Day 269
Satisfying Reflection and Weigh Day Success!
The wonderful comments and e-mails I received about yesterday's blog were extremely appreciated. You know, I often start the day by reading what I've written the night before. And many times I have a much clearer perspective of the situation after reading. It helped to have so many comments and e-mails giving support, thank you. I cringed at the dramatics in some of my sentences. I'm not a fan of dramatics. I try to maintain a level head at all times, always trying to be cool and collected, but I couldn't help expressing myself in a semi-dramatic tone last night. I needed the therapy writing provided. And I honestly thought about not dealing with it, I mean I didn't break my calorie budget, but I felt like I broke off a piece of my will, and with that I knew I had to be honest about my behavior and share what I was feeling. A couple of comments mentioned something to the effect of 'maybe there's pressure to be perfect...' There isn't, trust me. For one, if you've read this entire blog, you know already that I'm far from perfection, and I'm not after perfection. Trying to be absolutely perfect on a mission like this is a sure fire recipe for disappointment. My goal is to be consistent in my efforts and I've accomplished that successfully so far and I'll continue to be consistent. The mental changes I've experienced are permanent changes and those changes are exactly why I immediately recognized the breakdown last night. As Val put it in her comment... "A year or two ago, that same choice would not have even registered." Very, very true! In fact a year or two ago I would have made it a game where the girls took turns throwing tater tots at my open mouth from across the table. If you think that's a stretch, just ask the girls one of these days, we've done that before! It certainly wasn't as big a deal as I thought it was. I was just scared when I caught myself having those old thoughts and behaviors. I do take pride in my consistency and the example I'm setting for my family and friends. So if I do something I'm not proud of it really gets to me. Today was a new day and I'm stronger from the experience of yesterday. I feel good, real good.
It was a wonderful day at the radio station. Today we really lived up to our company name, Team Radio. Within twenty-four hours we developed a concept, put together a script, produced a killer commercial, presented the concept and audio to a potentially new client and after they listened to what we created and the marketing plan, they became a new client on the spot. It was a process that involved several staff, from the president of our company on down. It felt wonderful to receive an e-mail from the owner and president of the company congratulating on a job well done. It really set a positive tone for the rest of the day. The rock solid state of my focus and resolve on this journey is further strengthened when I have days like today around the workplace.
Let's talk about results! Today was my official weigh day and I'll be honest, I was shooting for a little more than I was shown. But of course we want more! It's only natural to want more right? I do feel like I'm getting too comfortable at this pace. So maybe it's time to kick it up a notch or two in the exercise department! More racquetball matches, more swimming, more workouts. Let's see what we can do! OK, results: Last weigh in two weeks ago found me at 335 for a two week loss of six pounds. I did exactly the same thing this time. Another six pounds gone forever! I weighed 329 today. That's a grand total of 176 pounds in 269 days. An average of 4.58 pounds per week for 38 ½ weeks. I can't complain about that! If I did I would fully expect someone to bop me on the head! Courtney and Amber both posted five pound losses! It was a very successful weigh day indeed. I'm in the 320's! I love it! It's hard to believe really. I'm in the 320's. It doesn't even look right, very foreign to me. I haven't been in the 320's since I was 16 years old, I'm sure of it! And I haven't been below 300 since I was 15, and we're fast approaching that major milestone. In fact we'll have two miles stones coming soon. The 200 pounds lost mark and then right after, crossing into the 200's! I'm fired up, let's go!
Our schedule this afternoon kept us from attending the “Extreme Energy” class. We opted instead for a wonderful workout at the YMCA. The girls and I had the entire fitness center to ourselves, it was really cool. Courtney and Amber jumped on the elliptical machines while I grabbed my choice of treadmills. My iPod battery went completely dead so I plugged into the TV audio and watched NBC's “I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here” while I pushed for a 5K. It didn't take long for me to realize that I wasn't missing much by drastically cutting down on my TV viewing. Anyway, Courtney stopped me a little short of my treadmill 5K when she summoned me to the basketball court for a little one on one. I was happy to play and it was really a great workout. We established some rules. The name of the game is 'get the ball' from each other! If one of us shoots and misses, and the other gets the rebound, the ball must be dribbled back behind the three point line before the player can drive back to the basket. It really made for a tough little workout. We were hustling in there! Again, I recognize it as something I couldn't even think about doing at 505. And I doubt Courtney would have been able to do it at her top weight. We were playing one on one and it felt so wonderful. Amber came in after her workout as we were finishing up the basketball. We decided to make basketball something we do on a regular basis. Maybe the two of them against me! I'm game! And just wait until mom's off, then we'll do the parents Vs. the kids! Should be interesting. Often times our exercise pursuits are very simple: move a bunch and sweat a bunch, it doesn't really matter to us how we accomplish it as long as it's accomplished.
I'm headed to bed with a successful day in the books. Our dinner consisted of tacos. I had a couple of all white meat chicken tacos in a crispy shell instead of the flour tortilla, I had it without the creamy avocado sauce plus a beef taco. It was very filling and came in at 470 calories for the meal. I also enjoyed a low fat soft serve vanilla ice cream cone for 150 as a late night snack a little bit ago. Today we've had great choices, super exercise, and wonderfully rewarding results...You will not find any complaints here. Thanks for reading and giving me your support! Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Day 268 Why Was Today So Tough? Oh Yeah, I Made It That Way
Day 268
Why Was Today So Tough? Oh Yeah, I Made It That Way
Today has been a really tough day for some reason. Wow, listen to me “for some reason,” it certainly couldn't be my own doing could it? OK, I'm not going to pretend that I don't know why. Isn't that a wonderful way to make ourselves feel better though? Just pretend that we don't know why it was a tough day. If you get super honest with yourself, like I have, then you realize that often the choices we make determine the outcome of our day. I can make good choices on food all day long (most days—continue reading), but it seems I have a real problem making good choices when it comes to my sleep and exercise schedule. And when the sleep schedule is all messed up, it makes everything else more difficult than it needs to be. I've had problems today with urges to cut loose on a platter of tater tots, I missed my workout, opting to nap instead, and then ended up sleeping way longer than I should have. I have to remember the law of consequences. Everything we do has a consequence, good or bad, and we're the ones that decide. I've come way too far to feel this way. I know that I'm not perfect, but today has just been a mess of emotions stirred by tiredness that has shaken my solid foundation. Maybe I've become too confident. I've been walking along this road with such a confident swagger, perhaps I needed to be reminded of my vulnerabilities. I needed to be brought down a notch or two, just enough to refresh me on the fundamentals that have made this a successful journey so far. Keeping some semblance of a normal schedule is part of that. The easy way out when it comes to food, is to eat whatever and how much ever. The easy way out when it comes to exercise is to just not do it. The easy way out of keeping the schedule on track is to just go sleep regardless of the time or how bad it will mess up the groove. Gravitating to the line of least resistance isn't something I can afford. The smartest thing for me to do after dinner would have been workout followed by writing. Instead I decided on a little refresher nap. Only one problem, I don't know how to take refresher naps. It's all or nothing with me when it comes to sleep. The sad thing is, I really wasn't that tired. I was doing it in the name of “relaxing.” And relaxing is a good thing, but only when everything else is done, affording you the luxury. I couldn't afford it tonight.
This is going to be a tough little paragraph. I actually just teared up, wow, I'm such a little girl sometimes. I pride myself on making good calorie choices everyday. I'm hardly ever the slightest bit hungry because of my good calorie value choices. But just when you think you are a pro at making these choices, along comes onion tater tots. They should have never made the dinner table to begin with and here's why: Nine small tots for 170 calories. What? We baked them and served them along side some beef Irene grilled on the George Foreman. Steak and tots. Sounds good huh? Just a horrible calorie value, those tots. But I wanted them. I love the way they smell as they cook, I love the way they taste, I'm completely lusting over them and I'm ashamed. Did I stick with the tiny nine tot serving? No. I kept grabbing them. One after another at 19 calories a piece adds up real quick. Before it was all over, I was over. I wasn't over my calorie budget for the day, but my 500 calorie meal limit, by 170 calories. You might ask, “Sean, why the dramatics? You didn't go over your days calories, so where's the harm?” What felt horrible was feeling those old feelings again. That out of control feeling. Overeating just because it taste so good. That's something I've done my entire life. Why couldn't I just be satisfied with a serving, enjoy them, and move on? I think if the girls wouldn't have been watching, I would have finished off every last one of them. I felt powerless. Over tater tots...wow, just amazing. I've always said that one bad choice leads to another and tonight was definitely proof of that. I felt so horrible after dinner, I just wanted to lay down and relax a little bit, maybe try to reflect on the dinner table feelings and actions. It may not seem to be too big of a deal. And on the surface it isn't. So what, I had two servings of tater tots, big deal. What devastated me was the feeling of “slipping.” The same eating behaviors that put me up to over 500 pounds were in play at that dining room table. I thought I had squashed those behaviors into oblivion. I was reminded of these behaviors and it was kind of scary.
If this were a weekend night I would be heading out to exercise right now. It isn't and I have to be up for work in less than five hours. I'll be going to bed tonight without completing a workout. That's just unacceptable, especially the day before weigh day. But it is the result of my bad choices this evening. I must put this day behind me and realize that I learned a very important thing today. This day was important. It's purpose was to humble me, to show me that I'm not perfect. It has showed me that the difference between doing wonderfully perfect and feeling out of control and horrible is very thin sided. I needed today to further my growth along this journey. I will not let the negative emotions from it further effect my performance. It's over. Tomorrow is going to be a fantastic weigh day. I can feel it. It might just be what I need right about now. Thank you for reading, goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Why Was Today So Tough? Oh Yeah, I Made It That Way
Today has been a really tough day for some reason. Wow, listen to me “for some reason,” it certainly couldn't be my own doing could it? OK, I'm not going to pretend that I don't know why. Isn't that a wonderful way to make ourselves feel better though? Just pretend that we don't know why it was a tough day. If you get super honest with yourself, like I have, then you realize that often the choices we make determine the outcome of our day. I can make good choices on food all day long (most days—continue reading), but it seems I have a real problem making good choices when it comes to my sleep and exercise schedule. And when the sleep schedule is all messed up, it makes everything else more difficult than it needs to be. I've had problems today with urges to cut loose on a platter of tater tots, I missed my workout, opting to nap instead, and then ended up sleeping way longer than I should have. I have to remember the law of consequences. Everything we do has a consequence, good or bad, and we're the ones that decide. I've come way too far to feel this way. I know that I'm not perfect, but today has just been a mess of emotions stirred by tiredness that has shaken my solid foundation. Maybe I've become too confident. I've been walking along this road with such a confident swagger, perhaps I needed to be reminded of my vulnerabilities. I needed to be brought down a notch or two, just enough to refresh me on the fundamentals that have made this a successful journey so far. Keeping some semblance of a normal schedule is part of that. The easy way out when it comes to food, is to eat whatever and how much ever. The easy way out when it comes to exercise is to just not do it. The easy way out of keeping the schedule on track is to just go sleep regardless of the time or how bad it will mess up the groove. Gravitating to the line of least resistance isn't something I can afford. The smartest thing for me to do after dinner would have been workout followed by writing. Instead I decided on a little refresher nap. Only one problem, I don't know how to take refresher naps. It's all or nothing with me when it comes to sleep. The sad thing is, I really wasn't that tired. I was doing it in the name of “relaxing.” And relaxing is a good thing, but only when everything else is done, affording you the luxury. I couldn't afford it tonight.
This is going to be a tough little paragraph. I actually just teared up, wow, I'm such a little girl sometimes. I pride myself on making good calorie choices everyday. I'm hardly ever the slightest bit hungry because of my good calorie value choices. But just when you think you are a pro at making these choices, along comes onion tater tots. They should have never made the dinner table to begin with and here's why: Nine small tots for 170 calories. What? We baked them and served them along side some beef Irene grilled on the George Foreman. Steak and tots. Sounds good huh? Just a horrible calorie value, those tots. But I wanted them. I love the way they smell as they cook, I love the way they taste, I'm completely lusting over them and I'm ashamed. Did I stick with the tiny nine tot serving? No. I kept grabbing them. One after another at 19 calories a piece adds up real quick. Before it was all over, I was over. I wasn't over my calorie budget for the day, but my 500 calorie meal limit, by 170 calories. You might ask, “Sean, why the dramatics? You didn't go over your days calories, so where's the harm?” What felt horrible was feeling those old feelings again. That out of control feeling. Overeating just because it taste so good. That's something I've done my entire life. Why couldn't I just be satisfied with a serving, enjoy them, and move on? I think if the girls wouldn't have been watching, I would have finished off every last one of them. I felt powerless. Over tater tots...wow, just amazing. I've always said that one bad choice leads to another and tonight was definitely proof of that. I felt so horrible after dinner, I just wanted to lay down and relax a little bit, maybe try to reflect on the dinner table feelings and actions. It may not seem to be too big of a deal. And on the surface it isn't. So what, I had two servings of tater tots, big deal. What devastated me was the feeling of “slipping.” The same eating behaviors that put me up to over 500 pounds were in play at that dining room table. I thought I had squashed those behaviors into oblivion. I was reminded of these behaviors and it was kind of scary.
If this were a weekend night I would be heading out to exercise right now. It isn't and I have to be up for work in less than five hours. I'll be going to bed tonight without completing a workout. That's just unacceptable, especially the day before weigh day. But it is the result of my bad choices this evening. I must put this day behind me and realize that I learned a very important thing today. This day was important. It's purpose was to humble me, to show me that I'm not perfect. It has showed me that the difference between doing wonderfully perfect and feeling out of control and horrible is very thin sided. I needed today to further my growth along this journey. I will not let the negative emotions from it further effect my performance. It's over. Tomorrow is going to be a fantastic weigh day. I can feel it. It might just be what I need right about now. Thank you for reading, goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Day 267 Workout Interrupted and Being Able To Accelerate
Day 267
Workout Interrupted and Being Able To Accelerate
After posting my blog last night we were ready to hit the trail for a wonderful 10K. That was where we were headed when we noticed lightning in the distance. Was it far enough away for us to get our workout complete? We soon found out the answer to that question: No. So our 10K was interrupted for two reasons. It's not smart to walk in a thunderstorm. And when the Oklahoma storms start to roll, I usually have to report to the studio to anchor live weather coverage. I'm one of three announcers on-call 24/7 in case severe weather breaks out. Around here, when the thunderstorms start firing, people want and need to know if it's going to be OK, or if they're going to need to take shelter, and we're the radio stations many people turn on for that information. So instead of completing the 10K, I was on the air until 2:30 in the morning as severe storms moved across our listening area. I finally fell asleep some time close to 3:30am, then it was back up at 5:10am for breakfast and coffee with my wife before heading back to the studio for the 6am “Sean In The Morning Show.” I can't sound like I'm exhausted on the air either, after all, it's my job to help people get going in the morning. I have to be upbeat and full of energy! You can't turn on your radio and hear me say “Uh, yeah, it's like six oh-three or some crazy time like that, sixty-seven ahhhh—yawwwn degrees, I hope you don't mind but I'm going to play twelve in a row on auto-pilot and sleep this first hour, why don't you just hit that snooze alarm and join me in dream land, alrighty? Nighty night, go back to sleep, there we go, that's it...to help us get there, the soothing sound of Otis Redding.” Even if I'm running on less than two hours sleep, I always seem to pull it off with a little help from coffee, I had three cups this morning! I was able to come home mid-morning and sleep a little while before returning to the studio for production work in the afternoon. Not the healthiest sleep schedule, but it doesn't happen very often, thank goodness.
Without spending too many more words on the subject, I wanted to clarify a couple of things from last night's blog. I didn't mean any disrespect to the people offering the young man food advice. In fact, their food recommendations were top notch stuff for anyone wanting to get into optimal shape. The two offering the advice certainly practice what they preach in their own lives. The compassion and sincerity in their offerings was obvious. They're good people, I'm sure. I just wanted to explain my concern from the lifelong morbidly obese perspective. I've made it a point to better understand the psychological side of losing weight, and although I don't know everything, I know enough to recognize the weak points in a plan right away, as it applies to someone like me. I smiled from ear to ear when the young man left a comment on last night's blog letting me know he did read the post and appreciated what I said. If you want to read his response, just scroll down and click on “comments” at the bottom of Day 266. He's got his head on straight, he's doing this, he's escaping just like me. I'm very happy for him and I look forward to witnessing his inspiring success!
We made a trip to Stillwater tonight for a visit with my mom and grandma. We also stopped by my Aunt Kelli's workplace and visited for a few minutes. Kelli and my mom are doing a tremendous job exercising and staying on top of their calorie budgets. They're learning how truly wonderful it is to grab control and command results with consistent effort! They're experiencing epiphanies left and right about how truly simple this completely natural way of losing can be. Before the visit we stopped at a popular mexican fast food place around here, Taco Mayo. We love Taco Mayo! The nutrition information of some of their items would blow your mind, but good choices can be made anywhere! The Taco Mayo regular beef tacos come in at 161 each. My dinner was three tacos for 483 calories. Talk about a wonderful calorie value meal, especially when you load them up with fresh veggies from the salsa bar! An even better choice would have been the grilled chicken tacos in a crispy white corn shell instead of the flour tortilla, those things come in at a guesstimated 145 calories. They only list them on their website with the soft flour shell. So the guesstimate takes into account the smaller calorie value of the crispy white corn shell versus the flour tortilla. We had a wonderful visit with everyone and I noticed something wonderful while we were there. My mom is looking smaller! I can see the difference in her face especially. She's noticed the difference all over. I'm so proud!
Tonight we didn't have to worry about the weather interfering with our workout. We hit the trail with the energy to complete a 10K easy. It was nice to have all four of us out there at the same time. Irene and Amber kept pace together while Courtney and I led the way around the trail. Once again we didn't hit the 10K mark. We decided instead to make it a “hard four.” And that it was! We walked hard and fast four straight miles without stopping one time. The last 40 yards or so was another all out sprint. And again, I love the way it felt to accelerate. I could never accelerate before! At 505 all I could do was “waddle” like a penguin. Now I'm accelerating! Maybe only 40 yards at a time right now, but I can clearly see myself eventually becoming a recreational runner. That's right, the same kind of person I would drive by and wonder, what possesses these people with the running? I just might become one of them. Isn't it amazing what you can do when you decide you can?
I'm headed to bed with a wonderful workout in the books and a perfectly balanced calorie budget. There's something really special you feel when you lay your head down at night knowing that you're doing everything you can to achieve the goal you desire. Weigh day is fast approaching on Wednesday and I'm ready to bring it on! Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts in the comments. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Workout Interrupted and Being Able To Accelerate
After posting my blog last night we were ready to hit the trail for a wonderful 10K. That was where we were headed when we noticed lightning in the distance. Was it far enough away for us to get our workout complete? We soon found out the answer to that question: No. So our 10K was interrupted for two reasons. It's not smart to walk in a thunderstorm. And when the Oklahoma storms start to roll, I usually have to report to the studio to anchor live weather coverage. I'm one of three announcers on-call 24/7 in case severe weather breaks out. Around here, when the thunderstorms start firing, people want and need to know if it's going to be OK, or if they're going to need to take shelter, and we're the radio stations many people turn on for that information. So instead of completing the 10K, I was on the air until 2:30 in the morning as severe storms moved across our listening area. I finally fell asleep some time close to 3:30am, then it was back up at 5:10am for breakfast and coffee with my wife before heading back to the studio for the 6am “Sean In The Morning Show.” I can't sound like I'm exhausted on the air either, after all, it's my job to help people get going in the morning. I have to be upbeat and full of energy! You can't turn on your radio and hear me say “Uh, yeah, it's like six oh-three or some crazy time like that, sixty-seven ahhhh—yawwwn degrees, I hope you don't mind but I'm going to play twelve in a row on auto-pilot and sleep this first hour, why don't you just hit that snooze alarm and join me in dream land, alrighty? Nighty night, go back to sleep, there we go, that's it...to help us get there, the soothing sound of Otis Redding.” Even if I'm running on less than two hours sleep, I always seem to pull it off with a little help from coffee, I had three cups this morning! I was able to come home mid-morning and sleep a little while before returning to the studio for production work in the afternoon. Not the healthiest sleep schedule, but it doesn't happen very often, thank goodness.
Without spending too many more words on the subject, I wanted to clarify a couple of things from last night's blog. I didn't mean any disrespect to the people offering the young man food advice. In fact, their food recommendations were top notch stuff for anyone wanting to get into optimal shape. The two offering the advice certainly practice what they preach in their own lives. The compassion and sincerity in their offerings was obvious. They're good people, I'm sure. I just wanted to explain my concern from the lifelong morbidly obese perspective. I've made it a point to better understand the psychological side of losing weight, and although I don't know everything, I know enough to recognize the weak points in a plan right away, as it applies to someone like me. I smiled from ear to ear when the young man left a comment on last night's blog letting me know he did read the post and appreciated what I said. If you want to read his response, just scroll down and click on “comments” at the bottom of Day 266. He's got his head on straight, he's doing this, he's escaping just like me. I'm very happy for him and I look forward to witnessing his inspiring success!
We made a trip to Stillwater tonight for a visit with my mom and grandma. We also stopped by my Aunt Kelli's workplace and visited for a few minutes. Kelli and my mom are doing a tremendous job exercising and staying on top of their calorie budgets. They're learning how truly wonderful it is to grab control and command results with consistent effort! They're experiencing epiphanies left and right about how truly simple this completely natural way of losing can be. Before the visit we stopped at a popular mexican fast food place around here, Taco Mayo. We love Taco Mayo! The nutrition information of some of their items would blow your mind, but good choices can be made anywhere! The Taco Mayo regular beef tacos come in at 161 each. My dinner was three tacos for 483 calories. Talk about a wonderful calorie value meal, especially when you load them up with fresh veggies from the salsa bar! An even better choice would have been the grilled chicken tacos in a crispy white corn shell instead of the flour tortilla, those things come in at a guesstimated 145 calories. They only list them on their website with the soft flour shell. So the guesstimate takes into account the smaller calorie value of the crispy white corn shell versus the flour tortilla. We had a wonderful visit with everyone and I noticed something wonderful while we were there. My mom is looking smaller! I can see the difference in her face especially. She's noticed the difference all over. I'm so proud!
Tonight we didn't have to worry about the weather interfering with our workout. We hit the trail with the energy to complete a 10K easy. It was nice to have all four of us out there at the same time. Irene and Amber kept pace together while Courtney and I led the way around the trail. Once again we didn't hit the 10K mark. We decided instead to make it a “hard four.” And that it was! We walked hard and fast four straight miles without stopping one time. The last 40 yards or so was another all out sprint. And again, I love the way it felt to accelerate. I could never accelerate before! At 505 all I could do was “waddle” like a penguin. Now I'm accelerating! Maybe only 40 yards at a time right now, but I can clearly see myself eventually becoming a recreational runner. That's right, the same kind of person I would drive by and wonder, what possesses these people with the running? I just might become one of them. Isn't it amazing what you can do when you decide you can?
I'm headed to bed with a wonderful workout in the books and a perfectly balanced calorie budget. There's something really special you feel when you lay your head down at night knowing that you're doing everything you can to achieve the goal you desire. Weigh day is fast approaching on Wednesday and I'm ready to bring it on! Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts in the comments. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Day 266 Forgetting Time and A Passionate Response To Expert Advice
Day 266
Forgetting Time and A Passionate Response To Expert Advice
I failed to even notice that yesterday was exactly 100 days shy of one year on this journey. Wow, we're moving right along! One thing that helps me is not worrying about time. I've written about this many times. I use to worry about how long it would take me to lose down to my ultimate goal, just thinking about the time commitment needed was always enough to discourage me. And when I would become discouraged I would fail. More time would pass, then I would notice a calendar months later and feel bad because I knew that if I would have just stuck with it back then, I would have made some amazing progress. Not worrying about time is something I knew I needed to embrace on this journey. At the same time, I've had to be very careful not to allow myself to rationalize bad choices because, “hey I'm not worried about how long this takes!” My goal everyday is to make good choices with my food consumption and exercise. So far I've done just that. And all along the pages of the calendar have been turning. I'm pleased with the amazing progress in a relatively short period of time.
Recently while reading another weight loss blog, I noticed a couple of different experts giving advice to a young man who is on a mission to lose even more weight than me. First of all let me say this: I'm not an expert, I've said this many times. I also respect the opinions of people who have studied nutrition and fitness. However, I found it really hard to read some of the advice that was being given on that blog. And here's why: As a nutrition expert you may know exactly the best foods to recommend. But telling someone like me at 505 and this young man at nearly 600 pounds (he was over 630 when he started) to get rid of most everything we've enjoyed eating and immediately go out and buy only certain foods, in my opinion, is a recipe for failure. You're proving the science of it if they stick with it, but you're forgetting about the psychological element. Sure, if he eats only what you recommend he will lose weight and be healthier. But, what happens later? What happens when he realizes that he never learned how to eat anything else in a responsible way? I read a comment on this young man's blog that ordered: “the waffles and cream cheese have got to go.” Really? Completely? Never eat another waffle again? And cream cheese? I've enjoyed both on several occasions along this journey and I'm doing fantastic. Eating better and making healthier choices must evolve along the way. It's something that happens naturally. You shouldn't force it. You shouldn't throw away everything in your kitchen and go out and buy a bunch of stuff you wouldn't normally eat. That's the fastest way to feel deprived and that's a feeling that leads so many off the wagon. That's why I always say, keep it simple! Eat less and exercise more. Eat what you like, but do it with knowledge about calories, and limit your intake to a certain level, I've chosen 1,500. My choices often hinge on one question: Is this a good calorie value for me right now? The better choices come naturally. Early on this journey a typical snack for me was often a little 110 calorie bag of Funyuns. Now, it's apple slices marinated in lemon juice or a banana. I just had some turkey with mustard on a slice of light sourdough. That's a little better than a typical snack I might have had early on. The thing is, many people ask for this kind of food advice. I have no idea, the young man may have done that. “Just tell me what to eat and I'll eat it.” Listen, I'm pretty passionate about this as you can tell. I've been there, I know the pitfalls that exist in trying to lose weight, this is not my first ride down this road. I've analyzed my past failures and scrutinized my periods of success. I've taken those periods of success and analyzed why they were not permanent. What I'm doing and have been doing the last 266 days is the result. This is important to remember: You can't change a lifetime of horrible eating behaviors by cleaning out the pantry and fridge and replacing everything with healthy stuff. If you do that, you're deciding not to deal with those behaviors, rather just forget about them and hope they never come back. There isn't a favorite food of mine that I can't enjoy in a new responsible way. My behaviors with food have changed dramatically and without ever making a special trip for a cart full of recommended items. Keep it simple. Eat less and exercise more. Then, as you lose weight successfully, your eating habits and choices will naturally improve. Perhaps you decide at a certain point to incorporate certain recommended foods to optimize your performance. But it should never be a “all at once, here's what you're eating now” type of deal. A friend of mine, Melissa Walden, is a fitness and life coach. She studied at The Cooper Institute in Dallas. I keep remembering her response to a question at a “Lose To Win” seminar. The question was from someone just starting out and it was all about the carbs and fat grams and other food stats. Melissa told her the best thing for her to do at this point was “keep it simple,” by focusing on calories only and getting that exercise! Melissa went on to say exactly what I've said all along: When you have been doing wonderful for awhile, that's when you can decide to focus on fine tuning your daily intake. For me, I plan on getting into some really intense weight training. I want muscles! I know that I will need to give my body more than 1,500 calories a day while I'm weight training. My plan will adjust accordingly at that time. I've been shedding the excess fat very successfully so far, I've still a hundred pounds to go, and now I can start fine tuning my routine.
The preceding was simply my opinion. If I were still sitting at 505, you might not take it too seriously, but I'm at 332 at last check and the next weigh day is this Wednesday on Day 269. I really want to see this young man I mentioned above succeed. I'm rooting for him all the way. I just couldn't help myself. I had to say something. If he reads it or not, I may never know, but at least I said it. Take it for what it's worth. I don't know what these nutrition experts will think of this advice, because like I've said before, it's hard to teach someone something when they already know it all. But I feel like it would be hard for anyone with common sense to not understand the message I'm communicating. I don't know it all, but through my success and failures at losing weight, these are the truths I've learned. I feel like I've been taught through experience and I've discovered the reasons why I could never get it right before. It's like finding a large diamond that was never really hidden in the first place. I just wasn't looking until now.
We're headed out for a Sunday night 10K walk. Earlier we were at the lake for a picnic and swim. I chose to avoid the sun and not swim. I can't stand sunburns. But I did miss the exercise. Our late night swim last night was a fantastic workout. I'll be pacing myself on this 10K tonight, but maybe on that last mile I'll open it up again for an all out forty yard sprint! I loved the way it felt. I'm sure it was really slow, but to me it felt like I was flying. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Forgetting Time and A Passionate Response To Expert Advice
I failed to even notice that yesterday was exactly 100 days shy of one year on this journey. Wow, we're moving right along! One thing that helps me is not worrying about time. I've written about this many times. I use to worry about how long it would take me to lose down to my ultimate goal, just thinking about the time commitment needed was always enough to discourage me. And when I would become discouraged I would fail. More time would pass, then I would notice a calendar months later and feel bad because I knew that if I would have just stuck with it back then, I would have made some amazing progress. Not worrying about time is something I knew I needed to embrace on this journey. At the same time, I've had to be very careful not to allow myself to rationalize bad choices because, “hey I'm not worried about how long this takes!” My goal everyday is to make good choices with my food consumption and exercise. So far I've done just that. And all along the pages of the calendar have been turning. I'm pleased with the amazing progress in a relatively short period of time.
Recently while reading another weight loss blog, I noticed a couple of different experts giving advice to a young man who is on a mission to lose even more weight than me. First of all let me say this: I'm not an expert, I've said this many times. I also respect the opinions of people who have studied nutrition and fitness. However, I found it really hard to read some of the advice that was being given on that blog. And here's why: As a nutrition expert you may know exactly the best foods to recommend. But telling someone like me at 505 and this young man at nearly 600 pounds (he was over 630 when he started) to get rid of most everything we've enjoyed eating and immediately go out and buy only certain foods, in my opinion, is a recipe for failure. You're proving the science of it if they stick with it, but you're forgetting about the psychological element. Sure, if he eats only what you recommend he will lose weight and be healthier. But, what happens later? What happens when he realizes that he never learned how to eat anything else in a responsible way? I read a comment on this young man's blog that ordered: “the waffles and cream cheese have got to go.” Really? Completely? Never eat another waffle again? And cream cheese? I've enjoyed both on several occasions along this journey and I'm doing fantastic. Eating better and making healthier choices must evolve along the way. It's something that happens naturally. You shouldn't force it. You shouldn't throw away everything in your kitchen and go out and buy a bunch of stuff you wouldn't normally eat. That's the fastest way to feel deprived and that's a feeling that leads so many off the wagon. That's why I always say, keep it simple! Eat less and exercise more. Eat what you like, but do it with knowledge about calories, and limit your intake to a certain level, I've chosen 1,500. My choices often hinge on one question: Is this a good calorie value for me right now? The better choices come naturally. Early on this journey a typical snack for me was often a little 110 calorie bag of Funyuns. Now, it's apple slices marinated in lemon juice or a banana. I just had some turkey with mustard on a slice of light sourdough. That's a little better than a typical snack I might have had early on. The thing is, many people ask for this kind of food advice. I have no idea, the young man may have done that. “Just tell me what to eat and I'll eat it.” Listen, I'm pretty passionate about this as you can tell. I've been there, I know the pitfalls that exist in trying to lose weight, this is not my first ride down this road. I've analyzed my past failures and scrutinized my periods of success. I've taken those periods of success and analyzed why they were not permanent. What I'm doing and have been doing the last 266 days is the result. This is important to remember: You can't change a lifetime of horrible eating behaviors by cleaning out the pantry and fridge and replacing everything with healthy stuff. If you do that, you're deciding not to deal with those behaviors, rather just forget about them and hope they never come back. There isn't a favorite food of mine that I can't enjoy in a new responsible way. My behaviors with food have changed dramatically and without ever making a special trip for a cart full of recommended items. Keep it simple. Eat less and exercise more. Then, as you lose weight successfully, your eating habits and choices will naturally improve. Perhaps you decide at a certain point to incorporate certain recommended foods to optimize your performance. But it should never be a “all at once, here's what you're eating now” type of deal. A friend of mine, Melissa Walden, is a fitness and life coach. She studied at The Cooper Institute in Dallas. I keep remembering her response to a question at a “Lose To Win” seminar. The question was from someone just starting out and it was all about the carbs and fat grams and other food stats. Melissa told her the best thing for her to do at this point was “keep it simple,” by focusing on calories only and getting that exercise! Melissa went on to say exactly what I've said all along: When you have been doing wonderful for awhile, that's when you can decide to focus on fine tuning your daily intake. For me, I plan on getting into some really intense weight training. I want muscles! I know that I will need to give my body more than 1,500 calories a day while I'm weight training. My plan will adjust accordingly at that time. I've been shedding the excess fat very successfully so far, I've still a hundred pounds to go, and now I can start fine tuning my routine.
The preceding was simply my opinion. If I were still sitting at 505, you might not take it too seriously, but I'm at 332 at last check and the next weigh day is this Wednesday on Day 269. I really want to see this young man I mentioned above succeed. I'm rooting for him all the way. I just couldn't help myself. I had to say something. If he reads it or not, I may never know, but at least I said it. Take it for what it's worth. I don't know what these nutrition experts will think of this advice, because like I've said before, it's hard to teach someone something when they already know it all. But I feel like it would be hard for anyone with common sense to not understand the message I'm communicating. I don't know it all, but through my success and failures at losing weight, these are the truths I've learned. I feel like I've been taught through experience and I've discovered the reasons why I could never get it right before. It's like finding a large diamond that was never really hidden in the first place. I just wasn't looking until now.
We're headed out for a Sunday night 10K walk. Earlier we were at the lake for a picnic and swim. I chose to avoid the sun and not swim. I can't stand sunburns. But I did miss the exercise. Our late night swim last night was a fantastic workout. I'll be pacing myself on this 10K tonight, but maybe on that last mile I'll open it up again for an all out forty yard sprint! I loved the way it felt. I'm sure it was really slow, but to me it felt like I was flying. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Day 265 Mowing Without Concern and The Forty Yard Dash
Day 265
Mowing Without Concern and The Forty Yard Dash
When you're morbidly obese and your family and friends worry about you, often times they will offer to do things for you that might be a little too strenuous. Anything that requires climbing a ladder, or working outside around the house, or just anything that requires physical activity or excludes anyone over a certain size could be a task that a loved one or close friend might offer to do. It would happen all the time at over 500 pounds. Back then I would often just pay someone to mow the lawn, the neighbor kid needed money and we needed grass cut, it was a good trade. But every now and then I would get out there in the heat of summer, all 500 plus pounds of me, and I would push that mower. It wouldn't take long before Irene and the girls would start getting concerned. They would watch me from inside, wanting to help, but I would never let them. I know it might sound like I babied them, but I didn't want my girls operating such a dangerous piece of machinery! They could have done it, I'm sure, they can do anything, but I'm the dad, I'll handle the yard. After watching me quickly become drenched in sweat, the girls would make me a tall glass of ice tea or water and bring it to me, always asking me to take a break and warning “don't over do it dad, are you OK?” And I'd always or most usually reply, “I'm fine, I got this.” But I knew that I was skating on thin ice with my health. When I would struggle to mow in the 100 degree Oklahoma heat, all of a sudden twenty bucks to the neighbor kid seemed like a bargain. Our old house had a huge lawn and the grass would grow high and fast right along with my weight and out of control blood pressure. I wrote about an amazing experience I had mowing on a hot summer day at over 500 pounds. The following is a blog excerpt from Day 21 titled “Friends, Family, and A Lawnmower”: I remember mowing the lawn at our previous home on one hot summer day, must have been early evening and it was a big lawn. I was over 500 pounds then too, and I must have looked half dead out there pushing that mower. As traffic drove down the block they could see that I was having a real tough time, pretty soon a guy I didn't know drove by and waived, then just minutes later he comes riding up on a mower and tells me to take a break. I protested a tiny bit, but there was no stopping him, he was mowing my lawn. I felt weird just standing there so I went inside to get him a glass of iced tea. After he finished the entire lawn he enjoyed the rest of his tea while I kept thanking him over and over. I offered him some cash, and he wouldn't hear of it, then he rode away. I never saw that guy around the neighborhood again...ever. Where did he come from? Who was he? He really didn't say. I wonder if he didn't save me from collapsing that day. Perhaps my guardian angel.
I think about that stranger every time I mow. I still have no idea where he lived and how he passed by in a vehicle, then minutes later came riding up on a lawnmower. Surely he lived close, but I never saw him again. I finally mowed our lawn tonight. The other day a good friend of mine called and offered to come over and mow it again for me with his big riding mower. The last time it needed mowed, he did it for me, not because I couldn't physically, but because it had to be mowed and my schedule was keeping me away. Dan is a wonderful person. He takes care of his friends. I'm very lucky to have him as one. I thanked him for the offer this time and then I politely declined. “I got this.” Mowing tonight was so easy. I know it was exercise, but really, I'm not counting it as much. I pushed that mower with the greatest of ease, right out there in the setting sun, with the sweat trailing down my dirty face. I was mowing without a care or concern for my health. I had it completely under control, just like my blood pressure and steadily dropping weight. It's all good. And you know what I noticed? The girls didn't bring me even one ice cold drink the entire time I was out there! I'm not complaining. It feels good to know that they're not pressed up against the windows watching me and praying that I don't die out there. They don't have to do that anymore. I finished up and found them inside on mom and dad's bed watching a movie. Sometimes I look at them and even though they're 19 and 15, I still see them as little girls. I doubt that will ever change. I don't want it to.
Courtney decided that we would hit the trail today in the middle of the afternoon. I protested a little and so did Amber, but Courtney was taking the lead and she had decided we needed some sun! How can I resist too much? I'm so proud of them. We normally walk in the early evening, but mostly at night under the stars. Our walk wasn't the longest we've ever completed, but it just might be one of the best. We did what we call a “hard two.” It isn't a leisurely stroll, it's more like power walking, and it gets the heart rate up quick! Courtney and her friend Dylan kept passing me, so I would jog a little to pass them. This went back and forth a couple of times. Then, without confirming each others intentions, we raced. I mean raced! We did a full-on sprint for about forty yards. It felt incredible. I've tried it before but it's never felt this wonderful. I stayed right there with Courtney! I was running hard. Now don't get me wrong, I still have no clue how people can run like this for long distances. Forty yards was all I could handle at this weight. I'm sure when I reach my goal I'll be able to run a 5K without much trouble, but at 332, forty yards. Of course that was an all out sprint. I was running like the wind blows. I was running as fast as I could possibly run. I don't know what it looked like to the people driving by the trail, but to me it felt like I was an Olympic sprinter. When I think about how far I've come in the last 265 days, it's easy to get emotional. On Day 1 I could barely “waddle” a quarter mile, now I can sprint. If you're reading this and you're having trouble simply walking, just do what you can. Just do something. It doesn't matter how far or for how long. Just do it. And then the next day, do it again. Your consistent effort will make it easier and easier. Your weight loss will contribute significantly to this progress, and even though you might not be able to imagine it today, someday you'll be sprinting too! Mom---I hope you read that closely! My mom has been discovering this wonderful progress for herself. When she started she could barely move. Just walking to the mailbox or down to the first curve in her drive was a challenge. Now she completes a mile daily. I'm going to race my momma someday, you just wait! It's such a thrill to talk to her every night and hear how she's just completed another walk. Her weight is dropping too and she's feeling so good these days. I couldn't be more proud.
We baked some popcorn chicken and fries for dinner. With the sweet and sour sauce and ketchup, it checked in right at 400 calories. It was one of those meals where I prepared exactly enough. If you grabbed an extra piece of chicken, you were grabbing a piece of somebody else's portion. We did have several fries left over after counting out the 120 calorie portions. Those fries are still sitting cold on the table. That's a very strange sight. Before this life changing journey, those fries would have been gone before even one of us excused ourselves from the dining room. No way did we ever leave fries sitting unclaimed. We did tonight.
We're getting ready for a wonderful lake swim. The dock where we go is pretty deep water, like twenty feet deep. Twenty feet of water provides a wonderful workout. You can't just relax and enjoy the water, you have to move, you have to tread water. You have to survive! It doesn't take long to get really tired and that's when we'll head for the dock ladder. I'm looking forward to this water workout tonight. I hope the water is warm! Courtney just suggested that we walk another “hard two” before our swim. Forget Jillian Michaels, we have Courtney! Thank you for reading along my journey. It's been a wonderful transformation thus far and the next 100 pounds will only multiply the physical and emotional rewards. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Mowing Without Concern and The Forty Yard Dash
When you're morbidly obese and your family and friends worry about you, often times they will offer to do things for you that might be a little too strenuous. Anything that requires climbing a ladder, or working outside around the house, or just anything that requires physical activity or excludes anyone over a certain size could be a task that a loved one or close friend might offer to do. It would happen all the time at over 500 pounds. Back then I would often just pay someone to mow the lawn, the neighbor kid needed money and we needed grass cut, it was a good trade. But every now and then I would get out there in the heat of summer, all 500 plus pounds of me, and I would push that mower. It wouldn't take long before Irene and the girls would start getting concerned. They would watch me from inside, wanting to help, but I would never let them. I know it might sound like I babied them, but I didn't want my girls operating such a dangerous piece of machinery! They could have done it, I'm sure, they can do anything, but I'm the dad, I'll handle the yard. After watching me quickly become drenched in sweat, the girls would make me a tall glass of ice tea or water and bring it to me, always asking me to take a break and warning “don't over do it dad, are you OK?” And I'd always or most usually reply, “I'm fine, I got this.” But I knew that I was skating on thin ice with my health. When I would struggle to mow in the 100 degree Oklahoma heat, all of a sudden twenty bucks to the neighbor kid seemed like a bargain. Our old house had a huge lawn and the grass would grow high and fast right along with my weight and out of control blood pressure. I wrote about an amazing experience I had mowing on a hot summer day at over 500 pounds. The following is a blog excerpt from Day 21 titled “Friends, Family, and A Lawnmower”: I remember mowing the lawn at our previous home on one hot summer day, must have been early evening and it was a big lawn. I was over 500 pounds then too, and I must have looked half dead out there pushing that mower. As traffic drove down the block they could see that I was having a real tough time, pretty soon a guy I didn't know drove by and waived, then just minutes later he comes riding up on a mower and tells me to take a break. I protested a tiny bit, but there was no stopping him, he was mowing my lawn. I felt weird just standing there so I went inside to get him a glass of iced tea. After he finished the entire lawn he enjoyed the rest of his tea while I kept thanking him over and over. I offered him some cash, and he wouldn't hear of it, then he rode away. I never saw that guy around the neighborhood again...ever. Where did he come from? Who was he? He really didn't say. I wonder if he didn't save me from collapsing that day. Perhaps my guardian angel.
I think about that stranger every time I mow. I still have no idea where he lived and how he passed by in a vehicle, then minutes later came riding up on a lawnmower. Surely he lived close, but I never saw him again. I finally mowed our lawn tonight. The other day a good friend of mine called and offered to come over and mow it again for me with his big riding mower. The last time it needed mowed, he did it for me, not because I couldn't physically, but because it had to be mowed and my schedule was keeping me away. Dan is a wonderful person. He takes care of his friends. I'm very lucky to have him as one. I thanked him for the offer this time and then I politely declined. “I got this.” Mowing tonight was so easy. I know it was exercise, but really, I'm not counting it as much. I pushed that mower with the greatest of ease, right out there in the setting sun, with the sweat trailing down my dirty face. I was mowing without a care or concern for my health. I had it completely under control, just like my blood pressure and steadily dropping weight. It's all good. And you know what I noticed? The girls didn't bring me even one ice cold drink the entire time I was out there! I'm not complaining. It feels good to know that they're not pressed up against the windows watching me and praying that I don't die out there. They don't have to do that anymore. I finished up and found them inside on mom and dad's bed watching a movie. Sometimes I look at them and even though they're 19 and 15, I still see them as little girls. I doubt that will ever change. I don't want it to.
Courtney decided that we would hit the trail today in the middle of the afternoon. I protested a little and so did Amber, but Courtney was taking the lead and she had decided we needed some sun! How can I resist too much? I'm so proud of them. We normally walk in the early evening, but mostly at night under the stars. Our walk wasn't the longest we've ever completed, but it just might be one of the best. We did what we call a “hard two.” It isn't a leisurely stroll, it's more like power walking, and it gets the heart rate up quick! Courtney and her friend Dylan kept passing me, so I would jog a little to pass them. This went back and forth a couple of times. Then, without confirming each others intentions, we raced. I mean raced! We did a full-on sprint for about forty yards. It felt incredible. I've tried it before but it's never felt this wonderful. I stayed right there with Courtney! I was running hard. Now don't get me wrong, I still have no clue how people can run like this for long distances. Forty yards was all I could handle at this weight. I'm sure when I reach my goal I'll be able to run a 5K without much trouble, but at 332, forty yards. Of course that was an all out sprint. I was running like the wind blows. I was running as fast as I could possibly run. I don't know what it looked like to the people driving by the trail, but to me it felt like I was an Olympic sprinter. When I think about how far I've come in the last 265 days, it's easy to get emotional. On Day 1 I could barely “waddle” a quarter mile, now I can sprint. If you're reading this and you're having trouble simply walking, just do what you can. Just do something. It doesn't matter how far or for how long. Just do it. And then the next day, do it again. Your consistent effort will make it easier and easier. Your weight loss will contribute significantly to this progress, and even though you might not be able to imagine it today, someday you'll be sprinting too! Mom---I hope you read that closely! My mom has been discovering this wonderful progress for herself. When she started she could barely move. Just walking to the mailbox or down to the first curve in her drive was a challenge. Now she completes a mile daily. I'm going to race my momma someday, you just wait! It's such a thrill to talk to her every night and hear how she's just completed another walk. Her weight is dropping too and she's feeling so good these days. I couldn't be more proud.
We baked some popcorn chicken and fries for dinner. With the sweet and sour sauce and ketchup, it checked in right at 400 calories. It was one of those meals where I prepared exactly enough. If you grabbed an extra piece of chicken, you were grabbing a piece of somebody else's portion. We did have several fries left over after counting out the 120 calorie portions. Those fries are still sitting cold on the table. That's a very strange sight. Before this life changing journey, those fries would have been gone before even one of us excused ourselves from the dining room. No way did we ever leave fries sitting unclaimed. We did tonight.
We're getting ready for a wonderful lake swim. The dock where we go is pretty deep water, like twenty feet deep. Twenty feet of water provides a wonderful workout. You can't just relax and enjoy the water, you have to move, you have to tread water. You have to survive! It doesn't take long to get really tired and that's when we'll head for the dock ladder. I'm looking forward to this water workout tonight. I hope the water is warm! Courtney just suggested that we walk another “hard two” before our swim. Forget Jillian Michaels, we have Courtney! Thank you for reading along my journey. It's been a wonderful transformation thus far and the next 100 pounds will only multiply the physical and emotional rewards. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Day 264 The Importance of Journaling and An Annual Event From A Smaller Perspective
Day 264
The Importance of Journaling and An Annual Event From A Smaller Perspective
The Optimal Health Challenge kick-off last night was a wonderful event. I shared the story of September 13th, 2008 when I realized that I had to finally do something about my weight. I was out of time completely. I was on the brink of totally destroying my family that I hold so dear. I touched briefly on some of the mental adjustments I had to make to get started and stay focused. I brought along a giant three foot by four foot before picture and my largest pair of jeans. I showed Dr. Amy the jeans prior to the start and she commented that it was much more dramatic seeing me hold them up in person versus the picture I posted a while back. The audience was fantastic, very nice, and I quickly turned it over to Dr. Amy for the main portion of the presentation. There were many different reasons why people were there. Some want to lower their cholesterol, others want to quit smoking, some want to lose weight, and their were many more reasons from different people in attendance. The most important step that Dr. Amy suggest is probably the one many people don't do. And that's journaling. I can tell you from my experience with this blog, when you write out how you feel and what you do, and you're completely honest with yourself in your writings, then you can learn amazing things about yourself. By writing along the way, I've discovered things I would have never understood or even realized if I hadn't started this blog. Journaling is paramount to success. And if you're not comfortable with sharing those writings, keep them private. I recommend at least sharing it with the ones you love, it's an accountability thing. You understand, right? Of course if you're signed up for the Optimal Health Challenge you'll at least be sharing your journal with Dr. Amy.
This morning I had a couple of members from the local Classic Cars Club in studio to talk about the big show tonight on Grand Avenue and the car show at the lake tomorrow. They brought me an event t-shirt like they do every year. The difference? I can actually wear it this time. They've given me a t-shirt every year and I've always given it to my wife and daughters, they just didn't have my size back then. It felt wonderful to talk on the air about the shirt and honestly say, “I'm wearing one right now!” The event tonight was “Draggin' Grand.” Think of it as a rolling car show. There was well over 100 classic cars cruising up and down Grand Avenue all evening and I was there broadcasting as I've done every year but two in the last ten. It was very different to be there 173 pounds lighter. I ran into a bunch of people that I only see once a year and the “wow” reactions were numerous and every single one was a blast to experience. One person told me that they honestly didn't recognize me tonight. They were looking for that 505 pound guy they remembered and it took a few takes to figure out that I was who I was, just much smaller and happier looking. I did a much better job broadcasting because I wasn't staying put in one place anymore. I walked around, even took a ride along the strip, did my breaks with many different guest, including Car Club members, the mayor, tourism director, and even the editor in chief of Grit Magazine, a national publication. I even interviewed the members of Hotel California, the Eagles tribute band performing tonight at the Poncan Theatre and the director of the theatre, Dave May. This was a very different approach from years past when I would “hide out” in the air conditioned remote broadcast vehicle, doing my on air breaks in private. At over 500 pounds, I didn't want to move any more than absolutely necessary. Now, I have that lightness in my step that makes me want to get out and see people. It was wonderful!
In years past, The Poncan Theatre has hired me to do stand-up before the headlining act at this annual event. We decided a while back that I would not perform this year. I bet I will next year! They did ask me to take the stage tonight and make a few announcements before introducing the band. I wasn't worried about the structural integrity of the stage this time. At my heaviest, I remember finding some “soft spots” on that stage. “Soft spots” didn't even cross my mind tonight. The biggest difference tonight was the fact that I could breathe easy up there. My last performance on that stage was a struggle and I believe my comedy suffered because of my winded delivery. I certainly couldn't move like I can now. I remember making the decision last year that I would do all of my material with the mic left in the stand. Even during some of my more animated bits, I still left it in the stand, because I wanted to avoid becoming out of breath. When Dave May introduced me, he made sure to mention the 173 pounds I've lost so far and when he did, the entire theatre erupted in thunderous applause. OK, maybe not thunderous, but pretty loud and proud, it was a very cool thing.
I took some apple slices and a banana with me to the event and enjoyed them a few hours apart. I knew it was going to be a late dinner and it was. We pulled up to the dining room table at 11:30pm! It's basically the middle of the night now, but we're still heading out to the trail to walk as soon as I finish writing. After eating that late, I just have to get a good walk in. We're not going to do a 10K like the girls wanted tonight, but we'll probably do at least a hard two miles, maybe a 5K. The good news is, I can sleep as late as my body wants on Saturday! Wait a second, it is Saturday technically, but you know what I mean. I prepared some beef ravioli with a mushroom and olive marinara plus salad, garlic toast, and some niblits corn. My plate consisted of nine raviolis for 300 calories, a ¼ cup of sauce for 80, 50 calories worth of corn, and a little less than half a slice of garlic toast for 60. The entire plate was 490. I still have 110 calories remaining for the day so I might have a 70 calorie Dream Bar after our walk.
What a fantastic day. It was the most enjoyable time I've ever had at this annual event, no doubt because of the dramatic weight loss. I love it! Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
The Importance of Journaling and An Annual Event From A Smaller Perspective
The Optimal Health Challenge kick-off last night was a wonderful event. I shared the story of September 13th, 2008 when I realized that I had to finally do something about my weight. I was out of time completely. I was on the brink of totally destroying my family that I hold so dear. I touched briefly on some of the mental adjustments I had to make to get started and stay focused. I brought along a giant three foot by four foot before picture and my largest pair of jeans. I showed Dr. Amy the jeans prior to the start and she commented that it was much more dramatic seeing me hold them up in person versus the picture I posted a while back. The audience was fantastic, very nice, and I quickly turned it over to Dr. Amy for the main portion of the presentation. There were many different reasons why people were there. Some want to lower their cholesterol, others want to quit smoking, some want to lose weight, and their were many more reasons from different people in attendance. The most important step that Dr. Amy suggest is probably the one many people don't do. And that's journaling. I can tell you from my experience with this blog, when you write out how you feel and what you do, and you're completely honest with yourself in your writings, then you can learn amazing things about yourself. By writing along the way, I've discovered things I would have never understood or even realized if I hadn't started this blog. Journaling is paramount to success. And if you're not comfortable with sharing those writings, keep them private. I recommend at least sharing it with the ones you love, it's an accountability thing. You understand, right? Of course if you're signed up for the Optimal Health Challenge you'll at least be sharing your journal with Dr. Amy.
This morning I had a couple of members from the local Classic Cars Club in studio to talk about the big show tonight on Grand Avenue and the car show at the lake tomorrow. They brought me an event t-shirt like they do every year. The difference? I can actually wear it this time. They've given me a t-shirt every year and I've always given it to my wife and daughters, they just didn't have my size back then. It felt wonderful to talk on the air about the shirt and honestly say, “I'm wearing one right now!” The event tonight was “Draggin' Grand.” Think of it as a rolling car show. There was well over 100 classic cars cruising up and down Grand Avenue all evening and I was there broadcasting as I've done every year but two in the last ten. It was very different to be there 173 pounds lighter. I ran into a bunch of people that I only see once a year and the “wow” reactions were numerous and every single one was a blast to experience. One person told me that they honestly didn't recognize me tonight. They were looking for that 505 pound guy they remembered and it took a few takes to figure out that I was who I was, just much smaller and happier looking. I did a much better job broadcasting because I wasn't staying put in one place anymore. I walked around, even took a ride along the strip, did my breaks with many different guest, including Car Club members, the mayor, tourism director, and even the editor in chief of Grit Magazine, a national publication. I even interviewed the members of Hotel California, the Eagles tribute band performing tonight at the Poncan Theatre and the director of the theatre, Dave May. This was a very different approach from years past when I would “hide out” in the air conditioned remote broadcast vehicle, doing my on air breaks in private. At over 500 pounds, I didn't want to move any more than absolutely necessary. Now, I have that lightness in my step that makes me want to get out and see people. It was wonderful!
In years past, The Poncan Theatre has hired me to do stand-up before the headlining act at this annual event. We decided a while back that I would not perform this year. I bet I will next year! They did ask me to take the stage tonight and make a few announcements before introducing the band. I wasn't worried about the structural integrity of the stage this time. At my heaviest, I remember finding some “soft spots” on that stage. “Soft spots” didn't even cross my mind tonight. The biggest difference tonight was the fact that I could breathe easy up there. My last performance on that stage was a struggle and I believe my comedy suffered because of my winded delivery. I certainly couldn't move like I can now. I remember making the decision last year that I would do all of my material with the mic left in the stand. Even during some of my more animated bits, I still left it in the stand, because I wanted to avoid becoming out of breath. When Dave May introduced me, he made sure to mention the 173 pounds I've lost so far and when he did, the entire theatre erupted in thunderous applause. OK, maybe not thunderous, but pretty loud and proud, it was a very cool thing.
I took some apple slices and a banana with me to the event and enjoyed them a few hours apart. I knew it was going to be a late dinner and it was. We pulled up to the dining room table at 11:30pm! It's basically the middle of the night now, but we're still heading out to the trail to walk as soon as I finish writing. After eating that late, I just have to get a good walk in. We're not going to do a 10K like the girls wanted tonight, but we'll probably do at least a hard two miles, maybe a 5K. The good news is, I can sleep as late as my body wants on Saturday! Wait a second, it is Saturday technically, but you know what I mean. I prepared some beef ravioli with a mushroom and olive marinara plus salad, garlic toast, and some niblits corn. My plate consisted of nine raviolis for 300 calories, a ¼ cup of sauce for 80, 50 calories worth of corn, and a little less than half a slice of garlic toast for 60. The entire plate was 490. I still have 110 calories remaining for the day so I might have a 70 calorie Dream Bar after our walk.
What a fantastic day. It was the most enjoyable time I've ever had at this annual event, no doubt because of the dramatic weight loss. I love it! Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Friday, June 5, 2009
Day 263 A Wonderful Call From "Withheld"
Day 263
A Wonderful Call From “Withheld”
Today started out like any other Thursday, but shortly after 12:30pm, it became a very special Thursday. I had a call on my cell phone from “withheld.” I've never noticed “withheld.” I've noticed “blocked” or “unknown,” but never “withheld.” I almost didn't answer the call. I figured if it were real important they would leave a voicemail. For some reason I decided to answer it anyway, and what I heard on the other end was absolutely wonderful: “Sean, it's Richard Simmons.” I immediately recognized his voice, this wasn't someone playing a joke on me, it was THE Richard Simmons! I've looked up to and admired him since I was a kid. Even as a child I was keenly aware of his compassion and sincerity toward people struggling with morbid obesity. We talked for over twelve and a half minutes about my journey so far and my family's weight loss success. He asked me many questions and I was happy to answer each one. I told him about how happy I was to have Amber home for a summer of losing weight. I also shared Courtney's triumphant girdle story and how after years of being strapped into that thing, she burned it on the patio! And I talked to him about Irene's weight loss success and how switching jobs really helped her kick start her weight loss. I was honored that he took the time to call and offer encouragement. I can't believe I almost didn't answer the phone!
Tonight I spoke briefly at the kick-off for the 2nd Annual Ranch Wellness Center Optimal Health Challenge. Nearly 60 people packed the lobby of the Ranch for the event. It was a wonderful event and I look forward to many more over the next six weeks. I'll write about it in greater detail tomorrow evening.
It's been a very long day and I'm cutting tonight's blog short, I have only a few hours before I need to get up and into my Friday. I hope you have a fantastic one! Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
A Wonderful Call From “Withheld”
Today started out like any other Thursday, but shortly after 12:30pm, it became a very special Thursday. I had a call on my cell phone from “withheld.” I've never noticed “withheld.” I've noticed “blocked” or “unknown,” but never “withheld.” I almost didn't answer the call. I figured if it were real important they would leave a voicemail. For some reason I decided to answer it anyway, and what I heard on the other end was absolutely wonderful: “Sean, it's Richard Simmons.” I immediately recognized his voice, this wasn't someone playing a joke on me, it was THE Richard Simmons! I've looked up to and admired him since I was a kid. Even as a child I was keenly aware of his compassion and sincerity toward people struggling with morbid obesity. We talked for over twelve and a half minutes about my journey so far and my family's weight loss success. He asked me many questions and I was happy to answer each one. I told him about how happy I was to have Amber home for a summer of losing weight. I also shared Courtney's triumphant girdle story and how after years of being strapped into that thing, she burned it on the patio! And I talked to him about Irene's weight loss success and how switching jobs really helped her kick start her weight loss. I was honored that he took the time to call and offer encouragement. I can't believe I almost didn't answer the phone!
Tonight I spoke briefly at the kick-off for the 2nd Annual Ranch Wellness Center Optimal Health Challenge. Nearly 60 people packed the lobby of the Ranch for the event. It was a wonderful event and I look forward to many more over the next six weeks. I'll write about it in greater detail tomorrow evening.
It's been a very long day and I'm cutting tonight's blog short, I have only a few hours before I need to get up and into my Friday. I hope you have a fantastic one! Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Day 262 Victory In My Own Way and Word Power
Day 262
Victory In My Own Way and Word Power
How many calories are in words? My colleague defeated me two games in a row today inside the racquetball court. So I guess I have to eat those words from last night's blog. I honestly thought I could pull out a victory, at least one, but not yet. I moved, I hustled, I gave it a wonderful effort, and still I came up short. I reminded my opponent that soon I'll be able to win one. Just sit back and watch me develop. As each day passes, I transform slowly but surely, and soon I'll be the player I know I can be. Competing in that court is such an amazing workout. If I would have attempted such a workout at 505 pounds, I would not be alive right now. After leaving the Y and my noon time showdown, I talked with my mom a little bit. I felt like I was eight years old again as she consoled me in defeat. She reminded me that I was a winner regardless. And she's right. My victory isn't in the final score of the match, my victory is being able to compete in the first place without emergency medical technicians standing by. My day to win the match is coming, you can count on that. Until then, I'll keep being a winner anyway.
Words may be calorie free, but they can still help keep the pounds on and even cause weight gain. Words are very powerful. The power of suggestion is very real. I've touched on this subject one time before and I thought I would briefly tonight. If you're receiving “negative encouragement,” do not accept it! Negative encouragement is when someone tries to encourage you with harsh negative statements. “You'll never lose the weight,” “you'll always be fat,” “you will never get into those jeans.” These statements are often meant to be words that motivate by firing you up in a “I'll show them” kind of spirit. They don't work. I'm very lucky that I don't have to deal with such negativity, but I know people who do. You have to reject it every time. You can do this. You don't have to just accept being fat. You will get into those jeans. It doesn't matter how much you try to tune out negative encouragement, you're mind can pick it up and cling to it, and then you'll start to believe those negative words. Don't believe them, better, don't hear them in the first place. Using negative reverse psychology is a horrible practice. Accepting it can be extremely detrimental to your success! And if you're the one telling yourself these things, oh my, you must stop! You have to believe in yourself and give your brain positive thoughts of success. I speak from experience. At one point I was convinced I would never lose weight, I would just live as long as I could at 500 plus pounds and die young. I convinced myself that it would be an impossible task. I fed my brain negative words and all I got in return was negative results. I don't do that anymore and if someone tries to tell me something negative about my efforts, I immediately address it and shut it down. I don't have time for negative influences. And my 170 plus pounds lost to date is proof that staying positive is a crucial key to success.
I can't wait to speak again tomorrow night. This time at The Ranch Wellness Centers kick-off for the 2nd Annual Optimal Health Challenge. I'm taking two giant before pictures with me along with my biggest jeans. These visual aids are dramatic illustrations that speak for themselves. I'll be speaking about the getting healthy mindset. I'll talk about where I came from, where I am, how I got to this point, and where I'm headed. I know why I always failed before, I did because I never addressed the mental aspects of this journey, and come to find out they make up at least 75% of the successful process. No wonder I struggled all of those years! But it's so easy to just say “Yep, it's all up here,” as you point to your head. I heard people say that many times and it didn't mean much to me back then. I'll be talking about the mental exercises that put me in the mindset to lose weight on a consistent basis. The great thing about these mental changes, they're not only the key to losing weight, they're the key to keeping it off...or so I hear!
I'm headed to bed. This weekend is going to be very busy and it all starts to get that way tomorrow. I need rest! Thank you for reading and please let me and my readers know how you're doing by clicking the comment link below. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Victory In My Own Way and Word Power
How many calories are in words? My colleague defeated me two games in a row today inside the racquetball court. So I guess I have to eat those words from last night's blog. I honestly thought I could pull out a victory, at least one, but not yet. I moved, I hustled, I gave it a wonderful effort, and still I came up short. I reminded my opponent that soon I'll be able to win one. Just sit back and watch me develop. As each day passes, I transform slowly but surely, and soon I'll be the player I know I can be. Competing in that court is such an amazing workout. If I would have attempted such a workout at 505 pounds, I would not be alive right now. After leaving the Y and my noon time showdown, I talked with my mom a little bit. I felt like I was eight years old again as she consoled me in defeat. She reminded me that I was a winner regardless. And she's right. My victory isn't in the final score of the match, my victory is being able to compete in the first place without emergency medical technicians standing by. My day to win the match is coming, you can count on that. Until then, I'll keep being a winner anyway.
Words may be calorie free, but they can still help keep the pounds on and even cause weight gain. Words are very powerful. The power of suggestion is very real. I've touched on this subject one time before and I thought I would briefly tonight. If you're receiving “negative encouragement,” do not accept it! Negative encouragement is when someone tries to encourage you with harsh negative statements. “You'll never lose the weight,” “you'll always be fat,” “you will never get into those jeans.” These statements are often meant to be words that motivate by firing you up in a “I'll show them” kind of spirit. They don't work. I'm very lucky that I don't have to deal with such negativity, but I know people who do. You have to reject it every time. You can do this. You don't have to just accept being fat. You will get into those jeans. It doesn't matter how much you try to tune out negative encouragement, you're mind can pick it up and cling to it, and then you'll start to believe those negative words. Don't believe them, better, don't hear them in the first place. Using negative reverse psychology is a horrible practice. Accepting it can be extremely detrimental to your success! And if you're the one telling yourself these things, oh my, you must stop! You have to believe in yourself and give your brain positive thoughts of success. I speak from experience. At one point I was convinced I would never lose weight, I would just live as long as I could at 500 plus pounds and die young. I convinced myself that it would be an impossible task. I fed my brain negative words and all I got in return was negative results. I don't do that anymore and if someone tries to tell me something negative about my efforts, I immediately address it and shut it down. I don't have time for negative influences. And my 170 plus pounds lost to date is proof that staying positive is a crucial key to success.
I can't wait to speak again tomorrow night. This time at The Ranch Wellness Centers kick-off for the 2nd Annual Optimal Health Challenge. I'm taking two giant before pictures with me along with my biggest jeans. These visual aids are dramatic illustrations that speak for themselves. I'll be speaking about the getting healthy mindset. I'll talk about where I came from, where I am, how I got to this point, and where I'm headed. I know why I always failed before, I did because I never addressed the mental aspects of this journey, and come to find out they make up at least 75% of the successful process. No wonder I struggled all of those years! But it's so easy to just say “Yep, it's all up here,” as you point to your head. I heard people say that many times and it didn't mean much to me back then. I'll be talking about the mental exercises that put me in the mindset to lose weight on a consistent basis. The great thing about these mental changes, they're not only the key to losing weight, they're the key to keeping it off...or so I hear!
I'm headed to bed. This weekend is going to be very busy and it all starts to get that way tomorrow. I need rest! Thank you for reading and please let me and my readers know how you're doing by clicking the comment link below. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Day 261 Enjoying The Scenery Along The Way and Motivating By Example
Day 261
Enjoying The Scenery Along The Way and Motivating By Example
I did something today that I normally do not do, ever! I weighed in between official weigh days. I had to to get an accurate weight for the Summer Weight Loss Challenge. I weighed in at 332, down three pounds from last Wednesday's weigh in. I've decided that if my body has settled in to a 3 pound per week groove, then I have absolutely nothing to complain about. At that rate I'll be down to 229 by the third week in January 2010. That would be 276 pounds lost in 16 months. I'll take that. Or I'll take whatever pace I have, because like I've said many times, time doesn't matter on this journey. As long as I continue doing the right thing and making the good choices everyday then it really doesn't matter how long it takes to get to where I'm headed, because I'll get there. I've always been really impatient. I want it now! But I've learned that impatience can hamper our mood on a journey like this. It's much better to just sit back and enjoy the scenery along this beautiful road and before you know it we'll be there.
We made a rush trip to Wal-Mart this evening for some dinner items before Irene had to take off for work. On the way in to the store a very nice lady I met in the “Lose To Win” program said “Hello there Anderson family!” We were walking quickly past when I replied “Hi, how are you doing?” She said good, but I just kept walking. We had very little time to get done with the shopping and get back to the house. But still, I've been beating myself up for not taking a minute to stop and talk with her. I spent more time then that trying to decide what to do when we discovered they were sold out of Miracle Whip. (There was no way I was giving in to buying the high calorie full fledged mayo, no way) I wish I would have talked with her for a moment. She came up to me before one of the seminars a while back and told me that the talk I gave for the “Lose To Win” kick-off had inspired her to stick with it for the first time in a very long time. She told me that she just knew, like I had said, if I could do it, she could do it. I had touched her with that talk and she touched me by sharing her spirit and her story. I hope she reads this blog, because I sincerely care about how she's doing. Perhaps she'll send me a message. It's always better to slow down and fully appreciate the people around us, I usually do, but I guess tonight I was trying to set some kind of Wal-Mart trip speed record. If I ever run into her again at the store or anywhere, and I hear “Hello there Anderson Family!” I hope to get another chance to talk with her for a while.
After our family time it was workout time! We decided on the YMCA fitness center. Amber and Courtney hit the elliptical machines and I went straight for the treadmill for a wonderful 5K. If I remember right, it took 53 minutes the first time I completed a 5K on a treadmill, not anymore. Less than 45 minutes. That's right! And I could have gone a little faster, but I was focusing on keeping my heart rate in an optimal zone for burning fat. It was a really good workout!
A new reader, Michele, asked a question after reading the blog from last night and going back to read some of the archives: Hi Sean, I'm a relatively new reader of your blog, but I have read the last few weeks and your October 2008 archive and I just have to tell you that you have inspired me so much! I have tried before to lose weight and blog on a daily basis and usually hit a wall around 30 days or so. But you've inspired me to try again. I will continue to read through your archives, but I'm wondering if any of your family members were reluctant to get on board with you and whether you've had any success motivating them. I ask because my father, who is 57 years old and well over 300 pounds, has diabetes, high cholesterol and I'm sure is on the path to heart problems. His health scares me so much but I don't know how to motivate him to change, other than by trying to lose weight myself. Anyway, I want you to know that I appreciate your blog and am so super impressed with you and your journey so far. Keep on trucking!! Thank you Michele! I've found that the only way to motivate someone to change is by example. Inspiring them with your success is the most effective. I've been very lucky because Irene was losing weight well before I started and the girls have always wanted to do it as a family, so that part of my journey has been a real blessing. I can completely relate with your concerns. I've worried for so long about my mother and my aunt. They've read every blog I've ever written along this journey, in fact my mom has them printed out like a book! But even after reading every single blog every day, and after seeing my transformation right in front of their eyes and talking with me about what I do and how I do it on numerous occasions, they've just started to get on program really solid over the last few weeks. I'm thrilled that they too are experiencing so many wonderful epiphanies, the kind of epiphanies I've discussed along this road. Both of them have major health concerns, they are both doing something that will quiet possibly save their lives. I've told my mom that she has the power to decide to live an additional twenty years or more. Or she can choose to do nothing and perhaps pass within the next five to seven. But the dark and heavy truth doesn't always work. I can't tell you how many times I've had the “you're going to die young” speech from a doctor. I never really believed that speech until last year. None of us know for sure how long we have on this earth, but if we can do something that greatly increases the probability of a longer healthier life, shouldn't we give it everything we've got? By setting an example, by showing how losing weight and improving our health doesn't have to be complicated, by showing what wonderful results can be had with consistent effort, you'll eventually get the attention of the ones you love. It's funny, my mom and aunt just called. You think they sensed me writing about them? They're both happy to report that they are on track with their calorie budgets and they're both walking everyday despite medical conditions that make walking difficult. My mom has really bad feet and my aunt has severe lymphedema. What a fantastic blessing! A prayer answered for sure. In the first paragraph of this posting I talked about being impatient. I think I got that from my mom. She just said that she hopes she can do this in a year and a half at least. I told her to not worry about how long it takes to lose the weight. Just focus on being consistent and the results will come. You can't do great for a week then bad for a week, then wonderful for three days and horrible for five. Consistency is vital to your success. That's why this blog is titled “The Daily Diary of A Winning Loser” at losingweighteveryday dot blogspot dot com. It's not the “Every Now And Then I Do Well Diary of A Sometimes Winning Loser.” Consistency, very big element on this road. Michele, my advice would be to do something I'm sure you've done before...tell your father how much you're concerned for him and express your feelings, then explain to him what you're doing and ask him to do it with you. Get really dramatic with him. Then show him how it can be done. Best wishes to you and I thank you for reading.
I'm headed for bed and looking forward to a racquetball match with a certain confident talking co-worker that is about to be really surprised at my new found abilities. I'm planning a lunch meeting with him at the YMCA. The menu? A big helping of “making him eat his words” with a side of “you don't want any of this!” Your serve my friend.
I know I say it often, and I hope that the frequency of my gratitude doesn't dilute my sincerity. I sincerely appreciate your readership and comments along this journey. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Enjoying The Scenery Along The Way and Motivating By Example
I did something today that I normally do not do, ever! I weighed in between official weigh days. I had to to get an accurate weight for the Summer Weight Loss Challenge. I weighed in at 332, down three pounds from last Wednesday's weigh in. I've decided that if my body has settled in to a 3 pound per week groove, then I have absolutely nothing to complain about. At that rate I'll be down to 229 by the third week in January 2010. That would be 276 pounds lost in 16 months. I'll take that. Or I'll take whatever pace I have, because like I've said many times, time doesn't matter on this journey. As long as I continue doing the right thing and making the good choices everyday then it really doesn't matter how long it takes to get to where I'm headed, because I'll get there. I've always been really impatient. I want it now! But I've learned that impatience can hamper our mood on a journey like this. It's much better to just sit back and enjoy the scenery along this beautiful road and before you know it we'll be there.
We made a rush trip to Wal-Mart this evening for some dinner items before Irene had to take off for work. On the way in to the store a very nice lady I met in the “Lose To Win” program said “Hello there Anderson family!” We were walking quickly past when I replied “Hi, how are you doing?” She said good, but I just kept walking. We had very little time to get done with the shopping and get back to the house. But still, I've been beating myself up for not taking a minute to stop and talk with her. I spent more time then that trying to decide what to do when we discovered they were sold out of Miracle Whip. (There was no way I was giving in to buying the high calorie full fledged mayo, no way) I wish I would have talked with her for a moment. She came up to me before one of the seminars a while back and told me that the talk I gave for the “Lose To Win” kick-off had inspired her to stick with it for the first time in a very long time. She told me that she just knew, like I had said, if I could do it, she could do it. I had touched her with that talk and she touched me by sharing her spirit and her story. I hope she reads this blog, because I sincerely care about how she's doing. Perhaps she'll send me a message. It's always better to slow down and fully appreciate the people around us, I usually do, but I guess tonight I was trying to set some kind of Wal-Mart trip speed record. If I ever run into her again at the store or anywhere, and I hear “Hello there Anderson Family!” I hope to get another chance to talk with her for a while.
After our family time it was workout time! We decided on the YMCA fitness center. Amber and Courtney hit the elliptical machines and I went straight for the treadmill for a wonderful 5K. If I remember right, it took 53 minutes the first time I completed a 5K on a treadmill, not anymore. Less than 45 minutes. That's right! And I could have gone a little faster, but I was focusing on keeping my heart rate in an optimal zone for burning fat. It was a really good workout!
A new reader, Michele, asked a question after reading the blog from last night and going back to read some of the archives: Hi Sean, I'm a relatively new reader of your blog, but I have read the last few weeks and your October 2008 archive and I just have to tell you that you have inspired me so much! I have tried before to lose weight and blog on a daily basis and usually hit a wall around 30 days or so. But you've inspired me to try again. I will continue to read through your archives, but I'm wondering if any of your family members were reluctant to get on board with you and whether you've had any success motivating them. I ask because my father, who is 57 years old and well over 300 pounds, has diabetes, high cholesterol and I'm sure is on the path to heart problems. His health scares me so much but I don't know how to motivate him to change, other than by trying to lose weight myself. Anyway, I want you to know that I appreciate your blog and am so super impressed with you and your journey so far. Keep on trucking!! Thank you Michele! I've found that the only way to motivate someone to change is by example. Inspiring them with your success is the most effective. I've been very lucky because Irene was losing weight well before I started and the girls have always wanted to do it as a family, so that part of my journey has been a real blessing. I can completely relate with your concerns. I've worried for so long about my mother and my aunt. They've read every blog I've ever written along this journey, in fact my mom has them printed out like a book! But even after reading every single blog every day, and after seeing my transformation right in front of their eyes and talking with me about what I do and how I do it on numerous occasions, they've just started to get on program really solid over the last few weeks. I'm thrilled that they too are experiencing so many wonderful epiphanies, the kind of epiphanies I've discussed along this road. Both of them have major health concerns, they are both doing something that will quiet possibly save their lives. I've told my mom that she has the power to decide to live an additional twenty years or more. Or she can choose to do nothing and perhaps pass within the next five to seven. But the dark and heavy truth doesn't always work. I can't tell you how many times I've had the “you're going to die young” speech from a doctor. I never really believed that speech until last year. None of us know for sure how long we have on this earth, but if we can do something that greatly increases the probability of a longer healthier life, shouldn't we give it everything we've got? By setting an example, by showing how losing weight and improving our health doesn't have to be complicated, by showing what wonderful results can be had with consistent effort, you'll eventually get the attention of the ones you love. It's funny, my mom and aunt just called. You think they sensed me writing about them? They're both happy to report that they are on track with their calorie budgets and they're both walking everyday despite medical conditions that make walking difficult. My mom has really bad feet and my aunt has severe lymphedema. What a fantastic blessing! A prayer answered for sure. In the first paragraph of this posting I talked about being impatient. I think I got that from my mom. She just said that she hopes she can do this in a year and a half at least. I told her to not worry about how long it takes to lose the weight. Just focus on being consistent and the results will come. You can't do great for a week then bad for a week, then wonderful for three days and horrible for five. Consistency is vital to your success. That's why this blog is titled “The Daily Diary of A Winning Loser” at losingweighteveryday dot blogspot dot com. It's not the “Every Now And Then I Do Well Diary of A Sometimes Winning Loser.” Consistency, very big element on this road. Michele, my advice would be to do something I'm sure you've done before...tell your father how much you're concerned for him and express your feelings, then explain to him what you're doing and ask him to do it with you. Get really dramatic with him. Then show him how it can be done. Best wishes to you and I thank you for reading.
I'm headed for bed and looking forward to a racquetball match with a certain confident talking co-worker that is about to be really surprised at my new found abilities. I'm planning a lunch meeting with him at the YMCA. The menu? A big helping of “making him eat his words” with a side of “you don't want any of this!” Your serve my friend.
I know I say it often, and I hope that the frequency of my gratitude doesn't dilute my sincerity. I sincerely appreciate your readership and comments along this journey. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Day 260 Let The Challenge Begin and Some Keys To Success
Day 260
Let The Challenge Begin and Some Keys To Success
I've often said that my biggest challenge is time management. My schedule does not have room for an afternoon nap. The best strategy is to get done what I need to get done and then go to bed early. I've done that a few times in the last week and it's felt wonderful. This evening, close to five, instead of jumping outside and mowing the lawn like I needed to do, I decided to take a little snooze. Just an hour, I thought. An hour turned into two, and come seven pm I still needed to mow the lawn, workout, decide what we were having for dinner, go to the store, cook, and write. The lawn was the first thing to get cut so to speak. Don't feel sorry for me! I bring this time crunch on myself! I have very few household duties, and when I procrastinate, they bunch up together.
I jumped up at almost 7pm and quickly left for the store. After mentioning our enchiladas in last night's blog, I decided I would once again make the scaled down version of Anderson Enchiladas. I keep the ingredients basically the same, just smaller, portion sensible versions. Instead of making two pans, I made just enough for each of us, with no leftovers. I used the high fiber tortillas and half the ground beef and cheese. I actually used less than half the cheese I would pile on before. They were very good and each enchilada checked in at 220 calories. I enjoyed one with a serving of tortilla chips and chunky salsa. It was a wonderful 400 calorie plate. We were all comfortably within our calorie budgets at the end of the meal. No Zantac needed!
I entered the Summer Challenge today on another blog. It might be too late to register, I think you had to do it by June 1st. Everyone that loses at least 15 pounds will have a chance to win a fantastic prize! I love challenges! If I were a little more computer savvy, I would post a link that says “click here,” but I'm seriously deficient in my computer understanding. The blog address is www.getfitby40.blogspot.com My blog is so plain jane because of this lack of computer skills. But like I've said before, I'm OK with that.
Speaking of challenges, I'm speaking at the kick off event for The Ranch Wellness Center Optimal Health Challenge on Thursday evening. It's not a weight loss challenge, it's an overall health challenge. Losing weight definitely gets you points, but a person can win the challenge without ever losing a pound. Dr. Amy has asked me to speak about the mental adjustments I've made and the overall positive effects of my good choices in losing weight. There are so many positive effects, I'll have to pick the best, or else I'll be speaking all night! I'm honored to be a part of it and it's still weird to think that 260 days ago I would've had zero business talking to anyone about anything other than overeating and lounging. I could just imagine that speaking engagement... “OK, the first thing we need to do is make sure we always have ready to go, a good pillow and some antacids.”
After going through 260 days of this journey, and losing 170 pounds so far, I can tell you without a doubt, it gets much easier! If you're on a similar journey, my best advice is to be consistent with your commitment. Set the rules and stick to them. Because once you do this, and you start feeling and seeing positive results, it just catapults you to new levels of strength. I knew from the very beginning that I didn't have any room to rationalize even one bad choice. I knew my history. I knew that if I really wanted to finally do this and stick with it, I had to do some things differently. I had to completely throw out the excuses and rationalizations that tripped me up so many times. Despite my “everything is permitted” style, I still might sound really strict sometimes. I do because if I don't, I may try to take advantage of that weakness, completely going against what I want and need to accomplish. I've said many times along this journey, after searching for the reason I could never get it together 100% before, I concluded that I was my own worst enemy. I was taking complete responsibility for my morbid obesity and demanding something better from me. I did and I do, that's a really big part of my success so far. Something better for me means sticking with the plan everyday. It means being consistent and not giving into temptation while making myself feel better with rationalizations. The importance level is way too high to be soft about the rules I've set. That's something I've talked about before at the “Lose To Win” Seminars. Making it a top priority and getting really dramatic about sticking to the plan is a difference maker! It doesn't matter if you have 20 or 200 to lose. If you make it a top priority, a really serious deal, then you have a much better chance of accomplishing the goal. Too many times in my past, I didn't get real serious, and I always ended up making excuses and rationalizing bad choices until I was completely off the wagon. I always said how important it was, I always dreamed of what it would be like to be successful at losing the weight, but when it came right down to it, Mr. Funny-Happy Go Lucky guy was too easy going to ever get real serious with myself. I was way too easy on me. It never took too much for me to rationalize a bad choice. I'm still a fun happy kind of guy, but when it comes to this journey, there's no compromising the commitment. It's too important.
I've said from the very beginning “keep it simple.” Keeping it simple helps me stay on track. I don't worry about too many things other than calories and exercise. I haven't counted a single fat gram, a single carb, or even attempted to calculate my “net carbs,” or anything like that. Calories in Vs. calories out. And I don't count the calories out either. I don't stress over knowing exactly how many calories I'm burning while working out. I know what a good workout feels like, that's all I need to feel. Simple equals 170 pounds lost. And since it is a very simple approach, I can spend more time focusing on staying committed and on track and less time driving myself nuts with little things that don't matter. Am I making sense or just rambling at this point?
Tuesday will be a long day. I must manage my time very carefully tomorrow to get everything accomplished that needs to be done. I need to get some rest. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Let The Challenge Begin and Some Keys To Success
I've often said that my biggest challenge is time management. My schedule does not have room for an afternoon nap. The best strategy is to get done what I need to get done and then go to bed early. I've done that a few times in the last week and it's felt wonderful. This evening, close to five, instead of jumping outside and mowing the lawn like I needed to do, I decided to take a little snooze. Just an hour, I thought. An hour turned into two, and come seven pm I still needed to mow the lawn, workout, decide what we were having for dinner, go to the store, cook, and write. The lawn was the first thing to get cut so to speak. Don't feel sorry for me! I bring this time crunch on myself! I have very few household duties, and when I procrastinate, they bunch up together.
I jumped up at almost 7pm and quickly left for the store. After mentioning our enchiladas in last night's blog, I decided I would once again make the scaled down version of Anderson Enchiladas. I keep the ingredients basically the same, just smaller, portion sensible versions. Instead of making two pans, I made just enough for each of us, with no leftovers. I used the high fiber tortillas and half the ground beef and cheese. I actually used less than half the cheese I would pile on before. They were very good and each enchilada checked in at 220 calories. I enjoyed one with a serving of tortilla chips and chunky salsa. It was a wonderful 400 calorie plate. We were all comfortably within our calorie budgets at the end of the meal. No Zantac needed!
I entered the Summer Challenge today on another blog. It might be too late to register, I think you had to do it by June 1st. Everyone that loses at least 15 pounds will have a chance to win a fantastic prize! I love challenges! If I were a little more computer savvy, I would post a link that says “click here,” but I'm seriously deficient in my computer understanding. The blog address is www.getfitby40.blogspot.com My blog is so plain jane because of this lack of computer skills. But like I've said before, I'm OK with that.
Speaking of challenges, I'm speaking at the kick off event for The Ranch Wellness Center Optimal Health Challenge on Thursday evening. It's not a weight loss challenge, it's an overall health challenge. Losing weight definitely gets you points, but a person can win the challenge without ever losing a pound. Dr. Amy has asked me to speak about the mental adjustments I've made and the overall positive effects of my good choices in losing weight. There are so many positive effects, I'll have to pick the best, or else I'll be speaking all night! I'm honored to be a part of it and it's still weird to think that 260 days ago I would've had zero business talking to anyone about anything other than overeating and lounging. I could just imagine that speaking engagement... “OK, the first thing we need to do is make sure we always have ready to go, a good pillow and some antacids.”
After going through 260 days of this journey, and losing 170 pounds so far, I can tell you without a doubt, it gets much easier! If you're on a similar journey, my best advice is to be consistent with your commitment. Set the rules and stick to them. Because once you do this, and you start feeling and seeing positive results, it just catapults you to new levels of strength. I knew from the very beginning that I didn't have any room to rationalize even one bad choice. I knew my history. I knew that if I really wanted to finally do this and stick with it, I had to do some things differently. I had to completely throw out the excuses and rationalizations that tripped me up so many times. Despite my “everything is permitted” style, I still might sound really strict sometimes. I do because if I don't, I may try to take advantage of that weakness, completely going against what I want and need to accomplish. I've said many times along this journey, after searching for the reason I could never get it together 100% before, I concluded that I was my own worst enemy. I was taking complete responsibility for my morbid obesity and demanding something better from me. I did and I do, that's a really big part of my success so far. Something better for me means sticking with the plan everyday. It means being consistent and not giving into temptation while making myself feel better with rationalizations. The importance level is way too high to be soft about the rules I've set. That's something I've talked about before at the “Lose To Win” Seminars. Making it a top priority and getting really dramatic about sticking to the plan is a difference maker! It doesn't matter if you have 20 or 200 to lose. If you make it a top priority, a really serious deal, then you have a much better chance of accomplishing the goal. Too many times in my past, I didn't get real serious, and I always ended up making excuses and rationalizing bad choices until I was completely off the wagon. I always said how important it was, I always dreamed of what it would be like to be successful at losing the weight, but when it came right down to it, Mr. Funny-Happy Go Lucky guy was too easy going to ever get real serious with myself. I was way too easy on me. It never took too much for me to rationalize a bad choice. I'm still a fun happy kind of guy, but when it comes to this journey, there's no compromising the commitment. It's too important.
I've said from the very beginning “keep it simple.” Keeping it simple helps me stay on track. I don't worry about too many things other than calories and exercise. I haven't counted a single fat gram, a single carb, or even attempted to calculate my “net carbs,” or anything like that. Calories in Vs. calories out. And I don't count the calories out either. I don't stress over knowing exactly how many calories I'm burning while working out. I know what a good workout feels like, that's all I need to feel. Simple equals 170 pounds lost. And since it is a very simple approach, I can spend more time focusing on staying committed and on track and less time driving myself nuts with little things that don't matter. Am I making sense or just rambling at this point?
Tuesday will be a long day. I must manage my time very carefully tomorrow to get everything accomplished that needs to be done. I need to get some rest. Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...
Good Choices,
Sean
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