Okay, I need everyone's opinions, if possible

[SkaPaladin]

Okay, here's the short version of my story, and then following that, is the question.

I started at about 255. I currently weigh 183 as of this morning. I'm guessing 181-182 if I had been "in the buff", so to speak. I will admit that I am currently fairly happy with the new me. I am no longer a big guy, and I just learned that I am a few pounds away from being the lightest guy in my group of friends, when I was once the heaviest. (My friend Gilbert doesn't count, because he's only 5'2 and athletic. I'm 5'6-5-7, so I'll probably never weigh less than him)

But, my loss has definitely slowed, as per normal. I wasn't expecting the loss to continue as long as it had, to tell you the truth. I'm about 3.5 months in, and almost 75 pounds lighter.

Problem is, I want to get down to 150-155. And I don't know if that is going to happen, what with the whole bone density thing and the extra muscle thing. So, I want to get as close as possible. I know this WOE is probably the best way to do it, but I also want a little help in the exercise dept. Currently, I work in a warehouse, and because of a new system integration (which is highly flawed, imho) I am working in excess of 50-60 hours a week. I don't really have too much time to fit in much more exercise, nor do I have time to run, or bike to work, because it is a half hour drive to and from work. On some days, I don't even have enough time to get a full nights rest before I have to go in again.

So, the weekends are my best bet (i.e. last option) and I was wondering if there was anything I could possibly integrate into my daily routine that would, maybe not speed up the process, but help guarantee that I make it as close to goal as possible...

I also toyed with the thought of wearing ankle weights to increase the exercise I get at work, but I don't know if I would be able to strain myself too much more at work. I also go to Subway everyday for lunch for a salad, and I split it up between both of my breaks. On the weekends, I eat nothing but salads and spicy chicken and beef dishes. Not as much water as I used to drink, but I make up for it at work, because they don't allow us to take drinks into the warehouse, but we have water jugs at almost every station.

I just feel so overwhelmed at this point in time, and I want to be able to at least take control over this part of my life, because once I have this taken care of, and sitting happily in maintenence, I can start working on the rest of my life, one day at a time, without having to wonder if I lost a pound today, or if I can afford an extra diet soda this week.

So please, if anyone has any advice they can offer me, I would be very much appreciative. Whether it be an exercise regimen, or a new recipe, or just moral support, to help me make it to my goal.

I thank you for your time.

[not2late]

Re: Okay, I need everyone's opinions, if possible

Hi and congrats!

How to fit exercise into your daily routine........?

I have a desk job at the office (Sometimes I'm pressed into more active duty.) Every hour or so, I get up and do a set of lunges, bicep curls, etc. For the bicep curls, I use a resistance band---it looks like a big rubber band. It's very light weight and portable. So I can get an upper body-resistance work out. You can also use it for lower body stuff, like squats and lunges. Before I eat lunch, I take a walk around the building complex parking lot--if it rains, I run the stairs of the building or I do more stuff with my resistance band.

When you watch tv, you can jog in place or do those exercises you did in P.E. class like push-ups, windmills, sit ups, jumping-jacks, etc. Beleive it or not, those exercises are effective and if you closely watch those fancy exercise videos, all of those "new" exercises are just variations of those P.E. exercises (basically, they add weights, increase the "rhythmn" of the exercise, add extra movement or a combo of all three.)

[2big4mysize]

Re: Okay, I need everyone's opinions, if possible

yep what she said

oh and ankle weights are bad they cause knee injuries so don't go that route. how about a break time 10 min workout get some resistnace bands or dumbeslls I've got 35 pound set in a brief case that I take with me just carrying that is a woirkout. and have at it. while you are working do a few isometrics n0obody will know you are tightening your butt cheeks but you. Any extra work you have your muscles do without adding more food to your day will result in weight loss maybe slow weight loss but this isn't a sprint to goal. we are in it for the long haul.

[not2late]

Re: Okay, I need everyone's opinions, if possible

That reminds me 2Big, before those "weighted" running and walking vests came out, I had a neighbor in the Army Reserves who used to run with two 5 pound handweighs in a backpack. He said that when he had to do his physical fitness test, he didn't have to run with a pack, so by using a weighted pack while he trained made his test alot easier. Dunno if it really worked, but it's a thought....