Does anyone have any good ideas?

Question

OK, here's the rundown. Since my husband and I have started dating and then got married, both of us have gained weight. I looked at myself in the mirror yesterday and just thought "UGH" yet it's so hard for me to get motivated to work out and start eating better. My husband and I have tried a couple times--but we just quit. Our anniversary is coming up in September and I have booked a trip for the two of us to go to Florida for a long weekend. I set a goal of losing 20 pounds each by the trip.(64 days from today).I would like to lose a total of 70 pounds but ya gotta start somewhere and I dont want to use diet pills or fad diets

.1) Do you think this is a healthy goal? 2.) What are some good ideas or incentives to get my husband and I both to stay committed to this goal? 3) What has worked for you and your mate if you've been in the same situation?

Maybe you guys dont understand my question....I know what to eat, I know to exercise...I went on a diet in high school and lost 50 pounds...but over the past 6 years I've gained it all back because my life style has changed--i graduated college and am no longer playing sports everyday and instead am stuck in an office -8 to 12 hours a day....My question is what are some incentives to help my husband and I stay commited to the diet....what could we "give" each other or how can we help each other do this? Thank you all so much for you help! :)

Answer 1

My husband and I use a point and reward system. We get a point for exercising, a point for stretching, and sometimes we offer an extra point to get the other one to go an extra 5 or 10 minutes (you can decide together what exactly earns a point, it may be that passing on a dessert counts).

When we get to 30 points we get a special indulgence (within your budget of course). For my husband it's getting a little something extra to make his Motorcycle run better, for me, I think I'll get a massage.

It's not really a contest, but it kind of is, because we always want to keep up with each other.

Have fun!

Answer 2

I don't think it is healthy. Slow and steady wins the race. If you loose a bunch of weight in a short amount of time, you are more likely to gain it all back. But if you do it slowly you will loose it and keep it off.
As for the incentives I know that it is easier that you two are doing it together as opposed to seperately. So that is a plus! But other incentives and motivations might be to have a contest. Whoever looses more doesn't have to do household chores for a week or something. I'm sure you can come up with a better reward than that! Or you can allow one splurge a week (within proportion of course).

The diet that has worked for my friends is the eat 6 times a day diet. I'm sure you've heard of it, but you eat six small meals instead of 3 large ones. It all has to do with proportions. Or the South beach diet...or the diet that you eat a combination of odd foods to kick start your metabolism. It's a chemical diet. If you need any more help contact me. :)

Answer 3

First of all make sure that you both want to do it. I tried for awhile to get me and hubby losing weight, but he really wasn't in to it so it failed the first time around. When he got serious it worked. Your goal is a healthy one 2 to 3 pounds a week is a great goal. The best incentive for us was the fact that we have 2 small kids and Diabetes runs in both families so we would like to be around to see them grow up. What worked and is still working for us was a plan we could live with. We walk after dinner every night if possible. We eat better and do more physical activities as a family. And the best thing we do is a splurge night once a month. We eat anything we want for that one meal. It really helps alot and doesn't leave you with that deprived feeling that rigid dieting can give you. Hope this helps and best of luck to you both!!!!

Answer 4

You don't need diet pills or fad diets or anything of the ilk.
3 1/2 years ago my Sister checked me out and discovered I had type 2 diabetes due to being overweight and stupid eating. Since I live in Montana and have no insurance I had the choice of losing weight and watching my diet, or being dead, the choice was mine. I chose to live so I could make everybody else's life a living hell. You only have to do the following things to emulate me. Eliminate all sugar from your diet. Avoid anything made from processed flour such as pizza, pretzels, etc.; aka cut out the carbs; whole wheat only and limit it. All meats and cheeses and the like are okay. It is starchy items, sugar, etc that stick with you. Protein does not. Drink only diet pop; put lemon in it if you don't like the taste. Then you walk or ride a bike whenever possible. When you have lost your weight you still stick with this same style of eating and you won't gain it back. Your blood sugar level will be between 95 & 105, your blood pressure will be excellent and you will be able to be up and going from 6 in the morning until midnight. Not being able to eat anything you like gives you a disposition like a rabid pit bull with pms; but, everything has an upside. Try it, you will hate it, but that's life.

Answer 5

No. Not really. It doesnt sound that way. If the trip is in the end of September, then yes. It is possible to loose 1-3 lbs a week and it be healthy and keep it off. At your age, if you loose it fast or do some dumb *** fad diet, then you will loose in the long run. If you want a rundown of what you should or should not eat then let me know. Oh, and you must excercise or it will be a waste of time.

Answer 6

I think that is a healthy goal jsut don't beat yourself up if you don't meet it. when I started working out my weight stayed the same but I lost inches off my waist. Go to the gym together and get involved with thte classes that they offer. If you both try to motviate each other it will be much easier. Whenever I don't feell ike working out my husband pushes me to go do it. And I haven't missed a day yet. You just have to both remind yourselves that it is for each other. But seriously join a gym and even get a trainer at the gym if you don't know exactly what willhelp you lose your target weight. And don't buy junk food becasue if it is in the house you will wnt to eat it but if it isn't you aren't going to want to go to the store jsut to get it. Good luck!

Answer 7

I think that is a healthy goal and a realistic one. Drinking green tea is a great appetite suppressant and it is good for your health in general. Everytime my husband and I decide to cut back on our eating - we eat those mini meals like Lean Cuisine or a cheaper brand. I make sure there is no junk food in the house and we stick to eating just that small amount of food for supper. It is hard ( especially for him) - but we only do it for a week or two. That jump starts your weight loss and helps shrink your stomach. Of course - exercise is important. Go for a walk after your meal to keep yourselves from nibbling. Good luck.

Answer 8

I have not had to lose allot of weight at once, but the best diet for me has been, drinking lots of water, green tea, and eating as many fruits and vegetables as possible. The less meat you eat, the better. Just eat smaller servings. The worst things for you when you are trying to lose weight is-butter, sugar, too much salt, too much bread, too much pasta. If you must eat meat grill it. No fried foods. As far as exercise, walk. If you are morning people, get up early and take walks together. If you would rather do it in the evening do it then, but do not eat your last meal late. When you eat late at night it sticks. Good luck!

Answer 9

Hire a personal trainer for 6-12 weeks for the both of you. I work part time as a personal trainer.they will get your butts up and moving....show you proper form with weights, coach you and help with nutritional questions.

A good trainer can help you transform your body in 8-12 weeks.............they are GREAT motivators....you have to be to succeed in the fitness industry.

Answer 10

Walking together after dinner time. calories in and calories burned is the best way to lose.Drink plenty of water. And if you have a bad day where you eat alot of junk. Then start in the next day and eat right. don't give up.

Answer 11

Buy a motorcyle and ride, ride, ride. Besides jiggling the fat off you, you will see beautiful scenery, enjoy the wind in your hair and you always have him right there with your arms around him. You can't beat that!