Getting into shape

[Fat Strat]

Count those calories, Fat. People don't realize how much they're actually eating until they start keeping track of everything. It really was a revelation to me.

It's incredibly tedious at first, annoying even, but it's the only way to truly get a gasp on the fundamental calories in v. calories out battle.

It's error proof as long as the tracking is correct.

I've done it before and lost weight but didn't keep it off. Calorie counting isn't a lifetime habit I want to build. Weight loss is a secondary goal that's pretty far down my list. Getting in good shape, feeling good, rebuilding flexibility/strength/energy... those are primary. I weigh about 215 and would be really happy at 185-190 by the time I turn 40 -- 18 months away. I'm pretty sure I will reach that goal. But, even if I don't, if I cut fast food out of my diet, and whip myself into great physical condition (and these workouts will definitely do that) then I'll be very happy with myself.

[Freed Roger]

I'm in week 3 of a new workout program. It's with my son's Tae Kwon Do instructor -- as the second family member who is registered it's only $30 per month! -- and he has me doing TKD/MMA style training. It's absolutely killing me. 1 hour workouts each time I go. I checked the scale this morning and I'm up 2 lbs over the 3 weeks. Terrible right? Well... my energy level is much higher than it was. I'm definitely getting stronger. And it seems like my cardio/endurance is steadily improving. I'm also gaining a lot of flexibility. So, really good things are happening with these workouts

....paging JCSHutout - he is the Tae Kwon Do expert around here, I believe.

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weight loss is tricky stuff. I'm talking from a runner's perspective here - generally, when you are trying to gain strength weight loss should Not be your focus. weight stays steady, during strength gain, in my case. You need to eat decently to fuel that strength build.

I get the weight loss when I'm doing a lot of aerobic base building. I'll eat decently there too, because there I want to get a good speed level/workout in. Though once in a while it may make sense to do the workout in a depleted state - kick start fat burning People that work out in the early AM before breakfast get this effect (I just can't wake up for it)

I've read some of those life hacks (Tim Ferris-ha ha) that suggest a Fasting w/r/t weight loss - and I may have adopted some of it by happenstance, and it seems to work. You become more of a fat burner. This isn't a 40 day in the desert fast and may note even be a lot of calorie reduction - it's just timing how often.

For me it is time of year during my busy work season. Regimented lifestyle, and not a lot of access to bad food. I don't have time to work out as much, but I also don't take time to eat as much. In effect, I often hardly eat anything for 10 -12 hours straight. This isn't really the plan, it just happens. After that 10-12 hours I try like heck to not binge on a bunch of crap - but I don't scrimp on what I eat.

It sucks, and I wouldn't do it outside of this situation. Trade-off for this mental, I think eating more often and satisfactorily is better for stress coping. And stress sucks and doesn't help with weight at times. but not currently for me.

So basically I typed this out for nothing.

[Radbird]

I definitely see a relationship between stress and weight gain. Unfortunately the last couple of years have been high stress.

[Freed Roger]

I definitely see a relationship between stress and weight gain. Unfortunately the last couple of years have been high stress.

I've also read, and think it's sort of true - that when you "believe" in whatever you are doing is helping you get in shape or lose weight, then this furthers the cause. Of course when you are busy or stressed - you don't have time to take stock of this.
my example -I am working my arse off physically (and mentally) getting our house ready to market. I'm probably more than expending the energy I'd get going to the gym. But I can't make myself "believe" that. just seems off.

Again, purely anecdotal - I get in my best shape when I've got that whole mojo going. Sometime's I'll do the same amount of fitness stuff, but if the mojo is lacking it doesn't have the same affect.

here's the study - involving housekeepers that have a physical job. https://www.families.com/blog/thinking- ... usekeepers

according to a study conducted by Harvard University psychologist Ellen Langer and her student Alia Crum, perceiving you’re getting enough exercise may help you to lose weight. The results of the study show that it is possible to think your way to a healthier body while you get those daily chores done. Eighty-four housekeepers from seven Boston hotels participated in Langer’s study.

[Tim]

Bought one of these. http://hidratespark.com/

I haven't had a Monster Energy Drink in over 96 hours. I am sleeping GREAT!

[ZigZagCardsFan]

That's an expensive water bottle that I'd undoubtedly lose the second time I take it somewhere.

[Tim]

That's an expensive water bottle that I'd undoubtedly lose the second time I take it somewhere.

Yeah I know. MY wife found an online coupon for it. I am OCD enough to make sure I drink all the water it tells me to.

[lukethedrifter]

That's an expensive water bottle that I'd undoubtedly lose the second time I take it somewhere.

Yeah I know. MY wife found an online coupon for it. I am OCD enough to make sure I drink all the water it tells me to.

It's funny hear you use OCD in an offhand manner.

[Tim]

That's an expensive water bottle that I'd undoubtedly lose the second time I take it somewhere.

Yeah I know. MY wife found an online coupon for it. I am OCD enough to make sure I drink all the water it tells me to.

It's funny hear you use OCD in an offhand manner.

Yeah probably poor form given my specialty. I should have said my competitive nature.

[lukethedrifter]

That's an expensive water bottle that I'd undoubtedly lose the second time I take it somewhere.

Yeah I know. MY wife found an online coupon for it. I am OCD enough to make sure I drink all the water it tells me to.

It's funny hear you use OCD in an offhand manner.

Yeah probably poor form given my specialty. I should have said my competitive nature.

I'm not making a big deal out of it but 2 of my sisters love to talk about how they are really OCD as if it's a badge of honor.