During 2011, I lost 27 pounds. I am ready to start anew in 2012. In 2012, I will be 50 years old. So, I have set a goal of 50 pounds in 2012 before my 50th birthday. This is a significant challenge. But, I think I can do it, especially if I follow what I learned in 2011.
1. Don't look at pictures unless you want the truth. When I look in a mirror, I kid myself into believing that I am not that different than other folks. But, when I see a picture of myself with others, I am a bit surprised how small people other people are.
2. No matter how much I attempt to rationalize, fast food is bad. I don't think this needs anymore explanation. Nothing good can be found in these places. A friend of mine calls them "purveyors of poison", and with good reason.
3. Weight loss is 80% diet, and 20% exercise. For a long time, I believed that I could exercise and burn away the calories I took in. But, when you consider it takes an hour of exercise to burn 350-500 calories (depending on intensity level), you realize it is impossible to burn enough calories to offset what you ate. It is more important to reduce calorie intake.
4. Exercise is important. When you have an exercise program, you are more apt to be careful with your food intake. Also, exercise increases muscle and consequently speeds up the metabolism. Or, so "they" say.
5. Fruits and vegetables are important. I was never a fruit and vegetable eater. I like fruit, but never cared for many vegetables. In 2011, I tried different vegetables and found that I liked them. Fruits and vegetables are filling and are full of fiber and nutrients. When filling up on fruits and vegetables, you are less likely to eat other nutrient poor foods.
6. Bread is bad. Okay, it isn't necessarily bad, but it is high in calories and low in nutrients. Bread is easy to fill up on, but not satiating.
7. Tracking food leads to success. If you write down all the food you eat you will realize what you are eating. You will be less likely to have fatty foods and you will realize that you are probably eating out of boredom and not because you are hungry.
8. One bad day will not ruin you. Once you have had a bad day eating, put it behind you and move on. Be careful not to let one bad day lead to another, and another. You do have to acknowledge the bad day of eating, but don't let it discourage you.
9. Weigh in every week for accountability. Regardless of how the week goes, you have to weigh in. You need to enjoy the successes and face the failures. Even if you know you have had a bad week, you need to get on the scale and recognize the gain. Once you have taken account of the gain, move on and learn from the set back. Start the day with a new attitude. On the other side, it is important not to be too comfortable with success. A week where a good weight loss does not mean you can take the next week easy and eat to your heart's content.
10. If you fail to plan...Planning what you are going to eat is crucial to success. There are many a day when I left the house not knowing what I would eat that day. The day always resulted in eating pretzels or other low nutrient foods. Some days led to eating very poorly.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Season's Eating
The fight starts Thanksgiving weekend and continues until New Year's. If we don't watch it, the fight continues through Super Bowl weekend. The fight, of course, is the battle of the holiday bulge. We all have heard the statistic that Americans gain between 5 and 8 pounds this time of year. I haven't even reached Christmas and I think I've gained my 5.
As I contemplated the Holiday Eating Season, I realized that there is little difference between the holidays and every other day of the year. The biggest difference is that there are more opportunities to sabotage ourselves. In reality, these chances occur all year round. Be it a birthday party, a weekend out, a vacation, a "stress" day or some other occasion where our resolve is tested.
I think the only difference is our resolve. I think we succumb to our temptations by rationalizing that "it's the holidays". We, in effect, give up for this time of year and decide to get back at it after the holidays. Unfortunately, this will resort to weight gain that will take us 6-8 weeks to lose.
My post might be a little too late, but think about it. During the year, when you know you are going to a party, you plan the rest of the week, either knowing this will be your "blow it" day,or going to the party and eating the vegetable snacks. But, during the holiday season, we say "oh, it's the holidays". During the year, when someone brings donuts, cookies, candy or cake to the office during the rest of the year, do you give in, or do you say "no thanks".
Certainly during the holiday season, there are more obstacles around the kitchen. Your resolve has to be strong. You have to avoid tasting this or that. Just as you do the rest of the year, you have to say "no thanks".
As I contemplated the Holiday Eating Season, I realized that there is little difference between the holidays and every other day of the year. The biggest difference is that there are more opportunities to sabotage ourselves. In reality, these chances occur all year round. Be it a birthday party, a weekend out, a vacation, a "stress" day or some other occasion where our resolve is tested.
I think the only difference is our resolve. I think we succumb to our temptations by rationalizing that "it's the holidays". We, in effect, give up for this time of year and decide to get back at it after the holidays. Unfortunately, this will resort to weight gain that will take us 6-8 weeks to lose.
My post might be a little too late, but think about it. During the year, when you know you are going to a party, you plan the rest of the week, either knowing this will be your "blow it" day,or going to the party and eating the vegetable snacks. But, during the holiday season, we say "oh, it's the holidays". During the year, when someone brings donuts, cookies, candy or cake to the office during the rest of the year, do you give in, or do you say "no thanks".
Certainly during the holiday season, there are more obstacles around the kitchen. Your resolve has to be strong. You have to avoid tasting this or that. Just as you do the rest of the year, you have to say "no thanks".
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Plateaus
I haven't blogged lately because I've lacked inspiration. This dryness of ideas is a result of my failure to lose anymore weight. I've been stuck on 40 pound weight loss for 6 weeks. In the weight loss boards this is often referred to as a plateau. Some will say that these plateaus are normal in the weight loss process. After some analysis into my own "plateau", I think the reference to a plateau may be an oversimplification. Or, an excuse for our lack of weight loss.
Instead, I think we get too comfortable with the new body, a little content with where we are, and a little sloppy with our diet. We start slipping back to our old bad habits. It is a slippery slope. To solve the "plateau" problem, we probably should take a close look at our food intake and if applicable, our exercise regimen. In my case, I would find that my weekends were carefree and my weekdays were compliant with how I should eat. I would also see that my exercise regimen was completely missing. The start of my slide began when i hurt my knee. Rather than adapt to my lack of exercise, I slid into poorer eating habits.
If, after careful analysis, we discover that we are still eating how we should, and exercising like we should, then maybe it is a plateau. If that is the case, then we will need to shake up our routine. Exercise more, add more water, eat less carbs, something different than what we are doing. Take a good look at your food intake and see what you should change. Of course, as always, the best way to know this information is to track what you eat.
I should note that slow wait loss is not a plateau. Slow weight loss is still progress.
Keep at it. You are worth the effort.
Instead, I think we get too comfortable with the new body, a little content with where we are, and a little sloppy with our diet. We start slipping back to our old bad habits. It is a slippery slope. To solve the "plateau" problem, we probably should take a close look at our food intake and if applicable, our exercise regimen. In my case, I would find that my weekends were carefree and my weekdays were compliant with how I should eat. I would also see that my exercise regimen was completely missing. The start of my slide began when i hurt my knee. Rather than adapt to my lack of exercise, I slid into poorer eating habits.
If, after careful analysis, we discover that we are still eating how we should, and exercising like we should, then maybe it is a plateau. If that is the case, then we will need to shake up our routine. Exercise more, add more water, eat less carbs, something different than what we are doing. Take a good look at your food intake and see what you should change. Of course, as always, the best way to know this information is to track what you eat.
I should note that slow wait loss is not a plateau. Slow weight loss is still progress.
Keep at it. You are worth the effort.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Weekends
Oh, weekends. From Monday to Thursday we look forward to the week ending. We have plans to be somewhere, or housework/yard work to get done, someone to visit. I have even heard someone say that weekends are relaxing. Unfortunately, weekends seem to be a problem for those of us trying to lose weight. On weekends, our routine is disrupted. We are running from here to there trying to get something done and we don't have time to plan a meal. Or, we are meeting friends for dinner and drink. We might even catch a movie which cannot be properly enjoyed without a barrel of popcorn, slathered in butter.
Weekends are a killer to our normal eating routine. We don't take the time to think about what we will eat for lunch, we only wonder where we need to be and at what time. We think about lunch and dinner later.
Unfortunately, this post is not going to offer any solutions to this problem. It merely points to a problem that someone else needs to figure out and let me know how to correct.
I have heard it said from someone that he watches what he eats for 80 percent of the week and then lets go for 20% of the time. So, this means that food intake from Sunday night through Friday is regulated, but Saturday and Sunday morning are filled with decadent delights. If you are like me, this will not work. I can take in a lot of calories in a 30 hour period. This might work for someone trying to maintain their weight. I'm not sure it will work for someone trying to lose weight.
I have also received many suggestions about planning our demise. Ok, they don't say that, but they do say to consider where you are going to dinner and what you will likely eat. Then, plan the rest of the day accordingly. (I once knew a young woman that would not eat anything all day if she knew she was going drinking that night. But I digress) The trouble with the "budget approach" is that IT'S THE WEEKEND!!! My whole week has been planned. I don't want to budget, plan, or whatever else I need to do.
Alas, this is the wrong approach. I realize that if I want to lose weight, it is a 24/7/365 process. There will be slip ups along the way. There just can't be slip ups every weekend. I have to find a structure that works for me on the weekends.
Weekends are a killer to our normal eating routine. We don't take the time to think about what we will eat for lunch, we only wonder where we need to be and at what time. We think about lunch and dinner later.
Unfortunately, this post is not going to offer any solutions to this problem. It merely points to a problem that someone else needs to figure out and let me know how to correct.
I have heard it said from someone that he watches what he eats for 80 percent of the week and then lets go for 20% of the time. So, this means that food intake from Sunday night through Friday is regulated, but Saturday and Sunday morning are filled with decadent delights. If you are like me, this will not work. I can take in a lot of calories in a 30 hour period. This might work for someone trying to maintain their weight. I'm not sure it will work for someone trying to lose weight.
I have also received many suggestions about planning our demise. Ok, they don't say that, but they do say to consider where you are going to dinner and what you will likely eat. Then, plan the rest of the day accordingly. (I once knew a young woman that would not eat anything all day if she knew she was going drinking that night. But I digress) The trouble with the "budget approach" is that IT'S THE WEEKEND!!! My whole week has been planned. I don't want to budget, plan, or whatever else I need to do.
Alas, this is the wrong approach. I realize that if I want to lose weight, it is a 24/7/365 process. There will be slip ups along the way. There just can't be slip ups every weekend. I have to find a structure that works for me on the weekends.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Keeping on Track
You will see from my early blogs that keeping on track was very difficult for me. Somehow, I have been able to maintain my "focus" this time for four months. My reward has been a loss of 40 pounds. I got to wondering why I was successful this time, and not in the past. I even asked my WW on-line friends what they attributed to their success. Here's what we came up with:
1. You have to change. You can't try to change, you have to change. You have to stop eating or drinking too much. I know that is certainly easier to say than do. I think if you can change for the first few weeks, you can do it. Take a good look at what you are eating, and change those foods that hinder your success. Listen sister, if you don't change, you ain't gonna lose the weight.
2. Find a program that works for you. Weight Watchers works for me. I could not succeed eating only protein for 2 weeks. Nor could I go without protein and eat mostly fruits and veggies. You need to find out what works for you. Maybe if I ate an pizza only diet I could succeed. Hmmmmm.
3. Track your food. This seems to be the consensus for success. To lose weight you need to take in less calories than you expend. The easiest way to know what you take in is to write it down. Write everything down!!! Dropped food still counts if you eat it. Writer it down!!!!
4. Be accountable to someone. WW has weekly meetings and weigh ins. This is the only time that I weigh myself. So, it is the only day that I can monitor my success or "failure". I look forward to that weigh in each week. If you are accountable to someone, you will think about that during the week and put down that bon bon (does anyone really eat bon bons).
5. Don't try to lose it all at once (or, Manage expectations). Many people try to lose as much weight as they can, as quick as they can. Your change needs to be a change of lifestyle, not a quick fix. With these quick fix diets, you will lose weight, but it probably isn't a diet (eating plan) that you can live with the rest of your life. Guess what happens when you lose weight fast and then go back to the way you were eating.....you get fatter.
6. Get your spouse/significant other on the plan. If you can get your spouse or significant other on the same plan you are on, you will have greater success. I hear many stories each week about how a spouse brings food into the house that is a "trigger food" for the one monitoring their intake. It sabotages your hard work. So, tell that lazy SOB he is not only lazy, but he's fat and he needs to get on the same program as you! (unfortunately, this won't work, your spouse has to *want* to do it).
1. You have to change. You can't try to change, you have to change. You have to stop eating or drinking too much. I know that is certainly easier to say than do. I think if you can change for the first few weeks, you can do it. Take a good look at what you are eating, and change those foods that hinder your success. Listen sister, if you don't change, you ain't gonna lose the weight.
2. Find a program that works for you. Weight Watchers works for me. I could not succeed eating only protein for 2 weeks. Nor could I go without protein and eat mostly fruits and veggies. You need to find out what works for you. Maybe if I ate an pizza only diet I could succeed. Hmmmmm.
3. Track your food. This seems to be the consensus for success. To lose weight you need to take in less calories than you expend. The easiest way to know what you take in is to write it down. Write everything down!!! Dropped food still counts if you eat it. Writer it down!!!!
4. Be accountable to someone. WW has weekly meetings and weigh ins. This is the only time that I weigh myself. So, it is the only day that I can monitor my success or "failure". I look forward to that weigh in each week. If you are accountable to someone, you will think about that during the week and put down that bon bon (does anyone really eat bon bons).
5. Don't try to lose it all at once (or, Manage expectations). Many people try to lose as much weight as they can, as quick as they can. Your change needs to be a change of lifestyle, not a quick fix. With these quick fix diets, you will lose weight, but it probably isn't a diet (eating plan) that you can live with the rest of your life. Guess what happens when you lose weight fast and then go back to the way you were eating.....you get fatter.
6. Get your spouse/significant other on the plan. If you can get your spouse or significant other on the same plan you are on, you will have greater success. I hear many stories each week about how a spouse brings food into the house that is a "trigger food" for the one monitoring their intake. It sabotages your hard work. So, tell that lazy SOB he is not only lazy, but he's fat and he needs to get on the same program as you! (unfortunately, this won't work, your spouse has to *want* to do it).
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Regaining Time
I have mentioned how I find it discouraging to have awoken one day to discover myself to be 80+ pounds over weight. I know it didn't happen overnight. It just feels like it. As I lose weight, I still find myself saying, "now I am back to where I was 2 years ago." My goal, of course, is to be back to a weight that I don't remember being. I recently realized that my suits were purchased two years ago (good thing men's suits generally are not affected by styles and trends) and they are now loose on me. Good news, right? But, I still wonder how I've gotten to this point and get quite disgusted by it. We have to look at where we are now. Not years ago. We can't live in the past. We have to grab hold of the present and dream of the future.
The TV show "the Biggest Loser" used to be one of my favorite shows. (it probably still would be if I had any control on what gets recorded on Tuesday nights). One of my favorite portions or the show is when Dr H discusses the contestant's physiological age. It is very eye opening to the contestant. It is also nice when they get near the end of the season and Dr. H reveals how much the person reduced his or her age by losing the weight.
Unfortunately, most of us don't have access to the medical testing to determine our physiological age. So, I have determined to use my reflection on days gone by in a positive manner. I have gotten below the weight that I was two years ago when I bought my suits. The "cruise shirts" that I bought nearly 3 years ago that have hung unworn in my closet since then, again fit me. So, rather than say, "I can't believe I am only where I was 3 years ago." I can say, I have added three years to my life. My goal then, is to get to where I was so many years ago and add that many years to my life.
The TV show "the Biggest Loser" used to be one of my favorite shows. (it probably still would be if I had any control on what gets recorded on Tuesday nights). One of my favorite portions or the show is when Dr H discusses the contestant's physiological age. It is very eye opening to the contestant. It is also nice when they get near the end of the season and Dr. H reveals how much the person reduced his or her age by losing the weight.
Unfortunately, most of us don't have access to the medical testing to determine our physiological age. So, I have determined to use my reflection on days gone by in a positive manner. I have gotten below the weight that I was two years ago when I bought my suits. The "cruise shirts" that I bought nearly 3 years ago that have hung unworn in my closet since then, again fit me. So, rather than say, "I can't believe I am only where I was 3 years ago." I can say, I have added three years to my life. My goal then, is to get to where I was so many years ago and add that many years to my life.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Dealing with failure
I was speaking with someone who started Weight Watchers at the same time that I did. I hadn't seen the person in a couple weeks. She asked how I was doing, and then said "I'm a diet failure". To which I replied, "if I can do it, anyone can". I truly believe that if I can lose weight, anyone can. But, these words are little comfort and will not help someone change their approach. (It is almost hypocritical for me to address this issue. I know exactly how this person feels.) Unfortunately, dealing with failure in weight loss requires one to look within.
First, you have to define failure. Losing as little as one-half pound a week may be perceived as failure by some and success by others. Or, we might set our goals too high by trying to lose more weight than our body is ready to lose. (Losing 10 pounds in two weeks is doable, but it is not sustainable.) Failing to lose weight, or even gaining weight for a week is not failure. It may be a set back, but it is not failure. The only time you have failed is when you quit, when you give up on not only weight loss, but yourself.
Second, you have to look at your plan. How is it you intend to reach your goal? Is it workable for you? Is a high protein diet workable? A low fat diet?
Once, you have determined that you aren't a failure, you have to address why you had a setback. Was there a stressful event last week? Did you attend a party or function where you strayed? Are you just going through the motions with the diet and not really addressing the inconvenient changes that have to be made? Are you planning your meals? Are you tracking your food? Are there too many temptations or "trigger" foods in your kitchen? Are you accountable to anyone or anything (the scale)?
Determining why you had a setback is crucial to weight loss success. We all go through the "I don't care" or "I'm a failure moments". But, we have to make those moments less debilitating and recognize that we really are worth it. We are worth the effort. It's time to put yourself first as it relates to weight loss and your food intake. You are not a diet failure!!
First, you have to define failure. Losing as little as one-half pound a week may be perceived as failure by some and success by others. Or, we might set our goals too high by trying to lose more weight than our body is ready to lose. (Losing 10 pounds in two weeks is doable, but it is not sustainable.) Failing to lose weight, or even gaining weight for a week is not failure. It may be a set back, but it is not failure. The only time you have failed is when you quit, when you give up on not only weight loss, but yourself.
Second, you have to look at your plan. How is it you intend to reach your goal? Is it workable for you? Is a high protein diet workable? A low fat diet?
Once, you have determined that you aren't a failure, you have to address why you had a setback. Was there a stressful event last week? Did you attend a party or function where you strayed? Are you just going through the motions with the diet and not really addressing the inconvenient changes that have to be made? Are you planning your meals? Are you tracking your food? Are there too many temptations or "trigger" foods in your kitchen? Are you accountable to anyone or anything (the scale)?
Determining why you had a setback is crucial to weight loss success. We all go through the "I don't care" or "I'm a failure moments". But, we have to make those moments less debilitating and recognize that we really are worth it. We are worth the effort. It's time to put yourself first as it relates to weight loss and your food intake. You are not a diet failure!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Truth Hurts
I have noticed more aches and pains as of late. I am quick to say it's because I'm getting old. I am slow to acknowledge that it is because I'm overweight. I go to the doctor with these issues, he doesn't say "lose weight" so I don't think it is because of the weight. But, I am hesitant to announce any aches and pains, because, in the back of my mind, I am fearful that someone might actually say it, "try losing weight!"
I have been in complete denial that weight has anything to do with these pains. There was a time when I was walking when I was trying to lose weight. Eventually, the pounding took it's toll and my foot hurt and I had to stop. Then, my other foot started hurting. I did take note that my feet had grown and acknowledge that it was probably because of the excess weight. A female friend kiddingly said, "now you know how we feel when pregnant." After many years of sitting at a computer, my back recently started hurting. I never had this problem before. Rather, than admit it was my weight, I was sure it was the chair or the way I lurked over the keyboard.
After losing a few pounds, my back doesn't aches as much and my feet don't hurt as much. The truth of the matter is that being overweight causes a lot of aches and pains.
I have been in complete denial that weight has anything to do with these pains. There was a time when I was walking when I was trying to lose weight. Eventually, the pounding took it's toll and my foot hurt and I had to stop. Then, my other foot started hurting. I did take note that my feet had grown and acknowledge that it was probably because of the excess weight. A female friend kiddingly said, "now you know how we feel when pregnant." After many years of sitting at a computer, my back recently started hurting. I never had this problem before. Rather, than admit it was my weight, I was sure it was the chair or the way I lurked over the keyboard.
After losing a few pounds, my back doesn't aches as much and my feet don't hurt as much. The truth of the matter is that being overweight causes a lot of aches and pains.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
It's Just a Number
Throughout this weight loss journey, it occurred to me that we tend to get hung up on numbers. My number is 40. That was the waist size I wanted to avoid. Or, when I gained weight, the number I wanted to get under. That number gave me my identity. If my waist size was over 40, too fat. Size 38, doing great. This is an arbitrary number. I have child bearing hips. So, a waist size of 40 gave no indication of my fitness, or even how I looked. I have no idea whether I was overweight when my waist was 40. I was too caught up in the number to be concerned with how I looked. In fact, I look back at pictures when I was younger, and had a waist size of 40, and I can't believe I was that thin. Although I realize this is a false number, I still want to get to a size 38.
Even should I reach size 38, that isn't the telling number anymore. Today, everyone is caught up in BMI. BMI is Body Mass Index. This is determined purely by your height. I have no idea about the science behind this number, but I believe it is bunk. According to whoever came up with this scale, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25. A 6'1" male such as me should be less than 189 pounds. I don't even remember when I weighed 189 pounds. It certainly is not a good indication for athletic people that are muscular. Perhaps when I get anywhere close to that number I will reevaluate and determine BMI is a proper index.
The numbers that I am most interested in is blood pressure and cholesterol. I also pay attention to my percentage of fat. I would like to get this number under 22%. I am a long way away right now. It will be interesting to see whether BMI and body fat are comparable numbers. I will certainly let you know.
Even should I reach size 38, that isn't the telling number anymore. Today, everyone is caught up in BMI. BMI is Body Mass Index. This is determined purely by your height. I have no idea about the science behind this number, but I believe it is bunk. According to whoever came up with this scale, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25. A 6'1" male such as me should be less than 189 pounds. I don't even remember when I weighed 189 pounds. It certainly is not a good indication for athletic people that are muscular. Perhaps when I get anywhere close to that number I will reevaluate and determine BMI is a proper index.
The numbers that I am most interested in is blood pressure and cholesterol. I also pay attention to my percentage of fat. I would like to get this number under 22%. I am a long way away right now. It will be interesting to see whether BMI and body fat are comparable numbers. I will certainly let you know.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Comparing Yourself
We might often catch ourselves comparing ourselves to others. It might be someone that appears wealthier, healthier, or wiser. At times, we might be not be content with our lives. We try to improve our self in one way or another. During this weight loss adventure, or more appropriately, a change in lifestyle, I have not fallen into the trap of comparing my weight loss to someone else. I don't wonder why someone is losing more weight than me, or why. I stick with the program and continue forth. This has worked for 6 weeks. I hope and pray to keep focused.
I have found myself, however, comparing myself to the younger me. The younger me ran marathons and competed in triathlons. I remember someone asking how far I ran today, and I replied, "just 4 miles". To me, at that time, 4 miles was nothing. The funny thing is, back then, I considered myself heavy. I look back with envy, disbelieving I was that thin.
Although I have lost 20 pounds, I sometimes am frustrated that I am still 35 pounds heavier than I was 7 years ago (a broken ankle and two surgeries ago). (Man, what happens to the metabolism when you hit 40???) It is disappointing that I have gotten to this point. But, I have.
Rather than sit and think about what I used to do, I have to look at what I need to do to get to the point where I can enjoy myself. I can't look at where I was 7 years ago, I have to look at where I was 6 weeks ago, approaching 300 pounds like a runaway locomotive. I, like Denzel Washington, have stopped the runaway train and am heading slowly in the other direction. I need to change me attitude and look at how I have changed in the last 6 weeks. I don't need to reflect on old pictures of what I was 7, 10, or 15 years ago. Let it go, and move on.
I have found myself, however, comparing myself to the younger me. The younger me ran marathons and competed in triathlons. I remember someone asking how far I ran today, and I replied, "just 4 miles". To me, at that time, 4 miles was nothing. The funny thing is, back then, I considered myself heavy. I look back with envy, disbelieving I was that thin.
Although I have lost 20 pounds, I sometimes am frustrated that I am still 35 pounds heavier than I was 7 years ago (a broken ankle and two surgeries ago). (Man, what happens to the metabolism when you hit 40???) It is disappointing that I have gotten to this point. But, I have.
Rather than sit and think about what I used to do, I have to look at what I need to do to get to the point where I can enjoy myself. I can't look at where I was 7 years ago, I have to look at where I was 6 weeks ago, approaching 300 pounds like a runaway locomotive. I, like Denzel Washington, have stopped the runaway train and am heading slowly in the other direction. I need to change me attitude and look at how I have changed in the last 6 weeks. I don't need to reflect on old pictures of what I was 7, 10, or 15 years ago. Let it go, and move on.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Is Soup a Woman Thing or Diet Thing?
When I change my eating habits to attempt to eat healthier (I'm avoiding the word diet deliberately), I seem to get more offers for soup. Not many men I know enjoy soup, at least, of those that I am aware. It might be a Florida thing. Growing up in Florida, I never wanted anything hot. I am always hot, I don't need anything else to make me hot. I don't drink coffee and I don't slurp soup. During the occasional times that it does get cold, I do like a hot chocolate and may even think about soup. But, soup is not something I regularly crave.
My wife, however, loves soup. She makes her own chicken vegetable soup. When we order Chinese, she always gets soup. She always asks which kind I want. I do not think I have yet to say I wanted the soup. But, she still asks. Women at work ask if I want soup.
I get asked this more often (or perhaps I notice it more) when I am restricting my intake of food (again purposely avoiding the "D" word). I know soup is filling and for the most part is low in calories. Perhaps that is why it is suggested more often. Maybe I would be more satisfied if I ate soup.
Maybe I don't have an affinity for soup because I haven't had a "great" soup. All soups I've had come out of a can. Aside from my wife's chicken soup, which is tasty.
I haven't quite figured it out, but I know I would rather have food than soup. Now chili on the other hand.....
My wife, however, loves soup. She makes her own chicken vegetable soup. When we order Chinese, she always gets soup. She always asks which kind I want. I do not think I have yet to say I wanted the soup. But, she still asks. Women at work ask if I want soup.
I get asked this more often (or perhaps I notice it more) when I am restricting my intake of food (again purposely avoiding the "D" word). I know soup is filling and for the most part is low in calories. Perhaps that is why it is suggested more often. Maybe I would be more satisfied if I ate soup.
Maybe I don't have an affinity for soup because I haven't had a "great" soup. All soups I've had come out of a can. Aside from my wife's chicken soup, which is tasty.
I haven't quite figured it out, but I know I would rather have food than soup. Now chili on the other hand.....
Thursday, January 27, 2011
How Do You Climb Your Mountain?
As I started my latest attempt to lose weight, I found myself overwhelmed by how much weight I felt I needed to lose. I found myself thinking, if I lose 20% of my body weight, I will be where I was when I was 41 years old. Losing 20% of ones body weight is a significant amount of weight. But, my goal weight is not just 20% of my weight. Rather, I want to lost 86 pounds. To get to a weight at which I don't even remember being. A weight I flew by to reach my present weight. That is an overwhelming task. So, how do I get to that weight?
I am often reminded of a time when I was in second grade. For some reason, we were brought into a third grade room. On top of the chalk board was cursive letters. I wondered how I was ever going to be able to learn to write in cursive. Of course I wasn't going to learn cursive writing by the time I reached third grade. But, somewhere along the line I learned. It was part of the learning process. Likewise, when we begin to lose weight, we have to not look at the mountain but rather, we must focus on the process.
For the weight loss process to be successful, you have to have perseverance. I was reading on the Weight Watcher message boards about a man who lost 70 pounds in 9 months. What an awesome achievement!! But, think about it, break it down. That's less than 2 pounds per week. I'm sure along the way he had some weeks where he didn't lose any weight. He probably even gained weight a couple weeks. But, he stuck with the program and lost 70 pounds.
Think about it. If you lost 40 pounds in one year, you would be very happy with the results. But, if you lost only 1 pound a week you might be frustrated. Most people that are successful with weight loss lose the weight at 1 - 2 pounds per week. That is incremental progress. In fact, each weigh in could be affected by water retention. Thus, potentially leading to frustration with the process. It's possible that you might have bad weeks along the way. But, the key is to stick with the process, persevere, accept the let downs, rejoice in the victories.
Stick with it, the results are worth it, you are worth it.
I am often reminded of a time when I was in second grade. For some reason, we were brought into a third grade room. On top of the chalk board was cursive letters. I wondered how I was ever going to be able to learn to write in cursive. Of course I wasn't going to learn cursive writing by the time I reached third grade. But, somewhere along the line I learned. It was part of the learning process. Likewise, when we begin to lose weight, we have to not look at the mountain but rather, we must focus on the process.
For the weight loss process to be successful, you have to have perseverance. I was reading on the Weight Watcher message boards about a man who lost 70 pounds in 9 months. What an awesome achievement!! But, think about it, break it down. That's less than 2 pounds per week. I'm sure along the way he had some weeks where he didn't lose any weight. He probably even gained weight a couple weeks. But, he stuck with the program and lost 70 pounds.
Think about it. If you lost 40 pounds in one year, you would be very happy with the results. But, if you lost only 1 pound a week you might be frustrated. Most people that are successful with weight loss lose the weight at 1 - 2 pounds per week. That is incremental progress. In fact, each weigh in could be affected by water retention. Thus, potentially leading to frustration with the process. It's possible that you might have bad weeks along the way. But, the key is to stick with the process, persevere, accept the let downs, rejoice in the victories.
Stick with it, the results are worth it, you are worth it.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
WARNING: ALL SCALES NOT CREATED EQUAL
Many months ago, the battery in the scale in our bathroom died. Since it was a 9 volt, which we never on hand, and because I hated the scale, I refused to replace the battery. Just the other day, I threw the scale out. Not because it was broken, but because I hate the scale. I do not find the scale to be a tool to motivate me in my weight loss. Rather, I find it to be a villain that sits quietly, waiting for me to come up with enough nerve to step on it. Once I step on, it goes into action and destroys all my confidence and crushes any resolve to continue to attempt to lose weight. In fact, it ruins my day and spurs me towards the nearest McDonald's. Thus, I quit getting on the scale.
Since I last wrote, I've been doing really well with the WW program. I have lost some weight and started to feel good about myself. I decided that the only time I will weigh myself is when I go to the weekly meetings. I have been on this program for 3 weeks. My confidence is high.
My confidence was so high that when I went to the gym, I decided to step on the scale. I knew I had to have had lost another pound or two since Saturday. I was so confident, I didn't even kick off my shoes. I disregarded that it was at the end of the day, when my stomach was full and I was fully hydrated. But, alas, despite throwing out the evil scale in the bathroom, its brother in the gym was just as cruel. I never did see the final weight, rather, when it went over a certain point I jumped off and went to do my exercise.
The lesson was learned. Be a one scale man. I will not again stray from my WW scale.
Since I last wrote, I've been doing really well with the WW program. I have lost some weight and started to feel good about myself. I decided that the only time I will weigh myself is when I go to the weekly meetings. I have been on this program for 3 weeks. My confidence is high.
My confidence was so high that when I went to the gym, I decided to step on the scale. I knew I had to have had lost another pound or two since Saturday. I was so confident, I didn't even kick off my shoes. I disregarded that it was at the end of the day, when my stomach was full and I was fully hydrated. But, alas, despite throwing out the evil scale in the bathroom, its brother in the gym was just as cruel. I never did see the final weight, rather, when it went over a certain point I jumped off and went to do my exercise.
The lesson was learned. Be a one scale man. I will not again stray from my WW scale.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
It's a New Year
When I started this blog, I had hoped to write a humorous blog about my struggles with weight loss. I looked back at my previous posts, and they lacked humor. After some thought, I realized that unlike other parts of my life where I can laugh at my self, my weight is not one of them. In fact, I would get offended if any one mentioned anything about my weight. I knew I had gained weight, I didn't need anyone else to point it out. I became a bit hyper-sensitive to the issue.
After many years of fighting the weight loss fight by myself, I decided to make a change. This year, I realized that I couldn't lose the weigh by myself. I needed help. My wife and I joined Weight Watchers. The key to Weight Watchers is keeping an accurate food log. I never liked keeping a food log. To me, it was like keeping a budget by writing down every penny you spent. It wasn't something I liked to do. So far, so good, I've been doing well for 2 weeks, but there's a long way to go.
To add a little humor to the blog...at the first meeting someone said something about exercise. I heard a little old woman say, "I'm allergic to exercise, everytime I do it, I start sweating and I get shortness of breath."
After many years of fighting the weight loss fight by myself, I decided to make a change. This year, I realized that I couldn't lose the weigh by myself. I needed help. My wife and I joined Weight Watchers. The key to Weight Watchers is keeping an accurate food log. I never liked keeping a food log. To me, it was like keeping a budget by writing down every penny you spent. It wasn't something I liked to do. So far, so good, I've been doing well for 2 weeks, but there's a long way to go.
To add a little humor to the blog...at the first meeting someone said something about exercise. I heard a little old woman say, "I'm allergic to exercise, everytime I do it, I start sweating and I get shortness of breath."
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