ChefChiTown
New member
Great job, honey!!!!! So proud of you!
Thank you, honey. You've been doing great yourself.
ChefChiTown's Rebirth: I'm Back, BABY!!! (In More Ways Than One)...
- Thread starter ChefChiTown
- Start date
- Status
Thank you, honey. You've been doing great yourself.
Sunflower2
New member
Hi Chef--Long time no spe..type? Hope all well with you & Jen.. I have a lot of catching up to do on WLF. It's been too long and I'm toooo fat for this shit. Will read up on everyone's diaries later but just wanted to say hi, if you even remember me!
ChefChiTown
New member
So, my parents visited for a little last week and I took some time off from dieting and exercise. Now, to be fair, I don't think I did THAT bad with eating. Yes, I ate shit I shouldn't have, but I didn't go THAT crazy. However, I did hold onto some water weight. I went from 235 up to 240 while my parents were here. But, I weighed myself this morning and, after being back on track since Monday, I'm back down under 235 lbs. So, I'm back to where I was.
My current game plan:
For the months of November and December...
- I will either use the treadmill for 30 minutes or go for a run Monday through Friday.
- I will continue avoiding unnecessary carbohydrates (no sugar, limited starch-filled foods such as breads, pasta, etc).
- If I am in need of a snack, I will choose a healthy, low carb option such as sugar free Jello, mixed nuts, cheese cubes, etc.
- At some point, I will begin going to the gym again. When I do (most likely December), I will make it my goal to go every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- I will continue to read for at least 30 minutes a day (I found the mental break from reality during our 30-day challenge to be a big help, mentally).
During my last doctor's appointment last week (which went very well), my doctor and I decided to hold off on bringing medication into my life to lower my blood pressure. My blood pressure is still high (it always has been), BUT it got a lot lower since my previous appointment, mostly because of my weight loss. I scheduled a follow-up appointment for January 26th. My goal between now and then is to lose 20 lbs. That is my goal. At that point, I will be around 215 lbs and be "this close" to my ultimate goal for lowering my weight. Between 210-215 is where I would realistically like to be. So, once I lose weight between now and my next doctor's appointment, I WILL be at my goal weight. And, at that point, I will continue to maintain my weight by making healthier, smarter choices. I will also (at that point) begin working more on my physique - building muscle, toning up, you know...becoming super buff and shit. Like the Rock...
[video=youtube;Mr8glaM4ruM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr8glaM4ruM[/video]
My current game plan:
For the months of November and December...
- I will either use the treadmill for 30 minutes or go for a run Monday through Friday.
- I will continue avoiding unnecessary carbohydrates (no sugar, limited starch-filled foods such as breads, pasta, etc).
- If I am in need of a snack, I will choose a healthy, low carb option such as sugar free Jello, mixed nuts, cheese cubes, etc.
- At some point, I will begin going to the gym again. When I do (most likely December), I will make it my goal to go every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- I will continue to read for at least 30 minutes a day (I found the mental break from reality during our 30-day challenge to be a big help, mentally).
During my last doctor's appointment last week (which went very well), my doctor and I decided to hold off on bringing medication into my life to lower my blood pressure. My blood pressure is still high (it always has been), BUT it got a lot lower since my previous appointment, mostly because of my weight loss. I scheduled a follow-up appointment for January 26th. My goal between now and then is to lose 20 lbs. That is my goal. At that point, I will be around 215 lbs and be "this close" to my ultimate goal for lowering my weight. Between 210-215 is where I would realistically like to be. So, once I lose weight between now and my next doctor's appointment, I WILL be at my goal weight. And, at that point, I will continue to maintain my weight by making healthier, smarter choices. I will also (at that point) begin working more on my physique - building muscle, toning up, you know...becoming super buff and shit. Like the Rock...
[video=youtube;Mr8glaM4ruM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr8glaM4ruM[/video]
Quercus
New member
That's 1.73 pounds per week which is aggressive, but well within the 1-2 lb a week range for healthy weight loss. That's awesome that you are that close to maintenance weight. It's also great that the doctor recognizes your commitment enough to not put you on the pills.
Reading has always been a passion of mine. I now find that I read every day. I used to waste too much time drinking and watching TV. Running clears my head and I find my comprehension and retention enhanced. I keep about a half dozen books going so I can always "pick my poison". I usually limit it to 2 or 3 that I carry with me when I leave the house. Right now It's Agostino (a disturbing novel translated from Italian), This Explains Everything (collection of largely scientific essays), Planet of the Bugs (Entomology), Six easy Pieces (from Feynman's lectures on physics), The Story of Earth (natural history of the creation of earth), Zero decibels (a book about seeking absolute silence). I am about to start The Blue World (60s SciFi) and The Meaning of Human Existence by E.O. Wilson (a brilliant entomologist and father of sociobiology). The physics book is largely beyond me and I don't know if I'll continue Agostino as it's taken a disturbing turn.
I like all kinds of books and I'm not afraid to read a zombie book or Star Wars novel. The only thing I read little of is popular fiction. I've read few mysteries, but the good ones a really enjoyable. Sorry to nerd out on books so hard in your diary. Obviously i would be interested to know what you read.
Reading has always been a passion of mine. I now find that I read every day. I used to waste too much time drinking and watching TV. Running clears my head and I find my comprehension and retention enhanced. I keep about a half dozen books going so I can always "pick my poison". I usually limit it to 2 or 3 that I carry with me when I leave the house. Right now It's Agostino (a disturbing novel translated from Italian), This Explains Everything (collection of largely scientific essays), Planet of the Bugs (Entomology), Six easy Pieces (from Feynman's lectures on physics), The Story of Earth (natural history of the creation of earth), Zero decibels (a book about seeking absolute silence). I am about to start The Blue World (60s SciFi) and The Meaning of Human Existence by E.O. Wilson (a brilliant entomologist and father of sociobiology). The physics book is largely beyond me and I don't know if I'll continue Agostino as it's taken a disturbing turn.
I like all kinds of books and I'm not afraid to read a zombie book or Star Wars novel. The only thing I read little of is popular fiction. I've read few mysteries, but the good ones a really enjoyable. Sorry to nerd out on books so hard in your diary. Obviously i would be interested to know what you read.
ChefChiTown
New member
I read many different types of books (that sentence seems way too 'proper' for some reason). Currently, I'm reading Stephen King - Under the Dome. I just finished Lois Lowry - The Giver (not sure how I felt about that one) and have recently read Robin Cook - Contagion, Jonathan Maberry - Patient Zero (GREAT 'zombie' story), Solomon Northup - Twelve Years a Slave and some other ones that don't really come to mind. Although those are more 'mainstream' books (straight-up fiction, chapter books - with the exception of the Northup one which is a memoir of sorts), I do enjoy 'nerdy' books like you as well. I'm a HUGE fan of Greek Mythology, specifically the story of Athena, and I have a little collection of books (some entertainment, some textbook-style, some historical) that cover the entire genre of Greek Mythology. I'm also a big fan of "make you think" kind of books like Freakonomics and Fast Food Nation - books that are either intelligently 'argued' opinions on life or books that are pretty much documentaries on paper. It really just depends on what mood I'm in.
My favorite book of all-time is Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird. That's just bonus info, so enjoy it, HAHAHA.
Quercus
New member
One of my dogs is named Scout. That's a great book! Since you read King and read The Giver I think you might like Clive Barker's The Thief of Always. The protagonist is a young boy and it's a seemingly pleasant circumstance that isn't quite what it seems. It isn't typical Clive Barker. It is an easy read and I have read it so many times that my paperback may not make the next reading. Kind of in the vein of a Grimm fairytale in that it's fantastic and really dark. If you get it make sure you get one with the illustrations. There ink drawings at the beginnings of each chapter and they do a good job of setting up the characters and scene without making it a picture book.
As far as Greek literature goes I really like Greek tragedies (Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus). I have a couple mythology books, but it has been so long since I've read them that I remember little. Not to say the tragedies aren't often Greek mythology themselves. The Oedipus cycle was my first exposure to Greek plays and this was early in college. Prior to that plays I'd been exposed aside from Shakespeare's were whitewashed morality tales and the shock to the system made a mark for sure.
I have a hard time with a favorite book. Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy is a prime candidate as is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I have to put George Orwell's1984 in there too.
I have a love/hate relationship with the existentialists. Camus, Sarte, Dostoyevsky, and Kafka. I have the strongest reaction to Kafka. I can't get enough of him and I wish I'd never read him. Dostoyevsky writes a drunken first person so well in Notes from the Underground that you might get a hangover. Not a fun drunk either. A confused raging drunk that you were super ashamed of what little you could recall.
As far as Greek literature goes I really like Greek tragedies (Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus). I have a couple mythology books, but it has been so long since I've read them that I remember little. Not to say the tragedies aren't often Greek mythology themselves. The Oedipus cycle was my first exposure to Greek plays and this was early in college. Prior to that plays I'd been exposed aside from Shakespeare's were whitewashed morality tales and the shock to the system made a mark for sure.
I have a hard time with a favorite book. Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy is a prime candidate as is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I have to put George Orwell's1984 in there too.
I have a love/hate relationship with the existentialists. Camus, Sarte, Dostoyevsky, and Kafka. I have the strongest reaction to Kafka. I can't get enough of him and I wish I'd never read him. Dostoyevsky writes a drunken first person so well in Notes from the Underground that you might get a hangover. Not a fun drunk either. A confused raging drunk that you were super ashamed of what little you could recall.
ChefChiTown
New member
I'm not going to update my weight on a daily basis as I did for our original 30-day challenge, but I will be doing it occasionally. Today is one of those days. For reference, I will use my weight from the first day of our initial 30-day challenge as my "STARTING WEIGHT" with each update. On that date, which was September 24, 2014, my weight was 255.8 lbs - that is the weight I will use as my "STARTING WEIGHT."
STARTING WEIGHT: 255.8 lbs
CURRENT WEIGHT: 231.4 lbs
TOTAL LOSS: 24.4 lbs
Current Goal (by January 26th, 2015): 215 lbs
To Go: 15.4 lbs
I've noticed a lot of changes during the past few weeks, many of which I didn't expect.
- My headaches, which used to be quite frequent (almost on a daily basis), have pretty much stopped.
- I find it easier to breathe, especially when going up and down the stairs. I also find it easier to breathe while I'm sitting down. It's not that I had trouble breathing before, it's just...different now.
- A lot of my cravings have gone away. Yes, I still have the occasional desire for a pop or a bowl of ice cream, but I've learned to control my urges and make healthier choices. For instance, if I'm in the mood for a snack, I will grab a small serving of mixed nuts or a small plate of various meats and cheeses.
- My back doesn't hurt nearly as much, nor do my knees. My stomach is smaller which relieves a lot of stress and undesired pressure on many parts of my body, mainly my back and knees.
- I feel happier. I don't know how much my diet (the food I've been eating - or have avoided eating, that is) has affected this, but I don't feel as stressed anymore. I'm sure it all goes together (eating better, the physical benefits - no more headaches, less aches and pains, etc - getting more in shape), but I've just been happier lately. It's a good feeling to be healthier, in more ways than one.
- I sleep better. Even though our stupid cat wakes us up a good six or seven times a night, I get such a good rest when I sleep now, I can hardly believe it. I wake up well rested and I don't struggle to make it through the day anymore.
I'm looking forward to seeing if anything else happens.
STARTING WEIGHT: 255.8 lbs
CURRENT WEIGHT: 231.4 lbs
TOTAL LOSS: 24.4 lbs
Current Goal (by January 26th, 2015): 215 lbs
To Go: 15.4 lbs
I've noticed a lot of changes during the past few weeks, many of which I didn't expect.
- My headaches, which used to be quite frequent (almost on a daily basis), have pretty much stopped.
- I find it easier to breathe, especially when going up and down the stairs. I also find it easier to breathe while I'm sitting down. It's not that I had trouble breathing before, it's just...different now.
- A lot of my cravings have gone away. Yes, I still have the occasional desire for a pop or a bowl of ice cream, but I've learned to control my urges and make healthier choices. For instance, if I'm in the mood for a snack, I will grab a small serving of mixed nuts or a small plate of various meats and cheeses.
- My back doesn't hurt nearly as much, nor do my knees. My stomach is smaller which relieves a lot of stress and undesired pressure on many parts of my body, mainly my back and knees.
- I feel happier. I don't know how much my diet (the food I've been eating - or have avoided eating, that is) has affected this, but I don't feel as stressed anymore. I'm sure it all goes together (eating better, the physical benefits - no more headaches, less aches and pains, etc - getting more in shape), but I've just been happier lately. It's a good feeling to be healthier, in more ways than one.
- I sleep better. Even though our stupid cat wakes us up a good six or seven times a night, I get such a good rest when I sleep now, I can hardly believe it. I wake up well rested and I don't struggle to make it through the day anymore.
I'm looking forward to seeing if anything else happens.
Quercus
New member
Awesome results Chef! The real improvements to the quality of life are what it's all about. Sweet!
For myself I think feeling in control makes me feel happy. Of course, like you said, every improvement plays a part, but I didn't realize how weak and out of control I'd been feeling until I didn't feel that way anymore.
Keep up the great work!
For myself I think feeling in control makes me feel happy. Of course, like you said, every improvement plays a part, but I didn't realize how weak and out of control I'd been feeling until I didn't feel that way anymore.
Keep up the great work!
ChefChiTown
New member
Yeah, I'd agree with that - being in control helps a lot. I have NEVER been a "go with the flow" kind of person (that's Jen's department), but that's how I lived for years when it came to my eating, ironically. However, now that I have control (more psychological control than anything) over my lifestyle, the benefit is definitely a peace of mind. It's also easier to keep on track when you're in control, so I haven't really had any "slips" since I've regained control of my health.
jen_renee
New member
ChefChiTown
New member
So, I haven't updated in a while and I thought I would...umm...well...update?
Anyway, I took a few days off from my diet recently (some days were horrid, some weren't all that bad) but I decided to put an end to that. From yesterday until Christmas I am going to do what I did for my original 30-day challenge. It worked for me before, so I'm sure it will work for me again. I HOPE to lose another 10-15 lbs by Christmas and, unless something drastic or unexpected happens, I'm certain I can do just that. THAT will be my Christmas present. Well, that and whatever Jen decides to get me. I asked for a Playstation 4 which I'm preeeeetty sure I'm not getting. So, I'll be happy with whatever she gets me. A book? Maybe a video game? Maybe something bedroom related? Wink, wink, honey
Speaking of Christmas, we have most all our Christmas shopping done which is an amazing feeling. Yeah, we still have a few things we want to get, but we've gotten all the big, major purchases out of the way. Now...we just wait.
Anyway, I took a few days off from my diet recently (some days were horrid, some weren't all that bad) but I decided to put an end to that. From yesterday until Christmas I am going to do what I did for my original 30-day challenge. It worked for me before, so I'm sure it will work for me again. I HOPE to lose another 10-15 lbs by Christmas and, unless something drastic or unexpected happens, I'm certain I can do just that. THAT will be my Christmas present. Well, that and whatever Jen decides to get me. I asked for a Playstation 4 which I'm preeeeetty sure I'm not getting. So, I'll be happy with whatever she gets me. A book? Maybe a video game? Maybe something bedroom related? Wink, wink, honey
Speaking of Christmas, we have most all our Christmas shopping done which is an amazing feeling. Yeah, we still have a few things we want to get, but we've gotten all the big, major purchases out of the way. Now...we just wait.
Sunflower2
New member
My Yank has also asked for a PS4. He will also not be receiving a PS4.
Well done on being organised with the shopping. I'm going for the Christmas Eve Flail like always.
Well done on being organised with the shopping. I'm going for the Christmas Eve Flail like always.
ChefChiTown
New member
I haven't updated in a while. So, here I am.
In all honesty, I haven't been doing that well. I've been eating kind of not-so-good, I haven't been very active and my attitude has just been 'blah' these past couple of weeks. But, oddly enough, I still weigh 230 lbs. No, I haven't lost anything, but I haven't really gained anything either. So, it could be worse - A LOT worse. I'm just considering this outcome a blessing of sorts, but I've also thought about WHY I haven't done so well recently. And, the answer is...
CHRISTMAS
Yup, it's that simple. You see, Christmas is pretty much my favorite day of the year. I look forward to it all year long and, even though I always tell myself I'm going to 'cut back' and be more 'reasonable,' I never am...I always overdo it on Christmas. It's just who I am. I listen to Christmas music all month long (until I'm sick of it), I decorate the day after Thanksgiving and I genuinely looooove shopping for presents. For the entire month of December, I am consumed by the holiday. And, that is why I haven't done jack shit in the past couple of weeks...I have Christmas on my mind.
BUT, I can't let that be an excuse...at least, not any longer. So, tomorrow I'm going to the gym. Jen and I have a year-long membership at the gym (well, at the local recreation center - ice skating rink, gym, swimming pool, etc), and I'm going to start taking advantage of it. I already have my gym bag packed. I also have an MP3 player full of freshly added 'workout music.'
I just think I got comfortable. I lost like 30 lbs in a VERY short period of time and I got comfortable. But, ironically, I'm NOT comfortable...I feel fucking fat and gross, like a swollen, infected testicle. When I first lost the weight, I felt good...I felt 'not-so-fat.' But, now I feel fat again and I don't like it. So, I'm taking my fat ass to the gym and making use of our membership. I think I'm going to go on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at first, but once I get into the swing of things (maybe sometime at the end of January or the start of February), I'll start going Monday through Friday. So, we'll see.
If it puts a PS4 underneath the tree, I'm ok with it. And, if you have to do some dirty, super perverted stuff to get an extra controller...do whatcha gotta do, honey.
In all honesty, I haven't been doing that well. I've been eating kind of not-so-good, I haven't been very active and my attitude has just been 'blah' these past couple of weeks. But, oddly enough, I still weigh 230 lbs. No, I haven't lost anything, but I haven't really gained anything either. So, it could be worse - A LOT worse. I'm just considering this outcome a blessing of sorts, but I've also thought about WHY I haven't done so well recently. And, the answer is...
CHRISTMAS
Yup, it's that simple. You see, Christmas is pretty much my favorite day of the year. I look forward to it all year long and, even though I always tell myself I'm going to 'cut back' and be more 'reasonable,' I never am...I always overdo it on Christmas. It's just who I am. I listen to Christmas music all month long (until I'm sick of it), I decorate the day after Thanksgiving and I genuinely looooove shopping for presents. For the entire month of December, I am consumed by the holiday. And, that is why I haven't done jack shit in the past couple of weeks...I have Christmas on my mind.
BUT, I can't let that be an excuse...at least, not any longer. So, tomorrow I'm going to the gym. Jen and I have a year-long membership at the gym (well, at the local recreation center - ice skating rink, gym, swimming pool, etc), and I'm going to start taking advantage of it. I already have my gym bag packed. I also have an MP3 player full of freshly added 'workout music.'
I just think I got comfortable. I lost like 30 lbs in a VERY short period of time and I got comfortable. But, ironically, I'm NOT comfortable...I feel fucking fat and gross, like a swollen, infected testicle. When I first lost the weight, I felt good...I felt 'not-so-fat.' But, now I feel fat again and I don't like it. So, I'm taking my fat ass to the gym and making use of our membership. I think I'm going to go on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at first, but once I get into the swing of things (maybe sometime at the end of January or the start of February), I'll start going Monday through Friday. So, we'll see.
If it puts a PS4 underneath the tree, I'm ok with it. And, if you have to do some dirty, super perverted stuff to get an extra controller...do whatcha gotta do, honey.
ChefChiTown
New member
Ok, so I went to the gym last night and my ass is sooooore. Literally...my ASS is sore. I did that machine where you have to open and close your legs (yes, it's as whoreish as it sounds) and it worked muscles in my butt region that I didn't even know existed. I also did a lot of upper body workout stuff, so my arms are exhausted.
So, I woke up this morning with a sore ass and tired arms. This must be how a prostitute feels...
:drops mic, walks off stage:
So, I woke up this morning with a sore ass and tired arms. This must be how a prostitute feels...
:drops mic, walks off stage:
ChefChiTown
New member
Wow, I've been absent for a while, huh? Yeah...and that's not a good sign.
So, when Jen and I did our 30-day challenge a few months back, we both had really amazing results. Not only did we lose weight, but we also felt better – at least, I know I did. But, then the holidays happened and I went to complete shit. I'm not using it as an excuse – it's just a fact – but the holidays absolutely ruined me. Or, should I say, I ruined myself?
This train used to be a 'full steam ahead' badass that mauled anything in its path, but it lost focus and slipped off track. But, now it's back on the rails and ready to tear shit up. Inside I feel inspired, like an epic comeback story of a movie. I can see it now...
A big, angry monster of a locomotive, once proud and surging with confidence, back on the tracks it once used to own – fresh coal being shoveled into its chamber, fire roaring, steam building – wheels start to turn as smoke billows into the air, engine moaning to get up to speed – the dirt of shame and failure slowly falling off and turning into the mist of yesterday as the train picks up speed – power slowly but surely returning to the once almighty beast that dominated the railway like a bear in the mountains, building confidence and strength with each and every second, all while this song plays in the background...
[video=youtube;c0gJLnLMrDw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0gJLnLMrDw[/video]
ANYWHO, I'm back in the game (and up a few pounds) and I'm doing another challenge. It started this past Monday (January 19th) and will end on the last day of February. For the next 6 weeks, I will be following the...following...rules? (Austin Powers reference, get it? No? Never saw those movies? ANY of them? The hell, man?):
1) No alcohol (not even during the Super Bowl – epic UGH)
2) No pop, no juice, no sugary drinks (only water and sugar free flavored water is allowed)
3) Low-carb diet at least 5 days a week, with no 'I can have some carbs' days being back-to-back
4) Exercise every Monday through Friday
5) Write a journal entry every Monday through Friday
That's pretty much the same rules I followed (with small variances) during our first 30-day challenge, so I know I can do it. Now, it's just a matter of staying on track. And, with the holidays behind me and the springtime ahead of me, I don't have any excuse – however, I do have motivation. The things that motivate me this time around are the following...
1) When the weather gets nice, we would like to take the kids swimming in the lake around here. We went last year and it was a blast, but umm...I was too embarrassed to get into swimtrunks and hop in the water. So, it wasn't as fun as it SHOULD'VE been. Anyway, when we go this year, I would like to be able to get into the water with them without feeling like a beached whale. I am motivated to swim with the kids without being embarrassed of my body.
2) I could definitely feel a difference when I was eating healthier before and I honestly miss it. It was the little things – the easier breathing, the lack of major aches and pains, the lower blood pressure, the removal of stress on my heart, etc. I want that back. And, I'm going to get it.
3) I'm getting married. Oh, yeah...did I not mention that yet? Yeah, I asked Jen to marry me and she said “yes,” blah blah blah...ANYWAY, so I have a wedding coming up at some point (haven't figured out the date yet) and I'd like to look good when I say “I do.”
Ok, now I have a looooot of catching up to do with other people's journals. Good lord, has it really been a month already?
So, when Jen and I did our 30-day challenge a few months back, we both had really amazing results. Not only did we lose weight, but we also felt better – at least, I know I did. But, then the holidays happened and I went to complete shit. I'm not using it as an excuse – it's just a fact – but the holidays absolutely ruined me. Or, should I say, I ruined myself?
This train used to be a 'full steam ahead' badass that mauled anything in its path, but it lost focus and slipped off track. But, now it's back on the rails and ready to tear shit up. Inside I feel inspired, like an epic comeback story of a movie. I can see it now...
A big, angry monster of a locomotive, once proud and surging with confidence, back on the tracks it once used to own – fresh coal being shoveled into its chamber, fire roaring, steam building – wheels start to turn as smoke billows into the air, engine moaning to get up to speed – the dirt of shame and failure slowly falling off and turning into the mist of yesterday as the train picks up speed – power slowly but surely returning to the once almighty beast that dominated the railway like a bear in the mountains, building confidence and strength with each and every second, all while this song plays in the background...
[video=youtube;c0gJLnLMrDw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0gJLnLMrDw[/video]
ANYWHO, I'm back in the game (and up a few pounds) and I'm doing another challenge. It started this past Monday (January 19th) and will end on the last day of February. For the next 6 weeks, I will be following the...following...rules? (Austin Powers reference, get it? No? Never saw those movies? ANY of them? The hell, man?):
1) No alcohol (not even during the Super Bowl – epic UGH)
2) No pop, no juice, no sugary drinks (only water and sugar free flavored water is allowed)
3) Low-carb diet at least 5 days a week, with no 'I can have some carbs' days being back-to-back
4) Exercise every Monday through Friday
5) Write a journal entry every Monday through Friday
That's pretty much the same rules I followed (with small variances) during our first 30-day challenge, so I know I can do it. Now, it's just a matter of staying on track. And, with the holidays behind me and the springtime ahead of me, I don't have any excuse – however, I do have motivation. The things that motivate me this time around are the following...
1) When the weather gets nice, we would like to take the kids swimming in the lake around here. We went last year and it was a blast, but umm...I was too embarrassed to get into swimtrunks and hop in the water. So, it wasn't as fun as it SHOULD'VE been. Anyway, when we go this year, I would like to be able to get into the water with them without feeling like a beached whale. I am motivated to swim with the kids without being embarrassed of my body.
2) I could definitely feel a difference when I was eating healthier before and I honestly miss it. It was the little things – the easier breathing, the lack of major aches and pains, the lower blood pressure, the removal of stress on my heart, etc. I want that back. And, I'm going to get it.
3) I'm getting married. Oh, yeah...did I not mention that yet? Yeah, I asked Jen to marry me and she said “yes,” blah blah blah...ANYWAY, so I have a wedding coming up at some point (haven't figured out the date yet) and I'd like to look good when I say “I do.”
Ok, now I have a looooot of catching up to do with other people's journals. Good lord, has it really been a month already?
GreyGhostHunter
Active member
Welcome back CCT.
Now get to work bro!!!!!
We are behind you all the way
Now get to work bro!!!!!
We are behind you all the way
Quercus
New member
Belated congratulations on the pending nuptials!
That sounds like a solid plan. The only recommendation that I would have is to make a solid long term plan starting March 1st. You can make or edit it towards the end of your challenge, but know what you want for after. Less extreme permanent changes or even extending the elements that you think you can keep going. Just something to plan for your long term success to make the transition easier. There's nothing saying the plan can't include nap and eat pizza all day March 1st, but those kinds of cheats are a lot safer if you've already planned a march 2nd.
I look forward to seeing this happen for you. We both have some butt to kick. Let's do it!
That sounds like a solid plan. The only recommendation that I would have is to make a solid long term plan starting March 1st. You can make or edit it towards the end of your challenge, but know what you want for after. Less extreme permanent changes or even extending the elements that you think you can keep going. Just something to plan for your long term success to make the transition easier. There's nothing saying the plan can't include nap and eat pizza all day March 1st, but those kinds of cheats are a lot safer if you've already planned a march 2nd.
I look forward to seeing this happen for you. We both have some butt to kick. Let's do it!
- Status