Fat Man? Don’t Dress Like This, Please?

If you are a big guy (fat, portly, pudgy… whatever) please DO NOT dress like this.  You are living up to the stereotype that ALL BIG guys are slobs.  We are NOT.  Some of us do dress very well and spend quite a bit of money to ensure we do look good.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to dress well even if you are overweight (but you can).  As I mentioned in my post of a few days ago about how should overweight men dress, I always look for sales and also rely on the Internet for shopping for clothes – there are always GREAT deals available on-line from reputable retailers.

It starts at the little things – like personal hygiene (question – do you have MORE than 1 or 2 pairs of underwear?) to how you groom yourself (big guys that keep those scraggy, unkept beards look really bad).

If your belt is worn badly, BUY a new belt!  Pants don’t fit quite right?  Buy new pants.  Stomach overhangs over your pants – buy looser fitting pants.  Don’t wear skin tight shirts because that’s all you have – you look bad and NOBODY wants to see every bulge on your body.  Uggggh…

I was in LA recently on a mini-vacation, and stopped by one of the outlet locations and went shopping at Casual Male XL-why be average when you can XL? – if you are in the US or close to a border crossing (and live in Canada) you should check them out.  There are a few places in Canada that do sell XL clothing, but you should add Casual Male XL to the list.  Good clothes and GREAT prices!

When I was there I picked up some great shoes, Polo Ralph Lauren spring jacket in addition to a belt, a couple of pairs of great pants and two shirts.  I spent less than $300.00 US for some great fitting clothes which are some of the latest styles.

I did talk about some Fashion Tips for Overweight Men just a few days ago, read it.  Please.

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

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Eat Food – Lose Weight!

When I first started dieting – years, and years ago, I thought that the best way to lose weight was to starve yourself.  So I’d skip meals – breakfast, maybe lunch but then would really sabotage myself as dinner would be HUGE and since it was such a large meal, I’d feel tired after eating and rather than exercise I would plop down on the couch and sleep or watch TV.

This went on for years, until I tried some other programs – which succeeded in helping me loose weight – but I promptly put the weight back on after I left the program.

Then FINALLY my doctor said “do or die” and I made complete lifestyle changes.  No diets!

I started eating regular meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner.  And I snacked, and snacked, and snacked until I was so full that I couldn’t eat anymore!  Snacks consisted of crackers and cheese, carrots, cucumber, fruits like strawberries, melons, kiwi, oranges, apples and grapes.  But I didn’t limit myself to the same boring stuff day after day.  I’d try mixing it up and adding stuff like bran buds or yogourt.  I’d also have cereal as a snack.

Variety is what really helped me lose 100lbs in one year.  And now that I am back to a variety of foods, I’ve lost about 15lbs in around 4 months.  Not to shabby!

On top of eating less food, more often I also started drinking a lot more water.  I found the water more refreshing that having a soda pop.  In fact there were times when I would be craving a soda and may give into that craving only to find that I still had that craving.  I drank some water, and found that the craving was not for soda, but for water or rather something cold and refreshing.

The soda pop just slows you down – makes you sluggish; but the water is really refreshing!  Even now, I tend to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day.

Regular meals, that are part of a lifestyle change will do more than any fad diet will ever do.  Although I always hated it, I did count calories.  For example, a donut and coffee for breakfast?  Probably about 600 calories.  How about cereal with milk, fruit and tea?  Probably around the same BUT I’ll feel full longer!

I had three main meals, then would snack between meals.  I found that this was the best way to keep me on track.

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

Can Milk Help You Lose Weight?

When I was first told to “lose weight” or else, my doctor suggested many things to me – one of the best suggestions he had given me was to drink milk.  At the time he said that there was new research that showed that the calcium in milk will help break fat down.

So I started drinking milk regularly – at least before I went to bed each night.

Now I don’t think that the milk was entirely responsible for me losing 100lbs in around one year – it may have helped or quite possibly it was the placebo effect

As you know I’ve been struggling to start losing weight again, and about 2-3 months ago when I was super hungry one evening rather than gulp down soda pop and chips I stopped for cereal.  Of course cereal isn’t complete without milk – so had some 2% with it.

I’ve noticed that since I started drinking milk in the evenings, I am starting to lose weight again — remember I’m also combining this with important lifestyle changes such as controlling the types of food that I eat and exercising or getting more active.

There is research being done on this topic – here are a few sources for you:

• http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/home_4406_ENU_HTML.htm
• http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/weight_loss/weight_loss_tips/milk_calcium.htm
• http://www.webmd.com/news/20000417/calcium-low-fat-diet
• http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00729170 (STUDY)
• http://www.physorg.com/news156076519.html

Now that being said, there is also information out there that says calcium does nothing to promote weight loss.  Who is right?  Who knows.  Here are a few links that say otherwise:

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15939853
• http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp#h6 - …”Despite the hopeful results of these studies, other recent clinical trials make it clear that the involvement of calcium and dairy products in weight regulation and body composition is complex, inconsistent, and not well understood. For example, one study in young women of normal body weight found that higher intakes of dairy products had no effect on weight or fat mass over the course of one year. Another study in which 100 overweight and obese pre- and post-menopausal women on reduced-calorie diets received either 1,000 mg/day calcium or a placebo for 25 weeks found no significant differences in weight or fat loss between the groups. Similar results were obtained in a study of 1,471 postmenopausal women (somewhat overweight on average) who were randomly assigned to take 1,000 mg/day calcium or a placebo for 30 months, though there was a trend toward greater weight loss in those who took the calcium supplement and whose calcium intakes from food averaged less than 600 mg/day. Clearly, larger clinical trials are needed to better assess the effects of calcium and dairy products on body weight, composition, and fat distribution.” (Note that the emphasis is mine)

The other advantages I found by drinking milk is that it made me feel full longer.  Milk is also refreshing – much better than soda pop, and a cold glass of milk cools the body down as well on a hot day.

So while more research need to be done, ultimately the way to lose weight is not by looking for the magic pill – because there is none – but by making positive lifestyle changes.

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

Amazing Weight Loss Stories

Being overweight can be a real downer.  You try, and try to lose weight – but just can’t.  But there are many out there that do manage to lose weight, here is just one amazing weight loss story about David Elmore Smith:

David Smith – Amazing Weight Loss Story

David Smith, in 2003 weight over 600 lbs.  He lost over 350 lbs and has gone through surgery to remove all the excess skin – read about him:

• http://www.hemmy.net/2007/07/02/david-smith-amazing-weight-lost-story/
• http://www.getfitslowly.com/2008/01/31/david-smith-lost-400-pounds-in-four-years/

YouTube video from 20/20

You can also find David on MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/630lbsdavid

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

Tips For Overweight Men Dress Clothes

How Should Overweight Men Dress?

Guys – especially if you’re a career guy that is working in an office and overweight.  PAY ATTENTION.  Here are some tips for overweight men and their dress clothes.

You need to dress for success, no matter what your size.  That means frumpy is out, slobby is out.

I see many guys who are borderline overweight, and they dress like slobs.  Old or outdated shirts, or shirts that are a little too thin so you can see every hair on their chest.  Not nice to look at, especially if you have to deal with them daily.

I also see a lot of overweight guys that wear shirts just too small (in body) for them.  So much so that you can see their (eeeeeewwwwwwww) hairy belly-button.  Guys, guys, guys – NOBODY wants to see that.  If you’re trying to impress the boss, I’m sure that they are NOT impressed.

Wear clothes that are a good fit for you – don’t buy clothes TOO BIG but just right.  I’ll give you my example.  I like slightly larger clothes, and although I am a 3x, I may buy a 3XLT or 4x.  What’s the difference?  3x is normal, 3xlt is LONG/TALL – so the body will be slightly longer as will the arms.  The LT always means LONG/TALL.

If you are a 3x, consider a 3xlt but not 4x.  It will make you look much bigger than you are.

Now I’m not a style expert, but I think I dress well – I do have the advantage of a spouse that insists I dress well when I am at work so she will come out with me when I buy dress pants, or shirts and she is pretty fashion conscious.

Now mind you buying clothes when you’re BIG is expensive.  My pants will cost on average $80.00 so I tend to look for deals, and see if the store offers some type of customer incentive (the store I use offers a 10% discount all the time provided you subscribe to their flyers).

Most stores will offer this, though honestly they don’t have to.  Some will even run sales where you can stack the savings – for instance, I purchased 5 pairs of dress pants of very high quality that were $95.00 each.  They were on sale at 50% off and on top of that they gave me an additional 10% – I actually asked if there was any other discount available (if you’re keeping track, those $95.00 pants are now $42.75) and the store manager checked and said that the pants would be on clearance in a few weeks and would be marked down an additional 10% – he gave it to me right then instead.

So you just had a lesson in economics – BARGAIN when you can!  Kidding – the store manager knows me well as I buy a lot of clothes from them and rarely return anything.

Although I like to stay in-fashion, I’m not one that cares whether the color is summer, spring, fall or winter.  Bah – a pant, is a pant is a pant – I will pay attention when it comes to shirts though… you’ll see why later on.  I will however be very cautious with material as a heavier material in summer is a sign of disaster because you will sweat like a mad man!  Nothing is ickier than a fat, sweaty guy.

Look for shirts with some type of pattern to them, and if possible look at Oxfords.  I like them because of the button down collar, it looks very professional and if you’re working in a business casual environment it is a perfect fit.

If you must wear tie and suit to work, look for dress shirts that might use a slighly heavier material and if you must wear solids, opt for darker colors instead of whites or brights.  Honestly, white shirts on BIG guys or lighter colored shirts on big guys looks very, um… dorky — more so if you’re someone who is much lighter in color and doesn’t darken during the summer (yah, I’m talking to you white guys out there!).

Now although you should wear a slighly heavier shirt – pick and choose wisely.  You don’t want to be walking around with your pits drenched or your shirt looking soaked.  We’ll get into personal hygiene as this is even more important for the big guys out there in a later post.

Typically shirts that I buy are very business casual and will cost between $20 and $80 depending on what I find, and the type of material used.

When you’re looking for clothes – think it through ALL THE WAY – this includes under clothes as well, not to mention socks!  While white will keep you cool – white socks on dress pants is a no-no.  ALWAYS, always, always wear dark socks on dress clothes – even business casual.  Also consider the type of underwear you wear.  Boxers are nice, but will be a bit warmer.  Most undergarments are cotton, or a cotton/poly mix or some type of cotton mix so don’t fret too much about this.  You can also find silk undergarments or silk/mix undergarments… anyway enough about undergarments.

Socks.  You can never have enough.  All I can say is pick and choose wisely.  I prefer a lighter material regardless of the time of year and will usually look for a cool cotton blend.  As I said earlier, with dress slacks or a suit always, always pick a dark color usually black.  If you must coordinate with your pants, pick the closest color possible BUT NO WHITE SOCKS!  Say that to yourself 1,000,000 times – NO WHITE SOCKS WITH DRESS CLOTHES.  You will look like an idiot.

Now have I missed anything… pants, shirts, socks, undergarments… Nope, think I’ve got it all covered.  If you have some ideas that you would like to share, I’d love to hear from you!  Comments are open and though you may not see your comment right away – I check and approve comments daily.

Here is a quick summary of what we discussed, plus a few additional points:

1. Wear clothes that fit well now, not what fit well 5 years ago.  Styles change, and you will look silly if you wear worn out clothes or stuff that’s just a bit too small.
2. Don’t buy shirts that are HUGE and BAGGY – you will look bigger than you actually are.
3. If you have trouble keeping your shirt tucked in – look for LT or just T on the label – like 3XL or 3XT the L or T specify LONG/TALL.
4. If the pants fit, but feel too baggy – get them altered, otherwise like the shirt you will look bigger than you actually are.
5. Wear shirts with some type of design – but preferably not horizontal stripes or designs – you’ll look B-I-G-G-E-R.  If you like stripes, choose thin vertical stripes.
6. I’ve been advised not to wear pleats, but I look very bad in pants without pleats.  Hint – try them on and see how you look.  I prefer pleats, as it looks more professional and much nicer.
7. DON’T stuff your clothes with things – like cell phone, wallet, keys, money etc., but at the same time, please don’t buy one of those waist wallets – fat guys look dorky with these on.  Also don’t buy a male purse that you swing over your shoulder – again, fat guys look dorky with these. What I do when I come to work is keep all those items in a soft carry bag – like a laptop bag.  This looks very professional.
8. Light colors attract, darker colors detract.
9. and YES – there are TIES for big guys; don’t wear a tie that makes your stomach look bigger than it is!  I’ve seen so many men wear a small tie when it clearly doesn’t look good.  Invest in a few good ties that are “king size”.

Some resources for you:

• http://www.guyweekly.com/dressing-tips-for-tall-short-and-fat-guys/
• http://www.lifeclever.com/how-to-dress-like-a-mac/ - some great tips on how to dress like a Mac (as in Apple Mac from the commercials) – though meant for skinny guys, if done properly this won’t be too bad on a larger guy
• http://dethroner.com/2006/09/28/damn-you-mom-style-tips-for-fat-men/
• http://artofmanliness.com/2008/10/30/mens-fashion-well-dressed/
• http://buzz.chillx.com/career/how-to-dress-to-work-clothes-that-define-you

 Do you have any other fashion tips for big guys?  If so, I’d love to read them!  Simply comment on this post.

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

50 Weight Loss Tips – Tip 6

Here is a weight loss tip that is virtually guaranteed to help you shed a few pounds.

Preoccupy yourself.

That’s it.  That is the one tip that will help you lose some weight.

Why does it work?  Here is the explanation.

When I was at my heaviest, and when I was told “lose weight, or die” I looked at what I was doing and found that most of the time I was bored.  So I sat and watched tv.  A lot of TV.  To kill time between channels or shows, I would eat.  

Then as I started my lifestyle changes (which resulted in weight loss) I made better use of my time.  I went away from TV and tried to occupy myself.  We had purchased a house, so kept myself busy with yard work – mowing the lawn, taking care of it, weeding, watering – you name it, I would do it.  I’d be drained when I was done, but you know what – I kept myself busy and away from the TV and I wasn’t bored!

I bought a bike and rode around the neighborhood until I started riding a few miles each day.  I really enjoyed that.

At work I took walks during my 1-hour lunch break.

Boredom is a sure way to gain weight, especially when you are prone to weight gain – boredom is your mortal enemy.  By doing something, maybe even reading a book (outside) you keep your mind active and engaged.  If you can keep yourself from getting bored by doing light exercise – like a walk, or going out of the house you’re sure to beat it and stay away from the fridge or pantry.

Here is to your health!

Mohamed

Fat People Skinny People – Weight Gain Issues

I check my sites stats on a fairly regular basis to see how people find me, and over the last few days it’s really weird but A LOT of people are searching and finding me using a couple of off-the-wall terms:

• fattest man world photos
• fattest man in the world

I can’t think of any reason to search for these phrases other than to either make fun of someone, or compare yourself to the person to make yourself feel better… other reasons?

But as I did a bit of research I did find some interesting questions out there, one of them was “Are people fat because they eat too much?” – I actually found this more than once as I was searching through several search engines.

The answer is not easy to answer.  But to a certain extent, yes – people which are bigger generally are eating too much and not burning those calories.  But there are others that may be eating the right amount but the wrong foods and not getting any exercise.

So there are several reasons why people gain weight:

• They want too, they are too skinny and need some weight gain
• Weight gain to build muscle mass
• Weight gain due to illness
• Weight gain due to laziness – eat and sit syndrome (as I like to call it)
• Weight gain due to OVER EATING!
• Weight gain due to eating the wrong foods

My case had been a bit of some of these – weight gain due to laziness, at times over eating or binge eating and eating the wrong foods.

The laziness is what will catch you! 

Today I eat as I’ve always eaten, but I use more portion control and I am active after eating.  I also watch what I eat, as you will find that foods that are high in fat and carbs will make you feel very sluggish (especially if you are already overweight).  So I try to limit or avoid these foods. 

If I know that I will be having this for lunch or dinner, then I ensure I don’t over do it and will try and have a glass or two of water before I sit to eat so that I don’t over do it.

You need to use those tactics that will help you – for me, water helps significantly before a meal.  I don’t over eat and I feel satisfied after I’ve eaten.

So there are many reasons why you may gain weight – some good, some bad.

Here is to your health,

Mohamed

Top 5 Reasons Why You Are Not Losing Weight

Sometimes the only way to get someone to action is by showing them the negative side – I find that with weight loss, this works VERY well becuase people hate being called out!

Presenting the TOP 5 Reason Why You are NOT Losing Weight and Probably Never Will…

Reason #5

You will start your diet tomorrow.  Problem is, tomorrow never comes.  In fact, it’s been tomorrow for the last 15 years and now you’re just a big blob of fat that can’t see your toes… wait, wait I hear you saying it again “I will start my diet tomorrow” as you gulp down a 3,000 calorie snack.

Reason #4

Yes, I DO exercise.  Yes, perhaps you do.  But lifting that 3,000 calorie snack to your face isn’t exercise.  Neither is “running” out to the grocery store in your car when it’s only a few blocks away… only to go and buy junk food and certainly walking to the fridge for yet another 2l bottle of soda pop exercise.

Reason #3

TV is to blame.  It’s not my fault.  Take RESPONSIBILITY for yourself!  Sure TV has food commercials, but get of your ass and DO SOMETHING.  Talk a walk.  Go for watercise, do something!  Don’t blame your problems on everyone else.  Take responsibility for yourself.  Shut the TV off.

Reason #2

I am cutting back!  As you drown your food in ketchup, mayo or other sauces that are usually full of fat.  But hey, whatever works for you.

Reason #1

You’re hoping that a miracle pill will help you lose weight and you’ve read that science is making inroads to that magic pill so you’ll wait a little longer.  Besides organ cloning is getting to be a reality so you’ll just hold out until they can clone a heart, liver, kidney, eyes for you…

Enjoy!

Mohamed

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