2015 Get Healthy Thread

[Teenwolf]

Weight Loss threads used to be a good motivator for me and many others here. But after last year's mostly unsuccessful attempt to motivate people, I think we need a change in our concept.

Whatever health problems you have, the new year should be a time for all of us to step back from how we're living, and assess the changes we can make to live healthier, more fulfilling and longer lives, while minimizing the impact of chronic diseases and health issues.

I've come across as pushy about the impact vegan eating can have, as that's been my experience, but as many posters here have pointed out, limiting processed foods and fast foods and sugar can all have dramatic effects on health too.

I don't believe humans were meant to be so sick. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are all thriving. I believe food can be the preventative force, if not the cure, to all 3.

Anyway, if you want to work on your health this year, and feel the need for a sounding board, here it is. I'll try to be less pushy, providing nobody states that they're endangering their health through harmful diet fads.

Good luck!

[Teenwolf]

About 18 months ago, I suffered a strained knee rounding 3rd base in a softball game. Because it was heavy work-load time, I worked in manual labour and limped through the pain for months, leading to chronic muscle alignment issues, and constant aches and pains. Finally in the last 6 months, I've figured out the importance of stretching IN ADDITION to strengthening exercises, after initially being put on intensive stretching programs with no strengthening. The last 2 months, I've been doing over 1 hour per night of stretch + exercise. I can say that 90-95% of the pain I used to feel is now gone, and I feel like I've gained my life back. Not being able to walk for an hour without serious pain was in serious contrast with how my stomach and body look and feel. Now that I'm able to be active and pursue athletics again, I feel like I've got my freedom back.

Fine-tuned daily routine:

Roller pad for solo intense muscle massage
Calf stretch
Hip flexor stretch
Leg lifts against a wall
60-80 slow squats

HIGHLY recommend similar action for anybody suffering chronic knee pain, depending on your specific issues.

Also, if you have poor posture, there are exercises you can do to fix it, which really helped me this year. Couldn't believe how poor my breathing function was based on terrible posture. Didn't think posture was something you could so quickly and easily fix, but it was.

I'm vacationing until Feb. 1st, and can't tackle any new goal-oriented exercise until then, but I'll keep checking in.

[Fresno Bob]

got anything for an umbillical hernia?

[Judge Jude]

Weight Loss threads used to be a good motivator for me and many others here. But after last year's mostly unsuccessful attempt to motivate people, I think we need a change in our concept.

Whatever health problems you have, the new year should be a time for all of us to step back from how we're living, and assess the changes we can make to live healthier, more fulfilling and longer lives, while minimizing the impact of chronic diseases and health issues.

I've come across as pushy about the impact vegan eating can have, as that's been my experience, but as many posters here have pointed out, limiting processed foods and fast foods and sugar can all have dramatic effects on health too.

I don't believe humans were meant to be so sick. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are all thriving. I believe food can be the preventative force, if not the cure, to all 3.

Anyway, if you want to work on your health this year, and feel the need for a sounding board, here it is. I'll try to be less pushy, providing nobody states that they're endangering their health through harmful diet fads.

Good luck!

I'm of a somewhat similar mindset, in that I plan to focus on more variety of exercise and a better quality of food. I can lose the 20 lbs I need in 3 months the other way, but at my age I need to do more than just that to stay ahead of the game. While I know a great deal about calories and all that, I may meet with a nutritionist soon to work out a specific plan to create the best balance just for me.

As for exercise, I'm fortunate to have good genes and no knee or back problems, so would be good to strengthen now while I can still do it without too much difficulty...

[Pogues]

Hey, I lost 20 pounds from February until October! It did me good.

I also have been doing a lot of reading on stretching, and am working on putting together a stretching program for myself. I've never been flexible, but I'm hoping to improve my flexibility and overall fitness.

[In the Corn]

Oh, also, if you have chronic knee pain you should see a doctor, certainly before you do 60-80 slow squats, as you may be doing serious damage to a preexisting problem.

Medical source, please.

[GwynnInTheHall]

I made a change to the foods I eat about a year ago.

I gave up almost ALL fast foods and processed foods. When I do eat fast food it's once in a great while, like once a month and then it's a healthy choice like In and Out burger**don't laugh they are one of the best fast food options in regards to fresh and healthy that you can get in fast food or at least one of the least toxics choices.

Started eating more whole foods, preparing meals from scratch and eating organic whenever possible.

Lots of nuts, veggies and fruits as snacks rather than chips, which is hard because I love chips.

I almost never eat sweets anymore, no cookies, candies and the like avoiding sugar as much as possible.

I dropped 20 lbs very quickly. I have more energy, feel much better both physically and mentally.

I also started walking as often as I can, living by the beach allows for a very tranquil existence which also helps.

It'd be great if I would work out more regularly, but I always seem to backslide in this area.

If you want more details shoot me a PM.

[hacko]

I made a change to the foods I eat about a year ago.

I gave up almost ALL fast foods and processed foods. When I do eat fast food it's once in a great while, like once a month and then it's a healthy choice like In and Out burger**don't laugh they are one of the best fast food options in regards to fresh and healthy that you can get in fast food or at least one of the least toxics choices.

Started eating more whole foods, preparing meals from scratch and eating organic whenever possible.

Lots of nuts, veggies and fruits as snacks rather than chips, which is hard because I love chips.

I almost never eat sweets anymore, no cookies, candies and the like avoiding sugar as much as possible.

I dropped 20 lbs very quickly. I have more energy, feel much better both physically and mentally.

I also started walking as often as I can, living by the beach allows for a very tranquil existence which also helps.

It'd be great if I would work out more regularly, but I always seem to backslide in this area.

If you want more details shoot me a PM.

I am just at the beginning of trying to do this. Not much of a choice as I was just diagnosed a diabetic. Need to lose
20 lbs and work out some. Last year job bloom to 55 to 70 work week. Which pretty much screwed eating habit plus work outs but hours have lessen and no choice on improving my diet.

[GwynnInTheHall]

I am just at the beginning of trying to do this. Not much of a choice as I was just diagnosed a diabetic. Need to lose
20 lbs and work out some. Last year job bloom to 55 to 70 work week. Which pretty much screwed eating habit plus work outs but hours have lessen and no choice on improving my diet.

It is strange at first, I was literally eating fast food every day plus the employee menu at work. All processed and had little time to work out or anything but commute, work and sleep. I started by investing in fruits, nuts and protein bars to eat on my way to and from work and only eating salads at work. Lots of water too. You'll have the cravings for fast food and other crap for about a month, but now, if I do have anything processed I can actually feel the difference in the way it digests, that's really strange.

If you do some research you can find organics, raw foods at a pretty reasonable price..Don't shop Whole Foods it's a rip off. But we have found places for organic raw honey, vegetables and fruits at amazing prices. Nuts are still expensive, but there are better sources of proteins out there. the only commercial places we shop are Trader Joes and Jimbos, but we only get specific items at each. Ocean beach co-op has sales on certain things we like, Red Miso is one and the rest we get from farmers markets. Not sure what there is in your area, but I'm sure it can be found with a little effort. Good luck and I am positive you'll notice the difference quickly once you adopt the new regime.

[Pogues]

Medical source, please.

I think he meant go see a chiropractor.

[Teenwolf]

It is strange at first, I was literally eating fast food every day plus the employee menu at work. All processed and had little time to work out or anything but commute, work and sleep. I started by investing in fruits, nuts and protein bars to eat on my way to and from work and only eating salads at work. Lots of water too. You'll have the cravings for fast food and other crap for about a month, but now, if I do have anything processed I can actually feel the difference in the way it digests, that's really strange.

If you do some research you can find organics, raw foods at a pretty reasonable price..Don't shop Whole Foods it's a rip off. But we have found places for organic raw honey, vegetables and fruits at amazing prices. Nuts are still expensive, but there are better sources of proteins out there. the only commercial places we shop are Trader Joes and Jimbos, but we only get specific items at each. Ocean beach co-op has sales on certain things we like, Red Miso is one and the rest we get from farmers markets. Not sure what there is in your area, but I'm sure it can be found with a little effort. Good luck and I am positive you'll notice the difference quickly once you adopt the new regime.

Awesome, dude. Wonder why I'm attacked when I say the same things...

I could NEVER eat salad daily though, as I'd only be torturing myself. I get my greens in other ways. Usually do fruit salads.

[Teenwolf]

2/3 of all cancer is caused by random mutations in genes - it's just bad luck. The remaining 1/3 can be attributed, at least in part, to lifestyle choices and the like. Smoking is the largest of these factors. http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/02/health...ion/index.html

Saying that food can cure cancer is irresponsible and incorrect and casts serious doubt on your ability to effectively serve as a "sounding board", in my mind.


I dropped out of whatever stupid thread that vegan debate got started in because tons of misinformation and unscientific assertions were being bandied about. If you're going to continue to make outlandish assertions or statements about health that are unsupported by the medical community, that's your prerogative. However, please then refrain from attempting to serve as a guru to others.


Oh, and stretching is really only helpful for flexibility and range of motion. Stretching before a workout actually serves to decrease strength and is generally not recommended. - http://healthland.time.com/2013/04/0...fore-exercise/


Oh, also, if you have chronic knee pain you should see a doctor, certainly before you do 60-80 slow squats, as you may be doing serious damage to a preexisting problem.

Well that sure was over the top and out of nowhere!

Seems like saying that cholesterol gives people heart attacks will set people off, so if I can't even use common medical knowledge without pissing people off, I'm just going to stay out of it. HEAR ME?! I'm done arguing with folks about nutrition (as I stated at the very beginning), because of crap like what you just posted.

Also, BIG THANKS for belittling my leg pain that I've spent thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours with 2 different chiro/physio specialists, as well as my own daily initiative figuring out. Your condescending attitude is much more helpful than my attempts to help. Especially since YOU know my personal pains and problems so well...

Damn, did not expect this from you, ElD.

[virgonomic]

I'm in. I'm not sure we should abandon the weight loss thread though. I hit 285 last spring, lost 12 pounds during the summer but gained it back. I have been very careful for most of the holidays and lost 7 pounds. Ultimately I'd like to get to 200 but 40 lbs would be a good start.

The basic premise is no: bread, pasta pizza, cookies, cake, added salt or sugar (I heard this on Howard Stern this week). I will do quinoa and brown rice but going to try to go heavy on veggies and protein. Lots of water. I have been tracking my food during the break and it's been an eye-opener.

[Teenwolf]

I'm in. I'm not sure we should abandon the weight loss thread though. I hit 285 last spring, lost 12 pounds during the summer but gained it back. I have been very careful for most of the holidays and lost 7 pounds. Ultimately I'd like to get to 200 but 40 lbs would be a good start.

The basic premise is no: bread, pasta pizza, cookies, cake, added salt or sugar (I heard this on Howard Stern this week). I will do quinoa and brown rice but going to try to go heavy on veggies and protein. Lots of water. I have been tracking my food during the break and it's been an eye-opener.

The reason I've abandoned the "Weight Loss" part of the thread is that I think it puts the focus on calorie counting/starvation + heavy exercise, which I don't think is healthy or sustainable. If people make some sustainable long-term changes in food they consume (ditching highly processed and junk food, as GITH mentions), weight-loss will follow, and it won't come back.

However, if you want to add the line about weight loss, go for it! I just hope that people look at the health aspect first, and the number on the scale second.

I'll add my weight to the tally once I'm back home to my normal scale. 2 years now going from 162-168 lbs after years of gaining and losing 50 lbs several times. Hoping to add 10 lbs of muscle, like most everybody.

Have you tried brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta? Easy way to keep pasta in your diet as a staple, and way better for you than wheat gluten pasta! I would just say, it's easier to overcook these pastas, which makes them too soft/slimy. Checking often + rinsing in ice-cold water after boiling helps keep it from going too mushy.

[Judge Jude]

Drinking a lot of water is the simplest and most obvious, yet underrated, thing a person can do. The "engine flush" is good, and it fills you up and helps you not crave food.

Water, Walk, and the more natural foods the better. Not a lot of controversy there, and it should work for basically anyone.