I've just been reading some of the comments on the article I did on Bike Radar for What Mountain Bike. It seems that it has touched a bit of a nerve with some people and there appears to be quite few more folk in my (our) situation. I'll ignore the bit of an argument over diet on there as there are as many diets that work or don't work as there are people who are overweight. It seems to me that you can over complicate things. Eat sensibly using all food groups, get regular exercise and you'll do ok. Maybe a bit simplistic for some who study this kind of thing but it's a sensible starting point for the average bloke in the street like me.
I always knew that I was harming myself by being lethargic and over eating. That much was obvious. In fact it was a no brainer.The thing was, I was a very active person before, MTBing, Rugby, hill walking, swimming were all regular activities, plus regular gym visits for weight training to aid the rugby. To go from all of that to nothing and upping my beer and take outs is tantmount to self abuse and harming yourself. People get sectioned for stuff like self harm, so why is obesity seemingly ignored before it gets out of hand? Why do people like me let themselves get in that state? I haven't any answers unfortunately and I think it's worthy of study if NHS figures on obesity is anything to go by.
I've always been a master of understatement and re-reading my blog it doesn't really reflect just what hard work and amount of sheer bloody minded will power it takes to do something like this. 3 stones in 6 months, over a 1000 miles pedalled is for me and how I was, totally astounding. Every day is a battle of wills, with me still looking for excuses not to pedal or not to have a take out or the odd beer or 3. The irony is, once I'm out pedalling I love it. So why is it such a battle to get out there? I'm waiting for the time when it becomes automatic and I just get on my bike without a second thought. Or that I don't crave a take out curry or a ruck of ale.
I currently still have 1 take out a week and go to the pub 1 night a week, only for 3 pints. I'm considering reducing that. Dunno if that's wise yet though.
More questions, no answers, still bloody hard work. But your support as always is a key motivating factor. I'll be here for you folks too. Mad this innit?
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Shame is that we all have to force ourselves out in the winter! I agree with you that everything in moderation, I wouldn't give up the 1 take out and the 3 pints a week, that is wht you are cycling in the first place so that you can have the luxuries :-)
ReplyDeleteGood job very inspiring ee my website www.unfitguy.com for my atempt at getting thin
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Clive.
ReplyDeleteI'm going for what I've called the 3E method of weightloss - Eat better, Eat less, Excercise more. Anything else is bollocks for the average fat bloke in my opinion. Yes, the top few percent of athletes will need to give it more thought and will undoubtedly reap benefits from a more scientific approach. But for Mr. Fatty who got there because he ate lots of shite and did f*** all, he just needs to apply a bit of common sense.
If you're sustaining weight loss at a sensible rate (which I reckon is 0.5-2lb a week) whilst enjoying your take out and few sherbets then go for it mate. But why not trim it back by just one pint and maybe have a boiled rice instead of egg fried? Probably won't notice the difference (a bit like full-fat vs. semi-skimmed milk).
Well done for what you've achieved so far. We're all proud and all here for you, but you already knew that. Keep up the good work.
Hi Clive,
ReplyDeleteI didn't comment on your article at bike radar because I found my here.
I lost two stone two years ago but a work/lifestyle change
last year has lead to at lot going back on.
So tommorow . No excuses . I'm dragging the hardtail out and going for a loop in the local woods.
Cheers for the kick up the backside :)
Sums it up brilliantly Clive, Why do we let ourselves get like it? I used to be a Landscaper, never been fitter ate and drank loads, still kept slim, Stopped the landscaping and went to a driving type job, but still managed to eat and drink all the time, hey presto, fatty!
ReplyDeleteIts a hell of a struggle but I tink its great, the amount of support thats out there from fellow Bloggers and folk that happen to just drop by! Keep it going mate!
I find it all a bit humbling to be honest folks. I'm an old cynic at heart, you're all putting me in my place and no mistake! Cheers! :-)
ReplyDeleteClive, you are an inspiration, I'm a similar build to you but it has taken me a lot longer to get to 19st. But as many have said your article has given me a kick up the rear to push on and lose the weight, eating healthy is the easy bit, changing your lifestyle requires will power and for us blokes will power can be very lacking at times. Lets try and keep each other going??
ReplyDeleteWell done sir ;)
ReplyDelete