How Can I Get Through This Plateau? [Forum]

Hi! I started my weight loss journey about 10 months ago. I have lost 70 pounds so far. I started out at 270, I am 5′2″ and 32 years old. This is my current exercise schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday I do 1 hour of zumba. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday’s I walk about 1 mile and on Sunday’s I walk 3-4 miles. I eat about 1500 calories per day. I have cut out red meat considerably, maybe once a week, stick with chicken, turkey and fish. I don’t drink anything but water, 1 glass of milk a day and 1 cup of coffee a day. Any suggestions on what I can do to push through this plateau, as I still want to lose 65 pounds.

View original here: 
How Can I Get Through This Plateau? [Forum]

Knee Problems: What Exercises Can I Do? [Forum]

So not exactly diet related, but I’ve been changing my diet for the better for the last two years so I’m fairly comfortable with that. However, recently I hurt my knee at Taekwondo. Since then, I have not been able to go to my Taekwondo or dancing class, and I haven’t yet gone to the gym (though I’m planning to get back to that very soon even if only to weight train my upper body). Anyway, even push-ups are difficult to do because of the pressure they put on the legs, let alone squats or lunges or anything like that. And crunches only go so far. Does anyone have any ideas for some exercises I can do while my knee heals? I’m going stir crazy and gaining weight so as you can guess, I’m not happy about my current situation, and without the endorphins, my emotions are going crazy. Please help.

See the rest here: 
Knee Problems: What Exercises Can I Do? [Forum]

Need Help With Low Impact Activities [Forum]

Hello everyone, I am 18, weigh 165 at 5′6”, and looking to lose 20 pounds. Only last year I weighed a healthy 135 and was very active in sports. However, recently I have been diagnosed with a medical condition and am restricted from running or other “high impact activities”. I have always eaten a healthy diet that consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. For about a month, I have been walking about 6 days a week for 30 minutes at 4 mph. I don’t understand what is impeding my weight loss. I was wondering if anyone could suggest “low impact activities” that will tone my body and help me lose weight, as it seems that my current regiment is not working. Also, my medical condition might be slowing down my metabolism; so, is there any foods that naturally speed the metabolism? (I am not willing to use weight loss pills or fad diets). Thank you!

Original post:
Need Help With Low Impact Activities [Forum]

When It Comes to Portions, Which Would You Rather Eat?

Whether you’re trying to drop pounds or maintain your current weight, eating appropriate portion sizes is key. The only problem is, not all foods are created equally. Five large carrots offer 150 calories , but one little ounce of almonds (about 24) offers about the same amount, 164 calories . With high-calorie foods, even if they’re healthy, portion sizes have to decrease dramatically or else the scale will definitely let you know you overdid it. Although I do crave higher calorie foods such as nuts, cheese, and bread, eating small portions doesn’t satisfy my hunger (even though I’m getting enough calories). I’d much rather eat large portions of low-calorie foods such as fruits, veggies, nonfat yogurt, and lean proteins. What about you? When It Comes to Portions, Which Would You Rather Eat? Bigger portions of low-calorie foods. Smaller portions of high-calorie foods. A combo of both.

Read the original post:
When It Comes to Portions, Which Would You Rather Eat?

DVD Review: Weight Loss - Pilates

Although I’m not a fan of Acasica’s title choice for its DVD series being “Weight Loss,” I enjoyed Weight Loss - Cardio Sculpt and Weight Loss - Cardio Kick workouts. The latest in the series, Weight Loss - Pilates ($15), didn’t disappoint either. Unlike most Pilates DVDs, which focus on mat exercises, this workout contains some cardio. The instructor, Kristin McGee, leads you through cardio intervals to get your heart rate up and to burn extra calories. There are two 20-minute workouts to choose from, and if you do them with the warmup and cooldown, each workout comes to 33 minutes. If you’re craving a longer workout, you can do both back to back. The cardio portion involves plyometrics , Pilates jumping jacks, Running Plank , and ballet moves such as plies. These moves raised my heart rate and had me feeling a burn in my legs, which is a good thing. The Pilates portion includes basic exercises like the 100s , Double Leg Pulls, and Mermaid Side Planks . Kristin appears in the Pilates For Beginners DVD too, but I actually liked this video better because it combines Pilates with cardio. My only gripe is that although I appreciated her upbeat and encouraging personality, the instructor seems a bit on the thin side and her slight frame was actually distracting. Aside from that, this is a great toning and light cardio workout to do when you want to exercise at home or on the road. To see a video clip of this DVD, read more. If you like what you’ve seen and heard, you can get a deal and buy all three of the videos from this Weight Loss series for only $38.

See original here: 
DVD Review: Weight Loss - Pilates

[Forum] My High Protein Diet

Last Sunday I decided to try the “liver-diet” or the diet that our patients are recommended to go on for safety purposes before gastric bypass surgery or gastric band surgery. I am not having surgery, but would like to shed about 15-20 pounds from my current weight. I have been looking around the web a little and have been learning more about how great protein is for the body. Taking up to 4 purely protein shakes a day with skim milk. I still enjoy my coffee and don’t really feel hungry very often. Once in awhile I will snack on some beef jurkey, but am trying to avoid carbs and fats altogether. Things seem to be going well. Anyone having or had a similar experience? Thanks for your comments.

Originally posted here:
[Forum] My High Protein Diet

[Forum] I Need to Lose 100 Ibs!

I am trying reduce my weight by 100 lbs. I want to see how much I can lose in 156 days. I thought it might be good to connect with an interest group or forum, in addition to daily schedule and new eating habits. Any thoughts?

Here is the original post:
[Forum] I Need to Lose 100 Ibs!

Fit Tip: Don’t Wait to Buy New Sneaks

Finding the perfect pair of sneakers can be just as hard as finding the perfect bathing suit. It can take visits to several stores to try on dozens of different styles until you find the correct fit. So don’t wait to buy new sneakers until your current pair begins falling apart, or you start to feel pain in your knees, shins, or lower back. Buy a new pair before it’s time to retire the old ones, and not only will you avoid the stress of rushing to find the perfect pair, but you’ll also have time to gradually break them in by alternating between wearing your old and new pair.

Read the original here: 
Fit Tip: Don’t Wait to Buy New Sneaks

Fitness 101: Pyramid Sets

Don’t get stuck in a weight-training rut. You don’t always need to lift for three sets of 15 reps. Mix it up and try pyramid sets. Pyramiding your sets is just another way to challenge your muscles. The main purpose of doing pyramids is to completely exhaust the muscle fibers, which in turn helps build muscle. This is a great way to add variety to your current strength-training routine.There are two ways to approach pyramid sets. Learn them both when you read more. First you can start with a lighter weight and do many reps, which you follow with a second set using heavier weights, but do fewer reps. For example, for the first set (say bicep curls), warm up with a weight that you can lift for 10 to 12 reps. For the second set, use a weight that you can lift for six to eight reps. For the final, pick a weight that will exhaust your arms after four to six reps. You can also go in reverse. Start with heavy weights with fewer reps, then decrease the weight but add reps. Do you already do pyramid sets? If so, share your favorite set in the comment section below.

Here is the original:
Fitness 101: Pyramid Sets