MysticRealm
New member
You comment on everyone else's thread today and don't update your own! What's up with that?! 
Allan's Weight Loss Journey
- Thread starter GreenSurf
- Start date
GreenSurf
New member
Thanks, Icy!
It has been a roller coaster week and a half. My old cat buddy Bruce passed away. He was 17. He was really slowing down the last few weeks, and then stopped eating--even his canned food, which he never declines. I made a vet appointment for him the next morning, but that night, he left and never came home like he normally does in the morning. I have heard that cats do this when they know it's their time. It was hard to accept, but after a week of him not reappearing, we said our goodbyes.
And, last Thursday, I had a horrific gout attack. The worst I have had in a few years, to the point that I was moaning in pain even just sitting on my bed with my foot propped up, just wishing the meds would take effect NOW. This is what I get for eating that big steak on the heels of the Thxgiving festivites. Both turkey and beef can be triggers for me if I have it too frequently. I have to take a steroidal anti inflamatory when the attack is that bad, so I knew I would gain some weight from the steroid, which I did, despite my efforts to keep the calories low. Plus I couldn't excercise. So i bounced back up to 173 on Monday.
My brother came to visit from Connecticut, so that has been great having him here and catching up. He is going through a divorce right now, and has no family other than his in-laws up in CT, so I'm glad he was not stuck being alone over Xmas.
After the gout attack subsided some, (I'm still on half the initial dose of the steroid daily for the next few days), I was able to get 30 minutes of cardio a couple days and one day of 60 minutes on the cycle, so hopefully I'll have a better weigh in on Saturday (tomorrow).
We may go out and enjoy some live music tomorrow evening. Should be fun, haven't done that in more than a handful of years. I think Modest Mouse was the last show I attended back in 2004 or 05?
It has been a roller coaster week and a half. My old cat buddy Bruce passed away. He was 17. He was really slowing down the last few weeks, and then stopped eating--even his canned food, which he never declines. I made a vet appointment for him the next morning, but that night, he left and never came home like he normally does in the morning. I have heard that cats do this when they know it's their time. It was hard to accept, but after a week of him not reappearing, we said our goodbyes.
And, last Thursday, I had a horrific gout attack. The worst I have had in a few years, to the point that I was moaning in pain even just sitting on my bed with my foot propped up, just wishing the meds would take effect NOW. This is what I get for eating that big steak on the heels of the Thxgiving festivites. Both turkey and beef can be triggers for me if I have it too frequently. I have to take a steroidal anti inflamatory when the attack is that bad, so I knew I would gain some weight from the steroid, which I did, despite my efforts to keep the calories low. Plus I couldn't excercise. So i bounced back up to 173 on Monday.
My brother came to visit from Connecticut, so that has been great having him here and catching up. He is going through a divorce right now, and has no family other than his in-laws up in CT, so I'm glad he was not stuck being alone over Xmas.
After the gout attack subsided some, (I'm still on half the initial dose of the steroid daily for the next few days), I was able to get 30 minutes of cardio a couple days and one day of 60 minutes on the cycle, so hopefully I'll have a better weigh in on Saturday (tomorrow).
We may go out and enjoy some live music tomorrow evening. Should be fun, haven't done that in more than a handful of years. I think Modest Mouse was the last show I attended back in 2004 or 05?
icychic
New member
Sorry to hear about your cat, but it seems it was his time. Hopefully he passed n peacefully and wasn't in any pain. Also sorry to hear about the gout attack - hope that has gotten better and the meds are helping more.
Glad to hear your brother came for a visit though! And that you managed to get some exercise in! Hope you made/make it to the music show and have a great time there, sounds like you could use a night out
Glad to hear your brother came for a visit though! And that you managed to get some exercise in! Hope you made/make it to the music show and have a great time there, sounds like you could use a night out
Sunflower2
New member
So sorry to read about your cat--I lost a pet last month and had to watch him pass, it's almost kinder when they leave like your cat did, it's like they know how hard it will be to see them. Hmm..
Anyway, looks like you're doing well! Good luck & keep on keeping on! Will be reading your diary!
Hana
Anyway, looks like you're doing well! Good luck & keep on keeping on! Will be reading your diary!
Hana
GreenSurf
New member
Thank you Hanna and Icy.
The visit with my brother was really good. We found a cool dive bar with good music and ran into a friend I haven't seen in a while.
The diet has been good. I hit a low of 168 the other day, but am back at 169.5 today. Hopefully by Saturday, I'll be back down. I'm keeping on, keeping on with the bike machine, although just for 10 minutes last night and 30 minutes the night before. Had a big feast of some Thai chicken curry and brown rice the other evening that broke my 1400 calorie mark by quite a bit I think.
The visit with my brother was really good. We found a cool dive bar with good music and ran into a friend I haven't seen in a while.
The diet has been good. I hit a low of 168 the other day, but am back at 169.5 today. Hopefully by Saturday, I'll be back down. I'm keeping on, keeping on with the bike machine, although just for 10 minutes last night and 30 minutes the night before. Had a big feast of some Thai chicken curry and brown rice the other evening that broke my 1400 calorie mark by quite a bit I think.
GreenSurf
New member
I'm hovering around 169. Been getting my exercise in, but my calorie intake has been up. Need to scale it back down again.
Read an good article in last month's National Geographic Traveler about Honolulu, by Andrew McCarthy -- remember him from Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero, etc? I'm also reading the the second book in the Hunger Games series -- enjoying it. Ironically appropriate to my weightloss journey.
Read an good article in last month's National Geographic Traveler about Honolulu, by Andrew McCarthy -- remember him from Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero, etc? I'm also reading the the second book in the Hunger Games series -- enjoying it. Ironically appropriate to my weightloss journey.
MysticRealm
New member
You're doing a great job! Nearly 10 pounds down!!
The hunger games were really good books. Some people didn't like the 3rd book but I enjoyed it!
The hunger games were really good books. Some people didn't like the 3rd book but I enjoyed it!
ChefChiTown
New member
HAHA, Andrew McCarthy...that's a name I haven't heard in a looooong time. Every single time I hear his name I think of two things: 1) Weekend at Bernie's 2) that movie where he got his feet put into a pot of boiling water.
ANYWHOOOO...I've just been skimming through some diaries here on the forum and came across your journal. You seem to be doing good and don't seem to be all stuffy and boring, which is a big seller to get me to follow member journals...but, I have to be honest...it was the Hunger Games jokes that got me. You sir, have a sale. I am sold.
Keep up the good work, man.
GreenSurf
New member
ChefChiTown - Weekend at Bernie's was a classic. One of the best slapstick movies. I completely forgot A.M. was in that!
Mystic - I'm definitely sucked into the HG books, despite them being in the young adult category, and speaking of humor, it hits perfectly from time to time in the second book, which is much needed when most of the book is gloom and doom and emotionally intense. It also helps that one of my favorite bands right now, Phantogram, has a great song on the HG Catching Fire movie soundtrack. Haven't seen the movie yet; I'm waiting until I finish the book (51% complete according to my Kindle). I hate that I don't know what page I'm on.
As for weight-loss, I'm stuck at 169 it seems. I actually was up to 170.5 yesterday, but was able to bring it back down by today. Calories were low today, and I got some cardio in on Sunday (60 min bike) and Tuesday (30 min bike).
Mystic - I'm definitely sucked into the HG books, despite them being in the young adult category, and speaking of humor, it hits perfectly from time to time in the second book, which is much needed when most of the book is gloom and doom and emotionally intense. It also helps that one of my favorite bands right now, Phantogram, has a great song on the HG Catching Fire movie soundtrack. Haven't seen the movie yet; I'm waiting until I finish the book (51% complete according to my Kindle). I hate that I don't know what page I'm on.
As for weight-loss, I'm stuck at 169 it seems. I actually was up to 170.5 yesterday, but was able to bring it back down by today. Calories were low today, and I got some cardio in on Sunday (60 min bike) and Tuesday (30 min bike).
GreenSurf
New member
I finally made it back to 168 this morning. I did well today calorie-wise, at about 1380 - 1480 cals. I also got 30 minutes on the bike. I would really love to hit 167 by Saturday...we'll see.
I've got a big deadline at work by the end of next month though, and the work is ramping up already this week. The stress is thick, and I feel it under my skin. luckily so far, I am keeping the munchies away because I am motivated by results that are starting to be noticeable. My wife says it's visible in my face now. That makes me very motivated to not slip and gain back what I have lost. My knees are feeling so much better on stairs at work (I work on the 5th floor of a high-rise), especially going down stairs. It's such a relief to not feel pain every time I take a step down!
I've got a big deadline at work by the end of next month though, and the work is ramping up already this week. The stress is thick, and I feel it under my skin. luckily so far, I am keeping the munchies away because I am motivated by results that are starting to be noticeable. My wife says it's visible in my face now. That makes me very motivated to not slip and gain back what I have lost. My knees are feeling so much better on stairs at work (I work on the 5th floor of a high-rise), especially going down stairs. It's such a relief to not feel pain every time I take a step down!
MandyH
0
I'm glad your knees are feeling better. I have bad knees too, mainly my right. I was hesitant to try any time of exercise because of it, but so far they're holding up surprisingly well!
I know how it feels to be a stress eater. I'm the same exact way. Late last year I totally blew it and put on almost 8lb, but like you I'm very determined to not cave in this time. I now realize that in giving up I did myself absolutely no favors at all. Just stay strong and if you do get the munchies go for something healthier. I'm trying to make fat free pretzels my new go to when I need something extra.
I know how it feels to be a stress eater. I'm the same exact way. Late last year I totally blew it and put on almost 8lb, but like you I'm very determined to not cave in this time. I now realize that in giving up I did myself absolutely no favors at all. Just stay strong and if you do get the munchies go for something healthier. I'm trying to make fat free pretzels my new go to when I need something extra.
GreenSurf
New member
Mandy, It's nice to know I'm not alone on both fronts, and I'm glad to hear your knees are holding up! This is why I bike instead of run -- the knees. Fat free pretzels sound like a good snack option. I'll pick some up this week to stash in my cubicle and give them a try. Thanks for the encouragement!
As for today's weigh-in, I was very happy at seeing 167.5 on the scale. I'm really starting to feel I can get to my goal, as long as I stay the course over the next month. I got my 30-min cycle done and ate about 1550 calories, so I think I broke just a little higher than 1400 considering the cardio, but by not too much.
I downloaded a few iTunes last night - that always kills a few hours because I end up listening to a bunch of other songs along the way to getting the ones I intended. Good fun though. And my phone will be all loaded up for my 45-min drive tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, I am meeting up with my flying buddies and practicing my landings for the next radio-controlled soaring contest in March - the first of the 2014 season. I'm aiming to place at least in the middle of the pack this season. I'm a beginner in terms of competition, and I just moved up from novice to the experts this past year, so middle of the pack would be very satisfying for me.
No surfing has taken place for me in the last month. With this cold winter, the water temps in Northeast Florida have dropped into the lower 50's. With my 3mm wetsuit, I usually don't like to surf in water below 60 degrees, and my absolute minimum is 55 degrees, so I'm just going to focus on biking and yoga and sometimes Taebo until the water warms back up.
As for today's weigh-in, I was very happy at seeing 167.5 on the scale. I'm really starting to feel I can get to my goal, as long as I stay the course over the next month. I got my 30-min cycle done and ate about 1550 calories, so I think I broke just a little higher than 1400 considering the cardio, but by not too much.
I downloaded a few iTunes last night - that always kills a few hours because I end up listening to a bunch of other songs along the way to getting the ones I intended. Good fun though. And my phone will be all loaded up for my 45-min drive tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, I am meeting up with my flying buddies and practicing my landings for the next radio-controlled soaring contest in March - the first of the 2014 season. I'm aiming to place at least in the middle of the pack this season. I'm a beginner in terms of competition, and I just moved up from novice to the experts this past year, so middle of the pack would be very satisfying for me.
No surfing has taken place for me in the last month. With this cold winter, the water temps in Northeast Florida have dropped into the lower 50's. With my 3mm wetsuit, I usually don't like to surf in water below 60 degrees, and my absolute minimum is 55 degrees, so I'm just going to focus on biking and yoga and sometimes Taebo until the water warms back up.
GreenSurf
New member
Thanks, Clarissa.
Today, I did a light 17 minute bike session and a relaxed yoga session with Mrs. GreenSurf. It's been a while, so the stretches felt great. Flying practice was good. The wind was calm and there was lots of gentle lift. I had trouble getting used to landing in no wind after all the weeks of high wind lately, that I kept overshooting my landing target, but none the less, it was a good day. Calories are on the high side because I went to lunch with the guys after flying and opted for fries without thinking about it, and I ate them, and I had a 20-oz rootbeer. The grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo was healthy though. We are having lentil and potato curry with brown basmati rice for dinner, so as long as I keep the portion small, I should be okay.
Today, I did a light 17 minute bike session and a relaxed yoga session with Mrs. GreenSurf. It's been a while, so the stretches felt great. Flying practice was good. The wind was calm and there was lots of gentle lift. I had trouble getting used to landing in no wind after all the weeks of high wind lately, that I kept overshooting my landing target, but none the less, it was a good day. Calories are on the high side because I went to lunch with the guys after flying and opted for fries without thinking about it, and I ate them, and I had a 20-oz rootbeer. The grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo was healthy though. We are having lentil and potato curry with brown basmati rice for dinner, so as long as I keep the portion small, I should be okay.
Loch
New member
I wanted to stop by and see what was going on with you ^^. Sounds like you have a good balance, if anything, between the exercise and the food. I know what it's like to cheat here and there...and the best thing we can do for ourselves and understand why, and work on how we can do better the next day.
I haven't read the hunger games, I've been meaning to. I'm currently half-way through the last Song of Fire and Ice book, A Dance With Dragons. It's so good! I loved Game of Thrones so much I had to read the books.
I wonder how hard it would be to walk and read on the treadmill? Lol, I do tend to get motion sick...
Anyway! Keep at it! It looks like we both have the same goal, so you'd better get there before I do (Don't worry, I have 120lb to go yet)
I haven't read the hunger games, I've been meaning to. I'm currently half-way through the last Song of Fire and Ice book, A Dance With Dragons. It's so good! I loved Game of Thrones so much I had to read the books.
I wonder how hard it would be to walk and read on the treadmill? Lol, I do tend to get motion sick...
Anyway! Keep at it! It looks like we both have the same goal, so you'd better get there before I do
(Don't worry, I have 120lb to go yet)
GreenSurf
New member
Thanks, Loch. i will have to check out Song of Fire and Ice. It's tough for me reading on the treadmill, but I have seen people do that! Maybe they aren't prone to motion sickness. I know I am though. We had to bail on our honeymoon cruise because of it! lol. Ended up having a much better time afterwards, so it was well worth the extra expense of flying back from our destination.
I had another big lunch today, so I need to be careful for dinner.
My colleague on this stressful project I'm working on is a real PITA! He is probably responsible for at least 45% of the stress. Wish I could charge him the cost of some fitness equipment proportional to the amount of stress eating he causes! Ha!
I had another big lunch today, so I need to be careful for dinner.
My colleague on this stressful project I'm working on is a real PITA! He is probably responsible for at least 45% of the stress. Wish I could charge him the cost of some fitness equipment proportional to the amount of stress eating he causes! Ha!
Quercus
New member
Hey GreenSurf! Good work in here. If you are looking for some treadmill entertainment I would recommend WNYC Radio Lab. I love it and I think it should be interesting to anyone. They have shorter podcasts that are a half hour or less and full length audio segments that go an hour. It's free and thgey have an online archive and are in itunes. Audio books are another thought. Anyway, I hope the surfing weather returns for you soon. I snorkeled/swam in a 3mm with hood, gloves, and socks in the Puget Sound (Seattle) and it was still pretty cold sometimes. The hood does make a huge difference, but I imagine it would be a problem surfing.
icychic
New member
Sounds like you are doing great!
I haven't read the HG books but watched the movies. I don't know if I want to read the books before movies cuz I hear people who do that and say that it wasn't the same as the book, but I kinda wanna read the books now. Same with Harry Potter.
Keep up the exercising and healthy eating - you will definitely hit your goal! And it's great that your wife is seeing the change in your face now too!
I haven't read the HG books but watched the movies. I don't know if I want to read the books before movies cuz I hear people who do that and say that it wasn't the same as the book, but I kinda wanna read the books now. Same with Harry Potter.
Keep up the exercising and healthy eating - you will definitely hit your goal! And it's great that your wife is seeing the change in your face now too!