Exercise Log July 31, 2009

Biked 4.5 miles to the Rec Center and back, where I walked 2.5 miles in 45 minutes. Couldn't get much walking speed, but I think that's understandable based on recent activity.

When I first bought my bike in mid-May, this was the plan - to not drive to the gym, which was ironic on so many levels. I tried it the first day I had it (pre-BLP program), and I had to walk it part of the way there, and stop to rest several times on the way back. Today I zipped along, and I ended up walking it a little because I took a wrong turn and ended up going uphill over a damp field, but it was amazing how easily I could do so much more. And that after playing basketball last night for longer than I ever used to be able to. That feels good, very good.

Weigh-In July 31, 2009

I believe I'm the happiest person ever to see the following on the scale:

328.5 pounds

Incremental Loss: 4.1 pounds

Monthly Loss: 11.1 pounds

Total Loss: 32.3 pounds

So many reasons I'm so happy about this. This is the end of July for my purposes - there will probably be no food log today and possibly no weigh-in tomorrow. Exercise logs will continue.

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday deeeear Charles!
You've lost 32.3eeeeeee!

Exercise Log July 30, 2009

Played at least 1.5 hours of basketball. I hurt. But bystanders claim my feet left the floor a few times. Who knew?

Food Log July 30, 2009

Leftover from Yesterday: 1 stolen onion ring at lunch (forgot -sorry about that)

Breakfast: 2 bacon/egg/cheese breakfast tacos

Lunch: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich and 1/2 turkey sandwich from Jason's Deli plus a few potato chips and a few blue corn tortilla chips

Afternoon Snack: a few more chips of each kind and an apple

Dinner: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich from Jason's Deli and a box of raisins

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water and 2 Coke Zeros

Weigh-In July 30, 2009

332.6 pounds

Incremental Loss: 2.3 pounds

Monthly Loss: 7 pounds

Total Loss: 28.2 pounds

Exercise Log July 29, 2009

Walked somewhat over 3 miles with my cousin last night. Planned to work out again this morning, but was up too late talking to my parents.

Food Log July 29, 2009

Breakfast: turkey and baby swiss sandwich and carrots

Morning Snack: 1/2 cup of trail mix throughout the day

Lunch: chicken sandwich (with chipotle mayo) and tater tots at Waterloo

Afternoon Snack: apple with peanut butter

Dinner: peanut butter sandwich, carrots, and 2 Special Darks with almonds

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water and 3 Diet Cokes

Weigh-In July 29, 2009

334.9 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Monthly Loss: 4.7 pounds

Total Loss: 25.9 pounds

Food Log July 28, 2009

Breakfast: english muffin with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: carrot cupcake with icing and nuts

Lunch: burger and fries at Cover 3 - the burger was excellent, especially the bun (not for this particular effort, but in terms of overall deliciousness) - and 1/2 chocolate cupcake

Afternoon Snack: apple and 1/2 cup of trail mix (spread over the day)

Dinner: peanut butter sandwich, carrots, and a peanut butter cookie

Evenign Snack: slice of baby swiss cheese and a very little bit of trail mix

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and 5 Diet Cokes

Exercise Log July 28, 2009

Rode about 3 miles this morning around nearby neighborhoods and trails, finishing with a run up Swenson Farms Blvd and back down to the house. My legs started protesting as soon as I was on the bike, so probably not as much intensity as yesterday.

And then tonight I biked 2 miles to the Rec Center, and walked 2 miles on their track. I would've ridden back, but my back tire was really really flat, so the wife was good enough to pick me up. Time to buy an air pump and see if I need new tires.

Weigh-In July 28, 2009

334.9 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.7 pounds

Monthly Loss: 4.7 pounds

Total Loss: 25.9 pounds

Food Log July 27, 2009

Breakfast: english muffin with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots, thumb-sized piece of chocolate chip cookie, and part of 1/2 cup of trail mix spread throughout the day

Lunch: Turkey Tom sandwich from Jimmy John's

Afternoon Snack: apple with peanut butter

Dinner: a wonderful dinner for an impromptu early birthday party by my in-laws featuring steak, broccoli, corn, roasted potatoes, and birthday cake beautifully iced by my sister-in-law at her cake decorating class

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water and a Coke Zero

Exercise Log July 27, 2009

Biked 5 miles this morning - feet only hit the ground once so I felt pretty good.

What? You thought this log was done? Nope, after work I hit the gym to walk 3 miles. Woot me.

Yes this is a blatant push to improve the month's numbers. Just think of the extra workout as that cop waiting just over the hill with a speed gun.

Weigh-In July 27, 2009

336.6 pounds

Incremental Gain: 2.1 pounds

Monthly Loss: 3 pounds

Total Loss: 24.2 pounds

Food Log July 26, 2009

Breakfast: bacon/egg/cheese taco from Taco Cabana

Lunch: movie popcorn

Dinner: beef fajitas from Chuy's

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 3 Diet Cokes

Exercise Log July 26, 2009

Walked up a hill for 2 miles in 30-45 minutes this morning with Steve. I don't know exact elevations, but it's been listed as one of the 10 toughest slopes for bicycling in Austin. It hurt but felt good. There are 2 even harder hills in Steve's neighborhood - we might try them sometime. A long time from now. Not as much distance or time as I've frequently done, but it felt good to feel the muscles burn a bit.

Weeks #7 and 8 In Review

Pounds Gained: 3.4

Miles Walked: 18

Miles Biked: 8

Hours of Basketball Played: 1

Amount Lost for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $9.70 ($620.30 total)

It's been a weird couple of weeks, with some other work and personal stuff affecting my mood and discipline. Can't really blame anything externally, though - my discipline's really slipped further with the eating. I feel like exercise has held pretty steady, though, which I am proud of. I actually just signed up for 8 yoga classes in August to add something new. I also picked up some different stuff at the grocery store - pre-cooked microwaveable stuff that might spice up my meals a bit.

Another huge round of thanks to people who have been so helpful - Alyssa for teaching me to cook nutburgers, Scott for helping with exercises, and stretching, so many people willing to walk with me, and all of the encouragement from all of you. It's really made a difference to have people to lean on through this project.

A little administrative note - July will end on the morning of July 31 instead of the morning of August 1. That's a flat-out cheat to allow me to celebrate my birthday however I feel like it on Friday and not have it impact a major measurement like the end of the month. I feel like I have a chance to have lost 10 pounds in July, but am not banking on it. My main priority is staying about where I am today so I've gone 25 pounds total.

Weigh-In July 26, 2009

334.5 pounds

Incremental Gain: 2.6 pounds

Monthly Loss: 5.1 pounds

Total Loss: 26.3 pounds

Food Log July 25, 2009

Breakfast: english muffin with peanut butter and an apple

Morning Snack: apple with peanut butter

Lunch: at a 3PM Alamo movie, had mozzarella sticks, and Alamo burger with fries, and helped finish the wife's chocolate ice cream

Evening Snack: at a party, had some fries, a few chocolate chip cookies, some of my trail mix, and an M&M cookie ice cream sandwich

Liquid Refreshment: 2 glasses of water and 6 Coke Zeros

Exercise Log July 25, 2009

Walked at least 3 miles around Old Settler's Park this morning. I think it was 4, but I'll count it conservatively to keep the boobirds away.

And ran into Mme Cotter, my high school French teacher, which was a great bonus. And my coworker Joe, who apparently runs out there whenever his 1-year-old gives him time to himself. A good morning in many, many ways.

Weigh-In July 25, 2009

331.9 pounds

Incremental Loss: 4.3 pounds

Monthly Loss: 7.7 pounds

Total Loss: 28.9 pounds

Woot! Yeah it's post-workout, but woot! Gives me hope for the end of the month, at which time I must be at 25 total pounds lost, and would love to actually hit 10 for the month.

Food Log July 24, 2009

Breakfast: english muffin with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: 1.5 donuts and 1/2 cup of trail mix and a baked Dorito (1 chip, not 1 bag)

Lunch: peanut butter sandwich, small fries, and small Coke

Afternoon Snack: banana and another 1/2 cup of trail mix throughout the day

Dinner: half an order of combo fajitas at the Oasis (on 4 corn tortillas with a little sour cream and cheese)

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 1 Coke Zero

No exercise today as I recovered from basketball (little people's shoulders tend to dig into me ribs).

Weigh-In July 24, 2009

336.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: 2.2 pounds

Monthly Loss: 3.4 pounds

Total Loss: 24.6 pounds

Let's hear it for basketball!

Exercise Log July 23, 2009

Played basketball for the first time in a year and a half or so. I had predictable readjustment problems (on top of my normal lack-of-skill problems) but I was able to keep going steadily for over an hour of playing time, and had enough to contribute several points and rebounds as my teams went 3-1 on the evening. I was walking more than running at the end, but I never had to stop or take a timeout, and my feet had no problems.

It felt good. No, it felt great.

Food Log July 23, 2009

Breakfast: 1/2 of a BAD bacon/egg/potato/cheese taco and a little trail mix and 2 Mr. Goodbars to clear the palate

Morning Snack: carrots and a 1/2 cup of trail mix spread throughout the day

Lunch: spinach/pecans/chicken/onions salad with cherry vinaigrette at Plank's, a bag of Baked Cheetos, and 2 Mr Goodbars

Afternoon Snack: 4 Mr Goodbars

Dinner: apple with peanut butter and LeanCuisine chicken alfredo with broccoli

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 3 Coke Zeros

Still way too much candy snacking - need to stop letting the run get started. On the plus side (and this is a small plus!) I've at some point on my drive home the last 2 nights decided to hit a fastfood drivethru for a late snack, and have held off from doing it both times. Small victories count too, I suppose.

Weigh-In July 23, 2009

338.4 pounds

Incremental Gain: .6 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.2 pounds

Total Loss: 22.4 pounds

Food Log July 22, 2009

Breakfast: a banana and a piece of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: carrots and a cup of trail mix that was spread throughout the day

Lunch: leftover fried rice from PF Chang's and 2 bite-sized Special Darks with almond

Afternoon Snack: apple with peanut butter and 2 bite-sized almond Special Darks (Pink Lady apple was kinda sour and needed something to wipe away the taste

Dinner: leftover beef lo mein from PF Chang's and a box of raisins

Evening Snack: a few (5?) tortilla chips and some queso

Liquid Refreshment: 7 glasses of water and 4 Diet Cokes

Weigh-In July 22, 2009

337.8 pounds

Incremental Loss: .4 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.8 pounds

Total Loss: 23 pounds

Exercise Log July 21, 2009

Wakled 3.5 miles at the Rec Center to the company of a Science News and a Newsweek. Feet started really hurting or I would've done 4 miles. Taking off tonight to see if rest helps them.

Food Log July 21, 2009

Breakfast: english muffin with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: 1 cup of trail mix spread throughout the day and 3 Mr. Goodbars

Lunch: Chili's turkey sandwich (and a mini-burger and 2 fries stolen off a friend's plate) and 2 Mr. Goodbars

Afternoon Snack: greens/carrots/almonds/grapes salad with Raspberry Pecan dressing and 3 Mr. Goodbars

Dinner: 2 Nutburger patties w/cheese and 1 set of whole-wheat buns, roasted potatoes, and a pretzel

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and 3 Coke Zeros

Weigh-In July 21, 2009

338.2 pounds

Incremental Gain: 1.4 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.4 pounds

Total Loss: 22.6 pounds

Exercise Log July 20, 2009

Walked 2.5 miles at the Rec Center in about 40 minutes while reading Science News. Got there too late to get 4, and was on pace for 3 but started getting some twinges in my left calf so I slowed down.

Food Log July 20, 2009

Breakfast: english muffin with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: 1 cup of the trail mix spread throughout the day

Lunch: Jimmy John's Turkey Tom and 3 bite-sized Mr. Goodbars

Afternoon Snack: greens/carrots/almonds salad with Raspberry Pecan dressing and 3 Mr. Goodbars

Dinner: 2 crab wontons, a chicken lettuce wrap, and about half of a Beef Fried Rice dish at PF Chang's

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water and 2 Coke Zero's

Weigh-In July 20, 2009

336.8 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1 pound

Monthly Loss: 2.8 pounds

Total Loss: 24 pounds

Exercise Log July 19, 2009

Walked 3 miles down Pflugerville trails with the wife tonight.

Food Log July 19, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: apple and carrots

Lunch: turkey, ham, and cheese Texandwich

Dinner: quarter-pounder w/cheese and medium fries

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 3 Diet Cokes

Weigh-In July 19, 2009

337.8 pounds

Incremental Gain: 1.6 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.8 pounds

Total Loss: 23 pounds

Not in a good place mentally, so will skip the total review for the week. Trying to revert to a happy, maintainable medium. Also tried to prep a bit by making up a trail mix from nuts at the grocery store - a 1/2 cup is about 445 calories, 37g fat, 18g carb, 6.5g fiber, and 11g protein.

Food Log July 18, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: small popcorn

Lunch: chicken relleno, rice, and broccoli at Iron Cactus

Dinner: 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a Diet COke

Weigh-In July 18, 2009

336.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Monthly Loss: 3.4 pounds

Total Loss: 24.6 pounds

Food Log July 17, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: trail mix

Lunch: rest of the Daily Grill pesto penne and 2 Mr. Goodbar's

Afternoon Snack: apple with peanut butter and 4 Mr. Goodbar's

Dinner: Mighty Fine junior bacon cheeseburger, chocolate shake, and about half an order of fries

Evening Snack: large Coke Slurpee, a Baby Ruth, and a brownie

Liquid Refreshment: 2 glasses of water and 3 Coke Zero's

Yeah slipped off that wagon somehow. Bad week in a lot of ways, but I expect things to improve.

Weigh-In July 17, 2009

336.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: .6 pounds

Monthly Loss: 3.4 pounds

Total Loss: 24.6 pounds

Not what I would've hoped from the bike ride, but late dinner and water/soda drinking might have skewed it.

Exercise Log July 16, 2009

Biked 6.3 miles in the 5PM heat from the office down to Tarrytown for the company party. Made $12 as bribes/challenges from my biking compatriots.

Food Log July 16, 2009

Breakfast: banana and a 2 bacon/cheese/egg breakfast tacos

Lunch: leftover chicken and rice from Monday plus part of a veggie tray

Afternoon Snack: trail mix

Dinner: tenderloin, potatoes, and a little sausage at a company cookout plus a lot of crackers afterwards

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water, about 3 Diet Cokes, and 3 glasses of eLoad(?) to help replenish electrolytes following the bike ride

Weigh-In July 16, 2009

336.8 pounds

Incremental Gain: 1.8 pounds

Monthly Loss: 2.8 pounds

Total Loss: 24 pounds

Nope, not a great weigh-in. Not even a good one. I bet tomorrow's will be better though - await the logs.

Food Log July 15, 2009

Breakfast: 1 piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: 2 Nature Valleyr roasted almond granola bars

Lunch: cucumber roll, buda roll (their spelling), and a side of sticky rice at Sushi Sake

Afternoon Snack: an apple with peanut butter and probably about 8 Mr.Goodbars/Special Darks scattered throughout the afternoon

Dinner: junior-sized Justaburger (no cheese) and small fries from Whataburger

Evening Snack: large coke and large popcorn at Harry Potter 6

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 3 Coke Zeroes

My usual Wednesday walking partners were unavailable, so I decided to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Celebrated a great movie with an unusual snack, which might not be great, but it was an all-around fun experience.

Weigh-In July 15, 2009

335.0 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Monthly Loss: 4.6 pounds

Total Loss: 25.8 pounds

Food Log July 14, 2009

Breakfast: 1 piece of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: about 1/7 of the HEB trail mix and 2 Special Darks with almond

Lunch: Turkey Tom sandwich at Jimmy John's

Afternoon Snack: 1 apple with peanut butter and a Special Dark with almond

Dinner: 2 pieces of buttered sourdough bread, a few bites of mashed potatoes, a few bites of the most excellent mac and cheese, and about 1/3 of the pesto penne chicken at Daily Grill

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and 4 Diet Cokes

Exercise Log July 14, 2009

Rode my bike about 3.5 miles in 25 minutes, repeatedly going uphill on Swenson Farms Drive.

Weigh-In July 14, 2009

335.0 pounds

Incremental Gain: .5 pounds

Monthly Loss: 4.6 pounds

Total Loss: 25.8 pounds

Exercise Log July 13, 2009

Walked 2 miles at the Rec Center.

Food Log July 13, 2009

Last Night's Evening Snack: another 1/6 or so of the trail mix

Breakfast: 1 piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: about 1/7 of the HEB trail mix

Lunch: turkey/havarti sandwich, carrots, and 2 bite-sized Hershey's Special Darks

Afternoon Snack: apple and a Special Dark

Dinner: reheated chicken and rice

Evening Snack: another 1/7 of the HEB trail mix

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water

Weigh-In July 13, 2009

334.5 pounds

Incremental Gain: 3.4 pounds

Monthly Loss: 5.1 pounds

Total Loss: 26.3 pounds

I knew a rebound was coming, and I ate/drank pretty late last night (especially all that rice). Let's hear it for Monday the 13th!

Food Log July 12, 2009

Breakfast: bacon/egg/cheese breakfast taco from Taco Cabana

Morning Snack: banana

Lunch: 3 eggs scrambled with turkey and asiago, and a spinach/carrots/almonds salad with Raspberry Pecan dressing

Afternoon Snack: 5 Sonic tater tots plus 1/6 of a trail mix from HEB - apple bits, nuts, some kinda caramel flavor

Dinner: 2 scrambled eggs with a chicken breast and 1.5-2 cups of rice

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water

Exercise Log July 12, 2009

Trekked 4 miles with Kat up and down Bull Creek. Twas much fun, and made me long for Enchanted Rock - once the temperature's bearable again.

Week #6 In Review

Pounds Lost: 6.2

Miles Walked: 15

Miles Biked: 11

Games Bowled: 2

Amount Raised for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $131 ($630 total)

A beautifully plummeting kind of week. I don't know exactly what to think, but I have a feeling there could be a rebound that will see me slightly gain weight this week. Maybe I'll be wrong - I hope so.

I'm trying some things this week by pre-cooking chicken tonight and using some store-bought trail mix to add a little protein and variety to ye olde diet. We'll see if it works - I definitely need to avoid having quite so many meals at restaurants.

I also want to up the workouts a bit. The last 2 mornings have been good hours outdoors, but I'd like to increase my strength as well as my endurance, so might add some repeated uphill segments to the bike rides and look for other opportunities. Hopefully some basketball if my Thursday nights ever open up (not this week), and eventually even racquetball again.

In the Woot! Celebrate! category, I tried on my suit pants, whose waistline in September couldn't even meet up around me. They fit. And that's just cool.

Weigh-In July 12, 2009

331.1 pounds

Incremental Loss: 3.4 pounds

Monthly Loss: 8.5 pounds

Total Loss: 29.7 pounds

Wow. Cool number, but I *strongly* expect some bounceback.

Exercise Log July 11, 2009

So for the last several years, 7-11 has celebrated the Slurpee's "birthday" by giving out free 7.11 oz Slurpees. Yes, yes, it's a really silly marketing idea, even in the world of marketing ideas, but didn't you read the part about the free Slurpees? I wanted one, but figured I should earn it. So I biked to the nearest 7-11, at Gattis School Road@ Mays in south Round Rock.

I google-mapped the route I ended up taking, and I spent from 6:34AM (as little sun/80-degree weather as possible) to 7:18AM going 5.9 miles there, and 7:32 to 8:17 going 5.3 miles back, so I'll count it as 11 miles. Many thoughts went through my head I wanted to share:

1) I pushed a little too far. Walked the bike a lot on the return leg, especially uphill.

2) But I made it. Let's hear it for stretch goals (and we all knew it would take a Slurpee to motivate me!)! Seriously, a month and a half ago, I never would've imagined powering myself to Round Rock in any way, shape, or form.

3) Carbon-free Slurpee run! Except for the carbon in the Slurpee, the energy used to make it, ship it, and store it - but my efforts were carbon-free. Except for the carbon used to make the bike, ship it, etc. I don't think I can end up winning this point.

4) I now understand people who say they walked uphill to school both ways. Going northwest like I did is definitely uphill, so the return journey was net downhill. But the uphill parts loomed much larger in my fatigued state. So it felt like a whole big mess o uphill.

5) Dunno why, but I went in planning to buy a Slurpee in addition to the tiny freebie, but didn't feel like it. I like that even if I don't understand it.

btw last night pushed me past 100 miles walked (101, actually) since I started this little project. Round numbers please me.

Food Log July 11, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: 7.11oz Coke Slurpee (free!)

Lunch: Royal Red Robin burger and steak fries

Afternoon Snack: medium popcorn at the theater

Dinner: tortilla chips and chicken fajitas at Chuy's with another (free!) 7.11oz Coke Slurpee

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 6 Diet Cokes

For those who are anywhere close to as detail-oriented as me, drinks only go in Liquid Refreshment if they have no calories - diet soda and water. Drinks with substance (i.e., Nature's Most Perfect Beverage) are recorded with their meal.

Weigh-In July 11, 2009

334.5 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.8 pounds

Monthly Loss: 5.1 pounds

Total Loss: 26.3 pounds

Probably has to do with the fact I forgot to weigh before going on my epic bike journey about to be detailed. :-) But in fairness I'd also consumed breakfast, 2 large glasses of water, and the Best. Morning Snack. Ever.

Exercise Log July 10, 2009

Walked 4 miles at the Rec Center while wrapping up a Newsweek and starting the UT alumni rag Alcalde.

Today's Day 40, and I'd like to brag briefly that I have worked out 34 of those days, or 85%. Or 100010 in binary.

Interesting idea for my workout tomorrow, but won't say anything and jinx it. Yet.

Food Log July 10, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: carrots, 30 grapes, and a quarter of a Dunkin glazed donut

Lunch: double cheeseburger and small fries at McDonald's and 2 bite-sized Mr. Goodbars

Afternoon Snack: an apple with peanut butter and 2 Mr. Goodbar's and 2 Snickers (all bite-sized spread throughout the afternoon)

Dinner: chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli at Verde's plus tortilla chips and queso

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and 4 Diet Cokes

Probably would've been more conservative at lunch if I'd known I was having Mexican for dinner.

Weigh-In July 10, 2009

336.3 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Monthly Loss: 3.3 pounds

Total Loss: 24.5 pounds

Holding place after last night's dinner is hugely encouraging.

Exercise Log July 9, 2009

Bowled 2 games - a 91 and a 97. Not good, but nowhere close to my worst.

(Some will say the same about this "workout".)

Food Log July 9, 2009

Breakfast: a banana and a bacon/potato/egg/cheese breakfast taco

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: turkey/havarti sandwich, some slivered almonds, and a Special Dark

Afternoon Snack: an apple with peanut butter and a chocolate chip cookie

Dinner: peanut butter sandwich and lots of slivered almonds, which got me hungry enough for a small bag of Cheetos

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water

More on the post-dinner weirdness later.

Weigh-In July 9, 2009

336.3 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.6 pounds

Monthly Loss: 3.3 pounds

Total Loss: 24.5 pounds

I love new lows.

Exercise Log July 8, 2009

Walked 3+ miles around an outdoor track with Lee in an hour.

Food Log July 8, 2009

Breakfast: banana and potato/egg/bacon/cheese breakfast taco

Morning Snack: 2 Nature Valley roasted almond granola bars

Lunch: Zen chicken and broccoli white rice bowl with carrots and extra egg and a bite-sized Hershey's Special Dark

Afternoon Snack: 2 Special Darks and an apple with peanut butter

Dinner: Nutrisystem chicken wrap, tortilla chips, a Special Dark, and a box of raising

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and 3 Coke Zeros

Weigh-In July 8, 2009

337.9 pounds

Incremental Loss: 2 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.7 pounds

Total Loss: 22.9 pounds

Always nice to rebound down the scale as well as up. :-)

Exercise Log July 7, 2009

Walked 4 miles at the Rec Center in an hour while reading half a Newsweek.

Food Log July 7, 2009

Breakfast: banana and a piece of toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: apple with some peanut butter and carrots

Lunch: banana and 3 eggs scrambled with 1 slice turkey and asiago cheese

Afternoon Snack: spinach/carrots/almonds/turkey salad with raspberry pecan dressing and an oatmeal-raisin granola bar

Dinner: peanut butter sandwich, 5 Sonic cheese sticks, and a slice of Havarti cheese

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water and a medium Diet Coke from Sonic

Went to Sonic for the delicious taste of a fountain soft drink, and found myself getting the cheese sticks as well. Dunno why, except that I wanted them.

Weigh-In July 7, 2009

339.9 pounds

Incremental Gain: 2.6 pounds

Monthly Gain: 0.3 pounds

Total Loss: 20.9 pounds

Yeah, the weekend finally caught up to me. Back on the wagon.

Food Log July 6, 2009

Breakfast: apple and carrots

Lunch: large Coke Classic and medium popcorn at the theater

Afternoon Snack: banana and oatmeal-raisin granola bar

Dinner: 2 eggs scrambled with a slice of turkey and asiago cheese and lots of steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water

Weigh-In July 6, 2009

337.3 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Monthly Loss: 2.3 pounds

Total Loss: 23.5 pounds

Week #5 In Review

Pounds Lost: 1.9

Miles Walked: 17

Miles Biked: 10

Amount Raised for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $44 ($499 total)

First off, thanks for the encouragement! Reminded me why I'm doing this in the public eye, and I've gotten lots of good ideas. As this weekend was a serious slide for me, it was nice to see the weight similarly un-understandably not going up, so I'm feeling pretty good whatever the scale says each day.

Food Log June 5, 2009

Breakfast: bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco
Morning Snack: 2 oatmeal-raisin granola bars
Lunch: peanut butter sandwich

Afternoon Snack: 5-10 tortilla chips with queso, some carrots and broccoli with ranch, 2 pizza bites, a Swiss Roll, and a small piece of birthday cake with Candy Jar ice cream
Dinner: double quarter pounder, large fries, and a large Coke
Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water and 3 Diet Cokes

Exercise Log June 5, 2009

Walked at least 4 miles on hilly roads and clamber-y trails with Kat, Steve, and Avery White over about 2.5 hours this morning.

Weigh-In July 5, 2009

337.3 pounds
Incremental Loss: .9 pounds
Monthly Loss: 2.3 pounds
Total Loss: 23.5 pounds

June In Review

Seems like a good time to take stock.

In June I:

--Lost 21.2 pounds, or 5.9% of my body weight

--Saw the 330s for the first time at least since I got married (the last time I really checked weight was trying to be a better fiance/husband)

--Lost 3.7 pounds in a single day (twice!)

--Gained 3.9 pounds in a single day (must ... keep ... humility) (or find it to begin with)

--Dropped my fasting blood sugar by 53%

--Bought a new belt, and another to shrink into

--Walked 73 miles

--Got a gold star at the gym for my walking

--Biked 16.5 miles

--Bowled 2 games (OK not everything on this list is impressive)

--Worked out 25 times, at least 5 times each week

--Saw the sun rise

--Raised $449 for the Judy Buffaloe Memorial Scholarship with pledges of about $2600 when I hit 75 pounds

--Started this blog, and kept up with it every day

--Got 73 comments from and exchanged an additional 77 emails with supportive readers like you

--Ate 1 burger

--Ate 9 partial servings of fried side dishes (cheese sticks, fries, etc)

--Ate 49 chocolate treats

--Ate 56 servings of vegetables

--Ate 49 servings of fruits

--Ate 15 turkey sandwiches

--Ate 78 pieces of bread

--Ate 22 servings of peanut butter

--Ate 17 salads

--Ate 12 frozen dinners

--Drank 161 glasses of water

--Drank 44 sodas

--Bought 20 meals from restaurants

Food Log June 4, 2009

Breakfast: a banana and 2 pieces of whole-wheat toast with asiago cheese

Lunch: Chuy's chicken fajitas with corn tortillas and a little sour cream and cheese on each, and about 5 tortilla chips

Dinner: another party (no blame to the hosts - it's me doing the grazing); a hot dog and a piece of cake definitely happened, as well as repeated uncounted grazing of fries, egg rolls*, and cookies

Liquid Refreshment: 3 glasses of water and 5 Diet Cokes

* I was asked to bring sides and I decided to use one of the most American inventions ever, the drive-through, to assert American's independence by finding the foods we've most effectively "adopted" from other countries - french fries, egg rolls, and nachos. If anyone would like to suggest other additions for future celebrations of America, let me know.

Exercise Log July 4, 2009

Walked 7 miles in 2.5 hours outside (running out of hot jokes, but it's still hot) this morning. Saw more of Pflugerville than I ever have.

Weigh-In July 4, 2009

338.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.4 pounds

Total Loss: 22.6 pounds

Exercise Log July 3, 2009

Biked 4 miles in a loop through Pflugerville parks with Lee in about an hour at 6:30 this morning. Temperature was almost cool enough to support human life.

Food Log July 3, 2009

Breakfast: banana and a peanut-butter granola bar

Morning Snack: 1/2 peanut-butter sandwich

Lunch: chicken club sandwich and fries at Alamo

Afternoon Snack: apple and peanut butter

Dinner: grilled chicken, small corn-on-the-cob, greens salad with ranch dressing, 3 buttered crescent rolls, and a piece of shortcake with strawberries, blueberries, and Cool Whip

Evening Snack: 2 oatmeal-raisin granola bars

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a Diet Coke

Weigh-In July 3, 2009

338.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: .1 pounds

Monthly Loss: 1.4 pounds

Total Loss: 22.6 pounds

This is the happy ending. Not much of an improvement, but I still lost .1 pounds. And my blood sugar, despite last night's sugar binge, was only 117 (up from 97 the day before). Not that it justifies my behavior yesterday, but it's nice to see the stickiness of weight and glucose keeps me from bouncing up as much as it keeps me from plummeting down. If I'm gonna whine about the negative effects, I'll also enjoy the positive (well I'll try to).

Another note - I'm not tracking the blood sugar on here, but I've been below 130 since June 16, and below 120 since June 21. My average since June 1 is only 137 (I was above 200 the first couple of days), and the average since June 16 is 117. There's been no number more encouraging to me than that - I hope it will turn into a reduction in my medication after my next round of bloodwork in August.

Exercise Log July 2, 2009

Walked 2 miles at the Rec Center. They finally got my 100-mile gold star on the wall. :-)

This isn't the happy ending yet - same frustrated rebellious feeling sapped my will to push through to a normal 4-mile walk. Couldn't even keep up my normal pace, which just made me angrier. Bad place mentally.

Food Log July 2, 2009

Breakfast: bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco, and one pig in a blanket

Morning Snack: 20 grapes

Lunch: 2 fajitas - each had one piece of beef, 2-3 pieces of chicken, sour cream, and cheese

Afternoon Snack: greens/carrots/provolone/almonds salad

Dinner: Mangia blanco pizza and about 1/3 Ooey Gooey Chocolate Brownie

Evening Snack: large (not extra large!) Slurpee and a Baby Ruth

Liquid Refreshment: 7 glasses of water and a Coke Zero

Normally any one of these meals would've been an indulgent day, but company provided breakfast and lunch (where I could have stopped at one fajita), and at the end of the day, I found myself not so much wanting to eat healthy as wanting to deliberately eat unhealthy - not a good place. On the other hand, the end of this story's a little more uplifting - keep reading folks!

Weigh-In July 2, 2009

338.3 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.3 pounds

Monthly Loss:1.3 pounds

Total Loss: 22.5 pounds

Exercise Log July 1, 2009

Walked 4 miles in an hour around Lee&Michelle's neighborhood at about 8:30PM.

Doing My Part To Keep Texas Out of the Top 5

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/01/obesity.rankings/index.html

Food Log July 1, 2009

Breakfast: 1 piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter, a banana, and carrots

Morning Snack: half a turkey sandwich and 20 grapes

Lunch: Mooyah junior cheeseburger with 1/3-pound patty (jr? really?), lettuce, grilled onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo

Afternoon Snack: greens/carrots/provolone/almond salad and a chocolate-chunk granola bar

Dinner: half a turkey sandwich and 3 bite-sized Mr. Goodbars

Liquid Refreshment: 7 glasses of water and a Diet Coke

Weigh-In July 1, 2009

339.6 pounds

Incremental Gain: 1.6 pounds

Total Loss: 21.2 pounds