Weight Loss For Hunting in 2024

[Novahunter]

Cool! What are you doing for diet?

I've been eating Huel for breakfast (shakes) and lunch (hot and savory meals), and the bars for morning snacks. Afternoon snacks are deer balogna, cheese sticks, veggies/hummus, etc.... Dinner is whatever my family eats.

I track calories and try to stay between 1800 and 2000 a day.

Link:

Huel | Nutritionally Complete Food

Huel is nutritionally complete food that contains all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, protein, essential fatty acids, carbs, fiber and phytonutrients

huel.com

 

[Torrent50]

I will jump into this thread. I'm at an "interesting" place in life and feel like some changes are needed. I am 55, 5'10", and 224 as of a couple days ago. I retired a couple years ago and thought my stress level would decrease significantly, but life got in the way of that and I feel like it hasn't really happened. But that's a whole different story. Basically I am facing my mortality and family history, hoping to be the exception in the bunch. I have twin 9 month old grandbabies that I really want to take hunting with me some day, so it's time for some changes.

I am going with a keto diet and my goal is to see a number on the scale that starts with a 1 for the first time in about 25 years. I do crossfit style workouts with my hunting buddies 3 days a week and am working on doing some type of workout on the off days as well. The wrench in the works so far has been that I am about 8 weeks into recovering from a partial bicep tendon tear, so I have had to really limit a lot of what I do.

Anyway, I will be following along while we all work towards our goals. Happy training and good hunting to all.

 

[MQQSE]

5-11 and 54 years old in a few weeks. 207.2 this AM. I’ve been everywhere from 156 and running marathons and 248 and sucking down brewskies over the grill since I was 35. It’s honestly 90% diet. Nobody can outrun or outlift bad inputs into the body.

With multiple sheep hunts this year I’ll want to be in the 180’s and I’ll get there. The only way is zero snacking and low calories meals with the right makeup. Guys like me in their 50’s have slower metabolisms and have to account for it. If you think that spoonfull of PB or cookie here and there don’t add up, you are wrong. I used to make that mistake and hopefully won’t anymore.

Good luck to everyone. I wish I knew five years ago what I now know from my mistakes. Eat less, workout and get your sleep. At least that seems to work for a mid 50’s guy.

 

[sodaksooner]

I will jump into this thread. I'm at an "interesting" place in life and feel like some changes are needed. I am 55, 5'10", and 224 as of a couple days ago. I retired a couple years ago and thought my stress level would decrease significantly, but life got in the way of that and I feel like it hasn't really happened. But that's a whole different story. Basically I am facing my mortality and family history, hoping to be the exception in the bunch. I have twin 9 month old grandbabies that I really want to take hunting with me some day, so it's time for some changes.

I am going with a keto diet and my goal is to see a number on the scale that starts with a 1 for the first time in about 25 years. I do crossfit style workouts with my hunting buddies 3 days a week and am working on doing some type of workout on the off days as well. The wrench in the works so far has been that I am about 8 weeks into recovering from a partial bicep tendon tear, so I have had to really limit a lot of what I do.

Anyway, I will be following along while we all work towards our goals. Happy training and good hunting to all.

Might look at paleo before going fully keto. Still lets you have a moderate level of carbs, but stay away from processed foods and seed oils.

That said, I had a rough week. Got plenty of exercise(80 miles on the bike), but diet sucked. Still down 10 lbs but need to get after it this week. I did manage a 65 hour fast week before last, and never felt hungry. The only reason I didn't stretch it was a workout I had planned and needed a bit more energy. Surpisingly, on the two longish fasts I have done this year, I haven't moved the scale that much. Really not the goal of the fast but that but is a little side benefit.

 

[Torrent50]

Might look at paleo before going fully keto. Still lets you have a moderate level of carbs, but stay away from processed foods and seed oils.

That said, I had a rough week. Got plenty of exercise(80 miles on the bike), but diet sucked. Still down 10 lbs but need to get after it this week. I did manage a 65 hour fast week before last, and never felt hungry. The only reason I didn't stretch it was a workout I had planned and needed a bit more energy. Surpisingly, on the two longish fasts I have done this year, I haven't moved the scale that much. Really not the goal of the fast but that but is a little side benefit.

I have done both at some point or another and keto isn't that terrible for me. The last time I really followed it was years ago and I was cycling a lot. Eventually when I got as low as 192 pounds, I found that my energy wouldn't hold up on the longer (50 mile +) rides. I don't do anything like that these days so I'm hopeful that it won't be an issue. If it does start happening I will probably switch to a more paleo plan.

 

[sodaksooner]

I have done both at some point or another and keto isn't that terrible for me. The last time I really followed it was years ago and I was cycling a lot. Eventually when I got as low as 192 pounds, I found that my energy wouldn't hold up on the longer (50 mile +) rides. I don't do anything like that these days so I'm hopeful that it won't be an issue. If it does start happening I will probably switch to a more paleo plan.

Good deal, Ive done both as well. Some people just have a few problems adjusting to the super low carb intake and paleo kind of eases you into it.

 

[KodaJax]

I’ve tried a lot of diets. From Keto to Atkins to Whole30 to Mediterranean. All have worked at different points in my life. I couldn’t find anything that worked for me over the last few years. Found myself a bit over 300lbs on a 5’9” frame. At 51 I felt horrible and wasn’t doing, or even able to do, things I enjoy.

I decided to take control. I am blessed with health, other than my weight. Never had a single prescription in my entire life. I decided to get on Mounjaro to see if that would help. That was September 1st. I’m down 63 pounds. Feeling better every day. Now doing 8 miles every other day on the treadmill and lifting weights again. First sheep hunt booked in NWT this fall. I will be 188 by then (famous last words I’m sure). The motivation plus just the ability to move again have been a blessing.

Hard work and discipline alone weren’t getting it done for me anymore and I don’t regret doing what I needed to get kick started. I can’t wait until July.

Getting closer to the goal. Down 87 pounds. 25 to go by July 23rd!

 

[ScreamingPotato]

One last week long fishing (aka beer drinking) trip to our camp on the coast and when I get back it's keto time. I'm 215 lbs this morning (6' height) and would like to be 195 by mid September. That should put me in the perfect range of 1lb/week to reach it, but on keto I tend to end up more in the 2lb/week range because I'm just not hungry. It's not a bad thing, bodyfat ratio considered I'd probably be pretty solid 180ish range anyway so if I lose more that's fine. Beer is my crutch, I drink... a lot.

 

[Novahunter]

I am down to 239.4 this morning, started the year at 260 so crossed the 20lbs lost mark. I'm 6ft. Got some extra motivation to lose more this week. Had a physical (my first in 5 years), and Dr. called me on Friday with results. Apparently My A1C is 6.5, which means I am diabetic (Type 2). They want a follow up call to discuss meds.

I'm 40 yrs old, no way I am going on meds if I can help it. So, now my weight loss goals and motivation just increased even more. I'm going to try and push off the meds with the Dr. for 6 months to a year. Make some major changes to my eating, even more so than I have, and get it under control naturally.

 

[bdan68]

I am down to 239.4 this morning, started the year at 260 so crossed the 20lbs lost mark. I'm 6ft. Got some extra motivation to lose more this week. Had a physical (my first in 5 years), and Dr. called me on Friday with results. Apparently My A1C is 6.5, which means I am diabetic (Type 2). They want a follow up call to discuss meds.

I'm 40 yrs old, no way I am going on meds if I can help it. So, now my weight loss goals and motivation just increased even more. I'm going to try and push off the meds with the Dr. for 6 months to a year. Make some major changes to my eating, even more so than I have, and get it under control naturally.

Yeah, definitely don't take any drugs for the diabetes. All that does is make it worse and it's just not necessary. Eat right and exercise, is all you need to do.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Thanks for bumping. I am currently 234. I drew a decent elk tag so I’m hoping to be sub 215 by sep 1. Still lifting four times per week and running 20 ish miles. Still focused on losing ~1 pound per week.

elk hunted at 252, backslid a bit and was around 258 at the end of 2023. I’m at 240 and feeling great currently, my body composition has changed a ton over the last 2.5 months even though I’ve only lost 15 pounds.

I’m running about 20 miles a week and lifting 3-4 days a week. I’ve worked down from 2800 calories to 2300 calories with 36% protein, 31% carbs, 33% fat. I’ve lost hundreds of pounds on keto if I count all the times I’ve lost and gained it. I’m focused this time on losing weight slow on a balanced diet(~1 pound per week) and building a better relationship with food. I hope to find a nice balanced maintenance calorie diet coming out of this. I would like to be around 190.

Good luck everybody! At my current path I could be around 210 this September and much stronger/fitter than I was at 255 this past September. Its an exciting for me to think about being more capable.

 

[Watrdawg]

Just saw this and since December I've been eating clean and back to working my butt of in the gym again. When I say eating clean basically it's nothing but Meat, Poultry, Fish and Pork, Vegetables and Fruit. I also do certain Dairy. Mainly yoghurt and milk. I stay away from anything processed as much as possible. I take in at least 150 grams of protein a day. I keep my Carbs typically about 50 grams at most a day. I'm not worried about fats and don't really count fat grams. I stay away from sugar and anything with Maltodextrin in it. I'm doing Crossfit 4 nights a week and also a regular strength workout the other 3. At lunch I ride my Mtn Bike 8-10 miles 3 times a week. I also walk 4 miles twice a week with a 30lb vest on. So since December I've lost 30lbs. I'm 60, 5'5'' and 163lbs. When I started I was at 193 - 195 depending on the day. I'm down to 14% in body fat. It's all been diet and exercise. I haven't really been hungry during this which is due to taking in a good bit of protein every day. Now I'm in maintenance mode which is no real change from what I've been doing. One thing that really amazes me is that if I cheat and have something with a good bit of sugar or is relatively high in simple carbs I get nauseous pretty quick!

 

[westonhoma]

Just saw this and since December I've been eating clean and back to working my butt of in the gym again. When I say eating clean basically it's nothing but Meat, Poultry, Fish and Pork, Vegetables and Fruit. I also do certain Dairy. Mainly yoghurt and milk. I stay away from anything processed as much as possible. I take in at least 150 grams of protein a day. I keep my Carbs typically about 50 grams at most a day. I'm not worried about fats and don't really count fat grams. I stay away from sugar and anything with Maltodextrin in it. I'm doing Crossfit 4 nights a week and also a regular strength workout the other 3. At lunch I ride my Mtn Bike 8-10 miles 3 times a week. I also walk 4 miles twice a week with a 30lb vest on. So since December I've lost 30lbs. I'm 60, 5'5'' and 163lbs. When I started I was at 193 - 195 depending on the day. I'm down to 14% in body fat. It's all been diet and exercise. I haven't really been hungry during this which is due to taking in a good bit of protein every day. Now I'm in maintenance mode which is no real change from what I've been doing. One thing that really amazes me is that if I cheat and have something with a good bit of sugar or is relatively high in simple carbs I get nauseous pretty quick!

This is awesome dude. Nice work!

 

[KodaJax]

I’ve tried a lot of diets. From Keto to Atkins to Whole30 to Mediterranean. All have worked at different points in my life. I couldn’t find anything that worked for me over the last few years. Found myself a bit over 300lbs on a 5’9” frame. At 51 I felt horrible and wasn’t doing, or even able to do, things I enjoy.

I decided to take control. I am blessed with health, other than my weight. Never had a single prescription in my entire life. I decided to get on Mounjaro to see if that would help. That was September 1st. I’m down 63 pounds. Feeling better every day. Now doing 8 miles every other day on the treadmill and lifting weights again. First sheep hunt booked in NWT this fall. I will be 188 by then (famous last words I’m sure). The motivation plus just the ability to move again have been a blessing.

Hard work and discipline alone weren’t getting it done for me anymore and I don’t regret doing what I needed to get kick started. I can’t wait until July.

Getting closer. Down 93 pounds with 19 to go. I’m a little behind where I wanted to be but pretty close. Had a bit of a setback in Aruba last week. Amazingly I worked out all but one day but managed to add a few pounds. Too much food and drink. Back at it this week. July 23rd is getting close. I have been working out seven days a week for months now. Cardio every other day and weights in between. My medicine has helped control the caloric intake. Feels really good to be 93 pounds lighter. NWT awaits!

 

[taskswap]

150 cals / beer. Say it with me.

 

[KSPony]

Down 93 pounds with 19 to go.

That’s awesome!!! Keep it up

 

[Watrdawg]

Getting closer. Down 93 pounds with 19 to go. I’m a little behind where I wanted to be but pretty close. Had a bit of a setback in Aruba last week. Amazingly I worked out all but one day but managed to add a few pounds. Too much food and drink. Back at it this week. July 23rd is getting close. I have been working out seven days a week for months now. Cardio every other day and weights in between. My medicine has helped control the caloric intake. Feels really good to be 93 pounds lighter. NWT awaits!

Great job! It's amazing how different you feel without the weight on you! I'm only down 30lbs and I can't believe the difference! I can't imagine how you feel being 93lbs lighter!!!

 

[mthunter1989]

150 cals / beer. Say it with me.

More for micros I would assume. My favorite brewery doesn't post their nutritional facts, so really no clue. But I lost 10 pounds last week with minimal changes in diet, besides not drinking for the week

 

[taskswap]

More for micros I would assume. My favorite brewery doesn't post their nutritional facts, so really no clue. But I lost 10 pounds last week with minimal changes in diet, besides not drinking for the week

They do vary. But it's of those things I kept saying to myself over and over.

 

[OregonSteeler]

1000%
This guy I train with said it best - you can eat 2-3 bags of potato chips, no problem. Try eating 2-3 baked potatoes in one sitting - impossible (without feeling truly full).

The whole counting calories thing is total BS. A 10oz. filet of wild meat, simply grilled with a pile of roasted veggies and a massive baked potato drenched in olive oil and (good quality) butter has easily 2,500 calories.

And, it's definitely not the same as a Big Mac or a Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

Actually, a 10oz steak, large potato, and a bunch of veggies would be around 1000 calories.

Large potato - 300
10oz steak - 600 (probably less with wild game)
veggies - 100-200

The calories can kick in with the butter and olive oil. Use sparingly and that meal is probably around 1200.

Counting calories isn't BS but it's not always the calories that you need to pay attention to. It's the trans fats, fried oils, sugars, simple carbs....

Count calories, but also watch your macros ratios (fats, carbs, proteins).

As others mentioned, less ingredients the better. Try to shop as much as you can on the outer portion of the supermarket.