Thanks for the suggestions. I don't smoke or drink alcohol or coffee and I only drink diet soda (no sugar) and water. If I can just stop getting sick I'd be able to get in shape. I'd done it before several years ago by running, lifting weights and dieting. These past couple of years have been difficult because I tore ligaments in both of my knees and wasn't able to do any kind of exercise involving legs for a long time. Even swimming was too painful. I had slowly begun building up my strength and endurance again and I was doing that when I got sick last November and its been on and off since then. I'm taking some natural supplements now that's supposed to keep me from getting sick so hopefully they will work. I actually got sick this last time when I forgot to take them for a few days and I woke up coughing one cold night.
I really appreciate the prayers and congrats on your weight loss, AzureAfire. I also aim to workout everyday Tom, and I admire your dedication. AzureAfire, I actually do want to get in shape to better serve God and not just because I want to look good. I believe God meant for us to be strong and healthy. Being fit is also good for the mind and the spirit. It keeps the mind sharp and the spirit strong. I understand what you said about stretching Tom, but I really can't do much at all due to my ligament injuries. AzureAfire, I actually know a lot about nutrition and trying to eat right has always been my biggest obstacle, and I know the saying among nutritionists that goes "you can't exercise your way out of a bad diet", but I will keep trying.
I see that it is pretty complicated, with your torn ligaments and all. I will pray for your full recovery, brother.
One thing i have to tell you, though. Don't be deceived by those "sugar free" goods they are pushing to supposedly save you from calories. Artificial sweeteners are very damaging to your kidneys, and they could also cause a spike in insulin, like high intake of regular sugar. Very unhealthy. You could become diabetic if you keep at it, and have poorly functioning kidneys.
Before i started rigorous workouts, i focused on purely dieting. My right knee hurt really bad due to the weight gain and abuse. So i told myself that i need to reach a certain weight before i proceed with the workouts. That way, there will be less strain applied on my joints. So you really have to focus on eating right.
You have to wean yourself off of taking sodas of all kinds. If you don't resist the fakes, how can you resist the real ones? That's the first thing you do. Next, build a habit of taking lots of water, even when you're not thirsty. I naturally am fond of water (would breath it if i could XD), so i intake 6-8 glasses a day easily. But the goal is 8-10 glasses a day. Then really watch your portions and balance your meals. If the viand has potatoes and carrots and you want them, decrease your amount of rice. And definitely NO SECONDS. It takes discipline to do this, and the proper mindset. Don't ever think you are depriving yourself of the good stuff. Think of it as using your reserves stored in your body. Eat only what you need. I call this "responsible eating". Getting used to smaller portions is tough at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's very rewarding. You feel satisfied with what little you took, and feel even more grateful to GOD, 'coz what you once perceived as measly amounts turns out to be so bountiful
it's an awesome feeling!
GOD bless your pursuit to healthy eating and fitness, brother in Christ!!
thanks, by the way! All glory and honor belongs to GOD and GOD alone!!!