Diet tips or plans

[RetiredJedi]

I saw someone suggest Crossfit and I'd like to x2 that suggestion. I ususally go on the site and pick a Crossfit workout that doesn't require weights. I started in the second week in April at 6'1" and 218, the heaviest I've ever been. I retired from the Army in '06 and have gained steady since then and woke up one day and told my wife I can't stay at this weight any more. Back was hurting, cholesterol was bad, blood pressure was going up, etc., etc. So I started increasing my protein intake and decreasing my carbs significantly. Lots of grilled chicken, egg whites, tuna stuff like that. Very few noodles, bread, potatoes, etc. If I have noodles or bread they are whole wheat. Go look for something called "Flatouts"...HERE's THE SITE. I get them from Wal-mart and they are very good and have less carbs and stuff than bread. I also eat a sandwich using whole wheat pita pockets or spinach wraps. Instead of just lettuce, I add more spinach leaves to my sandwiches since it has more nutrients than lettuce.

Another thing I have done is greatly increase my cardio. I run a minimum of two miles every morning and then do another workout at lunch whether it's another run or some type of curuit training that I have done before/found on the internet. I do Crossfit on Fridays because Crossfit will help with core stuff too. I HATE doing situps so I was trying to rely on cardio for my belly to go down but it wasn't working so I do some sort of situp everyday, at least three sets in the morning, and that has made a huge difference.

I was wearing a 36-38 waist pant when I started, bad back, sore knees, aching shoulder, and I got migraines all the time. Now I can wear a 32 waist pant, I weigh 188 as of this morning, I have more energy, and have only had one migraine since I started. I am in no way an expert but these are the types of things that have worked for me. Stick with it and good luck.