Hello!  What an awesome day for working out!  I have been wanting to get to the Recreation and Wellness Center for some time, and today I finally made it.  If you have not been there to workout, you are missing something special.  I am so old, we used to lift rocks and trees as we walked up-hill (both ways) to school in 16 feet of snow (and we were happy to have that snow!).  So, when I entered the Recreation and Wellness Center, I was impressed with all of the fancy machines.  I think there is even one in there that will wash my car and do my homework at the same time.  But seriously, you are missing out if you are not using this facility for something.

So, I did a workout with Steelee' and Chynna, and they are in MUCH better shape than me, but I appreciate that they put up with an old, fat guy.  I am hooked!  I want to make this a part of my lunch hour several times a week if I can.  For those who are worried about me skipping lunch - trust me that will not happen.  After working out, I came back to the office and enjoyed a salad at my desk.

For your viewing pleasure (or discomfort), the following links are from my session today - enjoy!

http://youtu.be/1D6wp8cdKSc 

http://youtu.be/BaCZnRQUI8c 

Greetings!  Did you think that I had given up?  Be honest, you thought "hey the fat guy is filling himself with chocolate Twinkies as he prepares to shave his head"!  Sorry I have been out of the loop during Spring Break.  I can tell you that between March 18th and 20th, I had the best workout plan EVER!  I spent those days with some AMAZING students in Morgan and Menifee Counties helping storm victims.  In addition to a great way to burn calories while helping others, I had the chance to interact with students on an new level during those days.  I have always said I have found my dream job in the MSU Dean of Students position - the student volunteers during spring break helped solidify the truth in that statement! 

I also got to spend some time with my family.  I was able to exercise with Meg and went for a bike ride with Mac!  There is little that can compare to spending time with your family and trying to get healthier together!

I must admit that I was nervous going into Spring Break as breaks are the time when I tend to get a little lazy.  I tend to catch up on my sleep, have a few extra "snacks" and find it difficult to get motivated to workout.  Such was not the case this past week.  I did catch a fee extra Z's, and I probably ate a few too many calories, but I stuck to working out.  As a result, the scale greeted me this morning with a lovely 273.6.  This means I am down about 6 pounds since my last weigh-in.  I need to keep pushing hard as my past weigh loss efforts have always resulted in a plateau - which then resulted in me giving up.  That will NOT happen this time.  I am going to keep pushing and not let the plateau occur (or at least not get in my way).

I also need to get some time in at the RWC... my plan is to do some video blogging from there.  So stay tuned for MUCH MORE weight loss efforts...

Greetings to My Millions of Loyal Followers!

The day started out on a great note as I jumped on the scale for the first time since Monday and I found myself about 5 pounds lighter. I was pleased when the scale came back with 279.4.  That means I have found a calorie range that seems to be good (but I know it will need to change to keep losing) for me as I do not find myself starving throughout the day and my weight is going down.  Today presented me with a few challenges 1) I was heading out of the office for a workout at the Recreation Center (which had to be canceled due to a situation that needed my attention) and 2) I still need to find ways to lower my carbohydrate intake.  My breakfast and lunch (when I have a sandwich) selections need to improve.  Although my goal is obviously to lose weight (and save my hair!) I also want to change my eating habits to enhance my overall health.  Anyone have suggestions on cutting out the carbohydrates?

My other goal for this project is to spend more time in the Recreation Center.  It is such an incredible resource to our students and employees - we all need to use the facilities more, but I am at the top of that list.  Sadly, each time I have planned to workout in the Recreation Center, something has stood in my way.  Has anyone found a good system that allows them to stay on a regular workout plan/schedule?  I would like to hear your thoughts and perspectives.

I had a pretty good day with regard to my caloric intake (only the scale can confirm that statement):

Breakfast - A Serving of Raisin Bran Crunch (280 calories)

Lunch - A Ham Sandwich with Pineapple, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes (about 450 calories)

Snack - Granola (190 calories)

Dinner - Baked Chicken - with panko and cheese coating (about 300 calories), Spinach - with onions (about 50 calories), and Cauliflower (about 75 calories) - for a total of about 425 calories

Snack - Mixed Nuts (200 calories)

Total for the Day = 1545

Although I stayed well under my goal for the day, seeing this number makes it clear I ate a little too few calories.

More tomorrow...

Greetings!

Sorry for the late post - was a heck of a day!  I know several of you were on the edge of your chairs, couches, then beds saying "when is he going to post?"!  Sorry to keep you waiting!  Today was just one of those days where I did not have enough time to get on-line!  Today was also a challenge for me - I have to admit that I am an "emotional eater" (which I know is very bad!).  So with stress comes more eating for me.  Anyone else struggle with this and have some good advice?  I think I did pretty well, but not perfectly!  I tried to drink instead of eating throughout the day - worked somewhat, but I had a few too many snacks!

To end the evening, we had a great dinner at Cracker Barrel to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday!  It was a good "family night" and CB

is a place where I can be reasonable for dinner!

The summary of my day includes:

Breakfast: Raisin Bran Crunch (280)

Snack (2): Granola (380) - thanks stress!

Lunch: Salad in ADUC - Spinach, Cucumbers, Broccoli, Banana Peppers, Mushrooms, Peas, Cabbage, Oranges, Pineapple, Turkey, and a tiny amount of oil and vinegar.  I am going to estimate 400 Calories.

Snack (1): Granola (190)

Dinner: Grilled Catfish (350),  Two Servings of Turnip Greens (100), Two Servings of Carrots (150) - estimated total for dinner 750 (added buffer in case I was off on my estimations)

Snack (1): Nuts and Granola (400 calories)

Estimated Total for the Day = 2400 calories

So, I was a little over my intake goal today!  I think the key for me is understanding the cause of adding the extra calories and trying to avoid making those decisions in the future!  What are your triggers?  What causes you to eat a few extra calories?  Knowing the answers is the key to solving the problems!

More tomorrow....

Good Evening!

I had a great workout tonight.  I spent some time on the stationary bike and then did some arm curls and sit-up (have to work on the belly!).  The best part of the workout was that Meg was able to join me!  I recommend working out with a loved one - it makes the time pass more quickly.

So, the debate in my mind for tonight is how often I should weigh-in.  Daily or Weekly?  I like the thought of a little daily affirmation of my efforts!  However, if the scale moves in the wrong direction, it would be frustrating.  Which do you think I should pick?  I did not get on the scale today - I might tomorrow just to peek!  It might be a good idea to weigh-in twice a week.  Would be a nice balance between daily and weekly.

Now, I know you are going to think I am insane (if you think that, you might just be right!), by my dinner was almost the same as last night.  So, you might say - "Hey Fat Guy, are you going to try to do this by eating Turkey Sandwiches and Hamburgers?"  You might also say "Good Luck with that Dude!"  I can assure you, this will not be a series of duplicate messages.  Tonight was simply a product of running a little late and wanting to work out.  My schedule forces us to call an audible for dinner and we had left-overs (which were very good by the way!).  You will most likely see lots of Turkey Sandwiches on the lunch menu, but dinner will vary!

For dinner tonight I had a hamburger (350), cole slaw (150), mixed vegetables (300), and a pear (100) - I am estimating my dinner as 900.  That puts me at an estimated 1990 calories for the day - which is still under my goal for daily caloric intake!

Good Afternoon!

I want to thank Betty Jo, Madonna, and Steelee' for all of the support they are giving me throughout the day!  I appreciate the motivation I am receiving from them and others!

Day Two has been another good day!  Thanks to Shaun Burchett for the links to information about water consumption.  If you are interested in the subject, please take a look at http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html or  http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/water.html. 

I am about the leave the office; however, I wanted to check-in with an afternoon calorie update.  For lunch, I stuck with the Turkey Sandwich from ADUC (I highly recommend it!  Not toasted and no dressings!).  On the sandwich I had tomatoes, pineapple, and mushrooms - I am going to stick with the 500 calorie estimate on it.  Later in the afternoon, I had a granola packet (190 calories) and a banana (120 calories - WOW, who knew bananas would hit the calorie count so hard?  Thought it was a good choice!).  Guess I am going to count the banana as a good source of Potassium so I get some good news from eating it!  

So, for the day I am at 1090.  I also have had 60 ounces of water (need to step that up tonight!).  So, I am going home for a work-out and then dinner.  Check my blog later to see how I did! 

Feel free to give me some interactive comments to make this more interesting! 

Good Afternoon,

I have been reminded that we need a "Pre-Photo" so, this is how I looked at the beginning of the challenge (view at your own risk!)...

This is how I feel on many days!  We think it's a BOY!  Or it could be my picture for an infomercial!

This is my real "before" picture!

ENJOY!

Good Morning!

After my last post, I did some research about water intake, and I found I am not doing as well  as I thought!  My 70 ounces is only about half of what I should be drinking!  OUCH!  For a person who is not that fond of water (for drinking or swimming!), that will be a challenge to meet.  But, I am up for it!  One thing I did long before this project began was give up soda - cold turkey!  For some that may not be a big deal, but for me it was a huge moment in my life.  I cannot begin to imagine the amount of soda I have consumed in my life - let's just say I used to receive annual "thank you cards" from Pepsi and Coke and they lost a large sum of money when I stopped drinking soda about 4 months ago.  I justified it in my mind by saying "but I am drinking diet"!  I can say I highly recommend the change.  I did not experience too many major side effects (couple of headaches), and I am much better off without soda!

My day began with a serving of Raisin Bran Crunch - 280 calories....

Hope you have a great day!

As the first day of "Shaving the Pounds" comes to a close, I have already had a a small set-back!  One struggle I have had for years is the horrible habit of eating too late in the evening.  In the past, it was not uncommon for me to eat a significant amount of calories after 9 p.m.  Who am I kidding?  It was not uncommon for me to eat a ton of food after 10 or 11 p.m.!  What a terrible habit!  Coming into this challenge, I wanted to stop eating before 8 p.m.  However, tonight I had dinner at 9:30!  I had meetings all afternoon, and did not get home until about 9:15 p.m.  So, dinner was late!  I just have to realize that sometimes my dinner time is not within my control, I need to to keep my goals a vast majority of the time and not get too stressed if I don't meet them every day!

In the afternoon, I had a granola bar that was 190 calories.

For dinner I had a hamburger (350), cole slaw (150), cottage cheese (100), snap peas (50), and a pear (100) - I am estimating my dinner as 750.

For the day, I have consumed an estimated 1720 calories.  This is a good thing as I am under my goal for the day, and I have not have feelings of "starvation" today.  I am also trying to increase my water consumption.  Today I drank about 70 ounces of water.  For me that is pretty good, but I need to do some research to create goals for myself and determine what is a "good amount".

I am going to start adding some exercise tomorrow.  So, I am anticipating that I will eat more, but I will also burn some extra calories!

Until tomorrow......!

Good Morning Eagles (and non-Eagle visitors)!

Today is the first official day of "Shaving the Pounds"!  Dr. Ann Rathbun and I will be sharing our weight loss attempt stories between now and May 4th.  At the end of the challenge, the person in second place will shave his/her head at the Bell Tower!  Any support you might offer me would be appreicated - Ann has asked that you send lots of chocolate and sweets her way!!!

I did my official weigh-in this morning, and my beginning weight is (drum roll please....) 284.6 pounds.

To start my day, I had 1 serving of Raisin Bran Crunch - 280 calories.  For lunch, I had a Turkey Sandwich on Wheat Bread with Pineapple, Tomatoes, and Cherries - I am going to estimate that at about 500 calories.  It is my plan to keep myself in the 2000-2200 calorie range to start and adjust if necessary after the first week.  I also need to adjust my schedule to make room for working out!

Much More to come.....

The First Post is Always the Most Difficult… 

Let’s face it, weight is a challenge we all face for the entirety of our lives.  Some may be too thin, others may have a few pounds to lose to fit into their clothes more comfortably, and people like me could benefit from losing 50+ pounds.  Like so many, I have “been-there-done-that” with diets.  I have used “quick” liquid products, no-carbs plans, and even spent some time at the beach.  In the end, I have found myself riding the proverbial weight loss roller coaster and in the end I am still too heavy.  Beginning tomorrow, March 12^th, I will be a participant in “Shaving the Pounds” in an effort to gain new motivation to lose weight (and keep it off!).  This idea comes from Human Resources and is intended to help motivate members of the campus community to engage in more healthy lifestyles.  In a pleasant twist to this idea, Dr. Ann Rathbun has joined me, and the person who comes in second place (there will be no losers here!) will have to shave his/her head. 

So, why should you keep up with this blog, and what can you expect in the future? 

1). I will be completely honest with my struggles and successes!  Too many times, people read about the success stories with a disclaimer that “results may vary” because the people who struggle do not get air time.  That is not what you will see here!  I hope each day of this program will be filled with awesome successes – but I can assure you if I slip, you will know about it!   

2). I plan to keep this light-hearted.  I do not take myself too seriously, and I will be the first to laugh and have a good time at my own expense. 

3). As I shared before, I have significant expertise on this issue.  By the time I was in sixth grade, I weighed 200 pounds.  I was as wide as I was tall!  I graduated from high school weighing 260 pounds (thankfully much taller), and in college I weighed as much as 315 pounds.  Since those days, I have fluctuated between 250 and 305 pounds (typically being in the 290 range). 

4). You will have the opportunity to interact with Ann and me as we blog.  I hope you will do so in order to make this project more enjoyable. 

So, in a few short hours, my new weight loss journey will begin… I hope you will join me!  Best of lucky to Ann “Baldy” Rathbun!