Just now, atpeace said:

OK, eat big macs daily.  I enjoy big macs also and I am strong and lean.  I just don't make it a regular habit and I know that if I consume more calories than I burn, I will gain fat.  Just  what has worked for me and you told me my approach is rubbish.  No problem and good luck.

Bigmacs are awful but the point is portion size is important. Being thin is great for marathon running but it doesnt guarantee longlife. If a fat Charlie Munger can live to 97yo Im not buying the thin body theory.

Also important to know when you eat carbs, you also eat protein and healthy fat together to avoid sugar spikes

4 minutes ago, atpeace said:

If you are unhealthy a fat adding more protein just adds calories.  Now if you go on a a healthy high protein diets and stick to it, I'm confident you would lose fat.

 

 

Protein is more filling so the person probably eats less fat.

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

Bigmacs are awful but the point is portion size is important. Being thin is great for marathon running but it doesnt guarantee longlife. If a fat Charlie Munger can live to 97yo Im not buying the thin body theory.

Basing outcomes on anecdotal evidence is almost pointless and impossible to debate.   If you want to research what Charlie Munger ate or other individuals that aren't the stereo type healthy person, have at it.  

 

I don't want to look like Charlie nor live his lifestyle.  He seemed content and extremely wise.  I try to emulate those qualities but doubt I will ever be remotely as wise as him.

2 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Basing outcomes on anecdotal evidence is almost pointless and impossible to debate.   If you want to research what Charlie Munger ate or other individuals that aren't the stereo type healthy person, have at it.  

 

I don't want to look like Charlie nor live his lifestyle.  He seemed content and extremely wise.  I try to emulate those qualities but doubt I will ever be remotely as wise as him.

Ive never met a negative 97yo. Negative people die young.

 

Ever noticed that?

3 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Protein is more filling so the person probably eats less fat.

Yes, this has been my experience. 

 

It is complicated and looking in the mirror and making an honest assessment of how much fat you need to lose is a start.  Then picking a diet that will get you there.  It isn't fun and can be mildly painful.  Some choose to avoid the pain and that is cool. 

 

We all are not all the same and what is important to me, others might see as vain.  Actually I see my preoccupation with my body as a little over the top. 

3 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Ive never met a negative 97yo. Negative people die young.

 

Ever noticed that?

 

I guess the mortality average age on the forum is low? If you right 

1 minute ago, atpeace said:

Yes, this has been my experience. 

 

It is complicated and looking in the mirror and making an honest assessment of how much fat you need to lose is a start.  Then picking a diet that will get you there.  It isn't fun and can be mildly painful.  Some choose to avoid the pain and that is cool. 

 

We all are not all the same and what is important to me, others might see as vain.  Actually I see my preoccupation with my body as a little over the top. 

Whatever makes you happy. 

20 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Protein is more filling so the person probably eats less fat.

One thing is sure, there is many ways to succeed going down in weight, and also build more muscles, but not all of them is long term sustainable, and wherein we can disagree. 

 

At the bottom end, what matters, is colonies in and calories out. That’s the only sure thing. 

 

Placebo effect is one the strongest effects for anyone. As long you believe in something and willing to make changes, things happens, but it is not always what you think was the most important thing because you succeeded, which most likely was you made decisions to make changes and do something. That’s what matter. 

 

What AI have to say about my rambling Norglish is always interesting 

 

While personal belief and behavioral change are powerful drivers of success, long-term weight management and muscle growth rely on several foundational biological principles.

1. Energy Balance (CICO)

You are correct that Calories In, Calories Out (CICO) is the primary law of thermodynamics governing weight change. 

• Weight Loss: Requires a caloric deficit (consuming fewer calories than the body expends).
• Muscle Growth: While possible in a deficit for beginners, it is most efficient during a caloric surplus or at maintenance, provided there is adequate protein intake and resistance training. 

 

2. The Role of Psychology and Placebo

The placebo effect and the "expectancy effect" play significant roles in fitness. When you believe a specific diet or supplement works, your adherence—the most critical factor for success—increases. Research suggests that the "best" diet is often whichever one an individual can stick to consistently over time. 

 

3. Sustainability vs. Quick Fixes

Sustainability is where disagreement often arises. While a "crash diet" might satisfy the CICO equation, it often fails long-term because: 

• Metabolic Adaptation: Extreme deficits can lead to a significant drop in resting metabolic rate.
• Muscle Wasting: Without sufficient protein and stimulus, the body may prioritize burning muscle tissue over fat.
• Hormonal Shift: Drastic changes can disrupt hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, making weight regain more likely. 

 

4. Making the Decision

Ultimately, the act of deciding to change is the catalyst. Whether a person chooses keto, intermittent fasting, or simple portion control, the underlying success factor is usually the transition from passive consumption to mindful, intentional eating and movement.

For those looking to track their energy balance accurately, tools like the Precision Nutrition Macro Calculator can help bridge the gap between "believing" and "knowing" your caloric needs

4 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Ive never met a negative 97yo. Negative people die young.

 

Ever noticed that?

Today I was negative twice and both instances added nothing positive to my life.  I lent my car to my wife's brother to take his kid to the hospital (bad leg break a week ago on the motorbike ).  When he returned the car I noticed that he latched the seatbelt behind his back. His son sees his Dad doing these types of things and this is why he now has a screwed up leg.  I lost my cool and spouted off (not Infront of the kid).  Should have let it go or said something that was constructive.  I'm rambling - 555.

3 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Today I was negative twice and both instances added nothing positive to my life.  I lent my car to my wife's brother to take his kid to the hospital (bad leg break a week ago on the motorbike ).  When he returned the car I noticed that he latched the seatbelt behind his back. His son sees his Dad doing these types of things and this is why he now has a screwed up leg.  I lost my cool and spouted off (not Infront of the kid).  Should have let it go or said something that was constructive.  I'm rambling - 555.

Positive thinking won't fix the middle east but negative thinkers have never climbed Everest or visited the moon and they will never make 100 years of age.

Everyone has a different outlook on things. When you hit your late 60's to have an ideal weight according to doctors most likely means you're skinny and weak. Body construction varies right? I know older guys who have the slight build, tall and muscled who probably do weigh in at the recommended weight. While others have a bigger build.

 

I've seen the guys who were shall we say husky and they lose weight without lifting weights and they look weak. In my book lifting weights is a necessity for keep the joints and muscles working. Walking is awesome along with weight training for just feeling better. One of the things about lifting is the hunger afterwards. The new year is upon us. 

 

I'd like to lose say 5-7 kilos. But, I'll try eating smaller portions, more protein. Snacks is a hard one to quit. But, not so concerned about weight loss as I am more focused on getting stronger overall. I hit the gym 3-5 days a week, steam room sessions afterwards. I feel strong, I walk straighter and more confident.

22 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Cycle in a group usually including women sometimes believe it or not, you being odd would cycle on your own sooner or later

Agree with your advice on this thread but serious cyclists can be real jerks. I've actually raced in some of the most popular races here in Thailand prior to a bad accident in 2015 after getting the Strava KOM on Khao Kho. The testosterone junkies and better than thou was hard at times to handle. I hope my running days aren't going to end soon because I don't relish returning to cycling :)

5 hours ago, atpeace said:

Agree with your advice on this thread but serious cyclists can be real jerks. I've actually raced in some of the most popular races here in Thailand prior to a bad accident in 2015 after getting the Strava KOM on Khao Kho. The testosterone junkies and better than thou was hard at times to handle. I hope my running days aren't going to end soon because I don't relish returning to cycling :)

I agree, those on the jungle juice ruin it for the rest, take it far too seriously

On 12/30/2025 at 8:50 PM, EVENKEEL said:

Everyone has a different outlook on things. When you hit your late 60's to have an ideal weight according to doctors most likely means you're skinny and weak. Body construction varies right? I know older guys who have the slight build, tall and muscled who probably do weigh in at the recommended weight. While others have a bigger build.

 

I've seen the guys who were shall we say husky and they lose weight without lifting weights and they look weak. In my book lifting weights is a necessity for keep the joints and muscles working. Walking is awesome along with weight training for just feeling better. One of the things about lifting is the hunger afterwards. The new year is upon us. 

 

I'd like to lose say 5-7 kilos. But, I'll try eating smaller portions, more protein. Snacks is a hard one to quit. But, not so concerned about weight loss as I am more focused on getting stronger overall. I hit the gym 3-5 days a week, steam room sessions afterwards. I feel strong, I walk straighter and more confident.

That is a great outlook on health. Have a healthy routine and stick with it most days. You are not going to get a six pack but will be better off than 99% of the late 60 crowd. Moderation and consistence are hard habits to maintain when it comes to health. I do think losing the extra kilos wouldn't hurt but probably not an issue.