Hello!

unsuspectingfish

I finally decided to introduce myself, here.

I'm Jaq. I'm 25, 5' 8", and currently weigh 278.

I actually didn't know my weight when I originally joined. I only knew I'd been getting sick a lot, recently, and I wanted that to stop, so I decided to get healthy. I've completely altered my diet, not only in quantity but also in quality. I'm now eating a pescetarian diet, which, for those not in the know, is like a vegetarian diet, but with the addition of fish (and other marine life, but I'm mostly sticking with fish, because, though bottom-feeders are tasty, they're still bottom-feeders). I'm also still eating dairy and eggs, but in extreme moderation compared to what I used to eat. I had to rejigger the whole thing a few times over the first week, but I think I've found a good balance, now, and I'm starting to feel a LOT better.

Of course, part of that is also probably the exercise. I'm trying (and mostly succeeding) to work out at least 30 minutes a day, plus I walk the 10 blocks to work (uphill, rain or shine). I'm also attempting to take up yoga, which is more intense than I expected (I didn't know I had half those muscles). Eventually, I'm also hoping to take up krav maga, both for fitness and practical defense, though I can't yet afford the actual classes. It's going to be book-learning only for awhile.

Anyway, now that I've rambled for a bit, I really want to stick with this. I rather like feeling good, and I'm tired of all the restrictions I've had to put on myself throughout my life because of my weight. I haven't been under 200 since high school, but I intend to change that, and I intend to stay under.

Kanzaki3

I think you made a great lifestyle change. I'm eliminating all red meat from my diet. It's hard to avoid red meat when everyone around you is eating it. However, I know better and have so far been off of it. Finding a good workout is important. You want to choose something fun that you can stick with. I tried yoga one time but did not really like it. So, I went and bought several cardio DVDs. I found that I really enjoyed them and spent a lot more money on DVDs than I wanted to. It's all worth it though. I find pleasure in working up a good amount of sweat. If I'm sweating buckets and I'm laying on the floor exhausted, then I know I did something right. Good luck to you!

228lrt

Good Luck! Just stick with it. I eat a lot of fish, but do eat some red meat. The key for me has been keeping my diet high protein, low carbohydrate and being honest with the quantities that I eat. I am 67 and feel like I am still 49. I live in Colorado and am currently planning to run the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day. I tried yoga, and may go back to it sometime but for now just a traditional work out program has worked for me. I try to run/walk every day and weights 3 times a week. Keep at it-it is fantastic that you are beginning this journey.

unsuspectingfish

Thanks for the replies, guys!

What attracts me to yoga is the potential of regaining some of the flexibility I once had. I mean, I'm still pretty flexible, but not like what I used to be. I'm definitely trying to balance it with a good cardio workout, though.