RV On The Road Yet?

Okay, I got it into my head to lose this weight. A whole lifetime of being fat was enough. The primary goal is to lose the gut (via calorie deficit). Secondary goal is to increase metabolism to burn calories more efficiently (burn FAT not MUSCLE). Tertiary goal is to build strength and some muscle mass. Finally, if all this leads to better health and less meds, cool. Living longer is not an option. I drive a motorcycle.

WHEN IN DOUBT, YOUTUBE!

Step 1 was research. I continue to do this everyday, learning more and more and making adjustments based on medical and research studies for fitness, dieting, and yes… even body building. Say what you will about the Lunk Heads, they know how to get lean. And getting rid of this fat was my first priority. Some YouTube channels to investigate…

• Jeremy Ethier – science-backed training and nutritional videos. Jeremy is certified by NASM and FMS (functional movement screening), and a Kinesiology graduate
• Doctor Mike Diamonds – SculptByScience.com
• Athlean-X – physical therapist and strength coach Jeff Cavaliere
• Paul Revelia – Fitness, health, Nutrition, Training and all things Pro Physique and Paul Revelia

PAST HEALTH

I was diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic back in ’98 (mere months after marrying Melinda…hmmmm?) and been taking the pills prescribed, as well as all the usual suspects, cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. Briefly, after some gastric bypass surgery (more than a decade and a half ago) I was able to get off some of them, but once I figured out I could eat anything I wanted, just in smaller portions, and DIDN’T go to the gym, some of the weight came back on. By “figured out” I mean “guessed INCORRECTLY”.

• • Dec 2023 – A1C (average glucose levels for 3 months) = 7.6 (normal is between 4-5.7)
  • Dec 2023 – Triglycerides (cholesterol from meat) = 173 mg/dL (normal = 0-149)
  • Jan 14, 2025 – Triglycerides 165 (normal = 0-149)
  • Jan 14, 2025 – Weight – 269 lbs (that doctor’s scale is a lying bastard!)

ARE YOU OFF YOUR MEDS AGAIN?

So, step 2 was to try and get off of some of these pills. The diabetes meds were 3 pills a day (what a pain!). The evening ones were often missed in the hustle of the day. After some blood tests and various doctors, I got prescribed Ozempic. Melinda’s been on it for a while and it is one easy injector pen once a week. Easy-peasy. Besides its use against diabetes, it is known for helping weight-loss by convincing the receptors in your head you are not hungry. I heavily recommend it.

Along with the new meds for triglycerides, I also started taking Omega-3 which is good for that, as well as “no flush” Niacin (saves on the blushing, shy little princess that I am).

Okay, The Plan is on my phone and I am armed and dangerous. Mostly to myself. To lose this gut (priority #1), I am going to…

• Cut my calories down to barely survivable rates, decrease carbs, and increase proteins (without red meat, HA!)
• Burn calories, exercise to raise my metabolism, improve my stamina, and build muscle mass.

Let’s get this party started…. in Part 2

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RVonTheRoadYet.com is a blog to keep our friends and family informed of our latest adventures or misadventures. We are NOT RV professionals, doctors, lawyers, or travel guides. We are a couple of people who have decided to embrace the full-time RV lifestyle of idiots and gypsies.

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