Well, today I weighed-in for the 7th time and since my first weigh in I have done so many positive things for myself. I have taught myself proper portion size; this was especially important because I realized that I used to eat 3-4 portions at dinner and even after eating all that food I would sit in front of the TV and eat a snack.
So at first I had no idea; the measuring cup was my best friend - I measured everything and logged every single insignificant calorie. I had to know exactly what I could eat and which foods provided the most nutrients as well as fats and sugars. So now, here I am 6 weeks later... I'm not using the measuring cups all that much because I have a very good eye for a proper portion size - I may go over a bit when we eat out but it's usually grilled chicken or rice so neither will do much harm.
As for snacks - thank god for the 100-calorie packs. It's nice to have a choice of either shortbread, chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate dipped pretzels and more. But my favorite snacks have been fresh berries and yogurt with some Cheerios. I know it doesn't sound very appealing but the flavors and the textures go well together for a nice variation of a parfait.
I am not knocking any weight loss method, because we are all unique and have unique needs - but I have to say that I've seen commercials that have made measuring seem such hard work - well who said weight loss is easy. Either I measure it out myself or I pay hundreds of dollars a month for food from a Nutri-system and still have to buy veggies on top of it. The program will work if you either comment to the monthly bill and frozen foods OR you have to learn how to cook moderate servings. Why not do both at the same time?
Sure we're probably spending more buying for our new diet - but its only replacing what we've been buying all along - we have 3 children and they are starting to feel the results of our healthier eating. With that being said they are still getting hot dogs, chicken nuggets and other kids favorites. Our biggest expense which is my new found addiction - the Gym. It's a $50 / month habit that I don't think I'll ever be able to stop - it may be modified here and there, but it will likely be a part of my life for the rest of it.
I'm already a success story losing 25 pounds in 6 short weeks, I've still got a long way to go and I've never been more motivated. My next goal is another 25 pounds in 12 weeks - 221 by 7/28 - I figured that the easy part is over now I have to burn about 2 pounds each week.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Interim Scot
Well, my profile is as close to a "before" picture as I have. I'm kicking myself for not getting a complete before picture. I should still do it now, since I'm still just really getting going. But here is a picture of me now. When I first saw the two pics side by side I was happily surprised.
Before
Now
Before
Now
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
35 Days In
Today was another weigh-in day. 5 Weeks, 35 days. It's Wednesday again. I don't feel like I worked out as hard this week nor do I feel like I have been "dieting". I must be getting used to the lower calorie intake and my body is beginning to adapt to my workout. I guess I need to step it up a bit.
Anyway, I started today with a yummy Chocolate Shake from Costco - basically a Slim Fast shake. It gives me tons of energy just before I head to the gym. I typically spend 30 minutes on the cycle, on the weight loss setting level 4, so it progressively gets harder and harder until it peaks then it drops one level then back up and so on until it progressively declines in resistance at the end of the 30 minutes. Then I move to circuit training - basically weight machines targeting different muscle groups. I spend a lot of time on abs and an equal amount of time on upper and lower muscle groups. Today I really feel the effects in my back and my arms - the pain actually feels good.
When I got home, I had a slice of whole wheat toast with our new favorite - Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry preserves, delicious!! All together - 45 calories. Bonus!! Lunch I had a turkey ham & cheese wrap - didn't like it at first, then I added some Corn & Black Bean Salsa then it was amazing. We are really learning how to make tasty healthy food and also how to snack without going too far.
Well enough of that. Now, I weigh myself on a "doctor's scale" at the gym. It has the 1 pound weight and the 50 pound weight, well I started out with the 50 pound weight at 250 and the 1 pound weight at 21 = 271. Today I was able to move the 50 pound weight to 200, now the 1 pound weight was at 50, but I don't care. I was able to move the 50 pound weight.
I am now 250 pounds; I've lost 2 pounds this week and a total of 21 pounds in 5 weeks. The wife & I are stronger and healthier; we have more energy and are able to run with the kids and lift heavy bags with ease. Our clothes are fitting much looser. We still have a long way to go, but we already feel amazingly successful.
Anyway, I started today with a yummy Chocolate Shake from Costco - basically a Slim Fast shake. It gives me tons of energy just before I head to the gym. I typically spend 30 minutes on the cycle, on the weight loss setting level 4, so it progressively gets harder and harder until it peaks then it drops one level then back up and so on until it progressively declines in resistance at the end of the 30 minutes. Then I move to circuit training - basically weight machines targeting different muscle groups. I spend a lot of time on abs and an equal amount of time on upper and lower muscle groups. Today I really feel the effects in my back and my arms - the pain actually feels good.
When I got home, I had a slice of whole wheat toast with our new favorite - Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry preserves, delicious!! All together - 45 calories. Bonus!! Lunch I had a turkey ham & cheese wrap - didn't like it at first, then I added some Corn & Black Bean Salsa then it was amazing. We are really learning how to make tasty healthy food and also how to snack without going too far.
Well enough of that. Now, I weigh myself on a "doctor's scale" at the gym. It has the 1 pound weight and the 50 pound weight, well I started out with the 50 pound weight at 250 and the 1 pound weight at 21 = 271. Today I was able to move the 50 pound weight to 200, now the 1 pound weight was at 50, but I don't care. I was able to move the 50 pound weight.
I am now 250 pounds; I've lost 2 pounds this week and a total of 21 pounds in 5 weeks. The wife & I are stronger and healthier; we have more energy and are able to run with the kids and lift heavy bags with ease. Our clothes are fitting much looser. We still have a long way to go, but we already feel amazingly successful.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Didn't happen overnight
Today I want to talk about other issues that I've faced with my weight battle. Besides not being as competitive athletically, I've dealt with a lot of psychological problems. I would not consider them severe, but they are personal and have had a lasting effect on my esteem.
Now I wasn't always overweight - it wasn't until middle school that I started to gain weight, it continued through high school. This is probably the most humiliating story I can post on here, but I feel its part of the healing process and again - I'm hoping that my tribulation will help others be strong in the face of this stupidity.
I've been called fatso, larda$$, and other mean names. One of the most humiliating moments for me was in the 7th grade, when one of my teachers (in fact, he was one of my favorites up until this point) called me "Butterball" in class. It was a nickname that stuck with me and traumatized me until I moved away at the end of 8th grade.
I was hoping to get a new start in Tucson, but it didn't take long before I was tagged with a nickname of "Pugsly" based on the character Pugsly Addams. While the name butterball sent me into depression, I tried not to allow pugsly to do the same, but embracing it. Not even my closest friend knew that every time I heard that nickname, I wanted to cry. I didn't eat a lot of junk, I was fairly active - I was just overweight. And because of that I'm doomed to a world of verbal assault and humiliation?
It's hard enough knowing you're not considered attractive to the opposite sex during your adolescence but to also be constantly reminded of it when your "friends" call you by a ridiculous name because you look like the fat kid from The Addams Family.
Now I did manage to lose the weight mostly because I began to play a lot of tennis, and I didn't eat much. And for the most part maintained a healthy weight until about 8 years ago. Over the past 8 years, my excuse for overeating and not exercising was "I"m happy with who I am". This is true, but I am not happy to what I've done to my body. I am fortunate not have have any life threatening illnesses such as; heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Being overweight is as much mental as it is physical. Much like a smoker trying to quit - we have to reprogram ourselves to get out and get some regular exercise and to eat regular portions. I've fought past my esteem problems, however as each day goes by I feel stronger and healthier and it just adds to my confidence.
Now I wasn't always overweight - it wasn't until middle school that I started to gain weight, it continued through high school. This is probably the most humiliating story I can post on here, but I feel its part of the healing process and again - I'm hoping that my tribulation will help others be strong in the face of this stupidity.
I've been called fatso, larda$$, and other mean names. One of the most humiliating moments for me was in the 7th grade, when one of my teachers (in fact, he was one of my favorites up until this point) called me "Butterball" in class. It was a nickname that stuck with me and traumatized me until I moved away at the end of 8th grade.
I was hoping to get a new start in Tucson, but it didn't take long before I was tagged with a nickname of "Pugsly" based on the character Pugsly Addams. While the name butterball sent me into depression, I tried not to allow pugsly to do the same, but embracing it. Not even my closest friend knew that every time I heard that nickname, I wanted to cry. I didn't eat a lot of junk, I was fairly active - I was just overweight. And because of that I'm doomed to a world of verbal assault and humiliation?
It's hard enough knowing you're not considered attractive to the opposite sex during your adolescence but to also be constantly reminded of it when your "friends" call you by a ridiculous name because you look like the fat kid from The Addams Family.
Now I did manage to lose the weight mostly because I began to play a lot of tennis, and I didn't eat much. And for the most part maintained a healthy weight until about 8 years ago. Over the past 8 years, my excuse for overeating and not exercising was "I"m happy with who I am". This is true, but I am not happy to what I've done to my body. I am fortunate not have have any life threatening illnesses such as; heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Being overweight is as much mental as it is physical. Much like a smoker trying to quit - we have to reprogram ourselves to get out and get some regular exercise and to eat regular portions. I've fought past my esteem problems, however as each day goes by I feel stronger and healthier and it just adds to my confidence.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday Splurge
Today was a great day and the wife & I decided to take the kids out on a day of geocaching and shopping. One of the geocache locations were within a mile of our favorite Chinese Buffet. Now I know what you're thinking "you can't go to an all-you-can-eat buffet when you're trying to lose weight". Well, we figured that we had worked so hard at modifying our eating habits that it would be safe to try it.
As we pulled into the parking lot I stated "This place was a part of our old lifestyle, we need to see if it can fit in our new lifestyle". We each had a small plate of sushi (rice, crab, fish and vegetables). The for my main I chose some Broccoli Chicken on white rice with an egg roll and 1 Crab Rangoon. At best calculation dinner was approximately 800 calories - which is not bad considering it was an early dinner - and up until that point I had only had about 400 calories. Now the best part about this little test was -- I was stuffed and had no desire for desert (and I love their soft serve ice cream). So this is proof that my body is getting used to the smaller servings. Now as an extra special treat we stopped at our local ice cream shop - and got the kids some great hand dipped ice cream - and we had the delicious fat free sugar free Praline Pecan Carmel frozen yogurt---- YUMMMMM.
Remember - we are not on a diet - it is a lifestyle change. So special treats are necessary, in moderation. And just to make sure that it didn't have a negative effect on the weight loss goal, I weighed in and I'm still at or below my last weigh-in.
As we pulled into the parking lot I stated "This place was a part of our old lifestyle, we need to see if it can fit in our new lifestyle". We each had a small plate of sushi (rice, crab, fish and vegetables). The for my main I chose some Broccoli Chicken on white rice with an egg roll and 1 Crab Rangoon. At best calculation dinner was approximately 800 calories - which is not bad considering it was an early dinner - and up until that point I had only had about 400 calories. Now the best part about this little test was -- I was stuffed and had no desire for desert (and I love their soft serve ice cream). So this is proof that my body is getting used to the smaller servings. Now as an extra special treat we stopped at our local ice cream shop - and got the kids some great hand dipped ice cream - and we had the delicious fat free sugar free Praline Pecan Carmel frozen yogurt---- YUMMMMM.
Remember - we are not on a diet - it is a lifestyle change. So special treats are necessary, in moderation. And just to make sure that it didn't have a negative effect on the weight loss goal, I weighed in and I'm still at or below my last weigh-in.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
One Month Complete
Well, here we are one month later. The wife & I are feeling better than we have in a long time. With the introduction of an exercise program and a nutritional plan that will follow us long after we achieve our target weight goals.
So first in 30 days, I am happy to say that I have lost 7% of my starting body weight and the wife has lost 5.2% of her starting weight, which is well about our 1 month goal of 2.5% & 3.1% respectively. We are very proud of ourselves and while we still have trouble seeing the actual results - we are starting to feel it with looser clothing and smaller appetites.
I am not an opponent or proponent of any other diet program, but I wanted to share our thoughts on why we chose the plan we're on. So with everything out there in the diet industry we were most concerned about long-term change. While our short-term goal (the next 12 months) our goal is to achieve our target weight - after that, our goal is to maintain the weight. So we felt that programs where you have to buy their food (Jenny Craig & Nutri-System) would not teach us how to cook meals for ourselves - plus it's rather expensive. Our research led us to looking at diets that cut out carbs or fat, and how dangerous they are to completely eliminate those energy sources. Plus that is only good for the initial plan, our bodies need fat & carbs to maintain.
So we decided on the biggest loser nutritional plan as it keeps things very simple - 6 small meals rather than 3 big meals. Each meal is measured for calorie content - what's nice about this is that it only takes us a few times measuring it out before we can spot a real serving size. At first it was a bit shocking to see how small the serving was compared to my usual serving. I can't imagine how many calories I used to consume before I started counting calories. If I had thought about it - I would've measured the week before I started my new plan just to see the difference. If I had to guess, I probably consumed 5000-6000 calories a day and now I'm consuming around 1200-1500 a day and surprisingly I'm not hungry. It was harder at first, but I just filled up on water, now it's not as easy to drink that much water.
We read that in order to lose weight you must either consume 3,500 fewer calories per week (500/day) or burn them off through exercise. Our exercise routine is burning off about 400-800 calories per day plus we are eating fewer calories is really working for us AND we feel that this will be rather easy to continue without too much effort.
According to the Biggest Loser Book, the formula to determine the maximum calories to consume for weight loss is calculated by multiplying your current weight by 7. Thus as we lose weight our maximum intake for weight loss continues to drop. The once we've achieved the goal - our plan will be to maintain a 2,000 calorie diet along with exercise. But we still have 12 short months before then. Stay tuned. :)
So first in 30 days, I am happy to say that I have lost 7% of my starting body weight and the wife has lost 5.2% of her starting weight, which is well about our 1 month goal of 2.5% & 3.1% respectively. We are very proud of ourselves and while we still have trouble seeing the actual results - we are starting to feel it with looser clothing and smaller appetites.
I am not an opponent or proponent of any other diet program, but I wanted to share our thoughts on why we chose the plan we're on. So with everything out there in the diet industry we were most concerned about long-term change. While our short-term goal (the next 12 months) our goal is to achieve our target weight - after that, our goal is to maintain the weight. So we felt that programs where you have to buy their food (Jenny Craig & Nutri-System) would not teach us how to cook meals for ourselves - plus it's rather expensive. Our research led us to looking at diets that cut out carbs or fat, and how dangerous they are to completely eliminate those energy sources. Plus that is only good for the initial plan, our bodies need fat & carbs to maintain.
So we decided on the biggest loser nutritional plan as it keeps things very simple - 6 small meals rather than 3 big meals. Each meal is measured for calorie content - what's nice about this is that it only takes us a few times measuring it out before we can spot a real serving size. At first it was a bit shocking to see how small the serving was compared to my usual serving. I can't imagine how many calories I used to consume before I started counting calories. If I had thought about it - I would've measured the week before I started my new plan just to see the difference. If I had to guess, I probably consumed 5000-6000 calories a day and now I'm consuming around 1200-1500 a day and surprisingly I'm not hungry. It was harder at first, but I just filled up on water, now it's not as easy to drink that much water.
We read that in order to lose weight you must either consume 3,500 fewer calories per week (500/day) or burn them off through exercise. Our exercise routine is burning off about 400-800 calories per day plus we are eating fewer calories is really working for us AND we feel that this will be rather easy to continue without too much effort.
According to the Biggest Loser Book, the formula to determine the maximum calories to consume for weight loss is calculated by multiplying your current weight by 7. Thus as we lose weight our maximum intake for weight loss continues to drop. The once we've achieved the goal - our plan will be to maintain a 2,000 calorie diet along with exercise. But we still have 12 short months before then. Stay tuned. :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Beautiful Wednesday
The sun is out - the birds are chirping - the kids are at school - I have a ton of work to do for a new client. But I still had time this morning to get to the gym. But after kissing my 7 yr old and putting her on the bus - I had a Costo brand Slim Fast Chocolate shake for breakfast. Yummy. It gives me a great boost of energy in the morning and it's only 260 calories. I don't typically eat much for breakfast - so this is a good meal replacement. I have been drinking one a day for breakfast all week.
So after my shake, I went off to the gym to start my typical routine - 30 minutes on the bike, and 30 minutes of calisthenics/circuit training. However, I was inspired by Biggest Loser last night (I haven't really been watching it) but when my wife told me about one guy who started out over 500 pounds and how he just ran 5 miles - I felt like hmm... maybe I can run now rather than just biking. So I spent 30 minutes on the bike, with the weight loss mode which starts off with light resistance then increases to heavy resistance in the middle and then lightens up at the end. Then over the circuit, I spent most of the time focusing on abs (crunches, leg lifts and the ab machine) but did do some work on back and legs. But then with about 10 minutes left in my workout I decided to step up to the treadmill.
What I liked about this treadmill, is that by entering in data such as age and weight it calculates the necessary heart weight for weight loss. So I found that level and maintained it - what was most interesting to me is that it was only a vigorous walk to achieve the goal heart rate. I think I will probably alter my workout to bike 20, walk 20, and training 20.
So now here I am at the end of an hour, I'm soaked in sweat after a great workout. I'm feeling good and ready to step on the scale. Just a reminder I started 4 weeks ago at 271 pounds, and last week I was at 256. Today I stepped on the scale and I dropped 4 more pounds - my new weight is 252, for a total weight loss of 19 pounds in 4 weeks or 7%.
So after my shake, I went off to the gym to start my typical routine - 30 minutes on the bike, and 30 minutes of calisthenics/circuit training. However, I was inspired by Biggest Loser last night (I haven't really been watching it) but when my wife told me about one guy who started out over 500 pounds and how he just ran 5 miles - I felt like hmm... maybe I can run now rather than just biking. So I spent 30 minutes on the bike, with the weight loss mode which starts off with light resistance then increases to heavy resistance in the middle and then lightens up at the end. Then over the circuit, I spent most of the time focusing on abs (crunches, leg lifts and the ab machine) but did do some work on back and legs. But then with about 10 minutes left in my workout I decided to step up to the treadmill.
What I liked about this treadmill, is that by entering in data such as age and weight it calculates the necessary heart weight for weight loss. So I found that level and maintained it - what was most interesting to me is that it was only a vigorous walk to achieve the goal heart rate. I think I will probably alter my workout to bike 20, walk 20, and training 20.
So now here I am at the end of an hour, I'm soaked in sweat after a great workout. I'm feeling good and ready to step on the scale. Just a reminder I started 4 weeks ago at 271 pounds, and last week I was at 256. Today I stepped on the scale and I dropped 4 more pounds - my new weight is 252, for a total weight loss of 19 pounds in 4 weeks or 7%.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Spring Fever
Kids are back to school after a week off for Spring break. I have been fighting some seasonal allergies, but I'm doing much much better. Since weighing in last Wed only 1.5 pounds below the previous weigh-in; I have rededicated myself. I have been to the gym each and every morning AND my calorie intake has been in check.
I feel really good, focusing on my midsection, doing lots of crunches and leg lifts. Not fun, but I love how my midsection feels. We're learning new alternatives to make the food taste different and different.
Tomorrow will be the end of the 4th week. Wish me luck.
I feel really good, focusing on my midsection, doing lots of crunches and leg lifts. Not fun, but I love how my midsection feels. We're learning new alternatives to make the food taste different and different.
Tomorrow will be the end of the 4th week. Wish me luck.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Few Days
Well, I know its been a few days, and I wanted to touch base. It's now Sunday and we are going strong - been to the gym every day this week, eating the right foods and most importantly not feeling hungry. Clothes are starting to fit much looser now - in fact I had to change to a smaller belt because the shortest length on my normal belt was too big. Now I'm walking around in size 44 jeans, and they are very baggy. Pretty soon I'll be looking like a fool with my pants on the ground.
It has been a very active week, we have tried different foods including eating out a few times. I have had success with grilled chicken or fish with rice and steamed vegetables. But I do need to mix it up a bit, it is really starting to get old. Tonight we had turkey burgers; my wife found this great recipe which includes oats and other ingredients, if she posts it on her blog I'll link to it (if anyone is interested you can contact us directly).
We have treated ourselves a bit this week in fact earlier today we took the kids to get ice cream - I know you're thinking oh no - don't do it... Well, it turns our our local ice cream shopper offers Fat Free - Sugar Free Frozen Yogurt!!! Yeah!! They also offer fat free frozen custard and they have fat free & sugar free hot fudge - Options!!!!
It's really amazing what you can find when you look. Spring break is over, kids going back to school, and we are still going stronger than ever.
It has been a very active week, we have tried different foods including eating out a few times. I have had success with grilled chicken or fish with rice and steamed vegetables. But I do need to mix it up a bit, it is really starting to get old. Tonight we had turkey burgers; my wife found this great recipe which includes oats and other ingredients, if she posts it on her blog I'll link to it (if anyone is interested you can contact us directly).
We have treated ourselves a bit this week in fact earlier today we took the kids to get ice cream - I know you're thinking oh no - don't do it... Well, it turns our our local ice cream shopper offers Fat Free - Sugar Free Frozen Yogurt!!! Yeah!! They also offer fat free frozen custard and they have fat free & sugar free hot fudge - Options!!!!
It's really amazing what you can find when you look. Spring break is over, kids going back to school, and we are still going stronger than ever.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Weigh In #3
The good news is I still lost weight, the bad news is that it wasn't as much as I had the last 2 weeks.
Week 1 - lost 7 pounds
Week 2 - lost 6.5 pounds
Week 3 - lost 1.5 pounds
I didn't work out as much, and did not track my calories as close as I did the previous 2 weeks. The positive is that I did lose weight, I'm starting to see the results - and my clothes are starting to fit much looser than before.
I am rededicating my efforts - I'm setting a short-term goal to lose 10 pounds between now and 5/7 (my birthday) which is 4 weeks from now.
Week 1 - lost 7 pounds
Week 2 - lost 6.5 pounds
Week 3 - lost 1.5 pounds
I didn't work out as much, and did not track my calories as close as I did the previous 2 weeks. The positive is that I did lose weight, I'm starting to see the results - and my clothes are starting to fit much looser than before.
I am rededicating my efforts - I'm setting a short-term goal to lose 10 pounds between now and 5/7 (my birthday) which is 4 weeks from now.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Chocolate Bunnies & Eggs
Well, Easter morning arrived and the kids received lots of candy including 2 chocolate bunnies - one from the "Easter Bunny" and one from Grandma. There was definitely no shortage of sweets in the house. In fact, they were spread all over the living room, dining room and kitchen. So this was my first "real" test of will-power. Watching my kids and parents eating all that smooth milk chocolate was very tempting.
I have to admit that I succumbed to temptation by eating one lime Jelly Belly jelly bean. Yes, I did; however, I know that it was not nearly what I have eaten past Easters. So I consider it a victory over temptation. Easter dinner was delicious and very healthy. We had a pork roast, with baked sweet potatoes, stir-fry squash with tomatoes & onions, and asparagus. For dessert we had apple pie a la mode - 1/12 of a pie w/ 1 Tbsp of vanilla ice cream. And all together the calorie count was only 520. Keeping my daily count around 1400. Not bad for a holiday that is usually filled with so much food and sweets that in years past I probably had 1400 calories from snacks alone. In fact, I was looking at the chocolate bunnies and the calories for one chocolate bunny is 1900 EACH!!!
This morning I felt really bad - allergies had everything all stuffed up and it was hard breathing - so I didn't make it to the gym. I do feel guilty for that, but I will definitely go tomorrow morning.
I have to admit that I succumbed to temptation by eating one lime Jelly Belly jelly bean. Yes, I did; however, I know that it was not nearly what I have eaten past Easters. So I consider it a victory over temptation. Easter dinner was delicious and very healthy. We had a pork roast, with baked sweet potatoes, stir-fry squash with tomatoes & onions, and asparagus. For dessert we had apple pie a la mode - 1/12 of a pie w/ 1 Tbsp of vanilla ice cream. And all together the calorie count was only 520. Keeping my daily count around 1400. Not bad for a holiday that is usually filled with so much food and sweets that in years past I probably had 1400 calories from snacks alone. In fact, I was looking at the chocolate bunnies and the calories for one chocolate bunny is 1900 EACH!!!
This morning I felt really bad - allergies had everything all stuffed up and it was hard breathing - so I didn't make it to the gym. I do feel guilty for that, but I will definitely go tomorrow morning.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Easter Weekend
Yesterday, Friday, was anything but a typical day. The weather was wonderful - warm and everyone was home from work/school. So, after breakfast, gym and some light shopping we began the task of spring yard clean-up. This was complicated by the fact that we bought the house last October and with the early snowfall - had very little time to do a fall clean-up. Therefore, we had a ton of leaves to clean out of the gardens and the lawn. All five of us pitched in and it took about 2 hours to get everything done. The yard looks great - I ended up with some dime-sized blisters between the thumb and forefinger of both hands - OW.
My parents arrived for Easter weekend and we enjoyed sitting out on the deck and enjoying the weather. Because our breakfast and lunch were so low in calories and with the workout and the yard work we estimated that we burned about 1200 calories - both the wife & I had nearly 1600 more calories that we could eat - we didn't but it allowed us to go out to dinner. Mexican!
We chose grilled chicken fajitas for 2, more food that we needed. We avoided the chips and salsa, and just had dinner - after 3 small fajitas each with about a 1/2 serving of rice. Next time we know to order fajitas for 1, and split it. We will also take our own whole wheat tortillas and save on some calories. But at the end of the day we only consumed about 700 for the whole meal (including sour cream and rice).
Today has been relaxing - woke up and had crockpot oatmeal for breakfast then went to the gym. For snack had sugar snap peas, carrots and a tangerine - lunch was leftover fajita on a whole wheat wrap - afternoon snack was cottage cheese, tomato, wheat crackers. For dinner we will be having a shrimp stir-fry, can't wait. The constant eating is keeping me from being hungry, but looks like I'm still going to be way short of my calorie goal.
For Easter dinner we have planned: grilled pork roast, baked sweet potatoes, boiled asparagus, and reduced fat apple pie. Happy Easter!
My parents arrived for Easter weekend and we enjoyed sitting out on the deck and enjoying the weather. Because our breakfast and lunch were so low in calories and with the workout and the yard work we estimated that we burned about 1200 calories - both the wife & I had nearly 1600 more calories that we could eat - we didn't but it allowed us to go out to dinner. Mexican!
We chose grilled chicken fajitas for 2, more food that we needed. We avoided the chips and salsa, and just had dinner - after 3 small fajitas each with about a 1/2 serving of rice. Next time we know to order fajitas for 1, and split it. We will also take our own whole wheat tortillas and save on some calories. But at the end of the day we only consumed about 700 for the whole meal (including sour cream and rice).
Today has been relaxing - woke up and had crockpot oatmeal for breakfast then went to the gym. For snack had sugar snap peas, carrots and a tangerine - lunch was leftover fajita on a whole wheat wrap - afternoon snack was cottage cheese, tomato, wheat crackers. For dinner we will be having a shrimp stir-fry, can't wait. The constant eating is keeping me from being hungry, but looks like I'm still going to be way short of my calorie goal.
For Easter dinner we have planned: grilled pork roast, baked sweet potatoes, boiled asparagus, and reduced fat apple pie. Happy Easter!
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