Well, my adoring fans asked for it... so here it is, a new post!
Ok, so it was really my wife who asked for it - but she is my number one adoring fan! And before I get to me, let's talk about my wife for a minute (be careful what you ask for honey!). I just want to say that I'm proud of my wife and for decisions she has made. This time around we are much more of a team. The last time I started to change my diet I went to the extreme - didn't matter if it tasted good or looked good, if it was healthy I was eating it! There were several times we were making different meals and this just was not working.
Holly and I made the decision to start eating healthier and really work on our overall health and be an example to our son, as most people traditionally due at the start of the new year. I'm holding back some and not being so erratic with eating twigs and bark so that we can do this together. Holly's made progress, and that's all I'll say! I'm proud of you honey! Love you!
We went grocery shopping and I gotta say there is something about a cart full of good healthy food that just makes me happy. I have been guilty of whining "eating healthy just costs so much more" and then run through a drive through and gorge on greasy goodness for $6-$7.00, or we would go out to dinner and spend ad easy $30.00. Well, thanks to my smart wife who can make delicious food out of anything.. we purchased groceries for $73.00 that will last easily a week - that's three meals a day for an average price of $3.47 - there is no way we could go out to dinner and purchase it for this price. Now, the fast food addict in me is starting to think of different equations of meals off the dollar menu at McDonalds, but that is just not healthy or sustainable and certainly not what I want Eli to learn.
We have been enjoying delicious salads, fruits, and yummy creations by Holly this week. I haven't started back exercising, but will add it in next week. I'm thinking that the least amount of drastic change I make now, the longer I will be able to keep this change going.
Around Thanksgiving, and probably before, I kind of stopped caring and slipped into my old ways. I had lost 36 pounds but gained back about 15 with the help of Ronald McDonald and the King (Burger King that is). Plus with the constant wave of delicious desserts that are thrown at us during the holidays I became very unhappy with the weight gain.
As of this morning, I have lost 10 pounds a mere 6 days into eating healthy again. This is without any additional exercise (I do walk a lot in my job) and eating as "clean" and natural as possible without making myself nuts over it. I know that most if not all of this is water weight, but who cares! It's 10lbs of motivation to keep me going for next week!
I was thinking this morning that I'm glad I didn't go all exercise crazy this week. There are several people in both Holly's and my family with physical limitations. I know that there are a lot of factors that made this 10lbs come off quick - being a young man and all - but I hope that by Holly and I losing weight JUST BE CHANGING WHAT WE EAT can be an encouragement to them. I will never be a body builder, and you know what - I LOVE JUNK FOOD, I can't say that I am never going to eat fast food again or cut out sweets entirely, but I do know that choices I put in my grocery cart have a direct correlation on how my weight, diet, future, and quality of life is impacted.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Starting Over
Starting my diet, or what I prefer to call my lifestyle change, was one of the easiest decisions I have made, it was fast, easy, and fun.... at first! I lost 36 pounds in approximately 6 weeks... I felt great, had more energy than I had in years and all of the sudden thought I knew everything there was to know about dieting and weight loss. And then, after the initial honeymoon period mixed with our elliptical machine breaking, and the end of the summer cookouts, parties, and craving for all food that is unhealthy I took a two month break from my healthy lifestyle. During these few months I gained 10 pounds back and dealt with all the guilt that comes with that... Waiting in the drive through line I would try to talk myself out of ordering whatever greasy thing I was craving, but I simply didn't care. I didn't care about healthy food or exercising, I didn't care that I started to notice the extra pounds back, I didn't care that stairs were starting to be my enemy once again. I was completely happy indulging in whatever I wanted. I was surprised by almost as quickly as I changed my ways overnight that I could so easily change for the worse overnight!
But then I was reminded by our super amazing closed friend Paula that any decisions I made to improve my health was HUGE. Although I had gotten to the point where I was starting to plateau and lose focus any healthy decision, whether it was a better food choice or going for a few minute walk on lunch added tremendously to my overall health, both immediate and future. I also reminded myself of the years of poor choices and genetics that contribute to my father dying far before his time at the age of 60. I remembered all of the struggles that he faced, and of the constant worry that it all brought to those who loved him, especially my Mom and siblings. I know how much I worried and feared for my Dad, and I don't want Eli to have those same concerns when I'm older, atleast until he is MUCH older. The poor health of our parents and the amount of stress and worry that my wife and I have over our parents is things that most 30 year old couples don't think about. I feel like we are dealing with decisions and facing challenges 10-20 years before we should be. And in my Dad's case, these were for many years. In another seven or so years Eli will be the same age I was when my Dad had his first heart attack... this boggles my mind!! In seven years I want Eli to worry about being a kid, not wondering, and sadly, waiting for me to worsen health wise, or worse.
So, a week ago I started getting back into the swing of things, going for walks, better meal choices, etc. I quickly got back to an overall 30 pound weight loss and am encourage by my refocused vision. Also, my cousin had posted on facebook that he had started using the My FitnessPal app and had asked for others to consider using it and help keep him accountable. I started an account and am enjoying staying connected to my aunt and three of my cousins. I really enjoy the accountability factor that the app brings.
Today I felt like I needed to do something BIG, although as Paula reminded me that the small simple decisions are big steps I felt like I needed to step up my game as a way to help solidify my decisions to get back in the game. I stopped at my Mom's house and decided to go for a walk. At first I planned on doing a mile, but as I started out and had time to think about everything, especially my Dad, I really wanted to show him that I was serious about all of this, so I thought what better way then to walk to the cemetery to do so. I had no idea how far it was from her house, In the car it is only 10 minutes away, that's not too far right? WRONG! I walked 4 miles to have a visit with my Dad, I know how proud he would be of me for doing all this. As I started to get tired and felt my legs would give out I thought about my dad, and how much he would have given to walk 4 feet as he spent the last several years of his life in a wheelchair. I thanked God for the strong legs that I do have now, and how although I'm overweight I am still mobile and relatively quick!
But before I start to sound like a know it all .... again... I have to knock myself down a peg or two and admit that after starting back I called for a ride! :) Thanks Jessica.
But then I was reminded by our super amazing closed friend Paula that any decisions I made to improve my health was HUGE. Although I had gotten to the point where I was starting to plateau and lose focus any healthy decision, whether it was a better food choice or going for a few minute walk on lunch added tremendously to my overall health, both immediate and future. I also reminded myself of the years of poor choices and genetics that contribute to my father dying far before his time at the age of 60. I remembered all of the struggles that he faced, and of the constant worry that it all brought to those who loved him, especially my Mom and siblings. I know how much I worried and feared for my Dad, and I don't want Eli to have those same concerns when I'm older, atleast until he is MUCH older. The poor health of our parents and the amount of stress and worry that my wife and I have over our parents is things that most 30 year old couples don't think about. I feel like we are dealing with decisions and facing challenges 10-20 years before we should be. And in my Dad's case, these were for many years. In another seven or so years Eli will be the same age I was when my Dad had his first heart attack... this boggles my mind!! In seven years I want Eli to worry about being a kid, not wondering, and sadly, waiting for me to worsen health wise, or worse.
So, a week ago I started getting back into the swing of things, going for walks, better meal choices, etc. I quickly got back to an overall 30 pound weight loss and am encourage by my refocused vision. Also, my cousin had posted on facebook that he had started using the My FitnessPal app and had asked for others to consider using it and help keep him accountable. I started an account and am enjoying staying connected to my aunt and three of my cousins. I really enjoy the accountability factor that the app brings.
Today I felt like I needed to do something BIG, although as Paula reminded me that the small simple decisions are big steps I felt like I needed to step up my game as a way to help solidify my decisions to get back in the game. I stopped at my Mom's house and decided to go for a walk. At first I planned on doing a mile, but as I started out and had time to think about everything, especially my Dad, I really wanted to show him that I was serious about all of this, so I thought what better way then to walk to the cemetery to do so. I had no idea how far it was from her house, In the car it is only 10 minutes away, that's not too far right? WRONG! I walked 4 miles to have a visit with my Dad, I know how proud he would be of me for doing all this. As I started to get tired and felt my legs would give out I thought about my dad, and how much he would have given to walk 4 feet as he spent the last several years of his life in a wheelchair. I thanked God for the strong legs that I do have now, and how although I'm overweight I am still mobile and relatively quick!
But before I start to sound like a know it all .... again... I have to knock myself down a peg or two and admit that after starting back I called for a ride! :) Thanks Jessica.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Visit to the Doctor
A few weeks ago I went back to my primary care physcian for follow up. I went into my appointment both confident and nervous all in one. I know that I had made great strides in improving my health, but I also knew that I hadn't been doing as well as I could lately. Old habits are starting to creep back in!
My doctor walked in, looked at me, looked at the chart, and looked back and me and said "WOW, you've lost weight!!". After getting some results, I brought my A1c down to normal levels, my fasting glucose was 46 points lower, my good cholesterol went up 8 points, and my bad cholesterol went down!! I have lost 37 pounds and I do feel so much better!
I am appreciated of all those who continue to encourage me! Thanks Paula!! :)
My doctor walked in, looked at me, looked at the chart, and looked back and me and said "WOW, you've lost weight!!". After getting some results, I brought my A1c down to normal levels, my fasting glucose was 46 points lower, my good cholesterol went up 8 points, and my bad cholesterol went down!! I have lost 37 pounds and I do feel so much better!
I am appreciated of all those who continue to encourage me! Thanks Paula!! :)
Friday, September 7, 2012
So, It's Been Awhile
Looks like I have been out of the loop for awhile!!
Like anything, there is huge momentum at first ---- and then old habits get ya! Which is what I have been struggling with the last couple weeks.
As of today I am 12 days away from my "90 days". It's getting closer to going back to the doctor and having repeated labs and all of the fun stuff. I have lost a total of 38 pounds since starting my new way of life. I am pleased with the results, but also disappointed. I completely lost motivation in August. Lack of motivation combined with our elliptical machine breaking really slowed me down. I had hoped that by the end of the 90 days I would have lost closer to 50 pounds, but I keep reminding myself that 38 pounds is still an amazing accomplishment for me! I got a membership to Planet Fitness, and I love it there, but having the time to make it to the gym on a regular basis is very difficult for our family schedule combined with my hectic work schedule.
I have recommitted to myself, my health, my future and am looking forward to quickly attaining the 50 pound mark!
Like anything, there is huge momentum at first ---- and then old habits get ya! Which is what I have been struggling with the last couple weeks.
As of today I am 12 days away from my "90 days". It's getting closer to going back to the doctor and having repeated labs and all of the fun stuff. I have lost a total of 38 pounds since starting my new way of life. I am pleased with the results, but also disappointed. I completely lost motivation in August. Lack of motivation combined with our elliptical machine breaking really slowed me down. I had hoped that by the end of the 90 days I would have lost closer to 50 pounds, but I keep reminding myself that 38 pounds is still an amazing accomplishment for me! I got a membership to Planet Fitness, and I love it there, but having the time to make it to the gym on a regular basis is very difficult for our family schedule combined with my hectic work schedule.
I have recommitted to myself, my health, my future and am looking forward to quickly attaining the 50 pound mark!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
THIRTY
I haven't posted in awhile as we have been on vacation. But.... I'VE LOST 30 POUNDS! I hit the 30 pound mark exactly one month into my weight loss journey. I was a bit nervous stepping on those scales given that I had been on vacation and off of my "normal" routine - combined with the issue of our elliptical machine being broken (yikes!!).
I really am feeling the difference in my overall energy level. I enjoyed playing soccer and running around with my 4 year old this week --- I certainly have a long way to being "in shape", but I don't think a month ago I would have had the same energy level to do these things. I ran around with some little cousins at our family reunion today which was a lot of fun!
My short term goal was to lose 30 pounds before July 25th, when I turn 30, and I'm so happy to have met this goal! I still have a few days until my birthday, so hopefully I'll have lost a few extra pounds so I can realllllly enjoy my birthday cake!
I go back to my doctor's on September 10th. I would love to lose another 10-15 pounds before I go back.
It has been very encouraging seeing friends and family this week that we haven't see for awhile and to hear the many compliments and acknowledgements that I had lost weight. Thanks for reading and being an encouragement!
I really am feeling the difference in my overall energy level. I enjoyed playing soccer and running around with my 4 year old this week --- I certainly have a long way to being "in shape", but I don't think a month ago I would have had the same energy level to do these things. I ran around with some little cousins at our family reunion today which was a lot of fun!
My short term goal was to lose 30 pounds before July 25th, when I turn 30, and I'm so happy to have met this goal! I still have a few days until my birthday, so hopefully I'll have lost a few extra pounds so I can realllllly enjoy my birthday cake!
I go back to my doctor's on September 10th. I would love to lose another 10-15 pounds before I go back.
It has been very encouraging seeing friends and family this week that we haven't see for awhile and to hear the many compliments and acknowledgements that I had lost weight. Thanks for reading and being an encouragement!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
Grilled Chicken Breast - I put about half of a small chicken breast on the sandwich
Lettuce
Onion
Tomato
Green Pepper
3-4 Tsp of Raye's Mustard - Winter Garden ( at only 5 calories per tsp spread it on! so good)
2 slices of Ezekiel 4:9 Bread (I prefer mine toasted or on the grill)
This is a filling and delicious sanwich at less than 375 calories!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Yum!
I wanted to share a couple delicious recipes I threw together today! These are going to make really delicious and filling breakfasts on the go (which is important in our family!) or a cool treat on a hot summer day!Almond Banana Smoothies - 230 Calories
1 cup Blue Diamon Almond Breeze Milk - Vanilla flavor
1 banana
1/2 small container of Chobani Greek Yogurt - Plain
Put them in the blender and enjoy!
Fruit Smoothies - 290 Calories
1 cup Silk Fruit & Protein
1 banana
1/2 small container of Chobani Greek Yogurt - Plain
Put them in the blender and enjoy!
Enjoy!
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