Getting back into shape (somewhat)

1

1024152

Guest
Hi guys,

as part of my on-going "Oh my God, I've turned 40" crisis, I've decided to try and get back into shape, somewhat. I'm not overweight or anything, but it wouldn't hurt to lose a few pounds. But most important for me is to rearrange those pounds instead.

I try to run at least two times a week, even though it's not my favorite. In order to keep the motivation going, I also go swimming at least once a week. Sometimes I also switch out a run for a good swim session.

So far, so good. My biggest obstacle however is the diet part of the the whole workout thing. I'm single, so I don't really want to spend a lot of time cooking my meals and what not. Furthermore, I work both day, evening and night shifts, so that also complicates it a bit. Add to that, a somewhat severe Coke addiction (the drink kind), and you get the picture.

Anyone got any tips for a single guy, when it comes to something easy and healthy food to make, which doesn't take forever? That's my biggest obstacle.
 

socalfreak

Superior Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2012
Posts
3,651
Media
107
Likes
6,128
Points
233
Location
Atlanta (Georgia, United States)
Sexuality
100% Straight, 0% Gay
Gender
Male
Well... First off, congrats on making the decision to improve yourself!
Being a junk food junkie myself, I understand the pull of sodas.
Coke zero has been a really good substitute for me. Still tastes sweet... But, no sugar.
As far as meals go....
We all want: cheap.. Fast.. And good quality.
Unfortunately, you can only get two of those at a time.
Cheap and fast will be garbage, etc...
Any prep will take some time.
Crock pot recipes are good.
Same goes for insta pot.
Very much a " set and forget" prep.
Cook.. Portion out your servings into Tupperware/baggies... And refrigerate/freeze as needed.
Having just turned 50 myself, I've learned you get out of it what you put into it.
Good luck!
I hope you reach your goals.
 

DSF140

Mythical Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Jul 27, 2016
Posts
3,701
Media
10
Likes
29,130
Points
433
Location
Atlanta
Verification
View
Sexuality
69% Gay, 31% Straight
Gender
Male
For what it's worth, my added 2 cents is that you can't have the attitude that you want to "only get back in shape somewhat." The only way that you will ever see any change at all is if you put in 110% effort and then see what changes take place. Once you reach the level you want, only then can you back off some and just go for maintenance. You can't begin with "maintenance" in mind. You'll never get anywhere with that attitude.
 

aldawg

Mythical Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Aug 2, 2007
Posts
730
Media
179
Likes
27,694
Points
598
Location
Georgia
Verification
View
Sexuality
60% Straight, 40% Gay
Gender
Male
Hi guys,

as part of my on-going "Oh my God, I've turned 40" crisis, I've decided to try and get back into shape, somewhat. I'm not overweight or anything, but it wouldn't hurt to lose a few pounds. But most important for me is to rearrange those pounds instead.

I try to run at least two times a week, even though it's not my favorite. In order to keep the motivation going, I also go swimming at least once a week. Sometimes I also switch out a run for a good swim session.

So far, so good. My biggest obstacle however is the diet part of the the whole workout thing. I'm single, so I don't really want to spend a lot of time cooking my meals and what not. Furthermore, I work both day, evening and night shifts, so that also complicates it a bit. Add to that, a somewhat severe Coke addiction (the drink kind), and you get the picture.

Anyone got any tips for a single guy, when it comes to something easy and healthy food to make, which doesn't take forever? That's my biggest obstacle.
Just saw your gallery...you look damn good already. But I appreciate the "Oh my God I've turned 40." It hit me at 50! Keep up what you're doing and watch your portion control...that and exercise was all it took for me to get in much better shape. I found I just can't give up the foods I like, so I just watch the amounts I'm eating and stick with the exercise. I know I'll never have the hot body that DSF140 has ( he is much more dedicated than I could ever be, and I applaud him), but I'm now happy and content without making myself miserable by watching every bite that goes in my mouth.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DSF140
1

1024152

Guest
Just saw your gallery...you look damn good already. But I appreciate the "Oh my God I've turned 40." It hit me at 50! Keep up what you're doing and watch your portion control...that and exercise was all it took for me to get in much better shape. I found I just can't give up the foods I like, so I just watch the amounts I'm eating and stick with the exercise. I know I'll never have the hot body that DSF140 has ( he is much more dedicated than I could ever be, and I applaud him), but I'm now happy and content without making myself miserable by watching every bite that goes in my mouth.

Exactly what I'm planning. I'm not looking to spend 8 hours a day in the gym or five days a week, for that matter. Let others give up all rest rest of their life, in an effort to look like something out of a magazine.

I just want to lose the belly fat somewhat and feel stronger. Not looking to be a model.
 
  • Like
Reactions: aldawg

drainedmt

Legendary Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Posts
511
Media
0
Likes
1,631
Points
398
Congrats on setting a goal and sticking to it.

That's the hardest part.

Swimming is an excellent full body exercise so keep that up.

The Coke addiction is tough, but it's really bad for you. Regular or diet. I used to drink two a day because my work has a fridge stocked with them.

It's not easy but you can wean yourself off slowly. A couple tips.

First, drink a big glass of water before you drink a Coke. Your stomach will be so full that you can only drink so much. Another thing you can do is fill a glass with a lot of ice. A lot. Then pour your Coke in. It might be just half a can. If you get the urge later, repeat with the second half of the can. You're not depriving yourself, but now you've gone from two cans a day to one. Or if you can find a store that sells mini cans, that can prevent your half soda from getting flat.

You can also do aversion therapy. Put your Coke in a place really far, like your garage, so you have to walk before you get it. Type out all the ingredients in Coke on a sheet of paper, and read the entire list out loud before you drink one. If you go to a vending machine, put a dollar in a separate jar each time you get a Coke, and then you will start to see how much your addiction costs.

As for meals, one super easy and healthy thing to do is baking packets. Get a few easy proteins -- chicken breasts, salmon fillets, etc. Get some easy to prepare veggies, even precut ones like broccoli or carrots. Add some carbs like potatoes or sweet potatoes. Put em all in a foil package with some oil and seasoning, onions and garlic if you like, and bake on a baking sheet. It's super easy, very little cleaning (you can eat straight from the packet), etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: muslbud7

DSF140

Mythical Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Jul 27, 2016
Posts
3,701
Media
10
Likes
29,130
Points
433
Location
Atlanta
Verification
View
Sexuality
69% Gay, 31% Straight
Gender
Male
Just saw your gallery...you look damn good already. But I appreciate the "Oh my God I've turned 40." It hit me at 50! Keep up what you're doing and watch your portion control...that and exercise was all it took for me to get in much better shape. I found I just can't give up the foods I like, so I just watch the amounts I'm eating and stick with the exercise. I know I'll never have the hot body that DSF140 has ( he is much more dedicated than I could ever be, and I applaud him), but I'm now happy and content without making myself miserable by watching every bite that goes in my mouth.
You're embarrassing me, @aldawg . The reality is that I'm simply skinny. Lol.
 
  • Like
Reactions: aldawg

Snarky_succubus

Superior Member
Verified
Gold
Joined
Feb 8, 2013
Posts
936
Media
334
Likes
2,749
Points
438
Location
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Verification
View
Gender
Female
Hi guys,

as part of my on-going "Oh my God, I've turned 40" crisis, I've decided to try and get back into shape, somewhat. I'm not overweight or anything, but it wouldn't hurt to lose a few pounds. But most important for me is to rearrange those pounds instead.

I try to run at least two times a week, even though it's not my favorite. In order to keep the motivation going, I also go swimming at least once a week. Sometimes I also switch out a run for a good swim session.

So far, so good. My biggest obstacle however is the diet part of the the whole workout thing. I'm single, so I don't really want to spend a lot of time cooking my meals and what not. Furthermore, I work both day, evening and night shifts, so that also complicates it a bit. Add to that, a somewhat severe Coke addiction (the drink kind), and you get the picture.

Anyone got any tips for a single guy, when it comes to something easy and healthy food to make, which doesn't take forever? That's my biggest obstacle.
So... the Coke “addiction” first. Probably deal with that? Lol The sugar and calories in that shit is a problem. You know it... so don’t. If you drink very much of it, you could easily shed a few pounds right there. There’s 140/calories per can. Roughly 3500 calories in one pound of fat. Assuming all else stays the same, if you drink 3 cokes a day normally and stop doing that. 10ish days you could lose a pound with no other changes. If you drink more than 3 a day?

You know?

As for food... is a meal service an option? There are *so* many these days. That way portion size is under control, you don’t have to cook, you’re not spending time on it... you can make sure your calories and protein are where they ought to be. Diet is gonna be the biggest factor for you considering the information given on your current situation/goals.