Because I care!!!!

[Stonewall]

In the past couple of years I have written 3 papers on diet, nutrition, weight loss, and exercise.

After a few sidebar conversations here on CAP Talk and recently looking at some pictures of a wing's CP website, I was once again reminded that America is putting on the pounds, and many of our members are leading the way.

People ALWAYS take offense to this subject, but I don't care if someone's feelings are hurt.  Just ignore it and it'll all be okay.  But physical fitness is a part of the cadet program and as adult mentors and leaders, we should be setting the example for our youth to follow.

I am not immune to this issue either.  For about 4 years of my life I found myself porking up after 3 major life changes; a move, career change, and having my first child all within a month of each other in 2006.  It took its toll on me and my health paid the price.  Sure, I was still active in the gym and could run the 1 1/2 mile on my PT test in 10:40, but I was heavier than I had ever been in my life.  I believe I crossed into the 230s, but I never wanted to confirm it by jumping on the scale.  I am now at my goal weight of 195 +/-, and have been for almost 2 years.

In 2010 I took action.  If you want to read how, feel free to read what I've attached below.

I wrote "Nutritional Article" in late 2010 and is probably a little dry.

I wrote "Lower carb meal plan" in 2012 after a friend asked how I did it.

I wrote "Hitting that ninety percent on the AF PT test" in 2012 as well, after people asked how I lost weight and managed a 99.3% out of 100 on the AF PT test.

Read them, igore them, or tell me they suck.  I won't be offended, but I truly believe there is a real problem in America and even CAP, and it needs to be addressed.

[Cool Mace]

Bravo Zulu!  :clap:

[Critical AOA]

It is all about desire.  Watch what you eat and get active and the pounds will drop off.  Stop and the pounds come back on.  I know.  In 2000 I weighed in at 255 lbs and decided to take action.  In a little over one year, maybe 14 months, I dropped down to 180 and was able to stay around that level for a few years by watching my diet and being active.  I have since gotten a bit lazy and have not watched my diet as well.  Since about 2003 I have slowly put the pounds back on and now am up to 220.  Dropped 75 lbs in 14 months gained 40 back in a period of about 9 years.  All my own doing, both directions.   

I will take a look at your articles as they may help in my efforts to drop again which I have been told by my commanding officer, General Wife, to do.  I always try to follow orders from such a high authority. 

[ColonelJack]

I'm in the same boat, David.

On my 50th birthday (2008), I weighed approximately 300 pounds.  I began a 1,000-calorie-per-day diet that day, figuring that I'd like another 50 birthdays and being a heart attack looking for a place to happen was not going to improve my chances of achieving that goal.

One year later, on birthday 51, I weighed 169 pounds.  I was at my high school weight and felt fan-freaking-tastic.

I kept the weight off for much of the next two years, but like you, I let myself get lazy.  I'm now over 220 again and have reached a renewed determination to get back down at least under 200.

I know what took the weight off the first time; it's time, I see, to do it again.

Jack

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

It is a problem.

However, as I said in another thread, I take various prescription medications.

Many of these have weight gain as an unfortunate side effect.

I try to exercise, but it's like pulling teeth to keep the weight off.

I could stop taking the medication and watch the weight drop, but my wife would likely soon be a widow if that happened.

[AngelWings]

It is a problem.

However, as I said in another thread, I take various prescription medications.

Many of these have weight gain as an unfortunate side effect.

I try to exercise, but it's like pulling teeth to keep the weight off.

I could stop taking the medication and watch the weight drop, but my wife would likely soon be a widow if that happened.

I am sorry to hear that. I can relate to it somewhat with what my mom has gone through.

As I've also stated in another thread, his advice is solid and if I were 21 I would owe him a beer or few. Anyone looking to lose weight should listen to his advice! I am serious, he has helped me out and I am now on the right track to losing weight healthy and steadily, and my uniform is fitting better too 

[Stonewall]

However, as I said in another thread, I take various prescription medications.

Many of these have weight gain as an unfortunate side effect.

I will not argue with you as I do not know you and I can only take you at your word, which I do.

Similarly, I have an acquaintance who I have to be around a few times each month that is also on some medications that have weight gain as a side effect.  But then, I see his diet.  Pizza, Chinese, and Mexican buffets on a regular basis, and then there's the regular soda and/or sweet tea.  Plus, he's a huge fan of dessert.  Yet he lays blame solely on his medications.  This guy burns zero calories a day via exercise, yet he consumes (I'm spit balling here) at least 3,500 calories each day.  But the medication is the cause...

As I preach day in and day out, it is 80% diet/nutrition and 20% exercise.

[Eclipse]

Weight gain of fat is a product of one factor - ingesting more calories then are burned.

Medications can only slow your metabolism or cause you to retain more water then normal, they can't manufacturer
weight from free energy molecules.

Sometimes this is unavoidable, as being "alive" is preferable to being "dead-skinny", but as Stone says,
a lot of people have horrible diets and sedentary lifestyles and then blame medication.

[Critical AOA]

The following is from an article on Johns Hopkins web site.

The reasons why some medications cause weight gain are not always clear, but in many cases a drug increases appetite or makes people crave certain foods. For example, the weight gain associated with the use of insulin is probably due to the fact that insulin can lead to periods of hypoglycemia, which stimulates appetite. Some drugs alter metabolism, causing the body to burn calories more slowly or to store fat.

Some corticosteroids, for example, make the body less able to absorb blood glucose, and this can lead to fat deposits in the trunk and weight gain. Other medications produce fatigue or shortness of breath, making the person less active (the antihypertensive drugs known as beta-blockers are thought to have this effect), or can cause water retention (a side effect of antihypertensive calcium channel blockers). 

So yes, medications can complicate things but it does not necessarily condemn you.  For instance, if your meds increase your appetite, then just pay closer attention to what you eat and exercise a bit more than before.  If it slows down your metabolism, same thing.  If your meds causes fatigue or shortness of breath, then slow down your pace but don't stop.  The thing is that you might have to make adjustments or try harder because of your meds but do not simply accept a fate of being overweight. 

[dadunkindude]

This is an issue I wrestle with constantly, not because it affects me personally, but because I feel it effects recruiting efforts and the image of the CAP. Granted, my scenario is a little different than most. I am assigned to a military installation with a town that only exists because the base is present. 90%+ of the population is military or retired military. Thus, the obesity problems that plague other cities is reduced because of the heavy military influence and active duty PT requirements. Because of our small town size and isolated location, our unit is comprised of personnel that are all "in shape." Since we're so isolated, the notion that "all CAP members are in great shape" becomes the accepted norm because that's what's prevalent here.

I have an Active Duty enlisted member who's considering becoming an SM. I took him to an event to introduce him to some other SMs who are active in the Wing who are not AD military. When we got to the event, I saw a look of bewilderment (horror?) on his face. He leaned over to me and whispered "guess CAP PT standards are way different for officers." What I realized was that he was so used to seeing officers in an active duty setting, that he was overlooking the uniform and focusing solely on the rank. Regardless if the individuals present were wearing an approved uniform for their weight, it's tough to remind oneself that the standards for the AD military and CAP are different.

I understand that it would be tough to get CAP to modify its standards. CAP allows people to participate in a military-esque setting that would not be admitted to the "real military" due to medical conditions, weight, age, disability, etc. This diversity and acceptance is a positive aspect of CAP and part of what makes the program great. I also understand that CAP is not the "real military." But the more I thought about what the TSgt said though, the more what he said made sense.

It boils down to image. To the average (un-informed) person, there is no difference between the real military and CAP. All they see when we're out and about is a different colored name tape but the same rank structure the military uses. It's tough for people to disassociate what they see from what they percieve, especially when CAP wears military uniforms and is the auxiliary of the USAF.

There is an image of what an officer should be. We push our cadets to excel on the PT test, and embrace an active lifestyle. We are the leaders of the organization and expect the cadets to follow our example. What example do we set when we don't participate in PT? In addition, PT is required for cadet rank advancement. Why not the same standard for SMs? You want to go up in rank, you have to pass a fit test, just like the cadets. If you have a medical condition, you can get a waiver for a particular component just like the cadets do. I feel that until PT becomes an integrated part of the SM program like it is with the cadet program, the issue won't go away.

Like I said, I probably have a unique situation because of our geographic location and a unique perspective because I serve on Active Duty as well as being involved in CAP. I know the two programs are different, but it's mighty hard to look at a CAP officer and know that someone who's grossly overweight and would never be allowed to wear a military uniform can continue to participate in CAP with no incentive to change their lifestyle.

I apologize for the long post...

[Eclipse]

It sounds like your members are making assumptions no one is correcting when they join - not good for anyone, because it
is likely to foster either isolation, or inappropriate attitudes if they participate outside the unit.

Since there are no "PT Standards" for adult members, the first question to ask would be where any one of your people would get that idea.

It sounds like it might be a good time to have an all-hands meeting and explain how CAP really works.

[BillB]

When I first joined CAP as a cadet, senior members DID do PT. Often on the same nights as cadets. Even senior members that didn't meet weight standards were expected to meet the PT requirements. I believe even under the early years of the Corporate structure there was a PT requirement that magically disappeared by the 1950's.

[Terry W.]

Great topic. Not to try to derail the thread, but how many SM's here participate in PT with the cadets. I know the Cadet leadership runs the PT sessions however being a SNCO I like to give instruction on things that may help improve such as stretching or different techniques to build them up. It seems most units only focus on the physical fitness test instead of generating a physical fitness program to show improvement. This is apparent by the number of kids I have ran into that only do the exercices when it's test time.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Great topic. Not to try to derail the thread, but how many SM's here participate in PT with the cadets. I know the Cadet leadership runs the PT sessions however being a SNCO I like to give instruction on things that may help improve such as stretching or different techniques to build them up. It seems most units only focus on the physical fitness test instead of generating a physical fitness program to show improvement. This is apparent by the number of kids I have ran into that only do the exercices when it's test time.

Unfortunately the issue is that most cadets ONLY do PT for the PT Test. While NHQ wants us to do more, I get pushback for saying our cadets need more drill than 20 minutes / week and sometimes less as "we don't have enough time". Now, moving onto the SM side of the house, I've seen a SM run PT once or twice with the cadets. I plan on participating in at least the run with the cadets, mainly in the back with the last group to motivate them, and for my own benefit. I used to do that as a cadet when I had already checked my PT box, and I had the same help from a C/Capt when I was new. When you struggle with the run, sometimes having a run buddy just makes it easier to keep going.

[SARMan]

Its true. A lot of SMs are too fat to even be seen in uniform

[Майор Хаткевич]

Its true. A lot of SMs are too fat to even be seen in uniform

They make the G/Ws in pretty big sizes.

[Ned]

Cadets and CP seniors already know about CAPP 52-18, The Cadet Physical Fitness Program. 

It has some terrific chapters on nutrition, fitness training (warming up / cooling down, training regimens, circuit training, etc.),  and leadership, in addition to chapters on testing, hot weather safety, etc.

It is a great resource for all our members, whether or not they work with cadets.

[Devil Doc]

Im not running 3 miles a day or going on 8 mile force marches like I used to. I sit in my "Swivel Governement Issued Chair" at work, and stare at a compter all day. So fun. Get 30 minute Lunches, nice messages left on my work phone, and threatened on a daily basis!! Just love my job.

[Stonewall]

Im not running 3 miles a day or going on 8 mile force marches like I used to. I sit in my "Swivel Governement Issued Chair" at work, and stare at a compter all day. So fun. Get 30 minute Lunches, nice messages left on my work phone, and threatened on a daily basis!! Just love my job.

Welcome to life!  Again, I'm not sure what your limitations are with your injury, but I know there are ways to stay fit, even with challenging obstacles in your way.  2 guys from deployment last year lost their legs below the knee on the same patrol.  This happened on 8 May 11.  By October (5 months later) one ran the Army 10 Miler and another set a goal of smoking the Air Force PT test, which he did, with a mid-90s score.  If you can move your body, you can get in shape.

But again, 80% diet/nutrition!!!

You're a desk jokey, I get it.  I spend at least 50% of my day riding a desk, but I take the time to think through my meals, and I eat out for lunch every single day!  That's right, I EAT OUT FOR LUNCH EACH AND EVERY DAY!!!! 

Doc, if you can be 100% honest with me as to what foods you consume throughout the day, I can help you get back into blues/BDUs.  I promise!

[Devil Doc]

Your not the only one We are fortunate to get an Ex Air Force Nutritionist as part of our SM Cadet prpgram. She says i will have you in blues in no time. Ive ben trying, ben drinking diet soda, trying not to snack so much, and trying not to eat when depressed/anxiety.