My friends are all trying to lose weight and therefore either aren't eating much, are on diet pills, or eat and drink stuff such as slimfast. I know all of those things could pretty much be bad for u, but it works!! Personally, I couldn't stop eating much *LOL* I LOVE to eat. And i'm really active, there's no reason that I should very seriously watch what i eat, but..I dunno..Why is this not-so-healthy method working for them?? And, how can I keep myself from eating as much as I do, I mean, I'm not gonna starve myself, but I really do snack ALL day!! AND, how can I keep from eating before bedtime? I usually ALWAYS eat a snack and sometimes a complete MEAL before I go to bed, which isn't good b/c u don't work it off. AND, why does it feel like my stomach isn't getting any smaller, actually getting bigger from doing crunches?? *LOL* I have a really small stomach and I feel like I'm just making it BIGGER from doing crunches! And is just lifting weights as good as running? B/c usually I do both everyday, but sometimes i just DON"T feel like running! LIke today, MONDAY, blah! Does weight lifting help burn fat? OK!! I'm done w/my questions!! Thanks!!

[This message was edited by Sherasi on 07-21-02 at 11:47 AM.]

If your going to snack try for a healthier alternative(ie, a piece of fruit or carrot sticks) especially right before bed. If you are comfortable with the way you look why diet. We live in a society that tells us we always need improvement so I think it's great that you are happy with the way you are. As for your stomach and sit-ups, try exhaling as your going into the crunch and exhaling on your way down. I made the same mistake and couldn't figure out why my stomach wasn't getting flatter...someone finally told me this trick and it helped. Good luck.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SweetnSour41:
..stuff such as slimfast. I know all of those things could pretty much be bad for u,

Not always. Slimfast is fine. It's just solution of nutrients in a fairly nuetral base. Nothing really wrong with it. Diet pills that are based on amphetamines are bad. But supplements that use things like chromium are not harmful and can be beneficial.


[QUOTE]Originally posted by SweetnSour41:
And, how can I keep myself from eating as much as I do, I mean, I'm not gonna starve myself, but I really do snack ALL day!! AND, how can I keep from eating before bedtime? I usually ALWAYS eat a snack and sometimes a complete MEAL before I go to bed, which isn't good b/c u don't work it off.

You don't say if you want to lose weight or not. If not - why worry about it. If you do want to lose weight it will just take will power. Also, there is a good deal of evidence that eating before sleeping is of no consequence. Actually, digestion is one of the bodies biggest tasks and in some cases it is performed better while at rest. There's a lot to be said for eating before bed, then not again until after noon. This is because your lymph system is most active between 4am and noon - digestion inhibits lymph functions.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SweetnSour41:
AND, why does it feel like my stomach isn't getting any smaller, actually getting bigger from doing crunches??

Not funny. Might be absolutely true. If it is it's because you are building abdominal muscle tissue. Also, that would indicate you've got a good propensity to build lean muscle mass - that's a good thing - but you may prefer to build it elsewhere!

*LOL* I have a really small stomach and I feel like I'm just making it BIGGER from doing crunches!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SweetnSour41:
And is just lifting weights as good as running?

Different but certainly as good. Running builds cardiovascular and aerobic health. Weight lifting builds lean muscle tissue and strength.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SweetnSour41:
but sometimes i just DON"T feel like running!

Me either. Running isn't all good. It can eventually wear out your knees, then it'll hurt when you ski - that would suck.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SweetnSour41:
Does weight lifting help burn fat?

ABSOLUTELY - As I stated before, weight lifting helps build lean muscle tissue which requires a great deal more calories to maintain. So when you've got significant lean muscle mass - you're burning calories even when you're at rest.

hope that helps

If ur stomach is nice already..why do cruchies? i mean, do you actually want to see the six-pack? i never thought it looked that good on girls- i always think it looks like they're on steroids..

running is a good exercise for speeding up metabolism... so is swimming and bike riding.

Slim Fast is ok, just make sure you dont drink the shake and THEN EAT FOOD maybe an hour later!! dont do it! the shake has just the right amount of nutrients so that you wont HAVE to eat balanced meals to suppliment it. (My friend tried slim fast this way and wondered why she wasnt seeing results) go figure.

oh about that constant snacking...gum helps, and so does having something like a toothpick, or maybe doing something stupid, like ..oh i dunno, brushing your teeth every time you want an "extra" snack... or do pushups! build arm muscle and lose weight! win-win senario!
Allow yourself only two snacks a day. Try not to go over, but if you do, dont kill yourself over it. Tomorrows another day!!