Recommendation for a diet

[Grayhead]

I love to eat.
I grew up poor. We did not have much back then, but we eat good. I come from a family of eaters as well. I could almost eat 24 hours a day as a kid. I graduated high school weighing 160lb. After basic training I was 175lb. I am 5-11 tall. I partied pretty hard for several years as well. So married my wife in 98. I was 180 then. Since then, I gained to a final weight of 260. My family typically has a solid frame, especially in the leg and thigh area. So, I really don't think much can be done for that. I have alot of muscle there. My main area of fat is my belly. I wear size 42 pants. I really want to shed about 60 lbs.
I tried cutting carbs and also tried a 1600 calorie a day diet. Managed to shed 15 lbs that way, but then my back went out and had a period of about 8 months that I was severely limited on activity. My back is better, but I cannot lift weights or exercise in ways to strain my back. Walking and standing for extended periods stresses it.
I have cut all sodas out of my life.
I drink water and tea. I don't drink and I don't smoke. I really think my metabolism is a factor in my weight gain. Most of it came within the last 10 years. I have a hard time with my appetite. I usually skip breakfast , eat a light lunch, and a good supper. Night snacks are an issue. I try to eat fruit, but find it hard to stay satisfied with them. I can down 2 apples and 2 oranges with no problem and still be hungry. No a Hugh fan of sweets. I have to force myself to turn away from chips.


Any advice?

 

[notashelbyfan]

Food is my vice also i love to eat, im 5-8 and weight 215 i could stand to lose a few myself.

My mother who was big by any means wanted to loose some, she dropped about 30 pounds in a couple of months by only drinking water and cutting all the sodas out while not changing the way she was eatting.

Losing weight is a huge challenge and very hard to do good luck i couldnt do it!

 

[heelbent]

Honestly...walk. Lift weights. Lifting burns fat while you're asleep because it takes a lot of calories to repair the slight muscle tears you get from lifting. When you combine walking and lifting with a lower carb intake the weight will melt off.

I'm 6'. I got up to 260 after I left the military because I just stopped doing anything. I made up my mind to change my body because I had to or lose my job. I started lifting and walking and lost 72 lbs in a little over a year. I ran 3 miles everyday, rain or shine, up until I blew out a knee. Now I just walk to maintain. It works.

 

[coryfly]

If you can't lift or exercise then it is going to have to be mainly diet, which is pretty crucial regardless. I would eat a ton of times throughout the day if you think it is metabolism. Just eat small amounts. When I was really into lifting years ago I would eat a PB sandwich for breakfast (eat half now), then a few hours later 24 almonds, then some meat for lunch, then some sort of fruit a few hours later, then more meat and a side for supper, and then a healthy snack a few hours later. Now, I was lifting pretty hard so ate good sized portions but I only work out a little now so eat much smaller portions. I am a huge believer in eating a little several times a day because of the metabolism boost. It has worked for me at least. I don't believe in diets though. You just need to create a lifestyle around eating that you can do. You can eat foods that taste good if you smart about it.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

I love to eat.
I grew up poor. We did not have much back then, but we eat good. I come from a family of eaters as well. I could almost eat 24 hours a day as a kid. I graduated high school weighing 160lb. After basic training I was 175lb. I am 5-11 tall. I partied pretty hard for several years as well. So married my wife in 98. I was 180 then. Since then, I gained to a final weight of 260. My family typically has a solid frame, especially in the leg and thigh area. So, I really don't think much can be done for that. I have alot of muscle there. My main area of fat is my belly. I wear size 42 pants. I really want to shed about 60 lbs.
I tried cutting carbs and also tried a 1600 calorie a day diet. Managed to shed 15 lbs that way, but then my back went out and had a period of about 8 months that I was severely limited on activity. My back is better, but I cannot lift weights or exercise in ways to strain my back. Walking and standing for extended periods stresses it.
I have cut all sodas out of my life.
I drink water and tea. I don't drink and I don't smoke. I really think my metabolism is a factor in my weight gain. Most of it came within the last 10 years. I have a hard time with my appetite. I usually skip breakfast , eat a light lunch, and a good supper. Night snacks are an issue. I try to eat fruit, but find it hard to stay satisfied with them. I can down 2 apples and 2 oranges with no problem and still be hungry. No a Hugh fan of sweets. I have to force myself to turn away from chips.


Any advice?

Don't lose weight by dieting, especially if food is your thing. I feel you... food is my thing too. In general, diets don't work long term because you're temporarily changing your eating habits to something that isn't natural. Unless you're willing to extend your new eating style from now til eternity, it won't work.

My advice, find a gym with a pool and SWIM. Swimming is one of the best kept secrets of weight-loss and strength training. If you swim just 15-20 laps a day, you will shed weight like wildfire, your cardiovascular endurance will improve leaps and bounds, and you'll tone the hell out of your shoulders, chest, legs, and back. And the best part about swimming is it's basically the lowest of low-impact exercise you can do.

 

[Grayhead]

One issue I have is lifting is out due to my back. Not sure if I can run. I drink no sodas. If I did I would probably be 300lb. I walk at least 3 miles day at work. I park as far away as I can just for this reason. I asked my wife to schedule a doctor to have my testosterone checked. My motivation is down from what it was. Kinda depressing really

 

[nctransplant]

One issue I have is lifting is out due to my back. Not sure if I can run. I drink no sodas. If I did I would probably be 300lb. I walk at least 3 miles day at work. I park as far away as I can just for this reason. I asked my wife to schedule a doctor to have my testosterone checked. My motivation is down from what it was. Kinda depressing really

@Grayhead I'm willing to bet your testosterone is your issue. If so be very careful about how you are treated. I have been on HRT for 2 years, best health decision of my life. If you have questions about my HRT email me at brad.reaves@sveagles.org, I'll be glad to discuss as I'm sure everyone here would rather not hear my medical history.

 

[heelbent]

One issue I have is lifting is out due to my back. Not sure if I can run. I drink no sodas. If I did I would probably be 300lb. I walk at least 3 miles day at work. I park as far away as I can just for this reason. I asked my wife to schedule a doctor to have my testosterone checked. My motivation is down from what it was. Kinda depressing really

Don't give up my friend. Do what you can do but just move.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

One issue I have is lifting is out due to my back. Not sure if I can run. I drink no sodas. If I did I would probably be 300lb. I walk at least 3 miles day at work. I park as far away as I can just for this reason. I asked my wife to schedule a doctor to have my testosterone checked. My motivation is down from what it was. Kinda depressing really

I'm not in the same age bracket as y'all so I can't speak to the natural eroding of testosterone, but if you follow my advice and start swimming, which can be a rigorous exercise, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how alive you feel once the endorphins start flowing.

 

[coolwaterunc]

See the hot dogs thread. Lots of good foods in there to eat.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

See the hot dogs thread. Lots of good foods in there to eat.

 

[Grayhead]

See the hot dogs thread. Lots of good foods in there to eat.

That's my problem, I like such simple pleasures

 

[Grayhead]

Don't give up my friend. Do what you can do but just move.

That's why I'm reaching out. The whole back issue really set me back.. I'll find my mojo. Before all this, I was like the energizer bunny. I suffered from insomnia as well. CPAP helped tremendously in that area. It was so bad that I quit dreaming. Was never getting REM sleep.
It sucks getting older

 

[Grayhead]

I'm not in the same age bracket as y'all so I can't speak to the natural eroding of testosterone, but if you follow my advice and start swimming, which can be a rigorous exercise, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how alive you feel once the endorphins start flowing.

This is interesting. Now I have to build a heated pool. Thank I can convince the wife?

 

[nctransplant]

That's why I'm reaching out. The whole back issue really set me back.. I'll find my mojo. Before all this, I was like the energizer bunny. I suffered from insomnia as well. CPAP helped tremendously in that area. It was so bad that I quit dreaming. Was never getting REM sleep.
It sucks getting older

Lack of motivation and depression are key indicators of low T

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Lack of motivation and depression are key indicators of low T

But can also be byproducts of not exercising and living a sedentary lifestyle. I'm only 27 and I lose motivation and get moody if I've gone awhile without being active.

 

[Raising Heel]

...especially in the leg and thigh area.

Mmmm, legs and thighs.

 

[Raising Heel]

I usually skip breakfast , eat a light lunch, and a good supper. Night snacks are an issue.

This set off a couple red flags. Skipping breakfast is probably not a great idea, and I say that as someone who's never been a big morning eater. Try a light snack. Like @coryfly said, a lot of people do better with more frequent light meals than eating three meals a day. Also, I saw an article once about a 50+ fitness model who said his key was cutting out all carbs after 4 pm. His dinner would typically be a lean meat like chicken or fish plus a vegetable side. Snacking at night is probably something you have to avoid, too.

On the exercise front, @TarHeelNation11's swimming idea is a great recommendation since lifting and walking cause back problems for you. My mom has chronic back issues -- two surgeries already -- but swimming is the one activity she can still do. Not sure how practical that is for you but worth looking into.

Good luck, man.

 

[tarheel0910]

I lose motivation and get moody if I've gone awhile without being active.

Sounds like you are rarely active then.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Yeah, ideally, breakfast should be your biggest meal, followed by lunch and then a small dinner. I'm not a breakfast eater either, mainly because my stomach just can't handle too much food in the morning. I get nauseated very easily then. I can only stomach a very small breakfast, but I'm sure if I ease myself into eating more, I can train my body to tolerate it. Probably won't happen though.

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

Sounds like you are rarely active then.

 

[coolwaterunc]

But can also be byproducts of not exercising and living a sedentary lifestyle. I'm only 27 and I lose motivation and get moody if I've gone awhile without being active.

This is my biggest issue ever since I graduated college and got a desk job. Before, I was walking a mile to and from class, running in between, and feeling great. Now, I sit on my ass for 10+ hours a day and just don't feel nearly the same. Weight gain isn't an issue, at least not yet, but it's just overall not feeling as good as I could.

 

[tarheel0910]

Who the hell still has time to eat breakfast? I guess @BillyL does because he just sits around and does nothing all day. The rest of us have to go to work to make money.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Who the hell still has time to eat breakfast? I guess @BillyL does because he just sits around and does nothing all day. The rest of us have to go to work to make money.

Wake up earlier, which is just not going to happen for me.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Who the hell still has time to eat breakfast? I guess @BillyL does because he just sits around and does nothing all day. The rest of us have to go to work to make money.

Wake up earlier, which is just not going to happen for me.

This is the problem with the whole "make breakfast your biggest meal" thing. I love breakfast food. It's my favorite by far, but like y'all point out, 2017 life isn't lived in a manner that allows for breakfast to be your biggest meal.

 

[tarheel0910]

I feel obligated to post this when discussing diets.

 

[coolwaterunc]

9 PM: "I'm gonna wake up at 5:30 tomorrow morning, work out, and then make a good breakfast before I go to work. I'm gonna feel so good and energized!"

5:30 AM: "F*** this."

7:30 AM: "Oh shit, I gotta go!"

 

[tarheel0910]

Wake up earlier

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

9 PM: "I'm gonna wake up at 5:30 tomorrow morning, work out, and then make a good breakfast before I go to work. I'm gonna feel so good and energized!"

5:30 AM: "F*** this."

7:30 AM: "Oh shit, I gotta go!"

10 pm: If I go to bed now, I can actually get up at 5:30 to do all that stuff.

Midnight: Hmm, maybe I should turn off the tv, put this bag of cheetos away, get off the couch, and go to bed...

1:30 am: *asleep on the couch with orange fingers

 

[Grayhead]

Yeah, ideally, breakfast should be your biggest meal, followed by lunch and then a small dinner. I'm not a breakfast eater either, mainly because my stomach just can't handle too much food in the morning. I get nauseated very easily then. I can only stomach a very small breakfast, but I'm sure if I ease myself into eating more, I can train my body to tolerate it. Probably won't happen though.

Can we eat hotdogs for breakfast?

 

[nctransplant]

Can we eat hotdogs for breakfast?

Only if they are grilled

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

Can we eat hotdogs for breakfast?

Sure, but I'm not sure that'll help with your sausage finger problem.

 

[Grayhead]

Sure, but I'm not sure that'll help with your sausage finger problem.

It's would only be a problem if I was a proctologist

 

[tarheel0910]

It's would only be a problem if I was a proctologist

That would depend on who your clients were. NTTAWWT

 

[Grayhead]

What makes someone wake up one day and say," I want to finger men's buttholes for a living"

 

[JuleZ '02 HEEL]

What makes someone wake up one day and say," I want to finger men's buttholes for a living"

 

[gteeitup]

i could go all-in with you, but if you just cut out everything white(bread, sugar, milk, rice) add 48 oz of water a day, shop on the perimeter of your grocery store, and try to eat lean protein(unless you're prepared to eat nothing that walks, runs, flys)...it took a couple of weeks to physically get through the changes, but well worth it.

we switched to coconut milk or almond milk for coffee and that went smoother than expected(i love chocolate milk)...we kept seafood and fish in our diet, but also limit the types...eat the small fish that don't live a long time if you're just sticking to fish.

 

[tarheel0910]

i could go all-in with you, but if you just cut out everything white(bread, sugar, milk, rice) add 48 oz of water a day, shop on the perimeter of your grocery store, and try to eat lean protein(unless you're prepared to eat nothing that walks, runs, flys)...it took a couple of weeks to physically get through the changes, but well worth it.

we switched to coconut milk or almond milk for coffee and that went smoother than expected(i love chocolate milk)...we kept seafood and fish in our diet, but also limit the types...eat the small fish that don't live a long time if you're just sticking to fish.

Your life sucks.

 

[Grayhead]

i could go all-in with you, but if you just cut out everything white(bread, sugar, milk, rice) add 48 oz of water a day, shop on the perimeter of your grocery store, and try to eat lean protein(unless you're prepared to eat nothing that walks, runs, flys)...it took a couple of weeks to physically get through the changes, but well worth it.

we switched to coconut milk or almond milk for coffee and that went smoother than expected(i love chocolate milk)...we kept seafood and fish in our diet, but also limit the types...eat the small fish that don't live a long time if you're just sticking to fish.

That is beyond my capabilities. I applaud you for your effort in Heath and fitness. I still want to enjoy life. A ribeye is a wonderful thing

 

[coolwaterunc]

Basically, anything food related, never listen to @gteeitup. That dude is weird.