Exercise enthusiasts and wannabees only !!!

[MJ5150]

Sweet deal buddy. I'm working my way down to 199. I decided I need less 2's in my life with this being 2022 and all. Topping out at 6'4" these days.
Sitting on 243 right now. Last year at this time I was 373.

-Mike

 

[FilterFunk]

Sitting on 243 right now. Last year at this time I was 373.

-Mike

That's awesome!

 

[Razman]

Sweet deal buddy. I'm working my way down to 199. I decided I need less 2's in my life with this being 2022 and all. Topping out at 6'4" these days.
Sitting on 243 right now. Last year at this time I was 373.

-Mike

That's awesome!

That IS awesome!! Much respect my friend!!

Raz

 

[MJ5150]

That IS awesome!! Much respect my friend!!

Raz

Thanks @Razman and @FilterFunk. On this journey, I have found the actual physical act of losing weight to be rather simple. I like math, so the numbers make sense in my mind. Making it easy to apply.
The challenge for me is the mental aspect of this journey. For the previous 49 years of my life. OK, not all 49, maybe starting around 10, so previous 39 years, I was 'Big Mike'. Some of you here know me in 'real life' and no doubt recall the commanding presence of someone my height and weight then. I grew into this persona of Big Mike. It was who I was. Who's going to eat the most pizza? Big Mike. Who will drink the most beer? Big Mike. Who will finish off the leftovers? Big Mike. Make extra since Big Mike is coming over. I'd be out to eat at a restaurant where they didn't even know my name, and still the waitress would bring my plate with a little extra serving and a shy wink to let me know they were making sure I was taken care of. Then it went beyond food. Afraid of someone? Bring Big Mike with you. Scared to talk to someone? Have Big Mike do it. On and on it went. I was the biggest kid in the class, at school, on the field, at the concert. I was the measuring stick for the drunk guys at bars to test their fearlessness. People looked to me to protect them. Heck, it was me and all I was.
For years I tried to lose weight, but I couldn't. I was so defined by Big Mike, I was childishly scared to know what my life would be like if I wasn't Big Mike. For the previous 39 years, it's all I knew. I realized I was fully wrapped up in Big Mike. It was who I was.
I start writing this book, 'What They Don't Tell You About Weight Loss', and it addresses these emotions and feelings. You start peeling back those layers of fat, and the world starts to become a scary place better left alone behind a few layers of Doritos and pizza crusts.
It was only because of the loving support of my wonderful wife and a nutritionist who also specializes in the link between gut health and mental health who literally held my hand as I walked through those dark and grim days. Talk about fear and loathing? I lived it last year as that weight started falling off. I tried to stop 3-4 times and put the weight back on. I can recall sitting in the McDonalds parking lot, a bag with two value meals and extra fries along with some Doritos and Oreos in another bag from the grocery store across the parking lot. I remember sitting in my truck trying to shove all that food in my mouth so I could feel better and be happy. Dark days.
The crazy thing is I was doing no exercise when that weight started falling off. What happened for me though is I now wanted to start exercising. Walking, running, hiking, swimming, cardio, and so on. It was a life I vaguely remembered, and I wanted it back.
The buzz and mental high I'd get from the carbs and junk food were replaced by those same emotions after hiking up the side of a mountain or running 2-3 miles on a trail. I felt exuberance and joy after walking with the wife for 7-8 miles in the woods the same as I felt after polishing off a party sized bag of Doritos and a Super Big Gulp then on to a dozen taquitos or a run to Taco Bell for 6-8 tacos and burritos. It was the same exact feeling mentally and emotionally. I was getting those good vibes and that high from my body naturally. Now, I work out because I want to feel good. I want that buzz and energy. I arrange my schedule and use vacation time for hikes.
I don't eat right because I have to. I want to! I don't work out or hike because I need steps or to burn calories. I want that high and that good feeling of treating my body right.
I went on and on and started rambling here, for which I apologize. It has become my passion in life to help people who were like me. I know that feeling of sitting on the couch and giving up, hating yourself and your life, but finding solace in Doritos, pizza pockets, apple fritters, Whoppers with bacon, tacos, Rocky Road ice cream, chicken fried steak, and so on. I know the feeling when those are your friends and source of comfort. I know the good feelings that come from eating that way and how it helps you hide what you're running from. I know it, and I can tell you it is not the choice you are stuck with. The answer is not the same for everyone, but I want to help each person find their answer.

-Mike

 

[Razman]

Thanks @Razman and @FilterFunk. On this journey, I have found the actual physical act of losing weight to be rather simple. I like math, so the numbers make sense in my mind. Making it easy to apply.
The challenge for me is the mental aspect of this journey. For the previous 49 years of my life. OK, not all 49, maybe starting around 10, so previous 39 years, I was 'Big Mike'. Some of you here know me in 'real life' and no doubt recall the commanding presence of someone my height and weight then. I grew into this persona of Big Mike. It was who I was. Who's going to eat the most pizza? Big Mike. Who will drink the most beer? Big Mike. Who will finish off the leftovers? Big Mike. Make extra since Big Mike is coming over. I'd be out to eat at a restaurant where they didn't even know my name, and still the waitress would bring my plate with a little extra serving and a shy wink to let me know they were making sure I was taken care of. Then it went beyond food. Afraid of someone? Bring Big Mike with you. Scared to talk to someone? Have Big Mike do it. On and on it went. I was the biggest kid in the class, at school, on the field, at the concert. I was the measuring stick for the drunk guys at bars to test their fearlessness. People looked to me to protect them. Heck, it was me and all I was.
For years I tried to lose weight, but I couldn't. I was so defined by Big Mike, I was childishly scared to know what my life would be like if I wasn't Big Mike. For the previous 39 years, it's all I knew. I realized I was fully wrapped up in Big Mike. It was who I was.
I start writing this book, 'What They Don't Tell You About Weight Loss', and it addresses these emotions and feelings. You start peeling back those layers of fat, and the world starts to become a scary place better left alone behind a few layers of Doritos and pizza crusts.
It was only because of the loving support of my wonderful wife and a nutritionist who also specializes in the link between gut health and mental health who literally held my hand as I walked through those dark and grim days. Talk about fear and loathing? I lived it last year as that weight started falling off. I tried to stop 3-4 times and put the weight back on. I can recall sitting in the McDonalds parking lot, a bag with two value meals and extra fries along with some Doritos and Oreos in another bag from the grocery store across the parking lot. I remember sitting in my truck trying to shove all that food in my mouth so I could feel better and be happy. Dark days.
The crazy thing is I was doing no exercise when that weight started falling off. What happened for me though is I now wanted to start exercising. Walking, running, hiking, swimming, cardio, and so on. It was a life I vaguely remembered, and I wanted it back.
The buzz and mental high I'd get from the carbs and junk food were replaced by those same emotions after hiking up the side of a mountain or running 2-3 miles on a trail. I felt exuberance and joy after walking with the wife for 7-8 miles in the woods the same as I felt after polishing off a party sized bag of Doritos and a Super Big Gulp then on to a dozen taquitos or a run to Taco Bell for 6-8 tacos and burritos. It was the same exact feeling mentally and emotionally. I was getting those good vibes and that high from my body naturally. Now, I work out because I want to feel good. I want that buzz and energy. I arrange my schedule and use vacation time for hikes.
I don't eat right because I have to. I want to! I don't work out or hike because I need steps or to burn calories. I want that high and that good feeling of treating my body right.
I went on and on and started rambling here, for which I apologize. It has become my passion in life to help people who were like me. I know that feeling of sitting on the couch and giving up, hating yourself and your life, but finding solace in Doritos, pizza pockets, apple fritters, Whoppers with bacon, tacos, Rocky Road ice cream, chicken fried steak, and so on. I know the feeling when those are your friends and source of comfort. I know the good feelings that come from eating that way and how it helps you hide what you're running from. I know it, and I can tell you it is not the choice you are stuck with. The answer is not the same for everyone, but I want to help each person find their answer.

-Mike

10,000 likes Mike! Thanks for taking the time to be transparent with us.

Eric

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

@MJ5150 That’s a beautiful story, my friend. I’m glad you told it, but even more happy to hear the message it contains. So often the journey of body change is fraught with torturous overtones, of people searching for a result but never quite learning to enjoy the day to day process as a thing in and of itself. This last part is the key to peace and sanity, IMO.

I’m about 8 years ahead of you and on a parallel path from the skinny guy end of the spectrum. I used to eat just like you describe, but metabolism just chewed the calories up and spit them out. In my 30s I wanted to bulk up and add muscle so I became a gym rat, going from a whip thin 6’2” 165lb person to 195. It was a slog, but I did enjoy the endorphins. Thing was, the goal was a silly one- all based on insecurity and vanity. In retrospect, I was a divorced guy with a shaved head (out of necessity) who felt like “why would the kind of woman that I find myself attracted to ever find me attractive?”

I hated dating but knew I wanted a partner for life if I could just find the right one. Getting in that kind of shape did help make dating attractive women easier, but the problem was that many of them seemed to value that aspect a bit more than I bargained for, like it was some sort of weird status symbol or something. Finally when I met my current wife 23 years ago, her comment on seeing me unclothed was “you look great, but you are too skinny”! She didn’t mean that she wanted me to weigh more, but that she didn’t feel it was natural to have 9-10% body fat and to work that hard to maintain it. Finally, I could relax and just focus on living a healthy lifestyle.

23 years later, I’m now shrinking a bit and stay between 175-180 at 6’1” for the past 8 years and my wife doesn't think I'm too skinny even though I'm objectively way thinner. The cardio 6 days a week is moderate compared to the past and is done for the reasons you mention - just to feel better each morning before heading off into the world. The resistance stuff thrown in is all core stuff, not for silly vanity muscle that adds nothing to my life, but for basic functionality. No specific arm/leg work, just core stuff for health. In short, I am full circle skinny again, but this time for good, healthy reasons rather than vanity/insecurity ones. And that feels good.

The diet part is similar. Eat for health, avoiding anything that makes you feel bad afterwards, and limit portions to what is needed. Listening to the body in the big picture and understanding that cravings are almost always a short term solution in search of a long term problem. There’s a balance there that the body already knows if we can learn to listen.

Anyway, your story resonated with me a lot and I wanted to let you know that I think it’s fantastic that you are finding your balance. Wherever your body ends up, the really important thing is that you understand that it doesn’t define you, but rather the opposite. May you continue to enjoy every step of your journey! The destination doesn’t really matter if you are enjoying the steps along the way.

 

[Gaolee]

Thanks @Razman and @FilterFunk. On this journey, I have found the actual physical act of losing weight to be rather simple. I like math, so the numbers make sense in my mind. Making it easy to apply.
The challenge for me is the mental aspect of this journey. For the previous 49 years of my life. OK, not all 49, maybe starting around 10, so previous 39 years, I was 'Big Mike'. Some of you here know me in 'real life' and no doubt recall the commanding presence of someone my height and weight then. I grew into this persona of Big Mike. It was who I was. Who's going to eat the most pizza? Big Mike. Who will drink the most beer? Big Mike. Who will finish off the leftovers? Big Mike. Make extra since Big Mike is coming over. I'd be out to eat at a restaurant where they didn't even know my name, and still the waitress would bring my plate with a little extra serving and a shy wink to let me know they were making sure I was taken care of. Then it went beyond food. Afraid of someone? Bring Big Mike with you. Scared to talk to someone? Have Big Mike do it. On and on it went. I was the biggest kid in the class, at school, on the field, at the concert. I was the measuring stick for the drunk guys at bars to test their fearlessness. People looked to me to protect them. Heck, it was me and all I was.
For years I tried to lose weight, but I couldn't. I was so defined by Big Mike, I was childishly scared to know what my life would be like if I wasn't Big Mike. For the previous 39 years, it's all I knew. I realized I was fully wrapped up in Big Mike. It was who I was.
I start writing this book, 'What They Don't Tell You About Weight Loss', and it addresses these emotions and feelings. You start peeling back those layers of fat, and the world starts to become a scary place better left alone behind a few layers of Doritos and pizza crusts.
It was only because of the loving support of my wonderful wife and a nutritionist who also specializes in the link between gut health and mental health who literally held my hand as I walked through those dark and grim days. Talk about fear and loathing? I lived it last year as that weight started falling off. I tried to stop 3-4 times and put the weight back on. I can recall sitting in the McDonalds parking lot, a bag with two value meals and extra fries along with some Doritos and Oreos in another bag from the grocery store across the parking lot. I remember sitting in my truck trying to shove all that food in my mouth so I could feel better and be happy. Dark days.
The crazy thing is I was doing no exercise when that weight started falling off. What happened for me though is I now wanted to start exercising. Walking, running, hiking, swimming, cardio, and so on. It was a life I vaguely remembered, and I wanted it back.
The buzz and mental high I'd get from the carbs and junk food were replaced by those same emotions after hiking up the side of a mountain or running 2-3 miles on a trail. I felt exuberance and joy after walking with the wife for 7-8 miles in the woods the same as I felt after polishing off a party sized bag of Doritos and a Super Big Gulp then on to a dozen taquitos or a run to Taco Bell for 6-8 tacos and burritos. It was the same exact feeling mentally and emotionally. I was getting those good vibes and that high from my body naturally. Now, I work out because I want to feel good. I want that buzz and energy. I arrange my schedule and use vacation time for hikes.
I don't eat right because I have to. I want to! I don't work out or hike because I need steps or to burn calories. I want that high and that good feeling of treating my body right.
I went on and on and started rambling here, for which I apologize. It has become my passion in life to help people who were like me. I know that feeling of sitting on the couch and giving up, hating yourself and your life, but finding solace in Doritos, pizza pockets, apple fritters, Whoppers with bacon, tacos, Rocky Road ice cream, chicken fried steak, and so on. I know the feeling when those are your friends and source of comfort. I know the good feelings that come from eating that way and how it helps you hide what you're running from. I know it, and I can tell you it is not the choice you are stuck with. The answer is not the same for everyone, but I want to help each person find their answer.

-Mike

That an inspiring story, Mike. Thanks for rambling on. And you as well, Chris.

 

[FilterFunk]

Thanks @Razman and @FilterFunk. On this journey, I have found the actual physical act of losing weight to be rather simple. I like math, so the numbers make sense in my mind. Making it easy to apply.
The challenge for me is the mental aspect of this journey. For the previous 49 years of my life. OK, not all 49, maybe starting around 10, so previous 39 years, I was 'Big Mike'. Some of you here know me in 'real life' and no doubt recall the commanding presence of someone my height and weight then. I grew into this persona of Big Mike. It was who I was. Who's going to eat the most pizza? Big Mike. Who will drink the most beer? Big Mike. Who will finish off the leftovers? Big Mike. Make extra since Big Mike is coming over. I'd be out to eat at a restaurant where they didn't even know my name, and still the waitress would bring my plate with a little extra serving and a shy wink to let me know they were making sure I was taken care of. Then it went beyond food. Afraid of someone? Bring Big Mike with you. Scared to talk to someone? Have Big Mike do it. On and on it went. I was the biggest kid in the class, at school, on the field, at the concert. I was the measuring stick for the drunk guys at bars to test their fearlessness. People looked to me to protect them. Heck, it was me and all I was.
For years I tried to lose weight, but I couldn't. I was so defined by Big Mike, I was childishly scared to know what my life would be like if I wasn't Big Mike. For the previous 39 years, it's all I knew. I realized I was fully wrapped up in Big Mike. It was who I was.
I start writing this book, 'What They Don't Tell You About Weight Loss', and it addresses these emotions and feelings. You start peeling back those layers of fat, and the world starts to become a scary place better left alone behind a few layers of Doritos and pizza crusts.
It was only because of the loving support of my wonderful wife and a nutritionist who also specializes in the link between gut health and mental health who literally held my hand as I walked through those dark and grim days. Talk about fear and loathing? I lived it last year as that weight started falling off. I tried to stop 3-4 times and put the weight back on. I can recall sitting in the McDonalds parking lot, a bag with two value meals and extra fries along with some Doritos and Oreos in another bag from the grocery store across the parking lot. I remember sitting in my truck trying to shove all that food in my mouth so I could feel better and be happy. Dark days.
The crazy thing is I was doing no exercise when that weight started falling off. What happened for me though is I now wanted to start exercising. Walking, running, hiking, swimming, cardio, and so on. It was a life I vaguely remembered, and I wanted it back.
The buzz and mental high I'd get from the carbs and junk food were replaced by those same emotions after hiking up the side of a mountain or running 2-3 miles on a trail. I felt exuberance and joy after walking with the wife for 7-8 miles in the woods the same as I felt after polishing off a party sized bag of Doritos and a Super Big Gulp then on to a dozen taquitos or a run to Taco Bell for 6-8 tacos and burritos. It was the same exact feeling mentally and emotionally. I was getting those good vibes and that high from my body naturally. Now, I work out because I want to feel good. I want that buzz and energy. I arrange my schedule and use vacation time for hikes.
I don't eat right because I have to. I want to! I don't work out or hike because I need steps or to burn calories. I want that high and that good feeling of treating my body right.
I went on and on and started rambling here, for which I apologize. It has become my passion in life to help people who were like me. I know that feeling of sitting on the couch and giving up, hating yourself and your life, but finding solace in Doritos, pizza pockets, apple fritters, Whoppers with bacon, tacos, Rocky Road ice cream, chicken fried steak, and so on. I know the feeling when those are your friends and source of comfort. I know the good feelings that come from eating that way and how it helps you hide what you're running from. I know it, and I can tell you it is not the choice you are stuck with. The answer is not the same for everyone, but I want to help each person find their answer.

-Mike

That's actually an angle of weight issues I hadn't thought of...being the "Big" guy as an identity, and worrying more about losing that identity than losing the weight. It would probably help a lot of people to read your post.

 

[CallMeAl]

I’ve definitely struggled and yo-yo’d myself. Big funny guy persona in HS, hated gym class, etc… Covid was so stressful, it really knocked us back to some old bad habits. But my wife and I are regaining our health, and we’re making so much progress!

I’ve talked here before about Whole Foods Plant based diet; which we are doing 100% and frankly crushing it. I won’t go any further, since this is the exercise thread after all; though as I’ve said before they’re interconnected. Happy to expand on that if anyone is curious…

But I stopped by today to report the updates in the home gym! We found a decent Schwinn upright exercise bike at a thrift store, and got this cheap rower from Amazon. Admittedly it’s been probably 10 years since I’ve had a gym membership and used a “real” rower; but this thing is pretty fun to use, and a great workout! Also moved that pull up bar to a more suitable location; I can only hang (as I’ve got a bit of weight to go still) but we are getting there!

The best part is now it’s family exercise time. There’s enough to do that we can all get going together. My 5 year old takes the seat of the bike and rides it standing up; he stands up straddling the rower and walks the rower handle back; “mom! I’m up to 900!!”

 

[Gaolee]

I am not a big guy at all. Other people seem to think I am at times. It is a mystery why. I am not trying to lose weight so much as lose fat content. It is a different, much smaller thing. I am theoretically overweight and always have been. That is by BMI, which doesn't take a lot of things into account.

It will still be me who has the massive heart attack.

 

[rtslinger]

not a happy camper
Okay back from the surgeon visit this morning set back retina detaching due to scaring another surgery March 1

 

[dwm74]

not a happy camper
Okay back from the surgeon visit this morning set back retina detaching due to scaring another surgery March 1

Ouch, sorry to hear the bad news. We're all hoping you get this healed up and back to normal ASAP.

 

[rtslinger]

Ouch, sorry to hear the bad news. We're all hoping you get this healed up and back to normal ASAP.

thanks I was hoping it was going in the right direction and he would till me I could hit the weights

 

[Swipter]

I got back in to keddlebells again, more specifically The Giant from Geoff Neupert. Right now I'm in my preconditioning phase to get my body back used to it.
I quit for quite a while when I injured myself doing another program, my own stupidity, and lost 50% of my shoulder strength.

I had a killer workout yesterday.

Trying to stay strong.

 

[rtslinger]

So trying to keep you all in the loop
operation moved up to Feb 22 surgeon got a cancellation and he doesn't want to wait.

 

[Razman]

Thanks @Razman and @FilterFunk. On this journey, I have found the actual physical act of losing weight to be rather simple. I like math, so the numbers make sense in my mind. Making it easy to apply.
The challenge for me is the mental aspect of this journey. For the previous 49 years of my life. OK, not all 49, maybe starting around 10, so previous 39 years, I was 'Big Mike'. Some of you here know me in 'real life' and no doubt recall the commanding presence of someone my height and weight then. I grew into this persona of Big Mike. It was who I was. Who's going to eat the most pizza? Big Mike. Who will drink the most beer? Big Mike. Who will finish off the leftovers? Big Mike. Make extra since Big Mike is coming over. I'd be out to eat at a restaurant where they didn't even know my name, and still the waitress would bring my plate with a little extra serving and a shy wink to let me know they were making sure I was taken care of. Then it went beyond food. Afraid of someone? Bring Big Mike with you. Scared to talk to someone? Have Big Mike do it. On and on it went. I was the biggest kid in the class, at school, on the field, at the concert. I was the measuring stick for the drunk guys at bars to test their fearlessness. People looked to me to protect them. Heck, it was me and all I was.
For years I tried to lose weight, but I couldn't. I was so defined by Big Mike, I was childishly scared to know what my life would be like if I wasn't Big Mike. For the previous 39 years, it's all I knew. I realized I was fully wrapped up in Big Mike. It was who I was.
I start writing this book, 'What They Don't Tell You About Weight Loss', and it addresses these emotions and feelings. You start peeling back those layers of fat, and the world starts to become a scary place better left alone behind a few layers of Doritos and pizza crusts.
It was only because of the loving support of my wonderful wife and a nutritionist who also specializes in the link between gut health and mental health who literally held my hand as I walked through those dark and grim days. Talk about fear and loathing? I lived it last year as that weight started falling off. I tried to stop 3-4 times and put the weight back on. I can recall sitting in the McDonalds parking lot, a bag with two value meals and extra fries along with some Doritos and Oreos in another bag from the grocery store across the parking lot. I remember sitting in my truck trying to shove all that food in my mouth so I could feel better and be happy. Dark days.
The crazy thing is I was doing no exercise when that weight started falling off. What happened for me though is I now wanted to start exercising. Walking, running, hiking, swimming, cardio, and so on. It was a life I vaguely remembered, and I wanted it back.
The buzz and mental high I'd get from the carbs and junk food were replaced by those same emotions after hiking up the side of a mountain or running 2-3 miles on a trail. I felt exuberance and joy after walking with the wife for 7-8 miles in the woods the same as I felt after polishing off a party sized bag of Doritos and a Super Big Gulp then on to a dozen taquitos or a run to Taco Bell for 6-8 tacos and burritos. It was the same exact feeling mentally and emotionally. I was getting those good vibes and that high from my body naturally. Now, I work out because I want to feel good. I want that buzz and energy. I arrange my schedule and use vacation time for hikes.
I don't eat right because I have to. I want to! I don't work out or hike because I need steps or to burn calories. I want that high and that good feeling of treating my body right.
I went on and on and started rambling here, for which I apologize. It has become my passion in life to help people who were like me. I know that feeling of sitting on the couch and giving up, hating yourself and your life, but finding solace in Doritos, pizza pockets, apple fritters, Whoppers with bacon, tacos, Rocky Road ice cream, chicken fried steak, and so on. I know the feeling when those are your friends and source of comfort. I know the good feelings that come from eating that way and how it helps you hide what you're running from. I know it, and I can tell you it is not the choice you are stuck with. The answer is not the same for everyone, but I want to help each person find their answer.

-Mike

Replying again because I was on my phone before and I've been busy. Mike, I just want to say that I really appreciate your willingness to be transparent and I had a huge epiphany after reading about your journey. As part of what I do, I work with and coach people so I like to think that I'm tuned in to and connected with people's emotions and feelings and try to function from a stance of empathy.

What stood out to me was the persona that you took on and built for so many years, only to have to abandon it to become someone else. What a scary thing indeed! It caused me to introspect about my own personas and consider what might be motivating others in both my personal and professional life. It's something I will be on the lookout for and consider as I interact with others. We're all fighting battles, and now I'm aware of another one someone might be fighting (even me).

Thanks again!

Eric

 

[Duckherder]

Thanks @Razman and @FilterFunk. On this journey, I have found the actual physical act of losing weight to be rather simple. I like math, so the numbers make sense in my mind. Making it easy to apply.
The challenge for me is the mental aspect of this journey. For the previous 49 years of my life. OK, not all 49, maybe starting around 10, so previous 39 years, I was 'Big Mike'. Some of you here know me in 'real life' and no doubt recall the commanding presence of someone my height and weight then. I grew into this persona of Big Mike. It was who I was. Who's going to eat the most pizza? Big Mike. Who will drink the most beer? Big Mike. Who will finish off the leftovers? Big Mike. Make extra since Big Mike is coming over. I'd be out to eat at a restaurant where they didn't even know my name, and still the waitress would bring my plate with a little extra serving and a shy wink to let me know they were making sure I was taken care of. Then it went beyond food. Afraid of someone? Bring Big Mike with you. Scared to talk to someone? Have Big Mike do it. On and on it went. I was the biggest kid in the class, at school, on the field, at the concert. I was the measuring stick for the drunk guys at bars to test their fearlessness. People looked to me to protect them. Heck, it was me and all I was.
For years I tried to lose weight, but I couldn't. I was so defined by Big Mike, I was childishly scared to know what my life would be like if I wasn't Big Mike. For the previous 39 years, it's all I knew. I realized I was fully wrapped up in Big Mike. It was who I was.
I start writing this book, 'What They Don't Tell You About Weight Loss', and it addresses these emotions and feelings. You start peeling back those layers of fat, and the world starts to become a scary place better left alone behind a few layers of Doritos and pizza crusts.
It was only because of the loving support of my wonderful wife and a nutritionist who also specializes in the link between gut health and mental health who literally held my hand as I walked through those dark and grim days. Talk about fear and loathing? I lived it last year as that weight started falling off. I tried to stop 3-4 times and put the weight back on. I can recall sitting in the McDonalds parking lot, a bag with two value meals and extra fries along with some Doritos and Oreos in another bag from the grocery store across the parking lot. I remember sitting in my truck trying to shove all that food in my mouth so I could feel better and be happy. Dark days.
The crazy thing is I was doing no exercise when that weight started falling off. What happened for me though is I now wanted to start exercising. Walking, running, hiking, swimming, cardio, and so on. It was a life I vaguely remembered, and I wanted it back.
The buzz and mental high I'd get from the carbs and junk food were replaced by those same emotions after hiking up the side of a mountain or running 2-3 miles on a trail. I felt exuberance and joy after walking with the wife for 7-8 miles in the woods the same as I felt after polishing off a party sized bag of Doritos and a Super Big Gulp then on to a dozen taquitos or a run to Taco Bell for 6-8 tacos and burritos. It was the same exact feeling mentally and emotionally. I was getting those good vibes and that high from my body naturally. Now, I work out because I want to feel good. I want that buzz and energy. I arrange my schedule and use vacation time for hikes.
I don't eat right because I have to. I want to! I don't work out or hike because I need steps or to burn calories. I want that high and that good feeling of treating my body right.
I went on and on and started rambling here, for which I apologize. It has become my passion in life to help people who were like me. I know that feeling of sitting on the couch and giving up, hating yourself and your life, but finding solace in Doritos, pizza pockets, apple fritters, Whoppers with bacon, tacos, Rocky Road ice cream, chicken fried steak, and so on. I know the feeling when those are your friends and source of comfort. I know the good feelings that come from eating that way and how it helps you hide what you're running from. I know it, and I can tell you it is not the choice you are stuck with. The answer is not the same for everyone, but I want to help each person find their answer.

-Mike

I know short fat guys who suffer from the same thing. For some reason they're hung up on a number and while they're strong, they seem to think that the distended visceral fat load is strength for some reason.

 

[basscooker]

I'm getting back into the game.

Baby steps and all, the regimen and attack I had about 5 years ago had me lean and pic-worthy, so I'm easing in.

Weight loss isn't a goal, maintenance and strength is.

So I'll lay out my former (and currently easing back into) approach and ask the more experienced and knowledgeable to point out anything wrong, make some suggestions and generally seek advice. Thank you in advance.

Pull the kiester out of bed about 30 mins earlier than I have been the past few years, to knock down one burnout set of push-ups, pull-ups and situps.

I've already began keeping coffee intake to about 8 oz, nondairy creamer, no added sugar. Bfast is 1 oat packet (with water not milk), 1 TBS organic honey, 1 tsp fresh ground cinnamon.

I'm very active at work, running around a (hot) kitchen all day. The bulk of my storage is down a flight of stairs. Often I'm coming back up carrying 20 to 30 pounds of stuff. Probably (no kidding) 30 trips a day.

My food intake is fruit, vegetables, deli turkey, roasted chicken, tortillas and water. Wraps instead of sandwiches, no pizzas, limited potato (but I'm constantly surrounded by fries, so yeah those sneak in me), and assorted tastings (not servings) of food I prep throughout the day. That is part of my job to assure flavor profiles and consistency. Smoothies are my sweet "cheats". I make my own... yogurt, frozen fruit, sugar and ice.

At night there is one more burnout set of the calisthenics.

Now... what should I add, stop doing, or change to reach my goals of staying a decent weight but getting stronger? I don't need to lose weight; just convert some jelly back to meat and be a little more "change out the kegs" worthy.

Noteworthy details:

I just turned 50 in October

I have been smoking since 20's, but recently assigned myself a waning schedule that should have me free by mid-march

I haven't seen a Dr. office as a patient in like 15 years, no insurance now, never had any

Hugely anxious and definitely have a splash of agoraphobia in my neurological recipe, so going to a gym would preferably be avoided

I've met very few foods I didn't like, so any and all recipes or suggestion along those lines is awesome

I don't know of any family history of health issues considered congenital or hereditary.

Ok, so is this a good approach?
Thanks!

 

[Duckherder]

I'm getting back into the game.

Baby steps and all, the regimen and attack I had about 5 years ago had me lean and pic-worthy, so I'm easing in.

Weight loss isn't a goal, maintenance and strength is.

So I'll lay out my former (and currently easing back into) approach and ask the more experienced and knowledgeable to point out anything wrong, make some suggestions and generally seek advice. Thank you in advance.

Pull the kiester out of bed about 30 mins earlier than I have been the past few years, to knock down one burnout set of push-ups, pull-ups and situps.

I've already began keeping coffee intake to about 8 oz, nondairy creamer, no added sugar. Bfast is 1 oat packet (with water not milk), 1 TBS organic honey, 1 tsp fresh ground cinnamon.

I'm very active at work, running around a (hot) kitchen all day. The bulk of my storage is down a flight of stairs. Often I'm coming back up carrying 20 to 30 pounds of stuff. Probably (no kidding) 30 trips a day.

My food intake is fruit, vegetables, deli turkey, roasted chicken, tortillas and water. Wraps instead of sandwiches, no pizzas, limited potato (but I'm constantly surrounded by fries, so yeah those sneak in me), and assorted tastings (not servings) of food I prep throughout the day. That is part of my job to assure flavor profiles and consistency. Smoothies are my sweet "cheats". I make my own... yogurt, frozen fruit, sugar and ice.

At night there is one more burnout set of the calisthenics.

Now... what should I add, stop doing, or change to reach my goals of staying a decent weight but getting stronger? I don't need to lose weight; just convert some jelly back to meat and be a little more "change out the kegs" worthy.

Noteworthy details:

I just turned 50 in October

I have been smoking since 20's, but recently assigned myself a waning schedule that should have me free by mid-march

I haven't seen a Dr. office as a patient in like 15 years, no insurance now, never had any

Hugely anxious and definitely have a splash of agoraphobia in my neurological recipe, so going to a gym would preferably be avoided

I've met very few foods I didn't like, so any and all recipes or suggestion along those lines is awesome

I don't know of any family history of health issues considered congenital or hereditary.

Ok, so is this a good approach?
Thanks!

Sub yogurt or cottage cheese for the oats.

If ya gotta do oats, get steel cut or old fashioned.

 

[Bikeguy57]

Not much to my surprise, this world pausing lockdown thing has pushed people to extremes. Most of those I know who always exercised dove in even deeper when the gyms closed. They found ways to exercise differently, started running, bought dumbbells and other equipment they could use in their homes...

And many who were never into exercise, took the opposite route. They got into ice cream, pizza, and started working towards a keg as opposed to a 6 pack.

The latter is understandable, as I know a lot of us are struggling in various ways and reaching out for comfort.

I'm starting this thread for everyone to share what they've been doing - or NOT doing, and would like to. Maybe we can inspire one another.

As for myself, I've made great use of an elliptical I'm fortunate to have (Nordic Track), a doorway chinning bar, some very light dumbbells, and lots of pushups and crunches. Oh yeah, I jog (I wouldn't call it running) 3 days a week, too.

I just invested in one of these to change things up a bit:

View attachment 3993372

And I'm kinda happy it broke after a few days. I think its OK for women, older people, or people just starting to build muscle - but it does NOT offer the 25 lbs of resistance it claims. My wife liked it and I used it for a few days to do super sets alongside my pushups and pullups, but after returning it I rethought everything and re-invested in this:

I'm kinda excited because I've wanted one of these since the 70s , and they get really excellent reviews. I'll tell my thoughts once I get and make some use of it:

View attachment 3993374

So how's this pandemic been treating YOU physically? What have you been doing to stay healthy and fit?

Wow! Still have my Bullworker from 1972 somewhere. Got me started on a lifetime of fitness at 15. It really works!