The past few years I have really tried to lose weight. I started working out and tried my best to eat better. But it's extremely hard after 40 years of doing something the same way. I love working out, I love the feeling it gives me knowing that I'm doing something good for my body. So when I start a new workout, it's great for about 3 months, then I'll get sick and not do it for a week or two and when I'm better I just can't find the motivation to start back up. Then six or seven months down the road I'll do it again and once again it's great until I'm sick and stop again. This goes on and on...
When I do workout I do manage to lose weight. For the past two years I have struggled to get below 200. Last year my goal was to drop from 217 to under 200 and I did it. For one entire day I was 199. But since then I have gone back and forth. It's not as bad as 219 but I fluctuate between 201 and 208. I just can't get below the 200 mark. I'm currently 206 and I hate it. I know as I get older this extra weight is not good for my body. I'm in my 40's and that starting to get in the range of heart attacks and strokes due to being overweight. I'm on cholesterol and high blood pressure medicine, both of which I could probably stop taking it if I lost the weigh, my weight keeps me from getting a good night sleep.
I know all this but still I can't seem to make it work... why is it so hard, is it going to take me having a heart attack or stroke to make me take this seriously? I hope not. I have no excuse. I have a $1000 gym set up in my garage, all I have to do is get my butt out there three to four times a week. And I know working out won't solve everything if I can't eat better. I'm addicted to fast food, I have been my entire life. I like very few vegetables but I am trying to eat more. I need to start off small and cut back on fast food and hopefully with in time I can limit it to once or twice a week. I'll never be skinny. I'll never been what the medical institute sees as my ideal weight, between 107 to 135. I've never been that skinny even as a kid. I'll be happy with 150 but will settle with 160. That means I have to lose over 40 pounds... I just don't know where to start.
It's difficult to start, but if you take it day by day it is possible to lose weight & keep it off. Have you thought of trying something like Weight Watchers? They have a great online community and even mens weight loss boards where you can chat to likeminded fellows.
ReplyDeleteI often think that wanting to lose weight for you health is the greatest motivator of all. You can do it, just believe in yourself, do some exercise & get some support. And good luck!
Kenny,
ReplyDeleteI've had similar problems with my own weight the second I turned 24 and my metabolism slowed to a crawl. Now being 38 years old I can tell you I'm close to being in the best shape of my life, and I didn't have to sacrifice fast food.
The secret: Eat what you like but don't over do it. Do cut down on anything fried and if you eat bread every day keep it to whole wheat and not more than a couple of slices. You can have a burger two or three times a week just don't have the fries and get used to drinking water instead of soda and I mean even diet soda is not good for you. Drink half a glass of orange juice and add water to it. Eat eggs, nuts, pears, baby carrots, garbanzo beans and even milk is not bad for you. Snack frequently throughout the day. Beware of cereals, even the healthiest cereal turns into pure sugar once in your system. Save your chocolate, sweet tooth for the weekend. During the week don't snack on junk food. Sugar is your worst enemy. (white breads turn into sugar quickly, as well as potatoes. Even worst for you when fried, "healthy" cereal bars turn into sugar quickly too. Beware.) Use brown sugar when you have to and half the amount you normally do. Do not use artificial sweeteners. Don't give up what you love just control it better. Every restaurant has healthy dishes. Learn to recognize them. At a Mexican place order the grilled chicken (it can be smothered with cheese and that's not a problem) instead of enchiladas and pass on the tortillas. Or have chicken tortilla soup. All this tastes great, where is the sacrifice here? Soups are your friend but not canned soups, they have too much salt. This is a way to introduce vegetables into your diet without feeling like you are actually eating them. In a big tasty soup all flavors combine.
In the end you can work out all you like and not see results if you don't start eating better. I can tell you if you can modify your diet you will start loosing weight without even working out. Now to that add three to four workouts a week and your are on your way. Don't do it fast, do it consistently. It's a way of life. Not a race.
I hope this helps.
Your friend- Andres Z.