Weight For It.

The reminders of ones own mortality seem, unsurprisingly, to be more frequent as one grows older but for some reason, at least in my case, they always appear to happen around this particular time of year. Five friends or acquaintances in the last three weeks alone and scarily, to me anyway, not one of them over 60. Were there underlying reasons? Perhaps in the case of two, yes, but the others were quite unexpected.

This alone sets one thinking, and having adopted a rather more sedentary lifestyle in recent years as sporting activities gave me up one by one, I discovered the distinct possibility that Michelin Man might have been modeled on a mirror image I was beginning to notice was following me around. Trying to ignore the fact that shirt collars were apparently shrinking in the wash, together with waist bands that suffered a similar fate at the dry cleaners, I battled bravely onwards. The need to meet deadlines and keep my work up to date was a convenient excuse. I was sampling any and all air line food because "it was something to do" on a long flight (actually, on short ones too). I was consciously sitting down to finish set meals at corporate events as it would have been rude to my hosts to leave anything on the plate (an old Westerner's habit - more as in "old Westerner", rather than an old habit - okay, it was how I was brought up! It was rude to leave anything, because it meant you didn't enjoy it and anyway, there were lots of people who would have been glad to have anything you left. )

Meanwhile my family were setting an example that I sort of missed. A new interest in training for triathlons from one, a continuing interest in extreme long distance planetary runs from another, a daily walk at speed from a third - and by proxy, of course, I was benefitting from all of this activity.

But then, another birthday slips into view and disappears, and younger friends who should still be around are suddenly no longer with us. The lifestyle begins to suggest (rather like the occasional doctor one sees), that even a modicum of additional exercise would not go amiss and, all of a sudden, the penny drops again.

Some years ago, about 2BR (two years Before Retirement) I think, I was wagered a decent sum of money that was to be handed over to charities of my wife's choice, were I to lose a fairly substantial amount of weight. I took on the challenge and won it, didn't know when to stop, and carried on removing further kilos. (I really understand how anorexia can get to people but, believe me, I was nowhere near that point!). However, in going down that path I began to look really old - no, seriously - to the point that I was asked at one time if I would say something publicly to reassure customers that I was actually well and healthy; they thought otherwise, it seems.

So now, senses restored, I am back in the groove. Thus if you see an elderly looking gweilo (I can call myself gweilo if I want to!) staggering slowly up Old Peak Road - all the way to the top occasionally - please don't break his concentration, or reduce his oxygen levels by speaking to him, but do give him a friendly wave, and pick him up if he has fallen over. If I start to look a little gaunt - the weight always comes off my face first which is a real nuisance - don't be alarmed. I actually look forward to the point when I can get back into my trousers without that sharp intake of breath prior to fastening them at the top, without bits of my neck hanging over my shirt collar, and being able to put on a different watch occasionally.

And if I reach my goals, there will be a couple of charities that should surely benefit from my own pleasure at having realised in time (hopefully), that while some things change you can positively help yourself.

Comments

[Robert Chesney]

Speaking as someone who nearly met 'The Grim Reaper' 9 years ago at this 'time of year', may I say: 'POSITIVELY helping yourself' (in terms of prevention), ie. taking definitive personal action, is exactly right! Not hoping some other agent/agency will hopefully deliver the sought after miracle result,as most people would prefer.(Green back treatment never works!) End result so much more satisfying! Bien hecho! Mucho Suerte! Just think how much more you will enjoy Christmas!

[Robert Chesney]

Addendum: No miracle formula to Weight Loss - simply burn off more calories than intake! Excercise - definately! But always leave the table feeling you can eat the same quantity all over again. It really is that simple!

[Sung Nee]

Eat in moderation, exercise in vigour.

[Paul Eldon]

I ate three double chocolate Tim Tams the other day as an accompaniment to a rather tasty bottle of chardonnay. It's equally important to reward yourself for good behaviour on occasion. Remembering to take out the recycling for the council might not actually qualify on this occasion but whatever.

[hans olijve]

left hong kong in 2007 at 92 kilos.2008 in sudan went down to 75. now in singapore and up to 84. over 50 this lower metabolism meaning more exercising like 3x gym, 3x dragonboating a week, but still indulge in my real burger with french fries and mayonaise, my craving for dark chocolate but drastically scaled my beer intake. in the past 10 beers a nite no issue..now if i drink 3 a week it is much...woow even men become vain...but i still fit my jeans from 25 years ago...haha