Unfortunately, the weather was not permitting for a walk at lunch at Home Depot. But my breakfast for the last two mornings has been two biscuits. I had the leftovers from the teriyaki stir fry that I fixed the other night, and I had some spaghetti for supper last night (the sauce was made in a large batch and was frozen for later use). I will be taking a few biscuits (made from scratch) and a serving of spaghetti for my lunch today.
The challenge will begin in earnest on Monday as I return to working 40 hours a week at my day job and about 20 hours a week on my second job (Home Depot). I realize that I may work a lot (not really), but I do have a lot of debt that is slowly, but surely, going away. You can always read of that saga at moneyformylife. I would like to thank those who have been supportive, it means a lot to me. I am excited for 2010 because the weight will slowly diminish as I find my energy level increasing and my clothes becoming looser.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The New Year Approaches
It has now been two days since I began writing again on this blog. I had originally got the idea that I would be raking in the money by the end of 2009, and that is not the case. I still love to write, and yes, I am still fat. Yesterday (Saturday, December 26, 2009) was a day back at work at the local Home Depot. I wasn't scheduled because I had actual vacation scheduled, but I got back to the United States earlier than expected and I figured that I might as well make a little more money to help pay off my debts.
I started the day well with a bowl of oatmeal and I almost panicked when they called me in to work because it would not have given me time to make my lunch to take. Eating out is a big challenge for me. I needed something relatively low in price and low in total calories. The next closest thing was Taco Bell. I only spent $2.14 (that included tax) for two bean burritos. After further research, I should have had only one. Dinner was home-made stir fry teriyaki chicken and enough was made that there is some to take to work today.
Weather permitting, I will take a brisk walk at lunch (I get an hour at Home Depot) so that will help the total input/output option.
Thanks for your support, more to be posted later.
I started the day well with a bowl of oatmeal and I almost panicked when they called me in to work because it would not have given me time to make my lunch to take. Eating out is a big challenge for me. I needed something relatively low in price and low in total calories. The next closest thing was Taco Bell. I only spent $2.14 (that included tax) for two bean burritos. After further research, I should have had only one. Dinner was home-made stir fry teriyaki chicken and enough was made that there is some to take to work today.
Weather permitting, I will take a brisk walk at lunch (I get an hour at Home Depot) so that will help the total input/output option.
Thanks for your support, more to be posted later.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Feliz Navidad
Christmastime is here, and I just got back from a trip to Mexico. I have photos (that I have not yet downloaded) that show me, in living color, that I am fat. No, lets call it more medically correct: I am obese. Clinically. This will change, and I need your help to do so.
I will post on here several times a week as to what I am eating and what I am doing activity-wise to make this possible.
One thing that will be done is to limit my caffeine intake. I have, in the past, been know to consume up to a six-pack of soda a day. It was diet soda, but the more I research this particular issue, the more that I become convinced that this may be one of the contributing factors to my obesity.
Help me and give me support on this as I hope to help others out of their prisons of being fat.
I will post on here several times a week as to what I am eating and what I am doing activity-wise to make this possible.
One thing that will be done is to limit my caffeine intake. I have, in the past, been know to consume up to a six-pack of soda a day. It was diet soda, but the more I research this particular issue, the more that I become convinced that this may be one of the contributing factors to my obesity.
Help me and give me support on this as I hope to help others out of their prisons of being fat.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June Is The Beginning of Summer
June is here and it is the beginning of summer. School is out (or getting near to being out) and people have a tendency to spend more time outdoors. I love sitting near a campfire in the evenings and listening to a ball game on the radio (or on the television if the satellite is hooked up). Summer also brings lots of fresh fruit and vegetables which are good tasting, and good for you.
I hate to admit it, but I gained two pounds this last week. I know that I have a tendency to eat a lot when I am stressed, and there seems to have been an undo amount of stress in my life lately. I don't use that as an excuse, but it is the underlying reason for my weight problem. My need is to find activities beside eating that will help to lower my stress level and provide me with a viable opportunity to prolong my life.
Thankfully, I still mow our lawn by hand. Because I am able to walk, I will take the hour or so to mow the yard using a push mower. I don't know if it is because I still hold a noble view of physical labor, but I get such a degree of satisfaction knowing that the yard is my responsibility and I have loved mowing for the past 40 years. My parents still mow their own yard, even as they approach their mid 70s.
Just because I gained two pounds is not a reason for me (or you) to throw in the towel and go on an eating binge. Much like an airplane that may be blown slightly off course after takeoff, it doesn't return to the airport to start all over again, but it makes a slight adjustment because the pilot knows that the goal is the next airport, not just a straight line from one tarmac to another.
Keep up the great work!
I hate to admit it, but I gained two pounds this last week. I know that I have a tendency to eat a lot when I am stressed, and there seems to have been an undo amount of stress in my life lately. I don't use that as an excuse, but it is the underlying reason for my weight problem. My need is to find activities beside eating that will help to lower my stress level and provide me with a viable opportunity to prolong my life.
Thankfully, I still mow our lawn by hand. Because I am able to walk, I will take the hour or so to mow the yard using a push mower. I don't know if it is because I still hold a noble view of physical labor, but I get such a degree of satisfaction knowing that the yard is my responsibility and I have loved mowing for the past 40 years. My parents still mow their own yard, even as they approach their mid 70s.
Just because I gained two pounds is not a reason for me (or you) to throw in the towel and go on an eating binge. Much like an airplane that may be blown slightly off course after takeoff, it doesn't return to the airport to start all over again, but it makes a slight adjustment because the pilot knows that the goal is the next airport, not just a straight line from one tarmac to another.
Keep up the great work!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Monday
On this holiday weekend, it wasn't as difficult to eat less. My second job is being a cashier at a Home Improvement warehouse and, since nobody wanted to work a holiday weekend, I got to work all three days. I did sweat a lot working in the garden center, but it paid off because I was down to 295 when I stepped on the scale this evening (after having dinner at an Italian restaurant). Eight pounds have slowly gone away, and it will continue.
I still park at the far end of the parking lot for work, but I may park further at my second job just because it will force me to walk a few more steps. And you will remember that a few more steps add up over the year. My wife has been inspirational in her walking (and the dog loves it too). She walks fast anyway, but she is gone for an hour or more at a time on her walks. She is pretty close to perfect as far as I can see.
One thing that I regularly have for breakfast is a bowl of oatmeal. I don't buy the individual packets and make it in the microwave: I prefer the old fashioned kind (generic) that you have to cook for a full minute on the stove. It serves a lot of purposes: 1) the cost is extremely low, just 10-12 cents a day, so that I can save money 2) it is pretty tasty, especially with brown sugar or fruit 3) it is supposed to be good for lowering your cholesterol.
Of course, things that help lower your weight will help you to live a longer, healthier life. Here's to YOUR life and your perfect weight quest.
I still park at the far end of the parking lot for work, but I may park further at my second job just because it will force me to walk a few more steps. And you will remember that a few more steps add up over the year. My wife has been inspirational in her walking (and the dog loves it too). She walks fast anyway, but she is gone for an hour or more at a time on her walks. She is pretty close to perfect as far as I can see.
One thing that I regularly have for breakfast is a bowl of oatmeal. I don't buy the individual packets and make it in the microwave: I prefer the old fashioned kind (generic) that you have to cook for a full minute on the stove. It serves a lot of purposes: 1) the cost is extremely low, just 10-12 cents a day, so that I can save money 2) it is pretty tasty, especially with brown sugar or fruit 3) it is supposed to be good for lowering your cholesterol.
Of course, things that help lower your weight will help you to live a longer, healthier life. Here's to YOUR life and your perfect weight quest.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Some Progress Has Now Been Made
I am pretty excited because when I weighed today I was down to 297! That's two pounds in a week. This weight loss is not rapid, nor do I expect it to be. My secret? Well, it was no secret, I didn't eat as much and I exercised a bit. At my day job, we have an exercise room with some treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbing machines, weight machines, and a small variety of free weights. I started riding the bicycle again, starting out at ten minutes, and by the end of the week, I was at twelve minutes.
Big deal, so you say. It is. I do not want to strain too much or increase by chance for failure, so it gets worked into gradually. The bicycles that are there have the ability to record distance, miles, and calories burned. I was burning about 75 to 100 calories. Not much, but when you think that a pound is equal to 3500 calories, if there were only 75 calories burnt and the bike was ridden every day, 7.8 pounds would be lost in a year. The little things add up.
You don't have to make big changes to see big results over time. Drink one fewer soda per week and you have lost 1.6 pounds. Change that to one fewer soda a day and it gets jacked up to 11.5 pounds a year. All from a simple change.
Let's say that you burn 15 calories by taking the steps each day: that's 1.1 pounds a year. You see, just find little ways that don't hurt to cut back on and you will have a sure fire way to lost weight. Just be sure that you don't replace your new habit with one that ads calories and packs on the pounds.
Have a great day!
Big deal, so you say. It is. I do not want to strain too much or increase by chance for failure, so it gets worked into gradually. The bicycles that are there have the ability to record distance, miles, and calories burned. I was burning about 75 to 100 calories. Not much, but when you think that a pound is equal to 3500 calories, if there were only 75 calories burnt and the bike was ridden every day, 7.8 pounds would be lost in a year. The little things add up.
You don't have to make big changes to see big results over time. Drink one fewer soda per week and you have lost 1.6 pounds. Change that to one fewer soda a day and it gets jacked up to 11.5 pounds a year. All from a simple change.
Let's say that you burn 15 calories by taking the steps each day: that's 1.1 pounds a year. You see, just find little ways that don't hurt to cut back on and you will have a sure fire way to lost weight. Just be sure that you don't replace your new habit with one that ads calories and packs on the pounds.
Have a great day!
Monday, May 11, 2009
I'm Getting Closer
Down to 299 and it represents a 1 pound drop. Certainly nothing to get too excited about, but it is traveling in the right direction...down. This week wasn't the most stellar in food control, especially considering that we got together with my wife's father and sister for a "light" meal. If you call an old-fashioned hamburger and fries "light", then light is what we had.
This week will show a marked improvement in the goal toward the perfect weight. Tomorrow night, I will cook one of my favorite low-cost and low-fat meals: black-eyed peas and rice. It is very filling and has very little fat in it. A pot will be cooked that will make enough for lunches for the rest of the week, including the weekend. There was no work last weekend, and we went to the RV for the weekend. Very relaxing (but, not much activity on my part). I know that I am an embarrassment to my wife and my 16-year-old son, and I want to be alive for the rest of their lives (I want to live as long as they do). Being overweight is such a drain on your knees and joints and heart and lungs. Walking up from the parking lot, my wife commented on my heavy breathing.
If that won't motivate somebody, I don't know what will. I already do some physical activity like mowing the lawn by hand each week. I sweat up a storm, but I know that it is the best physical activity that I get. Here's to a great growing season (and mowing twice a week)!
Stay tuned!
This week will show a marked improvement in the goal toward the perfect weight. Tomorrow night, I will cook one of my favorite low-cost and low-fat meals: black-eyed peas and rice. It is very filling and has very little fat in it. A pot will be cooked that will make enough for lunches for the rest of the week, including the weekend. There was no work last weekend, and we went to the RV for the weekend. Very relaxing (but, not much activity on my part). I know that I am an embarrassment to my wife and my 16-year-old son, and I want to be alive for the rest of their lives (I want to live as long as they do). Being overweight is such a drain on your knees and joints and heart and lungs. Walking up from the parking lot, my wife commented on my heavy breathing.
If that won't motivate somebody, I don't know what will. I already do some physical activity like mowing the lawn by hand each week. I sweat up a storm, but I know that it is the best physical activity that I get. Here's to a great growing season (and mowing twice a week)!
Stay tuned!
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Perfect Weight is Stil Getting Closer
The weight was recorded today and it is down a bit more to 300. Knowing that th progress is slow, habits are being changed and the weight continue to slowly be lost. One thing that has helped immensely is that the meals that are eaten are pretty much planned out. Often lunch is prepared in the early morning after I rise or, frequently, in the evening the day before. When packing a lunch, some things have been found that really help:
Pack Only What You Need, Not What You Want - This is best done on a full stomach so that you don't end up packing a lot of things that you want that may or may not be the best for you. I know that as a child, I would have wanted the lunch packed with candy and bread, but now as an adult, I know that it is best to have a bit of variety and refrain from the sugar. One of my favorites to pack for lunch is black-eyed peas and rice, which is inexpensive and low in fat and calories.
Stay Away From the Vending Machines - One of the nicknames that the vending machines have been given is "Wheel of Death". Usually the foods are not the best for you nutritionally and they cost a lot of money (versus bringing your own soda and snacks). A real double whammy.
Take the Time You Save to Take a Brisk Walk - Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it is a good idea and doesn't take a lot of equipment, nor does it require you to get too sweaty.
Look here in the future for some low-cost, low-fat recipes.
Have a great day!
Pack Only What You Need, Not What You Want - This is best done on a full stomach so that you don't end up packing a lot of things that you want that may or may not be the best for you. I know that as a child, I would have wanted the lunch packed with candy and bread, but now as an adult, I know that it is best to have a bit of variety and refrain from the sugar. One of my favorites to pack for lunch is black-eyed peas and rice, which is inexpensive and low in fat and calories.
Stay Away From the Vending Machines - One of the nicknames that the vending machines have been given is "Wheel of Death". Usually the foods are not the best for you nutritionally and they cost a lot of money (versus bringing your own soda and snacks). A real double whammy.
Take the Time You Save to Take a Brisk Walk - Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it is a good idea and doesn't take a lot of equipment, nor does it require you to get too sweaty.
Look here in the future for some low-cost, low-fat recipes.
Have a great day!
Monday, April 27, 2009
One For the Money, TWO For the Show
Woo-hoo! I lost a little bit of weight. I am down two pounds to 301 right now. Sure, it isn't a lot of weight, but to be honest, there hasn't been too much effort, just trying to eat a little more sensibly (meaning less) and add bits of movement to my daily life. Here is how to add a bit of activity without too much effort (after all, the weight going on doesn't require too much effort)
* Park far from the front door at work or shopping. I am amazed that there are people out there in much better shape than I am who insist on parking right in front of the building and they will spend 15 - 20 minutes to get that spot. They could have parked farther away, got some exercise, and still been in the building in time.
* Take the stairs. My day job is in an office building on the second floor. Rarely has the elevator been taken. I always feel better after taking the stairs. They don't break down, and you don't have to wait for them, they are always there.
* Walk for a few minutes at break or at lunch. I am not advocating a marathon, but a short walk raises your heart rate, increases your metabolism, and perks you up.
*Do a brief stretch before you begin work. I work as a cashier on the weekends, and they always encourage you to stretch before your shift.
Here's to another successful week. Let me know how you are doing.
* Park far from the front door at work or shopping. I am amazed that there are people out there in much better shape than I am who insist on parking right in front of the building and they will spend 15 - 20 minutes to get that spot. They could have parked farther away, got some exercise, and still been in the building in time.
* Take the stairs. My day job is in an office building on the second floor. Rarely has the elevator been taken. I always feel better after taking the stairs. They don't break down, and you don't have to wait for them, they are always there.
* Walk for a few minutes at break or at lunch. I am not advocating a marathon, but a short walk raises your heart rate, increases your metabolism, and perks you up.
*Do a brief stretch before you begin work. I work as a cashier on the weekends, and they always encourage you to stretch before your shift.
Here's to another successful week. Let me know how you are doing.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Perhaps There Needs To Be Bigger Steps
Good news, and bad news. The good news is that I didn't gain a single pound in the last week. The bad news is that I didn't lose a single pound in the last week. I could come up with lame excuses that my wife and I had sushi (yum) and hibachi on Sunday. I could say that I had dinner out a few times this week (and eating with my parents always has a degree of stress and you know that I always eat more under stress). I could say a lot of things, but....
I TOOK IN AS MANY CALORIES AS I EXPENDED.
True, my activity increased this week, but I will increase it next week and not eat out this week. I am back to having a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast instead of the Frosted Flakes that I had on vacation last week. Like a drunk falling off the wagon, it is back on I go. I shall succeed and just coasting for a week is not the reason to completely give up. Winston Churchill had the right idea when he stated "Never, never, ever give up".
And I shall not. Help keep me strong because I will weigh perfectly within a year.
I TOOK IN AS MANY CALORIES AS I EXPENDED.
True, my activity increased this week, but I will increase it next week and not eat out this week. I am back to having a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast instead of the Frosted Flakes that I had on vacation last week. Like a drunk falling off the wagon, it is back on I go. I shall succeed and just coasting for a week is not the reason to completely give up. Winston Churchill had the right idea when he stated "Never, never, ever give up".
And I shall not. Help keep me strong because I will weigh perfectly within a year.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Baby Steps To Begin With
After week 1 I am proud to announce that I lost 2 pounds. I was at 303 when I weighed at the doctor’s scale at my day job on April 8, 2009. Some minor changes were made during that first week. While the food did not change too much, the amount that was eaten was. They say that it is best to take your time eating food: take the time to chew the food and enjoy the multiple nuances of the spices. It works. I found myself full after eating the first serving (something that has not occurred for quite some time).
In the quest to find the perfect weight program for losing and maintaining an ideal weight, it is hard to make the best decision. Perhaps with all of the diets and programs out there, it becomes cluttered and the message is lost in the charts, diagrams, calorie counting, fat gram percentage calculations,…well you get the idea, it is difficult at best. Perhaps it is best to keep it simple. I am not counting the calories (yet) and I am not calculating my fat gram percentage (been there, done that), I am just making a conscious effort to eat more slowly, listen to my body, and only eat when I am hungry.
Also, I am slowly increasing my physical activity. I have taken the dog out for several walks varying in length from 10-30 minutes. Of course the dog would love longer walks, but for now, we will settle for shorter. I just don’t want to burn out and I am willing to bet that you don’t want to either.
Here is to our success! Let me know how you are doing.
In the quest to find the perfect weight program for losing and maintaining an ideal weight, it is hard to make the best decision. Perhaps with all of the diets and programs out there, it becomes cluttered and the message is lost in the charts, diagrams, calorie counting, fat gram percentage calculations,…well you get the idea, it is difficult at best. Perhaps it is best to keep it simple. I am not counting the calories (yet) and I am not calculating my fat gram percentage (been there, done that), I am just making a conscious effort to eat more slowly, listen to my body, and only eat when I am hungry.
Also, I am slowly increasing my physical activity. I have taken the dog out for several walks varying in length from 10-30 minutes. Of course the dog would love longer walks, but for now, we will settle for shorter. I just don’t want to burn out and I am willing to bet that you don’t want to either.
Here is to our success! Let me know how you are doing.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Welcome To My Blog
Thanks for stopping by, I have just started this, but I am excited to reach my perfect weight (and yes, I am over 40). I'll be sharing tips, pointers, have links to other items of interest, and even offer more.
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