those pesky pounds

[winterbadger]

OK, I'm a bit fed up with my current state of health. So I'm going to try (again) and get into better shape.

More regular exercise: cycling and hiking for preference. More sleep. More fruits and vegetables. Somewhat less meat and dairy. A good bit less starch. Smaller portion sizes, overall. I think my good friend and companion alcohol needs to get cut back significantly, say by at least half. And, speaking of pointless calories, candy, pastry, etc. needs to be reduced to near zero. I need to get back in the habit of taking fibre supplements, and vitamins, and drinking more water.

I'd like to look better, but even if I got down to the weight that the (IMO) unrelistic BMI computer suggest, I would still be a big guy with wide shoulders and big hips. I'll still have my goofy face and my crooked teeth (orthodontia? no thanks--tried that once already, and boy was it a waste of money!) I'm not going to be hunky and handsome no matter what I do. :-) But I could be a lot healthier.

But it's going to take more planning, developing a more regular schedule so as to fix habits, and a bit more resolve.

So it is written; so let it be done. So say we all. :-)

EDIT: Oh, and a lot less fast food. I don't drink soda most of the time, so that's not to worry about. But I need to buy more things that I can cook quickly when I get home tired at the end of a long day, so I'm not tempted to just get a burger...

Comments

[azbound.livejournal.com]

Ok, I don't know if I've ever said this before, but here goes.

In terms of getting the food under control, have you ever considered Weight Watchers? I know, I know...but when I've done it in the past, it's worked well. It give guidelines to eat by, but it still gives you the freedom to eat what you want (generally just less of it!). But still, their points program is awesome. My mom joined online and she's lost over 75 pounds and kept it off for over 4 years now.

It's just a suggestion, maybe something different to try.

[winterbadger]

I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it worked sometimes and didn't work other times. It enver had the sort of big effect for me that it's had for your mom (though good for her!)

I know me, though, and keeping track of the points and so on is just not a sustainable habit. I need to learn how to eat intelligently in a broader sense, a more instinctive sense. Because if I try to keep track of points and miss out a day or two and fall behind, it all gets muddled and I give up on it. Better to find a way to do this that doesn't rely on my developing a new, complicated habit.

I do appreciate the advice, though!

[azbound.livejournal.com]

Oh no - I totally understand that. If you're following the point system, you have to stay up on it.

I think they have a new program where you eat within zones, if that makes sense. Kinda like a loose grouping of points. I think they are trying to appeal to those who don't want to do strict point accounting.