Loose the weight while you can

[GOTTOYS]

Recently diagnosed with diabetes. My own fault. I'm an old man (60's) that's waaay overweight, in terrible shape, but determined. Just bought a new bicycle. Riding about 45 minutes daily. Started eating good and now it's time for more working out, or is it? I've been loosing 3-4 pounds a week. Feeling better but I have a long ways to go. My question is what should I start on next? This ain't gonna get me! Thanks for any advice.

[Mole]

Stay determined and lose that weight man! I've been pumping iron and either riding a bike or walking whenever I can to lose weight myself. I've tried to lose weight in the past but never got far. This time I'm determined to do it. I've been at it now for about a month and it's amazing how much better I feel.

I would just keep riding that bike OR walking. Eating better is very important also. Most of all just stay focused on your goal and don't ever give up.

[Camo500EFI]

My wife has had diabetes for almost 21 years now and she not one for pushing weights but she portions here meals and does mild exercise. The mild exercise is mostly cardio (lots of walking, biking and running) and she has lost almost 20 pounds since late spring. I'm a gym rat but the gym is not for everyone. I would say based on your age and your recent motivation by your doctors keep doing what your doing, eat smaller portions and keep very active.

[BIG_T]

Of course, Lisa has Type 1, which is quite different than type 2, which is I'm sure gottoys has.

[Camo500EFI]

Yes but either way counting carbs, calories and fat for portion control works the same for both types.

[Dirtbmw20]

Interesting thread and this may be an inspiration for me. I'm 39 and overweight and need to lose some weight BAD. The wife and I had bought a bowflex machine and started working out and I was doing good, lost a little over 10 pounds in less than 3 weeks then the accident happened with her sister and we had to take the bowflex down to make room for her, I haven't worked out in 10 weeks now, although I haven't gained my 10 pounds back either, I just want to continue with my exercise and get my weight down. About 12 years ago, I was the heaviest I have EVER been, went on a diet, NO EXCERCISE, diet only and lost 68 pounds, then I quit watching my diet and started back all my old habits and now my ass is fat again. I am scared of diabetes and terrified of having a heart attack.

[Camo500EFI]

Watching what you eat and mild exercise really makes a difference Lee. The diabetes thing sucks, the heart attack thing scares me as well and I consider myself to be healthy for the most part.

[Dirtbmw20]

I'm the most picky eater you could ever know so it is VERY hard for me to eat "good" food. I don't eat ANYTHING you would put in a salad so that makes it very hard for me to eat healthy when I don't eat any vegetables, that is my biggest problem, then laziness or maybe motivation (or lack of) is a better term to use, is my next biggest problem. The bowflex was working out good because it was at home, I didn't have to go anywhere to use it and excercise so I didn't need much motivation,lol. I gotta see about getting our bowflex back up.

[Mole]

I'm the most picky eater you could ever know so it is VERY hard for me to eat "good" food. I don't eat ANYTHING you would put in a salad so that makes it very hard for me to eat healthy when I don't eat any vegetables, that is my biggest problem, then laziness or maybe motivation (or lack of) is a better term to use, is my next biggest problem. The bowflex was working out good because it was at home, I didn't have to go anywhere to use it and excercise so I didn't need much motivation,lol. I gotta see about getting our bowflex back up.

I know what ya mean Lee. I'm the same as you when it comes to laziness and lack of motivation. I keep telling myself that I don't want to have a heart attack in my 40's though so it's time to get in shape. Having someone to work out with helps ALOT too!! My cousin and I lift weights together and I walk with my mother and cousin when I get the chance. Someone pushing you to do it will help with motivating you. If that is not enough then your well being and overall health should be more than enough to motivate you. My eating habits are hard to change though. We just got rid of all the junk and started buying healthier foods.

[Dirtbmw20]

I just watched a news special on tv yesterday about people UNDER 40 having heart attacks, the one guy they intervied was 39 years old (my exact age) and had already had one massive heart attack, that is scary !!! I am about 50-60 pounds overweight.

[Camo500EFI]

DON"T YOU GO DIEING ON ME LEE!!!! LOL!! Get motivated and start doing what you know needs to be done. It takes three weeks of straight doing something to make it a habit. That includes exercise and eating right.

[Dirtbmw20]

I don't wanna Ed, I even told Amy I had all plans of having the weight off BEFORE I turned 40, but that ain't looking so good, I'll be 40 in about 9 months now, not impossible, but not looking promising, her sister won't be out for another 6-8 weeks so it will be around the first of December before I can get my spare room back and set-up the bowflex machine back up. If 3 weeks is all it takes to make it a habit, then I was in the habit of working out, was only doing it 3 times a week, following the very basic bowflex workout porgram and it was working, I dropped 10 pounds real quick and went from a 46 waist to a 42 waist in less than 3 weeks, haven't worked out in over 9 weeks and my 42 waist is almost too big, I am on the last hole in my belt so I haven't GAINED any of the weight back, I would just love to get back in the habit again, especially with the holidays coming up and the godies my wife will be baking up this year will probally pack those 10 pounds back on.

[Dirtbmw20]

Like I said though, my BIGGEST problem is my diet, if I could change my diet I most likely wouldn't have to excercise, although I know I need to.

[Camo500EFI]

Ship Amy's sister on up my way I could use something different.... What the hell Tims got room ship her to his place..LOL and get back to it. Were all here to help any way we can.

[Mole]

Like I said though, my BIGGEST problem is my diet, if I could change my diet I most likely wouldn't have to excercise, although I know I need to.

Eating better is a BIG part of losing weight BUT exercise is also. Pumping iron, walking, running, riding a bike or whatever you choose to do will just make you feel SO much better mentally and physically. You will have more energy and feel alot better about yourself. I know I do anyways.:)

[Riblet]

Like I said though, my BIGGEST problem is my diet, if I could change my diet I most likely wouldn't have to excercise, although I know I need to.


Well Lee, since you don't like vegatables you should try some form of the Atkins diet. It doesn't have to be be full throttle but if you simply cut back on carbs and complex sugars it will make a difference. You can still eat all of the meat, eggs, and fish that you can handle. Just cut back on the pastas and the breads. It's not the most nutrious diet in th world by any stretch, but if you're not eating vegetables now it couldn't be much worse than what you're doing now. Tara typically goes on this diet after pregnancy or before vactation and it has worked very well for her. Usually I will do it with her because it helps me keep my blood sugar down as well. Let me know if you are interested and I'll have her thorw together a menu or something.

GOTTOYS, try to cut back on the complex sugars as well. That will certainly help you maintain your blood sugar levels.

[Mole]

Cutting out soft drinks and any fried foods will make a huge difference in any diet also.

[Dirtbmw20]

Thanks Ryan, I have thought about the Atkins diet but I would die if I had to quit eating potatos, I could cut out pasta with no problems but man it would kill me not to have a baked potato with my steak and some french bread. I am a meat and potatos guy. I don't hardly EVER drink soft drinks BUT I do drink a dang gallon of sweet tea DAILY so I consume alot of sugar. I honesly think if I could cut my sugar intake back and go back to excercising on my bowflex, I would get back to my normal weight.

Mole, you are absolutely correct, I REMEMBER how much better I felt when I lost all that weight, I slept better, I woke up better, I was in a better mood, less stress, everything was better.

Ed...... the field behind the house is cleared for landing brotha, come get her,lol. Better bring the helicopter though, the field is kinda short for the plane.lol.

[GOTTOYS]

Wow! Thanks to all for the encouragement. Didn't realize that many people in here were thinking along these same lines. I DO feel better and look forward to getting on my bike each day. I tried the Atkins diet 4-5 years ago and lost 55 lbs. but it all came back. I don't think there is a better way than taking it off slowly by eating a balanced diet. I'm even getting to like eating all those veggies. I'll let you all know how I'm doing from time to time. I hope everyone will be seeing "less" of me. Good luck to all....

[CamoRZR]

I just watched a news special on tv yesterday about people UNDER 40 having heart attacks, the one guy they intervied was 39 years old (my exact age) and had already had one massive heart attack, that is scary !!! I am about 50-60 pounds overweight.

They should've interviewed me. I had a major heart attack almost 15 yrs ago at 33yrs old. Stress caused it. I've had trouble with my weight since I almost lost my leg in a motorcycle wreck in 1986. However, I'm tired of being overweight. It's warming up now and I'm going to start walking with light workouts on my BowFlex. I'm also going to start eating better ( somthing I should've already been doing ) and drink more water. Along with a good diet, Water is the key. I had got my weight down to 185 at one time about 8yrs ago, but now I'm back up to 260. I've been almost 280 at my heaviest. I've very determined, because the weight loss is good for my health and will help with my arthritis pain 2.

[Rubberdown]

260 is my cruzing weight, I used to bulk to 270, most I weighed was about 275 but it was a bitch doing stairs LOL, never been a fan of cardio, BUT I plan to start back at the gym and include a mild cardio routine as well.

[silverz98]

great to hear everyone doing this too. iv been over weight my whole life. all ways the fat kid. as to most of u here im scared shit less of heart attacks and what not so what i did cut out all soft drinks and fast food and jsut ate healther. every once in a while ill stil la soft drink lol but i dont drink 4 5 a day like i use too. moslty water now it easy for me ot drink 2+ gallons of water in the summer. sounds like u all skinny compared ot me but i was at 380 or so now im down to 330s, and still going so one day ill get there

[Atomic_Sportsman]

About 5 years ago I weighed in at 248 pounds. Not that bad really bacause I am 6'3". I changed jobs and with in 3 weeks, yes I typed that right, I said 3 weeks, I was down to 206 pounds. Only things I changed where the amount of physical activity I had and I quit drinking soda for a wile. I now stay about 240 pounds but it's a much different 240 pounds than I was before.

[choPppps]

I guess I've been lucky, the heaviest for me is around 197lbs at 6' tall. I've always been fairly active though. Not a gym guy though nor do I like lifting weights. Reminds me of work... used to slug 20,000 lbs (that's right) a day when I worked for a retread facility. Now I am in IT and sit.

I get up at 5:00 am every day to work out. 4 months ago I started on a different workout routine call circular strenght training. Basically it involves full body weight motions, moving in 6 degrees of motion as well as yoga. The best stuff I've done in a while. Down to around 185 to 190 (guessing) and close to being ripped and I'm 48 years old.

As for food, I will eat almost anything out there. My wife and I try to eat 300 different types of food every year. We also have a great herb garden for the summer so everything is nice and fresh. IMO, a big thing for weight is food. Simple math states if you eat this amount of calories, you'll weigh this amount. Some people have health issues that effect this, but I think most can live by it.

I also believe in not setting an end date to lose weight. Change your life style and live by that and the weight will come off. Remember how long it took to gain the weight. I personally thing in takes 5 times as long to remove it.

Good luck.

BTW, even though my weight is fairly good I still have high blood pressure. I take 3 drugs every day to control it. I have a low resting heart rate usually in the 50's, have tried not drinking for 14 months, and exercise regularly. Nothing changes my blood pressure. Just something that is. Also have a heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation that is basically controlled. Such is life, enjoy it!!

Let's ride!!!!!