The last few weeks have been somewhat of a struggle. Long story short, I didn't lose a thing for a few weeks. This week, however, weighed in today...........255.
That's two pounds down from where I had been for a long, long while (at least it seemed like that).
I felt like I have been in a plateau area for a while and, quite frankly, have been pretty discouraged, so much so that I have neglected writing this blog, which I really didn't want to do. It is just so hard when you work your ass off, work out, eat the way you believe is right, deny yourself even when you want to eat the paint off the freakin walls because you're so hungry, and you look down at that damn scale and........boom, no change.
It also hurts because, let's face it, I have lost 33 pounds as of now and I am still 255. I need to lose another, what 45-55 pounds to really get to where I believe I need to be. When you're not losing anything week after week, it feels like the finish lines keeps getting pushed back.
But, seeing that scale go down to 255 this morning, that gives you the motivation to keep moving forward. Hopefully I can throw in a few 3-pounds down weeks here and really start to make progress.
What is amazing, though, is that changing routines will actually help. I firmly believe that changing my workout routine has really helped out. I am going about the same per week (4- 5 times) but I am not doing the same thing every day. Instead, I do full-body workouts on Monday and Saturday, intermittent on Wednesday and Thursday, and Sundays, mostly cardio and abs. I think, by mixing it up throughout the week, it will keep the body moving forward.
Eating habits? I've cut back at lunch. That's probably the only difference. I mean, last week I was actually pretty bad. Sunday (mother's day) I just pigged out like a freakin junkie. Went to dinner with mom and dad, ate what I wanted, drank what I wanted, then came home (it was still early) and went back out and got a 20-piece chicken mcnuggets from McDonalds. Ummm.......I felt like sh*t the next day. I hate that feeling.
Then, that Tuesday, had a big breakfast at a special breakfast meeting and a bigger-than-normal dinner. So, in other words, it wasn't a banner week yet I still lost two pounds.
I also believe, honestly, that God helped me out again this week. I had been a bad boy, doing something I shouldn't, and I think eliminating that helped me get back on track. Hey, it's what I believe and the results are there to prove it.
I had set up a vision of being down to 248 within the next two weeks. I don't know if I can make seven pounds in two weeks. If I can be about 250 in the next two weeks, I would be very happy. Just have to keep pushing forward.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Slow progress, but time to recommit to this thing
I haven't posted in two weeks (life just gets kinda crazy) but suffice it to say, there hasn't been a lot of movement. Sunday weigh-in today......257.
Two weeks, two pounds. I stayed the same last week, went down to 257 this week.
Look, two pounds is two pounds, but from April 1 through May 1, I went from 262 to 257. That's five pounds. That's not horrid, but that's not what I am looking for.
I know it's a marathon. I know it isn't about losing weight in one day, or even one month. But, after averaging 10 pounds the first two months, to go down to five pounds in April is disappointing.
Two things I need to do to get back on track. The first is, I am cleaning up a few things I have let go here the last few weeks. I have eaten a little more than I did, so time to get back to where I was before, on a strict calorie counter. Second, I am adding some more exercise. I am going to hit the gym four-five times a week, instead of three and then two at home. Need to hit the gym with more regularity. Right now, I am planning on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. Of course, schedules can change. Thursdays might not be possible if work gets in the way, but I am going to try and stick to that schedule.
Finally, I am also changing up my routine working out. Instead of 20+ minutes of cardio, followed by weight training, followed by 10+ minutes of cardio, I am switching it: 10+ minutes of cardio, weight training, and 20+ minutes of cardio. Also, instead of focusing on two muscle groups, I am doing full-body exercises.
I'll have to see what that does, but by June 1 I have set the following goal: 248. I believe I can make it. That's 9 pounds. If I recommit, if I just believe, I'll be able to make it.
Two weeks, two pounds. I stayed the same last week, went down to 257 this week.
Look, two pounds is two pounds, but from April 1 through May 1, I went from 262 to 257. That's five pounds. That's not horrid, but that's not what I am looking for.
I know it's a marathon. I know it isn't about losing weight in one day, or even one month. But, after averaging 10 pounds the first two months, to go down to five pounds in April is disappointing.
Two things I need to do to get back on track. The first is, I am cleaning up a few things I have let go here the last few weeks. I have eaten a little more than I did, so time to get back to where I was before, on a strict calorie counter. Second, I am adding some more exercise. I am going to hit the gym four-five times a week, instead of three and then two at home. Need to hit the gym with more regularity. Right now, I am planning on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. Of course, schedules can change. Thursdays might not be possible if work gets in the way, but I am going to try and stick to that schedule.
Finally, I am also changing up my routine working out. Instead of 20+ minutes of cardio, followed by weight training, followed by 10+ minutes of cardio, I am switching it: 10+ minutes of cardio, weight training, and 20+ minutes of cardio. Also, instead of focusing on two muscle groups, I am doing full-body exercises.
I'll have to see what that does, but by June 1 I have set the following goal: 248. I believe I can make it. That's 9 pounds. If I recommit, if I just believe, I'll be able to make it.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Two weeks late on the blog, but still moving forward
Okay, I forgot to post after last week's weigh. So, I'll start with last week.....262.
I didn't lose anything last week. I'm not sure why, just that I did have a birthday dinner at a great italian restaurant.
This week......259.
I am officially below the 260 threshold and one pound away from 30 pounds down. I am pretty excited.
The one thing I have noticed, however, is that this week was tough. For some reason, NOT overeating was a challenge. I had to talk myself out of falling back into some bad habits, like eating later at night, and eating a lot of high-calorie things. Maybe it's because I have kind of settled into eating a lot of the same things week after week. I have my eggs and bagel dinner. I have my Chef Boyardee dinners. I have my salads. I have my sandwich and soup nights. I have my fruit. I have my cereal. I have my pudding and my granola bars. It is a pretty simply recipe of what to eat, and I've been doing it for three months. Maybe that has been getting to me and my body is craving other things.
But, the way I look at that is twofold. One, it is working. I am down 30 pounds in just under 3 months. That's an average of just over 10 pounds a month. Two, and most importantly, I did this to myself. Had I nipped it in the bud before ballooning into a fatass, I could be more liberal in what I eat and when I eat.
That, however, isn't an option right now if I actually want to lose weight.
But, it can get a little old. That's why, once a week, it's good to go out, grab dinner, eat something high in calories, and enjoy life a bit. It would be a little too maddening to try and be food-celibate all at once. You need to fall off the wagon a bit and then get right back on.
I didn't lose anything last week. I'm not sure why, just that I did have a birthday dinner at a great italian restaurant.
This week......259.
I am officially below the 260 threshold and one pound away from 30 pounds down. I am pretty excited.
The one thing I have noticed, however, is that this week was tough. For some reason, NOT overeating was a challenge. I had to talk myself out of falling back into some bad habits, like eating later at night, and eating a lot of high-calorie things. Maybe it's because I have kind of settled into eating a lot of the same things week after week. I have my eggs and bagel dinner. I have my Chef Boyardee dinners. I have my salads. I have my sandwich and soup nights. I have my fruit. I have my cereal. I have my pudding and my granola bars. It is a pretty simply recipe of what to eat, and I've been doing it for three months. Maybe that has been getting to me and my body is craving other things.
But, the way I look at that is twofold. One, it is working. I am down 30 pounds in just under 3 months. That's an average of just over 10 pounds a month. Two, and most importantly, I did this to myself. Had I nipped it in the bud before ballooning into a fatass, I could be more liberal in what I eat and when I eat.
That, however, isn't an option right now if I actually want to lose weight.
But, it can get a little old. That's why, once a week, it's good to go out, grab dinner, eat something high in calories, and enjoy life a bit. It would be a little too maddening to try and be food-celibate all at once. You need to fall off the wagon a bit and then get right back on.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Slow but steady, I guess
Sunday weigh-in.......262.
A pound down, and it was a pretty crappy week, in terms of eating. Went out on Friday night and had a BIG dinner, then went out for the Final Four game (Uconn is playing for a national championship on Monday night) and ate and drank. Then, just today, after the weigh-in, I finished the salad I had since Thursday and feel somewhat bloated right now. I think I am going to re-institute my Sunday workout starting next week. I feel like that might get me back on schedule.
I would have liked to have lost more than one pound this week, but no big deal. It is a pound. I am still down 26 pounds overall. Not too bad.
I have to keep reminding myself that it is a marathon. I just can't fall into bad habits. I can't start eating what I want, when I want, like I used to. I can't skip workouts. I can't raise my calorie intake. I have to stay steady. I have to stay on target.
Praise God, I believe I will.
A pound down, and it was a pretty crappy week, in terms of eating. Went out on Friday night and had a BIG dinner, then went out for the Final Four game (Uconn is playing for a national championship on Monday night) and ate and drank. Then, just today, after the weigh-in, I finished the salad I had since Thursday and feel somewhat bloated right now. I think I am going to re-institute my Sunday workout starting next week. I feel like that might get me back on schedule.
I would have liked to have lost more than one pound this week, but no big deal. It is a pound. I am still down 26 pounds overall. Not too bad.
I have to keep reminding myself that it is a marathon. I just can't fall into bad habits. I can't start eating what I want, when I want, like I used to. I can't skip workouts. I can't raise my calorie intake. I have to stay steady. I have to stay on target.
Praise God, I believe I will.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Unexpected..........very unexpected.
Sunday weigh-in.......263.
That's seven pounds since last week. I don't think I lost seven pounds in a week, i really don't, yet the scale hasn't been a liar yet, so I am not sure why it would start now. The only thing I can think is this: I weighed myself last week RIGHT after getting back from Vegas. I probably actually lost a few pounds that week, but a few hours after landing, probably still a lot of water weight, accounted for the 270. If I had weighed myself on Monday, probably would have seen a decrease of a few pounds. That means, this week, I might have lost four pounds, which wouldn't be unheard of since I have lost 3-4 pounds, mostly, as I have gone through this.
I was honestly a little taken aback by the scale. I weighed myself about 8 times, each time it came up exactly the same. Either way, I am down 25 pounds now from the 288 original number. I have really been working out well, feel much stronger. Now, I just need to keep going. I am in a routine now. I feel like I am making even more progress than I had originally expected. I am really, really encouraged by this. Just need to keep it going.
I am 263. That means I need to lose about 53 more pounds to be where I want to be. If I can continue to lose at a good clip, 3-4 pounds a week, that would put me in line to be close to my goal by the end of July. That would be pretty good, wouldn't it?
I am excited. I believe I am going to get to my goal. Thank you GOD. Thank your LORD!!!!!!!
That's seven pounds since last week. I don't think I lost seven pounds in a week, i really don't, yet the scale hasn't been a liar yet, so I am not sure why it would start now. The only thing I can think is this: I weighed myself last week RIGHT after getting back from Vegas. I probably actually lost a few pounds that week, but a few hours after landing, probably still a lot of water weight, accounted for the 270. If I had weighed myself on Monday, probably would have seen a decrease of a few pounds. That means, this week, I might have lost four pounds, which wouldn't be unheard of since I have lost 3-4 pounds, mostly, as I have gone through this.
I was honestly a little taken aback by the scale. I weighed myself about 8 times, each time it came up exactly the same. Either way, I am down 25 pounds now from the 288 original number. I have really been working out well, feel much stronger. Now, I just need to keep going. I am in a routine now. I feel like I am making even more progress than I had originally expected. I am really, really encouraged by this. Just need to keep it going.
I am 263. That means I need to lose about 53 more pounds to be where I want to be. If I can continue to lose at a good clip, 3-4 pounds a week, that would put me in line to be close to my goal by the end of July. That would be pretty good, wouldn't it?
I am excited. I believe I am going to get to my goal. Thank you GOD. Thank your LORD!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Back from Vegas.....and all is pretty much well
I am going to give a short Vegas review here in a second, but returned LATE last night, woke up and did a weigh-in and...........270.
I gained one pound while in Vegas. I cannot even begin to explain the level of satisfaction I feel at that result. First, Vegas is as an EXTREME situation as I have even been. Spring break, when I was in college, is the only thing with which I can compare it. Time has no meaning. There are no "standards" of when you eat, drink, gamble, or do anything else. It is simply one BIG party, and you take breaks in between.
There was never a point on this trip where I thought "I can't do that cause I am watching calories." I let it all hang out, which was my plan. My thought - I don't know when I am heading back to Vegas so I am going to enjoy myself. I did.
So, to get back home and see the damage was just one pound.......I am very happy.
I read a lot of things before I went thats scared the hell out of me. I read people who said they came home and had gained 8 pounds, 10 pounds, or even more. I didn't want to blow my hard work just for a fun trip. So, considering how I treated Vegas, to get back just up one pound, sorta mind-blowing to me.
Now, the goal is 20+ pounds in seven weeks (around the first week of May). That would put me at 250 and in good shape for summer. If I could knock off another 20 after that, coming in at around 230 by the time July is rolling around, I will be a very happy camper.
Now, a quick review of Vegas.
AWESOME!!!
Not a yearly trip by any account. I am very happy I did this now because I have no idea what my life is going to look like in the next few years. One of my friends is having a baby with his wife. The other is thinking about it. What if I meet someone and begin to settle down? I will DEFINITELY go back, but you're never sure what life will look like. So, to go now, at this stage of my life, with no strings attached, no real fear of losing too much money, no extreme commitment issues, was terrific.
First, the weather. I was disappointed because, while it was much warmer than home, it wasn't GREAT weather. Thursday was cool and somewhat cloudy. Friday was terrific (sunny, 80 degrees) and Saturday was cloudy, cool, and windy. I would have loved 85 and sunny each day and would have loved to have spent some time by the pool. From everyone I spoke to, the Vegas pool scene is not to be missed so, the next time I go back, I want to go closer to the summer. I know it gets to be about 110 degrees at that time of year, but the pool scene sounds way too good to ignore.
Second, the hotel. We stayed at the Flamingo. This is the oldest place on the strip, originally started by mobster Bugsy Seagal. Obviously, it has been updated (not sure if it has moved from its original location or not) but you can tell it is old. There really isn't anything special about the place. Some of the other hotels are obviously MUCH nicer, with plush, plush arrangements.
However, here would me my suggestion. If you have a lot of money, splurge. Go all out. Vegas is obviously about excess. If you are going with a lot of friends, think about a suite, as that could be fun. However, since the room is literally there for a bed and a shower in the morning, I would recommend staying at a cheaper place. Vegas is about hitting all the places for dinner, gambling, shows, and the experience. You spend VERY little time in your room. Don't worry about an outdated room or a cheaper hotel. Just have a place to crash, freshen up, and move on.
Yet, DO stay on the strip. There are a million places off strip, but being on strip is the way to go. I wouldn't want anything to do with having to get a cab to get to and from your hotel off strip. You can find cheap rooms all over the place. These places just want you there. They make their money at the tables and slots, not rooms.
Third, you can walk the strip. Yes, it's a hike to some places, but everything is on the same street. I would suggest splitting nights up between one side, then another. BTW, the Flamingo, in my opinion, is in a perfect spot. It is right in between old a new Vegas. Staying there really allows you to walk where you need.
Also, a quick explanation of old and new Vegas. Old Vegas, like Harrahs, Imperial Palace, even the Mirage, some of the much smaller places (O'Shea's, which was great on St. Patty's Day, Bills Gambling Saloon) are your great, small, somewhat divy casino/bars. These places look like what you would expect of old gambling houses. No frills, no pomp and circumstance. Come in, gamble, drink. It's a lot of fun. New Vegas is glitz, big, glamour.....exactly what you think about when you think of what it has become. That's where MGM is, New York, New York, Paris, and more. These places are impressive. They aren't like casinos you have been to. Just walking to them is a trip. There are character actors on the street all over the place, looking for tips, acting out moments. It is a wild, wild scene.
Don't pigeon hole yourself to one side or another. One of my buddies ONLY wanted to gamble at two or three places. Had I followed his lead the whole time, we would have missed out on A LOT. See as much as you can. Visit a few places. You can find the same kind of tables, same kind of crowds everywhere because everyone is hopping around.
Fourth, don't just gamble. They have some great bars (Dick's Last Resort, where the waiters insult the guests, was my favorite) and even see a show. What the hell. This is suppose to be a full experience. You can buy a 30-pack and get hammered in your house for $16, right? Go to Vegas and try and fit as much as possible in.
Finally, I was amazed that you really do lose track of time. You find yourself at a craps table at 8 in the morning drinking a Seven and Seven and think NOTHING of it. You look at your watch and see it is 3 a.m. when you would have sworn it was midnight. The days just fly by. I spent three nights, four days in Vegas. It honestly feels like one LONGGGGGG day. I am amazed I am home right now. I feel like I went for a night. Everything seems to speed up. It is a different life down there.
The best thing I can say about Vegas is this. I am happy to be home but, honestly, sad I am gone. I feel like I could have, and should have done MUCH more, even though, when I think back, I did a lot. Sometimes, you come home and feel like the vacation was just okay. Sometimes, you even come home and think "was that worth the money and the time?" Not this time. I was happy with Vegas and will return. If I am ever fortunate enough to get married, I would seriously consider my bachelor party being in Vegas.
If you haven't gone, go. There is no place like it. It is a unique experience.
I gained one pound while in Vegas. I cannot even begin to explain the level of satisfaction I feel at that result. First, Vegas is as an EXTREME situation as I have even been. Spring break, when I was in college, is the only thing with which I can compare it. Time has no meaning. There are no "standards" of when you eat, drink, gamble, or do anything else. It is simply one BIG party, and you take breaks in between.
There was never a point on this trip where I thought "I can't do that cause I am watching calories." I let it all hang out, which was my plan. My thought - I don't know when I am heading back to Vegas so I am going to enjoy myself. I did.
So, to get back home and see the damage was just one pound.......I am very happy.
I read a lot of things before I went thats scared the hell out of me. I read people who said they came home and had gained 8 pounds, 10 pounds, or even more. I didn't want to blow my hard work just for a fun trip. So, considering how I treated Vegas, to get back just up one pound, sorta mind-blowing to me.
Now, the goal is 20+ pounds in seven weeks (around the first week of May). That would put me at 250 and in good shape for summer. If I could knock off another 20 after that, coming in at around 230 by the time July is rolling around, I will be a very happy camper.
Now, a quick review of Vegas.
AWESOME!!!
Not a yearly trip by any account. I am very happy I did this now because I have no idea what my life is going to look like in the next few years. One of my friends is having a baby with his wife. The other is thinking about it. What if I meet someone and begin to settle down? I will DEFINITELY go back, but you're never sure what life will look like. So, to go now, at this stage of my life, with no strings attached, no real fear of losing too much money, no extreme commitment issues, was terrific.
First, the weather. I was disappointed because, while it was much warmer than home, it wasn't GREAT weather. Thursday was cool and somewhat cloudy. Friday was terrific (sunny, 80 degrees) and Saturday was cloudy, cool, and windy. I would have loved 85 and sunny each day and would have loved to have spent some time by the pool. From everyone I spoke to, the Vegas pool scene is not to be missed so, the next time I go back, I want to go closer to the summer. I know it gets to be about 110 degrees at that time of year, but the pool scene sounds way too good to ignore.
Second, the hotel. We stayed at the Flamingo. This is the oldest place on the strip, originally started by mobster Bugsy Seagal. Obviously, it has been updated (not sure if it has moved from its original location or not) but you can tell it is old. There really isn't anything special about the place. Some of the other hotels are obviously MUCH nicer, with plush, plush arrangements.
However, here would me my suggestion. If you have a lot of money, splurge. Go all out. Vegas is obviously about excess. If you are going with a lot of friends, think about a suite, as that could be fun. However, since the room is literally there for a bed and a shower in the morning, I would recommend staying at a cheaper place. Vegas is about hitting all the places for dinner, gambling, shows, and the experience. You spend VERY little time in your room. Don't worry about an outdated room or a cheaper hotel. Just have a place to crash, freshen up, and move on.
Yet, DO stay on the strip. There are a million places off strip, but being on strip is the way to go. I wouldn't want anything to do with having to get a cab to get to and from your hotel off strip. You can find cheap rooms all over the place. These places just want you there. They make their money at the tables and slots, not rooms.
Third, you can walk the strip. Yes, it's a hike to some places, but everything is on the same street. I would suggest splitting nights up between one side, then another. BTW, the Flamingo, in my opinion, is in a perfect spot. It is right in between old a new Vegas. Staying there really allows you to walk where you need.
Also, a quick explanation of old and new Vegas. Old Vegas, like Harrahs, Imperial Palace, even the Mirage, some of the much smaller places (O'Shea's, which was great on St. Patty's Day, Bills Gambling Saloon) are your great, small, somewhat divy casino/bars. These places look like what you would expect of old gambling houses. No frills, no pomp and circumstance. Come in, gamble, drink. It's a lot of fun. New Vegas is glitz, big, glamour.....exactly what you think about when you think of what it has become. That's where MGM is, New York, New York, Paris, and more. These places are impressive. They aren't like casinos you have been to. Just walking to them is a trip. There are character actors on the street all over the place, looking for tips, acting out moments. It is a wild, wild scene.
Don't pigeon hole yourself to one side or another. One of my buddies ONLY wanted to gamble at two or three places. Had I followed his lead the whole time, we would have missed out on A LOT. See as much as you can. Visit a few places. You can find the same kind of tables, same kind of crowds everywhere because everyone is hopping around.
Fourth, don't just gamble. They have some great bars (Dick's Last Resort, where the waiters insult the guests, was my favorite) and even see a show. What the hell. This is suppose to be a full experience. You can buy a 30-pack and get hammered in your house for $16, right? Go to Vegas and try and fit as much as possible in.
Finally, I was amazed that you really do lose track of time. You find yourself at a craps table at 8 in the morning drinking a Seven and Seven and think NOTHING of it. You look at your watch and see it is 3 a.m. when you would have sworn it was midnight. The days just fly by. I spent three nights, four days in Vegas. It honestly feels like one LONGGGGGG day. I am amazed I am home right now. I feel like I went for a night. Everything seems to speed up. It is a different life down there.
The best thing I can say about Vegas is this. I am happy to be home but, honestly, sad I am gone. I feel like I could have, and should have done MUCH more, even though, when I think back, I did a lot. Sometimes, you come home and feel like the vacation was just okay. Sometimes, you even come home and think "was that worth the money and the time?" Not this time. I was happy with Vegas and will return. If I am ever fortunate enough to get married, I would seriously consider my bachelor party being in Vegas.
If you haven't gone, go. There is no place like it. It is a unique experience.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Slow and sure
Sunday weigh-in this morning: 269.
That's another 2 pounds down this week and, overall, 19 pounds down total.
I should have lost more, I believe, but I had a rough night on Saturday night. Went to watch the Big East Championship and, well, didn't hold back, especially on the drinking. The fact that I was still able to lose 2 pounds makes me very happy.
Plus, I am really starting to see a difference. My gut is beginning to shrink. My arms and shoulders are becoming more defined. My pants are much, much looser right now. A few years ago when I lost a good amount of weight, I had to make a notch in my belt buckle. I haven't been able to use that one in a while. Now, I am there.
It is heartening to be able to actually see it. Even though the scale is showing me I am making progress, the fact that I can see it, feel it, is really the most important things.
I have to get myself up to go to the gym today......light workout is needed, but right now I feel like staying on my ass the whole day. I'll have to break through that.
My next weigh-in comes after my trip to Vegas (I leave on Wednesday). I pray I don't gain too much weight while on vacation. I have to be smart about it, really.
That's another 2 pounds down this week and, overall, 19 pounds down total.
I should have lost more, I believe, but I had a rough night on Saturday night. Went to watch the Big East Championship and, well, didn't hold back, especially on the drinking. The fact that I was still able to lose 2 pounds makes me very happy.
Plus, I am really starting to see a difference. My gut is beginning to shrink. My arms and shoulders are becoming more defined. My pants are much, much looser right now. A few years ago when I lost a good amount of weight, I had to make a notch in my belt buckle. I haven't been able to use that one in a while. Now, I am there.
It is heartening to be able to actually see it. Even though the scale is showing me I am making progress, the fact that I can see it, feel it, is really the most important things.
I have to get myself up to go to the gym today......light workout is needed, but right now I feel like staying on my ass the whole day. I'll have to break through that.
My next weigh-in comes after my trip to Vegas (I leave on Wednesday). I pray I don't gain too much weight while on vacation. I have to be smart about it, really.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Just in case you were interested
It strikes me that, if anyone ever did venture onto this site and read through a few posts, they might be interested in exactly what I have been doing. Since I am at 17 pounds lost in six weeks, I can offer this regiment up to anyone interested with at least a modicum of certainty that it can work.
First, I have kept myself to approximately 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day, while allowing myself a little leeway on the weekends. I am still somewhat structured and don't go crazy on Friday and Saturday, but I'll have a few beers and a few wings, or the like, and not get too worried about it.
I have gotten off of all soda or carbonated drinks, and have cut out juice as well. Juice is high as hell in calories and can be every bit the belly buster as soda I have found, only with some nutritional value.
I can't say that, as far as food, I complete have cut anything out, however, when you are counting calories you have a lot less to play with than usual. For instance, I haven't given up on fast food, but when you are talking about 500-600 calories for a burger or a chicken sandwich, that doesn't leave a lot for the rest of the day. That means that you pretty much have to cut that kind of stuff out.
Also, you have to determine what kinds of foods you can go “light” or “fat free” with. Let's face it, some things are just horrid light or fat free. For instance, I can't have light or fat free blue cheese. So, when I get myself a salad, I still put the regular blue cheese on it, I just use less and have a smaller salad. As an example, I love a local diner's chef salad, and I love their blue cheese. I get the large and use a pertty generous portion of blue cheese. However, I will only eat half the salad at a time, instead of the whole thing. So, a salad that, with all the fixings and blue cheese, was probably running me 1,300 calories (I am just approximating, might have been less) will not only yield 650 calories. On a 1,500 to 1,800 daily calorie intake, that leaves me the option of a decent lunch and a few little snacks mixed in.
On the flip side, light bread, from light white to light rye, which yields about 40 calories per slice as opposed to 80 per, is just fine with me. As is low-fat cheese slices (60 calories per as opposed to some at 75 per or higher) and I don't mind fat free bologna (25 calories per slice). So, I can make myself a bologna and cheese sandwich and not be killing my calorie intake.
I also eat a lot of cereal, preferring Special K, and I drink a LOT of water.
If I am getting a pre-made meal, or something canned, I try and get a meal that is in the 500-600 range for dinner, and I eat a good amount of fruit as a snack.
But, none of this would be possible without working out.
I am a novice when it comes to working out. I have tried to study as much as possible on the right techniques and the right regiment for optimal response. When you begin to research, understand two things: one, there is a tremendous amount of info out there, so you should be able to educate yourself with relative ease. However, everyone has a completely different idea about how to attack weight and get into shape. You'll find opposing opinions on everything, from how many times a week you should work out to how intense that workout should be to how much time should be spent on cardio versus weight training.
Having looked at everything, here is what I have come up with:
Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday are high-intensity workout days for me. I start on the cross country trainer and do 20 minutes right when I hit the gym. Usually, I do intervals of intensity, without ever really resting all that much. I will start slow for a warm-up minute, then ramp it up as high as I can go until the five-minute mark. Then, I pull it back a bit for about two minutes, then ratchet it up again until the 10-minute mark. I keep this up back-and-forth up until the 20-minute mark, then cool down for two minutes.
Then, I do my workout, alternating between biceps and triceps one day, back and chest the next. I will do two workouts for each section, three sets each time. I start doing 15 reps, then do 10 and 10, while increasing the weight for each set (I usually have a hard time completing that 10th rep on the third set). Then, when I am done with my four exercise routines, I then do a quick ab workout (hammer crunches and then either power crunches or leg raises). Then I finish up with two more routines (one for each section being trained) and then do a less-intesive cardio for 10 minutes (on some days I can only get up to five minutes).
On Tuesday and Thursday I do about a 15 minute ab workout at home after work. I do 65 jumping jacks, plank exercise, and then alternate between regular crunches and reverse crunches for three sets of each. Then I do a lower back crunch set, then another 65 jumping jacks. With little rest inbetween everything, it usually takes 15 minutes.
On Sunday, I go to the gym for a medium intensity workout on the cross country trainer (25 minutes) then two sets of leg workouts (calf and hamstring work) then two ab routines.
The only day I usually do nothing is Friday.
So far, this has seemed to work for me. I have to be much more diligent in making sure my weights stay consistent and that my technique is always right because, without that, you are really just wasting effort and putting yourself in a position to get injured.
I started out with just three days or working out a week, then added the two-day ab workout at home about three weeks in, then added the Sunday workout last week. You have to pace yourself. If you try and do too much too quickly, you'll get injured or sick and you'll end up back at square one.
I have already noticed a huge difference in the six weeks since I have been working out. My muscle are a little more defined (a shocking development considering the fat they have to fend off just to be seen) and the routine (especially cardio) that kicked my butt every week is now getting more tolerable. I was on the cross country trainer for 27 minutes on Sunday and could have probably stayed on for another 15. That is in stark contrast to when I started, where I could barely do 10 minutes and was having “you can do this” conversations in my head at about the 7-minute mark.
Also, realize that doing too much can be bad. I stopped at 27 minutes on Sunday and kept my workout light because I knew I was going to be back on Monday. Had I just let it all fly that day, I would probably be burned out for Monday's routine. When you get to a level where you can really let it all fly, go right ahead, but when you are working off a lot of weight (like me) then pacing yourself, not putting yourself in a position to be injured, is important. It's a marathon.
The hardest part?
The eating.
I have come to really look forward to my workouts even though, in the midst of one, I am dying. You end up feeling really good once your body recovers and you want to do it again.
The eating, that's tough because, if you're overweight, chances are food became a much bigger deal in your life than you ever wanted it to be. Get depressed, unhappy, even bored, and food was there for the taking. Now, however, you have to fight those urges. You also have to fight the urge to congratulate yourself on weight loss with food. Once a month, not a problem. I have a weigh-in each month with another person. Whoever loses the most that month gets a dinner. Last month, I went out, had a great steak, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, appetizer, and desert. It was a great meal. But, I don't let myself get off the routine after a good week. I, instead, hunker down, keep going.
Look, it is tough. I am only in week six. I am writing this blog to see how this whole thing shakes out. I don't know what I am going to look like in another month of two months or eight months, but I believe this way of approaching working out.........works.
Why? Because you really have to find what works for you, for life. Can you live without carbohydrates? Can you live on veggies alone? Can you live on wheat bread and give up all others?
You have to develop the things you CAN do for the rest of your life, noth six months, not 18 months. If you do, then I believe getting in shape can become staying in shape.
First, I have kept myself to approximately 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day, while allowing myself a little leeway on the weekends. I am still somewhat structured and don't go crazy on Friday and Saturday, but I'll have a few beers and a few wings, or the like, and not get too worried about it.
I have gotten off of all soda or carbonated drinks, and have cut out juice as well. Juice is high as hell in calories and can be every bit the belly buster as soda I have found, only with some nutritional value.
I can't say that, as far as food, I complete have cut anything out, however, when you are counting calories you have a lot less to play with than usual. For instance, I haven't given up on fast food, but when you are talking about 500-600 calories for a burger or a chicken sandwich, that doesn't leave a lot for the rest of the day. That means that you pretty much have to cut that kind of stuff out.
Also, you have to determine what kinds of foods you can go “light” or “fat free” with. Let's face it, some things are just horrid light or fat free. For instance, I can't have light or fat free blue cheese. So, when I get myself a salad, I still put the regular blue cheese on it, I just use less and have a smaller salad. As an example, I love a local diner's chef salad, and I love their blue cheese. I get the large and use a pertty generous portion of blue cheese. However, I will only eat half the salad at a time, instead of the whole thing. So, a salad that, with all the fixings and blue cheese, was probably running me 1,300 calories (I am just approximating, might have been less) will not only yield 650 calories. On a 1,500 to 1,800 daily calorie intake, that leaves me the option of a decent lunch and a few little snacks mixed in.
On the flip side, light bread, from light white to light rye, which yields about 40 calories per slice as opposed to 80 per, is just fine with me. As is low-fat cheese slices (60 calories per as opposed to some at 75 per or higher) and I don't mind fat free bologna (25 calories per slice). So, I can make myself a bologna and cheese sandwich and not be killing my calorie intake.
I also eat a lot of cereal, preferring Special K, and I drink a LOT of water.
If I am getting a pre-made meal, or something canned, I try and get a meal that is in the 500-600 range for dinner, and I eat a good amount of fruit as a snack.
But, none of this would be possible without working out.
I am a novice when it comes to working out. I have tried to study as much as possible on the right techniques and the right regiment for optimal response. When you begin to research, understand two things: one, there is a tremendous amount of info out there, so you should be able to educate yourself with relative ease. However, everyone has a completely different idea about how to attack weight and get into shape. You'll find opposing opinions on everything, from how many times a week you should work out to how intense that workout should be to how much time should be spent on cardio versus weight training.
Having looked at everything, here is what I have come up with:
Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday are high-intensity workout days for me. I start on the cross country trainer and do 20 minutes right when I hit the gym. Usually, I do intervals of intensity, without ever really resting all that much. I will start slow for a warm-up minute, then ramp it up as high as I can go until the five-minute mark. Then, I pull it back a bit for about two minutes, then ratchet it up again until the 10-minute mark. I keep this up back-and-forth up until the 20-minute mark, then cool down for two minutes.
Then, I do my workout, alternating between biceps and triceps one day, back and chest the next. I will do two workouts for each section, three sets each time. I start doing 15 reps, then do 10 and 10, while increasing the weight for each set (I usually have a hard time completing that 10th rep on the third set). Then, when I am done with my four exercise routines, I then do a quick ab workout (hammer crunches and then either power crunches or leg raises). Then I finish up with two more routines (one for each section being trained) and then do a less-intesive cardio for 10 minutes (on some days I can only get up to five minutes).
On Tuesday and Thursday I do about a 15 minute ab workout at home after work. I do 65 jumping jacks, plank exercise, and then alternate between regular crunches and reverse crunches for three sets of each. Then I do a lower back crunch set, then another 65 jumping jacks. With little rest inbetween everything, it usually takes 15 minutes.
On Sunday, I go to the gym for a medium intensity workout on the cross country trainer (25 minutes) then two sets of leg workouts (calf and hamstring work) then two ab routines.
The only day I usually do nothing is Friday.
So far, this has seemed to work for me. I have to be much more diligent in making sure my weights stay consistent and that my technique is always right because, without that, you are really just wasting effort and putting yourself in a position to get injured.
I started out with just three days or working out a week, then added the two-day ab workout at home about three weeks in, then added the Sunday workout last week. You have to pace yourself. If you try and do too much too quickly, you'll get injured or sick and you'll end up back at square one.
I have already noticed a huge difference in the six weeks since I have been working out. My muscle are a little more defined (a shocking development considering the fat they have to fend off just to be seen) and the routine (especially cardio) that kicked my butt every week is now getting more tolerable. I was on the cross country trainer for 27 minutes on Sunday and could have probably stayed on for another 15. That is in stark contrast to when I started, where I could barely do 10 minutes and was having “you can do this” conversations in my head at about the 7-minute mark.
Also, realize that doing too much can be bad. I stopped at 27 minutes on Sunday and kept my workout light because I knew I was going to be back on Monday. Had I just let it all fly that day, I would probably be burned out for Monday's routine. When you get to a level where you can really let it all fly, go right ahead, but when you are working off a lot of weight (like me) then pacing yourself, not putting yourself in a position to be injured, is important. It's a marathon.
The hardest part?
The eating.
I have come to really look forward to my workouts even though, in the midst of one, I am dying. You end up feeling really good once your body recovers and you want to do it again.
The eating, that's tough because, if you're overweight, chances are food became a much bigger deal in your life than you ever wanted it to be. Get depressed, unhappy, even bored, and food was there for the taking. Now, however, you have to fight those urges. You also have to fight the urge to congratulate yourself on weight loss with food. Once a month, not a problem. I have a weigh-in each month with another person. Whoever loses the most that month gets a dinner. Last month, I went out, had a great steak, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, appetizer, and desert. It was a great meal. But, I don't let myself get off the routine after a good week. I, instead, hunker down, keep going.
Look, it is tough. I am only in week six. I am writing this blog to see how this whole thing shakes out. I don't know what I am going to look like in another month of two months or eight months, but I believe this way of approaching working out.........works.
Why? Because you really have to find what works for you, for life. Can you live without carbohydrates? Can you live on veggies alone? Can you live on wheat bread and give up all others?
You have to develop the things you CAN do for the rest of your life, noth six months, not 18 months. If you do, then I believe getting in shape can become staying in shape.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Back in the saddle again
Sunday weigh-in: 271
That's three pounds from last week. That's 17 pounds over the past six weeks. That also puts me on target for 20 pounds down before I leave for Vegas on the 16th.
Obviously, I am in a much better mood this Sunday than last. For the most part, I am happy not only because I lost weight but because it proves my little routine here continues to work. I didn't change much of anything, except for adding a day of workout (Sunday).
I am beginning to feel lighter, stronger. I can see a little change in my body. In other words, I can begin to see that the hard work, that the commitment to this whole routine is paying off.
Thank God. It isn't always easy. In fact, it is never easy. While I haven't completely changed my workout routines, I have tweaked them a bit and, especially on Mondays and Wednesday for some reason, they are tough to get through. It takes a lot out of me. I have been ready to give up a few times, head home. But, I finish, and that, to me, is the most important thing. FINISH!!!
Well, I am off to the gym again now. Have to keep my routine going.
My worry is how much will this trip to Vegas throw me off? How much can you gain in four days? I have lost 17 pounds in six weeks. Hopefully, I don't waste three weeks because of four days of bingeing. Just have to pray the price isn't too steep when I come back.
That's three pounds from last week. That's 17 pounds over the past six weeks. That also puts me on target for 20 pounds down before I leave for Vegas on the 16th.
Obviously, I am in a much better mood this Sunday than last. For the most part, I am happy not only because I lost weight but because it proves my little routine here continues to work. I didn't change much of anything, except for adding a day of workout (Sunday).
I am beginning to feel lighter, stronger. I can see a little change in my body. In other words, I can begin to see that the hard work, that the commitment to this whole routine is paying off.
Thank God. It isn't always easy. In fact, it is never easy. While I haven't completely changed my workout routines, I have tweaked them a bit and, especially on Mondays and Wednesday for some reason, they are tough to get through. It takes a lot out of me. I have been ready to give up a few times, head home. But, I finish, and that, to me, is the most important thing. FINISH!!!
Well, I am off to the gym again now. Have to keep my routine going.
My worry is how much will this trip to Vegas throw me off? How much can you gain in four days? I have lost 17 pounds in six weeks. Hopefully, I don't waste three weeks because of four days of bingeing. Just have to pray the price isn't too steep when I come back.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Word to the wise.........don't let a disappointing reading trick you into buying a new scale
So, since this morning's reading (no weight loss for the week) was very disconcerting, to say the least, I decided it must have been the scale's fault and went out and bought a new one. So, what did I find?
If the scale I have been using is, indeed, wrong, then it is being wayyy too generous to me. The new scale was saying 278 pounds. Simply for my own psyche, I am going to stay with the 274. Just not that sure what to believe, or who to believe. All I know is, no matter what scale I step on, it is telling me one thing: I didn't lose a freakin thing this week.
So, I went to the gym today (usually my day off) and I will be adding that extra day from here on out. I need to do something to step it up. I am not backtracking. Need to do better, lose more weight. That's it. I need to keep it going.
If the scale I have been using is, indeed, wrong, then it is being wayyy too generous to me. The new scale was saying 278 pounds. Simply for my own psyche, I am going to stay with the 274. Just not that sure what to believe, or who to believe. All I know is, no matter what scale I step on, it is telling me one thing: I didn't lose a freakin thing this week.
So, I went to the gym today (usually my day off) and I will be adding that extra day from here on out. I need to do something to step it up. I am not backtracking. Need to do better, lose more weight. That's it. I need to keep it going.
Just So Frustrated
Well, Sunday weigh-in and........274.
I didn't lose a fucking pound. Not one. Not even an ounce. Working out three times, killing myself at the gym, laying off so many things, and yet I didn't lose a pound. How? I don't get it.
I am very discouraged right now. I had been hoping to have lost two to three pounds. Not to have lost anything at all, I feel like it was a lost week, to be honest.
I had been worried that I would hit a wall. That I would hit a point where I wasn't losing anymore, or at least wasn't losing the way I had been. Have I hit that wall?
I pray not. I am so discouraged right now. I didn't gain, I know that, but I am 274 pounds. I need to be losing every single week. I didn't lose a thing, and I didn't feel like I cheated that much.
Maybe this week was the outlier because I went out to eat three times, once on Sunday, once on Friday, once on Saturday. But, even on those days, I thought I calculated correctly that my calorie intake wasn't that big of a deal. I was wrong.
Is everything I am doing bullshit? Do I know what I am doing?
I can't tell you how down I am right now. It is hard to have a good outlook right now, look at the bright side. I haven't gained, but, again, I FUCKING WEIGH 274 POUNDS!!!!!! If I'm not losing weight every week, I'm losing out, big time. What a complete disappointment.
I'm trying not to make a big deal out of this, but that was just such a shock. I thought I had lost, I really did. Maybe it was because I was sooo cocky. I didn't think I was that cocky. Maybe I was.
Whatever. Wasted week. Have to do better next week. Have to do MUCH better.
Goodbye dream of being down 30 pounds by the time I go to Vegas. Now, I am really going to have to buckle down to get to 20 pounds overall.
I can't believe I lost NOTHING!!!!!!!!
I didn't lose a fucking pound. Not one. Not even an ounce. Working out three times, killing myself at the gym, laying off so many things, and yet I didn't lose a pound. How? I don't get it.
I am very discouraged right now. I had been hoping to have lost two to three pounds. Not to have lost anything at all, I feel like it was a lost week, to be honest.
I had been worried that I would hit a wall. That I would hit a point where I wasn't losing anymore, or at least wasn't losing the way I had been. Have I hit that wall?
I pray not. I am so discouraged right now. I didn't gain, I know that, but I am 274 pounds. I need to be losing every single week. I didn't lose a thing, and I didn't feel like I cheated that much.
Maybe this week was the outlier because I went out to eat three times, once on Sunday, once on Friday, once on Saturday. But, even on those days, I thought I calculated correctly that my calorie intake wasn't that big of a deal. I was wrong.
Is everything I am doing bullshit? Do I know what I am doing?
I can't tell you how down I am right now. It is hard to have a good outlook right now, look at the bright side. I haven't gained, but, again, I FUCKING WEIGH 274 POUNDS!!!!!! If I'm not losing weight every week, I'm losing out, big time. What a complete disappointment.
I'm trying not to make a big deal out of this, but that was just such a shock. I thought I had lost, I really did. Maybe it was because I was sooo cocky. I didn't think I was that cocky. Maybe I was.
Whatever. Wasted week. Have to do better next week. Have to do MUCH better.
Goodbye dream of being down 30 pounds by the time I go to Vegas. Now, I am really going to have to buckle down to get to 20 pounds overall.
I can't believe I lost NOTHING!!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
On the road from obese to just plan fat
Okay, Sunday is here and the weigh-in is over. The new weight: 274. For those counting at home, and I know you're not, that is four pounds this week and 14 for the month. I am quickly shedding the obese label and careening towards fat. WOOOHOOO!!!!!!
Seriously, though, I am very happy. On the one hand, you work all week, watch what you eat, limit your calorie intake, and end up only losing four pounds. You feel like you should have shed about 30 when your workout routine is all said and done. But, when you begin to look at it legitimately, and understand that most "experts" want you losing one to two pounds a week, four pounds a week is pretty good.
Really, this is about two things: God helping give me the strength to do this (and I sure as hell need that) and changing my lifestyle along the way. The most important thing here is the working out, I believe. And, also, staying on target. I need to remain true to my self and how I have gone about this. I can't slide back. In fact, I need to use this as motivation to continue to do better.
I set a goal of 20 pounds for my Vegas trip. I am easily on my way to that and would actually much rather be closer to 30 pounds down. Could I lose another 16 pounds in the next four weeks? I believe I can. The only thing is, I have three more weigh-ins before my Vegas trip. How much can I lose by then? Well, if I stay at a 3-4 pounds a week rate, that should be 10.5 pounds in the next three weeks, which would put me at about 263 and at 24.5 pounds down over two months.
I am a little nervous about my Vegas trip. How much weight will I put on in those couple of days? I am hoping that I simply just stay the same or only add a pound or two. I figure I'll be walking a lot and I won't be eating every five seconds, anyway, but I am going to be somewhat conscious of what I am doing there as well, while also figuring out a way to have fun in Vegas. That shouldn't be too hard:)
I am happy where I am at, but I also realize how much farther I have to go. That's the position I put myself in. I put myself in a position where 14 pounds in a month is simply the first step of many. Even 30 pounds is the first step in many. I am excited about this next month, however, because if I can get to about 30 pounds down, that's beginning to get into the realm of real weight loss. Also, being in the 260s for weight is a better jumping-off point than being in the 280s. I just need to stay focused, stay on target. I am excited about the future, though.
My goal for Vegas was 20+ pounds. I believe I can do that. My goal for the summer, essentially June, was to have a new body for the good weather. I am figuring around 50-60 pounds down. That's about four months away. If I could stay consistent with my weight loss, average maybe 13 pounds a month, that's 52 pounds. That would put me at 222 pounds. That would put me about 20 pounds off where I would really like to be. I think I can do this. I believe I can do this. I believe God is going to allow me to shed this weight for good. I just have to stay strong. No short cuts.
Right now, I am down 14 pounds. It's a good first step.
Seriously, though, I am very happy. On the one hand, you work all week, watch what you eat, limit your calorie intake, and end up only losing four pounds. You feel like you should have shed about 30 when your workout routine is all said and done. But, when you begin to look at it legitimately, and understand that most "experts" want you losing one to two pounds a week, four pounds a week is pretty good.
Really, this is about two things: God helping give me the strength to do this (and I sure as hell need that) and changing my lifestyle along the way. The most important thing here is the working out, I believe. And, also, staying on target. I need to remain true to my self and how I have gone about this. I can't slide back. In fact, I need to use this as motivation to continue to do better.
I set a goal of 20 pounds for my Vegas trip. I am easily on my way to that and would actually much rather be closer to 30 pounds down. Could I lose another 16 pounds in the next four weeks? I believe I can. The only thing is, I have three more weigh-ins before my Vegas trip. How much can I lose by then? Well, if I stay at a 3-4 pounds a week rate, that should be 10.5 pounds in the next three weeks, which would put me at about 263 and at 24.5 pounds down over two months.
I am a little nervous about my Vegas trip. How much weight will I put on in those couple of days? I am hoping that I simply just stay the same or only add a pound or two. I figure I'll be walking a lot and I won't be eating every five seconds, anyway, but I am going to be somewhat conscious of what I am doing there as well, while also figuring out a way to have fun in Vegas. That shouldn't be too hard:)
I am happy where I am at, but I also realize how much farther I have to go. That's the position I put myself in. I put myself in a position where 14 pounds in a month is simply the first step of many. Even 30 pounds is the first step in many. I am excited about this next month, however, because if I can get to about 30 pounds down, that's beginning to get into the realm of real weight loss. Also, being in the 260s for weight is a better jumping-off point than being in the 280s. I just need to stay focused, stay on target. I am excited about the future, though.
My goal for Vegas was 20+ pounds. I believe I can do that. My goal for the summer, essentially June, was to have a new body for the good weather. I am figuring around 50-60 pounds down. That's about four months away. If I could stay consistent with my weight loss, average maybe 13 pounds a month, that's 52 pounds. That would put me at 222 pounds. That would put me about 20 pounds off where I would really like to be. I think I can do this. I believe I can do this. I believe God is going to allow me to shed this weight for good. I just have to stay strong. No short cuts.
Right now, I am down 14 pounds. It's a good first step.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tough week, waiting for tomorrow
Okay, so 10 pounds down and my final month weigh-in is tomorrow. I think I did okay, although, I have to admit, this week was a tough one. There was a lot of talking to myself. You know, those conversations that go something like this.
"Hell, what are you, perfect? Get a grinder. It isn't even that many calories."
"I can't."
"What the hell, you think you're going to be able to do this for the rest of your life?"
"I have to lose the weight and I can't start backtracking."
"Just do it already. Grab something from Wendys. You can get a whole meal for like 1,100 calories. That leaves you with another 700 to play with."
It's tough. There were several times I wanted to come home and eat my fridge. Just the whole damn thing. But, I think I did a pretty good job of staying true to what I have been doing.
I added another day at the gym so, we'll see what happens.
There is a part of me that thinks I might have lost a good amount this week, another part saying "don't get your hopes up, cause you'll be devastated if you get on that scale and there is no loss or just a pound down. We'll see. I still believe I can make my 20-25 pounds down before March 16 when I leave for Vegas.
We will see where we stand tomorrow.
"Hell, what are you, perfect? Get a grinder. It isn't even that many calories."
"I can't."
"What the hell, you think you're going to be able to do this for the rest of your life?"
"I have to lose the weight and I can't start backtracking."
"Just do it already. Grab something from Wendys. You can get a whole meal for like 1,100 calories. That leaves you with another 700 to play with."
It's tough. There were several times I wanted to come home and eat my fridge. Just the whole damn thing. But, I think I did a pretty good job of staying true to what I have been doing.
I added another day at the gym so, we'll see what happens.
There is a part of me that thinks I might have lost a good amount this week, another part saying "don't get your hopes up, cause you'll be devastated if you get on that scale and there is no loss or just a pound down. We'll see. I still believe I can make my 20-25 pounds down before March 16 when I leave for Vegas.
We will see where we stand tomorrow.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Let's jump ahead, shall we?
I'm not sure exactly what was happening with my Internet but it seems things were published on the post with wrong dates attached, and then some weren't posted at all, so there is a little gap between my last post and today. Namely, I just finished my week 3 weigh-in and the result is...............278 pounds. For those keeping track at home, that's 10 pounds. That's like a Maine Coon cat right there.
I am pretty happy. I know 10 pounds in three weeks isn't going to get me a seat on Oprah, and no one wants to see me in a Speedo just yet. But, hey, it's a beginning, and I feel good that I have lost weight every single week.
This is a marathon. I have a goal of losing 70 to 80 pounds. When you put it in that context, 10 pounds aint nothing, but, again, it's a start. More than that, it's confirmation. It's confirmation that I am on the right track, doing the right thing, heading in the right direction. And what I'm doing now, I can keep doing it. It hasn't ruined my life. I don't feel like something wonderful has been ripped from me. Instead, I feel good. I feel good that my muscles hurt after working out. I feel good that I'm thinking about having a different body to go along with warmer weather this summer. I feel good that I'm thinking about doing things like buying a bike and taking trips around my area, or even getting back into some sports.
I just have to keep on keeping on.
The toughest part? When you get that little voice that starts saying "hey, you did well this week, why not grab that large steak and cheese sub on the way home from work," or "you know what, you're working your ass off so why don't you skip the gym tonight."
It is a battle. I find myself talking internally, a lot. Tonight, after the weigh-in, I spent a good part of the day having a conversation about grabbing a Bacon Deluxe extra value meal at Wendys. My logic was that, during the day I hadn't eaten all that much so I could afford a meal that was gonna run me 1200 calories, right? I would still probably be a little under 1800 for the day. But, do I really need a 1200 calorie meal? That was the fight and, as opposed to the past, a small sandwich and some soup later on won out. That's the kinda thing you have to do, go back and forth with yourself, talking yourself outta taking what I call the weight-gain road.
Anyway, I am down 10 pounds in three week. If I am down 13 or so pounds in a month, and can keep that going, I will begin to see it a little more in the coming weeks. It is just about working out and sticking to self-control. I really think what you learn is that, while you have to train your body, you also have to train your mind. You have to train yourself to take the right road, not the wrong road. I am getting better at that. I have had slip ups this week. Stuffed my face with a hot dog at lunch, had a few donuts, but overall, another three pounds down, 10 pounds overall, and things are going good.
Justin, I'm coming for yah, bitch.....
I am pretty happy. I know 10 pounds in three weeks isn't going to get me a seat on Oprah, and no one wants to see me in a Speedo just yet. But, hey, it's a beginning, and I feel good that I have lost weight every single week.
This is a marathon. I have a goal of losing 70 to 80 pounds. When you put it in that context, 10 pounds aint nothing, but, again, it's a start. More than that, it's confirmation. It's confirmation that I am on the right track, doing the right thing, heading in the right direction. And what I'm doing now, I can keep doing it. It hasn't ruined my life. I don't feel like something wonderful has been ripped from me. Instead, I feel good. I feel good that my muscles hurt after working out. I feel good that I'm thinking about having a different body to go along with warmer weather this summer. I feel good that I'm thinking about doing things like buying a bike and taking trips around my area, or even getting back into some sports.
I just have to keep on keeping on.
The toughest part? When you get that little voice that starts saying "hey, you did well this week, why not grab that large steak and cheese sub on the way home from work," or "you know what, you're working your ass off so why don't you skip the gym tonight."
It is a battle. I find myself talking internally, a lot. Tonight, after the weigh-in, I spent a good part of the day having a conversation about grabbing a Bacon Deluxe extra value meal at Wendys. My logic was that, during the day I hadn't eaten all that much so I could afford a meal that was gonna run me 1200 calories, right? I would still probably be a little under 1800 for the day. But, do I really need a 1200 calorie meal? That was the fight and, as opposed to the past, a small sandwich and some soup later on won out. That's the kinda thing you have to do, go back and forth with yourself, talking yourself outta taking what I call the weight-gain road.
Anyway, I am down 10 pounds in three week. If I am down 13 or so pounds in a month, and can keep that going, I will begin to see it a little more in the coming weeks. It is just about working out and sticking to self-control. I really think what you learn is that, while you have to train your body, you also have to train your mind. You have to train yourself to take the right road, not the wrong road. I am getting better at that. I have had slip ups this week. Stuffed my face with a hot dog at lunch, had a few donuts, but overall, another three pounds down, 10 pounds overall, and things are going good.
Justin, I'm coming for yah, bitch.....
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Week One: Not Too Bad
Update: I wrote this post a couple of days ago and it didn't post when I posted it for some reason. Thanks, Internet.....
Anyway, my weigh-in today? I am down to 285 pounds. That's three pounds down. Nothing earth shattering but, hey, I'll take it, right? Baby steps, baby. Baby steps.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
So week one of new me is going pretty well. I am not constantly hungry, nor am I stuffed and feeling like I am cheating myself. I have been to the gym twice this week and skipped a trip because we, here, in the great state of Connecticut, have turned into North Pole 2.0 lately, and another storm dumped about 20 inches of snow on my front lawn. When you are shoveling huge piles of snow for two hours, I count that as a day in the gym.
What's funny about working out is how your body reacts to things. I went to the gym on Monday this week, did 10 minutes of cardio, did about 25-30 minutes of weight training, then finished up with another 15 minutes of cardio. At the end, I felt like I had been through a workout, but I wasn't dead. In fact, I felt pretty darn good.
I took Tuesday off, then, Wednesday, went back.
Half way through essentially the SAME workout (different weight training) I felt like Hulk Hogan had repeatedly body slammed me into the ground. As opposed to Monday, where my 15 minutes of cardio finish had seemed okay, I was dying this time around. I didn't even know if I could make it through all the time that was left.
Simply put, Monday told me I could work out, Wednesday reminded me why I needed to make it a routine.
My plan is to hit the gym again tomorrow (Sat.) for a quick routine. Hopefully, I won't be as winded as I was Wednesday.
As far as eating, I am doing a pretty good job of gauging calories I believe. I think I have been pretty firm on the 1,800 for the day. Might have been a tad over once or twice, but nothing significant. It's hard to judge the calories in some meals. For instance, last night for dinner I had a bowl of noodles, lean chop meat, in cream of mushroom soup. How much could that have been? I am trying to calculate on the high end, so that I leave some wiggle room, so I calculated that as being about 750 calories. Was it that much? Hard to imagine it was, but I want to put myself in a position to be pleasantly surprised.
I have my weigh-in on Sunday. I feel like I have already lost some weight and can see it, a little bit. I guess Sunday will tell the tale.
I am not going in with any set weight goal for the week, I just want to see loss so I know what I am doing is working, mainly because what I am doing is something I believe I can continue to do.
The question is, can I translate this into my weekend?
Usually, I go out with friends after work. That mean some food, some beers, and some laughs. How much that adds up to during the course of the week, I can't tell you, but I am going to try and cut back starting tonight. We will see.
Anyway, my weigh-in today? I am down to 285 pounds. That's three pounds down. Nothing earth shattering but, hey, I'll take it, right? Baby steps, baby. Baby steps.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
So week one of new me is going pretty well. I am not constantly hungry, nor am I stuffed and feeling like I am cheating myself. I have been to the gym twice this week and skipped a trip because we, here, in the great state of Connecticut, have turned into North Pole 2.0 lately, and another storm dumped about 20 inches of snow on my front lawn. When you are shoveling huge piles of snow for two hours, I count that as a day in the gym.
What's funny about working out is how your body reacts to things. I went to the gym on Monday this week, did 10 minutes of cardio, did about 25-30 minutes of weight training, then finished up with another 15 minutes of cardio. At the end, I felt like I had been through a workout, but I wasn't dead. In fact, I felt pretty darn good.
I took Tuesday off, then, Wednesday, went back.
Half way through essentially the SAME workout (different weight training) I felt like Hulk Hogan had repeatedly body slammed me into the ground. As opposed to Monday, where my 15 minutes of cardio finish had seemed okay, I was dying this time around. I didn't even know if I could make it through all the time that was left.
Simply put, Monday told me I could work out, Wednesday reminded me why I needed to make it a routine.
My plan is to hit the gym again tomorrow (Sat.) for a quick routine. Hopefully, I won't be as winded as I was Wednesday.
As far as eating, I am doing a pretty good job of gauging calories I believe. I think I have been pretty firm on the 1,800 for the day. Might have been a tad over once or twice, but nothing significant. It's hard to judge the calories in some meals. For instance, last night for dinner I had a bowl of noodles, lean chop meat, in cream of mushroom soup. How much could that have been? I am trying to calculate on the high end, so that I leave some wiggle room, so I calculated that as being about 750 calories. Was it that much? Hard to imagine it was, but I want to put myself in a position to be pleasantly surprised.
I have my weigh-in on Sunday. I feel like I have already lost some weight and can see it, a little bit. I guess Sunday will tell the tale.
I am not going in with any set weight goal for the week, I just want to see loss so I know what I am doing is working, mainly because what I am doing is something I believe I can continue to do.
The question is, can I translate this into my weekend?
Usually, I go out with friends after work. That mean some food, some beers, and some laughs. How much that adds up to during the course of the week, I can't tell you, but I am going to try and cut back starting tonight. We will see.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
It's About The Weight, Stupid
I am fat. Actually, I am obese. I came to that realization over the last week, after acurately weighing myself for the first time in months and then plugging those rather large numbers into “weight-loss calculators” on the web. Granted, I don't know how accurate those things really are, but considering everyone I tried came back with the same conclusion – obese – I'll assume I have a problem here.
This is a problem for me on any number of levels. One, I knew I was overweight, but not considered technically obese. When you're overweight, you can kinda “wordplay” your way around how you actually look. I was “stocky.” Heck, that almost sounds attractive, right? I was plump. Who doesn't like plump? I can't think of one instance where I have heard the word plump used and thought “ewww.” Even fat can be kind of fun. Fat people are jolly. Fat people, a lot of times, are funny, with a lot of personality, a lot of charm, and attractive in their own way. That was me all over, baby! Fat and fun to be around.
But obese? That makes me part of the problem. That means diabetes and injections into my fat stomach and not being able to move from my car to my apartment without needing oxygen.
The other eye-opening thing for me is that, for the first time in my life, I am pushing up dangerously close to the 300 pound mark. I am 288. I am 6'1”, and I am 32-years old. That means I am 12 pounds away from 300, staring 33-years old smack in the face.
Wow. That will wake you up in the morning.
The truth is I had begun the process of trying to lose weight a while ago because, quite frankly, I haven't felt as good as I would like for a long, long time. There are aches and pains that shouldn't be there. Every time I feel some tightness in or around my chest I wonder whether I am about to keel over from a heart attack in my early 30's, then the pain goes away and I realize it was probably a pulled muscle, no doubt strained under the pressure of supporting my fat ass.
I don't play sports anymore, at all. No more basketball. No more tennis. No more volleyball. Nothing that requires any physical exertion. I know I won't last more than a few minutes, so why subject myself to it? Why embarrass myself, especially around friends who haven't allowed themselves to got to shit?
I also realize that, if I really want to find someone in this life, someone to start a family with, I need to lose weight. Look, I we can all play the game about “loving yourself” and having “confidence.” We can talk about feeling attractive even when you're not model material, but if you have to talk yourself into confidence, or feeling good about how you look, then it aint gonna last, and you're not going to find someone you're truly attracted to, and someone who is truly attracted to you.
I am 32, going to be 33 in a few months. For the first time in my life I care about finding someone with whom I can begin a long-term relationship and, having come to this crossroads in my life, I find myself wandering in the land of the obese.
Sufficit to say, something has to change.
So, a while back, I began changing my eating habits little by little. It has been a slow process but I know I have to actually change my lifestyle if I am going to change my weight and my health.
But, now, it is go time. I want to lose real weight, not just a little here and a little there. I had thought I was about 265 or 270. Being 288, I realize I need to lose serious, serious weight.
Ideally? I want to get down to about 210 pounds. If I work out, add some muscle, I figure that would be a good landing spot. I think 210 pounds puts me in the “I can take my shirt off and not worry about scaring little children” range.
How long is that going to take?
I want to achieve that by this time (January 24) next year. I think 12 months should be enough to lose 78 pounds. But, my short-term goal right now is to be down anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds by March 16. That's when I leave for Vegas with my friends for a few days, and I would like to be at a new level at that point. That means February has to be a real dedication on my part.
I am not going all new-age diet on anyone for this. I am sticking to one principle: less calorie intake and more activity means I'll be losing weight. I am just not going to take in the amount of calories I have. I am just going to try and eat a little healthier, and make sure my meals are smaller. I'm not starving myself, just being smarter, and I am making a commitment to working out at least 3 times a week, hopefully four times.
The biggest thing? I have to teach myself not to eat when I'm bored. I don't know how many times I have found myself eating because, hell, there aint nothing better to do. That adds calories, which adds fat, which makes me obese, which makes me mad........I don't like be mad.
Will it work? It has to. There isn't any excuse this time. This is my 2011 “no excuse” year. No more feeling bad for myself. No more getting down about being fat, being alone, being less than what I could be. It's all there for the taking. I am in control of it all. I don't have to be this way. Simply put, I won't be any more.
It all sounds good now, but how long will it last? I am committed to making sure it lasts from now till the end of my life.
So, why blog?
Mainly because it seems to have helped other people. I have read numerous stories about individuals looking to lose weight, chronicling their efforts online. It seems to provide added motivation. A blog is there. The success and failure is there, for not only you to see but others to see as well.
I also hope that, if people find this blog, they will share their own stories, struggles, and, maybe if I am successful in losing the weight I want, perhaps I can offer people hope that it's possible for them, as well.
Look I don't need the federal government to come in and tell me what I can and cannot eat. I just need myself, my prayers, my willpower. That's all. We'll see what the equals in 2011.
Right now, we start at this number: 288.
This is a problem for me on any number of levels. One, I knew I was overweight, but not considered technically obese. When you're overweight, you can kinda “wordplay” your way around how you actually look. I was “stocky.” Heck, that almost sounds attractive, right? I was plump. Who doesn't like plump? I can't think of one instance where I have heard the word plump used and thought “ewww.” Even fat can be kind of fun. Fat people are jolly. Fat people, a lot of times, are funny, with a lot of personality, a lot of charm, and attractive in their own way. That was me all over, baby! Fat and fun to be around.
But obese? That makes me part of the problem. That means diabetes and injections into my fat stomach and not being able to move from my car to my apartment without needing oxygen.
The other eye-opening thing for me is that, for the first time in my life, I am pushing up dangerously close to the 300 pound mark. I am 288. I am 6'1”, and I am 32-years old. That means I am 12 pounds away from 300, staring 33-years old smack in the face.
Wow. That will wake you up in the morning.
The truth is I had begun the process of trying to lose weight a while ago because, quite frankly, I haven't felt as good as I would like for a long, long time. There are aches and pains that shouldn't be there. Every time I feel some tightness in or around my chest I wonder whether I am about to keel over from a heart attack in my early 30's, then the pain goes away and I realize it was probably a pulled muscle, no doubt strained under the pressure of supporting my fat ass.
I don't play sports anymore, at all. No more basketball. No more tennis. No more volleyball. Nothing that requires any physical exertion. I know I won't last more than a few minutes, so why subject myself to it? Why embarrass myself, especially around friends who haven't allowed themselves to got to shit?
I also realize that, if I really want to find someone in this life, someone to start a family with, I need to lose weight. Look, I we can all play the game about “loving yourself” and having “confidence.” We can talk about feeling attractive even when you're not model material, but if you have to talk yourself into confidence, or feeling good about how you look, then it aint gonna last, and you're not going to find someone you're truly attracted to, and someone who is truly attracted to you.
I am 32, going to be 33 in a few months. For the first time in my life I care about finding someone with whom I can begin a long-term relationship and, having come to this crossroads in my life, I find myself wandering in the land of the obese.
Sufficit to say, something has to change.
So, a while back, I began changing my eating habits little by little. It has been a slow process but I know I have to actually change my lifestyle if I am going to change my weight and my health.
But, now, it is go time. I want to lose real weight, not just a little here and a little there. I had thought I was about 265 or 270. Being 288, I realize I need to lose serious, serious weight.
Ideally? I want to get down to about 210 pounds. If I work out, add some muscle, I figure that would be a good landing spot. I think 210 pounds puts me in the “I can take my shirt off and not worry about scaring little children” range.
How long is that going to take?
I want to achieve that by this time (January 24) next year. I think 12 months should be enough to lose 78 pounds. But, my short-term goal right now is to be down anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds by March 16. That's when I leave for Vegas with my friends for a few days, and I would like to be at a new level at that point. That means February has to be a real dedication on my part.
I am not going all new-age diet on anyone for this. I am sticking to one principle: less calorie intake and more activity means I'll be losing weight. I am just not going to take in the amount of calories I have. I am just going to try and eat a little healthier, and make sure my meals are smaller. I'm not starving myself, just being smarter, and I am making a commitment to working out at least 3 times a week, hopefully four times.
The biggest thing? I have to teach myself not to eat when I'm bored. I don't know how many times I have found myself eating because, hell, there aint nothing better to do. That adds calories, which adds fat, which makes me obese, which makes me mad........I don't like be mad.
Will it work? It has to. There isn't any excuse this time. This is my 2011 “no excuse” year. No more feeling bad for myself. No more getting down about being fat, being alone, being less than what I could be. It's all there for the taking. I am in control of it all. I don't have to be this way. Simply put, I won't be any more.
It all sounds good now, but how long will it last? I am committed to making sure it lasts from now till the end of my life.
So, why blog?
Mainly because it seems to have helped other people. I have read numerous stories about individuals looking to lose weight, chronicling their efforts online. It seems to provide added motivation. A blog is there. The success and failure is there, for not only you to see but others to see as well.
I also hope that, if people find this blog, they will share their own stories, struggles, and, maybe if I am successful in losing the weight I want, perhaps I can offer people hope that it's possible for them, as well.
Look I don't need the federal government to come in and tell me what I can and cannot eat. I just need myself, my prayers, my willpower. That's all. We'll see what the equals in 2011.
Right now, we start at this number: 288.
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