Hi All,
I have chosen to move my blog from Blogspot to WordPress and will nolonger be making posts on this site.
Please join me @ http://looperchallenge.wordpress.com.
WordPress offer much more content besides my blog for all of you to enjoy.
Hope to see all of you on the new site.
Thanx,
Looper
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day!!
Hi Everyone,
Sorry I missed yesterday but I was not feeling well. I spend much on the day in the restroom dealing with an I.B.S. episode. I still have episodes from time to time. I know that Sunday is the day for my weigh-in so I'll give you the results today. My weight has held at 281lbs. that is 2 lbs down from last weeks increase to 283Lbs. It's still a respectable result and keeps we ahead of the year goal set by SparkPeople.com.
This is the week I need to get my stuff together. I have a meeting on Wednesday to sign the papers for the new job and set a start date. I am going to assume that I will start either next Monday(21st) or the following Monday(28th) the latest. I need to make sure that I have the food worked out for lunches because working at the mall carries to much temptation to go the easy route and visit the food court on a daily basis. This is certainly not the route I want to take. So I will need to prepare from my menu proper meals to take with me each day. Maybe it will be easier if i use my weekly menu and do some prep work on the weekend before my first week. Afterward I can continue with the same process on my days off. I can already tell that this is going to be the second biggest challenge for me after exercise. In the past it was so easy to feel rushed in the mornings getting ready for work. This is what contributed to my need to go out to get something to eat at a fast food restaurant. Too avoid this I will need to be organized and stick to the plan. I won't be able to leave the preparations till the morning.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Sorry I missed yesterday but I was not feeling well. I spend much on the day in the restroom dealing with an I.B.S. episode. I still have episodes from time to time. I know that Sunday is the day for my weigh-in so I'll give you the results today. My weight has held at 281lbs. that is 2 lbs down from last weeks increase to 283Lbs. It's still a respectable result and keeps we ahead of the year goal set by SparkPeople.com.
This is the week I need to get my stuff together. I have a meeting on Wednesday to sign the papers for the new job and set a start date. I am going to assume that I will start either next Monday(21st) or the following Monday(28th) the latest. I need to make sure that I have the food worked out for lunches because working at the mall carries to much temptation to go the easy route and visit the food court on a daily basis. This is certainly not the route I want to take. So I will need to prepare from my menu proper meals to take with me each day. Maybe it will be easier if i use my weekly menu and do some prep work on the weekend before my first week. Afterward I can continue with the same process on my days off. I can already tell that this is going to be the second biggest challenge for me after exercise. In the past it was so easy to feel rushed in the mornings getting ready for work. This is what contributed to my need to go out to get something to eat at a fast food restaurant. Too avoid this I will need to be organized and stick to the plan. I won't be able to leave the preparations till the morning.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hi All,
How's everyone doing today? Me I'm fine. Yesterday was another one of those nondescript kind of day's over all. I did find a new workout routine. I found it on the iTunes app store for free. It is the Nike Training Club app. It's originally designed for women but it does work for men as well. You have the ability to choose your level of training and the different types of training that you may need like getting Lean, Toned, Strong or Focused. Under each category you also get to choose from several different workouts based on your ability. The program then guides you through and times the exercises. It is very extensive. If you choose to download the app for your iPhone or iPod it does take a bit longer than a usual download, so don't worry about the time and try restarting. Since the original design was for women it does have a companion website where women can sign up and get additional benefits. Just click on this Nike Training Club link to visit the U.S. site.
Tomorrow is the end of week 5 and new results will be posted. It's been a bit of an up/down week. I've had some good day's like Thursday night when I made dinner for company. Some days are definably more difficult. As you probably know by now the hardest think for me has been the physical activity. I've had some really good advice for followers of the blog on how I could get the activity up. My favorite right now is just heading out to the mall everyday to have a good long walk. Now that I am going to be starting work at the mall, it has been suggested that I arrive 1/2 hour before work and do the walk. That's an even better Idea. To add to the walking I have started using the app I mentioned earlier 3 times a week. I have started on the BEGINNER level and with the GET LEAN workouts. I think the real results of this won't been seem for a couple more weeks. Anyway I am going to give it a solid effort going forward. This in itself is a whole lot more than I have committed too already with regards to physical activity. See you all tomorrow with the results of week 5.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
How's everyone doing today? Me I'm fine. Yesterday was another one of those nondescript kind of day's over all. I did find a new workout routine. I found it on the iTunes app store for free. It is the Nike Training Club app. It's originally designed for women but it does work for men as well. You have the ability to choose your level of training and the different types of training that you may need like getting Lean, Toned, Strong or Focused. Under each category you also get to choose from several different workouts based on your ability. The program then guides you through and times the exercises. It is very extensive. If you choose to download the app for your iPhone or iPod it does take a bit longer than a usual download, so don't worry about the time and try restarting. Since the original design was for women it does have a companion website where women can sign up and get additional benefits. Just click on this Nike Training Club link to visit the U.S. site.
Tomorrow is the end of week 5 and new results will be posted. It's been a bit of an up/down week. I've had some good day's like Thursday night when I made dinner for company. Some days are definably more difficult. As you probably know by now the hardest think for me has been the physical activity. I've had some really good advice for followers of the blog on how I could get the activity up. My favorite right now is just heading out to the mall everyday to have a good long walk. Now that I am going to be starting work at the mall, it has been suggested that I arrive 1/2 hour before work and do the walk. That's an even better Idea. To add to the walking I have started using the app I mentioned earlier 3 times a week. I have started on the BEGINNER level and with the GET LEAN workouts. I think the real results of this won't been seem for a couple more weeks. Anyway I am going to give it a solid effort going forward. This in itself is a whole lot more than I have committed too already with regards to physical activity. See you all tomorrow with the results of week 5.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Friday, February 11, 2011
Happy Days
Hi All,
Sorry about the late post today but I was watching "The Green Hornet" online at Veetle.com. Vettle is also the site I use most weekends to broadcast movies for others to watch free of charge. It's a great fun online service you should all check out sometime.
Yesterday was a great day for many different reasons. First the position I had been interviewing for was offered to me. I will be starting work sometime in the next two weeks (details just need to be worked out). Needless to say this helps to relieve a whole lot of pressure from that front. By the way I'll be working for Pandora. Second I made dinner last night for my cousin, her husband and kids. She is on the new weight watchers plus program and he is training for a fundraising marathon in May for Leukemia. This was the first time I was to cook for someone outside the house who is also working on a lifestyle change. At this point I'd like to pat myself on the back for the food. I think that it went extremely well. The food was good and the portion sizes were spot on. So all in all yesterday was a banner day for me.
The challenge going forward will be getting back into a routine that includes getting out of the house for work and avoiding the food court at the mall. I do have at least a week to prepare myself before starting the new position. I'm also going to need to formalize a workout routine daily for the exercise in need. One benefit should be that it will e easier to accomplish my 10,000 steps a day as the work is back in retail, so I'll be on my feet quite a bit more than currently. Anyway that's where things stand for now.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Sorry about the late post today but I was watching "The Green Hornet" online at Veetle.com. Vettle is also the site I use most weekends to broadcast movies for others to watch free of charge. It's a great fun online service you should all check out sometime.
Yesterday was a great day for many different reasons. First the position I had been interviewing for was offered to me. I will be starting work sometime in the next two weeks (details just need to be worked out). Needless to say this helps to relieve a whole lot of pressure from that front. By the way I'll be working for Pandora. Second I made dinner last night for my cousin, her husband and kids. She is on the new weight watchers plus program and he is training for a fundraising marathon in May for Leukemia. This was the first time I was to cook for someone outside the house who is also working on a lifestyle change. At this point I'd like to pat myself on the back for the food. I think that it went extremely well. The food was good and the portion sizes were spot on. So all in all yesterday was a banner day for me.
The challenge going forward will be getting back into a routine that includes getting out of the house for work and avoiding the food court at the mall. I do have at least a week to prepare myself before starting the new position. I'm also going to need to formalize a workout routine daily for the exercise in need. One benefit should be that it will e easier to accomplish my 10,000 steps a day as the work is back in retail, so I'll be on my feet quite a bit more than currently. Anyway that's where things stand for now.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Guests 4 Dinner
Hi All,
Sorry about missing yesterday but not much was happening. It was just one of those trudging along kind of days. You know the kind of day that just is with nothing really good or bad happening. Kind of like a musical movie montage, it just gets you from point A to B.
Today on the other hand is promising to be a special day for me. Tonight is the first time since starting this whole lifestyle change that I will be cooking for others. The real treat here is that both my cousin and her husband are also working on getting in shape. She is currently doing the weight watchers program and he is training to do a charity marathon or 1/2 marathon this May in Ottawa (By the way later this week I will include a link on the front page of my blog where you can go to contribute to his fundraising campaign). Dinner tonight will be fun. I am preparing one of the families favorite new recipes, Mexican Chicken with Tomatoe and Basil Rice and Salad. I certainly hope that they will enjoy the meal as much as I do. It was one of the first recipes on this program that I tried and it was so good. It was just the kind of start I needed at the beginning to motivate me to move on with the whole thing. It was at that point I realized that dieting or lifestyle changes didn't mean that you had to eat foods that you didn't like at all. It was an eye opener for me because I had always thought that you had to give up all those things that you loved and had to eat just vegetables and that surely wasn't for me. Well I'll let you all know how it went tomorrow and I might even ask my guests if they have the time to comment on the blog with a dinner review. Don't worry they won't have too do it if they don't want too but I will insist that they be honest.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from you goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Sorry about missing yesterday but not much was happening. It was just one of those trudging along kind of days. You know the kind of day that just is with nothing really good or bad happening. Kind of like a musical movie montage, it just gets you from point A to B.
Today on the other hand is promising to be a special day for me. Tonight is the first time since starting this whole lifestyle change that I will be cooking for others. The real treat here is that both my cousin and her husband are also working on getting in shape. She is currently doing the weight watchers program and he is training to do a charity marathon or 1/2 marathon this May in Ottawa (By the way later this week I will include a link on the front page of my blog where you can go to contribute to his fundraising campaign). Dinner tonight will be fun. I am preparing one of the families favorite new recipes, Mexican Chicken with Tomatoe and Basil Rice and Salad. I certainly hope that they will enjoy the meal as much as I do. It was one of the first recipes on this program that I tried and it was so good. It was just the kind of start I needed at the beginning to motivate me to move on with the whole thing. It was at that point I realized that dieting or lifestyle changes didn't mean that you had to eat foods that you didn't like at all. It was an eye opener for me because I had always thought that you had to give up all those things that you loved and had to eat just vegetables and that surely wasn't for me. Well I'll let you all know how it went tomorrow and I might even ask my guests if they have the time to comment on the blog with a dinner review. Don't worry they won't have too do it if they don't want too but I will insist that they be honest.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from you goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Exercise Sucks!
Hi All,
Yesterday went well, no real significant things to share. I stuck to the plan for yesterday and cut down my eating from Sunday's Super Bowl fest. All though the Nachos for dinner on Sunday were healthier than ever and tasted pretty good, they didn't go down very well. I had a stuffed and upset feeling right trough to dinner last night. That feeling has now past and I am feeling better.
The challenge still remains with finding the energy to get more physical. Although dieting and writing down my journal this way has been great for overall moral, it doesn't seem to do much for me when it comes to exercise. The whole food thing is something that encompasses so much more daily. You spend time working out your menu (including new recipes) and then have the pleasure of making the food with and for the family. It just seems more communal. Exercise on the other hand is hard and when you are trying to do things on the cheap, it's also lonely. That's not very motivating at all. Last year when I went to the gym and had a trainer I was at least motivated to get to the gym and make appointments. Even though it wasn't very successful I had this connection with the trainer and the others at the gym. If you went at the same time everyday you would generally see the same people and you could strike up a conversation. It wasn't such an isolated experience. Sitting at home and watching an online video to see how to do the exercise properly and then execute it is boring. Their is no drive to the process. I need to find a way to combat this because joining a gym again at this time is not an option. At the same time throwing on a pair of sweats and working out in the basement alone doesn't hold much appeal. The couch two feet behind me holds more appeal. Even if I could just get outside and go for a walk it would be better than being cooped up in here. But during the winter that's not an option for me due to my allergy to the cold. I might get the exercise but I'd also be swollen with my skin cracking in pain. What to do, what to do. If only I knew. Several followers have suggested going to an indoor pool and that's a great except for the whole skin/cold allergy thing. I've tried that and the difference in temperature between the water and the ambient air causes a reaction and then I'm back where I started. The only time I can get in water is when the water and air temperate are very close to equal. I even have reactions sometimes just getting out of a hot shower. Anyway that's where I am today, getting back on track with the food but still struggling with the exercise.
On the good side, this Thursday we are having some family over for dinner. The fun part about it is my cousin and her husband are both also working on losing wight and getting in shape. He is even preparing to run for a charity marathon this May in Ottawa. Me I get to make dinner for everyone and I'm really looking forward to introducing them to my Mexican Chicken dinner with rice. This was one of the first recipes that I posted online. The whole family loved it, except for my daughter (she is a vegetarian).
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Yesterday went well, no real significant things to share. I stuck to the plan for yesterday and cut down my eating from Sunday's Super Bowl fest. All though the Nachos for dinner on Sunday were healthier than ever and tasted pretty good, they didn't go down very well. I had a stuffed and upset feeling right trough to dinner last night. That feeling has now past and I am feeling better.
The challenge still remains with finding the energy to get more physical. Although dieting and writing down my journal this way has been great for overall moral, it doesn't seem to do much for me when it comes to exercise. The whole food thing is something that encompasses so much more daily. You spend time working out your menu (including new recipes) and then have the pleasure of making the food with and for the family. It just seems more communal. Exercise on the other hand is hard and when you are trying to do things on the cheap, it's also lonely. That's not very motivating at all. Last year when I went to the gym and had a trainer I was at least motivated to get to the gym and make appointments. Even though it wasn't very successful I had this connection with the trainer and the others at the gym. If you went at the same time everyday you would generally see the same people and you could strike up a conversation. It wasn't such an isolated experience. Sitting at home and watching an online video to see how to do the exercise properly and then execute it is boring. Their is no drive to the process. I need to find a way to combat this because joining a gym again at this time is not an option. At the same time throwing on a pair of sweats and working out in the basement alone doesn't hold much appeal. The couch two feet behind me holds more appeal. Even if I could just get outside and go for a walk it would be better than being cooped up in here. But during the winter that's not an option for me due to my allergy to the cold. I might get the exercise but I'd also be swollen with my skin cracking in pain. What to do, what to do. If only I knew. Several followers have suggested going to an indoor pool and that's a great except for the whole skin/cold allergy thing. I've tried that and the difference in temperature between the water and the ambient air causes a reaction and then I'm back where I started. The only time I can get in water is when the water and air temperate are very close to equal. I even have reactions sometimes just getting out of a hot shower. Anyway that's where I am today, getting back on track with the food but still struggling with the exercise.
On the good side, this Thursday we are having some family over for dinner. The fun part about it is my cousin and her husband are both also working on losing wight and getting in shape. He is even preparing to run for a charity marathon this May in Ottawa. Me I get to make dinner for everyone and I'm really looking forward to introducing them to my Mexican Chicken dinner with rice. This was one of the first recipes that I posted online. The whole family loved it, except for my daughter (she is a vegetarian).
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Monday, February 7, 2011
Back on Track Again
Hi All,
So I got threw yesterday o.k.. I even had my healthier Nachos for dinner during the Super Bowl. I have to say they weren't bad at all. I'm not letting yesterday's setback get me down. It's time to move forward again and get this train back on the track. After reviewing my program results on SparkPeople.com I really don't need to feel so bad about where I'm positioned at this pint in time. I had a strong start and that was motivating but now reality sets in and it's not going to be that easy. When I look at my progress chart for the year and where I'm supposed to be I'm in good shape. The website sets weekly progress goals for you based on the over all goal and timeline. This is also how it builds your meal plan and exercise plan. So if I look at my progress vs. the yearly plan I am still ahead of the game. This should help me recover faster from any setback as long as I am committed. So, getting back on track is now the plan.
The family still is not going to make it easy. Yesterday my wife did some more shopping for groceries with the weekly meal plan in hand. I didn't go with her because she went out late and I wasn't going to miss the kick-off of the big game. She did fairly well on her own this time with one exception. She still likes to buy treats, it's a habit she just can't break free from at this time. I don't know why she's hanging on to this habit. She came home with a family pack of individually wrapped Reese's Peanut Butter cups (My all time favorite snack, Really!!). When confronted about it while unpacking the groceries, she laughs and says, "Well there are other people in this house too you know, maybe their not for you". Everyone else in the house will eat just about any snack foods that are available. Why does she keep purchasing my favorites? It's not like everyone else doesn't have their own favorite snacks cause they do. After four weeks I am even more convinced that it's going to be the hardest thing I do, getting my family to make smarted choices.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
So I got threw yesterday o.k.. I even had my healthier Nachos for dinner during the Super Bowl. I have to say they weren't bad at all. I'm not letting yesterday's setback get me down. It's time to move forward again and get this train back on the track. After reviewing my program results on SparkPeople.com I really don't need to feel so bad about where I'm positioned at this pint in time. I had a strong start and that was motivating but now reality sets in and it's not going to be that easy. When I look at my progress chart for the year and where I'm supposed to be I'm in good shape. The website sets weekly progress goals for you based on the over all goal and timeline. This is also how it builds your meal plan and exercise plan. So if I look at my progress vs. the yearly plan I am still ahead of the game. This should help me recover faster from any setback as long as I am committed. So, getting back on track is now the plan.
The family still is not going to make it easy. Yesterday my wife did some more shopping for groceries with the weekly meal plan in hand. I didn't go with her because she went out late and I wasn't going to miss the kick-off of the big game. She did fairly well on her own this time with one exception. She still likes to buy treats, it's a habit she just can't break free from at this time. I don't know why she's hanging on to this habit. She came home with a family pack of individually wrapped Reese's Peanut Butter cups (My all time favorite snack, Really!!). When confronted about it while unpacking the groceries, she laughs and says, "Well there are other people in this house too you know, maybe their not for you". Everyone else in the house will eat just about any snack foods that are available. Why does she keep purchasing my favorites? It's not like everyone else doesn't have their own favorite snacks cause they do. After four weeks I am even more convinced that it's going to be the hardest thing I do, getting my family to make smarted choices.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl Sunday
Hi All,
So its Super Bowl Sunday and the end of week 4 and it's time for the results of a bad week. But first I'd like to talk about yesterday. By now it's no secret that this has not been my best week but the support I've gotten on this blog from everyone to get back on track has been great. That's where it ends unfortunately. Last night around dinner time my wife went out to the store to pick up a few things because we had not gone out shopping for the week yet. Much to my surprise she came home with several snack foods. And not just any snack foods but some of my favorites like Caramel Cakes and May West cakes (the mini versions). That's 16 mini cakes between two boxes. When I asked her what she had been doing because this had already been a bad week, she replied: "They were on sale and I thought you would like a treat to snack on". I could not believe my ears, she knows what kind of week I've had and that I am trying to get back on track and she buys me cakes to eat. Once I pointed the obvious out to her we had a small chuckle and she put the cakes in the fridge. I have to admit with those cakes in the fridge I was tempted all night long just because I knew they were there. These are the things that I continue to find are the real challenges behind a life style change.
Anyway back to the results. I was certain that I didn't lose any weight this week but how much did I gain back would be the question. The answer is: 4.00 lbs. yes I gained 4.00 lbs back to bring me to 283 lbs. Last week I was at 279 pounds (under 280 for the first time in well over a year) and now I'm back to 283 lbs. I knew with the way this week was going I'd gain some weight back but a whole 4.00 lbs just seems like a lot to me. After all most of the week I wasn't even eating much at all. I sure comes back fast when it's on the up swing doesn't it. The only thing to do now is get back up on that horse and ride. By the way I didn't check my measurements like I was supposed to for today. After the weight gain, I'm not comfortable checking these results. One bad number is enough for me at this point. I mean I am still only four weeks in (it's early) and I don't want any other info that could possibly bring down my spirits. So I've decided to wait two more weeks before checking my measurements and I'll probably just keep it at every six weeks going forward. This will give me more time between each measuring to re-adjust if needed.
Super Bowls Sunday and this would certainly not normally be a date that you would find me dieting or on a life style change. To that end today will be different as I will eat some of my favorite foods, just better. Tonight I will be eating a plate of Nachos at kick off, only these will be much healthier that I have ever had before now. Instead of lean ground beef I'll be substituting for Lean ground Turkey with Mexican spices on whole wheat Nacho chips with Salsa and Low Fat Cheese. Now if that doesn't sound like a health plate of Nachos I don't know what does. So "Bon Appetite", to everyone today and just don't go over board, remember moderation is also the key.
Have a good one, Keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
So its Super Bowl Sunday and the end of week 4 and it's time for the results of a bad week. But first I'd like to talk about yesterday. By now it's no secret that this has not been my best week but the support I've gotten on this blog from everyone to get back on track has been great. That's where it ends unfortunately. Last night around dinner time my wife went out to the store to pick up a few things because we had not gone out shopping for the week yet. Much to my surprise she came home with several snack foods. And not just any snack foods but some of my favorites like Caramel Cakes and May West cakes (the mini versions). That's 16 mini cakes between two boxes. When I asked her what she had been doing because this had already been a bad week, she replied: "They were on sale and I thought you would like a treat to snack on". I could not believe my ears, she knows what kind of week I've had and that I am trying to get back on track and she buys me cakes to eat. Once I pointed the obvious out to her we had a small chuckle and she put the cakes in the fridge. I have to admit with those cakes in the fridge I was tempted all night long just because I knew they were there. These are the things that I continue to find are the real challenges behind a life style change.
Anyway back to the results. I was certain that I didn't lose any weight this week but how much did I gain back would be the question. The answer is: 4.00 lbs. yes I gained 4.00 lbs back to bring me to 283 lbs. Last week I was at 279 pounds (under 280 for the first time in well over a year) and now I'm back to 283 lbs. I knew with the way this week was going I'd gain some weight back but a whole 4.00 lbs just seems like a lot to me. After all most of the week I wasn't even eating much at all. I sure comes back fast when it's on the up swing doesn't it. The only thing to do now is get back up on that horse and ride. By the way I didn't check my measurements like I was supposed to for today. After the weight gain, I'm not comfortable checking these results. One bad number is enough for me at this point. I mean I am still only four weeks in (it's early) and I don't want any other info that could possibly bring down my spirits. So I've decided to wait two more weeks before checking my measurements and I'll probably just keep it at every six weeks going forward. This will give me more time between each measuring to re-adjust if needed.
Super Bowls Sunday and this would certainly not normally be a date that you would find me dieting or on a life style change. To that end today will be different as I will eat some of my favorite foods, just better. Tonight I will be eating a plate of Nachos at kick off, only these will be much healthier that I have ever had before now. Instead of lean ground beef I'll be substituting for Lean ground Turkey with Mexican spices on whole wheat Nacho chips with Salsa and Low Fat Cheese. Now if that doesn't sound like a health plate of Nachos I don't know what does. So "Bon Appetite", to everyone today and just don't go over board, remember moderation is also the key.
 |
| Week 4 - Results |
Have a good one, Keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bad Week
Hi All,
Like the title says it's been a bad week. In the end I think I broke all my rules for success. Everyday was something different. From how I felt and not eating properly or enough to a 1/2 bag of chips in the middle of the night last night. This must be like other things you hear about such as giving up smoking. Somewhere around the 3rd or 4th week you are stressed by the whole thing. Either you get through it or you break. This week I broke a little for a whole bunch or reason (most of which I spoke about all week long). For me the biggest factor has been stress. I've been extremely stressed about finding work and the processes you have to go through to get the job. Not to mention the amount of time it seems to take during the interview process. You spend so much time waiting for some kind of response. Lately the responses in the end have not been positive. You spend so much time invested in the process, you make it to the end and finally you don't get the job. This takes a lot out of your self esteem. We all know what's next, your self esteem is low and you need to find a way to feel good. Food is the answer or at least in the past it has been for me.
In my case this week that has been the pattern I would follow. Last Saturday I had yet again another positive interview with good feedback. The prospective employer indicated that she wanted me to go forward in the process to the last step and meet the owner of the company. I was supposed to wait for her contact this week to set up the final step. Day after day went by with no word and day after day my self esteem would shrink. Finally yesterday I initiated contact looking for some indication that the process was still to continue or not. Late in the day I received word that I was still in the running for the job but it was too late. My self esteem was low and I just needed something to pick me up. Maybe I should have used some of this week suggestions in place of the food like going for a swim. It's possible that might have made me feel better but until next time I'll never know.
Tomorrow is weigh in day and since it's the end of week four it is also my monthly measurements. I don't suspect that I lost anything this week. On the contrary I fear I might have gain a little back. However my measurements should have had some reduction as I am certain that I did not gain all of it back. After all most of the week I didn't eat enough and it was only yesterday that I ate poorly. We will just have to wait and see. So until tomorrow;
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Like the title says it's been a bad week. In the end I think I broke all my rules for success. Everyday was something different. From how I felt and not eating properly or enough to a 1/2 bag of chips in the middle of the night last night. This must be like other things you hear about such as giving up smoking. Somewhere around the 3rd or 4th week you are stressed by the whole thing. Either you get through it or you break. This week I broke a little for a whole bunch or reason (most of which I spoke about all week long). For me the biggest factor has been stress. I've been extremely stressed about finding work and the processes you have to go through to get the job. Not to mention the amount of time it seems to take during the interview process. You spend so much time waiting for some kind of response. Lately the responses in the end have not been positive. You spend so much time invested in the process, you make it to the end and finally you don't get the job. This takes a lot out of your self esteem. We all know what's next, your self esteem is low and you need to find a way to feel good. Food is the answer or at least in the past it has been for me.
In my case this week that has been the pattern I would follow. Last Saturday I had yet again another positive interview with good feedback. The prospective employer indicated that she wanted me to go forward in the process to the last step and meet the owner of the company. I was supposed to wait for her contact this week to set up the final step. Day after day went by with no word and day after day my self esteem would shrink. Finally yesterday I initiated contact looking for some indication that the process was still to continue or not. Late in the day I received word that I was still in the running for the job but it was too late. My self esteem was low and I just needed something to pick me up. Maybe I should have used some of this week suggestions in place of the food like going for a swim. It's possible that might have made me feel better but until next time I'll never know.
Tomorrow is weigh in day and since it's the end of week four it is also my monthly measurements. I don't suspect that I lost anything this week. On the contrary I fear I might have gain a little back. However my measurements should have had some reduction as I am certain that I did not gain all of it back. After all most of the week I didn't eat enough and it was only yesterday that I ate poorly. We will just have to wait and see. So until tomorrow;
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday Again
Hey All,
First I have to thank both James and Jack for the advice I was looking for from yesterday's post. Both have provided me with some really good ideas to increase physical activity on a day to day basis. I am going to put both ideas to work in the next week. I'm not putting it off, I just need to get the weights and find an indoor pool in my area and it's operating hours. So again, thanx guys it's good to know that this process for support actually works. Remember it you need it I've got your backs as well.
This week has been a terrible week. I've been under the weather, not really motivated and after reading the article (I provided the other day), I have been making several mistakes. Most of the week I have had only 2 meals a day and they weren't exactly to plan. I wasn't eating junk just not properly. I realized that I have made several mistakes like skipping meals and finding myself very hungry later in the evenings. Most of the week I didn't do anything about it but as I started feeling better I have eaten later in the night to satisfy the hunger. Again, not junk food but still late in the evening and even just before bed. I don't suspect that I am going to have a positive week as far as the results are concerned. I am however going t wait until Sunday to get the results.
Each week seems to present itself with new challenges that I need to figure out how to handle. This is why it is so hard to handle, keeping on track is difficult. Not just because it's hard to eat a certain way but because you are changing your way of thinking. It doesn't sound like a hard thing to do cause you only plan or picture the change under perfect circumstances. Now that's not really how it works. Everyday you need to deal with new challenges that knock you off track. Why? Because we have a lifetime of habits that have developed dealing with most scenarios in our lives. It's a very natural process, it's why we react to situations the way we do. This is what I am coming to realize is the one true challenge. We want to make a change but we don't have that lifetime of good habits for every scenario. This is what we need to develop through this process. Well, that's what I'm thinking right now, if you have anything to add please do so, I'd like to know what you all think.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
First I have to thank both James and Jack for the advice I was looking for from yesterday's post. Both have provided me with some really good ideas to increase physical activity on a day to day basis. I am going to put both ideas to work in the next week. I'm not putting it off, I just need to get the weights and find an indoor pool in my area and it's operating hours. So again, thanx guys it's good to know that this process for support actually works. Remember it you need it I've got your backs as well.
This week has been a terrible week. I've been under the weather, not really motivated and after reading the article (I provided the other day), I have been making several mistakes. Most of the week I have had only 2 meals a day and they weren't exactly to plan. I wasn't eating junk just not properly. I realized that I have made several mistakes like skipping meals and finding myself very hungry later in the evenings. Most of the week I didn't do anything about it but as I started feeling better I have eaten later in the night to satisfy the hunger. Again, not junk food but still late in the evening and even just before bed. I don't suspect that I am going to have a positive week as far as the results are concerned. I am however going t wait until Sunday to get the results.
Each week seems to present itself with new challenges that I need to figure out how to handle. This is why it is so hard to handle, keeping on track is difficult. Not just because it's hard to eat a certain way but because you are changing your way of thinking. It doesn't sound like a hard thing to do cause you only plan or picture the change under perfect circumstances. Now that's not really how it works. Everyday you need to deal with new challenges that knock you off track. Why? Because we have a lifetime of habits that have developed dealing with most scenarios in our lives. It's a very natural process, it's why we react to situations the way we do. This is what I am coming to realize is the one true challenge. We want to make a change but we don't have that lifetime of good habits for every scenario. This is what we need to develop through this process. Well, that's what I'm thinking right now, if you have anything to add please do so, I'd like to know what you all think.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Thursday, February 3, 2011
My Age is showing
Hi everybody,
Wow was yesterday ever a good day for those who love snow. I like the weather also, there is nothing more beautiful than a snow covered scenic view. However, who knew that shoveling snow would give away my age. Yesterday was supposed to be a great day for me to get outside and get some good exercise. I have been increasing my physical activity but yesterday was just to much for me to handle. I went outside with my son to shovel and the differences were incredible. He started with the walking path to the front stairs while I started to shovel the front end of the Tempo to the street. He had all this light fluffy snow (not compacted) while I have the snow that had been compacted and piled over by the street plow that had gone by out street. The boy was shoveling like he was in a race. His shovel was moving at a pace at least 3 times faster than mine. Meanwhile, I was moving at a snails pace. The snow was hard, deep and compacted. It felt like every third or fourth shovel full I needed to stop and catch my breath. As time moved on I slowed down even more and found myself breathing extremely heavy. Now here comes my son to help me cause he was finished with the walk way and he begins to shovel with the same veracity he showed on the walk way. I stood by and watched him complete the balance of the driveway in half the time it took me to complete about 1/3 of the job. I never felt so old as I did at that moment.
This is another reason why I am in the beginning of this process to change my physical health and well being. It stared out really easy the first couple of weeks with only minor setbacks. Now it seems like it's getting tougher each day. Last week through this week I dealt with being sick and that really threw me off my plan. This week still isn't completely on track yet because I still hadn't been at my best. The challenge now seems to be getting back on track with everything. I wasn't feeling well, so I wasn't involved with the grocery shopping which means the set meal plan for the week wasn't used. The last two weeks the physical activity has been low, more like pre-plan levels. It feels like I have lost control of the process and I need to get it back and fast or I could lose it totally.
The plan now is to get out tomorrow night with my meal plan for the week and complete the grocery shopping. Second I need to find away to increase my activity level. The exercises at home have been difficult because i don't really have a place to do them. Getting outside for my daily walks has also been difficult because of the temperature (I have an allergy to the cold). I can't be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time. Last year when I had the gym membership I did do a lot on the treadmill and that felt good. This year I don't think I could even do as much as I was doing then. Does anybody have a treadmill they would like to give away? If so, I would be happy to take it off your hands. If you have any ideas you would like to share about how to get my activity level up, I have an open mind. That's all for today so;
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Wow was yesterday ever a good day for those who love snow. I like the weather also, there is nothing more beautiful than a snow covered scenic view. However, who knew that shoveling snow would give away my age. Yesterday was supposed to be a great day for me to get outside and get some good exercise. I have been increasing my physical activity but yesterday was just to much for me to handle. I went outside with my son to shovel and the differences were incredible. He started with the walking path to the front stairs while I started to shovel the front end of the Tempo to the street. He had all this light fluffy snow (not compacted) while I have the snow that had been compacted and piled over by the street plow that had gone by out street. The boy was shoveling like he was in a race. His shovel was moving at a pace at least 3 times faster than mine. Meanwhile, I was moving at a snails pace. The snow was hard, deep and compacted. It felt like every third or fourth shovel full I needed to stop and catch my breath. As time moved on I slowed down even more and found myself breathing extremely heavy. Now here comes my son to help me cause he was finished with the walk way and he begins to shovel with the same veracity he showed on the walk way. I stood by and watched him complete the balance of the driveway in half the time it took me to complete about 1/3 of the job. I never felt so old as I did at that moment.
This is another reason why I am in the beginning of this process to change my physical health and well being. It stared out really easy the first couple of weeks with only minor setbacks. Now it seems like it's getting tougher each day. Last week through this week I dealt with being sick and that really threw me off my plan. This week still isn't completely on track yet because I still hadn't been at my best. The challenge now seems to be getting back on track with everything. I wasn't feeling well, so I wasn't involved with the grocery shopping which means the set meal plan for the week wasn't used. The last two weeks the physical activity has been low, more like pre-plan levels. It feels like I have lost control of the process and I need to get it back and fast or I could lose it totally.
The plan now is to get out tomorrow night with my meal plan for the week and complete the grocery shopping. Second I need to find away to increase my activity level. The exercises at home have been difficult because i don't really have a place to do them. Getting outside for my daily walks has also been difficult because of the temperature (I have an allergy to the cold). I can't be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time. Last year when I had the gym membership I did do a lot on the treadmill and that felt good. This year I don't think I could even do as much as I was doing then. Does anybody have a treadmill they would like to give away? If so, I would be happy to take it off your hands. If you have any ideas you would like to share about how to get my activity level up, I have an open mind. That's all for today so;
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Day!!
Hi All,
It's the first real snow day of 2011. Yippee!!! I'm not being sarcastic at all, it looks beautiful outside. It may not feel that way but that's how I chose to see it. The stomach is starting to settle down a little, finally. Now I need to get myself back into the proper routing again. Today is a great day for doing just that. I will have the opportunity to get outside several times today to do some shoveling. Shoveling is a great exercise when done right. It's important to use the correct tools and not over do it. Me can use either the shovel or the snow blower. Snow blowers are fun but you don't get a real workout using one.
Later this afternoon before the wife comes home I'm going to have to get out there and clear the driveway.
The great thing is I get to use my military parka while I shovel. See, I have an original 1954 Canadian air force military parka. It was my late father in-laws, Given to him by his nephew many years ago. After his passing my mother in-law gave the parka to me. It's military green with a real fur trim around the hoody piece. It weighs about 20 pounds to begin with and it's double stitched everywhere. This this will not easily come apart. After 57 years it did need a new zipper straight up the front of it. I took it to the tailors to have a new heavy duty zipper put on. It was ready in two weeks at a cost of $45.00 (just for the zipper). It's so good and warm that previously I'd worn it out to shovel in -20 temperatures with only an undershirt on beneath the coat and I was sweating. Now that's the kind of coat everyone needs to have at their disposal. Luckily for me I will be able to get some good exercise in today with that parka on. I know it sounds like I love this coat but I DO!!! It's fantastic!
I found a great article yesterday about the 3 Mistakes most people make while dieting and eating healthier. I wanted to share this with all of so, please take the time to read visit the link and read the article. The truth is after reading it, I realized that I have made these three mistakes almost everyday so far. I've had some success with my program so far and would hate to think that at the same time I could be sabotaging me progress. With that I'll leave it there for today and remind everyone, "If you have to be out today, please be safe and take your time".
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
It's the first real snow day of 2011. Yippee!!! I'm not being sarcastic at all, it looks beautiful outside. It may not feel that way but that's how I chose to see it. The stomach is starting to settle down a little, finally. Now I need to get myself back into the proper routing again. Today is a great day for doing just that. I will have the opportunity to get outside several times today to do some shoveling. Shoveling is a great exercise when done right. It's important to use the correct tools and not over do it. Me can use either the shovel or the snow blower. Snow blowers are fun but you don't get a real workout using one.
Later this afternoon before the wife comes home I'm going to have to get out there and clear the driveway.
The great thing is I get to use my military parka while I shovel. See, I have an original 1954 Canadian air force military parka. It was my late father in-laws, Given to him by his nephew many years ago. After his passing my mother in-law gave the parka to me. It's military green with a real fur trim around the hoody piece. It weighs about 20 pounds to begin with and it's double stitched everywhere. This this will not easily come apart. After 57 years it did need a new zipper straight up the front of it. I took it to the tailors to have a new heavy duty zipper put on. It was ready in two weeks at a cost of $45.00 (just for the zipper). It's so good and warm that previously I'd worn it out to shovel in -20 temperatures with only an undershirt on beneath the coat and I was sweating. Now that's the kind of coat everyone needs to have at their disposal. Luckily for me I will be able to get some good exercise in today with that parka on. I know it sounds like I love this coat but I DO!!! It's fantastic!
I found a great article yesterday about the 3 Mistakes most people make while dieting and eating healthier. I wanted to share this with all of so, please take the time to read visit the link and read the article. The truth is after reading it, I realized that I have made these three mistakes almost everyday so far. I've had some success with my program so far and would hate to think that at the same time I could be sabotaging me progress. With that I'll leave it there for today and remind everyone, "If you have to be out today, please be safe and take your time".
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Running Around
Hi everybody,
Sorry about the late posting but I was running around a bit today. Needed to get my passport application in cause if I get that job I'll need it for the training down in Burlington, Vermont. So, like yesterday I am feeling better but not right.
Last night we had a nice chicken dinner with rice and peas. There was nothing wrong with the food but I still couldn't eat the whole thing. Then afterwards my stomach was again upset. Today isn't fairing any better. I had some tea this morning before going out and I cut myself some tomato pizza for lunch. The same result, I couldn't eat all I cut out (not much either compared to what I would eat in the past). My stomach is still upset. I can't seem to settle it down. I know the flu is in full swing in our area but this is getting to be a bit much. It's been over a week now and I'll I keep doing is going back and forth with this bug. I just want it to be over NOW!!!.
I think we will be having a meatloaf for dinner tonight. I hope it fairs better than the rest of the food I'm eating lately. So, I'm just going to plan to take it easy the rest of today and tomorrow (since we have a snow storm coming) and see how it goes from there. I'll leave you there and say if you are anywhere from Chicago through the East, watch the roads with the weather coming and if you don't need to go out DON'T.
STAY SAFE!!!!!!
Thanx,
Looper
Sorry about the late posting but I was running around a bit today. Needed to get my passport application in cause if I get that job I'll need it for the training down in Burlington, Vermont. So, like yesterday I am feeling better but not right.
Last night we had a nice chicken dinner with rice and peas. There was nothing wrong with the food but I still couldn't eat the whole thing. Then afterwards my stomach was again upset. Today isn't fairing any better. I had some tea this morning before going out and I cut myself some tomato pizza for lunch. The same result, I couldn't eat all I cut out (not much either compared to what I would eat in the past). My stomach is still upset. I can't seem to settle it down. I know the flu is in full swing in our area but this is getting to be a bit much. It's been over a week now and I'll I keep doing is going back and forth with this bug. I just want it to be over NOW!!!.
I think we will be having a meatloaf for dinner tonight. I hope it fairs better than the rest of the food I'm eating lately. So, I'm just going to plan to take it easy the rest of today and tomorrow (since we have a snow storm coming) and see how it goes from there. I'll leave you there and say if you are anywhere from Chicago through the East, watch the roads with the weather coming and if you don't need to go out DON'T.
STAY SAFE!!!!!!
Thanx,
Looper
Monday, January 31, 2011
Week 4- Monday
Hi everyone,
Hope you are all doing well, because I am still not feeling well. The last couple of day's I started to feel better from that stomach flu but it just doesn't want to let go. Yesterday after updating by blog I sat down to have some toast (2 slices/Whole Wheat) and a cup of tea. By the time I got to the second piece of toast I was forcing it down. It felt like it wasn't going to stay down at all. Luckily it did stay down however the rest of the day got progressively worst. Last night I felt like I was a 50 year old women having menopausal hot flashes. I know it's not the same but I was acting a lot like my wife did when she went through menopause. One minute I'm freezing the next minute you can see the sweat running off my head. It is not fun! Since some women can go through this for years, I am extremely happy to be a man. At least I know that the way I feel right now will likely be over within a few days.
Having said all that, anyone got any suggestions because eating right now feels like a non-option again?
Anything, I'll take anything you have got to try to settle my stomach. No really, any suggestions! I am likely to have that final interview this week for the job I spoke about last week and I can't do it like this and blowing it is not an option. I'll thank you all in advance for your advice.
Other that that yesterday was still a good day. I was down an additional pound and a half and feeling really good about it. I even got out to the store in the afternoon to pick up a few things. I was interesting to say the least. My son cam with me and at several opportunities he asked me to pick up some snack foods (Chips, etc.). I remained strong and did not give in to his demands, so not bad snacks in the house. There was I small temptation I faced. I was in the refrigerated cheese aisle and found myself looking for the Philadelphia cream cheese onion dip. This is one of my all time favorites and for some reason in the last year the store are not carrying this flavor very often. So, when I see It I usually pick 1 up with a big bag of chips to snack on. Now I'd already said no to the chips but found myself thinking I would change my mind if they had my dip. The temptation was strong indeed. I need to tell you I was extremely pleased to see my flavor was in stock. I stood there for a few seconds pondering my choice (I did not pick up the container). Finally I just walked away. One or two months ago I would not have done that, as a matter of fact I did not on more than one occasion. I think yesterday was a great day for me in the end. I may not have been feeling well but I showed myself that I can make the right decisions. I can change my ways. That's all for today so,
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
p.s.
Remember if you are in Canada to electronically sign the petition on the right hand side of my blog to stop the government from allowing Telecom Companies from metering your Internet usage.
Hope you are all doing well, because I am still not feeling well. The last couple of day's I started to feel better from that stomach flu but it just doesn't want to let go. Yesterday after updating by blog I sat down to have some toast (2 slices/Whole Wheat) and a cup of tea. By the time I got to the second piece of toast I was forcing it down. It felt like it wasn't going to stay down at all. Luckily it did stay down however the rest of the day got progressively worst. Last night I felt like I was a 50 year old women having menopausal hot flashes. I know it's not the same but I was acting a lot like my wife did when she went through menopause. One minute I'm freezing the next minute you can see the sweat running off my head. It is not fun! Since some women can go through this for years, I am extremely happy to be a man. At least I know that the way I feel right now will likely be over within a few days.
Having said all that, anyone got any suggestions because eating right now feels like a non-option again?
Anything, I'll take anything you have got to try to settle my stomach. No really, any suggestions! I am likely to have that final interview this week for the job I spoke about last week and I can't do it like this and blowing it is not an option. I'll thank you all in advance for your advice.
Other that that yesterday was still a good day. I was down an additional pound and a half and feeling really good about it. I even got out to the store in the afternoon to pick up a few things. I was interesting to say the least. My son cam with me and at several opportunities he asked me to pick up some snack foods (Chips, etc.). I remained strong and did not give in to his demands, so not bad snacks in the house. There was I small temptation I faced. I was in the refrigerated cheese aisle and found myself looking for the Philadelphia cream cheese onion dip. This is one of my all time favorites and for some reason in the last year the store are not carrying this flavor very often. So, when I see It I usually pick 1 up with a big bag of chips to snack on. Now I'd already said no to the chips but found myself thinking I would change my mind if they had my dip. The temptation was strong indeed. I need to tell you I was extremely pleased to see my flavor was in stock. I stood there for a few seconds pondering my choice (I did not pick up the container). Finally I just walked away. One or two months ago I would not have done that, as a matter of fact I did not on more than one occasion. I think yesterday was a great day for me in the end. I may not have been feeling well but I showed myself that I can make the right decisions. I can change my ways. That's all for today so,
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
p.s.
Remember if you are in Canada to electronically sign the petition on the right hand side of my blog to stop the government from allowing Telecom Companies from metering your Internet usage.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A Week in Review (Week 3)
Hey Everyone,
Well here it is the end of week 3 ans what a sh**ty week it was for me. I spent most of the week sick and not eating much of anything. When I was feeling better I ate wrong and paid for it and I gave into temptation. How much worst could a week be for someone trying t make a lifestyle change? You could add the stress of job interviews since I've been out of a real job for a year now. That's the kind of week it's been for me. Oh, and lets not forget because of being sick I really wasn't what you would can very active on the exercise front. It certainly makes it a little harder to stay motivated when it's that tough. I guess these are the things that make it hard for everyone to stay the course. As focused as I am now on my health, weight and the things I need to do to improve all that it's still hard.
What I find that's making this whole process easier is this journal (blog). It forces me to really look at the things that are going on in my life, recognize them and confront them. I know I've already said this a few times now but it really does bare repeating again and again. Sharing with all of you (and there are many more than I ever expected) has kept me honest. honest with myself and everyone following the blog. I've been touched by the support that not only don't I want to lie to myself but to all of you as well. In the past it seemed easy to lie to myself, It's o.k. I didn't really eat that much more than I should. It's only one bag of chips, one Pepsi for now. Until ultimately It was one of those really big bags of chips from Costco and 4/5 Pepsi's a night. It's no wonder I found myself in this position again but things really feel different now. I don't feel alone dealing with this problem anymore. The family has even starting to follow along a bit easier now. I'm the one they look too now for the weekly meal plan. That feels amazing!!!
I've also come to realize that this journal isn't about just my eating habits. I thought that when I started this that all it would be but it isn't. I now know that the process involves everything in my life. That's why this week has been the toughest yet. It is also affected by those things in life that cause us stress. In my case the biggest stresser has been my need to find work. The stress had me looking for my comfort zone this week and we all know that's food. I've been on other interviews in the last year but didn't get the jobs and until you've bee unemployed for a year, I don't think you can fully understand the degree of stress it puts on one. Even now after yesterday's interview went so positively, there is still another level to go through and I still might not get the job. I have been there before, at the last stage of the process and someone else got the job. Now I have to meet with the owner of the company and if he likes me I'm in. You want to keep positive all the time but it's tough. That's the stress that makes me want to run for a large pizza, a steak and pepperoni sub with the sauce on the side (from La Belle Province) or anything else that's gotten me here. But, I won't do it. It would make me feel good for now however in the long run I know it's not what's best for me. So I'll refrain and save it up to treat myself next weekend with my annual Nachos for Superbowl and make it a celebration too cause I'm going to lock down this job.
So to the final point. It's the end of week three and how did I do. Well from the earlier paragraphs, I know it doesn't sound to good, so how bad is it really? You be the judge and check out this weeks photo.
Ya you see right, it says 279lbs. That's a pound and a half less than last week. I know it's not a lot but it is certainly better than I expected. So for three weeks now I have consistently loss weight. I have now gone from 297lbs to 279lbs. That looks really funny doesn't it the reversal of the 97 to 79. I'll take it any day. That's a total of 18lbs and it feels great. This week I even wore pants to the interview that I haven't been able to wear in a year. These are the things along with all your support that are keeping me motivated. I will achieve my goal in a year to be just under 200lbs, I can see it. Next week it's not just my weight but my monthly measurements, so we'll see how much if any inches I have lost and I know there is some. Until then,
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from you goals!!
Thanx,
Looper
Well here it is the end of week 3 ans what a sh**ty week it was for me. I spent most of the week sick and not eating much of anything. When I was feeling better I ate wrong and paid for it and I gave into temptation. How much worst could a week be for someone trying t make a lifestyle change? You could add the stress of job interviews since I've been out of a real job for a year now. That's the kind of week it's been for me. Oh, and lets not forget because of being sick I really wasn't what you would can very active on the exercise front. It certainly makes it a little harder to stay motivated when it's that tough. I guess these are the things that make it hard for everyone to stay the course. As focused as I am now on my health, weight and the things I need to do to improve all that it's still hard.
What I find that's making this whole process easier is this journal (blog). It forces me to really look at the things that are going on in my life, recognize them and confront them. I know I've already said this a few times now but it really does bare repeating again and again. Sharing with all of you (and there are many more than I ever expected) has kept me honest. honest with myself and everyone following the blog. I've been touched by the support that not only don't I want to lie to myself but to all of you as well. In the past it seemed easy to lie to myself, It's o.k. I didn't really eat that much more than I should. It's only one bag of chips, one Pepsi for now. Until ultimately It was one of those really big bags of chips from Costco and 4/5 Pepsi's a night. It's no wonder I found myself in this position again but things really feel different now. I don't feel alone dealing with this problem anymore. The family has even starting to follow along a bit easier now. I'm the one they look too now for the weekly meal plan. That feels amazing!!!
I've also come to realize that this journal isn't about just my eating habits. I thought that when I started this that all it would be but it isn't. I now know that the process involves everything in my life. That's why this week has been the toughest yet. It is also affected by those things in life that cause us stress. In my case the biggest stresser has been my need to find work. The stress had me looking for my comfort zone this week and we all know that's food. I've been on other interviews in the last year but didn't get the jobs and until you've bee unemployed for a year, I don't think you can fully understand the degree of stress it puts on one. Even now after yesterday's interview went so positively, there is still another level to go through and I still might not get the job. I have been there before, at the last stage of the process and someone else got the job. Now I have to meet with the owner of the company and if he likes me I'm in. You want to keep positive all the time but it's tough. That's the stress that makes me want to run for a large pizza, a steak and pepperoni sub with the sauce on the side (from La Belle Province) or anything else that's gotten me here. But, I won't do it. It would make me feel good for now however in the long run I know it's not what's best for me. So I'll refrain and save it up to treat myself next weekend with my annual Nachos for Superbowl and make it a celebration too cause I'm going to lock down this job.
So to the final point. It's the end of week three and how did I do. Well from the earlier paragraphs, I know it doesn't sound to good, so how bad is it really? You be the judge and check out this weeks photo.
Ya you see right, it says 279lbs. That's a pound and a half less than last week. I know it's not a lot but it is certainly better than I expected. So for three weeks now I have consistently loss weight. I have now gone from 297lbs to 279lbs. That looks really funny doesn't it the reversal of the 97 to 79. I'll take it any day. That's a total of 18lbs and it feels great. This week I even wore pants to the interview that I haven't been able to wear in a year. These are the things along with all your support that are keeping me motivated. I will achieve my goal in a year to be just under 200lbs, I can see it. Next week it's not just my weight but my monthly measurements, so we'll see how much if any inches I have lost and I know there is some. Until then,
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from you goals!!
Thanx,
Looper
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday (The Interview)
Hi All,
Today is a stressful day. I am still feeling better but I have that job interview today and it has my nerves up a little. Last night I had a regular dinner but my stomach was in knots all night. I've gone for interviews before, you think I'd be comfortable by now. I didn't even sleep well last night and in the middle of the night my nerves were so bad that I cheated. YES!! I cheated, it's been 4 weeks since I've had a soft drink but last night I just needed one. So I did it, I had one can of Pepsi around midnight. I think the guilt kept me up half the night. I felt bad about it, the fact that I had gone so long and gave into temptation. What are we suppose to do, from time too time we are all going to be confronted by the desire to go for our comfort zone. I know the key is how often we are tempted and give in. It's a sad thing to know that we tie our emotions to food but the key is to know this information and control it. I'd like to think that I could control these urges all the time but after last night I have some doubts. I mean, I've basically been riding on a high for the last three weeks. I lost weight each week and have felt good about the results and that's kept me motivated. Now I have to come to the realization that maybe it's not going to be so easy over the next year. I'm going to have to keep my guard up a little more to stay focused on my goals. I'm going to keep it short today because i need to get out of here for the interview, so I'll keep you all posted on the results (The Interview/Weekly Weigh-In) tomorrow. Wish me luck!!!
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Today is a stressful day. I am still feeling better but I have that job interview today and it has my nerves up a little. Last night I had a regular dinner but my stomach was in knots all night. I've gone for interviews before, you think I'd be comfortable by now. I didn't even sleep well last night and in the middle of the night my nerves were so bad that I cheated. YES!! I cheated, it's been 4 weeks since I've had a soft drink but last night I just needed one. So I did it, I had one can of Pepsi around midnight. I think the guilt kept me up half the night. I felt bad about it, the fact that I had gone so long and gave into temptation. What are we suppose to do, from time too time we are all going to be confronted by the desire to go for our comfort zone. I know the key is how often we are tempted and give in. It's a sad thing to know that we tie our emotions to food but the key is to know this information and control it. I'd like to think that I could control these urges all the time but after last night I have some doubts. I mean, I've basically been riding on a high for the last three weeks. I lost weight each week and have felt good about the results and that's kept me motivated. Now I have to come to the realization that maybe it's not going to be so easy over the next year. I'm going to have to keep my guard up a little more to stay focused on my goals. I'm going to keep it short today because i need to get out of here for the interview, so I'll keep you all posted on the results (The Interview/Weekly Weigh-In) tomorrow. Wish me luck!!!
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Friday, January 28, 2011
It's Friday Again
Hi All,
Hope everyone is feeling as good as I am. This is the best I've felt all week and looking forward to the weekend. Yesterday went well with no major issues or challenges. That's the best that could be said this week. I'm more focused on Saturday right now. I have a job interview and would really like it to go well. I have more than a little interest in working for this company. So, that's where all my focus currently directed. I know that I should probably be more focused on my diet but I'm not, not today anyways. It's not easy trying to change your life style at the same time as having to look for work. Both are important, one is about your physical well being and the other your mental well being. Everyone needs to feel a value to who they are and for most of us that's the work we do. It's more than just that we are working. In my case as a father and husband it affects how I feel being able to support my family. I believe that to be successful one has to have a balance between the two. For me It's changing what and how I eat as well as keeping positive about looking for work. Both have specific goals fro me too achieve. So, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that my interview tomorrow goes as well as the last three weeks have gone for my diet.
Changing the subject, next week is Super Bowl Sunday. I'm feeling a bit anxious about that cause I usually spend the day in front of the T.V. with a large Nacho boat filled to the brim. Of all the things that I've changed, this is a tradition that I really enjoy. After all Nachos them selves aren't that bad. It's corn chips covered in veggies with some meat, cheese and salsa. Most of those ingredients aren't so bad. I suppose I could look for some Nacho chips made from whole wheat (do they make them?) and some low fat cheddar cheese. Instead of ground beef, I guess lean ground turkey and maybe a smaller portion. As you could guess by now, this is a tradition I'd really like to keep and It should be possible. The idea here is not to give up everything you love, it's to make better choices with the foods we eat. I think I've done that here by restricting myself in portion size and improving some if the items that I choose to add to the dish. In the end a healthier treat and a tradition saved. I know it's only been about 4 weeks but I am beginning to feel like I can do accomplish my goals in the long run.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Hope everyone is feeling as good as I am. This is the best I've felt all week and looking forward to the weekend. Yesterday went well with no major issues or challenges. That's the best that could be said this week. I'm more focused on Saturday right now. I have a job interview and would really like it to go well. I have more than a little interest in working for this company. So, that's where all my focus currently directed. I know that I should probably be more focused on my diet but I'm not, not today anyways. It's not easy trying to change your life style at the same time as having to look for work. Both are important, one is about your physical well being and the other your mental well being. Everyone needs to feel a value to who they are and for most of us that's the work we do. It's more than just that we are working. In my case as a father and husband it affects how I feel being able to support my family. I believe that to be successful one has to have a balance between the two. For me It's changing what and how I eat as well as keeping positive about looking for work. Both have specific goals fro me too achieve. So, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that my interview tomorrow goes as well as the last three weeks have gone for my diet.
Changing the subject, next week is Super Bowl Sunday. I'm feeling a bit anxious about that cause I usually spend the day in front of the T.V. with a large Nacho boat filled to the brim. Of all the things that I've changed, this is a tradition that I really enjoy. After all Nachos them selves aren't that bad. It's corn chips covered in veggies with some meat, cheese and salsa. Most of those ingredients aren't so bad. I suppose I could look for some Nacho chips made from whole wheat (do they make them?) and some low fat cheddar cheese. Instead of ground beef, I guess lean ground turkey and maybe a smaller portion. As you could guess by now, this is a tradition I'd really like to keep and It should be possible. The idea here is not to give up everything you love, it's to make better choices with the foods we eat. I think I've done that here by restricting myself in portion size and improving some if the items that I choose to add to the dish. In the end a healthier treat and a tradition saved. I know it's only been about 4 weeks but I am beginning to feel like I can do accomplish my goals in the long run.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Feeling Better
Hi All,
I'm back and feeling better. It doesn't seem like a lot to take off 2 day's but when you don't feel well it's a ton.
The last 4 day's haven't been easy. For the most part I really didn't eat much but toast (whole wheat), tea and some soup. Most of the time I felt like I was starving. Tuesday night I did go overboard. I was so hungry I could eat my own arm (maybe not my own arm but someones). instead of the usual toast and tea I had 2 large plates of spaghetti. What a mistake, I spent the rest of the evening paying for it along with most of the overnight. It's not like I don't know any better. This isn't the first time I've been sick and done the exact same thing. It must be like everything else we do, we fall back into those comfortable habits all the time. This is why I'm calling this whole process a life style change and no just a diet. Soon or later I'm going to want to fall back into those old habits of mine. As this week proved to me (even though I was sick), their are factors that effect us and drive us back into our old comfort zones. We need to recognize the patterns and avoid or change them. Recognition is the key to this process. All be it a very difficult one. This week because i was under the weather I didn't recognize the behavior until it was to late. We like to think that we will recognize all of these factors at the beginning. This is not true, as I have begun to figure out. We start with a plan, we know what we want to accomplish and we think that we have planned for all contingencies. Not true, like every thing in live we can't know all the challenges on the road ahead. If we didn't when ever we came to that fork in the road we would have always taken the right path. Did you always take the right path, make the right decision or have you had to make corrections along the way? I know that I haven't been that lucky to always make the right choices. We need to keep are eyes open and take of the autopilot. Just because we think we know what we are doing doesn't mean we now what all the obstacles will be.
I'm not sure how to take this week cause I don't know what the end result will be yet on Sunday. If I've lost any additional weight is it a good thing or a bad thing. I mean I spent most of the week starving. If I gain weight, would that be normal for someone who hasn't eaten most of the week and then started back up again. How does the body react to something like that. Does it know that you were sick and progress as it should or does it take what ever it can to store fat because it doesn't know when the next real meal is coming. O.K. I know that I was sick, I know that the body knows that it was sick because it was fighting of the illness inside. It's those instinctual reactions that we and are bodies make I'm not sure about. The best example I can think of is the reaction of flight or fight. We see things happening around us and most people make an immediate decision to run or stay and fight. Let me put it this way, I'm in the house one night and wake up to it on fire. My instinct without thinking is to run, run my ass off and get out of there. On the other hand the fire department shows up and they are trained to control their natural emotions and the situation and run into the fire. It's a bit of an extreme example I know but I wonder if that is the same process with our bodies. The body does make all kinds of decisions that we never even think about consciencely. I guess at this point I'm over thinking it because I don't know what to expect this Sunday when I step on that scale fr the third time. I should probably take my own advice and wait for the results of the week and then make my plan for next week from that point on. I'll leave you with those thoughts for today, so
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from you goals!
Thanx,
Looper
I'm back and feeling better. It doesn't seem like a lot to take off 2 day's but when you don't feel well it's a ton.
The last 4 day's haven't been easy. For the most part I really didn't eat much but toast (whole wheat), tea and some soup. Most of the time I felt like I was starving. Tuesday night I did go overboard. I was so hungry I could eat my own arm (maybe not my own arm but someones). instead of the usual toast and tea I had 2 large plates of spaghetti. What a mistake, I spent the rest of the evening paying for it along with most of the overnight. It's not like I don't know any better. This isn't the first time I've been sick and done the exact same thing. It must be like everything else we do, we fall back into those comfortable habits all the time. This is why I'm calling this whole process a life style change and no just a diet. Soon or later I'm going to want to fall back into those old habits of mine. As this week proved to me (even though I was sick), their are factors that effect us and drive us back into our old comfort zones. We need to recognize the patterns and avoid or change them. Recognition is the key to this process. All be it a very difficult one. This week because i was under the weather I didn't recognize the behavior until it was to late. We like to think that we will recognize all of these factors at the beginning. This is not true, as I have begun to figure out. We start with a plan, we know what we want to accomplish and we think that we have planned for all contingencies. Not true, like every thing in live we can't know all the challenges on the road ahead. If we didn't when ever we came to that fork in the road we would have always taken the right path. Did you always take the right path, make the right decision or have you had to make corrections along the way? I know that I haven't been that lucky to always make the right choices. We need to keep are eyes open and take of the autopilot. Just because we think we know what we are doing doesn't mean we now what all the obstacles will be.
I'm not sure how to take this week cause I don't know what the end result will be yet on Sunday. If I've lost any additional weight is it a good thing or a bad thing. I mean I spent most of the week starving. If I gain weight, would that be normal for someone who hasn't eaten most of the week and then started back up again. How does the body react to something like that. Does it know that you were sick and progress as it should or does it take what ever it can to store fat because it doesn't know when the next real meal is coming. O.K. I know that I was sick, I know that the body knows that it was sick because it was fighting of the illness inside. It's those instinctual reactions that we and are bodies make I'm not sure about. The best example I can think of is the reaction of flight or fight. We see things happening around us and most people make an immediate decision to run or stay and fight. Let me put it this way, I'm in the house one night and wake up to it on fire. My instinct without thinking is to run, run my ass off and get out of there. On the other hand the fire department shows up and they are trained to control their natural emotions and the situation and run into the fire. It's a bit of an extreme example I know but I wonder if that is the same process with our bodies. The body does make all kinds of decisions that we never even think about consciencely. I guess at this point I'm over thinking it because I don't know what to expect this Sunday when I step on that scale fr the third time. I should probably take my own advice and wait for the results of the week and then make my plan for next week from that point on. I'll leave you with those thoughts for today, so
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks keep you from you goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Still Under the weather.
Hi All,
This whole process has been great for me. My own public journal to keep me focused and on track with all the support that I can muster. Since starting I've had a ton of support along side the challenges and success. Some day's are still just tougher than others. Today is one of those day's. For 3 day's now I have had a bit of a stomach flu and today is no different. I've been unable to eat anything but toast and soup. No plan here these days, just trying to get by. I will not sit here and bore you with the details of being sick. It's even taking me twice as long just to write this small paragraph. I can't stop making spelling errors that need to be corrected. So I'm going to sign off the journal today and return only after i am feeling better. That should be just a couple day's without an entry.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let the little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
This whole process has been great for me. My own public journal to keep me focused and on track with all the support that I can muster. Since starting I've had a ton of support along side the challenges and success. Some day's are still just tougher than others. Today is one of those day's. For 3 day's now I have had a bit of a stomach flu and today is no different. I've been unable to eat anything but toast and soup. No plan here these days, just trying to get by. I will not sit here and bore you with the details of being sick. It's even taking me twice as long just to write this small paragraph. I can't stop making spelling errors that need to be corrected. So I'm going to sign off the journal today and return only after i am feeling better. That should be just a couple day's without an entry.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let the little setbacks keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Monday, January 24, 2011
Another Challen ge
Hi All,
Short and sweet today. Yesterday started out so good with the loss of 3.5lbs.. This is hard enough already. I really don't need another challenge to the process. About mid afternoon I started to feel a bit under the weather. By dinner time my stomach was doing it's own thing. My head was pounding , I was freezing and no it wasn't cold because of the -40C outside. I couldn't eat a thing last night. My wife finally got me to have a cup of tea and some chicken soup. I think it made me feel worst. I thought I was going to bring it up for sure. Luckily that didn't happen.
Today It's 1:10 pm and I just got out of bed. I don't feel any better and I'm not looking to really eat at all. Who needs another challenge at the start of this process. It just seems that every day their is a new one I didn't even consider. I mean I really don't want to eat right now but at the same time as I feel sick to my stomach I am starving. I can feel it. I know that I should eat something to keep up my strength and immune system. Like I said eating makes me feel worst but I am so hungry I could eat almost anything. That's not the solution either. Anyway i really can't keep this up today so I'll sign off for now and let everyone know how I'm doing tomorrow. I really need to get back into bed.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let the little setbacks keep you from you goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Short and sweet today. Yesterday started out so good with the loss of 3.5lbs.. This is hard enough already. I really don't need another challenge to the process. About mid afternoon I started to feel a bit under the weather. By dinner time my stomach was doing it's own thing. My head was pounding , I was freezing and no it wasn't cold because of the -40C outside. I couldn't eat a thing last night. My wife finally got me to have a cup of tea and some chicken soup. I think it made me feel worst. I thought I was going to bring it up for sure. Luckily that didn't happen.
Today It's 1:10 pm and I just got out of bed. I don't feel any better and I'm not looking to really eat at all. Who needs another challenge at the start of this process. It just seems that every day their is a new one I didn't even consider. I mean I really don't want to eat right now but at the same time as I feel sick to my stomach I am starving. I can feel it. I know that I should eat something to keep up my strength and immune system. Like I said eating makes me feel worst but I am so hungry I could eat almost anything. That's not the solution either. Anyway i really can't keep this up today so I'll sign off for now and let everyone know how I'm doing tomorrow. I really need to get back into bed.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let the little setbacks keep you from you goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I've made it 2 weeks
Happy Happy Sunday to all,
So last night the wife and I went out to a friends for dinner and it was great. I did mention earlier in the week that the fiend has been following the blog and very supportive. She even traded e-mail with my wife about any concerns for my diet with the dinner. Well she took it into consideration alright. Dinner started with a nice salad with light dressing followed by a very tasty vegetarian lasagna. This lasagna tasted so good, you couldn't tell their was no meat to the dish at all. By the way, she really can't cook so you purchased the lasagna at M&M Meat shops. In the end, I drank bottled water all night, had a great meal with a fantastic supportive friend. You really can't ask for a better night out than that. We didn't end up leaving until just after 3:00 am.
I'm going to take a side bar moment here right now. Since I started this process, I was looking for a form of support to keep me motivated though this lifestyle change I've embarked on. In the last 2 weeks I have received message in many diffident forms supporting my initiative. Several people have even called me an inspiration. It is very important for me to communicate with all of you that this process and your support has been my inspiration. Every day people try to do what I'm doing now. Many fail and many succeed for a whole lot of different reasons. My success now is because I'm in the right place at the right time with the support of great people. It's important to me that you all know this. Too my friend from dinner last night, you are an old and dear friend that we love and regard as family. The life style changes that you have under gone over the last year are truly an inspiration to the people around you and your children. I am privileged and honored to call you a friend.
Side bar complete. So I guess everyone is wondering how I did this week. Guess, just one guess. Am I up, down or flat for the week. After all last week was a big jump. I am happy to say that the weight loss has continued. I started this venture starting at 297lbs. Last week I was down to 284lbs, a 13lbs difference and today I'm at 280.5Lbs. That's an additional 3.5lbs. I have to say, if any one told me I would loss 16.5lbs in the first 2 weeks I would have told them they were nuts!!! I've tried dieting before and working out at the gym with a trainer and never had these results before. As I ranted about earlier in the week though, I was always working to someone else's goals. Everybody has their own motives and it's not really to see me lost all the weight fast and move on. It's to control the process and keep a client for as long as possible. After years of struggling with this I feel that is the true motivation. Well anyway no rant today, only a pat on the back and a plan for the week ahead. One day at a time, one week at a time, 1 pound at a time. In the end I will not only have lost the weight but regained some control over my health. That's the real prize, being health and around to see my kids grow up to great parents and me as a fantastic grandparent. Below is my weekly picture of the scale, so you can all enjoy this ride with me. Till tomorrow and next weeks weigh-in.
So last night the wife and I went out to a friends for dinner and it was great. I did mention earlier in the week that the fiend has been following the blog and very supportive. She even traded e-mail with my wife about any concerns for my diet with the dinner. Well she took it into consideration alright. Dinner started with a nice salad with light dressing followed by a very tasty vegetarian lasagna. This lasagna tasted so good, you couldn't tell their was no meat to the dish at all. By the way, she really can't cook so you purchased the lasagna at M&M Meat shops. In the end, I drank bottled water all night, had a great meal with a fantastic supportive friend. You really can't ask for a better night out than that. We didn't end up leaving until just after 3:00 am.
I'm going to take a side bar moment here right now. Since I started this process, I was looking for a form of support to keep me motivated though this lifestyle change I've embarked on. In the last 2 weeks I have received message in many diffident forms supporting my initiative. Several people have even called me an inspiration. It is very important for me to communicate with all of you that this process and your support has been my inspiration. Every day people try to do what I'm doing now. Many fail and many succeed for a whole lot of different reasons. My success now is because I'm in the right place at the right time with the support of great people. It's important to me that you all know this. Too my friend from dinner last night, you are an old and dear friend that we love and regard as family. The life style changes that you have under gone over the last year are truly an inspiration to the people around you and your children. I am privileged and honored to call you a friend.
Side bar complete. So I guess everyone is wondering how I did this week. Guess, just one guess. Am I up, down or flat for the week. After all last week was a big jump. I am happy to say that the weight loss has continued. I started this venture starting at 297lbs. Last week I was down to 284lbs, a 13lbs difference and today I'm at 280.5Lbs. That's an additional 3.5lbs. I have to say, if any one told me I would loss 16.5lbs in the first 2 weeks I would have told them they were nuts!!! I've tried dieting before and working out at the gym with a trainer and never had these results before. As I ranted about earlier in the week though, I was always working to someone else's goals. Everybody has their own motives and it's not really to see me lost all the weight fast and move on. It's to control the process and keep a client for as long as possible. After years of struggling with this I feel that is the true motivation. Well anyway no rant today, only a pat on the back and a plan for the week ahead. One day at a time, one week at a time, 1 pound at a time. In the end I will not only have lost the weight but regained some control over my health. That's the real prize, being health and around to see my kids grow up to great parents and me as a fantastic grandparent. Below is my weekly picture of the scale, so you can all enjoy this ride with me. Till tomorrow and next weeks weigh-in.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
Saturday, January 22, 2011
First Dinner Out
Happy Saturday everybody,
It's beautifully sunny outside but cold. Yesterday was a good day. I had pizza for dinner. No! not the bad kind. We made fresh low fat pizza's at home for each of us. All the toppings were freshly cut and the pizza dough was low fat. This was not a difficult task at all. The hardest thing about the dinner was not being able to have everyone's individual pizzas ready at the same time. Our oven is just not big enough to hold more than 2 baking pans at a time. Anyway, the recipe is simple,
Individual Pizza"s
I can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (33% less fat)
Fresh veggies to taste
Low fat Mozzarella cheese
1 Can/Jar pizza sauce
Prep:
Cut Veggies, smaller pieces make it easier.
Open crescent roll dough and remove into 4 rectangular shape pieces.Normally you get eight pieces of dough in a triangle shape. Don't separate the triangles. You will end up with 4 little pizza this way. Place on a cookie sheet.
Spoon on pizza sauce, then toppings and cheese.
Place in oven at 375F for approx. 15 minutes.
When ready you will have a very light pizza. The dough is not heavy at all. In fact is is a light as a crescent roll. it does at a bit of a sweet taste to the pizza but good. Don't be fooled by the size either, most can only eat one.
Today and tonight are my first real day's out since starting this lifestyle change. I am still a bit worried that I will do well. I know that most diets even the PeopleSpark one I am on say: Every now and then you can treat yourself. They also say to keep it in moderation. Like the change I am under going now, I have a tendency to go full steam with something. In the past, treating myself would mean that I would go full bore. Today's challenge is to treat myself while I'm out moderately. Not an easy task for someone like me. The fear is that you are going to enjoy this time and come to wonder why you are depriving yourself of many of the thins that you really enjoyed. You know the things that you cut out are no good for you but they taste so very very good. That's the kind of thinking that got you to this place after all. In the end I will be o.k. because I know better what it is I am trying to accomplish. I am the one in control of the process and the pace. It's not like if I cheated and then had to go back to the gym and tell the trainer,"oh no, I stuck my diet over the weekend". We have all done that in the past. That's why the process really didn't work before,because when we lied to others we wanted to believe those lies as well. They were never able to truly call us out on it, so it was easy to do again and again ending in failure. Now I have no one to lie too, no one to play games with at all. It's just me and I always know when I'm going t lie. So enjoy myself, keep it in moderation and stick to the plan. That's all I can do. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. In the mean time:
Thanx,
Looper
It's beautifully sunny outside but cold. Yesterday was a good day. I had pizza for dinner. No! not the bad kind. We made fresh low fat pizza's at home for each of us. All the toppings were freshly cut and the pizza dough was low fat. This was not a difficult task at all. The hardest thing about the dinner was not being able to have everyone's individual pizzas ready at the same time. Our oven is just not big enough to hold more than 2 baking pans at a time. Anyway, the recipe is simple,
Individual Pizza"s
I can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (33% less fat)
Fresh veggies to taste
Low fat Mozzarella cheese
1 Can/Jar pizza sauce
Prep:
Cut Veggies, smaller pieces make it easier.
Open crescent roll dough and remove into 4 rectangular shape pieces.Normally you get eight pieces of dough in a triangle shape. Don't separate the triangles. You will end up with 4 little pizza this way. Place on a cookie sheet.
Spoon on pizza sauce, then toppings and cheese.
Place in oven at 375F for approx. 15 minutes.
When ready you will have a very light pizza. The dough is not heavy at all. In fact is is a light as a crescent roll. it does at a bit of a sweet taste to the pizza but good. Don't be fooled by the size either, most can only eat one.
Today and tonight are my first real day's out since starting this lifestyle change. I am still a bit worried that I will do well. I know that most diets even the PeopleSpark one I am on say: Every now and then you can treat yourself. They also say to keep it in moderation. Like the change I am under going now, I have a tendency to go full steam with something. In the past, treating myself would mean that I would go full bore. Today's challenge is to treat myself while I'm out moderately. Not an easy task for someone like me. The fear is that you are going to enjoy this time and come to wonder why you are depriving yourself of many of the thins that you really enjoyed. You know the things that you cut out are no good for you but they taste so very very good. That's the kind of thinking that got you to this place after all. In the end I will be o.k. because I know better what it is I am trying to accomplish. I am the one in control of the process and the pace. It's not like if I cheated and then had to go back to the gym and tell the trainer,"oh no, I stuck my diet over the weekend". We have all done that in the past. That's why the process really didn't work before,because when we lied to others we wanted to believe those lies as well. They were never able to truly call us out on it, so it was easy to do again and again ending in failure. Now I have no one to lie too, no one to play games with at all. It's just me and I always know when I'm going t lie. So enjoy myself, keep it in moderation and stick to the plan. That's all I can do. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. In the mean time:
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
Friday, January 21, 2011
TGIF
Hi All,
O.K. who am I kidding? It doesn't matter to me if it Friday, Monday or any other day of the week. My day's are all filled in the same. Seven days a week I'm looking for work and working on my life style change. All this effort in itself feels like a job. I mean, I spend hours a day either taking sessions with a job coach and looking for work and every other waking hour of the day thinking about how to eat, exercise and stay strong. This is actually more work that a job. Too bad I can't get paid for all this effort.
Alright, after yesterday no one deserves another rant for the week so I'll keep today's post short. Yesterday was a good day, all went well and according to plan. I stayed in my program plan and there were no real problems or issues that arose. It was a really good day.
My real challenge will come this weekend. My wife and I have been invited to a friends house for dinner. This is certainly different than previous challenges. Either I'm at home or maybe a restaurant and under both conditions I'm in control of my choices and to some degree the environment. The real questions here come up because I'm really not in control. Not of anything, the meal, the drinks, etc. I know I can limit the quantities I eat and always drink water but one never wants to insult the hostess. I am sure that in the end I'll do fine, after I am already thinking abut it. Maybe I'm even putting to much though into it all.
Here is an interesting fact about the whole dinner out experience for tomorrow. Our friend, the one who invited us for dinner does follow along with my blog. You know who you are! Yesterday, she and my wife were exchanging emails confirming dinner for Saturday night. Somewhere in the exchange she asked if there was anything she could consider when putting the meal together that might be good for me and my life style change. WoW!!! This was something I never expected. It's still a challenge day to day getting the family on board and this is from outside that immediate circle. Could it be that writing all this down is effecting others as well as myself. It certainly shows me that you can get support from anywhere. I don't know why this is such a surprise to me. To begin with she's been a great supportive friend for over 20+ years. Perhaps we should all look outside our immediate circle (family) for that support. This course I have been taking to find work talks about Networking and how to do it. In the program we discuss that you look to everyone you know to help find a job because people want to help each but just don't know how. The solution is tell them how and if they can they will. Could it be that simple for the other things in our lives like a lifestyle change. Do we just tell everyone how they can help us and if they can they will. Do we expand our circle of influence to include them? After all the hardest thing to do is ask for help. Most people don't like asking for help. If we all just consider the end results and not our egos, we might all just reach our goals in everything we do.
I guess I was wrong, It's not going to be a short post after all. I promise this is the end.
O.K. who am I kidding? It doesn't matter to me if it Friday, Monday or any other day of the week. My day's are all filled in the same. Seven days a week I'm looking for work and working on my life style change. All this effort in itself feels like a job. I mean, I spend hours a day either taking sessions with a job coach and looking for work and every other waking hour of the day thinking about how to eat, exercise and stay strong. This is actually more work that a job. Too bad I can't get paid for all this effort.
Alright, after yesterday no one deserves another rant for the week so I'll keep today's post short. Yesterday was a good day, all went well and according to plan. I stayed in my program plan and there were no real problems or issues that arose. It was a really good day.
My real challenge will come this weekend. My wife and I have been invited to a friends house for dinner. This is certainly different than previous challenges. Either I'm at home or maybe a restaurant and under both conditions I'm in control of my choices and to some degree the environment. The real questions here come up because I'm really not in control. Not of anything, the meal, the drinks, etc. I know I can limit the quantities I eat and always drink water but one never wants to insult the hostess. I am sure that in the end I'll do fine, after I am already thinking abut it. Maybe I'm even putting to much though into it all.
Here is an interesting fact about the whole dinner out experience for tomorrow. Our friend, the one who invited us for dinner does follow along with my blog. You know who you are! Yesterday, she and my wife were exchanging emails confirming dinner for Saturday night. Somewhere in the exchange she asked if there was anything she could consider when putting the meal together that might be good for me and my life style change. WoW!!! This was something I never expected. It's still a challenge day to day getting the family on board and this is from outside that immediate circle. Could it be that writing all this down is effecting others as well as myself. It certainly shows me that you can get support from anywhere. I don't know why this is such a surprise to me. To begin with she's been a great supportive friend for over 20+ years. Perhaps we should all look outside our immediate circle (family) for that support. This course I have been taking to find work talks about Networking and how to do it. In the program we discuss that you look to everyone you know to help find a job because people want to help each but just don't know how. The solution is tell them how and if they can they will. Could it be that simple for the other things in our lives like a lifestyle change. Do we just tell everyone how they can help us and if they can they will. Do we expand our circle of influence to include them? After all the hardest thing to do is ask for help. Most people don't like asking for help. If we all just consider the end results and not our egos, we might all just reach our goals in everything we do.
I guess I was wrong, It's not going to be a short post after all. I promise this is the end.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Have a great weekend everyone,
Looper
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Coaching Association of Canada | Share on LinkedIn
Here is a good article on protein and it's use. It relates quite well to some of the things I was speaking about earlier today in my blog. Hope it helps.
Looper.
Back on Track
Happy Thursday Everyone,
Today is the day I get back on track with my schedule. This way when I get that great new job I'm ready for it. The start of the day has gone well. I got up with a little help from my wife and mother in-law and began to set things in motion. I've had my breakfast, I'm planning lunch and dinner's already wrapped up. I guess that's it then. No, I still need to get off my ass and get more active. Running in and out to a job search group is o.k. but not enough. I have started doing the exercises off the SparkPeople site but I've not been consistent enough.
I have been doing little extras like parking farther away from the building when I go to the group and using the stairs more often. Not all the time though. The group is on the fourth floor and sometimes I don't feel i have the energy to do it. I do always take the stairs down and that's a start. These are all little changes and one at a time but I think that's what's making it so easy this time.
In the past I would be guilty like others of wanting to do everything at once. Last time I saw a nutritionist, joined a gym, hired a personal trainer and went at it full steam ahead. At great expense mind. Six months in found myself cheating on the diet from the nutritionist and looking for answers at the gym with the trainer. Who then discussed my progress with another trainer an both decided i needed to be on protein shakes. So I bought into that also. In the end, six months had passed and I lost 5 pounds and $2800.00. That's $560.00 a pound, net result. I don't know if that's the worst result ever but I challenge anyone to show me one. Now I think you all know why this time I want to do it all "gratis". The information is all out there, you just need to be willing to sift through all of it and find what works for you. So far I'm happy with my choices. They do start out slow but you know what they say; "Slow and steady win the race". And that's what I feel is working for me this time, I'm setting the pace with how I introduce the different elements to the lifestyle change. Their not being dictated to me. Every Trainer, Dietitian, Nutritionist knows what do day to loss weight but do they all know how to effect a proper life style change or do they just push you. The end result being you show progress while working with them but it's not really sustainable. The progress just keeps you working with them and shelling out more cash. When the weight is gone along with the money, so are they. That's when we lose control because we never really had it to begin with. We gave it to them. After all we do live in a society that's looking for results and results now. We really aren't trained enough to look at progress with long term results. Where is the school that teaches us all that philosophy. If trainers, dietitians and nutritionist had this as the core of their programs we would probably more successful and not be prone to relapse so often.
I just stopped to review what I'm writing today and realized it sounds a bit like a rant. Who cares, maybe I'm wrong maybe I'm right. Who really knows. All I know is that I don't believe their is a cookie cutter answer for everyone. And we need to stop looking for answers in the same place all the time. Change it up, try something different until you find what works for you. Don't just give for a period of time and then start the same process over again. You know the definition of insanity, "Doing the same thing over and over again expect a different result!".
Writing down my thoughts in a journal format like this really does help. It helps me express what I'm feeling, gives me an outlet and it keeps me honest with myself. It's a lot easier to fool or lie to yourself when their is no record of it. The writing process works like water flowing, It just moves when your doing it.I think that if I were to write this blob only once a week I would have to much time to forget or convince myself that every day I'm doing good. When probably I'm not. This way my thoughts and actions are in real time and I can work with that. I guess that's it for today.
Today is the day I get back on track with my schedule. This way when I get that great new job I'm ready for it. The start of the day has gone well. I got up with a little help from my wife and mother in-law and began to set things in motion. I've had my breakfast, I'm planning lunch and dinner's already wrapped up. I guess that's it then. No, I still need to get off my ass and get more active. Running in and out to a job search group is o.k. but not enough. I have started doing the exercises off the SparkPeople site but I've not been consistent enough.
I have been doing little extras like parking farther away from the building when I go to the group and using the stairs more often. Not all the time though. The group is on the fourth floor and sometimes I don't feel i have the energy to do it. I do always take the stairs down and that's a start. These are all little changes and one at a time but I think that's what's making it so easy this time.
In the past I would be guilty like others of wanting to do everything at once. Last time I saw a nutritionist, joined a gym, hired a personal trainer and went at it full steam ahead. At great expense mind. Six months in found myself cheating on the diet from the nutritionist and looking for answers at the gym with the trainer. Who then discussed my progress with another trainer an both decided i needed to be on protein shakes. So I bought into that also. In the end, six months had passed and I lost 5 pounds and $2800.00. That's $560.00 a pound, net result. I don't know if that's the worst result ever but I challenge anyone to show me one. Now I think you all know why this time I want to do it all "gratis". The information is all out there, you just need to be willing to sift through all of it and find what works for you. So far I'm happy with my choices. They do start out slow but you know what they say; "Slow and steady win the race". And that's what I feel is working for me this time, I'm setting the pace with how I introduce the different elements to the lifestyle change. Their not being dictated to me. Every Trainer, Dietitian, Nutritionist knows what do day to loss weight but do they all know how to effect a proper life style change or do they just push you. The end result being you show progress while working with them but it's not really sustainable. The progress just keeps you working with them and shelling out more cash. When the weight is gone along with the money, so are they. That's when we lose control because we never really had it to begin with. We gave it to them. After all we do live in a society that's looking for results and results now. We really aren't trained enough to look at progress with long term results. Where is the school that teaches us all that philosophy. If trainers, dietitians and nutritionist had this as the core of their programs we would probably more successful and not be prone to relapse so often.
I just stopped to review what I'm writing today and realized it sounds a bit like a rant. Who cares, maybe I'm wrong maybe I'm right. Who really knows. All I know is that I don't believe their is a cookie cutter answer for everyone. And we need to stop looking for answers in the same place all the time. Change it up, try something different until you find what works for you. Don't just give for a period of time and then start the same process over again. You know the definition of insanity, "Doing the same thing over and over again expect a different result!".
Writing down my thoughts in a journal format like this really does help. It helps me express what I'm feeling, gives me an outlet and it keeps me honest with myself. It's a lot easier to fool or lie to yourself when their is no record of it. The writing process works like water flowing, It just moves when your doing it.I think that if I were to write this blob only once a week I would have to much time to forget or convince myself that every day I'm doing good. When probably I'm not. This way my thoughts and actions are in real time and I can work with that. I guess that's it for today.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Late Start
Hi all,
Happy Wednesday! Sorry about the late start today. I know that I have mentioned that I am actively search for a new job and today is one of those day's were I take a seminar and work with a coach. I know this has nothing to do with my weight lose program. WRONG!!!, of course it does. It presents me with new challenges like today. So today I got up, got ready and headed out to the program. Doesn't seem that bad, except for the fact that I have been out of work for a year now and getting up earlier and preparing a proper meal for breakfast and lunch is not something I am accustomed. Usually I get up around 10:00 am. and have all day to plan my meals and execute them. Needless to say I got up at the last minute, got ready and ran out the door. This left me with no time to eat or prepare a lunch. What to do now, do I return to my bad habits and stop by McD's and get a breakfast muffin with sausage. Follow up by a Big Mac for lunch. No, I didn't do it. I stayed strong and stayed away from those kinds of places. Instead I did eat all. From the time I got up till 3:00 pm all I had was water and lots of it. This too is obviously not the answer. The answer is to get myself ready now before I start that new job I'm going to find so that when the day comes I'm prepared. So that's the plan over the next couple of weeks, get ready for when I return to the working masses and stick to the diet.
Some good news today to share: Every day now I need to be business professional and that means pulling out the close I haven't worn in a year. Well much to my surprise I wore a pair of pants today that didn't fit me last year. They had been in the closet for probably 2 years because they didn't fit. Now they do!!!!!!!
What better motivator can there be? Weekly you get on a scale and weigh yourself and hope for progress but to actually see the progress in a practical way is amazing. I know this is probably a little shallow because the obvious benefits are truly to you Health and Well Being. I say any positive should be shouted from the roof tops. After all it's about keeping me true to the program and myself. That's it for today, remember
Happy Wednesday! Sorry about the late start today. I know that I have mentioned that I am actively search for a new job and today is one of those day's were I take a seminar and work with a coach. I know this has nothing to do with my weight lose program. WRONG!!!, of course it does. It presents me with new challenges like today. So today I got up, got ready and headed out to the program. Doesn't seem that bad, except for the fact that I have been out of work for a year now and getting up earlier and preparing a proper meal for breakfast and lunch is not something I am accustomed. Usually I get up around 10:00 am. and have all day to plan my meals and execute them. Needless to say I got up at the last minute, got ready and ran out the door. This left me with no time to eat or prepare a lunch. What to do now, do I return to my bad habits and stop by McD's and get a breakfast muffin with sausage. Follow up by a Big Mac for lunch. No, I didn't do it. I stayed strong and stayed away from those kinds of places. Instead I did eat all. From the time I got up till 3:00 pm all I had was water and lots of it. This too is obviously not the answer. The answer is to get myself ready now before I start that new job I'm going to find so that when the day comes I'm prepared. So that's the plan over the next couple of weeks, get ready for when I return to the working masses and stick to the diet.
Some good news today to share: Every day now I need to be business professional and that means pulling out the close I haven't worn in a year. Well much to my surprise I wore a pair of pants today that didn't fit me last year. They had been in the closet for probably 2 years because they didn't fit. Now they do!!!!!!!
What better motivator can there be? Weekly you get on a scale and weigh yourself and hope for progress but to actually see the progress in a practical way is amazing. I know this is probably a little shallow because the obvious benefits are truly to you Health and Well Being. I say any positive should be shouted from the roof tops. After all it's about keeping me true to the program and myself. That's it for today, remember
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 13 - January 18th
Happy Tuesday everyone,
I wasn't feeling very well yesterday and so only had one meal for the entire day. I spent the day taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. 8 glasses a day is the required amount according to my plan. most day's I get to about half of that or slightly better. Mind you I am drinking very large Guinness glasses of water. Each glass is 14 oz and that is a lot of water. As you can imagine I have been making more frequent trips to the rest room. Last night was incredible, couldn't stop going. I would just get back in bed and I'd have to go again. This went on until at least 2:00 am. Today I'm more tired that hungry. I have thought about trying those flavored waters but when you check the labels the contain calories and sugar. We all know now that sugar is the enemy.
I would like to take the time today and introduce you to another website that I have found with plenty of good diet tips. The site is the Denise Austin's Diet and Exercise Plan. I didn't join the full site because it is a pay site after all and I'm doing this whole journey on the cheap (free). However, you can sign up for the daily newsletter. The information I have received has been helpful. Articles like the sample below have made for interesting reading during my research.
What does Organic Mean?
I wasn't feeling very well yesterday and so only had one meal for the entire day. I spent the day taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. 8 glasses a day is the required amount according to my plan. most day's I get to about half of that or slightly better. Mind you I am drinking very large Guinness glasses of water. Each glass is 14 oz and that is a lot of water. As you can imagine I have been making more frequent trips to the rest room. Last night was incredible, couldn't stop going. I would just get back in bed and I'd have to go again. This went on until at least 2:00 am. Today I'm more tired that hungry. I have thought about trying those flavored waters but when you check the labels the contain calories and sugar. We all know now that sugar is the enemy.
I would like to take the time today and introduce you to another website that I have found with plenty of good diet tips. The site is the Denise Austin's Diet and Exercise Plan. I didn't join the full site because it is a pay site after all and I'm doing this whole journey on the cheap (free). However, you can sign up for the daily newsletter. The information I have received has been helpful. Articles like the sample below have made for interesting reading during my research.
What does Organic Mean?
There is so much buzz these days about the origins of food — where it's from and how it was farmed. Because it's important to eat the healthiest, safest food possible, you're doing a great thing for yourself and your family by making careful choices! I recommend that you eat organic as much as possible — but the labels that proclaim foods to be organic vary.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
If you've ever bought organic produce or meat, you've probably seen stickers on the packaging. Here's a quick guide to help you understand what's on these labels!
- USDA Organic or 100% USDA Organic: This is the gold standard in the United States for organic certification. Anything bearing the USDA Organic label was made with at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients, the 100 percent USDA Organic label is reserved for foods that are entirely organic — meaning they were produced without hormones, pesticides, or other dangerous chemicals. Now, that's responsible shopping!
- Certified Naturally Grown: This label is used by smaller farms that adhere to the USDA guidelines for organic food. Foods marked this way are usually only sold locally.
- All Natural: Take this food label with a grain of salt. In fact, you might want to take the whole shaker! The United States has yet to officially define the term "natural," so it can be used whatever way the food manufacturer wants!
Interesting as this information is, it only applies to foods in the U.S.. I can not assume that imported items into Canada from the U.S. even meet these standards. As a matter of fact I have yet to find online what the standard is in Canada. If anyone knows of a link or the details to Canada's guidelines please share them. I would gladly post them here. Please note that the article above is only a snippet from the Newsletter on January 5th, 2011 and protected under copyright.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 13 - January 17th
Hi All,
First I would like to thank everyone here and on "FB" for all the positive words of encouragement yesterday. I think the first week getting used to a diet..no wait a life style change. After all, if all you ever ate was junk before and now you are learning to eat better, it's more a life style change. This can be one of the hardest thinks to do. I'm not a smoker and never was but I have been very critical in the past of smokers. I mean what does it really take to quite? I would tell people all the time just put it down, get rid of what you have and don't buy anymore. It should be as easy as that. The usual response is it's addictive, It's habitual, it's just not that easy to stop. I'm beginning to understand what they were going through. I know bad eating does not have the additive properties as smoking. How do we know that to be true? Over the past week I have certainly had to struggle with the habitual part of eating better. Always wanting those between meal snacks or the last one before bed. Let's face it those snacks aren't celery and carrot sticks I was craving either. There has be be something to the types of foods we carve. I feel I now have a slightly better understanding of what others go through when quitting something.
You would think that after yesterday's high I would be feeling amazing today. That's not the case. It doesn't have anything to do with the diet. Last night I started that warm feeling and ache you get when you are starting to feel sick. I'm not full out sick yet but I don't feel right and had a terrible evening sleeping, so today I just feel off. My fear is I do have a tendency to get sick often since I have a compromised immune system. I know with everything else I have already you about be, what else could be wrong? When I was 12 I had an accident an was seriously injured. My spleen was ruptured and removed. This leaves you with a weaker immune system. I am supposed to take shots to protect me from illnesses like pneumonia. However, over the years I have met others with the same problem and they have had the shots. Both of those people died in their thirties from pneumonia. I would much rather get sick more often and just bear through it. When I don't feel well I have a tendency not to eat much of anything. How will this effect the life style change that I am on. I mean I will probably not be sticking to a structured meal plan. When I'm sick I can't eat. Will I continue to lose weight or when I start back feeling better will I gain. I know that's the usual process when I ate poorly.
I guess I'll just have to hang in one day at a time and see how it goes. The real benefit is that I know as soon as I feel better the first thing I reach for doesn't have to be a big juicy burger.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
First I would like to thank everyone here and on "FB" for all the positive words of encouragement yesterday. I think the first week getting used to a diet..no wait a life style change. After all, if all you ever ate was junk before and now you are learning to eat better, it's more a life style change. This can be one of the hardest thinks to do. I'm not a smoker and never was but I have been very critical in the past of smokers. I mean what does it really take to quite? I would tell people all the time just put it down, get rid of what you have and don't buy anymore. It should be as easy as that. The usual response is it's addictive, It's habitual, it's just not that easy to stop. I'm beginning to understand what they were going through. I know bad eating does not have the additive properties as smoking. How do we know that to be true? Over the past week I have certainly had to struggle with the habitual part of eating better. Always wanting those between meal snacks or the last one before bed. Let's face it those snacks aren't celery and carrot sticks I was craving either. There has be be something to the types of foods we carve. I feel I now have a slightly better understanding of what others go through when quitting something.
You would think that after yesterday's high I would be feeling amazing today. That's not the case. It doesn't have anything to do with the diet. Last night I started that warm feeling and ache you get when you are starting to feel sick. I'm not full out sick yet but I don't feel right and had a terrible evening sleeping, so today I just feel off. My fear is I do have a tendency to get sick often since I have a compromised immune system. I know with everything else I have already you about be, what else could be wrong? When I was 12 I had an accident an was seriously injured. My spleen was ruptured and removed. This leaves you with a weaker immune system. I am supposed to take shots to protect me from illnesses like pneumonia. However, over the years I have met others with the same problem and they have had the shots. Both of those people died in their thirties from pneumonia. I would much rather get sick more often and just bear through it. When I don't feel well I have a tendency not to eat much of anything. How will this effect the life style change that I am on. I mean I will probably not be sticking to a structured meal plan. When I'm sick I can't eat. Will I continue to lose weight or when I start back feeling better will I gain. I know that's the usual process when I ate poorly.
I guess I'll just have to hang in one day at a time and see how it goes. The real benefit is that I know as soon as I feel better the first thing I reach for doesn't have to be a big juicy burger.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goals.
Thanx,
Looper
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Day 12 - January 16,11
Good Morning Sunday,
So today is the day. The first weigh in. I am a little nervous, did I do well or not. First how about last night. Well, it went extremely good. As usual I needed to make a dinner substitution and the PeopleSpark.com website had some amazing recipes to chose from. I made an easy beef skillet over rice and it was good. It's funny to watch me cook these day's. It's like watching a cooking show. First I select the meal, then I pull out all of the ingredients and finally a full series of measuring cups and bowls. Then I measure out all the ingredients and place them in the small bowls on the counter. You know, like when you watch a cooking show and the chef has all the ingredients in little bowls, even the spices. Then I proceed to follow the directions step by step. First adding this then adding a little of that, mixing it up completely. I even take the time once in awhile to watch some of the online videos showing how to properly prepare the ingredients. It is funny to watch me but it's a whole bunch of fun. Anyway, tonight it's Pineapple glazed pork tenderloin. Yummy!
O.K., so to the news was I successful or not on this first week. First I have to assume a slight difference in the scales used to start me off. The original one used to determine my starting weight was the scale in my Doctors office. Additionally he took my weight just before Christmas. He clocked me in at a whopping 297lbs if you recall from day 1 of my blog. I started last week with that number because I didn't have a scale yet and there was no way I lost weight over the holiday's. all that food is to tempting. Turkey and stuffing everywhere and the left overs en mass!. Now I have a scale at home, my wife found it in the garage. I was under the impression that is was tossed in the garbage. Anyway, it's an IKEA scale for the home and I'm certain it is not as accurate as the doctors. I next see the doctor on February 25th for a follow up and will get a new base line to match with my scale. Having got that all out of the way, I know you are probably suspecting that I didn't lose much or any at all. Well just check out the picture below for the answer.
So today is the day. The first weigh in. I am a little nervous, did I do well or not. First how about last night. Well, it went extremely good. As usual I needed to make a dinner substitution and the PeopleSpark.com website had some amazing recipes to chose from. I made an easy beef skillet over rice and it was good. It's funny to watch me cook these day's. It's like watching a cooking show. First I select the meal, then I pull out all of the ingredients and finally a full series of measuring cups and bowls. Then I measure out all the ingredients and place them in the small bowls on the counter. You know, like when you watch a cooking show and the chef has all the ingredients in little bowls, even the spices. Then I proceed to follow the directions step by step. First adding this then adding a little of that, mixing it up completely. I even take the time once in awhile to watch some of the online videos showing how to properly prepare the ingredients. It is funny to watch me but it's a whole bunch of fun. Anyway, tonight it's Pineapple glazed pork tenderloin. Yummy!
O.K., so to the news was I successful or not on this first week. First I have to assume a slight difference in the scales used to start me off. The original one used to determine my starting weight was the scale in my Doctors office. Additionally he took my weight just before Christmas. He clocked me in at a whopping 297lbs if you recall from day 1 of my blog. I started last week with that number because I didn't have a scale yet and there was no way I lost weight over the holiday's. all that food is to tempting. Turkey and stuffing everywhere and the left overs en mass!. Now I have a scale at home, my wife found it in the garage. I was under the impression that is was tossed in the garbage. Anyway, it's an IKEA scale for the home and I'm certain it is not as accurate as the doctors. I next see the doctor on February 25th for a follow up and will get a new base line to match with my scale. Having got that all out of the way, I know you are probably suspecting that I didn't lose much or any at all. Well just check out the picture below for the answer.
Those are my feet and that does say 284 lbs. That's a loss of 13 lbs. I know I can't believe it either. I know the whole scale difference thing is still there and the holiday's but I can't take this as anything but positive. Anyway you slice it I have lost some weight and I can't be happier. This is the kind of motivation that just keeps you moving forward. So next week I need to see improvement from the 284. Even if the two scales are slightly off each other, next week will confirm positive movement. That's it for me today and remember
Have a good one, Keep strong and don't let little set backs keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Day 11, January 15,11
Happy Saturday,
One day closer to finishing my first week. I'm a little anxious about getting on the scale tomorrow morning. Did I lose any weight, if so how much, if not why and what am I doing wrong. I need to resist the temptation to get on the scale early cause if I do it now, I'll do it each week. That can be a real De-motivator. To keep my spirits up lets review yesterday.
Yesterday was a good day. No major problems with the diet or the family for that matter. The biggest problem I had yesterday was that I had a hard time reaching any of my goals but sodium. Every day I have a target for:
Calories: 1900 -2290
Protein: 60 - 192
Carbs: 246 - 356
Fat: 49 - 85
Sodium: 0 - 2300
Potassium: 4500 - 6000
Calcium: 120 - 200
Magnesium: 80 - 175
Most day's I'm way under my target ranges except for sodium. I don't believe that to be a good thing either. Some of the toughest to reach are the Magnesium and Sodium. Sodium is difficult because even if I don't put any salt on my food, I am running over anyways. This tells me that allot of the foods we eat are rich in sodium. I mean I am eating according to the diet plan and still exceeding the target regularly. Proof enough that we should never be putting salt on our food. Boy, would my cardiologist be happy to hear me say something like that to him and all his other patience. As for Magnesium, I never get up close enough to the target. It is a tough one. The only suggestion the website has to reach this target is to try more organic foods as they have been found to have up to 100% more magnesium. Guess I'll have to find a got organic food store somewhere out here in the west island of Montreal. If anyone has a suggestion, I'm up for it.
As for those how might have been waiting to see if I messed up 2 dinners in a row, well you will be disappointed today. Last nights dinner went well. I made a Caesar Pasta Salad for dinner and it was good. O.K., not perfect. The recipe called for 3 cups of bow tie pasta and since I didn't have any I used macaroni.
How was I supposed to know the 3 cups of one doesn't equal 3 cups of the other. Those of you who know by now have realized that there was way to much pasta for the salad. The ratio of pasta to greens was way off but it was still good. Hey, I've got a whole year to get this stuff right. Anyway I'll see you all tomorrow when I post my first weeks results, until then:
Have good one, Keep strong and don't let setback keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
One day closer to finishing my first week. I'm a little anxious about getting on the scale tomorrow morning. Did I lose any weight, if so how much, if not why and what am I doing wrong. I need to resist the temptation to get on the scale early cause if I do it now, I'll do it each week. That can be a real De-motivator. To keep my spirits up lets review yesterday.
Yesterday was a good day. No major problems with the diet or the family for that matter. The biggest problem I had yesterday was that I had a hard time reaching any of my goals but sodium. Every day I have a target for:
Calories: 1900 -2290
Protein: 60 - 192
Carbs: 246 - 356
Fat: 49 - 85
Sodium: 0 - 2300
Potassium: 4500 - 6000
Calcium: 120 - 200
Magnesium: 80 - 175
Most day's I'm way under my target ranges except for sodium. I don't believe that to be a good thing either. Some of the toughest to reach are the Magnesium and Sodium. Sodium is difficult because even if I don't put any salt on my food, I am running over anyways. This tells me that allot of the foods we eat are rich in sodium. I mean I am eating according to the diet plan and still exceeding the target regularly. Proof enough that we should never be putting salt on our food. Boy, would my cardiologist be happy to hear me say something like that to him and all his other patience. As for Magnesium, I never get up close enough to the target. It is a tough one. The only suggestion the website has to reach this target is to try more organic foods as they have been found to have up to 100% more magnesium. Guess I'll have to find a got organic food store somewhere out here in the west island of Montreal. If anyone has a suggestion, I'm up for it.
As for those how might have been waiting to see if I messed up 2 dinners in a row, well you will be disappointed today. Last nights dinner went well. I made a Caesar Pasta Salad for dinner and it was good. O.K., not perfect. The recipe called for 3 cups of bow tie pasta and since I didn't have any I used macaroni.
How was I supposed to know the 3 cups of one doesn't equal 3 cups of the other. Those of you who know by now have realized that there was way to much pasta for the salad. The ratio of pasta to greens was way off but it was still good. Hey, I've got a whole year to get this stuff right. Anyway I'll see you all tomorrow when I post my first weeks results, until then:
Have good one, Keep strong and don't let setback keep you from your goal!
Thanx,
Looper
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day 10 - January 14,11
Hello Friday,
Only today and tomorrow and I could say that I have been on a diet program for a solid week. That's a record for me as I usually cheat in some way by now. Even earlier in the week, my wife came home with some of the standard junk supplies we like to keep around. Chocolate and not the good kind, O'Henry bars, Aero bars, etc.. The kids each had one and then they tempted me. Tempted in a sideways attempt. The kids would ask if they could have my O'Henry. They expected me to say, "No, I'll eat it later". This was after all my usual response. Not this week, I said,"Go ahead take it and share with your sister". This prompted several responses from my son, all of which were, "are you sure"?. Much to his surprise my answer was always the same. To most people that probably doesn't sound like much. To me it's like giving up air. You have no idea how much I wanted to say, "NO!!!" and eat that chocolate bar myself. Hell, just righting this down makes me want to go get one. I will not and that's that. I stayed strong and intend on keeping it that way. I think I'm going to give myself a pat on the back. Now that felt good.
Too yesterday! Not every day will go great or fantastic or even smooth. I have figured this out this week and yesterday was one of those lessons. I've taken great pleasure out of participating in the meal planning and preparation this past week. Last night was defiantly the exception to this rule. For dinner we were to have a nice cube steak, slightly browned on each side then cooked in its own sauce in the skillet with onions and pepper. Did I ever **ck this up. I had no trouble flouring the meat and browning. The gravy however was a nightmare. It wouldn't color bark as it was supposed too and getting it to thicken with the water and flour was a joke. In the end the gravy was an ugly thick grey color with bits of onion and the meat was over cooked with absolutely no flavor at all. The family all ate it, I think just be be nice but i couldn't. I cut it up and fed it to the dogs. I have to say their palette is less sensitive than mine. They ate it all up. I think even the cats were at the dogs dishes eating some. I guess I can't get it right all the time. Several of the dishes this week everyone really like and we filed away the recipes for another day. All is not lost, just 1 dinner.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Only today and tomorrow and I could say that I have been on a diet program for a solid week. That's a record for me as I usually cheat in some way by now. Even earlier in the week, my wife came home with some of the standard junk supplies we like to keep around. Chocolate and not the good kind, O'Henry bars, Aero bars, etc.. The kids each had one and then they tempted me. Tempted in a sideways attempt. The kids would ask if they could have my O'Henry. They expected me to say, "No, I'll eat it later". This was after all my usual response. Not this week, I said,"Go ahead take it and share with your sister". This prompted several responses from my son, all of which were, "are you sure"?. Much to his surprise my answer was always the same. To most people that probably doesn't sound like much. To me it's like giving up air. You have no idea how much I wanted to say, "NO!!!" and eat that chocolate bar myself. Hell, just righting this down makes me want to go get one. I will not and that's that. I stayed strong and intend on keeping it that way. I think I'm going to give myself a pat on the back. Now that felt good.
Too yesterday! Not every day will go great or fantastic or even smooth. I have figured this out this week and yesterday was one of those lessons. I've taken great pleasure out of participating in the meal planning and preparation this past week. Last night was defiantly the exception to this rule. For dinner we were to have a nice cube steak, slightly browned on each side then cooked in its own sauce in the skillet with onions and pepper. Did I ever **ck this up. I had no trouble flouring the meat and browning. The gravy however was a nightmare. It wouldn't color bark as it was supposed too and getting it to thicken with the water and flour was a joke. In the end the gravy was an ugly thick grey color with bits of onion and the meat was over cooked with absolutely no flavor at all. The family all ate it, I think just be be nice but i couldn't. I cut it up and fed it to the dogs. I have to say their palette is less sensitive than mine. They ate it all up. I think even the cats were at the dogs dishes eating some. I guess I can't get it right all the time. Several of the dishes this week everyone really like and we filed away the recipes for another day. All is not lost, just 1 dinner.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let setbacks keep you from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 9 - January 13,11
Good day all,
So Yesterday, how did it go? I'd have to say great. A scheduled appointment with the doctor yesterday morning had me a little apprehensive. This was really the first conversation we were to have about the diet. He had suggested quite frequently that I needed to lose weight but offered no real suggestions. After discussing the type of diet I had chosen and that it was free on the site SparkPeople.com, he was very pleased with the steps that I had taken. So much so that he gave me a brand new pedometer from his samples collection. This is a good one because it is programmable. You enter in your Goal for weight lose, your time frame and your current weight and it gives you a daily number of steps you need to take to help burn off enough calories. By the way, did you know that the heavier you actually are certain exercises such as walk can burn off different amounts of calories. This is a great piece of knowledge because it gives people such as myself greater motivation because the simples form of activity can be used to create an early positive. It would be fantastic if I could just join a gym and push myself for 30 - 60 minutes x 3 times a week but lets be realistic. The heavier you are the harder is is, so building up from smaller goals is better. Don't get me wrong, we have all seen shows like the biggest loser but they have allot more behind the scenes that we don't see each week. The network shows us what makes for good T.V. exclusively. All the other people that are assisting them we don't see.
Anyway, back to yesterday. Last night was going to be a test for me and a big one. I think I passed with flying colors. Each year on our birthday, the birthday boy or girl get to have the exclusive rights to decide we we eat for dinner with no arguments from anyone. Since there are 5 of us in this house, this happens 5 times a year. Yesterday was the first for this year and my son likes burger. Not just any burgers, he loves big burgers with 2 patties and bacon. I guess you know where that leaves me......but wait? He chose Wendys' restaurant. Would you believe their are items from Wendys' that I could eat. So I had their chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato. The real challenge can while sitting at the table to eat. while everyone had burgers with fries and a soft drink or chili, I had my chicken burger and a 1/4 portion of chili with a tall glass of water. Sorry I forgot the chili is also allowed. I the end it really wasn't that difficult, most of my numbers for nutrition for the yesterday were in line except for the sodium (a little high) but I am under goal for the week.
Finally if you still aren't sure about the free diet on SparkPeople.com, they have launched their mobile apps for most smart phones. They have one for tracking your goals and a separate one for finding recipes. The good thing about them are, if your on the road and you want to track what you just ate too you daily tracker, you can. It is connected to your online account, so everything is is sync. I tried it today and i think it is going to be extremely helpful in the coming weeks. I just started an new Executive Job search program and I will be pre-occupied going forward. This is a good way for me to keep on track.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks hold you back from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
So Yesterday, how did it go? I'd have to say great. A scheduled appointment with the doctor yesterday morning had me a little apprehensive. This was really the first conversation we were to have about the diet. He had suggested quite frequently that I needed to lose weight but offered no real suggestions. After discussing the type of diet I had chosen and that it was free on the site SparkPeople.com, he was very pleased with the steps that I had taken. So much so that he gave me a brand new pedometer from his samples collection. This is a good one because it is programmable. You enter in your Goal for weight lose, your time frame and your current weight and it gives you a daily number of steps you need to take to help burn off enough calories. By the way, did you know that the heavier you actually are certain exercises such as walk can burn off different amounts of calories. This is a great piece of knowledge because it gives people such as myself greater motivation because the simples form of activity can be used to create an early positive. It would be fantastic if I could just join a gym and push myself for 30 - 60 minutes x 3 times a week but lets be realistic. The heavier you are the harder is is, so building up from smaller goals is better. Don't get me wrong, we have all seen shows like the biggest loser but they have allot more behind the scenes that we don't see each week. The network shows us what makes for good T.V. exclusively. All the other people that are assisting them we don't see.
Anyway, back to yesterday. Last night was going to be a test for me and a big one. I think I passed with flying colors. Each year on our birthday, the birthday boy or girl get to have the exclusive rights to decide we we eat for dinner with no arguments from anyone. Since there are 5 of us in this house, this happens 5 times a year. Yesterday was the first for this year and my son likes burger. Not just any burgers, he loves big burgers with 2 patties and bacon. I guess you know where that leaves me......but wait? He chose Wendys' restaurant. Would you believe their are items from Wendys' that I could eat. So I had their chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato. The real challenge can while sitting at the table to eat. while everyone had burgers with fries and a soft drink or chili, I had my chicken burger and a 1/4 portion of chili with a tall glass of water. Sorry I forgot the chili is also allowed. I the end it really wasn't that difficult, most of my numbers for nutrition for the yesterday were in line except for the sodium (a little high) but I am under goal for the week.
Finally if you still aren't sure about the free diet on SparkPeople.com, they have launched their mobile apps for most smart phones. They have one for tracking your goals and a separate one for finding recipes. The good thing about them are, if your on the road and you want to track what you just ate too you daily tracker, you can. It is connected to your online account, so everything is is sync. I tried it today and i think it is going to be extremely helpful in the coming weeks. I just started an new Executive Job search program and I will be pre-occupied going forward. This is a good way for me to keep on track.
Have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks hold you back from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 8 - January 12,11
Hello Wednesday,
Last night was not a good one. I did stick to the plan but it wasn't easy. Remember the family I told you about, well they put me trough my paces last night. First my wife wasn't happy with the originally planned dinner, No problem the program allows for you to switch. We chose a chicken stir fry. I was looking forward to it. Then late in the day I'm told that we have no chicken, my son won't eat any of the veggies and I need to modify the the cooking process to keep the meat out of the stir fry marinade because of my vegetarian daughter. I have to say I was a little flustered and felt like I was making these great efforts and three day's in I lost the family. It took me about an hour to calm down and re-approach the issue. so I sat down at the computer logged into PeopleSpark.com and started searching through the menu selections for a replacement.
I really wanted to stay with chicken because that was the original meal plan set out by the program. It's not that I don't want to be flexible at all. It's that this is the first week and if I can't keep some semblance of the structure I feel like I've already lost. That's not how I want or need or feel right now. I need to stay strong. So Chicken it was and everyone was satisfied. I know my daughter isn't into meat, so she had a veggie pizza. Staying in control at this point anyways makes me feel like the efforts and sacrifices until now are worth something to me. Man this is tough, I even have to pat myself on the back as this goes on. Who better than me, after all in the end I'm the one who is going to benefit the most.
Off to the doctor today for one of my regular check ups. I'll get the chance to discuss the diet with him. He has been on my back about losing weight. He say's that if I lose the 100 lbs. he will probably be able to take me off the high blood pressure medication. That would be nice. I hate the idea of having to take medication for the rest of my life, as long or short as it might be.
I guess that's all for today, so have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks hold you back from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
p.s.
I'd like to say congrats to my cousin, she recently started weight watchers and a gym and at her first weigh in she's lost 3.6lbs. Keep up the good work!
Last night was not a good one. I did stick to the plan but it wasn't easy. Remember the family I told you about, well they put me trough my paces last night. First my wife wasn't happy with the originally planned dinner, No problem the program allows for you to switch. We chose a chicken stir fry. I was looking forward to it. Then late in the day I'm told that we have no chicken, my son won't eat any of the veggies and I need to modify the the cooking process to keep the meat out of the stir fry marinade because of my vegetarian daughter. I have to say I was a little flustered and felt like I was making these great efforts and three day's in I lost the family. It took me about an hour to calm down and re-approach the issue. so I sat down at the computer logged into PeopleSpark.com and started searching through the menu selections for a replacement.
I really wanted to stay with chicken because that was the original meal plan set out by the program. It's not that I don't want to be flexible at all. It's that this is the first week and if I can't keep some semblance of the structure I feel like I've already lost. That's not how I want or need or feel right now. I need to stay strong. So Chicken it was and everyone was satisfied. I know my daughter isn't into meat, so she had a veggie pizza. Staying in control at this point anyways makes me feel like the efforts and sacrifices until now are worth something to me. Man this is tough, I even have to pat myself on the back as this goes on. Who better than me, after all in the end I'm the one who is going to benefit the most.
Off to the doctor today for one of my regular check ups. I'll get the chance to discuss the diet with him. He has been on my back about losing weight. He say's that if I lose the 100 lbs. he will probably be able to take me off the high blood pressure medication. That would be nice. I hate the idea of having to take medication for the rest of my life, as long or short as it might be.
I guess that's all for today, so have a good one, keep strong and don't let little setbacks hold you back from your goals!
Thanx,
Looper
p.s.
I'd like to say congrats to my cousin, she recently started weight watchers and a gym and at her first weigh in she's lost 3.6lbs. Keep up the good work!
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