/

I gotta say, though, that I think PurVia is FAR better than aspartame -- that stuff is poison.

[Democracyinkind]

7. Congratulations. It's really astounding how well it works.. hope others can profit from what you've

learned.

[HiPointDem]

8. congratulations. i have noticed as i aged that if i didn't keep hydrated my joints would get

stiff and the joints where i had arthritis would flare up. drinking a glass of water made the pain go away.

[Philosoraptor]

10. & water is mostly free.

The effects of dehydration are pretty scary.

[dixiegrrrrl]

98. Yes!!!!

Same experience here.
I keep a huge jug of Brita filtered water by my puter..says "59 oz" and whenever I feel munchy I drink half a glass of water.

Also discovered that something in microwave popcorn makes my joints hurt like hell the next morning, so stopped eating that
( Mr. dixie loves it) and sure enough...no bone aches in the am.

[Babel_17]

18. Congratulations!

Lots of water in low calorie vegetables too.

[Philosoraptor]

21. I eat more fruits and veggies

And try to avoid processed foods, canned foods, and all sugar.

[JI7]

22. what do you eat ?

what kind of foods do you eat ?

congrats on the weight loss. i have lost weight also . but i don't know how much since i didn't weigh myself before or after. i have lost weight before also but gain it back again. i would go to extremes to lose weight and usually for something coming up but when it was over i would eat crap again. but this time i'm trying to make changes in lifestyle.

[Philosoraptor]

26. Oatmeal in the morning, or yogurt

And just try to eat sensibly, avoid fatty, greasy stuff, but you can on occassion go crazy as long as keep up the water intake.

A light lunch, my stomach has shrunk so I can't eat as much as I used to, which was massive. Man I could really put it away.

A small portion dinner, it doesn't matter what it is as long as I keep drinking nature's wonder drug, water.

[leftyladyfrommo]

27. Yea!

You can eat potatoes - just don't put stuff on them. Starchy vegies are OK but you can't put butter and gravy and all that stuff on them.

I've been able to lose a lot just by throwing out all processed food and eating plant based stuff. Nutrient dense, low calorie. I feel really good and I'm never hungry. I fill up on brown rice, vegetables, potatoes, yams and corn and beans and lentils. And I drink a big green smoothie - leafy green stuff and fruit and water. It's like drinking 50 oz of pure nutrients every day.

It all has lots of water in it so you don't have to drink all day long.

Everyone is different. I'm so glad this has worked for you. That's great.

[Philosoraptor]

30. Excellent advice

And yes, everyone is different. But I think everyone should drink more water. Some people of course never gain weight, while others are very prone to it.

But most folks are very dehydrated.

[leftyladyfrommo]

32. I drink water during the day.

When you drink 50 oz. with the smoothie you get a lot of your water. That's 6 8 oz. glasses right there.

[oldbanjo]

87. I never gained weight, never drank water or cokes

eat mostly skinless boneless chicken and Hillshire sausage with rice, lots of Vegs and fruit. I have bad knees and hips so I don't exercise.

[yends21012]

36. Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations!

I've eaten similarly to you and have lost weight, gotten off of meds, and felt 100% better. I fell off the wagon by not dealing with some emotional and life issues, but your post has just renewed my effort.

I'll report when I'm down to your weight.

[Surya Gayatri]

37. "The more [water] you drink, the more you lose"--as a doc once

advised me. Not to mention doing your kidneys a power of good.

Millions of people have slightly elevated creatinin levels because they are chronically under-hydrated.

Not good for those poor kidneys in the long term--they have to work overtime to clean out the system. And the bladder is more susceptible to infection as well.

ETA: And major props for the lost weight!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

38. Good advice, good experience. Note however that the "established wisdom" on quantity of water is

You give some very good advice, and have good experience to back it up.

This does not contradict you, but it is worth noting that the "established wisdom" on the quantity of water we "should" be drinking daily is wrong. The commonly cited figure of "eight (8) glasses" of water daily is based on very old research.

Well, surprise, surprise, when a journalist went back to look at the original research on this, they found that the number was actually a measure of all the moisture and liquids in food and a healthy intake from back then. So we don't need 8 glasses of water daily.

All the same, your points about hydration and dehydration are excellent. H2O is far and away the main lubricant and transport system in the body. Most people need to increase their intake of H2O. Many drink large quantities of caffeine, which is a diuretic, and that means that a large portion of those caffeinated fluids are excreted (pissed out). So some additional fluid is needed.

Coffee and tea are healthy in moderation, beneficial, because of the anti-oxidants and the stimulative effect of the caffeine itself. Green tea is healthy in any quantity you care to drink. A largish man (180-200 pounds) can have up to five cups of coffee or equivalent per day, and probably should have at least three unless there are actual contraindications advised by a doctor. Smaller people should drink proportionally less, and I don't think there is much if any benefit for larger people to drink more. My intake is one liter of french press and about 15 years ago that replaced two liters daily of Coca-Cola. My weight has been stable those 15 years (BMI Body Mass Index just below 25, just below "overweight&quot .

Green tea is healthiest because it not only has the caffeine and anti-oxidants, but it additionally has some soothing and calming alkaloids, so it has an excellent balance for a healthy stress-reduced life. I may switch some or all to green tea in the future.

Absolutely avoid sodas and pop drinks except for the rare treat or emergency fill-in when regular sources of caffeine are not available. The fructose from corn syrup has an insidious effect on the body's insulin system and there are no beneficial effects aside from ordinary caloric intake (fuel). Of course those calories are empty of any other nutrition and there are much better foods that are fully of nutrients.

Finally, water is good.

[annabanana]

53. What about carbonated water?

I just got a soda stream and find that it's easier for me to up my water intake if it's fizzy..

[JNelson6563]

62. Good question!

I have been considering getting one of those myself. How do you like yours?

Julie

[annabanana]

74. Really cuts down on lugging those

2 liter bottles around I'll tell you!

The family drinks a LOT of diet soda of different flavors and it's a win win for us.

[Ruby the Liberal]

94. I love, love, love my soda stream

Posted to ask before I bought it last year, and thrilled beyond measure with it. Thing paid for itself in 3 months. Be sure and go to Bed Bath and Beyond (or order online) with their 20% off coupon. I use filtered water and mainly drink it fizzed up without flavorings, but the flavorings are awesome and have like a 100 year shelf life.

Hints and reviews hidden away here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/109398

[Brigid]

114. I love mine.

I have noticed on the labels that the flavors for the Soda Stream have considerably less sugar than Coke or Pepsi.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

66. Water is good. Carbonation probably not a problem, helps digestion:

Carbonated water erodes tooth enamel, though the effect is negligible.

Intake of carbonated beverages has not been associated with increased bone fracture risk in observational studies, and the net effect of carbonated beverage constituents on the amount of calcium in the body is negligible.[12] Carbonated water eases the symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia) and constipation, according to a study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.[13]

[Victor_c3]

39. The average person gets 16% of their calories from what they drink every day

I don't remember where I read that statistic, but it has been stuck in my head for years now. So, if you cut all of your calorie filled beverages to water, you're easily cutting a sizable portion of calories.

A lot of people's hunger/thirst reflex is "broken" and people often eat when their body is actually saying its thirsty.

Also, the hydration thing is spot on. Everything just works and feels better when you drink enough water and keep your body flushed of toxins. Speaking of toxins, since you are removing, try not to add them to your body in the first place. I'd advocate staying away from processed foods or canned vegetables. Buy frozen vegetables instead - they are often more fresh than canned ones. If you do use canned vegetables, rinse them thoroughly first. I've gotten into doing some ayurvedic cooking and it really works well for me. I love Indian food so this is right up my alley.

I'm glad you found something that worked for you. I grew up a fat kid and it took me a while to figure out what worked for me. I got into great shape when I was in the Army, but it wasn't because I ate healthy. I worked out a tremendous amount, took steroids, then worked out some more after pigging out at Burger King twice a day.

I got out of the Army, stopped working out (I'm lazy) and I've basically stayed skinny because I focus on drinking enough water each day and eating a mostly vegetarian diet. I lost a lot of my muscularity, but for a 32 year old guy who doesn't work out, I still look pretty damn good (not that I'm full of myself or anything .

[Phentex]

41. That's awesome!

I have not read all of the responses but I think you'll find, for the most part, that once you stop eating crap, you don't really want it as much.

And you are so right about the water! People sometimes eat more because they are just thirsty.

Congratulations and much continued success!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

42. Another excellent point you make that I would like to extend is about empty foods

Another excellent point you make that I would like to extend is about empty foods: white bread, white rice, starchy desserts, junk food, comfort food, sodas and pop drinks, etc.

Replace them all with nutritious food: brown rice (in moderation), whole grain breads (in moderation), fresh fruit and yogurt, etc.

Cultivate a educated palate. Eat a varied diet. Go all out for diversity. When given a choice including a nutritious item I don't usually eat, I go for the novelty.

The good news is that you (all of us) will find that when you reach your target weight, you can have the occasional food item for a treat that would be otherwise excluded.

My weight has been stable for over two decades. I increased from a 29 inch waist in my teens and early twenties to a 32 and then a 34. At that point I drew the line, partly because I didn't want to have to keep changing pant sizes!

I eat a varied healthy diet with oatmeal, whole grain bread, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, etc. However, I am able to use whole milk and have a small potato every other night, and the occasional treat.

Best wishes and congratulations on discovering (and sharing) the secret that is not a secret!

[MgtPA]

45. Water helps with appetite suppression too.

My MIL would make her 4 strapping teenage boys drink a large glass of water before dinner every night, just to keep them from eating her out of house & home.

Congratulations!

[Prometheus Bound]

46. Thanks for the tips. I'm going to try them.

See how it goes. Hard to dump the potato chips and beer though.

I'm interested in losing about 20 pounds. I like running and don't enjoy carrying 20 pounds of useless fat up the mountains with me. Actually it's probably 40 pounds, but dumping 20 would make life easier.

[loyalkydem]

47. I think I know what my New Years rsolution going to be.

[meti57b]

49. Big CONGRATULATIONS on that!!!......

I might add, .... my doctor tells me, one beer a day is extremely good for your health. ..... however, no more that one beer.

[Philosoraptor]

52. I like a couple three brewskies too

[GETTINGTIRED]

50. Gave me back hope

no words for that...... congratulations

[a kennedy]

51. OMGosh.....congratulations.

and yup, gonna start a little something this January....ha ha always put off what you can do today, right?? No, just kidding, but I've always tried to drink water and all the white food....I'm done, and again congratulations.

[geckosfeet]

54. Congrats! Another low/reduced carb success story.

Best of luck with reaching your goal.

[tridim]

57. Congrats! mid-160's is the ideal weight for human males of average height.

I wish you luck getting to your goal!

I just arrived there (162) from the other direction. I used to be about 150 and needed to add the extra weight. Fortunately I made it happen with extra calories and exercise, so the 12 pounds I gained is mostly core muscle. It's freaking awesome! I feel 10 years younger.

Anybody can do it!

[raccoon]

58. Well, is rye bread OK? And thanks for sharing that. nt

[Philosoraptor]

59. Yes, I love Beefsteak rye.

[Greybnk48]

60. Low or reduced carb is the only thing that really

works for me. I am having a tough time cutting out soda altogether though. My husband and I seem to be addicted to diet Pepsi. I have at least two cans a day, but I am a water drinker too.

Thanks for the info. I've been half "off-the-wagon" low carb-wise lately. You've given me a needed "snap out of it" moment. Thanks for sharing!

[ileus]

63. My diet changed when I befriended a dietitian.

I sat across from him everyday for three years.

The first time I asked him for advice he gave me a diet and then suggestions everyday to any question I had.

I lost from 205 to 163 in 6 months with diet alone. I've gained about 12 back in the 7 years since but the eating habits have remained pretty constant. I'll gain 3 or 4 pounds then I'll pay better attention to diet and lose it again.

Life is grand. Keep up the good work...........

[JNelson6563]

64. Bravo! congratulations!

Well done! I know water is great in so many ways. Great for your insides and outside! When I drink it I can feel it. When I drink it as I should (enough of it) I can also see it in my skin. It really is a "wonder drug".

I am very excited for you and your progress. I hope your post inspires many who struggle with weight and other health issues.

And I read much of this thread and have enjoyed the support & encouragement everyone is giving each other. Nice!



Julie

[Viva_La_Revolution]

67. Excellent!

you give me hope

[Lex]

69. "No more potatoes, no more white rice, white bread, no carbonated drinks"

That probably had the greatest impact as far as weight loss.

If you were getting to point of diagnosed dehydration, I'm sure water made you feel so much better too!

[cynatnite]

70. I've lost 13 lbs in the last 3 months due to just getting off my fat butt...

A change in lifestyle seems to be the key for both of us. I hope I can drop 40 lbs in the next 6 months. We will see.

P.S. I've cut down on the snacking considerably as well.

[freshwest]

71. So happy for you! Thanks for telling us about your success, it's the best way to go.

[AnneD]

72. Congrats....

Two years I lost 30 lbs and it has not come back. I am inspired to do more this time. I nickeled and dimed my weight off too. I drank more water, not as much as you. No sodas, no fast food. Sweet potatoes instead of white, brown or wild rice, steel cut oats, pasta only at lunch so I have the day to work it off.

Water is the secret weapon. I get kids in here all the time complaining about headaches and have low grade temps. They feel much better after drinking water. The other thing I notice, they come in with a stomach ache. I ask them when the last time they ate something green, yellow, or red. Many times it is over a week. Thank God for re fried beans or these kids would get ZERO fiber.

[Quantess]

73. Keep up the good work!

Water can taste pretty good, actually.

[panAmerican]

76. A 70-pound load off your bones IS earth-shattering news; congratulations!

[ieoeja]

78. I lost 35 lbs in two years fairly easily.

Do you have a flabby skin problem? Your weight loss sounds kind of fast.

For me it started at lunch one day. I was eating. I was full. But I still had food. So I started to eat food that I did not really want.

I have never, ever, not even once done that with a beer. I have offended people walking away from a free beer they had the bartendar put down in front of me because I did not want another beer. I have ordered beer myself, taken a sip, realized I was full, and walked away.

So why was I not doing that with food? I can waste the food by dumping it out. Or I can waste it by shoveling down my throat when I don't really want it.

Felt better fairly shortly. I decided to ramp it up a bit. Eat a big lunch one day. Eat a sandwich, no fries or chips (cutting down potatos was the hardest part), the next day. Bowl of soup the day after. Then repeat.

Then I added walking at lunch. I wasn't eating as much. And I like to walk.

Finally, there was that problem of what to do when I get hungry each evening after a few beers. I came up with a simple solution for that: drink more beer!


Okay. Not the best diet in the world. But it worked.

[babylonsister]

79. Fantastic!!

Congratulations!!
I lost 40+# two years ago as the result of a divorce and moving away/living alone. I have managed to keep it off, and I feel mahvelous! And you're right, there are some foods you just have to learn to do without, or eat in moderation 'occasionally'. Learn to make better choices and drink that water!

[CountAllVotes]

80. That is fantastic!

Congratulations! I hope you feel better with every day that passes!

[OmahaBlueDog]

81. If you've ever been to Weight Watchers, the firs step is 6 glasses of water per day

This will probably be my 2013 project.

[renie408]

82. Thank you so much for posting this.

I need to do something. I have been gradually creeping up the past few years, probably from stress eating. Just reading this has inspired me. I got up and filled a water bottle and have it on the table beside me.

Thanks!

[BigDemVoter]

86. I know I feel 100% better when I drink lots of water.

I remember in college when I had to study. I would drink lots of water, and my ability to concentrate would increase like ten fold-- unbelievable.

[macacawitz]

88. Water.....never drink the stuff.....

.....fish fuck in it!

W.C. Fields

[valerief]

89. I'm following your lead. I just need to drink more water. nt

[DollarBillHines]

90. Hummus

Hummus is a miracle food.

Due to injury, I put on 30lbs that I did not need.

I started eating hummus with flat bread for lunch, every day. I did not change anything else in my diet or my liquor intake (I drink a lot of beer, bourbon and wine).

I lost that 30lbs in six weeks with no exercise at all.

Congratulations! Keep it going.
DBH

[Honeycombe8]

91. Amazing! Congratulations! And thanks for the tips. I'll try more water.

I don't like water, but know I should drink it. I already don't eat much white food....except SUGAR! The bain of my existence. I've cut way back on that, though.

[Ruby the Liberal]

92. Congrats!

There is a lot to be said about the health benefits of eating lower carbs. I will get a rash of shit for saying it, but I am also a huge fan of eliminating wheat. Does wonders for health, but has the nice side effect of bringing down weight in people who want to lose weight. Wheat Belly is a book written by a cardiologist that started pulling wheat out of heart patient's diets and saw amazing results, so looked into the science of what we now call "wheat" compared to what "wheat" was 50 years ago. Its a real eye opener.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

93. inspiring...

thank you... and congratulations! you will get there!

sP

[underpants]

95. That is great news and a great story

good for you.

I lost 70 pounds in 2007 and have mostly kept it off.

[Marrah_G]

96. You've just inspired me

To try again. I had given up after losing 50, gaining back 75 more times then I can count. I'm going to try one more time to beat this without surgery.

[allan01]

97. re:How I lost 70 lbs. in one year.

congrats on your success. ive been soda free for 6 months and dont miss it good luck to ya keep us posted please .

[mzmolly]

99. Congrats to you!

[Lisa0825]

100. Congratulations on your accomplishment! But just a litte input....

While you may be OK with banning certain foods forever, one thing that keeps many people from dieting (or causes them to fall off the wagon) is all-or-nothing thinking. Moderation works for many. I don't deprive myself of anything, but I limit it to occasional treats. and the medically supervised program I was in a few years ago actually recommended "freestyle meals" to keep people from feeling deprived from missing their favorite comfort foods.

All that being said, yes, those foods do tend to cause a lot of problems when they are regularly consumed, and most of my progress did occur when I did little more than follow the broad "no white foods" rule.

[MrMickeysMom]

101. When exercise is not an option, it's really more challenging... Good for YOU

Sounds like it was more "behavior change" than anything, plus proper hydration and right foods. But, that's hard for so many and so many give in. We all do this, some of us can get away with it, and some of us have a harder row to hoe.

[OnionPatch]

102. Congrats! I think you're spot on about the water.

I lost 20 pounds last year on a diet that required me to drink three liters of water a day. I thought it was a bit much, but I was never overly hungry on that diet even though it also restricted caloric intake. Since then I've gained back ten of those pounds and have been trying to lose it again with no luck. You've reminded me of the key component of that diet. I've not been drinking the water! Off to fill my bottle for tomorrow so I don't forget. Thanks for the inspiration and good luck!

[abelenkpe]

103. Good job!

[midnight]

104. This is a great story to share with those of us trying to live more healthy lives...

I have started drinking silk nog... instead of the really good egg nog because I have been not able to tolerate dairy... And I love dairy.. It's been so hard... without my pizza nights... It's learning to re-cook all over again.. But I love soup. So I have been learning to cook soup....

I have to start drinking more water... Thanks for the advice...

[Philosoraptor]

119. I think junk food is a major health epidemic

And my Doc says diabetes, obesity and smoking are the three main things that patients see him about.

[midnight]

124. I agree...

[Sissyk]

105. Congrats to you!

And a Thank You..

for this very positive thread with overwhelming good feelings.

[B Calm]

106. I lost 30 pds since October 1st

using the Atkins diet. Now I'm off Atkins and I'm exercising, eating better, and losing weight slower, but I'm on the right path.

[CitizenK9]

107. Who is this "they" who says 90% of Americans are dehydrated?

I've browsed a couple of mainstream web sites on dehydration and they only talk about acute dehydration, not endemic subacute dehydration.

[Philosoraptor]

118. "They" was the emergency room nurse...

Hell, maybe she's an expert, or I got the figure wrong.

I know I was clinically, severely dehydrated, but then I drank absolutely no water at all for over 50 years.

[Beacool]

108. Congratulations!!!

There are only a few lucky people who never had to lose weight. It requires a life style change and it's extremely hard to achieve on a permanent basis. You seem to have achieved it and it will add years to your life.

Best luck and may you have continued success.

[awoke_in_2003]

109. Good job...

at 180 I am really lean. However, that was 70 lbs ago. I do need to drink more water and cut out the fast food. I am going to go meatless a couple days a week. I am on no meds now, and I want to keep it that way.

[Mel Content]

110. I cut ALL starches from my diet and lost 60 lbs. in less than 6 months.

most starches are not a part of the hunter-gatherer diet our bodies developed for.

[crim son]

115. Congratulations!

Yours is an inspirational story! Continue to do what works and you will certainly reach your goal.

[ErikJ]

116. I swore off cookies at 15 and now hate them.

because I noticed I was eating toooo many of them. Now I practically cringe if somebody asks me to have one. Yuck.
I gave up bread 8 years ago and only eat it when I have to. I eat open face hamburgers occasionally.
And I have given up cnady etc as they taste WAY too sweet. I would NEVER eat a doughnut again. I have maintained the same ideal weight for my whole life this way. Good method!, GOOD JOB!

[sally5050]

117. thanks, this is a very inspiring thread

very very inspiring...

especially about water.. bless you my friend, philosraptor... you are awesome!

[Silent3]

121. I've lost 60 pounds in 8 months without any fanatical purism or total elimination

I still eat potatoes and white rice and white bread, just less of them, fewer calories in general, and whole grains more often.

I drink plenty of fluids, but quite often in the form of iced tea or flavored seltzer water (no sugar or artificial sweeteners -- the kind with just a touch of fruit flavor), and less often, but hardly rarely, diet cola.

I certainly eat some "junk", it's just not a big part of my diet, more of an occasional treat. I had half a slice of French Silk pie last night. I ate a McRib last week. But I also consume a lot more of the calories I do consume in the form of fresh vegetables, some fruit, yogurt, lean meats, and some cheeses.

Since I don't have the physical limitations you have to cope with, I do exercise a lot. I speed-walked 31 miles last week, plus two 45-minutes elliptical rider sessions, and did some weight work (not enough last week) and stretching.

My last physical in October showed I was in excellent condition for 50. My cholesterol was down from 190 before I started all of my diet and exercise to 133, tryglycerides were at a very healthy low level (they had been a little high before), and all of the other numbers like blood sugar were great. (OK, one number out of 40 or so numbers, for chloride, was a tiny bit high, but the doctor didn't consider it a matter of concern.)

Maybe your difficulties in performing exercise mean that a stricter diet is more important for you. It's not a bad idea to stick with whatever works for you so long as your overall health improves. I don't think what you're suggesting is good general advice, however.

Many people may have success by totally eliminating X their diets, and eating/drinking a lot of Y, and/or performing trick Z, but I think that turns out to be more a matter of useful head games to give people a psychological focus for their diets than proof that X is practically poison, Y is the food/beverage of the gods, and Z is the Secret of Life.

[Bake]

123. Good for you, P-Rap!

Good for you!

Now if I could just get my Stage 4 lung cancer father to drink a bottle of water ... he's so dehydrated he can't take the chemo that we hope will keep him alive ...



Bake