Now I'm totally, categorically, completely and unequivocally disgusted with myself

[Sees]

The only way I keep my old Marine Corps figure with as little exercise as I do now is by eating a mostly vegan diet and drinking a lot of water and fruit-veggie mix juices. I can keep up with most LEO and military guys I work with/train who are in their early 20's and exercise a lot more.

If I eat like pretty much everybody else I know I will quickly gain 40-50lbs within 7-9 months - unless I'm working out for an hour or more per day religiously....then I'd still be about 20-25lbs heavier than I am now.

We are all different body types who flourish off diets tailored a certain way but I wouldn't care much about too many carbs. Everybody I know in really, really good shape eats plenty.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

@Thorbjorn

Your body looks way better than mine. I'm just a fat slob and surprised my heart doesn't give out. So if you're really disgusted with yourself, than I severely hate myself.

 

[Valjean]

Never snack -- eat till you're stuffed. Real food's not a mouth toy.
I don't stop at every interesting looking gas station for a quart or two. Food is fuel, not entertainment. Treat it as such.

Don't eat "prepared" foods, and avoid restaurants.
If you don't cook/prepare it yourself, don't eat it.

Anyway, that's how I manage to fit my 5' 10''s into 31" pants.
Good luck.

 

[allfoak]

The sad thing is that the café does have veg. snacks pre-cut in containers, Greek yogurt and things like that. Unfortunately grabbing the cookies or a donut becomes a bad habit.

You are correct.
It starts in the womb.
We eat what we eat because that is what we eat.
We like what we like because that is what we eat so our body rejects anything else.
If mom eats junk food while she is pregnant and continues to do so afterwards and then tries to feed her child bland peas, it is not likely to go well.

Changing of the eating habits is not always pretty but through persistence it can be done.
I found using a blender helped me to consume more fruit than i would if i tried to just eat it raw.
Anything that helps, use it.

 

[Wu Wei]

I've tried vegetarian, but it becomes too carb heavy for me. I have a problem controlling my carb intake. I can start ramping up my cardio. I definitely can't run, but I can start walking on a treadmill.

I had a real problem with Carbs, but I have been able to get it under control by adding things like whole wheat bread and sweet potatoes. I then found I was getting hungry anyway so then I added vegetable protein like beans chickpeas, etc. and that seems to stop my craving food.

And I cannot run either, I did fat walks outside, walks on treadmill and stationary bike.

Take a look a Joel Fuhrman's books; eat to live. Also take a look at the Engine 2 diet and Forks over knives. Also the Engine 2 website has a simple body weight exercise program.

 

[Jainarayan]

@Thorbjorn

Your body looks way better than mine. I'm just a fat slob and surprised my heart doesn't give out. So if you're really disgusted with yourself, than I severely hate myself.

It's not that I hate myself - though I've been down that awful road in the past - I'm ashamed at my loss of discipline.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

It's not that I hate myself - though I've been down that awful road in the past - I'm ashamed at my loss of discipline.

I'm comparing our body/exercise situations. If you're disgusted with yourself, than I hate myself because I'm way worse off compared to you. You look great compared to me.

 

[Jainarayan]

The only way I keep my old Marine Corps figure with as little exercise as I do now is by eating a mostly vegan diet and drinking a lot of water and fruit-veggie mix juices. I can keep up with most LEO and military guys I work with/train who are in their early 20's and exercise a lot more.

If I eat like pretty much everybody else I know I will quickly gain 40-50lbs within 7-9 months - unless I'm working out for an hour or more per day religiously....then I'd still be about 20-25lbs heavier than I am now.

We are all different body types who flourish off diets tailored a certain way but I wouldn't care much about too many carbs. Everybody I know in really, really good shape eats plenty.

Yeah, one of the biggest hurdles I have to get over is overestimating my activity and calorie requirements. I can't eat as much as most other guys. I also have to realuze I can't do the workouts I did before. Much rethinking is being done.

 

[Jainarayan]

I had a real problem with Carbs, but I have been able to get it under control by adding things like whole wheat bread and sweet potatoes. I then found I was getting hungry anyway so then I added vegetable protein like beans chickpeas, etc. and that seems to stop my craving food.

And I cannot run either, I did fat walks outside, walks on treadmill and stationary bike.

Take a look a Joel Fuhrman's books; eat to live. Also take a look at the Engine 2 diet and Forks over knives. Also the Engine 2 website has a simple body weight exercise program.

Fiber is a great appetite suppressant, or rather, overeating suppressant. I love sweet potatoes.

I used to run and mountain bike. I ran a marathon almost 20 years ago, it was a blast. Of course, now my spine can't take the pounding.

 

[Sees]

Yeah, one of the biggest hurdles I have to get over is overestimating my activity and calorie requirements. I can't eat as much as most other guys. I also have to realuze I can't do the workouts I did before. Much rethinking is being done.

I get full really fast most meals on most days. The 5 year old sons always out eat me.

The content of the food makes a big difference. Vitamins and nutrients tell your body it is OK and sugar, salt, fat tell it keep eating more and more for survival stockpiling. If you are full on fluids throughout the day you also won't get psychologically tricked into snacking. For most of us "want/need more h2o" translates into "feed me" pretty often. On top of making us more sleepy, moody, etc.

Military has actually studied it a lot and it's why we have been constantly pumping troops with water for the last few decades lol. Saves money all the way around and increases physical and mental performance.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

It's better if instead three bigger meals a some snacks, if you can, eat a few smaller meals throughout the day. Not too much at once, but no so little you're constantly hungry. And drink plenty of water.
But I feel for you. I was fit and very active in my teens, until I had my first knee surgery. It wasn't too bad, but the second time I injured my knee set me back. I was still eating for an active lifestyle, but not being nearly as active, and I put weight on. I had to relearn how to eat, and a big part of that was cutting out carbs since I wasn't burning them off like I used to. What I've found, and this might just be me, but a good breakfast that I enjoy eating and that fills me up keeps me eating less throughout the day.
And watch out for drinking your calories. That's a huge source of calories that many people greatly underestimate. Avoid artificial sweeteners, and processed foods have a nasty habit of tricking our bodies into wanting to eat more and retaining body fat.

 

[Jainarayan]

I get full really fast most meals on most days. The 5 year old sons always out eat me.

The content of the food makes a big difference. Vitamins and nutrients tell your body it is OK and sugar, salt, fat tell it keep eating more and more for survival stockpiling. If you are full on fluids throughout the day you also won't get psychologically tricked into snacking. For most of us "want/need more h2o" translates into "feed me" pretty often. On top of making us more sleepy, moody, etc.

Military has actually studied it a lot and it's why we have been constantly pumping troops with water for the last few decades lol. Saves money all the way around and increases physical and mental performance.

Yep, most "hunger" is actually thirst.

The problem I have with carbs is insulin resistance and carb intolerance. I get an exaggerated peak/crash cycle.

 

[Sees]

Yep, most "hunger" is actually thirst.

The problem I have with carbs is insulin resistance and carb intolerance. I get an exaggerated peak/crash cycle.

Could do lots of beans, mushrooms, grilled lean chicken breast and fish with some whole grain rice, pasta, veggies, fruits, spices, etc. you will probably balance out well.

For me dairy is the one biggest thing to cut back. It's like liquidized fatty meat, more or less. Really effects the efficiency of digestive system, cholesterol, certain important bodily functions. Not that I go more than a week or two without a lasagna meal or pizza night Just have them more as a treat than a regular meal. Same with burgers, subs, etc.

That is a lot more "paleo" than what a lot of folks have passed off as the fad diet in recent times.

Good thing with the weather changing is lots of nice, long days for hiking/walking at the local parks and motivation for wearing the summer clothes.

 

[illykitty]

The only way I keep my old Marine Corps figure with as little exercise as I do now is by eating a mostly vegan diet and drinking a lot of water and fruit-veggie mix juices. I can keep up with most LEO and military guys I work with/train who are in their early 20's and exercise a lot more.

...

We are all different body types who flourish off diets tailored a certain way but I wouldn't care much about too many carbs. Everybody I know in really, really good shape eats plenty.

Literally the only reason why I am not overweight is eating plant-based most of the time, because I don't exercise (only walk now and then) and I tend to be an emotional eater. I don't think I could keep my weight down either if I was eating meat or lots of dairy and eggs. One example is when we went to Disney, American portions are HUGE. And even though I had as many sweets and desserts as my husband, I've put on much less weight than he did.

Not saying that everyone should eat like I do, but having more plants definitely does a difference. Maybe try to reduce meat intake and have some more beans (they'll make you feel fuller, give you fibre and vitamins/minerals), home made foods, lots of water... And personally, I drink unsweetened teas (mostly green, including matcha) as well since I can't stand having cold drinks all the time and apparently they boost the metabolism slightly. They give energy but in a steady and more relaxed way than coffee, in my opinion.

 

[Wu Wei]

Fiber is a great appetite suppressant, or rather, overeating suppressant. I love sweet potatoes.

I used to run and mountain bike. I ran a marathon almost 20 years ago, it was a blast. Of course, now my spine can't take the pounding.

My knees and back keep getting better as I lose weight. They are not cured, they just do not bother anywhere near as much as they use to. As for running, I was reading an article the other day that was saying one should not run if they are more than 15 pounds overweight due to the problems it can cause with joints.

 

[Jainarayan]

My knees and back keep getting better as I lose weight. They are not cured, they just do not bother anywhere near as much as they use to. As for running, I was reading an article the other day that was saying one should not run if they are more than 15 pounds overweight due to the problems it can cause with joints.

When I ran the marathon I was 185 lbs. That was about the limit. The reason I can't run now is not so much my weight but the lumbar fusion and some beginning arthritis in my hips and the rest of my lumbar. About 2 years ago I started the C-2-5K, Couch To 5K beginner running program, since I was effectively a beginner again. I bought a couple of pairs of new running shoes but couldn't understand why I still could not run without pain. I didn't know at the time that it was my discs that were collapsing and degenerating. So I walk.

 

[Wu Wei]

When I ran the marathon I was 185 lbs. That was about the limit. The reason I can't run now is not so much my weight but the lumbar fusion and some beginning arthritis in my hips and the rest of my lumbar. About 2 years ago I started the C-2-5K, Couch To 5K beginner running program, since I was effectively a beginner again. I bought a couple of pairs of new running shoes but couldn't understand why I still could not run without pain. I didn't know at the time that it was my discs that were collapsing and degenerating. So I walk.

I broke my ankle, injured my knees, (tore the meniscus) and had a pre-existing back issue. Well now I have arthritis in both knees, my right hip and why it showed up in my right shoulder I have no idea. I have noticed that the diet change appears to be alleviating some of the arthritis issues. I have more flexibility in both knees, the shoulder and the hip. Not what I had in my 30s or even forties, but better than it was a year ago.

I am not saying this will happen for everyone, but it has been for me and I am going to stick to it and see where it takes me. But, because of the knee issues, I am still afraid to try running, however today I did jog a bit to get out of the way of an on coming car, and that is the first time in a few years that I have jogged, or been able to. It was only a few steps, but I literally could not do that a year ago. My biggest enemy in all of this is impatience. I just have to keep telling myself that it will take time. A few years ago I started down this path and I got very impatient and I decided I could do the workout I did in my 30s (I was in my 50s) and I reinjured myself very quickly.

 

[Jainarayan]

I've heard that diet can play a big part in systemic inflammation, even arthritis. The physiotherapist I was seeing for my shoulder was adamant about me getting off wheat, whole or otherwise. He said for me it causes inflammation. My internist ran a test for celiac but it came back negative. People jump on the no-gluten bandwagon but it can't hurt to try an elimination process. I hope you continue to improve. It's definitely encouraging.

 

[Akivah]

I thought Health & Healing is as good a place as any for my self-loathing rant.

I have completely let myself go to hell in a hand basket. Since about April or May of last year (2015) I put on lots of weight. I mean... 3 pants sizes weight. Do not ask me why... I don't know. I have been eating everything and anything that crossed my path, whether it was animate or inanimate, could defend itself or not.

Get yourself on a Survivor show lasting at least two weeks. Those people always come back from the wilderness down about 30 pounds.

 

[Jainarayan]

Instead of starting another thread on the same subject I'm revisiting and updating this one.

It's been a couple of years now since I let myself go to hell in a handbasket. My pain specialist (post lumbar fusion) points to my belly and says "that's not helping". He's not wrong... the desire to clean is clock for pointing this out so bluntly notwithstanding.

As I've outgrown clothes, going from pants size 38 to 40 to 42 and precipitously close to 44s (I'm just shy of 5' 6"), with my belly itself approaching 50", and having to segregate shirts that measure <50" at the midsection, I took a long hard look at myself literally and figuratively. A few years ago during my flirtation with Heathenry I made a promise to Thor that I would get back into shape. I might not exceed where I've been in the past, but I would put my back into it (no pun intended). I had every intention of keeping that promise but it was one thing after another that made me just give up.

So after this long hard look at myself I decided enough is enough. Not only did I decide I'm not going up a size, I'm committed to going down in sizes. Thor (the real Thor, not the Marvel Comics Thor, though I wouldn't throw his clothes at him and kick him out ) and Hanuman have always been role models and inspiration for strength. I made a promise to them both (I'm Hindu but I revere Thor, he's a personal hero) that I would lose the chunk, get back into shape and get my strength and muscle back.

After wrestling with how to do it I re-upped with Weight Watchers (Waist Watchers as I sometimes call it). It has worked in the past for me, it can work again. I joined and went to my first meeting and weigh-in last Sunday. I tipped the scale at 225 lbs, 5 lbs down from where I was at my worst in 2012 the first time I joined WW. The group leader, whom I've known since my first tour with WW in 2012 looked at me and said "where... have.. you... been!?" I pointed to my belly and said "now, what do you think?" and laughed. In the meeting I made a few of my regular off-the-wall kooky comments. The leader said "OK everybody, he's baaack". I said "Be afraid, be very afraid". So it was a good welcome, and I felt comfortable... where I should be.

I've been back to the gym and back to my walks. I'm NOT the cripple I've made myself out to be. I've been licking wounds that were never really there. My walking pace is a little slower, and my distance is a little less after 3 years (I have an app called Map My Walk), my weights in the gym are a bit less than I left off with, but it's coming back. I've got a couple of mobile apps that track my walks and my gym workouts. The WW mobile app tracks my food. The Apple Watch I got (part of a phone upgrade package) tracks movement and interfaces with WW. It tracks steps just by wearing it. I get reports, reminders to get up and move, and atta-boys. It's all become a personal challenge, a head game, to make achievements and progress.

In a couple of weeks I've lost about 3" off my belly. I have a little trepidation about next week's weigh-in, as most of us do. On one hand I want to see the scale go down, but on the other hand I'm just as happy to see my measurements changing in the right ways.