Too much Lego, too much lumber!

BooTheMightyHamster

I had a catch up with a friend from work the other day - we're both members of a work Google Plus Lego community and in a similar boat - we both buy too much Lego, and her husband and my wife can't see the point.

She asked me how I was - about 18 months ago I had a lovely week when I was diagnosed with high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer.  Fortunately the NHS had been amazing, and I had surgery within 8 weeks of being diagnosed, but as far as the diabetes was concerned, I was borderline and it was suggested to me that if I shift enough weight, I could come off the medication.  Sadly, despite my best efforts, the weight has resolutely refused to shift, which has nothing to do with my love of snacks, no sirree! 

So while talking to my friend, I conceived of a cunning plan:

I'm currently 18st 4lb, and I want the last two Technic sets of 1H19 that I don't have - the Tracked Loader and the RC Stunt Racer - so I declared that I couldn't buy them (or any other Lego) until I get down to 17st 7lb.  And then I can't buy any more (Welcome to Apolalypseburg comes to John Lewis on June 1st!) until I get to 17st.  And so on - I can reward myself at every half stone lost.  I've decided I like Lego more than I like crisps and a KitKat for breakfast!

I posted this on the G+ Community, as much as a 'Well I've said it, so I'll have to stick to it now.' sort of thing as anything else, and not only did I get messages of encouragement, it appears that JL has quite a few Lego fans that are a bit larger then they'd like to be, so a number of my colleagues have signed up for some variation of 'Lose weight, get Lego.'

So I figured I'd mention it here too - the more people who know about it, the more likely I am to stick to it.

Now where's that carrot stick?

GeordiePaul

What an excellent way to motivate yourself to lose weight. Get healthy, get more Lego - it’s a win/win! I know it probably isn’t easy to do, but what an incentive. The very best of lucky to you and I hope you keep us posted with your progress (and the corresponding sets you reward yourself with).

akunthita

I regularly see LEGO fans doing this in the LEGO Reddit community. Some people break it down even more. They buy a set when they achieve a larger goal weight, then have mini goals for each bundle of bags. So, they have to loose a pound to build the steps from bags #1, then another pound to build from bags #2, etc. Then, they post progress pictures of the build to keep themselves accountable. It seems to be working for a lot of people.

By the way, I thought it was ironic that G+ was shut down just at the beginning of the month, so there is no one to keep you accountable there any more. Good thing you found another community. :)

Pitfall69

I'm glad you are getting yourself on the right track. My biological father died from complications from prostate cancer (among other thing), so I get checked regularly. My PSA numbers are fine, but prostate is enlarged. 

Anyway, I'm actually a personal trainer and it's too bad you didn't live closer. It's amazing how simple changes lifestyle make huge impacts on health. Keep up to good work!!!

SumoLego

I'd probably need a 'lose weight or LEGO will be confiscated' program.

And I'd probably end up hoarding more LEGO to offset said confiscation...

I also read the topic and thought this was about building wood shelves.  For LEGO.

SumoLego

BooTheMightyHamster said:

Now where's that carrot stick?

Carrot cake, whatnow?

jason1976

Good luck with it - hope you manage to get your weight down and get Welcome to Apolalypseburg!

It also sounds like something I need to do, although a bit tricky at the moment *eyes the number of Easter eggs dotted around the house* 

Basty

This post made my day. Firstly it’s always great seeing people turn their lives around by losing weight etc. It’s hard, horrible, both mentally and physically draining. But my god you’ll feel a million dollars once you’ve achieved your goals. 

“The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more comfortable you’ll become”

Secondly, I love the idea of treating yourself when reaching milestones. Might apply that in my own life. I was pushing 90kg, now 83. I will be wanting the Toy Story 4 sets when they release so maybe a target of 79kg will motivate me even more to reach that target. 

All the best with your journey and kick ass! Take photos of your body at regular intervals so then you can see the differences your hard work has achieved

GothamConstructionCo

Best of luck @BooTheMightyHamster shedding pounds and saving pounds at the same time, win for the Hamster.

Astrobricks

What’s all this about lumber and stones?

Cymbeline

@BooTheMightyHamster - You are an inspiration! By all means go for Apocalypseburg as a major reward for achieving your goal - it's such a fun build - but allow yourself a poly bag or two for smaller milestones.

flord

Good luck with your challenge @BooTheMightyHamster . I can recommend the keto diet as a safe way to lose weight. I've lost 15 pounds in 5 weeks. The first week was miserable, but it became easier.

dmcc0

I got diagnosed type 2 a couple of years ago and the best advice I can give is ignore the NHS guidelines on which foods to eat! Get yourself a blood glucose meter and check which foods cause spikes. Keto or general low carb seem to generally be good for type 2. I've gone low carb myself (not quite keto though) and my last 2 reviews I had blood glucose levels of a non-diabetic.

(Although the nurse said I'd reversed it, I know if I change my diet back to what it was before then my levels would rocket. I'd say I'm controlling it rather than having reversed it)

M1J0E

All the best to you on reaching your goals!