Can't wake the fuck up

I don't think that there are "bad" fresh fruits. Some of the really high sugar ones like grapes might require some self-control, but even so a large bunch of grapes is healthier than a row--or two--of Oreos. A BLT is OK, just takes it easy on the B, don't slather on the mayo or whipped dressing. If you like lettuce, try adding some fresh spinach. It's like lettuce in that it really doesn't have a strong flavor, unlike canned spinach.

Walking is great exercise, and if your dog is with you so much the better.

Some people dive head-first into diet changes and exercise programs. I don't recommend that approach. You could end up feeling deprived of the foods you like, and sore. A little soreness lets you know you're getting some needed exercise; a lot of soreness can discourage you. In my observations the fast start approach work best for people who don't have that much weight to lose and/or haven't been out of shape that long.

 

What is less sugary fruit?

 

I know I know, the one that has less sugar

 

Look for a list of lower GI foods, in regards to lower sugar fruits. They take a longer period of time to break down in the body. And you don't get a crash.

It's not just about eating or working out. It's about getting healthy. There are some great documentaries about nutrition like Forks Over Knives and Dying to Live that talk about how the body uses nutrients. Not necessarily the Cult of Juicing or PaleoNuts or whatnot. Yes, a BLT may have less calories than a Meatball sub, but the protein - carb - fat balance is way off. I'd recommend talking to your primary care doc on how to get started.

The easiest step? Start parking farther out from the store or your garage. Walk around the block before you get in the car in the morning and walk inside at night. Take an extra trip up and down the stairs. Move a little more than the day before and you'll start to notice a difference.

 

Another slight help is to have half and half iced tea. Just start cutting back on the amount of sugar. Southern sweet tea is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too sweet for me to start with. You can also alternate drinking a glass of tea with drinking a glass of water. I've always found that fruits you can carry around without too much storage is the best. Whole apples, bananas, pears, peaches, etc. Carrying around tupperware to eat fruit from can be problematic if you are on the move, or physically busy. An apple can be in your pocket and can be eaten while contemplating your next move.

 

This is going to sound counterproductive, but hard candies can be used to curb sweet cravings, and curb your appetite. A few hard candies late at night is a lot better than a high sugar desert late at night. Moderation is the key.

 

I have decided I am going to start Monday... wish me luck

 

IME exercise can initially trigger a desire to eat more. The body is used to certain amount of calories and certain amount of (in)activity. When you increase the activity the body "thinks" it needs extra calories. It doesn't....unless you're thin and exercising to get in shape. You can make your body go to work on the calories you have stored in body fat. This is where eating healthier and more often helps. You're feeding your body more often and the calories are coming from better food.

A thought regarding Baby Steps V. Cold Turkey. If you have full blown addictions to certain foods, i.e. you can't stop once you start (my weakness is sugary sweets late at night), suffering from "withdrawal" might be the only answer. If a few Doritos (or whatever) leads to a bag of Doritos, then no Doritos is really the only answer.

There are many snacks that you can make yourself as alternatives to the store-bought ones. The downside is the time it takes to make some them (some are quick & simple, some aren't), another is the lack of preservatives (the store bought stuff is made for a long shelf life, and after being opened). Just like cooking your own dishes instead of buying 'heat & serve' dishes, you have more control over the sodium, fat, calories, etc.

 

I explained my frustration to my wife last night. and she is willing to help. I figure baby steps is the way to start


if beef jerky bad?

 

Kewl!!
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Baby steps is a good way to start.

Beef jerky tends to be really high in sodium; I don't about the nutritional value. If you seriously like it, cut back on the amount, combine it with something healthy like fresh fruit (for example one strip of jerky & an apple is better that two strips of jerky).

 

Dude, I am not sure but believe that jerky of any kind is fat free or seriously reduced. A show on tv said 3 things make foods taste good; sugars, fats, and salt. so if foods are low in one of these it will be high in one or both of the others. I quit salt and sugar 30 yrs ago, with few exceptions, I love fats, I will eat the fat off a grilled steak same as the meat.

 

Go with the jerkies that don't have as many chemicals. EPIC bars, too, are good. Thrive Jerky is also better for you, too. One key to dried foods is to eat half of what you normally would, drink some water, and wait 20m. You'll likely be more full than you expected.

 

Let's just say that this week I have had my struggles

 

Ralph IIRC you deer hunt right?
You can buy a food dehydrator for $20 or 30 and make your own delicious jerky at home.

 

I tried it a few times but it never turned out quite right

 

i don't usually boast or show off, but i thought this might inspire you since you're starting....this would be my first ever before/after shot... again, i 'chilled' my way through it; zero books, groups, or gyms.