spectere.net
The Chatterbox => Random Chat => Topic started by: vladgd on July 01, 2020, 08:19:00 AM
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Since recently turning single and whatnot, and thinking of how to make positive of this situation, I figured trying to drop some weight would help.
Before I started I thought I was like 200lbs, and stayed this way for the past...4-5 years. Which is fine for someone of my height, 6'1", but having got a better scale that is actually consistent...215...no wonder I have a gut.
My goal is either 170lbs or no gut, whichever happens first (IIRC I do recall still having a small gut at 170 back when mass effect 3 was out...but I have more muscle since then, so I could probably pull off being heavier now). So...45 lbs...
In the past two weeks I started making small steps. Before I started, I basically ate whatever I want whenever I want, drink whatever I want, candy, junk, alcohol, pizza, with no restrictions. Eat an entire pizza and im full? Is that a bag of oreos next to me? NOMMING THOSE! Gluttony basically. Only thing I am good with is soda, because I got addicted to barely flavored carbonated water to the point where I literally vastly prefer it to soda. So like doing any dietary restriction at all should lose me weight, and so far it has. No pizza, candy, snacks, beer. Being willing to accept dropping weight at a reasonable pace will require me to deal with being hungry, something 6'1" 135lb high school graduate me could do EASILY.
To this day in one week of half assing it, and another week of taking it a bit more seriously, I am down to 204lbs. Goes up and down each day, I was 211 this past thursday, 210 friday, 209 saturday, 208 sunday, 204 monday, but spiked to 207 tuesday (I REALLY WANTED ARBYS AND GUMMY SNAKES (https://www.amazon.com/Haribo-Gummi-Candy-Snakes-ounce/dp/B07J5XXR9G/ref=asc_df_B07J5XXR9G/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241948435198&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=380151704949508610&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058161&hvtargid=pla-606721712574&psc=1)) but trending down, so really gunning for sub 200lbs soon.
A few side notes, I bought a bike (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MBLKF25/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for hopes I can play vidya/watch youtubes while I cardio. I can control my pc with this wired hori ps4 controller I have, so I can pretty easily control youtube from the bike, and I've been able to play persona 4 golden on steam just fine, so it's working out fairly well. Starting slow, as any newbie aughta, but the goal is 30-60 minutes per day on the thing.
Last note, been gradually moving stuff out of the now ex girlfriends place which has recently involved all of my olympic plates. Still need to get my bench and barbell, but when I get everything set back up here I'd like to be lifting again. Starting slow with like...one single lift at a time, and low weight to avoid snap city, but when everything is set back up I intend to start with squats since they basically work 80% of the muscles in the body. More muscle = more weight = MORE FOOD I CAN EAT.
I fully expect to quit any day now, and wouldn't even have bothered to make a post if I didn't make some actual meaningful progress so far. But in the meantime, dropping damn near 1lb a day, and it's not slowing down yet. Curious to see how serious I'll take it before I eventually quit as I have been doing off and on for the past decade. Never dropped 10lbs though, so that's a feat.
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Congrats on your progress so far, and best of luck moving forward!
It's kind of amazing how much the human body adapts to new diets and such. Last time I tried the whole dieting thing I thought it was amazing how sensitive I became to overly sweet/salty foods. After a little while your cravings will definitely start to change, and you'll find it easier to eat Arby's and gummy snakes (and yeah, Haribo gummies are like fucking crack) in moderation. :P
I'm actually trying to get back onto somewhat of a weight loss "program" as well. I should be able to start shedding some initial pounds pretty easily (currently 270lbs…kinda fell off the wagon a few years ago :'(), at least. I have a decent space to play some VR, and I'm clearing out an area in the basement for my trusty Cobalt Flux. I've tried to get out for walks whenever I could, but we're in an awkward rainy/super-duper-humid season now, so that's been a mite difficult in recent days.
Kinda thinking of getting one of those under-desk cycles at some point as well. We'll see.
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Congrats man. God knows I need to eat better. I can understand getting addicted to the flavored carbonated water though. They are pretty good, and I do drink them now and then. In my case though lately I've actually had a pretty noticeable lack of appetite and I'm probably a bit under weight at the moment. I don't have a scale, and the last time I was weighed was nearly 2 years ago, so I mostly track my weight by how tight/loose my pants are.
But yeah, congrats on the progress you've made so far. I hope you manage to stick with things and get the results you're looking for.
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Kinda thinking of getting one of those under-desk cycles at some point as well. We'll see.
Ive been reading those might not be worthwhile, and a waste of time. I got a normal fitting stationary bike, and that's fine more or less, feel like I actually get some decent cardio on the thing. If you want more of a kick back option I've seen recumbent bikes look to be a good option for chilling in front of a screen. I probably should have got one of those instead of what I got...but I'm having a good enough time with it 30 minutes a day (with a day or two off in the week) so far and it's been well.
Congrats man. God knows I need to eat better. I can understand getting addicted to the flavored carbonated water though. They are pretty good, and I do drink them now and then. In my case though lately I've actually had a pretty noticeable lack of appetite and I'm probably a bit under weight at the moment.
I wish I had that problem (again), I find it all too easy to nom down over 2-3k calories in a sitting and wanting more. I also use it as an excuse to spoil myself after a day of work, which when made into a habit, is hard to break. "Ive worked all damn day, I EARNED this" type of mentality. Need to change it to a "I don't have the physique I want, I have to EARN that" style of thinking.
Weight loss has more or less stopped, as I expected a majority of the weight was water, the actual weight of all the food I've been eating, and with less food, means less salt/carbs, meaning even more water loss. So I have been consistently hovering around the 200-202lb range, still down from 215, so I'm not sad. Just might need to change my goals somewhat.
I had been "cheating" a bit more recently because I smashed my hand via a work related accident and thought I broke it, thankfully I didn't and it's getting better fairly rapidly. However I have been noticing, eating like I used to again, I feel like garbage. Like to the point where some of those days I was almost starving myself, I actually felt better...somehow? There's got to be a better balance, and I'm starting to find it, but it'll take a lot of trial and error over the coming months if I can stick to building better habits. Like breakfast I'll do 4 whole eggs, and that'll last me almost my whole working day (from about 9:30am-near 8pm depending on day), and I can just finish the day with some chicken breast and hot sauce and be more or less fine for really low calories. I might add 2 greek yogurts mid shift to stave away any hunger, but those are only about 100 calories a pop, but I think that's a good start. 4 whole eggs might not be the best thing for health nuts(they're very healthy, but maybe not 4 yolks), but compared to what I could be eating, it's as good as I'm willing to do right now.
Current brainstorming since weight loss has stagnated, and going farther means eating less, or exercising more, I'm thinking the latter would be more productive. Already making progress on the stationary bike, 30 minutes does me quite well, and I've noticed the ride is a lot easier after a rest day, so one or two of those a week seems to give me a good boost. If I'm not totally lazy on my days off, I want to clear out a space for my equipment and get my deadlift setup, and just grind deadlift until I'm comfortable with it, before I add any other lifts. I want to keep it simple, easy, and quick, as it gives me the best chance to stick with it and less chance of quitting. 30 minutes cardio, and ONE lift, gradually and slowly add more as I adjust to the workload.
Last note, since I'm easily influenced by the internets...Ive been watching a lot of this channel (https://www.youtube.com/gcn/featured), and now I want a bike bike. The stationary is great, it's doing exactly what I wanted it to...but I noticed I got a trail very close to where i live (https://www.fredmeijerheartlandtrail.org/trail-map), and I could totally go on a few rides a week on that son'b, with maybe a goal of going from one end to the other and back or something if I can get fit enough. PROBLEM...mexican beer crisis = massive bike shortage...local sporting goods store has kids bikes and nothing for adults, online is sold out of a lot of stuff...so I am currently looking for something. I don't know exactly what I need, trail looks paved so maybe a road bike?
Still a work in progress, but going alright so far. Weight stagnation doesn't worry me too much since 200-202lbs at 6'1" isn't that bad, just the lack of muscle on my frame means I got skinny arms and a small gut at that weight, so I gotta do more physical activity methinks. If y'all knows a thing or two about what bikes to look out for or where to obtain one, I'm in the market for something decent and preferable under 1k usd.
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I started a low-sodium diet the other day and already shed a bunch of water weight. I'm tracking nutrition/calories with MyFitnessPal. If anyone wants to add me, I managed to snag "spectere" for my username.
I ended up making the same mistake I always make and went a little too fast into my Beat Saber workout on Saturday evening. My right arm is fine now, but it still hurts to fully extend my left arm. Whoops.
Ive been reading those might not be worthwhile, and a waste of time. I got a normal fitting stationary bike, and that's fine more or less, feel like I actually get some decent cardio on the thing. If you want more of a kick back option I've seen recumbent bikes look to be a good option for chilling in front of a screen. I probably should have got one of those instead of what I got...but I'm having a good enough time with it 30 minutes a day (with a day or two off in the week) so far and it's been well.
I ended up doing some measurements and, yeah, even if the bike worked well and was effective I'd have an issue with legroom.
The only problem with getting a full-sized bike is that I simply don't have the space for it right now. I am planning on getting my own house within the next year, and when I do I have quite a few Plans™, but until then I'm just going to have to make do with what I have (VR + Cobalt Flux—definitely not at the same time—and the streets of Struthers).
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I've gained roughly 70lbs over the last 5 years. Wife and my lifestyle is pretty much shit.
Was always a fat kid/guy nearing 300lbs by the time I was 15. I lost 100lbs my junior year (right about when I met you Ian. DDR played a factor in that). Was a bit of a back and forth but mostly stable over the years until I ruptured 2 discs in my back. Happened almost 4 years ago during a workout. Pretty sure my profile photo here is last time I was consistently working out and eating good. Been pretty much down hill ever since. Was scared to workout for a long time afterwards and now I'm just so out of shape it's intimidating. With no female to impress as my tried and true motivating factor in the past, I've damn near accepted this as me but I know I'm not really happy with myself.
Obviously with my prior weight loss I know what to do and how to do it, I have just been so "comfortable" in my ez pz cavalier do whatever I want eat whatever I want when I want lifestyle, I'm on a crash course in the future.
Also MFP used to be my shit when I was actually keeping track of macros and what not. I'll add you I should just be Zephlar on there.
Need a boot in my ass fellas.
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I ended up getting a boot to the ass when I realized how quickly I was getting tired when I was putting my current desk together, on top of general lower back pain. It also helps that my mental state has improved quite a bit since the beginning of the year (things were shitty before the pandemic, then only got worse) so I've been able to mentally steer myself away from comfort food. Having some minor issues crop up due to a high sodium diet has also been a very serious reminder that I'm not as young as I used to be.
Having a fairly open, stable environment for VR should help. Before if I wanted to play Beat Saber, Pistol Whip, or anything else of that nature I'd have to rearrange my room. Now I just have to boot into Windows, shove my chair aside, strap the headset on, and go.
And yeah, definitely add me on MFP when you get that set up again!
I lost 100lbs my junior year (right about when I met you Ian. DDR played a factor in that)
I honestly didn't realize you were younger than me, haha. I was just starting college around then, and DDR took me from 250lbs to 195 just after I left high school (and I weighed in at 282 last week…ugh). That still stands as the only time someone recognized me IRL from a picture I posted on a forum, y'know. :P
I wish we would have hung out more while you were still up here. I was pretty bad at keeping in touch with people around then (that "oh, I don't want to bother them" mentality, coupled with self-esteem issues) and wish I would have been able to overcome that sooner.
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I honestly didn't realize you were younger than me, haha. I was just starting college around then, and DDR took me from 250lbs to 195 just after I left high school (and I weighed in at 282 last week…ugh). That still stands as the only time someone recognized me IRL from a picture I posted on a forum, y'know. :P
I'm pretty sure I was 19 when we met my senior year or right after graduation. I repeated a grade and have a November bday so I was already older than most of the class before I got held back graduated 2005 at 19. Yeah that was pretty crazy you and Jared were almost like DDR celebrities to me lol I aspired to be that skillful. I had to bar rape everything. Every time I'd go to Southern Park Mall or Camelot I'd hope to run into one of you guys.
I wish we would have hung out more while you were still up here. I was pretty bad at keeping in touch with people around then (that "oh, I don't want to bother them" mentality, coupled with self-esteem issues) and wish I would have been able to overcome that sooner.
That was a really weird time for me too honestly, though I'm sure we would have had some good times. I at least still had a decent D&D group at that time. However I was also just starting to get into partying having sex experimenting with drugs etc around 19-20. Having lost all that weight and feeling confident in myself about it I was actually really getting serious with girls for the first time in my life. Had a 5 years spree of really dumb decisions and finding out who I was as a person. Had some bad friends that were terrible influences I used to hold in high regard just by being a bit naive. I probably wouldn't have been the greatest friend anyway.
Just know if you're ever in Atlanta you got a place to stay. My 330 trips are far and few between anymore but I definitely wanna at least hang out for a bit next time I get up there. I do remember meeting your parents they were super cool folks.
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I'm pretty sure I was 19 when we met my senior year or right after graduation. I repeated a grade and have a November bday so I was already older than most of the class before I got held back graduated 2005 at 19. Yeah that was pretty crazy you and Jared were almost like DDR celebrities to me lol I aspired to be that skillful. I had to bar rape everything. Every time I'd go to Southern Park Mall or Camelot I'd hope to run into one of you guys.
Yeah, I also have a November birthday (the 15th) so I know the feeling. I was older than most of my class and friends.
That was a really weird time for me too honestly, though I'm sure we would have had some good times. I at least still had a decent D&D group at that time. However I was also just starting to get into partying having sex experimenting with drugs etc around 19-20. Having lost all that weight and feeling confident in myself about it I was actually really getting serious with girls for the first time in my life. Had a 5 years spree of really dumb decisions and finding out who I was as a person. Had some bad friends that were terrible influences I used to hold in high regard just by being a bit naive. I probably wouldn't have been the greatest friend anyway.
It's hard to say, and for what it's worth you were fun to be around. I remember your excitement for Oblivion's launch being nothing short of infectious. :) I also seem to remember driving through New Springfield with you on the way to the BVM and having a cop illegally pass us (after tailgating us for a bit) in that stupid 25mph speed trap. Not sure why that moment in particular is sticking with me, lol.
I think in a lot of ways we were all shitty to some degree throughout our late teens and most of our 20s. I'm glad you ended up leaving all of that behind you, though. I've seen what that sort of spiral can do to people and it ain't pretty.
Just know if you're ever in Atlanta you got a place to stay. My 330 trips are far and few between anymore but I definitely wanna at least hang out for a bit next time I get up there. I do remember meeting your parents they were super cool folks.
For sure! Hell, by that point I might even have my own place. Plans ended up getting pushed back a bit due to the pandemic, but I'm kinda hoping to be out of my folk's house in 2021. I could use the extra space, that's for sure.
And yeah, I would really like to start traveling more often. If I'm ever down in the dirty south I'll definitely hit you up.
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I went down the deep end...no saving me now.
"cough" (https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/road/cyclocross/caadx/caadx-105-se)
Ignore the pricetag...I got a discount at the shop I went to, but $200 off a lot is still a lot...ouch.
Probably the single most comfortable bike I have ever experienced in my life (not saying much I haven't ridden in well over a decade), and it's light enough where I can hold the bike out with one arm with minimal effort. TIME TO ACT LIKE A NORMIE AND GET OUTSIDE! Good think I now drive an SUV (ford edge) so that fucker actually fits in my ride.
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Nice! As far as the price goes, there are some cases where quality costs money. I think it's safe to say that bikes are one of those cases, given my experience with both cheap and mid-range cycles.
And yeah, if I wanted to transport a bike inside of a vehicle I wouldn't pick anything smaller than an SUV, haha. I ended up stuffing a bike into the back of my old Saturn SW2 and it barely fit. Roof rack, trailer hitch mount, or bust if you have a station wagon or hatchback, that's for certain.
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(https://i.imgur.com/FX2EOa3.jpg)
Yeah the SUV is JUST big enough to fit the bike...it's a big ass bike, I'm 6'1", not a giant, but large enough to require an XL size bike. My dad (5'10") said he couldn't even get on the damn thing.
That aside, I've lived in this damn town 30 years and never knew this creek existed. WEIRDO DEVIANT ACTING LIKE A NORMIE?! More likely than you think.
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How has the bike been working out? I'm thinking about doing the same now I see a lot of cyclists in my area. Couldn't tell you last time I got on a bike but it seems like a more fun way to get the exercise I need.
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Actually, surprisingly, really well. Tons better than the stationary, only real issue is bugs getting in my face/hair. I think so far I've put over...60+ miles on the thing, maybe more. Wanted to go more on my weekend, but only put about 5 miles due to rain...all..weekend...
That said, going 10 miles on a bike is easier than jogging a mile, so I'm learning more about the advantages of a bike over running that's for sure. Farthest I've gone in one trip so far was about 19 miles, next goal is the next town past that point which would be a 23 mile round trip.
It's fun though, pretty chill and relaxing, while being good cardio. I am usually riding at a "fast" pace for my current fitness, it's not a slow steady ride...as the seat hurts my ass and its less painful to GO FAST LIKE SANIC than it is to be a turtle, which is good since I'm doing cardio not relax sleepy time cycling. But if I get tired, I do rest for a minute or two, and it's usually good enough to refresh my legs for another few miles. Doing quick math, I determined I do roughly 14.5miles/hour, which is alright for a beginner, but kinda slow for a real bike rider. Good to get numbers because I can track progress as my fitness gets better.
Current routine is work 9am-7pm, get out to the trail (2-3 minute drive from work), get the bike out, and go out 3.5 miles and back, for a 7 mile round trip, takes me 30 minutes in total. That was last week, this week I wanted more miles, so today I went out 5.5 miles, for an 11 mile round trip, and that took about 45 minutes, which I think is plenty fine enough for an after work ride. So assuming I go every day after work, that's 55 miles from work days alone. Longer rides on weekends (assuming good weather, I've been getting rained on the last two weekends) because I have the time. But it's cool, at least as of now, I actually look forward to it after work, and that's probably the most important thing to find in exercise, something you actually enjoy. YMMV of course, don't blow $1500 on a bike on a whim like I did(even tho its a great bike), go for something a bit less insane incase you aren't into it. It's 1000 times more enjoyable than jogging, and a lot more accessible than swimming, way more effective cardio than walking, give it a shot.
(http://i.imgur.com/zkgChuJ.jpg)
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I think it's safe to say that I shed all of that pesky water weight and pissed away all of that excess sodium. I've been less thirsty lately and shed around 20 pounds (~9kg) (!!) in about a month while maintaining an average daily calorie intake of ~1300-1500. Yeah, I miiiiiight have had a pretty high sodium diet before I started this. Within the last week I ended up dropping a far more reasonable 2 pounds (0.9kg) without really changing anything, which is a pretty healthy pace from what I've read.
I've also been drinking far less soda, and have largely switched from regularly drinking Monster to plain ol' coffee and tea. I'm sure that's helped quite a bit as well.
So far, I went from 282 lbs (~128kg) to 261.8 lbs (~119kg). Not bad.
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Fuckin grats man, just try and find something sustainable and if possible enjoyable. A lot of the little changes end up adding up, say you have your 220 calorie monster every day...and change it to even say a lo carb monster, that's 220 calories, to 30(still very high in sodium despite the calories), a savings of 180, which you could either use to eat more food, or just lose weight. One lb of fat is like ~3800 calories, so if you do that for a little while, weight loss is inevitable. Keeping consistent is a total bitch though, if I drop off and give myself some leeway...I just take it all. Especially when life stuff or stress or work gets in the way, I make excuses all day to binge on this or that. That self discipline is hard to stick to for any meaningful amount of time.
Personally I kinda...been...slacking very hard on the diet...hovering around 204-205, as low as 202, so not bad at all, but hardly the 190 I wanted to be at. I wonder if I was just making excuses with the cycling I've been doing, when I read a very VERY true statement on the cycling reddit "weight loss is done with the fork, not with the bike", which is a good thing to remember. A great workout won't make up for a shit diet.
Diet aside, I biked probably over 100 miles on this two wheeled machine I purchased, and it's getting easier...like I think I should be going farther than 11mi/day...progress! Lost gains on the diet, weight currently stagnated, but can still make fitness progress. Things I need next, proper athletic glasses (for the bugs that ram their corpses into my eyes) and...ned flanders tier cycling shorts...bike seats aren't really that comfortable yo...
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Thanks! It's been going really well so far. I've still been getting food that I enjoy, just far less often than before. I've also been making small cuts here and there, like only eating two sushi rolls instead of three, limiting high sodium meals (subs, mainly) to once or twice a week, stuff like that.
I've been wanting to cut back on Monster for a while, mostly because it's been negatively affecting my sleep patterns. Coffee doesn't have as much of an effect on me, probably because it lacks the myriad of other things that energy drinks typically have. Plus, I tend to enjoy the taste of energy drinks (Monster and Red Bull, at least). Consuming anything habitually generally makes it less impactful and enjoyable, in my experience.
As far as your progress goes, one thing to consider is that you're probably losing body fat but gaining muscle mass at this point, especially with that many miles logged. That happened to me when I first started playing DDR—I got really skinny and dropped a ton of weight, but then my legs and arms ended up getting more muscular from stomping/barring and I gained some weight. I imagine that'll start to plateau soon and you'll start seeing losses again. I can't imagine you're gaining body fat unless you're really going overboard with the calories, though if your sodium intake is high you may be retaining too much water. I dunno, depends on how much you sweat, I guess.
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Well uhh I mean, diet wise, I've not exactly been sticking to plan. So after my weight stagnated I said fuck it, and I haven't really gained all that much, so...it's alright for now. Portioning less is pretty good though, still have what you want, but...less. INSTEAD OF AN ENTIRE LARGE PIZZA...maybe half a medium pizza? Still bad, but, better than the alternative. On pizza though, that's one of those things that's kind of impossible to moderate, just too many damn calories.
I do think with my diet still being shit, the thing that's keeping me from ballooning back right away is snacking. Removing snacks entirely, or drastically reducing them, I think thats where most of my progress is at. It's not hard to have more than an entire meals worth of calories just in random snacks throughout the day, for me anyway. My method to curbing it, stop buying it, if I don't have it, I'm not eating it.
And the biking...probably helping? The past 7 days I biked 11, 11, 11, 11, 16, 16, 16 miles...which is...uhh, 92 miles. NOT TOO BAD FOR AN OUT OF SHAPE BEGINNER, probably? The thing preventing me from going farther is the saddle...so just 10 seconds ago before I finish even typing this I impulse ordered some proper cycling shorts to wear under my normal skinny jeans (for modesty, idk how men specifically can rock those out and about) and see if that helps any.
Tomorrow I might rest the legs for a day or two till these shorts arrive, but it's nice. Pop a podcast on the phone, wireless headphones, it's good podcast time while being outside and whatnot.
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Yeah, cutting snacks have been a big thing for me, too. I've been occasionally partaking in baked potato chips (Baked Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream and Baked Lay's Sour Cream & Onion have been my go-tos lately).
It's pretty tough when you eat out. Even in cases where things seem like they'd be healthy (subs, etc) they tend to more than make up for it with sodium content. As an example, just one medium Italian sub from Jersey Mike's contains an entire day's worth of sodium. It's kind of nuts, honestly.
Honestly, though, if you're biking that many miles daily you're probably shedding most of those "excess" calories and sodium (through sweat). I know someone took on body building as a hobby and averaged 4000 daily calories, simply because his body straight up needed that many.
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Ohh sodium...I've been having a lot recently...2 energy drinks and a sports drink per day ON TOP of just garbage, candy pizza whatever. Ohh and alcohol...alcohol...yeah...let's just not go there. Gonna tone things back down to black coffee and eggs and whatnot this next week and see what happens. Let the binging go on too long, lol.
As for building muscle, I don't think cycling is that great for that goal. Look at a lot of top end cyclists, they are lean, but...yknow, lanky, lean. More muscle = more food you can eat and maintain weight, so ADDING some lifting would probably be a good idea...which is what I thought a few days ago when I ordered a hex bar. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083R587DL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) That aughta arrive later in the week, going to ONLY do deadlift to start, and if I can stick with it, add other stuff. I do have a standard olympic bar, but hex bar seems safer for my back on deadlift.
Still biking most every day. I think that I can work a 10 hour shift, and do a ~70 minute bike ride after, get home, and not seeing it as work, helps me keep doing it. If I don't see it as hard work, I can keep doing it. Like it doesn't feel like an "accomplishment" to ride 16 miles after work, it just feels like a good way to unwind after work and enjoy a podcast and some fresh air, while working up a good sweat.
*edit*
Barely made it before dark, first milestone complete, 30 miles. Now my neck hurts, need a break.
(https://i.imgur.com/cceq5JB.jpg)
Man the graphics in this vidya I started playing called "get off your lazy ass and go outside" are really good. This is literally the bumfuck middle of nowhere, and it looks gorgeous.
*edit*
Let's see, got these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WSBYKT2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)to try out for the next ride. I am not new to compression shorts since I wear these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0746C539B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) in place of boxer briefs. Womens because no "male front panel" which just never was comfortable to me. But I somehow feel the cycling shorts are less worksafe than my standard compression shorts, no idea how people can feel comfortable in public with those...but I'll see how they preform under shorts.
While on the deep end, hearing nothing but raving on bibshorts...so ordered these (https://www.theblackbibs.com/shop/the-black-bibs-plus), in for a penny in for a pound I guess. Not going to go ALL OUT with full spandex(I don't see a need to replace a standard t shirt), but after doing 30 miles with no ass protection, it's a good idea to invest in some.
*edit*
Kinda doing a little every day so may as well keep track of my thoughts. Compression shorts UNDER cycling shorts, slightly more modest, quite nice under jeans. If I am bold enough, may attempt them on tomorrows ride without jeans covering things up.
Slowly playing around with hex bar dead-lifts, don't wanna agitate ye old bad back, but I got 180 on there and it's enough to finish my legs off for the night I tell ya. Much more comfortable than conventional deadlift.
*edit*
not sure if I should change name of this thread to "fitness" or something because I'll be real, drinking an entire bottle of wine, having had dominos, and "several" bags of gummies, kinda not giving a shit about weight loss atm...(even though...somehow, im not really gaining weight)
It's weird, because typically when I do this "fitness" shit I want results, and I fucking want em now, and im always disappointed. But knowing I eat like a garbage disposal, and...ACTUALLY ENJOYING cycling, I just want to keep doing it to get better at it. Really weird turn, but, probably good? I mean, the gut HAS gone down, and my legs are starting to look pretty good..so it's small, but the mirror gains are real.
Last bit of this edit, after I got over the really awkward feeling of wearing cycling shorts...in public...like basically feeling naked from the waist down...aint nobody gives a shit, expected, but weird. Less restrictive on the bike, overall more comfortable. Sure I look like a dork, but who honestly cares, it's fun.
*edit*
(https://i.imgur.com/zsWvFjA.png)
Feeling not that awkward at all in cycling shorts now, compression shorts underneath, and im aight.
Also holy shit, I may be the most fit I have ever been in my entire life. 36.52 miles round trip, DAMN NEAR 60km, in about 2.5 hours which is 14.6mp/h. Not speedy, but not slow either. This is uhh "cough" after working 9 hours of being on my feet "cough" by the way.
Definitely not enough daylight to get that done after work, last 2-3 miles was getting PRETTY DARK...so I think I'll stop pushing distance now and work on speed/consistency.
*ever more edits more I say*
Let's see. Last sunday, 36, monday, off, tuesday 16, wed, 16, thu, 16, fri, 16, sat, off, sun (today), 36.
Sun-Sun = 136 miles, 100 if you wanna omit last sunday for a 7 day number. I really think for real this time im cutting back, getting off work early to bike 36 miles to get back before it's pitch dark, as it's slowly turning fall and the sun sets earlier and earlier...not too viable. 2 off days, and 5x 16 mile days seems workable for now, tho may cut that back as the daylight becomes an issue.
In august, I have biked...quite a lot more miles than I have drove...
wat
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Before I started I thought I was like 200lbs, and stayed this way for the past...4-5 years. Which is fine for someone of my height, 6'1", but having got a better scale that is actually consistent...215...no wonder I have a gut.
I am by no means "done", still miles of work to do, but after work yesterday...
(https://i.imgur.com/GocLzuC.jpeg)
Excuse my "just got off a 10 hour shift gross man feet", but uhh, goddamn. I plateaued at 199 at my LOWEST, added cycling...started eating more junk...drinking too much, energy drinks again, hovering around 203-204. Cut all that shit again over only a few days, weight just evaporated. 190 looking somewhat achievable. Less cycling due to temp AND daylight dropping rapidly is a concern, need proper cycling "tights" instead of "shorts" now, warmer top probably gloves, even in the mid 40's/50's this evening...could barely feel my hands/arms with the breeze I got...in cycling shorts and a t shirt...
Mirror gains starting to get real, stomach is much MUCH more flat than when I started. I think I went down from a gut, to having a belly, it's a step in the right direction for personal appearance gains. And on personal appearance stuff...I'd been thinking about err, doing this... (https://spectere.net/forums/index.php/topic,1928.0.html)again... I got the money to do it now, but current world situation + I get stressed out and anxious just THINKING about it, it's non trivial to just "get done". So yeah, hopefully I can get that done. Actually pretty embarrassing to talk about, probably telling close to nobody irl about it if im going to be honest, but gotta vent it somewhere.
That weirdness out of the way, I think I did most of what I wanted to do out of this thread AS IS. Cycling over 500 miles and losing 20lbs, going down a belt notch and seeing a visible change in my stomach, not to stroke my ego, but I think I get at least one pat on the shoulder. But more work to be done, next on the list is 190lbs, working on deadlift, eat healthier (currently just "eat less" to drop lbs, but eating healthier would allow me to be less hungry while doing that).
/blog
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I've decided to try out this keto diet thing. Seems odd, but when I read up about it, it made sense. We will see what happens. Just gotta make sure Im eating the right stuff.
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I know someone who lost a lot of weight on a fairly strict keto diet. From what I've read it's harder to stick with it than most other diets, but the end result seems to be worth it.
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It's effective, but damn if it's hard to stick to. I think I barely lasted a week when I tried it. I don't think it's a diet people tend to stick with for the long term, more of a tool to kickstart whatever goal one is trying to hit. I like carbs too damn much though.
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It's cold out, but the snow is gone...trail is still blocked off tho.
(https://i.imgur.com/4KPQErZ.jpg)
At least I look fab in these (https://www.probikekit.com/sports-trousers/sportful-fiandre-norain-team-bib-tights/12461951.html), and despite being ned flanders levels of form fitting, they're warmer than the hoodie I'm wearing on top. Now for this path to open so I can start going more than 5-6 miles from my house.
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(https://i.imgur.com/F4doGsT.png)
x2 (have to ride back home) = 21 miles/~34 rest of the world units
After a shit week and a shit day at work yesterday (well a great day just an annoying end), fantastic weather today, was going to go half the distance but felt good enough to get to the next town over. On top of that ran into an old friend part of the way through and had a good conversation, good times. Rain all week but looks clear tomorrow, so if the legs feel good, it'll be round 2 tomorrow. It's good podcast time being on the bike, anyone listen to JJ reddick? (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPY1Efha9VPRBYW2x1M16A)
*edit*
So with some new found "motivation", aka, girl doesn't give a flying fuck but I still do, I got back down to 195...for a few minutes before finally eating. Still, CAN fit into medium shirts again, will try to keep this up.
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...will try to keep this up.
So like all the other times, I didn't. In fact with my hiatus from work and taking it easy in general this year...I have reached my heaviest weight ever, 225lbs.
Always told myself if I started to get fat, I was going to do something about it, so I guess this is an attempt at that. Normally when I go without food for a while my torso gets somewhat thin, but this time it's like I feel bloaty all the time, even with a nearly day long fast. Think my body is telling me that I am no longer young enough to get away with eating trash all day, low activity level, and beers beers beers.
...and with my last relationship recently ended(mutual, we're still on good terms, yay for being adults I guess), I need a positive goal to work on right now. Pretty much what sparked my weight loss journey the last time, so may as well make the best out of an unfortunate situation.
GOAL WEIGHT 185lbs. Updating when I can motivate myself to make any progress.
*edit*
So...some progress > no progress? If I really tried I would be farther on, but yknow how it be.
Currently sitting at 216lbs. I'd wager most of that is just water weight, but my pants noticeably fit better now so it doesn't only reflect on the scale.
Doing bike riding when I can, although way less than I should. Half ass lifting when I can, going to try and step it up tomorrow.
And uhh half ass dieting to be honest. I bought an air fryer, and it's great for chicken and fish and whatnot. I don't know how people hit 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight, but I'm just trying to hit ~100grams protein a day, and I think I fail most days. Breakfast is 4 eggs, during the day I'll have a greek yogurt with grapenuts added. Lunch I try and skip, using protein shake throughout the lunch/dinner time to keep the hunger away. Dinner I try to have meat of some kind, usually the less healthy option...for now...but yknow, baby steps. It's not too bad so far, eggs at 9am keeps me satiated till at least 3-4 pm, and the shake can curb that till easily 7ish.
Cutting alcohol too, from 3+ drinks...every...day...to like ~1 every 2 days. That probably helps more than I think it does.
PROGRESS? It'll feel better when I'm under 200lbs, again.
*edit*
212lbs, my jeans fit really good now. Did have a beer yesterday, but it's one of these (https://bellsbeer.com/beers/light-hearted-ale/), 3.7% abv, 110 calories, pretty guilt free imo. It ain't two hearted, but it's a good enough compromise until I can hit my current goal of I guess 200lbs.
The hardest part so far is that my appetite isn't what I think it is. If I eat the right stuff, I don't need a lot in the day. The hard part is that I think about food every hour of every day more or less, and I always want a snack or the next thing. Wanting doesn't mean needing, and wanting to eat doesn't mean hungry, and hungry can be pushed back an hour to keep me satiated longer.
tl;dr
so far so good, taking it day by day.