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Hey y'all! I know i'm super late in the game on this one, but i kinda dropped off the november one half way through, so we're gonna call this redemption. So here's whats up! I live in France. This is a amazing thing because its easier to find farm fresh produce and makes cooking MUCH more fun, but they also have AMAZING sweets. In the US i'm not even tempted cause i know how disgusting and processed everything is, so sweets don't appeal to me.. but here there more of an art form. so friggin good! ANYWAY! i had a hardcore reaction to sugar a few weeks ago where I couldn't even walk for like 5 days without hurting cause my allergic reaction manifested in my back giving out. THAT WAS THE LAST STRAW. I know EXACTLY what my body wants from me to be healthy and strong and i just haven't done it out of laziness and lack of discipline. so the discipline starts NOW. Steves post about making fitness a priority for one month to see if your life would all apart or come together really struck home for me. so that my plan! for the month of February I shall be making fitness a priority! I am running a half marathon in April and doing Parkour 2x per week so my training will be based around that. for quests: Main quest: Be as healthy as possible. Mind and body. gain strength, and never again be this weak. Use nutrition and running to regulate my body and boost my immune system! Mini #1 Run 2-3x per week during the week! Mini #2 Do 30 push ups and 100 squats 2x week Mini #3 Go to an hour and a half of parkour 2x week Nutrition: I shall be creating high protein salads in jars on sunday or monday for the week so i never have to eat out for lunch because of time constraints. I have bad reactions to most breakfast food, including eggs so on morning when i have school i shall premake packets of green smoothie makings with some type protein (hallelujah to almond butter!) to add so that the process is fast enough for me to eat something homemade instead f a croissant! DINNER WITH FRIENDS! food is a social thing here. I plan to monopolize on that and have dinners with friends at my place! I'm excited!!! HERE WE GO!

Hello Everyone! I have been trying to be a more active member of this community. This year I'd like to change some of my habits to better suite my health. I plan on using My Fitness Pal to monitor my food intake. I will be posting to this thread once a week with my logs for the week and my strength training logs. Below is my strength training plan. I have read through the Grey Skull manual and this variant I have found is easiest for beginner like myself. I will be posting my max weight for that week on each of my posts. I don't expect this to be my one and only way to get healthy. This is also not my over eagerness getting the best of me as it has in the past. I hope this community will help to hold me accountable while I hold myself accountable. I know there will be days and weeks where I will not have the perfect diet, or the best workouts. I will however work to make this year to be better than last year and I think that's all I can ask of myself. Thanks so much for reading, this year will be good. Starting Weight: 255 lbs Current Weight: 254 lbs Goal Weight: 190 lbs

Bit of long winded medical intro but hey, its called NERDfitness, expect science Last August I was pretty good. I was skating with two roller derby leages (2-4 times a week) as well as skating to work, going to the gym up to 3 times a week and I was considering a career as a personal trainer. Then I went to hospital (well firstly I got fired because I was crap at my job, but turns out in hindsight I was pretty effing ill) with abdominal pains. To cut a long story short I am missing a section of my Inferior Vena Cava, the vein that carries bloody back from your legs and kidneys to the heart (see the below picture). My body solved this by forming lots of little bypassing veins, these clotted easily and threw clots all over my abdomen and legs causing a LOT of pain. Two different anticoagulants and another return to hospital later I'm at home but on sick leave. Later I get a temp job, only to have nerve pains in my left leg. I am given strong painkillers which make me sleepy and dizzy and crap at this job. I am fired, but not before I am admitted to hospital again on Boxing day just gone with pain in both legs. This is under control thanks to painkillers (which I've now adjusted to) but its still unknown what causes it. Tl;dr : Circulation is knackered, on strong pain meds for leg pains As such, due to sick leave then leg pains I havent skated in 4 months, I've barely exercised. I'm not sure if I should exercise my legs too much as I'm still suffering this leg pain (when not on painkillers) and as such I dont want to do any damage Luckily, my body is MASSIVELY out of proportion. I have quite muscular toned legs and the most ridiculous skinny arms (owing to poor motor control in my hands and so poor muscle tone) and awful upper body strength. On the whole, I'm feeling good, if unfit. I'm unemployed and I think some exercise will help improve my mood as well as improve my confidence So my rough goals are: Slowly build up to some kind of fitness with light cardio. Eat Healthily and reasonable (Tablets have really increased my appetite) Do upper body workouts to improve tone and get some exercise in. (oh, and find a job)

Hello! My name is Melissa. I am a university student studying archaeology on the East coast of Canada, and I absolutely love it! I have found my passion for a career. I am learning to find my passion for health and fitness. But for most of my 26 years on this earth I have been relatively sedentary, so it is a struggle. I am slowly getting it! My nerdy passions are sci-fi and fantasy books, Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, Firefly and World of Warcraft. I am also really interested in tabletop gaming; and I have a nice little collection of Circle Orboros miniatures from the Game War Machine and Hordes. I just have no one to play them with, nor the time at the moment to play. My goals for 2015 are: 1) Prepare to run a half marathon in the fall 2) Get my diet straightened out (I want to be healthy so I can run faster and further!) 3) Quit the soda, the only thing that comes from that is rotting teeth and unwanted pounds 4) Keep thinking and acting in positive ways! I want as little negativity as possible this year With all this in mind, I am starting a daily battle log! Within the next week I will update on my weight and bmi, and also perhaps add before photos. I go to university full time, and I work somewhere between 24 to 31 hours a week on top of it, so I have a pretty hectic schedule. But updating my battle log will be the last thing I do every night before I go to bed.

Hi all, this is Jezarean. This is my second attempt at my first challenge. Last Nov-Dec I attempted a challenge but a couple of weeks through I received some very distressing health news from my doctor and I ended up a complete wreck and didn't finish. So now I'm back! I want 2015 to be a year of health and vitality. MY 6 WEEK CHALLENGE!! I want to get my mind and body back to a healthy state. I want to make conscious, mindful decisions when it comes to my life. In order to do that I need a reboot. The goals I have chosen will help me refocus my body and my brain. They will also help my motivation when it comes to making healthy choices. MAIN QUEST Each week: GOAL 1) Bikram Yoga x3 (+2 STR & +2 DEX) A= 18 Classes (+2 STR & DEX) B= 15+ Classes (+1.5 STR & DEX) C= 12+ Classes (+1STR & DEX) D= 9+ Classes (+1STR & DEX) E= 5+ Classes F= 3+ Classes or less GOAL 2) No gluten (+ 2 CON) A = 42 days (+2) B = 35+ days (+1.5) C = 28+ days (+1) D = 21+ days E = 20 days or less GOAL 3) Walking 3 hours (+ 2 STA) A= 18 Hours (+2) B= 15+ Hours (+1.5) C= 12+ Hours (+1) D= 9+ Hours (+1) E= 5+ Hours F= 3+ Hours GOAL 4) Practice Trumpet 2 hours (+2 WIS) A= 12 Hours (+2) B= 10+ Hours (+1.5) C= 8+ Hours (+1) D= 6+ Hours (+1) E= 4+ Hours F= 2+ Hours MINI QUEST WEEK ONE: SMART GOALS (TICK) For completing this mini quest you will receive an additional +1WIS at the end of the 6 weeks. MINI QUEST WEEK TWO: MAKE FRIENDS (TICK) For completing this mini quest you will gain an additional +1 CHA Let's do this! CTR ALT DEL

Hey Guys, I am Adel, an absolute newbie. I am a 25 year old geek who spends most of his time on a computer. I am here because I want to change and I want people to help me and kick me if I deviate from my path. I have been doing some weight training with machines and I hate it for many reasons including, paying each month for a Gym membership, injuries, etc. My goals for this challenge will build up as I go, but for starters here are my two fitness and diet related goals : - Become a master at body weight training (this goal will be divided in smaller sub goals each week) - Change my Diet (remove Sugar and Dairy) My life goal is simply to READ, READ and READ. I have tons of books, I keep buying them every now and then but I NEVER read them because I am a lazy nerd. So I want to do something about that, For that, I set a minimum of 30 minutes of reading (non-work related stuff) per day. May the power of will be with us. "SPARTANS! What is YOUR profession? AOOH, AOOH, AOOH!" ============================= Fitness & Diet Progress (06/01/2015) ============================= 5%5% - I am 4 days in with the Paleo diet, I am not full aware of the recepies but I am putting the effort, I think it will be taking time. I usually have enough time for launch / dinner cooking but not enough time in the morning as I wake up super early and have to catch up with an early Bus. - Bodyweight training is awesome, I feel better already. My whole body is sore (didn't expect that without machines), I have more time and money to do other things instead of going to the Gym so often. I have bought an excercise ball and a Trex which will make things much more interesting. ================= Reading (06/01/2015) ================= 5%5% Here are the list of books until now: - The happiness mindset

Hello everyone! I am reaching out to this community and asking for as much help as I can for a project of mine. There is a war going on- a nasty one- when it comes to our health and wellbeing. And given that this is a fitness-related site, I am going to be covering the subject of PROTEIN (ahem, yes, I know, amino acids). But not just protein itself, but the debate between PLANT and ANIMAL proteins. Now before you wax poetic on your diet (be it paleo, gluten free, vegan, or anything in-between) I must first remind anyone reading this that the purpose of this project is to dispel myths, conceptions, and presumptions surrounding protein itself. That is to say, what it does, and the form it takes. I am looking for concrete, hard evidence about BOTH sources of proteins- ANIMALS and PLANTS. How they are absorbed. What nutrients accompany them (so the vitamins/minerals found in steak and in spinach, for example). The digestive process involved during absorption (enzymes; we have different enzymes for proteins and for carbs and fats, for example). All of that. So. Here is where YOU come in. I need your insights (without too much bias; the point of this future guide IS NOT to shame any way of eating- this is built on facts, evidence, and realism), and perhaps links to studies to support or contradict the current conception towards proteins, plant based and paleo. I also want you to provide any questions that you need answers to when it comes to protein sources- again, plant or animal. On my blog, I've written about this project a few times, and will provide the links here; but please, PLEASE, help me out, and spread the word! I want this to be a helpful guide that is not dogmatic and simply informative. Thanks again, and let's make an awesome, kick-a$$ guide! The Why of the Guide A Preview of the Upcoming Attraction

Hello, everyone! I decided to post here in the Paleo section, as once I looked over the vegan section, I decided to spare myself from being burned at the stake given the title and subject of this post. (Don't Slay This Dragon…) I have an intro. post that you can read through for more detail, but I'll summarize my current state of health: Survivor of a decade of abuse, during which time weight was low and digestion wrecked (although to be fair I had troubles even when I was a baby and child). Went vegan in February of 2014, and digestion worsened. Saw Dr and went on candida cleanse in June of 2014. In that same month, I slowly integrated SOME animal proteins in diet. Digestion still bad, but a tad better. In August of 2014, took a comprehensive stool analysis; results showed no signs of infection or compromise, but a slight imbalance of healthy bacteria from stress/anxiety (dealing with personal problems at home). That same month, I came across the Body Ecology Diet. Incorporated fermented foods and coconut water kefir. Helped a little. September 2014, started taking Great Lakes Collagen Hydrosolate. Helped a lot. Mid November 2014-now: Digestion is getting kind of bad again. Improvements have been made, but still not ideal. I strain a lot now. Currently taking a probiotic called Prescript Assist, but I am stopping it at the moment to see if it is the culprit behind constipation; it is pre/pro biotic that is soil based. As I am looking to radically transform my health, body, and wellbeing for the better, I am considering adding more animal foods back into my diet (I hate to use the word- I don't diet, I eat). Right now, I eat chicken, fish, and if you want to be technical, the Great Lakes supplement. When I do eat the first two, however, it is only at night. From various sources I have found on the internet, doctors/nutritionists all say that animal foods rot in your intestines, make your body acidic, and leach calcium from the bones. Somehow, I doubt this would occur in most people; maybe in extreme cases, where there is a lack of dietary fiber and overall poor lifestyle. But still, the rotting in the intestines claim scares me. I tried many years ago to eat paleo, and it made me constipated. Of course, I was drinking milk back then (which I later learned I was allergic to; lactose intolerant), and had drastically reduced my fiber and water intake. So maybe I need to be mindful of those prior to approaching a paleolithic-way of eating. So, that's my problem. Anxiety over digestion, and also the ethical side of things, which is why I went vegan in the first place (although my current yoga training advises we do the same; there's a don't ask don't tell policy going on there right now, as I saw another student eating a roast beef sandwich from Arbys). Put I am wondering if eating paleo will help out. Because I eat A TON of veggies (I love them; what can I say?), I am wondering if the animal protein will one, help balance out digestion (as too much fiber can be a bad thing, from what I've read), and two, provide minerals that are otherwise very difficult to get in proper coenzyme form from a plant based diet (iron- anemia runs in my family; got to be careful- B12, retinol, zinc, magnesium…). Because honestly, I am tired of living this way. I am tired of the bloat, constipation, and occasional bouts of diarrhea. I am tired of worrying about going to bathroom or whether or not my IBS is going to act out. I am tired of not being able to get a flat, toned section because of these problems. I want to enjoy my food again. I'm working with a doctor, but our visits are limited due to insurance and health costs. So I am very cautious when it comes to supplements to take and lifestyle factors. Most of all, I want to evolve and unlock my true potential, my inner dragon. I want to get a toned, lithe body, and be able to eat well and healthy- enough so that I never end up in the hospital, get seriously injured or sick, and can wake up each day like a bada$$. So, help me out a bit. What to do, tips, advice, support, anything. I'm ready to make a change for the BETTER, and for ALL TIME. No quick fixes. Just sustainable lifestyle modifications. Thanks!

Hello There! So I took a stab at this once but had too many forums and apps to keep up with so this time its just here and small updates to my academy battle log. Main Quest: To lose fat, gain strength, and feel better about my body. I used to have a number in mind, and a size but I think for now I would like to focus on the process more than the end result. Missions: -Get 10k steps at least 4 days a week via my fitbit for tracking. (Graded weekly, A=4+, B=3, C=2, F=-2) -Get in 3 dedicated workouts per week (crossfit, dumbbell division/cross training at home, or a new exciting class at the gym). (Graded weekly, A=3+, B=2, C=1, F=-1) -Track all my meals via two grand, (Graded weekly, A=100-95%, B=95-76%, C=75-60%, F=-60%). This will also help me work towards the 80/20% healthy choices balance. Life Quest: To try out the MMA intro class as well as some martial arts classes at my gym. My Motivations: I've always been chubby, and was raised in a family where healthy choices were broccoli drenched in cheese. I want to have the knowledge to teach my one day kids how to be healthy and not have to struggle like I have. And I want to get my body to a state that I can be proud of. The Obstacles and Helpful Things: Obstacles will mainly come from my home/boyfriend. As much as I love the guy he has an insane metabolism and could eat pasta every day. I do not have that super power so I will need to find a happy medium and make sure I portion control well when we do eat heavy dinners. My work tends to have potlucks monthly, its always unhealthy food, and they tend to be mandatory. I will need to portion control, and look for the healthiest options available (aka. Say no to the Mac and cheese). Holidays are coming up which was always associated with stuffing myself full of food as a kid. I had a very bad sprain and am still recovering, I need to watch and listen to my body so that I don't reinjure myself or harm it more. The Helpful Things: I am already in the habit of cooking at home almost every day, and also can easily say no to lunches out with coworkers. I am taking part in a 3 month weight loss challenge at work where I weigh in weekly, this should help keep me on track with goals. I already love to work out, I just need to work on a set schedule and stick with it. I will be back tomorrow with my proper weight and measurements, didn't have time this morning before work. While I had to start this a day late due to traveling all day yesterday I am ready and excited!

Hello Rangers! I've always been curious about the types of drinking water and if it is good for our body. As you all know, water is the most essential element to our health. In fact, it makes 2/3 of our human body weight. Recently, there are so many different types of filtered water - Alkaline water, RO water AKA Pure water, Mineral water. Personally I would prefer mineral water over the first two kinds of filter water. Nonetheless, I realised many around me have been crazy over "alkaline filtered water". Yes, we know that we should consume more food that is alkalizing to our body. But does alkaline water do so? I've heard good and bad things about both alkaline and RO water. What do you think? Would be great if you all can share your thoughts! Leanne.

Hi am 25 years old.............My weight is 60 and height is 154....... Can anyone say my bmi........and i am under which category????? underweight, normal or overweight................????????

Heya rebels! So, I did join the NF secret santa, but other than that I've been inactive on the forums and not-as-active as I'd like in real life since... well, at least October (writing it down makes it sounds less horrible, haha... that's only two months, at most, but the decline has started before that). Some things I could partially blame: - New job (costs lots of energy) - Meds (for depression) - Winter coming along - Me HAVING to start work again without reallllly being ready to go back to work I gave myself some slack during the first month of work (3 times exercising a week AND sleeping an awful lot to deal with work AND actually working? ehhh... No.) I think it's ok that happened, thing is... it's been 6, almost 7 weeks now, and instead of getting back to at least 2 proper rounds of exercise a week I've slumped to ... ehh, sometimes one. I lost quite some power (almost-full-chin-up? Not anymore.) so it feels like... yes, I have to start all over again. I realise it's not completely 'all over', but it still feels pretty big. Before I saw the new post about respawn day I had already signed up for tonight's Zumba lesson - so that's going to be step 1. Step 2? Making sure I do something else this week! And think about a future challenge that fits my current energy levels. Please cheer for and with me, because I'm starting now!

Main Quest: Ready myself for the races. Run twice a week. I have four races coming up this year. I am actually doing well, all things considered. I haven’t run since January, and since October before that, and I was able to kill a mile in 13:41. My best yet. The goal is to keep training. I want to see a 13 minute mile, straight by the end of the season! (2 points per run) T25 6 days a week. A huge factor in my motivation lately has been the progress I’ve seen with Focus T25. I’m down in inches, I’m down in weight, and I’m feeling pretty stellar. The goal here is to keep that motivation and run with it. It’s a great cardio workout as well as muscular workout, so this will be my gym for the next 6 weeks (and then some). (1 point per workout) Shakeology DAILY. I have been a morning shake drinker for years, and now I’ve got Shakeo. I’m frankly loving the stuff, and I can tell when I’m not having it. This is my diet side. I need that nutrition, daily. The nutrients keep me running and jumping and skipping and smiling and they motivate me to stay away from the other crap. Plus, this stuff has killed my cravings for junk, so I don’t crave that McDonald’s or Cheeto reward anymore… Gotta keep that up for sure. (1 point per day) Side Quests: Life – Get organized I am sick of thinking I’ll get that craft room organized tomorrow. It’s always tomorrow. No – it’s going to be today. I am going to get those boxes sorted and ready for good will. I am going to set up my old computer to make an office/yoga space. I will post weekly progress shots. (0 points for nothing. 5 points for part way. 25 points for completion) Fitness – Get back into yoga I love my aquafit class, but I miss yoga. With T25, I have seen increased flexibility in my legs, but my hips are still a HUGE issue. This goal will be focused around my HIPS specifically. I need to do yoga 3 days a week, but I will be happy with one. A class at my gym – my friend’s class – online videos… It needs to happen. I will post a starting shot of my hip flexibility and we will measure progress by the end of the six weeks! My goal is to work on three specific positions: Frog, Pigeon, and King Pigeon. (1 point per yoga work out, 3 points max per week) And last but not least… My motivation is… My progress. I am finally seeing some, so I’ll be damned if I let it slide!

This is it. The time has come. It's coming full circle. During the progression of this 7th challenge marks the approximately 1 year into my post-NerdFitness lifestyle! This challenge brings with a high chance of completing one of my biggest life goals: reaching neutral BMI and celebrating all the benefits and capabilities that this lifestyle brings. As someone who's just a hairline away from being morbidly obese for my entire 24 year old life, and with the horrors and limitations it's put on my life, enough is is enough. On October 3rd, 2013 I had 90lbs to burn. Now I only have 3.8lbs. It's been a long road, and as I've pressed on, it's become a tough one too. Due to life being a little wild at the moment, this was going to be the first challenge that I skip, but I can't do that. As with reaching any goal, chaos somehow manages to be at its very strongest. But I'm going to face it head on. I'm going to see this through. 5 weeks v.s. 3.8lbs. I'm going to muster everything I've got in this, whilst facing everything that gets in the way of it. But I need to be strong. And whilst I've been keeping on well with health, fitness and habits practically throughout (with the power of balance!), I've learned that the only real threat any of this had in the first place is every pressure and obstacle around me. I can either repulse or relapse. So as I look for inner strength to see this voyage through, and all the attempts that have been made to sway me off-course throughout this time, I think "What do I need now to do now? What am I missing?" One can end up feeling a little lost preparing and facing things ahead. Which is why I will fight the big fight amongst adventurers, even with the going gets tough, even when everything appears to be relentlessly scary, I will press on and I will find a way. And for that, I need the rebel alliance (a.k.a you guys xD) for the big final push. Coming out of this (hoping that I do) I will forever have changed my history and destiny, and I want to live on in the Rebellion by giving rebels the courage and strength to face their own evil empires, and living the legend. I briefly look back at the last 11 months, and for the first time, see myself for how I looked like back then. Whoah, I was practically a different person! But I also look back and think "When did I have the most strength and courage?" And to my surprise, it's not now, it was the very start. So I will face everything, and come full circle to the person I wanted to be, living the neutral lifestyle. Lets go! Challenge 7: Completing the first iteration of my Bodyware & OS. Challenge 1: Facing the evil empire! I'd list many things I'd want to accomplish within this timeframe, but it's too much to go over and explain, so instead, every-single thing that I need to just do will be represented by using Star Wars enemies! Upexpected Light Tasks/Obstacles: Stormtroopers Enemies in the way: Incinerator Trooper EVO Trooper Stormtrooper Commander Imperial Officer Senate Guard Imperial Guard Jumptrooper Shadow Guard End of Challenge Goal: Defeating the Empire Challenge 2: EXE! Keep up on exercises, 3x workouts and 3x interval jogging (I've been running in the early morning these past few weeks, lots'a fun!) Challenge 3: The Swing of Things This is just keeping up with what I do (which I have been ever since the last challenge concluded. The last challenge presented many obstacles, like weight plateau, but surprisingly, it went after the challenge concluded! Nothing should hopefully get in the way of this, unless the empire overpowers, it's good practice to expect the worst, so that's what I'll do, I'll prepare and be ready! p.s. Hopefully I can keep on top of my posts/availability here if things get on the wild side, thankfully just yesterday both of my sisters are in a much better situation, putting much less strain/time on me. p.p.s. Due to not participating a week earlier, I will be cutting the final scores/stats a bit...

6 WEEK CHALLENGE NOVEMBER 10TH - DECEMBER 21ST Hey all, Jezaraen here and super pumped to start a challenge. I have been a bit slack lately when it comes to discipline and motivation and I want to use this next 6 weeks to really work on building habits that will continue on to 2015 and forward! I have tried a few times now to successfully complete a challenge but to no success so far. I plan to change this! MY MAIN QUEST Stop yoyo-ing when it comes to diet and the food I put into my body. It's time to put my foot down and stop making excuses. The first step is to be specific with the food I put into my body, as well as focus on tasks that I know will help me develop a healthy mindset. My mind and my body need a fresh start. MAIN QUEST: Become a ninja and use world as my playground. SIX WEEK QUEST - NOV 10TH TO DEC 21ST: Lose 5 kgs! Goals to accomplish quest:NFA DB Level 2 (3x per week) STR +2Maintain Daily Food Log CON + 3Bikram Yoga (3x per week) DEX + 3Trumpet practice (2hrs per week) WIS + 2The reason for these goals is because each focuses on an area of my life that helps keep me feeling focused and happy. And the more focused and happy I can make the beginning process the more likely I am to follow through. It will also help with my emotional binge eating. I will post weekly updates to keep myself accountable and so I can monitor my progress. Let's get this done!!! Excited about going through this challenge and proving that I can follow something through.

I was planning on going swimming today and it crossed my mind that I've never really considered whether the chlorine in the pool is bad for your health or not? A little googling suggests that the skin soaks up the chlorine very quickly and that it's not good for your health. Potentially carcinogenic is the suggestion. Well I don't put that much stock in claims that things are carcinogenic since it seems to me that just about everything is if you believe everything you read. Has anyone done any proper research on this? What's the popular opinion, do you think that swimming in chlorine pools has any negative short or long term effects?

Although I gave another report in my Warriors Challenge, huge gigantic WOOT!!! for losing 2lbs (exactly....no 1.8 lbs for me ) this past week. Down to 330 lbs......just 72 more lbs to go! >.< Darn uploader wont let me give pics.....well, if anyone's interested I posted a picture of lighter me my above mentioned Warriors thread Edit: Thank the gods for the edit button.....an even bigger WOOT for 50lbs lost since February! God that sounds like forever ago.....and Im definitely not going back to the old me!

I like to think I eat pretty healthy. I don't drink sodas, don't eat candy (unless its during Halloween or Easter), and don't eat to many carbs. But I'm still overweight. I have a good breakfast and lunch, and graze on healthy snacks. The only two problems I have so far is the time between lunch and dinner as well as the supper meal. I'm a college student and I work hard and study hard. After classes when I'm at home I usually go to the pantry and grab junk food like a cup of cereal and a pack of fruit snacks to hold me over till supper. I sometimes cook dinner but most times I either don't have the time or the food to prepare it. So my parents are the ones to make a quick unhealthy meal or eat out. The only thing I can control for the dinner situation is to make the healthy choice when eating out or fill up on water before a "home made" meal and manage my portions. Sometimes when I have online homework and the family wants to eat out I'll stay at home and cook myself a simple meal or have leftovers that I've made for lunches or future dinners like this. Just to get a feel, here's what my regular weekday diet looks like: Breakfast coffee w/ 3tbsp of creamertwo eggs (over easy)oatmeal w/cinnamon and sugar (or) banana milkshakeSnacks almondspecanssmall applebaby carrotssmall orange1 cup of cerealLunch chicken and rice w/ veggies(or)canned tuna w/ mayo on a slice or breadDinner (if home alone) 2 fish fillets (or) 6 oz chickengreen beans (or) broccoli 1/2 cup rice (or) mashed poatoes That about wraps up my regular meals. questions I have Is this an okay diet for a six week challenge?Is there any food in particular I should eat more of here?am I eating enough?What are some other good options for snacks?should I eat a larger lunch?Should I also have separate planned snacks between lunch and dinner?any other healthy tidbits you'd like to share?

Hello Nerds! Welcome! Thank you for reading my post (apologies for any stupid autocorrelation touch type errors!) I'm from the UK, 23 and currently at a turning point towards the end of Uni. Obviously, I'm a nerd too, Huge fan of Indiana Jones and love adventure and some science-fiction movies (blade runner, minority report, star wars, the usual). Like a lot of Nerds, I like videogames too (classic SEGA, fighting games, adventure games like monkey island). Very much into educational/documentary stuff too, and enjoy design, industry, manufacturing and society, cultures and history. I have a lot of flaws in my lifestyle. Be default, I'm usually okay. Whenever I'm sunken into project work, stressed or frightened, lifestyle goes down the gutter. With a lot of career based stress coming my way after the following year, I'm usually always on uptight or worried about something. You can say that I'm generally reactive towards things once my wellbeing is low. This is what most of the last few months has been like for me. Recently, I've been going to a really rough patch in my life, linked to my health and with difficult life descisions and a recent passing of a relative who was obese. This will be the third attempt of me ever loosing weight, at 264lbs, almost at the biggest I've ever been. This is also the first time I've ever made an online journal, I'm finding it incredibly helpful and engaging and helpful with getting answers to certain things e.g. asthma. I'm vegetarian, so no fish or meat here :-/, and have cod liver oil supplement. When I'm home I'm usually great with healthy living. At uni, it fluctuates, deadline time won't be so great or if I'm anxious on grades or just generally blue etc. I heard about this awesome sites on the artofmanliness recent podcast and fell in love with the concept. I felt as if it was exactly what I needed right now, especially with the 6 week journey and considering how effective the journal route has been for me. I'll be starting today. This is it! Adventurers Assemble! Just to note, I once attempted to start back in May, but life got in the way and I wasn't in a good and positive mindset. I've been preparing for this moment. I've read up on everything I needed to know and hear and have been officially going for 4 days with healthy eating and full on exercise every 48hrs. At my weight, it's gonna make one hell-of-a journal, showing a range of emotions and difficult times I'm sure, but this is it. I can feel it. I'm gonna make this THIRD STRIKE COUNT! Looking forward to updating and reading other peoples journeys, apologies for the long post! Update: Posting a picture of me timestamped. At first I felt a little uncomfortable posting a picture, but I agree with what Master Kamb said, it needs to be done, and right now, I'm glad I did it. I blurred my face for now, but a year from now, when I'm ready to become the next guy on the transformation column (lol!), I might go for it! P.S. Thanks for reading, looking forward to reading the stories of others, lets go! Daily Battle Logs: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/38294-upgrading-my-bodyware-os-journal-to-a-modern-me/

Hey Nerds! Read mah intro here: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/38293-cmon-people-were-making-now-my-design-4-life-os/#entry734388 Here's my insanely geeky way to represent my fitness level in a way that I find amusing! Starting Spec: (07/10/2013, inR Level 0) Weight: 264.5lbs Psych Level: 1.5/10 Power Input: Vegetarian, OS: IronGlider's Design for Life (inR D4L) First week since installation Programs Installed: Nerd Fitness Rebel Guide Yourshape Fitness Evolved Current Kit: Weights Tasks Running: Cardio Sessions Cardio Boxing Weight Lifting Bugs, Malware, and Infections: Asthma: Initially bad, Improving. Bypassed Neutral BMI Levels Cannot Overclock for long Poor Attention span, Short term memory Lack of Natural Sources of Energy GPS tracker faulty Navigation driver fault Decreased cognition functions High Stress Output Recent Changelog: 03-07/10/2013 Changed to Natural Sources of Energy Increased Protein Sources: Quorn/Meatfree, Quinoa Increased Physical Output (every 48hrs) (90mins) Increased Tea Consumption Decreased Food Consumption Increased Stamina +1 Increased Confidence +1 Picture log will be recorded every month. More updates pending.

In truth, I started my quest on July 9th, 2014. However, since I wasn't sure if I was ready to stick to it, I've kept this information as my computer background up until now. I've been bedridden for the past year because of major joint deterioration due to very active RA. I want to get a hold of my health again. I want to not be afraid to risk taking a job in fear of not being able to pull my weight because of my illness. I don't want this disease to define who I am, because for a while, it has. Measurements: Starting weight: 245lbs Current weight: 230 -> 225 -> 220 Height: 5'9.5" Fat Percentage: 48.5% Muscle Percentage: ? neck:15" bust: 46.5" waist: 42" waist in corset: 39" stomach: 50" hips: 49" wrist: 7" calf: 19.5" upper thigh: 28.5" lower/mid thigh: 22" forearm: 11.5" upper-arm: 15.5" Main Quest: Medical Remission of Rheumatoid Arthritis Side quest: Lose 65 lbs (200lbs by my Birthday December 27th). October 2, 2014: Showing signs of medical remission, under doctor's watch and am beginning to taper off the strongest of medications. Lowering dosage by .1 ml every three months unless told otherwise. *DANCEDANCE* Quest 1: Do something productive every day. AKA. Fight a boss a week. WEEK THREE Productivity! Goal: CLEAN 50% of bedroom : From the bed... to the door! .......until my toes can touch the floor. 1. trash stuff 2. deal with laundry 3. organize stuff (sort through those boxes, yo). Quest 2: Nutritional overhaul. Edit: Adjusted my macronutrients so that I can actually hit my calorie goal. Protein: Between 80-90g Carbs: Between 100-120g Fat: Less than 40g Protein: Between 100g and 130g Carbs: Between 100g and 130g (lee-way for carb-rich veggies and fruits) Fat: Between 50g and 70g fat Sugar: Up to 50g of sugar (under 25g for non-fructose derived) Eat more whole foods, not processed. Quest 3: Exercise at least 3 days out of the week. This accounts for any sort of focused exercise; squats, leg lifts, the BBW workout, or sessions at the gym (among others). WEEK ONE WEEK TWO WEEK THREE WEEK FOUR WEEK FIVE WEEK SIX

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening everyone. As I'm new here I figure I'll give a very brief background of my physical activity history. Birth-2013: Any physical activity was virtually non-existent. I hate to single somebody out because of their weight, but in 2012 I began dating somebody who was incredibly "out of shape", and sufficed to say she brought me down with her. But this isn't a complaint, prior to 2012 I was your average guy that didn't exercise very often, when my year-long relationship ended in 2013 I had gained 3 stone, I was unhappy with my body and it was exactly the push I needed to do something about it. 2014 January-June: With a newfound incentive to increase my physical fitness and lose weight, but very little knowledge on how to do so, I set off on my adventure. At first it was gradual, I'd walk my dog for two or three times longer than I had in the past (he was a big old thing so he loved it). Weight began to shift, and I started paying more attention to my diet, removing most junk food and increasing the chicken, tuna, fruit and veg. When the weight loss slowed down I took up running every morning. Unfortunately I must admit I went too far the other direction, I lost all three stone I'd gained and then some, ending up too skinny. June-Today: With a new newfound incentive to increase my physical fitness and gain weight, I started reading more into it, learning how to build muscle and the best methods for it. At the start I was so skinny I struggled with 2.5kg dumbbells, but the more I read the better became my techniques, I began to build back up my weight in largely muscle. By August I was doing compound lifts with equipment Id bought and stored in the shed, with my max lifting being around a 20kg barbell. In August I began seeing a personal trainer, who smoothed out the rough edges in my diet and exercise. Now I'm slightly heavier than I was in 2012 but much healthier, and lifting over 50kg in a lot of my exercises. I may not be the most muscular or the fastest runner, but I shook off 4 stone in 5 months and then managed to gain a stone in muscle (and a little fat on the side) in 2-3 months. I'm healthier and stronger than I've ever been and improving. Now that I'm at university I don't have a high budget, but I have managed to plan so that I can eat healthy and train regularly without getting myself a ton of (more) debt. If anybody's in the same boat I'd love to hear how your fitness has been going since moving to uni. Thanks for reading, -SB

Hello there! It sounds so silly, but when faced with the question "what one thing is holding you back from completing your main quest?" I realized that I eat pretty well for my height, build, and fitness regime. The only thing that I'm finding difficult is cutting down on the chocolate! I think that these cravings are psychological but I'm finding it impossible to slay them. Its like a game boss that's really, unbelievably difficult to take down, and if I could take down only one of my demons right now - if I was only able to cross off one quest at all - it would be this one! If I go a day without it I feel moody, sleepy, irritable, and experience mild headaches. Every single day I; do really well with my diet and fitness, binge out on chocolate, feel guilty, swear off of it, then fail again the next day - rinse, lather, repeat. So does anybody have any tips? How can I eradicate chocolate cravings? Thank you, fellow rebels!

Hello there guys! Class: Elf Race: Level 1 MAIN QUEST To create a base foundation in health and in fitness, which I can then work upon within my respective class. I want to begin leading a lifestyle in the way of an elf - who I really am, I suppose. POINTS I will award myself 10 points once I get three weeks in and move on to level one. When I finish six weeks, I will award myself an additional three points - one for each of my quests - and then move to level 2. Now, if this isn't how it works for first challenges please send me a pm and let me know, and I'll update this properly! Quest One: Cut back on chocolate and candy (+7 CON) A. Once a week or less per week B. Twice a week C. Three times a week F. Four times a week or more Quest Two: Exercise at least four times a week, in any form (+3 DEX, +1 STR, +2 STA) A. Four times a week or more B. Three times a week C. Twice a week D. Once or less Quest Three: Take my multi-vitamins, supplements, and iron medication every day (+3 CON) A. 7 days a week, on average B. 5-6 days a week, on average C. 4-5 days a week, on average F. Less than that Wish me luck! I'll drop in as often as I can! Lucy.

I've escaped the Shadow Plane after years and years of trying. Since then, I have found that I do not fit in as well in the world of men as I thought I would. To that end, Ordinary humans will not accept me, so I've joined a pirate band and smuggle goods and gold through the Material Plane into the Shadow Plane and back. Ship life is hard work, however, and I have needed more strength to conquer the trials of a life at sea. The captain needs a good warrior, as strong and ruthless in raiding as she is cunning in trade. My training has begun. I am using training centers at whatever port in which we make berth to hone my strength and my endurance. I'm marrying the ship's cook, who is quite an extraordinary human, and am also trying to become stronger and sexier for the wedding. So here is my breakdown. Gender: Female Age: 23 Height: 5'7" Weight: 145lbs Diet: High protein, moderate carb, moderate fat. Main quest: Gain enough strength and stamina for these things A) Squat + Benchpress + Deadlift = 555lbs. Do 50 pushups at once. C) Feel extraordinarily comfortable without clothes. D) Keep the wedding-planning stress down. Sub quests: Keep adding weight to my barbell lifts (doing Stronglifts basic workout, modified to include abs and cardio): Workout A: 3x5 squats 3x5 bench presses 3x5 pull-ups/chin-ups (I'm alternating this with barbell rows) 3x15 ab exercise 4+ minute HIIT Workout B: 3x5 squats 3x5 overhead presses 3x5 deadlifts 3x15 ab exercise 4+ minute HIIT Be able to do progressively more difficult/longer HIIT workouts.Drink a shitton more water.Working on my dietary needs and goals, still. There's a lot of conflicting information out there and I've discovered Paleo doesn't really work for me personally, though I have cut out most bread and I only eat whole-grain pasta/brown rice with lots of good nutrients. I also don't consume anything with added sugar, and I've stopped drinking socially as often. A pirate has to eat and drink what she's offered. She can't be too picky in a world that might not yield a good bounty all the time (in other words, grad school). My macros: kcal: 2100Protein: 130-145gCarbs: 100-150gFats: As long as they're healthy, I don't pay them too much attention. Usually they stay below 100. This is actually my 3rd week into the Starting Strength thing, but I only added HIIT at the end of this past week. I already feel glorious.