Anyone have any suggestions on how to lose 20-30 pounds in about six months(my goal is 60 pounds but I know I can’t do that before Disney)? I also want to get myself used to walking around/standing a lot to get ready for the parks. The problem is most exercise is out the window for at least another month till it starts warming up. Does anyone else try to get in shape before a trip and what do you do to help you?
For me, walking is the single most important thing in terms of physical prep for going to the parks. Is there a mall near you that you can walk around? Heck, even three loops around your local Walmart while shopping is extra walking, as is parking your car at the far end of the lot rather than as close to the store as possible.
In terms of diet, I had a ton of success with Weight Watchers. 30 lbs in 6 months is 1.25 lbs/wk, which is very very reasonable. I’m not doing WW right now (and it shows), but I found that the program is more about lifestyle changes you can keep up long term. Things like eating fruits and veggies (especially veggies) for a snack rather than chips. I try to buy single-serving portions when I want chips or sweets, and I don’t keep them in the house otherwise. I know that’s not practical for most people, though. I also drink a glass of water before meals most of the time, and try to avoid drinking at all during meals, both pieces of advice I got from my nutritionist. Additionally, I keep a ton of healthy snacks in my desk at work to avoid the temptation of the vending machine. Currently I’ve got 100 calorie packs of almonds, mini boxes of raisins, and Quaker granola bars (like you’d put in a kid’s lunch box). For breakfast, I try to include a decent amount of protein to keep me full until lunch. Hard boiled eggs can be made in large batches and will stay good in the fridge for a week or so.
My insurance allows me to see a nutritionist as a “specialist”, so it’s a higher copay than my GP, but still not totally crazy. I found my session with her very helpful for setting goals and developing strategies. If that’s an option open to you, I really recommend it.
That was a lot of rambing, but hopefully something will be helpful!
1 Like
I lost 15-20 pounds with a combination of sensible eating and running. The Couch to 5k (“C25K”) program is a popular way to take up running http://www.c25k.com/, and this is what I started off with. However, it does not address proper running technique, the lack of which is a frequent cause of injuries and other problems. Consequently I switched over to ChiRunning http://www.chirunning.com/, which stresses a mindful approach to running to maintain proper form. They have all sorts of packages depending on what your training needs are.
2 Likes
I’ve started getting in shape now for our September trip, and I’d like to lose 20 or so pounds. Also, I signed up for a 10km run (my first ever race) at the end of May, so there’s a midway point to work towards to keep me motivated. We bought a used treadmill to be able to run inside while it’s cold out, and I’m following a training program from My Asics. They have lots of different training program options, the one I’m doing is a “Sub-65 minute 10km”. At this point, my furthest run without stopping is 1.19 miles in 16 minutes (13:26 minutes per mile). I’m also doing additional walks in there sometimes of 1 mile. I’m down about 2-2.5 pounds so far over the last 15 days since I started the program (varies depending on the day).
1 Like
Walk, Walk , walk, start off with one mile a day, and increase as you can. Inside , outside it does not matter. Just walk, walk and walk. You will be ready for Disney. I never gain any weight while I am there even tho we eat on a dining plan. But it is very hard to cut back to reasonable levels of food afterwards.
3 Likes
Same here, no weight gain at WDW. You do so much walking that it seems to offset the calories. The delicious, delicious calories…
2 Likes
I just organized a Dietbet with some of the people on the Liner Skinny Minnies Facebook page if anyone wants to join. Not losing the $35 you put in at the start is a great motivator and last time I made my money back plus $14.
Here is the link if anyone wants to join: http://diet.bt/ujqEcD
I am the only one on there currently as a bunch of people always sign up right before it starts. The first game I did had 40 people and the second had 33.
3 Likes
Joined! I need something like that to help me be motivated.
1 Like
That’s a good, reasonable goal for that time frame. Above all, you need to make sure that you eat fewer calories than you burn. I’ve had very good luck using a calorie tracking app- take a look at the (free) MyFitnessPal app and website. It will help you track your calories (and nutrients, if that’s important to you). It’s pretty easy to look up particular foods and enter recipes. It can even let you scan the bar code from food packaging and immediately pull up the food’s nutrition information.
1 Like
That’s great @thenightgoddess! It is very motivating, no one wants to lose potential Disney spending money! You should join the Liner Skinny Minnies facebook page. Lots of positive energy and support.
I went my furthest distance and with my fastest pace in my run last night! 1.5 miles with a pace of 13:06 mi/min. I’ve never run this far at one time before! 19 minutes and 39 seconds straight 
1 Like
Just think - the faster you run, the less time you spend running. 
1 Like
That is fantastic @mALYficent- I wished I would just get my self up doing the same. I lost 60 pounds of baby weight + a couple of years ago (figured I should lose it before my youngest started school) but would like to lose the 15-20 pounds of the weight I regained in the next 50 days before the trip. Previously I used the southbeach diet and I am working with that again. Great recipes, just so time consuming and not sure I can find the time right now to do it. Also signed up for a benefit run for a cause near and dear to my heart in May (after my trip). Better get training…
Here is to eating your way around the World in your skinny jeans 
1 Like
I’ve been enjoying the running WAY more than the Jillian Michaels program I started beginning of January. I gave up on that, but so far I’m still enjoying the running. I’d like to end up between 125-130 pounds when all is said and done.
1 Like
I was a regular runner at various times in my life - always started to have problems with my knees after a while- bought new good shoes etc but always did a lot of running on pavement. Now in my late 30’s …
Too cold here too- will need to move the elliptical runner out of the garage back into the house. It is all about routine for me - all or nothing. I obsess about stuff … Hard to believe as a liner - lol
2 Likes
Love DietBet. That, eating a bit smarter, and using a Fitbit has really helped me start to sneak the pounds off.
1 Like