by Jack Lee
Like all good things, a successful weight loss program takes time. I didn’t get to this weight in a month and I won’t get it off in a month, it’s just going to take time. So many diets fail because people have these unrealistic expectations or do rediculous crash diets. This is about a life style change..key word [life] and that means commitment to change…for life. That’s not as daunting as it may sound, because you are simply trading bad habits for good habits, that’s not a sacrifice. You’re not depriving yourself, you’re adding good things to your life and living healthy. You may not live longer, but you are adding quality to your years and isn’t that a worthwhile goal? We’re inviting you to join us in our quest for the healthy person we all want to be.
My goal is to drop 40 pounds of worthless, energy sapping, blubber. I have no time table, I don’t even check myself on the scale, for me, its all about how I feel and how I fit in my clothes. That’s the most important thing for me right now. My plan is still in the making, despite all the diet plans that are ready to go out here. I have to come up with something that I think will work for me. But, thankfully there are thousands of ways to achieve a desired goal and now it’s a matter of picking and choosing things that will be custom fit and just right for me. If you do this rather than go with the latest fad diet I think you’re more likely to stick with it – we tend to stick with what we understand and what feels right to us. (Suggestions welcome)
So far, I am targeting eating in reasonable portions, knock off sugar and salt as much as possible and walk at least 20-40 minutes a day. A brisk walk too, no snails will ever pass me up! Every expert out here says nothing burns calories faster than your large leg muscles and the added benefit is its good for your heart. Make walking part of your plan. You can add other things later, but for now walking is a must. If you think walking 20 – 40 minutes a day isn’t for you, give it at least 3 weeks before you say no.
Today’s tip is take an aspirin before exercise, it helps prevent muscle soreness.
Bonus tip: Big 5 has walking shoes regular price $125 on sale as a close out for just $17!!!! These are called Springers and they are super comfortable.
Walking is good, and I do it every day when I walk my dogs. However, it is nothing compared to running, which I have done for 35 years. One day at the gym (I also work out with weights), the trainer had a device that measures the fat content of your body, so I tried it. You hold a handle in one hand and another handle in the other, while he presses a button that sends an electronic impulse through your body. Apparently, the conductivity of fat is different from that of other tissues. Anyway, my fat percentage was 9.3. I think that is not bad, considering I just received my Medicare card.
9.3 body fat is far above what most of us could ever achieve. You’re in the pro-athelete category at 9.3%.
According to my sources on the internet http://www.weightlossforall.com/fat-percentage-ideal.htm and found that men over age 61 up to age 70 should have the following, but it is by no means a hard and fast rule because there are many variables or exceptions:
61-70yrs Below 13% is generally considered too little. 13 – 25% about right. 25 – 30% is over weight over 30% is obese. My goal is to be under 20% body fat.
Category (Adults only) Woman – Men
Essential…………………..10-13% – 2-5%
Athletes…………………….14-20% – 6-13%
Fitness ……………………..20-24%- 3-17%
Acceptable……………….. 24-31%- 17-25%
Overweight / Obese…… 31% – 25%
Pypr, I think I told you the last time I saw you that you looked great, you really trimmed down and looked healthy. Yours is the kind of story people need to hear that are struggling with their own weight loss. Thanks for sharing it with us and for the good advice. Thinking I’m going to start my day by shopping for more fresh veggies…