Health & Fitness

130.2 lbs – loss of 2 lbs.

Nothing extraordinary to report.  2 is better than nothing.

Technorati Tags: the-diet

If you hang out here long enough, sooner or later you will read a post about “The Diet.”  The original diet talk was started in 2006 (has it really been that long?) by this post by Colin Devroe.  During the first incarnation I lost about 15 lbs, but just like Oprah and so many others, I gained it back.

But now, it takes a different turn.

See, this isn’t just The Diet Part Thrice – for me, it is something more.

Between the last couple of times I tried to restart the-diet, I noticed a severe lack of energy.  I went to the doctor, and the end result was this:  I was put on blood pressure medicine (for it being too high) and was told to lose weight.  This was last year.

I was supposed to go back in February, but since I hadn’t lost the weight I canceled my appointment.  Now it is in late May.  So I really need to show some kind of progress.  Whether it is 10 lbs, 15 lbs, or 30 lbs, I need to do this.  I hate being on meds at my age.  I hate still having no energy.

So with Colin’s and yours help, I am trying to get to 210 (20 lbs) by the end of May for my appointment.   By then, that should help install some habits that can lead me to additional loss until I finally get to a weight I can be happy with and maintain.

I will keep the blog updated on my progress, as well as a little widget thing over on the right as soon as I can add it.

So to my friends – please stop telling me “you don’t need to lose any weight” and “you look fine” – no I don’t.  But that’s going to change.

Technorati Tags: Colin Devroe, the-diet, diet, exercise, fitness

One of the hard things for me about sticking to a “diet” is the fact that I can’t cook.  Or rather, I don’t THINK that I can cook, because its so much easier to go to Wendys and get that Spicy Chicken sandwich with fries – Biggie size.

Last night on Dateline (ABC) I saw mention of The Abs Diet, a bestseller that not only says why foods work, but includes 12 major foods that are “good” that can be mixed any way you want.   And the best part – the menus / recipes are “male friendly.”

So here is the start of day #1 on The Abs Diet.   Dinner consisted of a serving of “Macho Meatballs.”   I am about ready for my snack of handful of Almonds as we speak.   Now, I have never made my own meatballs before, but these were SO GOOD.  Plus, I have enough to nuke and eat about 3 more dinners throughout the week.

I also bought some new “take and go” storage containers so I can take things to work instead of eating out every day.   Those frozen dinners can’t hold a candle to the menus that The Abs Diet has, I can’t wait to try more.   I am so impressed with the book, and my meatball creation, I had to take a photo.

Technorati Tags: the-diet, The Abs Diet, Macho Meatballs, Troy Rutter, weight loss

Original Weight: 225.3
Week 1: 219.6
Week 2: 220
Week 3: 215.8
Week 4: 216.4
Week 5: 213.8
Week 8-21: 213
Week 22: 213.6
Week 40: 222.2
Week 41: 220.6

Technorati Tags: the-diet, weigh-in

Theres a certain truism that happens when you begin a workout program at a gym.  I am only in day three of my membership, and my second visit, but already I am feeling the effects.  Not just the decreased level of stress and overall feeling after a workout, but there is one thing that you are faced with as you stare down at the electronic dashboard in front of you – the calories burned counter.

Oh sure, you can switch it off, or make it count something else, but as you watch TV, listen to your iPod, or daydream while walking or biking, you have to occasionally glance down at that calories burned counter.  And there lies the key.

As you wipe the sweat from your forehead with your sleeve, you look down and see the little counter has only advanced 2.4 calories since the last time you looked.  Ok, so I’ll keep going.  A few minutes later, 4.7.   It is that damn calorie counter that all of a sudden provides the key to weight loss – knowing what something “costs” you.

One can of Mt. Dew (regular) = 140 calories.  1.5 miles of walking at a 4 MPH pace.

Bam.

Big Mac … ok, I don’t even want to think about it.  Someplace on the Internets said you would have to walk 10 miles to work off a Big Mac alone, let alone fries and drink.

Suddenly, everything you eat is a number.  And some people think that is bad, but me… it really puts things into perspective.  Where once it was “can I monetarily afford it?” – now it is “How much will I have to walk to burn this off?”

Granted, you have a base metabolism that burns 2000-3000 calories by itself depending on your level of activity during the day.  So if you ONLY have a big Mac, that is probably going to satisfy your “calorie count” for the day… but if you eat 3 meals (and have snacks like everybody suggests) then you really do need to be careful.  Eating out for lunch at KFC is not on anybody’s weight loss plan.

So yes, in only my 2nd trip to the gym, I am beginning to fully appreciate what it takes to burn calories.  That little number on the treadmill is way too slow.  Time to slow down what goes in as well.

Technorati Tags: the-diet

Ok, so it’s not only one of the most used Babylon 5 quotes, but also one of my most used blog subjects.  Sue me.

Today I did something that will make people gasp and faint in shock.

Colin, are you listening?

I joined the gym.

There is a gym about 2 blocks away from me called Anytime Fitness, which is basically a 24 hour members-only gym.  It’s small, but since it is 24 hours, its easy for me to find a time to go in and not be intimidated by everybody else running faster or biking faster.   I am an early riser, so I will probably be one of the 5am workout people rather than the after-dinner crowd.

I went tonight for the first time after getting my membership this morning.  I did 2 miles of walking (even increased to jogging at the end) in half an hour.   Then I did 2 miles of biking in 10 minutes on the bicycle thingie.  I didn’t even try and touch the ellipticals.

I know 40 minutes doesn’t seem like much, but its a start.   Oh yeah, per Colin’s advice I won’t restart the diet with week 1 like I thought I would, I’ll keep on the normal schedule.. with an update Tuesday or Wednesday.

Technorati Tags: the-diet, colin devroe, troy rutter, diet, fitness, anytime fitness

I thought I would take a picture of myself this morning because I was “feeling good.” I wish I hadn’t. I still have a long ways to go until I am happy with my appearance. I’m not sure why the camera refuses to take a photo of my hair the way I see it in the mirror, either.

I definitely prefer the photo I used on my book cover.

Technorati Tags: the-diet, Troy Rutter

So this is day 3 of being back on “the-diet” and also day 3 of yet another feat…  no more Wal-Mart.   After being blasted by both Matt and Pete on my podcast for frequenting the discount store, I have decided to try a week without wal-mart.  Already I am feeling Wal-drawl, having wanted to go buy a new belt last night.

See, Wal-Mart is close, Target is far.  Wal-Mart is 24/7 Target is 8-10 (or is it 9?)

Gah.

I’m not sure what is going to be harder, the weight or Wal-Mart.  On a plus side I was down to 212.6 this morning.

Baby steps.

I’ve taken up reading more “success” and “grow rich” books lately.  When you boil everything down, they are all pretty much the same.  But the fact that they say a lot of the same things probably means they are on the right track.  For instance, one of the things they all seem to mention is dressing for success.  When I was at Warner Bros., and every job after that, we dressed down.  Black jeans, polo shirt, of course the artists always got away with T-Shirts.  When I started my latest job, I dressed up for about 6 months then went back to the black jeans and shoes.  I hate dressing up because, well, I hate my weight. My dress shirts always look like tents.

To me anyway.

So, that’s why I never dress up.  Well, hopefully with the weight coming off again, I can convince myself to dress up a little, more often.  It really does make a difference in how you feel when you dress up to go someplace.  I can’t explain it.  Maybe that’s one of the reasons you always feel good when you go to church.  You look good and you know it.

I am keeping my sights on the goal of 185, which is a whopping 27 more l-b’s.   I am going to try and get down to 200 by November 4/5 (if thats possible) for my cousin’s wedding, but that may be pushing it.

We’ll see how it looks tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: the-diet, health, fitness, Wal-Mart, overweight, dressing up

Ok, so years ago (20 weeks) a bunch of us started “The Diet.” Basically a group of people determined to lose much-needed weight. Mainly computer people (design, IT, etc) the goal was to lose… something.

I stuck to it for about 9 weeks, a good stretch, and then came the Renaissance Faire stuff. After many turkey legs and last minute stops at Long John Silvers… I had to stop temporarily.

I started the diet at 225, same as Colin. I am pleased to report that I have MAINTAINED what I lost during those first 9 weeks. I am still at 213.8. I wanted to be at 190, and that is still my goal. Colin has done that – and more – and it is very cool to see somebody be successful.

My problem now, is that posts on The Diet board have been inconsistent. The support that was there the first 9 weeks just doesn’t seem to be there. I’m not sure I can do this totally alone, it is very difficult. But, this is the week I try at least to get back on track. Already this morning I did crunches and a little lifting to get my day started. I will therefore endeavor to post weekly updates again on The Diet, whether you like hearing about it or not.

Technorati Tags: Colin Devroe, the-diet, Weight Loss, Exercise, Troy Rutter, Podcasting, Biggest Loser

Look, ma, technorati tags are back!

You’ll notice week 7 is missing, thats because i would rather forget it. After a week of eating out, and eating BADLY, I was back up to 216 last week…. not a happy camper. This past week, however has been better.

Week 8: 213

I did get it to go down to 212.8 briefly this morning, but 213 is pretty solid. I have already started eating better, buying carrots, bananas, strawberries and of course – salad to eat. Having a icy cold strawberry/banana/orange smoothie for dinner is actually VERY filling and tastes WONDERFUL. I hope to be able to post 210 next week.

Since Colin has reached his goal, I’m not sure how much longer “the diet” will be up and running. But it was a great experience, and I still have a month to try and reach “the goal” – but that is about 25 more lbs, which would be dangerous. So I am shooting more for 15… if I can get to 200, that would be great.

My birthday is a week from today – I’m going to try and break 210.