Doing something about it...

shabbyroad

Hello, great site and great app. The advice I've read over the past few days has inspired me so I'd like to introduce myself and perhaps get some validation of my approach.

I'm 45 years old with a sedentary lifestyle. I now work primarily from home which is a great opportunity to 'do something' about my general fitness and my weight. At 170cm and 80kg I really need to drop 10kg. I see from my 'before' photos the truth is not at all flattering and frankly embarrassing. My goal is to post some 'after' photos and feel good about taking control.

Using the app on my phone I'm tracking calories with a goal of 1550 per day. As I make progress I might try to lower this but for now I'll give myself the opportunity to get into a routine and adjust my lifestyle.
Where I can I am reducing carbs which is easy when I scan the barcodes on packaging and see just how many there are ! That means 1 slice of toast instead of 3...
I'm a vegetarian so it's a little bit challenging and I have to work hard to avoid processed foods.
I like a drink but fortunately I'm not really a beer drinker. I prefer vodka so I'm going to treat myself at the weekends to some vodka drinks over red wine which I'm lead to believe is very high in calories relative to vodka.

Late last year I started the Couch25k running program. I managed to get to 30 minutes of continuous running but hit an injury that wouldn't go away no matter how much rest or physio I used. In an ironic Catch22 situation my gut weight is aggravating vertebrae rubbing a nerve (at least it's not disc trouble). Doctor's advice: lose the weight but don't run. SInce I'm a terrible, terrible swimmer I opted for an exercise bike. The bike has been setup next to my desk here in my home office and it's easy to schedule 30 minutes "me" time.

Three days in I can feel some of the old fitness I was gaining on C25k returning and am able to burn 180 calories in 30 minutes, httting 140bpm+ without killing myself. Recovery is quick and I can get back to work.

I'd like a little bit of feedback on my plan: manage the calories, make sure I reach my 1550 a day and include exercise (I've read about needing my exercise calories). Doing 30 minutes a day monday to friday.
Am I omitting something important?

I'll be visiting regularly to get enouragement :-)

shabbyroad

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