We're all so very different...

I was just marvelling at how different everyone is with regards to weightloss...what works for one person can be really horrible and not work for another...

For example I find vlcd and high protein methods really help me to lose weight fast, efficiently and now keep it off...but also exercise and weight training for me is the winner overall, as I don't calorie count or fastidiously watch what I eat now, unless I need to build more muscle or get rid of more fat (am aiming for muscle definition as part of a personal experiment)

Maybe that is what gets frustrating about dieting, what works for many may not be the thing that works for you personally...experimentation is the key, but I must say that I never felt safe experimenting when I was overweight or obese, I just wanted a tried and tested formula to get rid of the fat...now that I am normal weight it feels safer to do these weird experiments...hmmm...

I have tried all sorts, I flogged the WW horse to death, it just didn't work for me, but I have been on the CD plan for two weeks now and I think I have found the key for ME! I know what I am supposed to do with food, I know what I need to do, but I just personally feel that I need something that will get me closer to my goal so that I can see results.

Everyone is so different, but as long as we all get where we need to be in the end, which is what counts. This is why I like this forum, all diets are represented, and people can choose the right one for them.

I heard a lady on the rowing machine down from me a bit talking to one of the gym instructors, whilst I was doing my row sprints at the gym this afternoon, about how Lighterlife hadn't been her thing and she was now back to WW and had lost a stone in weight with WW...

I also heard the other day that the drop off rate at the gym is very big this time of year. Due to lack of motivation and lack of seeing results and things like that...

The body is such a wonderful thing and yet we aren't like a machine, we don't all work the same and we don't even burn calories the way the scientists suggest (I mean how can a body burn food at the rate a bunsen burner does, seems a bit whacky to me) Also there is so much about diet and exercise that we are still learning and there are no proven methods or set ways of doing things...

I agree we are all so different and what works for one wont necessarily work for another at least on this forum we all have a common bond of weight loss despite the many roads to getting to goal...xx

Good points there. How are you working on building muscle mass, Nex?

To build muscle mass and to maintain it (whilst losing fat, sometimes this can be hard unless you do weight training) I do lots of strength training (lift heavy weights). My regime changes every few weeks, but basically I use free weights a lot or barbells and sokme of the isolation machines. Basically I do what the men do but lighter to build up the lean mass. I also supplement. Eating lots of meat and eggs (protein sources) makes me bloaty and windy so I use a protein shake to make up for the extra needed to bulk up (carbs are also needed but mainly for the energy used whilost exercising). I only eat wholefoods (but I do have a junk food day Sunday) nuts, oats, wholemeal bread, olive oil, hemp oil, seeds and fruit mixes, raw vegetables, brown rice...I avoid sugar, white flour and trans fats and hydrogenated fats. I don't do low fat as the body needs fats for many processes...and the healthy fats fill you up...I weight train five days a week and do five hours cardio (I walk and cycle everywhere so I suppose it needs to be added onto the cardio side of things)

I did post what sort of weights I use in another thread. If anyone is interested I will post those here:

Bench press - 40kg (barbell is 20kg plus 10kg plate on each side)
Dumbell fly - 12.5kg in each hand
Dumbell curls - 10kg in each hand
Leg curls - 45kg
Leg extensions - 45kg
Leg press - 70kg plus the machine's platform and bar weight (dunno what that comes to?)
Barbell squat (smith machine) - 40kg
Tricep pulldowns - 25kg
Cable crunches (abs) - 35kg
Cable seated row - 37.5kg
Shoulder press - 37.5kg
Walking lunges - 7.5kg in each hand

Remember like with any exercise small steps...don't lift heavier than you are able and start with fewer reps and sets until you build up your strength. There are classes specially designed for women in the gym (weighted workouts) that are good for beginners. I prefer to make my own workouts up as I go (walk around with my piece of paper hahaha!)

Hope this helps a little, can post more detail when I have more time if anyone wants (exercise routines, etc)