Christopher

Thanks! I've always lurked, here and there, but never really spent a lot of time going through all the content on the forums. Great stuff! Christopher

Thanks for the link! I've been looking at the Thrive Diet, and now Graham's book. I'm hoping to start the challenge this weekend, but I have a feeling it will be the following weekend before my wife and I are prepared to give it a go. Christopher

Very good point, Crystal. Thanks. Right now I don't have a lot of options for working my legs outside of walking and squats, but I'll definitely keep this in mind. I appreciate the answers. Christopher

Thanks, potter. One of the things I've been concerned about is working my legs, since I really don't. You're right--my legs have always been muscular (they have to be to carry all the weight I've carried over the years ). Since I'm only lifting dumbells at home right now, the only leg work I get is when taking walks, doing squats with dumbells, and when climbing stairs at work and home. I've mainly been working on my upper body and core and feel like I've been neglecting my legs. But your reply has eased that concern about if I should be working my legs like I'm working the rest of my body at this point in my weight loss and bulking up. Christopher

My wife and I just chatted about it on our evening walk and we're gonna shoot for the raw challenge starting either this Sunday (the 15th), or the following Sunday. Need to read a bit more before jumping in, but we're looking forward to giving it a try! Christopher

I know many people on the Vegan Bodybuilding forum have been lifting and exercising for years. I just joined the forum and posted my introduction yesterday (needless to say, I haven't been lifting and exercising for years ). I've been lifting and walking regularly since February of this year. I have a bunch of dumbells hidden away in the living room (weights ranging from 5 lbs. to 40 lbs.), and my wife and I go for at least a two mile brisk walk several times a week. On days I lift, I do my best to push myself, but not overdo it. My immediate fitness goal is to lose weight without losing what little mass I do have. My ultimate fitness goal is to have a body where all the muscle groups work together--not a body that just looks big (i.e. I try not to isolate muscle groups too much when lifting). I know many of you have lifted and exercised for years...knowing what you know now--if you could go back to when you were still new to lifting--what would you do differently? I look forward to your answers. Christopher

I just registered on the forum yesterday, so I came in too late for the challenge. I've considered going raw for at least a month in the past, so I'll definitely read about everybody's experiences and hopefully give it a shot in August. Christopher

Thanks for the warm welcomes, everybody. Lots of great info--I've been doing a lot of reading since yesterday. Christopher

Hi. I've checked out Vegan Bodybuilding for awhile and finally decided to join the discussions. My name's Christopher and I live north of Ft. Worth, Texas. I'm 38 years old and went vegetarian in 1999 and vegan in 2000. When it comes to fitness, it's never been something I did regularly, but a health scare and being a couple years shy of 40, I know taking care of myself is the best thing I can do for me and loved ones. In my early 20s, I went vegetarian on a dare. I was a vegetarian for almost three years before going back to an unhealthy diet. While eating better for those few years, I biked 10-20 miles a day and juggled a couple hours each day. There were days for no real reason that left me feeling wiped out, but during that time, I felt great. I've had a battle with weight most of my adult life, but I've always been able to get out and hike, bike, or do what I wanted (even when I topped out around 400 lbs.). When I made an effort to lose weight, however, it was always very difficult--no matter how hard I tried (even after going vegan). In 2004, I was diagnosed with a two centimeter brain tumor (a benign pituitary tumor). The pituitary tumor explained the lousy feelings that came out of nowhere--and it explained why I had a tough time losing weight. There are many different types of pituitary tumors--the kind I have flooded my body with the hormone, prolactin...which drove testosterone almost completely out of my body. Finding the energy and drive to workout was tough, but once the tumor was treated, I dropped over 100 pounds. I had a recurrence with the tumor in late 2006/early 2007; it was worse than the first time around and I decided to really fight it. If my legs hurt, I worked them. If I felt tired and sluggish, I kept moving. Since February, I've been lifting and walking regularly and I know this time I'll stick with it and get down to my ideal weight, whatever it is. I'm 6' 4" and currently weight about 285. Testosterone levels are still low, but for the first time ever, I'm building and maintaining muscle mass. I still have a ways to go, but I know discussing fitness keeps it at the front of the mind, and I'm sure veganbodybuilding.com will be the final thing I need to get to the level of health I've dreamed of. Christopher