This time its for real.

Im sure some of you remember back at the end of May I posted a thread about me starting my journey to lose 200 pounds. Well that utterly failed when I received a lump sum of money from a car accident law suit. It was like 2 weeks after I started my "journey". My house burned down at the end of 2011 so I finally had the money to buy back some of the stuff I lost like a gaming computer and a big screen TV. Well those two things right there led to my ultimate failure of my journey. So over the last 8 months I have been in my room playing videogames and watching netflix for hours upon hours.

Well its finally hit me for the last time. The chest pains, the back pain, the stomach pains all got out of hand. One day about 2 weeks ago I came to the realization while doing laundry that I didnt leave the apartment for 8 days. 8 days I didnt even leave my apartments front door. The following night I had a dream. It showed me what my life would be like if I lost weight. It was the weirdest thing. But the subconscious is a powerful thing. So the following day I said goodbye to all my online friends. Turned off the computer and unplugged the power and monitor cable. Took the power and video cable off my xbox 360 as well. Tapped them altogether and handed them to my mom to hide and to not give them back.

So that was Step 1.

Step 2 was figuring out my diet.

I am currently by my best guess. Sitting around 430-450 pounds. You can buy a scale at any stores that go over 350 I think.

My diet was crud. I ate what ever I wanted when ever I wanted till I was so full I felt sick. 3 times a day. Then 3 times I would snack which would equal to meals to a "normal person". Its not really junk food either like chips and candy. Its usually like meats and pastas and soups. Stuff thats a lot higher in fat and calories then junk food.

So the day after I un plugged everything I was referred to a free Android app called MyFitnessPlanner. I ate normally that day put everything I ate into the app. By the end of the day I had my total caloric intake.

Total intake of calories on my old eat what ever I want diet = 4137 Calories.

Lets break that down for the day.

Total Fat - 169g

Cholesterol - 328 mg

Sodium - 4387 mg (OMG)

Potassium - 3390 mg

Total Carbs - 493 g

Protein - 142 g

Out off everything I ate :

49% of it was Carbs

37% of it was Fat

14% of it was Protein.

OUCH.

So in comes the new diet.

Its nothing fancy right now.

Breaking it down it goes.

Morning - Meal replacement shake made with 1% Skimmed Milk, 1 Banana and a handful of sliced strawberries and I blend that all together in a blender.

Snack - Caesars Salad

Lunch - Chicken Wraps. Which is Skin less Chicken Breast with lettuce, some Caesars salad dressing for flavor and then wrapped up with whole wheat wraps.

Snack - Melba toast. Sometimes I may have them plain or with peanut butter.

Dinner - Chicken. In any way I want it lol.

Snack - Another Shake.

All that together comes to a total caloric intake of 2373 HEALTHY calories.

I have been on that diet for over a week now and feel great!!!!

Now Step 3.

Since I have been at this for a week I am introducing exercise and fitness!

Since I have been sitting for 8 months and pretty much inactive. I am stating slow. Going for walks everyday for 20-30 minutes just to get my muscles working again. After about a week of moving again I am going to start increasing walking time till I get to an hour. Then I will be doing morning and evening walks.

My mother has promised me that if I stick to my diet she is going to be buying me a gym membership so hopefully by the time I get my cardio up to 2 times a day I will be able to start working out at the gym.

So yah thats it so far. I am finding by doing this in smaller steps and getting rid of the root of my problems (videogames) I am able to actually do this and be excited. Instead of jumping into headfirst and change everything in the first day like I did with all the other times I failed.

I recently got blood work done too. No signs of high cholesterol, no signs of diabetes, no signs of any thyroid problems. So with all those out of my mind it should be a lot easier to lose weight.

My goal still stands at losing 200-230 pounds. I am not giving my self a time frame in which to lose the weight by.

I really need to do it this time.

Before this I could feel my life slipping away.

I didnt know if I would be alive to be the best man at my Sisters Wedding in June. I didnt know if I was going to see my 21st birthday this year. I didnt even know if I would live through the nights.

But now. Now I know that I am going to do all those things (except die in my sleep LOL)

This time is so so different. It feels different.

I have got a good feeling.

Lots of Love,

Joey

Wow!! Good for you Joey! You are gonna kill it! :) I love that MyFitnessPal. It is really an eye opener, isn't it? And it's really great to be able to track your food AND exercise! I've done Insanity a couple of times, and going through the changes is just the best feeling in the world. I'm rooting for you - you're going to do great!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nimblykimbly

Wow!! Good for you Joey! You are gonna kill it! :) I love that MyFitnessPal. It is really an eye opener, isn't it? And it's really great to be able to track your food AND exercise! I've done Insanity a couple of times, and going through the changes is just the best feeling in the world. I'm rooting for you - you're going to do great!

---

Thank yah,

MyFitness PAL thats what it is... Dont know why I put PLANNER LOL BAHDOINNNG

Good luck.
And remember if you slip a bit don't beat yourself up over. Just get back on that horse.

A friend of mine did this about 5 years ago and now he is in better shape than I am.

Love myfitnesspal. :) I'm working on losing at least 100 lbs to get back to my rowing weight. May the force (and smoothies) be with you!

Thanks!

Of course the force will be with me it always is ;)

Good luck brother. I am in a similar boat as you....I am 6'4" and at my peak weight I was 412 lbs. I've tried gimmick diets and even took the preliminary steps towards Lap-Band surgery, but didn't go through with it. I talked to my doctor and he recommended a diet called MediFast. It is a low carb, high protein diet where you eat 6 small meals per day. 5 of them are the "MediFast" food and 1 meal is a home-made "Lean & Green" meal....which consists of a portion of lean meat and low carb veggies. I am currently on my 5th day of the diet and I can honestly say that I have not felt overly hungry even though I have reduced my daily caloric intake from ~3500 calories to 800-1000 calories. Also...the food is actually good...I was pleasantly surprised by that.The plan recommends that you not exercise strenuously for the first two weeks to allow your body to acclimate to the reduction in calories, but light cardio or weights are ok. I am ECSTATIC to report that I have lost 14 lbs in 5 days with minimal exercise. I realize that my weight loss will slow down, but for the first time in my life I feel like I can accomplish my weight loss goals. My goal is to hit 275 lbs. That may still be overweight according to the BMI scale, but I feel like it is a healthy weight for me. Don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to push MediFast on you...just sharing my experience to help you along.

I am glad that you started this thread. If it is ok with you, I think I would like to check in periodically with my progress and I would love it if you would do the same. Peer support can go a long way...especially since we obviously share other common interests.

You can do it bro...stay strong. :gj:

You can do it! You'll be feeling better in no time, too, as the weight starts coming off.

I lost fifty pounds last year doing paleo, and love that "diet". (No, it's NOT atkins) It's basically no sugars, no wheat/beans/empty carbs, and nothing refined or otherwise processed commercially. I got to eat sweets every day too, and that always makes things much easier for us girls who are chocoholics. I've got another fifty I'd like to lose this year, and am off to a good start. I'm adding in exercise, and averaging an 8 mile walk 3x a week. I feel great.

If you slip up, don't feel guilty. Just gather the reins and climb back on while learning from the mistake. Learn what triggers a slipup and try to steer clear of those situations.

Good luck!

Kick ass, man! Your new diet sounds great, too! Keep up the excellent work you are doing...and yes, video games (tho, fun) CAN be the devil!!! Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever, as well! :strong:

Good to see your back at it, I remember your old thread. I told you my fitness pal is awesome! If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

12-15 years ago, I was on a 7,500(give or take) calorie a day diet, but was playing 5 full sport seasons over the course of a year, so I maintained 215-220 pounds. As I got older and gave up the sports, of course my caloric intake went down, but the weight went up. At my highest weight, I was around 280. I've been up and down between 230 and 260 over the past few years. I'm now at 240, with a few pounds to go, with 215 being my goal. Much smaller and I just won't look good. Here are a few helpful things...

1) Walk every day...rain, snow, sleet, or hail...whether it's 105 degreees or -5, it won't kill you. As the weight starts coming off, say at 20 pounds, throw a 20 pound weight in a back pack and walk with it. It's makes for a more active walk and serves as a reminder of the weight you were carrying along all that time. Get a dog, or a walking partner, throw on your Beats by Dre, and go. And change up the walkng routine every so often, the same walk every day tends to get boring.


2) Just cut out snacks completely, or at the very least, eat fruits at snack time.

3) Don't eat after 7:00-8:00 pm at all. That's around the time daily activity starts to lull, and the lack of activity means the food you eat is working for you less.

4) Wear wrist/ankle weights around the house.

5) Try push ups/sit ups...if you can only do 1, make 5 your goal; if you can do 100, make 500 your goal.

6) Increase your fiber intake, add yogurt to your diet...things that aid in digestion aid in processing what you eat more properly.

7) Lean proteins(Chicken breast, Eggs(more specifically, whites), some fish) will leave you feeling full the longest, as they take longer for the body to break down.

It's not easy to stay focused on all the time, but eating better and getting in some exercise literally takes only minutes out of your day. Good luck and hope you stick to it bud!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobNJ

3) Don't eat after 7:00-8:00 pm at all. That's around the time daily activity starts to lull, and the lack of activity means the food you eat is working for you less.

---

This is a technique used to reduce your caloric intake for the day. But eating at a certain time making you gain weight is a total myth.
It's really as simple as hitting your calories. It doesn't matter when you take them in. Just be at or under that magic number when your head hits the pillow.

I always suggest to clients to change up their plate. Instead of restricting calories so much change the dynamic of your plate. Add fruits and veggies to every meal, matter of fact, make it most of your meal. I personally eat meat about 3 times a week. You dont need to go that far to see results. Just change the complex of how the plate looks. Say you have a steak and potatoes. Well most likely you are eating too much steak because 600 calories of steak barely fills the human stomach, but 600 calories of spinach is insane. So if you add veggies and fruits to your meals not only are you eating less calories, You are eating more food so you feel less hungry. Also by eating more fruits and veggies you are helping nutrients in the meat absorb better and getting alot of micro nutrients which are essential. Its better to get them from your food than a daily multivitamin too. But that is a whole different topic.
Basically the advice here so far is great. But consider not worrying about calories so much by changing out the contents on your plate. You will feel fuller and healthier and lose weight. Nobody ever got fat by eating too many fruits and veggies.
Best of luck on whatever you decide. It always feels awesome to hit a goal.



Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

I would like to add, that as cheesy as it sounds. I know you can do it. I watched a documentary called Sick Fat and Nearly Dead and it inspired me to change some things up. Well I had my dad watch it and he is losing weight also. Just whatever you do...
DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP IF YOU SLIP AND FALL. If you slip and fall one meal, dust yourself off and get back on track. :cool: You can do it!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jesse Hermanson

DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP IF YOU SLIP AND FALL. If you slip and fall one meal, dust yourself off and get back on track. :cool: You can do it!

---

Very good point! It will happen, you will cheat and that's completely cool. Consider that part of it. Just get right back into your groove after you get that cheat meal/day/weekend out of the way. It's a marathon not a sprint.

Good for you man!!! Ive found that I felt my greatest when riding a bike. But do whatever works for you, and I know you can do it. :)

Any updates Joey??? Wondering how you are doing with the diet.

No big updates as of yet.

Walking every day for 20-30 minutes.

Sticking to the diet perfectly.

Im meeting a girl for coffee on Monday. Strictly as friends though :P

Other than that not much else.

Just waiting till I get my gym membership... THEN THE FUN BEGINS!

So far so good...:gj:

Indubitably.....


Now I just need to find somewhere I can get a scale that goes up to my weight :rolleyes:

3 week milestone!!

I have been on my diet for 3 weeks now! Thats a new record!!!

I am guessing I have lost 10 pounds so far. I am fitting into clothes that I didnt before.


Also found a scale from Sears that weighs up to 550 pounds. Gunna pick it up when I have the $70 for it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by reptiliachnids

3 week milestone!!

I have been on my diet for 3 weeks now! Thats a new record!!!

I am guessing I have lost 10 pounds so far. I am fitting into clothes that I didnt before.


Also found a scale from Sears that weighs up to 550 pounds. Gunna pick it up when I have the $70 for it

---

Congrats brotha! That's awesome. My wife and I are fitness nuts I'm a former professional athlete and my wife is a personal trainer. We are in the process of starting a sports performance center. I was going to try and give you advice but you are nailing it! Eating frequent meals like you do will keep your metabolism high at all hours of the day. Don't buy into some fad diet, they work for some but are hard to maintain. Sounds like you already know that. Create a new lifestyle like you have and it will turn into the rest of your life.
The only advice I will add is to incorporate some strength training to you exercise routine. Some people are under the assumption strength training is to build strength only. In reality after a strength workout your muscles continue to recruit repair and recovery aka burning calories. It's doesn't have to be crazy at first, but might be a nice change off your joints from cardio.
Final thing, and some might disagree. But your body is stronger than your mind. Your brain will tell you it hurts and you should stop. Learn to turn off your mind and press through. Eventually you will retrain your brain to know just what you are capable of!
keep it going man!!!!!!
Sean

Thank yah Brotha.

The main reason I am excited to get my gym membership is so that I can start going strength training!

Well that and cardio is a b-word when its 14F out so I need to layer up. Wearing heavy boots that have no support. Risk slipping on ice. I could go on... LOL

I cant wait to get on a treadmill!!!

I hear ya, I'm in Michigan and its a pain here. Can't imagine being further north. Congrats to you for sticking with it. Once you get in that gym its game on! It's a marathon not a sprint, slow and steady!

Go Man Go!

I'm down about 15 lbs and half a belt notch in the last 4 weeks here. I was feeling a little demotivated today until I saw this thread actually. Now I feel slightly competitive. :D

Great progress!! Way to go! I just restarted Insanity a couple of days ago, so I'll be getting fit right along with you! :gj:

I have been on my diet for a month now!!!!!!!

I am not getting a ton of exercise at all right now. Its FREEZING out and the side walks are all icy. I have spine issues and if I fall I have the chances of injuring my spine even more and thats a risk I am not taking.

Anyways.

Exactly a month ago I was :
Sitting on my computer playing videogames for 12+ hours a day.
Eating 4000+ Calories a day.
Being anti social with my family.
Not exercising.
Constantly Depressed.

Today a month later I am :
Playing videogames only a few hours a day (3 hours or so)
Eating roughly 2000 healthy calories a day
Hanging out with my family more.
Somewhat exercising. (Its really hard to do in the freezing cold and ice)
Am actually happy.

I still do not have a scale but I am guessing I could have lost close to 15 pounds now.
Some of my clothes are not fitting/becoming baggy and old clothes are starting to fit.

Going to be getting a gym membership soon. THEN the real change will begin!!!!



Have a good one everyone!!!

Awesome buddy, keep it up!

Thanks Rob! Its pretty much become part of my life now!

I love it!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by reptiliachnids

I have been on my diet for a month now!!!!!!!

I am not getting a ton of exercise at all right now. Its FREEZING out and the side walks are all icy. I have spine issues and if I fall I have the chances of injuring my spine even more and thats a risk I am not taking.

Anyways.

Exactly a month ago I was :
Sitting on my computer playing videogames for 12+ hours a day.
Eating 4000+ Calories a day.
Being anti social with my family.
Not exercising.
Constantly Depressed.

Today a month later I am :
Playing videogames only a few hours a day (3 hours or so)
Eating roughly 2000 healthy calories a day
Hanging out with my family more.
Somewhat exercising. (Its really hard to do in the freezing cold and ice)
Am actually happy.

I still do not have a scale but I am guessing I could have lost close to 15 pounds now.
Some of my clothes are not fitting/becoming baggy and old clothes are starting to fit.

Going to be getting a gym membership soon. THEN the real change will begin!!!!



Have a good one everyone!!!

---

That's fantastic. You will find after a while it becomes your new life. You will want to be more active and spend less time with the video games. Can't wait to hear how the weight starts dropping after you get into the gym. You should feel proud of yourself. Keep it up?

2 months on my diet tomorrow!!

Still dont have the money for a gym membership :(

Still havent got my self weighed either. But I found a scale that goes up to 550 pounds so I am going to pick it up soon!

Congrats man! Takes stones to stick to these things, but you got this!

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Awesome work man. Recommending the book "Movement" by Gray Cook. The eBook is like $10. He is the founder of Functional Movement Systems. Take a little time to re-learn about human movement before you spend any gym dollars.

This week is week 11(of 13) of the Tai Cheng program I purchased back in Feb. This may seem trivial but can touch my feet again, with some effort still but things are changing. I'm glad (at 45yrs) I decided to address mobility and functionality before I went all out on something like P90X / Insanity.

Best thing I can say is learn to breath from the lower abdomen instead of from the chest.