It is hard to imagine that I kicked this whole think off a mere 8 weeks ago. I'd like to thank everyone who has been keeping up by passively reading, posting comments, calling, etc. Every bit has helped.
Week 8 was the 'goal line' for the first 24 lbs. That timeframe was based on an incorrect assumption that the ediets meal plan lasted 8 weeks. Regardless, I let the 8 week goal stand. That meant I had to figure out a way to lose weight with out the comfort of ediets...which is the longer term goal anyhow. Unfortunately, my first 'experimental' week (last week) didn't go so well. Part because it landed on Thanksgiving and part because I sort of broke some rules (and ate too much bad stuff). Lesson learned, I approached this week with a better plan. The first full week with out ediet's meal, an important goal, and following the first 'weight gain' week...and how did I do? You tell me:
Hitting the mark:
Initial Weight: 220
Week1: 214 [6 pound loss]
Week2: 210 [4 pound loss]
Week3: 206 [4 pound loss]
Week4: 204 [2 pound loss]
Week5: 199 [5 pound loss]
Week6: 196.5 [2.5 lb loss]
Week7: 198 [1.5 lb GAIN] - Boo!
Week8: 195 [3 pound loss]25 lbs LOST OVERALL - I eeked past my goal by 1 lb! [Goal = 24 pounds by 12/02]
I was happy to see the scale read in my favor...but that is just the start...
Here is what I did:
A. 6 1/2 weeks of meals from a tray
* Only a couple of meals were outside of the 'plan' and they were salads
* I find it hard to believe that I kept up with this and didn't cave to the Fries
B. 7 weeks of a new work out
* I missed a few days at the gym here and there, but for the most part I stuck as close to the work out as possible
* Another hard to believe act as I have never been able to sustain a consistent gym schedule - ever!
C. 8 weeks with out a single drop of alcoholic goodness
* Not a single drop! Nada, nil, nothing...
* Everyone is surprised that I stuck to this rule - even myself. It is good to see that I can easily shut off the beer spigot when I want.
D. All of this added up to losing 25 lbs
* I think about 10 lbs came from my face, another 10 from my legs, and the last 5 from the belly (which is where I wanted it all to come from).
* I hope that all adds up to the next 15 coming from the ole beer belly...
Here is what is next:
I think I am going to have to work even harder than before to hit the next goals. I have to make sure I continue to lose weight while eating 'normal' food and enjoying the occational adult beverage. That means - better planning and big time gym-action.
Goals:
Weight loss: Another 15 pounds or a target of 180lbs
* that would be a total of 40 lbs!
Weight loss goal per week (a little smaller goal this time): 2 lbs/week
Starting at Week 9 (12/3-12/9), I will need to hit 180 on 1/27/07. That is another 8 weeks...CRAP 8 MORE WEEKS! I think I can make it happen, but it will be tough with Christmas eating and new found freedoms (read: Rum).
Plan:
1. Breakfast & Lunch (during the week):
* Prepare the week's breakfasts and lunches on Sunday and stick to what I make
> This will save money and keep me on track
> Breakfast = cereal (not Frankenberry or Apple Jacks, but some healthy fibery, nutty, cereal)
> Lunch = Leftover dinner OR salad with some sort of light dressing + some mixed nuts and an apple or similar fruity goodness
* Freebees
> One breakfast (the office has bagels every Tuesday) and one lunch can be from some other source
> You gotta live, right? I have a bunch of friends that work in the area (and 2 in the same office) and I haven't been able to join any for lunch since this started....so, I need to make sure that can happen and whatnot and junk
2. Breakfast & Lunch (on the weekends):
* Breakfast = some sort of egg/meat combination...just a little something to get the day going that is not cereal
> A little variety from the breakfast during the week and still not ordering out for food - which is dangerous
* Lunch = Same as during the week - however, I usually end up eating breakfast so late that I skip lunch on the weekends, so whatever
3. Dinner
* ediets meals or better, pre-planned menu for the week with all the ingredients purchased on the weekend
> Maria and I are on our second week of doing this and I think it worked out really well last week
> This takes the guessing out of each night, we get to enjoy a 'self-prepared' meal and it always hits the spot
> Keeps up from ordering all the junk available in our neighborhood
4. Dinner freebees
* 1-2 times a week I can eat out or order from a restaurant...however, I need to make sure to STOP eating when full and not order stupid things, like chicken fried steak with a side of mashed potatoes topped with French fries covered in a vat of lard
> Again, to keep us sane, we need to enjoy the outside world, yes?
5. Bring on Vern
* I am starting the 6 week Vern Gambetta program over - cycle 2, if you will
> This time I know what to expect and will ratchet everything up a noch
> I think the weight loss this time around will hinge more on the exercise than food intake changes - I think my body has made it's adjustments to the food levels, so now it is going to be doubly hard to lose the belly...
So, just when you thought it was all over - 8 MORE WEEKS OF FUN!
