[joll3723]

I am trying to lose "Love handles", some stomach fat and leg fat... what is the BEST equipment to use? I have a gym membership and I have been using the eliptical, bike and treadmill... Any Suggestions? Please help.. I need to get in shape and I am struggling!

[Eileen G]

Truthfully, the best equipment is a kitchen scales. Losing fat is far more to do with diet than with exercise. Reduce the amount of white carbs, eat more vegetables, get plenty of fresh whole food, and watch your portion sizes.

Most people are shocked when they see the proper recommended size of a portion of rice, pasta, cereal or bread. A bagel is typically three portions, for instance, and the plate of pasta you get in a restaurant is often up to five normal portions.

In the gym, lift weights. Go heavy, concentrate on compound lifts like squat, bench press, military press, deadlift, bentover rows, stiffleg deadlift, lunges, pull-ups, dips etc.

If you must do cardio in the gym, then the treadmill or a spinning bike will burn the most calories, but I'm a huge fan of building cardio into your lifestyle. Try cycling to work instead of driving. If you live within ten miles of your work, you'll save time, money and burn a load of cals.

[joll3723]

I have tried changing my diet.. but I seem to ALWAYS feel hungry... any suggestions for that?

[Eileen G]

What are you eating?

[joll3723]

I have been doing whole wheat bread, vegtables, fruits, healthy cereal oatmeal... but I still crave junk food :(

[Eileen G]

So where are the protein and fats? If you are not eating those, you will be craving everything that has them.

[69mach1]

Yeah you should eat protein filled foods, they have little calories and keep you full longer. But the cravings.. that's the part I STILL struggle with after 5 years. I guess its all about will and power. Keep yourself busy, don't exchange those 5 seconds of "ahhh" for a lifetime of sadness over the way you look. You will be glad whenyou start seeing results trust me. Green tea has worked for a craving suppression for me a couple times you should try it. It won't kick in RIGHT away I think it takes about a week AND without feeding the cravings also.

[pmera]

Protein will keep you satisfied longer and will help you build muscle so you can build your metabolism and drop fat. I agree with the above comments regarding lifting heavy and compund movements. Cycle through these rep ranges about every 6 - 8 weeks, and change your exercise choice for each musclegroup about every 4 weels

4-8 reps - 3-4 sets heaviest weight, you want fatigue before 8
8-12 reps - 3-4 sets
12-15 reps 2-3 sets
15 -24 reps - 2-3 sets no rest until sets are complete, here the weight is lighter

Best of Luck!

[melissafay]

eat dark chocolate,it is healthy and it will probably make your junk food craving go away!
eat a big breakfast,like an omelet and yogurt and an apple,pear or orange and a 8oz glass of water,for lunch you should eat a salad with chicken and croutons and cheese a vinegar dressing,and another 8oz glass of water,for dinner you should eat spaghetti and meatballs,and another 8oz glass of water,if you need a snack you should have a fruit smoothie,use frozen fruit and milk or some nuts if you need a small snack!