grawk Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Sure, I'd love to be both, but given a choice, I'd rather eat good food and drink good beer in moderation than add even 20 years to the end of my life. The trick is finding the right level of gluttony... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I spent a couple of years down at 175 lbs, passing up all that good bread, beer, etc. Then I went to new orleans and realized I preferred eating good food... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I work out so I can eat what I want. I am not an endurance athlete, don't want to be one, but would like to trim down a bit while still not worrying about caloric intake. The only way to do that is to work out a bit so that's what I do. I've had 5% body fat before, I don't see it ever happening again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I agree with finding that happy medium. I have yet to find it; I tend to approach things with either an "on" or "off" mentality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
en480c4 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Too many of the things I enjoy doing require a reasonable level of fitness. So I try to find a decent balance of being both happy and fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 It's easier in your early 20s than late 30s But yes, the balance is key. When I was 23, I could eat 7000 calories a day and had trouble getting over 160. Now, not so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
en480c4 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Most definitely... It's already hard in my early 30's Getting a dog I can't just let out the door has been a great way to maintain a base level of activity. 4-5 walks anywhere from 10-20 minuted (with significantly longer ones on weekend mornings) are hardly vigorous, but it definitely makes it easier to jump into some working out when the motivation strikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laxx Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I've been overweight for most of my life, though not by much. I'm more in the "I rather be fit" side right now, but very barely. I eat what I want half the week while controlling myself the other half. I exercise pretty often and have picked up playing a few sports. It's both fun and effective at keeping the weight down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I have found that I am happier when I'm not completely out of shape. And in my case, heart disease runs in the family (dad died at the age of 57), so 20 years off the end of my life could mean I'm dead tomorrow -- yesterday, even -- and that prospect is, indeed, a big turn-off. There's fit, and there's "not completely out of shape". The CFS I went through several years ago (going on a decade, now) could largely be attributed to being significantly out of shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBLoudG20 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I have found my relative level of happiness to be much higher when I am 'fit'. Over the last year I've lost about 50-60 pounds, most of which is attributed to keeping to an exercise regimen. I have sleep problems, and they are pretty much under control if I work out regularly. I am less tired, with more energy. I eat more healthy, but the real difference as been moderation. I still enjoy good beer and food, but maybe once or twice a week instead of 2 beers every day. I've never been one to be overweight, but I saw my weight slipping, and out of the blue decided to cut it. I was 260ish. I began having difficulty completing 3/4 mile in 15 minutes. I began this in Feb. Now I'm 210lbs at 6'3", and I complete 3 miles in 22ish minutes. Just with our headphone hobby, YMMV. I used to be clearly in the I'd rather be fat and happy camp, but I've found that I can be even happier in the "not completely out of shape" and happy camp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 For me it's about food choices, not about exercising or not. Moderate activity levels are obviously desireable. But for me, I've hit the point in my life where I just don't want to eat the plain chicken breast and brown rice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strid3r Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I find that exercise and diet is more of a lifestyle for me and I would not want to pick one over the other. I work out regularly because it gives me better energy levels and also enjoy my pig out moments (had some awesome barbecue buffet last night). Like you've said, balance is the key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBLoudG20 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 For me it's about food choices, not about exercising or not. Moderate activity levels are obviously desireable. But for me, I've hit the point in my life where I just don't want to eat the plain chicken breast and brown rice. Yeah I can see that. For a few months I ate a hell of a lot of plain chicken, salad, etc. I have curbed that considerably now, and I'm happy I've kept the weight off for about 3 months. I'm just starting to diet again, as I'd like to hit the 200 mark. My fiancee is VERY active as well, so we run together a lot. I'm also addicted to basketball, so I get in a good amount of exercise. This allows me to enjoy some good food and drink. But as you mention, I am still young, so my body can still take it. I'll probably have a different approach when I hit your age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I actually really like chicken. And brown rice. Yum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grawk Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I do too, but I like chicken and dumplings, and chicken and eggnoodles with gravy, and chicken waffles, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBLoudG20 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 i like fried chicken and blue cheese dressing. i'm back on a healthy eating kick, but i give myself some leeway, otherwise it would be intolerable for me. You have to, IMO, or it wont work for the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atothex Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 My priority at the moment is abs, so yeah, my food is kinda boring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBLoudG20 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 My priority at the moment is abs, so yeah, my food is kinda boring. Why the sadcat? You choose to do it to yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonShine Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I have had to find a balance as I have gotten older and my metabolism has done the slow down thing. "Working out" doesn't really work for me unless it is something I enjoy like sports or riding/hiking, etc.. Hate running/jogging with a passion. I have had to adjust my eating habits. Slow down, actually chew (used to really wolf my food down), drink lots of water. I have discovered that I can influence my tastes in food somewhat. I have learned to enjoy things like rice and vegetables over burgers and pizza. I just spice the hell out of it with hot sauces and spices. It's a little tough at first but after a while I will actually crave the healthier stuff. I still have a problem with portion control but pigging out on healthy stuff is much better than stuffing my face with the typical cardiac specials. I could still be in better shape but I do enjoy my food. The economy hasn't helped. Had to lay off half my staff so more stress (which leads to overeating), longer hours, no energy for walks when I get home. No time for walking during the lunch hour. Sucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 ... I can influence my tastes in food somewhat. I have learned to enjoy things like rice and vegetables over burgers and pizza.QFT -- in fact, one can even get used to low salt diets, once you drain your body of excess salt. It's like quitting smoking. You just have to get used to it. You know how people who listen to classical music think all pop/rock music sounds the same? And people who listen to pop/rock music think that all classical music sounds the same? It's the same thing with salinity and spiciness. People who eat spicy food think all non-spicy food tastes the same, and people who eat low-salt foods think all salty foods taste the same. But you can get used to anything, and start to taste the variety within a range with anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augsburger Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Nowadays with the current state of health care, your body will most likely outlive your mind, unless of course your are grossly obese or you destroy your liver through abuse. I have been exposed to a lot of people who have had unhealthy eating habits but seem to keep on going, the bitch of it though is when your mind goes. In that case what does "living" matter when your mind is gone? So to me a good balance between physical and mental health is both desirable and relative. This place is a good start in keeping all of us healthy mentally but not necessarily financially healthy:indra:. So biscuits and gravy for the masses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 No, there's also genetics. But I guess most of those us have died. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atothex Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Why the sadcat? You choose to do it to yourself. I'd be sadcat either way, probably, because compromise is unavoidable. I guess I'm just in a glass-half-empty sorta mood, trying to eat myself into shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzziguy Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 It's easier in your early 20s than late 30s But yes, the balance is key. When I was 23, I could eat 7000 calories a day and had trouble getting over 160. Now, not so much. Me too. Now I'm 56 and weigh 195. As you get older and you metabolism continues to slow down, it gets harder and harder to keep the weight off. For me it's about food choices, not about exercising or not. Moderate activity levels are obviously desireable. But for me, I've hit the point in my life where I just don't want to eat the plain chicken breast and brown rice. Me too. I'd rather eat what I want than lose 20 lbs. I now exercise regularly, at least when I'm not recovering from a motorcycle crash. But I'm not giving up the food and drink that I like. I may not live as long, but at least I'll be living, not just existing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBLoudG20 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I love beef. Absolutely love it. But, knowing its bad for your heart, and I have a family history of heart disease on both sides, should I eat it regularly? At what point does "living" become more important than "existing"? What if the love of my life was cocaine? Would I be just existing if I avoided that temptation? I guess that's a personal line that needs to be drawn, and its location will vary person to person. Either way, cheers everyone! May you all be happy and healthy for many years to come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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