From time to time, I get emails or comments with questions. So, I thought I would post some of them and my answers:
Mike - I am about 6’ 2” and weigh about 305. I know that is not where I should be, but I am finding it hard to figure out where to start. Time seems to be my biggest enemy. What was the hardest part about getting started for you? - Time Crunched
Dear Time Crunched,
I am totally tracking with you. My schedule just doesn’t seem to work with eating well or exercise.
Our fitness guy, Jimmy Page, told me at the beginning – “Just get moving!” He didn’t set up any plan…he just said to get out and walk or (in my case) get on the recumbent bike 15 mins a day. I really had to change my evening routine in order to get up an extra 30 mins early and get on the bike. For me, the early morning biking was the only way it would work for me. I could make too many excuses by the middle of the day why I couldn’t get on the bike. For others, an evening walk with the family is the thing. Once you get doing it and starting to drop some pounds then you look at more focused plans.
Second, you have to eat well. For me that meant finding out what my body does with food. Carbs are my killer. I don’t really have a problem with fats or cholesterol. Once you know that then you need to find foods that make your body work at top performance and also taste wonderful. I LOVE food! And you can enjoy everything…realizing what it does to you when you eat it and how to balance it. It is amazing how much you body will work for you when you consistently work for it! You can have a cheese burger (once in a while! :-) ) and not wreck yourself because your body is burning fuel (food) at a more efficient rate.
I hope that helps get you started! Let me also suggest that you check out Jimmy’s website for great tips and so much more: www.fcahealthandfitness.org
Mike - What brand of exercise bike do you have, cost and where did you get it. I ask because I want to make sure its one thats comfortable and durable enough for us "husky" guys. - Losing 4 God
Dear Losing 4 God,
I use a recumbent bike in my house. It is a "New Balance" brand but the biggest things to look for are: Comfort in the seat - you are going to be on this for a while, you don't want something that hurts!; Widely adjustable seat - It took me almost a week to find just the "right" spot that made my legs feel the best as I was riding; Heart monitor - most of us just starting exercise don't have a separate heart/pulse monitor and so getting a bike with some electronics is a good idea. Mine has a timer, pulse monitor, mileage and calorie burn readout.
Keep an eye out in the paper and online for some great specials. My bike was on special for 25% off during a summer sale.
PS - Don't forget to check its measurements. It does no good if you can't fit the bike and you in the same room!
Mike - You have talked a lot about the Fast Track meals from SupperThyme USA but what do you eat for snacks? - The Nibbler
Dear Nibbler,
One of the great things about eating on the Fast Track program is that every week there is a handout that comes with yor food that has some wonderful suggestions for snacks between your FT meals.
Some of my favorite snacks:
-- Cheese sticks (skim Mozzarella, cheddar or jack) I LOVE Cheese
-- Peanut Butter & Apple slices ( you should use low-sodium PB but if you are out and about the pre-pckaged portions from Wawa or Royal Farms work delish!)
-- Peanut Butter & Wasa crackers - Lisa from SupperThyme turned me on to this. It is like peanut butter wafers (a'la Nutterbutters)
-- Bell Pepper slices & Hummis (watch the hummis content for sodium!)
-- Carnation Instant Breakfast *no sugar added* - craving chocolate milk? this is only 150 calories and you get vitamins too. Sweet!
-- South Beach Snack Bars - NOT the meal bars! These are only 110 calories and they give you three flavors ina box - get to put in the purse or breifcase if you get stuck in a meeting or traffic.
-- Special K Cinnamon & Pecans - Crunchy, sweet and delish! Only 120 calories - But you MUST stay with the correct portion! It is easy to pour too big of a bowl - MEASURE IT!
I would love to know what your favorite healthy snacks are! Post a comment to this and everyone can benefit.
OK - that is all for now! Off to Brazil. I will try to post from there if the connection is good. In the meantime...
Live Well, Live Healthy,
Mike
BTW, if you haven't checked the comments lately there are some great snack suggestions if you are looking to spice up your snacks. Along those lines, let me suggest you stop by SupperThyme USA in Cockeysville and grab a free sample of Betty Crocker's Warm Delights Molten Chocolate Microwave Cake Mix.
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