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Resolution Help
updated: Dec 31, 2010, 6:56 AM

As we look to the new year, I hope I'm not alone in wanting to make some healthy lifestyle changes…what recommendations does the Edhat community have for weight loss plans/guidance (not diets), nutritionists, personal trainers, lifestyle coaches etc. that have made a difference in their lives?

Places People Are Talking About:

Overeaters Anonymous	Parks & Recreation	Russa Yoga Studio
UCSB's Leisure Review	Weight Watchers	Wii Fit Plus

What People Are Saying:

EZ2	2010-12-31 07:18 AM
Stay Busy..run, walk ,skip, hop, jump,dance, etc and drink lots of water. I will develop a pattern that I will follow for the whole year!
COMMENT 132074	2010-12-31 07:29 AM
I dont want to break any edhat rules by speaking about any advertising or promoting:) But I am a Certified Health and Nutritional Counselor... helping people heal their lives thru whole foods is what I do... Its a one on one process looking at fitness happiness and eating...
COMMENT 132077P	2010-12-31 07:45 AM
132074, how about placing a classified services ad on Edhat, or at least becoming a paid subscriber?
COMMENT 132090P	2010-12-31 08:19 AM
It took me a long time to figure out that the magic bullet is exercising and eating sensibly. Keeping track of intake with an online food tracker works great for me. Over about the last 10 years I've lost 40 lbs. and have kept it off for 2 years. In addition to regular walks and cardio workouts at a gym, I've also started working out twice a week with a personal trainer, to strengthen my bones and core.
COMMENT 132091	2010-12-31 08:20 AM
Here's a simple but proven method to good health. Exercise, exercise, exercise. You can then eat whatever you want, and you won't gain weight.
COMMENT 132093	2010-12-31 08:23 AM
dont eat as much, dont be lazy, exercise.
COMMENT 132102P	2010-12-31 09:08 AM
Practice yoga (there are tons of great teachers and studios in town)! If you've never tried, get going on an introductory series, either through a studio or through UCSB's Leisure Review or Parks & Rec. Learn the fundamentals so you can go to any of the many Level 1 or Level 1/2 classes in town. You can also go as a first timer to enjoy the benefits of classes at Russa Yog studio on the mesa or a restorative yoga class at any studio (just be sure to let the teacher know it's your first time). In time, you can establish your own practice. Yoga has been incredibly beneficial to me. Eat more vegetables & vegetarian meals. I love food and tend to overeat. If I do, at least it's lower calorie and better for the environment. We have year-round farmers markets nearly every day of the week in the region and get a wide variety of food produced locally year round. You can join a Community Supported Agriculture program to get a box of food periodically. I find that I may pay slightly more for organic food, but it is totally worth it. Hike. Our local mountains have trails to kick your butt and long beach walks on low tide are so lovely and calorie burning. Find Group Fitness. Indoor classes, biking, hiking, walking, running....
COMMENT 132104P	2010-12-31 09:15 AM
Our bodies contain nearly ten times as many bacteria cells as human cells. We only look “human” because human cells are so much bigger than bacteria cells! We live daily with good and also bad bacteria. The good keep the bad in check and by doing so keep us healthy. Recent research is illuminating how our bacteria shape the expression of our genes. This year consider tending your inner “garden”. Do what you can to treat your good bacteria well. If you must undergo a treatment with antibiotics make sure to help your good bacteria reestablish themselves or else the bad bacteria will gain a larger foothold. If you learn how to eat to feed your friendly bacteria you’ll be better off in 2011 and beyond! Good books to read: Infection: The Uninvited Universe by Gerald Callahan, Ph.D. Associate of Immunology and the Public Understanding of Science at Colorado State University. The Probiotic Revolution by Gary Huffnagle, Ph.D. Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at University of Michigan Medical School
COMMENT 132111	2010-12-31 09:31 AM
I love that you said no diets, because that's the biggest pitfall people have. Diets don't work. Changing the way you relate to food and connect your own health and well being to the decisions you make is the only thing that really works. I'm a very firm believer in simple moderation. I don't think denying yourself the occasional ice cream cone or fries on the side is healthy. For one thing, even if you eat really clean 99% of the time, you do need some exposure to processed food or else you'll get really sick to your stomach the first time you try to eat it. I try to go for a balance of about 85% whole, real food and then I give myself a break sometimes for special occasions or if I have a real craving for something junky or processed. If I tell myself I can't have something, I am the type to tend to think about that thing and then I'll eat ten of them instead of one. Never underestimate the power of fiber. The more fiber you have in your diet, the better off you are from almost every health-related aspect. Beans, legumes and fibrous veggies will change your life if you start adding them into your diet (slowly if you're not used to it since you can get gas from the veggies if you overload.) Consider using salad plates for dinner instead of large plates. You don't realize how much food you eat on those big plates. We tend to fill the space up on a plate, so the less space, the healthier the portion size. Finally, the thing that changed my life completely was investing in a personal trainer. I go four times a week and I have no excuses. I *thought* I was pushing myself before, but I really wasn't. I've seen amazing changes in my body and stamina and I thought I was in good condition before. I'd highly recommend it, even if seems costly, it's a great investment. If you can't afford it, try joining some classes. You'll still get pushed and for less $$. It just won't be as individually guided. Good luck to you, hope you have a healthy new year!
COMMENT 132116	2010-12-31 09:36 AM
i lost 140 lbs by eating less and moving more. it's easier said than done, but it's really the only way to do it!
COMMENT 132158	2010-12-31 11:28 AM
Accept the fact that you are not a health expert and seek out someone who is. Work out with someone who knows what they are doing. Whether that is a personal trainer, boot camp instructor or DVD, it will be more motivational and therefore more effective. Most people are not inclined to push themselves as hard or change their routine as often as they should. Involving someone with experience in your workouts will eliminate that problem. If you are serious about getting healthy, then consider signing up for a 6 week circuit training class with Jenny Schatzle. She will not only help you meet your fitness goals, she will also whip your diet into shape! She offers a class for only $5 on Saturday mornings at Fueled Sports if you want to see what her style is like.
COMMENT 132161	2010-12-31 11:46 AM
Wii fit plus
JAZZEE	2010-12-31 12:37 PM
Get a dog and exercise together on walks, runs and at our local dog parks.
COMMENT 132179	2010-12-31 12:52 PM
Eat everything you want as long as it is a plant. Read the book, Eat to Live. Go from there.
COMMENT 132186P	2010-12-31 01:21 PM
Stop eating too much.
COMMENT 132189	2010-12-31 01:37 PM
Run away from anything that contains high fructose corn syrup. I lost 13 pounds in two weeks just doing that and no other diet changes. Previous to that I wasn't drinking soda or eating lots of candy either--so it wasnt giving up soda/candy that did it. (Just thought I'd that say that before anyone else did). Try it, what's the worst that could happen?
COMMENT 132196	2010-12-31 01:58 PM
Some things to think about trying to change are to eat very slowly, as another said, use smaller plates and move around more during commercials lift some dumb-bells or do a few squats. Get up and walk for two minutes, than five minutes until you feel up to taking long walks or a hike. Eat a few nuts during the day, it kills my appetite so I don't want to over eat. Stretch several times during the day, it feels good. Reward yourself with things like a pedicure (guys too!) Find a photo of yourself when you looked great and put it somewhere so you see it often. Big one is drink lots of water, sometimes you think you're hungry when you're really thirsty.
COMMENT 132197	2010-12-31 01:58 PM
If you don't like water, try mixing in crystal light. I live off that stuff. A few of my friends say it will cause cancer (same crowd that hates diet soda) but I drink it anyway. Another mixer is lemon juice. I used to do this when I had a lemon tree in the backyard, but now that I've moved it's more of a pain.
COMMENT 132308	2011-01-01 07:33 AM
I have counted carbs, reduced fat and eliminated gluten and sugar...nothing worked for weight loss. I just went to a doctor at UCLA who suggested counting calories! What a concept: energy in, energy out. He recommends 1200 calories per day, not adding more for exercise. I find I am eating plenty and have not felt hungry. Slow weight loss but hopefully lasting. Plus,I already exercise 2 times per day. I have used the daily plate feature on livestrong.c0m to keep track. Good luck.
COMMENT 132309	2011-01-01 07:33 AM
Eat Less, exercise more.
COMMENT 132312	2011-01-01 07:49 AM
Start reading ingredient labels on everything you eat! There is so much junk in our foods today and getting knowledgable about what's really in your food is key to making the right food choices. Stay away from all "fake" food - diet food, fat free, no-sugar, etc. Most of it contains scary chemicals and sweeteners. Like someone said above, even once you start eating really great foods, consuming less makes a huge difference. Good luck!
COMMENT 132349	2011-01-01 09:57 AM
With appreciation for the fact that every person is different and responds best to what works well for them, here are my own observations for what they are worth: - If you are moving in the right direction with your weight, time is your friend. Be patient. - The best exercise for you is not the one I favor - it is the one you will actually do. - Some people can lose weight on their own, some need programs, some need structure, some do not like it. As with exercise, the best approach is what works for you. Try out different approaches. You will find what works best. - Don't diet. Eat properly, plan on making it a habit. - Your family and friends can help. - A few good books can help. Reading "Younger Next Year" helped me get started this last time and re-reading parts of it from time to time helps keep me motivated. Congratulations to you for being willing to make the effort.
COMMENT 132352	2011-01-01 10:17 AM
The method that Weight Watchers uses is by far the smartest and easiest method to follow. Eat what you want but in smaller quantities...forces you to eat smarter (more veggies, less soda/alcohol). You don't have to pay to join...just follow the point scheme. It's pretty easy to look at a label and calculate the point value of food.
COMMENT 132358	2011-01-01 11:04 AM
Cut out all sugar, salt, white rice, pasta, white bread and greasy food. No more sodas: especially diet soda (high sugar content), or wine (high sugar content). Say goodbye to candy, cake, pies, cookies, etc. All this stuff converts to fat. Drink water-water-water- and more water. Water flushes away fat cells. You don't have to overdo exercise - just walk - briskly. No sauntering. Walk everyday. Don't contantly weigh yourself - don't count calories, but do watch the fat grams and sugar content. Fat grams under 15% total per day is good. I lost 45 pounds in less than a year following this routine, and have kept it off for 5 years so far. I now walk 4-5 miles a day, getting ready to climb Half Dome next spring.
RICHBUSYWOMAN	2011-01-01 11:54 AM
My ONLY resolution for 2011 is to eat only when seated (don't eat standing up). My kids might have a heart attack when they see it, but I hope it works. I'll let ya' know in a year ...
COMMENT 132389	2011-01-01 12:14 PM
Lifestyle change is the ticket. If you can't afford trainers, etc., just eat healthy food and excercise. Brisk walking will do it if you do 1/2 hr. daily, take stairs, park farther from the door of stores. Whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies, small portions of lean meat.
COMMENT 132392P	2011-01-01 12:23 PM
I know lots of people think overweight people are lazy, and that's why they are fat. "Just get off your fat ass and move" as I heard one relative say... It's not always like that--some people have slowly creeping disabilities because of accidents where joints were broken and cannot be repaired by surgery, phys. therapy, etc. Eating less is certainly an option, but for those who cannot perform normal physical excercise, weight creeps up almost inevitably. It can be a real source of frustration and hopeless feelings. I'm just saying don't prejudge people who are not skinny. You have no idea what they're dealing with.
COMMENT 132413	2011-01-01 01:50 PM
Overeaters Anonymous--it is NOT a diet, it is a food plan and way of living regarding food. Google the website and answer the questions to see if its right for you!
COMMENT 132416P	2011-01-01 02:02 PM
The best advice I have read in these comments and it is repeated and proven over the years: be active and eat smart. As a trainer myself, nowadays what I see that is the main problem with unhealthy weight is lack of activity. I know many vegetarians and vegans who are fat (although not as many as the meat eaters). A few quick tips: Avoid sitting at the computer for more than 30 minutes at a time without getting up; 2) stay moving as much as possible during the day with everyday activities, ie, walk around the house while talking on the phone; 3) If you watch TV, get up during most commercial breaks, even if it's just to stretch or walk in place. Our bodies are made to move, so MOVE and you will enjoy life better! Good luck!
COMMENT 132907	2011-01-03 10:44 AM
132358: Water does not 'flush away fat'. And diet soda does not have too much sugar - but it does have sugar substitutes, which are potentially unhealthy. I agree that you should drink tons of water, and exercise (brisk walking is good! intersperse it with quick spurts of running for even more health benefits!). But if you're a regular soda drinker, switch to diet or flavored water (TJ's mineral waters are yummy!) if you can't make the switch right away to only water. Small steps are better than no steps. Instead of saying I want to lose 40 lb by the summer, find little things you can do & it sound s more manageable. Bring healthy snacks, tell yourself nothing from the vending machine or coffee shop next door. Use smaller plates, no seconds unless you wait 20 minutes. Use half your lunch break to walk. Walk or bike to work once or twice a week.