Job Discussion Forums

Ecrivain · Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Ohio (for now)

How has your physique changed since living abroad? Are attempts to sample all the local cuisine packing on the pounds? More nights at the bar leading to a beer belly? Or is a limited budged likewise limiting your intake? Fear of foreign food wittling away at your waistline? Running to various teaching locations keeping you trim? Or is the lack of gym facilities turning your buff to fluff?

I saw this post asking "Have you lost or gained weight in China?" But I thought it'd be interesting to find out what it's like in the rest of the world, too.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:44 pm Post subject:

I never used to be a chain smoking, red-faced, bald-headed, fat, ugly, alcoholic geek until I started EFL. Despite sporadic efforts to reverse the decline the long-term effects have resulted in a drastic downward plunge in a healthy lifestyle.

Reiko! Hurry up with that bottle, I've been dry for over two minutes now!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

No change. I'm vegan (more difficult in foreign countries than in the US, but still doable) and active. Non-smoking, but an occasional coctail or two...

d

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

About 10 kg heavier, after being the same weight from age 16 to 29. I chalk it up to age and the paradise that is Mexican food.

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

Lost weight, have more energy, get out more. And that's without trying. I chalk it up to being outside of the British education system for the first time in many years and actually being able to do my job in a stress-free, happy environment. That and 12 months of sun each year....

Ecrivain · Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Ohio (for now)

Interesting and varied responses, as expected. Thanks! And feel free to keep them coming.

Peru and Mexico sound very appealing. Wink

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I've lost maybe 15 pounds over the last two years. I'm actually getting somewhat less exercise but I'm eating more healthy foods.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

My fitness level was not very good when I arrived. Then it got a little better shortly later (I had money to actually eat every day- something I didn't have in Canada). Then it got worse (because I ate a lot of Japanese food- but more importantly tried to eat as much food as a Japanese person- they can sock away a tonne o' food!)) and lately it has become better than it has been in almost a decade.

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:27 am Post subject:

When I lived in the countryside, I was definitly healthier. I walked or biked everywhere, and ate pretty healthy stuff. Then I moved to the city, started shopping on the military base and fell back in love with my use of a car and Taco Bell. Now I'm more lardier than ever BUT I have discovered the gym. I can use it for free and watch all the cable Americn TV I want. So now I roll on over to watch current episodes of "Lost" and stationary bike my fat away! Very Happy

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I still work out, but as I get older I am more sedentary now, as well as having a slower metabolism. Recently went to the States and put on a few kilos.

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

I actually lost quite a bit of weight before I came to Japan, with the result that a lot of the clothing I brought with me is too big. However, after two years in Europe, where let's face it the donuts are lousy, I have rediscovered Mr Donut and may have gone a little donut wild. Still I am biking or walking everywhere so so far there is no change, even if there was I could tell myself it was all in the interest of fitting back into my clothes! Everyone wins with this plan! Laughing

PT

saint57 · Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:35 am Post subject:

Gained weight in Korea because I needed to drink to escape.

Resembled a P.O.W. after arriving home from China. I couldn't handle Chinese food and I rode my bike everywhere.

In Canada, I got back to my normal weight because I had a coffee and two donuts at Tim's every single day. I also drank a lot. I no longer drink while posting here on Dave's.

Here in Malaysia I'm back to looking like a Mexican featherweight. I'm walking a lot and getting sick every second week.

anna nimiti · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Turkey

If anyone is thinking of getting into teaching as a way of losing weight, don't come to Turkey! There's so much delicious food here that almost everyone puts on weight. The only real way around it is if you manage to catch dysentery Confused

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

I think I would get fat in Mexico if I could keep the food inside me for long enough... Rolling Eyes

Eva Pilot · Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:00 pm Post subject:

I am trying my very best to put on weight here in Japan...but it's not working and I don't know why!