I love to eat. Up until 2 weeks ago, I continued to eat heavy carb lunch and dinner. I love to eat McDonald’s McRibs or their Angus Mushroom & Cheese Burger. I sometimes go have some pizza, Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and buffalo wings. Oh, good times.
However, lately, my body was responding rather badly. I would feel bloated, lethargic, and sometimes stomach pains. I used to continue dismissing them as nothing, thinking I could still handle it. I’m fooling myself. I can’t deny I’m no longer 24.
I’m already 42. My metabolism is no longer the same and I can’t eat/drink whatever I want without suffering the consequences.
I tried a bit of exercise, walking during lunch breaks and bike rides, whenever I get the chance. This doesn’t seem to be enough. I still felt sluggish and easily agitated.
Some things must change.
Luckily, my church started a program called “Daniel Plan”1. It’s an ambitious year long commitment to lose weight, stay healthy, and feel better. I have nothing to lose, except my fats! I need to try this.
Two weeks ago, my weight was 165 lbs, which is borderline overweight. According to the ideal weight calculator, my “ideal” weight is 158 lbs.
But losing weight is only half the battle. I have to give myself healthy food. Food has DNA that can alter how my cells grow. It can affect how my brain and heart operate.
So as I embark on this journey to a healthier me, I need to start eating less. The saying is:
Have breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and supper like a pauper.
Another words, eat way less at night, and load up a little bit in the morning. The portions have to be smaller, too. Eat enough to fill the hunger, and have healthy snacks in between. I have to eat foods containing good carbs2, dark leafy veggies3, and low calories snacks4.
I have to abandon sugar and caffeine altogether, so no more ice coffees from Mickey D’s! Cut down (a lot) on beef and pork. I definitely have to avoid fried foods, like fries and chicken wings.
So far it’s working. I have lost 5 lbs in 2 weeks. Obviously, I have more work to do to cut down all the way to my goal, which is 150 lbs. I have to start exercise my core muscles, to relief the strain on my spine because of the bulging gut. I need to fit into my size 30 jeans again.
Most of all, I’m feeling good about it. I’m less irritable, have clarity in thinking, and have more energy. If I want to live into my 90’s I have to stay healthy, and it might as well start now.
Photo Credit: Ocha Neko
- Based on the bible story on the book of Daniel Chapter 1 [↩]
- Fruits, whole grains [↩]
- Kale, spinach, broccoli [↩]
- sunflower seeds, nuts, legumes [↩]
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hey Rudy,
I’m in the same boat as you. I love to eat, and eat too much. And I should lose a little weight too.
Your post is full of good advice… the tough part is to follow it. I’m impressed by your first two weeks, and will be interested to see how you progress.
Are you still off of caffeine? I don’t think I could ever give that up.
Steve
Hey Steve,
It’s now getting tougher to go over the 5 lb mark. So far I’m unable to drop down to 155 (I’m still at 160). There needs to be some exercise in my routine, which so far I’m not doing since I spend most of my time sitting in the jury box (and the bench), waiting and waiting.
I’ve given up caffeine altogether for the past 2 months. Sugar is the only thing I’m having a hard time giving up easily.
Take the losing weight challenge, Steve. Let me know of your progress!
Start jogging. Do it slowly and three-four times a week. Run 2-3 miles a day. And I promise you will buy new jeans in few months! 😉