My background is as a computer scientist. I have worked in quant finance for many years. Among others, I devised quantitative algorithmic trading strategies at investment banks, funds, prop trading firms, etc. So I am mainly looking for solutions grounded in science and research.

Around year 2003, I felt more out of shape than I wanted. I am 175 cm, and weighed 76 kg, which is a BMI of 25.2, i.e. slight overweight. Physical exercise was a pain and took great effort because my body felt so heavy, almost felt like running in water. When everything about your body sucks – why exercise or take care of it? My stomach was big and bloated, I had problematic stool, had low energy, weak muscles, snored and slept bad, ate once per day (a huge meal), etc. Everything sucked, and my body too.

I felt far from sexy or attractive. This negatively affects your mood, self worth, mental health and in the long run, negatively impacts your career and economic growth. Around that time I got my first cat, and in 6 months I developed a cat allergy. No wonder because my health was far from optimal. The doctors told me I must part from my cat, which I loved. So everything really sucked.

I refused to part from my cat, and instead tried to solve the problem of allergy on my own. I researched lifestyle changes and implemented some of them very successfully. In the process I quickly lost 8 kg in two months without effort, nor exercise, and I was never hungry. The weight loss gave me the boost I needed to care for my body, so finally I wanted to exercise again. Today when I have gained excess weight because of vacation, injury, etc, and I feel out of shape, I never exercise to get back into shape. No, instead I eat myself into a good shape, and only after easy weight loss, I start to exercise. In my opinion, you should not try to exercise to loose weight because it takes many long hours of hard and painful work. It is far easier to not eat a cake, than go out for an hour long run. This is the way.

I had other health issues which I detail in a list, and there you can find information how I mitigated all health issues.

Today I am more fit and healthy than ever, because of the lifestyle changes I did. People are always surprised when I tell them how old I am, and guess I am 10-15 years younger. I am quite slim at 68 kg and have around 12% body fat. I dont have sixpack abs, but not far away. Sixpack abs require 8% body fat. I exercise 3-4 times a week, and enjoy it because exercise is not painful anymore, it is much easier and almost effortless. Also, exercise is so much more rewarding and fun when your starting point is a nice and strong body.

I am interested in cats, health, finance, music, books, spicy food, etc. I love indian food, so I will post recipes so you too can make tasty indian food in your kitchen.