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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Fit

DISCLAIMER : I am no health expert. I am sharing below experience because of the positive results. It may be effective to your body or may not. At least, it is worth a try. And don’t be surprised by the accompanying photos, it is my tradition to be in my birthday suit every year. 

I reached 91 kgs last June. I ignored the gain thinking that it was a part of getting older. However, that particular mindset changed after I completed one of my supervisory works. I was assigned in the field and it was getting difficult for me to climb and inspect the vessels. I got tired so easily. Back in Japan, my office mates would always say ohayo goizamasu to my belly instead of saying it to my face. Talk about adding insult to injury. Friendly banters.

38

curl like a fetus
in a cold-hearted city
thirty eighth birthday


My medical examination results concluded that I am obese, 26 kgs over than my ideal weight. As I am experiencing chronic severe headaches that might be an effect of being overweight,  I decided to change my lifestyle of sort. I declared, I have to stay fit. I started to monitor my weight every morning in July. Of course, achieving my ideal weight would mean sacrificing a lot – including my favorite food and drinks. I started to avoid drinking Coca-cola, which I consider as my energy drink. I used to take at least one (1) liter of coke every day, 500 mL during lunch and 500 mL during dinner. Surprisingly, it was easy to get it out of my system. My friends often told me that I won’t last one week without coke. But I proved them wrong.

38

an incomplete art
abandoned in wilderness
black-hearted poet

I also started with the low-carb diet. No more rice for me even if my heart craves for sushi or gyu-don. I was very focused. I also rejected pasta, even if my tongue is being seduced by creamy carbonara. Well, I am not really a fan of ramen so that’s fine. I also minimized my intake (almost close to none) of fruits, said goodbye to bread and cakes too. Sort of – my birthday is an exemption. Today, I turn 38.

38

songs of calendars
fast-paced and intense throughout
the journey of life

It’s not that bad actually. I may be missing lots of my favorite food but I discovered and re-discovered unappreciated ones. My friends were surprised to see me eating vegetables. They always reminded me how I dismiss any thought of having vegetable during meals. I am even having aojiru or vegetable juice during breakfast. I am enjoying yogurt and tofu too. I also take protein shake from time to time especially after I used wonder core. Wonder core is an exercise equipment for the lazy ones like me. I even purchased dumbbells to flex those fats - err, muscles. I also jog if my schedule allows. It is an amazing feeling. But the most important thing is that I never allow myself to get hungry. Since then, I never skipped breakfast, even when I woke up late. As for the portion of each meal, lunch >> breakfast > dinner. Almonds for snacks. 

38

daydreaming silence
flash of colorful moments
photographer's world

Almost six months had passed since I started this routine. I never had a headache except once during my presentation. I am currently 71 kgs – lost 20 kgs already. My waistline shrunk from 106 cm to 83 cm. My shirt size is now M slim fit from LL size. I think I am doing a good job of being healthy.  I don’t want to buy new sets of clothes though. Some of my friends initially dismissed my idea. But I was determined and focused. See the results?

Untitled
transformation

One of my friends told me, “Now, you have a good body, please do something with your hair”. 

Challenge accepted, but how?

/totomai
2015/12/29

Photos taken with Nikon D7000,
lens used : Tamron 11-16 mm 2.8f

Special thanks to my friends Kid and Kate :-)

65 comments:

  1. Hahaha, panalo last line. Congratulations!

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  2. See, I don't get this low carbs stuff. The Italians have plenty of skinny dudes and ladies. They pig out on pasta all the time.

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    1. I guess it depends. South East Asians need more effort to maintain a good body compared to Japanese, Chinese or Koreans. I didn't know much about low carb diet before and just tried it. So far it's doing wonders for me.

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  3. Best of luck with your new challenge

    Much love...

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  4. That's quite an effort..well done and good luck.

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  5. Well done! Looking at the earlier photos I was thinking what is he worrying about and then the revelation at the end with the comparative photos 12 months apart. Hurrah!

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    1. Thanks Robin. My friends were surprised by my dedication.

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  6. So well done.. Keeping a healthy weight and enjoying it has to be great. Have a great 2016 for your hair.

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    1. Yes, Bjorn and also very rewarding. As for the hair challenge, haha, I don't know.

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  7. I love the song of calendars - in contrast to being foetal in a cold hearted city..(my favourite photo) i suppose we find ways to celebrate our own being..maybe looking after our body is part of that..happy birthday Totomai and wonderful achievement with your diet - wait until you hit forty... sigh!

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    1. That would mean, I have two years left. Haha. Thanks Jae.

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  8. Such an inspiring share :D wishing you the best of luck on your challenge.

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  9. Totomai, your post here is very inspiring. I too have the same problem. You really got me motivated with your enthusiasm and positive results. Good on you!

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    1. That's good to hear James. At first, I thought it was hard, but not at all. Happy New Year to you.

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  10. Really enjoyed this person piece, Totomai! I admire your determination & the results you achieved...great photos. Keep up the good work in 2016. Happiest of new years to you.

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    1. Happy New Year, Mary. Hope 2016 will be a good year to all us.

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  11. Thank you for sharing your success story. I seem to be in a constant battle with my middle aged weight factor. This is so inspiring. I love the way you presented your story with word, picture and poetry. happy Birthday and keep up the good work.

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    1. Cheers Kerry. I was also worried with my body thus I decided to try it. It was positively surprising.

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  12. I'm with Kerry--I love your presentation and appreciate the fact that you've shared your process with us. Congratulations on staying focused. I know how difficult it is.

    Love the haiku, their progression... And your hair is just fine. ;-)

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    1. Haha. Thanks Magaly, I feel like my hair is losing faster than my fats'.

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  13. now...that was a great job Totomai...i'm awestruck...keep shining..a very happy and prosperous new year to you :)

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    1. It's fun actually so I guess that's the reason of great results. Thanks again, Sumana

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  14. everyone has a different metabolism and microbiota, so what we eat depends on a person, but it's hard to change diet, to be more healthy, to eat less sugar.. one year of regular jogging can make such a difference to the body, it's really worth it. crash diets and extreme exercise can do more harm than good.

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    1. Agreed Natasa, that is why I told my friends that what is effective to me may not be effective to them. We should be very careful with what we do, eat.

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  15. What a great story here... I especially like how you create it as if you are being reborn, as your image and poem about a fetus suggest. Great job!

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    1. Thanks Matthew. Second life of being healthy :-)

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  16. Wow this is so fantastic totomai....I love the pictures and how you definitely 'bare all' in words too. I am working on much the same....eating healthier, moving more. Happy, healthy 2016!

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    1. Avoid temptation from friends and you will be fine, Donna. Happy healthy 2016 indeed

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  17. Happy Birthday, Totomai, and good for you! You look great. I think it was rude of your office mates to greet your belly though...and then to comment on your hair! Not nice. I also like your idea of photographing yourself in your birthday suit every year...how appropriate. :) Have a wonderful 2016!
    Gayle ~

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    1. Maybe they were just concern as I rapidly getting big. Thanks Gayle. I started this birthday suit when I turned 30. It's been a while lol

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  18. Your story so contagious...I remember losing 20 pounds myself by doing short 5-7 meals through the day with 5-6 vegetables/fruits, 8 glasses of water, and exercising 3 times per week. Cong. on your achievement and birthday! The good habit goes deeply and for long in our lives. Happy New Year! Hair - easy to change.

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    1. I can buy many hairs, humbird haha. I guess discipline plays an important part in achieving your target. Happy New Year.

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  19. Wow!!! Congratulations on sticking to your goal with such great results. You look wonderfully fit and healthy. You inspire me to be more diligent about watching my intake........

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    1. Good to hear that Sherry. Promise me though, you will not allow yourself to be hungry :-)

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  20. Also, a very happy birthday, Totomai!

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  21. Yup! I'm convince. Well stated... if you believe, it comes true. And if it doesn't? that is also true. You look great, healthy, and looks like you don't have to fuss with hair all day :-)
    ZQ

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    1. Haha okay, I'll shut up when it comes to my hair haha. Thanks ZQ

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  22. You look great! you hair too. Thanks for sharing this wonderful endeavor. I love the pictures. Your body is lean, slim and fit. You serve as inspiration to me. Thank you and Happy Birthday.

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    1. Thanks Myrna, I hope I can continue this body change because I am feeling great.

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  23. A very interesting and timely post to begin the new year. Congrats on your commitment - and follow through - to good health.

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    1. Thanks Wendy, hope I am on the right track.

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  24. A fine narrative, Totomai, with GREAT pictures and beautiful self appreciation. I wish I had your determination. You're looking good--even the hair.

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    1. Much appreciated Susan. :) Just believe that you can do it and everything will be fine. Happy New Year

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  25. oh wow, that's really some before and after! you're looking good!
    that takes loads of determination and discipline, i guess. :)

    Cheers for the new year!

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    1. I hope this is a good start of my new year. Haha! The thanks Ds!

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  26. Congratulations for sticking to your resolution.
    Loved the verses.

    Wish you a very happy new year :)

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  27. Happy birthday Totomai! Glad you made a lifestyle change. You really look a lot better. No offense meant, mukha ka nang hapon sa Dec 2014 photo mo. hahahaha!

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    1. Racist! Hahaha. Thanks Mich :) Kelangan na kasi nalaki na ako siyado

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  28. Wow, this is impressive. I can relate to the amount of Coca-Cola you were drinking, though my drink of choice is Pepsi. SO incredibly hard to give it up, but I am trying too! Good for you :-)

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any thoughts to distill?

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