Healthy Chat Advisory Center!

[Nilesjones]

Hey guys,
I wanted to create this thread because I love this forum and feel like you guys are the only people that I can truly talk to since I gave up on my friends that I don't hang out with. They're in Florida, and I've given up communication with them. They're just not the type of people that can really understand nor do they actually care haha! Lately I've been unhealthy -- Scratch that, I've probably been unhealthy my whole life. My parents never had the money to spend on a decent diet for me and most of the money my father earned went toward his computer, hence why I'm going to school to become an IT. I know more about computers than anything else because of him lol!

Keep in mind that I've been drinking, so this is going to go off topic a lot, but my sober self definitely wants this. My parents only fed me one meal a day for the 18 years I was with them, so trying to comprehend a decent diet is hard for me. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me a run down of their daily scheduled meals, so that I'm able to basically copy it and apply it to my life. Despite my actions on Teamspeak and gaming, I'm extremely smart, but I've got a lot of neurological problems that I'm thinking pertains to vitamin deficiencies. I'm hoping that with a proper diet of 3 meals a day rather than just one small meal, I'd be more intelligent than I am.

I'm seriously in need of some advice. I've tried search engines, but so much of it is just marketing gimmicks.

Thanks,
Niles

[goldenfooler]

Interesting that you have asked this now. I have lost around 22 pounds since christmas.
I walk around 10 miles a week (2 times at 5 miles each time. This takes me 1.5 hours).

I am single so I cook in batches. Mind you I do have a Culinary degree so it is a little easier for me.

Breakfast is 1/2 a bagel with butter and daily vitaman. (i buy 12 bagels cut them in 1/2 and freeze. Defrost and toast)
Lunch almost always includes brown rice (1 cup or so),something around the protein volume of 1-2 chicken thighs (this week was ground turkey salibary steaks) and a cup of veg. This week I roasted off beets, parsnips and carrots.
Dinner is constinatly a large composed salad(3 to 4 large handfulls of greens). I tend to like a honey mustard dressing(lite). When dressing the greens make sure you just coat all the leaves, there should be no puddle at the bottom.
I usually add in peanuts, cucumbers, scallions, raisins(or another fruit) and sometimes some type of protein.


My eating now is for weight loss.

On another note. If you have time and money while in school take some basic knife skill classes and cooking skills. If you are wondering if it is worth it send me what it says the program it is and at least I can tell you if it is worth it.
If you can get your knife skills up you will cook more yourself. Cooking is 90% prep.

[Apache Warrior]

The most important thing now is to eat healthy and take a multi vitamin. You will need lots of Veggies and Grains. Protein is also a must. And believe it or not the human body does need fat in it's diet. There are plenty of fats that are healthy for you. Cooking with Olive Oil is one example. If at all possible you should cook your own food and eat out as little as possible. I know that is impossible if you live in the Dorm so at least stay away from fast food. It also helps when eating out to ask for no or low salt. Sit down and plan your diet and look closely at your eating habits.
Apache

[Nilesjones]

Thanks guys. I try to get in as much as I can for veggies. Fruits is one thing I haven't been religious on. Multivitamins is another thing I need to fit into my routine. Thanks Golden and Apache. I don't know how long it's going to be before I feel the affects of it, but hopefully soon. Depression seems to run rampant in my family and I've pretty much got all the symptoms for it. It's not a normal teenager depression state, this is caused by something completely different. My life rules, but yet I'm still depressed for no reason. Meh, everyone seems to have that though haha! Although now it's gotten so bad that it's hard for me to stay focused and actually get things done that need to be done. I'm still getting A's in my classes, but I could do a hell of a lot better than 93 - 97% grade scores on my tests.

Anyway, I'm going to take what you guys said to heart and start doing this tomorrow. Get myself into a daily routine. No worries on the fast food part. That's a once a month thing for me. Fast food is like a luxury item that shouldn't be consumed on a daily basis. Although when I do go to a fast food place and see all these plump round unhealthy people, it makes me lose my appetite, so using the drive-thru is a must! haha!

[goldenfooler]

Excerise does very well for mental health. Just walk for an hour when you get a chance.

[Nilesjones]

Haha! I've heard exercise does wonders. I used to run all the time in Middle School. Then I hit high school and all anyone wanted to do was either fight or get messed up off of drugs. I couldn't find anyone to hang out with back in the day that was a health nut. Anyone who was in shape was normally an idiot and I couldn't stand to be around them. I've found basketball to be really fun for me, but lately I haven't bothered with it since I've been primarily studying and playing games. I need to get off my arse and do something. Although with asthma I can't really do anything too rough like sprinting for 10 seconds. If there's anything that I love more than anything else when exercising it's sprinting like crazy just to be able to go fast. The faster I go, the better I feel. Unfortunately my asthma likes to remind me that I don't have the body for that haha!

Although I really need to give up smoking before I truly start to do anything with exercise. All the crap that I put in my body from smoking will only be enhanced when I start exercising which is why I've stayed away from it. The poisons will end up spreading faster throughout my body if I exercise and keep smoking.

[Duke{CLR}]

I just typed a long ass reply and it somehow got deleted so I will give you a quick rundown.

Read up on diets and exercise and try to get them as part of your daily lifestyle doing both will give you faster results.

I'm recently down 25 pounds by running twice a week and counting calories, counting calories is a great way to find out what kind of foods suck for you and what ones are healthy. There is a lot more to it then this but it's a start.

This weight loss left me a bit skinny which led to my wife and I joining a gym about three weeks ago. This is the first time I have been in a gym in 24 years and I can't tell you how much better I feel. This led me to get this book I just started reading this book
http://www.walmart.com/ip/16499527?w...l5=pla&veh=sem
I'm not going to the extreme part of this book but there are different programs in here. What I found most interesting was the nutritional chapter and how important a good diet is as to the chemistry in the body and is why I stated above that they go together.

As for the smoking yes you should quit! but if that proves to be too much don't let that stop you from the rest. The first officer that I'm flying with this month lost 60 pounds and now runs 1/2 marathons and he smokes so don't let that stop you.

If depression runs and you are feeling this way you should go see a counselor it's no different the any other ailment.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[goldenfooler]

If depression runs and you are feeling this way you should go see a counselor it's no different the any other ailment.

.

+1 to this.
Finding out why you might be depresssed, talking about and is way better in the long run then taking any meds.
I also agree and know people who have been smoking but can run 10 miles. Smoking isn't helping them but they are fitter then most people.

[Nilesjones]

Haha, there are numerous reasons why I'm depressed. I honestly know why I'm depressed, but it's hard to shake the years of emotional abuse. To be honest, I would think going through physical abuse would be much better than emotional abuse all my life. I've basically been treated like crap my whole life and it's affected me a lot. The only reason I shouldn't be depressed right now is because I don't live in that type of environment anymore. The only thing that depresses me is the TV and that's because the things people say on the news for the early morning banter really does piss me off. I think lately though, the depression might be vitamin and mineral bound. Since I'm not getting the right diet, I'm probably being affected by chemical changes within my body.

Anyway, thanks for the replies and advice. One of these days when I can afford it, I'll talk to you someone. Although it's going to be hard. I was talking to a therapist back in my high school days and she told me that I was extremely intelligent and that the only reason I'd be depressed is due to chemical imbalances within my brain.

[juneau]

I recently heard of a great way to try and visualise your meal on your plate and follow 3 simple rules. Half of your plate must be veggies, your protein must be roughly the size of your palm, then lastly, your carbs should be no bigger then the size of your clenched fist.

I'll come back to help with more soon as I'm about to go and have a huge needle shoved inside my hip once again. But I'll leave you with these other 2 tips. Stay well away from prepeared meals/tv dinners. These things are never good for you, no matter how healthy some of them can seem. Also on the remove list should be 99.9% of cereal. This is your most important meal of the day and most cereals are nothing but sugar. Stick to a heavily seeded bread (granary etc) for toasting and eat fruit.

+1 to seeking help with the depression. I know...

[goldenfooler]

Haha, there are numerous reasons why I'm depressed. I honestly know why I'm depressed, but it's hard to shake the years of emotional abuse. To be honest, I would think going through physical abuse would be much better than emotional abuse all my life. I've basically been treated like crap my whole life and it's affected me a lot. The only reason I shouldn't be depressed right now is because I don't live in that type of environment anymore. The only thing that depresses me is the TV and that's because the things people say on the news for the early morning banter really does piss me off. I think lately though, the depression might be vitamin and mineral bound. Since I'm not getting the right diet, I'm probably being affected by chemical changes within my body.

Anyway, thanks for the replies and advice. One of these days when I can afford it, I'll talk to you someone. Although it's going to be hard. I was talking to a therapist back in my high school days and she told me that I was extremely intelligent and that the only reason I'd be depressed is due to chemical imbalances within my brain.

You might find help within the school in the form of group therapy. They should have some kind of free thing going on. Things like just getting away from the abuse or abuser doesn't stop their abuse mentally. There are so many things that may have effected you that you don't understand yet or how it has impacted you.

I think you need to give yourself so congratulations on your school work. I used to be so hard on myself before as well. Read a book on management called Whale Done. Short and sweet. I would also recommend the guys books for management people.
http://www.amazon.com/Whale-Done-Pow.../dp/074323538X
http://www.amazon.com/Gung-Turn-Peop...d_bxgy_b_img_z
http://www.amazon.com/Raving-Fans-Re...d_bxgy_b_img_y
and who stole my cheese a very good one about dealing with change in buisness
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-C...tole+my+cheese

[trip202]

I will just say what works for one person might not work as well for another. Genetics play a big role as well. I have always been naturally skinny, but as you get older your metabolism slows.

I personally think everyone should squeeze in some type of exercise, no matter how busy your life is. I go at least 4 times a week to the gym and if for some reason I skip days, I try to make them up by doubling up. Not trying to be a body builder, just keep a good shape.

I'm not about long distance running. My preference is doing less time/distance but increasing intensity. Rather than jogging for ten miles at 5 or 6mph, I will do only a mile or two. I will jog, then increase the speed to 9mph for a quarter to half mile, then put it back down for a quarter then put it back up. Rinse and repeat. I find this to be more effective than running at a steady pace. Also, I do the cardio AFTER weights.

In terms of diet, you can be strict but it will get boring. You can do the old chicken, brown rice, asparagus/broccoli. But who wants to eat just those things. Avocados have fat but it is good fat. Yams are a healthy carb. You can find plenty info on the net. I find the big thing for me is going easy on the beer. Limit your alcohol. I used to have no problem getting six-pack abs when I was 20. Now I am 30, and it definitely has an effect (age as well)- although my stomach is decent, it's not ripped like it used to be - so limit alcohol consumption.

Last but not least quit smoking! I smoked from 14-18/19 yrs old. I quit cold turkey and have not touched a cigarette in over a decade and never will. Although it might not seem like a long time to smoke, I was pretty heavy. Those nights when you were out at the club, on drugs, smoking a pack and a half in one night.

Anyway, you just have to put yourself in the mental zone - and train your mind as well as body.

[Nilesjones]

I will just say what works for one person might not work as well for another. Genetics play a big role as well. I have always been naturally skinny, but as you get older your metabolism slows.

I personally think everyone should squeeze in some type of exercise, no matter how busy your life is. I go at least 4 times a week to the gym and if for some reason I skip days, I try to make them up by doubling up. Not trying to be a body builder, just keep a good shape.

I'm not about long distance running. My preference is doing less time/distance but increasing intensity. Rather than jogging for ten miles at 5 or 6mph, I will do only a mile or two. I will jog, then increase the speed to 9mph for a quarter to half mile, then put it back down for a quarter then put it back up. Rinse and repeat. I find this to be more effective than running at a steady pace. Also, I do the cardio AFTER weights.

In terms of diet, you can be strict but it will get boring. You can do the old chicken, brown rice, asparagus/broccoli. But who wants to eat just those things. Avocados have fat but it is good fat. Yams are a healthy carb. You can find plenty info on the net. I find the big thing for me is going easy on the beer. Limit your alcohol. I used to have no problem getting six-pack abs when I was 20. Now I am 30, and it definitely has an effect (age as well)- although my stomach is decent, it's not ripped like it used to be - so limit alcohol consumption.

Last but not least quit smoking! I smoked from 14-18/19 yrs old. I quit cold turkey and have not touched a cigarette in over a decade and never will. Although it might not seem like a long time to smoke, I was pretty heavy. Those nights when you were out at the club, on drugs, smoking a pack and a half in one night.

Anyway, you just have to put yourself in the mental zone - and train your mind as well as body.

I completely agree with this. I love steamed veggies! But from what I hear and read, all the nutrients basically go out into the air. They say the best way to eat veggies is raw. I've been starting off slow by eating 4 "fried" eggs. By fried, I mean the way they're cooked. I use a less than a table spoon of butter on the pan to prevent sticking and then cook both sides evenly. At the moment, I can't afford to buy my own meals, so I'm stuck with whatever my mom buys. I'd ask her to get healthier food, but I'm afraid that I'll end up wasting it like I do bananas. I like bananas, but they spoil extremely quick and once it turns brown, I can't find myself to eat them.

Exercise would be great if I could find someone to exercise with. I've always been afraid to run around the neighborhood as I don't really like people looking at me hah! Anyway, I'll let you guys know how I feel after a week of doing this. Hard to believe I let myself go this far. When I was younger, I was the type of person who used to run religiously just to get the sensation of speed. Now I've gotten so depressed that I keep thinking what the hell is the point? I'm basically waiting to die at this point and each morning I wake up feels like a disappointment lmao. Sorry, I'm not trying to bring anyone down, just letting you know my situation. It's weird though, my life is great, I've got a badass computer, a PS3 hooked up to a monitor at the end of my bed with 5.1 surround sound, an awesome Sports Car -- Even though it's just an Eclipse, that thing handles like a dream. Most importantly I'm going to college which makes me feel as though I'm doing something with my life. Meh, perhaps I'll feel better when I can start taking care of myself by paying for the bills and not having to rely on my mom to pay them for me. I'd get a job, but my state of mind isn't healthy enough for that.

Thanks again for the advice guys!

[juneau]

Ever thought of doing a food diary? I was told to try one of these to see just what my daily intake was. It's a lot easier to see and make adjustments to your diet this way. It would also help us to advise you.

[Slaughter]

I think there simply needs to be balance in the Force.

Fact or Fiction: Raw veggies are healthier than cooked ones