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
Saturday, February 12, 2011
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
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