Wildly off topic - Hey you, fatso!
Ok, so that may be a bit offensive, but as I'm talking about myself (and was teased about my weight at school), I figure it's ok. For most of my life I hovered around 220, which for my height (six two) wasn't too bad. I considered myself 'comfortably' overweight. About two years back though I began to pack on some weight, and went all the way up to about 255. While I still felt ok about it, I noticed all kinds of weird things were happening with me, including: Killer Poison Ivy, scary pink eye, a strained rotator, and other fun things. Now it probably isn't fair to blame the weight on all of that, it does seem like it could be related. I've been trying to lose weight for a while now, and finally have had some success. I'm down to 235 as of this morning.
I was speaking to Scott Stroz and he mentioned that he was trying to lose weight too. So I thought - why not have some fun with this, and see if we can encourage others to participate. With that I'm launching the ColdFusion Biggest Losers club. This isn't anything official. No web site or anything like that. Just a simple Excel sheet on my computer. (Actually Apple's Numbers program.)
Anyone who wants to join in simply needs to email me their name and weight every Monday morning. Every week I'll blog the latest stats and congratulate the highest percentage change. (And shun like hell anyone who gains, so don't join if you mind a bit of good natured joking.) This is going on the honor system. If you can't weigh yourself Monday morning, just do it Tuesday, or Sunday.
To sweeten the pot, after 8 weeks I'll give a copy of CFWACK Book 2 to the overall biggest loser. If anyone else wants to chip in a prize, let me know.
On a personal note - what steps am I taking? I walk at 4MPH for a bit over 30 minutes every day. I don't run as my knees are pretty bad. I do sit ups and will be adding pushups this week (using the Perfect Pushup system, and I'm not afraid to say I'll be doing "girl" pushups). I've also severely cut down on both my total caloric intake and the foods I eat. I'm eating no desserts, very little fat, and have increased my vegetable and fruit intake. (I'm taking multivitamins as well.) My first goal is 210 and the ability to do about 30 pushups.
Comments
Edit- A year ago December, It's also been through dietary changes, not just exercise...
# Posted By Scott Slone
| 1/14/08 12:40 PM
Ray,
I struggled with my weight for many years. I maxed out at around 300 pounds. I am proud to say that over the course of two years I lost 100 pounds the old fashioned way, taking in less calories and walking. I've been able to keep the weight off for three years now and feel great. Just wanted to pass along a little inspiration to anyone who needs it.
I struggled with my weight for many years. I maxed out at around 300 pounds. I am proud to say that over the course of two years I lost 100 pounds the old fashioned way, taking in less calories and walking. I've been able to keep the weight off for three years now and feel great. Just wanted to pass along a little inspiration to anyone who needs it.
# Posted By Mike
| 1/14/08 12:42 PM
Rey,
Have you tried the Gonda diet? It seemed to work for the Ewoks and they didn't even need to loose the cute pudgy look! :)
Have you tried the Gonda diet? It seemed to work for the Ewoks and they didn't even need to loose the cute pudgy look! :)
# Posted By John Farrar
| 1/14/08 12:51 PM
I don't know that I'm ready to be publicly scorned, but thanks for the offer. :)
I could drop a few. I'm just starting slow and simple. Cutting back my soda intake and replacing that with water. I'm down from 40 oz. a day to 12 oz. a day. Or almost 600 calories a day down to 170. So, I should lose a pound every eight days or so if I can stick to it. Or perhaps, I just won't gain a pound every eight days!
Next step will be doing a few minutes of exercise a day, but we'll tackle that in Febuary :)
I could drop a few. I'm just starting slow and simple. Cutting back my soda intake and replacing that with water. I'm down from 40 oz. a day to 12 oz. a day. Or almost 600 calories a day down to 170. So, I should lose a pound every eight days or so if I can stick to it. Or perhaps, I just won't gain a pound every eight days!
Next step will be doing a few minutes of exercise a day, but we'll tackle that in Febuary :)
# Posted By Jeff Price
| 1/14/08 12:59 PM
Just to be 100% clear to folks - if you want to participate, please email me. I'm considering comments here to be just that - comments. ;)
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/14/08 1:00 PM
Hi, my name is Alan.
(Hi Alan)
I'm fat.
I sent you an email Ray. :)
(Hi Alan)
I'm fat.
I sent you an email Ray. :)
# Posted By Alan
| 1/14/08 1:27 PM
I've been trying to lose weight for about 2 months now (down around 10 pounds), so count me in.
# Posted By Andy Matthews
| 1/14/08 1:36 PM
Andy, as a reminder, please email me directly. I'm not adding folks from this page.
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/14/08 1:41 PM
Ray, is this a "most lost" in the sense of percentage of overall weight, or lbs as a whole?
# Posted By Ray Champagne
| 1/14/08 1:56 PM
Percentage. To be clear, I'm not going to make any kind of value judgements on people's health or anything. It is just for fun. Lose the weight you think is best.
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/14/08 2:00 PM
Just a quick note of encouragement. I too lost 40 pounds over the course of a year. It takes some some good old fashioned hard work, but once you start seeing results, it kind of becomes addicting.
Stick with it everyone.
Also, there is nothing like a challenge to get you motivated.
Stick with it everyone.
Also, there is nothing like a challenge to get you motivated.
# Posted By Steve B.
| 1/14/08 2:03 PM
Nothing Fancy
Just Oatmeal in the mornings and , nice green salads at noon and Diet cokes in between help me back into my old jeans !
Just Oatmeal in the mornings and , nice green salads at noon and Diet cokes in between help me back into my old jeans !
Good luck on it, hope you get what you want. Two notes:
-- Watch out for metabolic changes in late 30s... I ended up needing less calories afterwards, but it took me awhile to realize this change.
-- One killer tip for lowering caloric intake is to start getting phobic about teeth cleaning... even fifteen minutes is enough for food to start damaging enamel (or so my dentist said). Doing a full brush/floss session immediately after each meal cuts down on idle eating throughout the day.
(Hmm, and if you want to switch off of soft drinks, then an "electric kettle" is a good way to get hot water for tea right at the desktop... made it easier for me to change habits... a little bit of caffeine is an appetite suppressant and also increases fidgeting and overall metabolic rate.)
jd
-- Watch out for metabolic changes in late 30s... I ended up needing less calories afterwards, but it took me awhile to realize this change.
-- One killer tip for lowering caloric intake is to start getting phobic about teeth cleaning... even fifteen minutes is enough for food to start damaging enamel (or so my dentist said). Doing a full brush/floss session immediately after each meal cuts down on idle eating throughout the day.
(Hmm, and if you want to switch off of soft drinks, then an "electric kettle" is a good way to get hot water for tea right at the desktop... made it easier for me to change habits... a little bit of caffeine is an appetite suppressant and also increases fidgeting and overall metabolic rate.)
jd
# Posted By John Dowdell
| 1/14/08 2:56 PM
I got to say - the toothbrush idea is a good one. My wife has me on a sonic-care (not sure of exact name) and I absolutely despise it. If I forced myself to do it after every meal, I can see myself cutting out a meal for sure. Snacks definitely.
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/14/08 3:02 PM
When I got married in 1999, I was a healthy 170lbs and lived a pretty active lifestyle. Then I learned ColdFusion and got a desk job. While it has been much more lucrative financially then making sandwiches at subway, it has taken it's toll on my body. Last July I was 225 and I got to the point where it effecting my ability to sleep, and now I have high blood pressure, and my doctor tells me what my wife has been telling me for years... stop being a fatty. I'm down to 206 right now by simply eating healthier food and smaller portions, but I think I'll join your list (don't worry Ray I'll send you a separate email). A little competition may do me some good in motivating me to go for a jog a few times a week. I want to be a CFBigLoser too!
# Posted By Scott Bennett
| 1/14/08 3:27 PM
I can highly recommend the ABS Diet (look past the silly title - "marketing") - it is actually a common sense excercise and sensible eating book.
http://www.amazon.com/Abs-Diet-Six-Week-Flatten-St...
http://www.amazon.com/Abs-Diet-Six-Week-Flatten-St...
# Posted By Johan
| 1/14/08 3:33 PM
I'd probably be in the camp of needing the most to lose. Are you planning to do it via percentage lost or total amount lost?
Count me in.
Count me in.
# Posted By Brian Meloche
| 1/14/08 3:53 PM
Percentages. Just wait to you guys see what the total and average weights are. I've got about 15 people in - and frankly - it's a sad state of affairs. ;)
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/14/08 3:55 PM
If you get some more prizes, I will seriously consider lopping off an arm or something. Should be good for a significant percentage of my body weight.
Just something to think about.
:)
Just something to think about.
:)
# Posted By Ray Champagne
| 1/14/08 3:58 PM
Actually brushing your teeth immediately after a meal is bad - it stops the natural plaque/acid neutralization action of saliva which if heightened after a meal. Far better to chew a sugar free gum.
# Posted By Johan
| 1/14/08 4:00 PM
I do have one more prize, will mention it in the blog entry tonight.
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/14/08 4:01 PM
At 6'1'', 160 I think I'll just offer encouragement. My wife wouldn't appreciate it if I lost any.
Ray I know the feeling, life happens and the weight goes up, without even noticing. A few years ago I maxed out a just over 235lbs and I decided enough was enough. My wife had just started doing Weight Watchers so it was an excellent time for me to make a lifestyle change and start shedding some weight to. I highly recommend Weight Watches, it's not about special foods, carbs, veggies, whatever, it's all about a balanced diet and reasonable portions. Sticking with it and learning how to eat properly helped immensely in reaching my goals.
I managed to get down to 170 and stayed there for about 1 1/2 years. This fall I was up around 180 and figured I needed to add some exercise into the mix to keep the weight down and stay in shape. Being over 30 means the body can use all the help it can get to burn calories. I started off slow and now am up to running 5 miles 3 days a week. It was a painful habit to get into but it's now become a daily routine and I look forward to a long quiet run to start off the day.
Best of luck in reaching your goals.
I managed to get down to 170 and stayed there for about 1 1/2 years. This fall I was up around 180 and figured I needed to add some exercise into the mix to keep the weight down and stay in shape. Being over 30 means the body can use all the help it can get to burn calories. I started off slow and now am up to running 5 miles 3 days a week. It was a painful habit to get into but it's now become a daily routine and I look forward to a long quiet run to start off the day.
Best of luck in reaching your goals.
I've actually created a biggest loser website for some friends - it allows user-created logins, weight tracking, challenge dates, weight loss percentage report, and basic message board features. I'd be happy to set up and host a site if you're interested.
# Posted By Nathan Miller
| 1/14/08 7:43 PM
Good luck on losing your weight. About a decade back, I decided to loss some weight, so started to run every other day and get rid of all junk food. I started to run in the winter despite of NJ weather. After I lost the weight, I started to lift weights to replace the fat with muscle. Its help me keep the weight off and me in other ways.
# Posted By Pat Whittingham
| 1/15/08 7:34 AM
On the most recent series of Biggest Loser, the on show doctor talked about replacing fat with muscle. He said that for every few additional pounds of muscle you have, you burn 50 more calories in the same time period.
# Posted By Andy Matthews
| 1/15/08 8:08 AM
Good point Andy. I wonder if I will hit a plateau soon where my weight loss begins to slow down due to muscle gain. I'm especially interested in my upper body, which is why I added sit ups and push ups (as soon as the darn perfect pushup system arrives).
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/15/08 8:14 AM
Do not go to my blog if you're trying to lose weight....unless you want to see pictures of some good food that you cannot eat. HA!
I'm a slime-ball recruiter that keeps up w/ya'll through here and my office just started a "Biggest Loser" contest in the office w/$100 buy in...winner gets 70% of the pot.
At 6', 196 lbs, I'm not sure if I'm the best candidate for the competition. I think I need to just "redistribute" my weight.
Good luck e'body and I wish you all well!
I'm a slime-ball recruiter that keeps up w/ya'll through here and my office just started a "Biggest Loser" contest in the office w/$100 buy in...winner gets 70% of the pot.
At 6', 196 lbs, I'm not sure if I'm the best candidate for the competition. I think I need to just "redistribute" my weight.
Good luck e'body and I wish you all well!
Between my 'highly active' IT career for the past 10 + years, and the addition of 2 wonderful kids, I've thrown on about 35-40 lbs in 10 years. I'm 6' 229 lbs.
2008 I'm increasing (ok let's be honest, 'starting to') exercise via walk/run and basics like sit ups/push ups again. I do eat pretty healthy, but it's the portions, so I'm cutting down food intake, no late snacking, and watching the fat.
Bring it on!
2008 I'm increasing (ok let's be honest, 'starting to') exercise via walk/run and basics like sit ups/push ups again. I do eat pretty healthy, but it's the portions, so I'm cutting down food intake, no late snacking, and watching the fat.
Bring it on!
# Posted By Dave
| 1/15/08 11:30 AM
Here's another helpful tip for all you guys - track your meals at http://www.thedailyplate.com/. It offers free calorie counting and tracking, unlike many of the other online weight loss sites. I'm trying to get down a size or two for my wedding dress :)
# Posted By Rachel Maxim
| 1/15/08 2:45 PM
Ok, *sips a JD* right, fine, I am in. Dammit! I shall email you Ray when I weigh myself and start losing, hopefully you wont recognize at the next conference (ok, the bald head and goatee will tend to give me away) but you get the idea.
All of us CF_Tubbies will finally be exposed!
All of us CF_Tubbies will finally be exposed!
(In best Paul Revere voice) The English are coming! The English are coming!
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/15/08 5:19 PM
Ray, shouldn't that be "The English are Waddling! The English are Waddling!"
Heh, I'm being polite.
FYI to all on this thread, I'm about to post updated stats to the blog entry this morning. I got about twice as many people signed up after I posted.
FYI to all on this thread, I'm about to post updated stats to the blog entry this morning. I got about twice as many people signed up after I posted.
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/15/08 5:28 PM
You should look into the "Lemonade Diet". I know it sounds crazy, but I researched it out for a while after a co-worker started it. It is actually a cleanse, but weight loss is a great perk. I lost 20 pounds in 13 days and I was able to do away with unhealthy habits at the same time. My energy level was amazing while on the cleanse and I was still able to exercise regularly. I swapped out the morning salt water flush though with the herbal tea instead, I just couldn't drink that much salt water.
http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-di...
Thanks too for the quick response to my uploading in a cfwindow question.
http://www.lifetrainingonline.com/blog/lemonade-di...
Thanks too for the quick response to my uploading in a cfwindow question.
# Posted By Brett Bruschke
| 1/15/08 7:06 PM
I totally recommend P90X. I know, I know... it's from an infomercial, but it /is/ a great workout program. I lost over 30lbs in 3 months. It will kick your ass.
Hey Ray,
Don't forget http://www.WalkJogRun.net for planning out your walking/ running routes when the weather turns... :-)
Adam
Don't forget http://www.WalkJogRun.net for planning out your walking/ running routes when the weather turns... :-)
Adam
# Posted By Adam Howitt
| 1/17/08 7:36 AM
I use a treadmill. When I first started walking, I knew I'd use weather as an excuse. Being on the treadmill also lets me watch TV, catch up on DVDs (I watched Firefly while walking) and play DS as well. Although now that I'm walking much faster, I just play music.
# Posted By Raymond Camden
| 1/17/08 8:12 AM
Only fellow geeks will appreciate this... my wife is still scratching her head... I put a 42" flat screen TV in my basement in front of the treadmill, then bought a annual subscription to lynda.com... more geek videos that you can ever watch in a year! And they just keep adding more! And when I've had my fill there, I'm going over to Kelbytraining.com to do the same thing.
The treadmill is much more palatable when I have something interesting/useful to watch.
The treadmill is much more palatable when I have something interesting/useful to watch.
# Posted By ron
| 1/17/08 9:05 AM
Hahaha that's great. Kev McCabe and I have been making a bet via twitter, whoever loses the least by Scotch on the Rocks buy the winner the difference in pints :)
I'm just starting to swim, because my back and knees are so bad walking etc is painful - seriously recommend swimming (and deep water running if you can find a class) to all fatties.
Will email you Ray - so far I think I'm by far the biggest on the list :(
I'm just starting to swim, because my back and knees are so bad walking etc is painful - seriously recommend swimming (and deep water running if you can find a class) to all fatties.
Will email you Ray - so far I think I'm by far the biggest on the list :(
# Posted By Toby Tremayne
| 1/17/08 6:41 PM
Ray,
I weigh more than you and I'm shorter! LOL
Seriously, I've been slowly losing weight and I want to play your game too. I'll weigh myself at the health club this coming Monday night after racquetball league is over and send you the gruesome truth.
Good luck everyone!
I weigh more than you and I'm shorter! LOL
Seriously, I've been slowly losing weight and I want to play your game too. I'll weigh myself at the health club this coming Monday night after racquetball league is over and send you the gruesome truth.
Good luck everyone!
# Posted By Andy Sandefer
| 1/18/08 2:21 PM
Good one, Ray - I'm exactly mid-30's and what I'd call averagely overweight. Was doing great last year, dropped 20 lbs and started to feel better than I had since going from physical construction work to full time brain-exertion-body-coma about 8 years earlier. And then it turned cold, and some stressful stuff landed in my lap, and work got too heavy for good sleep... all the usual, and 10 of that 20 is back. Argh.
Just last week I decided I'd had enough... the real kicker is the ol strain in the back coming back... all about the extra load in the front! My thing is light exercise - long walks in the summer, pilates in the living room in the winter... and simply being aware of how many calories are in the stuff I cram in my face.
Anyway, thanks for this... I've dropped 2 lbs already since getting focused again, ready to go another 20 if I can, even slowly. I'll email to get on your list. And heck, all the hot studly ex-chubbo's are gonna give CF a whole new image!
Just last week I decided I'd had enough... the real kicker is the ol strain in the back coming back... all about the extra load in the front! My thing is light exercise - long walks in the summer, pilates in the living room in the winter... and simply being aware of how many calories are in the stuff I cram in my face.
Anyway, thanks for this... I've dropped 2 lbs already since getting focused again, ready to go another 20 if I can, even slowly. I'll email to get on your list. And heck, all the hot studly ex-chubbo's are gonna give CF a whole new image!
# Posted By Michael Evangelista
| 1/19/08 1:35 AM
Last December I weighed over 260 pounds, and I'm sure I had mysterious illnesses -- the heart attack was the one I noticed. Since then I've lost 40 pounds and (besides the handful of meds I'll be taking for the rest of my life) I feel fantastic. Walking for two miles a day is a great way to lose weight, get some cardio, and it's not (too) difficult to do. I've got another 10/15 to go before I hit my final goal weight, but my heart isn't overtaxed as much with the smaller me. Kudos on the he idea. Maybe I'll see if I can whip up some code to allow users to track the weekly weight.
/S