The Chrisser

I'm late to the party...been doing my own thing since last September and down about 60 lbs (285 to 225 - I'm 6'0") I've cut my body fat % from 43% to 21.2% at a check in on July 1, aiming to be under 20% by end of July. Here's some things I have learned: 1) My diet could best be described as some kind of lazy keto/paleo mix. I'm avoiding most anything processed. I try to focus on lean proteins, fresh vegetables (cooked in a variety of ways), some fruit a couple days a week, and very limited on grains. I don't do wheat anything because I found out I had Celiac's last year. Ultimately, I eat more and feel better putting clean stuff in my body. 2) Limited/moderate drinking consists of the occassional bourbon or vodka, sometimes with soda water and lime. 3) Avoidance of sugar is key for me. Just spurs all kinds of crazy cravings. If I'm dying for something sweet, I'll try some fruit. I have a horrid sweet tooth. 4) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It's the prime carrier of toxins and other yuck out of your body. 5) I'm doing 3-4 hours a week of Camp Gladiator, which was tough to start but has become a drug for me. There's tons of different fitness options, getting out and doing something/anything is a key part of transforming your body. 6) Specifically to address the quoted point above, after starting exercise, I lost 10 pounds quickly and then gained 4-5 pounds that stuck around for about a month. But my victories were not happening on the scale. They were happening on my measurements. You're going to gain a little muscle weight when you start working out, don't get frustrated. Before I got serious after visiting my doctor last August and having her inform me I was pre-diabetic, my blood pressure was not coming down despite taking 3 different medications, and she was going to drop some vague and frightening hammer on me if I didn't make some wholesale changes. I've been over 250 lbs since my freshman year of college and have struggled with diet and exercise my whole adult life. The key for me has been finding something sustainable and relatively enjoyable that becomes a life change instead of a 30, 60, or 90 day challenge. I salute all of you for committing yourselves to do better and be better! TL:DR// Find a healthy eating regimen that works for you, exercise, and hydrate.

Just got back from a 3 day trip to New Orleans. I'm appreciative of all the great recommendations on this thread. We've resolved to do 2-3 days a year in NO every year from here on out, since we only scratched the surface. We ate at: Commander's Palace, Cochon, Brennan's, Ruby Slipper, Herbsaint, Cochon Butcher, Mother's (quick breakfast near our hotel, and not nearly as memorable as the rest). Fantastic food and drinks. Looking forward to trying out more.

Ha! Fair question. I don't work there (or remotely in the industry for that matter). I've just been frustrated for a long time with Texas whiskey and was pleasantly surprised to try this one. Hadn't seen any chatter about it so I figured I'd get some opinions from this august group of bourbon aficionados.

Has anyone tried Fire Oak Small Batch Bourbon out of Liberty Hill? I've bought a couple bottles and think it may be the best thing that's being made locally. It's distilled here, not sourced. Supposed to have a tasting room open shortly.

We're looking at Tiburon. Have heard lots of good things. Also just had some friends play the Dunes and recommend it. Thanks!

Thanks! Will check it out.

Anyone with local knowledge of Fort Myers golf? Taking a trip at the end of February with a group and looking to play some nice courses. Seems that many of the better rated courses are private. (also posted on the travel topics)

Anybody have good suggestions for golf courses in Ft Myers for a group of 8 guys? We're doing Old Corkscrew one day. Looking for 2-3 other courses. Restaurant and entertainment options are welcomed too!

I love Brotherton's. Just had lunch there today. The brisket is consistently great, sausage is very good. Ribs have been hit or miss for me. Sometimes they are like meat candy, other times they run a little dry. They do a ton of sammiches that are incredible as well. The brisket grilled cheese is a standout.