posted
This is springboarding off the "Grass isn't Greener" thread, in which Dags made a very good point. He said that because many of our situations in life (such as weight, for people with certain body types) are determined in part by our choices and preferences, trading places with someone else would only be a temporary solution to our problems, and we'd quickly find ourselves back in the same situation we started in.
I thought that was a very good point, and it made me think about my own situation. I've gained about 30-40 pounds since I took a job in the game industry. I went from being an unemployed aspiring filmmaker who barely attended college, had infinite free time, and lived by selling screenplays to his overindulgent parents ... to becoming a married professional in a stressful and sedentary career, with a child and a half-finished house in an expensive city within only a couple of years.
So while I used to be able to convince myself to spend time getting exercise, working out, and generally improving my physical condition by saying to myself, hey, I'm not doing anything else for the next six hours ... now, I come home at midnight after 14 hours of brain-taxing work, I haven't seen my family awake in a couple of days, and all I want to do is sleep. I wake up in the morning, and it's the only time I have to spend time with my daughter before I have to go back to work again. And even when the work slows down to a reasonable pace, I still need to finish remodeling my house, spend actual quality time with my family, and (as silly as it sounds) play video games, so that I don't fall behind the rest of the industry.
I watch myself getting heavier, but looking at the rest of my circumstances, and considering how difficult it is for me to persuade myself to do stressful things like working out at the end of a stressful day, I don't see myself realistically making much of a dent anytime soon. I've given up some of my favorite fattening foods as a stopgap measure, but really what I'd like is to have a generally active lifestyle that helps my body to maintain itself at a healthy and aesthetically-pleasing weight.
My problem is that all the other things I've listed (work, family, house, stress management) are more important to me than this. But knowing that doesn't make me happy with the way I look, and it doesn't make me satisfied that I'm as healthy as I want to be.
I have the same body type as my father, who as you've surely read, has struggled with being overweight his entire adult life, and has only gotten it under control through radical eating habits and lifestyle changes that, frankly, I don't think he could have even entertained if he had not been at a point in his career at which he had complete and absolute control over his own schedule. Much of the original weight he gained, I believe, he gained while he was working at a job very much like my own, when he similarly felt powerless to change his habits because of the long hours, the stress, and the lack of time to spend with family and hobbies.
I don't want to have to make radical lifestyle changes in my fifties to reverse a lifetime of weight gain. I want to make much less radical changes right now to prevent myself from being 100+ pounds overweight when I'm in my fifties. The problem is, I don't see any way to do that without giving up something else that is more important to me. AND I don't see a way to be satisfied with the way I look and feel right now, either.
So, what, do I sit around feeling miserable? No, I hate that solution, too. I've always been the sort of person for whom, when I'm upset about something, my entire life becomes about fixing it until it's better. So I want to find a solution to this. I'm just not sure what it will be.
And I'm posting about it because maybe someone else has some wisdom or experience that might help Posts: 1539 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
From the OTHER SIDE of that 100+ pounds overweight, I can add only one thing to your excellent description of the situation(s) that got me where I am today. And that is that at every step along the way it would've been easier to make the changes than it is now.
And now, I pretty much have to or face much more serious health consequences.
You know where you're heading, or if you don't you can find out from a doctor better than from me.
But the only advice I have is that however difficult it seems now to fix or change this, it will never feel any easier.
Waiting until much later in life is not always a solution. Your dad has achieved something that many of us cannot -- control over over his own schedule while still gainfully employed. Imagine yourself in your late 40s not as an independent author/screenwriter/playwright, etc., but as a guy who has steadily gained responsibility and prestige in an industry. You might head a company or be a senior manager in a company. Your schedule will be less and less your own.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if I had figured out this equation at a visceral level even 10 years ago, I probably could've avoided becoming diabetic. As it is, I have a shot at reversing the diabetes, but it's a much harder and less certain thing than avoiding it in the first place.
For people who HAVE TO listen to me (like my nephews -- poor souls), I tell them not to become sedentary even if the job demands it. And to radically reduce their food intake the moment they reduce their activity level. And to ratchet things again if they gain 5 lbs. Not to wait for 10, or 20, or 100 to pile on.
It sucks. I hate it. But if you're smart, you'll learn from my mistake and not let it get this far.
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
I too want to lose some weight. I gained a lot in college and my eating habits are not completely healthy. So i am changing that, especially with a better job. Perhaps the key is little steps like walking more, parking farther away, walking to the store instead of driving to the store without giving up all the important things and the fun things. It would take a long time to lose the weight that way, but it would be healthier than crash diets and you'd be a lot less miserable with slow gradual changes. More vegetables and fruits instead of a lot of sweets, climbing stairs instead of walking, just stuff like that, and don't feel bad about it either because then you'll just feel worse and things will never change. I too am trying to change my life and get better habits.
Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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My weight problem, which is very minor, would easily be fixed by changing bodies. My body will not gain weight even though I eat allot. I was not even on the swim team this year.
Posts: 1332 | Registered: Apr 2005
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Synesthesia has a good point. Little changes can make a big difference. And integrate exercise into your life so you're adding exercise to something that is already a priority and doesn't have to be sacrificed.
What kind of quality time do you spend with your family? Can you combine it with some sort of physical activity? Bike rides, ice-skating, playing a sport, etc?
I don't know the prices of such products, but I remember hearing about equipment that fits under a work desk and that a person can pedal like a stationary bike while typing on a computer or, perhaps, while playing video games.
And exercise will help reduce the stress in your life.
Posts: 1733 | Registered: Apr 2005
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What about doing some physical activity related "quality time" with your family? Bike riding is great cardio and it's great fun. I used to do it all the time with my mom when I was a kid; makes for a great Saturday afternoon.
Posts: 1784 | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
I have very little to contribute, as I'm relatively very young (22), single, not in debt and have no substantial committments outside of my job, so forgive me if any of this seems really dumb.
1) What's your job situation like? Is this particular job especially taxing in terms of hours, or is it more or less industry standard? Can you pursue another position or even career without significantly impacting your happiness, ability to support your family, create/maintain your home, etc.? Squeezing even an hour or two more of viable time into your day sounds like it would be invaluable.
2) What about your job takes so much time? Are you salaried, or hourly? Is there any way you can focus on improving the efficiency of your work to decrease the number of hours you spend there, or does your job simply require that much time?
3) What are your eating/nutrition habits like? You mentioned cutting down on fat, but I'm talking more in terms of nutrients than calories. Being well-nourished and eating smaller meals more frequently during the day tends to heighten energy levels and may make everything more doable. How do you sleep? Many, many people I know have improved their mattresses/pillows and seen significant improvement.
4) How much of your "quality family time" is spent doing physical activity? Can you use this time both to be with your family and get even a minimal amount of exercise (family sports, etc.)?
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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quote:1) What's your job situation like? Is this particular job especially taxing in terms of hours, or is it more or less industry standard? Can you pursue another position or even career without significantly impacting your happiness, ability to support your family, create/maintain your home, etc.? Squeezing even an hour or two more of viable time into your day sounds like it would be invaluable.
My industry has a cycle to it. We have normal work months, "crunch" months with insane hours, and long vacations. Doesn't lend itself to a regular exercise habit
As a lead designer, I get less "normal" months than a lot of other folks because almost everything we do involves a plan or a decision I make or am involved with. So if there's an emergency anywhere on the team, most of the time, it's my emergency, too.
But this year has been especially bad. I've pulled double-duty in three different ways since last November, and I've been practically working myself to death. Once this project is over, I will have some freedom to take on a slightly lesser load next time around, which I am looking forward to doing.
quote:2) What about your job takes so much time? Are you salaried, or hourly? Is there any way you can focus on improving the efficiency of your work to decrease the number of hours you spend there, or does your job simply require that much time?
I am salaried, but my ability to keep my job depends on my ability to hit deadlines. If I can't hit the deadline in the time I have, I need to put in extra time so that I do.
I've been working on my efficiency. I've actually started setting "go-home" deadlines on certain days with my wife, which magically makes me work faster and more efficiently on those days. I still need the long days for certain kinds of time-intensive labor, but I've started doing fewer of them and concentrating my efforts.
quote:3) What are your eating/nutrition habits like? You mentioned cutting down on fat, but I'm talking more in terms of nutrients than calories. Being well-nourished and eating smaller meals more frequently during the day tends to heighten energy levels and may make everything more doable.
It's sad, but I'm switching from a diet of all-day chips and candy to a diet of TV dinners and considering it a victory
quote:How do you sleep? Many, many people I know have improved their mattresses/pillows and seen significant improvement.
I've got a pretty good bed, but I'm a natural insomniac, plus the baby wakes up every 1-3 hours. And I find that I actually get up earlier and get more done when I sleep on a crappy mattress, so I've taken to sleeping on the couch during crunch time It's a bad idea, probably, but when I get more done during the day, it's hard to resist.
quote:4) How much of your "quality family time" is spent doing physical activity? Can you use this time both to be with your family and get even a minimal amount of exercise (family sports, etc.)?
The problem is that I'm usually home when it's dark. So "family time" involves a lot of TV and movies, because that's what you do when it's dark.
Posts: 1539 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
But in general, I think that the "quality athletic time with the family" idea is a really good one. Once this crunch dies down and I see some daylight hours with my family, I'll try to get that into the plan.
Posts: 1539 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Puppy, I wonder too about your work schedule. I would hope working 14-hour days would be temporary. If not, is this job really worth everything else you're giving up, including your health? (Edit: I didn't see your last post before I wrote this.)
My husband has been gaining for years and finally this year something clicked, and he's started changing things. (I think it helped that at work they've got a challenge going, and they have to weigh in every week.) Here's what he's done:
We thought his schedule was too full to find time to work out, but he's started going out to walk/run after everyone's in bed. Doesn't take long and he can do it at his own pace, instead of trying to go to a gym.
He eats fruit a LOT. He drinks water instead of sodas all the time now, and has a full glass of water before he eats his meals so he won't feel like eating as much. And he's doing something I never thought I'd see: he's stopping after one serving. If he's still hungry he eats an apple. So his portion sizes are about half what they were a few months ago, but he says he's not hungry. His stomach has shrunk. Often now when we go out to eat, we share an entree. (I was too selfish to do that before, but I can't eat more than he!) At night when he gets the munchies, instead of eating ice cream or cereal, he goes to bed. Radical, I know.
He hasn't changed his schedule all that much, but he's changed his diet a LOT and added enough exercise here and there that he's going in the right direction.
Posts: 1522 | Registered: Nov 2005
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I am more fit right now than I think I have ever been. I have both made a slow life-style change and also made some rather fast, drastic ones, to get where I am right now. I eat vastly differently than I used to, drink more water, and exercise for at least an hour 5 days a week. It is a huge commitment, but I am so pleased with all the benefits! Something so simple as having some upper body strength for once in my life--it is so useful!
My exercise of choice right now is Dance Dance Revolution, which is nice, because you can do it as a group activity. It is great when you can find ways to mix exercise, fun, and family time. Porter has recently started joining me, and it is a lot of fun to do together! Posts: 7050 | Registered: Feb 2004
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The portion-size thing is important, and is something I've always had a problem with When I was a kid, my family used to have to make crazy double-sized batches of pasta just to account for my appetite. Didn't have an effect until I got older.
So I think of "this amount" as being a good meal, even though "this amount" might be more than twice what I need for my activity level.
Posts: 1539 | Registered: Jul 2004
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quote:My problem is that all the other things I've listed (work, family, house, stress management) are more important to me than this.
But an overall healthier you would make you a better spouse, parent, and employee. Running and swimming are great ways to relieve stress. Posts: 1592 | Registered: May 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Puppy: Is DDR fun with one of those home pads? They always look so cheap to me ...
I should play with the EyeToy more, though ... now, THAT's a workout!
Yes, although it's more fun with the nicer home pads. Red Octane makes ones with solid pieces in them for less than $40 a piece, as well as one-piece metal ones that very closely resemble the ones in the arcade for significantly more money.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Porter, the EyeToy is a camera you set up on your TV and connect to your PS2 via USB. It places your mirrored image on the screen with the elements of a game, and you move around to play the game ... swatting tiny ninjas, bouncing a soccer ball on your head, boxing with a robot, etc. Very kid- and casual-gamer-friendly, and very aerobic.
Posts: 1539 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
You might try giving yourself credit on days you actually do some home improvement and do some walking or DDR on the other days. It's also possible to download a free game called step mania and retrofit a USB connector onto a dance pad. At least, I've seen the results. I don't know how they were achieved, exactly.
Exercising helps relieve stress and could in theory help you not comfort eat so much. It is like a reverse vicious cycle. El cyc suoiciv.
Posts: 11017 | Registered: Apr 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Puppy: Is DDR fun with one of those home pads? They always look so cheap to me ...
I should play with the EyeToy more, though ... now, THAT's a workout!
EyeToy Kinetic is a freakin awesome workout. I just wish I had a better set up in the TV room so the camera could pick up my movements more easilly. Here's the web page.Posts: 3003 | Registered: Oct 2004
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quote:My industry has a cycle to it. We have normal work months, "crunch" months with insane hours, and long vacations. Doesn't lend itself to a regular exercise habit
I figured as much; most game industry jobs seem to be that way.
quote:As a lead designer, I get less "normal" months than a lot of other folks because almost everything we do involves a plan or a decision I make or am involved with. So if there's an emergency anywhere on the team, most of the time, it's my emergency, too.
But this year has been especially bad. I've pulled double-duty in three different ways since last November, and I've been practically working myself to death. Once this project is over, I will have some freedom to take on a slightly lesser load next time around, which I am looking forward to doing.
Nothing I can really say, except "that sucks."
quote:I am salaried, but my ability to keep my job depends on my ability to hit deadlines. If I can't hit the deadline in the time I have, I need to put in extra time so that I do.
I've been working on my efficiency. I've actually started setting "go-home" deadlines on certain days with my wife, which magically makes me work faster and more efficiently on those days. I still need the long days for certain kinds of time-intensive labor, but I've started doing fewer of them and concentrating my efforts.
Very cool - this is exactly what I was talking about. My day job pays hourly, so I try to stretch things out as much as possible there (I fail; hence why I'm on Hatrack so much during business hours), but the design work I do is on a quoted-estimate basis, not a by-the-hour deal, so I consistently try to improve my work habits to minimize the time I need to spend per project. It helps.
quote:It's sad, but I'm switching from a diet of all-day chips and candy to a diet of TV dinners and considering it a victory
Are you at least picking healthy TV dinners?
What does your wife's timetable look like? I don't by any means want to promote the idea that a wife's job is to support her husband, but it sounds like your time is 100% monopolized and not entirely by selfish efforts, and if she can help you pack something healthier than pre-fabricated crap for meals, that will likely help you feel more like a human being.
You could also do what I do, if you don't already: find 9 or 10 recipes you really enjoy on a consistent basis and make ENORMOUS quantities that you can reheat easily. This makes for quick'n'easy packed lunches, easy microwavable meals for when you get home from your ridiculous hours, and it cuts down on the amount of time you and/or your wife need to spend cooking.
Edit to add: Also, consider other easily-packed foods that are healthier than what you're currently getting. Carrot sticks or other chopped veggies (with light ranch if you absolutely can't eat them alone), fruit, granola bars, Go-gurt, etc. etc.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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quote:Originally posted by pooka: You might try giving yourself credit on days you actually do some home improvement and do some walking or DDR on the other days. It's also possible to download a free game called step mania and retrofit a USB connector onto a dance pad. At least, I've seen the results. I don't know how they were achieved, exactly.
Radioshack sells a Playstation2 to USB adapter for $9.99.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
"Is DDR fun with one of those home pads? They always look so cheap to me ..."
My daughter lost eight pounds doing it.
Puppy, I am with Bob. I am forty-two, and just coming out of a twelve year stretch where I was going to get in shape and then get back to playing soccer. Now, though I am finally getting back in shape, my knees would not take it.
It does get harder.
On the other hand, I completely understand how hard it is for you now, and I also understand how unhelpful, though well-meaning, the "just make one little change a day' comments are. (please, no one take offense) When you are stuck, you are stuck, and sometimes, things just snap into place. You have no idea how or why, they just do.
So, all I can say is keep trying. Even if you backslide, just get up and start again. The small step approach never worked for me. I am a good athlete, and competitive, and it was a sport which kicked my fat behind into gear.
Also, can you somehow use this to your gaming advantage? How about a DDR pad that is somehow connected to a sword fight. You could be kicking people's butts and losing wieght at the same time. Would that be technologically possible?
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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quote:How about a DDR pad that is somehow connected to a sword fight. You could be kicking people's butts and losing wieght at the same time. Would that be technologically possible?
There is a slight chance that my next game might be on the Nintendo Wii. Which would mean that yes, I would have access to exactly the technology you're talking about.
Posts: 1539 | Registered: Jul 2004
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Would it be possible to bike home? Around here, we have some busses where you can put the bike on the front.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Elizabeth: Would it be possible to bike home? Around here, we have some busses where you can put the bike on the front.
This is a very good suggestion. You're in Kirkland, ne? All of the Metro & Sound Transit busses have bike racks, and the only place you can't use them is the Ride Free zone downtown.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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quote:What's your work commute like? Any chance of biking it sometimes?
Good idea, and I entertained it at my last place of residence, but there's no way now, far as I can see.
Besides, why would I want to smell like the guy here that does that?
With a 14 hour day, I assume you miss both rush hours. But when I worked 12 hour days, I would still hit both (yes, D.C. area traffic is that crazy).
I joined a gym and started going in early enough to beat the rush hour. I could be on the road in 5 minutes (brushing teeth and putting on gym clothes only). Then I worked out and got ready for work. With a packed breakfast, my overall extra time from waking to work was only 15 minutes.
I know that doesn't work with a morning schedule of family time, but there might be other ways to "create" time.
Posts: 26071 | Registered: Oct 2003
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Eye Toy sounds wicked fun. Sounds more fun that DDR. I still loves me DDR, though. I do get frustrated with the limitations of our pads, but that is in part due to the fact that they are kinda busticated. And they slip a bit.
Posts: 7050 | Registered: Feb 2004
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Do you have to buy the camera and then go out and buy a lot of games for EyeToy to be fun for exercise?
quote:EyeToy Kinetic is a freakin awesome workout. I just wish I had a better set up in the TV room so the camera could pick up my movements more easilly. Here's the web page.
I went to that web page, but couldn't find anything that actually shows me what the game is like.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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quote:Eye Toy sounds wicked fun. Sounds more fun that DDR. I still loves me DDR, though. [Smile] I do get frustrated with the limitations of our pads, but that is in part due to the fact that they are kinda busticated. And they slip a bit.
quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: Do you have to buy the camera and then go out and buy a lot of games for EyeToy to be fun for exercise?
quote:EyeToy Kinetic is a freakin awesome workout. I just wish I had a better set up in the TV room so the camera could pick up my movements more easilly. Here's the web page.
I went to that web page, but couldn't find anything that actually shows me what the game is like.
posted
Puppy, I have been doing Curves for a couple of years. I have moved on, because I don;t feel like it is enough anymore, but it was great becasue it was 30 minutes.
You could either go in drag to Curves, or see if there is a Man-Curves. I know someone once told me there was, and if there isnlt one in California, I don't know where it would be.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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And AFAIK, there is no Man-Curves (lol!) here anyway. And the Curves around here have pathetic hours.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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Yes, Rivka, they do, which was one of the reasons I switched.
I have been searching for Man-Curves, and found the following info:
Due to some guys making a point, I believe men are allowed to join Curves.
There are hydraulic machines, which are used by Curves, which are designed for men. I cannot find a gym that has them. The machines are called, get this, "Glutes."
Curves for Women. Glutes for Men.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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""No Time" seems to be the biggest hurdle for men to overcome in beginning a fitness program. PACE 30 Minute Circuit Training is ideal for today's busy lifestyles."
posted
I second most people's suggestions. I had the same thing happen, except without the selling screenplays to overindulgent parents. I had a scholarship to school, though, and a gushy sinecure with a stipend, so I had a great deal of free time. I still didn't exercise like crazy, but I took long bike rides two or three times a week and climbed up the hill several times a day. When I graduated, I switched to a sedentary job, an hour commute, and crappy eating habits. Coupled with a slowdown in metabolism, it made me gain weight.
Is there any way to shorten your commute? Or is it short now? I was amazed by how much time I gained by moving right next to work. It was more expensive, but that time was so much better spent working out than in the car.
Right now I've gained about five pounds since moving to D.C., and I hate it. Part of that is an indulgence in a great deal of chocolate for about three weeks in June, but most of it is that I spend 2.5 hours a day commuting. I want to get back into shape like I was last summer, and the first step is to move a great deal closer to work so I can free up time to exercise.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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quote:But in general, I think that the "quality athletic time with the family" idea is a really good one. Once this crunch dies down and I see some daylight hours with my family, I'll try to get that into the plan.
That is the only thing that seems to work for us. I mean, you're a parent, you work so hard and for so long you feel like you don't see your child enough so when you are with them, you don't want to "waste" that time exercising. The only solution is to do it together, and you have the added benefit of instilling some good habits in your kids as well. Wes plays touch football with the kids for hours, till all of them are sweaty and breathing hard. I take mine to the park and walk the track with my teen while my younger ones run and play.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote:For people who HAVE TO listen to me (like my nephews -- poor souls), I tell them not to become sedentary even if the job demands it. And to radically reduce their food intake the moment they reduce their activity level. And to ratchet things again if they gain 5 lbs. Not to wait for 10, or 20, or 100 to pile on.
This bears repeating. I'm going on the assumption that you're not willing to modify your schedule to include even 20 or 30 minutes of regular exercise a day. This leaves strict control of your diet as your only way to reverse your weight gain.
Which, frankly, sucks. I love food, and all through high school I ate ridiculously sized portions. Well, kiss those days goodbye. You said you're probably taking portions that are twice as big as you require -- guess again. A restaurant entree or fast food value meal can get up to 2000 calories, enough to run your body all day.
I'd do what eros suggested, and batch cook healthy foods that you like. Eat them all week. Do little things to up your daily walking around, like getting off the bus one stop earlier, or parking at the back of the parking lot, or taking the stairs at all times.
It's impossible to sustain full concentration for 14 hours, so when you need a break at work, go for a walk. 5 minutes, even if it's just a lap around the office, will clear your head and be surprisingly invigorating.
Keep your morning family time, except maybe look at some way to enjoy it in motion. Such as taking a walk around the neighborhood with the wife and kid. Eat a granola bar, or some fruit or nuts while you're walking to make up the time you're missing for breakfast.
I know your family is the most important thing to you -- how important do you think you are to them? There are a half dozen little things you can do, even with your crazy schedule, to get yourself in shape. I'm sure your wife will sleep better, knowing that her husband is much less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, or to develop diabetes.
Sleeping's another thing -- if you get more exercise, you'll sleep better.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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Puppy, I somewhat understand the pressures that you're under, and I'm truly sympathetic.
As some background on my situation, I have a chronically ill wife and two young daughters (one of which has also had severe medical problems). Between the stress of daily life and an arguably static, sedentary work schedule (8 hour days, 8-5) I found myself gaining weight. Like you, I have no "free" time before or after work. When I'm home, I'm taking care of the girls, and trying to catch up on sleep (interrupted by an arduous medication routine for my daughter). The only option that I had was to exercise on my lunch break, and even when I'm exhausted I force myself to go. Not because I enjoy it, but because some things are too important not to do.
Posts: 1480 | Registered: Dec 2004
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My problem is that I find most extercise mind-numbingly dull. I find it so dull that it's more painful to me than physical pain. I know that sounds whiney and ADD-generationish, but that's the way it is.
The only thing I've found that really allows me to overcome this is martial arts. It's not dull -- I'm constantly trying to learn, understand, apply, and finesse.
The big problem with doing martial arts is the time investment. I might have to spend a full 1.5 hours (including travel there, changing, etc.) in order to get half an hour of real exercise. I could go to more than one class, which improves the ratio, but it means that I'm gone the entire evening, which was always hard on Beverly.
When we got pregnant with our fourth child, she asked me to drop the dojo to spend more time at home. I did so. Now that we have four children, I'm needed at home even more than during the pregnancy. I don't see me being able to go back to the dojo any time soon.
I am worried about developing diabetes like my father did, but so far I haven't found anything that works for me.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
2.5 hours a day isn't too bad for a commute into DC. I used to do 3 hours a day, easy-- and that's getting up to go into work at 4:30am, and leaving work at 2pm. Of course, I lived 60 miles away...
The trick seems to be recognizing your eating and activity habits, and making changes to them accordingly. When I started my job in Charlottesville, I started going out to eat a lot for lunch. I don't track my weight, but I could feel myself getting less healthy. Also, going out to lunch is expensive. To get back on the right track, I cut back on portions-- I can get lunch from the Chinese place for $6, and spread it out over two days. (Soup and noodles for lunch one day, the main course the next) It still isn't the healthiest thing to be eating, though...
Posts: 14554 | Registered: Dec 1999
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posted
Okay, I just want to say that your work hours scare the bejeezus out of me, since I'll be looking for work as an animator in a couple of months. :-P
That aside, I wanted to suggest again the value of finding out how many calories you need to eat a day in order to lose weight in a healthy manner, and then keeping track of how many calories you actually are eating in a day. Knowledge is power, right? Posts: 1681 | Registered: Jun 2004
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Side note: I got a new place to live yesterday. My commute from door to door will about half an hour each way. Yay! It is also right next to a gym, so the plan is proceeding nicely.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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Puppy, it sounds like you have no way to exercise during those periods of 14 hour days without giving something up that you wouldn't want to.
However, something that was mentioned but doesn't seem to be elaborated on is diet. It may or may not help you to lose weight, but you shouldn't won't gain any. When do you have free time to exercise, it should help you lose weight as well.
First remove the bad: Cut out all junk foods- soda, chips, candy bars, pretty much anything that adds sugar (even fruit juices), etc. Drink lots of cold water- your body will burn calories heating it up, it also can kill hunger pains. Last, eat smaller healthy meals 5-6 times a day which can help jump-start your metabolism. If you plan the calories for these meals to be 500 below your daily maintenance level, you'll probably see a slow drop in weight over time (I do mean slow- like 2 lbs a month)-but you'll need to write down what you eat to track it. If you don't have time, perhaps your wife would be able to pack a lunch for you.
Lastly, something else that may make a small difference is just doing some situps, pushups, and pullups before bed, or first thing in the morning. It would only take about 10 minutes or so.
Edit: Ok, so I'm a slow typer...El JT and Zeugot beat me to it.
Posts: 1412 | Registered: Oct 2005
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