Day 242 Celebrating A Friend's Victory and Losing Weight For Free

Day 242

Celebrating A Friend's Victory and Losing Weight For Free

The “Lose To Win” awards ceremony was tonight and what a wonderful event! Our team didn't place in the top three based on body weight percentage lost, but Brandon, our friend and teammate, won the “Biggest Overall Loser” award! I'm so proud of his accomplishment and the real breakthroughs he's made along his journey. He lost 69 pounds in eight weeks by counting calories, working out (sometimes twice a day), and he now does his best to eat something every three hours. He's mastering his metabolism and changing the way he looks at food, portions, and exercise. Brandon has come a long way. I remember running into him on January 25th at a popular restaurant. I wrote about that encounter on Day 133 of this blog. The following is an excerpt from that day: I did see a couple of people I knew there. I wonder if when they see me in a restaurant with a buffet, do they at first question silently... “Mmmm, is Sean off the wagon?” One look at my plate tells you exactly where I am. I did see a friend there that had been losing weight very nicely, but he informed me, as he loaded a plate, that he was on “vacation” from that at the moment. I remember saying things like that before. I completely understand where he is. I've been there many times. It can be easy to lose focus and slowly go back to old behaviors, I've held the championship belt for doing that before. I plan on calling him tomorrow and welcomed or not, I'm giving him a pep talk...I may even go see him in person. I think I will drop in and see him. I didn't mention his name in that Day 133 blog, but now you know! It was Brandon, The 2009 “Lose To Win” Overall Biggest Loser! I just can't say it enough, congratulations Brandon! Your dedication along this journey will inspire so many along the way!

Wearing the tuxedo tonight was very cool. It felt very snug, like it fit well, like it should. I'm so accustomed to wearing things too big or loose because I always thought it made me look smaller. Actually wearing something that was specifically measured and fitted for me was a little strange. I wish I could have recorded Irene's reaction when she first looked at me in that thing, she was attracted! I liked that look! She was pleasantly shocked at what it did for me. She had to leave the awards for work before we could take any pictures together. Before I take it back in the morning, I'm putting it back on and we're taking pictures together!

The “wow” reactions tonight were numerous. Thank you to all who complimented, it felt amazing! I do apologize for not mentioning the winning team names and impressive numbers in this post, I failed to get the list before we left. However, Cathy Cole will e-mail me the list of winning team names and statistics tomorrow morning and I'll include that information in tomorrow night's blog!

After the ceremony I decided I didn't want to take off the tux just yet. So we drove around and decided to create a photo op at the local Burger King. You know, the “formal” Burger King! We didn't actually buy anything, we had already used our dinner calories. I did notice some new good calorie value options on their menu! I was impressed indeed. Call me crazy, but I just love having fun. I love living! I wasn't doing much of that at over a quarter ton. I have some catching up to do! The pic is posted below.

I ran into someone at Burger King that I met at Cowley College not that long ago. On that night I gave him the blog address and he misplaced it. I gave him my 164 pounds lost update, he complimented my tuxedo look, and we talked about weight loss for a couple of minutes. He told me about a weight loss program at a hospital in Wichita that charges around a hundred dollars a month to join and he said that he planned on joining. I encouraged him to read what I've been through first. He asked for my blog address again, in fact, he had me write it down on his Burger King receipt. I hope he reads from Day 1. Because let me tell you something. I was over 500 pounds for well over a decade, almost two, and often times I thought I would never ever lose weight successfully. I felt completely hopeless. But there is hope! The wonderful things I've discovered along this journey have set me free! I'm a changed man, not just physically, but mentally. It's those mental changes, the different approach, that has made this time the last time for me. I'll never see 350, 400, or 500 again...Never. Those days are gone. I've lost 164 pounds so far without spending a dime on any kind of weight loss product or special program. Losing weight is free, and anyone that tells you that you have to buy a certain plan or product to lose weight, send them to this blog. I eat normal food, normal portions, and I exercise regularly. I'm re-claiming my life! I highly recommend it!

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the many pics posted below. I've included a couple of “before” pics too for the sake of comparison. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


I've come a long way since this picture!


In Progress!


My Amber Girl


My Courtney Nayster


I love the tux!


"This is a formal Burger King!" I'll go to any lengths to support a joke! (the bag is empty!)


My New Profile Picture


Sean "007" Anderson!


The Serious Look


How did this one get in there? 505 Pounds of Misery!

Day 241 Another Eight Gone Forever and Not The Biggest Anymore

Day 241

Another Eight Gone Forever and Not The Biggest Anymore

It's amazing how much I look forward to weigh day. I use to dread standing on scales, I knew it was bad, I didn't need the scale to remind me. But it's not bad anymore. I'm getting smaller in a slow and steady fashion. I really wanted to hit the 330's today and I almost did. My last official weigh day I checked in at 349, at the “Lose To Win” final weigh-in I was 347, and today the scales showed 341. A loss of 8 pounds in the last two weeks! It's not the 339 I was hoping for, but next weigh day I'll hit it for sure! I've lost a total of 164 pounds so far! I love it!

I had the final fitting for the tuxedo today and I have to say, I look really little in that thing. It was strange looking in the mirror, almost like I was looking at a different person. I guess I was huh? I asked Ted at Moore's Clothing if I was getting the largest size he carried and he said no! He has three sizes bigger in stock and can special order even bigger! The fact that I didn't need the largest size in stock is just a thrill for me. I'm trying to get use to the idea that I'm not the biggest person I personally know. I've always been the biggest person in my circle of friends and family. I was the biggest kid in my school and always the biggest employee at every place I've ever worked. So as you might imagine I'm really enjoying not being the biggest anymore.

One thing that will be a breakthrough for me tomorrow is tucking in my tuxedo shirt. I've never been a tucker. Most morbidly obese people avoid the tuck. I remember writing about this topic on Day 5. Here's a flashback to that blog: I'm really looking forward to the clothes. I hate clothes shopping because I've never been able to do it without a trip to Oklahoma City or Tulsa to the Big and Tall store. Oh, and by the way---Why do all the big and tall catalogs use trim and neat looking models? The shirt “Fabio” is modeling is not going to look the same in 6XL I guarantee it! Every time I try on a shirt I think...”hmm, this doesn't look like the picture”...It never does. I can't wait to walk into a regular store, just a couple of minutes from my house and buy a pair of jeans. That will be amazing! These are my motivating thoughts. What are your motivating thoughts? I can't wait to tuck in! I've never been a tucker, because fat people don't like to tuck. In most cases it's just not flattering. If I have to tuck for something, it could be a deal breaker. I couldn't imagine actually wanting to tuck in my shirt. That would be so neat. Get it...neat. Cause I'm tucking...anyway.

I'm turning in early tonight. Tomorrow is a really big day and I need to be well rested. I sincerely appreciate you reading. I look forward to many more wonderful weigh days ahead. This was a really good one. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 240 Yesterday's Gone and Wonderful Times Ahead

Day 240

Yesterday's Gone and Wonderful Times Ahead!

Waking up this morning and realizing that yesterday was over felt wonderful. I survived a tough day without resorting to my old ways that are so far gone, and yet sometimes feel just below the surface. I asked for a half day of vacation time this afternoon so I could catch up on personal business. I was feeling fantastic, and then boom! I made a critical programming mistake. A mistake that just happened to be noticed and brought to my attention by the owner of the company. Not good. I spent a majority of the day thinking about that mistake and deciding that I couldn't change it, but I can make sure it's not repeated. I still feel like consequences are looming on the horizon. This disturbance today in my improved mood didn't effect my resolve and commitment to this journey one bit. I think feeling extremely vulnerable yesterday made me stronger today.

I spent some time with Cathy Cole at the “Lose To Win” headquarters today. I was helping plan the awards ceremony for Thursday. She will not budge on the results! We'll all find out together on Thursday evening. It's better that way anyhow. The ceremony is going to be a fantastic event! I can't believe how many people stuck with it and continue to stay on track. The message has really sunk in good. We're surrounded in these parts by people that are making life changing decisions to not give up and see it through all the way to a completely different way of living. If you're within driving distance of the awards ceremony, you should come! Come and experience a room full of people who are determined to make it all the way! It's contagious I tell ya!

Tonight we held Amber's welcome home cookout as promised! I'm so happy to have her home for the summer. I'm even happier to report that everyone enjoyed a reasonable meal without going overboard. I kept my cookout food at under 500 calories. I had a hamburger with bun, mustard, onion, and a little ketchup. I also enjoyed a hot dog minus the bun, dipping it in mustard! Oh, and a half a serving of Doritos too. It was a wonderful visit with family. I can remember encountering similar occasions during past weight loss attempts with a complete acceptance that I would fail. I would think to myself, How can I possibly stay on track with all the wonderful food? I would decide to fail before the event even started. It's the same thought process that kept me from starting so many times. I'd take one look at the calendar and decide that I couldn't possibly stay on track during the holidays or during special occasions and family get togethers because I was suppose to eat a bunch during these times. Isn't that crazy? But I'm sure I'm not the only one that has done this before. It's common I'm sure. Defeating myself before I even start, that's a problem I no longer have and that feels amazing! It's all about getting rid of every excuse that tries to prevent our changes. 240 days ago I decided that the excuses must be rendered powerless in order for me to succeed. They are powerless and I'm succeeding rather well.

Tomorrow's weigh day has the potential to put me into the 330's. That number looks so small! I'll be ready for whatever the scale shows me. I can't wait! It will not be long before I'm at the 200 pounds lost mark, then below 300 for the first time since I was 15, then, well, then we'll see what feels right. I honestly don't know where I'll end up. I may feel great at 250 or maybe 220. In the beginning I just picked 230 because it sounded good. But who knows? The end of the losing will not be determined by a number, rather a feeling. How will weight training effect my weight and appearance? How much weight will I lose when the full body tuck removes excess skin? These are questions I'm excited about answering someday. In the meantime I'll continue my journey with a confident stride. Thanks for reading. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 239 Stress Will Not Drag Me Off The Wagon

Day 239

Stress Will Not Drag Me Off The Wagon

Some days are certainly easier than others. When the storm clouds gather and the stress rains down, that's when I'm at my most vulnerable. It's the stressful triggers I've talked about so many times before. The natural reaction to look for something that taste good, something pleasurable to make me feel better, is something that I've learned to identify and defend against. As strong as I am, on this day, yes, on day 239, I felt weak. I was having those old thoughts of feeling lost and out of control, but without actually losing control. I can be proud of that. But to still feel threatened after 239 days seemed disappointing. It shouldn't because I did exactly what I needed to do to avoid a meltdown. I did it right. I know that stress is a part of life. Everyone can have some form of stress, it's different for everyone. And feeling that my resolve was weakened is completely normal. How we handle that weakened resolve is the key. I immediately got scared. I have too much on the line here. I can't afford to ever see 400 or dare I say 500, ever, ever, ever again. I firmly believe I wouldn't survive a return trip to those numbers, physically or mentally. After the initial scare, I started focusing on my motivating thoughts. I blocked out everything and everyone, I didn't even tell anyone goodbye when I left the studio. I was in my own little world, dealing with issues that have me stressed while fighting the ingrained reaction to turn to food and a couch. I started going through my library of motivating thoughts. I even went back and read the first five days of this blog. I started thinking about my life and how wonderfully different it's becoming. I started dreaming about what I will do someday as I devote my life to motivating and inspiring morbidly obese people to take control of themselves and once and for all lose the weight that's held them back in every possible way. I feel like I don't even have a choice in that eventual career move, it's what I will do. And on a very deep and personal level, I thought about how my journey has lifted up my wife and daughters. Their outlook has changed, the way they think about food and exercise has changed, and they're learning about the extremely powerful consequences that come from our choices. I had to pull myself together for a broadcast this afternoon and this evening, and I did. By the time my broadcast was over at 7pm I was confident I had defeated the urges to lose control, but I still didn't feel like working out. I was tired, physically and emotionally. I just wanted to sleep. But I knew that I better not! I needed to go to the store for some groceries, go home and cook a 500 calorie dinner, workout, and write. I really had decided to cut the workout completely tonight. Then I came home to a couple of determined kids. Amber is home for the summer and she is ready to have me guide her along and share with her every detail that makes this journey completely doable. She's been away from home, at college, reading about all of the wonderful experiences we've had back home. And she's lost weight too, but recently she's struggled hard with her resolve. I never let it be known tonight of my intention to scrap the workout. I just couldn't do it, she's too excited about losing weight right along by my side all summer long. Her enthusiasm completely jarred me back into the “steel curtain zone.” Thank you Amber! I fixed some homemade beef tacos, we enjoyed 500 calories of mexican, then we laced up our shoes and hit the trail for a fantastic workout. As we each walked our own pace, I pushed hard to the sounds of REO Speedwagons' “Time For Me To Fly,” Christopher Cross' “Sailing,” and Jimmy Eat Worlds' “The Middle.” OK, I'm back now. Some days are challenging indeed.

I was fitted for a tux today and I'm proud to report that Moore's had it all in stock! No special orders for this not so big boy! It felt so wonderful to try on the pants and find them too big! I'm thrilled about wearing a tux Thursday night. It'll be a wonderful first! I may not want to ever take it off! I'll just go around making everyone feel horribly under dressed wherever I go... “Uh, didn't you hear? This is a formal Burger King!”

Today may have been a challenge, but it's made me stronger. I'm going to bed tonight looking forward to Tuesday and then weigh day on Wednesday. I might be into the 330's! How crazy weird would that be?? I sincerely appreciate you reading this daily blog. I thought about you, the reader, while corralling my motivating thoughts today. You're very important to me. Thank you. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 238 Special Mothers and The 500 Calorie Buffet Challenge

Day 238

Special Mothers and The 500 Calorie Buffet Challenge

Mothers Day is always special. We go out of the way to do the little things we should probably do more often without a nudging from the calendar. Courtney cleaned the entire house, I mean spotless! The kitchen was so clean, I didn't even want to cook in there! But I did anyway. I prepared Irene a wonderful Italian lunch of spaghetti with a beef marinara sauce, salad, and garlic toast. It's amazing how our portion sizes have changed. Before, I would always prepare enough pasta to feed half the block, but today I fixed just enough for the three of us. When I strained the noodles, it looked like an amount of spaghetti that I use to eat in one sitting. I was really concerned that I didn't fix enough, but we actually had leftovers! Courtney and I shared a 150 calorie piece of garlic toast because we were conserving our calories for a small slice of cake! Irene really had a taste for chocolate cake, so we bought one of those little Pepperidge Farm cakes. 1/8 of the cake was 240 calories, so we cut it into sixteen pieces. A 120 calorie piece of cake isn't bad at all! I've found that when I'm eating at least something every three hours, I tend to budget my calories a little better along the way. I have to pause for a second and recognize Irene for being a wonderful mother. We're so blessed to have two daughters that are so well grounded and smart. Two girls that fully understand the importance of trying. They always try their best in school or whatever they're doing. Courtney is an honor society 4.0 gpa student and Amber just finished her freshman year in college on the honor roll with all A's and one B. They understand that they don't have to be perfect, they just have to give an honest effort, and if they can do that, they'll have success in most everything they do. They're both loving and accepting to all regardless of many things that may turn others away. They're both fair and compassionate, and they don't subscribe to manufactured drama for the sake of being excited over something. They're realistic about goals and expectations while understanding that they can accomplish anything they decide they can. I said this was a moment to recognize Irene and it is, because these girls of ours have been dramatically influenced by the loving guidance of a wonderful mother. Happy Mothers Day Irene! And Happy Mothers Day to all mothers!

My dear mother is one of the sweetest, kind, and sensitive people I know. The environment she raised me in was one of wholesome values. Never compromising her commitment to her two sons, she told one suitor to hit the road after he expressed frustration about Shane and me. Her boys always came first. Her love and gentle parenting has equipped me with a very strong and reasonable parenting skill. I have her to thank for that. And God to thank for making her my mother.

Today mom decided that we would all meet in Stillwater for Mothers Day dinner at the Sirloin Stockade. I tried to talk her out of it, but I quickly decided that it was her day, and I would graciously accept the invite. Sirloin Stockade is a buffet restaurant without a menu. You have no choice, it's the buffet or nothing. Since choosing nothing might be considered rude, I decided that I would prove once and for all that a buffet doesn't have to be a gluttonous occasion. It's all about good choices, right? I decided to take on the buffet without compromising the integrity of my daily calorie budget and rules. Meals at 500 or less and snacks at 150 or less. So, how do you get through this place on 500 calories or less? My plan was simple really. First of all I ordered water, I avoided the bakery section, and I decided my main course before I entered the place. I decided on a small and lean sirloin steak (about 3 ounces—really small!), a half a baked potato with a small dollop of sour cream, and some green beans flavored with bacon and onions. I enjoyed some minestrone soup and about a quarter cup of cottage cheese with two saltines. By this time I had 395 calories. It was time for desert! Oh my the choices are just insane at this place. Do I want pie? How about some cobbler? Cookies? Maybe some cinnamon rolls? A big piece of cake? Or some soft serve ice cream? I bet you already know which one I chose. That's right, a little dish of soft serve suit me just fine. Besides, I had cake earlier in the day! Now that I'm so far advanced along this journey, the buffet wasn't even a challenge really. I don't mean to sound over confident here, but really it was rather easy to do what I did. I'll be honest, I did grab a stick of gum from Irene's purse to help me control the urge to eat something else. And I was tempted when my Uncle Keith brought some fried shrimp to the table. I should have had a few of those instead of the potato! Oh well, I was done. I'd made my choices and they were good choices. I left that place for the first time in my life without feeling stuffed to the point of sickness. I was satisfied, not stuffed, and it was awesome! I even had a moment to shoot another “On The Go” Video. I found a poster promoting their buffet that said “The Choice Is Yours.” I thought, wow, they got that right! We choose what and how much to eat...They just put it all out there for us to decide. I made good choices and I made the main focus the family around me instead of the food. I was very proud.

I'm headed for slumber. I hope you have a fantastic Monday! Thanks for reading, good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


A responsible approach to the buffet is all about good choices!

Day 237 Accidentally Thinking Like Jillian and A Half-Marathon Suggestion

Day 237

Accidentally Thinking Like Jillian and A Half-Marathon Suggestion

In Friday night's edition of this blog titled “Day 236 Boxing The Boss and The Difference Between Me And “The Biggest Losers,” I talked about how I was losing weight in the middle of everyday life and the contestants on that show were in a boot camp style setting. Then today I ran across a magazine article featuring “Biggest Loser” winner Michelle Aguilar. There was a side bar question and answer feature with the trainer from the show Jillian Michaels. When asked about using the 'Loser' system at home in everyday life her reply was: “It's not realistic. But when you know what people are capable of, then maybe you'll be inspired. All I ask of people is do five hours of exercise a week, maintain a healthy diet and use common sense.” I read that today and thought, wow, I guess I came to the correct conclusion! I kept reading and found other things that sounded familiar. On the topic of getting together with friends and family for holidays or special occasions she said: “Put the focus on friends and family and not the food! If you do indulge, do it intelligently...and continue to work out too.” Wow, I remember saying that after having a big cookout in the early days of this journey. And remember the Thanksgiving Day 5K? That was us indulging but still working out! On getting motivated and off the couch she offered: “I don't have any magic words. That motivation has to come from within. Ask yourself, what is it that I want? Is it being able to see your grandchildren graduate high school? Looking hot in a bikini over spring break? Writing those things down will create a powerful vision.” That's exactly what I've talked about when I mention “motivating thoughts.” I swear I've never read any of her books! It just feels wonderful to once again discover an expert that would whole heartedly agree with what I've done and continue to do.

My work schedule today consisted of, oh wait, I didn't have a work schedule today! I enjoyed a day off by writing and sleeping! The hours I keep through the work week could often times be described as 'unhealthy.' So to be able to catch up a little in the sleeping department was a nice thing. Time management has been my biggest challenge of late. It comes down to my priorities really. I know what I must do and what I should do and what I need to do more of and when I need to do all of them. I just have to make myself commit to a better schedule, one that puts me in bed during the week by 9:30 or 10:00pm at the latest.

Ponca City Medical Center has asked me to be the host, MC, and one of the featured speakers at the “Lose To Win” awards ceremony on Thursday the 14th. I'm honored and can't wait to do it! Moore's Clothing is providing a Tuxedo for me to wear, I get fitted for it on Monday! How excited am I over that? I'll tell you! I've never in my 37 years put on a Tux. Never, ever. We didn't go to the prom and we couldn't afford formal wear at our teenage wedding. I've never even been in a wedding party where I had to wear a tuxedo. I'm thrilled about it I tell ya! I'm not so sure I could have put on a tux at over 500 pounds, maybe a special made tux, but certainly nothing like what I'll wear Thursday. I plan on taking a million pictures of that special night. I'll be sure to post some Tux pictures on this blog! It'll be a real special occasion.

I hit the trail tonight for another Saturday late-night 10K! I put out the call for some friends to join me, but ended up doing it solo. I completely understand. One was at a wedding, another was out of town, and another was somewhere without cell phone service. While I walked I thought about how I need to have a more organized schedule when it comes to the 10K's. Maybe a set time so people can plan on it, instead of me calling within an hour or so of the event. I was talking to Brandon the other day and he mentioned mapping out a half-marathon. A half-marathon? Are you serious? He was serious. I told him that I would definitely attempt a half-marathon walk, but wasn't completely confident I could do it. I would really have to pace myself. I probably could do it, in fact it might be really fun to push the limits a little. When I finished the 10K tonight, which by the way is 6.2 miles, I felt like I could go a little further, so who knows? Maybe I could do over 13 miles in one really long walk. Brandon wants to map it out instead of doing it at the trail. I agree completely, we want the scenery! I'll be sure to tell you about these plans when they become a little more firm. Tonight's 10K was a little eventful. I was on mile five when I noticed a police cruiser racing up 7th street at about 50 or 60 miles per hour. Three patrol cars had pulled over a vehicle right in my pathway! Well, not totally blocking my pathway, but I walked right in front of the grill of the stopped car as they were having the driver step out. As I walked by, Asia's “Heat of The Moment” was blaring from my iPod. I wonder if they could hear? Probably not.

Tomorrow is Mothers Day and we plan on a trip to Stillwater to celebrate. We had no say in the selection of the restaurant where we're meeting. The Sirloin Stockade has been selected. Sirloin Stockade is a big buffet style restaurant. You cannot order from a menu, it's the buffet or nothing! I can't wait to defeat this place! Do you know how many 500 pound plus trips I've made to that place? A bunch, it's like the default restaurant we always seem to go to for holidays and special occasions. Tomorrow's trip for me will be a completely different experience. I will leave feeling good instead of like a beached whale. I will approach that buffet with intelligent choices and a 500 calorie limit for the meal. They will be making money off of me for the first time ever!

I hope you have had a chance to read Day 236. It was posted way late, and I received several e-mails asking where it was...It's down there! My apologies for the tardiness on that one! Just scroll down and you'll find it if you haven't already. I sincerely thank you for reading. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 236 Boxing The Boss and The Difference Between Me And "The Biggest Losers"

Day 236

Boxing The Boss and The Difference Between Me And “The Biggest Losers”

As Fridays go, this wasn't a bad one at all. I started the day like most, having breakfast with Irene, usually Courtney is at the table too, but she chose to sleep in a little and have breakfast a little later. I had a great show despite being tired, it's strange, but when I get little sleep I sometimes have my best performances...I know, it doesn't make any sense at all. I fueled up with a snack of apples and cheese mid morning and by the time 10:45am rolled around, I was ready to take on the remote broadcast scheduled at The Boys and Girls Club. They have a regulation boxing ring at the Boys and Girls Club, and since I've never stepped foot into one, I gave it a try! It wasn't long after climbing into the ring that I had a couple of contenders ready to take me on. Now keep in mind, I'm not a fighter. Not at all. In fact, I've never ever even had a fist fight. Not as a kid, not as an adult, never! I'm proud of that! I'm a peace loving fun and friendly kind of guy, and from a very early age recognized the complete absurdity of “duking it out.” Having said that, I do believe that one punch could have saved me some serious bullying in my elementary days, but that bare knuckled chance is long gone. Boxing is different. It's an organized sport, and although it can be dangerous in a deadly way, I just had to give it a try. Let me set the record straight, my two boxing matches today were conducted with giant sized boxing gloves. Apparently, the bigger the glove, the less of a chance of getting hurt. The first challenger across the ring from me was some guy from the sales staff at Team Radio. I would say his name, but then he would hunt me down and finish me off. He came at me with both gloves punching in a rapid fire motion. I tried to protect my face with my gloves, isn't that what you're suppose to do? Instead, he just punched my gloves, making me punch myself in the face. It was pathetic really. I did move like a fighter, well, OK, maybe like a really bad fighter. I moved back and back a little more, and soon he had me in the corner against the ropes. This is when the fight was called with him claiming a TKO. Whatever! The man I really wanted to face hadn't arrived yet. I wanted to fight “The Man.” The man I faced next is the guy who's signature graces the lower right hand corner of my paychecks. That's right, I was going to get a chance to beat the boss down! I said “a chance,” turns out he's a pretty good boxer too. “The Man” beat me into a corner a couple of times, but I kept fighting back. I even landed a few to his face, not solid punches, but I made slight contact a couple of times. This was enough of a victory for me! How many people can say they've had a chance to beat up their boss without the fear of being fired? I highly recommend company parties at the boxing ring in an effort to work out work place differences! How much fun would that be? Put on the over-sized gloves and get in there with that annoying guy in the far cubicle! Or punch out the lady from the payroll department that hasn't like you from the beginning! Before my match with “Mr. Blue Blazes” was finished, he landed a solid shot squarely to my head that sent me into the ropes. We were finished. No mas! No mas! The broadcast on the other hand wasn't finished, then I had others wanting to take me on, but I'd had enough already! My boxing record is 0-2, that's not very good huh? I did learn that trying to avoid getting punched is great exercise! I want a re-match! Where's the “On The Go” video crew when you need them? ;)

I never dreamed that losing weight could be so enjoyable. I always focused on dreading the process. Just the fact that I looked at it as “a process,” tells you where my mind was. Losing weight to me meant not being able to thoroughly enjoy what I relied on to make me feel good for nearly three decades. I feared the changes I knew I would have to make to lose weight. To me, losing weight was like being sentenced to something horrible. I never focused on the positive side of losing weight. Until 236 days ago, I was a very different person. If only I had stopped long enough to recognize the positive possibilities along the way, oh my, how much sooner would this journey have started? If I had realized that losing weight wasn't about “giving everything up,” not at all, it's about gaining a new perspective, a new responsibility, a new mind set. Instead of giving things up, I'm receiving so many more wonderful things and experiences. My life is richer now. I'm living! And I still enjoy all the wonderful foods I've loved my entire life, I just don't gorge on them everyday like before. I'm able to move and breathe with ease and comfort, and that's worth it all! Losing weight use to mean a complicated, confusing mess to me. It wasn't until I decided to make it something very simple, let go of the past, forget about what I thought losing weight had to be, and started being completely honest with myself about my behaviors that I was able to see a whole different side to losing weight. The rewards I refused to see before, clearly come my way everyday now.

In Thursday night's blog I talked about the “Biggest Loser” fan telling me how I wasn't eating enough, because, as he said “you should eat seven times your current weight in calories everyday” just like they do on the show. I've thought about what he said a bunch in the last 24 to 36 hours. You know me, I let things bother me too much sometimes. But I came to a conclusion: The difference between me and the contestants on that show is real simple. I'm losing my weight right smack dab in the middle of everyday life. They're losing the weight in a “boot camp” type setting. It's a very different situation. You notice how they get nervous sometimes at the thought of going home and “being on their own?” My day consist of going to work, heading to the store, picking up Courtney from school, making appointments, paying bills, dealing with everyday real world stress, working out, writing, and sleeping. On that program, their day consist of eating, working out, eating, working out some more, sleeping, eating, working out even more, and weighing in. I'm sure there's more to it than that, but you know what I mean. If I were in a boot camp style situation, then maybe I would need nearly 2500 calories a day. I'm not, I spend many hours each day sitting behind a microphone in a broadcast studio. I'm sticking with 1500 a day for now. When the weight training revs up to a whole new level, perhaps I'll need to increase some then. When Micheal Phelps is training for big swimming events he eats in excess of 10,000 calories a day, but he's swimming all day long. His day is eat, swim, eat, swim more, run, eat, swim, lift weights, swim, eat, and swim even more. He needs those calories. I'm doing great at 1,500, I don't feel deprived in the least, and I've already lost about 160 pounds so far. I'm going to continue doing what I've been doing.

My Friday night 10K was quickly downgraded to a 5K, then downgraded again to a “hard two” miles. It wasn't the workout I'm use to doing. But it was the best decision for me at the time. I do plan on a Saturday night 10K, and you can bet it will be done! I'll be putting out the call if anyone is within driving distance and wants to join me tomorrow (Saturday) night.

My apologies for this post arriving on the web about twelve hours later than normal. I was exhausted and completely out of gas late Friday night. Getting some much needed rest is sometimes the only right choice to make. I hope you'll scroll down and watch the bonus video blog I've posted. It's a “best of” collection from the “On The Go” Video archive. Each video is one minute or less, seventeen of them. I hope you watch and enjoy. My Friday was a fantastic day really. I even enjoyed some mac and cheese within my calorie budget, it's certainly not everyday I do that! I love mac and cheese!! Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 236 BONUS Best of "On The Go" Videos

Day 236 BONUS Best of “On The Go” Videos

For the longest time this blog was strictly words. After awhile I started getting request to post some pictures. Makes sense, I mean this is a blog about making a dramatic transformation, wouldn't be complete without some pictures, right? The idea to start posting short little “On The Go” Videos was an extension of that. After receiving several comments saying that the donut video was the first some readers had watched, I decided to post a collection. You'll find 17 “On The Go” Videos below. I hope you enjoy! And I look forward to many more in the future! They're each a minute or less. Thanks for watching!


The Treadmill 5K Finish


Lose weight while eating ice cream?


Sean's less than 10 calorie Sonic treat!


The uni-brow


Getting up to 4.0 mph on the treadmill


Amber's snack stash


The plunge!


You caught me with a fudge bar!


Grilled Cheese and Soup! Before I started limiting my snacks to 150 cal or less


After working out with Amber


Olive Garden? EASY!


Amber Convinces Dad to eat salad


Fitting In A Booth!


Not the prettiest 5.8 mph treadmill jog


In The Weight Room


Ronald learns about snacking healthy


140 calorie Daylight Donuts! Keep in mind, donut calories are different from each donut shop. Krispy Kreme plain glazed is 200 calories. Dunkin Donuts plain glazed is 220.
So there you have it! I hope you smiled more than a few times. Losing weight doesn't have to be something you dread. You can be happy and still lose weight! In fact, if you're doing it the way I have, you'll be happier than you've ever been. Have a wonderful weekend! Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean

Day 235 Dealing With Donuts and "That's Great, But You're Doing It All Wrong"

Day 235

Dealing With Donuts and “That's Great, But You're Doing It All Wrong!”

It's hard to describe the wonderful feeling I get when someone tells me this blog is helping to inspire them. Just saying “it feels wonderful,” just doesn't seem adequate. “Fantastic” doesn't do it either, nor does “awesome,” or “amazing.” Grateful, thankful, right, fulfilling, responsibility, proud, honest sincerity, compassion, these are words that more accurately describe how I feel. Thank you to all who sent e-mails about and made comments on the blog from last night. Your comments give me strength.

I knew today would be busy from the very start. We had scheduled four different guest on the show, and three of them we scheduled in the eight o'clock hour. I use to look forward to certain guest that I knew always stopped at the donut shop on the way to the studio. It never really mattered if I had breakfast already or not. Donuts were consumed no matter, just because they were there and 'melt in your mouth' delicious. I rarely resisted donuts before this journey, I was powerless to their sticky goodness. But not the last time I encountered a gift box of donuts and not today. Daylight Donuts are actually the lowest calorie glazed donuts you'll find, with one raised-glazed checking in at 140 calories. Still, I wasn't interested. But if I were the type of person that really loved donuts, I could've had one without feeling guilty. I decided that the “workplace donuts” was a nice topic for another “On The Go” Video. Thanks to my co-worker Gayle Williams for running the camera! It's posted below.

It's always fun to encounter “wow” reactions and I knew that today I would run into many of them at The Taste of Home Cooking School. Our radio stations sponsored the event and I had to broadcast from the show and help greet people as they arrived. I ran into many people that I haven't laid eyes on since I started this journey. Needless to say I enjoyed many dropped jaws at the dramatic change in my appearance. That was so fun, and it never ever gets old! I ran into one guy who has watched every single minute of every “Biggest Loser” episode ever aired. After he asked how I've been losing the weight so successfully, I told him, and then he informed me that I wasn't eating enough. He told me that the experts on that show recommend multiplying your current weight times seven, and that's how many calories you should consume each day. It's really frustrating to me when I've done so well and lost so much weight, then someone tells me I'm doing it all wrong. I'm not saying that the show experts are wrong, perhaps they're right-on, but I also know that I've had doctors give me the thumbs up after analyzing what I've done and continue doing. Maybe the increased calories on that show is because of the extreme intensity of their workouts. I do understand that as I get more into weight training, I'm going to have to add some calories for sure. I'm not changing up my plan right now. As it stands, I eat every three hours at least. My meals are most always under 500 calories and my snacks are under 150. I'm drinking plenty of water, eating 1500 calories a day, and exercising. I think I'm doing just fine. The scale certainly says so. If I increased my calories to seven times my body weight at last check, I'd be consuming 2,429 calories a day. I might give it a try after my next weigh day. Give it an honest two week trial, but a big part of me says to not shake up what I've been doing. I don't watch the show. I like the show, don't get me wrong, I just have very little time for TV watching these days. The only TV watching I do is for a few minutes before I go to sleep. I use to be an avid TV watcher and TV eater, uh, I mean I use to eat in front of the TV all the time. But my habits have gradually changed and now are dramatically different just like my appearance.

I'm wrapping up tonight's blog a little early. I'm beginning to understand the importance of getting enough rest. The body needs rest to work at optimum levels! Thanks for reading. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean


Beware: Not all donuts are created equal! One Daylight Donuts glazed is 140. A plain glazed Krispy Kreme weighs in at 200 calories. And a Dunkin Donuts plain glazed checks in at 220!

Day 234 Light Years From Perfect and Why Overeating Is Not On The Menu

Day 234

Light Years From Perfect and Why Overeating Is Not On The Menu

I was reading another weight loss blog the other day written by a regular reader of this blog. In her writings she mentioned me and the fact that I “never cheat.” I sincerely appreciate that, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that maybe I'm conveying an underlying message of perfection. Well, I hate to destroy that illusion, but I'm light years from perfect. I've never been perfect, and wouldn't want to be perfect. Perfect would be boring. I'm flawed just as much or more than you perhaps. If you read my blog from Friday May 1st titled “What If It Was Impossible To Cheat,” then you'll see how I've decided that cheating cannot be a part of this journey because I've declared everything allowed. Well, everything except over eating. That's the only way that I could possibly “cheat.” So what keeps me from diving into a tub of ice cream or a 3,000 calorie plate of nachos? I don't do it, not even once, because I know how it works. I've remembered every failed attempt at weight loss in my past, and I know that saying “OK, just this one time,” leads to another and another, and soon I'd be right back at 500 pounds. On September 15th, 2008 I made a commitment to God, my family, and myself to bust through every hang-up that's held me back before. I prayed that I would be given the time I needed to lose the weight because I was so worried that I had waited tragically too long. So you see, there isn't any room to cheat by overeating because I've made this journey one of the top priorities in my life. I can't remember how many times I use to say “well, one little binge isn't going to hurt.” But it did every time. It doesn't matter if you need to lose 25 pounds or 250 pounds, make it one of the most important things you do and you'll have a much better chance at succeeding. At this point, the desire to over eat is gone. I'm eating all the time anyway, at least every three hours, so I'm never “starving.” I've said it before, knowing what I know now about losing weight with good choices and a desperate desire to succeed, I can't even imagine busting loose at a buffet. I couldn't even if someone was trying to make me. That's one of the fantastic parts about this journey. I never made it to this point before, not many people do. But I bet if you asked someone who has they would say the same thing. I'm at a point now that my former behaviors with food are so foreign to me, I just can't do them anymore. I didn't even know this stage of the journey existed until I naturally discovered it along the way. I use to love buffet restaurants, I mean really love them. Now, my brain has a hard time understanding why they even exist. I have zero use for a buffet. I'll have a nice satisfying meal with normal portions and be completely satisfied. Never again do I want to feel the bloated misery after tearing down a buffet in the name of value. “But it's such a wonderful value!” I use to say that all the time, and with a big fat enthusiastic smile “you can have steak, chicken, pasta, pizza, cinnamon rolls, four different kinds of potatoes, and so much more for one low price? That's amazing!” No, it's sickening. Now some will say “Sean, I can walk into a buffet and just have one plate.” Good for you, I can too now, but not before this journey. Irene was always a one plate buffet eater. I use to complain that she wasn't eating enough at these places, “come on baby, eat more so we'll get our money's worth.” Crazy huh?

I may never cheat, but I still get hit with cravings and random urges to over eat. When those thoughts happen I have to call in “the troops.” They are every reason not to do it. My motivating thoughts, my family, fear for my life...these are “the troops.” Like I said above, I know that allowing myself to give in to certain urges could possibly open the flood gates, and then where would I be? Lost, that's where. Dead by 45, that's where. Some might roll their eyes at the dramatics of the last couple of sentences, but listen...That's what I'm talking about when I say that you have to make a commitment that is iron-clad. You have to make it one of the most important things you do everyday. Make it dramatic. Ignore the eye rollers! You're on a mission that only you can do, nobody can do it for you, so don't worry about what others think about your approach. Don't be too casual about it, or you might end up doing what I did so many times in the past: “I'm just going to cut loose this one time, then I'm right back with it tomorrow.” Never even considering that “tomorrow” really meant later, sometimes much later. As I started feeling the effects of carrying around over 500 pounds, I eventually realized that “tomorrow” wasn't guaranteed, certainly not in that condition, certainly not in any condition.

I bought a pair of workout pants tonight. Doesn't sound like a big deal does it? But oh, oh my, it was! I walked into a store not even a mile from my house, walked back to the mens department, picked out a couple of pairs to try on, and did it! I grabbed a 3X and a 2X. The 3X had plenty of room, the 2X fit OK too! I bought the 3X because I liked the added room in the legs. Then I spent the first mile of our workout constantly pulling them up before I figured out how to tighten the waistband. It's really hard to get it through my head that I don't have to drive to Oklahoma City or Tulsa to buy clothes anymore. I can shop for clothes like a regular person. I haven't done that since I was a kid.

I sincerely appreciate your readership. Thank you for the support! Tomorrow the broadcasting company I work for is hosting the “Taste of Home-Spring Sensations” Cooking School live from the Poncan Theatre stage. Jamie Dunn from Taste of Home magazine will perform cooking demonstrations, sponsors will have exhibits and prizes, and everyone through the door gets a goody bag full of recipes, cooking items, coupons, and a bunch of other wonderful things. I'll tell you how it was in tomorrow's edition. Good night and...

Good Choices,
Sean