[pete b]

But what happens if Drew gains it all back? My faith would be crushed...

That's the tough part. I've lost 60-80 pounds at least 4-5 times in my life. But then life always seems to get in the way, old habits return, and the weight comes back.

FWIW, calorie restriction is the way to lose the weight, but exercise certainly helps you feel healthier and makes it easier to keep with the healthy eating. I've gone as low as 1200 calories a day, and that will certainly drop the pounds fast, but it's hard to keep at it. 1400-1700 calories a day seems to be the butter zone for me, where I lose a steady 8-10 pounds or so per month, and I am able to keep it going long term without feeling like I'm starving myself.

Lean protein has always been my staple when trying to lose weight. When you cut your calories way back, you still need to make sure you're getting enough protein. Chicken, egg whites, vegetarian options (Trader Joes Meatless Meatballs are great), etc. are all great ways to fill up and get protein while still keeping the calorie count low.

Eric, I have detected a Freudian slip. You may have a problem.

[dilluh98]

Several friends of mine who have struggled with their weight at times have used this with success. As others have pointed out, one needs to be taking in less calories. Period. That will do more than exercise alone will and it will do more than hyper-focusing on the "healthiness" of the food you eat (although, that does have a beneficial effect of just making you feel better/more energetic in general). It's a matter of not shifting gears rapidly and expecting to shed 60 lbs in a month. Being aware but also not obsessing seems to be the mantra of those who've seen success long term. If you want a candy bar, eat a frickin' candy bar. It's really not the end of the world.

My friends who've seen the greatest success with this strategy are one's who pair the calorie awareness with something like a Fitbit which can be motivating to be more active (or aware of your inactivity). Even very low-end aerobic exercise will shed calories quite effectively.

http://www.disruptyourdiet.com/blog/how-to-lose-weight

[guido]

How about we set up an AHA Experimental Weight Loss Group, and we worship Drew as our Guru and Deity, and we pray to Him for guidance? And we make a pledge to lose x amount of weight through scientifically sound experimental methods. E.g., the first week we only eat bananas and after that week we measure the collective weight loss. Second week, only quinoa and Brussels sprouts, and we measure again, etcetera and so forth.

Couldn't we just do liposuction instead?

[homoeccentricus]

I think we should collect suggestions for experimental weight loss programs. Nothing should be excluded a priori.

[beersk]

A surefire way to lose weight is to cut off an arm or leg. You'll drop 15-30 pounds FAST. The good thing about that program is it works for everyone, unlike many of the other ways to lose weight.

[klickitat jim]

How about we set up an AHA Experimental Weight Loss Group, and we worship Drew as our Guru and Deity, and we pray to Him for guidance? And we make a pledge to lose x amount of weight through scientifically sound experimental methods. E.g., the first week we only eat bananas and after that week we measure the collective weight loss. Second week, only quinoa and Brussels sprouts, and we measure again, etcetera and so forth.

This Belgian guy says

[homoeccentricus]

Not at all. Just idling away time until the return of the One True Drew.

[dbeechum]

There is no Drew, only Zuul.

There's an article with the AHA waiting to be posted, but I think we'll carve out a little time to talk about it on the podcast.

But yes, in all things weight lossy - diet is paramount.

[mpietropaoli]

Also interested.  I was blown away after seeing a recent picture.  90% of beer drinkers I know could stand to lose a few, including myself.  Even 10% of bodyweight can really help.  Success stories are always great to hear.   Specifically id like to hear about how much beer you allowed yourself, along with how beer played into total calories, balance, etc. 

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[reverseapachemaster]

I've cut ten pounds since the start of the year which I consider a huge victory considering I had a trip to vegas and Austin over the past two months. My goal was to drop fourteen pounds by the middle of next month when I go to Hawaii with my wife. I think I am going to end up a couple pounds short but I am committed to trying until the last day.

I have terrible metabolism so I have always struggled with my weight. If I eat semi-unhealthy for a day I could easily show another 2-3 pounds on the scale the next morning. I've lost a good chunk of weight 3-4 times in my life. The thing I've learned is that my body responds to a very specific diet and exercise regime but what works for me isn't what works for most other people. So my advice to add on the subject would be that if you find one technique isn't working for you then don't give up just try a different technique.

[Steve Ruch]

A surefire way to lose weight is to cut off an arm or leg. You'll drop 15-30 pounds FAST. The good thing about that program is it works for everyone, unlike many of the other ways to lose weight.

My aunt Edna lost 340 pounds of ugly fat in 6 months: the time it took to divorce my uncle Clem.

[redbeerman]

There is no Drew, only Zuul.

There's an article with the AHA waiting to be posted, but I think we'll carve out a little time to talk about it on the podcast.

But yes, in all things weight lossy - diet is paramount.

Yes is the answer.  Exercise gets you into shape, but will never get you to a weight loss goal.  Diet is indeed paramount.  Try not drinking every day.  It's a start!  What's cool about exercise is that it makes you stop bad habits.  It just doesn't work when you have a hangover.

[dbeechum]

It just doesn't work when you have a hangover.

I punish myself - I make myself go to the gym if I'm hungover.

[tonyccopeland]

I have had success dropping a 50 pounds over the last few years by counting calories and exercise.  I use to 70 - 30 perspective, 70% is all about diet and 30% exercise. It translates into 3 hours a week of excerise for me and keeping the calories below 2200 per day on average.  When I tried to go lower on my calories, I'd binge after a couple days. 

-Tony

[redbeerman]

It just doesn't work when you have a hangover.

I punish myself - I make myself go to the gym if I'm hungover.

I've done the same.  I've run some 5Ks hungover too.  I don't do that anymore.