I’m getting my six-pack back. Actually, I still have it. It’s hidden under a large, protective layer of fat. I have stealth abs. Carefully concealed with several years of pizza and steaks and beer and soda pop, but ready at a moment’s notice to assist my body with the strength and support to do things as exciting as sitting on the couch, or sitting in my computer chair, or riding my bike! That’s right, I’ve been riding a lot lately too.
It’s part of my exercise regimen, which also involves walking and hiking. I’ve also begun a "diet" of sorts, which isn’t so much a diet as it is a philosophy of eating.
I’ve noticed two things during my recent rides, neither of which is good. One, I’m seriously out of shape. Like gasping, wheezing, soaked with sweat out of shape, and that’s just carrying my bike down the front stairs of my apartment. Two, all of Utah is uphill in all four directions. I mean, really… is it so much to ask for a break? All of my bike-riding skills were forged in Ohio, which is flatter than Natalie Portman under a bus tire. My body wasn’t designed to climb vertical surfaces on a personal, human-powered conveyance. I look around me and see all the serious bikers, guys and girls with the full-getup, which includes the tight biker shorts, funky hat with sunglasses, yellow stretchy jersey, and clip-shoes, casually climbing 85-degree hills in 95-degree weather without even giving it a second thought, and I can only think "man, a big slice of pizza and an ice cold root beer, along with a big bowl of ice cream sounds really good right about now."
Which leads me to my next thought. I’m always hungry these days. My "diet" is really just a change in my eating habits. Whereas before, I’d eat two or three gigantic meals every day, consisting of anything that moved slowly enough for me to jab with a fork, (especially if it included pepperoni.) Now I eat three or four very small meals, spaced out a bit. When I say "meals", I mean something like a piece of toast with peanut butter. Or an egg. Under 1000 calories a day is what I’m starving myself with presently, and I’m always hungry.
You would think that by eating several times per day, along with drinking approximately 50.7 ounces of water, my hunger would be satiated. You would be wrong. Never underestimate the power of desire, especially when you bike past an Apollo Burger routinely. Several years of being fat have taught my subconscious that mass quantities of food are what I need, and no piddly egg is gonna change that. I have paradigm issues to conquer for sure.
I’ve been on my diet and exercise deal now for almost two weeks, and by god, I do notice a difference. One, my enormous super-orbital gut looks a little more deflated. I don’t feel anywhere near as bloated or Hutt-like anymore, and my reflection occasionally shows a tantalizing glimpse of the old abdominal muscles. I’m starting to feel better, and if I could deal with the hunger thing, I’d be in good shape. I’m well on target for my September deadline for gut-freedom, and if I can keep the pace, it will happen even before that.
I’m proud of me so far. I’ve been able to will myself away from junky food. I have a bottle of Sprite that I keep in my fridge as a reminder not to drink it. It sits there, mocking me with it’s lemon-lime goodness, but I just scoff. I will triumph over the Sprite, just as I will regain my wonderful 25 year-old body. Just don’t ask me to climb that damn hill by my house on my bike anymore, and we’re cool.
Natalie Portman under a bus — that’s comedic gold!
But I don’t want to hear you complain about the hills around your apartment in Midvale aka Flatsvale. Try moving up to the University foothills, then we’ll talk!
Seriously though, I can tell a difference in myself too. Like carrying my bike up the stairs used to be my least favorite part of the bike ride, cause I have such weak arms, and it’s just hard for me to carry that damn thing, even if it is lighter than my Schwinn was. But now that part’s not so bad. And I only have to rest once on my way home from work whereas before I rested twice.
I think 1000 calories is too few, though. Maybe step it up to 1400? Or, if you refuse to do that, try adding more fibrous things to your diet, especially leafy greens or broccoli. Eat a bunch of that and you’ll feel full. I find a handful of almonds makes me feel satisfied for a snack.
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Good for you!
If you ever get to the point where you would like to have a 30lb. weight strapped to your back while biking or hiking I’ll ship Brynnie out there for you.
Good for you Nic!!! I’m so proud of you! I like your diet idea… I’ve been cutting back on food intake myself; the running is going really well for me. I just love running so much… I wish my lungs and legs loved it as much.
But everyday it gets better! Keep us posted! I’m excited to hear your progress
I agree with Sra – you might be eating too few of calories. Your body will go into starvation mode and it will struggle loosing and even might eat those muscles if you don’t give yourself enough food. Also, I good rule of thumb on liquids, especially water – you should consume 1/2 oz liquid for every pound you weigh and water should be at least 70% of that liquid (pop doesn’t count for any). So unless you weigh 145 pounds, you might want to up your water intake.
Last but NOT least, congrats! I need to get my butt in gear too!
I agree with Sra and Tauni-
You’re eating way too few calories for a man. Add more fiber. Switch to light whole wheat bread with your peanut butter…..if you can’t stand wheat there are some brands of white bread that add in extra fiber. Fills you up much longer.
Up the water too. Drink up buttercup. Because increased fiber without water is well….uh, cement. No one wants that, eh?
Try Fiber One Oats and Peanut Butter bars. 150 calories of YUM. Tastes like a candy bar and keeps you full for hours.
The biggest help(for me)in losing 80 pounds was writing down everything I ate. Tracking it honestly you can see what you may need to subtract (or in your case add)
Eat those veggies.
Also have pizza once a week!
And have fun biking-wish I could go along.
Miss you,
Jess
I’m impressed. I’m in the same boat you are (6-pack behind a keg) but am having some difficulty in finding the motivation to lose some weight.
Keep at it. Good luck.
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@All: Thanks for the comments and suggestions! I really appreciate all of them.
I know 1000 calories isn’t much, but I’m pretty attuned to my body and my metabolism, and I think it’s about right. There’s always room for adjustment though, and it’s a fluid process. I’m having a lot of progress with 1000 right now, but when I shift to phase 2 (weightlifting), I plan to up it considerably. I know I need to be drinking more water too. I’m only at a half-gallon now, and it should be at least one gallon. I stopped drinking soda pop completely, and I still have about a cup of milk in the mornings and a glass of orange juice. I also bought some grape juice too, but I’m not liking it as well as I remember.
@Jess: I found your comment and posted it. Sorry about that, my spam plugin gets overzealous on occasion. And yes, I do have one “cheat day” every week when I can eat whatever and however much I want. So far, it’s been delicious pizza.
Yeah, your Midvale hills are killer. I lived on 3rd north and Main St last year. Getting home was a betch and half!
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Hmm…I’m proud of you, Redhead.
I agree with Jess’ tips. Also, I know this sounds crazy, but frozen corn (no butter, lots of pepper) with salsa is not only delicious, but filling.
Oh, and DEFINITELY keep a food journal. I write down my stuff every day and have my pal Laura review it. Knowing I have to be accountable makes all the difference in the world.
I’m still biking 8 miles a morning on Ole Bess (my name for The Stationary Bike to Nowhere), four days a week. The other days involve either a hike or at least 400 calories of DDR or one of the crazy workout DVDs I’ve purchased because there’s only so many times a girl can AA/100 combo on “Disco Inferno” before she goes nuts.
Seriously, though, good on you, friend! Keep it up, it’s worth it!
Still, I miss cheese. My body doesn’t, but I do. All I can say is, all that bullshit about “nothing tasting as good as being thin feels” better magically come true, or I’m writing to my congressperson.
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Kudos to you! I think it is fantastic that you are sticking to a plan, congrats! I am positive that your bashful abs will be coming out full force very soon.
xox
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