Need Help Fast - US Military

B

BranMan

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Hello everyone, well as of a few months ago I was officially sworn into the US Military (USAF) and I leave for boot camp next Sunday. My recruiter told me two weeks ago that I'd have to lose 20 lbs in TWO and a half weeks. Well, to my surprise I was at 202, and I'm now down to 185 since 16 days ago. I've lost 17 pounds from eating [pretty much] nothing but fruits, veggies, drinking a lot of water, and running every day (today being the exception since I'm sick as a dog). I'm doing good so far, but what else can I do maybe? I'm flooding my body every morning with a ton of water and black coffee for the energy/determination to run. I'm only about 5 lbs from where I'd like to be, at 179/180. Bottom line is, What else can I do here in my last 8 days to lose 6 more lbs? My recruiter's a pretty built guy, he was saying some plastic shirt and pants to make you sweat, and a bottle that you drink that makes you crap out all your water weight. :confused:

Also, I talked to my Dad about this and he was saying it wasn't a good idea to run every single day if you're an athlete, but then someone like me who took running seriously for about a week several months ago...to just forget it. (Usually he's supportive but he hates the idea of me going military). Anyway, is that true?

Thanks in advance,
-B

PS: omg what I'd do to go face first into a pizza :p
 
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You're confused on how real weight loss works , you're not extremely overweight, so that amount of weight loss so fast is incredible pointless, you're probably not even losing much body fat, most of that weight loss is probably muscle & other crap. Scales are useless when it comes to things like this. I'd put my money on the reason you being sick is b/c you've lost so much weight that hasn't been actual fat %.

Completely cutting out most food groups is another bad idea, which is why you're craving pizza, you signed up for a job that requires you to live a healthy lifestyle...yet you obviously don't want to do that yet...and if you really do...don't be so CRAZY about it, you'll just have constant cravings for bad foods and end up stuffing yourself.

I'm sorry but there is no healthy way of losing 6 pounds of body fat in 8 days...the scales don't mean anything bro, you're best off keeping your weight the way it is, and having it taken care of PROPERLY in training...at least there you will lose it the right way and keep it off with proper eating and exercise..instead of forcing yourself to not eat anything but fruit and veggies and end up wanting to stuff your face with take away.
 
First of all, your recruiter deserves a swift kick in the nuts for telling you about the wt loss with only 2 and a half wks to go.

Second, of all, will they not let you go if you are 6 lbs over? Boot camp is no joke. It would be a bad idea to go into it all messed up from cutting weight so rapidly.

You cannot lose that much fat in that amount of time, period. Wearing plastic suits and all those other methods are purely for cutting off enough water to make a weigh-in. After that, you gain it right back. That would suit the purpose if all they are worried with is making one weigh in - but that would be a sh*tty way to go into bootcamp (all depleted and out of whack). Those methods are also dangerous. So, I don't know what to tell you man.

Most importantly, thank you for having the honor and the guts to serve our country. It's good to hear not all the "men" of this generation are whiny little socialists with no sense of patriotism or honor.
 
Being prior USAF -- let me just say, as long as you are within your "weight limit" and your body fat (according to the military) is within the range right now I wouldn't worry about it. Once you get to basic you will loose more weight/ body fat and tone up. I went into basic at the top of my weight limit and lost about 10-15 lbs by the end of the 6 weeks of basic.

Good luck and remember, it is all a mind game. Ensure you do what you need to and you will get through whatever they throw at you.

Thanks for serving!!!
 
I'll chime in and second what has already been said.

I was also USAF for 16 years-- and this is obviously something you really want seeing what you've gone through so far to get in. Yes, recruiters exagerate (I hesitate with "lie"...y'all be the judge). I didn't see how tall you are, but I assume 179 lbs is the top of the weight limit for your height according to the AF?

The best way to make it through basic training is to essentially become invisible. Accept the fact that no one will really be interested in what you have to say and do far more listening and following directions than fighting it. It's a test on if you can follow orders-- without question. There will be time for your opinions and experience after basic training, but initially they just want to make sure you'll follow orders.

And Beemss is right-- you're hitting basic training in mid-July in San Antonio Texas. Not sure where you're coming from, but you will more than likely shed additional pounds (more than just water) during basic training. Passing out during the first formation won't be the impression you want to start out with...

Good luck and again, thanks for serving.
 
Sounds like that recruiter is trying too hard. To put it nicely...

You need to be in shape for the Texas sun, and not a dehydrated wreck.

How tall are you? Unless you are very short, you sound like you are within standards to me.
 
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deschain...thank you very much. You're post just made my day.

I'm 5'11 but they keep saying 5'10"...and 5'10"s weight limit is 191. I'm around 186 right now, WAS at 202 about 2.5 weeks ago.

And to the people concerned about the Texas heat...1) I lived in texas for 9 years, however a long time ago. and 2) I live in southeast GA right on the beach...I do believe I have the advantage over alot going to lackland as it's extremely hot here, AND I'm used to 95% humidity on a daily basis. Thank GOD I have that much going for me. I have 5 days left and I'm starting to get shaky, but I'm still extremely determined to do this. I need to do something with my life. Luckily I've stayed out of trouble so never even getting a ticket in my life helped me jump right in with no problems, lol.

Thanks for everyone's support. This is a very pleasant group. Seems like most fitness guys look down on people not as "ripped" as they are so it's nice to know there's people backing your decisions. It's people like you guys I'm serving for, as opposed to those that have called me every name in the book for supporting Bush, (like I'm joining solely for him :-\). Military and cops are the same....people either respect and love you, or "spit on" and hate you.

Thanks again guys, really means a lot. Any further suggestions about fitness and/or AF Basic will be highly appreciated. I know the topic isn't AF basic but I need all the help I can get.
-B
 
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Well basic training has changed in the last 10 years or so since I went. Keep as quiet as possible, do not volunteer for anything, stick by your buddies, and do everything you are told.

And Memorize the following: "Sir, Airman (your last name) REPORTS as ordered" -- you will say this a lot! :)

One last piece of advice -- drink your 2 glasses of water (required at ever meal) before you eat anything at all.

Again, good luck in basic and remember it is 6 very fast weeks...

Oh, ok I have one more thing. Go to church on Sunday. This is such a great relief after a hard week. It is 1 hour of time that you get to be yourself and not worry about the rules or anything like that...
 
lmao, one of the guys here doing recruiters assistance mentioned that he said "reporting as ordered" and he said he got hell for it, lol.

Thanks for the advice...I need to be better about drinking water...almost passed out the last time I ran because I got up and ran without drinking anything.
 
Good luck at basic. I am sure you will do fine.

You will catch hell, regardless of what you do, that is part of the training to build up the stress, see how you react, and teach you the tools to deal with it.

No one graduates basic or any other military training as a person, it is a team sport.

Yes, drink the water (every time). Living in the south will give you the edge up on the heat over someone from the north in the beginning, but acclimation only takes you so far. You said it yourself when you almost passed out on the run.

Remember, you are fighting for all Americans, even the ones that curse you and call you names. Its not easy but it is the right thing to do and it is the freedom we defend.

Best of luck to you!
 
Sounds just like any recruiter I've talked to. I'm confused, if you are shipping out then you have already been throught MEPS. If MEPS cleared you, you don't have to do this crash diet. You will definately lose at least 10-15 pounds in basic.

Good luck with that...remember to have fun ;)

Oh yeah, practice that saying
"Sir, Airman (your last name) REPORTS as ordered" -- you will say this a lot!
Click to expand...
 
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Well, I went to MEPS like 3 months ago in early march. I could gain a lot of weight in that amount of time so they wanna make sure you don't, or do anything else like get arrested , tickets, etc
 
Well, I went to MEPS like 3 months ago in early march. I could gain a lot of weight in that amount of time so they wanna make sure you don't, or do anything else like get arrested , tickets, etc
Click to expand...

Yeah, but after the physical, they aren't going to put you on the scale again. Boot camp would just be harder the more weight you carry.
 
omg now they put me on an all ORANGE and water diet...3 oranges a day, no more no less...and just water from today until monday...wtf
 
That is just crazy. If the recruiter isn't tied to your hip, eat a respectable healthy diet. You need to show up to basic in good health.

How tall are you and what do you weigh right now?
 
Well everyone I'm off! Wish me luck! I'm going in at 5'10" and 184lbs...I missed my goal by 2 lbs from 202 but hey, 18 is good in 3 weeks. :) I might be able to check the board when I'm at the hotel tomorrow night so I'll see you guys later..if not then in about 3 months!

Thanks for all your help,
-Brandon
 
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