Bowing to pressure

[Desert Rat]

Yeah, good luck Sarge. Health and family should come first in a persons life.

I want to know why most of the fun things in life are either fattening or bad for you .

.

[Baron Porthos]

Good Luck sarge

[WOXOF]

Damn that kinda sucks. Well at least you'll have more money to spend on some good whiskey.

[HeadHoncho]

Hey Sarge...HH here. While I'm relatively new here, and a bit younger than you yet, I sometimes feel as if I am in the same boat as you. I am married with a beautiful wife and two beautiful children, and I want to be around for them a long time to come as well. I have been trying to get back into shape the last year or so.

Being into computers can be a sedentary lifestyle and can cause mid section expansion syndrome...lol. (if ya know wha I mean)

Wish you the best, and drink lots of water plus exercise even a little bit every day if not every other day. Watch out for Mr. Procrastination...he lurks around every corner.

Good luck, and I'll take whats left of your cigars... ...j/k

HH

[bigpoppapuff]

sarge said....

When I got into the bathtub last night my nutz floated to the top of the bathwater

no need for proof,okay??.......do what i suggested and 3-5 cigars per week won't be a problem...

[heftysmokes]

Hey Sarge,
It sounds like you have the right attitude on taking care of yourself and I think that's half the battle.
One thing I might recommend though. If you don't like the running, or if it's hard on the joints, get yourself an inexpensive bike. If your dad wore his knees out, it might be a hereditary problem and running can be tough on the knees, ankles, back, etc.
I recently gave up my daily run due to knee problems and the bicycle has been just a fantastic alternative. No more puffy knee, and my PT says my knee and ankle are in the best shape he's ever seen.
So, best of luck to you. Take care of yourself, and enjoy your family for many more years!

[Kenyth]

Good luck, good health, and congrats on your lifestyle changes Sarge!

I'm not in exactly the same boat, but I made some changes a while back. I've slowly gained weight over the years and was getting to the obesity stage at 334 pounds. Even for a tall muscular guy, that's waaaayyyy too much. My blood chemistry and pressure came back borderline in a few places during a physical and that was it for me. I started eating more whole grains, fresh fruit, vegetables and Lean Cusine's for dinner and cut back on snacking and booze. I lost 32 pounds and the blood work looks much better now. I've still got anopther 30 pounds or so to lose.

A few secrets

1.- Realize it took a long time to gain the weight and it will take a while to lose it too. Don't weigh yourself every day and make it a complete PITA.

2.- Replace any sugared beverages you drink with unsweetened or lightly sweetened tea, coffee, or (the best) good tasting water. Always drink water first if you are thirsty.

3.- Don't let yourself get ravenous. Keep fruit, vegetables, pretzels, nuts, peanut butter, and whole grain bread (Brownberry's Health Nut is my favorite) to snack on. Smart snacking is good for a healthy diet.

4.- At meals, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products should make up the bulk. Lean meat or a protein food should be the small part. I ate Lean Cusine's with some toasted whole grain bread and or fruit. In the mornings, I eat whole grain cereal with granola, nuts, and dried cranberries or toasted whole grain bread with peanut butter or cheese. Scrambled eggs with salsa, lowfat cottage cheese, etc. For lunch, a lunchmeat sandwich and side salad were my favorite. A handful of chips won't kill you either. You should drink a big glass of water with your meals.

5.- Let yourself have some fun too. If you are going out to eat (once in a while) or it's the weekend, go ahead and eat a steak dinner and have a couple beers. Also remember, there will be constant slip-ups where you eat more than you should. It's OK. I have WEEKS where I screw it up constantly. Your overall eating habits over the long run are what make the difference. Be flexible and forgiving. Making yourself miserable won't accomplish much either. It's not a race to a finish line, it's changing your habits for the rest of your life. Accept that things are changing, will never be the same, and work towards them at your own pace and comfort.

6.- Housework and yard work are some of the best resources you have to help your finess. Instead of spending money on a gym membership, save money by buying a push mower instead of a riding one. Get exercise while beautifying your house and property by doing regular mowing, cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping. Change your own oil, and clean out the garage and basement. Have garage sales. Paint rooms. Anything to stay off the couch. Take an evening stroll with your family. Of course, only do the activities you are in good enough health for. You can do whatever exercise you like or have time for. I like to lift weights, but since the baby, I don't have the time.



These are some of the things that worked for me. I certainly don't stick to them %100 and I don't expect they will work for everyone. The important thing is to stay happy. There's absolutely no reason to make yourself miserable for the sake of a few calories. Try and find healthy foods you like instead of forcing yourself to eat something you find nasty.