h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Over the past three and a half years, I've lost 80 pounds - if you lay it out in a line. I've gone from 310 to 230. I lost fifty the first year and a half, yo-yo'ed back and forth for six months and lost 30 more over the next year. I'm now trying to lose another 20.

What's the trick? First, I'll be the first person to say that one diet/weight loss plan isn't for everyone. Second, I'm also at the head of the line saying "I don't care what I look like". But, 310 pounds isn't exactly healthy, and I'd really like to live long enough to see my kids grow up.

I'd been trying to lose this weight for at least 10 years; each time I'd lose 30 pounds, then put it back on. I'm one of those legendary people who could gain weight by looking at food - and can't lose it even during a fast. I've tried many different diets and healthy living plans, including heavy use of stair steppers and ski machines. None of them got me past that magic 30 pound mark.

Finally, the last time, I went on Herbalife. Expensive, but not bad. At least I was sure I was getting all the vitamins I needed. For exercise I used a Nordictrak ski machine. Got to the 30 pound mark and, once again, stuck.

But, this time, instead of giving up, I purchased a Bowflex weight lifting machine. I'd always avoided that kind of exercise (the last thing I want to do is bulk up!) but I realized that each time I went on one of these diets, I lost muscle and kept the fat. My goal with the Bowflex was not to get stronger (although I have) but to keep my muscle while I was dieting.

That did the trick. Once I added the Bowflex to the mix, I resumed losing weight. It wasn't easy (I hate exercise) and as time went on I had to increase the amount of skiing and lifting I was doing, in order to maintain progress. But the upside is that, just like they say, I've got a ton more energy *and* because of the extra muscle I've laid on, I can actually eat more than I used to and still maintain my weight.

I've also had to pretty much accept that I'm going to be on a "diet" to some degree or another until I die.

Of course! If you stop eating you WILL die!

All kidding aside, I want to congratulate you on your weight loss so far, and wish you the best of success and good health for the future!

Wow! Congratulations. I am just about to start another diet so I think I will take your advice.

Hi
I noticed your post here when I went to greet you.
Unfortunately I can't greet you at your page as you haven't yet activated it.
Please would you do that, just type anything, it doesn't have to be much at first, but then at least there will be a "click here to discuss this" button, and other researchers can come and talk to you!

Thanks,

~AGB~

Oh sorry I did not realise that I had to do that. I will do it now.