Caiman's weight loss journey

Midweek update.

Walked to work this morning and had a couple of slices of brown toast for breakfast with a glass of orange juice. I've got about 4 boxes of steel cut oats at home, though in the last few weeks I've only really managed to have that for breakfast on saturdays and sundays, I just love my bed too much to get up on workdays half an hour earlier than normal to cook the damn things! Perhaps that's a seperate 'regime' I can work on in time, because 40g of those cooked up with a little milk and sliced fruit is really filling.

I've been paid now so no excuse for not getting to the gym this week. The 3 miles I'm walking each day now are a doddle and I think walking to and from the gym, which will increase my footfall to about 6 miles on days I do go, is not far off. I'm about 15lbs down on where I was this time last month and I think I feel better for it, I certainly seem to have 'broken' the cravings for chocolates and crisps and can pass them up with ease now, still working on the fizzy drinks but can't 'cold turkey' on everything I loved all at once eh.

I've made a little spreadsheet which I can update at work, it charts out my targets of 2lbs per week from 320 to 220 across the next year, and automatically converts the lb weight I put in each week to stones and KG, showing the % and number change against my target and highlighting when I reach/leave different BMI definitions of obesity/overweight. I have a printed copy up on my desk and stuck to my fridge at home and find it quite motivating! Hopefully, at the end of this journey it will enable me to produce some pretty graphs alongside my before and after pics, hehe.
 
Just stopping by to send you some weight-loss vibes! You're doing great, keep it up! 15lb is great for such a short amount of time!
 
Well done on the great loss so far Caiman, and congrats on getting past the chockie/chips cravings.

I think your spreadsheet thingo sounds cool!
 
Thanks!

This morning while I was getting my breakfast in the cafe at work the catering manager offered me a free bacon butty and I refused without hesitation. Heh, small thing but for me, a big indication of how far I've come already :p I'd never have passed that up before! hehe
 
Well, that's 4 weeks down, just short of a calendar month, and I'm blown away by where I've got to so quickly. When I started this effort I expected that it was going to be a real effort to get down to 300, from 320, by Christmas. Today I've clocked in at 301... I'm expecting the weight loss to start slowing down from the fantastic 5lbs a week I experienced in the first three, but I'm prepared for that! Still need to notch up the exercise, but so far just improving my eating habits and integrating some exercise into my normal daily routine has really paid dividends. I hope to come back next week and be able to post a sub 300 weight!

Monday 8th Nov 2010 - 305lbs

BREAKFAST
2 slices of brown toast with margarine
330ml Orange Juice

LUNCH
Tomato and Basil Soup
330ml Diet Coke

DINNER
Lamb Casserole (Lean lamb, onions, red peppers, carrots and stock)
250g Potato Wedges

SNACKS
Coffee with skimmed milk no sugar
Apple x 2

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Tuesday 9th Nov 2010

BREAKFAST
2 slices of brown toast with margarine

LUNCH
Leek and Potato Soup
Cup of Water

DINNER
Sausage Casserole (Two small pork sausage, mushrooms, onion, carrots and stock)
250g Potato Wedges

SNACKS
Apple x 2
25ml Whiskey with ice

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Wednesday 10th Nov 2010

BREAKFAST
2 slices of brown toast with margarine
330ml Orange Juice

LUNCH
Egg Mayo Sandwich (Brown bread)
330ml Diet Coke

DINNER
Sausage Casserole (Two small pork sausage, mushrooms, onion, carrots and stock)
250g Potato Wedges

SNACKS
Apple
1 slice of Garlic Bread
25ml Whiskey with ice

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Thursday 11th Nov 2010

BREAKFAST
2 slices of brown toast with margarine
Coffee with skimmed milk no sugar

LUNCH
Chunky Vegetable Soup (Carrots, Broccoli and baby corn, perhaps a little too much salt!)
Small brown bread roll

DINNER
Lamb Casserole (Lean lamb, onions, red peppers, carrots and stock)

SNACKS
Apple
Satsuma

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Friday 12th Nov 2010

BREAKFAST
2 slices of brown toast with margarine

LUNCH
Butternut Squash Soup

DINNER
Chicken Casserole (Chicken Breast, Leek, Onions, Stock)

SNACKS
Apple x 2
Satsuma
4 small glasses white wine
50ml Vodka

EXERCISE
Day off work (no walk to and from)
45 minutes cardio/45 minutes weights/resistance in the gym

Saturday 13th Nov 2010

BREAKFAST
40g Steel Cut Oats

LUNCH
Grilled Sausage Sandwich

DINNER
Beef Bourguignon (Lean Cubed Beef, Onions, Carrots, Button Mushrooms, Stock)

SNACKS
Apple
Satsuma
2 x Coffee with skimmed milk

EXERCISE
Walked for 2 miles

Sunday 14th Nov2010

BREAKFAST
40g Steel Cut Oats

LUNCH
Grilled Sausage Sandwich

DINNER
Chicken Casserole (Chicken Breast, Leek, Onions, Stock)

SNACKS
Satsuma x 2
Apple

EXERCISE
Didn't leave the flat

Starting Weight: 320lbs (Monday 18th October 2010)
Current Weight: 301lbs (Monday 15th November 2010)
Loss this week: 4lbs
 
Wow congrats on the weight loss. It's very encouraging when the scale is moving down :). Can I ask though, on average, whats your daily caloric intake? Keep up the good work and I am sure you will be well into the 200's for Christmas! All the best
 
Hey, thanks for your comment :) I'm not counting calories really, but I do have an idea of the ingredients I'm using and check contents on packaged items I use and I believe I'm eating anything between 1500-2000 a day- again, that's not exactly scientific but around about there.

There are days I feel 'hungry' but a no point do I feel I'm not eating enough, and the 'hunger' has become much easier to ignore and control in the last week or so, I hope that stays so.
 
Wow - I just re-read your first post, and then noted your tagline -- congratulations on having almost reached your Christmas goal by MID-November!
 
Hah, thanks- the first time I stood on the scale this morning it clocked in at 299.5 - which would be insane. The next four times I stepped on though it stubbornly sat at 301, so that's what I've recorded, hehe.

Yeah, I am really pleased with progress so far, better than I could have ever imagined in just one month. I'll savour it, I doubt I'll have another month in which I drop 20lbs! Can't really see any difference when looking in the mirror yet, though didn't expect to- but my trousers are starting to feel a little looser around the waist. Actually looking forward to having to buy new clothes but have read in a few other diaries how that can become an annoyance for the consistent loser of weight!
 
Hah, thanks- the first time I stood on the scale this morning it clocked in at 299.5 - which would be insane. The next four times I stepped on though it stubbornly sat at 301, so that's what I've recorded, hehe.

Yeah, I am really pleased with progress so far, better than I could have ever imagined in just one month. I'll savour it, I doubt I'll have another month in which I drop 20lbs! Can't really see any difference when looking in the mirror yet, though didn't expect to- but my trousers are starting to feel a little looser around the waist. Actually looking forward to having to buy new clothes but have read in a few other diaries how that can become an annoyance for the consistent loser of weight!

God, I know how you feel with the scale. it did that to me this morning too... lol. You are doing so well it is an inspiration. :) keep it up.

and for pants, I would strongly suggest using a belt until you can't anymore, because it is rather annoying going out and buying new clothes, and then those clothes dont fit anymore. Or buy secondhand, that's what I do. Anyway, keep up the great work!
 
Dropping below 300 is going to be such a huge milestone for me, I know I'll be jumping on and off the scale each night this week waiting for it to stay below 300 each time!

As for a belt, hah- well, I do wear one occasionally, though it's one I've had to pierce my own extra pin hole through as it didn't fit/lock around my waist otherwise, would love to keep using that belt and start to be able to strap it closed using the pinholes it came with...
 
Gah, the last few days have been a real struggle after feeling on top of things for the last few weeks, I can't stop thinking about eating!

Fortunately, somehow, I've resisted the temptation to go to the vending machine or pop in the takeaway on the way home but it's getting difficult! It's like my body has suddenly realised what I'm trying to do to it! Hopefully this is just a phase I can work my way through- perhaps I need to drink more water and fill my stomach through the day.
 
Very nice journal and awesome weight loss. I particularly admire the fact that you're actually afraid that you're losing -too much- too fast. Many people would not be apprehensive about that at all. Keep up the good work.
 
Gah, the last few days have been a real struggle after feeling on top of things for the last few weeks, I can't stop thinking about eating!

Fortunately, somehow, I've resisted the temptation to go to the vending machine or pop in the takeaway on the way home but it's getting difficult! It's like my body has suddenly realised what I'm trying to do to it! Hopefully this is just a phase I can work my way through- perhaps I need to drink more water and fill my stomach through the day.

I totally know what that feels like...some days all i can think about is the next meal. But GOOD JOB passing the vending machine straight! And avoiding the takeaway was great too. I think honestly the weight battle is won or lost in the mind. Like if I dwell too long on the thought of having a snack or fast food, then i want to act on those thoughts..what helps now is drinking water yes..but also coming online and re-reading these journals or just sometimes, even feeling my fingers, sounds weird i know..but when i can tangibly feel the weight i lost then i don't feel so tempted anymore. And a lil pep talk to myself does help sometimes too :D. Caiman, you are doing an amazing job so far! so don't turn back now...keep going :driving:

 
@daybehavior: Thanks- I really want to do it right this time and all the indications are that slow and steady is the healthiest way to go about it. Given I'm also looking to lose 100+ lbs in the long run, I want to do it in a way that will minimise loose skin once I reach or surpass that goal.

@Island Girl: Cheers :D I have surprised myself with my 'willpower' this last month, I don't know where it came from but I'd probably attribute it to the great successes, inspiration and motivating stories posted on this site! Everytime I feel like I'm wobbling I just need to come back and check a couple of threads here and I'm back on the straight and narrow!

Thanks for the support guys.
 
Hi, thanks for dropping by to my diary. You are doing great and seem to have incredible willpower. I don't know if I could have resisted a free bacon sandwich and pizza with my friends. :)
 
So this week has been an interesting one, it's felt different to previous weeks even though my routine has been pretty much the same in terms of exercise and eating. Perhaps that's it- I think I need to notch the exercise up a gear (a distinct lack of Gym this week, though avoiding eating temptation has been exhausting to my willpower itself!) and explore some more meal options in the evenings.

I saw a drop in the number of lbs lost over a week last time, and I've seen the same this time- but this is expected and part of losing the weight at a manageable and healthy rate.

BUT, I think a party smiley is deserved because this morning I weighed in at 299lbs :D yay

:party:

Monday 15th Nov 2010 - 301lbs

BREAKFAST
2 slices of brown toast with margarine
Coffee with skimmed milk no sugar

LUNCH
Egg Mayo on Brown Bread
330ml Diet Coke

DINNER
Spaghetti Bolognaise
Glass of Diet Lemonade

SNACKS
Apple
Satsuma

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 2.5 miles to supermarket (bus home from there with my bags!)

Tuesday 16th November 2010

BREAKFAST
Satsuma
Coffee with skimmed milk no sugar

LUNCH
Carrot and Coriander Soup
Glass of water

DINNER
Lamb Curry and Basmati Rice (Lean Diced Lamb in Jalfrezi sauce, Green Peppers, Onions)
2 slices tiger bread no margarine
Glass of Diet Lemonade

SNACKS
Quavers
Apple
Satsuma

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Wednesday 17th November 2010

BREAKFAST
Satsuma
Coffee with skimmed milk no sugar

LUNCH
Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup

DINNER
Lamb Curry and Basmati Rice (Lean Diced Lamb in Rogan Josh sauce, Green Peppers, Onions)
2 slices tiger bread no margarine
Glass of Diet Lemonade

SNACKS
Apple
Satsuma
Banana

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Thursday 18th November 2010

BREAKFAST
Apple

LUNCH
Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup

DINNER
Roast Lamb with New Potatoes, Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Apple.

SNACKS
Coffee with skimmed milk no sugar
Apple
Satsuma

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Friday 19th November 2010

BREAKFAST
Satsuma

LUNCH
Tomato and Basil Soup
330ml Diet Coke

DINNER
Grilled Chicken Breast and Potato Wedges

SNACKS
Apple x 2
Handful of grapes

EXERCISE
Walked 1.5 miles to work
Walked 1.5 miles home from work

Saturday 20th November 2010

BREAKFAST
40g Steel Cut Oats

LUNCH
Butternut Squash Soup

DINNER
Grilled Burger with Potato Wedges

SNACKS
Satsuma
2x 400ml Diet Coke

EXERCISE
Walked 3 miles

Sunday 21st November 2010

BREAKFAST
40g Steel Cut Oats

LUNCH
Small Hot Dog

DINNER
Lamb Casserole (Lean lamb, onions, red peppers, carrots and stock)
Boiled Potatoes

SNACKS
500ml Coke Zero
Apple

EXERCISE
Walked 3.5 miles

Starting Weight: 320lbs (Monday 18th October 2010)
Current Weight: 299lbs (Monday 22nd November 2010)
Loss this week: 2lbs
 
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So this week has been an interesting one, it's felt different to previous weeks even though my routine has been pretty much the same in terms of exercise and eating. Perhaps that's it- I think I need to notch the exercise up a gear (a distinct lack of Gym this week, though avoiding eating temptation has been exhausting to my willpower itself!) and explore some more meal options in the evenings.

I saw a drop in the number of lbs lost over a week last time, and I've seen the same this time- but this is expected and part of losing the weight at a manageable and healthy rate.

BUT, I think a party smiley is deserved because this morning I weighed in at 299lbs :D yay

:party:

OMG :party: YAY!! I am so proud of you. Good job :D.

As for the willpower, I know what you mean! This week has been tough for me too. But I try to keep reminding myself that its always worth it when i see the scale move down. I was also reading somewhere that our body gets used to routine pretty quickly. Maybe changing the exercise/food routine will help. Like i recently started incorporating running in my walking and now i look forward to exercise. In two weeks time i will have to try something else but until then i am enjoying it. (well as much as someone can 'enjoy' exericse :)).
 
Thanks :D Long term goals seem quite a bit closer now, just 79lbs until my first main target. I suppose between then and now though I shall set smaller goals around the decades, so onwards to 290, I wonder if I can get there by Christmas, hmmm.
 
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