Topic : Exercise

Melissa, Dr. Phil's son, Jay McGraw, has a book out written specifically for teens, "The Ultimate Weight Solution for Teens". It's basically the same program, but it addresses social situations that teens find themselves in that adults don't usually deal with. I'd suggest you get a copy of that book and read it. Dr Phil's Food Guide is an excellent source in telling you what foods are good for you and which ones are "empty calories". In using the 7 keys he outlines in the book, you communicate with the people close to you that you need their help and support. Create a family activity of cleaning up the environment... dump the unhealthy foods or give it away to a food bank or something. You said you have a "couple pounds on me". Don't go about this adventure as a weight loss program, but one that teaches you how to live a heathy lifestyle. Getting the education about it now is wonderful! I wish I had learned far sooner than I did.

As far as exercise goes, you don't need to join a gym. There is a book, Total Body Makeover by Bob Greene (Oprah's trainer) that has an excellent exercise program outlined for you. He also explains the how and why of the exercises. I will say that saying you don't have the time to go to the gym (or to exercise) is faulty thinking. When something is high enough on your priority list you MAKE the time. Re-work your schedule so you DO have the time. It required me getting up an hour earlier each day to fit it in, which wasn't real pleasant in the beginning. But I found it's a fantastic way to start my day. I hope this info helps somewhat.

Gail

I was wondering if anyone out there could help me?

I am 24 years old and I generally have fairly low energy levels, and tend to need a lot of sleep to function properly (my ideal is 9 hours a night).  In March, I started reading Dr. Phil's weight loss book, and joined a local gym.  I got a personal trainer, and followed the program she made for me.  I went to the gym 3 times a week faithfully, and did my strength training program and 30 - 45 minutes of cardio every time I went.  After about 3 months, I had to stop going to the gym as I was just too tired all of the time and it didn't seem to be getting any better (actually, it was getting worse).  I was eating properly, getting good amounts of protein and carbs, but was still tired.

So, having heard my story, I was wondering if any of you have any advice/opinions.  Some people have told me that I may have low iron, as I have some of the other symptoms of low iron as well (heart palpitations, slow healing of muscle aches/pains), but my doctor insists that my iron levels are fine (she only did a general blood test though).  Should I get a second opinion, or ask for more tests?  What would you suggest?

Thanks,

Snaqueb

I join our local YMCA 2 and 1/2 weeks ago.  I need to lose 100 pounds.  I use the Cardio equipment.  I do the bicycle 15 minutes and the treadmill for 15 minutes at different levels and speeds.  I also do the weights for the upper and lower body.  I have been faithful about going everyday.  I got on the scales this morning and I still weigh the same as I did when I started.  My clothes seem to be fitting better.  Maybe it is just my imagination.  How long does it take to see weight loss?  I never really exercised before 2 weeks ago. I know that I can't expect results right away because I know that I was completely out of shape.  Anyone have any advice.  I am motivated for the first time in my life.  I really feel like I can do it this time.  I just need to know what I should expect. 

Thanks 

Rachel in Ohio 

How do you exercise when everything hurts? Your knees, ankles, back, hips, arms, head and your soul.  Everything hurts. I don't have any real reason to try and lose weight. If I can't stand biking or walking because my knees hurt, how can I possibly climb stairs at work?  If I can't bear to look at myself in the mirror, how can I stand to take a picture of myself as fat as I am?  I am over 300 pounds. I lost 30 pounds last fall but put it back on. I can't afford to buy the "low fat" foods or pay the price the stores want for fish or chicken breast.  

I have a full-time job, my husband works two jobs and mac and cheese is 4 for $1.00 where chicken breast is over $2.00 a pound. Our paychecks go out the door almost as fast as they come in. I'm behind on my house payment, my car payment, my loan payments (both student loans and one private loan for replacing a stove and refrigerator that were dying). I have no credit cards (except old ones that I am paying off to get them off my credit report). I don't have that much debt but getting 20 cent per hour annual pay raises at my job hasn't helped and the better paying jobs just aren't out there. I want to try and get a better job but that means I need to go back to college. I can't even afford the $50 application fee to see if I could get accepted, let alone the tuition and book fees.  

SO, why try and lose weight if you can't afford to eat right? If the money isn't there to buy healthy food, what's the hope in losing weight? Why try and excercise if you still eat the same boring Hamburger Helper, pastas, etc? I can't afford the "good for you" stuff. My budget is tight enough.  I have just about giving up hope.  

I twisted my knee this weekend and my doctor, today, tells me that "It is either a strained ligament or torn miniscus. Let it heal for two weeks and if it still hurts, then we'll get an x-ray and see about doing something. But, you should lose weight. Do you excercise?" "No," I say. "I can't bear to do anything." I might as well die fat and ugly than have to hear some skinny, slim female doctor tell me to do something about my weight but not offer me any hope. I can't walk, ride a bike, or climb stairs. My knees kill me on a bicycle and stairs. Maybe it is my mood, as she suggested, but do you think she offered to help me with that either? Nope. I cried in their bathroom for 5 minutes before I left to go to work. Now, I'm all depressed and sitting here typing on a message board for Dr. Phil. What do you do when your life stinks and your mood smells even worse? 

Hello All 

Is there anyone who can help me out. I'm 45yrs old and have been on Dr.Phil weight loss plan for 18 months, and have done good so far,And have lost 80lbs. I have not lost any weight in about 3 months. I go to the gym everyday,but Sunday. My workout are 1hr of hard cardio followed by 45 to 1hr of weight training. I have been real good about eat the right foods,no junk. I drink plenty of water and green tea plus vitiams.I can't seem to get off this platue. I really need some advice to help me lose the last 30lbs. 

Frustrate but won't give up 

SRR 

Hello All 

Is there anyone who can help me out. I'm 45yrs old and have been on Dr.Phil weight loss plan for 18 months, and have done good so far,And have lost 80lbs. I have not lost any weight in about 3 months. I go to the gym everyday,but Sunday. My workout are 1hr of hard cardio followed by 45 to 1hr of weight training. I have been real good about eat the right foods,no junk. I drink plenty of water and green tea plus vitiams.I can't seem to get off this platue. I really need some advice to help me lose the last 30lbs. 

Frustrate but won't give up 

SRR