Losing Weight

[Vylrath]

Hi,

I'm a bit overweight (200 pounds) due to a few bad habits throughout my college career (eating poorly and lack of exercise). Since I took a few of the martial arts when I was a kid (Judo and Tae Kwon Do), and they still greatly interest me, I'm hoping that they will help me to lose some weight. As to my diet, do you have any recommendations? Are there any books or web sites you can recommend? I've been basically living off of pizza and soda for the past few years, so I'm not sure what to eat to stay in shape. I've browsed through the forum archives and have gotten a few tips already, like drinking water instead of soda and cutting the carbohydrates. I'm really hoping this will turn my life around!

Thanks for the help!

- Brian

[orion82698]

Awesome! Congrats on taking control of your life. Ask away. I have been on a strict diet for the past 7 1/2 months and have lost almost 70lbs. I have taken my bodyfat from 36% to 15%, and all while keeping my muscle, and bulding a little more. This is very difficult to do, but can be done. It often takes a while longer to achive, but worth it in the end. You too can do this, if you're dedicated and know what you want! It's tough! Changing your lifestyle is more difficult then sitting around and doing nothing with your hands in the chip bag. But.... it will pay off. I promise you!

[Vylrath]

Hi Orion,

Thanks for the kind words. That's awesome that you've been able to change your lifestyle choices. I'm trying really hard to change mine! I've decided the first step is simply not to buy the foods that will get me in trouble. I'm also going to be checking out some dojos as soon as I can get some free time (damned finals).

I'm starting a blog with my martial arts and health updates as well, I think writing will be healthy. I'm also going to keep a log of my weight and body fat so I can see my improvement.

Thanks for the tips!!

- Brian

[Ryokeen]

Those are excellent ideas as far as the blogs and records go. It keeps you encouraged and focused. I wish I was as smart about this as you are when I was trying to lose weight.

I use to weigh close to 160, at 14 going on 15 that was horrible. Trust me not one ounce of it was muscle, except my abs. They have always been in top shape some how.

Anyways it took me 1 year of trying with no success. Then I stumbled upon this and became more focused in my studies. Since I've lost 30 lbs and gain muscle mass. My body fat % went from the 20's to 10%.

I use to be an avid computer gamer.. now I just use it to expand my knowledge in the arts and in tricking. I'm still on a lot, but simply studying. Martial arts helps drastically with the change from pop and pizza to chicken and fish.

Oh but don't get me wrong I still enjoy getting some headshots on Battlefield 2 from time to time.

[orion82698]

Hi Orion,

Thanks for the kind words. That's awesome that you've been able to change your lifestyle choices. I'm trying really hard to change mine! I've decided the first step is simply not to buy the foods that will get me in trouble. I'm also going to be checking out some dojos as soon as I can get some free time (damned finals).

I'm starting a blog with my martial arts and health updates as well, I think writing will be healthy. I'm also going to keep a log of my weight and body fat so I can see my improvement.

Thanks for the tips!!

- Brian

Awesome Brian. Keep up with it. Remember, your mind is the only thing stopping you. You alone can make the change, and you along can prevent it. You need to tell yourself that you don't need those foods. This was a very hard step for me, but I did it. I love M&M's, chocolate, ice cream, taco-bell.... but I have always wanted my entire life to stop wearing size XL, and a size 40inch waist.

Do yourself a favor, take pictures of your weight loss. This way, you can compare them to yourself. Try to do it every 3 weeks. You'll see the difference if you're working hard! I PROMISE YOU!