Boone
Well-known member
As I've gotten older (I'm 56 now), noticed my metabolism has slowed way down. I used to just think about dropping 10 lbs and *poof* it was gone. I'm only 5' 9" and have drifted up to 200 lbs over the past couple of years. I carry it well - I have a muscular frame and no one would describe me as 'fat'. But that's way more weight than I want to or should carry. My ideal weight would be in the 170-175 range.
Prior to picking up this weight, I had a leadership role at a hospital. Long, long hours, but I had the flexibility to hit the gym on the way out of work everyday. I could easily ride the stationary bike for an hour most days, or do some lifting. I had no problem keeping my weight where it needed to be. Job change a couple years ago, to one where I work 12-13 hour days, and despite it being a physically demanding job, have gained weight. Part of that is just being too whooped after a long day of work to exercise, and part of it being convenience food choices for dinner because I'm too whooped to cook something healthy. On my days off I'm mostly trying to recover for the next round of work days.
I've done a version of the South Beach diet before. I'm not really a 'diet' guy. I plan to get back on the bike before long and try and consistently ride - but I want to get my weight at a more comfortable level before I start riding again. The South Beach plan is mostly a high protein, no sugars, carbs, or starches diet. Essentially that means I can eat all the meat/protein I want, most vegetables (except those with a lot of starch), and non-calorie drinks.
Biggest barrier for me is boredom. I've never been a big carb guy. I can live without bread or pasta. But I love rice and potatoes, and eliminating sugar from the diet, including most fruits - that makes it tougher.
Anyone done this kind of plan before - and how'd you make it work? Any thoughts on food additions that meet those basic rules would be welcomed.
Prior to picking up this weight, I had a leadership role at a hospital. Long, long hours, but I had the flexibility to hit the gym on the way out of work everyday. I could easily ride the stationary bike for an hour most days, or do some lifting. I had no problem keeping my weight where it needed to be. Job change a couple years ago, to one where I work 12-13 hour days, and despite it being a physically demanding job, have gained weight. Part of that is just being too whooped after a long day of work to exercise, and part of it being convenience food choices for dinner because I'm too whooped to cook something healthy. On my days off I'm mostly trying to recover for the next round of work days.
I've done a version of the South Beach diet before. I'm not really a 'diet' guy. I plan to get back on the bike before long and try and consistently ride - but I want to get my weight at a more comfortable level before I start riding again. The South Beach plan is mostly a high protein, no sugars, carbs, or starches diet. Essentially that means I can eat all the meat/protein I want, most vegetables (except those with a lot of starch), and non-calorie drinks.
Biggest barrier for me is boredom. I've never been a big carb guy. I can live without bread or pasta. But I love rice and potatoes, and eliminating sugar from the diet, including most fruits - that makes it tougher.
Anyone done this kind of plan before - and how'd you make it work? Any thoughts on food additions that meet those basic rules would be welcomed.