MoFo Health Thread

[TheUsualSuspect]

I figured I'd make a thread on those who might want to keep people updating on their health, since I believe I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is really an inconvenience and not curable.

Changing my diet doesn't seem like too much of a big deal, I just hope it helps with the pain and the constant feeling that I have to go when I don't.

Again, this is just me looking things up on the internet based on my symptoms. It could very well just be constipation.

I'll try and change my diet and if it continues, then go see a doctor.

-----

Some people might not want to let people know about their health, but I figured there should be a thread for those who want to keep people updating on such a thing.

[will.15]

Depends how long you've had it. I have had periods of two weeks tops with that and it corrects itself. It has to be chronic to be serious.

I didn't have that when I was your age.

Try prune juice. That gave me the runs last time I had a problem and it is a natural laxative if it works. It tastes nasty though and I still have a bottle in the freezer. Been in there for over a year. I should throw it out. I won't drink it unless I have to.

[Jim Garten]

Licorice is a good alternative to prune juice (tastes better too), but I'd agree with others here who say get it checked by your doctor.

Alternatively, you could try the mathematician's method... work it out with a pencil :laugh:

[Nausicaä]

Looking up medical symptoms on the internet is one of the worst things you can do, if you think there is something wrong with your body, just go to your Doctor.

Not all but it makes some people panic - I remember when I first did it years ago(haven't since) I wanted to see what was happening when I had a problem with my heart, I choose all the symptoms and so on and the first thing to come up in the list was a form of Cancer... :rolleyes:

Since this is from last year, I hope it didn't turn out to be IBS, UsualSuspect?

[earlsmoviepicks]

Also, could be stress levels. I normally don't have stomach issues at home, but when I had to travel for work and be in a stressful meeting my stomach would be a wreck.

[Powderfinger]

I figured I'd make a thread on those who might want to keep people updating on their health, since I believe I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is really an inconvenience and not curable.



I have colitis, though years ago I was put on a medication for one year. However, the Dr said it may come back anytime....even 20 years from now.

[Powderfinger]

I figured I'd make a thread on those who might want to keep people updating on their health, since I believe I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is really an inconvenience and not curable.

Changing my diet doesn't seem like too much of a big deal, I just hope it helps with the pain and the constant feeling that I have to go when I don't.

Again, this is just me looking things up on the internet based on my symptoms. It could very well just be constipation.

I'll try and change my diet and if it continues, then go see a doctor.

-----

Some people might not want to let people know about their health, but I figured there should be a thread for those who want to keep people updating on such a thing.

Mate, I take this now..

[will.15]

I have scurvy.

Time to eat an orange.

[Powderfinger]

I have scurvy.



Probably more than that..:D

[Powderfinger]

Dip it in some cyanide.

Both of you go to your room! :D lol!

[BlueLion]

I might even regret this later but what the hell. Okay, I am suffering from severe constipation atm. Hence, I have decided to give 50+ rep points to the person who can name ONE food item (laxatives don't count obv) that will give me INSTANT relief.

However, it does not count if it's some expensive vegetable/fruit that I haven't even heard of, or if it's chamomile tea. I've already tried the latter and although it works to some extent, my patience is wearing thin.

yours truly

[honeykid]

Prunes or Caster oil.

[BlueLion]

Prunes or Caster oil.

I've tried prunes. It didn't quite work as effectively and as quickly as I hoped. Caster oil sounds like something that falls into the "food item I've never heard of" category. But thanks for your concern.

[BlueLion]

It's psychological. If you need to take a *****, you have to be in the mood to take a *****. Otherwise, it's like being pee shy, but in the other exit door.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmIuXyiEzCE

Listen to these fart sounds. It will get you in the mood to get it all out. You're constipated because of a mental block.

It isn't a mental block, trust me.

[BlueLion]

Constipation is a joke. I have never been constipated. To me, it just doesn't exist. It's a mental thing.

It isn't m8. Trust me because I've literally forgotten how it feels like to do a number two.

[BlueLion]

My toilet has been longing for it.

[Miss Vicky]

BlueLion - Have you tried exercise? I struggle a lot with bowel problems and find that the more I move the more my bowels move too.

[BlueLion]

BlueLion - Have you tried exercise? I struggle a lot with bowel problems and find that the more I move the more my bowels move too.

I don't exercise at all. Does walking your dog for 30 minutes every evening count? I used to do like 40 push ups a day during the summer but that wasn't helping. This thing has been going on for months.

I don't even drink enough water. I've nobody but myself to blame really.

[BlueLion]

It's all in your head. Read Dr. Sarno. He'll tell you.

it isn't for the umpteenth time. Besides, how can you know when you've never experienced it?

[Miss Vicky]

I don't exercise at all. Does walking your dog for 30 minutes every evening count?

Not really. You need a more intense workout for it to make a noticeable difference and drinking more water will help too.

[Nausicaä]

This thing has been going on for months.

I know it's obvious but if it's been going on for that extremely long time then I really recommend going to see your Doctor.

Start drinking your water - it can help a lot for some people.

Or as Sexy has pointed out - it could all be psychological and caused by something like stress.

Really, there are an awful lot of things that can cause it so it's really best to talk to your Doctor about it to find out what is the likely cause and work on from there.

[The Rodent]

I might even regret this later but what the hell. Okay, I am suffering from severe constipation atm. Hence, I have decided to give 50+ rep points to the person who can name ONE food item (laxatives don't count obv) that will give me INSTANT relief.

However, it does not count if it's some expensive vegetable/fruit that I haven't even heard of, or if it's chamomile tea. I've already tried the latter and although it works to some extent, my patience is wearing thin.

yours truly


Peas and beans... chick peas, haricot beans (baked beans), cannellini beans (white kidney beans)... sweetcorn... garden peas.
Basically any kind of pulse that has a soft shell. The shell is mostly indigestible and they scrape the bowels on the way through.

There are number of things that cause constipation though. Low fibre in the diet, not enough water etc.

Best thing to do, eat a ton of chick peas and haricot beans with lots of vegetable oil added to them when cooking.
The shells will clean you out while the oil will literally lubricate your insides for a day or two...

Hopefully after a day or so, you'll be freshly cleaned out and then maybe look into changing your diet.

Worst thing to eat when you already have bad guts is cheese.

[BlueLion]

Did you poop yet, BlueLion? I see you reading the thread.

I did a few hours ago.

my feelings summed up in one picture:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7oxb09YPW1qcb58yo1_500.gif



But now I can barely sit.

[The Gunslinger45]

Either you took my first recommendation - which I see that prudish old woman from the dark ages, Yoda, deleted.

So I take it Zack and Miri Make a Porno has some truth to it.

[The Rodent]

Actually I think your post was deleted because it was crass for the sake of being crass, rather than Yods being "frightened" of some sort of "truth".

Admit it. It was crass.

[Powdered Water]

This thread needs to be renamed.

[The Rodent]

Speaking of health, I have an appointment to see a psychologist on the 30th.

Find out what's wrong with me.

I already know. Bi-Polar. But my GP wants to be sure and do things by the book.

[weeman]

"Mofo Poop Thread"

[The Rodent]

MoFo Bowel Movement Masseeve.

[The Rodent]

We need a "Bathroom Commentaries" thread.


No.

It would only take a couple posts before pictures started up.

[honeykid]

Worst thing to eat when you already have bad guts is cheese.
That's what the army doctor used to recommend during WWII for soldiers with the runs. Apparently the troops referred to it as "bunghole". I can still remember by granddad calling it that sometimes when he wanted to make us laugh as children. :D

We need a "Bathroom Commentaries" thread.
That, and this is saying something, is one of your worst ideas I've ever seen you express. :yup:

[weeman]

I can't believe nobody said, "It's already been done" and then linked to my movie commentaries thread. You people are slow.

It's already been done.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=32697

...too slow? :suspicious:

[honeykid]

I can't believe nobody said, "It's already been done" and then linked to my movie commentaries thread. You people are slow.
Well I wouldn't have done that, as I like them. :)

[matt72582]

Before I go to a doctor (some of you might be doctors), I have had frequent urination for years, and for the last year, my feet are so cold, circulation feels way off... Maybe you guys have experienced of this?

[Citizen Rules]

(some of you might be doctors) I'm not a doctor damn it, I'm a brick layer;)

Seriously, I don't know anything about those symptoms. But:

Do you smoke? People who smoke have poor circulation to the extremities. Do you constantly drink liquids during the day? If so that could be causing excessive bathroom trips.

[matt72582]

I don't smoke cigarettes, and haven't smoked pot in 3 days. And when I do smoke, it's at night, 2 puffs and I'm good... I try not to drink any water at night.. I'm worried it's diabetes, but I don't want to go through so many tests, and I hate needles, but thanks for replying..

[foster]

I don't smoke cigarettes, and haven't smoked pot in 3 days. And when I do smoke, it's at night, 2 puffs and I'm good... I try not to drink any water at night.. I'm worried it's diabetes, but I don't want to go through so many tests, and I hate needles, but thanks for replying..

diabetes is basically just one simple test of blood sugar.

[Miss Vicky]

Suck it up and go see a doctor. The symptoms you're describing aren't something to brush off or get around to later.

[Citizen Rules]

diabetes is basically just one simple test of blood sugar. That's true.

And now that I think about it those are two of the symptoms of diabetes, but Don't Worry. Many people just have a slight problem with maintaining their glucose levels. It's only 1 simply test, so listen to Miss Vicky and get to the doctors ASAP.

[90sAce]

A low carb, high fat diet will probably help with constipation - if anything it may make you lean slightly in the diarrhea direciton; this is what the fats do.

Overall I have way more energy and better testosterone on this diet, so I highly recommend it in general - from what I've heard we're way more evolutionarily adapted to this diet than we are the typical American diet chock full of sugar and refined carbs.

[Godoggo]

So I just got home from a wonderful overnight at the hospital.

I went to this little clinic place that I go to and they do vitals every time you go in. My first blood pressure reading was 203/133. Of course everyone is laughing and saying what a big mistake that is except it was the same next time. They did it manually and it was a little lower but lower as in 190/109. They called an ambulance and I had to go to the hospital. No choice, I was going. They made me do the stroke test and I passed. At this point I started
getting a raging headache and sweating profusely. (That always makes you feel wonderful around the cute EMTs.

I had blood panels, electrocardiogram, a ct scan of my brain and chest ex~rays. No conclusive evidence as to why my blood pressure is so high, the headaches or the profuse sweating.

The threw around the word brain tumor I couple of times because I've also been having severe mood swings and irritability. No tumor.

It could be something bacterial, I think? I was on Ativan during that part of the conversation. Tim knows but he's sleeping right now. I have to get more tests done later.

My blood pressure stabilized and they let me out. Still high, but not dangerously so.

So far 2015 is kicking my butt. I'm a little scared there is really something wrong medically with me. Who has this blood pressure that high at 30?

[Miss Vicky]

Damn, that's scary.

Fingers crossed it doesn't turn out to be anything really serious.

[seanc]

My goodness Godog, I am sorry to hear your going through that. I am glad it wasn't either of the major two problems you mentioned. Keep us informed.

[Godoggo]

Hopefully, if I get more tests we can figure out what this is and get it taken care of.

At least it's not a brain tumor. They seem kind of interested in my brain specifically, but what does your brain have to do with high blood pressure?

And why didn't they send me to Dr. House? ;)

[seanc]

And why didn't they send me to Dr. House? ;)

Just remember if they do, you will get much worse before getting better.

[Godoggo]

Just remember if they do, you will get much worse before getting better.

The doctor I did have looked nineteen tops. He was really good but I was hoping for experience. He kept telling me that he had never seen anyone so young with such high blood pressure. I told him that he couldn't have been a doctor longer than yesterday, maybe, but he laughed and said "I'm older than I look" Well that leaves a lot of room. I'd certainly card him for a beer.

[rauldc14]

Sorry to hear Godoggo. I hate everything to do with Medical.

[rauldc14]

What is ridiculous is how much it costs. Absolutely ridiculous.

[Godoggo]

Some of it is kind of fun honestly but then there is also the being scared and not knowing what it wrong with you part.

The ct scan was fun. It's not scary like some people think. It's just this big whirring sound. I have to get my records so I can see my brain. That would be cool. I have no idea what my brain looks like. I bet it's really big. :p

[Godoggo]

What is ridiculous is how much it costs. Absolutely ridiculous.

Oh child, you have no idea what this will cost me. I've heard ambulance rides are crazy expensive as are ct scans.

My dad is telling me not to worry about it, but I want to pay my own way in life.

Tim and I may end up rushing things just to get me on his insurance. I have insurance but his is better.

[rauldc14]

Yeah my wife and I have medical bills and they are ridiculous. They really put a damper on life. They aren't even affordable.

[Swan]

Seriously hoping everything is okay, Goddogo. That is really scary. :(

[Godoggo]

On a more pleasant note, has anyone ever noticed how hot EMTs are? Wow. Even my boyfriend commented that it figures they would send me those two. I didn't get as lucky as I could have. We went past a sea of them and there was one that is just about worth hurting yourself just to have him help you. :D

Even my doctor was really cute. Actually so was my nurse. It wasn't all bad.

[Citizen Rules]

Godoggo, I'm sure they will get to the bottom of this and it will be OK. But boy I bet your stressed right about now, sorry to hear about this.

190/109 is not only very high but strange, as the first number is the Systolic and abnormally high compared to your second number, the Diastolic.

Have they checked you for any serve allergy reactions? Sudden high blood pressure can happen with a reaction to food allergies, or medicines. If in the past you had normal blood pressure and all of a sudden it went high, try to think of what changed in your life, (foods, medicines, etc).

[Godoggo]

No, they didn't. I wonder though. That might make sense.

Now, I'm wondering what all I should stop taking. They told me to stop taking
one thing, I'm wondering if I should stop taking everything but my lisinopril now?

[Citizen Rules]

No! it's real dangerous to stop taking prescribed medications. So please don't do that. But if your taking vitamin/nutrient supplements you could stop those.

People can have severe reactions to all sorts of things. Some are really made sick by coming into contact with latex, or foods like nuts.

Can you monitor your blood pressure at home? If you buy an inexpensive BP tester you can monitor your BP after you get up in the morning, mid day and at late night, recording your BP and seeing if there is a change through out the day. Sometimes that can help a doctor make a determination.

[Godoggo]

They are medical prescriptions. One of which the side effect is....high blood pressure.

I'm not taking that one anymore. I just started it anyway and the more I look into it it looks awful.

Yeah, I can monitor my blood pressure.

[Citizen Rules]

Hopefully that med you stopped taking was the cause of your high BP.

Some meds do have nasty side effects. Some meds are tolerated by themselves but when taken with a second prescription they can have strange side effects.

[Godoggo]

I meant to put that they Aren't medical prescriptions.

Yeah, that one I looked up was especially nasty and maybe wasn't working well with the other one.

It's back to the doctor Monday, so hopefully we can get this all sorted out.

[Godoggo]

The word from the doc is hyperthyroidism. Easily treatable but until the meds start working I'm going to Dunkin' Donuts for a dozen donuts then Chopstix and then the most fattening Starbucks drink they have. I'm taking advantage of this why I can because when you have an over active thyroid you lose weight like crazy.

[Swan]

Glad to hear it is easily treatable, Godoggo.

[Godoggo]

I don't think that was how you where supposed to go about it, but I'm honored anyway. ;)

[Godoggo]

Glad to hear it is easily treatable, Godoggo.

Yeah, just like the BP. I just gotta be the medicine girl now.

[Yoda]

Great to get a diagnosis! Glad to hear it's something that can be treated. Really good news (I typed that as "really food news" at first, which I guess is just as appropriate).

[Godoggo]

Great to get a diagnosis! Glad to hear it's something that can be treated. Really good news (I typed that as "really food news" at first, which I guess is just as appropriate).

Thanks, it is very relieving. Yes, food is very appropriate because I plan to look at the bright side of things and eat until it hurts. :)

[Yoda]

That reminds me of something old-timey MoFo OG- said. Apparently when he was younger he had some blood condition that made it really hard for him to gain weight. He said that girls at his school would ask him how they could get it, and he'd always tell them it was sexually transmitted.

Smooth.

[christine]

Glad to hear you're ok Go, sorry I didn't see your original post. Good to get a diagnosis too. Now you know why you were being irritable cos that's a symptom isn't it?

[gbgoodies]

The word from the doc is hyperthyroidism. Easily treatable but until the meds start working I'm going to Dunkin' Donuts for a dozen donuts then Chopstix and then the most fattening Starbucks drink they have. I'm taking advantage of this why I can because when you have an over active thyroid you lose weight like crazy.


I'm glad to hear that the doctors figured it out, and that it's something that's easily treatable. I hope you're feeling better now, and that you stay well.

[Godoggo]

Glad to hear you're ok Go, sorry I didn't see your original post. Good to get a diagnosis too. Now you know why you were being irritable cos that's a symptom isn't it?

It is a symptom. I feel like a cat that is constantly being petted the wrong way. The meds take about a week to kick in until then flare ups of extreme bitchiness will unfortunately be apart of my personality. :(

@gbgoodies: Thanks :)

[MovieMeditation]

I just went two days without working out and it is so hard to jump back into it, even after a short break like that... I guess it is because my workouts hold such high intensity that even the smallest of breaks effect my body. Anyways, I'm back at it now going on last week of month 1!

[90sAce]

I just went two days without working out and it is so hard to jump back into it, even after a short break like that... I guess it is because my workouts hold such high intensity that even the smallest of breaks effect my body. Anyways, I'm back at it now going on last week of month 1!
Glad to year you pulled yourself back into it - too easy to fall out of maintaining a good routine.

[MovieMeditation]

Glad to year you pulled yourself back into it - too easy to fall out of maintaining a good routine.
Thanks for the reply, it is great to have someone no matter when and where, to give you a sort of positive energy to keep going. :up:

Since I'm only missing less than a week of month 1, I better see that as a clear goal to keep going and pushing through everyday!

[matt72582]

I'm watching TV and saw a commercial that grabbed my eye.

"Do you ever feel sluggish? Do you eat bad foods?" -- then they went on to say there's "Liveraid" sold at Rite Aid... For some reason, I have my doubts on those products, as they are not tested by the FDA.

Does anyone take supplements? If not, any reason? If so, what works?

[doubledenim]

My sister is a nurse practitioner. She is of the belief the only result of supplements is expensive urine.

I don't give much credence to stuff that preys on insecurities or fears.

[matt72582]

Thank you!

What about foods and drinks? I've loved pomegranates my entire life, so it was a delight when I read from many sources it was the strongest antioxidant. I also love passion fruit, it's easy to eat.

[doubledenim]

Eating food is the best way to meet your nutrition needs.

In light of Pom Wonderfuls advertising issues, pomegranate is considered a great source of antioxidants.

[Citizen Rules]

I love pomegranates...but...if you're not careful they splatter red juice which stains like it was ink. So I bought a papaya the other day, I'm going to plant the seeds and see if I can grow it.

[MovieMeditation]

My "diet" is weird lately... I eat like at least 80% healthy on week days, but then in the weekend, I unintentionally and usually also regrettably end up eating a lot of bad foods. :/

So I'm going with a 5-2 diet... 5 days healthy, 2 days of being a fat f*ck.

[doubledenim]

71/29 :) is great. Outside of any holidays or celebrations, family events, I find it works really well. I don't eat carbs 3-4 hours before bed and only if I'm starving a handful of nuts. I find it is paying dividends.

[Citizen Rules]

I eat cheese

[matt72582]

Preamble: I don't visit doctors, don't plan on it... Don't even care to explain.

Anyway, I've had pain in my gut for 2 months now. The first month seemed to be more sharp, now it's a little less sharp, and more upset, but still enough pain constantly.. Last week I woke up and dry heaved, and I've noticed the same bile in the last few days. If I had to guess, I'd say it's an ulcer, but I'm not sure.

I went online, one site says ginger is great, the other says different. Milk too. I just got back from the grocery store.. I bought tums, bananas, ginger (so spicy), cashews, aloe vera blueberry drink, kale (so nasty, first time having it), romaine..

I've also had chest pains.. Feels like my heart is a tennis ball, and someone grabbing it so hard, it goes inward. It was horrible a few months ago, went away for a few weeks, and it's coming back. I noticed it when I was in bed (I sleep on my right side) and the fear of it prevents me from falling asleep unless I take a painkiller.

If anyone has tips or ideas, I'll read. Thanks.

[Citizen Rules]

matt72582 Tip...chew your food until it's mush. Believe me, it can make all the difference in the world.

[matt72582]

@matt72582 (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=85325) Tip...chew your food until it's mush. Believe me, it can make all the difference in the world.

Thanks CR. I don't think I do, but then again, I never think about it. I noticed the pains were in correlation with some temporary work I did for my brother (who is a BS'er), opening up an office in Michigan, and I was working day and night for 3 weeks.. But even after I was done, the pain is still around.

But I haven't changed any habits... But I'll try to remember to chew more. Thanks!

[Citizen Rules]

I have a bad habit of not chewing my foods, and hard to digest foods like chocolate bars or chips, peanuts and nuts, granola...takes a long time in the stomach to digest which means a lot more stomach acid. But if you avoid those foods and chew everything you eat until it's well broken up, it helps a lot.

[Dani8]

I'm watching TV and saw a commercial that grabbed my eye.

"Do you ever feel sluggish? Do you eat bad foods?" -- then they went on to say there's "Liveraid" sold at Rite Aid... For some reason, I have my doubts on those products, as they are not tested by the FDA.

Does anyone take supplements? If not, any reason? If so, what works?

My specialist recommended vitamin D because the post cancer hormone therapy I'm on can cause osteoporosis. Not sure if it works because as with all supplements I forget to tke it, but my bone scans are perfect anyway.

Other supplements - naaah. I think they're a bit of a rort to be honest, and that's coming from someone who studied homoeopathy back in my hippy period (wtf was I thinking!). I do have one for night cramping which I get in my feet, but I only think to take it if a foot cramp wakes me up. I think your best bet is to mke sure you have a good diet and decent amount of sunshine, clean water, and I know this sounds like a cliche, a generally positive disposition. If something is making you feel negative, knock that bastard on the head.

[Joel]

Cool thread. I have some anxiety issues, but I think it's primarily because I'm a bit of a dick.

[Dani8]

Cool thread. I have some anxiety issues, but I think it's primarily because I'm a bit of a dick.

So far on MoFo you dont strike me the least bit dickish.

I remembered another supp I take - cant remember if I mentioned it because I obviously need a supp for my short term memory. Had to take it this morning because my rib area on one side was cramping. An enzyme called CoQ10 which is also supposed to be good for the brain. Cramps dissipated almost immediately. Sadly, the brain not so much.

[Joel]

I heard there has been at least one success story in here about weight loss. I'm planning on getting my weight back down to 160 from 200 lbs. I've studied nutrition and body building for a good two years, but never really lit the flame. Rest, water, lemon, kale, plant proteins, fish oil, garlic, nutmeg, coffee...no dairy, no red meat, lean chicken and tuna in moderation twice a week at most. Cardio, no less than 20 mins in intervals of slow, med, fast, overdrive, medium, fast, medium slow, slow, medium, fast, overdrive etc. 2-4 times weekly.

Weight training, mostly concentrated on thrust squats or careful leg presses or free weight squats snap a hormone in your body like a glow stick enabling muscle growth and rapid weight loss. Hi rep, light weight on the arms, shoulders, back and chest. Push-ups, chair dips, overhead presses and calf raises mixed with lunges and swiss ball crunches every day, alternated, just to taste it, not always full force.

But all of that does not explain the 40 lb weight gain for me. You have to actually do that ***** every day with only one cheat day. Cut way down on empty carbs, replace with whole grains, watch intake of starches like potatoes (chips), sugars and aspartame gum (makes you stupid and messes you up). If I could only chew ginger candies all day, but that's too much sugar, oh what to do...

So, if anyone knows any success stories about weight loss, I'd love to read it for some inspiration.

[Yoda]

There are a handful of such stories in The Diet Thread (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=34872). I've dropped 75-80 pounds over the last two years, and have a bunch of posts there talking about it (starting on page 8).

The short version was that it was done with better eating habits, rather than increased exercise. Exercise is a bigger part of it now, but it was eased into over time. It's mostly been the food.

[Dannii]

Preamble: I don't visit doctors, don't plan on it... Don't even care to explain.

Anyway, I've had pain in my gut for 2 months now. The first month seemed to be more sharp, now it's a little less sharp, and more upset, but still enough pain constantly.. Last week I woke up and dry heaved, and I've noticed the same bile in the last few days. If I had to guess, I'd say it's an ulcer, but I'm not sure.

I went online, one site says ginger is great, the other says different. Milk too. I just got back from the grocery store.. I bought tums, bananas, ginger (so spicy), cashews, aloe vera blueberry drink, kale (so nasty, first time having it), romaine..

I've also had chest pains.. Feels like my heart is a tennis ball, and someone grabbing it so hard, it goes inward. It was horrible a few months ago, went away for a few weeks, and it's coming back. I noticed it when I was in bed (I sleep on my right side) and the fear of it prevents me from falling asleep unless I take a painkiller.

If anyone has tips or ideas, I'll read. Thanks.
Are you male or female hon? I'd see a doctor about your chest pain, and your stomach pain could be IBS, a high fibre diet would sort it out, your doctor would diagnose this with a few tests if it's IBS.

[christine]

matt72582 really Matt I agree with Danii, you can't mess around with not getting chest pains checked out. Please do it.

[Dannii]

Preamble: I don't visit doctors, don't plan on it... Don't even care to explain.

Anyway, I've had pain in my gut for 2 months now. The first month seemed to be more sharp, now it's a little less sharp, and more upset, but still enough pain constantly.. Last week I woke up and dry heaved, and I've noticed the same bile in the last few days. If I had to guess, I'd say it's an ulcer, but I'm not sure.

I went online, one site says ginger is great, the other says different. Milk too. I just got back from the grocery store.. I bought tums, bananas, ginger (so spicy), cashews, aloe vera blueberry drink, kale (so nasty, first time having it), romaine..

I've also had chest pains.. Feels like my heart is a tennis ball, and someone grabbing it so hard, it goes inward. It was horrible a few months ago, went away for a few weeks, and it's coming back. I noticed it when I was in bed (I sleep on my right side) and the fear of it prevents me from falling asleep unless I take a painkiller.

If anyone has tips or ideas, I'll read. Thanks.
Are you male or female hon? I'd see a doctor about your chest pain, and your stomach pain could be IBS, a high fibre diet would sort it out, your doctor would diagnose this with a few tests if it's IBS.
I forgot to mention that i work for the British NHS.

[Dani8]

matt72582 really Matt I agree with Danii, you can't mess around with not getting chest pains checked out. Please do it.


Yeh I go with this, Matty. Just get it checked. I mean I'm a fine one to talk and just think things will pass but comes a time when you have to knuckle down. It might be nothing but you need to see a doc for a professional opinion rather than ask Dr google. Just for your own peace of mind. All the best, my friend.

[matt72582]

Yeh I go with this, Matty. Just get it checked. I mean I'm a fine one to talk and just think things will pass but comes a time when you have to knuckle down. It might be nothing but you need to see a doc for a professional opinion rather than ask Dr google. Just for your own peace of mind. All the best, my friend.

I still have the pains, about 5-10 a day, but it's not as bad as before.. I haven't noticed any pains in bed when I try to sleep.

I realize I treat my body horribly, so I shouldn't expect any good results.

[Dani8]

I still have the pains, about 5-10 a day, but it's not as bad as before.. I haven't noticed any pains in bed when I try to sleep.

I realize I treat my body horribly, so I shouldn't expect any good results.

I luv ya, mate. You have been so sweet to me since I came to this board. Look, I always poo poo going to the doctor but some times you just have to in order to figure out why your body is being a bitch. It might be nothing but you are better off finding out otherwise you will stress, and stress is not good. xxx

[christine]

I still have the pains, about 5-10 a day, but it's not as bad as before.. I haven't noticed any pains in bed when I try to sleep.

I realize I treat my body horribly, so I shouldn't expect any good results.

Give yourself a break Matt, don't be negative luv, your health is a precious thing. Think of that beautiful little niece of yours and how much love you have for her and she for you. Look after yourself x

[Dannii]

Yeh I go with this, Matty. Just get it checked. I mean I'm a fine one to talk and just think things will pass but comes a time when you have to knuckle down. It might be nothing but you need to see a doc for a professional opinion rather than ask Dr google. Just for your own peace of mind. All the best, my friend.

I still have the pains, about 5-10 a day, but it's not as bad as before.. I haven't noticed any pains in bed when I try to sleep.

I realize I treat my body horribly, so I shouldn't expect any good results.
Any chest pain should be checked out. I'm a trainee doctor, i hate going to see my doctor but at some point we have to seek medical advice.

[Dani8]

Give yourself a break Matt, don't be negative luv, your health is a precious thing. Think of that beautiful little niece of yours and how much love you have for her and she for you. Look after yourself x

I was thinking of his beautiful little niece as well. She won't want her beautiful Uncle being stressed.

[Dannii]

Yeh I go with this, Matty. Just get it checked. I mean I'm a fine one to talk and just think things will pass but comes a time when you have to knuckle down. It might be nothing but you need to see a doc for a professional opinion rather than ask Dr google. Just for your own peace of mind. All the best, my friend.

I still have the pains, about 5-10 a day, but it's not as bad as before.. I haven't noticed any pains in bed when I try to sleep.

I realize I treat my body horribly, so I shouldn't expect any good results.
Do you not wanna speak to me? I'm just tryna be helpful. Your post stood out from those i'd read. Good luck and take care then, pls take my advice,the girls are fond of you from their posts so listen to them if not me.

[matt72582]

Do you not wanna speak to me? I'm just tryna be helpful. Your post stood out from those i'd read. Good luck and take care then, pls take my advice,the girls are fond of you from their posts so listen to them if not me.

No no! I just didn't have anything to add :)

[Dannii]

Do you not wanna speak to me? I'm just tryna be helpful. Your post stood out from those i'd read. Good luck and take care then, pls take my advice,the girls are fond of you from their posts so listen to them if not me.

No no! I just didn't have anything to add :)
Well i do, book an appointment! 😉

[Dannii]

I'm watching TV and saw a commercial that grabbed my eye.

"Do you ever feel sluggish? Do you eat bad foods?" -- then they went on to say there's "Liveraid" sold at Rite Aid... For some reason, I have my doubts on those products, as they are not tested by the FDA.

Does anyone take supplements? If not, any reason? If so, what works?

My specialist recommended vitamin D because the post cancer hormone therapy I'm on can cause osteoporosis. Not sure if it works because as with all supplements I forget to tke it, but my bone scans are perfect anyway.

Other supplements - naaah. I think they're a bit of a rort to be honest, and that's coming from someone who studied homoeopathy back in my hippy period (wtf was I thinking!). I do have one for night cramping which I get in my feet, but I only think to take it if a foot cramp wakes me up. I think your best bet is to mke sure you have a good diet and decent amount of sunshine, clean water, and I know this sounds like a cliche, a generally positive disposition. If something is making you feel negative, knock that bastard on the head.
I take Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Calcium. I swear they work as i'm into extreme sports and only ever had one broken bone despite many falls.

[Dannii]

Has anybody had a wisdom tooth out? I'm having one extracted on monday😳

[Dani8]

Has anybody had a wisdom tooth out? I'm having one extracted on monday😳

I had three out all at once. A bit of swelling for a day or two but from memory, no big deal. Gums heal very quickly. Your doc or dentist will give you the dos and donts like no hot hot drinks for a day. In the chair or under general, Dannii?

[Dannii]

Has anybody had a wisdom tooth out? I'm having one extracted on monday😳

I had three out all at once. A bit of swelling for a day or two but from memory, no big deal. Gums heal very quickly. Your doc or dentist will give you the dos and donts like no hot hot drinks for a day. In the chair or under general, Dannii?
In the chair at hospital,i'll be sedated which i've had before, i came around ok after it. 3 wisdom teeth out at once is quite an ordeal Dani, how long ago was that?

[Dani8]

In the chair at hospital,i'll be sedated which i've had before, i came around ok after it. 3 wisdom teeth out at once is quite an ordeal Dani, how long ago was that?

I was under GA, hon - didnt feel a thing. Went home next day and I think I was already on solids. The only disturbing thing was I asked for fruit salad for breakfast and they gave me a granny smith apple LMAO. yeh no not happening the morning after.
That was ages ago. I forgot all about it until your post.

[Dannii]

In the chair at hospital,i'll be sedated which i've had before, i came around ok after it. 3 wisdom teeth out at once is quite an ordeal Dani, how long ago was that?

I was under GA, hon - didnt feel a thing. Went home next day and I think I was already on solids. The only disturbing thing was I asked for fruit salad for breakfast and they gave me a granny smith apple LMAO. yeh no not happening the morning after.
That was ages ago. I forgot all about it until your post.
An apple!! Haha!! I'll be home the same day, won't be able to drive for 3 days with being sedated, it's quite a nice feeling to be honest, mind goes blank and feels like floating.

[Dani8]

An apple!! Haha!! I'll be home the same day, won't be able to drive for 3 days with being sedated, it's quite a nice feeling to be honest, mind goes blank and feels like floating.

I had twilight sedation for one dental procedure. Talked all the way through it, but yes, I didnt feel right to drive for three days eventhough they said not to drive for 24 hours. Really spaced me out eventhough it didnt knock me out.

[Dani8]

Gratuitous bump for the lads. Do you even lift?

https://www.facebook.com/videate.oficial/videos/1080090372123633/

Just say no to roids. How anyone can think that is appealing is beyond me.

[Joel]

Back at it:

45 min cardio once every other day at 6am. Pushups on days between cardio. Nothing fancy. Breathing meditation every evening after 5pm. Kale, water, coffee, chicken, tuna and a killer shake I invented consisting of - 1 scoop chocolate protein powder from EAS, 1 scoop nutritional yeast, 2 shakes of nutmeg, 6 frozen blueberries, 6 frozen cherries, 1 big glob of peanut butter all mixed together in coconut water with pulp, pureed. That's breakfast. Mid morning snack 1 fuji apple. Lunch - kale w/tuna or chicken, grape tomatoes, dried cranberries, chopped celery - mid afternoon snack - 1 can garlic soaked squid or whatever else funky I have on hand, dinner - 1/2 cup brown rice with mixed frozen veg's and 1 chicken breast.

multivit daily with a vit c thrown in for measure. Blow nose often to encourage clear sinuses ready for breathing meditation. Chair dips at work if arms not too sore from previous pushups. Aiming for 100 daily+ after a week of gradual conditioning.

[Stirchley]

Back at it:

45 min cardio once every other day at 6am. Pushups on days between cardio. Nothing fancy. Breathing meditation every evening after 5pm. Kale, water, coffee, chicken, tuna and a killer shake I invented consisting of - 1 scoop chocolate protein powder from EAS, 1 scoop nutritional yeast, 2 shakes of nutmeg, 6 frozen blueberries, 6 frozen cherries, 1 big glob of peanut butter all mixed together in coconut water with pulp, pureed. That's breakfast. Mid morning snack 1 fuji apple. Lunch - kale w/tuna or chicken, grape tomatoes, dried cranberries, chopped celery - mid afternoon snack - 1 can garlic soaked squid or whatever else funky I have on hand, dinner - 1/2 cup brown rice with mixed frozen veg's and 1 chicken breast.

multivit daily with a vit c thrown in for measure. Blow nose often to encourage clear sinuses ready for breathing meditation. Chair dips at work if arms not too sore from previous pushups. Aiming for 100 daily+ after a week of gradual conditioning.

Ever thought of becoming a vegetarian? You'd feel great without eating meat & poultry.

[Swan]

Well, I'm finally on track with the health stuff, and I found my motivation: hiking. Hawaii made me fall in love with hiking - the best part of the trip for me being hiking four miles down, through and out of the Kilauea Iki volcano crater. I find hiking is the best form of exercise for me. I love being in nature with the ever-changing scenery and fresh air, and being with friends or family makes it more engaging and enjoyable.

I lost 5 - 10 pounds while in Hawaii, not really sure what my weight was before but it was definitely at least 295, and when I weighed myself on my return I was at 291.7. That was Friday night, and I've lost another .6 pounds since then. Obviously, it's the exercise and healthy eating and portion control that's doing it. You know, people have suggested so much stuff to me on here and elsewhere, and even though it all turned out to be true, I had to kind of realize it for myself. I'm realizing a lot of this (in terms of motivation) is just down to changing your mindset, which then influences your lifestyle. Things like cutting out soda, not eating just to eat (if I'm not hungry I'm not going to eat just for the sake of it, like I used to do), etc. have all helped. Also fear of diabetes.

And of course, hiking. Yesterday I went on a hike with some people which turned into a crazy, and somewhat scary, adventure. Halfway on the trail some of us decided to go back because one had to leave, but the rest kept going, myself included. My friend's dad, a very adventurous guy, decided we would take a detour to the creek at the bottom. We ended up getting lost and had to literally CLIMB up the steep mountain in search of the trail. I felt like I was rock climbing. We couldn't find the trail - later realizing the creek split off into two - and climbed BACK DOWN the mountain and up the other side. Man, for someone as out of shape and big as me, it was really intense. I got somewhat close to fainting, although not enough to worry (a long breather helped). Mainly I kept wondering if they would have to get a helicopter for me, but I wanted to push through so I forced myself to keep going. It was an endurance test and honestly I'm pretty proud of myself. Ended up being 2 and a half hours of hiking and climbing.

My buddies and I have decided to keep hiking as much as we can - we're going out again today. But, we're hoping not to climb a mountain again. :laugh:

[Yoda]

That's awesome. And yes, that's exactly the way to do something sustainable: find something you love that cannot co-exist with the weight. Hiking's a great example.

It's hard to lose weight primarily through exercise, and exercise like hiking can make you hungrier, so be on the lookout for that. But it sounds like a really great start, and more importantly, the beginnings of a sustainable lifestyle change. Log results, and keep talking to people about it. That'll help, too.

Good job! :up:

[Swan]

Thanks. It's definitely the combo of eating right and exercise, no doubt.

[Dannii]

Well, I'm finally on track with the health stuff, and I found my motivation: hiking. Hawaii made me fall in love with hiking - the best part of the trip for me being hiking four miles down, through and out of the Kilauea Iki volcano crater. I find hiking is the best form of exercise for me. I love being in nature with the ever-changing scenery and fresh air, and being with friends or family makes it more engaging and enjoyable.

I lost 5 - 10 pounds while in Hawaii, not really sure what my weight was before but it was definitely at least 295, and when I weighed myself on my return I was at 291.7. That was Friday night, and I've lost another .6 pounds since then. Obviously, it's the exercise and healthy eating and portion control that's doing it. You know, people have suggested so much stuff to me on here and elsewhere, and even though it all turned out to be true, I had to kind of realize it for myself. I'm realizing a lot of this (in terms of motivation) is just down to changing your mindset, which then influences your lifestyle. Things like cutting out soda, not eating just to eat (if I'm not hungry I'm not going to eat just for the sake of it, like I used to do), etc. have all helped. Also fear of diabetes.

And of course, hiking. Yesterday I went on a hike with some people which turned into a crazy, and somewhat scary, adventure. Halfway on the trail some of us decided to go back because one had to leave, but the rest kept going, myself included. My friend's dad, a very adventurous guy, decided we would take a detour to the creek at the bottom. We ended up getting lost and had to literally CLIMB up the steep mountain in search of the trail. I felt like I was rock climbing. We couldn't find the trail - later realizing the creek split off into two - and climbed BACK DOWN the mountain and up the other side. Man, for someone as out of shape and big as me, it was really intense. I got somewhat close to fainting, although not enough to worry (a long breather helped). Mainly I kept wondering if they would have to get a helicopter for me, but I wanted to push through so I forced myself to keep going. It was an endurance test and honestly I'm pretty proud of myself. Ended up being 2 and a half hours of hiking and climbing.

My buddies and I have decided to keep hiking as much as we can - we're going out again today. But, we're hoping not to climb a mountain again. :laugh:
If you do get hungry between meals then eat fresh fruit, it works for me, it takes the edge off being hungry so less likely to eat biscuits or crisps, also being thirsty can be mistaken for hunger, so keep your fluid intake up.

[Swan]

Yeah good advice. I've been really into blueberries lately. Yesterday I did nothing but graze on blueberries and cashews until dinner. I also went on another hike - 3.4 miles.

I was 291.1 yesterday morning, and just weighed myself again and was 289.0. That seems like a lot given one day? What gives? Was I too extreme in my grazing and exercise? On one hand, it's awesome to see the pounds coming off. But I want to do it right and not too quickly, or in an unhealthy way.

[Chypmunk]

Weight naturally fluctuates a little anyway Swan, best to weigh yourself at the same point of the day each time to help counteract that if you're not already doing so.

[re93animator]

Yeah good advice. I've been really into blueberries lately. Yesterday I did nothing but graze on blueberries and cashews until dinner. I also went on another hike - 3.4 miles.

I was 291.1 yesterday morning, and just weighed myself again and was 289.0. That seems like a lot given one day? What gives? Was I too extreme in my grazing and exercise? On one hand, it's awesome to see the pounds coming off. But I want to do it right and not too quickly, or in an unhealthy way.

You'll constantly be losing and gaining a modicum of weight every day through excretion and replenishment, respectively. It's normal, but your 'set point' is what it usually tends to come back to/hover around. In weight loss, the goal isn't just to shed the pounds, but to lower the set point.

Also, when you're overweight, and cut out many bad habits at once, it often does come off pretty fast.

[Swan]

Okay good. Thanks guys. :up:

Also, when you're overweight, and cut out many bad habits at once, it often does come off pretty fast.

This is good to know. I do feel the change from my old lifestyle (with SO many bad habits) to my newer one is massive, so things some times feel extreme now. But I am also finding I like my new lifestyle a lot more.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Don't forget about the water weight, that makes it fluctuate a lot too.

[Yoda]

Yeah, water retention alone can cause lots of fluctuations. One gallon of water is eight pounds. If I eat well all day but have some chips before bed I can spike upwards the next morning for that reason alone.

[MovieMeditation]

Good to hear your are on a healthy path, Swan! Keep it up man.

I'm slowly getting into my old routines after vacation and it's always hard until a few short weeks in. Then it usually gets easier... I'm going for a run today. I'm not exactly fat but because I used to be fit and then gained weight I'm kinda in good shape, muscles, six pack and all, but all of it is behind this layer of fat you know? :laugh: I can feel it and even see it if I flex, but there is still a good amount that needs to be trimmed away. :D

[Swan]

Standing on a scale first thing in the morning and seeing my weight go down just makes the rest of my day great and really motivates me. One of the best feelings in the world for a fat dude.

It just keeps going down! It's amazing realizing how easy all this actually is, and the only reason people don't think so is because we've made eating and nutrition so overly complicated. Eating should be enjoyable, it's a little unfortunate in retrospect that in this day and age we have to actually make an effort to eat right, because it should be the other way around. But once you figure out how to eat right, it's kind of a breeze and more rewarding than eating junk. Especially when the best types of food (fruits and veggies) tend to have the least packaging and advertising. You don't need to look at the nutrition facts with a stick of celery or a tomato. You can eat that stuff and be good. :p

[Dani8]

What's your next intended hike, swan? Gee man, soon you'll be high altitude mountaineering. :up:

[Swan]

Today!

EDIT: Thought you said when. I'm not sure where, might just be Nisene Marks but hopefully we'll go a bit longer than we did the other day.

[Chypmunk]

'Sherpa Swan' has a certain ring to it does it not?

Keep up the good work do0od, hope it remains easy for you 'cos I gotta be honest and admit it's still a struggle for me at times :(

[Dani8]

Today!

EDIT: Thought you said when. I'm not sure where, might just be Nisene Marks but hopefully we'll go a bit longer than we did the other day.

I just googled that. Stunning!

[Swan]

'Sherpa Swan' has a certain ring to it does it not?

Keep up the good work do0od, hope it remains easy for you 'cos I gotta be honest and admit it's still a struggle for me at times :(

I feel for you. I struggled too and thought I'd never change my bad habits. I might still struggle from time to time as well, who knows? I've only just begun.

I guess all I can say is don't get yourself down for struggling, just aim to try better in the way that feels right. If it helps one thing that worked for me, never having been a "goals guy" before, is making an effort to start setting specific goals with this stuff.

I'm not really one to be all mentor-y though as I'm still in the learning process and have only really just begun, but honestly I feel like every aspect of my life has been benefited from this. No joke, I still can't think of one thing that hasn't.

[Swan]

I just googled that. Stunning!

It's a nice place and they've got a few trails of various lengths. My friends and I are trying to get me in shape right now, and one of our goals is to be able to do the 10 mile hike.

[Dani8]

It's a nice place and they've got a few trails of various lengths. My friends and I are trying to get me in shape right now, and one of our goals is to be able to do the 10 mile hike.

Photos please or it didnt happen.

Good for you, swanny.

[Chypmunk]

I feel for you. I struggled too and thought I'd never change my bad habits. I might still struggle from time to time as well, who knows? I've only just begun.

I guess all I can say is don't get yourself down for struggling, just aim to try better in the way that feels right. If it helps one thing that worked for me, never having been a "goals guy" before, is making an effort to start setting specific goals with this stuff.

I'm not really one to be all mentor-y though as I'm still in the learning process and have only really just begun, but honestly I feel like every aspect of my life has been benefited from this. No joke, I still can't think of one thing that hasn't.
Take no notice of me I'm just having a particularly rough week this week irl which is unfortunately impacting on my eating habits ..... I've no doubts I'll be back on the sunny road to Slimdom before long :)

Genuinely pleased for you mate!!

[Yoda]

but honestly I feel like every aspect of my life has been benefited from this. No joke, I still can't think of one thing that hasn't.
Yes, this. One of the things that gets people upfront, I think, is thinking of weight or health as just one thing of many that needs attention, but it ripples throughout your entire life. People might think they have a weight problem, and a sleep problem, and an energy problem, and a mood disorder, and a skin problem, and a problem feeling overwhelmed or stressed...and eating well and/or exercising actually helps improve all of these things.

[Dani8]

I just googled flora and fauna there. Expecting lots of leafer colour for fall, swanny.

[Dani8]

HA! Nice avatar!

[Swan]

So my weight is kind of fluctuating, and it’s been confusing. Let me explain though. The other day I apparently lost three pounds, and I’m not sure how that’s possible. When I weighed myself this morning though, I weight about two pounds more than that. My dad said not to rely completely on the scale because there are so many factors determining weight, and as long as I keep my healthy lifestyle going and am making progress over the long run, little ticks like this weight weirdness are okay. I had two big meals yesterday which may explain the weight gain of two pounds. They were very healthy meals but when I woke up in the morning I didn’t feel the same amount of hungry stomach as when I lost three pounds, so I’m figuring I still had food in my stomach (or more than the morning prior), which may have contributed. But I need to not worry about it, right? As long as I keep up what I’m doing.

I also didn’t get much physical exercise yesterday, which is really embarrassing. I’m going to kick ass today. The day before yesterday I went to the gym with some friends and literally could only do five minutes on the treadmill before I started getting dizzy. Part of this is not enough water, but also… man, I’m more out of shape than I thought!

All is good, and I’m still as motivated as ever. But it is starting to prove less easy than I initially thought. No biggie. My diet and overall lifestyle has changed for the good, and I figure only good can come from that.

[seanc]

Keep working Swan. If you need inspiration you know where to look.

33450

[Swan]

My goal was Bruce Lee. Now it's Michael Scott.

[Dani8]

Ditch the scales, swanny. Go by the feel of your pants. And up your water intake.

[Swan]

Ditch the scales, swanny. Go by the feel of your pants. And up your water intake.

This is good advice, thank you. However, and maybe I'm being stupid doing this, but I'm going to keep tracking my weight just to see long-term progress. I'm not going to rely on it anymore, though. As long as I keep up a healthy lifestyle, I am good.

[Dani8]

This is good advice, thank you. However, and maybe I'm being stupid doing this, but I'm going to keep tracking my weight just to see long-term progress. I'm not going to rely on it anymore, though. As long as I keep up a healthy lifestyle, I am good.

OK then I suggest only once a week; not daily, and that;s coming from someone who was once addicted to daily. it can get you down because your body naturally fluctuates. Try to shift your focus more towards how great you feel each day and less on numbers. It will keep you positive.

Oh man every time I see your avatar I want some blueberries.

My own health at the moment - bloody hell I ended up in an emergency chiropractic appointment yesterday. Rotated pelvis and another effing cracked rib. MEDIC!!! I have absolutely no idea how I did it. Chiro is lovely but she made me scream lil screams for an hour.

[Yoda]

Yeah, that's got to be water retention. You can be "good" all day and have something salty or carby right before bed and retain a lot of water overnight, even though the number of calories you took in might equal a fraction of a pound. Don't worry about it.

One thing I did while logging daily weight (highly recommended) was also measure the amount lost on larger scales (3/7/30 days, for example). Good way of ironing out short-term fluctuations.

It takes a bit of getting used to in using your daily progress as a motivator without letting it become discouraging when it doesn't seem like it's working, but if you're eating well and burning more than you're taking in, it has to work. It's physically impossible for it not to.

I've lost track of how many times I've been weirdly flat (or even up a bit) for no particular reason for several days in a row, but whenever it happens, I end up seeing a drop afterwards.

[MovieMeditation]

So my weight is kind of fluctuating, and it’s been confusing. Let me explain though. The other day I apparently lost three pounds, and I’m not sure how that’s possible. When I weighed myself this morning though, I weight about two pounds more than that. My dad said not to rely completely on the scale because there are so many factors determining weight, and as long as I keep my healthy lifestyle going and am making progress over the long run, little ticks like this weight weirdness are okay. I had two big meals yesterday which may explain the weight gain of two pounds. They were very healthy meals but when I woke up in the morning I didn’t feel the same amount of hungry stomach as when I lost three pounds, so I’m figuring I still had food in my stomach (or more than the morning prior), which may have contributed. But I need to not worry about it, right? As long as I keep up what I’m doing.

I also didn’t get much physical exercise yesterday, which is really embarrassing. I’m going to kick ass today. The day before yesterday I went to the gym with some friends and literally could only do five minutes on the treadmill before I started getting dizzy. Part of this is not enough water, but also… man, I’m more out of shape than I thought!

All is good, and I’m still as motivated as ever. But it is starting to prove less easy than I initially thought. No biggie. My diet and overall lifestyle has changed for the good, and I figure only good can come from that.
Yeah, weights are only there to worry you. Indeed you should stop checking so often - unless you step of the healthy path or whatever... But if you stay on the healthy path and stay focused then step on that weight once a month or something, so you can actually see some progress if you want BUT remember, when you exercise - even if it's just running/jogging/walking far - you will gain muscle mass and that will make you wonder why you haven't lost as much weight as you thought. But don't worry, you have... you just gained muscle as well.

Also, eating really healthy will keep you full for longer, which is probably why you woke up still not as hungry - especially if it was two big meals.

And you can actually gain weight even by eating healthy, because it's still a lot of food you know... you just gotta balance it out with exercise and you good. :up:


Stay motivated my friend, one step at a time... it's more important to stay in it, and go slowly, than go fast and lose the willpower. :) You can do it man.

[Mr Minio]

Dont teach Swan about water. He knows everything about it. He is a water bird after all!

Seriously, though. Good work, bro. Lose weight and master that ass and maybe some Swannette will fly to your nest!

[Swan]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think I'll switch to weighing myself weekly for now, and see what happens. I'm hoping it doesn't affect my motivation, but as it is, weighing myself every morning can be good unless it's not going the way I want. Weekly might be better and more effective.

[SeeingisBelieving]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think I'll switch to weighing myself weekly for now, and see what happens. I'm hoping it doesn't affect my motivation, but as it is, weighing myself every morning can be good unless it's not going the way I want. Weekly might be better and more effective.

Good idea – try not to make it a big thing. I'd suggest every two weeks actually.

[Chypmunk]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think I'll switch to weighing myself weekly for now, and see what happens. I'm hoping it doesn't affect my motivation, but as it is, weighing myself every morning can be good unless it's not going the way I want. Weekly might be better and more effective.
Gotta find what suits you personally with the scales dude, different people prefer different regimes. Starting out you should drop weight more easily than later on in the process so you might even find that what works for you in that regard right now might not be the same as in six months or a years time ..... gotta go by what feels right to you and adjust your regime if necessary.

[Dannii]

I was gonna say weigh yourself once a week instead of every day, and have cereal with skimmed milk before bed if you're hungry, it'll lie less heavy on your stomach during the night.

[Yoda]

There's no rule on weight frequency. I do it daily because I really like the feedback, and because it's very easy to think you're eating healthy without paying attention to amount, IE: you eat a bunch of vegetables and grilled chicken, but enough that you'll actually gain weight. Stuff like that.

That's the kind of thing I think I would/have fallen prey to, so I needed to weigh often early on until I had a strong sense of what amount/type of food each day would actually produce weight loss. That may or may not be applicable to you, but that's the balance you're trying to strike: whatever frequency gives you a) more motivation than discouragement, that also b) allows you to figure out what kind of diet actually works, particularly if you're not counting calories.

[Stirchley]

eating well and/or exercising actually helps improve all of these things.

Without exercise there can be no long-term weight loss. Walking has been so beneficial for me. I think I would be mental without my long daily walk.

[jiraffejustin]

I love watching the scale. I check my weight multiple times a day. It's a motivator to me at this point. If I am happy with losing a pound or two, I want to keep losing more pounds or two. If it's a little higher than I want it to be, then I am motivated to work harder. The downside to checking your weight weekly or biweekly is that if you've developed some laziness or a bad habit, you might not realize it until you've been doing it for a week or two.

[Swan]

You guys are making me feel conflicted. So I'll just keep doing what I'm doing for now. It's been working well at the moment.

Went to the gym again today, and managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill. I know that's pathetic, but 5 minutes before getting dizzy is even more pathetic. Baby steps. I found I was able to push myself more by easing into the fast speed instead of jumping right into the running.

[Dani8]

You guys are making me feel conflicted. So I'll just keep doing what I'm doing for now. It's been working well at the moment.

Went to the gym again today, and managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill. I know that's pathetic, but 5 minutes before getting dizzy is even more pathetic. Baby steps. I found I was able to push myself more by easing into the fast speed instead of jumping right into the running.

20 minutes is great. Dont give yourself a hard time. Tomorrow if you do 21 minutes give yourself a pt on the head. You're not going to leave the starting box as Usain Bolt, matey.

Still thinking of martial arts or just concentrating on hiking for now?

And no invisible hugs for my cracked rib? Almost passed out just getting out of bed for a wee. Jaysus. The pain is exquisite. Breaking my big toe or accidentally getting punched in the face in the dojo wasnt even this bad. The wreck of the hesperus. I need my mommy :bawling: although she'd probably guve me a clip across the ear for dropping the f bomb every 3 minutes.

[re93animator]

Went to the gym again today, and managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill. I know that's pathetic, but 5 minutes before getting dizzy is even more pathetic. Baby steps. I found I was able to push myself more by easing into the fast speed instead of jumping right into the running.

Just be careful not to overdo. IMO you should ease yourself in for about a month or so, and then start pushing yourself harder. People tend to push themselves too hard from the get go, and working out becomes too much of a chore. If you don't push yourself too hard at first (but are still getting work done), you might actually enjoy going to the gym. It'd be easier to make it habitual if you get comfortable with exercise first. Once the habit sets in, you can go full meathead. :)


And no invisible hugs for my cracked rib? Almost passed out just getting out of bed for a wee. Jaysus. The pain is exquisite. Breaking my big toe or accidentally getting punched in the face in the dojo wasnt even this bad. The wreck of the hesperus. I need my mommy :bawling: although she'd probably guve me a clip across the ear for dropping the f bomb every 3 minutes.
Feel better. I've never had a cracked rib, but that sounds awful. I know that pain like that makes it impossible to enjoy anything 100%.:(

[Dani8]

Feel better. I've never had a cracked rib, but that sounds awful. I know that pain like that makes it impossible to enjoy anything 100%.:(

Thanks. They take a while to heal. I've had a few. One on the left dancing drunkenly at work years ago on a friday after lunch, fell and landed on the arm of a chair. 2 on the right at once in 2015 coughing violently. This new one I think is the one I cracked dancing. Holy sweet mother of god. I heard this little voice at 2am squeaking Help Me Help me and realised it was me as Mr D helped me get out of bed. Hobbling around like a geriatric and wheezing like you would not believe.

OK pity party over. Go slay em at the gym, swanny.

[Elessar]

Best wishes of recovery to your cracked rib, Dani. I also need my mommy for the slightest fever, or any cough at all. Moms have magic power.

[Dani8]

LOL I cant even cough right now, El. A sneeze threatening to come on freaks me out which makes it go away, and gagging is out of the question.

[MovieMeditation]

You guys are making me feel conflicted. So I'll just keep doing what I'm doing for now. It's been working well at the moment.

Went to the gym again today, and managed to do 20 minutes on the treadmill. I know that's pathetic, but 5 minutes before getting dizzy is even more pathetic. Baby steps. I found I was able to push myself more by easing into the fast speed instead of jumping right into the running.
It's not pathetic dude. Why'd you think that?

Know this: NOTHING is pathetic as long as you keep active and do your best. You stepped on treadmill, felt dizzy, and had to stop after 5 minutes. You still stepped on that treadmill and you still made an effort. You went too fast into it, now you know that. Learn from it, don't beat yourself because of it. And look, you just did 20 minutes after learning from your mistake and starting easy. You listened to your body and made progress because of it. The progress came from smart and rational thinking, not from pushing yourself insanely hard.

And 20 minutes is not pathetic... when I run, I run between 20-30 minutes. Sure, I probably run faster and further, but we all start some place. I actually got totally out of shape myself. Tried to jump back into it and was brought down because I was in **** shape. Only when I began accepting my situation and go slow with it and feel comfortable, I started feeling good and doing good.

And you shouldn't feel conflicted about the weight thing. Personally I feel like the others shouldn't have encouraged the weighting as much as they did because I think you showed signs of the weight conflicting you and demotivating you.

But hey, if you feel conflicted I'd probably also say it's best to stay where you are. But if you are willing to do differently, read our suggestions and do what feels right to you... are you really motivated by that weight? Keep weighing often... are you going up and down in mood and worrying because of the weight? Try to wait a little between weigh-ins. Maybe only a day or two for starters. Whatever feels comfortable.


Whatever you do and how you do it is to you and in the big whole the most important thing is just that you keep at it. BUT GO SLOWLY. that's my best advice. Find a routine is more important than finding a tempo... don't rush it; be happy about doing it not how fast you are doing it.

[Swan]

20 minutes is great. Dont give yourself a hard time. Tomorrow if you do 21 minutes give yourself a pt on the head. You're not going to leave the starting box as Usain Bolt, matey.

Still thinking of martial arts or just concentrating on hiking for now?

And no invisible hugs for my cracked rib? Almost passed out just getting out of bed for a wee. Jaysus. The pain is exquisite. Breaking my big toe or accidentally getting punched in the face in the dojo wasnt even this bad. The wreck of the hesperus. I need my mommy :bawling: although she'd probably guve me a clip across the ear for dropping the f bomb every 3 minutes.

*Invisible hug* hope you get better Dani. Sorry I had missed that.

Just be careful not to overdo. IMO you should ease yourself in for about a month or so, and then start pushing yourself harder. People tend to push themselves too hard from the get go, and working out becomes too much of a chore. If you don't push yourself too hard at first (but are still getting work done), you might actually enjoy going to the gym. It'd be easier to make it habitual if you get comfortable with exercise first. Once the habit sets in, you can go full meathead. :)


Feel better. I've never had a cracked rib, but that sounds awful. I know that pain like that makes it impossible to enjoy anything 100%.:(

Yeah that's what I'm trying to do, ease into it. Actually the 20 minutes felt less painful than the five minutes and I think it's because, like I said, I was easing into the running instead of going full blast from the get go. But yeah... need to keep myself in check for sure. :)

It's not pathetic dude. Why'd you think that?

Know this: NOTHING is pathetic as long as you keep active and do your best. You stepped on treadmill, felt dizzy, and had to stop after 5 minutes. You still stepped on that treadmill and you still made an effort. You went too fast into it, now you know that. Learn from it, don't beat yourself because of it. And look, you just did 20 minutes after learning from your mistake and starting easy. You listened to your body and made progress because of it. The progress came from smart and rational thinking, not from pushing yourself insanely hard.

And 20 minutes is not pathetic... when I run, I run between 20-30 minutes. Sure, I probably run faster and further, but we all start some place. I actually got totally out of shape myself. Tried to jump back into it and was brought down because I was in **** shape. Only when I began accepting my situation and go slow with it and feel comfortable, I started feeling good and doing good.

And you shouldn't feel conflicted about the weight thing. Personally I feel like the others shouldn't have encouraged the weighting as much as they did because I think you showed signs of the weight conflicting you and demotivating you.

But hey, if you feel conflicted I'd probably also say it's best to stay where you are. But if you are willing to do differently, read our suggestions and do what feels right to you... are you really motivated by that weight? Keep weighing often... are you going up and down in mood and worrying because of the weight? Try to wait a little between weigh-ins. Maybe only a day or two for starters. Whatever feels comfortable.


Whatever you do and how you do it is to you and in the big whole the most important thing is just that you keep at it. BUT GO SLOWLY. that's my best advice. Find a routine is more important than finding a tempo... don't rush it; be happy about doing it not how fast you are doing it.

Thanks dude. I shouldn't have called it pathetic, my buddy does an hour of running on the treadmill every day which is probably why I did. But yeah, baby steps.

[MovieMeditation]

Thanks dude. I shouldn't have called it pathetic, my buddy does an hour of running on the treadmill every day which is probably why I did. But yeah, baby steps.
Your buddy is not your typical fit guy then. ;) Running an hour everyday sounds like a lot; unless he runs a steady, semi-slow pace.

I definitely wouldn't compare yourself to him.

[Swan]

Chyp I got your post comment and thanks for the tip. :) I think since I'm pretty young I'll do a combo of walking and running. I like the feeling I get from running which is why I'm going to keep that up, but yeah, I won't do an hour every day. :p I'll probably do a little bit of running mixed into a larger amount of walking.

What would you guys say, that considered, is a good length of time to be on the treadmill?

Your buddy is not your typical fit guy then. ;) Running an hour everyday sounds like a lot; unless he runs a steady, semi-slow pace.

I definitely wouldn't compare yourself to him.

He's not even really fit. He's just obsessive. He's not fat at all but he thinks he is - he's like ten pounds over his goal weight - and I think the problem might be he eats a lot. He says if you exercise you can eat as much as you want, and I think I need to start slapping him whenever he says that from now on. :D

Don't mean to give him a bad rap though, he does have solid advice to offer. But sometimes I think he was misinformed.

[MovieMeditation]

He's not even really fit. He's just obsessive. He's not fat at all but he thinks he is - he's like ten pounds over his goal weight - and I think the problem might be he eats a lot. He says if you exercise you can eat as much as you want, and I think I need to start slapping him whenever he says that from now on. :D

Don't mean to give him a bad rap though, he does have solid advice to offer. But sometimes I think he was misinformed.
Yeah, sounds he got a lot of things twisted...

It sounds like my dad, that one about exercising enough you'll be good and can just eat whatever. Well, it's not downright incorrect. But even if you manage to keep your weight or very slowly lose it, you could triple (or more) your results AND it'll be a lot healthier. Eating healthy and eating right gets you results on the inside as well. That kind of healthy lifestyle you don't usually see. He may be keeping his weight or even losing weight, but if you are eating healthy and exercising you are doing it more healthy than he is and your results are actually better than his.

[Dani8]

*Invisible hug* hope you get better Dani. Sorry I had missed that.

That's OK buddy, I was just having a pity party where I had the music up really loud but couldnt sing like a fog horn and dance like elain from seinfeld. I was more like this elaine

https://media.tenor.com/images/282dc4e45d8dae093c5b89cbf9398df4/tenor.gif

Went to the chiro and she made me scream quite a lot. I even dropped a couple of bad words accidentally - they just flew out. She laughed.

As for your question about what's the best amount of time on the treadmill - where you're at. Dont compare yourself to your friend. I would stick with 20 mins more or less and every few days or when you feel ready increase speed or incline.

[Chypmunk]

Chyp I got your post comment and thanks for the tip. :) I think since I'm pretty young I'll do a combo of walking and running. I like the feeling I get from running which is why I'm going to keep that up, but yeah, I won't do an hour every day. :p I'll probably do a little bit of running mixed into a larger amount of walking.
That's cool bro', wasn't trying to say stop the running just pointing out that brisk walking can burn just as much 'cos you should be able to up the duration accordingly and the longer you are exercising the less time there is to be tempted to graze :)

I do a combo of both myself with far more walking than running these days as I was told a few years ago I shouldn't run anymore (which is why I'm now having weight issues :()

What would you guys say, that considered, is a good length of time to be on the treadmill?
Half an hour a day of exercise (whether on a treadmill or hiking or whatever) is generally recommended, personally I do about an hour a day 'cos that allows me the extra odd treat.

He's not even really fit. He's just obsessive. He's not fat at all but he thinks he is - he's like ten pounds over his goal weight - and I think the problem might be he eats a lot. He says if you exercise you can eat as much as you want, and I think I need to start slapping him whenever he says that from now on. :D

Don't mean to give him a bad rap though, he does have solid advice to offer. But sometimes I think he was misinformed.
The main reason this is a bad approach is that you become conditioned to a larger calorie intake and if at some point you can't keep up the same level of exercise for whatever reason then you're looking at potential weight issues unless eating adjustments are made to balance. And as much as we might feel invincible when young most of us eventually get old and less able.

[Swan]

Cool. I'll work up to half an hour. I found yesterday that adjusting the incline even a little bit makes the treadmill much more challenging. A good thing, of course, but I wasn't able to do twenty minutes again because of it - I managed 15 minutes. So a very short-term goal is to be able to do twenty minutes with higher incline. Baby steps!

I've also noticed, and I was expecting this, that my weight has stabilized. It's not going down every day anymore. This is completely fine, because I was told it would happen (I particularly remember talking about it with JJ), and JJ said to just wait it out and keep doing what I'm doing. For now, my focus is to figure out my routine, which seems to be naturally developing. And as I do this, I can find ways to push myself harder, of course an appropriate amount.

Life is good!

[Dani8]

Has anyone here tried kombucha? It was recommended to me yesterday by a holistic practitioner.

[Swan]

Has anyone here tried kombucha? It was recommended to me yesterday by a holistic practitioner.

I like kombucha personally, but have only had it a few times. You try it yet?

----

So, I weighed myself this morning and I'm at 279.5. I've noticed - and yeah, I know the scale is weird but I'm also noticing patterns with it - that when I eat bad and too much during the day, it shows on the scale. I really want to stay in the 70's and not go back to the 80's, so seeing that number is a great motivator to keep having good healthy days. :up:

And I've upped my game with the physical activity. A few days in the past week I've gone hiking and to the gym in the same day.

But while I still believe weight loss is a mixture of good diet and physical activity, I give the edge to diet quite a bit. I think that's the most important part. Physical activity is great for overall health, I'm not putting it down in any way, but in terms of purely weight loss, I feel the best change you can make to get that going is probably diet.

Anyway, despite this healthy lifestyle, James Cameron might give me a heart attack now.

[Dani8]

Yeah I bought ginger and lemon. Tasted like dry ginger ale.

[d_chatterley]

Has anyone here tried kombucha? It was recommended to me yesterday by a holistic practitioner.

It is all over the place here in the US.
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1360998/images/o-WHOLEFOODS-facebook.jpg
I tried it but was not too crazy about it. I guess you are suppose to drink it because it is good for you not because of a great taste. It was ok. A bit too fermented for me and once they add all the sugars and flavor to it you have to question how great is it really for you.

[Stirchley]

while I still believe weight loss is a mixture of good diet and physical activity, I give the edge to diet quite a bit. I think that's the most important part. Physical activity is great for overall health, I'm not putting it down in any way, but in terms of purely weight loss, I feel the best change you can make to get that going is probably diet

You have to do what works for you. But . . . keep in mind that not only are calories burned during exercise, you keep burning calories when resting POST-exercise. At least for a time. I don't see how anyone can maintain a good weight & be mentally well without daily exercise.

[Dani8]

I hve just come to the conclusion that kombucha smells like a sweaty armpit.

[Swan]

I'm taking a nutrition class. Had my first class yesterday. I have social anxiety (some of you already know all about my brain!) and have always been terrified of the classroom setting, so I was super proud to have forced myself to go yesterday. As it turns out, it was a breeze. We had to do group stuff too, which I've always been petrified of but it was kinda fun. Teacher seems great.

[Chypmunk]

Good work buddy!
nutrition >>> oldtrition imo

[Swan]

nutrition >>> oldtrition imo

nu trition is my favorite subgenre of trition

[MovieMeditation]

Hope it's still going forward for you, Swan!



Personally I'm been really proud of myself lately. Some of you know what I've been through in the past but I'm not afraid to state it all here. I've had a period of stress, depression and anxiety in the past, all of which show their signs once in a while. I feel it under the surface... it never completely disappears. I've had 3 deaths in the family within 1,5 years and I've also had to quit my work due to poor support and poor work conditions...

So yeah, it's not been easy, I've been seeing a psychologist too to help me get back on track and it's been a great help. I feel like I'm doing much better now than how I was in the past. I'm been gaining weight all this time, but I'm on a track to lose it again. I'm keeping up with my workouts, switching equally between running and doing strength/cardio exercise.

I can see my shape getting back and my muscles are more noticeable. The funny thing is, because I've always been rather fit all the muscles are there under the newly gained fat. :D so I'm like a very fit person with a fat suit. That said, if yall actually saw me you would probably say I'm crazy, because I'm not fat nor overweight or anything. But Id like to be in really good shape, so I basically just need to trim that fat down and build muscle - the latter also for my general health because I had a chest injury and that has kept me a bit away from that area, causing my upper back to also get worse and I've been sinking down a bit and I need to straighten out my body and keep upright again.

I'm off running again today, usually I just do around 6 km with a good pace and monitor my heartrate.

[the samoan lawyer]

Hope it's still going forward for you, Swan!



Personally I'm been really proud of myself lately. Some of you know what I've been through in the past but I'm not afraid to state it all here. I've had a period of stress, depression and anxiety in the past, all of which show their signs once in a while. I feel it under the surface... it never completely disappears. I've had 3 deaths in the family within 1,5 years and I've also had to quit my work due to poor support and poor work conditions...

So yeah, it's not been easy, I've been seeing a psychologist too to help me get back on track and it's been a great help. I feel like I'm doing much better now than how I was in the past. I'm been gaining weight all this time, but I'm on a track to lose it again. I'm keeping up with my workouts, switching equally between running and doing strength/cardio exercise.

I can see my shape getting back and my muscles are more noticeable. The funny thing is, because I've always been rather fit all the muscles are there under the newly gained fat. :D so I'm like a very fit person with a fat suit. That said, if yall actually saw me you would probably say I'm crazy, because I'm not fat nor overweight or anything. But Id like to be in really good shape, so I basically just need to trim that fat down and build muscle - the latter also for my general health because I had a chest injury and that has kept me a bit away from that area, causing my upper back to also get worse and I've been sinking down a bit and I need to straighten out my body and keep upright again.

I'm off running again today, usually I just do around 6 km with a good pace and monitor my heartrate.


Good to hear MM!

[Dani8]

Oh dear. Who on earth needs to be told this is probably not such a good idea just because Goop Gwyneth one day said it was. Silly Gerard. What on earth was he thinking. Yes I am judging you, dude.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/oct/20/gerard-butler-i-injected-myself-with-bee-venom-and-ended-up-in-hospital?CMP=soc_567

[Elessar]

Oh dear. Who on earth needs to be told this is probably not such a good idea just because Goop Gwyneth one day said it was. Silly Gerard. What on earth was he thinking. Yes I am judging you, dude.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/oct/20/gerard-butler-i-injected-myself-with-bee-venom-and-ended-up-in-hospital?CMP=soc_567

Bee venom, or snake venom is a thing in ancient chinese medicine, so I'm not surprised if some people still believe in it. The thing that matters is how you use that venom and not just inject tons of it into your blood. Poor silly Gerard.

[matt72582]

I didn't realize it, but I've had arthritis in my two hands for a while now, but it's getting so bad that I can't use the computer much, and I won't even try to play my guitar, keyboard, etc... I bought some ginger (barely touched it)..

[Dannii]

I didn't realize it, but I've had arthritis in my two hands for a while now, but it's getting so bad that I can't use the computer much, and I won't even try to play my guitar, keyboard, etc... I bought some ginger (barely touched it)..
Have you had arthritis diagnosed Matt?

[ynwtf]

Oh dear. Who on earth needs to be told this is probably not such a good idea just because Goop Gwyneth one day said it was. Silly Gerard. What on earth was he thinking. Yes I am judging you, dude.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/oct/20/gerard-butler-i-injected-myself-with-bee-venom-and-ended-up-in-hospital?CMP=soc_567


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA
"So I did it ...AGAIN!"

BWAHAHAHAHA

[Dani8]

As good a thread as any. Maybe he should have just had a quick, relaxing colonic irrigation than spend that.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/24/einstein-scribbled-his-theory-of-happiness-in-place-of-a-tip-it-just-sold-for-more-than-1-million/?utm_term=.3782012ee79f

[Swan]

So that month was so good, and I was so motivated, that I got really burnt out and since then have been pretty lazy about my health. Good news is, I haven't gained more than a few pounds, and that's because I still stay away from fast food and watch my sugar intake. I've been starting to feel somewhat motivated again, and I'm trying to get that fire back. I went to the gym on Monday, and have been thinking about my eating habits again. I don't have Hawaii to kickstart my health routine this time - I have the challenge of actively changing my habits, which is difficult.

One thing that helps motivate me is watching health documentaries, as funny as that might be. Has anyone seen In Defense of Food? I'm watching it for maybe the third or fourth time right now. It's probably my favorite health documentary since I saw it that good month.

[Dani8]

So that month was so good, and I was so motivated, that I got really burnt out and since then have been pretty lazy about my health. Good news is, I haven't gained more than a few pounds, and that's because I still stay away from fast food and watch my sugar intake. I've been starting to feel somewhat motivated again, and I'm trying to get that fire back. I went to the gym on Monday, and have been thinking about my eating habits again. I don't have Hawaii to kickstart my health routine this time - I have the challenge of actively changing my habits, which is difficult.

One thing that helps motivate me is watching health documentaries, as funny as that might be. Has anyone seen In Defense of Food? I'm watching it for maybe the third or fourth time right now. It's probably my favorite health documentary since I saw it that good month.
This is what I did to boost motivation swan.

I trained like a maniac to prepare to climb a mountain which was my hobby. When I got back from the mountain my oomph was gone so this was my trick...I picked another mountain. My money was all gone my then relationship was on the skids had to move back to Syd with no job insight but I didn't care because I still had my exercise plan to keep me motivated. Does that make sense? Just plan your next holiday but don't put a date on it. Triclk your mind.

[Dani8]

Jesus holy hell. Nurse gave me 2 shots of morphine and I watched the craft. Going into dreamy micro sleeps but they're straight down Jacob's ladder into a super deep sleep. I can see why people get addicted because it's so damn relaxing and you have no thoughts

Fromthe depths of the ladder I felt this cold SKINNY hand on my wrist and a woman with an accent I'm sure was trans fraking ilvanian. Opened my drugged out eye sto this very weird looking woman withher face about 2 inches from my own, and a super big guy like jaws from bond in the door way. This is not a dream.

I shamefully yelled who the f are yu!!! She started cackling so I yelled again to get her face out of my space, She asked if I could sleep when the head side of my mattress was up. Well flocking obviously because I was in a deep flocking sleep!!! very scary) scared the living daylights out of me - or how do you say she scared the sleeping midnights out of me. going to see nurse ratchet to ask who that flocking interloper was and fill my thermos with boiling holy water,

Bloody hell it my made my hair curl and I spent alot of money the other evening getting all my curls cut bloody well off.
r
Once again THIS WASNOT A DEAM!

[ynwtf]

^yikes. That would have sent me into cardiac arrest! But I loved reading it so thanks for sharing ;)

[Dani8]

^yikes. That would have sent me into cardiac arrest! But I loved reading it so thanks for sharing ;)

Terrified me. Instantly diluted my two beautiful hits of morphine. Needed a very strong cuppa tea after tha.Nurses were all saying 'you're safe, you're safe'. Better than a horror movie.

[Dani8]

Guys, read this and weep. My nurse today is an asian aussie with Monroe blonde hair. She is so sweet and kind with a beautiful smile. dont trip over yourselves stampeding here to get a sponge bath.. ehehehehehehe!!!

[doubledenim]

Today seems like as good a day as any to post.

My standard body weight is between 145 - 150 lbs @ a towering 5' 10 3/4" ;) . I can describe my body type as Willem Dafoe. As of today, I weighed in at 172.5 lbs. I have achieved this from 5 days a week of weightlifting, attempting to eat every 3 hours, DAIRY!!!, and no cardio. I still try to prescribe to my one day a week for sugh, but holidays with a master baker and confectioner. I have a minor gut and my thighs now rub together. It's hard to tell how much of the legs are fat / muscle, because I alternate each day between upper body and legs. In an ideal world, I would like to get to a lean 200 lbs. , but frame is frame. I have plateaued at the 170 - 175 lb. range for weeks, but that is not what I would consider real weight to begin with.

I will enjoy one more month of DAIRY!!! before I start the summer lean-down. This will primarily be accomplished from a plant based diet (no dairy :(), cardio, and one cheat day (meat / dairy / sugh) . I'm not looking forward to this, because trying to get the proper amount of calories from plants involves eating a significantly larger amount of food. Trying to figure out macros is gonna to be another part of the strategy.

I will post again in February to list the final fat weight as a mile-marker.

[Mr Minio]

Eh, I guess I will have to start losing weight.

I tried two months ago and made it into the third week. I was really surprised how much I lost during such a short period of time. Of course, after 3 weeks I got lazy again and now I'm back to what's been before. I couldn't care less how I look but the fact half of my wardrobe is unusable is annoying.

Working out is dreadful to even think about. I don't mind walking but I don't see any point in walking just for the sake of it. Walking through half of the city to buy myself a bottle of water in a supermarket at the other end seems inane too, and I lack motivation to walk in order to lose weight. No motivational video/speech/nagging from others works for me. I think of them as inane because years in certain environments on the Internet have shaped me and I ended up haughty and contrarian. But I guess I like this hence I do not want to change my attitude.

At work I spend 8 hours sitting and then I return home (on foot whenever I can, but it's only 2 km) and sit in front of a TV to watch movies, and then spend some hours on my computer (sitting again), and then go to bed. On weekends I watch movies all day. Obviously I can't give up my job, and I don't want to give up my hobby.

I eat quite a lot (too much no doubt) but it haven't got out of hand yet. Too much sweets as well.

I guess the most discouraging part of losing weight is the fact it's not permanent. Even if I spent a year losing weight, working out etc. it's only another year or two to get back to what's been before which renders the whole thing useless.

[doubledenim]

I have given up my fitness routine for the past couple months and any gains I have made are gone. Muscle that I built has disappeared and I fell off the wagon with the sugar.



Part of the problem comes from realizing how much time you spend versus what results you actually get. Add to that, I exercised out of pure narcissism. Health benefits don't really appeal me. I would still get tired or fatigued, which leads me to believe, my energy levels are more dependent on a mental factor than anything else.

[the samoan lawyer]

Trying not to sound condescending but you do have to put hard work in to get results. I'm impatient too, badly impatient. It is infuriating not seeing results as fast as you'd like and also how easy it is to lose them. But once you do get them, you have to keep at it otherwise it would be easy. Minio, can you not try going for a run?


DD I share your pain with tiredness. I'm lucky if I can 5 hours sleep in a night (which is always interrupted too) so am constantly shattered but I still try and get up for the gym at 5.30am anyway. I'm in a place at the minute where I am loving going to the gym, or running so it is a lot easier. Have you anyone to train with? Helps me loads.

[Mr Minio]

Minio, can you not try going for a run? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if1CTnCZGX4


/REKT

[Yoda]

Part of the problem comes from realizing how much time you spend versus what results you actually get.
This definitely makes sense for exercise: it can be exhausting, you have to do a lot of it to lose a very modest number of calories, and it can just make you hungrier and sap your willpower anyway. However, I think fitness is much more about diet (which doesn't have the same problems) than exercise, and I think exercise has long-term benefits that aren't as evident in pure weight loss in the first few months or even a year or more. The more muscular you are the more fat you burn day to day, for example, so it's more of a long-term thing. And I find the other things I mentioned above are lessened if the exercise is modest, but consistent (like regular walks).

[Ms. M]

OMG @Mr Minio (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=72801) the same has happened to me:blush: Half of my trouseres doesn't fit anymore. My story is quite the same as @doubledenim (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84479) - I quit fitness few months ago, because lack of time and and every result I achived till than almost disappeated. It's unfair! I don't have any motivation to start again. @the samoan lawyer (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=73754), 5:30 after 5 hours of sleep? You are my hero👍

[Mr Minio]

Ms. M If I lived in Cracow we could get together and motivate each other. Oh well, I'm sending motivational waves anyway.

[doubledenim]

This definitely makes sense for exercise: it can be exhausting, you have to do a lot of it to lose a very modest number of calories, and it can just make you hungrier and sap your willpower anyway. However, I think fitness is much more about diet (which doesn't have the same problems) than exercise, and I think exercise has long-term benefits that aren't as evident in pure weight loss in the first few months or even a year or more. The more muscular you are the more fat you burn day to day, for example, so it's more of a long-term thing. And I find the other things I mentioned above are lessened if the exercise is modest, but consistent (like regular walks).


I'm a believer that it is mostly diet anyways. I have heard a lot about fasting and the idea fascinates me, but I think it's like everything else, different people respond in different ways. I just lose muscle when I quit regular workouts.

[Yoda]

Yeah, if I hear someone talking about a new lifestyle and they're talking more about exercise than diet, I get very skeptical that it'll work out. I think that works at first when you're highly motivated, but it's tougher to keep up, and I think your body is more likely to really fight back against it after awhile.

Diet changes really last. I genuinely can't eat as much now, even when I have a cheat day and kinda want to. I fill up quicker and there are some junky foods I just like a lot less now.

Re: fasting. I have a few family members doing that. They're big believers in it. I dunno if it's for me, but I'm kinda shocked at how I can eat 1,200-1,400 calories a day for weeks on end if I really want to, so I think I buy it on at least some level.

The muscle thing. Not sure of your age, but I know after 30 it's a lot harder to build muscle mass, and if you maybe don't naturally incline towards the muscular side, too, yeah, it might be annoyingly hard to maintain and require pretty steady lifting.

[the samoan lawyer]

OMG @Mr Minio (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=72801) the same has happened to me:blush: Half of my trouseres doesn't fit anymore. My story is quite the same as @doubledenim (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84479) - I quit fitness few months ago, because lack of time and and every result I achived till than almost disappeated. It's unfair! I don't have any motivation to start again. @the samoan lawyer (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=73754), 5:30 after 5 hours of sleep? You are my hero👍

:bashful: Thanks Ms. M but its not quite heroic as it sounds. Main reason is I never really get a chance at evening time and I get really anxious if I don't get going at all.

[Ms. M]

@Ms. M (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=96627) If I lived in Cracow we could get together and motivate each other. Oh well, I'm sending motivational waves anyway.
In my case any motivating of me is pointless, but thanks anyway. The same to you! I keep my fingers crossed👍

[Ms. M]

I get really anxious if I don't get going at all.
Samoan, you are still my hero👍

[Mr Minio]

In my case any motivating of me is pointless When using words - yes. But if I were to kick yo ass you'd lose weight really fast.

[Ms. M]

When using words - yes. But if I were to kick yo ass you'd lose weight really fast.
You weren't.... There is no such possibility.

[Mr Minio]

You weren't.... There is no such possibility. I'd try hard and show you how to lose weight in my made-up contest!

[Ms. M]

I'd try hard and show you how to lose weight in my made-up contest!
But you wrote it's impossible for you to lose a weightwithout put on some again, so what kind of expert are you? I guess our disscussion is about nothing¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Good bye.

[Mr Minio]

But you wrote it's impossible for you to lose a weightwithout put on some again, so what kind of expert are you? I guess our disscussion is about nothing¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Good bye. Wait and see.

[the samoan lawyer]

Samoan, you are still my hero👍


aw shucks :bashful:
I'm all embarrassed now.

[doubledenim]

In my search of finding what works, intermittent fasting seems to be the most promising. Without getting in to the weeds, I'm really intrigued by the effect on energy levels, one of my most noticeable issues.

[Swan]

Getting back into it. Gym and hiking and stuff. Yesterday I only had blueberries until dinner, then had dinner and nothing afterward. Getting into tea so I'm not having sugary drinks. Had a big lunch today so am going to eat light for the rest of it. I'm having cravings which are really hard to tackle and sometimes I fail but even then I am mentally forcing discipline on myself and it's been going well. I'm realizing so much of the success in self-improvement comes from taking personal responsibility. Like, no sh*t right? But I was moping around, out of breath and fat, saying stuff like "I'll just have this soda and then quit and start being healthy" instead of taking responsibility and saying

NO SWAN BAD SWAN NO SODA

[Yoda]

Yeah, a big mental revelation for me was realizing there'll never be a time where stuff doesn't come out, or where I won't rationalize some special occasion that justifies something bad, or whatever. Waiting for a perfect time with no distractions or difficulties is the same as just never doing it.

[lenslady]

Just came from my doctor who treated me for some symptoms that were worrying me, that turned out to be 'only' bad allergies.(Actually my regular doc is on vacation but this one seems good too) Very severe allergy year for many, because the spring came so late, all the pollen from every living green thing growing came out all at once. I literally see fluffs of white seedy things marinating the air every time I step outside.

But speaking of healthy eating, after working with a nutritionist for a few months, apparently I have changed to some healthier habits. More vegetables, more whole grains, lean and filling protein, and lots of g%#{|>>m water as a beverage, with nothing but a spritz of lemon juice. No ...or almost no....soda. Well I musta done something right b'/c my doctor was just beaming and bloviating and boasting about
my ' numbers'. In fact my numbers were so good, if she could a, I think my doctor would have wrapped her arms around them and given them a great big passionate kiss
(Musta been a math major before attending medical school) .;D

I seem to be able to keep in line and be fine with these dietary changes and hope to continue to do so for the future.

But...............about the soda. Sigh.

Sigh.

Sigh.

I sure do hope there's soda in Heaven, cause I ain't getting enough of it here.

[Mr Minio]

intermittent fasting seems to be the most promising That's what I'm doing. Lost 2 holes on my belt in two weeks. 6 more to go!

[spookiemoviemania]

I was diagnosed borderline Diabetes 2 18 months ago. Shocked me to the core as my dad died from diabetes complications. Since that shock I have have radically changed my diet. Firstly I ditched the white poison (sugar) sugary drinks , sweets, biscuits and most desserts. I reduced my saturated fat intake markedly and started to eat more free radical fighting foods like berries, beans, seeds and nuts. I have also cut carbs ditching white bread and rice for the healthier brown.. Also have now added sweet potato to my diet. I even sip a low barb beer.. Do I feel better since starting this diet? Yes I would say I do. My peace of mind has certainly improved knowing I now put healthier food into my body.

[Captain Steel]

I was diagnosed borderline Diabetes 2 18 months ago. Shocked me to the core as my dad died from diabetes complications. Since that shock I have have radically changed my diet. Firstly I ditched the white poison (sugar) sugary drinks , sweets, biscuits and most desserts. I reduced my saturated fat intake markedly and started to eat more free radical fighting foods like berries, beans, seeds and nuts. I have also swapped white bread for the healthier brown.. plus white rice for brown occasionally. My carbs have also been cut with sweet potato added to my diet. I even sip a low barb beer.. Do I feel better since starting this diet? Yes I would say I do. My peace of mind has certainly improved knowing I now put healthier food into my body.

What are you doing as far as exercise, spookie?

I remember my dad's Dr. telling us that he had patients who reversed type 2 Diabetes by adding as little as a half hour of aerobic exercise a day to their dietary changes, which was enough to get them to the point, in just a few months, where they no longer needed drugs to control their insulin levels.

[spookiemoviemania]

Capt a 15 min brisk walk daily.

[spookiemoviemania]

@lenslady: I sure do hope there's soda in Heaven, cause I ain't getting enough of it here.

LL dont wanna butt into your life but you will be healthier staying away from hi sugared soft drinks. Some of the major manufactures are now producing their cokes with a natural plant deritivative sugar altenative.. Stevia. Now whenever I feel like a Coke I do not have to feel quilty.

[doubledenim]

That's what I'm doing. Lost 2 holes on my belt in two weeks. 6 more to go!


That's great news! I've been on it for over a week and I'm surprised how painless it has been. It has made me realize how often I eat because I need something to do and not because I'm hungry. Another side effect is that I know drink black coffee. :(



The weight loss benefits are nice, but I think there may be even better things that come from it. A reduction in insulin sensitivity and increase in growth hormone are reported benefits. I have noticed my energy level being impacted the most. Supposedly in the fasted state you pull on your body reserves, which results in a steady, even supply of energy.






On a side note, Zevia cream soda is horrendous. It was not my first choice, but flavored drinks don't often work well without sugar. I'll try the cola before I give up, but they might not be any good to begin with. It is pretty much water, stevia and flavoring. The lack of a periodic table of ingredients (like regular soda) may explain a lot.


I started my routine again. I am switching to lower weight, high reps (push, pull, legs) followed by 30 mins on the treadmill.

[matt72582]

For those who drink soda, coffee, or anything with caffeine - QUIT!


I've been drinking 3 cans of Dr. Pepper every day for the last 3 years, and before that (just not every day). I noticed months ago that any little change to quantity or even spacing each can during the day = migraine, so I drank 2 yesterday, and had a headache by night. When I woke up today, the first thing I did was drink this 8oz Root Beer can sitting there for months. I figure cold turkey is the best method, since you're going to experience the headache and/or vomiting feeling, might as well.


Some tips I read included peppermint, which they say helps headaches, but it has helped my stomach just as much. I also read about putting your feet in hot water, and putting anything frozen on the back of your head. A hot shower was helpful, and just those few things in the last 30 minutes has helped a tad. I have syrup/concentrate/cordial (depending on your country) that I've been mixing with club soda, as well as juice (real and fake), and when they're done, I'll try to stick with the pomegranate and carrot juice.

[Citizen Rules]

For those who drink soda, coffee, or anything with caffeine - QUIT!
I'd say it's the sugar in those drinks that's far worse than caffeine. No, I'm not a doctor:cool: but I play one on the internet:p

I quit drinking soda pop on new years eve over 20 years ago. I was never a soda addict, and I swear lots of people are. On occasion I will split a soda with my wife if we go to a restaurant, but that's once or twice a month. Too much sugar causes your body to dump insulin to lower blood glucose, which then causes your blood sugar to dip too low. That's why people who eat or drink a bunch of refined sugars all at once will get feeling lethargic, until they get their next sugar fix. It's even worse if someone drinks a sugary drink on an empty stomach.

[doubledenim]

I have always wondered about caffeine withdrawals. Most days start with a couple cups of coffee and some days I'll have a soda or two. If I don't have to be up and out the door, I might not drink coffee. To my knowledge, I have never had the withdrawal headaches. Physiology may have a lot to do with this, because I'm not very sensitive to caffeine.


Now that I've cut whole grain out of my diet, the coffee serves a higher purpose!

[spookiemoviemania]

There is now talk in OZ about a sugar tax. I say NO!! This is no more than a way to screw the consumer of his hard earned in the guise of wanting to curb childhood obesity. You wanna do that.. then .. hello.. legislate for the manufacturers to remove all harmful sugar or at the very least.. reduce its quantity..from soft drinks, confectionery and anything else kids drink or eat. Dont hit the health conscious adult with another tax.

[matt72582]

It's even worse if someone drinks a sugary drink on an empty stomach.
That's all I did.. From as early as 7am, I'd start on my first, have my last at about 4pm, and wouldn't eat til almost 9pm, a few hours before bed. I just woke up, and it's not too bad. I drank a TON of water before bed - I just wish I liked it... I figure the sugar from the passion fruit "juice" would be better than weaning off another Dr. Pepper.

[Citizen Rules]

That's all I did.. From as early as 7am, I'd start on my first, have my last at about 4pm, and wouldn't eat til almost 9pm, a few hours before bed. I just woke up, and it's not too bad. I drank a TON of water before bed - I just wish I liked it... I figure the sugar from the passion fruit "juice" would be better than weaning off another Dr. Pepper.Fruit juice is better as it's fructose sugar and is easier on the body than refined cane sugars (sucrose) like used in soda pop. Still don't guzzle the stuff, because all sugars are empty calories and a person should combine slow carbs with fast carbs. If you drank that much sugar in the past after you get it out of your system, you're going to feel so much better!

I like unsweetened cranberry juice and you can mix it with carbonated seltzer water and some other juices, and it is then frizzy like soda pop but is all natural and almost no sugar.

[doubledenim]

There is now talk in OZ about a sugar tax. I say NO!! This is no more than a way to screw the consumer of his hard earned in the guise of wanting to curb childhood obesity. You wanna do that.. then .. hello.. legislate for the manufacturers to remove all harmful sugar or at the very least.. reduce its quantity..from soft drinks, confectionery and anything else kids drink or eat. Dont hit the health conscious adult with another tax.


If sugar was discovered in the present day, it would be classified as a drug and be a controlled substance.

[Nausicaä]

Fruit juice is better as it's fructose sugar

It's best to stay away from fruit juice too because some have more sugar in than say a can of coke. Unless you are talking freshly made yourself and not out of a carton/bottle. Some so called health drinks can have the same or more sugar in too.

[Citizen Rules]

It's best to stay away from fruit juice too because some have more sugar in than say a can of coke. Unless you are talking freshly made yourself and not out of a carton/bottle. Some so called health drinks can have the same or more sugar in too. Yup, by far water is the best drink in the world. Anything else should be in moderation.

[Stirchley]

I drink tap water. Love it.

[matt72582]

I drink tap water. Love it.
I'm not supposed to, but since I've reverted from soda to water (to save money), I'll have to drink some of this lead zeppelin tap water.

[Stirchley]

I’ve drank tap water my whole life & am very healthy. Water bottles are recycled, but they don’t decompose. Billions of them in landfills.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm not supposed to, but since I've reverted from soda to water (to save money), I'll have to drink some of this lead zeppelin tap water. Get yourself a Brita water filter pitcher, like this (https://www.amazon.com/Brita-Large-Everyday-Pitcher-Filter/dp/B01FXN3E74). It has a filter that will remove crappy taste from tap water. It's cheap, the filters are cheap and they last like 6 months. I've had one for almost 20 years, the same one (I just change the filter).

I’ve drank tap water my whole life & am very healthy. Water bottles are recycled, but they don’t decompose. Billions of them in landfills.I so agree! Bottle water has all sorts of plastic dust residues, and the bottles suck for they environment. They should be outlawed.

[spookiemoviemania]

Moving this conversation here.
Originally Posted by Gideon58 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1923458#post1923458)
Count me in as a sufferer of insomnia. Rarely sleep more than 2 hours a night.


Really. How do you function on two hrs sleep? I used to remain awake until first lite. That was before I was forced to have a UPP operation to cure my acute Sleep Apnea. These days I take a mild sedative if I can not sleep normally. Suggest you do the same. If taken in moderation they are not addictive.

[spookiemoviemania]

Originally Posted by Gideon58 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1923569#post1923569)
How do I function? I go to work and drink a LOT of coffee.


Well yes you have to function.. but going without sleep is not healthy. Drinking copious amounts of coffee (caffeine) is also not overly healthy. Try a mild sedative. I use Alepam a derititive of Temazepam (prescription). Half a tab nitely is all you need for a good six hours sleep.

[doubledenim]

Tap Water aka City Punch.

[matt72582]

Get yourself a Brita water filter pitcher, like this (https://www.amazon.com/Brita-Large-Everyday-Pitcher-Filter/dp/B01FXN3E74).


I rather have TCM :)

[doubledenim]

I can't tell everyone how much I look forward to Saturdays now. Why? It's the day I eat sugar. I liken it to doing heroin responsibly. Just one day a week, keep everything else together, but today I'm diving into the deep end.


Hurry up 10 o'clock.

[Mr Minio]

I lost 5kg doing intermittent fasting for a month. @Ms. M (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=96627) you can try it if you like!

Obviously, for this to work you need to reduce your caloric intake, but don't trouble yourself with calculators, and don't go overboard, because starving yourself is not good. I usually eat a breakfast at 6 AM, then eat a dinner at 1 PM, and then don't eat anything until another breakfast next day. Since my dinners are very nourishing (home-cooked!) I don't really feel hungry at all, and this routine is very easy to get used to.


Also, don't obsess over the entire process. I know it might seem counterintuitive, but the less you think about it, the easier it is. Don't go about thinking you're on a diet, or something. Just behave as if you always ate this way.

[doubledenim]

I second Minio. Before I started about a month ago, I was 167 lb (75 kg) . The other day I tipped the scales at 152 lb (69 kg) . My diet is mostly the trinity of no sugar, no dairy, no grain. I stick to it for the most part. I do an hour of exercise a day, except for off days which is 30 minutes. I usually throw in a 24 hour fast on Sunday. Mainly because I probably ate like a trash can on Saturday.

What has surprised me the most is my energy level. My whole life seemed to be based on, "better eat something or you are not going to have any energy." I think this in turn helps out a lot with my mood.

I think the biggest takeaway is how easy it is to follow. No worrying about figuring out a diet and counting this or that. Just don't think you can eat a lot of garbage and think this will work.

[Mr Minio]

Well, I don't work out at all and don't do 24 hour fasts, but the results are still astonishing. I'll probably go below 100 kg this year.

[nebbit]

Sorry to hear about peoples issues :kiss: must take care of yourselves :yup:

I'm 68yrs of age :eek: I have nothing wrong with me that I need medication for :yup: I am so lucky :)

As you get older arthritis does set in :yup: it is in my thumbs :yup: The worst thing is that I have to ask for help to open my Champagne at times :laugh:

https://media1.tenor.com/images/ed09be80dca389fbca2f033dd0e50e5a/tenor.gif?itemid=5533995

[Mr Minio]

I'm 68yrs of age :eek: You don't look that old. ;)

[TheUsualSuspect]

Last I checked, I clocked in at 225lbs. For a guy who's 6'2" it's not THAT noticeable but most of my weight is in the gut area. I want to get under 200lbs, but am stuck in this routine of bad food and no exercise. MY job, which is in a warehouse lifting heavy gear all day is basically the only exercise I get. Wearing a fit bit, I clock in over 10K steps a day, burn over 3K calories a day and am 'active' for over 135 minutes on average.

The biggest thing is fast food. On the weekends my wife and I are usually out and get hungry. So it's easy to just 'grab' something at a fast food joint, this has become too common for us. She wants to lose weight too, still has some weight from the pregnancy two Decembers ago.

Kicking the habit is hard, but doable. I use to eat off a food truck at work almost every day, it affected my health and wallet. I made a bet with someone one day "first one to get food off the food truck loses" it was a $100 bet. It helped. He eventually quit, but I still haven't gone to the food truck. That was YEARS ago. So I know kicking a bad food habit is doable. I just need some kind of motivation. We kicked fast food before our wedding too, it was working. But again, sliding into bad habits is easy.

It also doesn't help that I'm extremely lazy and buying food is easier for me than making something at home and bringing it in to work. Or grabbing a microwavable meal and having that ready in a few minutes.

I'll eat an entire bag of chips by myself. I have a hard time not finishing something I open (chips, chocolates, candy, etc)

Anyone has any suggestions? Any food I should immediately start adding to my diet? Vegetables and fruit I imagine are big ones as I don't normally eat those. I'll mainly eat bananas, grapes or apples, but nothing else.

[Mr Minio]

I'll eat an entire bag of chips by myself. I have a hard time not finishing something I open (chips, chocolates, candy, etc) Same here. That's why I had to completely stop eating any sweets or snacks. :P


PS: I'm 6'4'' and 235 pounds. You're saying you can't be better than me?

[the samoan lawyer]

Last I checked, I clocked in at 225lbs. For a guy who's 6'2" it's not THAT noticeable but most of my weight is in the gut area. I want to get under 200lbs, but am stuck in this routine of bad food and no exercise. MY job, which is in a warehouse lifting heavy gear all day is basically the only exercise I get. Wearing a fit bit, I clock in over 10K steps a day, burn over 3K calories a day and am 'active' for over 135 minutes on average.

The biggest thing is fast food. On the weekends my wife and I are usually out and get hungry. So it's easy to just 'grab' something at a fast food joint, this has become too common for us. She wants to lose weight too, still has some weight from the pregnancy two Decembers ago.

Kicking the habit is hard, but doable. I use to eat off a food truck at work almost every day, it affected my health and wallet. I made a bet with someone one day "first one to get food off the food truck loses" it was a $100 bet. It helped. He eventually quit, but I still haven't gone to the food truck. That was YEARS ago. So I know kicking a bad food habit is doable. I just need some kind of motivation. We kicked fast food before our wedding too, it was working. But again, sliding into bad habits is easy.

It also doesn't help that I'm extremely lazy and buying food is easier for me than making something at home and bringing it in to work. Or grabbing a microwavable meal and having that ready in a few minutes.

I'll eat an entire bag of chips by myself. I have a hard time not finishing something I open (chips, chocolates, candy, etc)

Anyone has any suggestions? Any food I should immediately start adding to my diet? Vegetables and fruit I imagine are big ones as I don't normally eat those. I'll mainly eat bananas, grapes or apples, but nothing else.


I share the same problem TUS. I cant have any packs of sweets, crisps etc in my house because I'll eat them until they're all gone. Even more difficult with kids in the house!! I've been mostly vegan for the past 2 and a bit years so that's definitely helped me and Ive been pretty strict in the gym for a good while now. In fact, the first month or so I lost a ridiculous amount of weight eating vegan. Obviously I do eat loads of fruit although could do with more veg. Berries and avocado and what I recommend eating although like everything, in moderation. Avocados especially are great because you can mix it with loads of food too. Also great on crackers with salsa!

[Yoda]

I think you already have the right ideas. You're not going to just starve yourself into a lower weight, so at first you have to just replace the food with better food and still let yourself eat a fair amount of it. Maybe this means eating, like, a whole pound of grilled chicken, but that's still better. I didn't really start counting calories until I'd gotten to the point where I could eat--and be excited about--healthier meals, regardless of portion.

Huge, huge :up: to apples, though. Very filling, lots of fiber, and helps with mid-day energy dips. I eat an apple almost every day and it's helped a ton. Also a pretty big fan of Atkins protein bars. I eat one with an apple for lunch nearly every day, and they actually taste pretty good. And plenty of water.

It really is mostly about the habit, though. I saw this just yesterday:

46589

If you're already moving a lot as part of your job, that's a huge advantage, and I think you'll see pretty quick results if the food follows suit.

Sounds like in your case the biggest thing is just going to be making it easy, making it so eating better is the default. I'm lucky in that my wife is willing to make whatever, but barring that, doing the old "make five meals over the weekend so you can just take them in on weekdays" or something would probably help. Decent food just needs to become the default, out of habit, to the point where it's actually a bit easier. Particularly if you use the money saved on something cool (like new clothes. :D).

[cat_sidhe]

TheUsualSuspect Whole grains, green leafy vegetables and fruit are great (careful with bananas). I'm a protein bar naysayer - they're fake af, taste ****ty and I've seen people believing they're a healthy alternative actuall put on weight with them as they don't treat them as meal replacements.

[Yoda]

Re: protein bars. I actually hate them, and that's probably not even the right phrase for the Atkins ones but "diet bars" doesn't seem quite right either. :shrug:

Anyway. they're not like that flavored whey stuff. They taste like actual food, and they're not specifically about maximizing protein for weightlifting, or whatever. And you nailed it re: meal replacements. If you can have a bar and a piece of fruit instead of something bad, you're golden, but if it's just snacking throughout the day, not so much.

[cat_sidhe]

Nuts are also amazing. That's what he said... A handful of almonds/walnuts can stiffle a mild hunger pang. I'd stay away from peanuts, though.

[Sedai]

TheUsualSuspect

How much so you exercise?

[ynwtf]

Totally feeling TUS here. I think you nailed it with the key word "motivation." That's been my experience. I'm short, pudgy, and fairly unmotivated for most things in life! Yaaaaay disappointments!!! So finding internal motivation is damn near off the table entirely. Strictly external drives for me. Same with my laptop (snickers). Office bets (as you mentioned), friend/coworker competitions, to support or provide stability for family, and even class-based routines where there are others to offer support have all really helped me in the past. In each of those situations I've found myself happier, eager to commit, and that I sleep much better. Stress seemed much less as well, I guess from physical venting. Whatever, it helped.

If you and the wifey are stuck in similar patterns as each other, then maybe some external influence may help start that motivation. At least until you both develop healthier patterns of your own to then reinforce each other more, down the road. I'm no health advice. I'm just speaking to the psychology of what (has) helped for me. Reading your post I recognize some of that. Especially the convenience of not cooking and eating out to compensate for a perceived lack of time. I'm right there most days. Or I have been for a while. I hate mornings and have NO interest in prepping a lunch. Most evenings I'm too tired to want to cook for that meal, let alone prepare something *gasp* "in advance" for tomorrow's. Taking a loaf of break and some lunch meat to keep in the office fridge does the job. Cheap, convenient, and while not necessarily healthy, it's better for me that what I might eat going out. I try to stash a bag of oranges or other fruits to munch on too during the day. Grab a fruit mid-afternoon and that covers my end-of-day cravings during the drive home when I might otherwise be tempted to stop off for a quick burger.

Hey man. Good luck to you. You're not alone. Well, except for the height thing. I can't reach that. But I'm with you on the other stuff! Well, I'm not married either, dammit. Hm. OK. I'm depressed now. *grabs a beer and pizza*

Seriously though. I'm currently trying to turn a few mental corners here myself hoping to find a path. Cutting back on my poor eating patterns and downing vitamins like cocaine are tiny baby steps enough for me. Next comes exercise. *cries*

[TheUsualSuspect]

TheUsualSuspect

How much so you exercise?


I use to do an hour on an exercise bike, but have fallen off that due to time. I wake up at 5:30 AM, drive to work, finish at 5:00 PM, get home around 7:00 PM, eat dinner, see the kid, relax for a bit and before I know it I go to sleep.

So currently.....ZERO.


I plan on getting back into that exercise bike routine though, it helps that Netflix is right there to keep my attention going. I watched all of Santa Clarita Diet on the bike.


Thank for the great responses everyone. My first step is cutting out the fast food and working from there.

[Austruck]

Jumping into this thread. I have a fair amount of weight to lose, plus I'm diabetic. At the end of 2017, my A1C was 7.3 -- not great -- and the doctor wanted to put me on a diabetes med. (I'm already on metformin but want to get off that.) I realized that I had two choices: go down the pill-path or make the changes to fix things myself.

I chose the latter and in late January I started easing into the keto diet (not realizing how polarizing it is right now... I didn't do it to be trendy). I did it mostly for the diabetes and hoped for some weight loss.

By April I had lost 22 pounds. That's still where I'm hovering, but everything I've read has said it can take some long periods of stalling to "right" the body from years of carb and sugar abuse. By mid-June I had more blood work done and my A1C had dropped to 6.6, in about five months. I'd never dropped it that much that fast, so I'm totally sold.

Plus, along with some weight loss and the great blood sugar numbers, any joint pain or aches were totally gone. I felt great. I slept like a LOG and woke up more refreshed. I had more energy. And I wasn't hungry in between meals. I ended up doing some intermittent fasting merely because I wasn't hungry.

Then late spring happened and I had 4 or 5 road trips for work-related stuff. So I was at the mercy of eating at restaurants with larger groups of people or eating at conferences, etc. Much harder to control food intake choices, so I half-fell off the wagon and the daily blood sugar numbers aren't as good as they were earlier in the spring.

So now I'm climbing back on the keto wagon because of all of its benefits.

And I urge everyone to watch the documentary "The Magic Pill" on Netflix. It's a real eye opener, and they're clear up front that it's got science in it but that it's also got a lot of anecdotal stuff too. I found it inspiring. I watched it at the height of my keto clarity about two months ago and was literally weeping at some points. I'm going to rewatch it just to help get myself completely back on track because keto (a way of living/eating, and not really a "diet" per se) has been the only eating change that's ever felt like it could stick and LAST.

Oh, I don't really "track" macros and that sort of thing. I did for a while till I got the hang of what the percentages of carb/protein/fat looked like in a typical day. And now I read ingredients on EVERYTHING, not just the carb counts. I'm excited to be getting back onto the keto wagon because of how great I felt, how good the blood work was, and maybe I'll lose more weight.


---


Let me add that I have two habits that have kept me really healthy. (Diabetes aside, I have had only one head cold in the past 15 years... no other illnesses of any kind.) I drink LOTS of water. I always have water by my side. Just ice water. Nothing special. Tap water with ice. I'm fortunate that I love it. And I make sure I get enough sleep. I work from home so that's been pretty easy for me. I'm a night owl, and I just had to learn not to feel guilty about "sleeping in" if I was up working till 2 a.m. or later. (Nothing against morning people, but it's amazing how judgmental folks can be if they hear you sleep late in the mornings... never bothering to ask when you stop working at night. "Buddy, I stop working when you're about halfway through your nightly sleep.")