From Fat to Fit 2025 - I Really Mean It This Time! (3 Viewers)

[Judge Smails]

Finally had the right motivation to do this. Went on a trip to Ireland. Tons of Guinness, Red Spot, wine and heavy food. Came back feeling like a slug. So went on the protein/salad program. No bread, other carbs, added sugar etc. No alcohol other than an occasional vodka/soda. 10 days in and doing a lot of cardio (Peleton, elliptical, recumbent bike, walking). Feel 10X better already. Now I need to cut back further on red meat and salt. Will check the scale but I know this works for me. Just need to be religious about it. I was doing OK until the rotator cuff surgery a year ago. Couldn’t do much and inertia works both ways.

Awesome to see what you guys have done. Motivational. I need to drop 20+. Mantra is nothing tastes as good as that feeling when I get there.

 

[Corporation]

Finally started up my Keto again almost a week ago. My weight was up to 299! Last I had checked in June it was like 270. Honestly not sure if my newer scale is off. Wasn't expecting that at all. Wasn't eating bad or drinking at all. But had some carbs over the last six months or whatever.

So one week in that same newish scale has me at 292 today. I am past the keto craving/struggle point which is the hard part. I am considering going to just water for drink the next few weeks. That along with the 14 hour fast from 10pm to noon has given me high success. The cooking is the hardest part now.

My emergency carby snacks are...
Keto bar
Watermelon
Blueberries in Greek yogurt
Spray whip cream
Tiny handful of cashews
5 year chedder
Romaine lettuce
Having Chicken/steak/fish meals in the fridge ready to be microwaved in a pinch is a huge way to fight a bad craving I find. And dump butter on top before. These are just my weird strategies. They have worked well in the past.

Good luck on the journey! Sometimes it takes a shock like that to really get us motivated.

 

[Corporation]

178.4 this morning. Leave tomorrow for backpacking trip so I ate whatever the hell I wanted today to get some fuel in my system. Hoping to come back from this plus a couple of vacation days tacked on the end under 180.

4 days of grueling backpacking done and then 2 days of eating and drinking everything. I’m sure I’ll be up a few pounds but who cares - had a fantastic trip and great time with friends. Back at it tomorrow.

Glad you made it back GB! Yep, special trips are no time to watch calories. Put on a few then back on track!

 

[PIK95]

Finally started up my Keto again almost a week ago. My weight was up to 299! Last I had checked in June it was like 270. Honestly not sure if my newer scale is off. Wasn't expecting that at all. Wasn't eating bad or drinking at all. But had some carbs over the last six months or whatever.

So one week in that same newish scale has me at 292 today. I am past the keto craving/struggle point which is the hard part. I am considering going to just water for drink the next few weeks. That along with the 14 hour fast from 10pm to noon has given me high success. The cooking is the hardest part now.

My emergency carby snacks are...
Keto bar
Watermelon
Blueberries in Greek yogurt
Spray whip cream
Tiny handful of cashews
5 year chedder
Romaine lettuce
Having Chicken/steak/fish meals in the fridge ready to be microwaved in a pinch is a huge way to fight a bad craving I find. And dump butter on top before. These are just my weird strategies. They have worked well in the past.

Good luck on the journey! Sometimes it takes a shock like that to really get us motivated.

I'm totally in the groove now. Once I get my routine going, it's alot easier.

 

[Corporation]

178.4 this morning. Leave tomorrow for backpacking trip so I ate whatever the hell I wanted today to get some fuel in my system. Hoping to come back from this plus a couple of vacation days tacked on the end under 180.

177.4 - I’ve come to the realization that if I really want to get super fit before I turn 50 next May that I’m going to have to keep my diet clean AND keep my exercise at fairly high level. I’ve been +/- 3 pounds of 180 for a while now.

I’m not sure how dedicated I am

Yeah it can get tiring for sure. I'm at a very low motivation level right now, but still within my range (190 to 195). I am not super fit, but better than I was. I'm going to try to stay in the range through the holidays, then see about making larger gains. Those gains will take much more work.

Turning 50 was a driver for me as well. Unfortunately for us, it will take more work for less results than when our metabolisms liked us

 

[Corporation]

Finally had the right motivation to do this. Went on a trip to Ireland. Tons of Guinness, Red Spot, wine and heavy food. Came back feeling like a slug. So went on the protein/salad program. No bread, other carbs, added sugar etc. No alcohol other than an occasional vodka/soda. 10 days in and doing a lot of cardio (Peleton, elliptical, recumbent bike, walking). Feel 10X better already. Now I need to cut back further on red meat and salt. Will check the scale but I know this works for me. Just need to be religious about it. I was doing OK until the rotator cuff surgery a year ago. Couldn’t do much and inertia works both ways.

Awesome to see what you guys have done. Motivational. I need to drop 20+. Mantra is nothing tastes as good as that feeling when I get there.

Welcome to the club! It really is making it a lifestyle change rather than just "curbing" for a few weeks or months. Find what works for you, but I think the top (or one of the top) success factors is accountability.

 

[Goldminer1]

July 2022: Weighed in at 268 with a plan to lose weight. I don't think I stuck with it for more than a week.

July 15th 2023: Weighed in at 261.4

August 6th 2023: Weighed in at 243.4

August 24th 2023: Weighed in at 237.6

September 12th 2023: Weighed in at 228.0

September 29th, 2023: Weighed in at 218.6
----
Day 95: October 18th, 2023: Weighed in at: 213.2
---
I went home last week for homecoming week at my alma mater with my college buddies. There was drinking, debauchery and terrible eating, and yet - after one day of being back home - I'm actually - DOWN - from where I was, when I left. I flew out last Wednesday October 11th, and weighed in at 214.0 that morning. Today, a week later, I weighed in at 213.2. Frankly I'm astonished that I didn't come home, way up on the scale.

Also, weirdly, I almost feel - better? After my week off from diet and exercise, like I'm more "full" or something. It's weird. It is almost like my body was out of fuel to burn off, after going pretty hard on the diet before I left, and then after a week of eating pizza and chicken fried steaks and beer, I've still essentially remained steady or even lost a bit of weight.

Once I lose 4 more pounds, I'll be at 209, and at 5'10" tall, I'll break out of the obese range on the BMI scale, and sneak into the overweight category.

I've got a cruise coming up over Thanksgiving week. My goal is to lose 14 pounds in the next month, and get on the ship on November 20th at 199 pounds. That will be pushing it, but if I stick to the plan, I can do it.

In the past 36 days, I've lost 14.8 pounds, and I've got 33 days until the cruise to lose another 14 pounds (and no homecoming week of bad eating, scheduled in-between).

Keep up the good fight!
-----
Upcoming Goals:
209 pounds (Will be in the overweight BMI category, instead of obese)
199 Pounds (By 11/20 - Thanksgiving Cruise)

 

[belljr]

still fat..... not upset really haven't been trying...... will get on this some day

keep up the good fight people

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Finally had the right motivation to do this. Went on a trip to Ireland. Tons of Guinness, Red Spot, wine and heavy food. Came back feeling like a slug. So went on the protein/salad program. No bread, other carbs, added sugar etc. No alcohol other than an occasional vodka/soda. 10 days in and doing a lot of cardio (Peleton, elliptical, recumbent bike, walking). Feel 10X better already. Now I need to cut back further on red meat and salt. Will check the scale but I know this works for me. Just need to be religious about it. I was doing OK until the rotator cuff surgery a year ago. Couldn’t do much and inertia works both ways.

Awesome to see what you guys have done. Motivational. I need to drop 20+. Mantra is nothing tastes as good as that feeling when I get there.

Welcome to the club! I’m about 10 lbs up from when I last checked in here (which was already 5 lbs above target weight). I’m not tall, so this is like 30 lbs on most of the lumberjacks in here.

Back to counting calories and targeting a goal every day using the MFP app. I’ve been working and traveling for work way way too much lately…..gotta stick with tracking my calories to make progress. Nothing else works for me.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

First day back in action. Stuck to my food plan all day. Fit in a 7-mile run late afternoon. Had enough calories to afford a small scoop of ice cream with kids. Ended the day consuming net 700 calories. It isn’t sustainable, but I need to spend a week Re-setting my body and mind. Gotta get used to feeling hungry, and used to knowing what “full” feels like.

 

[AAABatteries]

178.4 this morning. Leave tomorrow for backpacking trip so I ate whatever the hell I wanted today to get some fuel in my system. Hoping to come back from this plus a couple of vacation days tacked on the end under 180.

177.4 - I’ve come to the realization that if I really want to get super fit before I turn 50 next May that I’m going to have to keep my diet clean AND keep my exercise at fairly high level. I’ve been +/- 3 pounds of 180 for a while now.

I’m not sure how dedicated I am

Yeah it can get tiring for sure. I'm at a very low motivation level right now, but still within my range (190 to 195). I am not super fit, but better than I was. I'm going to try to stay in the range through the holidays, then see about making larger gains. Those gains will take much more work.

Turning 50 was a driver for me as well. Unfortunately for us, it will take more work for less results than when our metabolisms liked us

Right now my extra workouts are balancing out my drinking. I need to go on an extended run of no drinking I think to really drop down significantly.

 

[notoriousbill]

I am down 125 lbs since 08/21.
Eating right (with occasional Treat Day) and running.... Started out with short walks, now running up to 7.5 miles.

 

[AAABatteries]

I am down 125 lbs since 08/21.
Eating right (with occasional Treat Day) and running.... Started out with short walks, now running up to 7.5 miles.

Wow - great job. Where do you stand now and what are your goals?

 

[AAABatteries]

178.4 this morning. Leave tomorrow for backpacking trip so I ate whatever the hell I wanted today to get some fuel in my system. Hoping to come back from this plus a couple of vacation days tacked on the end under 180.

177.4 - I’ve come to the realization that if I really want to get super fit before I turn 50 next May that I’m going to have to keep my diet clean AND keep my exercise at fairly high level. I’ve been +/- 3 pounds of 180 for a while now.

I’m not sure how dedicated I am

Was supposed to have another backpacking trip this week but got cancelled. Now I have nothing to get myself ready for so nervous I'm going to go off the rails.

I have started running some so may keep that up and maybe add back some swimming as the weather gets colder.

179 today.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

First day back in action. Stuck to my food plan all day. Fit in a 7-mile run late afternoon. Had enough calories to afford a small scoop of ice cream with kids. Ended the day consuming net 700 calories. It isn’t sustainable, but I need to spend a week Re-setting my body and mind. Gotta get used to feeling hungry, and used to knowing what “full” feels like.

Alright, I’m on day 6. Stuck to the gameplan every day except Sunday. Had a minor cheat day, which meant eating 2200 calories, with basically zero exercise. Every other day I’ve been +/- 200 calories from target consumption, and have done hard core exercise 3 times (two 6+ mile runs, one day of pickup basketball). I didn’t overeat on the exercise days — tracked calories and kept it in line.

Net result so far is -1.3 lbs as of this morning. Goal is 5 lbs by the time Mrs APK and I take a short trip on Nov 18th without kids, and 10 lbs by the time we get away as a family over Christmas break.

Longer term, I’m trying to make a concerted effort to:
Reduce intake of processed food
Eat more fruits and veggies
Eat more protein
Do strength training 3x per week
Do yoga 2x per week

These lifestyle changes will be toughest for me. I need to focus on breakfast, lunch, snacks. Mrs APK will make what she’s going to make for dinner each night — no big deal, I can manage that via portion size.

Anyway, it feels good to have goals again and to be accountable in this thread, even though I’m too swamped at work to remember to post each day.

 

[notoriousbill]

I am down 125 lbs since 08/21.
Eating right (with occasional Treat Day) and running.... Started out with short walks, now running up to 7.5 miles.

Wow - great job. Where do you stand now and what are your goals?

I am where I want to be weight-wise. Currently at 175 lbs. Running is becoming my passion and really enjoy the time I spend running. Very therapeutic.

As far as goals. That's a tricky question as I've reached my weight loss goal. As far as running, I am playing it by ear per se. I will increase my long runs provided I can keep my heart rate lower while running (that is a given). I am actively doing marathon-type training with repeat/interval training 1 day/week and tempo run 1 day/week. SO far it is really helping my VO2 numbers. I went from a 28 to over a 38 since I started running a few months ago. I am 57 years old (soon to be 58....). Before running, I walked primarily at a 13-13.5 min/mile pace.

I am eating cleaner as well. I do have the weekly, what I terms a Treat Day where I don't worry about it and eat what I want.

I hope this helps!

 

[fantasy stud]

awesome thread. I started my journey 11 days ago. I'm 5-10, 255 pounds, and 46 years old. Joined the gym with my thirteen year old son. It's been a great bonding experience and I already feeling better . my goal is to get under 200 pounds by next June. So, 55 pounds over 10 months.

All right, one month in, down to 244 pounds. Lost 11 pounds so far. Feeling great.

two months down.
start- 255 pounds
month 1- 244 pounds
month 2- 238.9 pounds

still making progress. Hitting the point where a few people are starting to notice.
start-255 pounds
month 1- 244 pounds
month 2- 238.9 pounds
month 3- 234.5 pounds

 

[belljr]

Ok after a week of golf and debauchery and feeling like **** and seeing a picture of myself i am a disgusting pig.....back in

 

[skol asylum]

Basically gone completely off the rails since my last doc visit a month plus ago. Back to bad eating habits and absolutely zero exercise outside the occasional short dog walk. Amazingly as of a day or two ago was still within a pound or two of my doc visit weigh in of 288. Going to attempt to get back on track this week. Need to get more serious with all of it because even before that I was basically treading water and not seeing much results.

 

[Corporation]

July 2022: Weighed in at 268 with a plan to lose weight. I don't think I stuck with it for more than a week.

July 15th 2023: Weighed in at 261.4

August 6th 2023: Weighed in at 243.4

August 24th 2023: Weighed in at 237.6

September 12th 2023: Weighed in at 228.0

September 29th, 2023: Weighed in at 218.6
----
Day 95: October 18th, 2023: Weighed in at: 213.2
---
I went home last week for homecoming week at my alma mater with my college buddies. There was drinking, debauchery and terrible eating, and yet - after one day of being back home - I'm actually - DOWN - from where I was, when I left. I flew out last Wednesday October 11th, and weighed in at 214.0 that morning. Today, a week later, I weighed in at 213.2. Frankly I'm astonished that I didn't come home, way up on the scale.

Also, weirdly, I almost feel - better? After my week off from diet and exercise, like I'm more "full" or something. It's weird. It is almost like my body was out of fuel to burn off, after going pretty hard on the diet before I left, and then after a week of eating pizza and chicken fried steaks and beer, I've still essentially remained steady or even lost a bit of weight.

Once I lose 4 more pounds, I'll be at 209, and at 5'10" tall, I'll break out of the obese range on the BMI scale, and sneak into the overweight category.

I've got a cruise coming up over Thanksgiving week. My goal is to lose 14 pounds in the next month, and get on the ship on November 20th at 199 pounds. That will be pushing it, but if I stick to the plan, I can do it.

In the past 36 days, I've lost 14.8 pounds, and I've got 33 days until the cruise to lose another 14 pounds (and no homecoming week of bad eating, scheduled in-between).

Keep up the good fight!
-----
Upcoming Goals:
209 pounds (Will be in the overweight BMI category, instead of obese)
199 Pounds (By 11/20 - Thanksgiving Cruise)

Hey bud, this is awesome progress! Keep it up!

 

[Corporation]

First day back in action. Stuck to my food plan all day. Fit in a 7-mile run late afternoon. Had enough calories to afford a small scoop of ice cream with kids. Ended the day consuming net 700 calories. It isn’t sustainable, but I need to spend a week Re-setting my body and mind. Gotta get used to feeling hungry, and used to knowing what “full” feels like.

That's awesome that you can just "fit" in a 7 mile run! That would crush me.

I've been in my range for quite awhile, but we just went to the beach for a week, and I can feel what I ate. I have a feeling I'll be back tomorrow as well.

 

[Corporation]

I am down 125 lbs since 08/21.
Eating right (with occasional Treat Day) and running.... Started out with short walks, now running up to 7.5 miles.

This is tremendous work! All you guys running 7 miles are killing it (and me)!

 

[Corporation]

First day back in action. Stuck to my food plan all day. Fit in a 7-mile run late afternoon. Had enough calories to afford a small scoop of ice cream with kids. Ended the day consuming net 700 calories. It isn’t sustainable, but I need to spend a week Re-setting my body and mind. Gotta get used to feeling hungry, and used to knowing what “full” feels like.

Alright, I’m on day 6. Stuck to the gameplan every day except Sunday. Had a minor cheat day, which meant eating 2200 calories, with basically zero exercise. Every other day I’ve been +/- 200 calories from target consumption, and have done hard core exercise 3 times (two 6+ mile runs, one day of pickup basketball). I didn’t overeat on the exercise days — tracked calories and kept it in line.

Net result so far is -1.3 lbs as of this morning. Goal is 5 lbs by the time Mrs APK and I take a short trip on Nov 18th without kids, and 10 lbs by the time we get away as a family over Christmas break.

Longer term, I’m trying to make a concerted effort to:
Reduce intake of processed food
Eat more fruits and veggies
Eat more protein
Do strength training 3x per week
Do yoga 2x per week

These lifestyle changes will be toughest for me. I need to focus on breakfast, lunch, snacks. Mrs APK will make what she’s going to make for dinner each night — no big deal, I can manage that via portion size.

Anyway, it feels good to have goals again and to be accountable in this thread, even though I’m too swamped at work to remember to post each day.

Yeah, I always feel guilty after hitting a goal and then not checking in as often as I need to. Glad to see people are still crushing it and supporting each other.

And yes I'm hippling the thread since I've been gone a week

 

[Corporation]

Ok after a week of golf and debauchery and feeling like **** and seeing a picture of myself i am a disgusting pig.....back in

Something similar really motivated me. Saw a picture of myself at Disney on the rides, and the first time I thought "what a terrible angle" but then when it was every picture I knew it was me.

I know you like to joke about being in and out. Maybe print the picture where you can see it and let it motivate you. All the small gains add up and will really make a huge difference to your long term health.

 

[Corporation]

Basically gone completely off the rails since my last doc visit a month plus ago. Back to bad eating habits and absolutely zero exercise outside the occasional short dog walk. Amazingly as of a day or two ago was still within a pound or two of my doc visit weigh in of 288. Going to attempt to get back on track this week. Need to get more serious with all of it because even before that I was basically treading water and not seeing much results.

Hey it's great that you can see what you are doing. I know part of the reason that my weight has stayed in "my range" is because I've had to back off the weight training due to an elbow injury. We don't want to lose muscle mass in the sake of losing weight.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

First day back in action. Stuck to my food plan all day. Fit in a 7-mile run late afternoon. Had enough calories to afford a small scoop of ice cream with kids. Ended the day consuming net 700 calories. It isn’t sustainable, but I need to spend a week Re-setting my body and mind. Gotta get used to feeling hungry, and used to knowing what “full” feels like.

That's awesome that you can just "fit" in a 7 mile run! That would crush me.

I've been in my range for quite awhile, but we just went to the beach for a week, and I can feel what I ate. I have a feeling I'll be back tomorrow as well.

Welcome back from the beach! Hope you had a good time, glad to see you still checking into this thread!

 

[Redwes25]

I hate Halloween candy and at the same time I love it.

 

[skol asylum]

Basically gone completely off the rails since my last doc visit a month plus ago. Back to bad eating habits and absolutely zero exercise outside the occasional short dog walk. Amazingly as of a day or two ago was still within a pound or two of my doc visit weigh in of 288. Going to attempt to get back on track this week. Need to get more serious with all of it because even before that I was basically treading water and not seeing much results.

285 this morning actually, not sure why. But I'll take it.

 

[fantasy stud]

awesome thread. I started my journey 11 days ago. I'm 5-10, 255 pounds, and 46 years old. Joined the gym with my thirteen year old son. It's been a great bonding experience and I already feeling better . my goal is to get under 200 pounds by next June. So, 55 pounds over 10 months.

All right, one month in, down to 244 pounds. Lost 11 pounds so far. Feeling great.

two months down.
start- 255 pounds
month 1- 244 pounds
month 2- 238.9 pounds

still making progress. Hitting the point where a few people are starting to notice.
start-255 pounds
month 1- 244 pounds
month 2- 238.9 pounds
month 3- 234.5 pounds

Decided weigh in a little early because I'm about to do a little casino vacation and then follow it up with thanksgiving.
start- 255
August- 244
September- 238.9
October- 234.5
November -230.5

Also, my son has gone from 170 to 157 and has gained some decent strength too.

 

[the moops]

If anyone struggles to find a workout that is both challenging yet fun, I would recommend looking at a climbing gym. Whether it is bouldering (no ropes, walls only 15 feet high, bug padded ground) or top rope stuff (harness, belay system, way higher than 15 feet), I would recommend it big time. It is very enjoyable for all levels. The climbs are rated easy to hard and if you go 2/3 times a week, it is very obvious how much stronger and better you get after a month or so. My kids are into it, so I started and man, it is a good workout and super fun.

 

[Terminalxylem]

If anyone struggles to find a workout that is both challenging yet fun, I would recommend looking at a climbing gym. Whether it is bouldering (no ropes, walls only 15 feet high, bug padded ground) or top rope stuff (harness, belay system, way higher than 15 feet), I would recommend it big time. It is very enjoyable for all levels. The climbs are rated easy to hard and if you go 2/3 times a week, it is very obvious how much stronger and better you get after a month or so. My kids are into it, so I started and man, it is a good workout and super fun.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s one of the few exercises which improves strength, balance, flexibility and even aerobic fitness, a little. Plus it’s great problem solving. Kids also tend to enjoy it.

Although it’s fun, I’d limit bouldering, if you‘re over 30 or so. Too much injury risk to fingers, elbows, shoulders, and ankles - way more than rope climbing.

I’ve been climbing for about 14 years, and wish I started sooner. Still, even in middle age you can improve quite a bit - at 51, I’m climbing my strongest.

 

[Van Dyman]

First time posting in this thread. Congrats to all you guys making it happen.

I was feeling too chunky and had developed a habit of always snacking on junk foods. In June I cut out all junk food and ate basically just salad, black beans, and tuna for a month. Sometimes sprinkled crushed tortilla chips on the salad, but not much and not every time. Since then I've resumed a mostly normal diet except I don't always eat lunch and when I do it's tuna salad with (maybe) a cup of milk or oat milk. I was never super obese but for a 5'7" guy like me dropping from 180 to 150 feels much more like my natural "home" weight.

@Terminalxylem I'm still losing weight (much slower) while not trying and not really wanting to lose any more. I'm starting to think my metabolism has changed. Is that a thing that can happen? I'm 50.

 

[belljr]

Weight hasn't changed too much but I've been walking/stretching fairly regularly and cut out any eating after 6.....started back up my golf training program again. Down only about 7 pounds but feeling better. Next I need to tighten the diet up a little more. I don't eat terrible but I do have too much milk in my coffee and eat too big of a lunch. Need to slowly cut those things back and I think the weight will start coming off quicker

 

[Major]

First time posting in this thread. Congrats to all you guys making it happen.

I was feeling too chunky and had developed a habit of always snacking on junk foods. In June I cut out all junk food and ate basically just salad, black beans, and tuna for a month. Sometimes sprinkled crushed tortilla chips on the salad, but not much and not every time. Since then I've resumed a mostly normal diet except I don't always eat lunch and when I do it's tuna salad with (maybe) a cup of milk or oat milk. I was never super obese but for a 5'7" guy like me dropping from 180 to 150 feels much more like my natural "home" weight.

@Terminalxylem I'm still losing weight (much slower) while not trying and not really wanting to lose any more. I'm starting to think my metabolism has changed. Is that a thing that can happen? I'm 50.

Doesn't sound like you're eating enough. Need to go those calories to the 1800-2000 range. More protein, fats and carbs for sure if your diet is just salad, beans and tuna. Sample of what I eat in a day:

Coffee with a scoop of whey protein and MCT oil
Steel cut oatmeal with tsp of peanut butter
fruit - blueberries, strawberries, pineapples
green wheat grass drink
2 eggs, 2 egg whites omelette with peppers
greek yogurt (Fage or Siggis)
Grilled chicken
brown rice
veggies - spinach, mushrooms, etc
ground turkey
avocado
protein bar

 

[Terminalxylem]

First time posting in this thread. Congrats to all you guys making it happen.

I was feeling too chunky and had developed a habit of always snacking on junk foods. In June I cut out all junk food and ate basically just salad, black beans, and tuna for a month. Sometimes sprinkled crushed tortilla chips on the salad, but not much and not every time. Since then I've resumed a mostly normal diet except I don't always eat lunch and when I do it's tuna salad with (maybe) a cup of milk or oat milk. I was never super obese but for a 5'7" guy like me dropping from 180 to 150 feels much more like my natural "home" weight.

@Terminalxylem I'm still losing weight (much slower) while not trying and not really wanting to lose any more. I'm starting to think my metabolism has changed. Is that a thing that can happen? I'm 50.

Yes, metabolism changes with age. But it tends to stabilize in early adulthood through middle age. As long as you’re feeling OK, I wouldn’t fight the weight loss, if it’s occurring at a reasonable rate (~1-2 lbs/wk), as you’re still at the high end of healthy BMI.

Recent study on the subject
NYT summary:

Central to their findings was that metabolism differs for all people across four distinct stages of life.

• There’s infancy, up until age 1, when calorie burning is at its peak, accelerating until it is 50 percent above the adult rate.
• Then, from age 1 to about age 20, metabolism gradually slows by about 3 percent a year.
• From age 20 to 60, it holds steady.
• And, after age 60, it declines by about 0.7 percent a year.

 

[the moops]

Although it’s fun, I’d limit bouldering, if you‘re over 30 or so. Too much injury risk to fingers, elbows, shoulders, and ankles

The threat of injury keeps me coming back. I need a little fear in my life. I enjoy rope climbing but bouldering is where i and my kids are at. The problem solving is way more prevalent in bouldering compared to top rope stuff.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Although it’s fun, I’d limit bouldering, if you‘re over 30 or so. Too much injury risk to fingers, elbows, shoulders, and ankles

The threat of injury keeps me coming back. I need a little fear in my life. I enjoy rope climbing but bouldering is where i and my kids are at. The problem solving is way more prevalent in bouldering compared to top rope stuff.

If you want more fear, with less risk of joint injuries, try lead climbing. That‘s where you clip the rope into carabiners as you ascend. Guarantee it will scare the sh!t out of you, really help you understand your physical limits, and add a layer of complexity to climbing. Better yet, climb outside - it's a lot tougher when everything isn’t color-coded.

Or just keep bouldering indoors. But trust me, it’s a young man’s game, so be careful not to overdo it.

FTR, I mostly lead climb outdoors, with only mild tennis elbow to show for it. I’ve been laid out from low back injuries bouldering inside, plus it destroys the skin and small joints of my fingers.

 

[Van Dyman]

First time posting in this thread. Congrats to all you guys making it happen.

I was feeling too chunky and had developed a habit of always snacking on junk foods. In June I cut out all junk food and ate basically just salad, black beans, and tuna for a month. Sometimes sprinkled crushed tortilla chips on the salad, but not much and not every time. Since then I've resumed a mostly normal diet except I don't always eat lunch and when I do it's tuna salad with (maybe) a cup of milk or oat milk. I was never super obese but for a 5'7" guy like me dropping from 180 to 150 feels much more like my natural "home" weight.

@Terminalxylem I'm still losing weight (much slower) while not trying and not really wanting to lose any more. I'm starting to think my metabolism has changed. Is that a thing that can happen? I'm 50.

Doesn't sound like you're eating enough. Need to go those calories to the 1800-2000 range. More protein, fats and carbs for sure if your diet is just salad, beans and tuna. Sample of what I eat in a day:

Coffee with a scoop of whey protein and MCT oil
Steel cut oatmeal with tsp of peanut butter
fruit - blueberries, strawberries, pineapples
green wheat grass drink
2 eggs, 2 egg whites omelette with peppers
greek yogurt (Fage or Siggis)
Grilled chicken
brown rice
veggies - spinach, mushrooms, etc
ground turkey
avocado
protein bar

The salad, beans and tuna was only for a month, back in June. After that I returned to a my normal diet but with less alcohol and almost no junk food.

@Terminalxylem Thanks for the info. Sounds like no problem I guess, as I'm losing less each month since June and probably just 2-3 lbs this last month.

 

[Corporation]

Good luck to everyone! After the holidays is a great time to lock in and set the table for a great 2024!

 

[Goldminer1]

I'm 37. 5'10. Live in Florida.

July 2022: Weighed in at 268 with a plan to lose weight. I don't think I stuck with it for more than a week.
July 15th 2023: 261.4
August 6th 2023: 243.4
August 24th 2023: 237.6
September 12th 2023: 228.0
September 29th, 2023: 218.6
October 18th, 2023: 213.2
--
November 1st, 2023: 209.4
November 15th, 2023: 204.2
November 18th: 199.8 - Oh Yeah!
November 27th: 212.6 - Oh No!
November 29th: 206.0

--
So, the day before I left for my Thanksgiving vacation, I hit my goal of 199 pounds before going on the trip. When I saw that 199 pop-up on the scale, I was really proud of myself. I'm not sure that I was that weight, for more than a day, but just to see it even for that one day, before my vacation, felt really good.

As a sort of celebration I looked back through some photos of myself from the past few years, and then pictures from 11/18, and the difference was pretty amazing. 60 pounds at 5'10" and going from essentially zero physical activity to working out 6 or 7 times a week for 4 months, is a recipe for a big appearance change.

After a 4-night cruise, and an additional two days at the beach and a travel day, I was up 12.8 pounds in a week. Which is actually kind of impressive. Of course a good amount of that was water weight, bloat, undigested meals etc. Honestly, I didn't feel bad "emotionally" about it, in terms of gaining weight back. Physically, I felt fat, full and bloated. I knew what I was doing on vacation (and yes, I actually excersied a few times on the ship) and didn't beat myself up about it at all. It was a conscious decsion that I made. It was Thanksgiving, I was with family, I was having fun and it is what it is.

By the time Monday morning rolled around, I was actually excited to get back to my diet and exercise routine. After a just two days back home of being back on my plan, I've "lost" over half of the weight I had "gained" during my vacation.

My next trip comes during Christmas, I'll be heading back home for the holiday for about 10 days. I know I won't be perfect during that stretch either.

I've got another cruise (3 nights) coming up over MLK Weekend (I'm not rich, I just live in Florida and am cruising on a budget line). My goal is to be at 199 or lower when I get on that cruise on January 12th.

Part of this "transformation" that I'm doing is realizing that this is a lifestyle change, and not a diet to dump weight, only to gain it all back after my first "break" from my plan. This has to be a long-term thing. And a part of that, is being realistic with myself. The holidays are for being with family, enjoying food and fun, and not necessarily being militant about cutting weight off of the scale, and I'm fine with that. Once the holidays are over, I can get back to going more hardcore about this stuff.
---
Short Term Goal: Get back under 200.
Medium Term: Get through the holidays and on my MLK Cruise on 1/12/24 at 199 or lower.
Longer Term Goal: 180 pounds before I start to actually - "get in shape."
Distant Goal: Look "fit" and in-shape, rather than just being skinnier than I used to be. This stage wouldn't necessarily be so concerned with the number on the scale.

Thanks guys. Keep up the great work!

 

[belljr]

well 2024 will definitely be my year of fat to fit....

Still maintaining my walks..... and stretching for the most part.

Had my first Dr appointment in almost 3 years.

Cholesterol a little high ---- blood pressure a little high

Doctor not too concerned yet but wants me to definitely lose weight, drink more water, cut back on coffee......

Follow up in 1 month for my BP.....

This is why I don't go to the doctor

Weight still 230ish - will try to maintain through the holidays and 100% need to lose

Luckily it was nothing serious but enough of a "wake up" to get my butt moving

 

[notoriousbill]

Down to 173 (from over 300) since 08/2021. Went to Dr yesterday and he took me off my Lipitor (cholesterol) and Alopurinol (gout). I am pretty stoked about it!

He pulled me aside after the visit and told me I am a rare case for him and I should give myself a pat on the back for what I've done. This is allot coming from him as he is very non-personal...

 

[belljr]

Down to 173 (from over 300) since 08/2021. Went to Dr yesterday and he took me off my Lipitor (cholesterol) and Alopurinol (gout). I am pretty stoked about it!

He pulled me aside after the visit and told me I am a rare case for him and I should give myself a pat on the back for what I've done. This is allot coming from him as he is very non-personal...

That is awesome

 

[belljr]

Finally got below 230 what a fat *** lol

Hit 228.5 not quite 10 but close. Hopefully I keep it under that with the holidays.

Have a Florida trip for my daughter team 3/9.

Will try to get to 205. Slight stretch but close.

Been brisk walking 3.1 miles 2-3 days a week. With some shorter slower walks mixed in and some stretches.

Diet is still up and down but cut way back on coffee, and trying to cut back on other things slowly

 

[Mitchie]

Finally got below 230 what a fat *** lol

Hit 228.5 not quite 10 but close. Hopefully I keep it under that with the holidays.

Have a Florida trip for my daughter team 3/9.

Will try to get to 205. Slight stretch but close.

Been brisk walking 3.1 miles 2-3 days a week. With some shorter slower walks mixed in and some stretches.

Diet is still up and down but cut way back on coffee, and trying to cut back on other things slowly

why coffee?

 

[belljr]

Finally got below 230 what a fat *** lol

Hit 228.5 not quite 10 but close. Hopefully I keep it under that with the holidays.

Have a Florida trip for my daughter team 3/9.

Will try to get to 205. Slight stretch but close.

Been brisk walking 3.1 miles 2-3 days a week. With some shorter slower walks mixed in and some stretches.

Diet is still up and down but cut way back on coffee, and trying to cut back on other things slowly

why coffee?

Doc said I need to cutback on caffeine

 

[GoBirds]

Any new apps that help in the process? I keep having Betterme and others pop up, start filling it out then delete once it asks for payment.

 

[Sand]

Doc said I need to cutback on caffeine

Cut back on your doctor.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Doc said I need to cutback on caffeine

Cut back on your doctor.

Yeah, coffee* is great for you. Arguably one of the healthiest things you can consume. Decreases overall risk of death, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s, liver disease/cancer and diabetes. Benefits have been shown up to six cups/day.

Caffeine is pretty good, too, though can been an issue if you have insomnia. If that’s the case, decaf appears to confer many of the same health benefits.

*black coffee, not sugar and cream-laden novelty beverages

 

[Major]

Yeah, coffee* is great for you. Arguably one of the healthiest things you can consume. Decreases overall risk of death, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s, liver disease/cancer and diabetes. Benefits have been shown up to six cups/day.

Caffeine is pretty good, too, though can been an issue if you have insomnia. If that’s the case, decaf appears to confer many of the same health benefits.

*black coffee, not sugar and cream-laden novelty beverages

Out of all the drugs, caffeine seems to be the best one for most people with limited side effects. I really look forward to my two cups of black coffee mixed with MCT oil and whey protein every morning. In the afternoon, I'll normally get another dose from some green tea/matcha variety. Seems to give me a different energy kick that lasts longer than typical coffee. And as you mentioned, don't get sucked into the Starbucks latte/frappachnio sugar laden habit. You're drinking a milkshake, not coffee.

Hope everyone is continuing their fitness journeys. It's easy to get sidetracked during the Holidays but no reason to give up. Remember all the work you've already done and get back on the train. Good luck!