Achieved/Maintained significant fat loss? HOW?

[Aquajock]

Happy Memorial Day, sportsfans!

This question is inspired by a thread I saw just now on the VideoFitness forum. I am curious as to how those who have achieved and maintained a significant fat loss have done so.

What worked for you? That's an open-ended question, and the answers I'm sure can encompass nutritional choices, workout choices (formats, cardio vs. strength training), workout intensities, workout frequencies and duration, etc. I realize the Success Story has many of these same answers, but I'd like to hear from you all here.

I myself have maintained a fairly significant fat loss now for over 21 years; it should be noted that much of my initial fat loss was the result of completely cutting alcohol out of my life (sober now for almost 22 years) and all its attendant useless calories, diminished physical activity and whacko food choices in the alcoholic state. And my own journey to fitness has been a long, winding and fairly boring one. I am interested in your own.

Looking forward to your responses!

A-Jock

 

[CollinsMom]

I have gained and lost a lot of weight in my life, varying from a size 2/118 pounds at my smallest to a size ???/185+ pounds after the birth of my son.

I was successful at losing weight before by cutting calories drastically (eating maybe 800 cals a day) but I couldn't seem to keep the weight off... Go figure!

After having my son, I started exercising by putting my son in the stroller and walking for 45-60 minutes/day. Then I joined a gym and started doing 45-60 minutes on the elliptical each day.

But it wasn't until I found Cathe thaat things really started... I discovered weight lifting, which totally changed the look of my body. And these forums really inspired me to think about the foods I was eating, and that's when the weight really started to come off.

I have lost about 55 pounds since the birth of my son (he is four years old) thru good old-fashioned hard work (running/other cardio & weight lifting) and discipline (clean eating).

 

[jloewe]

I have gained and lost a lot of weight in my life, varying from a size 2/118 pounds at my smallest to a size ???/185+ pounds after the birth of my son.

I was successful at losing weight before by cutting calories drastically (eating maybe 800 cals a day) but I couldn't seem to keep the weight off... Go figure!

After having my son, I started exercising by putting my son in the stroller and walking for 45-60 minutes/day. Then I joined a gym and started doing 45-60 minutes on the elliptical each day.

But it wasn't until I found Cathe thaat things really started... I discovered weight lifting, which totally changed the look of my body. And these forums really inspired me to think about the foods I was eating, and that's when the weight really started to come off.

I have lost about 55 pounds since the birth of my son (he is four years old) thru good old-fashioned hard work (running/other cardio & weight lifting) and discipline (clean eating).

First, A-Jock, congrats on your sobriety, that is tremendous!!

Second..like Katie, it was not until I added weight lifting to my regimine that I noticed siginificant changes. Cathe's workouts have pushed me further than I would have ever thought possible, and her strength training DVD's have actually turned me into a weights first, then cardio fan...never thought that would be possible...although don't get me wrong, I still LOVE cardio..esp. kickboxing and walking/jogging interval training.

Through this mix, I don't gasp for air when tying my shoes anymore, my cltohes fit better than ever. My diet is mostly healthy, but I have no problem admitting to the occasional slippage, especially where buffalo wings and pizza are concerned.

So, for me..I'd say it's been the weights that have made the most difference.

 

[nancy324]

My story is similar to yours, A-jock, in that it's been long and slow. My weight and fat gain was caused by dieting when I was young. My stupid pediatrician told me that if I wasn't careful I would never grow up to be beautiful like my mother. I spent my teenage years dieting and binge eating, dieting and binge eating, and wound up weighing 160 lbs. at a height of 5'3". It took me a long time, but I finally learned that for me, staying lean means never saying "diet" again, and just following my natural appetite.

I've maintained my weight and fat loss for more than 20 years, and if anything, just keep getting leaner over time. No particular kind of exercise is necessary for me, other than staying active and keeping my muscles toned. The most important thing for me is to just listen to my body. It has never once said to me "I NEED an oreo cookie", except when I'm drinking alcohol or taking some kind of medication that interferes with my natural appetite. For me, the best answer was the simplest one.