4 ms·
I'm almost 50, and my family has a history of heart disease. So a few years ago, I got serious about getting into better shape. Since then, I've lost almost 5
by drewg123 7y ago
I'm almost 50, and my family has a history of heart disease. So a few years ago, I got serious about getting into better shape. Since then, I've lost almost 55lbs.
I dropped the first 30 over the course of roughly a year and a half 30 by doing vigorous cardio exercise (running) and not modifying my diet much at all. My bloodwork looked far better in terms of cholesterol.
In the last 6 months I've dropped another 25 by switching the cardio from running to rowing, adding weight training, and cutting most carbs from my diet. I'm not a fanatic.. I still have a glass or two of red wine every day. I still eat vegetables and fruit. But I avoid empty carbs as much as possible (chips, rice, bread, etc).
My experience with this, and what I've heard from friends who have done similar things, makes me think that the abundance of carbs in the modern diet is a huge problem.
- orev 7y agoIt’s not just carbs, it’s “easy” carbs — highly processed and easy to digest, like flours. Carbs in their more natural state, such as oatmeal (and pasta can fit into this category as long as it’s not overdone) and whole grains (actual whole grains, not highly processed flour that is made from whole grains) really make a big difference. I think one of the biggest issues we have with nutrition is that we have reduced everything to a simple number, and have forgotten about the structure of the item and that it has to be digested. 100 calories from rice flour and 100 calories from steel cut oats are not the same.
- mr_toad 7y ago> chips Chips are about 20-40% fat by weight. Definitely something to avoid regardless of whether your diet is low carb or not.
- saargrin 7y agohow much do you typically row? i feel i cant manage more than 20 min at consistent high effort :(
- drewg123 7y agoI do about one hour every other day at an average pace of ~29spm keeping my heart rate mostly in zones 4 & 5. No question about it: It is BORING as hell. Much more boring than running. I just listen to podcasts and am very glad when it is done. The nice thing compared to running is that, in addition to being a full body workout, there are no excuses. No "its too hot" or its raining, or snowing, or whatever. The machine is always in my spare room waiting for me.