Well, Summer is here and as you may have guessed by my infrequent posting, things are pretty hectic. Working from home and a houseful of kids means not much time to blog. But here goes...
My last weigh in was 2 weeks ago on 6/30 and I was at 227 (-41 pounds). Since I began my journey on 3/17 - I have consistently lost weight each and every week. It has not been too difficult for me as I have been following a very easy plan - smaller portions, adding exercise and drinking lots of water.
Over the past few weeks I feel as if I fell off the bandwagon, I have a ton of excuses, challenges rather that I don't feel that I handled very well. First of all, on July 4th my gym closed down for a week for it's annual maintenance and reopened on July 12th. So my plan was to get a temp membership somewhere else and to follow along with the Biggest Loser's Last Chance workout. Well, I didn't get the temp membership and only managed to do the last chance workout once and it really kicked my butt to the point that I really hurt the next 3 days so I didn't do much after that.
My wife & I thought that the gym opened up on the Sunday, but learned otherwise when it was locked up tight, so we did walk a mile around the track - which felt really good. But it doesn't compare to the workout we get in the gym.
So needless to say, our activity has gone way down as compared to the previous 15 weeks - how was the eating... well not as bad, but we did have a wonderful time a BBQ with friends, and other than a few "drinks" were doing very good eating chicken and salad and fruit, with only 1 small treat. As the night went on my wife and I were playing texas hold'em and both were doing very good (we both made the final table). However, I took an early hit and then drove out by an overaggressive player who had no business being in that hand, yes I'm still bitter about it. But anyway, it's just a game right - well, it put me out of the game and I was really bummed so I went upstairs and there sitting there is the buffet of food - and I wasn't good, wrong foods - large portions - I pigged out. :(
The next day I felt awful, bloated and gaseous. OMG, I will never do that again. My tongue loved it, my body hated it. So now Monday morning at the gym, good workout. Really feeling everything as my body has not really been in motion the past week. So I was eager to get to the gym and get back to work. It felt really good. So now was the moment of truth what damage did I do??? I had to know, so I stepped on the scale and it read 230... OH NO!! I put on 3 pounds. Now I actually thought, it could be worse and counted my blessings - just time to buckle down and get to work.
Kept my calorie intake in check and another workout Tuesday morning indicated that I have now lost 2 of the 3 pounds I put on. This is my body getting rid of the water it was retaining and all the junk I ate over the weekend (no offense Rob, it was delicious).
So I was really hoping that today I would be back to 227 then I can work hard to drop my last 6 pounds of my short-term goal over the next 2 weeks. Well, I stepped on the scale and it read..... 224!!! Yeah, I lost the 3 I put on plus 3 more. I am so happy that my small deviation didn't have a lasting effect because I maintained good eating habits during the rest of the time and I think that I have done a lot to speed up my metabolism during this lifestyle change.
.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Week 14 Weigh-in
I haven't gone anywhere, have just been very busy. So I will say that with the busy schedule, it hasn't been easy to get to the gym and eating right has been a challenge from time to time.
We are learning better ways to stay within our healthier lifestyle while eating out but it still isn't the best choice when changing a lifestyle as many places offer oversized portions and are cooked in butter or oil.
Two weeks ago, we've purchased the Wii Fit Plus and playing on it about every other day along with a couple days of some serious manual labor so I'm really hoping that I was able to see a positive difference.
Last week I weighed in at 233 pounds, and I'm really trying to get to 231 which will be 40 pounds since St. Patrick's Day. Today's results are in - the scale tipped in at 229 - That's right, I've lost 4 pounds this week and am now in the 220's.... only 8 pounds away from my half-way point of 221 (-50 lbs). I am so excited. I will continue to work hard and my goal is to drop those 8 pounds over the next 6 weeks (by 7/28).
My next goal is to be more disciplined and get to my blog more frequently.
We are learning better ways to stay within our healthier lifestyle while eating out but it still isn't the best choice when changing a lifestyle as many places offer oversized portions and are cooked in butter or oil.
Two weeks ago, we've purchased the Wii Fit Plus and playing on it about every other day along with a couple days of some serious manual labor so I'm really hoping that I was able to see a positive difference.
Last week I weighed in at 233 pounds, and I'm really trying to get to 231 which will be 40 pounds since St. Patrick's Day. Today's results are in - the scale tipped in at 229 - That's right, I've lost 4 pounds this week and am now in the 220's.... only 8 pounds away from my half-way point of 221 (-50 lbs). I am so excited. I will continue to work hard and my goal is to drop those 8 pounds over the next 6 weeks (by 7/28).
My next goal is to be more disciplined and get to my blog more frequently.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I'm back - 3 weeks later
I apologize for the brief 3 week hiatus; it was not intentional but I do want to take this time to catch up since my last post, which was 3 weeks ago today.
First off, the last time I posted I was down to 246, which is 25 pounds from my original starting weight of 271. I was feeling good, eating right and going to the gym almost every day. We've decided to take one weekend day off from the gym and that would be a day we would enjoy the weather and do some geocaching.
May 1st, Friday night. We had a date night (first one in I can't remember how long). We went out to eat at a crab house - Angela had a platter with crab cooked different ways and I settled into a serving of Alaskan King Crab legs and according to the menu from the Dutch Harbor fleet (featured in the deadliest catch). I might've seen my dinner caught :) Anyway, it was delicious and not very high on the calories because we had salad and asparagus with our meals. From there we went to Hamlin Pub to watch our friend's band - there were a lot of people there we knew. We had a great time and it was smoke-free as it was the first day of the Michigan smoking ban - no more coming home smelling like an ashtray.
5/5 was another weigh-in and I'm really getting settled into this 2 pounds a week - slow and steady - our path to success. Friday 5/7 was my birthday, I actually had cake - but Angela found some cake that was well within our calorie objective. Sunday, Mother's day: Angela was up and gone to the gym - I quickly got up and began making her breakfast. While it wasn't breakfast in bed, it was a hot breakfast as she walked in the door from her work out. Then she decided she wanted to go geocaching all day. It was a beautiful day so we packed lunches for everybody - and took off towards a state park to find some geocache. We ended up walking completely around a beautiful marsh and collected 6 geocache along the way, walking almost 2 miles only stopping to have lunch while looking out over the water and the wildlife.
5/10 was Ange's birthday, we had dinner at home and both felt that we need to tighten things up a bit after a weekend that we kinda pushed the envelop. So we each had intense workouts Monday to Weigh-in Wednesday.
5/12 - Next weigh in and another 2 pounds - now at 242 (29 pounds)
Still watching what we eat - limiting fatty meats and white potatoes. It really is amazing the selection of foods that are available that are lower in calories, fat, sodium, sugar than the foods we are so used to eating. By simply replacing those with the healthier choices makes a huge difference.
5/14 - busy day scheduled, going down to my parents for the weekend, but I still wanted to get a workout in. I found on Comcast On Demand an exercise station which included Jillian Michael's Last Chance Workout. I figured that should be a good workout for me to replace going to the gym once a week. Well, it totally kicked my butt - in 30 minutes there are 6 circuits and I had to stop after the 5th circuit. I hurt in new places, I was dripping sweat - it was FANTASTIC!!!
The weekend of 5/15 the kids and I went to visit my parents in Ohio, while Angela stayed to honor another commitment. My parents have the same types of food and snacks that we have so maintaining the diet was very easy.
Back home Sunday night and back to the daily routine. Gym in the morning then work. Yesterday I had a lot going on so I did the Last Chance Workout and completed it - doesn't hurt as much but I was still soaked from perspiration - it was another great workout.
Today I hit the gym - only 40 minutes because I had a busy morning and an equally busy day planned - plus it is Weigh in Wednesday. Today I weighed in at 239 - Yeah!! 32 pounds gone - almost a third of the way there.
I promise I will update this thing more frequently.
First off, the last time I posted I was down to 246, which is 25 pounds from my original starting weight of 271. I was feeling good, eating right and going to the gym almost every day. We've decided to take one weekend day off from the gym and that would be a day we would enjoy the weather and do some geocaching.
May 1st, Friday night. We had a date night (first one in I can't remember how long). We went out to eat at a crab house - Angela had a platter with crab cooked different ways and I settled into a serving of Alaskan King Crab legs and according to the menu from the Dutch Harbor fleet (featured in the deadliest catch). I might've seen my dinner caught :) Anyway, it was delicious and not very high on the calories because we had salad and asparagus with our meals. From there we went to Hamlin Pub to watch our friend's band - there were a lot of people there we knew. We had a great time and it was smoke-free as it was the first day of the Michigan smoking ban - no more coming home smelling like an ashtray.
5/5 was another weigh-in and I'm really getting settled into this 2 pounds a week - slow and steady - our path to success. Friday 5/7 was my birthday, I actually had cake - but Angela found some cake that was well within our calorie objective. Sunday, Mother's day: Angela was up and gone to the gym - I quickly got up and began making her breakfast. While it wasn't breakfast in bed, it was a hot breakfast as she walked in the door from her work out. Then she decided she wanted to go geocaching all day. It was a beautiful day so we packed lunches for everybody - and took off towards a state park to find some geocache. We ended up walking completely around a beautiful marsh and collected 6 geocache along the way, walking almost 2 miles only stopping to have lunch while looking out over the water and the wildlife.
5/10 was Ange's birthday, we had dinner at home and both felt that we need to tighten things up a bit after a weekend that we kinda pushed the envelop. So we each had intense workouts Monday to Weigh-in Wednesday.
5/12 - Next weigh in and another 2 pounds - now at 242 (29 pounds)
Still watching what we eat - limiting fatty meats and white potatoes. It really is amazing the selection of foods that are available that are lower in calories, fat, sodium, sugar than the foods we are so used to eating. By simply replacing those with the healthier choices makes a huge difference.
5/14 - busy day scheduled, going down to my parents for the weekend, but I still wanted to get a workout in. I found on Comcast On Demand an exercise station which included Jillian Michael's Last Chance Workout. I figured that should be a good workout for me to replace going to the gym once a week. Well, it totally kicked my butt - in 30 minutes there are 6 circuits and I had to stop after the 5th circuit. I hurt in new places, I was dripping sweat - it was FANTASTIC!!!
The weekend of 5/15 the kids and I went to visit my parents in Ohio, while Angela stayed to honor another commitment. My parents have the same types of food and snacks that we have so maintaining the diet was very easy.
Back home Sunday night and back to the daily routine. Gym in the morning then work. Yesterday I had a lot going on so I did the Last Chance Workout and completed it - doesn't hurt as much but I was still soaked from perspiration - it was another great workout.
Today I hit the gym - only 40 minutes because I had a busy morning and an equally busy day planned - plus it is Weigh in Wednesday. Today I weighed in at 239 - Yeah!! 32 pounds gone - almost a third of the way there.
I promise I will update this thing more frequently.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
6 Weeks & 25 Pounds Down
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.
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.
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.
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