I'm a 44 year old guy that has dealt with weight issues pretty much all of my adult life (and even during high school when I really think back about it). I'm 356 pounds right now which makes me absolutely sick (I could never understand how anyone could be 300 pounds. then when I hit 300, I couldn't understand how anyone could be 350 pounds.).

After going to the doctor a month ago and finding out my doctor couldn't weigh me on his scale (only went to 350 pounds) I was in total shock and depressed. I've been trying to figure out what I was going to do to lose weight, but I can't afford all of the high priced, highly advertised systems out there, and not looking forward to going back to one of the many that I've tried so many times at and always failed (or done well and then put it all back on and more soon after).

So the timing for this show was perfect for me, and the 4 Golden Rules of the plan have me pumped. Not only because of how simple they are, but to be honest, I've sort of come to similar conclusions myself in watching friends of mine that are thin and have no weight problems (I know that portion control and just eating when I am hungry were major keys). Just hearing it and then getting some clarifications of why and that it can work really has me excited to try this.

Hi Mike!
Welcome!
I heard this show last night for the first time, and I really liked what he had to say. It sounds very simple and basic, yet his 4 rules are things that we don't necessarily stay conscious of. I know that I tend to think about all the "stuff" I have to do today, so taking time to eat (AND eat when I'm hungry) haven't really been strengths of mine!
I tend to not eat, so when I do...watch your fingers!, and I eat so fast, that it takes my brain a long time to realize that I've eaten!
SO, I'm excited, too, to incorporate these concepts in my daily routine.
Let's watch those scale numbers DROP!!

Welcome Mike!

Glad to see you here. Everyone on Traineo in all the threads are really great. People are very supportive and really help provide advice. This has been wonderful for me. You sound determined, like your mind and heart are in the right place. I'm sure you will go far. Let me know if you ever need support or anything else!

Welcome again.

- Michell -

Welcome, Mike!! Good luck on your weight loss journey!! Let us know how me can help you. Do you have any plans to begin an exercise program?

Welcome... what are the 4 golden rules? Thanks!

Yes, I'll be doing exercise (I know the program talked about in coming weeks methods to motivate you to want to exercise which I'm hoping really helps with my lazy self ;)). If nothing else, just getting out and walking a few times a week to start out. I play golf, so when the weather cooperates I'll start walking 9 holes instead of riding in a cart too (this has helped in the past). With a goal of eventually being able to walk and play a full 18 holes.

Here Ara:

#1 Eat whenever you are hungry.
#2 Eat only what you want, never what you think you ‘should’.
#3 Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful.
#4 Stop when you even think your body is full.

You really need to see the program and take it all in for the full impact of it (IMO) as the rules are ridiculously simple, but if you think about it, they make complete sense...

1) When you are hungry Eat

2) Eat what you want

3) Eat conscieously

4) When you are full, STOP

For me #3 is the real key... you are to eat by always putting down your utinsels (or food in the case of a sandwich) and just focus on eating. Chew your food (he suggests about 20 times per bite). So your eating will be slow, and you are to focus on what you are eating so you can enjoy it. Also by slowing down, you can now give your stomach time to tell you brain that "Hey, I'm full down here. I really don't need anymore".

For me it seemed to work with breakfast. I normally have a large bowl of cereal and will refill it a few times as I wolf it down. This morning I put the spoon down between each bite, and while I started with a large bowl, I didn't refill the bowl and I wound up throwing part of it away as I was full. I don't think I've ever done that before (not on the first bowl at least). I've been drinking water all morning (I'm a good water drinker when I decide to be) and its now been like 3 hours later and I have to say I'm just now starting to think I may be getting hungry again. So I'll go make a sandwich soon and see how that goes.

For me this just makes all the sense in the world, and fits with how I see my daughter eat (who is in good shape) and other thin people I'm around. They don't deprive themselves of food, and they eat what they want and then seem happy to be done when they are full (I'm a plate cleaner).

I highly recommend you go watch the videos on YouTube or catch a rerun of the program on TLC (or use BitTorrent to grab the show and watch it on your PC).

hi mike and welcome to traineo! you will find some great support here. i am glad you found a program that sounds sensible to you and that you can stick to. good luck and let us know how you progress and how we can help support you.

I am a 25 yr old stay at home mom. I have 2 energetic babies, JoJo who is 1 yr and Pi who is 3 yrs. They keep me pretty busy. I had them w/in 22 mos of each other. So alot of my weight accumulated during that time.

Obesity runs deep in my family. Which is why I wanna get a handle on it right now. I am currently 171 lbs and am working to get down to at least 130 lbs, a number I haven't seen in at least 12 years. I have tried almost every diet and quite a few diet pills including Dr prescribed. Yet it still took me a year to lose 37 lbs.

I had alot of issues with my back. Which limited what I could and couldn't do in the way of exercise. It got in the way of my parenting, exercising, personal life... just life in general. Thankfully, a few of those issues are resolved and I can get back on track.
I am hoping that MKenna's "I Can Make You Thin" will be what finally turns my life and way of eating around. I am an emotional eater (a habit learned from my mother) and have grown up over eating, especially when I am the least bit upset. And since becoming a parent... eating when I can and as fast as humanly possible has been a way of life.

I also hope to find a support buddy in which I can talk to and share the struggles with. My husband is trying to be supportive. But he doesn't understand what I am going through. He thinks I look beautiful the way I am. Of course, I do not. My previous weightloss partner, my sister in law, is preggo now. So now it's just me alone.

I am trying to lose the weight mostly for health reasons mainly my back. But I'll admit that I want to lose it for appearances too.

So... Good luck to all who are trying to lose the xtra lbs. And thanx for reading.

Thanks for the info.... so the program allows you to eat what you want? So if I want fast food I am allowed to eat there as long as I follow the other rules?

Thanks...

Yes, eat whatever you want, but you have to follow all 4 rules. For fast food, remember you still have to eat it slow . So as he says, you are going to have to pry your fingers off of the sandwich and set it down after every bite and really chew and think about the food you are eating. You aren't supposed to be doing anything else (so eating while driving would be a no no) while you eat.

I've had 2 meals today and am amazed at how little I've eaten (actuallly I have concerns about that as I do know fitness stuff and your body requires a certain amount of food no matter what). But I guess if I'm truly listening to my body, I'll take enough in as I'll be hungry when it needs more. My guess is I'm going to be tending to eat smaller amounts but eat more often (as needed), which I'm perfectly fine with that.

If you go out to the McKenna.com site, you can sign up for free. Its mainly only forums, but he does have videos there of different things for his program. I haven't watched the online videos yet (I've only seen program that was on TLC last night so far). Then as mentioned there are YouTube videos too.

Hmm I don't think I could just sit and think about what I eat. I am always doing soo much stuff and I think my g/f would get annoyed with me If I didn't talk or pay attention to her... although that could be a good thing...

Hello all, my name is Sandy I am 40 years old and I need to make a change in my life. My weight has been up and down like a yo yo for the last 13 years. Even before that I struggled but when I was younger it was easier to keep the weight off. I am currently at the heaviest that I have ever been 240 lbs. I weighed myself this past weekend (which I hadn't done in a long time) and almost fainted. I go on spurts with my fitness routine, sometimes I do well and stick with it for awhile, then something changes in my life, a move, a change in my job and the fitness routine goes out the window.

I am ready to get with the program and stick with it. I need to do this for my health and my self esteem. I feel horrible about how I have let myself go. I want to look and feel better for me so I can be proud of myself. I have no excuses I joined a gym last week that is right around the corner from where I work, I also have all of the equipment that I need at home. Like one of my professors said in college "live excuse free" I need to start living by this rule!!!

Anyways glad to have joined traineo, I'm sure this site will give me the motivation and support that I need.

NOW IS THE TIME!!!
Sandy

Hi everyone. I am 43 and probably in the worst shape of my life. I watched the show last night and was very motivated to give it a try. The thing I liked the most about it is that I don't have to go out and spend a fortune on healthy foods. Losing weight was always too expensive for me and half the time the fruits and veggies would wind up in the trash. There was no excuses for me to start today because i could go right in my fridge and eat what was in there. No calorie counting, no planning. I hope we will all be able to help one another through this forum that Mike set up. (Thank you Mike) The other one seems to big and way too many posts to read through. Im looking forward to next weeks episode on dealing with exercise.

Hi, I just caught the show that I recorded to the DVR and I love Paul McKenna. I am originally from England so have seen him on TV many times before.
I am looking to drop around 35lbs to feel better about myself. I gained weight during pregnancy and have not been able to lose it and keep it off. My daughter is now 12!
Seems so ridiculously easy that I am hoping it works. I will be starting tomorrow and can't wait.
I started a women's only fitness boot camp today. I will be going 3 days a week for 4 weeks at 5.30am.
Good luck everyone.

Wow the tv show brought a lot of people here. That is great! Good job everyone on making the choice and good luck to you all. You can do it!

Vicky, Lorraine, Sandy & Mary,
WELCOME!!!
You've found a great place to hang out! Wonderful encouragement, support and energy!!
Jump right in, and shout out any questions or challenges you might be having! There's LOADS of ideas floating around here!
ENJOY!!!

G'day everyone Danaskully from Sydney Australia here, how's it going?

I was introdued to this ite by my PT. I have entered the 12 week Body Bitz Challenge and need to log my stats into a good training diary and this is the place.

I train every day and have a good diet, am totally focused on my goal, which is losing 10% body fat and 4kg in weight. I love exercising, the way it makes me feel empowered and strong. I love the way Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor) looked in Terminator II Judgement Day.

Great to meet you all and best of luck with your wonderful journey.

Hi all.
First I want to thank Mike for starting this thread.

I didn't get to watch the show allthough I intended to. I forgot (bad me). I am 33 years old, have a 6 year old son and Husband...Husband is not 6 but acts like it sometimes HA. Anyway, I recently joined our local YMCA and have been having alot of fun working out. It's not that bad...I actually enjoy it and miss it when I don't get to go. I, like alot of others here, have been struggling with the financial aspect of dieting. It seems as if all the food that is good for costs a fortune so I go to other places in the store. I guess you really get what you pay for. Plus my husband has no desire to loose weight and I really hate cooking 2 meals. It is tough when you have a busy life. But I guess that's just another excuse.

I've never met a candy bar, donut or bag of chips I didn't like and they all LOVE my thighs!

I need motivation!!!

Greetings everyone!

I'm brand new to traineo and also just watched Dr. McKenna's show. Love the concept of what I call "intuitive eating." I'm starting this very second.

Mike, so proud of you and others for jumping right in. What a great time for us to band together for support. We are all beginning right here, right now. WE CAN DO THIS!!

I am a "snowbird," retired from a demanding job on Cap Hill and loving retirement life. Writing you from sunny Florida now, but returning to wild and wonderful West Virginia soon. I'm Grammy to 2 wonderful grandbabes, Mom and wife. I lead a very busy life. I want to be in the best shape and health in this exciting phase of life....retirement.

Hope we can include exercising in our program I love to walk....any other walkers out there? Maybe we can track our progress and do some challenges.

I'm very excited about waking up in the morning and eating from hunger.....anything that I want. Isn't it totally freeing?!!! I'll post my progress....anyone else want to join me?

Again, Mike, thanks for giving us a place to hang out and get healthy together.

WE CAN DO THIS!!!!

Carol

Hi carol,
I've been posting my progress with this new way of eating on my home page. You can just click on my name to see how its been going with me. Mike also has been posting his journal as well. In going to send you a contact invite then you will be able to see when each of us post to our home page.

HI Everyone
I am Cathie and a long time overweight lady who has lost it through low carbing but just can't seem to keep it off. I am 52 years old and lucky enough to be a sahm and wife. Since I am a diabetic I really love the low carb lifestyle but once I miss a goal...for example stalling out in my loss for three weeks I just seem to loose motivation and there goes my weight again.
I decided after watching the first show that by combining I Can Make You Thin with low carb and I should be able to get this under control. I can't eat exactly what I want but I have decided to avoid the stuff I really don't like and that way I am meeting as much as that rule as possible.
I weighed in at 205.6 on Wednesday...sigh I was hoping I wasn't over 200 but suspected when my XL clothes got tight I was there. My goal is 140lbs and I hope to loose 2 lbs a week...taking it slowly so hopefully it will stay off this time!

So far the hardest thing is to tell when I am full...I am trying to check myself when I think I am full by waiting 5 minutes or so before making the final judgement. Some days I have been fine but some days I have found myself getting hungry after 1.5 hrs after eating and it is probably that I hadn't really gottne full.
Sorry to ramble on and if some one would like to be accountable buddies then I am up for it!
Cathie in UT
Telling myself....
Chew Each bite 20 times and stop when I am full!

Hey Cathie! Sounds like you have a great start already. Yeah, learning to know when you are full is hard. I know in the past I never listened to what my body was telling me. Just had to shove the food in my face as fast as I could and as much as I could, so I never heard that before. I always thought that being full was something you experienced after the meal, and usually it was an uncomfortable bloated feeling for me.

If you are hungry 1.5 hours later, that may not be a bad thing. For some people I think they are going to find they are going to be grazers... Just small mini meals every few hours (I have a friend that claims she is part hobbit as she has 6 to 8 "meals" a day. Granted those are very small at each, but it seems like she is eating every couple of hours. She's VERY thin and always has been.)

I'll send you a contact invitation. Glad you found the group and welcome! Traineo is an awesome support tool. There are tons of forums and resources.

Hi cathie and welcome to the group. We can do this!!

Hello all,
I'm 49 years old and have had food issues all my life, from anorexia and bulemia in my teens, to binging, and everything in between. To think I thought I was fat when I was 120 at 13! Now I'm nearly twice that weight.

I'm excited to have found traneo and all of you. Today I feel hopeful, and when I was at friends for Easter dinner, I ate reasonably (except for the dessert!) and do not feel sick or overly full at all. Normally I would have gorged myself on everything and kept eating till everything was gone, even all the candy etc. Instead I fixed 2 healthy appetizers, and ate extra vegetables, but limited a lot of other stuff. For once I spent more time talking to people and enjoying the conversation instead of focussing on food.

Cheers all!

Julia

Hi Everyone,
I just signed up with Traineo thanks to the link that Mike left on Paul's website. I weighed myself today, and was very discouraged, but my first weight goal I'm setting is 10% of my body wieght, which is 21 pounds. I know it's not much, considering what my ideal weight is, but this time, I'm going to try to take baby steps and celebrate the little victories. I also like this non-diet approach. I've been on so many in my life (I'm 44 years old), and I always seem to end up gaining more than I ever lost. To me, this feels more like a lifelong change. I hope I'm up to it! I've been following the golden rules for 24 hours now, and I'm amazed at how full I feel when I really pay attention to eating!

I'm happy to be here. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.

Hi ..i am Joanne and a very busy mom of 4 . I am 38 yrs old and have lots of weight to lose. After having my kids , i never managed to lose the weight. I have tried many diets all to no avail. I am however very ecited to start on this program and it seems to be good so for. I loved the tapping technique as it took away my desire for potatoe chips all night and all day today. Normally i would have consumed large amounts of these salty devils. LOL I am so glad to have all of your support as well. Well good luck to all of us.
Till my next post..have a good day.
I also am new to all of this online stuff , so please bare with me. Thanks

Hi to everyone.....I am Kim and I need to lose 85 pounds. I am really hoping to do it by May 2009 but I got to tell ya....it is slow coming off. I was interested in the program and it makes sense but it will be difficult for me to stick to because I usually eat lunch at my desk and breakfast standing up in the kitchen while I am making my lunch for the day. Supper or Dinner is late in the evening since I work so many hours. I downloaded the 'trance' session but I am not sure it is helping me because I can't stay awake.

Hi I'm Elle, previously L, and am on day 8 of this program. I need and want to lose 20 lbs that I gained since meeting, and marrying my wonderful husband who is a chef!!

I like many aspects of McKennas program, but most of all - I immediately made a change in the speed of my speed-eating! I also like that it can settle issues we have at home, where my husband wants to cook amazing meals and I can still eat them - just not at the speed and size as I have been.

I hope this works and we all keep it up and post, and encourage each other.

On an exercise note, I started Dec 26 2007, back on track on the exercise thing after a few years of being complacent. I do yoga, weight training, and anything that has a fun factor.