Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sharing About My Slimming Progress

I just did a sharing about my slimming success yesterday evening with many people who aspire to slim down successfully without rebound. I've also updated my progress as follows:

Anyway, this is my slimming statistics after just 3 months as I completed in July 2010. It's December 2010 now and my latest weight is 72kg.
Here are my latest photo.






Saturday, October 2, 2010

What is Visceral Fat?

You may have noticed that many people above thirty starts to develop a 'beer belly'. As visceral and subcutaneous fat starts to build up, most people do not realize the danger signs that their health is at risk.

What is Visceral Fat?

Visceral Fat refers to the fats that surrounds our vital organs and is located in the stomach area. It is not the fat that lies under your skin though. That is called subcutaneous fat. Visceral Fat is deeper within.

Studies have shown that the more visceral fat you carry in your body, the higher your body develops insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes. High visceral fats also makes a person more prone to stroke, heart diseases and hypertension.

Although visceral fat is easier to lose as compared to subcutaneous fat, most people pay no attention to it because they do not understand the dangers of how visceral fat can affect their health as it is hidden and not visible. They usually pay more attention to subcutaneous fat which is visible and visually disturbing.

The good news is, with regular exercise, visceral fat can be reduced. The key here is to have a regular exercise regime. Doing no exercise at all will lead to an increase in visceral fat over time. Coupled with a healthy diet, and with the help of the program I had undergone, both visceral fat and subcutaneous fat can be significantly reduced in no time.

On 16 September 2010, The Straits Times featured the article "Dangers of tummy fat" by Geraldine Ling. I have attached the article for your reference.

Click on picture to view in full page or click here to view PDF version (clearer).

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

What Does Health Mean To Me?

Since my blog is about slimming and health, today I'd like to blog a little bit about what health means to me.

When I was a young boy, I was pretty unhealthy. I wasn't fat back then, but I was always coughing. I often visit the doctor and medicine was kind of part of my diet. I even coughed to the extent that the doctor advised me to stand under the sun for half an hour every day. I did not know for what reason he asked me to do that. All I knew was my mom made me do it in order to be healthier. Anyway, that was the time when I was around 4-5 years old.

I grew up to be a slim boy. In fact, I would call myself skinny instead. I did not like sports or games and would avoid them whenever I could. I hated jogging and running as every time I have physical education lessons, I would run out of breath. Nevertheless, I was skinny (slim if you would like to call it), but I was not healthy. I lacked confidence whenever I see that others can run fast. However, apart from this small problem, I have no other health issue. I ate well, and I slept well. I can swim and I can hike. I love walking up stairs (somehow that did not give me any difficulty in breathing). Still, I tried my best not to get involved in running.

And because I was skinny (I was 57kg even when I was 19), I took my health for granted all these years. When it comes to food, everything can go into my stomach. I ate huge quantities of food everyday and I also eat very oily foods without thinking. My parents used to say that even if I soak myself in oil, I will never grow fat. Ya... Fat Hope!

When I went into my twenties, signs of 'growing' started to show up. Ya, I began growing horizontally in my late twenties, and once I reach thirty, my growth was 'exponential'. In less than ten years, my weight has increased by more than 10kg, and I earned myself a big beer belly. I was able to do ten chin ups during my army days but now, I cannot even do two. Still, I thought that being fat is a small issue and I can live with it. "Everybody else is fat" I thought. "Being fat is normal" I thought.

Few months ago, my wife attended a health seminar, and she brought me along. I had a shock when I saw for myself the kind of risks I am carrying in myself. I am a time bomb waiting to explode. My health condition is not as rosy as I thought it is. As a result of my obesity, I have developed slip disc. I also have high cholesterol level. Luckily, my blood pressure is still normal.

What shocked me was the diseases that are caused by obesity. Heart diseases, diabetes, stress, and many others are associated with the obese, and if one does not recognize the dangers of these, one is doomed to move towards destruction. You may find that I am a little bit dramatic here but a fact is a fact. I have friends that are in a even more dangerous zone than I am and they still have not realize this fact.

Lucky for me I took action. I took action because I value my life. More importantly, I took action because I value my love ones, especially my wife and my daughter. I took action because I also want to help others realize the danger they are in. And I am happy today I saw what happened to me, and I took action to change it.

So what does health mean to me?

Today, with regards to health, I live by one principle - Staying Healthy Today Means That I Do Not Have To Pay For It Later.

I got struck with slip disc because of the choices I made ten years ago. I have high cholesterol today because of the foods I took five years ago. It is all going to change. Ten years from now, I am going to be as fit as a fiddle. I know the importance of a healthy diet, the importance of regular exercise, and most of all, the importance of how I can enjoy my life with my love ones in my future.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Time to change my clothes!!!

Check it out! It's time to buy new clothes! As promised, here is my latest photograph and as you can see, I really have to buy myself some new pair of pants (and also new shirts as I do look like I am wearing clothes I stole).



Anyway, it has been very busy weeks and as such, I have not visited the gym for a while (no excuse!!!). I will and I must go for some exercise at the end of this week. More updates coming up soon...

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Excited About Slimming... Even For A Guy

I wanted to update this blog by end of August but I am unable to contain my excitement. This is because when I went up my weighing machine yesterday, I was amazed to see my weight at 76kg. Yes, 76kg. What excites me so much is that I am 1kg away from 75kg, which was my weight 12 years ago when I just completed my national service.

What does this mean to me?

For many years, I have tried to slim down and reduce my weight. I tried dieting, exercising, eating dietary supplements, skipping meals and many other ways. Still, I could not see any visible result, although ocassionally, I do see some changes in my body. However, the changes were often temporary and my weight and my shape always rebound back. Worse, I grow bigger every time.

Today, I see a new me. My belly is going down by inches and so is my weight. My visceral fat dropped from 12 to 9. Now, visceral fat is something that is extremely hard to shed. Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds the internal organs. Studies have shown that high levels of visceral fat will make a person more prone to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and hypertension. My goal is to lower my visceral fat to at least 5.

Anyway, I am really excited about myself now. I have since stopped taking the slimming program (it's supposed to be 3 months) but I do continue with 1 meal replacement every alternate day. My slip disc problem is gone and I no longer feel pain in my back even if I have to sit for hours. I can start jogging now without the fear of pain and as my body gets lighter, it takes less effort to jog.

I will be updating a new picture of myself at the end of this month. At the same time, I am glad that my wife, who has also undergone the same program has me, has also produced impressive results. My sister also joined in the program and is making really good progress. At the end of it all, I believe that having a healthy body that allows us to have energy to do things that we want is the most important.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Slimming Program - Completed?

Today is the official date of my 3 months slimming program. Was it a success? Honestly, I think there is room for improvement. Here are my results.


I hope I can build more muscle mass and really shape up in time to come. I am still quite happy with the results though. As you can see, my body is not as 'round' as before and I certainly feel healthier and more energized. Also, here are my other 'stats':

Height: 175cm (no change)
Weight: 77.5kg (decrease by 5.2kg)
Body Fat: 21.4% (previously 25.2%)
Body Age: 42 (previously 47)
BMI: 25.3 (decrease by 1.7, still slightly overweight)
Visceral Fat: 10 (decrease by 2)
SCS: 39,000 (previously 13,000)

Like I said, these are not optimal results but they sure are encouraging. The good thing about this program is after 3 months, I no longer need to continue with the program.What I need to do is to maintain a healthy diet and to exercise whenever I can. Like I mentioned in my previous post, after going through the program, my health consciousness and awareness has certainly increased.

I will continue to keep this blog updated. Anyone who happens to see this blog and is interested to find out what slimming program I went through can drop me a comment with your email and I will revert to you.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Slimming Program - Update

I am nearing the end of my 3 months slimming program. Yesterday, I measured my waistline and I discovered that it has went down by 5cm. Although the result is not 'great', and my tummy is still showing, it has motivated me to continue with faith on this program.

This program has changed me not only in size and shape. As I enter the last month of the program, my mindset towards health has totally changed. In the past, I take whatever my tastebud fancies. I shirk at the thought of 'healthy foods' like vegetables and fruits. I ignore exercise TOTALLY and I will never ever think of health as my priority.

Today, after slightly more than 2 months into this slimming program, I am a changed person. EVen if I do not achieve the desired results in 3 months time, I know I will eventually slim down to what I want to be. Today, I make sure that I eat healthy food including vegetables and fruits. Today, I am open to exercise. In fact, I am going to sign up soon for a gym membership to ensure that I exercise regularly. As I go through this slimming program, I can feel the following changes and benefits go through my body. They are:

1) I feel lighter and has more energy.
2) I feel that I am more alert and less lethargic.
3) I begin to enjoy eating heatlhy foods.
4) I am more motivated to exercise to keep my body fit.
5) I know exactly why I want to be fit.

I am happy that I have gone through this slimming program and I will share the end result with you soon.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Week 7 - Photo Updates

As mentioned, I am seeing some results... Not fantastic ones but at least some results. Here are my photos.

I am also more motivated to continue this since I am seeing good results. Honestly, I was a little skeptical when I see the testimonials but now I just want to put all my heart into this program. Wish me success...




Thursday, June 10, 2010

Slimming Updates

Seems like I have started to see some results. My tummy is still there but looks like it has shrunk enough to notice the difference. I'll be updating with photos soon. My 3-month slimming journey is already half way and I'd really like to see faster results...

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Week 5 - Complete Slimming & Health Solution Update

Again, I missed my update last week of my slimming and health solution. Must really stick to the plan...

Talking about sticking to the plan, I had my review last week and I was 'informed' that my current diet is not doing my slimming plan any good. Have to get rid of the oily foods especially in the morning. Needless to say, my body fat results were not that good. Good thing is my SCS score improved (think this is the only thing that has improved). Will need to work on my diet and also exercise.

Thus, for this week, I have begun to really stick to eating low fat breakfast and lunch. I eat more vegetables and stick to 1 meat for lunch. Also, I have started doing light exercises in the evenings. I am beginning to see my tummy go down a little bit. Not too much yet just a little bit. I am glad and I hope that more efforts = better results soon.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Week 3

I missed one week of update. Basically, my wife and I were at Maldives on a holiday from 11th to 16th May. Needless to say, we did not follow our 'strict' slimming program and allowed ourselves to indulge in Maldives. So, I gained a few pounds back despite my efforts. Anyway, I am back this week and looks like next week is going to be the first month. Got lots of catching up to do and will stick closely to dieting for this week.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

1st Week - Progress (Complete Slimming & Health Solution)

The first week has passed so I am going to share my progress and updates.

The first few days of the program was not easy. I suddenly have to cut down on a fair bit of 'oily' foods and start taking my supplements. I get hungry at times and just have to endure through it. Nevertheless, I am telling myself that it is just the beginning and I will get used to it soon.

As the first few days passed, my body began to slowly adapt to the new 'diet' and I get hungry lesser. However, I still have the bad habit of taking 'small bites' especially at night. Guess I must learn to be more disciplined.

Anyway, I have yet to take my weight (currently do not have a weighing machine at home). I may be thinking of buying one so that I can monitor and update on a weekly basis.

Another thought in my mind is I need to start - EXERCISING!!! Yes, this is actually a big word for me because honestly, I do not like to exercise. However, I know that if I want to maximize results, I need to do some form of exercise soon. My wife has been asking me to do it and I keep finding excuse. Must really put my mind to it...

Focus, focus, focus...

Friday, April 30, 2010

Some Health Statistics - Before Slimming Program

Taken as of 27 April 2010, here are my health measurements:

Height: 175cm
Weight: 82.7kg
BMI (Body Mass Index): 27 (Overweight)

BMI Categories:
  • Underweight = <18.5
  • Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight = 25-29.9
  • Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater 
SCS (Skin Carotenoid Scores): 13,000 (Low)

Skin Carotenoid Score is a measurement of the presence of carotenoid antioxidants in the skin. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants found in abundance in certain fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids neutralize damaging free radical molecules and are absorbed in human plasma and tissue, providing an excellent indicator of a person’s antioxidant level.

Skin Carotenoid Score Index

40,000 ~ 49,000+ Blue – High presence of skin carotenoids
30,000 ~ 39,000 + Green – Good presence of skin carotenoids
20,000 ~ 29,000+ Yellow – Moderate presence of skin carotenoids
10,000 ~ 19,000 Red – Low presence of skin carotenoids

Body Fat: 25.2%
Upper Arm: 29.5cm
Waist: 98cm
Abdomen: 97cm
Hip: 96cm
Thigh: 49cm
Calf: 40.5cm


As you can see from my health measurements, I am not exactly in the 'FIT' category. Hence, I am putting my trust in this program to see results.

Update more soon...

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Complete Slimming & Health Solution

I'm starting on a new slimming & health solution today. This complete package will take me on a 3 month easy to follow dietary course with supplements to help me in getting my body back in shape. I was kind of skeptical at the program at first but as I watched the LIVE testimonials from people who have went through the solution before me, boy was I impressed.

Anyway, I will be updating this new blog on a weekly basis, to share my progress.

Attached are the photos of me taken this morning, before I start the program.





















I wish to achieve success with this complete slimming & health solution. Not only can it help me slim down, more importantly, I hope that my health will improve with it. My current health readings are not so 'ideal' and according to calculations, I have a body age of 47 even though I am only 34 this year.

Wish me success...