Reply #12: You're Right

[Coyote_Bandit]

I'm about 5'6" and weigh about 225. I eat a semi-vegetarian diet (vegetarian diet with baked or grilled fish or fowl two or three times a week) and I spend somewhere between six and twelve hours a week at the gym depending on other obligations. A typical workout at the gym for me includes 15 minutes on the elliptical cross-trainer, 30 minutes on the treadmill, 15 to 30 minutes on the stepper and 3 sets of 10 reps at about 20 different weight stations. Easily a full two hour workout.

Much of my weight problem too is genetic. Mom's side of the family has three generations of medical history with various thyroid disorders. Mom actually had some fairly serious thyroid problems while she was pregnant with me. And I have cousins on Dad's side of the family who look at me and cry because they think I look just like Grandma - something that definitely is not a compliment.

Since I spend so much time at the gym I have had quite a bit of opportunity to observe some Barbie and Ken wannabes. And let me tell you, thin and attractive does not necessarily equate to fit and strong. And some very thin folks find it almost impossible to gain weight.

I would love to find a safe, healthy way to shed some pounds. But I think I am being reasonably responsible and disciplined with respect to both diet and exercise. Something which does not always make me feel better about other folks attitudes and preconceptions.