Fitness/Diet Accountability Thread

[FredVB]

I don't know how hot it gets here, I still handle a wider range of temperature than others around here think is possible to do with bare feet. I don't seek it out, I generally manage to go do the things I go out to do earlier in the day that I mostly miss the hottest pavement in the hot days. But I have gone along hot ground barefoot, maybe not that hot but I would not know the temperature of it. I just keep moving, whether it is so hot or whether it is so cold, that is the best way. I have gone barefoot when it was in the thirties Fahrenheit, that was a cold winter for here, I need to just be bundled up otherwise and with moving my bare feet still were handling it with the circulation developed for it. There was time after a snowstorm when I spent several weeks in mountainous country that I was going out at times through the snow with feet exposed, too.

People have told me they are in good health to dismiss the suggestion of having this healthy way, that I willingly changed to myself, without it being so difficult as I thought it could be. I learned right away how to have delicious food I like with this healthy way. The design God gave for us to start with shows this, having food from plants without processed stuff included, all whole foods. It has been really good, and it is without difficulty. I don't need to be in worse health for considering it.

 

[timewerx]

People have told me they are in good health to dismiss the suggestion of having this healthy way, that I willingly changed to myself, without it being so difficult as I thought it could be. I learned right away how to have delicious food I like with this healthy way. The design God gave for us to start with shows this, having food from plants without processed stuff included, all whole foods. It has been really good, and it is without difficulty. I don't need to be in worse health for considering it.

I love the taste of many vegetables but I'm actually unable to go vegan. Some vegetables eaten in sufficient quantities give me mild symptoms of food poisoning. Some at varying levels. I could still live on vegetables if there is no other food available like a in a survival situation but it's not going to be optimal for my health.

Whole grains, rice, and some fruits like banana doesn't give me any symptoms. I get most of my nutrients from sardines and dairy. Grains/carbs for cheap added calories. Sardines is a "superfood" though that is also cheap and sustainable.

The diet I have is far from perfect and needs to be supplanted with exercise. Exercise is very important anyway and cannot be ignored as part of healthy living even on a perfect diet.

The Lord doesn't object though, after all, He's the one who told me to exercise, do intermittent fasting, and probably to live on sardines. I don't mean to suggest it's the best option for anybody else. Given my toxic reaction to some vegetables and very tight budget, it probably the best option for me.

 

[FredVB]

I love the taste of many vegetables but I'm actually unable to go vegan. Some vegetables eaten in sufficient quantities give me mild symptoms of food poisoning. Some at varying levels. I could still live on vegetables if there is no other food available like a in a survival situation but it's not going to be optimal for my health.

Whole grains, rice, and some fruits like banana doesn't give me any symptoms. I get most of my nutrients from sardines and dairy. Grains/carbs for cheap added calories. Sardines is a "superfood" though that is also cheap and sustainable.

The diet I have is far from perfect and needs to be supplanted with exercise. Exercise is very important anyway and cannot be ignored as part of healthy living even on a perfect diet.

The Lord doesn't object though, after all, He's the one who told me to exercise, do intermittent fasting, and probably to live on sardines. I don't mean to suggest it's the best option for anybody else. Given my toxic reaction to some vegetables and very tight budget, it probably the best option for me.

I always wonder at those who claim they cannot go vegan. There are even early people who gave up animal products. I don't know about all your circumstances where you are. And after all it is probably too difficult for Inuit Eskimos where they live. But consider Pythagoras and his followers, who have up animal products, and consider early Christian believers, many of whom were doing that. It was not easier then, and even before 1950 there were no special vegan versions of anything but there were vegans already making choices with what there was. In the Bible even Daniel and his friends chose to eat just vegetables and they drank water. Since there is a healthy way with this, it can be considered to find any of the available vegetables that are not toxic, and to make slow adjustments in that direction, and find out what is possible.

 

[timewerx]

I don't know about all your circumstances where you are.

Exactly.

I've enjoyed vegan Indian cuisine quite a few times with my Indian boss and an Indian neighbor many years ago.

I totally loved vegan Indian cuisine. The taste is just fantastic. However, present unwanted circumstances do prevent me going full vegan.

Since there is a healthy way with this, it can be considered to find any of the available vegetables that are not toxic

In the past, I've periodically gone vegan for weeks. There are also weeks I've gone carnivore with red meat.

But the best health I'm in is achieved with omnivore diet with sardines as meat source. So I've really tried vegan and even carnivore. Believe me, I did with belief, it's going to make me healthier.

Some people swear by vegan diet, some by carnivore diet, some by omnivore diet.

It only proves we're not all built the same. We even have different food allergies. Probably because our DNA even though quite similar between individuals can be so different.

 

[trophy33]

I always wonder at those who claim they cannot go vegan. There are even early people who gave up animal products.

And got weak and died. Even vegans like Ghandi had to incorporate at least dairy into their diet.

Without modern ultra-processed supplements and non-ecological transport of exotic plants from all over the world, it has been impossible for any historical culture living on local resources to be vegan. Veganism is possible only in specific modern developed areas and with so precise planning that it is impractical for the most of people. It gets even more complicated in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, allergies or health problems.

Fitness nutrition experts, healthcare experts etc will recommend an omnivorous diet for the majority of people, mostly a Mediterranean variant. With some good planning, a vegetarian diet is possible, too. But vegan diets - no, not really. Carnivore diets - well, it seems people like it, but experts not so much.

And as timewerx said, it also depends on our genetic history. Somebody having ancestors living on some islands or coasts and eating fish all day will have a bit different metabolism and reactions to foods than somebody whose ancestors lived in the center of Europe for thousands of years and ate pork, eggs, dairy, bread, mushrooms and forest fruit.

 

[timewerx]

And got weak and died. Even vegans like Ghandi had to incorporate at least dairy into their diet.

Without modern ultra-processed supplements and non-ecological transport of exotic plants from all over the world, it has been impossible for any historical culture living on local resources to be vegan. Veganism is possible only in specific modern developed areas and with so precise planning that it is impractical for the most of people. It gets even more complicated in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, allergies or health problems.

Fitness nutrition experts, healthcare experts etc will recommend an omnivorous diet for the majority of people, mostly a Mediterranean variant. With some good planning, a vegetarian diet is possible, too. But vegan diets - no, not really. Carnivore diets - well, it seems people like it, but experts not so much.

And as timewerx said, it also depends on our genetic history. Somebody having ancestors living on some islands or coasts and eating fish all day will have a bit different metabolism and reactions to foods than somebody whose ancestors lived in the center of Europe for thousands of years and ate pork, eggs, dairy, bread, mushrooms and forest fruit.

Some could probably do well with vegan diet. It just seem uncommon and symptoms can be hidden by consumption of medicines. We think it's just simple migraine when it probably got triggered by something you ate.

Even Mediterranean diet doesn't work well with me. I have a toxic reaction when consuming random selection of fruits and vegetables and would have been too expensive for me anyway. If I have a garden to grow vegetables to offset the cost, I could have more vegetables in my diet but it's going to be a narrow selection to keep symptoms away. I live in an apartment which doesn't allow growing of fruits and vegetables.

Sardines work quite well with me as a health food and it's a highly sustainable food product environmentally.

 

[trophy33]

Some could probably do well with vegan diet. It just seem uncommon and symptoms can be hidden by consumption of medicines. We think it's just simple migraine when it probably got triggered by something you ate.

Even Mediterranean diet doesn't work well with me. I have a toxic reaction when consuming random selection of fruits and vegetables and would have been too expensive for me anyway. If I have a garden to grow vegetables to offset the cost, I could have more vegetables in my diet but it's going to be a narrow selection to keep symptoms away. I live in an apartment which doesn't allow growing of fruits and vegetables.

Sardines work quite well with me as a health food and it's a highly sustainable food product environmentally.

Individual experimentation is the only way, basically. For example, walnuts or pecans are fine with me, but I have quite a significant allergic reaction to hazelnuts. So, should I eat "nuts", generally? No, I should eat the specific ones that are OK for me.

I also do not like Mediterranean diet. The food groups in it do not fit well with me.

 

[timewerx]

Individual experimentation is the only way, basically.

I agree. Something I can consider doing someday if I can have more fruits and veggies in my diet when I get tired of eating sardines all the time.

But the the thing is, after a long workout session, your body makes you crave for salty foods like cheese and salty sardines suddenly becomes very attractive. After a long workout session you do need to replace all the sodium lost from sweating by having higher salt or sodium content in the food you eat. Otherwise, too much salt is a bad thing.

 

[trophy33]

Otherwise, too much salt is a bad thing.

Taking potassium and/or magnesium supplements can balance out higher sodium intake, mainly regarding cardiovascular health.

Also, K2 is needed for proper calcium management etc. Nutrition is not easy.

 

[timewerx]

Taking potassium and/or magnesium supplements can balance out higher sodium intake, mainly regarding cardiovascular health.

Also, K2 is needed for proper calcium management etc. Nutrition is not easy.

I get potassium and calcium from dairy (cheddar cheese and milk) and sardines in my diet and both potassium and magnesium as well as vitamin K from cheap alkalized cocoa (dark chocolate) I used to make chocolate beverage.

Vitamin D from both fortified dairy and daily sunlight exposure. I get egg food from mayonnaise which I used when making fish(sardines) sandwich.

I have incredibly strong bones. I do max effort jumps from full squat position while lifting a mass with my arms 80% of my body weight. The acceleration can exceed 2 Gs.

I also do one leg jumps on a tall inline skate where landing can incur 6 Gs on just one leg. My skate does not have any cushion at the sole and the wheels are hard. I see higher G's like 8 G's on one leg when jumping off a table and landing on one leg.

I have very strong legs which would require very strong bones. Both my legs can resist a force nearly 15x my body weight and the equivalent of the weight of a subcompact car.

that is common among figure skaters. I can also bench press weight over twice my body weight.

Cardiovascular health is tip top. VO2max still at pro endurance athlete levels. It's rather difficult or impossible to achieve those numbers with poor quality of blood vessels both in and out and in terms of elasticity.

Ironically, I was able to get that strong without meeting RDA on important nutrients like protein and even basic things like calories. My calorie intake is less than BMR. Protein is less than RDA. My muscles aren't big. I'm still thin and people often mistake me for a woman if wearing closer fitting workout clothes. Not sure how this is possible. It's a miracle I suppose. I think I still have potential to get even stronger as I already maxed out my dirt cheap equipment. It's become too easy.

I'm not sure it's complicated. I subconsciously crave certain foods if my body needs them. After a very long workout session, I crave salt/sodium, fish, dairy, and carbs. Later in the night I'd crave cocoa so I make a chocolate beverage.

If I'm not able to exercise for a few days, my taste for salt gets very sensitive so I stop adding salt to my beverages and eat less salty foods and may even cut back on dairy, particularly cheese. I'd also cut back on protein. It seems I can strongly feel what my body needs or doesn't need and adjust my meals accordingly. In extreme circumstances like after a longer than usual workout session over the weekend, my cravings for calcium can be very strong. If someone gave me chicken to eat, I'll eat the bones as well. I always crave sardines on every meal and probably because of its nutritional content.

 

[trophy33]

Ironically, I was able to get that strong without meeting RDA on important nutrients like protein and even basic things like calories.

I guess it is because:
a) the RDA can be designed for example for Europeans and you, being slim Asian, can thrive (at least while relatively young) on a lower dose.
b) your body can be efficient in creating proteins from other nutrients like carbohydrates

I'm not sure it's complicated. I subconsciously crave certain foods if my body needs them. After a very long workout session, I crave salt/sodium, fish, dairy, and carbs. Later in the night I'd crave cocoa so I make a chocolate beverage.

If it works for you in your lifestyle, age and other contexts, then it is great. Intuitive eating, if working, is the easiest one.

 

[timewerx]

I guess it is because:
a) the RDA can be designed for example for Europeans and you, being slim Asian, can thrive (at least while relatively young) on a lower dose.
b) your body can be efficient in creating proteins from other nutrients like carbohydrates

I suppose when they say 1 small can (150g) of sardines meets RDA of protein, they're talking about someone twice my weight. I can make 1 small can last at least 2 days. I have other sources of protein like dairy and cocoa, basically 1 glass of milk with or without cocoa and one small slice of cheddar cheese per meal.

I didn't know the body can make proteins from carbs! I also vaguely remember the body can recycle proteins from "autophagy" or "apoptosis" (programmed cell death) or simply recycling protein from dead or damaged cells. If true, the body can also become more efficient at recycling proteins and will only be needing a bit more energy from carbs and/or fats.

But if I want to have visibly bigger muscles, I definitely would have to figure out how I'm going to add more protein to my diet cheaply.

 

[trophy33]

I didn't know the body can make proteins from carbs!

Yes, not completely, but at least some amino acids, some building parts of protein.

 

[trophy33]

But if I want to have visibly bigger muscles, I definitely would have to figure out how I'm going to add more protein to my diet cheaply.

Whey protein supplements can be frequently cheaper than meat or dairy. Even more if bought in bulk. However, it is important to check the quality of the manufacturer so it is not made from some spoiled, thrown away dairy. And the content should be clean, without additives etc. I do not know what situation is there around such fitness products, in Philippines.

 

[timewerx]

Whey protein supplements can be frequently cheaper than meat or dairy. Even more if bought in bulk. However, it is important to check the quality of the manufacturer so it is not made from some spoiled, thrown away dairy. And the content should be clean, without additives etc. I do not know what situation is there around such fitness products, in Philippines.

I looked at the cheapest ones available locally. Some are indeed cheaper than beef and some fish at the same quantity of protein but I'd still be getting more protein at the same price with sardines or pork and even with cocoa. Sardines and cocoa is even more nutrient dense with other essential nutrients.

It looks like if I want to have more protein, I can simply increase my consumption of sardines. I have no issues having quick access to protein after workouts and this is important to minimize loss or damage to muscle tissues after workouts.

Not sure if I will actually get bigger muscles. I'm quite likely to have type 1 muscle fibers which is the most efficient muscle fiber for maximum endurance. But these type 1 muscles is also the smallest. They're not going to get any bigger even if I double my protein intake.

If I want bigger muscles, it's probably more effective to change my workout type but I don't think I'm going to do that. I prefer being able to skate long distances than looking good at the beach. You can't seem to have all and bigger muscles also mean greater weight - faster wear and significantly increased maintenance cost of my skating gear, less agility, and generally reduced performance in long distance skating.

Yes, not completely, but at least some amino acids, some building parts of protein.

I think it does with fats too and only partially as well. Protein is just so essential and even has to be "protein-complete". It's way simpler to be protein-complete with meat. If I only have more free time and resources, and way less problems in life, I'd probably go vegan after meticulously experimenting which fruits and vegetables are not toxic to me as well as giving all essential nutrients, including being protein complete while meeting RDA.