How do you manage to stay "on it"
Discussion
When it comes to diet and exercise, how do you do it?
Last year I got down to my lowest weight in years (I'm 50), ran my fastest 5k @ 24.35 and did my first ever half marathon. Life was definitely better than the times I was lazy and unfit.
Then I went on holiday to Florida for 2 weeks last October. Not an issue, as soon as I get back, I'll get back on it. LOL.
June 23 has arrived, I cant run 5k in full, I'm 2 stone heavier. All down to laziness and greediness since getting back from holiday. There have been a few mitigating factors but nothing valid to be honest.
I feel like the switch has been switched again now, feeling good about losing weight and getting fit again, but I will be going back to Florida in October.
I know how to do it, there is nothing physically stopping me, if I put on half a stone on holiday I can shift that within a couple of weeks, but I just seem to get a mindset, almost an anxiety about it! And before I know it months have passed and I have to start again.
What do you guys and girls do to get straight back on it? Any tips?
Last year I got down to my lowest weight in years (I'm 50), ran my fastest 5k @ 24.35 and did my first ever half marathon. Life was definitely better than the times I was lazy and unfit.
Then I went on holiday to Florida for 2 weeks last October. Not an issue, as soon as I get back, I'll get back on it. LOL.
June 23 has arrived, I cant run 5k in full, I'm 2 stone heavier. All down to laziness and greediness since getting back from holiday. There have been a few mitigating factors but nothing valid to be honest.
I feel like the switch has been switched again now, feeling good about losing weight and getting fit again, but I will be going back to Florida in October.
I know how to do it, there is nothing physically stopping me, if I put on half a stone on holiday I can shift that within a couple of weeks, but I just seem to get a mindset, almost an anxiety about it! And before I know it months have passed and I have to start again.
What do you guys and girls do to get straight back on it? Any tips?
I don't think many do TBH.
What I can say as I've yo-yo'd into my 40's is that it's better to have a lower cut off weight, you know, the weight that makes you go, "bloody hell, right I'm doing something about this!" when you inevitably do have a lazy period, unforgiving clothes helps with his one.
Also, keep moving, all the time, wash your car, cut your grass, walk your dog, walk up the stairs instead of escalator/lift, park 2 streets away, a little jog when your running late for a meeting, it all adds up and also serves to show you your general fitness (moobs flapping) all the time, not just when your on it, look at the fat guy on the escalator and pity him as you puff your way up the stairs despite being a bit chubby yourself, at least your trying, it doesn't always have to be boom or bust.
You don't need to be doing ultra marathons and 2 hrs a day in the gym, equally don't do 3k steps a day and eat cake with every meal, however enjoy the periods where you do have the motivation, and don't get too down about the times you can't be arsed. (Just use the stairs)
What I can say as I've yo-yo'd into my 40's is that it's better to have a lower cut off weight, you know, the weight that makes you go, "bloody hell, right I'm doing something about this!" when you inevitably do have a lazy period, unforgiving clothes helps with his one.
Also, keep moving, all the time, wash your car, cut your grass, walk your dog, walk up the stairs instead of escalator/lift, park 2 streets away, a little jog when your running late for a meeting, it all adds up and also serves to show you your general fitness (moobs flapping) all the time, not just when your on it, look at the fat guy on the escalator and pity him as you puff your way up the stairs despite being a bit chubby yourself, at least your trying, it doesn't always have to be boom or bust.
You don't need to be doing ultra marathons and 2 hrs a day in the gym, equally don't do 3k steps a day and eat cake with every meal, however enjoy the periods where you do have the motivation, and don't get too down about the times you can't be arsed. (Just use the stairs)
It's about figuring out what you enjoy doing, how you can avoid punishing yourself by putting yourself on a diet and also thinking about the underlying reason for staying on it.
They say that you can't stay on a diet and whatever for long but I've been doing this fitness/healthy eating/dieting thing for the last 11 years and it's pretty easy to not be a dick about things. I still "go hard or go home" on Christmas Day and whenever I visit a Chinese buffet (what kind of moron spends £15 at a buffet to eat half a plate of veg because diet ffs).
You have to decide that you want to do this for life.
Sports/fitness - I've bounced between activities but have no problems finding something new to get stuck into and keep doing to burn cals and stimulate muscle (strength training).
Diet - I've got into a habit of fasting in its various forms (IF 5:2, 16/8, 24 hour, water fast). I could follow a diet but the details always have me getting confused so I find it easier to just not eat but also remember to eat lots of protein. I love beers and whisky, and won't hesitate to have a burger and chips or cod and chips. I just do it at an appropriate time and balance it out with an appropriate fasting or dieting protocol. Fasting once a week has proven easy and effective (yeah, yeah, I get hangry, too, unless I CHOOSE to be hungry then I feel empowered and it strangely feels different mentally). Actually, I've decided to back off on the fasting as some close friends have told me I'm looking a bit skinny (and they're not just saying that because they're jealous like you hear about online when an obese person loses 1lb and all their fat mates say they're looking skinny because they're now only 20 stones). I'm a pretty decent shape (V-shaped torso, abs) and I'm 51. I'm not massive like a body builder though (if only it were that easy!)
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now.
Summary
-Find a fun physical activity (fitness class, sport, whatever).
-Fast once a week.
-Lift weights.
-Find your reason for doing it.
They say that you can't stay on a diet and whatever for long but I've been doing this fitness/healthy eating/dieting thing for the last 11 years and it's pretty easy to not be a dick about things. I still "go hard or go home" on Christmas Day and whenever I visit a Chinese buffet (what kind of moron spends £15 at a buffet to eat half a plate of veg because diet ffs).
You have to decide that you want to do this for life.
Sports/fitness - I've bounced between activities but have no problems finding something new to get stuck into and keep doing to burn cals and stimulate muscle (strength training).
Diet - I've got into a habit of fasting in its various forms (IF 5:2, 16/8, 24 hour, water fast). I could follow a diet but the details always have me getting confused so I find it easier to just not eat but also remember to eat lots of protein. I love beers and whisky, and won't hesitate to have a burger and chips or cod and chips. I just do it at an appropriate time and balance it out with an appropriate fasting or dieting protocol. Fasting once a week has proven easy and effective (yeah, yeah, I get hangry, too, unless I CHOOSE to be hungry then I feel empowered and it strangely feels different mentally). Actually, I've decided to back off on the fasting as some close friends have told me I'm looking a bit skinny (and they're not just saying that because they're jealous like you hear about online when an obese person loses 1lb and all their fat mates say they're looking skinny because they're now only 20 stones). I'm a pretty decent shape (V-shaped torso, abs) and I'm 51. I'm not massive like a body builder though (if only it were that easy!)
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now.
Summary
-Find a fun physical activity (fitness class, sport, whatever).
-Fast once a week.
-Lift weights.
-Find your reason for doing it.
Edited by Hoofy on Monday 5th June 15:38
I find a lot of my motivation comes from being part of a group. I'm in a running club and run twice a week with various members (one road run, one trail run). If I miss a week or two because of injury/holiday/whatever I feel that i am missing out on the social aspect, and the longer i leave it the worse it will get (as i will lose fitness and will no longer be fast enough to run with my friends). So my advice would be to find a sport/activity that you enjoy and join a local group.
Hoofy said:
It's about figuring out what you enjoy doing, how you can avoid punishing yourself by putting yourself on a diet and also thinking about the underlying reason for staying on it.
They say that you can't stay on a diet and whatever for long but I've been doing this fitness/healthy eating/dieting thing for the last 11 years and it's pretty easy to not be a dick about things. I still "go hard or go home" on Christmas Day and whenever I visit a Chinese buffet (what kind of moron spends £15 at a buffet to eat half a plate of veg because diet ffs).
You have to decide that you want to do this for life.
Sports/fitness - I've bounced between activities but have no problems finding something new to get stuck into and keep doing to burn cals and stimulate muscle (strength training).
Diet - I've got into a habit of fasting in its various forms (IF 5:2, 16/8, 24 hour, water fast). I could follow a diet but the details always have me getting confused so I find it easier to just not eat but also remember to eat lots of protein. I love beers and whisky, and won't hesitate to have a burger and chips or cod and chips. I just do it at an appropriate time and balance it out with an appropriate fasting or dieting protocol. Fasting once a week has proven easy and effective (yeah, yeah, I get hangry, too, unless I CHOOSE to be hungry then I feel empowered and it strangely feels different mentally). Actually, I've decided to back off on the fasting as some close friends have told me I'm looking a bit skinny (and they're not just saying that because they're jealous like you hear about online when an obese person loses 1lb and all their fat mates say they're looking skinny because they're now only 20 stones). I'm a pretty decent shape (V-shaped torso, abs) and I'm 51. I'm not massive like a body builder though (if only it were that easy!)
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now.
Summary
-Find a fun physical activity (fitness class, sport, whatever).
-Fast once a week.
-Lift weights.
-Find your reason for doing it.
You say “fast one day per week”. What are you recommending there? Complete abstinence? 500 cals?They say that you can't stay on a diet and whatever for long but I've been doing this fitness/healthy eating/dieting thing for the last 11 years and it's pretty easy to not be a dick about things. I still "go hard or go home" on Christmas Day and whenever I visit a Chinese buffet (what kind of moron spends £15 at a buffet to eat half a plate of veg because diet ffs).
You have to decide that you want to do this for life.
Sports/fitness - I've bounced between activities but have no problems finding something new to get stuck into and keep doing to burn cals and stimulate muscle (strength training).
Diet - I've got into a habit of fasting in its various forms (IF 5:2, 16/8, 24 hour, water fast). I could follow a diet but the details always have me getting confused so I find it easier to just not eat but also remember to eat lots of protein. I love beers and whisky, and won't hesitate to have a burger and chips or cod and chips. I just do it at an appropriate time and balance it out with an appropriate fasting or dieting protocol. Fasting once a week has proven easy and effective (yeah, yeah, I get hangry, too, unless I CHOOSE to be hungry then I feel empowered and it strangely feels different mentally). Actually, I've decided to back off on the fasting as some close friends have told me I'm looking a bit skinny (and they're not just saying that because they're jealous like you hear about online when an obese person loses 1lb and all their fat mates say they're looking skinny because they're now only 20 stones). I'm a pretty decent shape (V-shaped torso, abs) and I'm 51. I'm not massive like a body builder though (if only it were that easy!)
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now.
Summary
-Find a fun physical activity (fitness class, sport, whatever).
-Fast once a week.
-Lift weights.
-Find your reason for doing it.
Edited by Hoofy on Monday 5th June 15:38
For me, being organised helps massively. Gym / work gear all out the night before if going to work straight from the gym. meals prepped at least a few days in advance. I also try and have a plan of what I want to train. I use the app ''Strong'' for this.
OP, is it possible to work out when your away? When I am in a hotel I try and work out at least 2/3 times when I am away. I am not bit on breakfast so while Mrs BB and the kids are doing that I go to the gym. Even if you go once it will help you stay ''on it'' It may even be a jog/5k .
OP, is it possible to work out when your away? When I am in a hotel I try and work out at least 2/3 times when I am away. I am not bit on breakfast so while Mrs BB and the kids are doing that I go to the gym. Even if you go once it will help you stay ''on it'' It may even be a jog/5k .
Louis Balfour said:
Hoofy said:
It's about figuring out what you enjoy doing, how you can avoid punishing yourself by putting yourself on a diet and also thinking about the underlying reason for staying on it.
They say that you can't stay on a diet and whatever for long but I've been doing this fitness/healthy eating/dieting thing for the last 11 years and it's pretty easy to not be a dick about things. I still "go hard or go home" on Christmas Day and whenever I visit a Chinese buffet (what kind of moron spends £15 at a buffet to eat half a plate of veg because diet ffs).
You have to decide that you want to do this for life.
Sports/fitness - I've bounced between activities but have no problems finding something new to get stuck into and keep doing to burn cals and stimulate muscle (strength training).
Diet - I've got into a habit of fasting in its various forms (IF 5:2, 16/8, 24 hour, water fast). I could follow a diet but the details always have me getting confused so I find it easier to just not eat but also remember to eat lots of protein. I love beers and whisky, and won't hesitate to have a burger and chips or cod and chips. I just do it at an appropriate time and balance it out with an appropriate fasting or dieting protocol. Fasting once a week has proven easy and effective (yeah, yeah, I get hangry, too, unless I CHOOSE to be hungry then I feel empowered and it strangely feels different mentally). Actually, I've decided to back off on the fasting as some close friends have told me I'm looking a bit skinny (and they're not just saying that because they're jealous like you hear about online when an obese person loses 1lb and all their fat mates say they're looking skinny because they're now only 20 stones). I'm a pretty decent shape (V-shaped torso, abs) and I'm 51. I'm not massive like a body builder though (if only it were that easy!)
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now.
Summary
-Find a fun physical activity (fitness class, sport, whatever).
-Fast once a week.
-Lift weights.
-Find your reason for doing it.
You say “fast one day per week”. What are you recommending there? Complete abstinence? 500 cals?They say that you can't stay on a diet and whatever for long but I've been doing this fitness/healthy eating/dieting thing for the last 11 years and it's pretty easy to not be a dick about things. I still "go hard or go home" on Christmas Day and whenever I visit a Chinese buffet (what kind of moron spends £15 at a buffet to eat half a plate of veg because diet ffs).
You have to decide that you want to do this for life.
Sports/fitness - I've bounced between activities but have no problems finding something new to get stuck into and keep doing to burn cals and stimulate muscle (strength training).
Diet - I've got into a habit of fasting in its various forms (IF 5:2, 16/8, 24 hour, water fast). I could follow a diet but the details always have me getting confused so I find it easier to just not eat but also remember to eat lots of protein. I love beers and whisky, and won't hesitate to have a burger and chips or cod and chips. I just do it at an appropriate time and balance it out with an appropriate fasting or dieting protocol. Fasting once a week has proven easy and effective (yeah, yeah, I get hangry, too, unless I CHOOSE to be hungry then I feel empowered and it strangely feels different mentally). Actually, I've decided to back off on the fasting as some close friends have told me I'm looking a bit skinny (and they're not just saying that because they're jealous like you hear about online when an obese person loses 1lb and all their fat mates say they're looking skinny because they're now only 20 stones). I'm a pretty decent shape (V-shaped torso, abs) and I'm 51. I'm not massive like a body builder though (if only it were that easy!)
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now.
Summary
-Find a fun physical activity (fitness class, sport, whatever).
-Fast once a week.
-Lift weights.
-Find your reason for doing it.
Edited by Hoofy on Monday 5th June 15:38
BoRED S2upid said:
Don’t think I’ve ever had 2 weeks off anything lol. Even on holiday there will be walks to do or a pool or sea to swim in. Even on a cruise which are notorious for over eating and under exercising we found ourselves walking round the deck or the only people in the gym.
I am like this. Not doing anything feels odd to me.I've stayed "on it" pretty much since the age of 12, but it increased at 15 to improve my sporting performance.
Even when my routine went off a bit when I worked away in my mid 20s, and first had children in my early 30s, I maintained reasonable fitness, even if I wasn't as trim.
On Holiday I still run, swim, surf, bouldering on the beach, do some strength and conditioning/circuits etc.
Eating quite healthily, not drinking huge amounts (although I will drink more on holiday), being active and training for strength and fitness are just part of my life and I enjoy it. I enjoy being fit and able to do most activities.
Even when my routine went off a bit when I worked away in my mid 20s, and first had children in my early 30s, I maintained reasonable fitness, even if I wasn't as trim.
On Holiday I still run, swim, surf, bouldering on the beach, do some strength and conditioning/circuits etc.
Eating quite healthily, not drinking huge amounts (although I will drink more on holiday), being active and training for strength and fitness are just part of my life and I enjoy it. I enjoy being fit and able to do most activities.
.
GilletteFan said:
Get on TRT/HRT. And literally watch your muscles grow and fat melt off. You don't even need to work out. Yes, it is this easy and there are more middle aged men on it than you think.
And none of them know whether they are hosting prostate issues or inviting a number of heart problems. I can't decide whether you are serious though, maybe not.Been training for what seems like most of my life, I just see it as part of my every day, if you have to rely on motivation then you'll fail in a week, 51 and fitter stronger and leaner than ever, do stuff that you enjoy and it wont than ever seem like a chore.
Edited by mcelliott on Tuesday 6th June 07:36
popeyewhite said:
And none of them know whether they are hosting prostate issues or inviting a number of heart problems. I can't decide whether you are serious though, maybe not.
I wonder if they think it's worth it? Just wanted to say that there are so many middle aged men on it now. I guess it helps them feel younger and they think it allows them to catch up with people that have trained for most of their lives? I don't know why it's taken off. OP, there is no magic formula here. I have overcome plenty of injuries over the years and I've managed to train through most of them. You just need to make sure you keep doing it. I'm younger than you, so I may not feel the same way when i get there, but I've been training for a very long time and when I'm exhausted, I take a week off and come back to it. I found if I take more time off, it makes it a lot harder to get back to the same intensity. I also mix up my training so I'm never bored.
One more thing... having nicely fitted clothes is a good motivator for not being lazy too.
Something I struggle with as well.
Just back from hols and had put a bit on, was hovering near my “need to do something weight”, and exceeded that.
Prior to hols, snacking too much and a few work trips don’t help
1st two days of hols eat everything that moved, then felt a bit guilty and deliberately avoided puddings, which helped a bit.
Just done a week of 800 cals a day, the Michael Mosley diet and 6 pounds came off. So another week should put me in a better position.
Whilst exercise helps, food is 80% of the issue.
For me what’s different this time was,
1 a family event coming up I wanted to be in good shape for
2 a recognition I needed to do something to kick start things
3 slight concerns for future health - nothing major, just insurance thinking.
It’s re-educated my diet, no longer feel need to snack, eating less sugary things, bit more mindful of what I’m eating
Just back from hols and had put a bit on, was hovering near my “need to do something weight”, and exceeded that.
Prior to hols, snacking too much and a few work trips don’t help
1st two days of hols eat everything that moved, then felt a bit guilty and deliberately avoided puddings, which helped a bit.
Just done a week of 800 cals a day, the Michael Mosley diet and 6 pounds came off. So another week should put me in a better position.
Whilst exercise helps, food is 80% of the issue.
For me what’s different this time was,
1 a family event coming up I wanted to be in good shape for
2 a recognition I needed to do something to kick start things
3 slight concerns for future health - nothing major, just insurance thinking.
It’s re-educated my diet, no longer feel need to snack, eating less sugary things, bit more mindful of what I’m eating
GilletteFan said:
popeyewhite said:
And none of them know whether they are hosting prostate issues or inviting a number of heart problems. I can't decide whether you are serious though, maybe not.
I wonder if they think it's worth it? Just wanted to say that there are so many middle aged men on it now. I guess it helps them feel younger and they think it allows them to catch up with people that have trained for most of their lives? I don't know why it's taken off. Anyway, off to see if I can train to be a lawyer in a day. Well, half a day.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff