I've noticed something about me lately - I seem to be an emotional eater. I wouldn't have thought that before, necessarily, but these past few days - with what has been a brutal existence at home, I've eaten so badly ... almost on purpose.
Last night, after eating more than 2000 calories of McDonalds crap, yes crap - it was the most awful tasting substance, I laid in bed and cried. Why did I do that to myself? What pushed me there, to that place where I said - it doesn't matter anymore?
No matter, today those empty calories and nights spent crying are over. I am in serious need of a lifestyle overhaul - and I'm going to make sure that I get it. I'm still tipping the scale at just about 240, but still in the 239 range.
I'm going to make sure that I get back down into the 229 range soon, very soon. Look forward to my posted loss by Monday.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Holding Steady
238.8 seems to be the lucky number these days. My diet has really gone to pot, but the number on the scale still reads 238.8, giving me two happy realizations:
1. I'm still out of the 250's, and 240's.
2. The exercise is working!
I plan on going back on the diet soon, very soon. I still feel like I'm swimming in some pants which were a little tight on me before, so I think I'm doing well - just want to get moving on the weightloss before I put much more back on.
The goal for March is to lose 20 pounds. That would put me at 218.8 at the beginning of April, which I think I can do reasonably, without dieting as harshly as I had before.
I've started with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for my Cardio work out before weight lifting, and I have to tell you - boy does it work! I've never sweat like this, and I think that I'm building up my endurance and strength to be able to complete my summer time goal of running 2 miles without stopping, or being completely winded! Deconstructed, it is pretty much this:
4min. at 3.5mph
1min. at 7mph
1min. at 2mph
1min. at 7mph
1min. at 2mph (repeat 6-8 times)
4min. at 3.5mph
1min. at 4mph, 10.5 grade
1min. at 4mph, 0 grade
1min. at 4mph, 10.5 grade
1min. at 4mph, 0 grade (repeat 4-6 times)
10min. at 3.5mph
I'm breaking sweat like crazy, burning close to 400 calories in just 20 minutes, and most of all - after I get off the treadmill, I feel fantastic! So that I'll stick with for sure!
I'll keep you posted on successes!
1. I'm still out of the 250's, and 240's.
2. The exercise is working!
I plan on going back on the diet soon, very soon. I still feel like I'm swimming in some pants which were a little tight on me before, so I think I'm doing well - just want to get moving on the weightloss before I put much more back on.
The goal for March is to lose 20 pounds. That would put me at 218.8 at the beginning of April, which I think I can do reasonably, without dieting as harshly as I had before.
I've started with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for my Cardio work out before weight lifting, and I have to tell you - boy does it work! I've never sweat like this, and I think that I'm building up my endurance and strength to be able to complete my summer time goal of running 2 miles without stopping, or being completely winded! Deconstructed, it is pretty much this:
4min. at 3.5mph
1min. at 7mph
1min. at 2mph
1min. at 7mph
1min. at 2mph (repeat 6-8 times)
4min. at 3.5mph
1min. at 4mph, 10.5 grade
1min. at 4mph, 0 grade
1min. at 4mph, 10.5 grade
1min. at 4mph, 0 grade (repeat 4-6 times)
10min. at 3.5mph
I'm breaking sweat like crazy, burning close to 400 calories in just 20 minutes, and most of all - after I get off the treadmill, I feel fantastic! So that I'll stick with for sure!
I'll keep you posted on successes!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Back a few steps ...
Well, first - I had an incredible time away, and I was greeted by an old friend who said, "You look great!" so that was really, really nice. We ate, we drank, we laughed, we played. It was like old times.
Getting home though, I realized that I put on quite a bit of water weight with the addition of the white flour carbs and high starch potatoes I ate while I was there. I should have made conscious decisions to make healthier choices - but I'm not going to lie - I really would do it all over again. That food was great.
Anyway, I'm set back a little, Just a little less than 9 pounds. Weight today is 239.2, and I'm sure that by the end of the week, I can get that down to where I was before I left. At least - that's my hope. I also picked up a book, from MensHealth, called the Abs Diet. So I'm going to do some reading there, and see if I can pick up a few secrets to those contributors successes.
Overall, I am happy. Sure, I gained back some weight, but it's not the end of my life. I'll get back on track starting today - and before you know it, I'll be back to losing again! :) My goal is to focus more on what I see in the mirror, less on what I see in the scale, and I'm actually making noticeable gains in muscle in my chest and shoulders. I plan on incorporating more weight lifting into my routines, but of course, that will be after I read and understand these books that I purchased a little better.
I'll keep you updated, of course!
Getting home though, I realized that I put on quite a bit of water weight with the addition of the white flour carbs and high starch potatoes I ate while I was there. I should have made conscious decisions to make healthier choices - but I'm not going to lie - I really would do it all over again. That food was great.
Anyway, I'm set back a little, Just a little less than 9 pounds. Weight today is 239.2, and I'm sure that by the end of the week, I can get that down to where I was before I left. At least - that's my hope. I also picked up a book, from MensHealth, called the Abs Diet. So I'm going to do some reading there, and see if I can pick up a few secrets to those contributors successes.
Overall, I am happy. Sure, I gained back some weight, but it's not the end of my life. I'll get back on track starting today - and before you know it, I'll be back to losing again! :) My goal is to focus more on what I see in the mirror, less on what I see in the scale, and I'm actually making noticeable gains in muscle in my chest and shoulders. I plan on incorporating more weight lifting into my routines, but of course, that will be after I read and understand these books that I purchased a little better.
I'll keep you updated, of course!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Imagine my surprise ...
Last night, shortly after writing my very short, very late post, I went back to sleep. I found it a little hard to get out of bed this morning, seeing as how I probably needed even more sleep, but I think the collective 9 hours did my body good enough, and here is why:
I couldn't believe my eyes, and I think I even said, "WHAT!?" I stepped on the scale again, and again it read 230.8. That means that yesterday I lost 3 pounds, making my total average 2 pounds per day these past 10-days, and bringing me to my exact goal: to be 20 pounds thinner before I leave for the trip. (tomorrow)
I HAVE LOST 20 POUNDS!!
I couldn't believe my eyes, and I think I even said, "WHAT!?" I stepped on the scale again, and again it read 230.8. That means that yesterday I lost 3 pounds, making my total average 2 pounds per day these past 10-days, and bringing me to my exact goal: to be 20 pounds thinner before I leave for the trip. (tomorrow)
Oh, I can't tell you how good this feels, but I'm worried for two reasons: (1) I don't seem to have that big of an impact on my clothes, and the way that they fit. Now - granted, this could be an illusion, as I was clearly much more heavy looking in my clothes before, and now they are loose, but it is still a little worrisome, and I hope that I'm not losing muscle mass during this rather abusive process. (2) I'm going to get off of this diet soon, and I'm worried that I'm gonna fly back up to the high numbers that I saw before.
Above all, I can say that this is a change, a change in the right direction. 230.8 makes me only 31 pounds from my goal weight; taking off 20 pounds has lowered my bmi 2.6 points, taking me from what they consider Obese, to overweight; I've seen a tremendous change in my face, and all of my friends are noticing it as well; I fit into pants that I have been hoping I'd fit into for well over a year!!
I feel so great, and I figure that I have only 1 more day (today) of truly sticking to the diet as I had prescribed. Then I can go on my trip, and have a blast!! Thinner, Happier, and above all, unashamed of the way I look.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
232.0
Wow! I know - I should be asleep, especially since it's 2:34 in the morning, but my bright idea to come home and get directly in bed backfired a tad, when I woke up at 10p, and have since been wide awake.
Good news is, however, that to this minute, I'm weighing in at 232. That means that I've lost 1.8 pounds, which is more than I've lost in the past couple of days, proving that my theory on sleep must be atleast somewhat accurate.
I'll update in the morning, or - in the next few hours, with the weight before I go to work. It'd be great to be down to 231.8. A full 2 pound drop from yesterday, and a total loss of 19 pounds, though I'll be happy with 232, 18.8 pounds is nothing to be ashamed of.
So, g'night all!
Good news is, however, that to this minute, I'm weighing in at 232. That means that I've lost 1.8 pounds, which is more than I've lost in the past couple of days, proving that my theory on sleep must be atleast somewhat accurate.
I'll update in the morning, or - in the next few hours, with the weight before I go to work. It'd be great to be down to 231.8. A full 2 pound drop from yesterday, and a total loss of 19 pounds, though I'll be happy with 232, 18.8 pounds is nothing to be ashamed of.
So, g'night all!
Got it all figured out ...
I looked online today at my favorite restaurant in the city, and it's the one place I said I would let myself go while there. I got the carb count, and calorie count down pat, so I know exactly what to order to keep myself under 500 calories, and 24g of carbs! While still feeling great about eating foods I love.
Additionally, I'm planning a meal on Tuesday for Mr. Wonderful! He's usually the cook, so I'm gonna try my hand, and hope, nay, pray!, that it comes out as great as I'd like it to. One of my absolute favorite dishes - OF ALL TIME - is chicken or eggplant parmesan. It's a delightful meal, and I don't know what it is about it ... but it just makes me feel good.
So I researched the internet today for a crock pot sauce recipe made from real tomatoes, not canned (I don't want the extra sodium and preservatives) and I came across one that looks really good. Then a friend of mine suggested making my own bread crumbs from whole grain wheat bread! Fantastic! So I'll do that, bake the chicken instead of frying it, and then use whole grain (51%) pasta for the spaghetti portion. Nixing the canned sauce saves me over 1800mg of sodium, and more than 32g of carbs! Can you believe it?
Keeping whole grain choices, instead of the white flour, will keep me on target too - by placing high fiber and multi grains into the equation. So yes, that's the plan ... along of course, with a big salad - and perhaps, if I'm in the mood - some garlic bread made from the whole grain bread. Oh what fun!
I'll make sure to let you know how it turns out! 17 pounds lighter today, hoping for 19 tomorrow. I only have 1 day before we leave. Getting massive sleep tonight - which I desperately need, and I'll make sure to update you all in the morning! Have a great evening!
Additionally, I'm planning a meal on Tuesday for Mr. Wonderful! He's usually the cook, so I'm gonna try my hand, and hope, nay, pray!, that it comes out as great as I'd like it to. One of my absolute favorite dishes - OF ALL TIME - is chicken or eggplant parmesan. It's a delightful meal, and I don't know what it is about it ... but it just makes me feel good.
So I researched the internet today for a crock pot sauce recipe made from real tomatoes, not canned (I don't want the extra sodium and preservatives) and I came across one that looks really good. Then a friend of mine suggested making my own bread crumbs from whole grain wheat bread! Fantastic! So I'll do that, bake the chicken instead of frying it, and then use whole grain (51%) pasta for the spaghetti portion. Nixing the canned sauce saves me over 1800mg of sodium, and more than 32g of carbs! Can you believe it?
Keeping whole grain choices, instead of the white flour, will keep me on target too - by placing high fiber and multi grains into the equation. So yes, that's the plan ... along of course, with a big salad - and perhaps, if I'm in the mood - some garlic bread made from the whole grain bread. Oh what fun!
I'll make sure to let you know how it turns out! 17 pounds lighter today, hoping for 19 tomorrow. I only have 1 day before we leave. Getting massive sleep tonight - which I desperately need, and I'll make sure to update you all in the morning! Have a great evening!
17 Pounds Down, only 9 more to go!
I know, you're thinking 9? I thought he wanted to lose 50? Well, I do want to lose 50, but I have realized that there is no way, on this planet or any other, that I will be able to stay on this diet for longer than just a couple of weeks. It's hard, it's strict, it's confining, and it's not that healthy. So, I vowed that I would make a step toward eating real food: whole grains, proteins by way of lean meats and low-fat dairy, leafy greens, and other vegetables and high fiber fruits, like pears. I know that it will take my body some time to adjust, so I'll be introducing them slowly, after I lose another 9 pounds!
This morning, the scale read 233.8, marking the astonishing weightloss of 17 pounds in just 9 days. It drops my average loss down to 1.88/day, but I'm not complaining. I'm 17 pounds lighter, and 17 million smiles happier, truly.
So, where do I want to go from here? Down! My goal was to be at or near 226 when we left on Friday. I've learned from the recent slowing down of my weightloss that probably won't happen, unfortunately. I understand that it's a natural process the body takes, and I am ok with that. I simply want the best for my final resolution, which is to lose the 51 pounds to take me into the 199 mark.
Last night we, Mr. Wonderful and I went shopping. I bought new trousers (a size down from what I was wearing) and a sweater that is so so cute! Unfortunately it's a jean sort of sweater that I can't wear to work - but I will sport it around town, for sure. While in the dressing room, I told myself not to be consumed with the fitting of these things. Before, I've gotten so upset I end up sabotaging, and with a pizza place right at the corner, this was not the place to feel "fat". Surprise Surprise - everything fit! EVERYTHING! So I didn't feel fat, I felt invigorated, validated that I had made steps in the right direction, and that I was doing what I needed to do for me.
I know my posts are long - and if you have read this far, I thank you! This journey is a tough one, and I have a lot of thoughts in my mind about various things - all of which I label here.
I emailed our photographer friend today to let her know I had lost 17 pounds, and was inching closer and closer to the weight I would feel comfortable letting her take some pictures of me. (Scheduled for May.) When that happens, I'll unveil them here.
I tried on the coat last night (the one I bought on Sunday) and guess what! It fit better than it did on Sunday! Talk about the light at the end of the tunnel! I'm moving back down to sizes that I feel good in, and into a body that I love. I remember wearing almost anything I wanted, because it all looked good on me. I can't say that just yet, but I certainly am much closer than I was 9 days ago.
So what's on the agenda today? Sleep! Rest! Recouperation! Charting the loss from yesterday, I noticed that the most dramatic daily loss came when I was sleeping for longer hours. I read that the body burns 60 calories per hour sleeping, which may not be accurate for someone who weighs as much as I do, I may burn more, but figure a 10-hour sleep would burn 600 calories, and it's easy to figure out why longer sleeping means greater loss. Hopefully I'll be able to go home, take a shower, crawl into bed, and sleep - undisturbed.
As for the gym, today it's a no-go. I think my body needs some time to rest, as showed obvious by yesterdays lack of energy. So please, cross your fingers, your toes, your eyes, your arms, anything you can cross, and hope that I hit 230 before the trip. It'd feel great to have taken off 20 pounds in just 11 days. And remember, once the scale tips 224.8, I'm slowly introduing carbs into my body - which will probably cause some static gains, hopefully that will relinquish their hold quickly! Best to all of you!
This morning, the scale read 233.8, marking the astonishing weightloss of 17 pounds in just 9 days. It drops my average loss down to 1.88/day, but I'm not complaining. I'm 17 pounds lighter, and 17 million smiles happier, truly.
So, where do I want to go from here? Down! My goal was to be at or near 226 when we left on Friday. I've learned from the recent slowing down of my weightloss that probably won't happen, unfortunately. I understand that it's a natural process the body takes, and I am ok with that. I simply want the best for my final resolution, which is to lose the 51 pounds to take me into the 199 mark.
Last night we, Mr. Wonderful and I went shopping. I bought new trousers (a size down from what I was wearing) and a sweater that is so so cute! Unfortunately it's a jean sort of sweater that I can't wear to work - but I will sport it around town, for sure. While in the dressing room, I told myself not to be consumed with the fitting of these things. Before, I've gotten so upset I end up sabotaging, and with a pizza place right at the corner, this was not the place to feel "fat". Surprise Surprise - everything fit! EVERYTHING! So I didn't feel fat, I felt invigorated, validated that I had made steps in the right direction, and that I was doing what I needed to do for me.
I know my posts are long - and if you have read this far, I thank you! This journey is a tough one, and I have a lot of thoughts in my mind about various things - all of which I label here.
I emailed our photographer friend today to let her know I had lost 17 pounds, and was inching closer and closer to the weight I would feel comfortable letting her take some pictures of me. (Scheduled for May.) When that happens, I'll unveil them here.
I tried on the coat last night (the one I bought on Sunday) and guess what! It fit better than it did on Sunday! Talk about the light at the end of the tunnel! I'm moving back down to sizes that I feel good in, and into a body that I love. I remember wearing almost anything I wanted, because it all looked good on me. I can't say that just yet, but I certainly am much closer than I was 9 days ago.
So what's on the agenda today? Sleep! Rest! Recouperation! Charting the loss from yesterday, I noticed that the most dramatic daily loss came when I was sleeping for longer hours. I read that the body burns 60 calories per hour sleeping, which may not be accurate for someone who weighs as much as I do, I may burn more, but figure a 10-hour sleep would burn 600 calories, and it's easy to figure out why longer sleeping means greater loss. Hopefully I'll be able to go home, take a shower, crawl into bed, and sleep - undisturbed.
As for the gym, today it's a no-go. I think my body needs some time to rest, as showed obvious by yesterdays lack of energy. So please, cross your fingers, your toes, your eyes, your arms, anything you can cross, and hope that I hit 230 before the trip. It'd feel great to have taken off 20 pounds in just 11 days. And remember, once the scale tips 224.8, I'm slowly introduing carbs into my body - which will probably cause some static gains, hopefully that will relinquish their hold quickly! Best to all of you!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Feeling much better, moving toward 229!
Ok, so I stepped on the scale this morning, and imagine my surprise to find it at 234.4! I was a so happy that I didn't see a gain, that I didn't have too much time to focus on the fact that I hadn't met my calendar goal of seeing 232, today!
All in all - I'm down 16.4 pounds, I feel great and I look good, so I'm not disappointed in my progress, though it has slowed down. Here's a look back at the descent:
Monday, Feb. 9: Weight 250.8 / beginning weight
Tuesday, Feb. 10: Weight 247.2 / 3.6 pound loss
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Weight 244.2 / 3 pound loss
Thurdsay, Feb. 12: Weight 242.6 / 1.6 pound loss
Friday, Feb. 13: Weight 240.2 / 2.4 pound loss
Saturday, Feb. 14: Weight 238.8 / 1.4 pound loss
Sunday, Feb. 15: Weight 236.0 / 2.8 pound loss
Monday, Feb. 16: Weight 235.6 / .4 pound loss
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Weight 234.4 / 1.2 pound loss
Slowing down? Yes! The reason? Sleep, I think? You see, on both Monday and Wednesday, I went to bed very early in the evening, getting approximately 9-10 hours of sleep each night. Both times, they represented losses that were 3 pounds, plus! On Sunday, I didn't sleep in due to Brunch, where I did eat carbs - so I think I just need to go home this evening and go to sleep as early as I can. Not going to be easy with my favorite television shows on tonight, though.
Do you remember in my earlier post where I said that if I were to go by what I lost last time on this diet, I should expect to see my weight (TODAY) at 237.6? Seeing 234.4 blew that way out of the water - so I'm happy! Very happy!
I've calculated my numbers, and I have lost and average of 2.05 pounds per day for the past 8 days. Should I stay on track, I should weigh 228.25, and I am hopeful. I can already fit into the pants that I want to wear both at the dance recital (my friend is graduating - this is her big day) and in the city the day after that. So - I am feeling good about that, but I'd like to be down to 228, because I'm almost positive that the last time that my friend saw me I weighed close to 228, perhaps 222- 228. So it wouldn't be that harsh of a difference, as the 251 would have been. Not that she'd judge - I'm just using this as the fuel for my inner fire.
There are a few things that I am desperately hoping will change in the near future:
My chin: I have never, or atleast I have never noticed fat under my chin, creating that double chin effect. But, now - I have it, and it's driving me crazy. I've lost a lot of the puffyness from my face during these past 8 days, but this morning, when I was getting ready for work, I noticed that I still have a small bit of fat there, and it's not attractive - so I'm hoping that fades quickly. VERY quickly! :)
My thighs: Another place that I have never gained weight, or at least held weight. I have always had really muscular, very nice legs, especially the calves, but the upper thigh as well. I would say since last year around March, I noticed that I was litterally rubbing them together when I walked: I still do. I need to really make an effort to lose weight there too, and quickly!
My stomach: This is strange, because I'm actually seeing a lot of progress here. So I'm not entirely dissatisfied with the progress, just it's look at present, and I'd like to move downward on the scale, to see a stomach that is mostly flat, and more narrow.
Ok, so if I were to weigh 228.25, by Friday morning: that would put me at an astonishing 22.55 pounds lost, in yes - just 11 days. And I've already decided that I will not sabotage my good work and progress while away. My friend, who is a little down because she's gained quite a bit of weight, is travelling with me - and I know that she will make this an opportunity to gorge on food, and she doesn't like to feel alone in that either. So, I hope she doesn't get upset when I tell her that I won't be joining in on the "fun" of making myself fat.
Ok - off to do work, great success to all of you today!
All in all - I'm down 16.4 pounds, I feel great and I look good, so I'm not disappointed in my progress, though it has slowed down. Here's a look back at the descent:
Monday, Feb. 9: Weight 250.8 / beginning weight
Tuesday, Feb. 10: Weight 247.2 / 3.6 pound loss
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Weight 244.2 / 3 pound loss
Thurdsay, Feb. 12: Weight 242.6 / 1.6 pound loss
Friday, Feb. 13: Weight 240.2 / 2.4 pound loss
Saturday, Feb. 14: Weight 238.8 / 1.4 pound loss
Sunday, Feb. 15: Weight 236.0 / 2.8 pound loss
Monday, Feb. 16: Weight 235.6 / .4 pound loss
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Weight 234.4 / 1.2 pound loss
Slowing down? Yes! The reason? Sleep, I think? You see, on both Monday and Wednesday, I went to bed very early in the evening, getting approximately 9-10 hours of sleep each night. Both times, they represented losses that were 3 pounds, plus! On Sunday, I didn't sleep in due to Brunch, where I did eat carbs - so I think I just need to go home this evening and go to sleep as early as I can. Not going to be easy with my favorite television shows on tonight, though.
Do you remember in my earlier post where I said that if I were to go by what I lost last time on this diet, I should expect to see my weight (TODAY) at 237.6? Seeing 234.4 blew that way out of the water - so I'm happy! Very happy!
I've calculated my numbers, and I have lost and average of 2.05 pounds per day for the past 8 days. Should I stay on track, I should weigh 228.25, and I am hopeful. I can already fit into the pants that I want to wear both at the dance recital (my friend is graduating - this is her big day) and in the city the day after that. So - I am feeling good about that, but I'd like to be down to 228, because I'm almost positive that the last time that my friend saw me I weighed close to 228, perhaps 222- 228. So it wouldn't be that harsh of a difference, as the 251 would have been. Not that she'd judge - I'm just using this as the fuel for my inner fire.
There are a few things that I am desperately hoping will change in the near future:
My chin: I have never, or atleast I have never noticed fat under my chin, creating that double chin effect. But, now - I have it, and it's driving me crazy. I've lost a lot of the puffyness from my face during these past 8 days, but this morning, when I was getting ready for work, I noticed that I still have a small bit of fat there, and it's not attractive - so I'm hoping that fades quickly. VERY quickly! :)
My thighs: Another place that I have never gained weight, or at least held weight. I have always had really muscular, very nice legs, especially the calves, but the upper thigh as well. I would say since last year around March, I noticed that I was litterally rubbing them together when I walked: I still do. I need to really make an effort to lose weight there too, and quickly!
My stomach: This is strange, because I'm actually seeing a lot of progress here. So I'm not entirely dissatisfied with the progress, just it's look at present, and I'd like to move downward on the scale, to see a stomach that is mostly flat, and more narrow.
Ok, so if I were to weigh 228.25, by Friday morning: that would put me at an astonishing 22.55 pounds lost, in yes - just 11 days. And I've already decided that I will not sabotage my good work and progress while away. My friend, who is a little down because she's gained quite a bit of weight, is travelling with me - and I know that she will make this an opportunity to gorge on food, and she doesn't like to feel alone in that either. So, I hope she doesn't get upset when I tell her that I won't be joining in on the "fun" of making myself fat.
Ok - off to do work, great success to all of you today!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Ok - feeling better
It's only been 2 hours, and since mother nature has taken her course, I'm down to 237.6. So - yes, it must have been water that I'm holding onto - not good. My guess is that I'll have a couple of more visits, and in the morning, weigh back in at 235 or lower. Cross you fingers, and your toes. I need this! :) Night -night!
A little Scared ...
Ok - So, I'm honest - I'm scared. I think that the weight loss that I saw today, marking my 15 pound loss was something that will be thwarted tomorrow by a gain, a monumental gain. I don't know why - but I am weighing in at 239.0. Granted, that is only 4 pounds greater than this morning, and I did just work out - among that eating, drinking 2-3 glasses of water at home, and having at least 20 oz. at the gym ... perhaps it water weight, and not water retention. Still - it's scary.
Maybe the scariest of all is my connection, no - obsession, with the scale, and what number pop up on its digital face. Do you get like this too!? I'm not seeing a tremendous difference in the fit of my jeans - sure, they're a tad loose, but nothing so remarkable that it has me jumping up and down.
If were going to be brutally honest, I could say that the jeans - more often than not - did show a bit of flesh lapping over the edge, and that I would never, ever, not in a million years, tuck a shirt into them - and now, I can. Maybe that means that they fit now, and didn't then, and I'm only forcing that I had tried to convince myself for the past few months that they really fit.
No matter - I will update in the morning, I'm hoping with a considerable loss from this point. The goal is to weigh 232 tomorrow, and as optimistic as I am - for some strange reason - I'm guessing that I won't hit the mark. I suppose I'd be happy just to weigh 234, or 235 even. I don't want to gain any weight!
As I sit here, tapping my toe with anxiety, I notice the fat on my leg - jiggling. It makes me ashamed for the kind of life I have been living and my unhealthy eating habits and obsession with food. I thought that if I just stayed away from mirrors that it would go away ... but now, I know it hasn't. In fact - it's manifested itself into something entirely different, a whole new body, and a whole new person that I'd like to wish away in the middle of the night - and be the me that I was 3-years ago.
Still, I am on track - I'm going great with the diet, and I'm really making strides to stay on target. I can fit into pants that I couldn't fit into a year ago, and I'm seeing considerable changes in my mood and energy levels.
Someone, a friend, a very good friend, asked me today: "How long will you be on this diet?" I answered - until I'm 219. That's 20 pounds from where I weighed just a few minutes ago, and I question whether or not I have it in me to keep this up for another 15 - 20 days to see it through. There is nothing that I would love more than to be at 219. Hell, 225. And it was my goal, my anticipated end to leave on Friday weighing 225. Without some stroke of great luck, and a little help from God, there is little hope that will be realized.
But really, what would that mean? 25 pounds lost in just 12 days. Is that healthy? NO! Is that realistic? NO! So, perhaps my weightloss calendar needs to be reevaluated, to be more realistic. As for me - I'm off to take a shower and crawl under the covers with a good movie. Mr. Wonderful is at work - and won't be home until 10:30, which I hope, will be long after I've gone to sleep.
Cheers to all of you and your weightloss journeys! I'm not giving up - just a little upset that all of this has lead to a 4.0 gain! I worked out twice today! WHAT IS UP!? Maybe tomorrow I'll take the day off at the gym, and come home and go straight to bed. That seems to do me well! We shall see - it all will be tell-tell in the morning.
Maybe the scariest of all is my connection, no - obsession, with the scale, and what number pop up on its digital face. Do you get like this too!? I'm not seeing a tremendous difference in the fit of my jeans - sure, they're a tad loose, but nothing so remarkable that it has me jumping up and down.
If were going to be brutally honest, I could say that the jeans - more often than not - did show a bit of flesh lapping over the edge, and that I would never, ever, not in a million years, tuck a shirt into them - and now, I can. Maybe that means that they fit now, and didn't then, and I'm only forcing that I had tried to convince myself for the past few months that they really fit.
No matter - I will update in the morning, I'm hoping with a considerable loss from this point. The goal is to weigh 232 tomorrow, and as optimistic as I am - for some strange reason - I'm guessing that I won't hit the mark. I suppose I'd be happy just to weigh 234, or 235 even. I don't want to gain any weight!
As I sit here, tapping my toe with anxiety, I notice the fat on my leg - jiggling. It makes me ashamed for the kind of life I have been living and my unhealthy eating habits and obsession with food. I thought that if I just stayed away from mirrors that it would go away ... but now, I know it hasn't. In fact - it's manifested itself into something entirely different, a whole new body, and a whole new person that I'd like to wish away in the middle of the night - and be the me that I was 3-years ago.
Still, I am on track - I'm going great with the diet, and I'm really making strides to stay on target. I can fit into pants that I couldn't fit into a year ago, and I'm seeing considerable changes in my mood and energy levels.
Someone, a friend, a very good friend, asked me today: "How long will you be on this diet?" I answered - until I'm 219. That's 20 pounds from where I weighed just a few minutes ago, and I question whether or not I have it in me to keep this up for another 15 - 20 days to see it through. There is nothing that I would love more than to be at 219. Hell, 225. And it was my goal, my anticipated end to leave on Friday weighing 225. Without some stroke of great luck, and a little help from God, there is little hope that will be realized.
But really, what would that mean? 25 pounds lost in just 12 days. Is that healthy? NO! Is that realistic? NO! So, perhaps my weightloss calendar needs to be reevaluated, to be more realistic. As for me - I'm off to take a shower and crawl under the covers with a good movie. Mr. Wonderful is at work - and won't be home until 10:30, which I hope, will be long after I've gone to sleep.
Cheers to all of you and your weightloss journeys! I'm not giving up - just a little upset that all of this has lead to a 4.0 gain! I worked out twice today! WHAT IS UP!? Maybe tomorrow I'll take the day off at the gym, and come home and go straight to bed. That seems to do me well! We shall see - it all will be tell-tell in the morning.
Still on Track
Today's weight: 235.6!
I am less than 1 pound from being where my goal weight was for today - but I think that I can capitalize on the stored energy from those carbs I ate yesterday today at the gym - and push through a couple of really great workouts. Yes, couple!
I am litterally falling off of the chair as I type. 15.2 pounds down from that ugly 250.8 I weighed just 7 days ago. Today marks my 8th day of dieting, and I hope that it also marks another decent from the 230's, making it ever so close to realizing the goal of 225 before I leave for my trip on Friday. I realize, that is only 4 days from now, and would require me losing 10 pounds, between today - Thursday. I'm not sure that's going to happen, but oh, to be out of the 230's by then, I'd be a happy little camper!
I feel like I'm really doing something great, you know? I feel good about myself, and I don't know when the last time I actually felt good about myself was. Gosh, must have been years ago. Ok, off to eat breakfast and get a few things done before Mr. Wonderful leaves for work.
Great Success today! To all of you!
I am less than 1 pound from being where my goal weight was for today - but I think that I can capitalize on the stored energy from those carbs I ate yesterday today at the gym - and push through a couple of really great workouts. Yes, couple!
I am litterally falling off of the chair as I type. 15.2 pounds down from that ugly 250.8 I weighed just 7 days ago. Today marks my 8th day of dieting, and I hope that it also marks another decent from the 230's, making it ever so close to realizing the goal of 225 before I leave for my trip on Friday. I realize, that is only 4 days from now, and would require me losing 10 pounds, between today - Thursday. I'm not sure that's going to happen, but oh, to be out of the 230's by then, I'd be a happy little camper!
I feel like I'm really doing something great, you know? I feel good about myself, and I don't know when the last time I actually felt good about myself was. Gosh, must have been years ago. Ok, off to eat breakfast and get a few things done before Mr. Wonderful leaves for work.
Great Success today! To all of you!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hi 236, Bye 236!
Well, if you can read the goal calendar (I know - it's small!) you'll see that the goal for today was 236, and to my surprise, what did the scale read this morning? 236.0! Exactly on the money!
So, my dear one took me for Brunch at a wonderful upscale place about 45min. away. I dined mostly on protein (scrambled eggs with cheddar and ham, bacon, sausage) but I did allow myself to splurge - only a little - and have 1/4 of a belgian waffle with pineapple, maple syrup, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream! Then I sampled 5 of their deserts (all very small pieces, less than 1/2 of a very small slice).
So, of course - feeling great, but a little guilty, I came home and immediately ran to the gym to exercise. You see, on this awful, torturous diet - I am restricting carbs all together, and having had them - my body is for some reason holding onto the water that I have been drinking throughout the day. (I need to research this!)
I swear, I have drank a gallon of water - and that is not what I have shed. Tomorrow, thankfully, I am off of work (a long awaited, and much needed break from that chaos) and the girls are heading to the gym at 7 in the morning. Initially, I thought there was no way I would be able to go with them, but seeing how tired I am now from the 3 miles I walked today (in less than 43 minutes!!!!) I think I might retire early and join them, then hit it all again later in the afternoon again. Why? You ask. Well - because of the slip today (one that I failed to account for in my little calendar) I am going to pop back up to at least 239, possibly 240. It's the dichotomy of this diet. You lose weight quickly, but once you start eating "real" food - or atleast carbs - some weight will come back on.
I'm hoping that this will be a jolt to my system, allowing my body a few carbs to provide energy. Tomorrow, though - I'm back on the diet, and why? Big trip is this Friday! Yes, less than 5 days from today, and the pants that I had hoped to wear ... I FIT INTO THEM TODAY!!!! YAY! Now, I do need to lose some more weight - they're not loose by any means - but they are zipping, fastening, I don't feel like someone is cutting me open, and the pockets aren't bulging out.
Speaking of: don't you hate that!? When you put on pants, and you know they're too tight, but you're so excited that they can zip up and fasten, even though you have muffin top, (which you almost certainly would cover with a heavy sweater) and the pockets just seem to inflate? They either won't go down - rendering them useless, or they're out so far that you can see the fabric of the pocket - which, is never the same fabric as the pant!
AH! Clothes!
I also bought a jacket today, which I didn't fit into last week at the same time! Crazy huh? It's again, a piece that would look a tinge better once I lose another 10 pounds, but it looks great now - so I wore it today, with the jeans, a white t-shirt (MY BIG GOAL) and these great boots that Mr. Wonderful bought as a 'just thinking of you' gift.
Ok - so now that we're all caught up ... this AM I weighed 236.0 pounds, even. Making the weightloss to date (a mere 6 days of dieting) 14.8 pounds! HOW FRIGGIN EXCITING IS THAT!?
Now, it's 6:05p, and I'm filled with the water from todays brunch, and the bottle I had today after the gym, and in the same clothes, I'm at 240.0, a 4-pound jump. Now, I read that a pint of water weighs 1.2 pounds. Assuming that's correct, and assuming that having had more than a gallon of water today that I have not shed, I think I could rightfully assume that 9.6 pounds of water are washing through my body right now. Had they not been there ... I'd be at 231.4, beneath my goal of 232 tomorrow. So, question is - will I release these 8 pints of fluid? Only time will tell.
Best to all with your weightloss journey! So far, so good.
So, my dear one took me for Brunch at a wonderful upscale place about 45min. away. I dined mostly on protein (scrambled eggs with cheddar and ham, bacon, sausage) but I did allow myself to splurge - only a little - and have 1/4 of a belgian waffle with pineapple, maple syrup, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream! Then I sampled 5 of their deserts (all very small pieces, less than 1/2 of a very small slice).
So, of course - feeling great, but a little guilty, I came home and immediately ran to the gym to exercise. You see, on this awful, torturous diet - I am restricting carbs all together, and having had them - my body is for some reason holding onto the water that I have been drinking throughout the day. (I need to research this!)
I swear, I have drank a gallon of water - and that is not what I have shed. Tomorrow, thankfully, I am off of work (a long awaited, and much needed break from that chaos) and the girls are heading to the gym at 7 in the morning. Initially, I thought there was no way I would be able to go with them, but seeing how tired I am now from the 3 miles I walked today (in less than 43 minutes!!!!) I think I might retire early and join them, then hit it all again later in the afternoon again. Why? You ask. Well - because of the slip today (one that I failed to account for in my little calendar) I am going to pop back up to at least 239, possibly 240. It's the dichotomy of this diet. You lose weight quickly, but once you start eating "real" food - or atleast carbs - some weight will come back on.
I'm hoping that this will be a jolt to my system, allowing my body a few carbs to provide energy. Tomorrow, though - I'm back on the diet, and why? Big trip is this Friday! Yes, less than 5 days from today, and the pants that I had hoped to wear ... I FIT INTO THEM TODAY!!!! YAY! Now, I do need to lose some more weight - they're not loose by any means - but they are zipping, fastening, I don't feel like someone is cutting me open, and the pockets aren't bulging out.
Speaking of: don't you hate that!? When you put on pants, and you know they're too tight, but you're so excited that they can zip up and fasten, even though you have muffin top, (which you almost certainly would cover with a heavy sweater) and the pockets just seem to inflate? They either won't go down - rendering them useless, or they're out so far that you can see the fabric of the pocket - which, is never the same fabric as the pant!
AH! Clothes!
I also bought a jacket today, which I didn't fit into last week at the same time! Crazy huh? It's again, a piece that would look a tinge better once I lose another 10 pounds, but it looks great now - so I wore it today, with the jeans, a white t-shirt (MY BIG GOAL) and these great boots that Mr. Wonderful bought as a 'just thinking of you' gift.
Ok - so now that we're all caught up ... this AM I weighed 236.0 pounds, even. Making the weightloss to date (a mere 6 days of dieting) 14.8 pounds! HOW FRIGGIN EXCITING IS THAT!?
Now, it's 6:05p, and I'm filled with the water from todays brunch, and the bottle I had today after the gym, and in the same clothes, I'm at 240.0, a 4-pound jump. Now, I read that a pint of water weighs 1.2 pounds. Assuming that's correct, and assuming that having had more than a gallon of water today that I have not shed, I think I could rightfully assume that 9.6 pounds of water are washing through my body right now. Had they not been there ... I'd be at 231.4, beneath my goal of 232 tomorrow. So, question is - will I release these 8 pints of fluid? Only time will tell.
Best to all with your weightloss journey! So far, so good.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Goodbye 240's! Hello 230's!
Well, I did it - I managed to lose 10-pounds! Hold the applause, I have 41 more to go! I did decide that last night I wouldn't eat. I unfortunately will more than likely have to make that same choice tonight.
Our gym closes at 7, and I don't get out of work until 5. Add in the drive time and the changing, and I'm lucky to get there by 6. I'm training myself, and my body, to know that food will not be consumed after 7PM, for the long run - even once this diet is complete. That will be a difficult challenge, as most dinner parties that we have start at around 8 in the summer - but I think that for the most part - 7PM is a reasonable hour to have stopped eating.
Last night I went to bed at 9:00PM, and this morning woke up at 5:00AM, bright eyed. I couldn't wait to get on the scale. 240.2! Yes, 240.2 - so close to 239 I can taste it, and after a quick trip to take care of my morning duties, I am sure I feel beneath the 240 mark. Having said that - GOODBYE 250's, GOODBYE 240's! I will NEVER see either of you again! ooo, by the way, that means that I am down a total of 10.6 pounds! FROM MONDAY!
Tonight will be a true test of will, the hubs is working late, and after gym it would be a natural process for me to go with the girls to get something to eat - or to hang out at Girl1's and eat all of her kids candy! (Why does she keep that stuff in the house!?)
Saturday, should I lose another 2.5 pounds, marking the quarter mark in my trail, I'm treating myself to a pedicure! Well - actually, if I can find the gift certificate - Girl1 is treating me to a pedicure. That should be nice - and trust me, I need it!
Our gym closes at 7, and I don't get out of work until 5. Add in the drive time and the changing, and I'm lucky to get there by 6. I'm training myself, and my body, to know that food will not be consumed after 7PM, for the long run - even once this diet is complete. That will be a difficult challenge, as most dinner parties that we have start at around 8 in the summer - but I think that for the most part - 7PM is a reasonable hour to have stopped eating.
Last night I went to bed at 9:00PM, and this morning woke up at 5:00AM, bright eyed. I couldn't wait to get on the scale. 240.2! Yes, 240.2 - so close to 239 I can taste it, and after a quick trip to take care of my morning duties, I am sure I feel beneath the 240 mark. Having said that - GOODBYE 250's, GOODBYE 240's! I will NEVER see either of you again! ooo, by the way, that means that I am down a total of 10.6 pounds! FROM MONDAY!
Tonight will be a true test of will, the hubs is working late, and after gym it would be a natural process for me to go with the girls to get something to eat - or to hang out at Girl1's and eat all of her kids candy! (Why does she keep that stuff in the house!?)
Saturday, should I lose another 2.5 pounds, marking the quarter mark in my trail, I'm treating myself to a pedicure! Well - actually, if I can find the gift certificate - Girl1 is treating me to a pedicure. That should be nice - and trust me, I need it!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
JOURNAL ENTRY 1
There has to be a difference between Blog Entries, and Journal Entries, so this - is Journal Entry 1. For a look at the blog entry, click here.
I didn't get much sleep last night, I spent an hour at the gym, and another 2 hours helping a good friend paint her third floor apartment afterward. That put me home after 10pm, and of course - I couldn't wait a single minute without finishing up Top Chef and American Idol (both recorded). So, at about midnight I finally cut the television off, and to sleep I went shortly after.
For the past two nights, I've gotten more than 7 hours of sleep, even as much as 10 hours on Monday night. I've read in many places about the benefit of sleep in dieting, and how crucial it is to success - along with low to no stress.
Stress is not something I can easily get rid of, for several reasons - but I do have to say that last night was much more stressful than others this week. That, combined with the lack of sleep has to be part of why my loss wasn't as dramatic as I had hoped. Not that I should be disappointed in losing 8.2 pounds in just a matter of 3 days, but I did wish that scale to be below 242 this morning, even if only 241.
Lunch today was disgusting. Very - disgusting. I had to literally choke it down. Chicken Breast - dry, non-seasoned, DRY chicken breast. And lots of it! But, I did treat myself to a cup of Sugar Free Jello, which is said to be Carbohydrate free - except, I'm questioning that. It does have aspertame in it - of course, it needs an artificial sugar. But there are quite a few studies that suggest that aspartame does contain a moderate amount of carbs, more than are listed on the packages we see in the stores, not to mention the severe health risks of phenelykenurics. (spelling?)
I'm drinking my water, I'm not flavoring my tea or coffee with anything (ANYTHING) and I've stayed strong through my many walks down the chocolate walls of the grocery store! DAMNED VALENTINES DAY! Tonight I'm back to normal - back to the gym. It had been my goal to eat every night before 7, and tonight might be the night that I skip dinner all together. I'm not sure when I'll be done at the gym, and I'm not sabotaging. To sleep will be the only place I go once I get home!
The plan to lose 51 pounds in 36 days is adventurous, it's crazy actually - but it could happen. Would I be upset if at the end of 36 days I'm not at 199? No, so long as I was somewhere on track, and hadn't fallen back off and slid back up the scales to 250+!
I vowed a few days ago to never see 250 again, now that I am leaving it. The same will go for 240, 230, and 220. Fluctuating between 200-215 is ok for me. I look great at that weight, as evidenced by pictures I have around - so I think that I can stick to that, and be happy, healthy, and responsible with my eating without being so strict. Unfortunately - at this point, I have to stay on this plan!
I had a friend (male) who had gained quite a bit of weight. An older gentleman, 41-ish at the time, he decided that he was going to do Atkins until he lost 61 pounds, and fell below the 200 mark. I'm not sure what he did, but he did it - and he did it pretty quickly (within 3-4 months). He didn't deprive himself nearly as much as I am, but he had one thing working in his favor that I don't, nor will I ever have: MUSCLE MEMORY! You see, my friend was a body builder in his youth, and even though you could tell his body had put on several pounds of fat, he still had a build that kept him from looking like a short-fat-dumpling. I'm tall(6'2), and very broad, so I carry my weight well too, but I don't have a lot of muscle that will rebound once I start working it. No, in fact, I have a lot of undefined muscles that I'm working constantly without a lot of visual change due to the fat. I look great in clothes, awful when I'm not - and for my friend, it was the opposite. Til' he lost the 61 pounds! Then it was great on both accounts.
So I'm channelling his strength, his will power - what it must have been like to see that scale roll down from 200 to 199. I've seen it before - and it brought me so much joy, so much triumphant joy. I want, no NEED, to feel that again.
So - goals, right? We all need goals to help get us to our happy place - and I am not without them. The goals are as follows:
1. By March 16th, but no later than April 1, to weight less than 200lbs, and to continue a weight within 199 - 215 for the remainder of my life.
2. For Summer 2009, to fit into a size 34-waist dress pant, and dress short, and a 32-waist jean. I know, for some reason, probably my extended torso and wider hips, jeans fit me differently than dress pants.
3. By April 1, but no later than August 11, to feel comfortable wearing a t-shirt. (This is a special challenge for me - and will require working out to build upper body muscle mass.)
4. By May 2009, but no later than June of 2009, to have parted with all of my 38- and 36-inch waist pants and shorts. No need to keep them around - I'll never be going back into them!
And of course, you need rewards for those MET goals, right? So, the rewards are as follows:
1. If you complete goal 1 (above), no later than April 1, then you should treat yourself to a day at the spa, complete with massage treatments, pedicure, and facial! (I know - I'm a guy, but I love my spa treatments, and I'm gay - so there isn't anything you can say about me that I haven't already heard!)
2. If you complete goal 2 (above), no later than May 15, then you should treat yourself to a day of shopping for new shorts and pants, a total of $300!
3. If you complete goal 3 (above), no later than August 11, then you should treat yourself to another day of shopping for new t-shirts, and tank tops, a total of $200!
4. If you complete goal 4 (above), no later than June 2009, and you give all of your old "FAT" clothes to charity, then you should take a trip with your new clothes, no later than October of 2009 to a beach or waterfront destination so that you can show off a NEW BATHING SUIT!
Ah, yes - it feels good to even think about showing off in a bathing suit, and not cower under big t-shirts and linen pants. Yes, I can do this! Yes, I WILL do this! Yes, I WILL!
I didn't get much sleep last night, I spent an hour at the gym, and another 2 hours helping a good friend paint her third floor apartment afterward. That put me home after 10pm, and of course - I couldn't wait a single minute without finishing up Top Chef and American Idol (both recorded). So, at about midnight I finally cut the television off, and to sleep I went shortly after.
For the past two nights, I've gotten more than 7 hours of sleep, even as much as 10 hours on Monday night. I've read in many places about the benefit of sleep in dieting, and how crucial it is to success - along with low to no stress.
Stress is not something I can easily get rid of, for several reasons - but I do have to say that last night was much more stressful than others this week. That, combined with the lack of sleep has to be part of why my loss wasn't as dramatic as I had hoped. Not that I should be disappointed in losing 8.2 pounds in just a matter of 3 days, but I did wish that scale to be below 242 this morning, even if only 241.
Lunch today was disgusting. Very - disgusting. I had to literally choke it down. Chicken Breast - dry, non-seasoned, DRY chicken breast. And lots of it! But, I did treat myself to a cup of Sugar Free Jello, which is said to be Carbohydrate free - except, I'm questioning that. It does have aspertame in it - of course, it needs an artificial sugar. But there are quite a few studies that suggest that aspartame does contain a moderate amount of carbs, more than are listed on the packages we see in the stores, not to mention the severe health risks of phenelykenurics. (spelling?)
I'm drinking my water, I'm not flavoring my tea or coffee with anything (ANYTHING) and I've stayed strong through my many walks down the chocolate walls of the grocery store! DAMNED VALENTINES DAY! Tonight I'm back to normal - back to the gym. It had been my goal to eat every night before 7, and tonight might be the night that I skip dinner all together. I'm not sure when I'll be done at the gym, and I'm not sabotaging. To sleep will be the only place I go once I get home!
The plan to lose 51 pounds in 36 days is adventurous, it's crazy actually - but it could happen. Would I be upset if at the end of 36 days I'm not at 199? No, so long as I was somewhere on track, and hadn't fallen back off and slid back up the scales to 250+!
I vowed a few days ago to never see 250 again, now that I am leaving it. The same will go for 240, 230, and 220. Fluctuating between 200-215 is ok for me. I look great at that weight, as evidenced by pictures I have around - so I think that I can stick to that, and be happy, healthy, and responsible with my eating without being so strict. Unfortunately - at this point, I have to stay on this plan!
I had a friend (male) who had gained quite a bit of weight. An older gentleman, 41-ish at the time, he decided that he was going to do Atkins until he lost 61 pounds, and fell below the 200 mark. I'm not sure what he did, but he did it - and he did it pretty quickly (within 3-4 months). He didn't deprive himself nearly as much as I am, but he had one thing working in his favor that I don't, nor will I ever have: MUSCLE MEMORY! You see, my friend was a body builder in his youth, and even though you could tell his body had put on several pounds of fat, he still had a build that kept him from looking like a short-fat-dumpling. I'm tall(6'2), and very broad, so I carry my weight well too, but I don't have a lot of muscle that will rebound once I start working it. No, in fact, I have a lot of undefined muscles that I'm working constantly without a lot of visual change due to the fat. I look great in clothes, awful when I'm not - and for my friend, it was the opposite. Til' he lost the 61 pounds! Then it was great on both accounts.
So I'm channelling his strength, his will power - what it must have been like to see that scale roll down from 200 to 199. I've seen it before - and it brought me so much joy, so much triumphant joy. I want, no NEED, to feel that again.
So - goals, right? We all need goals to help get us to our happy place - and I am not without them. The goals are as follows:
1. By March 16th, but no later than April 1, to weight less than 200lbs, and to continue a weight within 199 - 215 for the remainder of my life.
2. For Summer 2009, to fit into a size 34-waist dress pant, and dress short, and a 32-waist jean. I know, for some reason, probably my extended torso and wider hips, jeans fit me differently than dress pants.
3. By April 1, but no later than August 11, to feel comfortable wearing a t-shirt. (This is a special challenge for me - and will require working out to build upper body muscle mass.)
4. By May 2009, but no later than June of 2009, to have parted with all of my 38- and 36-inch waist pants and shorts. No need to keep them around - I'll never be going back into them!
And of course, you need rewards for those MET goals, right? So, the rewards are as follows:
1. If you complete goal 1 (above), no later than April 1, then you should treat yourself to a day at the spa, complete with massage treatments, pedicure, and facial! (I know - I'm a guy, but I love my spa treatments, and I'm gay - so there isn't anything you can say about me that I haven't already heard!)
2. If you complete goal 2 (above), no later than May 15, then you should treat yourself to a day of shopping for new shorts and pants, a total of $300!
3. If you complete goal 3 (above), no later than August 11, then you should treat yourself to another day of shopping for new t-shirts, and tank tops, a total of $200!
4. If you complete goal 4 (above), no later than June 2009, and you give all of your old "FAT" clothes to charity, then you should take a trip with your new clothes, no later than October of 2009 to a beach or waterfront destination so that you can show off a NEW BATHING SUIT!
Ah, yes - it feels good to even think about showing off in a bathing suit, and not cower under big t-shirts and linen pants. Yes, I can do this! Yes, I WILL do this! Yes, I WILL!
Another Day Lower
Well, I did it - I managed to lose another few pounds overnight. I don't understand it - perhaps it's the fact that I'm drinking tea before bed? But each night when I weigh myself at 9PM, as I had promised I would, I don't see a large change in the weight of the morning before.
Now, I know some of you might be reading this thinking - you think you're going to lose weight in a matter of hours? And the answer is yes! And no, I'm not silly, or even worse - stupid. This diet is an extreme way of losing weight, and it is feasible to have lost pounds in a matter of hours. Yes, pounds!
So I wasn't too happy to see that the scale had actually taken an upswing from the earlier morning weigh in at 244.2. Last night at 9PM, the scale read 245.0. 8 oz., that I clearly accounted for in the tea that I had drank moments earlier. Note to self: don't drink tea before you weigh yourself! Got it.
Ok, so this morning, after the usual morning routine, I was at 242.6, a total of 8.2 pounds lost, since I started the Diet Monday morning. That means 3 days, down 8.2 pounds. Now, going by the last time that I did this diet - I can assume that so long as I stay on track - that I will lose another 2.2 pounds tonight, bringing me to the 240 mark - that's the goal anyway.
Last time I was on this diet - I had lost 13.2 pounds by day 8. There was a lot of cheating on the way - and I was still nursing on Diet Coke. I've not done any of that this time - and actually quenched the hunger for chocolate this morning with some chocolate flavored coffee, black. Mmm, and I'm not, nor have I ever been a black coffee drinker.
So, if we were to assume that I would lose the same amount of weight by day 8, (13.2 pounds) then I can realistically expect that on day 8 this time around, (Monday, Feb. 16th) I'll be down to 237.6. My calendar reflects a different number: 234.
Oh, yes - the calendar. I forgot to mention the calendar I am holding myself accountable to. This time, I decided to make a calendar. On the 36-day calendar, I have goal weights, to keep myself motivated, and on track. My goal weight for today is 242, and I've met that by weighing in this morning at 242.6.
It is basically a move down the scale at 2 pounds per day until Feb. 20th, when I'll be out of town, and I'm hoping to just keep at 226. Once I get back, I'll be back on the diet, and hope to continue to lose weight at 2lbs per day until 210, or March 2.
These are realistic expectations of this diet, albeit I must challenge myself to follow it. Stick around - I think this is going to work. :)
Now, I know some of you might be reading this thinking - you think you're going to lose weight in a matter of hours? And the answer is yes! And no, I'm not silly, or even worse - stupid. This diet is an extreme way of losing weight, and it is feasible to have lost pounds in a matter of hours. Yes, pounds!
So I wasn't too happy to see that the scale had actually taken an upswing from the earlier morning weigh in at 244.2. Last night at 9PM, the scale read 245.0. 8 oz., that I clearly accounted for in the tea that I had drank moments earlier. Note to self: don't drink tea before you weigh yourself! Got it.
Ok, so this morning, after the usual morning routine, I was at 242.6, a total of 8.2 pounds lost, since I started the Diet Monday morning. That means 3 days, down 8.2 pounds. Now, going by the last time that I did this diet - I can assume that so long as I stay on track - that I will lose another 2.2 pounds tonight, bringing me to the 240 mark - that's the goal anyway.
Last time I was on this diet - I had lost 13.2 pounds by day 8. There was a lot of cheating on the way - and I was still nursing on Diet Coke. I've not done any of that this time - and actually quenched the hunger for chocolate this morning with some chocolate flavored coffee, black. Mmm, and I'm not, nor have I ever been a black coffee drinker.
So, if we were to assume that I would lose the same amount of weight by day 8, (13.2 pounds) then I can realistically expect that on day 8 this time around, (Monday, Feb. 16th) I'll be down to 237.6. My calendar reflects a different number: 234.
Oh, yes - the calendar. I forgot to mention the calendar I am holding myself accountable to. This time, I decided to make a calendar. On the 36-day calendar, I have goal weights, to keep myself motivated, and on track. My goal weight for today is 242, and I've met that by weighing in this morning at 242.6.
It is basically a move down the scale at 2 pounds per day until Feb. 20th, when I'll be out of town, and I'm hoping to just keep at 226. Once I get back, I'll be back on the diet, and hope to continue to lose weight at 2lbs per day until 210, or March 2.
These are realistic expectations of this diet, albeit I must challenge myself to follow it. Stick around - I think this is going to work. :)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I slipped - ok, I slid down the hill and landed in a pond ...
I really got off track! What was I thinking? I had gained back the weight I lost, PLUS 5 pounds, and found myself tipping the scales at 256 pounds! The heaviest I've ever been was 261, so it was really disappointing to know that I had crawled back to a weight where I was completely ashamed and disappointed in my body, and what I had done to myself.
It was little more than that, that made me go back on the diet - but I also have another trip scheduled for Feb. 20th, and I don't want to look like I ate the old me. So Monday, February 9, I started my diet, with the idea that I would lose 51 pounds in 36 days. Of course, this accounts for days AFTER my trip, pulling my goal weigh-in to Monday, March 16, 2009. The goal: 199lbs. The probability of reaching that goal: slim, unfortunately - but I am keeping my "eye on the prize."
When I weighed myself Sunday night at 9pm, I weighed 250.0 pounds. Monday, at the same time in the same clothes: 250.8 pounds. It was terrifying! I knew that this diet took 24-hours to really set in motion, but to gain 8 oz. was just a shot to the ego. No matter, I did what I set out to do. I exercised, I ate before 7pm, and I went to bed early. On Tuesday morning at 8:15, I was at 249.6.
I spent all day Tuesday worried about what I would weigh that night at 9pm, and also what I should and shouldn't allow myself to do on Valentines Day. I had been told that I was going to go to Brunch at one of our favorite places - and though there are a wide array of foods that have very low carbs, I don't want to cheat myself from good food, and I don't want to set back the progress of this diet - which I so very desperately need to continue on!
Tuesday night, after sticking to the diet all day, and working out for an hour, (again eating before 7pm) I weighed myself at 9pm. The scheduled time for everyday until March. 247.2. That was great, a total weight loss of 3.6 pounds from just a day earlier, and even greater, more than 2 pounds lost from that very morning!
That kept me on track - and though I really wanted something sweet before bed, (my usual routine) I decided that nothing was going to stand in the way of my success! So off to sleep I went, and this morning at 8:15, I weighed myself hoping to see that I was still in the 247 mark, and that last night hadn't just been a fluke. 244.2! Yes, another 3 pounds - in my sleep! What a great feeling!
Now, granted, this is a total of 6.6 pounds lost - and the fact that I am a male, with more than 50 pounds to lose plays heavily into how fast I am losing the weight. I also know that this is merely water weight - and I've not seen a drastic change in the fit of my clothing, however on the third day of the process, with more than 6 pounds lost, I'm willing to give this a few more days to see just how much more I can lose.
The plan: if I weigh 236 on Sunday morning (my goal weight to stick to my 51-pound loss in 36 days!) then I will go to the Brunch, and have the delicious waffles and fresh syrup and homemade whipped cream! Mmm! Along with plenty of bacon, omlettes, and sausage - to keep me knee deep in my diet!
If I weigh more than 236 on Sunday morning, then I will have to forego the waffles, and stick to the bacon and eggs. :) No way I'm skipping out on such a delicious meal!
I'll be back - maybe not tomorrow - but definitely soon, to keep you updated with the progress of the loss!
It was little more than that, that made me go back on the diet - but I also have another trip scheduled for Feb. 20th, and I don't want to look like I ate the old me. So Monday, February 9, I started my diet, with the idea that I would lose 51 pounds in 36 days. Of course, this accounts for days AFTER my trip, pulling my goal weigh-in to Monday, March 16, 2009. The goal: 199lbs. The probability of reaching that goal: slim, unfortunately - but I am keeping my "eye on the prize."
When I weighed myself Sunday night at 9pm, I weighed 250.0 pounds. Monday, at the same time in the same clothes: 250.8 pounds. It was terrifying! I knew that this diet took 24-hours to really set in motion, but to gain 8 oz. was just a shot to the ego. No matter, I did what I set out to do. I exercised, I ate before 7pm, and I went to bed early. On Tuesday morning at 8:15, I was at 249.6.
I spent all day Tuesday worried about what I would weigh that night at 9pm, and also what I should and shouldn't allow myself to do on Valentines Day. I had been told that I was going to go to Brunch at one of our favorite places - and though there are a wide array of foods that have very low carbs, I don't want to cheat myself from good food, and I don't want to set back the progress of this diet - which I so very desperately need to continue on!
Tuesday night, after sticking to the diet all day, and working out for an hour, (again eating before 7pm) I weighed myself at 9pm. The scheduled time for everyday until March. 247.2. That was great, a total weight loss of 3.6 pounds from just a day earlier, and even greater, more than 2 pounds lost from that very morning!
That kept me on track - and though I really wanted something sweet before bed, (my usual routine) I decided that nothing was going to stand in the way of my success! So off to sleep I went, and this morning at 8:15, I weighed myself hoping to see that I was still in the 247 mark, and that last night hadn't just been a fluke. 244.2! Yes, another 3 pounds - in my sleep! What a great feeling!
Now, granted, this is a total of 6.6 pounds lost - and the fact that I am a male, with more than 50 pounds to lose plays heavily into how fast I am losing the weight. I also know that this is merely water weight - and I've not seen a drastic change in the fit of my clothing, however on the third day of the process, with more than 6 pounds lost, I'm willing to give this a few more days to see just how much more I can lose.
The plan: if I weigh 236 on Sunday morning (my goal weight to stick to my 51-pound loss in 36 days!) then I will go to the Brunch, and have the delicious waffles and fresh syrup and homemade whipped cream! Mmm! Along with plenty of bacon, omlettes, and sausage - to keep me knee deep in my diet!
If I weigh more than 236 on Sunday morning, then I will have to forego the waffles, and stick to the bacon and eggs. :) No way I'm skipping out on such a delicious meal!
I'll be back - maybe not tomorrow - but definitely soon, to keep you updated with the progress of the loss!
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