Weight loss... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spdrun · #1 03-06-2015, 04:41 PM

I'm about 20-30 lb above what I consider ideal and comfortable. A lot of people (in particular on Facebook) are pimping weight loss plans that cost money and/or require gym time. My method is much simpler. Commute on foot. 8 miles per day ~= 900 calories/day ~= 1.8 lb/wk. Simple, free, and I've been doing it every day, even in snow.

As an added benefit, leg strength has improved a lot and skiing is pretty effortless as compared to in the past. It's interesting that people in more primitive cultures (Amish, Amazon tribes) walk about 10-11 mi per day on average, and you don't see very many overweight people there.

Skippy · #2 03-06-2015, 04:48 PM

8 miles of walking takes about 2 hours or more. How do you find the time?

spdrun · #3 03-06-2015, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

8 miles of walking takes about 2 hours or more. How do you find the time?

Hitting the gym for an hour, going home to take a a shower, etc takes about an hour and a half. What's the difference?

Plus, as a practical matter, the equivalent commute by subway takes almost an hour round-trip, once walking to the station, waiting for a train, etc is taken into account. If anything, adding an hour to my commute takes less time than the subway + the gym and is somehow more rewarding since I can vary my route vs being a hamster on a wheel.

Gym + subway = 1.5 hr + 1 hr = 2.5 hr
Walking (quickly) = 2 hr

I'll probably start biking more in a few weeks, but right now it doesn't feel comfortable. Too icy for it to be safe.

MTI · #4 03-06-2015, 04:50 PM

"Smoking cures weight problems . . . eventually . . " S. Wright

Skid Row Joe · #5 03-06-2015, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

I'm about 20-30 lb above what I consider ideal and comfortable. A lot of people (in particular on Facebook) are pimping weight loss plans that cost money and/or require gym time. My method is much simpler. Commute on foot. 8 miles per day ~= 900 calories/day ~= 1.8 lb/wk. Simple, free, and I've been doing it every day, even in snow.

As an added benefit, leg strength has improved a lot and skiing is pretty effortless as compared to in the past. It's interesting that people in more primitive cultures (Amish, Amazon tribes) walk about 10-11 mi per day on average, and you don't see very many overweight people there.

It's what you're eating that got you 30 pounds overweight - eat less.

spdrun · #6 03-06-2015, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

It's what you're eating that got you 30 pounds overweight - eat less.

I gain easily, I'm "blessed" with a real mofakkin' slow metabolism. I don't eat much, eat reasonably healthy, and still gain weight. Only real way to keep metabolism up is to exercise consistently. I used to run cross-country in HS and college and generally hike in summers, so my body is used to that kind of burn, and when it doesn't happen, I gain weight.

Schedule in high school: 1 mile round trip to school, on foot. 1 mile round trip to the sports fields for practice after school. 1 mile run during gym class. 3 miles run during sports practice. 1 mile walk with my mom/the dog in the evening.

Total: 7 miles.

College was pretty similar since I lived and worked off-campus.

JB3 · #7 03-06-2015, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

I gain easily, I'm "blessed" with a real mofakkin' slow metabolism. I don't eat much, eat reasonably healthy, and still gain weight. Only real way to keep metabolism up is to exercise consistently. I used to run cross-country in HS and college and generally hike in summers, so my body is used to that kind of burn, and when it doesn't happen, I gain weight.

Cocaine can help boost the metabolism

spdrun · #8 03-06-2015, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

Cocaine can help boost the metabolism

Never tried the stuff, though I've drank tea made with coca leaves, which is a very mild version (think coffee vs pure caffeine powder).

It also stretches out the heart muscle, reducing endurance -- not my goal. Besides, walking is cheaper than yeyo

I do drink mate tea semi-regularly which is a mild stimulant.

INSIDIOUS · #9 03-07-2015, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB3

Cocaine can help boost the metabolism

More like replaces the urge to eat.

The Swede · #10 03-07-2015, 12:51 PM

After about 2 months of doing the same exercise (the same walk, distance/same heart rate/pace etc) your body adapts and the weight will plateau or increase again. One reason my mailman is obese.

You have to mix it up, increase distance or pick up the pace.

Adding muscle increases weight but your are more efficient at burning calories.

I'm not sure using supplements are a good idea. Goals can be attained by hard work and the right attitude. I messed with Ephedra years ago. Not good. No wonder they banned it. Tolerance builds up in a matter of a few weeks, need to use more $$. Then you come off it and crash... ugh.