Journals June 25th 2004 to July 2nd 2004

[Natasha]

This journal will bring us into July. Deep into summer. This is when it counts!

 

[scuba-punk]

Well, as I'm gearing up to hit 34 at the end of the week, I realised that I've done more in the past 3 months to ensure another 34 than I had in the first 33.75 years. One of the quotes in my signature has really been a great deal of inspiration to me - the one about never being too late to become who you could have been. In my younger days (I know, I'm not that old, I'm just starting to feel like it), I was a very active swimmer and cyclist and it feels really good to be approaching that state of being again. I went out for a short ride this morning and I haven't felt this old and young at the same time

3 months ago I would never have dreamed of entering into a race of any kind (well, a hot wing eating contest, maybe) and now I find myself making sure that when I travel for work, the hotel has a treadmill, pool, etc. It's hard to eat sensibly when I go to NYC - too many really great restaurants, but most other places aren't that bad. I've finished my 12 week Body for Life Program and I'm starting a 12 week training regimen on Monday for people doing their first sprint triathlon and looking over all of the workouts, none of them (except the 2 longest runs) are any harder than anything I've done to date. And my wife has been really great too. When I started running in my Vans, she took me to a running store and made me get a real pair of running shoes. Before I went to NYC this week, I put a deposit on a road bike and when I got home last night, it was hanging in the garage beside my mountain bike. With support like that, I feel like I can do anything. Plus, all of the support and commaraderie here has been great too. There's nothing like giving and receiving sincere encouragement from people that you know only by a screen name an icon and an occasional picture.

Thanks for letting me wax - here's to another 12 weeks!!!

-Frank

 

[scuba-punk]

...I want to make sure that I thank Cameron Martz and Bob Sherwood. The 'Zero to Hero' workout on Cameron's site www.divefitness.com changed my bowflex from an overpriced clothes hanger to a workout machine. He answered any questions I had about the workouts and offered plenty of encouragement.

At Beneath-The-Sea this year, I met up with Bob Sherwood to discuss our DIR-F class this summer and we were discussing fitness for diving and he mentioned the Body-For-Life program. He also challenged me indirectly, although I'm certain that it was quite on purpose, to get into better shape. It's been that challenge that has driven me for the past 12 weeks and will continue to do so for a long time to come.

-Frank

 

[Natasha]

Frank:
You indeed deserve the Scubaboard Oscar. Great posts. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Donnie]

Well... I've joined a little late but I am already finding my self pretty exited! I was real nervous about doing this but I now feel that this might be exactly what I need.

I started swimming at the local pool this last week, but didn't weigh myself until last night. I figure I have about 40 lbs. (+) that I need to drop to be at my ideal weight. BUT!... I already feel great (not too sore) and am really excited about doing my first weigh-in!

My plans are to swim for the next few weeks, and then begin my cardio work out in the gym, every other day! The only thing that I am kinda struggling with right now, is my meals. I'm trying to developed some good eating habits and overall... just make some definite changes in my life. Any meal suggestion?

Thanks Natasha!!!

Have a great day!

Donnie

 

[Natasha]

HI Donnie!
Good to hear from you. It's an on going battle for most of us. I went out last night and bought a bunch of fruit and veggies. I think half the battle is having the right foods in the house.

I'm a 'little pieces' muncher. I like little foods. Or, as they call them "Bite Size" stuff.
So I bought 2 bunches of seedless grapes and little snackwell cookies, and low fat popcorn. Depending on what I'm hungry for, these have been working for me, to satisfy the snack cravings.

I feel I'm off to a good start this week.
Dinner is almost always a salad and a small piece of fish or chicken.
Lunch has been tuna or turkey on low calorie bread.
Hope that helps!

 

[Donnie]

Natasha,

Thanks! I also purchased the grapes and assorted fruits, for my snacks. Tonight, we will be dinning on "Elk" (very lean!) and "Veggies"!

I guess I will have to buy one of those books that suggests meals, and tells you how many calories are in the food we eat! (To bad there wasn't a calorie list on this thread...)

All in All... I also feel as though I am off to a real good start! :dazzler1:

Thanks again!

Donnie

 

[gt2003]

Donnie, Just some general advice, it all comes down to calories, eat fewer than you burn and you'll lose weight, eat more, you'll gain. Its as simple as that. Remember, no food is a bad food. You can fit anything into your plan in moderation. In general eat a wide variety of the more natural foods, fruits, veggies, whole grain breads and cereals and 3-4 ounces of meat at lunch and dinner. Try to avoid the obvious fat sources such as excess margarine or oil, gravies, cream based sauces, croissants, biscuits and fried foods. Avoid those concentrated sweets too, especially regular soft drinks which can add major calories even in small amounts. Slowly increase your intake of fiber (whole grains, fresh fruits/veggies) which will make you feel full for a longer after a meal and will also bind some cholesterol in your stomach so its not absorbed by your body. Be sure to drink water, water, water as you increase your fiber intake. Choose low fat cooking methods: bake, broil or grill most often. There are many cookbooks out there dealing with low fat cooking or low fat recipes. See what you can find and ENJOY! Good luck in the battle. I just turned 35 back in march and was an avid weight lifter/bodybuilder in high school and college. I'm slowly returning to an acceptable form with the motivation from all those here. Thanks for joining us. Greg

 

[Donnie]

Thanks Greg!!!

Donnie

 

[scuba-punk]

Donnie, welcome aboard! My own recommendation would be to look into things that aren't neccessarily diets. Look for information that gives face time to both exercise and diet. No Magic Pills or supplements, or eating one thing at the exclusion of other things. Well balanced meals may not have you dropping pounds like mad, but in the end it's healthier for you and chances are good that you can maintain that over the long run. What's worked for me is to eat 5 or 6 small meals every few hours and doing some cardio 3 times a week and strength training 3 other days a week. Find something that is do-able at whatever fitness level you are now, but will let you grow as you get stronger and faster. Remember, you're not on a 'diet' - you're changing the way you live your life from here on out. Congratulations on your decision to take better care of yourself and Good Luck!

-Frank