The War On Fat: Part I

Seems everyone has got their “War On” these days – and I’m a follower of the Faith of Conformity, so I’m starting my own war. Dubbed “Operation: Reclaim Waistline“, my War On Fat shall combat the Axis of Evil (The Democratic People’s Republic of Lethargy, The Sovereign Kingdom of Crap Food and Not Drinking Enough Water – ok, that last one didn’t have the PR department that the first two had…).

I’ve always been overweight – at least since I was about 9 or 10 when my parents got divorced and I found solice in savoury things. As you should, I just became comfortable with my body (awkward puberty years aside), and generally haven’t cared too much about it.

But now, getting older and perhaps a little more responsible, I’m starting to understand that the damage to my body of every kilo I’m overweight will be compounded by every passing year – and so, The War On Fat has been declared.

Like a Chinese farmer looking at a Western toilet, I’m a little unprepared as to how best to go about it. If there’s one thing I’ve consistantly failed at and not learned from it’s exercise routines. See, this isn’t my first War of Fat; in the past I even went so far as buying one of those big exercise machines and drinking chalky tasting milkshakes.

So why is this time any different? Well, I think losing weight is a lot like quitting smoking – you have to fail a number of times before you succeed, before you REALLY want to do it. The failures are because you try knowing you “should” do it, but you don’t really have the willpower to keep it going because you don’t really “want” to do it. And I want to do it! Really, I do.

Optimally, I would be able to join a gym. Alas, I am unaware of any good gyms less than 40 minutes away by bus, and I think that trip would kill my motivation – so I need an inhouse solution – and I think it’s the Rocky Balboa method: just run like your ass is on fire, and wave your hands in the air at the top of all staircases.

I’m going to cut out the oily, meat-stuffed Chinese food, I’m going to hydrate myself (I currently drink about one glass of water a day, the rest is either sugar-saturated iced tea or beer) and I’m going to exercise. It’s that last one that worries me the most because unless I can make it a habit, it’s going to fail.

Fortunately I’ve been reading a lot about developing habits (thanks Steve Pavlina), and I think if I can get through the first two or three weeks and definitely if I can do it reliably for a month, it will then feel uncomfortable or awkward NOT to exercise.

And just when you were thinking, “But Ryan… we should ALL pitch in for the war effort – how can I help?” – your answer has arrived. A) Check back here often, as I’ll be posting my progress (in KGs), this will give me the motivation of knowing people are following along, and B) Give me suggestions. If you’ve ever discovered a way that worked for you in shedding a few pounds, or living more healthily, please leave a comment.

Alright, so that’s it. Oh, wait. The goals. I guess you need a target right? G.W. has the oil of the middle east in his “War On Terror”, Nixon had something with his “War On Drugs”, and my “War On Fat” too has directives and aims. I don’t really know much about losing weight, so I can’t say how long – but I do know where I want to be sitting on the scale and that’s in the 77-80 kg. range. I’ve a long way to go, as you can see below, but there are few things more important than your health… so. Yeah.

May 3rd, 2006: 108 kg

8 Responses

  1. burn more calories, eat more fruit and vegetables, swear off simple sugars and say good bye to weekend drinking binges.

    i went from 95 kg 5 years ago to 72 kg now and have never looked back. i’ll never be overweight again.

  2. forgot to wish you good luck in your quest.

    last tip, try drinking green tea or lemon/lime and water instead of just water. i drink up to 3 litres of water/tea a day..you should get up around that level as well..

  3. Hey Ryan!

    I recently lost a few pounds and found that portion control is really important. And eating every few hours – some fruit a few veggies, dairy (cottage cheese and yogurt). And drink lots of water. I have at least 2 litres a day.

    And don’t give up – as I keep telling myself, I didn’t gain the weight over night, I can’t expect to lose it over night.

    Good luck!

    Terri

  4. I was going to say “加油” to spur you on, but then realized that the literal translation of that is “add oil”. So, how about: 加水!!

    I’m really routing for you, and will be reading along. I have a long-standing (going on two years now) bet with my nephew to see who can be the first to get down to 77 kg. I can’t seem to get below 85. The loser has to wash the winner’s car in one of my mom’s dresses (how he’ll get the car into one of my mom’s dresses, I don’t know (ba-da-bing)).

  5. I have to agree with the comments left here – it’s all about simply eating fruit, veg and drinking shitloads of water (about 8 glasses is recommended I think) a day to lose the weight, and the jogging (maybe lifting weights too) to regain the fitness and tone up etc…

    Sounds easier than it is, sadly!

    My dad recently went on a diet and went from 16 stone (don’t know how many Kg/Lb that is) to 13 in about 6 weeks by simply eating well (and in smaller quantities) and going jogging once or twice a week.

    If you show a fraction of the devotion to a new regime as you do to maintining this fine site then you’ll blitz it!

  6. Hey all, wow… thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I’m going into day four of having Hotmail blocked… and I am not sure if it’s connected or not, but I didn’t get my regular e-mail notifications saying that people commented.

    Thanks again – really enjoy the specific examples. Derrick I had no idea you lost that much weight. That’s really inspiring. I’ll be intouch regarding food to eat in Dalian to stay healthy 🙂

    Cheers guys. You’re all my Micky Goldmill!

  7. Pingback: The War On Fat: The Way of the Samurai | A China Blog on Suzhou Expat Life | The Humanaught

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