Turning 40 was a _____. Upping cal intake = A++ for me

tobafa

I just wanted to share my story should anyone be going through what I experienced. I had been pretty active most of my adult life but an injury derailed my progress. To sum it up, I had been going to Jiu Jitsu clasess for a while then one session I had an ache in my neck and shoulder the next day. That ache didn't go away and got worse. My doctor said I had a degenerative spinal disease and if I continued, I could likely end up partially, if not fully, paralyzed. It scared me pretty bad and I backed off everything until I could get a handle on it. After 6 mos of inactivity (resting/recovering) I turned 40. During that time I gained weight as expected so I thought I'd get back into the gym and to get back on track quickly, I cut my calories to about 1200 - 1300 per day.

I hit the gym and ate little and soon I'd be back on track right? I thought this way because it worked in the past after recovering from a Judo injury so why not now? Well six months later and 25 lbs heavier, I was stronger in one way and weaker in others. I eventually saw a doctor that specializes in nutrition first, drugs (if needed) later. He said I was taking in the calories of a 12 year old and had put my body in perpetual starvation mode. I know, collective "yeah, duh" is in order but I had convinced myself I could live like I was in my 20's and even 30's. Nope. I have since changed my diet totally and see great results in gym energy wise and my clothes, after only one week of doing it right, are fitting better. I hope this helps someone out there needing a "well, duh" moment.

ladyraven68

I just wanted to share my story should anyone be going through what I experienced. I had been pretty active most of my adult life but an injury derailed my progress. To sum it up, I had been going to Jiu Jitsu clasess for a while then one session I had an ache in my neck and shoulder the next day. That ache didn't go away and got worse. My doctor said I had a degenerative spinal disease and if I continued, I could likely end up partially, if not fully, paralyzed. It scared me pretty bad and I backed off everything until I could get a handle on it. After 6 mos of inactivity (resting/recovering) I turned 40. During that time I gained weight as expected so I thought I'd get back into the gym and to get back on track quickly, I cut my calories to about 1200 - 1300 per day.

I hit the gym and ate little and soon I'd be back on track right? I thought this way because it worked in the past after recovering from a Judo injury so why not now? Well six months later and 25 lbs heavier, I was stronger in one way and weaker in others. I eventually saw a doctor that specializes in nutrition first, drugs (if needed) later. He said I was taking in the calories of a 12 year old and had put my body in perpetual starvation mode. I know, collective "yeah, duh" is in order but I had convinced myself I could live like I was in my 20's and even 30's. Nope. I have since changed my diet totally and see great results in gym energy wise and my clothes, after only one week of doing it right, are fitting better. I hope this helps someone out there needing a "well, duh" moment.

Well, unfortunately we can't do anything about turning 40

But well done on the turn around in your diet and energy levels.