- Thread starter DR fan1990
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My cholesterol increased 30% in the DR
Losing weight is simple,not easy but simple. It is all about calories in and calories out,nothing more complicated than this. All of these fad diets are all BS,it all comes down to one thing,consume less calories than your body burns and you will lose weight,it truly is that simple and backed by science. I have struggled with my weight for 30 years and have read at least a hundred books and have read every online article I could get my hands on so I know what I'm talking about.
In my opinion one of the mistakes people make is they try cut their calorie intake AND change their diet to eat more healthy at the same time,there is nothing wrong with that and that is the route I chose but it ups the difficulty factor substantially.
I started my weight loss by following the Jerry Remy diet. He lost a bunch of weight by simply letting his wife cook the same meals that he alway ate but he only ate half of his plate and threw the other half in the trash. Some people gave him chit about wasting the food but he correctly pointed out that if he ate the food it would be "wasted" also,that debate is for another time please. His theory was that most people fail dieting because they start eating food that they don't like AND cutting calories at the same time making it much more difficult to succeed but with his diet plan he still got to eat all the foods he liked but still lost weight,this is 100% spot on correct.
I have underlying health issues so at some point I decided to go with a whole foods plant based diet with some chicken and fish added (I need the extra protein). It has not been easy but I must say it has changed my energy level,mental clarity and overall health tremendously. I was on cholesteral meds,no more. I was on three diabetes meds,no more. I was on blood pressure meds,no more. I attribute some of these accomplishments to exersise also of course.
I decided to start walking. I was 340 pounds and my first walk I went 510 feet and was gassed. I added a little bit of distance every other day and now I walk 3 miles a day no problem. I also work out with weights when I am in the U.S. and workout bands while in the DR,nothing crazy or excessive.
I bounce between the U.S. and the DR every month or so,one month here,one month there. Following my diet in Sosua was not easy due to certain foods that I eat that is difficult to obtain and/or the quality of said food but I manage.
I have averaged 5-10 pounds of weight loss per month. I do cheat twice a month,this is important actually. Many dieticians and doctors believe that if you don't have a day here and there that you increase substantially your calorie intake your body will adjust to the lower caloric intake and your metabolism will slow down and your weight loss will be lower because of that. Makes sense to me. But I do it for my mental health ,gives me something to look forward to hahahaha.
In summary,lose weight by cutting calories,PERIOD. If you want to eat healthy cut out all or most processed foods,they are slowly killing you.
I lost a bit over 40 lbs and cheat one day a week
Well, what you say is true, but the gyms here in Jarabacoa are filled with people exercising, spinning, and lots of the younger generation are very aware of healthy eating habits.This is an interesting topic to me, the reason why is because everyone on the mainland has this perception that everyone in the Caribbean eats super well and everything is so fresh and green - while it is true to an extent and these things are available; it's just not common. The education here is really bad straight up; with nutrition information, it's really bad. White rice, artificial flavor additions, recycled cheap oils and beers. Cheese with bread, sugary pre-packed candy, milk and a bread before bed on top of a culture that hates exercise or any idea of walking. There is this cultural hesitation around exercise and pushing hard I hardly see anyone sweat unless it's from Zumba or kickboxing.
Diabetes is normal here; it affects many. I know a 23-year-old family member who was pre-diabetic, all older family members are pretty much diabetic with high blood pressure and cholesterol. I listen to most people go up the stairs and it sounds like they need oxygen I use to try and educate them by showing them some nutrition sites and explaining to them about a balanced diet since I have been bodybuilding since I was 15 they don't really listen so I have stopped. It amazes some family members that people pay to go "work" out like you're losing and the gym is winning or something.
It's quite sad really cause healthy communities are paramount to a healthy functioning society but both education and motivation is lacking and the last one is a bit harder to change in the situation.
If you have the space try to grow something. even on the roof you could set up a little project ? I am trying to grow some veggies currently and have been getting other seedlings ready, I really would like to try and get my own fish if I have a chance and find a spot on the north coastanyways, I understand you, don't be afraid to say no to their offers, the food def will not go to waste here..
My brother who eats healthy, exercises daily, still has health issues. Guess what the doctor tells him...its genetic/hereditary.
Adding to that, you could potentially be extremely fit and healthy, take in an extreme amount of greasy food and booze at dinner and die in your sleep
Yes, there is a hereditary factor, but that can often be overcome by lifestyle choices.
My father’s genetic gifts to me were heart problems and cancer. He lived a sedentary lifestyle and his heart problems started at age 52. A quadruple bypass followed by another one in his 80’s. I was very active and followed a better diet. My problem was A-fib which was cured with a simple non invasive surgical procedure. A better lifestyle could result in less of a problem and a better ability to cope with the problem.
Everything in moderation isn’t true anymore according to the latest medical research. The effects of a fat laden meal on your cardiovascular system are immediate and don’t go away. The effects are cumulative as you eat more of the same.
