Jorn,

I didn't read all the replies so forgive me if I repeat...

First of all. Throw your scale in the garbage. I mean literally. Take it, I don't care how much money you spent on it, I don't care if it tells you your BMI, or anything else. THROW IT OUT.

Ok. Now. We got that part done. (You did throw it out right?)

Ok.

Step two.

Forget EVERYTHING you hear, read, and have been told about "losing weight" frankly, Jorn... losing weight is a suckers bet. It is, well, for the losers out there... The ones that are always "dieting".

Which leads me to the next part. Forget the word, "diet" take it OUT of your vocabulary in the sense of the meaning to "not eat, or eat only certain things". If you find yourself saying things like, "I don't do carbs" "or too much sugar" -- throw those phrases out too -- right next to your scale. Replace those words with "new way of thinking about food" -- carbs, sugar, etc. are fine to eat -- but not in the form of a chips for lunch and soda for breakfast...

Next.

Meet your NEW scale! That's right. I got you one. Go to your closet and look at all your pants. THOSE are you new scales. Lots of them -- in all different colors and styles!!! Just for you. Try on a pair that you don't think fit the way they should, but did at one time.

That's your new TARGET SCALE. Put them away, but keep them in mind. You're going to try them on in about a month.

Next, go to a pair that sort of fits right, but could fit better...

Ok. Now you're getting the idea.

A little tight? But manageable -- wish they were a bit loser. Good.

These are the ones you're going to work on NOW.

You see, it isn't about what you weigh, it is about your measurements. I can show you a person with the same frame that weighs 160 and looks like a fat slob, and I can show you a guy who looks fit. The scale doesn't know crap.

You're on the right track with your work outs... sounds like your doing lots of cardio... and that's GREAT...

What are you doing to build muscle?

How old are you?

How many times a day do you eat? What do you eat for each session? Tell me about your breakfast... The more you tell, the more we can help.

Pete

P.S. This is all from my personal experience, along with that of my STBW... we have both lost weight, and kept it off...

Your weight with your height sounds about right. You can't really go by those weight index's their just guides.

I'm 5'11' tall. There was a point about 10/12 years ago where I was really into exercising. I went to the gym almost every day. I was lifting lots of weights and lots of aerobics. I was kind of toying with the idea of going on the American Gladiators show. I was in the best shape I was ever in in my life. No matter what I did I could not get my weight down past 182lbs. I just couldn't do it. I was taking the fat off but I was putting on a lot of muscle. I finally decided that I didn't care so much since I was working out so much and looked real good.

Since my brother died a little over a year ago I've been slowly putting the weight on. What makes it even worse is my girlfriend says she doesn't mind. She says I'm not overweight when clearly I am. Right now I'm around 220lbs.
I joined a gym last week and have been working out like every other day. I've been real achy lately. When I'm toned up I plan on doing those long slow burns Kuan was talking about. The place is called http://www.planetfitness.com/ It's only $10 a month no contract. It's a really nice place and atmosphere too.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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Jorn, in my opinion, you are where you need to be. The vast majority of the populace would be well-served if they followed your regimen. You said you can see and feel the difference, so heck with what the scales say. It wouldn't hurt to get a physical exam if you haven't already (and that should include a stress test if you're over 40) with a detailed blood test.
Best of all, congratulations on quitting smoking and kudos for your disciplined exercise program. You could fine tune it I'm sure but you are leagues ahead of 95% of the people on the planet.
Just my 2# worth.

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1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".

$10 a month? SWEET! I can't stand all these clubs with those darn classes I never take.

__________________
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Do you know your body fat percentage?

No, were do I measure that?

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Jorn- good for you, the last 10 is the hardest to lose ,keep in mind muscle weighs more than fat you probably reached a plateau where your body is comfortable the rest will come off.

__________________
"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

I get Aussie beef from Tj's. I'll work up a granola recipe for you in a bit.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

I'm sure if you do a search on the internet it will say how, I think they call it body mass index? I see a trainer that measures all of that. Theres a measuring contraption that pinches the bicep, tricep, gut, thigh, etc. and you calculate that with your weight and get the number. But, I imagine if your properly motivated you could use a garage tool, like a dial caliper

Im a skinny guy, at like 9.0%, but youre in good shape up to about 15%, your not in bad shape though until like 22%. I think i read that "average" is 19? But these days, average isn't something to be proud of.

I think Gottadiesel's first post is right on the money. Been there.

at 5' 8 and 195. i exercise four times a week and eat carefully.

it is really hard to go down and really easy to go up.

i wish i were 5 11 and 184!

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

1) Absolutely DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST. It should be YOUR BIGGEST MEAL!!!! Your meals should get smaller as you approach the end of your day. I repeat, skipping breakfast is about the most foolish thing you could do.

2) Unless you're lactose intolerant (not that it stops me) -- Cheese is one of the best sources of protein -- DO NOT go over-board, as there is fat, etc. But it will satisfy you like few other snacks.

3) Not eating before bed is a good idea, however, there is nothing wrong with a little NATURAL UNSALTED peanut butter or a small piece of cheese. You don't want to go to bed totally starving as you won't get as good a night's rest.

You're doing well... snacking is fine. Just remember -- first meal of the day = biggest and then they taper down from there... protein is key.

Do you lift at all (weights, machines, etc.)?

P.S. My STBW is very heavy in the granola "thing" -- makes it, wants to sell it shortly, etc. Granola is probably one of the single best things you can introduce into your diet. Most granola is trash. Bear Naked IS NOT as great as people think it is. You can make better at home. There are MANY great recipes on the net... remember:

GRANOLA in the MORNING + PROTEIN!!!!

Breakfast is important. It could potentially curb your appetite through the rest of the day.

Stick to a healthy regimen, as you've done.

When you feel like binging, keep busy with something else you enjoy and soon enough the feeling will pass. That's what I do. I still have those cravings.

I've found food, with me, to be more of an emotional fulfillment in consumption rather than serving my hunger. I'd rather chow down on a bag of chips than either have a pear or simply abstain from eating at all. Even if I'm not "truly" famished.

There was a time when I was 221 lbs. I was also 5'8. In a little over one year, I lost over 70 lbs to arrive at 148 lbs and a height of 5'9.5. Now, I'm 5'11, weigh 162 lbs, am classified as large frame, and I exercise sporadically. I lost and keep the weight off by simply not eating. By not eating, I feel happier. By not eating I find pleasure in other things.
By not eating, women act differently around me.
I plan to take exercising a bit more seriously when I advance nearer to the big 3-0.

__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)

Eating a sufficient amount of protein has ZERO to do with the Atkins moronic ideals.

Protein builds muscle. It takes more calories to sustain muscle than it does fat. You want the weight to be from muscle (built by protein) -- so your body metabolizes calories better and faster to sustain your muscles.

Proteins, especially from sources like soy, lean (NOT TYSON OR PERDUE, etc.) good quality chicken, good quality pork, etc. are terrific. I also favor lamb and goat, but that's just me. I try to limit my beef intake.

NEXT IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you see something you are about to ingest and it has: High Fructose Corn Syrup -- RUN away from it like it is poison.

You have no idea how horrible it is for your system.

Pete

P.S. Did you mention if you did weights or not?...