Bozzlife: Losing Myself
Let me be very clear, I absolutely intend the title to be literal not figurative. My mental health is quite well, it's my physical health that I am more concerned with. A good friend of mine that isn't much older than me just suffered a heart attack and that combined with my past cancer scare has impressed on me the importance of being healthy.
The truth is, I don't really eat that bad, take the picture above for example. @mrsbozz had something going on this night so I was left to fend for myself when it came to dinner. I basically had "carte blanche" to visit any fast food or take out joint I wanted to for my meal.
Instead, I opted to make myself a salad with some loose leaf spinach we had, and I have to admit it was fantastic. I needed to add some chicken to it because my upbringing has locked me into that "protein is a necessity" mindset.
Since I have been with @mrsbozz I eat far more green veggies(broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus), and far less red meat and pork products than I used to.
My biggest issue is the physical activity...
My doctor(s) have been telling me for years that they would like me to lose some weight. @mrsbozz has brought it up as well, not because she thinks I am fat but because she wants me to be healthy so we can enjoy a long life together.
The truth is, since I have been with her I have weighed right around 250 lbs. give or take 5 to 10 pounds depending on the time of year. In the Summer I do some walking with her and I have the law to mow so I am more active. In Michigan the Winters usually keep you indoors and there isn't much to do but watch TV and eat.
@mrsbozz has been getting up at 4 AM for just about a year now and exercising every morning down in our basement. I am so proud of her and how she has become so dedicated to getting healthier, even the mornings when she really doesn't feel like it.
Now to get myself into that habit...
I recently started looking into a Seven Minute Workout at the suggestion of @steevc. The workout itself is pretty straight forward with twelve different exercises and you try to do as many as you can of each in thirty seconds. Then you rest for five seconds and move on to the next exercise for thirty seconds until you eventually complete all twelve.
These are the exercises:
- Jumping Jacks
- Wall Sit
- Pushups
- Crunches
- Step-up
- Squat
- Triceps Dip
- Plank
- High knees
- Lunge
- Push up and rotation
- Side Plank
I started out yesterday and I barely made it through the wall sit before I eventually gave up. Today I tried it again and I powered through the jumping jacks with no problem. My legs were shaking by the time I finished the wall sit, but I continued on to the push ups. I had to use the modified position for push ups with my knees on the floor because I knew I would only be able to do about five the traditional way.
The crunches were difficult because I didn't have a way to secure my feet, so my body was kind of all over the place during those. From there I skipped right to the planking and held it for about two seconds before I realized this workout is definitely not for me.
Truthfully, I think I dove in a little took quick and I need to back off a little and slowly work my way up to this. My ultimate goal will be to complete this full workout in seven minutes one day. I need to take baby steps for now though.
My wife has some strength building videos that are supposed to be pretty low impact that I might try. She also has some aerobic walking videos that I might give a shot. I think eventually I am going to need to break down and get a some sort of fitness tracker. My phone is just to big and bulky to try and carry to record the workout. If I put it in my pocket, my pants tend to fall down!
I can say that even doing the thirty seconds of jumping jacks got my blood moving and I felt more awake at 4:45 in the morning than I have in a quite a while. I kind of liked the feeling, so that is a good sign!
I know there are going to be set back and lazy days ahead, but wish me luck on my continued journey towards a healthy me!
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You probably need to build up to doing the whole exercise routine, but it does work the whole body. I use an app to keep me going and motivated. I tend to do the whole lot twice, but used to really struggle to do that. When I started running I'd go out for a few minutes and be breathless for ages afterwards. Progress only comes from keeping going, but I'm sure you will find something that works for you.
Thanks I appreciate it. Yeah, I installed an interval timer that works really well. Like I said, I think I am going to need to get some kind of fitness tracker and then just ease myself into some form of routine.
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hi @Bozz, iv found over time the foods that affect me the most. I do weight training which certainly helps the weight loss but for me dropping the sugars, (any sugars) or at a more basic level anything food that produces a surge of insulin which includes breads.. breads are the big no no for me. obviously you know i like the dram, ... but there has to be some luxury's, .. i just promise myself i'm going to make up for it in the gym.
I know I will never loose a ton, I would just like to drop a couple of pants sizes. There are certain things that I am just not willing to give up. I have dieted many times over the past couple of years and I am always surprised at how much moderation has to do with it all. It is very hard, especially here in the states where the portion sizes are so huge.
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Ah yah!
You can definitely do it!
The thing about physical activity and whole foods is those are the only thing we were originally designed for. You sat, you don’t eat and got slow and were eaten. Pretty simple.
The good thing about physical activity is that our body celebrates when we do it. Memorize the euphoria when you are done and recall that when you get the laziness feeling next time you are trying to start.
Plus, anything is a good start, it gets easier just by not quitting on yourself, and you go on autopilot when you concentrate on your breathing.
Good stuff!
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Thanks for the pep talk! I appreciate it! Like I said, I know I am going to have some stumbles, but I am hoping I can find a routine that I can stick to.
It will have to be fun. Like kid fun.
I dreaded going to the gym because of the routine, crowded loud arseholes I didn't want to have to interact with, and the monotony of it. Luckily, I replaced that initially with hockey which is fun as hell. Then, I found Jiu Jitsu after 40 which is a strange time to start that sport.
Never looked back and am doing alright. Joy and consistency will be your keys. That and a partner that you participate with you don't want to let down.
Til then, just do.
Yeah, I don't think I will be going to a gym any time soon. I would rather buy a treadmill and walk/run in my basement while looking at the wall. If only I had a place to put it. I am on the edge of thinking I could enjoy running but then I remember it is just running and nothing is chasing you and I lose my motivation. :)
You can do it @bozz. I have been focusing on improved health over the last few weeks. Trying to increase activity and reduce calories. But have been challenges over recent years, but I want to live in such a way that is an example for my family and enjoy my time with them.
Keep it up, sir!
Yeah, I almost didn't post about it because now I know that I am going to have a bunch of followers keeping me accountable for it and making me kick myself every time they ask how it is going! I need to go in knowing there are going to be setbacks. That way I don't get so down on myself when fail to follow through. Just as long as I get back up and try again...
I was sitting at around 240 a year ago and through eating more sensibly I am now just under 200 but the only exercise I do is walking that one you list sounds something I should try as well but slowly slowly if I do
Cheers
It's going to take a while to get up to that level.
Well your one step ahead of me you have started 👍🙂
I am glad you are exercising and eating healthy. I am very active myself and I actually feel more tired and bored on the days I don't work out.
I can totally believe that!