Food Log June 30, 2009

Breakfast: chocolate Pop Tart (last one!), a banana, and some carrots

Morning Snack: turkey sandwich, 12 grapes, and 12 blueberries

Lunch: Turkey Tom on wheat from Jimmy John's

Late Afternoon Snack: salad

Dinner: Nutrisystem cheese and spinach ravioli and an apple

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water

1989 calories

249g carbs

35g fiber

77g fat

97g protein

I had planned to split my normal meal of sandwich and salad into my 2 snacks for today, and try to go more to several consistent mini-meals than 3 big meals with small snacks. Might work, but I hadn't realized just how big and filling the Turkey Tom sandwich is - the wheat bread actually makes it worse for me, which I hadn't realized. Definitely felt stuffed after lunch.

Weigh-In June 30, 2009

338.0 pounds

Incremental Loss: 2 pounds

Total Loss: 22.8 pounds

Exercise Log June 29, 2009

Walked a full 4-mile outdoor loop in an hour with cousins tonight. 9PM is much different from 9AM outdoors. And I won the race with Lee for the last 100 yards or so (sure, I didn't tell him we were racing until I took off, but that's just his unpreparedness). Should any other cousins I have a competition with take this as a bad omen for their odds? I think so. I think so.

Bought new sneakers today - those just always feel great. Until I pound them into submission, which should be pretty soon at this rate.

Food Log June 29, 2009

Breakfast: 1 chocolate Pop-Tart and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots and an oatmeal-raisin granola bar

Lunch: turkey-and-provolone sandwich and a greens/carrots/almonds/provolone salad

Afternoon Snack: apple and peanut-butter granola bar

Dinner: Zen chicken and broccoli bowl with extra egg and carrots, and half a large chocolate chip cookie

Liquid Refreshment: 8 glasses of water

I kept track as close as I could of nutritional content today, and I believe these are my totals. If so I definitely need to up the protein and probably the calories a little bit as well. And the fat is high - I'm a sucker for cheese.

1907 calories

240g carbs

33g fiber

66g fat

103g protein

Weigh-In June 29, 2009

340.0 pounds

Incremental Gain: .8 pounds

Total Loss: 20.8 pounds

Exercise Log June 28, 2009

Rode the bike 6 miles tonight - sun was down but Texas remains hot 24/7 this time of year.

Food Log June 28, 2009

Breakfast: 2 chocolate Pop-Tarts (yeah I know, I'm almost out and won't buy them again for a while)

Lunch: peanut butter sandwich and an oatmeal-raisin granola bar

Afternoon Snack: medium popcorn at the theater

Dinner: Just Enough smaller portion of sweet and sour chicken with broccoli and jasmine rice (left a quarter of that on the plate for better or worse) from Mimi's Cafe with a piece of some kind of nut bread and a buttered half-roll

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a large Coke Zero at the theater

I've pre-packed sandwiches and salads for the week so hopefully that will help me get back on the wagon.

Also, just out of curiosity, how do you feel hunger? I've gotten close to a sugar crash before, and I know that feeling. But I haven't been close to that in a couple of weeks (even with my somehow-lower blood sugar levels), even though I've been eating often less than 2000 calories a day. I want food, but it's a mouth urge, nothing about emptiness or from the stomach, and isn't much different just after I've pigged out. Anything to contribute to this understanding?

Week #4 In Review

Pounds Lost: 0.5

Miles Walked: 18

Amount Raised for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $15 ($455 total)

I'm getting frustrated. Not about the walk-canceling effects of last night's indulgence, but overall. Can eating the amount of calories (even if not the healthiest mix yet - I'm working on that) I'm eating, and working out as much as I am cause someone to gain weight to 340 pounds? I don't think so, so how is it sustaining me here? I feel like I'm already eating less (not on purpose - working on smartly increasing the amount) and exercising more than I'm likely to on a life-long pattern, so how is 340 the result?

Part of my frustration is that my discipline is steadily falling away. Surprisingly not on exercise (my 2 off days were the results of a weird week at work), but my better dietary inclinations are being nibbled away. I think I can reassert them (I can stop whenever I want to! isn't that the cliche?), but it does make me nervous about keeping this up. And it's tougher to keep myself in line when efforts don't lead to results. Right now exercise efforts are generally having results, but not so much food efforts.

Another surprise to me is I've had no thoughts about quitting. But at the moment, it just feels too hard to even think about much. And it leaves me with no reserves to tackle a surge at work, or other things that come up. It's a long, slow slog with no end in sight.

At this point I could use 1) encouragement (thanks to many of you who have provided that with no prodding needed, just still need it), and 2) ideas for snacks to improve my protein intake.

Thanks again for everyone's support.

Weigh-In June 28, 2009

339.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.4 pounds

Total Loss: 21.6 pounds

Looks like walking 4 miles in the heat outweighed last night's party. I'll take that as good news.

Food Log June 27, 2009

Breakfast: banana and a chocolate Pop Tart

Lunch: 1/3 Cheesecake Factory Chicken Romano and a chocolate chunk granola bar

Afternoon Snack: chocolate chunk granola bar

Dinner: 2 pieces of toast with shredded asiago cheese

Evening Snack: oops*

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water, 3 Coke Zeros, and oops*

*Went to a party last night, and I ended up snacking on more chicken tenders and tortilla chips than I should have. Also a ton of Coke Zeros, and perhaps a wee bit o' rum. Anyway it wasn't the awesome gluttony I've displayed in the past, but I pretty much lost count.

Exercise Log June 27, 2009

Walked 4 miles around Old Settler's Park with Craig at 8:30 this morning. Took about 90-100 minutes. Still definitely feels like Texas in June.

Weigh-In June 27, 2009

340.6 pounds

Incremental Gain: .8 pounds

Total Loss: 20.2 pounds

I weighed myself after my walk today, and was down to 334.3 pounds, which would have been an incremental/total loss of 5.5/26.5 pounds. Not that it counts, but nice to see I can at least dip into that territory.

Exercise Log June 26, 2009

Walked 4 miles in an hour at the Rec Center while enjoying last week's Science News. It's funny how fascinating science is when I'm not in a class for it.

Food Log June 26, 2009

Breakfast: banana and a chocolate Pop Tart

Lunch: Z Tejas parmesan pecan-crusted chicken salad (chicken, spinach, bacon, bleu cheese) with 3 tortilla chips and about a quarter-circle of their delicious cornbread with a little butter

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: 1/3 Cheesecake Factory Chicken Romano

Evening Snack: dark chocolate cherry granola bar

Liquid Refreshment: 3 glasses of water and 2 Diet Cokes

Weigh-In June 26, 2009

339.8 pounds

Incremental Loss: .6 pounds

Total Loss: 21 pounds

I have no idea how yesterday was a gian and today was a loss. Any explanations beyond day-to-day weight is unpredictable?

An amazingly unmistakable plus: my blood sugar was still only 120, which is pretty low for yesterday's choco-carb storm. That is awesome.

Food Log June 25, 2009

Breakfast: bacon, potato, egg, and cheese breakfast taco (and it was oh so good)

Morning Snack: 4 bite-sized Mr. Goodbar-type candies

Lunch: turkey sandwich (no tomatoes), broccoli w/carrots, and 10 french fries from Chili's

Afternoon Snack: Drumstick (directors came around the office playing ice cream truck music distributing ice cream - I had to be polite!), then 8-10 bite-sized chocolates

Dinner: Nutrisystem steak melt wrap including cheese and green peppers

Liquid Refreshment: 3 glasses of water, 2 Coke Zeros, a large Diet Coke at the theater and a Coca-Cola Classic

Evening Snack: a little bit of peanut butter (for medication)

Yeah I lost it on the snacking this afternoon - frustrated and tired is my explanation, although it's not an excuse. Led to a surprise weigh-in the next day.

Weigh-In June 25, 2009

340.4 pounds

Incremental Gain: 1.3 pounds

Total Loss: 20.4 pounds

A little surprised, even though I didn't work out, since I didn't eat after 5:30 or drink after 7:30.

Food Log June 24, 2009

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

Morning Snack: baby carrots, 2 grapes, 3 blueberries, and a bite-sized Mr. Goodbar

Lunch: 1/2 piece of New York-style meat lovers' pizza, and a greens/turkey/carrots/Parmesan salad with raspberry pecan dressing

Early Afternoon Snack: oatmeal-raisin granola bar

Late Snack: apple

Dinner: oatmeal-raisin granola bar, bite-sized Snickers, and a greens/turkey/carrots/Parmesan salad with raspberry pecan dressing

Liquid Refreshment: 3 glasses of water and 2 Coke Zeros

Just leaving work now, so no workout today for me.

Weigh-In June 24, 2009

339.1 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.3 pounds

Total Loss: 21.7 pounds

Exercise Log June 23, 2009

Didn't think I'd have time for the gym tonight, but made it just in time to cram 2 miles walking into 28 minutes.

I've noticed sore spots on the outsides of my pinky fingers, just below the last knuckle. They've gotten rawer and even a light callus - I finally realized I'm using them to hold the loops of my shoelaces while I use my index fingers to pull tight close to the foot. Never thought tying my shoes could hurt me. Power to the flipflops!

Food Log June 23, 2009

Breakfast: 1 banana and a frosted chocolate fudge Pop Tart

Morning Snack: 2 Nature Valley roasted almond bars

Lunch: Turkey Tom sandwich from Jimmy John's

Early Afternoon Snack: apple and 2 bite-sized Mr. Goodbars

Late Afternoon Snack (at a company meeting/happy hour): 5 chicken tenders with a bit of ranch or BBQ sauce on each and a tortilla chip dipped in queso

Dinner: Nutrisystem steak melt wrap including cheese and green peppers, and 2 bite-sized Mr. Goodbars

Liquid Refreshment: 3 glasses of water and 2 Coke Zeros

Weigh-In June 23, 2009

340.4 pounds

Incremental Gain: 1.5 pounds

Total Loss: 20.4 pounds

Ate (and drank 2 Coke Zeros) after 7:30 last night, which I think had something to do with this.

Exercise Log June 22, 2009

Walked 4 miles at the Rec Center while reading most of a Newsweek. My 100-mile placard isn't up yet. Alas, alas.

Food Log June 22, 2009

Breakfast: 1 banana and a frosted chocolate fudge Pop Tart :-)

Lunch: Nutrisystem beef and veggies dinner, a Harvest Energy peanut butter chocolate chip Power Bar, and 7 stolen fries from Moo-yah's (stolen from the eater, not the restaurant)

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: turkey sandwich on wheat and a 90-calorie chocolate chunk granola bar

Liquid Refreshment: 3 glasses of water and 2 Coke Zeros

I think I've abandoned the no chocolate for this week. It will return.

I've gotta say, the texture of the pebbled frosting with the fudgy interior made the Pop Tart as rewarding as I'd remembered. Mm mm good.

Weigh-In June 22, 2009

338.9 pounds

Incremental Loss: .8 pounds

Total Loss: 21.9 pounds

Exercise Log June 21, 2009

Walked 4 miles at the Rec Center while finishing the Colbert Newsweek, which was panned by Letters to the Editor, but I thought he only added to my reading enjoyment.

On a side note, I hit 100 miles walking for the year today. The Rec Center has a wall of recognition for folks walking 100, 500, and 1000 miles in the calendar year, and this is the 2nd year in a row I've hit 100. Last year I stalled out between 225 and 250. This year I'm sure I'll beat that but I won't cry if I can't get to 500 because I add other forms of working out. :-)

Yes, overly detail-oriented readers might know this only makes 55 miles walked for me in June - I had 48 from earlier months, so today's 4 raised me to 103.

Food Log June 21, 2009

Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled with turkey and parmesan and a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: 1 dark chocolate cherry granola bar and 2 bits of sample chocolate at HEB

Lunch: Nutrisystem toasted ham and cheese pocket, 1 chocolate chunk granola bar, and 3/4 of an apple (the other quarter had a deep ugly bruise)

Afternoon Snack: a small buttered popcorn at the theater

Dinner: salad of greens, carrots, almonds with fat-free Raspberry Pecan dressing, a banana, and 2 white cheddar rice cakes
Desset: 2 stolen fettucine noodles from a cream-sauce dish

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water, a large Coke Zero at the theater, and a can of Coke Zero

Note 1: I also stole a tortilla chip with queso after dinner Friday night. Wasn't sure the best way to log it since I forgot that day, but wanted to mention it to keep myself honest.
Note 2: Sometime last week I switched from regular extra-chunky peanut butter to low fat chunky, both Jif products.

Buttered popcorn eaten one kernel at a time is another sublime pleasure. Speaking of pleasure, I couldn't find the individually-wrapped Pop-Tarts but I will find some way to get them soon.

Week #3 In Review

Pounds Lost: 8.7

Miles Walked: 20 (10 in the HEAT!)

Miles Biked: 3

Amount Raised for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $204.80 ($440 total)

Outdoors exercise seems to induce the biggest losses - I'm a little flabbergasted at this morning's weigh-in, but I'll take it. It's nice to see that a limited indulgence like yesterday's McDonald's lunch doesn't derail my effort. And my glucose has been under 130 every day since Tuesday. I can do better on that (it's usually in the 120s), but it's a great level to reach.

I also managed no chocolate last week, despite watching people eat delicious chocolatey desserts. I've taken a mini-break from that today (so far a dark chocolate cherry granola bar and some sample chocolate bits at HEB), and am rewarding myself with 2 frosted chocolate Pop Tarts split over 2 breakfasts sometime this week. Besides that I'm going to try to stick with that plan a second week.

Everything is still clicking pretty well. Exercising more than I dreamed I ever could consistently, generally eating well (and always better than I did before this month!), and continual support from all of you, on- and off-blog, well, it's just been an amazing month so far. I'm sorry I've been bad about replying to some emails - I promise I will get back to everyone.

Weigh-In June 21, 2009

339.7 pounds

Incremental Loss: 3.4 pounds

Total Loss: 21.1 pounds

Yes, that is the 4th tens digit I've wheeled through in the last 3 weeks. :-)

Food Log June 20, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with peanut butter

Lunch: small Coke, cheeseburger without pickles, and 10 french fries from McDonald's

Dinner: steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with a little Parmesan, 2 eggs scrambled with turkey and a little more Parmesan, and an apple

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a large Coke Zero at the theater

Yeah, I cheated at McDonald's today. Coke from the fountain is one of my most refreshing tastes, as is McDonald's fries, and I actually like their burgers. Dinner worked out quite nicely.

Exercise Log June 20, 2009

Walked a 5-mile loop around Old Settler's Park with Craig this morning. At 9:30. In Texas. During June. It was frackin' hot! And that's my story for why it took 2 hours (and I think Craig is lying and it was longer).

Weigh-In June 20, 2009

343.1 pounds

Incremental Gain: .5 pounds

Total Loss: 17.7 pounds

Food Log June 19, 2009

Breakfast: the other 1/2 of last night's Queensland salad and a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter

Morning Snack: 1 Nature Valley Roast Almond granola bar (every other time this week I've had a package of 2)

Lunch: 1/2 gyro and basmati rice combo from Pars Deli and carrots

Afternoon Snack: apple and 1 Nature Valley Roast Almond granola bar

Dinner: other half of Pars combo and oatmeal-raisin granola bar

Evening Snack: 2 white cheddar rice cakes

Liquid Refreshment: 7 glasses of water and a Diet Coke

No exercise for Friday - stayed in the office until 10:30 last night.

Weigh-In June 19, 2009

342.6 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Total Loss: 18.2 pounds

Exercise Log June 18, 2009

Got to the gym late, and only got in 2 miles in half an hour before it closed. But more Stephen Colbert-edited Newsweek made it worthwhile.

Food Log June 18, 2009

Breakfast: bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: Turkey Tom on wheat from Jimmy John's and a peanut butter granola bar

Afternoon Snack: apple and an oatmeal raisin granola bar

Dinner: 1/2 Queensland salad (chicken salad on real salad with bacon, egg, greens) from Outback and about half a loaf of their brown bread, buttered

Evening Snack: 1 white cheddar rice cake

Liquid Refreshment: 8 glasses of water

Not my best day of eating, but better than last Thursday. :-)

Weigh-In June 18, 2009

342.6 pounds

Incremental Loss: 2.6 pounds

Total Loss: 18.2 pounds

Finally I actually have a net loss in my cousin's challenge. For better or worse, this is the first time I've been below last Thursday's weight. Now I'm just hoping to get lower than this in less than 7 days.

Exercise Log June 17, 2009

Walked 5 miles through hiking trails, Sendero Springs, Brushy Creek North, and back to Lee's house in about an hour and a half. It was dark for most of it, but still hot.

Food Log June 17, 2009

Breakfast: peanut butter on 1 piece of whole wheat bread and a banana

Morning Snack: 2 Nature Valley peanut butter granola bars

Lunch: 1/2 Cobb salad, some buttered bread, and a half-cup of corn

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: Nutrisystem cheese and spinach ravioli and carrots and an oatmeal/raisin granola bar

Liquid Refreshment: 8 glasses of water and a Diet Coke

Sorry for the late posts - much busyness.

Weigh-In June 17, 2009

345.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: .4 pounds

Total Loss: 15.6 pounds

Did I cheat by giving blood? Not to my mind. Blood sugar was even lower, even after a Chipotle burrito.

Food Log June 16, 2009

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

Morning Snack: Nature Valley Roasted Almod granola bar and fresh blueberries

Lunch: 1/2 Chipotle burrito w/rice, cheese, sour cream, lettuce and 4 Nutter Butters

Afternoon Snack: peanut butter granola bar

Dinner: the other half of the burrito and a half turkey sandwich with havarti cheese

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a Caffeine Free Diet Coke and a Coke Zero

It really, really sucks to be avoiding chocolate (just this week, PJ!) on the day I give blood - best excuse for a package of Chips Ahoy or Oreos.

Exercise Log June 16, 2009

What's this? An exercise log posted in the morning?!? Yes, Virginia, there is a dawn.

Rode 3 miles in 20 minutes this morning - temperature was almost cool enough to feel just right.

Weigh-In June 16, 2009

345.6 pounds

Incremental Loss: .1

Total Loss: 15.2

Exercise Log June 15, 2009

Walked 4 miles in an hour at the rec center while finishing my Science News and starting last week's Stephen Colbert-edited (seriously!) Newsweek.

It's not as cool as buying a new belt, but I did have to retie my exercise shorts tighter. Signs of progress are fun. :-) And the shins didn't hurt - I did do some stretching beforehand, so I hope it helped.

Another good feeling tonight - I'm planning tomorrow to bike in the morning. It's cooler, and will free up the rest of my schedule. So coming home from work I figured I wouldn't walk tonight to save myself for tomorrow. But that didn't feel right, so I decided to walk to the mailbox. That didn't feel right, either, so I headed to the Rec Center ready to stop whenever I felt like it. Next thing I knew, an hour and four miles had passed. I still haven't experienced exercise feeling "good," but I'll call this an interesting new experience.

Food Log June 15, 2009

Breakfast: 1 piece of whole wheat toast with turkey and 1 slice melted havarti cheese and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: Nutrisystem Asian Beef with Vegetables (including rice! I miss rice!), an oatmeal-raisin granola bar, and about a quarter of a walnut-raisin cookie

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: Nutrisystem Chicken Alfredo with broccoli and carrots and a peanut butter granola bar

Evening Snack: 2 white cheddar rice cakes (needed food for medicine and before working out)

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a Coke Zero

Weigh-In June 15, 2009

345.7 pounds

Incremental Loss: 2.7 pounds

Total Loss: 15.1 pounds

I think it takes a special kind of perseverance to reach my goal twice in the same month! No re-celebration, though - I want to take off another 10 this month if I can. And I think I can.

Exercise Log June 14, 2009

Walked 4 miles in an hour at the Rec Center while starting last week's Science News.

The sides of my shins had a little burn early, but that disappeared somewhere in the second mile. I'll try to do some stretches, but probably also need to do more biking and different exercises.

Food Log June 14, 2009

Breakfast: 1 piece of whole wheat toast with turkey and 1 slice melted cheddar cheese and a banana

Lunch: toasted turkey sandwich with 1 slice cheddar cheese with an apple, an oatmeal/raisin granola bar, and a rice cake

Afternoon Snack: peanut butter granola bar

Dinner: peanut butter sandwich and a cheese stick

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water

Avoided the soda today. Also realized the chocolate-free week dictates some selectivity on my granola bars - my wife has thoughtfully agreed to eat only chocolate-containing ones to leave the rest for me.

Week #2 In Review

Pounds Lost: 0.9

Miles Walked: 21

Amount Raised for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $102.70 (total $235.20)

It was the best of weeks, it was the worst of weeks. One really bad day, another I-don't-know-why weight-gain day, but that's still 5 positive days. Exercise is getting easier (thank you for all the great suggestions!).

I've started to have a few times where I'm wanting to eat things not on the list. Not hunger, just wanting. I know I'll need to increase the variety, but I still need to get the blood sugar under control - which it is this morning for the 2nd day out of the last 2 weeks. I do want to try blocking specific things out occasionally to force myself to a little more creativity - this week I'm going to leave out chocolate. One person suggested taking out all the bad stuff for a while, and see if I still like it afterwards. Let's see what happens.

Your generosity continues to astound. I'm up to $18/pound with a $950 bonus for hitting my goal. I also have a $200 bet with my cousin on who loses the highest % of body weight by December 31. Naturally I set the starting weight on Thursday, so technically I'm now at -1.3%. Hopefully she appreciates the lead I'm spotting her.

Weigh-In June 14, 2009

348.4 pounds

Incremental Gain: 2 pounds

Total Loss: 12.4 pounds

The downside of daily weighings, right?

The Short and Long of It

Yesterday I had to go buy a new belt. Told them I had been a size 52 and need the next-lower size, and so I bought a 46-48 belt (apparently 50-52 is a belt size - you'd think I'd know these things when I buy them, but the extent of my ignorance is yet to be revealed). Went into the dressing room to swap belts (yes, the need is that immediate!), and it was at least 3 inches short from the ends meeting. That's when I looked at the old belt, and realized it was a 54-56. Ouch. So I went sheepishly back to the salesman with a 50-52 belt, and he started ringing up an exchange. "Nope," I stopped him, "I'll need the first one too." The 2 guys behind the register smiled agreeably and skeptically. And my next belt story won't have to involve buying one. I'm already on the 3rd of 7 notches on this one, so hopefully it won't be long.

Did I tell the whole story just to point out that I've already outshrunk a belt? Probably.

Exercise Log June 13, 2009

Walked 4 miles in an hour at the Rec Center while finishing last week's Newsweek.

After considering the many pieces of advice on the chafing, I tried the BodyGlide from RunTex as the cheapest and most easily available option to try first, and I am pleased to report success. Back didn't ache this time - I must have been walking funny to avoid the pain.

Food Log June 13, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with strawberry preserves and 2 scrambled eggs

Lunch: 2 hot dogs on buns with 2 slices cheddar cheese and a greens/almonds salad with Raspberry Pecan dressing and a granola bar

Afternoon Snack: granola bar

Dinner: 1/2 turkey sandwich, 1/2 greens/onion/cucumber salad with vinaigrette, and apple combo at Panera and a rice cake

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water and a large Coke Zero at the movies and a large Diet Coke from Sonic

Nothing like a fountain drink, even if it's not a real Coke. Also I made it to the grocery store today to replenish bananas and other staples to regain a touch of variety in the diet.

Weigh-In June 13, 2009

346.4 pounds
Incremental Loss: 1.4 pounds
Total Loss: 14.4 pounds

Almost back to the June goal. :-)

Exercise Log June 12, 2009

Walked 4 miles in 1:05 at the Rec Center while reading Newsweek.

No log for Thursday because I didn't exercise. Still was sore for these laps - I think I should only walk on the Rec Center's track once a week maybe?

Food Log June 12, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with peanut butter
Lunch: Nutrisystem turkey meal with cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli plus a granola bar and 2 Mr. Goodbar's
Afternoon Snack: apple plus 1 Mr. Goodbar
Dinner: hot dog and bun with 1 slice cheddar cheese and a greens/almonds/parmesan salad with Raspberry Pecan dressing
Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water

Back on the wagon, and it feels so good.

Weigh-In June 12, 2009

347.8 pounds
Incremental Gain: 3.8 pounds
Total Loss: 13 pounds

Yeah, a 4-pound penalty for Thursday's foul. Sorry.

In better news, I had a doctor's appointment yesterday morning, and even with this recidivism, she went from planning to increase my diabetes medication to praising my efforts. That was cool.

The First Skip Day (warning: introspection ahead)

Yeah I took off running dietwise on Thursday. Almost didn't post the food log for the day (an especial thanks to my wife for getting me to do what I should) cuz it ain't pretty. Lunch wasn't bad although I easily could have stopped at 1 breadstick. As Micha told me not to blame her for taking the third breadstick, I figured I should blame her publicly - I hope everyone agrees.

That night, my eating just grabbed momentum and rolled on. Went for what I wanted, stomach was full, I just wanted more. My mind was weirdly split - I was enjoying it all (very tasty!) but knew I shouldn't. I know which side won for that night.

There are some definite silver linings that I also want to keep in mind. 1) It was a pretty heavy meal + 2 desserts, but I did stop after the Drumstick - no snacks or anything afterwards. There were a lot of nights in the past I didn't stop there. 2) I don't think the day as a whole was much worse than my normal days - the snacks were pretty light, and 3 breadsticks with alfredo is less than my normal Olive Garden meal. 3) Yeah I re-gained 4 pounds and my blood sugar spiked, but it was still way down from where I started. This isn't the kind of day I want to be a normal skip day, but it's nice to see how much progress I've made regardless.

Food Log June 11, 2009

Morning Snack: 2 white cheddar rice cakes and some slivered almonds (needed food with medicine)
Breakfast: bacon breakfast taco - this one was much bigger than Taco Shack, and I think I should've eaten just half
Lunch: salad and 3 breadsticks w/some Alfredo dipping sauce from Olive Garden plus 2 dessert mints
Afternoon Snack: apple plus 4 Mr. Goodbar's
Dinner: Cheesecake Factory chicken-salad sandwich and part of the just-greens side salad
Dessert: small Rocky Road from Amy's
Evening Snack: Drumstick (ice cream, not turkey)
Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water plus one Diet Coke

I splurged a bit in celebration of this morning's weight/glucose, which I'm sure will be reflected in tomorrow's readings.

Weigh-In June 11, 2009

343.9 pounds

Incremental Loss: 3.3 pounds

Total Loss: 16.9 pounds

Yep, that's the June goal.  In 10 days.  Yep.

And my glucose was 90 this morning (normal range 90-130).  Now I believe.

Exercise Log June 10, 2009

Walked 3.7 miles in 57 minutes with Michelle (she keeps much closer track of time and distance).  It was 8:00 but it's still hot outside.

Legs still chafe, so might try Jen's suggestion, but I think tomorrow will likely be a day off from exercise but who knows - I wouldn't have expected to make 10 consecutive days.

So, many of you will deplore my obsessive-compulsive nature, but I weighed myself after exercising tonight, and it said 345.8 pounds.  For those of you who don't know why I am jumping up and down with glee (more exercise!), that's my June goal.  15 pounds lost.  On Day 10.  Official weigh-in is only the mornings, and for those who have pledged a reward for this goal, I'll keep it off a full week before making you pony up.

Food Log June 10, 2009

Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole wheat toast with peanut butter (forgot to buy bananas last night)

Morning Snack: granola bar

Lunch: turkey sandwich w/1 slice provolone on whole wheat bread and carrots

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: NutriSystem chicken and wild rice with green beans and a granola bar

Liquid Refreshment: 7 glasses of water plus two Diet Cokes

Good news for me on meals.  A vegetarian coworker signed up for NutriSystem with the one-free-week-of-food promotion, and they sent her all meat-containing entrees.  She got them to replace it, and is giving me the old stuff.  Free healthy meals - woohoo!

Weigh-In June 10, 2009

347.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: .8 pounds

Total Loss: 13.6 pounds

90% to my June goal on Day 10!

Exercise Log June 9, 2009

Walked 2.5 miles in 40 minutes at the rec center.  Back soreness and leg chafing suggest a day off from walking - possibly Thursday.  Open to other recommendations too.

Food Log June 9, 2009

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: 1/2 of a Zen veggie rice bowl with extra egg

Afternoon Snack: apple (got Jazz since the Fujis looked bad yesterday - not bad, but no Fuji)

Dinner: Other half of the zen bowl

Evening Snack: 2 white cheddar rice cakes

Liquid Refreshment: 8 glasses of water plus one Coke Zero

Weigh-In June 9, 2009

348.0 pounds

Incremental Loss: 0 pounds

Total Loss: 12.8 pounds

Treading water, but given my late snacking yesterday I think holding place is not bad.

Exercise Log June 8, 2009

Walked 3.5 miles with Andy outside.

Yeah, I said outside.  In 7PM Texas heat.  That kinda outside.  It also made me appreciate the rec center track's walking surface, but the company more than made up for it.

Food Log June 8, 2009

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: granola bar

Lunch: Lean Cuisine lasagna plus a bite-sized Mr. Goodbar

Afternoon Snack: carrots w/2 Mr.Goodbars

Dinner: Turkey Tom on wheat bread from Jimmy John's

Evening Snack: 4 small tortilla chips dipped in queso plus a granola bar

Liquid Refreshment: 8 glasses of water plus a swig of Diet Coke

The granola bar was to take my medications.  I bought rice cakes for this eventuality in the future (big food, little calories/carbs) when it's just Metformin, but for a couple more days, I'm on another drug that requires a bit more food.  I think it might sink my morning weight/blood sugar, but it was necessary.

Today was the first hard day for eating.  Really wanted an extra snack this afternoon - 2 tiny Mr. Goodbars is better than I normally have snacked at the office - and almost bought a second sandwich at dinner.  On the plus side, I can't remember the last time I resisted that kind of craving, so I'm still loving the momentum.  Bought some apples tonight to provide a tastier snack for the rest of the week at work - got the ones with extra fiber too, in case that helps.

Weigh-In June 8, 2009

348.0 pounds

Incremental Loss: 1.3 pounds

Total Loss: 12.8 pounds

Exercise Log June 7, 2009

Walked 3.5 miles in 1 hour while reading about half of a Newsweek.

Week In Review

Pounds Lost: 11.5

Miles Walked: 10

Miles Biked: 7.5

Games Bowled: 2 (these were lesser quality performances than my walking-while-reading and even my neophyte biking, but I rarely get to use the phrase ChuckSMASH! in other situations)

Amount Raised for the Buffaloe Scholarship: $132.50

One person asked me to post what's different in my life each week from this.  This week was a great start.  I don't expect to keep up this kind of velocity on the weight, but that's OK.  While the tracked goal is weight loss, that's because it's quantifiable and easily sharable with all of you.  The end product of this process needs to be a maintainable lifestyle that keeps me healthy.

The walking/biking every day has surprised me with its sustainability.  I really thought my knees or feet would protest, but they've felt excellent all week.  I would like to thank the Pflugerville Rec Center for resurfacing their walking track this spring - it's made a huge difference!

I'm (overly?) proud of myself for what I've eaten this week.  I'm not perfect, there's still things I need to do less or more of, but any one of these days would be the healthiest day of most weeks I've had.

I'm nervous after this morning's weigh-in.  Rationally I know this is the danger of frequent weigh-ins, and that the momentum is still built, but it scares me a bit to think that my activity and eating levels the last 2 days could sustain me at 350 pounds.  I hope these fears will go away soon.

The main feeling this week has been shock and awe at how all of you have responded beyond my hopes when I started this blog.  10 individuals/companies have pledged $11/pound, $1/workout, books for meeting my monthly goals, and $850 for meeting the 75-pound goal so far, and 31 of you have contacted me with support and encouragement.  That's been a huge difference-maker in keeping up the exercise and healthier eating each day.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Food Log June 7, 2009

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: none (high blood sugar from last night's late eating so not needed)

Lunch: all-beef hot dog w/ half-slice cheddar cheese plus steamed carrots/broccoli/cauliflower and grapes

Afternoon Snack: granola bar

Dinner: peanut butter sandwich with carrots and grapes

Liquid Refreshment: 8 glasses of water and one Coke Zero

Weigh-In June 7, 2009

349.3 pounds

Incremental Gain: .1 pounds

Total Loss: 11.5 pounds

Not as great as the weekdays were, but most weekends I wouldn't have held steady under 350, so I'll take it.

Food Log June 6, 2009

Breakfast: whole wheat toast (new loaf is Double Fiber - see, I am taking your advice!) with 2 scrambled eggs and a banana

Morning Snack: granola bar; also stole 2 tater tots and 4 fries from my mom's lunch

Lunch: all-beef hot dog with 1 slice cheddar cheese and some grapes

Afternoon Snack: none

Dinner: turkey sandwich with 1 slice provolone and celery/carrots/apple

Evening Snack: 3 deviled eggs and about a thumb's width of icing stolen off a cupcake (everyone else was de-icing the host's cupcake and I had to pitch in)

Late Night Snack: granola bar (I know never to do this, but forgot to take medication with dinner and I must take it with food)

Liquid Refreshment: 7 glasses of water plus 2 Coke Zeros

Working out in the morning had me feeling close to a sugar crash by late morning (almost used it as an excuse for a small Coke Slurpee!).  Might add a granola bar or second piece of toast to get more carbs in that situation.  And/or eat lunch earlier.

Exercise Log June 6, 2009

Got out at 6:45AM to beat the heat and biked 4.5 miles in 30 minutes.  Definitely beats the 5:30PM not-so-slowly-baking feeling.

Exercise Log June 5, 2009

Walked 3.5 miles in about 55 minutes while finishing the Science News and getting a third of the way through last week's Newsweek.

I'm planning on starting to accept some of the joint-exercise invitations next week.  If you've invited me and haven't heard back yet, you will.

Food Log June 5, 2009

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: Turkey Tom on wheat bread from Jimmy John's (includes lettuce, alfalfa, mayo) plus 2 bite-sized Mr. Goodbars

Afternoon Snack: grapes plus 1 bite-sized Mr. Goodbar

Dinner: Salad of greens, grapes, almonds with raspberry vinaigrette; 2 pieces whole wheat toast with 1 slice cheddar cheese each

Post-Workout Snack: 90-calorie low fat chocolate chunk granola bar

Liquid Refreshment: 6 glasses of water plus 1 Coke Zero

A little more snacking today.  I don't think that's bad, especially considering the workouts, but will try to steer healthier than Mr. Goodbars.

Weigh-In June 5, 2009

349.2 pounds

Incremental Loss: 3.7 pounds

Total Loss: 11.6 pounds

Will probably shift to a MWF weighing schedule now.  Unless I get impatient which is also possible.

Also, for those who know about diabetes, my fasting glucose count is down 52 points.  Not quite normal, but really close.

Food Log June 4, 2009

Breakfast: bacon breakfast taco - I've done well enough to enjoy work's Taco Thursday

Morning Snack: memories of the glorious breakfast taco

Lunch: peanut butter sandwich and banana and a bite-sized Mr. Goodbar

Afternoon Snack: a mix of celery, carrots, and apple

Dinner: 1/2 Chili's turkey sandwich and salad, and a few of the fries they accidentally gave me

Evening Snack: no need

Liquid Refreshment: 4 glasses of water plus 2 Coke Zero's (will work on more water tomorrow!)

Exercise Log June 4, 2009

Bowled 2 games at lunch.  The low scores of 83 and 82 not only represent my skill, but also the fact that I had almost no strikes, and thus bowled more times, increasing the exercise.

I'd planned on something additional after work, but went to the eye doctor and had my eyes dilated, so that was a no-go.

Weigh-In June 4, 2009

352.9 pounds

And the %-a-day binge comes to an end.  Alas, alas.  Or it's more than halfway to my monthly goal on Day 4.  Makes me curious to see what I can do.

Food Log June 3, 2009

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: 1/2 of a Zen veggie rice bowl (2 cups white rice with generous helpings of broccoli, carrots, and onions and 2 eggs)

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: the other 1/2 of the rice bowl (reheated was excellent!)

Evening Snack: small bunch of slivered almonds

Liquid Refreshment: 5 glasses of water plus 2 Coke Zero's

Exercise Log June 3, 2009

Walked 3 miles in 50 minutes (gym closed before my last half mile) while reading most of Science News' special astronomy issue.

Weigh-In June 3, 2009

353.7 pounds

1% may be a statistical anomaly, but 2% is a TREND of statistical anomalies!

Food Log June 2, 2009

Several people have suggested tracking what I eat, so I'll give it a shot.  Get ready for TMI!

Breakfast: whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana

Morning Snack: carrots

Lunch: Lean Cuisine rigatoni dish (450 calories, 50g carb)

Afternoon Snack: apple

Dinner: Salad of greens, grapes, almonds with raspberry vinaigrette; whole wheat toast with 1 slice cheddar cheese; 1 fried mozzarella stick (stolen from someone else's dinner :-))

Evening Snack: small bunch of slivered almonds

Liquid Refreshment: At least 6 glasses of water plus 2 Coke Zero's

Reassurance

Wow.  In the last 24 hours, I've heard from 24 people (sorry to those of you who had problems with the blog comments) offering 1 additional challenge, 6 offers to exercise together, combined pledges of $4/pound + assorted books (for me!) for meeting each monthly goal, and a ton of advice and encouragement.

I did want to reassure everyone that the goal of this plan is health, not just weight loss.  I will not be starving myself, trying any weird/unsustainable diets, or pushing myself too hard exercising.  My dietary plan is to eat less and avoid bad stuff most of the time.  Try to get in 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day, drink lots of water, and keep away from the unhealthy snacks that I'm so good at finding.  I won't be perfect (there's not much point in living another 50 years without any Slurpees, but they will be rare), but I'll be better.

Exercise Log June 2, 2009

Walked 3.5 miles in 1 hour while finishing my Newsweek.

Weigh-In June 2, 2009

357.4 pounds

Is 1% just a statistical variation?  Or 20% towards beating Chris in our little race?

I won't normally weigh myself every day, but it's fun to see immediate effects up front, and I'll take any moments of glee I can to get going.

Exercise Log June 1, 2009

Biked 3 miles in about 18 minutes (it was hot at 5:30!)

Weigh-In June 1, 2009

360.8 pounds

Introduction

My goal is to lose 75 pounds in 2009, 15 pounds in June and 10 pounds every month after that.  I'll do it with exercise, better eating, and, hopefully, you.

I've tried to lose weight before, and here I still am.  So I'm asking the people around me for help.  "How can I help?" I'm sure you're asking right now.  Before asking you for anything, let me spell out my side of the bargain:

1. Exercise at least 5 days a week, either biking or walking.  I'm open to other suggestions, too, but no running/jogging for me.
   
2. Improve my diet.
   
3. Post weigh-ins and exercise log on this blog at least 3 times a week to keep accountable.
   

"Yeah, yeah, enough about you.  How can WE help?"  Let me help you help me with these convenient suggestions that spell out INCITE for today's easy anagram!

• INVITE.  If you'd like to join me for exercise, I'll sweat with ya.
  
• NAG.  Remind me if you see me behaving badly.  I may not smile, but I'll appreciate it.
  
• CHALLENGE.  Intermediate goals will help keep me moving.  One friend has already challenged me to lose 15 pounds before he does.
  
• INCENT.  Yep, I'm dieting for charity - this might be my strongest day-to-day motivator.  Your tax-deductible pledges will go 100% to the Judy Buffaloe Scholarship fund honoring an incredible teacher.  So if you are willing and able, pledge $1/pound.  Or $10/100 miles walked.  Or $1/workout.  Pledges can be made in a comment.
  
• TEACH.  I promise to appreciate all advice even if I have trouble taking it.
  
• ENCOURAGE.  Please hold me accountable, but with a spoonful of sugar on top.
  

This is what I'm going to do this summer (and fall and winter).  Thank you in advance for helping me in any way you can.

You can click here to go directly to the main page of this blog for all of my weigh-in, exercise and food log updates.  Please keep in touch so you know when to encourage/nag.