"Put Down The FN Donuts!" (A Journey of Getting Healthy)

[Chitown]

I hope you aren't planning your cheat day already

@LightHouse,

LOL!!!!!! No, sir!

 

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[Chitown]

I am proud of you Tony. Losing the weight you want, is a lot easier than your mind is telling you. Start small with committed changes, and work your way up. None of it has to be painful and uncomfortable.

@LightHouse,

Thanks, Chris. Means a lot. We've had some great conversations that always leave me with some "meat on head" - as Southern black folk are known to say.

 

[Chitown]

Edit also for clarity (nod to the @biophase KSB method) you want to get down 53lbs in 276 days from today. That is roughly losing 5.76lbs a month, So call it 6lbs every 31 days from today. Also seen as 1.5 lbs a week if it happened on schedule (we know weight loss happens in stages).

@LightHouse,

I will purchase a new scale tomorrow morning. I'll post that weight number when I have it.

 

[Philip Marlowe]

It's embarrassing to say, but between @Raoul Duke, me, and @Chitown we probably have a collective 200lbs to lose. I could lose 80 lbs myself. Imagine waking-up and putting-on an 80 lb pack every day, all day. Imagine how nice it would be to not do that!?

And it's more than just the weight. If you've never been heavy, it creeps into every part of your life. Clothes become more expensive or hard to find. Your partner can't sleep because of your epic snoring.

Some of us (me) even thought being "big" was cool. For awhile, I actually thought I was in shape! Bench 315 for reps - yup! Run on a treadmill for 5 minutes - nope!

I hope to barely recognize you guys next year.

If we can't control the shit we put in our mouths, how do we realistically expect to grow a business? Or conversely, if you've somehow manage to create a thriving business, why can't you put down the donuts?

I could probably not eat for 5 days and live and yet I don't eat a meal and think I might die or lose muscle or some other bullshit thing I tell myself to justify eating bad food.

Damn this shit gets me fired-up.

Had a good week of travel. Lots of walking and kept it healthy. Need to weigh myself tomorrow.

-PM

 

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[teebs]

Well, here we are three weeks removed from the end of the Meetup and I'm just getting around to responding to the gauntlet thrown down by @LightHouse during his brief address to the Summit attendees.

He gently admonished us to not treat the Meetup as a "tips, tactics and tricks" conference but, rather, as an informal, quality networking opportunity that should be exploited - and I mean that in the best sense of the word - to its fullest capacity. (As an aside, via a special guest appearance, @Vigilante, did the same)

He also encouraged us to start execution/progress threads based on our experience that wonderful weekend and, as a nod to my presentation, mine will concentrate on weight loss. Specifically, my own.

At 5'8, 223 lbs I am overweight. Things need to change - quickly - but, of course, won't happen overnight. That is why I have given myself a target date: December 10, 2018

My birthday. A day when the proverbial "suit" such days are known for should be in good working order and bedroom-ready. My target weight is 170-175 lbs with bodyfat at 10%. I wanted to return to muy thai ( I studied a bit years ago but not long enough to call myself a practitioner, by any stretch) but my cardiologist ixnayed that choice. He said my bllod pressure was too high.

Walking was recommended. I sulked. "Walking? Boring-a$$ s--t! How about Power Yoga?" Yoga was allowed. Thank goodness. Walking is great but I prefer a really active exercise routine. Which brings me to yoga. Not the most active exercise. However, for any people, especially the fellas, who think yoga is a little soft for them?

Disavow yourself of that opinion swiftly. Yoga will kick your keister! And clear your mind, which I need if 2018 is the year I anticipate it to be.

I don't know which form this progress thread will take but I'd like share videos, pictures, recipes and whatever else you folks might find interesting.

And there is another very special reason I want to start this thread.

@Philip Marlowe approached me as hotel staff were breaking down our meeting room. He took to heart what I'd said during my presentation about my health and wanted to stress the importance of optimal fitness. I didn't know him outside of his posts on the forum but the fact that he felt compelled to speak with me about the issue was humbling.

And appreciated. 'Til the next post...

Hello Teebs here, just wanted to give you some of my insight. I have started a program by Dr. Steven Gundry, from the book "The Plant Paradox" It's quite a long read but it goes deep in depth about how and what you should be eating and doing to get and be healthy, it also has very extensive Food Charts, Recipe's, and meal plans. I started it two and a half weeks ago and have lost 6.2 lbs. and I am really starting to feel really good, more energetic, sleeping better, etc., etc., etc.,... You can find the book at Amazon, Ebay, maybe a store near you.. If your serious and really want to lose weight and just all around feel better give it a read and follow it..
Teebs

 

[Chitown]

my man @Chitown

I know we are all different and will do/like different things. But I wanted to at least tell you some of my story too and what helped me.

Diabetes and cancer runs in my family. So does overweight and heart conditions.

I'm about the same height as you and I got up to about 310lbs before I really took sh*t seriously.

I guess I don't have to talk about age either, but you know once you hit 40's things start to change and get harder.

So here I was at 39 and 310lbs facing pre-diabetes and possible cancer/heart conditions too.

I decided to put down the damn donuts, literally.

While I didn't do this on purpose, I transformed into the intermittent fasting daily life. Not really because of my weight, but time management.

I would get up at 8am, go straight to work and not think about food for hours. I'm talking about like 4pm. I was just too busy and focused to care about anything else but work. Yeah, this is unhealthy too kinda.. but it's what got it working for me.

I'd eat whatever I want ( within reason ) and changed from Dr. Pepper to water and then get back to work and maybe eat again around 8pm too as a snack.

Then I went to bed and rinse/repeated. I got to the point that after months of this I just got use to eating 1x a day and the meal isnt even that big. I eat my wings and fries, steak and chicken, shrimp and lobster, etc....

I got down to 230lbs in less than 9 months. Maybe faster, i didn't really count but it was quick.

I still have a while to go and I did NO exercise at all.

Maybe you love to eat ( I know I do ) so this might be hard to pull off. Or maybe you want to exercise ( which is good! ). Just know you can pull this off by watching what goes in your mouth like @MJ DeMarco said.

I'm going to join the challenge with you to get under 200lbs by your birthday too.

Anyone else up for it?

.

@eliquid,

Big ups for joining the challenge!

I know what you mean with regards to eating habits although, I must admit, I don't know much about intermittent fasting. I have to do some reading in that area. All the ailments you mentioned run in my family, also - diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, etc. My mom and her sisters being Southern - Arkansas - they brought their old farm diet with them when they moved to Chicago in the 1960's.

Scrambled eggs w/cheese, crispy bacon, biscuits, orange juice, fried chicken and fish, macaroni & cheese, peach cobblers, caramel cakes, homemade ice cream, etc. Yes, sir, I love to eat. But devouring that grub at the crack of dawn on a working farm is completely different from consuming it in Chicago right before you hop on the train and head to work.

In my current job I've been more disciplined about taking my food with me to eat at some point. I know what's in it, for starters, and it tastes good. There have been nights when I've sat up waiting for a client to finish their business and I'll have already scarfed down a Jersey Mike Turkey & Provolone, A Double-Double from In-N-Out Burger, a couple of pizza slices and copious amounts of fruit juice.

Too much sodium, processed food and sugar. The cardiologist told me I was pre-diabetic, also. Talk about a wake up call.

I'm glad you found a way to make everything work for you, Jason. Let's keep it going!

 

[Chitown]

I'm sure I can speak for everyone, but it would be great if we can get another 45-55 years of true stories!

@MJ DeMarco,

LOL!!!

Here's one...true story...

Idris Elba was one of my chauffeured transportation clients for a couple of years. One night we're out in Malibu, because he was chilling out at Sean Penn's house. It had been a long day. I'm sitting in the SUV out front, it's dark as hell and I was hungry as a mickey-fickey. I called Idris to let him know I was going to grab what else? A burger from Jack in the Box. there's another true story related to that burger joint but I digress.

Idris said he'd speak with Sean about my eating what they had in the house. He hung up and 5 minutes later Sean Penn is at my driver side window, inviting me into his home. He apologizes for not having anymore chicken but says he has steak. Ribeye to be exact. He didn't have to ask me twice. I sat at his dining room table and enjoyed that steak. What a delicious meal, prepared by a gracious host.

True story.

 

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[Chitown]

I started it two and a half weeks ago and have lost 6.2 lbs. and I am really starting to feel really good, more energetic, sleeping better, etc., etc., etc.,...

@teebs,

A huge congratulations on all this! Thanks for the book recommendation, also. I have a ton of reading ahead of me. Good thing I love to read.

 

[Chitown]

1. Don't check the scale every day. Remember it is about the process and not the event. Checking on specific days throughout the month (2 week periods are a good timeframe), and just stick to the diet and adjust accordingly.

@TKDTyler,

Thanks for this. I planned to check once a month but I like your idea better.

 

[Chitown]

2a. Cheat meals are okay. Cheat Days are not. Balance is important, and there is no reason to cut out some of the things you love - just take them in moderation rather than gluttony. Regarding cheat meals, it is about the taste, not the quantity. Enjoy it for what it is, but limit overindulging. Typically I would recommend 2 cheat meals a week if you are active with daily workouts, 1 if you are not.

@TKDTyler,

Back in the day - 15 or 16 years ago - my cheat days were hedonistic. Saturday. Friday, really, at midnight. A pint of Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Caramel and Fudge Ice Cream. Go to sleep. Breakfast was 3 eggs w/cheese, 4 strips of crispy piggy, home fries as big as my fist and so much orange juice that were I to race the Road Runner I'd make him look like a sleepwalker. Good eatin'. And then there was lunch...

A beautiful sausage and pepperoni pizza. Sometimes medium, sometimes large. It depended on my mood.

But it got to the point that I found none of that stuff exciting anymore and lost my taste for it. I would do one cheat meal on Satur morning or afternoon but eat clean with the other meals.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

Interesting to see all the advice come piling in when someone says "I need to lose weight."

And the interesting thing is, all of it is valid and contains truths.

Maybe we can get an "oxygen bar" next year that pumps in smells of coffee

Sure, for the nice low price of $2,000 per 1 min of oxygen flow, the current cost the casino will surely charge.

 

[JordanK]

Probably not applicable for 99% of people here on the forum but I have had issues going the other way with weight. I'm 20 years old, 6ft 4 and used to weigh only 140lbs four months ago. I was playing soccer seven times a week, not going to the gym and frankly not eating enough. I was a cardio machine.

After having a lot of business success towards the end of 2017 (Relative to where I was before) I decided I wanted to apply the same principles that were driving my business progress into my fitness regime. The principles were consistent action every single day (3-4 tasks) that had the ability to compound over long periods of time.. like for example making sure to apply to at least one new potential contract each day or calling up one existing client to see if they had any new work. Also I would do 1 daily task that had the potential to move me forward exponentially (Facebook posts, website building, brand building etc). I also had a business accountability group with a number of dudes who are all interested in helping each other move forward. I posted weekly updates of my goals and progress for 5 months straight and it transformed my life.

*** Look Up Andy Frisella - MFCEO Podcast 'Win The Day' for more info on this type of accountability ***
(I don't benefit in any way from promoting his podcast)

Going back to fitness.. I signed up for the gym about six months ago and saw no progress in the first two months due to my small frame. Four months ago I changed up my diet.. reduced my cardio from soccer to 2-3 times a week maximum and got one of the business dudes to call me a 'skinny *****' in our group almost every morning. Since then I have put on 20lbs and I have gotten noticeably bigger and stronger from consistently going to the gym and eating enough food. It's now become a way of life I don't think I could ever go back to how I was before. Mentally I feel so much sharper and I feel much more confident within my own skin.

Hope I can help another skinny dude who's out there struggling.

 

[Vigilante]

Damn it I am on the fence.

Afraid to commit.

Because once I commit, there is zero chance I am going to let you people down.

#PrideComesBeforeTheFat

You people could help me by stopping bumping this thread.

 

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[LightHouse]

Afraid to commit.

What the F*ck..... are you going to do it or not?

Probably not applicable for 99% of people here on the forum but I have had issues going the other way with weight. I'm 20 years old, 6ft 4 and used to weigh only 140lbs four months ago. I was playing soccer seven times a week, not going to the gym and frankly not eating enough. I was a cardio machine.

This was my situation years ago, I was 140 @ 5'11" (soft). I put on 27lbs and was at roughly 10%BF in 3 months. The difference between my progress and most, is that when i committed it became my religion. There literally was no choice for me in my head.

Now a days I am still at the right weight, but just not fit. So I just buy smaller shirts now and people still ask if i work out.... skills!

 

[WestCoast]

@Chitown - congrats on the life decision.


Honestly, I see these things as extremely binary.

I am going to be the best entrepreneur I can be if I am healthy, have stamina, endurance and good self esteem.

I don’t believe I can be the best businessman I can be if I am not taking excellent care of my body.

Health for me comes from making healthy food and excercise choices.

It’s binary to me. I either do it, or I don’t.
And if I *don’t* do it, then, I can’t look at myself in the mirror, as I’m living a lie.

So, I excercise 3 days a week (boxing) and hired a lady to help monitor my eating. I personally eat more meals, in smaller quantities. This helps me not eat big meals that I don’t need.

Nothing from fast food, nothing from a food court. Basically, most of what people eat, I don’t eat.

And then I excercise. I lost weight (I’m 160lbs and 5’9, lost about 11 pounds), look better, feel better and my girlfriend is happier

—
To me, it’s binary. I either do it or I don’t.

You seem like a smart guy. Hopefully you’ll be able to make the smart choice and get yourself on the healthy path once and for all.

A lot of people here are rooting for you. Keep us updated on your progress, and don’t let us down

 

[TKDTyler]

Back in the day - 15 or 16 years ago - my cheat days were hedonistic. Saturday. Friday, really, at midnight. A pint of Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Caramel and Fudge Ice Cream. Go to sleep. Breakfast was 3 eggs w/cheese, 4 strips of crispy piggy, home fries as big as my fist and so much orange juice that were I to race the Road Runner I'd make him look like a sleepwalker. Good eatin'. And then there was lunch...

A beautiful sausage and pepperoni pizza. Sometimes medium, sometimes large. It depended on my mood.

I’ve discovered the title for your first production:


@Chitown stars in a @Chitown original...

Memoirs of Pounds Forgotten

A @Chitown

—

I really hope you write a book one day my friend. Even through writing, your storytelling and energy resonates through your words!

 

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[MoneyDoc]

I used to be 232 lbs at 5-11-6'. I was fat. I wasn't happy. I had EXTREMELY low confidence to point where on summer days I would avoid going outside because I couldn't fit into clothes, because I didn't like the way I looked.

One day, I looked in the mirror, and told myself, "wow, this is who I really am?" I told myself, how am I even thinking about succeeding as an entrepreneur if I can't even commit to losing weight, working out, and eating right. From that day on, I've lost over 60 lbs, I feel BETTER than I ever have, and my confidence has increased 10 fold. I'm still not at my ideal physique, but I'm so dang close. It's become a part of my life now. There is no going back, never. This is why I respect those that commit to getting in shape. If you can lose weight, you can do anything in life simply because of the commitment it requires.

A few tips for those that are starting their journey for weight loss:

1) Commitment: This isn't a race. You won't see results in 1-2 months. Avoid listening to broscience. There is no magic pill. Stay committed. Stay focused. Stay motivated.

2) Calories in < Calories out: I can't believe people overlook this simple fact when it comes to weight loss. Your body utilizes energy to stay alive. Starve it of energy, it will break down stored energy. The highest energy source? FAT. I kid you not, I lost 60+ lbs by COUNTING CALORIES, not by eating kale smoothies. Which brings me to my next point.

3) Count Your Calories: Download a free app like myfitnesspal and TRACK your damn calories. There is no eyeballing. You can't tell the difference between 4oz of steak and 5oz of steak. Stop fooling yourself. Get a KITCHEN SCALE. If you're losing weight and you don't have a kitchen scale, I'm sorry but you're tricking yourself and wasting your time. Track and weigh EVERYTHING that you put in your mouth. You'll see results in no time (trust me on this.)

4) Macronutrients: A common mistake with a lot of people on a "diet" is that they disregard macro's. This ALWAYS leads to skinny fat individuals. If you ask me, I rather be fat than skinnyfat. For those that don't know, skinnyfat is when you've lost a lot of weight, but your bodyfat% is still quite high simply because you don't have enough lean body mass. Ways to avoid losing muscle while dieting? PROTEIN! Do NOT make the mistake of not tracking your protein intake. Get around 0.8-1g/lb of body weight. This is why tracking your food intake is so important. Once you hit your protein goal, fill in the rest of your calories with carbs and FAT's - YOU NEED FAT INTAKE. Don't make the mistake of doing "low fat", you won't be happy, literally.

5) Work out HEAVY: But moneydoc, you can't gain muscle when on a diet. So why would I waste my time working out? Because you don't want to be skinnyfat and look worse than you did before you started. In fact, those NEW to working out can actually gain muscle and lose fat at the same time (this isn't broscience). That's why it's so important to hit your protein intake. Follow a routine that works for you. Don't listen to the overtraining BS. I would add 20 minutes of HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) after every workout. Fasted HIIT in the mornings would be even better. If not, after your workout for 20 minutes is ideal.

Follow the steps above and you're GUARANTEED to lose weight in no time. If you don't, then you're either not using a kitchen scale, not tracking your calories/macros, or you have a hormonal problem and need to get your blood tested.

Notice how I didn't mention any supplements or "magic" pills? I know some of you are disappointed by this, but that's because there are none (not legal ones...) and you don't NEED any supplements (besides protein). So please don't waste your money on junk supplements.

Hopefully this helps someone.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Memoirs of Pounds Forgotten

OMG that is awesome, we need an avatar change!

 

[Goldstandard]

Love this post. Would love to attend a meetup with some of you guys at one point.

My favorite exercise has become JiuJitsu. I love it.

 

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[Raoul Duke]

OMG that is awesome, we need an avatar change!

@Chitown

save it. add it. do it.

 

[Dave Daily]

I agree with MJ about food being the most important factor. Food is my drug of choice and I can easily yoyo up and down with 80 to 100 pound swings. At any age that's dangerous, but at my current age, 48, even more so. After watching Forks Over Knives (a documentary that's not everyone's cup of tea) I switched to a whole food plant based diet. I still have a long way to go, but when you're at risk, you're willing to make big changes.

Congrats on your commitment. It's hard to be a high energy business person if your health isn't where it should be.

 

[Chitown]

save it. add it. do it.

@Raoul Duke,

LOL!!! I love that avatar!!!!!!

 

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[Chitown]

I’ve discovered the title for your first production:


@Chitown stars in a @Chitown original...

Memoirs of Pounds Forgotten

A @Chitown

—

I really hope you write a book one day my friend. Even through writing, your storytelling and energy resonates through your words!

I love this!!!!!!!!!!! I showed it to my lady while she was on the phone and she laughed her a$$ off!

 

[TKDTyler]

@Raoul Duke,

LOL!!! I love that avatar!!!!!!

I'll donate $100 rep points if you make this your avatar.

Who's with me!?

 

[Chitown]

I went to Bed Bath and Beyond this morning after taking my eldest son to school. I bought a HoMedics Bath Scale 531 Bodyanalyzer. It measures body weight, body fat, body water, BMI and a bunch of other stuff. After applying one of the 20% off coupons that constantly show up in my mailbox (all mail is not junk, folks) total cost for the equipment was $43.00 and some change.

I had only 8 oz. of cold water when I got up this morning because I wanted to weigh myself and share the results. I returned home, stripped down to my drawers and got on the scale.

I was 223 pounds when I attended the Meetup. I now weigh 215 pounds.

I will post a before pic in the thread this weekend. I'll also respond to the folks I haven't gotten to today. I really appreciate all the support.

 

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[Raoul Duke]

I'll donate $100 rep points if you make this your avatar.

Who's with me!?

 

[Chitown]

I'll donate $100 rep points if you make this your avatar.

@TKDTyler,

Where is my money?

 

[TKDTyler]

@TKDTyler,

Where is my money?

Take it all!

 

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[GPM]

Chi! So glad you posted this! I have been hoping to see it up soon, and here it is.

You are making me feel like an a**hole though, the wife and I abandoned the winter and are in Mexico for the rest of it. Tacos, tacos, tacos, and more tacos. Not the best! We did hit the grocery store and get a ton of fruits and eggs for the morning though. Time to eat some healthy breakfasts now. One meal at a time while in paradise!

 

[MoneyDoc]

I went to Bed Bath and Beyond this morning after taking my eldest son to school. I bought a HoMedics Bath Scale 531 Bodyanalyzer. It measures body weight, body fat, body water, BMI and a bunch of other stuff. After applying one of the 20% off coupons that constantly show up in my mailbox (all mail is not junk, folks) total cost for the equipment was $43.00 and some change.

I had only 8 oz. of cold water when I got up this morning because I wanted to weigh myself and share the results. I returned home, stripped down to my drawers and got on the scale.

I was 223 pounds when I attended the Meetup. I now weigh 215 pounds.

I will post a before pic in the thread this weekend. I'll also respond to the folks I haven't gotten to today. I really appreciate all the support.

Hey man. With the scale, take the other measurements (BMI, BF, etc.) with a grain of salt. It's not accurate whatsoever. Use them as a baseline instead. As long as it's dropping, you're good. Make sure to take your weigh-ins in the same setting everyday. It's highly recommended you weigh yourself every morning after using the toilet/shower before eating/drinking anything.

One more thing, do you have a kitchen scale?