Marks Daily Apple Forum: Recent Topics

Marks Daily Apple Forum: Recent Topics http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Just another bbPress community en-US Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:02:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.1 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/search.php MalPaz on "SO butter makes us fat now?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/so-butter-makes-us-fat-now#post-80660 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:47:24 +0000 MalPaz 80660@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ <a href="http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/butter-and-insulin.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FnqWE+%28The+Heart+Scan+Blog%29" rel="nofollow">http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/butter-and-insulin.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FnqWE+%28The+Heart+Scan+Blog%29</a> has anyone read this?? OnTheBayou on "Time to take legal action?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/time-to-take-legal-action#post-81641 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:39:57 +0000 OnTheBayou 81641@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I know that bringing charges in The Brave New World of the Internet is neither easy nor assured, but is this one time when it should be pursued? He is stealing. Stealing storage space, bandwidth, but mostly OUR time. We come here for camaraderie and information and this soy-hole steals from us. Mark? Suse on "Potatoes/sweet potatoes" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/potatoessweet-potatoes#post-81709 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:35:49 +0000 Suse 81709@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Still new and digging around the fringes until I change some of my eating habits. So potatoes are bad, but sweet potatoes are ok? merrique81 on "Cnt seem to lose weight." http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/cnt-seem-to-lose-weight#post-81715 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:51:38 +0000 merrique81 81715@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I have been under a alot of stress and have had 3 periods in a 6 to 7 week time frame. I have been primal for 2 months and feel great until recently. i do not count calories but have lost a dress size and gained a few ponds but not fat. I just cant seem to lose anymore. Due to my stress or too many periods i do not know. I have also found it difficult with my hormones all out of whack tha i did cheat a couple of times come the weekends but get on track come the beggining of the week.I am going to try to decreas my meat intake some and increas my fat to see if i can make a difference in that area.I just need other minds to help me trouble shoot or even if others are having simular problems. i am 5'7 and a half and weight 217 and my body fat is around 42% my lean muscle mass is around 119 lbs. what percentage should i try as ratios to lose weight to jump start again. I am really interested in higher fat and lower protein to a degree. Tish on "how do i put up pictures in my post?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/how-do-i-put-up-pictures-in-my-post#post-81714 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:47:46 +0000 Tish 81714@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Frig, me and technology do not get along! ajneumann on "Help appreciated" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/help-appreciated#post-81624 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:23:51 +0000 ajneumann 81624@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I have been on the primal blueprint plan for about 3 weeks, instantly lost about 10 pounds, but no weight loss in the past week and I am extremely tired, even sitting in a chair, I can feel the exhaustion. I thought that by now, it would be gone, tried to go hiking today, couldn't even do a mile. I used to be a very active person, so my determination is wearing a little thin. If you have any advice, it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. lesliek on "Primal Journal :::Leslie:::" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primal-journal-leslie#post-77951 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:16:19 +0000 lesliek 77951@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ It's officially my 6-month primal anniversary (feels more like a birthday, actually). I was trying to remember what my first primal day was like and what I ate. I remember I had a bit of a "what the heck...might as well give it a try" attitude, despite not understanding many of the principles. I had been gaining weight and experiencing minor yet annoying health problems for the last couple years, and my Activia and soy milk weren't doing the things I'd hoped they would. I was a long-time vegetarian when I started, so I think I ate soy bacon and eggs that first day. My primal brother (@TaydaTot here on the forums...not a very good "primal name," if you ask me) finally convinced me that soy was bad and meat was good, so I "popped my carrot" about a month into it. Seeing little point in tip-toeing around the meat thing, I went whole hog that first night and had salami, foi gras, pork, chicken, beef, etc. (it was a family dinner out at a restaurant, and I made them all order different kinds of meat so I could try them all). I haven't looked back since. Lots and lots of good things have come out of this transition to a "primal" lifestyle. My anxiety/depression/low energy levels have almost completely disappeared, making life a whole lot more enjoyable than I ever thought it could be; I've lost ~30 pounds of fat so far (hope to do another 30 in the next 6 months); I've come to love being outside (last summer I groaned at the thought of "taking walks"...now I do it every day!); I've discovered issues I feel very passionate about, and have connected with the local food community in Minnesota (I'm helping plan a conference about "real food" and innovative things going on around here). I even went from a very non-primal career (high-stress, long hours job advising big food companies on how to market their products) to a much more primal-friendly one working on a non-profit initiative to curb obesity in my region. All this good stuff hasn't come without a cost, however. It's been stressful to "go against the grain" (figuratively *and* literally). I have some friends who are supportive and some who think I'm crazy. It's also taxing to realize the extent of poor health in our country: I was pretty blind to both my own and others' before I started down this path. I try to maintain a realistic and optimistic perspective about influencing others in a positive way, but it does feel discouraging (and isolating) at times. Don't get me wrong, I definitely feel better off for what I know now, but I think it's important to recognize the inherent sacrifice that comes in any action, however positive it may be. Whew! I wrote more than I meant to. If you made it this far, thanks for listening. I'll try to make things interesting here. (But do you REALLY want to keep up with what I ate for dinner and what dead animal carcass I saw on my walk?...I guess time will tell). I'll probably only keep this up if it becomes more of a conversational thing, so please feel free to chime in at any point! rykabeth on "The "I need your advice" journal!" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/rykabeths-journal-imput-welcome#post-77807 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:35:13 +0000 rykabeth 77807@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ SO I was going to avoid creating one of these but I feel like I really need the support. I have been doing PB for about 4 weeks now with about 95% loyalty. I have 3 small kiddos so the other 5% during my week just has to do with some random "slip ups" that happen when I prepare their food or social situations that are hard to get out of. I am a 5'5 female, 32 years old and my usual weight is steady at 127. I started PB at 129 after an extensive vacation with cruddy food and no exercise. I am an avid endurance athlete. I train for triathlons and run in half and full marathons. This year I have chosen to step away from the training aspect to focus on some other things. I'm still seeking total health though by finding balance. Health and fitness is a passion. I started PB feeling great. I immediately felt great, my joint aches went away within the first week (big big deal), and my sleep became regulated. for the first 2 weeks I felt full of energy and just felt "clean" and good in my skin. I could tell that I was losing fat pretty quickly after I started-especially around my abs. In week 3 I started feeling CRUMMY. My energy fell, I was moody and I felt like I was packing on pounds. I went from briefly losing 2 pounds (back to 127) to 130.4 now :( Now I understand i am not overweight. i'm rather muscular and already lean by a typcial person's standards, but possibly I am asking for the impossible? I'd like to lose a little more body fat and def would love to see the scale go down, even just to 125. I am really comfortable at that number. I'm NOT interested in more muscle. I pack muscle easily. I know the whole "well you are probably gaining muscle and losing fat" but today I took my measurements. My hips were .5 bigger and my thighs were both one INCH bigger. NOT OKAY! I think I'm just packing muscle on TOP of fat and I really just don't like how I FEEL. :( I need some encouragement because honestly? I was feeling fine eating my gluten products, and other grains while exercising (except for the joints) and my weight was lower and steady-this is throwing me a little. I knwo this is healthier for me, but why am I feeling like this? A sample menu would be today: 2 egg fried in 1T butter, spinach, coffee w 1T cream large salad with 6oz canned tuna in water, lots of veggies, 1T olive oil, 1 T balsamic, 1/2-1 avocado handful of walnuts or 1-2T almond butter with celery 5-6 oz salmon, zuchinni sauteed in olive oil and garlic,1/4 sweet potato (cut in thin circles and coated with oil before baking) 1/2c almond or coconut milk What am i doing wrong? I workout 6 days a week. For the past 3 weeks I have done 1 day full body weights, 2 days of running 5 miles each, 2 days of spin class and 1 day of swimming. this is a light kind of week for me, but I haven't had a lot of energy. I understand that on PB exercise is not the forte, but this is not stressful activity for my body, I've done it a long long time. any imput is appreciated, thanks so much. Bigrob0077 on "Candida" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/candida#post-80191 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:28:16 +0000 Bigrob0077 80191@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I recently heard from my mother who is an RN about and problematic yeast in our bodies called Candida. I have read a few articles about it, and it seems that the best cure outlined is basically the primal blueprint lifestyle. I would like to gather some more information on here if there are doctors or just anyone that may have some more information about it. down below i will put a few of the symptoms and a brief explanation but i would love external input thanks. Rob-theanvilgym.blogspot.com Identifying Candida Symptoms Candida is nearly an epidemic in our society and is responsible for many of the chronic illness categories we see so frequently. Candida symptoms are vast and all encompassing and can even incapacitate the individual. Most people are unaware that it even exists, because most main stream doctors are uneducated about its impact on our health. People suffering from this condition often go from doctor to doctor for years and are usually told they are a hypochondriac or that it is stress or a psychiatric problem, before ever discovering the real culprit. Candida Albicans is a yeast that occurs naturally in the human body. Normally it lives in harmony with a variety of other microorganisms and actually performs a couple important functions. The problem occurs when something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and this allows the yeast organism to proliferate and take over all the healthy microorganisms. It normally resides in the intestinal tract, mouth, throat and genitals, however it can burrow holes in the intestinal tract, enter the blood stream and then make it's way into any organ of the body. To make matters worse it emits over 70 different toxins into the body. Some people may even become allergic to the yeast itself. Once this hardy organism proliferates in the body, it wrecks havoc in many ways and is the initiator of many common maladies, conditions, syndromes and illnesses in our population. Some of the most frequent Candida symptoms are: -abdominal gas and bloating -headaches -migraines -excessive fatigue -cravings for alcohol -anxiety -vaginitis -rectal itching -cravings for sweets -inability to think clearly or concentrate -hyperactivity -mood swings -diarrhea -constipation -hyperactivity -itching -acne -eczema -depression -sinus inflammation -pre-menstrual syndrome -dizziness -poor memory -persistent cough -earaches -low sex drive -muscle weakness -irritability -learning difficulties -sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals -cognitive impairment -thrush -athlete's foot -sore throat -indigestion -acid reflux -chronic pain KG on "General tips to beat depression?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/general-tips-to-beat-depression#post-81567 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:09:20 +0000 KG 81567@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Hey everyone, I'm currently attempting a 1 month trial of being 100% primal (on day 3 now). I've attempted this before about a month ago but I screwed up and ended up having about 200-300g carbs within one weekend, just at the start of the 3rd week (does this reset the process of adjusting to burning fats entirely?). For about 4 years now I've been having troubles with low energy, low moods, brain fog etc. I'm currently 17, and haven't felt good in general for that time period. I believe this is to do with an internal issue, because in terms of my life, everything is going smoothly and stress is minimal, so I should be pretty happy! I've read through various topics and have gathered some key things that appear to benefit depressive symptoms. Particularly because I am only just restarting my 1 month trial run, I may just be going through the 'low-carb flu' again. The main points I see are: - Correcting the Omega 3:6 ratio. I've recently started taking cod liver oil capsules to correct any ratio imbalances from any grain-fed meats and eggs that I have. I've managed to find a farmer who sells grass-fed meat though, so that's a relief. - Gluten sensitivity. Yesterday, I actually made a topic on this as I was curious about the rusk and gluten content within the sausages I was eating. I started taking notice when I had some bad mood swings and anger issues the same day I had sausages with gluten inside. Those are the only foods that I consumed that contained gluten, and there definitely seems to be a connection. I've cut out gluten completely for my trial, for reference. - Hypothyroidism. I'm not too sure if I have this condition, and it seems that the only way to check is to see my GP. - Lack of Vitamin D. I'm usually out every day, and here in London spring is finally starting to come round, so now the sun is coming into swing as well. I've been taking a multivitamin every day regardless, and the cod liver oil also contains 100% of the RDA for vitamins A and D. - Not eating enough fats. This, I believe, MAY be somewhat plausible. I only manage £20 at most a week for my food, and my parents generally buy 99% processed foods. I focus entirely on fatty meats. Today I managed to buy 12 slices of dry, cured, smoked back bacon, 2 pork chops and 3 steaks. The steaks are huge, and I haven't tried those yet. I've already had 3 slices of bacon, so I need to ration it all out throughout the week. My parents still make dinner though! For me, my mum usually cooks chicken thighs with vegetables. Nothing added, plain and simple and works well. I would buy some coconut oil, but I'm not sure where from. Any other London primals who can share any good shops? I've been using olive oil for now, trying to make the most out of what I can. I'd rather not use butter either due to the dairy (not sensitive as far as I know, but I'd rather go without). Any tips, advice and additional information is greatly appreciated. Thanks! :) rykabeth on "Anyone still waiting?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/anyone-still-waiting#post-81703 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:16:41 +0000 rykabeth 81703@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I still haven't gotten my freebies from ordering the book on the 17th and I've emailed twice with no reply. Anyone else? Tarlach on "For those that still think it's all about calories" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/for-those-that-still-think-calories-count#post-81692 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:28:08 +0000 Tarlach 81692@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ The math is a lot harder than you think and you can go into a deficit by eating more Here's a metabolic ward trial: <blockquote>…patients…were put on to 2000-calorie diets of normal proportions to show that their weight could be maintained while in hospital at this level and then placed on high-fat, high-protein diets providing 2600 calories per day. It was demonstrated that these patients on the whole could maintain or gain weight on 2000-calories but, except in one instance, lost weight consistently on a 2600 daily calorie intake. </blockquote> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/28131415/Kekwick-Pawan-1956-Lancet" rel="nofollow">http://www.scribd.com/doc/28131415/Kekwick-Pawan-1956-Lancet</a> This matches my own personal experience. It's not just about how much you eat. It's much more about what you eat (and other ways of changing metabolism, like IF). I lost body fat by eating a stupid amount of calories (regardless of activity level). You can't just calculate a generic BMR and then try to stay under that. It's irrelevant and the reason many say they can't lose while in deficit. Your body adapts too well to what you eat. Hormones drive the system, not just volume of food. tooround on "Primal Journal - tooround" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primal-journal-tooround#post-77535 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:37:38 +0000 tooround 77535@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Hi, my name is Susan. I'm a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and I'm 49 years old. In 1976, I lied about my weight on my passport. By the time I was in my early 40's I'd wobbled my way up to 165 lbs on a dainty 5' 3" frame. For a friends wedding I bought a size large "I give up dress" with a shruggy sweater. It hung to my chubby feet. I had cabbage souped, 3 day'd, atkinsed, calorie counted, slim fasted, cardio'd, heavy lifted, half starved my way all the way to high blood pressure, weariness and joint pain. I was old and appropriately frumpy. I used 1200 calories and walking to get to be 124 by my 44th birthday. For one brief shining moment I was 119 lbs. tired and sickly. Since then I have been under 125 lbs twice. My worst bounce was in early 2008 when I had back trouble, a hysterectomy and was diagnosed with arthritis. I went back up to 162 lbs. Choosing my favourite parts of blood type, lowish carb and body for life ... I was 135 lbs on Monday March the 8th, 2010. Then I read Primal Blueprint. It, so very nicely, encompassed many things I already believed and knew would work for me and (the big AND) would help me overcome my inability to maintain. amandamarie on "Baby Weight" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/baby-weight#post-80586 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:57:45 +0000 amandamarie 80586@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I need some advice from any postpartum primal ladies out there. I gave birth to my second child almost 6 weeks ago. I gained 35 pounds total during my pregnancy and lost 20 pounds quickly within the first 2-3 weeks. I have not lost another pound since then and I am getting very frustrated! I am nursing and feel very hungry and thirsty all day long. My daily calories seem to be from 2700-3000 per day, with about 60% from fat. My daily carb intake is typically between 100-120 grams, mostly from eating 1 or 2 pieces of fruit per day, and protein is around 150 grams. I have mostly just been walking since the new baby arrived (4-5 hours per week), although I have been able to work in some light jogging and body weight exercises in the past week. After my 6 week postpartum checkup in a few days I will be able to incorporate more intense exercises like sprinting. I would love to hear about your experiences with baby weight and eating a primal diet. I’m not sure what I can change at this point, but would love to hear any ideas. Thanks! Greg on "Ever considered living Off-Grid or at least far away from population?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/ever-considered-living-off-grid-or-at-least-far-away-from-population#post-81224 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:18:57 +0000 Greg 81224@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Just curious if any of you already do, plan on, consider to or dream of living Off-Grid for the Ultimate Primal Lifestyle? I'm in the process of putting the pieces together for myself. I plan on living Off-Grid within the next two years. Ultimately building a full time, cabin/home with solar and wind power on at least a 30 acre lot. There are certain modern conveniences I would need such as cell phone and internet reception. Possibly via satellite if feasible. My living expenses will be limited to property taxes, food and insurances. I will grow my own organic vegetables however I do not intend on keeping any livestock so my meats and poultry would be purchased from nearby farms (grass fed of course!). There are lots of details regarding heating alternatives and such which I'd like to talk about if anyone wants to strum up a convo on this subject. Anyone else out there after this freedom as well? PrimalWannabeGirl on "PrimalWannabeGirl's Journal" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primalwannabegirls-journal#post-61518 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:32:59 +0000 PrimalWannabeGirl 61518@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Hey, there. Ok, here's the deal. Me: 54 years old. Wife to a 60-year-old (lovely) fat, bald diabetic, hypertensive guy. Mother to two teenagers, both with special needs (autism, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders), TONS of stress. Repeated conventional dieting--a la Weight Watchers--has left me with a sluggish metabolism. Two years ago, I had extensive surgery of my cervical spine to fix spinal stenosis secondary to osteoarthritis. I now have fusions from C3 to C7. Until very recently, I had quite a bit of pain, but thank God, at this point, I am pretty much pain-free. Now, I have no illusions about becoming Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, at my age, in my condition, and with my limitations. (Tons of stress, remember?) But I KNOW I can feel better than I do now, and I've studied the science and feel confident that if I am very careful about how I implement the activity part of the program, I can regain significant vitality and resilience. I figure, I will be the Primal Poster Girl if good things happen to me as a result of Mark's Primal Blueprint. I am hopeful and ready to take on this challenge. Height: 5'6" Weight: 198 (gulp) Lipid profile: totally sucks. Triglycerides too high, LDL too high, total cholesterol too high, HDL too low. Not diabetic. Yet. Today, I went to the Y and fought the urge to sit a stationary bike for an hour. I was on the thing for a ridiculously short 25 minutes total, including a 5 min. warmup, and I did 4 30-45 sec. sprints. My heart rate high was 145 and I averaged around 118. After that, I did 30 minutes of a beginner's strength training class. It felt good to move my body. It's been an awful two years recovering from this surgery and dealing with the significant challenges of helping my kids transition to adulthood. I really need to drop some weight off my bones---this much weight is hard on my spine---and I desperately need the anti-inflammatory properties of the primal diet to prevent further deteroriation. Today is actually day two of 'officially' beginning my Primal Journey: Today: B: 3 eggs with homemade salsa, 1/2 small grapefruit L: 5 oz. salmon with Asian pesto (cilantro, walnuts, fish sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, hot pepper), 1/2 grapefruit S: small can tuna in olive oil, 10 almonds D: Large green salad, 1 avocado, olive oil and squeeze of lemon, 5 oz. buffalo burger Calories: 1728 Protein: 125.2 gms. (29%) Fat: 110.8 gms. (56%) Sat. 36.2, Mono. 49.4, Poly. 13.9 Carbs: 69.2 gms. (15%) How do I feel? Tired, hungry, irritable, hungry, woozy, a big lightheaded, hungry. Hopeful. I'm waiting for my copy of The Primal Blueprint to arrive in the mail, so I'll be browsing around the site a lot until it comes! If this fat, stressed, sleep-deprived, junk food-addicted mama can feel better and get healthier, than anybody can. Back tomorrow. PWG billspears on "False Anemia Diagnosis and Primal" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/false-anemia-diagnosis-and-primal#post-81693 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:29:27 +0000 billspears 81693@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I've been on Primal for about 2 months and have lost 23 pounds and have more energy than I can ever remember having. Now, for the kicker, in a routine blood test I came up low in iron and thus I supposedly have anemia. I find this hard to believe since I train 5 times a week, wake up spontaneously at about 5:30 and have tons of energy. So I clearly am not suffering from fatigue and BTW my skin is it's usual pink hue. I remember an article somewhere by Mark or Eades or someone, the gist of which was that since we eat a lot of red meat we may have a problem keeping our iron down and that there was some way a blood test could indicate the need for an iron supplement, but that there actually was plenty of iron in the body and there was some reason the body was keeping it low in the blood. Does this ring a bell with anyone? Vick on "WOD's 03/21-03/26" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/wods-0321-0326#post-81468 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:48:53 +0000 Vick 81468@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Chest press 90 lbs 49 seconds high row 250 lbs 37 seconds leg press 620 lbs 30 seconds. Ninjagirl on "Can a person eat too much grease" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/can-a-person-eat-too-much-grease#post-79815 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:16:26 +0000 Ninjagirl 79815@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ My supper last night was lettuce covered with super greasy ground beef (like half a cup of grease, salsa, cheese and 3 scoops of 14% milk fat sour cream. I had one bowl of super and I felt too full. I felt super thirsty and tired, so I had a glass of water and went to bed. This morning I was puking up the rest of my supper. My question is, did I eat to much grease? I have only been primal a week and a half. Could it just be that I have to allow time to adjust to eating greasier food? Zeus on "Bodyweight Exercises only for a Muscular Body?" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/bodyweight-exercises-only-for-a-muscular-body#post-81662 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:55:14 +0000 Zeus 81662@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Has anybody on here adcheievd a body they are happy with using bodyweight only exercises? My aim is something like this- <a href="http://charlaineharrisbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ryankwanten1.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://charlaineharrisbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ryankwanten1.jpg</a> In the past I've used weights but for a few reasons I'm considering a change. First I exercise at home but I may be moving soon and wont have the space for my equipment, I also dont have the money for a gym memberhip. Secondly I've had back problems in the past and they are still with me today, although not as bad. I have tried squating and as the weights need to go up I'm concerned I'll do more damage to my back, same goes for deads not long ago I lost concentration and did some major damage to my lower lumber which took weeks off doing serious lifting to heal up. I'm a 24 year old Male and dont want to risk injury, I want to be healthy and for the sake of vanity I want to look good naked. At the minute I need some lean muscle and need to lose some fat (25lbs of it) just want to know if anyone has done the same with bodyweight? I know Marks really into bodyweight stuff and he looks great. I cant do much bodyweight stuff so I need a beginners routine really. If anyone can give me there thoughts that would be great. Thanks owen sackett on "Kettlebells for weight loss" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/kettlebells-for-weight-loss#post-80852 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:23:41 +0000 owen sackett 80852@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ has anyone combined kettlebells with PB eating and if so what kind of results have you gotten? gottaluvalab on "Primal Journal (gottaluvalab)" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primal-journal-gottaluvalab#post-61393 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:13:29 +0000 gottaluvalab 61393@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Well, let's see if this journaling for the public thing works. Yesterday was not so great a day mentally and my mood spilled over and affected the physical overly much, so I'm looking for a way to keep myself accountable no matter what's going on in my head--because of course I feel better both mentally and physically if I hold myself physically accountable. Some background basics healthwise: At the moment I'm a bit of a mess. Forty-one, 5'5, 265 (down from 290ish prior to a couple acute illnesses, some unpleasant drug side effects, and going low-carb back in mid-November, but now stalled). Female. Lifetime yo-yo dieter and emotional eater. Diagnosed diabetic in November with a fasting blood glucose of 350-something--walked into the doctor's office with depression, fatigue, and immune system concerns, but wasn't exactly surprised by the diabetes (though I was--and still am--terribly upset). Mother and numerous 2nd degree relatives are diabetic. Blood pressure at last doctor's visit, 180/90. Also diagnosed with "fatty liver" through poor liver values and ultrasound. I haven't decided what I think about cholesterol readings yet, but they're neither diabetic ideals nor total disasters, so I'm just going to wait to worry about them, I've got bigger problems right now. Medications: Taking citalopram 20 mg (aka Celexa, an SSRI--seems to work to some extent, if only as an elaborate placebo effect); glipizide XL 5 mg (stimulates insulin production--not sure if it's "working"/right dose yet); lisonpril 20 mg (an ACE inhibitor for high BP--worked so well at first I felt dizzy on standing, now self-readings are high again--appointment in two weeks). Primary health goal would be to get off all medication--but if I can't, I can't, esp. where the blood pressure is concerned--it's a pretty strong family trait. I believe in both science and common sense, and I hope to abandon neither. Lifestyle/interest background: High school English teacher, so of course I do a good deal of reading and writing. I love my job, though it's definitely my job and not my entire life. Despite lack of fitness, I am a fan and participant in outdoor activities, and until the last two years I was fairly active in my daily life (one of those "healthy fat people" until it all caught up with me). I have two 100 percent amateur-trained retrievers, one yellow Lab with accomplished hunt test titles making the occasional field trial appearance, and a younger flat-coated retriever working on a senior hunt test title; I hope to run her in field trials as well. I can't say I hunt, because I have a hard time hitting anything, but my summer goal is to get my shooting competent and become fit enough that I can spend the better part of any day in a pheasant field next fall, and drag the gear a few miles into the marshes in the winter for duck hunting. I love to cook, especially baking (*sigh*), and I love and am reasonably knowledgeable about a great glass of wine. I am single and straight, personally conservative but tolerant of any and all lifestyles that make a person happy and don't infringe on others' personal happiness; my family is wonderful but far-flung; I have wonderful supportive friends who know and mostly understand me, though the diabetes has been a challenge to that with my "best girlfriend". My main stressors these days are my health and finances. Food related info/beliefs/goals: I'm going for mostly primal, though I do have some oat bran and some brown rice in the cupboard that I'll use up but not replace, and some super-thin whole rye crackers I indulge in with excellent cheese, and a bag of wild rice that I'll probably replace when it's gone. I do eat dairy, particularly stinky cheese, Greek yogurt, and kefir; I use cream in my coffee; an actual glass of milk is very rare and doesn't always agree with me. I love a glass of wine, but I've had to make that very occasional due to the liver issue. My freezer right now looks excellent to me: venison, grass-fed beef, and some high-quality free-range organic chicken, but I'm not above the bag o' frozen chicken breasts if I'm low on funds. Most of the seafood I eat is canned oily fish, as I am way too picky about fresh fish and can't bring myself to buy most of the old frozen or tasteless farmed stuff available in the grocery store. I have eliminated HFCS, I've happily and painlessly kicked the diet soda to the curb, and I've almost eliminated other artificial sweeteners as well (hard to give up the hazelnut syrup in the once-a-week Starbucks...I may keep this as a treat). When I eat only my own food and don't go to a restaurant or friend's house to socialize, most of my carbs come from dairy, nuts, a little bit of not-quite-daily fruit (half an apple, half a pear, a cup of berries), and a half teaspoon of honey here and there; my blood glucose stays in line best when I keep carbs from these sources under 15 for the meal or snack and under 60 for the day. Honestly, I don't count vegetable carbs--they are small and annoying as far as the math goes, and seem necessary. I don't eat more than 15g whole grain no matter what, and if it's less than that I round it up to 15 to count; I do the same with sweet potatoes or peas or beans if I have them, which has been very rare. Exercise-related: I'm a weakling and a train-wreck, but far better off than I was just a few months ago. I much prefer to take a brisk walk to almost anything else; I'm at about a half hour at a reasonable clip in good weather (a little over two miles), and my goal is to work up to an hour of walking daily no matter what other exercise I might do. I have seriously struggled with shin splints, now and all my life every time darn time I've started a new walking regime, and I now find that my toes fall asleep--I am desperately hoping this is shoe-related and not a diabetes complication. My inclement weather and "serious workout" exercise has been 1/2 hour trudging up and down on a step bench in front of the tv (I say "trudging" but I kind of like it). I'm looking to increase the height of the bench and work up to 45 minutes, but for now 1/2 hour on the basic level is plenty until I get myself exercising daily more consistently. I'm just beginning to add light dumb bell work and body-weight exercises like squats with an exercise ball and pushups against the wall. I am frustrated with how weak I am. In high school, I was a starting varsity soccer player for four years, and I do remember what it feels like to be strong and fit--but I have little idea how to get there from here. Suggestions on this welcome! What I will track daily: Weight: (lbs) Morning Blood Glucose: Exercise: (if done, what kind) Food: (brief comment on whether primal and diabetes-friendly ideals met) Mental state: (smiley face, frowny face, or other) Today so far and what I have planned: Weight: 265 Exercise: planned--shovel snow, afternoon, and step and weight work in front of the TV during "Lost" tonight. Morning Blood Glucose: 123 (this is the highest it's been in the morning in over a month, and unacceptable, which spurred me to begin this journal) Food: Given the BG number, I think I need a day that is green-leafy and incidental carbs only--so far so good. Mental state: I think I'm working on a smiley-face day. :) Subsequent journals will be much shorter--but it feels good to get it all out on the table, and since today is a snow day (!) I had the time. Suggestions and similar experiences welcome! shalon on "Primal Challenge Journal (Shalon)" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primal-challenge-journal-shalon#post-14696 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:28:01 +0000 shalon 14696@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Okay, back from vacation and into reality. I have been looking forward to getting back into eating primally; kind of fell off here and there while in Mexico (I couldn't resist the fresh made tortillas ALL the time). B-dbl americano with cream L-2 egg scramble w/carmelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, scallions, fresh herbs from garden, shredded swiss S-homemade jala popper-cheese, bacon, jalapeno with egg batter crust D-elk steak marinated in chipotle, orange & olive oil mixture, oven roasted eggplant slices, 1 glass white wine I see that I didn't really eat much today. I was busy trying to catch up with work and missed breakfast (can I call that an IF?). In addition, I came home to an empty fridge. I definitely don't think I ate enough. Will be hungry tomorrow morning early and will make a decent breakfast for myself. I pulled more elk out of the freezer (my roommate hunts here in MT and I get some great meat as a result) and will have that for dinner tomorrow as well. My garden is in great need of a harvesting of lettuce and misc greens. Can't wait to make a fresh salad out of it all. kam904s on "Crying my eyes out" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/crying-my-eyes-out#post-78162 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:53:35 +0000 kam904s 78162@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Primal Baby Thread Here So today I got my little guy his first round of immunizations. They stuck him and he cried for a minute out of pain then cried for another minute out of BABY FURY RAWR. I cried for about a minute, worrying about him (I had to hold him down, my husband, the wuss, refused) and then he got those sugar-drops with the other inoculation under his tongue. Here I am, five hours later, only now able to get online because my poor sweet boy had been screaming for the past two hours. Fever broke finally (thank heavens for infant tylenol) but giving it to him made me cringe.... it's made with HFCS. UGH. I HAD to give it to him though. I had to. There's no way I'm going to let him suffer any more than is strictly necessary for these inoculations. Or me. His screaming was frazzling me in ways I don't normally frazzle. I cried with him for awhile until I couldn't cry anymore. joshua tree on "Primal Challenge Journal (joshua tree)" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primal-challenge-journal-joshua-tree#post-60827 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:39:51 +0000 joshua tree 60827@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I will be starting my primal 30 day challenge on February 8th, 2010. I am looking to get more energy out of my food and to kick my nasty sugar habit. I am a new mother with a primal baby. I want to be role model for my primal baby and not be a hypocrite. It seems that everyday I start out primal but end with my sugar addiction in charge whether it be chocolate or wine. I feel out of control when it comes to sugar. I also don't eat enough veggies. I am looking forward to incorporating more veggies into my diet. Of course, the seasonal ones. I am blessed to live in a state that has a farmer's market year round. I would love to grow my own veggies but I feel that is too much to take on with a new baby. Maybe in the future. Wish me luck out there. Jason on "Break out your Slow cooker(CROCK POT) Recipes Folks" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/break-out-your-slow-cookercrock-pot-recipes-folks#post-81400 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:22:56 +0000 Jason 81400@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Hi Everyone, Jason here from Sydney Australia... Also known as heaven on earth :-). So its coming into winter and I am starting to enjoy meals that I can pre prepare in a slow cooker and enjoy when i get home from the gym or freeze for lunches etc. Its coming into winter soon as we are in the southern hemisphere. So don't delay crack out all your recipes weather it be lamb shanks, curries, meatballs this will be the place to post it... Thanks Jason MsNetMonster on "Primal Challenge Journal - MsNetMonster" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/primal-challenge-journal-msnetmonster#post-77669 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:32:30 +0000 MsNetMonster 77669@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ Today is Day 0. What does that mean? Well, Day 0 is the day where I make preparations to go full speed ahead Primal starting tomorrow morning. I'm one of those people that need to prepare ahead of time... y'know that whole "fail to plan, plan to fail" kind of folks. About me. I'm a 36 year old single woman living in Atlanta, GA. My story is a little unlike many here which frankly has me a little nervous. Four years ago, I weighed almost 520 lbs. I had a few health problems - high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and an auto-immune disorder that was very similar to rheumatoid arthritis. I was on a serious downward spiral, however I was still very mobile and somewhat active, but I knew that if I didn't do something, in a few years, I'd be that lady on the Discovery challenge feigning bemusement as to how I got to be like 600 lbs. So I decided to have weight loss surgery in October of 2006. I had the Duodenal Switch and within a couple of years lost over 285 lbs. My lowest weight was 235. It was awesome but somewhere along the way as my weight leveled off and I started to have to deal with the new me, I started to feel like I wasn't finished and often didn't feel as healthy and fit as I could be. My surgery requires that I eat a fairly low carb diet, but I wasn't always strict about it. As I became more and more active, I soon realized that I had a strong desire to be this fit athlete that I envisioned I could be. I started the year off eating well and going to the gym. In February, I got a personal trainer and have seen great results losing 5% body fat in about 6 weeks, but I've been really struggling with my diet. They (personal trainers) insist I consume more grains and increase my carbohydrate intake which I've been really reluctant to do. I tried for a few weeks, and although my energy for my workouts increased, I was experiencing gastro issues and a lot of end of the day fatigue, not to mention increased sluggishness in the mid-afternoons. I then started to do some research online to see if I could find alternatives to carbing up and stumbled upon this site and what a blessing it has been. I've spent the last few weeks devouring it and now I am ready to get things going. Right now, I weigh in at 248 lbs and am just a hair under 6' tall. After a lifetime of being super morbidly obese, I have a large frame. I want to be around 200 lbs. I know that's a little high, but I haven't had plastic surgery yet, but my hope is to have that sometime in the next year or so. That'll easily take off 10-15 lbs of excess skin of which I have A LOT. My goal for this challenge: Lose 10 lbs of body fat. Not sure how this will translate into weight loss, because I do plan to be building some muscle so we'll see. Because of my surgery, I do have a couple of unique challenges. I have to drink protein shakes. Because I malabsorb between 40-60% of the protein I consume, I have to get them in in order to have sufficient protein for the day. I also have a naturally low heart rate (46bpm) so I have make adjustments when I calculate my fat burning zones otherwise I can overextend myself. I also have a trick right knee that I'm working on strengthening. Food plan: 100% primal Two shakes a day 3 meals a day. 128 oz of water a day No coffee No artificial sweeteners Exercise: Strength training twice a week. Cardio in Gym 2-4 times a week Tennis, singles + doubles, 3-4 times a week. That's it. I'm excited to see the results, especially what the effect of going gluten-free has on how I feel. stop_hammertime on "PB and homosexuality..." http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/pb-and-homosexuality#post-74868 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:01:11 +0000 stop_hammertime 74868@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I suppose it is the small amount of spirits in my system but I am just OPPRESSED by one question about PB. I hear so much about survival of the fittest and and primal living. I hear about suitable mates and propagation of the species. I tend to consider myself the totally non-political version of homo. I do not generally care about most peoples views on sexuality...but sometimes, I feel left out by primal living. I know this sounds weird, but if you are primal do you believe homosexuality is contrary to human survival? Do you believe that being gay is not primal? fragileknees on "IF advice needed" http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/if-advice-needed#post-81664 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:57:44 +0000 fragileknees 81664@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ I would really like to try IF, but my morning medication requires food or I literally puke it back up. Wondering if it would be super difficult to eat breakfast with my meds and then fast for 24 hours until the next breakfast? Has anyone tried that? Maybe I should start by just skipping lunch? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. KatFish on "The effect of soy on brain." http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/topic/the-effect-of-soy-on-brain#post-81602 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:10:25 +0000 KatFish 81602@http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/ See above and below.