The Health and Fitness Thread

[Chest Rockwell]

My sister's an NHS dietician. You absolutely can get a referral and help for this kind of thing.

[Bus Surfer]

Ralphy, I find myself pretty much Gluten/Dairy/Sugar free these days and I too have lost a lot of weight over the last 12 months. I really am finding it hard getting back to where I was. 

Can you stomach coconut oil? It's a pretty healthy fat and it's been recommended to me that I should take a couple of spoon fulls a day to get the calories in. 

I find snacking on almonds/cashews and pumpkin seeds is another good way without spiking my blood sugar 

 

Edited July 9, 2018 by Silky Kisser

[Really Big Shoe]

Yep you should ask your GP to refer you to a dietician Ralphy. Theyll give you like a dietary plan (to gain weight), this page here is helpful

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/advice-for-underweight-adults/

They might give you some build up drinks (Fortisip) which are like milkshakes and they also do like liquidy type ones, and can either be a meal replacement or added to a diet for calorie intake. http://www.fortisipdrink.co.uk/ They did do soups but not sure if they still do. 

Im assuming the doctor has ruled out Crohns, Celiac disease etc.? Pancreatic problem(s) can cause malabsorption too so have they looked into that also?. This site might be helpful https://www.iffgd.org/other-disorders/malabsorption.html

Hope you get it sorted out. 

 

[Really Big Shoe]

I was seeing a NHS dietitian, however i was discharged. This is because i was too afraid/anxious to try to re introduce food, because of the crippling pain and the fact i would then have to spend 3 - 4 days constantly on the throne until i would be well again, and i cant spend all day on the toilet and work... I have to follow a "low fodmap" diet, which has worked somewhat, but i find it depressing and limiting for the most part. Its hard to explain, if interested, give it a google 

I have a fear of eating now and everything i eat i read into its carbs, sugars, salt etc to make sure im not poorly or to reduce the risk, i actually shake sometimes when eating meals now, which is no something that used to happen. Im under CBT at the moment, so hopefully this will help.

I would definitely try and get a GP to further look into your digestive issues. Because you shouldn't have to go through that at all. Have you had allergy testing? As from what your saying it seems you are allergic to certain food groups. Are there any food(s) which are OK, if so, then whilst they are bland you won't lose any weight if you try to eat those. From what I recall Fortisip are lactose, gluten free so I would definitely suggest that to your doctor. If they aren't understanding of your problems I'd seek a second opinion too. 

Have you had any endoscopy, colonoscopy, barium meal/barium swallow, CT scan of your pancreas etc?. Ideally you need a referral to a gastroenterologist or a re-referral who should hopefully pinpoint what's wrong. CBT will hopefully break the cycle of being anxious about eating too. I would make a list of foods you can eat and add little extras to them each time to boost up the calorie content. Also make a list of foods which trigger your symptoms. Then you'll notice a pattern and you can mention them to the doctor. Have you tried mint tea at all? Mint is a natural anti-inflammatory so it might help aid digestion. 

Also the shaking could be down to blood sugar level as well as being anxiety related. I would avoid energy drinks (Lucozade, Red Bull etc) as they artificially spike your blood sugar. Have you had any diabetes blood test? I would get your GP to run a full set of blood tests, maybe go to see the doc with a parent/relative/friend and have them explain your concerned about your symptoms and want to get to the bottom of them. It might take time but you shouldn't have to go through this on a daily basis, until then stick to what you can manage. I would eat smaller meal portions at a time too so they are more manageable and less stress on your digestive system. Again hope you get this sorted out & all the best.

 

[Onyx2]

Thanks @SpursRiot2012 @Chest Rockwell I've been using my vertical mouse for a week now (same model £8 on ebay) and I love it. Really comfy.

[Bus Surfer]

Anyone here ever been diagnosed with Rosacea? I'm struggling a little right now and could use any tips or advice. 

[Gus Mears]

You need to have some protein in your stomach or you are just going to burn everything off Ralphy. I know you are limited in what you can do protein wise, but are there any specialist powders you could get hold of online that won't do you in? I also mix my protein shakes with water not milk, as my stomach goes to shit with heavy shakes. If not, the aforementioned potential for a dietitian sounds a good bet. 

I would also change the 10mins split to doing 3 sets on heavy weights, as you want to be doing low reps high weights to put mass on. 

Never feel bad about starting off at a low weight and moving up, especially with dead lift stuff. Much better to do it with correct form and move up than struggling your arse off and nearly dying without a spotter. You'll get more out of it, gain more weight long term and reduce the chance of injuries. 

I'd also say stick to 4 days per week unless you are able to really up your calorie intake (which sounds tough with your stomach problems). If you aren't taking enough in, you'll find it really tough to gain weight while doing that much exercise. There is a real element of less is more with this stuff and I speak from experience. 

Edited July 18, 2018 by Gus Mears

[Ambulance Chaser]

Everybody is different but I have to focus on one, two at the most muscles per session. If you are wanting to build up your arms for example 5 mins on biceps just won't do the job. Set Monday as arm day, maybe try the following routine: Bicep Curls, hammer curls, barbell curls and concentration curls, 4 sets of each, you have all the equipment needed. That shouldn't take you any longer than 30 mins, then do triceps - If you have an improvised bench do skullcrushers, then kickbacks, then dumbbell extensions, again 4 sets of each. That whole arm workout should be 45-50 mins and you will see a massive difference. Keep the weight light and reps high. I used to do full body workouts years ago and I got really frustrated that I wasn't seeing growth so developed tunnel vision for one body part per session.

Not sure how serious you are about it, seems like you are so give it a shot. The other thing I personally can't do is weight train on an empty stomach, I feel weak, lethargic and to be honest like I don't want to be there. Even if it's a banana and protein bar or something, I'd get some food in you. Lastly, you can't overstate the positive effect of a gym, I thought I was doing ok at home but within a month of using the best equipment I went to another level, I don't like them as places, they are full of parrot headed twats who spend half the time posing and taking selfies but if you get in, do your graft and get out you will see major changes.

 

[SpursRiot2012]

My work in doing a weight loss challenge. Winner gets £80.

I have a BMI of over 35 and weight 19.4 something stone. It's a six week challenge.

So how do I drop the "quick weight"? The weight that you always hear about that falls off at a crazy pace at first, before the real hard work starts?

[Keith Houchen]

Eat some rancid pork or tuna, you'll lose a stone in a week.  Do that 8 times and the 80 quid is as good as yours.  You're welcome.

[RancidPunx]

Anybody do barefoot running ?

 

I should stress i mean with the barefoot(thin soles) running shoes ?

 

is it all bollocks or is there some merit to it ?

[SpursRiot2012]

On 7/19/2018 at 1:31 PM, SpursRiot2012 said:

My work in doing a weight loss challenge. Winner gets £80.

I have a BMI of over 35 and weight 19.4 something stone. It's a six week challenge.

So how do I drop the "quick weight"? The weight that you always hear about that falls off at a crazy pace at first, before the real hard work starts?

Any takers on this apart from eating rancid tuna?

[Chest Rockwell]

Just don't eat anything..?

[tiger_rick]

I did it by reducing my daily calories to around 1100/1200 and ensuring that was as little carbs and sugar as possible (eat more protein), drinking nothing but water and a couple of coffees a day and doing more cardio excercise.

[BigJag]

I'd say go with the Chest press machine. Move onto the bench/smith when you feel stronger and more confident. Do the exercises you enjoy and gradually add in other exercises. Would it help you if you had some nuts and fruit with you? They may help you boost your energy levels whilst you train.