SHRED SEASON

Sup Guys/Galz (If I haven't offended you to the point where you no longer read).

I. WHAT'S BEEN GOIN ON?
(SCROLL PAST THIS IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT MY LIFE)

1. Drove to Austin for the MS150-Shout out to the Houston Kna Crew on completing the MS150!
Maybe I'll join you guys next year

(but most probably not)

There was also a Houston Desi team, TAKE THAT...WHITE MAN

My parents are really sarcastic (wonder where I get it from)

On the 3 hour ride my dad spoke many times about how he rode his bike from Kannankara to Kottayam (2-3 hours by car back in them days)

And Mummy about how she walked 3 miles to school in Uzhavoor.

My only response was "I didn't tell you guys to move to America" And daddy goes:

2. End of the year organization banquets etc.

I guess it's starting to hit me that Pharmacy School has almost come to a close. It's weird not having to consider school/exam schedules to make plans.

It was 4 years with periods of torture that I would not wish on my worst enemy,

But at the same time I'm going to miss the friends that I have made.

3. Rockets Win (SCREW YOU DALLAS MAVS)

HA! But now we are currently in a slug-fest with a good team (Clippers) who are a matchup nightmare for us.

JH, we're gonna need alot of....

4. Washington DC

Good vacation, met a lot of new people, but also got to spend some quality time with my boys and cousins.

It was once again a reminder that PEOPLE ONLY LIKE MY BLOG WHEN THEY'RE DRUNK...

it's okay...I feel the love haha

II. START READING HERE IF YOU HATE ME


Something that people come to me about for advice is weight loss.

I am by no means an expert, but I have lost 45 pounds before on a "pseudo-binge diet" as I'd like to call. It took me about 8 months, and I'm not as skinny as I was then, but I constantly manipulate my body to get to certain goals I set for myself.

to

This experience, coupled with what I've learned in pharmacy school as well as knowledge gained through my own curiosity is what brings people to me, so I thought I'd try to share some insight before summer SHRED SEASON

This is more of a general write-up. Maybe I'll go more into detail later, but this is somewhere to start.

1. Portion Control 
"Is this like Birth Control?"....shut up

a. Looking at calories is overrated, although it does play a role.
Calories depends on how big you are, etc. so you have to set reasonable goals without completely starving yourself.
b. control your portions by only buying smaller amounts, cooking in smaller amounts, or even just using smaller plates (I ate in cereal bowls)

starving will make ya crazy...

For example, people will say to target 1000 calories and burn more than that in exercise. But for a big MFer like me, that's easier said than done. So my target initially was 1800, then as I got smaller I went down, this takes some experimentation.

c. Choose things that are high in vitamins and fiber...as well as low in carbs and fat
No, this stuff will not taste amazing.

d. Look more at fat, this is what you are targeting to lose.
I used subway as a barometer for things. a 6 inch fresh fit choice sandwich is about 4 grams of fat (turkey, oven roasted chicken breast, roast beef, ham are the ones i went with)...sorry went off on a tangent there. I missed subway during lent.


2. Scheduling
Hopefully you have a set schedule each week. schedule your meals if at all possible. schedule your exercise days/ times (start slow, eventually get up to 5 days/week)

I get it, this is the hardest thing to do, especially with your parents yelling at you

3. Exercise
Sorry to break it to you, but there will be days you'll have to decide between having fun and getting fit/exercising.

Point 6 that i will touch on later will help you with this.

Also, if my DIABETIC 60 year old mother can work 5-6 days a week, still go to the gym 4 times a week and use the treadmill for about 40 minutes each visit, your lazy ass can too.

TAKE THAT!

4. Surround yourself with good foods
If you got candy and junk food sitting around the house, you can't help but get the itch to eat some...

So keep healthy foods around: fruits, veggies, low fat/high fiber snacks. 

of course you can go to the store and buy stuff if you REALLY feel like it, but if you're as lazy as me that won't be much of a problem.

5. Sleep
my reason for putting this here isn't physiological/circadian rhythm kinda crap.

IF YOU'RE ASLEEP, YOU CAN'T EAT...

Pretty damn simple huh?

Also, that circadian rhythm stuff keeps your hormones in tact and can keep you from becoming hungry and then your body releases cortisol ahhhhh  

(THIS ALSO PLAYS A ROLE WITH DIABETES SO DON'T GET DIABETES)

(More on Diabetes later)

6. Don't have money to do shit...
So having been a student for the past 7 years, i haven't had much money to do anything. because of that i tend to avoid:

a. eating out
b, going out to drink

When I go out to eat, I'd rather not get a salad or something healthy. i usually end up getting a burger or something fatty.

Going out to drink, that's alot of calories/fat (especially if you're a beer drinker).
Then late night food cravings ensue, which are even more unnecessary calories/fat

If you're at work: Pack your lunch everyday, or meal-prep for the week (part of your scheduling component) This is lighter on your wallet than buying lunch every day

I brought my lunch if at all possible during school so that I wouldn't go out to eat lunch all the time and get something fat (but this was mainly because I didn't have the money to do so).

7. How do I keep the weight off?

This is probably harder than losing weight initially.

a. Find a source of motivation

i. Mine was mainly diabetes

Diabetes sucks...
imagine being extremely hungry, extremely fatigued, extremely thirsty (i think you get the picture)
BUT THEN YOU CAN'T EAT WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE IF YOU EAT TOO MUCH SUGAR YOU WILL RUIN YOUR NERVES, ETC. AND GET NEUROPATHIC PAIN AND LOSE YOUR ARMS/LEGS AND SLOWLY DIE.

Thank you Wilford Brimley

So yeah....Diabetes sucks.

It's mostly hereditary, but you can develop diabetes (or eat enough sugar where it's not diagnosed, but you are still screwing up your nerves and killing yourself)

Diabetes is so easily obtained it can be your motivation to eat healthy now also.

You're welcome

ii. Get somebody to force you to work out...

iii. Confidence

This is a HUGE motivational tool.
If you're fat like me, the world can be cruel and being overweight can put you down.

The confidence doesn't come from actually being skinny, but for doing something commendable that you (or others) never thought would be possible.

When I see the folks that called me fat in high school (and thought that would never change) turn out to be large during their college years it definitely makes me proud of my accomplishment (NO I don't rub it in their face, God is the final judge).

If you feel there are some aspects of your life where you are shy (like I was), maybe losing a few lbs will help (still not the most outspoken guy, but hey that's what the blog's for right?)

b. Sorry to say, but some people have good genes, and others just have really bad genes

it will be easier for some people to keep weight off than others. but the solution to that IS NOT to just sit there. making a change is up to you and is very doable.

c. Stick to what worked. you might not lose as much weight as when you initially started, but these habits that you build will be beneficial in keeping the excess weight off.
It's not going to be easy, but if you are willing to make some sacrifices, you will be able to keep this weight off.

8. What does it all mean?

Weight loss isn't just about looking good.
It teaches you discipline, it keeps you focused, and it proves that you have the mental strength to do what is right

There's a many reasons guys go for fit girls. A lot of us probably do it because the chick looks good, but it also says a lot about their discipline and your future with her.

When Push comes to shove, if she can't choose a salad over a beer and wings, what makes you think that she'll choose to stick it out with you over walking out/getting a divorce?

vs. 

Also you can post side profile photos of your butt that you worked hard for. Then when people comment on it, act like you didn't do it on purpose

Girl, just work it, don'be ashamed

All in all, fitness has a lot of benefits. It goes much further than just looking good.

Pushing your body, mind, and spirit (sometimes it will get so rough you'll need divine intervention) to new levels and then accomplishing a goal (be it to lose a certain amount of lbs/kgs or to just fit into a smaller dress/pant size) will give you a sense of self-fulfillment that will keep you going.

Please remember... becoming fit isn't an excuse to be a slut (male or female)

And, don't try to lose a whole lot of weight in a short amount of time.

It's NEVER too late (I was 20 and post-puberty) so stop making excuses. I believe in you

IS IT GONNA BE EASY? 
nope

ARE PEOPLE GONNA LOOK AT YOU CRAZY?

yup.

Use your newfound strengths to benefit not only yourself, but others as well.

At the end of the day there is always somebody in more distress than you. 

PLAYOFFS EDITION / FB Courtship Pt. 2

Guess my retirement period was longer than the time since my last post...

TIME TO RANT: 

I saw this advertisement on TV the other day, and it got me thinking about something that is very important to me.

Maybe I'm too old-fashioned, but us first generation American-born INDIAN americans seem to be forgetting our roots.

Is it so hard or "uncool" to speak our mother tongues?

Of course I understand that it is harder to do in United States as we balance our culture with the one we live in everyday. But how many of us are truly trying to actually balance them both, versus just letting our immigrant traditions out the window?

I'm not trying to offend anybody just...

Anyways.......

I guess my pseudo-return from retirement has taken a while. sorry guys I've been kinda busy.

I. BS ABOUT MY LIFE THAT YOU CAN SCROLL PAST IF YOU DON'T CARE

A. The number 1 question I've been asked the past few weeks since rotations ended..

"So what do you like DO now that rotations are over?"

1. Sleep

2. Eat

3. Nap

4. Watch Netflix

5. Sleep

6. Ah shit it's 8pm, maybe I'll go to the gym....or I'll just go to...

7. Sleep 

8. Eat Dinner/Pray

9. Sleep

So pretty much a whole bunch of

+

Needless to say....I'm having the time of my life. 

Am I supposed to be studying for the NAPLEX? Allegedly, but as you can see I'm too busy sleeping.

B. My last rotation was with one of my professors and he's a hard-ass. But he was only there for an hour a day, so I had a pretty chill last rotation. 

C. Lent is over. Now I can eat meat like it's nobody's business.

(Quick aside... I don't give up meat to lose weight. I actually gain substantial weight during lent because I end up eating carbs to survive)

D. I graduate in a month....I'm not ready to grow up.

II. START READING HERE IF YOU DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT MY LIFE

So after my last post, some guys were mad at me. 

"Don't you think guys get courted via FB?...We need tips too" 

Some of these might seem the same, I'll highlight the differences for guys.

DISCLAIMER #1: I only have FB and not IG cuz I'm just not cool enough for it
DISCLAIMER #2: "Have you ever even been courted via FB, why should I Listen?"

;)

;)

Rule #1 (GOLDEN RULE): Do NOT make your profile picture one with another girl OR guy.

a. You're already lucky at this point if a girl is even CONSIDERING courting YOU, so don't make it hard on her. Girls overthink and overquestion things. 

Don't make her have to jump through hoops to figure out if the girl in your picture is related to you OR your girlfriend. Just crop her out.

b. If there's another guy, don't make her have to research whether or not you are gay (not that there's anything wrong with that).

A few months ago my cousins questioned whether I was gay just cuz I don't have a gf

(Thanks guys, I'm trading you guys in the first chance I get...haha jk...kinda)

c. Also, said guy might be more attractive than you. When a girl starts comparing you, it's probably not going to be a winning battle for you. Just crop him out.

d. Just in general, make it as easy as possible for said girl to desire you.

Rule #2: Don't be so damn obvious with showing your cleavage Muscles

a. I get it, you been hittin' the gym real hard bro, but flexin' real hard in a picture (or in life) shows too much desperation. If a girl is working this hard to get you anyways, you shouldn't push her over the edge in thinking your a douchebag also. 

b. Schmedium is cool, but it's gotta fit your torso. If not, that's just a small. The concept of shmedium is that you are swole enough that it fits kinda tight around your arms, but it should fit regularly in your abdomen/torso area. Avoid using such pictures

c. Fine, you really HAVE to have a picture with your muscles? Let it be an action shot or during you playing some kind of sport. Home girl should give you props for atleast trying to hide your desperation in such a way.

See, he's desperate, but...he's also Dancing.

Rule #3: Don't look so drunk in your pictures or with a cigarette..

a. You may think you look cool/cute, but you do NOT.  

HA SCREW U MAVS, GO ROCKETS

b. You young cats just starting college. I get it, you're being rebellious and going to the club and you want the hunnies to know.

Read this shit again in like 4 years....you'll understand how little benefit these will have in your life and you'll be spending your job-seeking years spending time to try and hide said pictures.

(Listen to your elders)

c. Classy is in and ALWAYS will be. Trashy will only work on a select group of guys girls.

d. Go for suits/dressy clothes. A woman wants a man that can provide for her. Not smoke/drink away her money.

Rule #4: If a girl somewhat has interest in you, at the very least give her the time of day

a. She's gone out of her way and tried to figure you out. If you know that and you're at least somewhat interested in her, give her a holler. This might be her way of throwing herself at you

b. If you're not interested at all, it's a more difficult situation, but honesty is the best policy. Let her out of her misery. However if she doesn't get it ...you're in for a ride (stalkerish). 

It's about to be ALL YOUR FAULT

c. Give it a shot because if you don't have a gf, YOUR OWN FREAKIN COUSINS MIGHT QUESTION YOUR SEXUALITY...but it's okay...they can always be traded...

Rule #6: When the time is right, it'll all fall into place

a. be prepared (mentally)

b. be prepared (physically)...more on this later...perhaps 

c. be prepared (spiritually)

(maybe I should get prepared for my boards, heh)

Quick Notes on galz post/general: 

1. Only one person admitted to using my tips

 

let's just say...she been gettin' dudes

2. A few other girls seem to have used my tips, but haven't admitted it (maybe when they're drunk, that's the only time people admit to being my fans)

Rude..

3. I love when girls post pics showing off an aspect of their body, then act all shy when people comment on it. DON'T LIE GIRL, WE ALL KNOW YOU MEANT TO DO IT.

4. I love reading the comments on girls' pictures. half of them are other girls lying (U SO BYOO-TI-FULL GIRLLLl) 

Go back to myspace.

5. Shout out to my random influx of readers from Russia. No More socialism? Maybe it's time I make a visit.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN (Sooner next time)

In the words of MJ returning from retirement "I'm Back"

Well, I got my new A1C levels checked after 3 months of being away from the blogging game, and decided I'd come back

#NAPLEXTIPS #STUDYING #ROTATIONS

JK I was just helping y'all study with that info.

So...what's been going on since November eh?

TIME FOR A LIST HUH?
1. November, turned 25. I'm Old. But I'll stay young at heart by takin' selfies with important individuals

(That's not really me)

2. December: ended rotation and went straight to India

2a. India, it was hot as hell, but the things that bothered me before (heat, lack of a/c, bigger than your face spiders, bugs all around) did not this time, guess I've grown up. I think I'm going to write a beginner's guide on how to survive in India. Saw some "Foreign" kids bitching and moaning about being in India (it was their first time) and All I could think was...

3. January: Went straight into rotations after India and the new year (kill me). But I'm almost done and just have 1 more rotation to go. Been working on my Fair & Lovely game but I'm not getting fair-er or loveli-er.

BUT ANYWAYS...WHY THE F*C* DID YOU COME BACK YOU CHUBBY BASTARD?

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN...

I guess I left outta nowhere and just told people

BUT, I was intrigued by a question posed to me from a few female friends on various occasions (you better believe I friend zoned them....haaaaaaaaaa, jk they just don't like me)

And Since it's almost Valentine's day, I figured I'd tackle this to give you enough time to find your new boo.

"Groominguru, how do I get guys' attention from FB/IG?" They just seem to pass me by like....

DISCLAIMER: I only have FB and not IG cuz I'm just not cool enough for it

Rule #1 (GOLDEN RULE): Do NOT make your profile picture one with another girl.

The reasons are:

a. It says to guys  "Look I'm not confident enough in myself to post a picture alone"
b. It also says "Look there's not that many pictures of me looking good" which may lead to a guy thinking you might not be that good looking at all period.
c. (This might be the main reason): said friend in your picture might be cuter than you and outshine you in the picture.
d. there might be so many girls you'll just confuse him and he'll go away

Rule #2: Stop bein' so incognito with your pictures

If you really want a guy's attention, he's gonna need to be able to see a few pictures of you to tell if you're somewhat attractive. If he can't even click on your picture to see one, or only one picture and he's on the fence of whether he thinks you're cute or not, HE'S GONNA MOVE TO THE NEXT B.

Just don't be THIS open...

Rule #3: Don't be so damn obvious with showing your cleavage.

a. I SEE YOU GIRL, but so does the rest of the world.
b. We know it's just the angle and they're not that big, who you think you foolin?
c. You wanna be a queen? Act like a damn queen. OBVIOUS cleavage pix=desperate. Nobody wants a  psycho chick.

Rule #4: Don't look so drunk in your pictures or with a cigarette..

a. You may think you look cool/cute, but you do NOT. 

b. Classy is in and ALWAYS will be. Trashy will only work on a select group of guys.

Rule #5: (Kinda goes with #1): Do NOT make your profile picture with another guy

a. Guys are always gonna assume it's yo man, and move on

b. Unless the male in your photo is like a little kid
      i. This might turn guys off because they might think it's your kid (not that there's anything wrong             with that)

c. Even if he's your friend, you don't need that unnecessary attention.

At the end of the day, don't leave guys guessing;  just be subtle and classy:

DOES THIS MEAN YOU'RE BACK?

Let's just say, when I am needed, I will be there.

Good Luck, galz.