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Counting Calories

I'm no spring chicken. In particular this last year had been rough for me physically. I've had a few injuries, flu bugs, sinus infections etc. Without the benefit of being able to work out, I've put on a few extra pounds that need to come off.

My reponse in the past whenever my weight has crept up is to exercise the weight away. This works pretty well, and excercise should be a part of any healthy lifestyle. So should diet, which I've never been particularly good at â€” at least from a calorie counting perspective. My friend, Tony, suggested that I keep a log of everything I eat to get a handle on my eating habits. I've tried this, but I was unaware of how many calories I should aborb in any given day.

Then I found a calorie counting calculator on google that has made this easy. I've found it so useful that I thought I would share:

Calorie Calculator

I also found a good tutorial on weight loss and eating healthy:

Weight Loss and Dieting As a Change in Lifestyle

Lastly, here is a link to more information on our website with different exercise regimens, supplement information and such. Those who have never put together a workout plan will find it helpful:

Semper Fitness

I'm just starting my new program. I'll let you know how it goes.

By: Gannon Beck | 02/21/08 | Physical Discipline | Trackback | Comments [RSS 2.0]

2 Responses to “Counting Calories” »»

Brian Monahan

Comment by Brian Monahan | 02/23/08 at 8:01 pm

Gannon,

Sounds like somebody needs a visit to the quarterdeck.

Goodluck, I can relate, I have been putting on a few pounds for a few years now.

PT, PT, Everyday, Build your body the Marine Corps Way.

Brian
Gannon Beck

Comment by Gannon Beck | 02/24/08 at 10:41 am

Hey Brian,

Ironically, I try to visit the quarterdeck at least four times a week, in a manner of speaking. The program I do uses rapid-fire calisthenics similar to those we used to experience on the quarterdeck. It brings back the memories.

One of the differences in this program compared to ones that I've used in the past are that I'm avoiding a lot of continuous running. I've had a few leg injuries in the past year and I'm putting a premium on staying injury free. I'm interjecting a lot of walk breaks into the runs. The result is that I use a 2 to 1 run/walk ratio. It also allows me to get more actual running in than if I tried to run continuously. I don't think I could run for 40 minutes comfortably without stopping, but I can run for 40 minutes in an hour with walk breaks pretty easily. The biggest challenge is checking my type 'A" urges to just gut out long continuous runs at the door. I'll reassess this part of the program once I'm in better shape.

The other major difference in this plan compared to previous plans I've done is the close attention I'm paying to calorie consumption. I used to think that it didn't matter so much. When I was in the Marines PTing 3 hours a day, there was some truth to that as it was difficult to overeat in the face of so much activity. Now, that's not the case, so I'm educating myself more about diet. The first step to not overeating, I'm finding, is to avoid under eating. I'm making sure I get enough calories in the morning to avoid the starvation response and binge eating later in the day. I've only done it for the last seven days, but the early results are good. I'm able to create a calorie deficit without hunger pangs. I'm just trying to shed two pounds a week. I feel most comfortable between 180 lbs and 185 lbs. I'm right around 195 lbs now, so it shouldn't take too long.

I've committed to the program I'm on for the next 90 days and I'll see where I am physically then.

Have you picked up your running again since the marathon?

Gannon

Counting Calories

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