This thread is somewhat pointless...other than the fact that I wanted to give props to anyone who has or is trying to lose weight. In January, I found out that I was suffering from hypertension...which my doctor suggested that I cut back on sodium and lose some weight. Well, I have been wanting to lose weight...I'm 6'1" and at the time was weighing around 205ish...but never could get into the swing of exercising and cutting back on bad foods. But, when told that my health was at risk, I finally made my mind up to get in shape. So, since the middle of January, I've dropped Cokes (of which I was drinking 3 to 4 a day), cut my portions in half, began frequent light exercising, told Little Debbie to screw off, and tried to maintain focus on dropping lbs. Here I am, three months and minus 35 pounds later and I can honestly say that this has been one of the most rewarding "projects" that I've ever participated in. I still have roughly 10 pounds to go before I reach my target, at which I will start lifting weights again and put some muscle pounds on...but I'm still happy about it. I haven't felt this good, physically, since I was in high school. I admire myself in the mirror...there's no gut anymore...my man-boobs have melted away and I can run around while playing softball and feel like I don't need a bra. So here's my props to anyone who's taken on the challenge and bettered their lives by reaching a similar (sometimes seemingly unreachable) goal. And, while struggling to lose the weight was a tough battle, it's only half the work. Maintenance of this lifestyle change will be difficult, but I've definitely learned my lesson...don't dig yourself the hole if you don't really like climbing out of holes.
I'm in a hole right now.....and I'm so fat I've gotten myself stuck in it. I'm topping three bills right now........and I'm 6'1" myself. Spare tire? I've got a spare hot air balloon. I've lost weight before........three times I've lost 50lbs or more, but it's always come back. I just can't seem to get those good habits in place. And one thing is SO true--it gets much harder when you get older. Congrats on your loss. It's a huge achievement. If you can keep it off, and keep the good habits that helped you lose in the first place...it will be an even greater achievement. Congrats again........
Man, when I was in my 20's, I could eat whatever I wanted. If I ever got too fat, I'd just go on a diet for a few months and the pounds would just fall off. Getting older sucks.
January 8th - Weighed 204 This Morning - Weighed 176 My goal: 165 I totally cut out carbs for 3 weks, and gradually added back "good carbs". ie., fruits whole grains, etc. I eat whatever I want one day a week. Still no soft drinks though. I also began running 6 days a week. I am up to 4.5 miles a day, half of which is uphill. It feels so good to have more energy....to not feel physically uncomfortable. It's nice to be told how good I look. I am planning on starting Body for Life Monday. Does anyone have any experience with this, or know someone?
I'm the kinda guy that is either fat or muscular, or somewhere in between. I can never really seem to be lean, though. I was getting fat again, so I've been hitting the gym regularly. Now I'm putting on a lot of muscle again, but I still have a big gut hanging out.
I'm kind of in a similar situation. My mother has been diabetic for a few years and now I find out that my dad is as well. I was at risk before but now it seems like getting diabetes is inevitable. I know it can be prevented but that means I need to change my eating habits proto. Thus far, the biggest thing has been eliminating Dr. Pepper. I'd drink maybe 30 a week. I've tried a bunch of diet drinks and I think that Diet Sprite is pretty damned good. I had already cut out the snack cakes and candy bars. I usually snack on pretzels and peanuts now. I doing research to see how else I can alter my diet.
I started that and was up too 3 miles a day then my knee started hurting very badly. My friend said it was because I was weighing too much and because I was not running before then . . . I just could not push through it .. . Rocket River
When I was pregnant I had mild gestational diabetes which is a strong indicator of developing diabetes when I get older. Having seen how much of an inconvenience it is to control sugars has given me a huge incentive to get in shape. Unfortunately I already have a fairly healthy diet and have very little room for improvement there so I'll have to start exercising regularly.
Two more weeks of this semester and then I can start digging myself out of my own hole. Sadly, with my teaching schedule (which is insane), there isn't time to work out. (There is time to post on the bbs because you can still do that when you are too tired to work out.) I'm not a good dieter - there are some unhealthy things I don't eat, but most of the time I don't like sticking to a strict regimen. I also can't eat tiny portions... I feel like I need the energy, and it would be miserable. Maybe I have no willpower. Usually I do exercise, though, and that helps. Just not so much lately. When you're this busy, you need to focus your energy on getting through work.
WOW! This is almost a carbon copy of why my starting point and goals are. Great job JP!!! I've really slacked off the last several weeks. But I've been able to drop a few pounds here and there. Two things I didn't really mention that I owe a lot to for my success so far has been chugging water, which I guzzle while I'm sitting at my computer during work, and buying DDR2 and a dance pad. My wife continually tells me I look like a dork playing that silly dance game but I keep reminding her that I'm a dork who's dropping the pounds. It's a great distraction from the actual workout and it's easier on my knees than road running. To all of those who are struggling...I know it's so easy for me to get excited because I'm right in the middle of success...but like I keep telling my wife...all you have to do is start dropping a few pounds and you'll begin to get excited and it will give you more incentive to push harder. Jeesh...enough of that...I'm starting to feel like Tony Robbins!
Body for Life - I've seen it work on a few people. If you really do it, it's going to work. boomboom - so the last ten pounds... any ideas? I've never been able to break that barrier unless I feel like I started starving myself.
At 6' 1" 205 - you had man boobs, a gut, and needed a 'bro'? Now you weigh 170 and want to lose 10 more pounds? Am I missing something?
