Healthy Living 101

[Neil B]

Great thread guys. I began my road back to fitness about 4 years ago. After many years of eating out and working in front of a computer, I was 39 years old and 210 lbs. My initial goal was to be under 200 lbs. by my 40th birthday. Since then, I've dealt with cancer including multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation. I can tell you first hand that exercising and eating right will definitely help get you through those challenges. I'm now 43 years old and weigh 170 lbs. (my college weight) at approx. 12% body fat and I've never felt better. My current lifestyle includes:

1) 30-minute high intensity workouts with a personal trainer (2-3 per week)
2) 3.5 mile runs twice per week
3) Eating 6-7 times per day - small meals
4) High protein, low carb diet plan (but I cycle my carbs higher 2 days per week)
5) I try to completely restrict intake of refined sugars and wheat products (bread and pasta) and get most of my carbs from veggies, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and lower-sugar fruits. However, I allow myself to eat whatever I want on Saturdays after lunch time.
6) I try to set intermediate goals every 6-8 weeks to keep motivation levels up. Goals have ranged from training for a run, to reducing body fat %, to losing x pounds for a specific event.

Good luck to all of you in achieving your health goals. This car thing can only be enjoyed if you are healthy enough to partake.

--Neil