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* Establish a moderate exercise routine and stick to it.
* Do not consume soft drinks or fruit juice except for special occassions.
* Do not eat fast food
* Get some sleep
Seriously
As I jump back into the hobby and a meet a lot of great new people, I can't help but think "Damn, why they hell are we all so fat?" or "Why do the young ones look so malnourished?" We're an aging demographic and we don't need to complicate our lives and the lives of our loved ones by treating our bodies like hell.
I'm sorry if I seem preachy, but in another ten years or so, this could be a big problem. I don't want tabletop group searches to become even rarer because we're dropping off from diabetes and heart attacks.
Take care of yourself.
Blah. Blah. Blah.
If I'm not listening to my mom about it, I'm not listening to you.
;P
(Though, seriously, I didn't think that too many of us looked overweight from the pictures I've seen. Heck, I'm the only overweight person in my group of six. I think we've all gotten healthier as a group, but there are still us generic overweight gamers.)
Awww... Fruit juice is bad, too?!? That's what I drink when I'm trying to be healthy!...
* Do not consume soft drinks or fruit juice except for special occassions.
...
Fruit juice is basically simple carbs, just like sugar. There's practically no fibre in it either (don't be fooled by those juices containing pulp).
If you really like e.g. orange juice, go buy whole oranges and eat the whole thing instead (well, not the rind, of course).If you REALLY want to change into a healthy lifestyle, here's a plain and simple rundown (without going into calorie counting etc.):
- Eat 6 meals a day (could be 6 semi-equal sized meals or the 3 squares and 3 snacks). Watch your portion sizes!!! Eating more frequently keeps your metabolism going all day and keeps your insulin levels steady (that way you avoid those slumps during the day a couple of hours after each meal). Try not to eat any big meals after 9 p.m. (depends on your working hours, of course).
- Stay away from most processed carbs (i.e. white bread, sugar, bagels etc.), consume whole grain bread, brown rice, yams and such instead.
- Watch your fat intake, especially from meat and dairy products. That means lean meat and low fat dairy products are what you should be looking for!
- Don't avoid ALL fat! Your body still needs fat, but it should primarily be mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. Olive oil, flaxseed oil etc. (you can look these kinds of fat up). Fat is, among other things, used for absorbing some vitamins and adjusting your hormone levels.
- Try to eat at least 5-600 grams of vegetables (spread out over all the meals) and 2-4 pieces of fruit each day.
- Drink plenty of water. If you REALLY have to drink soft drinks, go for the "light" products.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day (optimal would be a combination of cardio and weight training, e.g. on alternating days).
- Try to surround yourself with people you like. Enjoying your life can affect your energy level and even produce positive chemical effects within your body and brain.
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If you REALLY want to change into a healthy lifestyle, here's a plain and simple rundown (without going into calorie counting etc.):
QFT
Now if only I had the willpower to actually do it all ;)
Back in January, my doctor told me I had six months to bring both my cholesterol and blood pressure down, or he was going to recommend medication to moderate them. I managed to cheat an extra month in by making the appointment for today, and found that my BP was down within acceptable range.
Still waiting to hear back about the cholesterol, which should at least be better than last time.
( fingers crossed )
Try to surround yourself with people you like. Enjoying your life can affect your energy level and even produce positive chemical effects within your body and brain
Happily, this is the one I do best at!
All told, there are some things not corrected by a healthy lifestyle. I lost about 20 lbs. of weight a few years ago, but still need blood pressure medication, and will probably all my life. (started out at 160/100, now I´m at about 130-140/85, which is ok for my 37 years). Some things are just inherited.
A friend of mine has a liver like that of an long-year alcoholic, yet she never touches a drop of alcohol.
But generally, you should take care what you eat and drink and should try to keep some level of fitness - you gain quite a few years. The most important thing is: Enjoy yourself!
Stefan
Great idea for a thread. And excellent suggestions.
Excellent points, and I would certainly like to point out the "positive attitude" mentioned above. A positive attitude, and being happy, is in my opinion, absolutely vital to good health. (Anecdotal evidence: I had surgery two weeks ago. Scars are all healed up and I am in no pain. No, I don't have fast healing.)
Life is too short to dwell in negativity - chuck it to the curb and get on with your life.
Ah! But Lilith, you do drain people of their life nergy! That darn succubus part of you!
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* Establish a moderate exercise routine and stick to it.
* Do not consume soft drinks or fruit juice except for special occassions.
* Do not eat fast food
* Get some sleepSeriously
As I jump back into the hobby and a meet a lot of great new people, I can't help but think "Damn, why they hell are we all so fat?" or "Why do the young ones look so malnourished?" We're an aging demographic and we don't need to complicate our lives and the lives of our loved ones by treating our bodies like hell.
I'm sorry if I seem preachy, but in another ten years or so, this could be a big problem. I don't want tabletop group searches to become even rarer because we're dropping off from diabetes and heart attacks.
Take care of yourself.
Preachin' to the choir, in my case at least.
As a former 'fat kid,' I really agree with your statements. I try to eat healthy, and run almost every day. I still look like hell, but it's a kinder, gentler hell than before.
* Establish a moderate exercise routine and stick to it.
* Do not consume soft drinks or fruit juice except for special occassions.
* Do not eat fast food
* Get some sleepSeriously
As I jump back into the hobby and a meet a lot of great new people, I can't help but think "Damn, why they hell are we all so fat?" or "Why do the young ones look so malnourished?" We're an aging demographic and we don't need to complicate our lives and the lives of our loved ones by treating our bodies like hell.
I'm sorry if I seem preachy, but in another ten years or so, this could be a big problem. I don't want tabletop group searches to become even rarer because we're dropping off from diabetes and heart attacks.
Take care of yourself.
Preachin' to the choir, in my case at least.
As a former 'fat kid,' I really agree with your statements. I try to eat healthy, and run almost every day. I still look like hell, but it's a kinder, gentler hell than before.
Ahem, that kinder gentler hell is doing you some good (See our respective avatars). Man, I've gotta start filing my horns again.
/d
Ah! But Lilith, you do drain people of their life energy! That darn succubus part of you!
I do not steal...I merely reallocate resources appropriately. :P
If you REALLY want to change into a healthy lifestyle, here's a plain and simple rundown (without going into calorie counting etc.):QFT
Now if only I had the willpower to actually do it all ;)
Back in January, my doctor told me I had six months to bring both my cholesterol and blood pressure down, or he was going to recommend medication to moderate them. I managed to cheat an extra month in by making the appointment for today, and found that my BP was down within acceptable range.
Still waiting to hear back about the cholesterol, which should at least be better than last time.
( fingers crossed )
Yeah, those tests results are always horrible to wait for.
I was told that I was on my way to getting type 2 diabetes, which, at the age of 32, isn't a nice thing to look forward to.Luckily I was able to get into a course at a "life style" school, mostly for overweight people (it's a difficult concept to explain with few words, but I guess you could liken it to a boarding school crossed with stuff from "The Biggest Loser" - i.e. daily exercise, nutrition classes, personal development classes, healthy (and damn delicious!) food prepared by a professional kitchen staff etc. - Here's the school's homepage (although it's all in Danish, one can always look at the pictures ;-))).
I've been to the school twice (12 week courses both times) and while I gained back everything from the first visit (also a perfect example that if you surround yourself with people you DON'T necessarily like it can have a detrimental effect on you), I managed to lose 36 lbs on the second visit and while a couple of pounds have crept back on, I'm aiming towards losing even more starting early September when I finally get an apartment of my own again.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you too!
I managed to lose 36 lbs on the second visit and while a couple of pounds have crept back on, I'm aiming towards losing even more starting early September when I finally get an apartment of my own again.
Kudos to you for losing so much weight! Keep going, it is worth the trouble.
My girlfriend is dieting in six-week intervals for about a year now (low carbohydrate diet), and has lost quite some pounds. If I would state just how many, she would crucify me on the spot, but the effect is noticeable - she has more energy and is not so easily exhausted anymore. What´s more, she keeps on buying new clothes, as the old ones are too big now - talk about a womans paradise :-)Stefan
Our group is super healthy for some reason...we were all cross country runners through college and continue to run and lift now. Not to say that I don't like my pizza and beer, but in moderation it's all good.
As healthy as ever,
5'11, 170 ACE
I'm just beginning a new lifestyle, I've recently discovered this thing called "breakfast". Apparently, one needs to consume this "breakfast" in order to concentrate better in school, as I have not been to school in over twenty years, I need all the help I can get. All kidding aside, I am only 5'3" and weigh 120lb and I am in good physical condition, my biggest problem, I know I don't eat right. I hardly eat at all, too dang busy. I am trying to change that, I bought myself all kinds of really healthy quick stuff for when I start college on Monday (shudder).
Here I thought caffeine, salt, chocolate, and alcohol were the main food groups.
Seriously, in my case the 1st step has been to try to get into regular eating habits. Not easy when you're a college student and your class schedule can radically change each semester. And it will again come spring when I'm in grad school . . . but until then, breakfast at 6:30 am, lunch around 11, then dinner at 6 or so. Of course, staying away from soda (my personal nemesis) is tough. At least I'm hiking through the forest every day now as part of the job, so I'm getting a little exercise and sunshine. I recommend it to anyone who can handle the temperatures outdoors, but to be careful when the heat index starts to break triple-digits.
Here I thought caffeine, salt, chocolate, and alcohol were the main food groups.
Caffeine and salt, two things I just can't seem to give up.
Caffeine and salt, two things I just can't seem to give up.Here I thought caffeine, salt, chocolate, and alcohol were the main food groups.
Actually, the four food groups are:
Canned
Boxed
Frozen
and my favorite,
Take-Out
Hey! I got a 297 on my APFT last month (an improvement from 294 last quarter)! I must be pretty healthy. 6'1", 197 lbs., 2 mile run in 12 minutes 13 seconds! :D
O_o
I can run one mile in around 6 min, but by that time I usually feel like I'm about to die from lack of oxygen. I envy your fitness.
5'11, 139 lbs. Mainly stay healthy because my parens never allow much junkfood in the house at all.
* Establish a moderate exercise routine and stick to it.
* Do not consume soft drinks or fruit juice except for special occassions.
* Do not eat fast food
* Get some sleepSeriously
As I jump back into the hobby and a meet a lot of great new people, I can't help but think "Damn, why they hell are we all so fat?" or "Why do the young ones look so malnourished?" We're an aging demographic and we don't need to complicate our lives and the lives of our loved ones by treating our bodies like hell.
I'm sorry if I seem preachy, but in another ten years or so, this could be a big problem. I don't want tabletop group searches to become even rarer because we're dropping off from diabetes and heart attacks.
Take care of yourself.
It's great to see another player concerned about health! I'm the only one in my group who isn't obese. I thank swimming because it allows you to get in shape and you can eat like a 20HD red dragon without weight gain. I really recommend joining some kind of a team and do a daily workout as it is great for health and mentality.
Hey! I got a 297 on my APFT last month (an improvement from 294 last quarter)! I must be pretty healthy. 6'1", 197 lbs., 2 mile run in 12 minutes 13 seconds! :D
All of my groups I've played with since I've joined the Air Force have been made up of mostly military members, with a couple of spouses and friends thrown in.
In one game I was running, consisting of Air Force and Navy guys/gals, everyone failed their PT test in a three month window.
I was the highest ranking one in the group, and I took it to heart, and I started to make sure that "my guys" are keeping fit. I bring some healthy snacks, and my wife (when playing at my home) makes healthy meals for us to keep us off the chips and candy.
At a farewell luncheon for one of our senior leaders, someone commented on my healthy meal choice from the menu, and said something like "don't try to fool us... we know what you D&D players eat" and I mentioned that everyone in the group I was DMing at the time passed their tests with no problems.
It was kind of a funny, eyebrow raising thing. They thought it was funny that I defended my D&D playing, and yet acknowledged that we weren't displaying the poor fitness symptoms many of our hobby show.
As for me, I've been fighting the battle of the bulge since I got married 10 years ago. I had gained 30 pounds (at my biggest) since my wedding, which put me way over weight. I took it upon myself to get fit when I deployed to Iraq, and I lost 30 pounds between Thanksgiving and Easter.
I didn't mention the weight loss to anyone back home except my wife (who was still surprised), and my friends were walking past me before they realized who I was.
It felt good. I feel good. I highly encourage everyone to do what they can to live healthy.
Staying healthy = game longer. :)
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* Do not consume soft drinks or fruit juice except for special occassions.
...Awww... Fruit juice is bad, too?!? That's what I drink when I'm trying to be healthy!
My friends tell me this too. My response is, and has always been, if the juice in 100%, then dont worry about it. Just check the label, for it is amazing how bottle juice can be 100% natural yet 27%, 15%, or even zero percent juice.
Thoth Amon
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Caffeine and salt, two things I just can't seem to give up.Here I thought caffeine, salt, chocolate, and alcohol were the main food groups.
It takes more and more caffeine to affect me, the older I get.
For example, I polished off an entire pot of coffee, oh, about two hours ago, and I can barely feel the effects.
Of course, I've been drinking the stuff since I was thirteen...
I think it's in my genetic code now.
I've been holding off posting in this particular thread for a few days; I don't know, something about it really raises my hackles. Therefore, I've decided to limit it to this: If you feel happy about who you are, and you feel good inside, keep doing what you are doing. If something about you or your weight makes you feel unhappy, speak to a licensed nutritionist.
I've been holding off posting in this particular thread for a few days; I don't know, something about it really raises my hackles. Therefore, I've decided to limit it to this: If you feel happy about who you are, and you feel good inside, keep doing what you are doing. If something about you or your weight makes you feel unhappy, speak to a licensed nutritionist.
And if you do talk to a licensed nutritionist, he or she will generally tell you what I posted above. :-)
Of course, a nutritionist will also go into further detail about the number of calories you need, given your goal weight, body composition, exercise regime etc. Not to mention tell you about macro- and micro nutrients (if you want to know those details).I could do that too, but, as I also wrote above, I kept my suggestion simple. The general guidelines above will do you good and if they don't produce the result you're hoping for as fast as you'd like, a nutritionist can help you out by determining where you can do better (in most cases it's portion size/number of calories).
soft drinks and fruit juice a no no no.
got it.
But no mention of whiskey.
Whoo hooo. Shots all arround.
Meh (again).
I can never get enough motivation and willpower together long enough. I want to be thinner, but doing so is such a massive change to my routine that I can never stick it.
For me to lose weight, I'd almost have to completely rewrite the way I schedule my life.
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How interesting that this thread should be happening now on my 7th day on the master cleanse[http://therawfoodsite.com/mastercleanse.htm]
I recommend fasting as the quickest way to change dietary habits. Why not quit EVERYTHING cold turkey and start over from scratch!
The master cleanse is popular because hunger is minimized and energy level is generally high throughout the 10 or more days of the fast.
Try doing some sort of cleanse for the first week of every season for health and weight loss. Exercise and eat smaller portions more often of healthy food(I think we all have similar ideas of what is healthy and what isn't) when you aren't fasting and save the pizza and beer for special occasions.
I recommend fasting as the quickest way to change dietary habits. Why not quit EVERYTHING cold turkey and start over from scratch!
Because it's an excellent way to ?
Shocking your body is NEVER recommended by anyone legitimate. Before anyone posts it, yes I recognize fasting is a way of life for a great many Middle Eastern cultures, but that's exactly the point. Their bodies are conditioned for it. If you've never done it...ever...bad idea!
My girlfriend is a vegetarian. She still cooks meat things for me, because she wants to, but my diet has shifted to a much heavier vegetable content, and much lighter meat content.
This has greatly improved my health and how I feel.
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I've been holding off posting in this particular thread for a few days; I don't know, something about it really raises my hackles. Therefore, I've decided to limit it to this: If you feel happy about who you are, and you feel good inside, keep doing what you are doing. If something about you or your weight makes you feel unhappy, speak to a licensed nutritionist.
Mwbeeler, my post isn't concerned with body image or emotional well being, it's physical health. Being obese is very bad for your heart and liver. The reality of the importance of physical health eventually hits like a mac truck (usually in your mid 30s). A well developed sense of self will not save you from the sobering history of a body poorly treated. It sucks, but it's important.
Yay for exercise and mostly healthy eating! My husband lost over 100 pounds by eating better and taking up jogging, and I have lost at least 30 pounds doing the same (though I've since fallen off the exercise wagon). I'm a vegan to boot. After he developed type 2 diabetes (sadly, lifestyle is only one component of this devastating disease) he started eating vegan too. I feel like we've done a lot to ensure good health in our household. With luck, we'll be gaming for a long, long time!
-Amber S.
I became a fake vegetarian (fish, eggs, dairy still on the menu) a few years ago in an attempt to impress a girl. Of course, it didn't work on that front but I wound up feeling a lot healthier. Going to school in the city was also a major help: access to all kinds of healthy places and plenty of walking lead to me shedding 30 pounds over the course of the first year of school. Now that I live back in the suburbs, I've gained some back due to the lack of excercise, unfortunately. At this point, I'm considering trying out a vegan diet for a while and seeing where it takes me.
I haven't drank soda in a really long time. The thing that used to get me was those Arizona teas. So much sugar. So I've had to kick those as well.
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I feel that I am the perfect authority to comment on this question. I started my gaming in school and continuing during my time in the service. I then learned of the great joy of the fermented hop and grain. After leaving the Army I started managing a Popeye's I ballooned up to 503lbs at my heavest. I have recently decided to change my life around; I have lost about 130lbs since 6/28/2006 with Atkins and feel great. I started out at 489 and am now about 350 so I am still the typical overweight gamer. The best advice that I can give is to get the support from the whole group. I made sure that I ate before we started and that I always had something available for me to munch on during the game (my favorite was the bags of pepperoni). It has been hard but if you fall off the wagon get right back on and keep going. If any of the other gamers want to start a thread about losing weight I would be glad to post my ideas on how to help there or privately at kjbrown911<at>gmail<dot>com
It sucks, but it's important.
I think getting in shape and eating better is a good idea generally, I just think trying to fit everyone into a mold could be just as unhealthy.
Me for example: Watching me eat makes Santa Claus himself vomit with rage, and I've been told to carb "up," not down. I tried exercising, but I had to start shopping in the kid's section, so I restrict myself to only doing about 100 crunches a day just so I feel like I'm doing something after I get done with my M&M and diet coke breakfast (well, it was a 3 musketeers today). I work at night, so my sleep schedule is fairly nonexistent, and if caffeine soft drinks were outlawed, most of the people I know would climb up on a roof and start looking for targets.
I would "never" tell anyone else to live this way, but it has worked great for me the last two decades. Everyone's body is different, and if they feel good inside, well, there are a "lot" better things than living a long life (I've resuscitated people who were genuinely pissed at me for bringing them back).
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As for vegetarian diets, I think they are a good idea for the most part. Vegan / fruitarian, not so much, especially for children. We have so many vegetarians in the town where I work there are actually a few fast food places that do nothing but vegetarian fare.
I became a fake vegetarian (fish, eggs, dairy still on the menu) a few years ago in an attempt to impress a girl. Of course, it didn't work on that front but I wound up feeling a lot healthier. Going to school in the city was also a major help: access to all kinds of healthy places and plenty of walking lead to me shedding 30 pounds over the course of the first year of school. Now that I live back in the suburbs, I've gained some back due to the lack of excercise, unfortunately. At this point, I'm considering trying out a vegan diet for a while and seeing where it takes me.
I haven't drank soda in a really long time. The thing that used to get me was those Arizona teas. So much sugar. So I've had to kick those as well.
If you'd like any advice on going vegan, feel free to email me at medesha at yahoo dot com. Being a healthy vegan is surprisingly easy (for both adults and children). I actually went vegetarian initially thanks to editor Mike McArtor at Paizo, who was my veggie mentor. :-)
-Amber
I've been holding off posting in this particular thread for a few days; I don't know, something about it really raises my hackles. Therefore, I've decided to limit it to this: If you feel happy about who you are, and you feel good inside, keep doing what you are doing. If something about you or your weight makes you feel unhappy, speak to a licensed nutritionist.
In general, I agree. What works for one does not work for another. However, I'll expand with, "talk to several nutritionists, some registered dieticians, your GP, interview personal trainers, and do your own research."
Sadly, there are a lot of quacks out there. The term "nutritionist" carries no legal meaning in the US and Canada; anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or 'licensed nutritionist' by taking uncertified classes and hanging up their shingle. There are many fine, educated nutritionists out there, but their title doesn't guarantee anything.
Dieticians (or dietitians), however, require government-mandated training, usually a 4-year program at a college or university. They have to study nutrition and biology and usually are required to do a practicum. A registered dietician has been to university and knows what the government believes is the truth regarding health.
GPs and other doctors don't have to take nutrition or phys. ed. courses as part of their training. Doctors can educate themselves, of course, and keep on top of health news -- but some don't. A poorly informed doctor can do a lot of damage to a patient's eating habits.
Personal trainers likewise are certified by any number of means. Some are reputable, some aren't. It's important with all these professionals to find a person who will push you, but not too hard, who seems knowledgeable but not arrogant, and whose personality you can work with.
In the end, it's something of a crapshoot. Finding a good dietician, doctor, or trainer can be as hard as finding a good therapist or hairstylist. But in the end, if you really crave direction and guidance, it's an important and worthwhile investment.
-Amber S.
I blame my issues on my sedentary job.
I've been thinking of getting off my posterior and doing something. Unfortunately, I go to bed too late to do something in the morning and it's dark when I get home.
I think I'd be OK on the eating part if I would just move around enough to burn the calories I take in (which I have cut back on). I gave up soda cold turkey some 5+ years ago, so that's not a problem. Not much of a candy person, but every once in awhile...
I'd like to point out that not everyone who eats junk food all the time is grossly overweight, and not everyone who eats healthy is slim and trim.
I can scarf down food like I've got a hollow leg (I once at an entire box-worth of Rice-a-Roni mixed with a half-pound of ground beef in one sitting), but I weigh approximately 150 lbs at 5'9". And in high school, even with sitting around the house in the summer, I literally had problems gaining weight, and ended up going into the Navy a mere 4 pounds above the minimum weight for my height, which was 119 lbs.
I have developed a bit of a gut over the past few years due to being more sedentary, but even eating as much as I can, the weight doesn't stick too well, possibly as a result of a higher-than-average metabolism. If I don't eat anything over several hours, I often feel like I'm going to puke when I get ready to finally eat.
I have a friend, who weighs probably at least twice what I do, and he eats very healthy, but the weight isn't dropping off him even though he is losing pounds.
The point is that there are far more things that can affect one's weight than simple diet. My mother's thyroid quit on her when she was a teen, and even eating a minimal amount to survive didn't help her keep the weight down.
So while it is generally a good idea to eat healthy and get exercise, for some people doing it to keep weight off isn't a primary reason, not having a heart attack, or stroke caused by poor blood circulation in the legs is, to me at least, far more important of a reason that fulfilling American society's "ideal" of being thin (which I've received quite a bit of ribbing about, interestingly enough).
I blame my issues on my sedentary job.
I've been thinking of getting off my posterior and doing something. Unfortunately, I go to bed too late to do something in the morning and it's dark when I get home.
I think I'd be OK on the eating part if I would just move around enough to burn the calories I take in (which I have cut back on). I gave up soda cold turkey some 5+ years ago, so that's not a problem. Not much of a candy person, but every once in awhile...
So you work the evening shift too? One of my main problems is that I work the 4PM to Midnight shift. I go to bed by 3AM at the earliest (it is often 5 or 6 am) and often get up 2 hours before work. When I was working the 8AM to 5PM shift, I was walking all the time, doing exercise, starting to go to the gym, eating healthier, ect. But once I got on this shift, it took two weeks for me to get back into my old and bad habits. Darn it!
I actually went vegetarian initially thanks to editor Mike McArtor at Paizo, who was my veggie mentor. :-)
-Amber
Mike M. is a veggie? I always knew there was something different about him. ~Evil Grin~
Mike McA, James Sutter and I are all vegetarians at last check. We're slowly infiltrating Paizo, biding our time for...I mean, we're, um, cool. That's all.
-Amber S.
Somewhere around here I have a decent recipe for vegan twinkies (had to prepare a snack table for some relatives). If I remember I'll post it when I get home (or I'm sure googling about would locate one as well).
I love vegetarians. They are SO much easier to digest. ;)
Mike McA, James Sutter and I are all vegetarians at last check. We're slowly infiltrating Paizo, biding our time for...I mean, we're, um, cool. That's all.
-Amber S.
~pulls a knife and holds it to a carrot~ Stop or the veggie gets it!