Day 664 Still Learning Everyday and All The Way Back To Day 1

Day 664

Still Learning Everyday and All The Way Back To Day 1

Sunday came, finding me well rested after an amazing 5K last night, and looking forward to the PEWC. I wonder what this increased and consistent water consumption will do for my body? If I see an increase in weight loss, I’m going to be…uh, happy—of course, but also a little miffed at myself for not drinking enough a little sooner. I’ve talked about calendar regret before—how about lack of water regret? Nah, no regrets here my friend. I’m 259 pounds down and feeling fantastic—but I know there are some fundamentals of weight loss I’ve casually handled, or ignored. Drinking enough pure water everyday is absolutely one of those!

I enjoyed an amazing omelet for brunch. I used fresh tomatoes, avocado, mushrooms, and mozzarella. The avocado added about 50 extra calories, but still, after using three egg whites and one whole egg---this big and hearty veggie and cheese omelet checked in at a low 240 calories. I added 150 calories worth of baked hashbrowns, making this a big, filling, giant brunch—but still only 390 calories. It was one of those meals where my brain says, this must be more---can’t be so low, no way!! But yes, yes way—This is called getting the most bang for your calorie buck! Really---I almost couldn’t finish the thing.

I received a call from my cousin Sherri today. Sherri owns an insurance company in Tulsa—and has organized a weight-loss and wellness seminar for August 17th. She originally booked Danny Cahill from NBC’s Biggest Loser, but recently Danny has expressed some disinterest in speaking at this event. So whom does she call? Yours truly!! It makes perfect sense really. Sherri has known me my entire life, I mean---from birth. She may have changed my diapers or baby-sat me, I’m not sure really. But anyway—I was so excited about accepting the invitation! I’ll give them a 40-minute talk they’ll never forget, even without any TV celebrity status! Who needs that, when I have before pictures and old pants, and most importantly--a story I’m proud of and excited to share?

A year ago today was Day 300. The excerpt I’m using from that day, uses an excerpt from the all important Day 1. So---here we go with another excerpt within an excerpt. Someday, I swear---I’ll have an excerpt within an excerpt of an excerpt. From July 11th, 2009 and September 15th, 2008:

In looking back on the past 300 days, I often go back to Day 1. So I thought it might be appropriate tonight to include an excerpt from that first post at 505 pounds:

I also know that losing weight and being healthy and looking good will have tremendously positive effects on every aspect of my life. I've always known that. I firmly believe that I've allowed my weight to hold me back in my career, and more importantly: It's held my family back from fully enjoying life. That's pretty big stuff. I'm writing this blog as a self-motivation tool. I need to write, I need to express my feelings and experiences, I need to continually remind myself of what I need to do and keep doing. That's what this blog is all about. If you read this blog and have a laugh or feel inspired to lose weight too, then it's all the better! But I'm doing it for me. And by doing it for me, I'm also doing it for my beautiful wife and two daughters. How important is it that I lose the weight now? Well...every now and then I day dream a nightmare where I envision my family at my funeral. I know...it's dark! And very scary. But every time I have a little pain I wonder, is this it? Am I about to collapse? Will my funeral be Thursday?? That's very depressing and scary stuff. But when you're as big as I am, it's something that you have to think about all the time. Again, the question comes: Then why is it so hard to lose the weight?

Well, it's hard because there are so many psychological factors that play a part in our daily choices. I eat because it taste good...I eat because I'm stressed out over something...I eat because "we're celebrating"...I eat because it's much easier to eat whatever you want than count calories and make healthy choices. I never exercise on purpose because it's way easier to not. But all of this must change. I convinced myself that my eating and lack of exercise was controlled by my stress level and emotions. So surely I can convince myself that despite a high stress life, I can still eat less and workout. And that's exactly how to lose weight. Eat less and work out. I don't want a surgery or a lapband or anything other than complete control of myself.

This is all about making choices. Every choice we make has a consequence...some good, some bad...Some real good, Some very, very bad. Choices and consequences, that's what it's all about.

So here we are, 300 days later. Is it perfect? No. I don't expect it to be ever be perfect. I often wonder what kind of numbers I would have at this point had it been perfect, but that's silly thinking. But then again, if making consistently good choices is considered perfect, then I guess it's been perfect after all.

Well---OK, now we’re a year and 300 days in, and I must say---That Day 1 post still gets me good. I thought I had an idea of what it would take, but really—I didn’t have a complete perspective on just how much the mental aspects would play in my success. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I’m still learning. When we think we know it all, that’s when the learning ends. I don’t know it all, and I’m still learning everyday. We’re all learning from our experiences and each other. This is a team effort by golly!

My daughters and I dined at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants tonight. The guacamole is out of this world from this place---but at about 500 calories a bowl—according to my research, it’s strictly something we share. I swear---it’s so good, I could eat the whole bowl. But I will not! I will enjoy some, call it wonderful, and move forward! I’m in control now---not food! We spend so much less calories and cash at a place like this, compared to the old days. The difference? We order water and we usually order ala carte—sans beans and rice. I typically order two tacos. That might not sound like much, but with some chips and salsa and this heavenly guacamole, oh my---it’s more than I need, every time, but still within reasonably acceptable portion and calorie limits.

The water challenge starts tomorrow (Monday) and I’m completely ready! Bring it on!! Do you still need to join? Can you commit to drinking 64 ounces of pure water everyday from July 12th to August 1st? Nearly 80 people have joined the challenge already and it’s going to make a tremendous difference for each and every one. If you want to join---it’s not too late---just leave a comment of “I’m in” or something to that effect in the comment section below or as a comment on Kenz’s blog. We’ll add you to the growing list of PEWC participants. By the way—the list is on the left hand side of this blog. You can click on those with blogs and follow their success---and remember, let us know how you’re doing at least once a week during the challenge---preferably on Sunday—or whenever works for you.

Thank you for reading. Goodnight and…

Good Choices,
Sean


My omelet in the pan.


My omelet on the plate---complete with baked hashbrowns—390 calorie plate total. I know!!


I swear---I could eat this entire bowl. I LOVE this stuff, especially from El Patio.


Today’s featured before picture. With my late grandpa, Roy Anderson…


Recent “now” picture---sounds redundant, I know…


Have you joined? Come on in, the water is fine!


The first of many 20 ounce increments in my daily 64--