Getting Fit: Shedding Pounds and Achieving Goals Together

[mathal]

I worked in the bush planting trees most of my adult life-26 to 59. It's a piece work job, manual labour out in any weather except a full-on snowstorm. I never had to think about what I ate in terms of weight loss.
I've been retired now for 3 years and to avoid the pudge that I always developed in the off- season (winter) (and lost in the first month of work) I've had to completely alter what's going in on a daily basis.
What works for me is avoiding all processed foods-i.e. food in a square box. -That and junk food like chips that I used to have with dips or smothered in cheese and salsa with beer-still drink beer-home made -manual labour just gets you govt. pension- in three years if I'm still kickin'.
I don't mind eggplant or cauliflower or whatever occasionally but find half of it wastes away, as I am single and if I don't eat it at least every second day it spoils and I don't eat it every other day when I buy it.
Lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers and mushrooms are the only versatile veggies I have found.
Any others?
mathal

 

[ThomasT]

I worked in the bush planting trees most of my adult life-26 to 59. It's a piece work job, manual labour out in any weather except a full-on snowstorm. I never had to think about what I ate in terms of weight loss.
I've been retired now for 3 years and to avoid the pudge that I always developed in the off- season (winter) (and lost in the first month of work) I've had to completely alter what's going in on a daily basis.
What works for me is avoiding all processed foods-i.e. food in a square box. -That and junk food like chips that I used to have with dips or smothered in cheese and salsa with beer-still drink beer-home made -manual labour just gets you govt. pension- in three years if I'm still kickin'.
I don't mind eggplant or cauliflower or whatever occasionally but find half of it wastes away, as I am single and if I don't eat it at least every second day it spoils and I don't eat it every other day when I buy it.
Lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers and mushrooms are the only versatile veggies I have found.
Any others?
mathal

Onions. Chili is another favorite of mine, combining onions, tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, ground beef, and spices. You can add other stuff like mushrooms also. I think I'll make some today. Eating chili and stews instead of snack foods such as you mentioned has, I think, somewhat minimized my gut. That is, it could be worse than it is.

 

[lisab]

Onions. Chili is another favorite of mine, combining onions, tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, ground beef, and spices. You can add other stuff like mushrooms also. I think I'll make some today. Eating chili and stews instead of snack foods such as you mentioned has, I think, somewhat minimized my gut. That is, it could be worse than it is.

Sounds nice - maybe I'll make some chili, too . Ivan is right, a lot of carbs seems bad for the gut.

mathal - potatoes keep well, just keep them out of the light. Once the skin starts turning green they're no good. Carrots will keep for a long time too, and celery and broccoli.

 

[Andre]

Once the skin starts turning green they're no good.

Looking at your ermm avatar hmm

 

[lisab]

Looking at your ermm avatar hmm

Good thing I'm not a potato !

 

[ThomasT]

Ivan is right, a lot of carbs seems bad for the gut.

Yes. I don't slip often (with the high carb snacks), but when I do I tend to go overboard and reverse the effects of the better diet during previous weeks. By the way, I was just kidding about drinking 12 beers a night.

 

[Astronuc]

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/7-ways-body-swimsuit-ready-starting-now-160600678.html

Get your sweat on with strength training! If you want to feel good in your bathing suit, this is non-negotiable: Fit your workout in, no excuses! Commit to a full-body strength-training program at least three times a week to burn calories during the workout, boost your metabolism's calorie-burning power for 24 to 48 hours after, and develop lean muscles that look and feel better than flab. Perform exercises that use more than one muscle group such as squats, pushups, rows, and lunges in a circuit to make your workouts most efficient. Tip: Try working out in the morning to get your metabolism revved up for the rest of the day.
. . . .

 

[Ivan Seeking]

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/7-ways-body-swimsuit-ready-starting-now-160600678.html

Yep, luckily I have always had an affinity for weight training. It has been the easiest regular routine to pick up again. Of course I am much more careful due to my age and lack of maintenance, than I was at twenty! What I call a workout now was once barely a warmup.

Also, by lifting weights, as opposed to other forms of exercise, I can avoid or minimize the types of motion that cause me problems. And I seem to be doing okay with most lifts, which is surprising.

 

[lisab]

Yep, luckily I have always had an affinity for weight training. It has been the easiest regular routine to pick up again. Of course I am much more careful due to my age and lack of maintenance, than I was at twenty! What I call a workout now was once barely a warmup.

Also, by lifting weights, as opposed to other forms of exercise, I can avoid or minimize the types of motion that cause me problems. And I seem to be doing okay with most lifts, which is surprising.

Me too, I love lifting, either just for sport or as part of a task. I often think I was truly meant to be a manual laborer - I love how I feel at the end of a long, hard, physical day. I never feel that way after a long day solving physics/math/engineering problems - sitting so long hurts!

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Me too, I love lifting, either just for sport or as part of a task. I often think I was truly meant to be a manual laborer - I love how I feel at the end of a long, hard, physical day. I never feel that way after a long day solving physics/math/engineering problems - sitting so long hurts!

When I was in my late teens I did some really tough manual labor work. It didn't take much of that to dismiss the idea of skipping college [my return to college]. Probably the worst job was working as a plumber. I was part of a large crew retrofitting appartments as condo conversions. We had to run individual gas lines to each unit in a large complex. I spent a large percentage of a summer carrying [IIRC] 18 ft lengths of 1-inch pipe, three stories up a ladder. Being that we were young men given a task, it was a competition to see who could carry the most at once. I was in great shape when I started the job, but by the end of that summer, I was one tan, buff, lean, mean, machine. I may have been doing close to 200 Lbs per load in the end. That job ended when I got the job working on CAT Scanners [Thank God!].

As far as lifting weights, I still love the burn. I'm still keeping it light and doing lots of reps, but I've been tempted to start adding weight. Soon...

Huh, I just remembered that on almost my last load of pipe ever carried, the load started to twist just as I was stepping from the ladder onto the roof. I came a breath away from taking a three-story dive onto concrete. So point number two would be that manual labor is often dangerous work.

 

[turbo]

I always loved manual labor. Repetitive, heavy work makes the day go by and when you get home you have a feeling of relaxation and satisfaction. The downside was that it didn't pay all that much.

I never got into really decent pay until I started troubleshooting/consulting. Unfortunately, that led to sedentary evenings in motels and fast-food joints far from home. I managed to keep my weight under control, but it was hard. If you are going to eat at BK, Arby's, McDonalds, etc, it is very tough to make intelligent choices. It is too easy to order up a double cheeseburger and a small (to keep weight down ) order of fries, instead of something healthier.

 

[Evo]

I find a long bout of severe diarhea is a great way to lose weight fast without having to cut back on food. I've lost 25 pounds in the last few months.

 

[turbo]

I find a long bout of severe diarhea is a great way to lose weight fast without having to cut back on food. I've lost 25 pounds in the last few months.

That's a sure way to lose vital nutrients, along with weight. Have you had any blood-work done to see if stuff is in balance? People all around the world die from this.

 

[Evo]

That's a sure way to lose vital nutrients, along with weight. Have you had any blood-work done to see if stuff is in balance? People all around the world die from this.

Yeah, tons of tests. I'm used to it now.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I find a long bout of severe diarhea is a great way to lose weight fast without having to cut back on food. I've lost 25 pounds in the last few months.

Yikes! Sorry to hear that, Evo. I knew you were having problems but I didn't realize it's so bad.

I may stick with the weights and whey protein for a time before trying that method. It's too far up the hill to the house! Of course, on the upside, I would do a lot of sprints.

 

[Astronuc]

When I was in my late teens I did some really tough manual labor work. It didn't take much of that to dismiss the idea of skipping college [my return to college]. Probably the worst job was working as a plumber. I was part of a large crew retrofitting appartments as condo conversions. We had to run individual gas lines to each unit in a large complex. I spent a large percentage of a summer carrying [IIRC] 18 ft lengths of 1-inch pipe, three stories up a ladder. Being that we were young men given a task, it was a competition to see who could carry the most at once. I was in great shape when I started the job, but by the end of that summer, I was one tan, buff, lean, mean, machine. I may have been doing close to 200 Lbs per load in the end. That job ended when I got the job working on CAT Scanners [Thank God!].

During summers 1979 to 1981, I did iron work, which I really enjoyed (the higher, the better). After 8 to 10 hours of hefting iron in the hot Texas sun, I'd get home and go running 3 or 4 or more miles, and finish with a quarter mile sprint. On the weekends, I'd play soccer or go to the beach.

As far as lifting weights, I still love the burn. I'm still keeping it light and doing lots of reps, but I've been tempted to start adding weight. Soon...

I'm doing to some light weight training now, but I plan to ramp it up.

Huh, I just remembered that on almost my last load of pipe ever carried, the load started to twist just as I was stepping from the ladder onto the roof. I came a breath away from taking a three-story dive onto concrete. So point number two would be that manual labor is often dangerous work.

I've had a few close calls like that, and I've seen two guys near me fall. Both survived, one because he bounced between the building and the scaffolding on the way down - otherwise he would have broken both his legs and back.

 

[Astronuc]

I find a long bout of severe diarhea is a great way to lose weight fast without having to cut back on food. I've lost 25 pounds in the last few months.

Um - that's really serious - especially with that kind of weight loss.

 

[Evo]

Um - that's really serious - especially with that kind of weight loss.

After 5 months, it's the new norm. It's actually slowed down the last week and I'm concerned about going in the opposite direction. I'm used to odd things coming and going now. I'm pulling the thread off topic since it's about intentional weightloss, but I'm glad I still had some old smaller clothing to wear. Unfortunately, as usual, most of the weight loss is in my already thin legs and arms. Evo Child commented on how thin my arms are. I still have a pot belly though.

 

[Astronuc]

Weight training program attributed to Bruce Lee:

Shoulders: Clean and presses: 2 sets, 8 reps
Lats: Barbell pullovers: 2 sets, 8 reps
Biceps: Barbell curls: 2 sets, 8 reps
Chest: Bench-presses: 2 sets, 6 reps
Lower Back/Glutes/Hamstrings: Good mornings: 2 sets, 8 reps
Quads: Squats: 2 sets, 12 reps
Abs:
• Waist Twists: 4 sets, 90 repetitions
• Sit up Twist: 4 sets, 20 repetitions
• Leg Raises: 4 sets, 20 repetitions
• Leaning Twist: 4 sets, 50 repetitions

Bruce Lee's training emphasized toning and compound exercises rather than concentration and mass. Bodybuilding played only a small part in his physical conditioning, with stretching and aerobics taking up the rest of his exercise cycle. He would perform this weight-lifting routine every other day.

 

[ThomasT]

I've noticed that during that last two tennis matches I played, my energy level seemed lower. That is, I felt lethargic at certain points in the matches.

I've cut down on carbs. Could this be the reason?

 

[lisab]

I've noticed that during that last two tennis matches I played, my energy level seemed lower. That is, I felt lethargic at certain points in the matches.

I've cut down on carbs. Could this be the reason?

Good question. About 1.5 years ago I was really limiting my carb intake, but I didn't see that effect. I was running an hour on the treadmill about 4 times a week at that time.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Hmmmm, not so good this week. I actually jumped up two pounds. But I have increased my exercise routine, so with that and the whey protein I am probably seeing an increase in muscle mass, and I may have been a little dehydrated last week as that is normal when you first go ketogenic. The first time through this last year, I would often see my weight seem to stall for a few weeks and then drop dramatically the next week. Knowing that and using my pants as gauge, things are going well.

Thomas T., I'm not sure how a low-carb diet translates unless you are fully ketogenic [and that in itself is highly controversial]. The goal with the Atkins [low-carb] diet is to stop utilizing carbs as the primary source of external [consumed] energy, and instead metabolize fat. In essence you are tricking your body into a mild state of starvation. So there are distinctive metabolic changes that may not exist when simply reducing carbs. The biggest concern that I know of is that it stresses the liver. I only went on this diet after careful consideration of the potential risk to my liver, and the alternative risks from constant insulin overdoses [my natural response to carbs], and obesity.

Here is a bit from wiki [the reference is a proper journal].

Ketogenic diet

Main article: Ketogenic diet

The induction phase of the Atkins diet is a ketogenic diet. In ketogenic diets there is production of ketones that contribute to the energy production in the Krebs cycle.[11] Ketogenic diets rely on the insulin response to blood glucose. Because ketogenic dieters eat few carbohydrates, there is no glucose that can trigger the insulin response. When there is no glucose-insulin response there are some hormonal changes that cause the stored fat to be used for energy. Blood glucose levels have to decrease to less than 3.58 mmol/L (64.5 mg/dl) for growth hormone, epinephrine, and glucagon to be released to maintain energy metabolism.[11] In the adipose cells, growth hormone and epinephrine initiate the triacylglycerol to be broken down to fatty acids. These fatty acids go to the liver and muscle where they should be oxidized and give acetyl-CoA that enters the Krebs cycle directly.[11] However, the excess acetyl-CoA in the liver is converted to ketones (ketone bodies), that are transported to other tissues. In these tissues they are converted back into acetyl-CoA in order to enter the Krebs cycle. Glucagon is produced when blood glucose is too low, and it causes the liver to start breaking glycogen into glucose. Since the dieter does not eat any more carbohydrates, there is no glycogen in the liver to be broken down, so the liver converts fats into free fatty acids and ketone bodies, and this process is called ketosis. Because of this, the body is forced to use fats as a primary fuel source.[11]

[edit] Main effects

The effects of the Atkins diet remain a subject of much debate. Some studies conclude that the Atkins diet helps prevent cardiovascular disease, lowers the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increases the amount of HDL, or so-called "good" cholesterol. Some studies suggest that the diet could contribute to osteoporosis and kidney stones.[12] A University of Maryland study, in which test subjects were given calorie increases whenever their weight started to drop, showed higher LDL cholesterol and markers for inflammation.[13]

[edit] Cholesterol

According to Harper (2004) in a year-long study, the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased, and insulin resistance improved much more in dieters following the Atkins diet than in those following a low-fat, calorie restricted diet. Harper also mentions that there had not been enough prior research to allow him to confidently say that Atkins is safe to be recommended to patients.[14][15]...

- wiki Atkins Diet

 

[ThomasT]

Hmmmm, not so good this week. I actually jumped up two pounds. But I have increased my exercise routine, so with that and the whey protein I am probably seeing an increase in muscle mass, and I may have been a little dehydrated last week as that is normal when you first go ketogenic. The first time through this last year, I would often see my weight seem to stall for a few weeks and then drop dramatically the next week. Knowing that and using my pants as gauge, things are going well.

Thomas T., I'm not sure how a low-carb diet translates unless you are fully ketogenic [and that in itself is highly controversial]. The goal with the Atkins [low-carb] diet is to stop utilizing carbs as the primary source of external [consumed] energy, and instead metabolize fat. In essence you are tricking your body into a mild state of starvation. So there are distinctive metabolic changes that may not exist when simply reducing carbs. The biggest concern that I know of is that it stresses the liver. I only went on this diet after careful consideration of the potential risk to my liver, and the alternative risks from constant insulin overdoses [my natural response to carbs], and obesity.

Here is a bit from wiki [the reference is a proper journal]. - wiki Atkins Diet

Thanks for the info Ivan. After reading I immediately increased my carb intake. Played another tennis match tonight and had enough energy after it was over to continue hitting for another half hour. My apparent increased energy might of course have something to do with the fact that the temperature was lower than during my previous two matches and the sun wasn't out. Anyway, I like carbs ... a lot. So, I think I'll continue on a high carb, high protein, high fat, high exercise regimen. I've sort of resigned myself to having some sort of gut. Don't know if I should, or have to, do that, but it seems to go with eating sufficiently to fuel my exercise.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I was posting FYI as much as anything. But I did want to emphasize that this diet is controversial. There is no doubt that it works. I was shedding the weight so fast last time that Tsu was quite shocked to see the change after being gone for only a week during the induction phase [which I'm just now into full swing again].

I'm back down those two pounds again.

I learned that in spite of the room I had for the carbs, just one beer was enough to cause me problems. And, frankly, three beers in one week was enough to take off my edge at work. I felt like I couldn't concentrate all week. So I'm afraid my beer-drinking days are over for good.

Interestingly, it turns out that while not a sugar, maltose has a higher glycemic index than glucose.

 

[ThomasT]

I was posting FYI as much as anything. But I did want to emphasize that this diet is controversial. There is no doubt that it works. I was shedding the weight so fast last time that Tsu was quite shocked to see the change after being gone for only a week during the induction phase [which I'm just now into full swing again].

I'm back down those two pounds again.

I learned that in spite of the room I had for the carbs, just one beer was enough to cause me problems. And, frankly, three beers in one week was enough to take off my edge at work. I felt like I couldn't concentrate all week. So I'm afraid my beer-drinking days are over for good.

Interestingly, it turns out that while not a sugar, maltose has a higher glycemic index than glucose.

Thanks again for the info Ivan. It's good to hear that you're remaining basically on track with your weight reduction program while also increasing your muscle. I'm much too undisciplined and scatterbrained to stick to an actual diet plan.

Our local summer tennis season is in full swing. I find that after a match I'm too physically drained to do anything but drink lots of water and lay down for a nap.

It sounds like you've basically accepted the idea, and adjusted to the practice of, not drinking beer.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I'm much too undisciplined and scatterbrained to stick to an actual diet plan.

This is not in my nature but the alternative is worse.

It sounds like you've basically accepted the idea, and adjusted to the practice of, not drinking beer.

This is the most beer that I've drank in over thirty years. I quit drinking on my 21st birthday.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Weight check day and I'm down another two pounds in just the last two days.

So that's six pounds in three weeks. But I wasn't fully ketogenic the first two weeks [too many screwups], so I hope to drop a good bit over the next week. Then I will have to start adding a few carbs back into the diet.

If you kick out of ketosis, it can take as much as three days to get back into it again. For perspective, with a limit of 20-25 grams of carbs total [including sugar alcohols] the total intake of carbs for the day is the same as what you get in two cups of whole milk.

 

[zacharyb]

Weight check day and I'm down another two pounds in just the last two days.

So that's six pounds in three weeks. But I wasn't fully ketogenic the first two weeks [too many screwups], so I hope to drop a good bit over the next week. Then I will have to start adding a few carbs back into the diet.

If you kick out of ketosis, it can take as much as three days to get back into it again. For perspective, with a limit of 20-25 grams of carbs total [including sugar alcohols] the total intake of carbs for the day is the same as what you get in two cups of whole milk.

Congrats on the six pound loss. It sounds like you have a pretty nice routine going, but have had a few "screw ups". Sadly, I go through phases. I can never stick to a plan because I haven't found the right plan to live by yet.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Congrats on the six pound loss. It sounds like you have a pretty nice routine going, but have had a few "screw ups". Sadly, I go through phases. I can never stick to a plan because I haven't found the right plan to live by yet.

Thanks. In total I have lost 38 pounds in 15 weeks of dieting. The goal is to lose 55 pounds.

This is round two of the aggressive weight reduction.

It is interesting to note that human fat has a density of about .9 Kg/L. So every 7.5 pounds or so of fat [lost] occupies about the same volume as a jug of milk. So five milk jugs gone, two to go.

 

[turbo]

I have been a loser (accidentally) for a few months now. Respiratory problems leave me with plugged-up sinuses and congested lungs. If I can't breathe freely, nothing tastes good, so I'm pretty much down to one meal/day, just to get some nutrition. I love cooking and eating, so this forced "diet" has not been fun.

 

[ThomasT]

This is the most beer that I've drank in over thirty years. I quit drinking on my 21st birthday.

Then I suppose that not drinking beer is no big deal for you. For me, it would be a drastic change in my current lifestyle. But when I was sick last year with a Crohn's disease flair up and lost about 70 lbs. I didn't drink any alcoholic beverages for about six months. If it wasn't for a drug called Remicade (generic -- infliximab) I probably would have died.

In total I have lost 38 pounds in 15 weeks of dieting. The goal is to lose 55 pounds.

You must be a big guy. That's a lot of pounds. Anyway, glad to hear that it's going well.

I have been a loser (accidentally) for a few months now. Respiratory problems leave me with plugged-up sinuses and congested lungs. If I can't breathe freely, nothing tastes good, so I'm pretty much down to one meal/day, just to get some nutrition. I love cooking and eating, so this forced "diet" has not been fun.

Sending best wishes and hope for your recovery turbo. Love your posts.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Then I suppose that not drinking beer is no big deal for you. For me, it would be a drastic change in my current lifestyle.

It would be for a lot of folks. When I quit drinking, I didn't really understand the cause, but I knew it made me feel terrible long before becoming intoxicated. When something makes you feel terrible, it isn't that hard to stop. I now know that it was causing me to have blood sugar crises. It was the specialist who diagnosed my condition who first explained it all to me. I've had this my entire life so I never realized that much of how I often felt wasn't normal. In fact I felt sick almost every morning of my childhood - it was all of those carbs from an otherwise definitively healthy breakfast!

But when I was sick last year with a Crohn's disease flair up and lost about 70 lbs. I didn't drink any alcoholic beverages for about six months. If it wasn't for a drug called Remicade (generic -- infliximab) I probably would have died.

You talk about me! That is a lot of weight to drop. How much of this could you afford to lose? Were you signicantly overweight before your health crisis? And glad to have you here. It sounds like a close call.

You must be a big guy. That's a lot of pounds. Anyway, glad to hear that it's going well.

Well I guess there is no harm in giving the bottom line. I started at 240. At 185 I should be extremely fit. I think that's about what I weighed at age 21. I've gone from 42" waist to a 36" [just had to break out the new belt a week ago].

It appears that as I got older, my insulin resistance [or carbohydrate sensitivity] increased. As I understand it, the more recent findings show there is a positive feedback loop between weight gain [due to fat, muscle is good], and insulin resistance. So it becomes a vicious cycle. And in a sense, insulin resistance is worse than diabetes because it is so difficult to regulate. There is no magic shot for this. Before getting this diagnosed, there was a time when I was developing an aversion to all food and didn't want to eat anything because everything made me feel terrible. But in many ways the diagnosis just gave it a name. There is still a lot about this that isn't well understood. I wasn't given a practical means of managing the problem... until I found Atkins! But again, this could be risky in other ways. So anyone interested should do their homework.

Here is a bit of related info. Again, this is just for anyone interested. Metabolic syndrome is growing more common for some reason, and is often a precursor to the onset of diabetes.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (1). Work from the last 15 years has revealed that adipose tissue serves as an endocrine organ, producing a variety of factors that may favour the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus or protect against its genesis (2). Among these secreted factors are leptin, adiponectin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor and others that have been shown to be involved into the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (3). A brief overview of factors synthesised by adipose tissue, liver and leucocytes is pictured in Figure 1⇓. However, insulin production is conferred strictly to the pancreas. Hyperinsulinaemia is a physiological attempt by the organism to compensate the ever-increasing state of insulin resistance. Therefore, the production of an insulin-mimetic in human adipose tissue might possibly lengthen the phase until hyperinsulinaemia meets with type 2 diabetes...

http://www.eje-online.org/content/153/4/475.full

Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Metabolic syndrome is becoming more and more common in the United States. Researchers are not sure whether the syndrome is due to one single cause, but all of the risks for the syndrome are related to obesity.

The two most important risk factors for metabolic syndrome are:
•
Extra weight around the middle and upper parts of the body (central obesity). The body may be described as "apple-shaped."

•
Insulin resistance, in which the body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is needed to help control the amount of sugar in the body. As a result, blood sugar and fat levels rise...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004546/

 

[Hobin]

Ok, so since I've gotten my own apartment I've gained a significant amount of weight. That's how it feels to me, at least. I've gained 5kg of what I presume is fat, though admittedly 80kg isn't so bad with my length (I'm 185cm). That being said, a significant amount of belly fat is never good, and it's come to a point where it's become very visible again. Also, my endurance and physical strength has really gone through the toilet during these months of inactivity.

Admittedly, I've grown some bad habits of eating college-quality 'food' in only a few months, and I'd very much like to get rid of them. This in itself isn't so hard once I've resolved to do so, thankfully. I also never understood the whole diet craze - people don't drop dead because they eat a balanced diet or eat too much veggies (well, except perhaps in some very strange cases). I've simply resolved to get into my healthy habit of having meals from a variety of food groups, and not put non-food in my mouth. (Protip: foods that make health claims are non-foods.)

I've got a good bit of experience in the martial arts already, and besides football (as in soccer) it's the only sport I really like doing. Since I'm more of a loner than a group player, MA works best for me, but maybe I'll end up doing both if I find enough time in my schedule. I've enrolled in a two-times a week martial arts class, starting Monday. Wish me luck. :)

 

[ThomasT]

Well I guess there is no harm in giving the bottom line. I started at 240. At 185 I should be extremely fit. I think that's about what I weighed at age 21. I've gone from 42" waist to a 36" [just had to break out the new belt a week ago].

Thanks again for the interesting info. Ok, so you're about 200-203 now (allowing for daily fluctuations due to consumption of food and liquids, and elimination and sweating), with a 36 inch waist? That's been my weight for the past couple of years (except during the Crohn's flair up), with a slightly more than 36 inch waist. Before that, in my 50's I was about 20 lbs. heavier, but more fit and much stronger than now.

Anyway, your goal is 185 with a 34 to 35 inch waist? That's what I'd like to get to. I think that if I continue to play a full tennis match every other day, then it's achievable. The only problem, sometimes, is that my arm gets a bit sore.

You have a certain condition which places certain constraints on your consumption habits, but it looks like you've done your homework and are progressing well with your program. Most inspiring. Keep us posted.

 

[ThomasT]

Ok, so since I've gotten my own apartment I've gained a significant amount of weight. That's how it feels to me, at least. I've gained 5kg of what I presume is fat, though admittedly 80kg isn't so bad with my length (I'm 185cm).

You're about 176 lbs. at slightly over 6 ft tall. That's quite good I think. I would love to weigh 80kg.

That being said, a significant amount of belly fat is never good, and it's come to a point where it's become very visible again. Also, my endurance and physical strength has really gone through the toilet during these months of inactivity.

Well, that's not so good.

I've got a good bit of experience in the martial arts already, and besides football (as in soccer) it's the only sport I really like doing. Since I'm more of a loner than a group player, MA works best for me, but maybe I'll end up doing both if I find enough time in my schedule. I've enrolled in a two-times a week martial arts class, starting Monday. Wish me luck. :)

Best of luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Anyway, your goal is 185 with a 34 to 35 inch waist? That's what I'd like to get to. I think that if I continue to play a full tennis match every other day, then it's achievable. The only problem, sometimes, is that my arm gets a bit sore.

Injuries can take you to a dead stop instantly. In addition to my work, multiple injuries and motion problems drove me into a sedentary lifestyle.

Given my body type, the ongoing increase in muscle mass, and the tendency for the fat to concentrate in the belly, at 185 I think I may be into a 32-33 waist. But that may just be wishful thinking at my age. I guess we'll find out.

I should make one clarification regarding the language used, which has been somewhat fast and loose because this is all so complex. To the best of my knowledge, what I have is carbohydrate sensitivity, which is a variant of metabolic syndrome. Apparently insulin resistance is the more common form of this. One big difference is that people with insulin resistance go into high blood sugar. When I eat carbs, I release too much insulin and my blood sugar crashes. Also, I believe insulin resistance typically hits adults in their mid-years. I was certainly carbohydrate sensitive by age ten, and probably earlier than that. I seem to recall a specific event at age five or six [first grade]. So I’m special.

 

[turbo]

Injuries can take you to a dead stop instantly. In addition to my work, multiple injuries and motion problems drove me into a sedentary lifestyle.

As can illnesses. I have had cartilage removed from both knees (injury due to years of working on concrete floors), and now have arthritis in both, which seems to have spread to my feet and hands. If I don't watch my caloric intake, I'll pile on the weight. Now, I'm trying to keep up proper nutrition despite the respiratory problems that hinder my ability to taste food.

I love to cook and to eat tasty, healthy food, and this chronic respiratory problem is putting a dent in that.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I was stuck at 201 for two weeks. But during that time [last Friday, actually] I had to move my new [smaller] belt down to the next notch. So with another inch off the waist, I must be adding muscle as fast as I'm losing fat.

I stepped on the scale this morning. For the first time in over 20 years, the first digit was a 1 instead of a 2! - 199. Woohoooo!

I was also craving something terribly... I think it's chocolate. I haven't really had bad cravings since I quit eating bread 18 months ago. Interestingly, eating something hot [spicy] seems to help.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

198. Weird, nothing for two weeks and then three pounds in five days.

 

[Luke77]

I discovered years ago that when I let myself eat what I want, I gravitate to high protein foods. Like you said - I just feel *good* when I eat lots of protein.

I've almost cut out the base of the food pyramid below - everything in that layer makes me feel like a slug.

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/Fpyr/pmap1.gif

Great! Actually, some "food/nutrient analysts" have said that wheat helps you to GAIN the most weight.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I've been hovering around 189-190 for some time now. But I have increased my workout [weight lifting and aerobics], started doing some strength training instead of just lots of reps, and have gained a lot of muscle mass - esp upper body. I am also down to about a 35 inch waist. I went through most of one belt and almost all of another one now. Only one notch left to go on this one.

At 190 I have lost a little over 50 lbs. A 50 Lbs loss was my original goal, but now the goal post has moved and a 32 inch waist is the target. Still guessing what my weight will be when I hit 32 inches.

I am starting to feel a bit on the buff side again for the first time since I was in my twenties! Yay! It feels so good to feel good again.

Oh yes, this was cool. I got the most intense case of runner's high that I've ever experienced, the other day. It was so intense that at first I didn't even know what it was. I had increased my weight-lifting routine [more weight!]. Wow! It was just like getting a shot of morphine.

 

[OmCheeto]

Some years back, I put all of my old blue jeans in a box, and put them in the attic.
I'd finally decided that I would never have a waist as small as that again.

Last year, I came down with an odd, weight losing disease, of which I'm still not sure what it was. But that's another story.

Also last year, our company decided, based on some very good scientific data, apparently, that they should get the entire company healthy. I joined the program, and have been quite happy to keep that weight off. Mostly because we have a 5 star cafeteria at work that has a salad bar to die(or not) for.

Anyways, I just got the box out of the attic, tried to put on the pair of 28" waist jeans, which I knew I'd never fit in again, and, well... here I am, wearing them as I type. And the blood circulation to my legs still seems to be quite normal.
--------------------
ps. I do believe this pair last fit in my Junior year in high school.
And I now have 10 extra pairs of pants!
Ah! What's this? My Lederhosen from Germany. I was 11 years old when I got those. OMG I had a big butt! hmmm... smaller waist though...

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Slow going now but my 36's make me look like a kid wearing his dad's pants, and I can step right out of them if I don't use a belt! So time to buy some 34's. One size away from by goal.

I haven't even been checking my weight. My percent body fat is changing so fast with the strength training and continuing but slowing fat loss that it doesn't mean much at this point.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Due to my extensive lifestyle change, one thing has become abundantly clear. Fine dining and elaborate meals are the root of all evil! Eating used to be an event. And I guess it still could be if I really wanted to go to all the trouble. But this entire notion that meals are an event I think serves greatly to sabotage our health. We eat because we like to and not because we need to, and that is a big part of the problem, IMO. In the spirit of the season, consider the classic Thanksgiving meal. Jeez, I can't even imagine eating so much food any more. And the carbs, carbs, carbs, carbs, carbs... When you can't eat carbs [a bare minium] you quickly notice how many carbs most people eat. We live in an environment that is super-saturated with carbohydrates.

Eating well, I have discovered, is actually very easy, fast, and cheap. Sometimes I just eat [scarf down vegies mostly] while standing at the counter. Sometime lunch takes less than five minutes. And breakfast is just a protein drink. I still usually make something for dinner but nothing elaborate.

Now I understand why diets usually fail. There really is no such thing as an effective "diet". It has to be a lifestyle change that remains a constant. And for me that meant losing the classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where would I sit and eat until I'm full, and usually too full. Eating far less more often is far better. Diets don't work. Lifestyle changes do.

Just food for thought in this holiday season.

 

[nazarbaz]

Due to my extensive lifestyle change, one thing has become abundantly clear. Fine dining and elaborate meals are the root of all evil! Eating used to be an event. And I guess it still could be if I really wanted to go to all the trouble. But this entire notion that meals are an event I think serves greatly to sabotage our health. We eat because we like to and not because we need to, and that is a big part of the problem, IMO. In the spirit of the season, consider the classic Thanksgiving meal. Jeez, I can't even imagine eating so much food any more. And the carbs, carbs, carbs, carbs, carbs... When you can't eat carbs [a bare minium] you quickly notice how many carbs most people eat. We live in an environment that is super-saturated with carbohydrates.

Eating well, I have discovered, is actually very easy, fast, and cheap. Sometimes I just eat [scarf down vegies mostly] while standing at the counter. Sometime lunch takes less than five minutes. And breakfast is just a protein drink. I still usually make something for dinner but nothing elaborate.

Now I understand why diets usually fail. There really is no such thing as an effective "diet". It has to be a lifestyle change that remains a constant. And for me that meant losing the classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where would I sit and eat until I'm full, and usually too full. Eating far less more often is far better. Diets don't work. Lifestyle changes do.

Just food for thought in this holiday season.

That's the big issue with weight loss or control. The dedication you need is huge on the long run. So be very careful. Don't think that you've already won the war : there's so much battles to come.
A serial eater is an addict. I lost 70 kg in the last two years and I'm still haunted by bad habits. Usually, I run 60 km per week and use almost exclusively my bike to move. But I got seriously injuried lately (the bike tracks and the trafic in general are very dangerous in Paris) and my willingness to follow the training program I chose is very shaky.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

That's the big issue with weight loss or control. The dedication you need is huge on the long run. So be very careful. Don't think that you've already won the war : there's so much battles to come.
A serial eater is an addict. I lost 70 kg in the last two years and I'm still haunted by bad habits. Usually, I run 60 km per week and use almost exclusively my bike to move. But I got seriously injuried lately (the bike tracks and the trafic in general are very dangerous in Paris) and my willingness to follow the training program I chose is very shaky.

I'm about at the two year mark [down over 50 Lbs and hit my goal] as well and I'm definitely past the worst of it. But I have bit more motivation than most as I am hypersentive to carbs, so I really don't have a choice unless I want to feel terrible all the time.

Congratulations on the weight loss! That is a lot of weight to lose.

 

[nazarbaz]

I'm about at the two year mark [down over 50 Lbs and hit my goal] as well and I'm definitely past the worst of it. But I have bit more motivation than most as I am hypersentive to carbs, so I really don't have a choice unless I want to feel terrible all the time.

Congratulations on the weight loss! That is a lot of weight to lose.

That's great. Keep going.

 

[Lisa!]

I like to lose some weight but I eat a lot of junk food recently. That happens when I'm worried and unhappy...

 

[Ivan Seeking]

But I got seriously injuried lately (the bike tracks and the trafic in general are very dangerous in Paris) and my willingness to follow the training program I chose is very shaky.

Have you hit your target weight yet or do you need to lose more?

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I like to lose some weight but I eat a lot of junk food recently. That happens when I'm worried and unhappy...

Hi Lisa! Why are you worried and unhappy, the political situation?