running to lose

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2003
running to lose
15
Tue, 12-09-2003 - 12:17pm
Hello: A friend told me that if I run everyday for 30-40 minutes and eat no more than 1200 calories a day (I now eat about 800 cals and am taking vitamins) - that I could lose at least 10-15 lbs. a month.

I am 30 years old, 230lbs. and 5'7.5" - Ideally, I would like to weigh 160-70 lbs. Will doing the above get me to my goal? So far, it has been almost 2 weeks and I have lost 6lbs.

A year ago, I was at 276lbs. and was strictly eating no more than 1200 cals a day, but I was not working out so I feel I have reached a plateau.

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Joanna

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2003
Tue, 12-09-2003 - 12:29pm

im not gonna say if it will help you lose that much weight or not because I don't really know, but running is really bad for your legs and your back, my doctor says .... power walking is better :)

 
 
 
 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 12-09-2003 - 1:32pm
Hi Joanna =)

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2003
Tue, 12-09-2003 - 5:11pm
Thanks - coincidentally - I am incredibly sore - but as they say "No pain. . . "

I am such a stickler about doctors and the like. I probably should seek professional advise, but I am so desperate to lose the weight - I am so tired of being such a boar. Anywho, I think it is awesome that you have lost so much weight and I hope that I too can reach that goal.

Thanks again.

Joanna

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2003
Tue, 12-09-2003 - 7:15pm

Joanne.....first of all welcome.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2003
Wed, 12-10-2003 - 10:28am
Thanks so much for your words of wisdom. They are well received. I will try, but I feel so guilty after eating even a two hundred calorie meal that it is going to take some getting used to. My basic problem is that I have an "All or Nothing" personality when it comes to food/diet. I would much rather starve, than tease myself with the joyful pleasures of eating.

When I get more comfortable using this format of communication (this is the first time I have ever communicated such personal details about myself on an open forum to complete strangers), I would be more than happy to oblige a photograph.

Regards,

Joanna

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-1999
Wed, 12-10-2003 - 10:36am
I can't say too much about the calorie/food subject because sometimes I forget to eat (which is very bad for my weight) so I've been having a hard time trying to eat although now cutting out carbs (I'm on the South Beach Diet) and lowering my caffeine I now get hungry!!

I've tried running (because everyone else was doing it and they wanted me to try). I had sore legs and knees after awhile and just felt like someone had beat the livin' snot out of me. I jumped around from exercise to exercise and I now feel like I've had more of a workout doing an hour of step aerobics than I ever did running. You also feel alot better physically. I wouldn't suggest you run but it's your body and you have to find out what's best for you. Good Luck!!

~Dana

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2003
Wed, 12-10-2003 - 10:49am
I can understand where you're coming from ... i was becoming so obsessed with wanting to diet that i wasn't eating enough ... exercising way too much, lost 30 pounds .... still didnt feel it was enough so i cut back even more until i got into a routine that had me way burnt out, so I gorged ............... and THEN started making myself throw up .... it's an evil circle .... Please Please PLEASE
 
 
 
 

Avatar for angelinoh
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
Wed, 12-10-2003 - 10:52am
Hi, not sure about the running, my cousins are runners but they started slow and now run marathons. I would start slow and if you want to do more maybe try walking,aerobics or weight machines. Good Luck i know how it feels to just want to see the numbers go down..LOL..
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2003
Wed, 12-10-2003 - 12:01pm
Hmmm - I don't know. I guess since running is so painful, you feel like you are doing more. I have a bookcase full of workout videos. The Firm mostly. I have done them, however, my mind set does not allow me to feel as though I am accomplishing anything.

I have yet to get to the 10th workout to see any results. Perhaps I will incorporate the two - as to get my running and aerobics in. Overkill? Can you work out too much?

Another question - If fat is stored energy, (I have so much "stored energy") then why can't you eat less and work out more. I read that it takes 20 minutes for your body to burn through your carbs in a workout and after that, you reach a point where your body starts looking for "fuel" elsewhere.

Here is my dilemma:

If I were to run 5.5 miles per hour for 20 minutes with my heart rate at 119 bpm, then switch to 4.5 miles per hour (a brisk walk/jog) for the remaining 40 minutes with a heart rate of 102 bpm, does that mean that I am burning more fat at a lower heart rate? Does that mean that my heart rate determines the type of "fuel" I am using and that less is essentially more? I really do not have a clear understanding of the relationship between heart rate and time or heart rate and intensity.

Am I making any sense? Help.

Joanna

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2003
Wed, 12-10-2003 - 12:28pm
To answer your question:

Every one has a basal metabolic rate. We may live in the 21st century but our bodies are Neanderthal. Our bodies prepare for famine and then reserve every calorie when you starve yourself. Your metabolism slows down to conserve energy.

http://www.weightlossforgood.co.uk/basal_metabolic_rate.htm

That was just the first link I found by Googling "starving basal metabolic rate" and I'm sure there are much more informative articles than the one I posted.

I suggest that you consult a physician about your program. While eating healthy and activity is commendable, I'm sure a professional can give you some sound advice to help you reach your goals.

about your heart rate. You need to work at 60-80% of your maximum heart rate at least 3x weekly for 30 minutes to achieve aerobic fitness. Getting your heart rate up doesn't necessarily mean high impact work such as running. High INTENSITY and high IMPACT are entirely different things and you can get the intensity without sacrificing your body with the impact.

I hope you take some of the advice given to you on this board to heart.

- from someone who has reached goal and now a certified fitness instructor


Edited 12/10/2003 12:32:26 PM ET by zorbslovessporks

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