"We're All Total Fatties" or "No More Liquor"

[Seil]

So a while back, I was talking about losing weight. See? (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?p=1080159) Man that was a while ago. I've also recently talked about my spitting (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showpost.php?p=1166859&postcount=1847), which was diagnosed as 'acid reflux.'

Now, while I've done a little bit here and there - weights and jogging, I'm not as buff as Arnold Schwarzenegger, (I can't believe spell check corrected me on that) or for that matter, Michael Cera. My reflux bit made it a bit torturous because anything that I did caused me to salivate, which I couldn't swallow. I'm wagering that my weight also has something to do with my diet, and my alcohol intake.

Now, I'm not saying I'm the healthiest person. This gentleman is probably more fit than I am. (http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/picture/gionet2454/fatty.jpg) But while I, a twenty-something drinker and smoker who consistently eats large helpings of french fries every day (it's the only cheap/fast thing in the cafeteria that's there reliably) I think I need to start eating a little healthier. So'm gonna cut out the booze, try to eat some salad, and now that my medication is starting to noticeably work, I'm going to start jogging again.

So, to recap - I'm a 22 year old, about 6'0", 190lbs, with little time now that the semester is wrapping up and little money to change my diet. I'm going to switch from fries to salad, and start snacking on apple slices instead of pepperoni sticks. I'm going to limit my alcohol intake (it's my mum's birthday this weekend and my dad's organized a huge 50+ person surprise party. If I cannae drink, I'm gonna halfta murder some bitches.) (It's because I'm severely claustrophobic in crowds.) So yeah.

Now, I can do this alone. Really, you guys don't even need to stand on the side of the road and hand me Gatorade as I wheeze past, it's cool. It's almost December, I know it's cold. But here's the thing. I'm currently... not unhappy with my body image, I just feel that I can do better, and hopefully feel better about meself. If anyone wants in on that, I thought that we could brag about our accomplishments here. Or support each other. Or whatever. Yes, cheating is totally applicable, but you'll be a cheater while I'll be all Michael Cera up in th... wait, would cheating be better?

[pochercoaster]

Hey, it's always good to hear about people trying to steer their lifestyle in a healthier direction. Also, this...

If I cannae drink, I'm gonna halfta murder some bitches.) (It's because I'm severely claustrophobic in crowds.)

...mildly concerns, although I don't necessarily have anything to base that concern off of. Just hope you're not relying on booze all the time to interact with people or anything. I say that just 'cause I've seen some people become slowly become alcoholics when they went to college to cope with socializing/stress/blah blah. I mean, I highly doubt it's even an issue, I just feel the need to say something about it. >>

Anyways, some people find it useful to keep a journal because it keeps them accountable. It's also something tangible that shows you "results" before any physical changes manifest. It's nice to look back at older workouts and see "hey, I can run the same distance in less time now."

Also, I personally find that starting is the hardest part, for both exercise and diet changes. However, once you've done it consistently for a few days it usually gets a lot easier. This goes for addictive sugary and junky foods in particular. >_> Something to keep in mind.

[Seil]

It was I jest. I was jesting.

All joking aside, I don't really need to drink to have a good time, and while I do drink sometimes because of stress, it's really only as much as I know I am able to take and not as self-destructive or addictive as any of my stress relievers, like copious amounts of candy.

I do, however, tend to freak out in large crowds, particularly if I can't move. It's why I try to avoid going to some concerts or shows where I know I'm going to be in a big crowd, or have to maneuver one during intermission. ...Which I guess is sort of a precursor to my introvertism. Introversion. Whatever.

Anyway, that's a good idea. I've got a few unused notebooks around that I could use. I think I should at least look into getting a gym membership - a cheap one, if Ican swing it. It's getting too cold and icy to be out jogging.

[Ecks]

Seil? Cut out drinking?

nah

In all seriousness, glad to see you're making an effort to better yourself. I haven't been getting out much lately myself, I need to make more of an effort to go out and get some miles behind my shoes.

[pochercoaster]

Oh, my bad. I feel silly now! I'm done trying to prevent people from turning into alcoholics now. >>

You might want to look into your on-campus gym. It might be cheaper/more convenient than your regular gym. Memberships can get really expensive because they usually include classes and stuff, although I'm sure a number of places also give student discounts. A lot of places also allow you to "test" the gym for free on the first day which is vital because there's a lot of unsanitary and badly maintained gyms out there.

[Ecks]

Generally the smaller places won't charge an arm and a leg... can't say as I can quote figures, the only place I regularly attend is a local place and I only have to pay my Tae Kwon Do instructor, which I don't need a membership to attend.

[pochercoaster]

Yeah, I used to go to an independent women's-only gym before I moved and it was decently priced. It was smallish, but that was never a problem and it was very well maintained. It had a sauna and a pool too, which was a bonus. Since it was small I also saw the same faces every day which was kind of pleasant.

Now I go to a large chain gym which is just... meh. A lot of the equipment is worn out due to frequent use (you have to punch the buttons on most of the cardio machines to get them to respond) and there's a lot of weirdoes who approach me and make me feel uncomfortable. So I mostly use the free gym that's in my apartment building.

[Azisien]

You don't seem that fat. 6'0" and you don't exercise much? So you're like, skinny fat, at best. Huggable, even! Though you smell bad, from the booze.

I have to say that dietary lifestyle changes are incredibly difficult for me. That fry to salad switch you plan on doing? Yeah I would just outright fail that. And by fail, I might even mean I'll make the switch successfully, even for 5 or 6 weeks. But I'll just be back to delicious foods that are horrible for me eventually. I am extraordinarily proud of myself that I did manage to start and mostly stick with a workout plan. In fact, I started weight training shortly after this thread (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?t=37138) began, and haven't stopped except for a couple bouts of flu, holidays, and brief metaphysical crises.

Of course, I was scrawny and unattractive before, and now I'm just muscular and unattractive, so I didn't actually win much. Except a taste for whey powder. Enjoy fitness and healthy living!