My take on weight loss is pretty straight forward.
Exercise and eat right.
Yes, it's as simple as that. 90% of the people in this country are not over weight because of some hormone imbalance, or some predisposition to some mysterious genetic defect.
No... the problem lies in lack of physical activity and over consumption in our diets. A “small” Coke today (at McDonalds for example) is equal to a medium several years ago. So, rather than people drinking a mere eight ounces of soda with their lunches, their now gulping down 32 ounces. We're eating a much greater quantity of food than we need. We're also cramming way way to much sugar down our gullets. Worst of all, we spend practically all of our free time glued to a couch or a computer chair.
Then when we take a hard long look in the mirror and realize that we're completely out of shape – we rush to the drug store for the newest and greatest “diet pill,” or search the Internet for the next greatest fad diet.
If you're really serious about losing weight... stop with the fad diets... stop with the diet pills... stop looking for the quick fix... stop looking for excuses.
You didn't become over weight in one night. And, you're not going to lose it all in a “night.”
You really want to lose weight?
Here's my (a former boxer, collegiate wrestler, and Biologist) “advice.”
1. Get up in a little earlier in the morning. Do some type of very light workout. Eat a HEALTY breakfast (not that sugared down shit with a clown on the front of the box). For example: A nice bowl of Oatmeal (no not that instant shit either), a banana, a piece of lightly buttered toast (if you just have to have butter), and a glass of OJ. Take a multivitamin.
2. Take a baggy of carrots, celery, whatever fresh veggie / fruit you prefer. Munch on those during the day when you feel the need. Stay the hell away from the vending machines.
3. Eat a light lunch, something healthy. If you go out – grab a Subway sandwich, or a salad with very light dressing. Eat a healthy dinner. Most importantly, CUT DOWN ON THE PORTIONS. Yes – it WILL suck for the first couple of days, not eating as much as you did. You're going to be hungrier than hell, but after those couple of days, you'll find you won't be near as hungry and won't crave the amounts of food you once ate.
4. JOIN A GYM. My God I hear so many people screaming about the cost of a gym. Come on people. Why are you [not anyone of you in particular here] so willing to fork out some 70 bucks a month for Everquest (Yes 70. You pay for the high speed cable connection you play it through don't you?), but wont spend 30, 40 or 50 for YOUR OWN HEALTH. What's wrong with this picture? My point? People will blow shitloads of money on “fun” and “entertainment” but won't spend a penny on something USEFULL like a health club membership because, “it costs to much.” Ridiculous.
5.GO TO YOUR FRIGGEN DOCTOR and get a full check up. Tell him/her that you are serious about losing weight and that you are joining a gym. Ask their advice what would work best for YOU.
6. On your first visit to the gym, talk to the trainers. Have them help you design a workout routine for YOU and YOUR needs – don't settle for some cookie cutter program they rip from a book and photo copy for you (I've seen this happen).
7. Set aside some time to visit the gym DAILY until you've reached your goals. Make it part of you daily routine. Go right after work, if that's your thing. Or, do what I do and go first thing in the morning.
8. Make it happen. Stop “talking about it.” Stop “planning it.” Stop searching for quick and easy fixes. Stop blaming it on hormones or genetics. Stop trying these stupid diets (Atkins and co.) the ONLY “diet” you need to be focused on is eating healthy, PERIOD.
And, NO it doesn't “cost to much” nor does it take to much time... How much does it cost to buy healthy food as opposed to the processed and sugared shit you'd buy anyway? You've got to buy groceries anyway, so what's keeping you from eating healthy?
So, you end up spending some cash on visiting your doctor, and you'll end up spending a one time “fee” to get your gym membership... but that's just it. IT'S A ONE TIME FEE. Other than that you'll end up spending a few bucks a month for the actual membership...
Time? You can't dedicate 30 minutes or so a day to making yourself a healthier person?
If try to justify NOT doing any of the above then you are not ready to lose weight and no matter what you attempt. Sadly, you will fail. The will change cannot be forced on you, it must come from within.