NationStates Jolt Archive

So, after devouring half a tub of jelly beans, I'm realizing that I'm getting a little pudgy and my eating habits suck.

So, how can I change this?

And by change, I mean do something and actually stick to it. It's the sticking to it that gets me, really.

Oh, and keeping in mind that this whole eating healthy and any exercise has to be feasable on a student budget without being too time consuming for someone with a part time job and a full workload at school.

I cut out snacking by chewing gum. Stopped drinking beer in the day and took up kickboxing. i'm now healthier thann ever

edit: I'm also a chef aswel as a student so the food was a bit or a prob

Find a buddy and go for a run.

Running is easy and inexpensive and it gets you in shape without too much hassle. It can be very boring by yourself but if a boyfriend or girlyfriend tags along it can make it more fun. Or you could just bring along headphones/earbuds and a discman/ipod.

Anyways, you could start out with just one kilometer per day, and over time work your way up to 10, 15, maybe even 20k per day.

Drink a lot of water and try to build muscle. Don't make losing weight a goal. you'll end up exhausted running and walking. The more muscle you gain, the easier it will be to lose weight. :)

The only thing about running is that my knees already suck so I'd need to know about picking out proper footwear for such an activity. Though there is a Runnign Room (a store that just carries running stuff) just around the corner. Hmm.

They have free run clinics too twice a week. Do you think attending one or both of those a week would be a good place to start?

I think my bf might run with me, but he doesn't live around here. I don't know of anyone around here who has expressed an interest in starting to run...

Oh, and also, weight loss isn't really much of a goal. I would like to rid myself of a little flab, but mostly I want to develop a healthy routine so I don't end up with horrible health problems. (my circulation is already shit...)

The only thing about running is that my knees already suck so I'd need to know about picking out proper footwear for such an activity. Though there is a Runnign Room (a store that just carries running stuff) just around the corner. Hmm.

[/B]They have free run clinics too twice a week. Do you think attending one or both of those a week would be a good place to start?[B]

I think my bf might run with me, but he doesn't live around here. I don't know of anyone around here who has expressed an interest in starting to run...

The fact that you start is great. Usually its simple things. A word of advice tho - fasting and crash diets don't work. I know its obvious but people bother me on the best crash diet and so forth.

The only thing about running is that my knees already suck so I'd need to know about picking out proper footwear for such an activity. Though there is a Runnign Room (a store that just carries running stuff) just around the corner. Hmm.

They have free run clinics too twice a week. Do you think attending one or both of those a week would be a good place to start?

I think my bf might run with me, but he doesn't live around here. I don't know of anyone around here who has expressed an interest in starting to run...

Unless you really want to run. Research shows that you can lose more weight by walking the same amount of distance versus running it.

Oh, and also, weight loss isn't really much of a goal. I would like to rid myself of a little flab, but mostly I want to develop a healthy routine so I don't end up with horrible health problems. (my circulation is already shit...)
Take up smoking it works for the French and super models, Plus it is wicked cool.

Unless you really want to run. Research shows that you can lose more weight by walking the same amount of distance versus running it.
Its not about weight loss its about a good cardio workout. Walking isn't really the same, plus I'd probably get bored.

To build muscle: weights
To loose weight: Eat better and do more cardio-vascular stuff (like walking, swimming ect)

Once you've decided the exercise you want to do, here's a handy tip to help you ensure you actually keep to it. Always do your favourite exercises first, so at least you start.

Ohh, don't chew gum, it makes you hungry. Coffe supresses appetite like smoking too, but is healtheir.

Take up smoking it works for the French and super models, Plus it is wicked cool.

Oh, my...I agree. Smoking certainly curbs my appetite. Unhealthy but, I like to smoke plus it helps me stay trim.

I also find that brushing your teeth when you're hungry is helpful - perhaps it does something to your tastebuds - I don't know...but it works...and you're no longer hungry.

The fact that you start is great. Usually its simple things. A word of advice tho - fasting and crash diets don't work. I know its obvious but people bother me on the best crash diet and so forth.
lol.

Yeah, me on a diet. Let alone one where I don't eat.

I can't honestly even imagine cutting out chocolate entirely.

I mean, I could replace my usual snack of cookies with fruit or something... but yeah, when I don't eat I get cranky. I have a hard enough time when I've got 5 hours between meals because of school.

As for the walking...

well, the place with the free clinics does running and walking clinics. I like walking, but I usually see that as more of a thing where I just get out and wander than as exercise, really. It wouldn't screw my knees as much as running though, I suppose.

lol.

Yeah, me on a diet. Let alone one where I don't eat.

I can't honestly even imagine cutting out chocolate entirely.

I mean, I could replace my usual snack of cookies with fruit or something... but yeah, when I don't eat I get cranky. I have a hard enough time when I've got 5 hours between meals because of school.

As for the walking...

well, the place with the free clinics does running and walking clinics. I like walking, but I usually see that as more of a thing where I just get out and wander than as exercise, really. It wouldn't screw my knees as much as running though, I suppose.

I know what its like, i've got a dodgy knee that I have to heavily tape when i kickbox

Take up smoking it works for the French and super models, Plus it is wicked cool.
Blech.

I can't stand smoke. Back when my bf used to smoke he had me light one for him and it tasted awful. And agian, the goal is being healthy, not losing weight really, and it is also to do so in a budget... taking up a habit that costs $10 a pack is not really in a budget.

The only thing about running is that my knees already suck so I'd need to know about picking out proper footwear for such an activity. Though there is a Runnign Room (a store that just carries running stuff) just around the corner. Hmm.

They have free run clinics too twice a week. Do you think attending one or both of those a week would be a good place to start?

I think my bf might run with me, but he doesn't live around here. I don't know of anyone around here who has expressed an interest in starting to run...

Swimming is actually better for you then running, so if you can find an indoor pool to swim at, that would be much better. Swimming is also better on your joints, especially if you have knee problems.

In order to eat healthier I would make a meal plan, that details the amount of calories you want to consume. You need to base your caloric intake on your age, weight, and your activity level.

This website can help you start a meal plan of your own, it needs Adobe Acrobat.... (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FY/FY52200.pdf)

Little tips....lemon in your water helps to curb your appetite, and eating off of dark plates also helps to decrease your appetite.

Find something that you enjoy doing...if you enjoy photography plan hikes to take photographs. Try dancing lessons, dancing is one of the BEST workouts you can do!

I know what its like, i've got a dodgy knee that I have to heavily tape when i kickbox
How does tape help? Just give it support?

My knees are sometimes alright, but often they'll crack and hurt for no reason. My grandma has had really bad knees since she was fairly young, so I probably ended up with the same problem.

and eating off of dark plates also helps to decrease your appetite.

How does that work?

Find something that you enjoy doing...if you enjoy photography plan hikes to take photographs. Try dancing lessons, dancing is one of the BEST workouts you can do!
Does learning to dance help stop clutziness too?

Oh, and are you sure that's the site you meant to link to? I got a gaming website...

How does tape help? Just give it support?

My knees are sometimes alright, but often they'll crack and hurt for no reason. My grandma has had really bad knees since she was fairly young, so I probably ended up with the same problem.

Because I broke my leg I have no feeling in my knee so it has to be heavily taped so i don't damage it and i'm not allowed to full contact kickbox

So, after devouring half a tub of jelly beans, I'm realizing that I'm getting a little pudgy and my eating habits suck.

So, how can I change this?

And by change, I mean do something and actually stick to it. It's the sticking to it that gets me, really.

Oh, and keeping in mind that this whole eating healthy and any exercise has to be feasable on a student budget without being too time consuming for someone with a part time job and a full workload at school.

Do not eat fast food, ever.

Try to avoid anything with hydrogenated oil in it.

Take walks or jog a bit every day, hike if you have a mountain.

Dont drink soda.

Worked for me, I lost 50 lbs in a shade under six months.

If you were a guy i'd say lift weights, but i dont know.

Don't buy snack foods! That way you don't have it in the house/apt/dorm/whatever to tempt you. Buy grapes, or apples, or oranges, or celery (Great diet food. It costs more energy to burn it, than what it provides.). Peanut butter, Cheerios (or their cheap equivalent) and raisins make a good snack too.

Walk to classes rather than drive. If you have to drive, park further away. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.

Use your textbooks as weights (I seriously do this).

A few push-ups and sit-ups every morning gets you energized and ready for the day too, as well as building muscle tone.

Drink water or fruit juice rather than soda, if you can help it. Water is cheaper than soda too.

Can you tell I've lived like this for a while? 3rd year student and I still haven't gained the Freshman 15.

Because I broke my leg I have no feeling in my knee so it has to be heavily taped so i don't damage it and i'm not allowed to full contact kickbox
Ouch. That's no good.
How did you break your leg bad enough to lose feeling in your knee?

How does that worrk?

Its psychological. Dark plates especially blue, tend to "turn off" the appetite because blue is not a common food colour. Its colour psychology :).

Does learning to dance help stop clutziness too?

Oh, and are you sure that's the site you meant to link to? I got a gaming website...

Link has been fixed....:D

Its psychological. Dark plates especially blue, tend to "turn off" the appetite because blue is not a common food colour. Its colour psychology :).

I think I've just changed my dream kitchen colour from green to blue. :D

Does subway count as fast food? Or fries from a bar?

I already walk to school (I live like a 10 min walk from campus) and there is a mountain... kinda... if you know the city og Hamilton, On, there's something everyone likes to call a mountain, but it's really not a mountain.

I've been trying to cut out (well, reduce at least) my pop intake. Now I only have coke with drinks and since i ran out of rum it will be some time before I do anymore of that.

I think I can handle the pushups/situps thing in the morning. I've felt like doing that a couple times but usually I don't think of it until I've showered and then I don't feel like sitting on the floor.

And well, I can get blue plates for next year, right now I'm using my roommates plates, which are white with blue or orange depending which set.

Its psychological. Dark plates especially blue, tend to "turn off" the appetite because blue is not a common food colour. Its colour psychology :).
Kinda like how orange and brown are supposed to make you hungrier?

I think I've just changed my dream kitchen colour from green to blue. :D

Colour psychology is really neat to learn about.

Websites about it:

ColourTeam- How Colour Affects Us... (http://www.pantone.com/products/products.asp?idArticle=112&idArea=16)
Colour Psychology (http://www.dulux.com.au/html/inspiration/colour_psychology.aspx)
Do different colours affect your mood? (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html)

Its psychological. Dark plates especially blue, tend to "turn off" the appetite because blue is not a common food colour. Its colour psychology :).


Thats very interesting i've not thought of it before.

On the other hand though I want my food to look at appetising as possible, what with it being amateur gourmet and all.

My favorite method remains that of the french - enlightened blessed perfect people - portion control.

Does subway count as fast food? Or fries from a bar?

I already walk to school (I live like a 10 min walk from campus) and there is a mountain... kinda... if you know the city og Hamilton, On, there's something everyone likes to call a mountain, but it's really not a mountain.

I've been trying to cut out (well, reduce at least) my pop intake. Now I only have coke with drinks and since i ran out of rum it will be some time before I do anymore of that.

I think I can handle the pushups/situps thing in the morning. I've felt like doing that a couple times but usually I don't think of it until I've showered and then I don't feel like sitting on the floor.

And well, I can get blue plates for next year, right now I'm using my roommates plates, which are white with blue or orange depending which set.

A routine of stretching or yoga would drastically improve your circulation. You can try beginners poses and simple stretches.

12 minutes of INTENSE cardio in the morning is actually enough, if you follow it with a less intense more weight training based routine.

Cutting out soda is an excellent start, and by doing so, you should see results a lot faster, you can even drink diet sodas if you continue to eat right and work out.

Thats very interesting i've not thought of it before.

On the other hand though I want my food to look at appetising as possible, what with it being amateur gourmet and all.

My favorite method remains that of the french - enlightened blessed perfect people - portion control.

Well yes, portion control is the way to go, but simple little tricks (like the lemons and the plates) make it that much easier to attain health goals. :)

Does subway count as fast food? Or fries from a bar?

I already walk to school (I live like a 10 min walk from campus) and there is a mountain... kinda... if you know the city og Hamilton, On, there's something everyone likes to call a mountain, but it's really not a mountain.

I've been trying to cut out (well, reduce at least) my pop intake. Now I only have coke with drinks and since i ran out of rum it will be some time before I do anymore of that.

I think I can handle the pushups/situps thing in the morning. I've felt like doing that a couple times but usually I don't think of it until I've showered and then I don't feel like sitting on the floor.

And well, I can get blue plates for next year, right now I'm using my roommates plates, which are white with blue or orange depending which set.


I try to avoid subway on the grounds that I avoid chain resturants, but that isnt entirely a health matter.

I really mean corporate drive-through swillbuckets. Anywhere that has scientists engineer the taste of its food is off my list.

Well yes, portion control is the way to go, but simple little tricks (like the lemons and the plates) make it that much easier to attain health goals. :)


I always take lemon with my water anyhow, as a matter of personal taste :)

Lime with san P :)

I always take lemon with my water anyhow, as a matter of personal taste :)

Lime with san P :)

Mmmmm, limes....limes with everything. And I add lemon to my water as well. Yummmmy.

Does subway count as fast food? Or fries from a bar?

I already walk to school (I live like a 10 min walk from campus) and there is a mountain... kinda... if you know the city og Hamilton, On, there's something everyone likes to call a mountain, but it's really not a mountain.

I've been trying to cut out (well, reduce at least) my pop intake. Now I only have coke with drinks and since i ran out of rum it will be some time before I do anymore of that.

I think I can handle the pushups/situps thing in the morning. I've felt like doing that a couple times but usually I don't think of it until I've showered and then I don't feel like sitting on the floor.

And well, I can get blue plates for next year, right now I'm using my roommates plates, which are white with blue or orange depending which set.

That sounds a lot like my situation in a way. I have been on medication(Prednisone and Effexor).The doctors believe that this is why I gained over 50 lbs in 5 months. Eww! So now I have to work getting it off. I try to exercise everyday but I have Chronic Fatigue and Insomnia so I haven't been able to make any good attempts at exercising this month (lol). This month I went to the doctor as I do every week. I guess I lost 10 lbs this month. So for me that really does prove that drinking water can be one of the easiest and best ways to improve your health. I usually drink soda everyday but I try to balance it with water. I drink about 2 liters of water a day. I try at least. Caffeine absorbs the water in your body which is needed.

So, how can I change this?

All it comes down to is moderation. Eat in moderation, exercise in moderation every day, and the pounds will come off in the most healthy way possible.

My hero took a dexedrine most mornings, but was also a bit overweight, so i've mulled taking them (to imitate) but all they can do is supress your apetite, and I eat every meal for enjoyment anyhow, so that wouldnt matter.

Instead of soda you could try pomegranate juice, which is actually good for your heart, and incredibly tasty. There is a brand called POM Wonderful (http://www.pomwonderful.com/index.asp) thats amazing. I try and drink a bottle a day.

Instead of soda you could try pomegranate juice, which is actually good for your heart, and incredibly tasty. There is a brand called POM Wonderful (http://www.pomwonderful.com/index.asp) thats amazing. I try and drink a bottle a day.
I've seen those at work. They always look good.

hmm its true about the lil things, i don't have a locker for college now i just carry my books around, also sometimes i carry heavy things in my jacket(although my jacket is already heavy for some reason..) walk everywhere, 3 min busride to house from bus station, next bus coming in more than 5-6 minutes i just walk the 3 min busride(10 mins walking). I drink alot of water and i found that if you are doing something you are really interested you sometimes "forget" to eat so sometimes can get by with only a meal a day or something.. not sure how healthy that is :rolleyes: but just random suggestions

I quit meat, 'cause meat is 'spensive on a student budget, plus I was having trouble digesting it for some reason. I also quit beer because I decided I was having too much of a good thing. I weaned myself off the meat with lots of soups and now I'm happily vegetarian who can no longer fit into that pair of pinstripe size 12 (Aus) pants I bought last year. I look like a pipecleaner in a windsock.

Any longterm dietary change MUST be gradual...I had the occasional relapse, with my disbelieving father cooking me the most mouth-watering, tender, silky steak a week after I told him I was vego...Or sneaking into the service station on long solitary roadtrips to get one of those microwaved chicken and mayonnaise rolls...And sometimes, even now, gravy makes me cry. But I'm healthier. I don't feel sluggish, and I don't get cravings for crap like that artificial cheese flavouring. I feel more energetic and I think that's a good thing. Definitely worth sacrificing gravy.

Integrating a few plant-protein sources into your diet would be my tip, even if you choose to keep the meat.

In getting healthier I have started exercising more. This started of gradually by doing small things (such as a 15 min run every second day) and then slowly upping the effort as I got used to it. I also realised early on that dieting doesn't work for me so I have developed a way around this problem - namely upping my body's carbohydrate requirements. To up your bodys carb reqs all you need to do is put on muscle, even 15mins a day of weight training will see results. Since muscles require energy the effect of putting on muscles means that your body requires more energy per day, however if you can stick to what you've regulary been eating then you'll reach the point where you are still eating crap, but lossing weight.

*Tucks into chocolate bar, mmmmm*

Ouch. That's no good.
How did you break your leg bad enough to lose feeling in your knee?

I got an Ice skate lodged into my kneecap,

Find a buddy and go for a run.

Running is easy and inexpensive and it gets you in shape without too much hassle. It can be very boring by yourself but if a boyfriend or girlyfriend tags along it can make it more fun. Or you could just bring along headphones/earbuds and a discman/ipod.

Anyways, you could start out with just one kilometer per day, and over time work your way up to 10, 15, maybe even 20k per day.

Yes, running is cheap. It also punishes you when you smoke and drink, so if you stick with the running, you won't be smoking or drinking.

Yes, your legs will initially say, "fuck you, fuck you, fuck you.." with every stride. But after a while, your hearing will fade out, and you'll just hear your legs whispering.

Drink a lot of water and try to build muscle. Don't make losing weight a goal. you'll end up exhausted running and walking. The more muscle you gain, the easier it will be to lose weight. :)

Only if you start counting after you put on the muscle. I lifted weights briefly and gained a permanent 5 pounds. I know there's a difference between putting on muscle and getting fat, but if you're just measuring health by your bathroom scale, then don't start counting pounds until you've already been weightlifting for a few weeks.

Only if you start counting after you put on the muscle. I lifted weights briefly and gained a permanent 5 pounds. I know there's a difference between putting on muscle and getting fat, but if you're just measuring health by your bathroom scale, then don't start counting pounds until you've already been weightlifting for a few weeks.

Indeed, muscle weighs more then fat. If you're wanting to lose weight you're going to want to do a more cardio based workout, and cut out a lot of the calories you eat. If you want to gain muscle, then you should do more weight training and add more protein to your diet.

Yes, running is cheap. It also punishes you when you smoke and drink, so if you stick with the running, you won't be smoking or drinking.

Yes, your legs will initially say, "fuck you, fuck you, fuck you.." with every stride. But after a while, your hearing will fade out, and you'll just hear your legs whispering.
Thats not what my legs say to me... :eek:

Your legs seem rather mean...

Since taking a desk job, my fitness has suffered immeasurably, however - I find that staying active outside of work with as many physical activites as possible keeps me in relative shape.

I snowboard in the winter a fair bit (including volunteering, which on 'boot in' days has proven to be the best exercise) and wakeboard / play ultimate in the summers.

These forms of recreation accompanied by sex (which, from what Ive been told is one of the best natural workouts) seem to have gotten me back into shape rather quickly... though I still have a ways to go. :)

(oh, and cutting a lot of the 'garbage' out of my diet has not only helped me regain some of my lost energy, but has made me happier and much healthier too ... worth noting!)

Thats not what my legs say to me... :eek:

Your legs seem rather mean...


Well, I was never an athletic person before the Army, and during the Army was when they spoke to me (they didn't want to join, but being in the Infantry, I had to take them along). I still like running, but they don't, at least not for the first few hundred yards on a cold winter morning.

And yes, sex is a great exercise. Apparently, it's one of the exercises with the highest rate of calorie burning.

Well, I was never an athletic person before the Army, and during the Army was when they spoke to me (they didn't want to join, but being in the Infantry, I had to take them along). I still like running, but they don't, at least not for the first few hundred yards on a cold winter morning.

And yes, sex is a great exercise. Apparently, it's one of the exercises with the highest rate of calorie burning.
Hmmm... Im going to use that as a pickup line I think... *plots* :p

Hmmm... Im going to use that as a pickup line I think... *plots* :p

You'll have to let me know how that goes...

You'll have to let me know how that goes...
Haha! I will! Now I had better remove myself from this thread entirely... Ive said my two bits, which is what I came in to do - but if I stick around I fear I might be making someone who had been a regular poster here uncomfortable. Ill let you know how it goes though WL ;)