I think my body is eating my arms. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Vincentt · 05-21-2005, 10:35 PM

Okay, when I first got to Japan I was not eating healthy. Sure I would eat the Japanese food, but I also was drinking 2 or 3 Cokes a day (500ml) and boxes of candy or chips.
After settling down a bit, I stopped all the junk, and have been eating a strictly Japanese food diet.

Now, some days I get my full 3 meals. But sometimes I sleep past breakfast, or get too busy for lunch (or both!). But for the most part I eat what I need, but I have been careful of junk and too much rice.

I have been dropping weight, about .2 kilo a day. I am about 5 10, maybe a little taller, and when I left America I was 175ish. I am now (after about 7 weeks.) 164. I look down, and still have the fat at the abs, and still the love handles. And I swear my arms are smaller! So I fear how much mussel I am loosing.

There isn’t a great deal of meat served here, so I really feel I am getting little protein. I went to the gym a lot in the months before leaving and was taking a protein shake daily.

The scale here says I am 25% body fat, I don’t really know how it finds that out.

I go to the gym once a week and do a full body work out, and I play tennis once a week for about 1 and a half hours. I need to do both more, but right now it is hard to. I also walk a lot, more the last 7 weeks then a year in USA.

I guess I hope I just lost some fat that was hanging on my arms, but I feel kind of frail.

It is no joke that the Japanese diet is very healthy though, while I think it is real possible to gain weight in Japan. Mc D’s is everywhere; it is much easier for me to pass the junk up, maybe because the place is changed, or maybe because I really want to get in a good shape.

I think I’d like to see my abs, take a picture, and then eat a pizza.

A bigger worry is when I get home to the USA, will I blow up again.

I think a solution to my problem is more gym, and get some protein (I guess have it sent from home) and see what can be done.

I guess I’m looking for general advice; this is the closet to a diet I have ever been on. And maybe if you know an international protein seller, let me know please. Also a little of the “yay, I’m loosing weight.”

mokle · 05-21-2005, 10:56 PM

Your body will "eat" muscle if your diet is lacking. Basically, you're starving yourself.

You need more calories, fat, and protein.

3 meals a day is the very least you should do. I try to get 6.

Vincentt · 05-21-2005, 11:27 PM

Easier said then done.

I would say 6 meals a day is undoable currently.

But I get three in a Normal day.

Last week:

Morning : Bowl of rice with raw egg (it is what they eat)
Lunch: Curry Rice
Dinner: Lightly breaded Fish and cabbage (with rice)

Morning : Nato and Rice and Miso
Lunch: Sushi / nigiri platter
Dinner: Fried chicken (maybe) and pickled veggies

So I eat a decent amount per day, normally.

But I have to admit today I didn't eat lunch (I ate an apple) because I was too busy runnning around and forgot to eat. And by now it is so late I midaswell wait for dinner.

snowy · 05-22-2005, 01:59 AM

Definitely make sure you're eating enough. If you do have your own computer, I recommend you check out the DietPower program, as it has helped me keep track of calorie intake in the past--both in terms of dieting and terms of maintaining. It can be set to keep track of whatever you want.

Japanese food tends to be very low in calories and very low in fat. MAKE SURE YOU ARE EATING ENOUGH FOR YOUR SIZE. A friend of mine who recently went vegan found it very hard to keep his calorie intake up--by using some kind of tracking program you can make sure you're getting enough. Finding out nutrition information--broken down or as a whole--is also very helpful.

As for what you eat...that's probably not enough. Even the day you ate fried chicken...maybe...given the calorie intake of the others, you're not even making 2,000...maybe not even 1,500. The Japanese diet is very healthy, which is good, but make sure to eat lots of fish and whatnot...lean protein is very important, and they hav excellent seafood by all accounts, so treat yourself accordingly. Eat meat when you can--I know sometimes it's hard to afford but you do need to find sources of lean protein (eggs only count part of the time).

Eat donburi if you haven't already--very good, very filling, and with the egg used in it, it does contain some protein.

Vincentt · 05-22-2005, 05:50 AM

I'll try the Dietpower program, I need to do something, I can't seem to find any healthy snacks. I know eating a candy bar isn't going to help.

A bowl of raman can get to 800ish cals, cup noodles etc. One thing is I am not able to eat as much rice as the Japanese people here. They can eat a bowl of rice, almost plain... I cannot do this.

I went and bought some premade rice things today.
250grams of rice = 375 cal
I can't really fry up anything to eat with so I bought ocha zuke, kind of flavor packet... all togetter it is like 400cals you also add hot green tea. Is a thing I can have for a snack while I am at home.

I do not think I will beable to get the right amount of protein here... so I am going to ask my friends to send me some from USA, unless I can find a place here.

thingstodo · 05-22-2005, 06:11 AM

Seems like you need more fruits and veggies. I couldn't get by on what you are eating unless I wanted to drop some serious pounds. If you're looking for protein I would think on-line shops would ship anywhere.

Vincentt · 05-22-2005, 06:49 AM

I am emailing a few now.

fruit is EXPENSIVE!

If you saw the price of a watermelon you'd faint.

Apples are about 1USD so I can do those.

I really noticed today, I was feeling sick/sluggish couldn't understand japanese or english today.

I think I am going to try mussel milk, I heard it tasted good with just water. Milk is a little funky here.

I am also, I guess a little picky about food. I sometimes can't eat the fish because there are lots of little bones in it. I just can't eat that... I have to make sure it isn't the bone kind...

mokle · 05-22-2005, 11:34 AM

Forget the fruit, take a multi vitamin. Your calories do need to go up, that's the easy part. A few of the ramen or similar cups will take care of that. Your only problem then is lack of fat and protein. You have to watch out for sodium too.

I'm not too familiar with Japanese diets, so I can't really comment on the meal plan. Any way of getting more seafood in your diet? I assumed it'd be cheap over there.

Zeraph · 05-22-2005, 04:34 PM

Just fyi apples shouldnt even count as fruit. They just don't have much to them in the way of anything. Bananas are the best and most convenient IMO.

exizldelfuego · 05-22-2005, 08:23 PM

What about nuts? Nuts are high in protein, aren't they (I'm nowhere near a nutritionist)? How available is peanut butter? I'd think that'd be pretty high in fat and protein. Or maybe you can get a bunch of walnuts or something and just carry them around in a baggy that you can munch on throughout the day. Or maybe some Nipponuts (the theoretical Japanese-indigenous nut I just made up).

Zeraph · 05-22-2005, 09:44 PM

Oh another thing you could look into would be what sumo wrestlers eat. That'll get you gaining some weight.

exizldelfuego · 05-22-2005, 11:21 PM

Yea. Sumo Wrestlers eat like 2 or 3 fields of rice a day. Better start allotting your time accordingly.

Vincentt · 05-23-2005, 12:05 AM

Nuts aren't a bad idea.

I have been thinking about getting meal replacement bars, and eatting those through out the day. It wouldn't be hard to pack my lunch that way. One of the problems is during my 'lunch break' it is hard to wait in the lines to get food, and have enough time to eat it somedays.

Today I had the natou and rice bowl for breakfast.
Lunch was some kind of egg / breaded chicken on rice meal. (nasty btw)
Supper will be something strange I am sure.

I have the hardest time with dinner here, when they do serve meat it is often pork... but it is really tough, hard to eat.

Me being a little picky doesn't help.

Sweetpea · 05-23-2005, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

Nuts aren't a bad idea.

I have been thinking about getting meal replacement bars, and eatting those through out the day.

This is what i was going to suggest, meal replacement bars or shakes. Protein is an important part of anyone's diet, i try to get lean protein in at least two meals a day but i see how geographically, that could be a problem for you. Can you order something from online and have it delivered?? like this site http://www.atomicnutrition.com/catal...x.php?cPath=66 You can have it shipped to you and basically add water and mix . . . I don't know if that would be appealing to you . . . but worth a shot.

I am concerned you're not getting anywhere near the kcals you need . . . men of your height need at least 1,800 Kcals per day, and a fair percentage of that to be protein to maintain health.

good for you getting fit though! It's never easy . . . pizza is always yummier . . . so good will power!

But yeah . . . it seems like you are starving yourself, which will affect your mental capacity as well as physical feelings of well being.

keep us updated on how you're doing and if you find a good meal Replacement bar or shake.

Sweetpea

jorgelito · 05-23-2005, 10:37 PM

Is there a Yoshinoya type place there? Think beef or chicken teriyaki bowl - should be pretty cheap.

Also, maybe now's a good time to be not so picky.

If you can afford to have "protein etc" shipped to you, you can definitely afford to buy the fruits etc and other food in Japan (I know how crazy expensive it is, but so is having stuff shipped to you). Besides, why go to Japan at all if not to try new things?

What about the McDonald's.? Also, can you add more volume to your meals? Like more rice, sauce, meats (fish, chicken, the (hard) pork, beef etc). Are yoy drinking beer too? Try to drink at least one or two beers with every meal (seriously). They have good beers there.

Good luck man, let us know how you're doing.

Oh, have you tried posting in Tilted Traveling? Maybe other Westerners in Japan can share some insight with you.

Vincentt · 05-24-2005, 04:23 AM

Alright today I in my gym class I got tested for weight etc. My weight was 75.1 today, the gyms scales are much better then the bathroom one I am sure. My body fat was just under 25%, I don't know how it finds this, but I don't think 25% of my body is fat.

The teacher said, in english so he didn't mean it as it sounds "Too much fat"
The machine recommended I lose 15%, or something.

I do not think I will every lose that much weight! I don't want too, what would be left of me. The idea of me being 140ish is insane.

He said adverage body fat is like 15% or so...

I am hoping my mussel mass (not huge, but lager then japanese guys(most)) is throwing this off.

I do have a lot of fat, but the idea of that much is disturbing.
My current goal is somewhere around 70kg, it seemed like a nice round number. But I think any lighter then that would be unhealthy...

I have been eating a bit better the past few days, forcing myself to eat lunch no matter what. I have been buying some nasty 'power' bar type things on campus. I don't think they are too great, but I snack on one through out the day.

Oh and thanks for the site sweetpea, I plan on ordering one of these meal replacement shakes... the health aspect is great, but the convenence of the packet + water is quite nice too. I really am on the run most of my day. Doing maybe a shake and a sandwich while I am out, and doing breakfast and dinner here, might do me well.

mokle · 05-24-2005, 04:34 AM

15%may be the average in Japan, but not North America. 25% isn't too ideal, but it's not obese. And, it's quite possible you're 25%. I've known many slim people that were near that, for the sheer fact they had very little muscle.

How was the BF% measured? Calipers or an electric meter? Calipers are the only accurate way to measure it.

Vincentt · 05-24-2005, 04:47 AM

It was a electronic device, I stood on it with out socks, and held another thing in my hand.
I also gave it my height, age, and wasit size. (but I didn't know if it was supposed to be relaxed waist or ab flexed, so I did relaxed)

The only place I really notice fat is on my abs/sides. If I press in towards my abs with abs flexed, it is about the first joint on my index finger... I guess that is a good amount of fat.

How much volume does a pound of fat take up?

Also, I have no idea what to look at in a meal replacement, if anyone knows a really good type, please tell me.

http://www.atomicnutrition.com/catal...0f64e055ce22d6

This one seemed good, but I don't go to the gym each day (wish I could get myself to do that), and dont' want to over do it. (still trying to loose weight, just safely and fat not my body.)

today I confermed my fear, as when I arrived in Japan my arms were 34/34.5 cm around, and today they were 33/33(at least same size).

http://www.global-nutrition-inc.com/es-009.html

looked alright, but low protein, and the cals were really low.

jorgelito · 05-24-2005, 09:30 AM

Maybe alter your workput regimin for more bulk and focus on arms and stuff. Then, you have to make sure yo're getting enough intake (calories, protein etc).

Zeraph · 05-24-2005, 02:18 PM

Here's a cool little site that tells you what different people/organizations think your ideal body weight should be.

http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm

Sweetpea · 05-24-2005, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

Alright today I in my gym class I got tested for weight etc. My weight was 75.1 today, the gyms scales are much better then the bathroom one I am sure. My body fat was just under 25%, I don't know how it finds this, but I don't think 25% of my body is fat.

The teacher said, in english so he didn't mean it as it sounds "Too much fat"
The machine recommended I lose 15%, or something.

I do not think I will every lose that much weight! I don't want too, what would be left of me. The idea of me being 140ish is insane.

He said adverage body fat is like 15% or so...
.

umm yes . . . 140ish for your heighth would be just plain crazy and completely underweight.

body fat has to do with muscle mass, not how much you weigh . . . i once had a friend in high school who's weight was only 90lbs, but her body fat was 28 percent . . . because she didn't have any muscle, due to the fact she had an eating disorder and wasn't getting any protein. So yeah . . . losing weight isn't going to help your body fat . . . i'm surprised that your Teacher is suggesting you lose more weight without checking in on your nutrition . . .

But allot of aerobics teachers make this mistake.

It would be easy to say that since you're not getting enough protein, your body is bascially eating up and using any muscle you're making by working out/walking all the time.

for your health, you need to up your protein by a huge amount and fast.
although kudos on getting down those protein bars, they are nasty . . . but i really think you aren't getting the nutrition that you need... so keep downing them as often as you can and order a protein shake system asap...

keep us updated... I'm worried!

Sweetpea

Sweetpea · 05-24-2005, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

http://www.atomicnutrition.com/catal...0f64e055ce22d6

This shake seems pretty good. It hits the main nutrition focuses, as i have bolded below . . . i would like to see more Iron in it though, do you have another source of Iron in your diet currently?? .... I would suggest drinking two a day at least. They are low kcal enough that you could get away with drinking two or more a day . . .

Calories 265
Calories from
Fat 10
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat .5g 3%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
Sugars 1g
Sodium 200mg 8%
Potassium 1000mg 29%
Protein 40g 80%
Selenium 24.5mcg 35%
Biotin 300mcg 100%
Vitamin A 5500IU 110%
Thiamin 1.5mg 100%
Niacin 20mg 100%
Phosphorus 500mg 50%
Folic Acid 400mcg 100%
Pantothenic Acid 10mg 100%
Chromium 18mcg 15%
Riboflavin 6.6mcg 100%
Vitamin B12 6.6mcg 110%
Vitamin E 30IU 100%
Iodine 150mcg 100%
Copper 2mcg 100%
Magnesium 400mg 100%
Vitamin B6 2mg 100%
Vitamin C 60mg 100%
Calcium 400mg 40%
Zinc 24mg 160%
Vitamin D 400IU 100%
Manganese 3.8mg 190%
Iron 1.8mg 10%

Sweetpea

Vincentt · 05-25-2005, 02:30 AM

I was thinking of doing a combo of one drink and one bar a day.
The bar I had the otherday tasted good, but only because there was nothing in it...
I found a protein gel the other day.. it only had 4g!! I think to find good products will require a internatonal web page.

sashime76 · 05-25-2005, 05:38 AM

Here is what I do, may or may not work for you. During work week, have salad and light sandwich for lunch. Eat dinner early, go for a stroll after dinner. Swap coke with water or tea, flavored tea if you don't like plain water. When you feel hungry, go for a banana, apple, instead of a donut or leftover takeout.

I play competitive volleyball twice a week, about 2 hours each. I also play tennis but not quite a much. I've packed on over 15 lbs since high school but with only 1" gain in waist line.

I've been to Japan 3 times on biz trips, it's ridiculous every corner you turn you see a McD's, Pizza Hut, KFC.

Vincentt · 05-25-2005, 07:16 AM

Yeah, I have noticed a lot of people getting "fatter" then the "normal" japanese.

Well, I stoped drinking all soda. I do mostly water and green tea. When I am out I will sometimes get a "enhanced" water... normally has like 15cals.. harder to find normal water then you would think.

I tend to eat 3 meals a day, no real snacks. The amount of rice I eat is insane, so carbs are all over the place.

I think the shakes will work well, I like having cheap option.

I would say the largest "empty" cals I get is from beer. Japanese people love to drink, so many events have beer, even going to the park.

Ripsaw · 05-25-2005, 11:32 AM

Add some tofu to your diet. Apparently it adds protein. Less carbs for you, more protein.

If you want to work your arms, buy a shinai. They use them for kendo.
Using each hand, with a firm grip on the stick, cut from ceiling to floor, using the natural range of motion in your shoulder. Do not touch either the ceiling, or the floor. Do 100 reps with either arm, and then switch to cutting in an X pattern, from top right to bottom left, up, then top left to bottom right. 50 reps of that. Do this every other day for a month, and you'll look like Popeye.

Borgs · 05-25-2005, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mokle

3 meals a day is the very least you should do. I try to get 6.

For some reason I found that highly amusing. I'm still laughing at it. Funniest thing I've read all day, whether you meant it or not. Thanks

TopRamen66 · 05-25-2005, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borgs

For some reason I found that highly amusing. I'm still laughing at it. Funniest thing I've read all day, whether you meant it or not. Thanks

Of course he meant it. 6 small meals a day keeps your metabolism going much better that 3 large ones a day ever would. You wont be snacking on "quick" junk food in between meals, you'll beat off those hunger induced problems like lack of concentration, tiredness, etc between meals as well.

TopRamen66 · 05-25-2005, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mokle

Forget the fruit, take a multi vitamin. Your calories do need to go up, that's the easy part. A few of the ramen or similar cups will take care of that. Your only problem then is lack of fat and protein. You have to watch out for sodium too.

I'm not too familiar with Japanese diets, so I can't really comment on the meal plan. Any way of getting more seafood in your diet? I assumed it'd be cheap over there.

A multivitamin is a very poor excuse for proper diet, as are band-aids like protien bars, shakes, meal replacement products, etc. You need to eat REAL food. Work with what you can, get your 5 a day of fruits and veggies. Order bags of dried fruit from the net if cost is a concern there, not as good at fresh fruit but still will be better than a multi. Check out how much protien you are getting, you need about .8-1.2 Grams per kilogram of body weight to retain muscle mass and promote muscle regeneration. How is cheese over there? A serving (3oz--deck of cards size) has quite a bit of protien, but it is also high in saturated fat, so dont live on an all cheese diet please. Hit up the legumes man! Lentils are the most perfect protiene you can get. Eggs are very good and cheap as well. Beans, nuts, whatever. I understand that protiene is more difficult to come by there, but it is in no means impossible to get the right amount without useless shakes and bars.

Sweetpea · 05-27-2005, 02:56 PM

Hey Vincentt,

Just wanted to check in and see how you were feeling so far this week? And if you ordered a suitable meal/protein replacement?

Sweetpea

Vincentt · 05-28-2005, 02:32 AM

I didn't order the stuff yet, I came down with a nasty cold. So I have been in bed the past few days... just about all day.

My throat is sore so eating is hard, just one of those things that comes and kicks you while you are down.

I assume my eating habbits have caused my body to be weaker, also I rode home from college on a bike in a downpour.... So 10min of biking in the rain... ug

The shipping at almost every site is real high, a friend told me I can get some stuff at a place in Ikebukuro (15min bike ride)... but I can't fully read all the stuff on the package.. plus from what I have seen Japanese products are norm... kind of weak.

Sweetpea · 05-28-2005, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincentt

I didn't order the stuff yet, I came down with a nasty cold. So I have been in bed the past few days... just about all day.

My throat is sore so eating is hard, just one of those things that comes and kicks you while you are down.

I assume my eating habbits have caused my body to be weaker, also I rode home from college on a bike in a downpour.... So 10min of biking in the rain... ug

The shipping at almost every site is real high, a friend told me I can get some stuff at a place in Ikebukuro (15min bike ride)... but I can't fully read all the stuff on the package.. plus from what I have seen Japanese products are norm... kind of weak.

Hey Vincentt,

I'm sorry to hear you've got a cold

I hope you are keeping your fluids up . . . although, i am sure there is no shortage of green tea where you are

How much is the shipping on the meal replacement??

Sweetpea

Vincentt · 05-28-2005, 01:34 PM

It was like... 60 on one, and 40 on another.

I know shipping to Japan is expensive, but for the shipping to cost more then the product.. kinda makes me stop and think.

If the ship in Ikebukuro doesn't work out, I'll just order a few months worth at once to lower the shipping 'hurt'.

Ustwo · 06-02-2005, 07:46 AM

There is always the possibility you have an underlying health issue you are unware of.

If you are loosing that much weight, maintaining that much fat, AND working out something doesn't seem right.

Vincentt · 06-03-2005, 05:12 AM

I ordered a Caliper.

I think the machines here are wrong.

I have more mussel mass then the adverage japanese guy, I do NOT think I am 25% body fat.

I have ordered a few of these products, we'll see how it all works out

I think i've stabalized a bit, just some problems getting used to food.

Vincentt · 06-09-2005, 08:58 AM

It wasn't my body fat, it was my BMI. It was rechecked the other day, and is 24.
Thats not such a bad score.

My body fat is unknown, the Caliper should arrive anyday now so I'll find out.

05-21-2005, 10:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I think my body is eating my arms. Okay, when I first got to Japan I was not eating healthy. Sure I would eat the Japanese food, but I also was drinking 2 or 3 Cokes a day (500ml) and boxes of candy or chips. After settling down a bit, I stopped all the junk, and have been eating a strictly Japanese food diet. Now, some days I get my full 3 meals. But sometimes I sleep past breakfast, or get too busy for lunch (or both!). But for the most part I eat what I need, but I have been careful of junk and too much rice. I have been dropping weight, about .2 kilo a day. I am about 5 10, maybe a little taller, and when I left America I was 175ish. I am now (after about 7 weeks.) 164. I look down, and still have the fat at the abs, and still the love handles. And I swear my arms are smaller! So I fear how much mussel I am loosing. There isn’t a great deal of meat served here, so I really feel I am getting little protein. I went to the gym a lot in the months before leaving and was taking a protein shake daily. The scale here says I am 25% body fat, I don’t really know how it finds that out. I go to the gym once a week and do a full body work out, and I play tennis once a week for about 1 and a half hours. I need to do both more, but right now it is hard to. I also walk a lot, more the last 7 weeks then a year in USA. I guess I hope I just lost some fat that was hanging on my arms, but I feel kind of frail. It is no joke that the Japanese diet is very healthy though, while I think it is real possible to gain weight in Japan. Mc D’s is everywhere; it is much easier for me to pass the junk up, maybe because the place is changed, or maybe because I really want to get in a good shape. I think I’d like to see my abs, take a picture, and then eat a pizza. A bigger worry is when I get home to the USA, will I blow up again. I think a solution to my problem is more gym, and get some protein (I guess have it sent from home) and see what can be done. I guess I’m looking for general advice; this is the closet to a diet I have ever been on. And maybe if you know an international protein seller, let me know please. Also a little of the “yay, I’m loosing weight.” __________________ .

05-21-2005, 10:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
mokle Psycho Location: Alberta, Canada	Your body will "eat" muscle if your diet is lacking. Basically, you're starving yourself. You need more calories, fat, and protein. 3 meals a day is the very least you should do. I try to get 6. __________________ Mokle "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see" -Ali

05-21-2005, 11:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Easier said then done. I would say 6 meals a day is undoable currently. But I get three in a Normal day. Last week: Morning : Bowl of rice with raw egg (it is what they eat) Lunch: Curry Rice Dinner: Lightly breaded Fish and cabbage (with rice) Morning : Nato and Rice and Miso Lunch: Sushi / nigiri platter Dinner: Fried chicken (maybe) and pickled veggies So I eat a decent amount per day, normally. But I have to admit today I didn't eat lunch (I ate an apple) because I was too busy runnning around and forgot to eat. And by now it is so late I midaswell wait for dinner. __________________ .

05-22-2005, 01:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Definitely make sure you're eating enough. If you do have your own computer, I recommend you check out the DietPower program, as it has helped me keep track of calorie intake in the past--both in terms of dieting and terms of maintaining. It can be set to keep track of whatever you want. Japanese food tends to be very low in calories and very low in fat. MAKE SURE YOU ARE EATING ENOUGH FOR YOUR SIZE. A friend of mine who recently went vegan found it very hard to keep his calorie intake up--by using some kind of tracking program you can make sure you're getting enough. Finding out nutrition information--broken down or as a whole--is also very helpful. As for what you eat...that's probably not enough. Even the day you ate fried chicken...maybe...given the calorie intake of the others, you're not even making 2,000...maybe not even 1,500. The Japanese diet is very healthy, which is good, but make sure to eat lots of fish and whatnot...lean protein is very important, and they hav excellent seafood by all accounts, so treat yourself accordingly. Eat meat when you can--I know sometimes it's hard to afford but you do need to find sources of lean protein (eggs only count part of the time). Eat donburi if you haven't already--very good, very filling, and with the egg used in it, it does contain some protein. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

05-22-2005, 05:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I'll try the Dietpower program, I need to do something, I can't seem to find any healthy snacks. I know eating a candy bar isn't going to help. A bowl of raman can get to 800ish cals, cup noodles etc. One thing is I am not able to eat as much rice as the Japanese people here. They can eat a bowl of rice, almost plain... I cannot do this. I went and bought some premade rice things today. 250grams of rice = 375 cal I can't really fry up anything to eat with so I bought ocha zuke, kind of flavor packet... all togetter it is like 400cals you also add hot green tea. Is a thing I can have for a snack while I am at home. I do not think I will beable to get the right amount of protein here... so I am going to ask my friends to send me some from USA, unless I can find a place here. __________________ .

05-22-2005, 06:11 AM	#6 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Seems like you need more fruits and veggies. I couldn't get by on what you are eating unless I wanted to drop some serious pounds. If you're looking for protein I would think on-line shops would ship anywhere. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

05-22-2005, 06:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I am emailing a few now. fruit is EXPENSIVE! If you saw the price of a watermelon you'd faint. Apples are about 1USD so I can do those. I really noticed today, I was feeling sick/sluggish couldn't understand japanese or english today. I think I am going to try mussel milk, I heard it tasted good with just water. Milk is a little funky here. I am also, I guess a little picky about food. I sometimes can't eat the fish because there are lots of little bones in it. I just can't eat that... I have to make sure it isn't the bone kind... __________________ .

05-22-2005, 11:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
mokle Psycho Location: Alberta, Canada	Forget the fruit, take a multi vitamin. Your calories do need to go up, that's the easy part. A few of the ramen or similar cups will take care of that. Your only problem then is lack of fat and protein. You have to watch out for sodium too. I'm not too familiar with Japanese diets, so I can't really comment on the meal plan. Any way of getting more seafood in your diet? I assumed it'd be cheap over there. __________________ Mokle "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see" -Ali

05-22-2005, 04:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	Just fyi apples shouldnt even count as fruit. They just don't have much to them in the way of anything. Bananas are the best and most convenient IMO.

05-22-2005, 08:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
exizldelfuego Crazy Location: Seattle, WA	What about nuts? Nuts are high in protein, aren't they (I'm nowhere near a nutritionist)? How available is peanut butter? I'd think that'd be pretty high in fat and protein. Or maybe you can get a bunch of walnuts or something and just carry them around in a baggy that you can munch on throughout the day. Or maybe some Nipponuts (the theoretical Japanese-indigenous nut I just made up).

05-22-2005, 09:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	Oh another thing you could look into would be what sumo wrestlers eat. That'll get you gaining some weight.

05-22-2005, 11:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
exizldelfuego Crazy Location: Seattle, WA	Yea. Sumo Wrestlers eat like 2 or 3 fields of rice a day. Better start allotting your time accordingly.

05-23-2005, 12:05 AM	#13 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Nuts aren't a bad idea. I have been thinking about getting meal replacement bars, and eatting those through out the day. It wouldn't be hard to pack my lunch that way. One of the problems is during my 'lunch break' it is hard to wait in the lines to get food, and have enough time to eat it somedays. Today I had the natou and rice bowl for breakfast. Lunch was some kind of egg / breaded chicken on rice meal. (nasty btw) Supper will be something strange I am sure. I have the hardest time with dinner here, when they do serve meat it is often pork... but it is really tough, hard to eat. Me being a little picky doesn't help. __________________ .

05-23-2005, 10:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	Is there a Yoshinoya type place there? Think beef or chicken teriyaki bowl - should be pretty cheap. Also, maybe now's a good time to be not so picky. If you can afford to have "protein etc" shipped to you, you can definitely afford to buy the fruits etc and other food in Japan (I know how crazy expensive it is, but so is having stuff shipped to you). Besides, why go to Japan at all if not to try new things? What about the McDonald's.? Also, can you add more volume to your meals? Like more rice, sauce, meats (fish, chicken, the (hard) pork, beef etc). Are yoy drinking beer too? Try to drink at least one or two beers with every meal (seriously). They have good beers there. Good luck man, let us know how you're doing. Oh, have you tried posting in Tilted Traveling? Maybe other Westerners in Japan can share some insight with you.

05-24-2005, 04:23 AM	#16 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Alright today I in my gym class I got tested for weight etc. My weight was 75.1 today, the gyms scales are much better then the bathroom one I am sure. My body fat was just under 25%, I don't know how it finds this, but I don't think 25% of my body is fat. The teacher said, in english so he didn't mean it as it sounds "Too much fat" The machine recommended I lose 15%, or something. I do not think I will every lose that much weight! I don't want too, what would be left of me. The idea of me being 140ish is insane. He said adverage body fat is like 15% or so... I am hoping my mussel mass (not huge, but lager then japanese guys(most)) is throwing this off. I do have a lot of fat, but the idea of that much is disturbing. My current goal is somewhere around 70kg, it seemed like a nice round number. But I think any lighter then that would be unhealthy... I have been eating a bit better the past few days, forcing myself to eat lunch no matter what. I have been buying some nasty 'power' bar type things on campus. I don't think they are too great, but I snack on one through out the day. Oh and thanks for the site sweetpea, I plan on ordering one of these meal replacement shakes... the health aspect is great, but the convenence of the packet + water is quite nice too. I really am on the run most of my day. Doing maybe a shake and a sandwich while I am out, and doing breakfast and dinner here, might do me well. __________________ . Last edited by Vincentt; 05-24-2005 at 04:31 AM..

05-24-2005, 04:34 AM	#17 (permalink)
mokle Psycho Location: Alberta, Canada	15%may be the average in Japan, but not North America. 25% isn't too ideal, but it's not obese. And, it's quite possible you're 25%. I've known many slim people that were near that, for the sheer fact they had very little muscle. How was the BF% measured? Calipers or an electric meter? Calipers are the only accurate way to measure it. __________________ Mokle "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see" -Ali

05-24-2005, 04:47 AM	#18 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	It was a electronic device, I stood on it with out socks, and held another thing in my hand. I also gave it my height, age, and wasit size. (but I didn't know if it was supposed to be relaxed waist or ab flexed, so I did relaxed) The only place I really notice fat is on my abs/sides. If I press in towards my abs with abs flexed, it is about the first joint on my index finger... I guess that is a good amount of fat. How much volume does a pound of fat take up? Also, I have no idea what to look at in a meal replacement, if anyone knows a really good type, please tell me. http://www.atomicnutrition.com/catal...0f64e055ce22d6 This one seemed good, but I don't go to the gym each day (wish I could get myself to do that), and dont' want to over do it. (still trying to loose weight, just safely and fat not my body.) today I confermed my fear, as when I arrived in Japan my arms were 34/34.5 cm around, and today they were 33/33(at least same size). http://www.global-nutrition-inc.com/es-009.html looked alright, but low protein, and the cals were really low. __________________ . Last edited by Vincentt; 05-24-2005 at 05:14 AM..

05-24-2005, 09:30 AM	#19 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	Maybe alter your workput regimin for more bulk and focus on arms and stuff. Then, you have to make sure yo're getting enough intake (calories, protein etc).

05-24-2005, 02:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	Here's a cool little site that tells you what different people/organizations think your ideal body weight should be. http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm

05-25-2005, 02:30 AM	#23 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I was thinking of doing a combo of one drink and one bar a day. The bar I had the otherday tasted good, but only because there was nothing in it... I found a protein gel the other day.. it only had 4g!! I think to find good products will require a internatonal web page. __________________ .

05-25-2005, 05:38 AM	#24 (permalink)
sashime76 Addict Location: Hoosier State	Here is what I do, may or may not work for you. During work week, have salad and light sandwich for lunch. Eat dinner early, go for a stroll after dinner. Swap coke with water or tea, flavored tea if you don't like plain water. When you feel hungry, go for a banana, apple, instead of a donut or leftover takeout. I play competitive volleyball twice a week, about 2 hours each. I also play tennis but not quite a much. I've packed on over 15 lbs since high school but with only 1" gain in waist line. I've been to Japan 3 times on biz trips, it's ridiculous every corner you turn you see a McD's, Pizza Hut, KFC.

05-25-2005, 07:16 AM	#25 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	Yeah, I have noticed a lot of people getting "fatter" then the "normal" japanese. Well, I stoped drinking all soda. I do mostly water and green tea. When I am out I will sometimes get a "enhanced" water... normally has like 15cals.. harder to find normal water then you would think. I tend to eat 3 meals a day, no real snacks. The amount of rice I eat is insane, so carbs are all over the place. I think the shakes will work well, I like having cheap option. I would say the largest "empty" cals I get is from beer. Japanese people love to drink, so many events have beer, even going to the park. __________________ .

05-25-2005, 11:32 AM	#26 (permalink)
Ripsaw Chef in Training	Add some tofu to your diet. Apparently it adds protein. Less carbs for you, more protein. If you want to work your arms, buy a shinai. They use them for kendo. Using each hand, with a firm grip on the stick, cut from ceiling to floor, using the natural range of motion in your shoulder. Do not touch either the ceiling, or the floor. Do 100 reps with either arm, and then switch to cutting in an X pattern, from top right to bottom left, up, then top left to bottom right. 50 reps of that. Do this every other day for a month, and you'll look like Popeye. __________________ "We are supposed to be masters of space, but we cant even line up our shoes?" One life, one chance, one opportunity.

05-27-2005, 02:56 PM	#30 (permalink)
Sweetpea Fade out Location: in love	Hey Vincentt, Just wanted to check in and see how you were feeling so far this week? And if you ordered a suitable meal/protein replacement? Sweetpea __________________ Having a Pet Will Change Your Life! Looking for a great pet?! Click Here! "I am the Type of Person Who Can Get Away With A lot, Simply Because I Don't Ask Permission for the Privilege of Being Myself"

05-28-2005, 02:32 AM	#31 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I didn't order the stuff yet, I came down with a nasty cold. So I have been in bed the past few days... just about all day. My throat is sore so eating is hard, just one of those things that comes and kicks you while you are down. I assume my eating habbits have caused my body to be weaker, also I rode home from college on a bike in a downpour.... So 10min of biking in the rain... ug The shipping at almost every site is real high, a friend told me I can get some stuff at a place in Ikebukuro (15min bike ride)... but I can't fully read all the stuff on the package.. plus from what I have seen Japanese products are norm... kind of weak. __________________ .

05-28-2005, 01:34 PM	#33 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	It was like... 60 on one, and 40 on another. I know shipping to Japan is expensive, but for the shipping to cost more then the product.. kinda makes me stop and think. If the ship in Ikebukuro doesn't work out, I'll just order a few months worth at once to lower the shipping 'hurt'. __________________ .

06-02-2005, 07:46 AM	#34 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	There is always the possibility you have an underlying health issue you are unware of. If you are loosing that much weight, maintaining that much fat, AND working out something doesn't seem right. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

06-03-2005, 05:12 AM	#35 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I ordered a Caliper. I think the machines here are wrong. I have more mussel mass then the adverage japanese guy, I do NOT think I am 25% body fat. I have ordered a few of these products, we'll see how it all works out I think i've stabalized a bit, just some problems getting used to food. __________________ .

06-09-2005, 08:58 AM	#36 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	It wasn't my body fat, it was my BMI. It was rechecked the other day, and is 24. Thats not such a bad score. My body fat is unknown, the Caliper should arrive anyday now so I'll find out. __________________ .