Less of Me, The Primal Way

2010-11-14T03:12:00.000-08:00

Weight record:
329.8 lbs-2/1/2010
324.4 lbs-2/5/2010
323.2 lbs-2/6/2010
323.4 lbs-2/7/2010
335.0 lbs-2/14/2010
326 lbs-2/21/2010
323.2 lbs-2/23/2010
322.8 lbs-2/26/2010
321.8 lbs-2/28/2010
320.6 lbs-3/2/2010
319.6 lbs-3/7/2010
317.8 lbs-3/13/2010
314.8 lbs-3/21/2010
314.6 lbs-3/22/2010
313.8 lbs-3/29/2010
312.4 lbs-4/1/2010
310.2 lbs 4/4/2010
309.8 lbs 4/5/2010
307.4 lbs 4/12/2010
307.0 lbs 4/16/2010
307.0 lbs 4/19/2010
305.8 lbs 4/26/2010
307.2 lbs 5/3/2010
306.0 lbs 5/10/2010
306.2 lbs 5/17/2010
306.8 lbs 5/24/2010
302.6 lbs 5/31/2010
276.2 lbs 11/13/2010

That last chunk of weight loss represents time where I did not write anything down, where I in fact did not count calories or pay any attention whatsoever to what I ate, beyond ensuring that it all came from non grain sources. As an example, my breakfast today was a pound of ground beef, a half pound of bacon, 5 cups of mixed greens with vinaigrette and 1 oz of feta cheese. For dinner I had a boiled egg, 5 strips of bacon, an apple and an oz of cheddar. I have no idea how many calories are in that, and I don't care. I know come next week, I will have lost another 1-2 lbs.
My blood pressure has normalized, no chest pain, no shortness of breath, I have gone up to 36 hours between meas and felt fine on occasion(2-3 hours was my max when I started this plan), and I am healthy and strong.

The Primal Blueprint WORKS!
www.marksdailyapple.com

Weight Loss lessons I have learned....

2010-10-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

-There is no magic weight loss secret. You have to eat right, and you have to exercise. Details are up to you, but you must do those two things to reclaim your health.

-No one tool will take you to your goal. As you lose weight, your formula for success will change with your body.

-Tired, sick, hurt, it doesn't matter. Get off your ass and do the work! Unless you need a hospital bed, suck it up and knock out a workout, even a modified one! five minutes beats no minutes. Skipping leads to failure!

-Less cardio, more strength training. Muscle burns more calories than flab, so by gaining more muscle, you are ratcheting up your weight loss game. Cardio has its place, but it also burns muscle if you do too much of it.

-Enjoy the pain. When you put on those pants from ten years ago, it will be worth it!

-Nobody can lose this weight except you. You ate yourself near to death, you have to travel the road back, one weary, blistering step at a time.

-Change things up! If you get bored with your workout, you WILL find reasons not to do it.

-Walk away from the damn carbs! They are poisoning you, and sapping your strength! For that matter, keep walking. Do 5k, then we'll talk about some bread with your meal.

-Food is fuel. Enjoy it, but be sensible. All those processed food products are doing you more harm than good. You might as well drink drain cleaner, it would be a faster way to die. Real meat, real vegetables, real fruit, real seeds and nuts. Leave the sugar and grains on the ground for the animals you want to fatten up for winter.

Enter the Kettlebell...

2010-09-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

So...
Two weeks using the kettlebell now. O. M. G. It is like magic, well, like magic you have to put some effort into, well, like magic assisting your own effort, well, really not like magic at all, because I have put serious effort into them. Anyway, they WORK. Better than anything else I have tried to date. In one week, I added ten lbs to my bicep curl max. My shoulders, abs, biceps, triceps and forearms are all showing visible improvement. My glutes are becoming strong again. My posture has improved! I have been slouching for years, a result of my stomach pulling on my spine. Lower back pain? Gone. I have virtually no fear of injury with these. What I have found is that with normal weights and machines, you can often overdo or make incorrect movements without noticing. Not so with the kettlebell. It is self-correcting, because when you do something incorrectly, the kettlebell punishes you INSTANTLY. A 35 lb kettlebell is not a thing you argue with. IT WILL WIN.

So, down under 290 lbs now, and wearing pants I last wore in 2002. My forearms feel like rock. My cheekbones have returned from their vacation in fatland. And my strong jawline is back, as well.

91 FRICKIN' POUNDS LOST, BABY!

I love my kettlebell. And I have barely started.

On a less enthusiastic note, I have found some loose skin from weight loss. backside of my elbow, just a bit. I think I can fill it out, if I focus on some tricep work.

Kettlebell, I can has it?

2010-09-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

Went out yesterday, and bought my new kettlebell. It is a 16kg, or 35 lb bell. That is the recommended starting weight for average males, according to Dragon Door.com. It put it into perspective when I thought about it weighing the same as my 6 year old daughter. Anyway, $64 new. Solid, black, rubber floor disk on the bottom to keep it from destroying the floor when you set it down. After a week or so with the lighter weight, trying to learn the mechanics of kettlebells, I am a lot more confident in moving this one around.

The higher weight makes a huge difference! Working out with the low weight was having an effect, but this thing is kicking my ass. I did a few reps today, messing around, maybe a bit over five minutes total, and I feel as though I spent an hour working hard in the gym. IT just works every little muscle, requiring so much stabilization, and it works different groups at the same time.

It's hard not to keep going back and picking it up, I just want to use the darn thing all day, it's fun to workout with. Just hafta pace myself. I also ordered a book to help me work on my form. Gotta figure out how not to beat the crap out oof my forearms.

I'm Back!!!

2010-09-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

The intranets, I has them.
Work schedule and life in general have been crazy, and I have slipped a bit in my hardcore Primal ways, but still pushing to maintain near Primal diet. The last week or so, I have gotten back on track, and it shows. Most recent weight a couple days ago(don't recall if it was Friday or Saturday) put me at 291.4 lbs....Booyaa!

It's like I don't even have to try. Been a bit more sedentary, which I expect is to blame for the slowed loss, so I bought a kettlebell the other day, and it is kicking my butt! I think it is a bit light, so I will be upping the weight when I get paid. Also started doing 50 situps per day, every day. That started Monday.

How are y'all doing?

Contrary to rumor....

2010-08-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am not dead, merely without internet. Reached a major weight loss goal a couple weeks ago. For the firsttime since 2003, I am below 300 pounds! Woot! Still on the Primal Blueprint, still feeling fantastic!

Changes...

2010-06-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

You might see up at the top, that I have changed the name of my blog. That's because it no longer fits. I'm no longer on a hard road. I am on day 15 of following the Primal Blueprint(www.marksdailyapple.com), and it is the easiest thing I have done with regards to weight management. I had a couple of weight fluctuations(mainly related to exercise and body composition changes), then my weight settled at one point, and didn't change for a week. This morning, it was going back down. The important thing is, I haven't kept track of my food intake in over a week. I stopped weight watchers, there was just no point to it, as it had stopped working for me. It worked great to get me started at weight loss, but toward the end, I was hungry most of the time, craving carbs endlessly, and basically looking at gaining all my weight back, if something didn't change.

Well, I have read Marks Daily Apple for nearly a year now, and have spent a lot of time chasing down studies and medical papers, verifying the information Mark presents on his site and in his book. It all fits. I have seen the differences I felt when I ate more or less processed carbs, and other foods my body wasn't built to process. I decided two weeks ago to try the Primal Blueprint way of eating. It has been so much better than I hoped. I sleep better, I have virtually no seasonal allergies, my asthma is gone, I have more energy, steadier energy. I eat when I am hungry, and That's it. No calorie counting, no spending hours on end trying to save my last few points for that popcorn I want to have with the movie, virtually no worries of any kind.

I am approximately 80% on the Blueprint. I can't afford all organic, or only grass fed beef. However, I don't crave carbs at all anymore. I can look at the chips in the cupboard, or the pretzels my wife is eating, and it just doesn't matter to me. I had two days that were pretty hard, but I got through them telling myself it was just for a couple days. Now, I don't have any desire to go back to my old eating habits. I feel so much healthier now, so vibrant, and so happy, knowing my health is improving.

Those of you who don't think you can't give up chips and such, pizza and bread, I encourage you to try it. Read the information available(there's a lot of it), do some research, and commit yourself to eating Primally for 3 days. That's how long I had planned to try it. Better yet, I challenge you to 7 days of Primal eating. We were not meant to consume many of the things we do. High fructose corn syrup, wheat flour, potato chips, these things are poison! I know I sound like a nutjob. When I went on this plan, I still had doubts, despite my research. It really is a better way to live. And I really am living now, rather than spending all day focused on what I can eat.

Skipped a day

2010-06-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Just didn't feel like messing with the blog yesterday.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with stevia
1 medium apple

lunch
1 sauteed chicken breast
8 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherries
1 medium apple

dinner
1 cup cherries
2 medium apples
1/2 chicken breast
4 cups mixed greens

Made it through 14 minutes of the 30 day shred DVD tonight, before I stopped being able to keep good form on anything. I hurt. It's a good thing.

30 day shred

2010-06-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Holy crap. I put the DVD in, and made it through 10 minutes before I knew I was risking foot injury. Just too much inflammation in my feet right now. I am going to keep at it, though. I think 2-3 days between attempts will give me enough time to adjust and build my strength. Mind you, this is only the most basic workout on the DVD. So, yeah, Jillian Michaels wants me to die. I highly recommend the DVD. 10 minutes is halfway through. Not terribly bad for a first attempt.

Breakfast
4 oz turkey breast
2 romaine leaves

Lunch
5 oz london broil(sauteed in garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, ginger powder and onion)
8 cups salad(spinach, romaine and iceberg in equal amounts)
dressing for the salad was the juice from the sauteing. Delicious!

2010-06-01T18:26:00.001-07:00

So, I didn't post my meals yesterday. Planned to, but then I was watching a movie, and just didn't get to it. But, I am back at it today.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with stevia

lunch
large garden salad(Subway) with grilled chicken breast and vinegar as dressing
1 grilled cajun chicken breast and 4 cups mixed greens.
1 tbsp ranch dressing

snack
9 pork rinds(1 serving)
8 cups green salad
4 oz ground turkey
1/2 cup salsa
1 oz cheddar/monterey jack

Bought a DVD yesterday. Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Got pretty good reviews on Amazon. I don't plan to use it as an everyday thing, but to make it "easy" on days when I feel like being lazy. Easy in that I will not have to think, just follow along on the DVD. I watched the first level(there are three) today, and it is going to kick my ass hard. I am pretty sure Jillian is the devil. So, I might do it every other day, if I end up liking(surviving) the first time through the workout.

2010-05-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

Weight record:
329.8 lbs-2/1/2010
324.4 lbs-2/5/2010
323.2 lbs-2/6/2010
323.4 lbs-2/7/2010
335.0 lbs-2/14/2010
326 lbs-2/21/2010
323.2 lbs-2/23/2010
322.8 lbs-2/26/2010
321.8 lbs-2/28/2010
320.6 lbs-3/2/2010
319.6 lbs-3/7/2010
317.8 lbs-3/13/2010
314.8 lbs-3/21/2010
314.6 lbs-3/22/2010
313.8 lbs-3/29/2010
312.4 lbs-4/1/2010
310.2 lbs 4/4/2010
309.8 lbs 4/5/2010
307.4 lbs 4/12/2010
307.0 lbs 4/16/2010
307.0 lbs 4/19/2010
305.8 lbs 4/26/2010
307.2 lbs 5/3/2010
306.0 lbs 5/10/2010
306.2 lbs 5/17/2010
306.8 lbs 5/24/2010
302.6 lbs 5/31/2010

I've gone back to trying the paleo way of eating, and actually having some success at it this time. Before, I always gave in to the siren song of processed carbs. Mainly due to sandwiches and tortilla chips to eat with salsa. Today was my third day, and my second almost totally paleo day. No processed carbs anywhere(with the exception of sugar for my coffee). I feel fantastic. I don't have cravings or hunger, and as you can see, I am losing weight. I have been keeping a close watch on my appetite and the way I feel during the last three months as I dieted. The biggest thing I have noticed is that when I cut out the processed carbs, I am not crashing, and I don't feel sluggish after eating. I would estimate my current eating habits at 90% paleo. I am not ready to give up coffee yet(probably never), but I am weaning off sugar, using stevia instead.

I could do this indefinitely. The way I feel is well worth it. AND, I found a substitute for tortilla chips with salsa. Pork rinds work fantastic, and actually end up being fewer calories per serving.

Tessa, I have to give you a huge thank you for the contest. It helped to motivate me when I would have stopped tracking my food, and got me into the habit. Having yours and Tina's support helped tremendously, as well.

2010-05-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia

lunch
3 cups green beans
12 oz spam(don't know why, just wanted Spam, really badly.

snack
28 almonds

dinner
8 cups mixed salad greens
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 apple
1/4 smoked sausage
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Big step, unexpected....

2010-05-29T21:20:00.001-07:00

I broke 305lbs. I have been stuck between 310 and 305 for sooo long! Pulled out the scale, just to see how I was doing today. 304.2 lbs! Cutting processed carbs is working. I've been really trying hard the last couple days. I had noticed I wasn't feeling as hungry without them, but hadn't really thought about the weight loss aspect of it.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1/4 oz cheese

lunch
6 oz london broil
6 slices bacon
3 cups green beans

snack
2 scoops maple walnut ice cream(I have been dying for ice cream the last week. Rather than buy some, I had some while we were out, so I wouldn't be tempted.)

snack
1/2 slice bacon
1 oz london broil

2010-05-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1 cup rice
2 cups sweet and sour sausage

Lunch
Strawberry-blueberry smoothie:
-1/4 cup frozen blueberries
-1 scoop Body Fortress protein power(110 calories,1.5 gram fat)
-Myoplex Lite Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake( 190 calories, 1.5 gram fat)
-10 oz whole milk(dishwasher was running, couldn't get water)

Dinner
1 flour tortilla
2 oz cheddar/jack cheese

Didn't do so well today.

2010-05-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

I had a very tight schedule, beginning at 6 am, getting my daughter up, fed, dressed and off to school, then out to the next town for a tire change, back to pick up the daughter, home for lunch, change clothes and out on an hour drive to the city for a job interview. After the interview, it was rush hour, so I went to the mall and walked about three miles, which is the best thing I did for my health today(and I did so well yesterday, too!).

Breakfast
3 brown and serve sausage links
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
Carl's Jr breakfast burger

lunch
2 cups sweet and sour sausage, 2 cups rice

dinner
1 slice whole wheat
3 oz turkey breast
2 servings hot pork rinds
1 zero calorie soda

2010-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

lunch
2 flour tortillas
4 oz ground turkey
1 oz cheddar
1 cup beans and rice
1/4 cup corn

Snack
1/4 cup dried mixed berries

Dinner-(wine and cheese Chamber of Commerce shindig, hence the odd variety)
3 jalapeno stuffed olives
1/4 oz varied cheeses
4 oz wine
1/4 oz salmon
3 mushrooms
1 grape tomato
2 pineapple tidbits
1/2 strawberry
1/2 slice cantaloupe

Snack
1 cup peanuts

2010-05-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with stevia

Lunch
1 cup teriyaki rice
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, broiled
2 cups green beans
3 cups carrots

snack
Strawberry-blueberry smoothie:
-1/4 cup frozen blueberries
-1 scoop Body Fortress protein power(110 calories,1.5 gram fat)
-Myoplex Lite Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake( 190 calories, 1.5 gram fat)

The shake seems to have quelled the insane protein craving I have had since Saturday(and it should, that's a total of 48 grams of protein!). Thank goodness.

Dinner
1 cup peanuts
1 oz cheddar
2 oz steak

2010-05-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

2010-05-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
2 cups rice and beans
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

snack
1 oz dry roasted peanuts

lunch
1 smoked sausage
8 oz london broil

snack
1 small apple

dinner
1 cup honey oat clusters
3/4 cup yogurt

5K. 57 minutes.

2010-05-22T17:46:00.001-07:00

One small blister between my 1st and 2nd toes on my right foot. Feet are fairly sore. Otherwise, I feel great!

Brunch(slept in)
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
2 slices whole wheat
5 oz turkey breast
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 slice swiss

snack
1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts

Dinner
2 cups beans and rice
6 small corn tortillas

snack
2 cups popcorn

Another day, some more calories...

2010-05-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

But first, an article from Scientific American. Good news for the Primal advocates out there.... http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=carbs-against-cardio
No breakfast today. Still not quite up to snuff, though much better than yesterday.

Lunch
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
3 hamburger buns
2 cups sloppy joe

snack
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 small apple

dinner
1 hamburger bun
5 slices dry salami
1 oz cheddar
1 slice swiss
1/2 tortilla

I do notice I have gotten sloppy about carbs again. It's proving very difficult to reverse 30 years of eating habits, primarily because carbs are so EASY to use. Ah well. A work in progress. Gotta tighten up on that again, I'm sure, now that I think about it, that it has a lot to do with my recent insomnia.

Bad Byron, bad...

2010-05-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

No breakfast, slept in again.

Lunch
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
1 slice swiss cheese
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

snack
1 cup dry roasted peanuts

dinner
2 smoked sausages
2 hot dog buns
1 cup chili

dessert
1 It's It
1 oz black strap rum with zero calorie soda

5 points over my WW total. So, I used 5 of my weekly "flex" points. Not something I should do on a regular basis, but not bad. Felt really good to relax, especially after being sick this week. I wouldn't have gone over if I had eaten just a half It It, or just one chili dog. Good lesson.

2010-05-19T19:32:00.001-07:00

Slept in late, trying to beat my sinus infection. No breakfast.

snack
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia

lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
6 slices dry salami
1 slice swiss cheese
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

snack
1 large apple

Dinner
2 cups white chicken chili.

2010-05-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1 large apple

lunch
4 slices french bread
1 cup chicken salad(made with low fat ranch dressing, no mayo)

dinner
1 met rx bar

desert
12 oz decaf with stevia
4 cinnamon graham crackers

Sinus infection...

2010-05-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Typical for me this time of year, but the first I've had in a long time. I've not been keeping up on my nasal rinsing like I should during pollen season, and this is what I get as a result. Oh well.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1 oz cheddar
1 oz salami

lunch
2 cups sweet and sour sausage
2 cups rice

snack
2 slices cinnamon toast

dinner
2 cups sweet and sour sausage
2 cups rice
12 oz Moroccan mint green tea

Weight record:
329.8 lbs-2/1/2010
324.4 lbs-2/5/2010
323.2 lbs-2/6/2010
323.4 lbs-2/7/2010
335.0 lbs-2/14/2010
326 lbs-2/21/2010
323.2 lbs-2/23/2010
322.8 lbs-2/26/2010
321.8 lbs-2/28/2010
320.6 lbs-3/2/2010
319.6 lbs-3/7/2010
317.8 lbs-3/13/2010
314.8 lbs-3/21/2010
314.6 lbs-3/22/2010
313.8 lbs-3/29/2010
312.4 lbs-4/1/2010
310.2 lbs 4/4/2010
309.8 lbs 4/5/2010
307.4 lbs 4/12/2010
307.0 lbs 4/16/2010
307.0 lbs 4/19/2010
305.8 lbs 4/26/2010
307.2 lbs 5/3/2010
306.0 lbs 5/10/2010
306.2 lbs 5/17/2010

2010-05-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
1 hash brown patty
6 brown and serve sausage links
3 slices Spam
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia

Lunch
2 slices cinnamon toast
20 oz iced coffee(12 oz coffee, 1/2 cup milk, the rest ice and stevia
1 large apple

Dinner
5 oz turkey breast
2 slices whole wheat
1 slice swiss
15 tortilla chips
11/2 cup salsa

Dessert
6 oz sangria, with 1/2 oz brandy over ice

I haven't seen the results I wanted on the scale recently. Friday I found out why. I thought my pants were feeling a bit loose, so I got into my older clothes. I haven't kept up with my measurements in weeks. Well, I am now wearing pants from 2003. In the last six months, I have gone from a 48 waist pant to a 42. Woot. I would like to see a big loss this week, but if I don't, it doesn't matter. The exercise is having an effect. I'm happy with that.

2010-05-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 large apple

snack
4 oz beef jerky
11 crows(licorice flavored gumdrops)
1 large apple

lunch
2 slices whole wheat
1 slice swiss
5 oz ham
5 tortilla chips
3 hours at the park

Dinner
2 oz beef jerky
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 cup honey almond cereal
3/4 cup yogurt

2010-05-14T21:35:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1 met rx bar
1 small apple

lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 large apple
20 oz iced coffee(actually only 8 oz coffee, the rest is ice.)stevia

dinner
4 cups white chicken chili
1 small apple

2010-05-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1 met rx bar

lunch
10 slices gallo dry salami
4 oz turkey breast
3 slices whole wheat
20 pretzel sticks
15 tortilla chips
15 grapes

snack
fruit/nut/granola bar
8 oz sangria
20 pretzel sticks
3 cups air pop popcorn

dinner
4 oz ham
2 slices whole wheat
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
5 slices dry salami

Too many carbs today, overall, but I feel happy with how I did today. Also, about 45 minutes in Walmart, and an hour at the park with the Girl Cub. Pushups as well.

I think some of you may appreciate this, so I figured I'd share it with you:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygWO30gdpK4

2010-05-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar/stevia
1 small apple

2.25 miles/50 minutes

snack
fruit/nut/granola bar
1 small apple
1 medium banana

lunch
2 flour tortillas
1 cup texas chicken soup
3 oz ground turkey
1 oz cheddar

No dinner.

2010-05-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 small apple

snack
1 medium banana

lunch
4 cups texas chicken soup

dinner
2 slices wheat bread
4 oz ham
1 small apple
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

snack
1 oz cheddar cheese

2010-05-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

2010-05-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

breakfast
1 Noah's everything bagel with 2 tbsp cream neufchatel
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 small apple

Lunch
1 cup Black Bean/Corn salsa(recipe below)
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
1 oz gherkin pickles
1/4 cup black olives

snack
1 Mango--Orange bagel with 1 Tbsp Blueberry Schmear
39 pretzel sticks(1 serving)

Dinner
Nothing so far.

Black Bean Salsa

1 15oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 17oz can whole kernal corn, drained

1 15oz can diced tomatoes, drained

1 purple onion, chopped

1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

3-4 Tbsp lime or lemon juice

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Combine ingredients in a large bowl, cover and chill. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Roadtrip!

2010-05-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

Had to go out of town today, to pick up some jewelry making supplies, and drop off a couple drums for repair. About two hours round trip, and I needed to stop at Walmart, too. So, not quite a normal day, but I think I did fairly well. I'll know better once I log it all into Weight Watchers.

Breakfast-I knew I'd be gone all day, and I have been trying to go heavy on breakfast where I can, so...
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
6 brown and serve sausage links
3 eggs
1 hash brown patty

Walked 1/2 mile to get bagels from Noah's.

snack
1 pumpernickel bagel
1 small apple

lunch
4 oz turkey breast
2 slices whole wheat
1 small apple
25 tortilla chips

snack
1 small apple
1 Noah's bagel with 1 tbsp blueberry schmear

Dinner
2 cups black beans and rice
1 small apple

2010-05-07T17:10:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 small apple

Lunch
1/2 cup salsa
2 slices wheat bread
4 oz ham
13 tortilla chips
4 small mandarins

Walked 1.5 miles-slower pace, had the wife and daughter along. Took about 45 minutes, not including random stops and wanderings by my daughter.

snack
met rx bar

dinner
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz turkey breast
1 small apple

snack
1 medium apple

2010-05-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
1 small apple
1/2 mini bagel with 1 tsp cream cheese
2 small mandarins

snack
1 small apple
1 black bean brownie(btw, these have less than 2 WW points per brownie!)

lunch
4 small mandarins
1 cup sweet potatoes
1/2 cup marshmallow creme(on sweet potatos)
1 ear corn with 1 tsp butter
8 oz boneless skinless chicken

snack
4 small mandarins

dinner
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 large apple
1 small apple

snack
2 cups air popped popcorn, salt and a little butter(2 tbsp for a whole giant bowl, maybe a tsp on what I ate).

A message to a friend....

2010-05-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight, a friend asked how he should commemorate the third anniversary of his younger brother's death. I told him to make the choice to live a long and healthy life. My friend is overweight, and in poor health. I worry about him, because of it. In a later conversation, this is what I told him:

We are all driven by two prime motivating factors. Everything you and I do, we do either out of our need to avoid pain or our desire to gain pleasure. You have to find a way to associate so much pain with your self defeating behaviors, that you absolutely have to change. Right now, your fear of change, and the pleasure you get from the way you have lived your life, is overriding the fear of being unhealthy.

You can change this, you can take control of your health. All it takes is a moment of decision, a single moment to decide you WILL NOT live this way ANYMORE! You will fall from the wagon, you will have setbacks, and moments of doubt, and perhaps even times when you temporarily give in to despair and feeling sorry for yourself. But, if you make the decision to change, you WILL do it.

Nobody can make you healthy. There is no magic road to weight loss, or to healthy living. It is long, and it is hard, and sometimes it sucks. But I tell you now, it is worth it. I am down 60 lbs from last year. I have erased 6 years of weight gain and unhealthy living. I have over a hundred more to lose, to be healthy by medical standards. But I can tell you, the difference it has made in my life is incredible.

Decide you WILL change, that you deserve a good life, that you deserve to be healthy, and change will happen. Start now. Pick one unhealthy habit, and decide to stop. Cut out soda, or cookies, or pizza. Just one thing, something you won't miss too much. After you've gotten used to not having it, pick another. Meanwhile, ten minutes of exercise a day. Ten minutes. Crunches or situps. Hell, curl a barbell for ten minutes while you watch tv.

The fear of making the change is far worse than the reality, I can tell you. And the rewards are astronomical. Monday, I got up, walked out my door, and walked two miles in 45 minutes without stopping. Last year at this time, I couldn't make it upstairs without my knee feeling like it was going to snap in two.

Stop thinking about it, DECIDE NOW to make a change. Live your life like a Viking.

I thought it needed to be posted.

2010-05-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Snack
4 oz ham
1 slice whole wheat
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

breakfast
2 sausage mcmuffins(I suck, I know! Left the house without my emergency rations!Had to eat or hurt someone!)

snack
1 small apple

walked one mile(no time for two, too much to do today)

snack
1 small apple

lunch
4 oz ham
2 slices whole wheat
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

snack
1 black bean brownie

dinner
1 met rx bar

snack
1 small apple

2010-05-04T18:54:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
6 brown and serve sausage links
1 hash brown patty
1/2 small banana

lunch
2 burritos(2 flour tortillas, 1 cup chili beans/rice mix, 2 oz ground turkey, 1 oz cheddar cheese)

Snack
1 Black Bean Chocolate Brownie(yes, you read that correctly. They are delicious!)

Black Bean Chocolate Brownies

Drain and rinse beans. Place back in can and add water to fill can. Pour into blender and puree. Mix with brownie mix, then spread into pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F as directed on box. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut into 24 2"-square pieces.

Number of Servings: 24

Dinner
2 slices Wheat Bread
4 oz ham

Desert
1 black bean brownie

Well, crap.

2010-05-03T14:06:00.001-07:00

2010-05-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

Got some exercise today, wandering around Walmart. Better than nothing. Getting more regular with meals again, now I need to add the snacks back in and spread out the calories some more. Did some Hindu pushups and some situps, too.

Breakfast
20 oz coffee with raw sugar
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

Lunch
low carb six dollar burger
2 cups green salad
2 tbsp balsalmic vinaigrette dressing

Dinner
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

I did a bad thing...

2010-05-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

I ate nothing from dinner last night until about 3:30 this afternoon. Granted, much of that time I was asleep, but still, not helping my weight loss.

Breakfast
none

lunch
none

3:30 snack(or something)
1/2 cup salsa
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
15 tortilla chips

snack(from 4:30-6pm)
2 cups mixed nuts

dinner
6 oz chicken breast(boneless skinless)
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1/2 large apple
1/2 cup dried mixed berries

I've missed too many workouts, my sleep has been too random, and I am not eating right. It ends now. I'm going to get some sleep tonight, and workout early tomorrow.

Having a really hard day....

2010-04-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

I got a bit more sleep last night,went to sleep around 2 am or so, and got up at 7, but my mood and appetite are all out of whack now. Feeling pretty irritable today, and out of sorts all around. Financial worries have been hitting me pretty hard recently, and despite things being a little easier currently, that's just one more drop in the bucket right now. I'm not quite depressed, I won't let myself be, I've come too far. That is the direction I would have gone a year ago, though, or even six months ago.

Losing my job when I did has really helped me in a lot of ways, making me cut out unnecessary expenses, and learn to live on a lot less than I had grown accustomed to. It's been good, in that it has brought me back closer to the person I used to be, the one who paid off a 5 bedroom home before I was 30. I'm regaining the confidence that was destroyed by a constant beatdown from working thankless, dreary make work jobs.

And yet, today, I just don't give a crap about making sure I eat at regular intervals, or get enough fruit, or even how many Weight Watchers points I use. I'm hunkering down, making some jewelry, and watching Hamlet tonight. If that doesn't work, maybe some House will do the trick. Always good to watch someone else who doesn't suffer fools gladly.

What I need to do, is get out for a good walk, or hit the weight room. I know that, but I just don't care right this moment. I'm going to take some time, wallow in my crankiness, and I'll get in a short workout later tonight.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

lunch
2 cups rice and beans
3 oz ground turkey

Dinner
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
15 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

Didn't end up watching Hamlet, after all. Have it DVR'd, so I will get to finishing it soon. David Tennant is Fantastic, as usual! Tickled the girl for a bit, then she wanted to play video games with me. A while blowing stuff up and killing monsters made my attitude much improved!

I felt like crap all day today...

2010-04-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Because I was up ALL NIGHT last night. No real reason for it, either. Just my old friend, insomnia. Finally fell asleep around 5:30, then awakened to see the girl cub off to school, back asleep until 10, when I had to get up and submit the Avon order. Up since then.

Anyway...

Breakfast
24 oz coffee with raw sugar-I used the BIG mug today.
4 oz ham
2 slices whole wheat
14 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

snack
2 small mandarins

lunch
1 cup white rice
1 cup sweet and sour sausage
8 oz coffee with stevia

snack
1 slice homemade wheat bread with 1 tbsp honey
14 cashews

dinner
1 cup white rice
1 cup sweet and sour sausage

2010-04-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 small orange
1 slice wheat bread with honey

lunch
2 cups chicken macaroni casserole(chicken, olives, mac and cheese, cheddar)

snack
12 cashews

Don't know if I will get dinner tonight or not. I have a Chamber of Commerce meet and greet tonight, followed by dance class, where they want me to play the didgeridoo. . There are supposed to be some sort of food available at the Chamber thing, but whether or not it will be something I am willing to consume, I don't know. I don't quite have time to grab anything now, so we'll see.

Managed to make some time for food!

Dinner
4 oz ham
2 slices whole wheat
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
2 cups salad
2 tbsp Light raspberry vinaigrette

Got to the Chamber event, and as it turned out, there was actually a sit down meal served. :-/
So, to be polite:
1 chicken/shrimp kabob(1 oz chicken, 1 shrimp, various veggies)
3 oz prime rib
1 cup salad
1 tbsp light raspberry vinaigrette

So, not so well on the eating heavy morning meals and a light evening one. Have to work on that. But, I still came in well under my WW points for the day. It's gotten to the point that it's natural for me, it seems.

New Recipe

2010-04-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Bacon Ranch Doritos Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 (10 oz) can tomatoes

1 (10 oz) can corn, drained

3/4 cup Bacon Ranch dressing

2 cups nacho cheese flavor Doritos, lightly crushed

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Brown turkey in a skillet. Add seasonings while cooking.

3. Mix beef, tomatoes, corn and ranch dressing together and put into casserole dish. Top with Doritos and cheese.

4. Bake 20 minutes, uncovered.

Turned out to be not so bad for me(9 ww points for 1 cup serving) and Delicious! I plan to bring the points down by using regular tortilla chips next time, and possibly low fat cheese or less whole fat cheese. The cheese is what really kicked the points value up. 2 cups of cheese used the same amount of points as the rest of the recipe together. I did not have bacon ranch, so I used ranch dressing and baconsalt(one of my favorite things, btw). Baconsalt

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 orange
14 cashews
1 slice bacon

lunch
1 cup Bacon Ranch Dorito Casserole

snack
10 cashews
1 small mandarin

Dinner
Fell asleep in the recliner with the girl. No dinner.

2010-04-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

2010-04-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
14 cashews
2 slices wheat bread
4 oz ham

lunch
3 chicken enchilladas(chicken, tortilla, salsa verde, cheese)
1 serving dump cake

dinner
1 chicken enchillada
2 slices fresh baked whole wheat bread with 1/2 pat butter

Free Day

2010-04-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

So, I knew I was going to a bbq today, and my stove got fixed yesterday, and my wife had a show tonight, so I decided to have a "free" day, where I keep track of what I eat, but don't worry about points, or trying to stay within limits. I have found that an occasional day like this helps me to keep on track, and I haven't had one since I started WW in February. It also gives me an idea of how likely I am to slip into my old habits if I stop tracking every bite.

So:

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
3 sausage links
3 hash brown patties
2 strips bacon

lunch
1 hamburger
3 shishkabobs(peppers, mushrooms, chicken, steak, sausage(about 3 oz chicken, 1 oz sausage, 1 oz steak, total)
1 12 oz sprite

Dinner
1 foot long all beef hot dog, mustard, ketchup and relish

I'll total the ww points later, see how badly I went over. I don't feel like I used to, all full and bloated, so that's a good sign. I notice, looking at it, that I naturally ate lighter as the day went on. Good change.

Well.
I went and added everything into Weightwatchers online. Double checked it. Without even paying attention, without trying, I came in just under my daily allowed points. That's a very good thing. That means I've been eating right for long enough that it's becoming natural for me. Doesn't mean I can slack off, but it's a very good indication that I am doing exactly what I need to be.

2010-04-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 0z coffee with raw sugar
1 small banana

snack
1 cup white rice
1 cup sweet and sour sausage
I think my new eating schedule is working. I was STARVING suddenly! Feels like my metabolism is liking the new schedule.

HAd to install a new part on my oven before making lunch, so a second snack was in order.
1/2 cup wheat berries with 1/8 cup milk and 1 tsp sugar

Lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

snack
banana

Dinner
1 cup white rice
1 cup sweet and sour sausage

snack
20 almonds

2010-04-22T20:56:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
10 almonds
12 oz coffee with sugar
2 small oranges

Snack
3 small mandarins

Lunch
2 slices wheat bread
5 oz ham
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

dinner
2 cups white rice
2 cups sweet and sour sausage

2010-04-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1/2 medium apple
1 small orange

Lunch
2 cups white chicken chili

snack
3 small mandarins
1/2 slice Little Caesar's pizza

Dinner
2 slices wheat bread
4 oz ham
20 Doritos Cool Ranch chips
1/2 cup salsa

changes

2010-04-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I had been doing two exercise programs a while back, one for situps and one for pushups. I think I mentioned that I had to take some time off, because I overdid the abs bit. Well, I finally started a new plan last week, and it seems like a good fit for me. Rather than two plans targeting my abs and upper body separately, I am doing these: Hindu Pushups I think I may restart the one hundred pushups plan using these, rather than traditional pushups. They are much harder, and hit my abs as well as my upper body.

I was feeling a little bit discouraged yesterday, though grateful for any loss at all. Then, I noticed that things seemed firmer, and noticed my clothes fitting smallerand differently. Taking a look in the mirror, I can see definite areas of improvement. While I may not have lost much poundwise, there has been some definite firming and size loss this week. Made me feel a lot better. If the weather would stay dry, I could get in some bicycling, but so far no luck. I am nervous to begin running before I drop below 300 lbs. I have an old knee injury from when I was in the police academy, hasn't given me trouble since last year, and I don't want it to start doing so. On the other hand, it stopped giving me trouble when I stopped wearing shoes with any sort of heel on them(I wear Airwalks pretty much exclusively now), so maybe my knee trouble is really a thing of the past?

Well, we'll see.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 small orange
1 oz beef jerky

snack
1 oz beef jerky
1 small orange

Lunch
4 oz ham
2 slices wheat bread
1 slice american cheese
1/2 large apple
1 oz cheddar
13 doritos chips

snack?
4 oz turkey breast
2 slices wheat bread
1 orange

dinner
Met rx bar

2010-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

2010-04-18T21:27:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham

snack
3 oz beef jerky

lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz turkey breast
1 slice american cheese
1 medium apple
25 tortilla chips

snack
1/2 met rx bar

dinner
1 cup red beans and rice
3 corn tortillas
3 oz ground turkey

desert
1/2 met rx bar

2010-04-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
MetRx meal replacement bar

Lunch
3 oz Beef Jerky
1 medium apple

Dinner
3 slices Little Ceasar's Pepperoni Pizza
3 Little Ceasar's Breadsticks

So, spreading my meals out didn't work out so well today. Had my daughter's birthday party, and didn't remember to plan for that, so really no food available. I did try some birthday cake and ice cream. Spit it out after one bite. Way too sweet and the ice cream just tasted so..processed. I knew we were having pizza tonight, the girl cub had requested it specifically. Drank a bunch of water right before, and that helped keep me sane. Stayed within ww points today, even with the pizza and breadsticks, so that's good.

Breakfast, day two

2010-04-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
1 small mandarin
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Snack
1 medium apple
1 medium banana

Lunch
4 oz ham
2 slices whole wheat
14 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

Snack
1 large apple

So far, this feels...weird. I only ate a little this morning, and was full pretty fast. It's hard to remember 5 or 6 small meals, my tendency is to go long periods without food.

It's 8pm, and I have half a days worth of weight watchers points left. I'm not hungry, and if I follow the "schedule", my next meal isn't due until 10pm. I don't want to eat so late. I'll probably be in bed around that time, I have a lot to do tomorrow. I guess we'll see.

Dinner
2 cups texas chicken soup
2 slices whole wheat
1 medium orange

Weight record:
329.8 lbs-2/1/2010
324.4 lbs-2/5/2010
323.2 lbs-2/6/2010
323.4 lbs-2/7/2010
335.0 lbs-2/14/2010
326 lbs-2/21/2010
323.2 lbs-2/23/2010
322.8 lbs-2/26/2010
321.8 lbs-2/28/2010
320.6 lbs-3/2/2010
319.6 lbs-3/7/2010
317.8 lbs-3/13/2010
314.8 lbs-3/21/2010
314.6 lbs-3/22/2010
313.8 lbs-3/29/2010
312.4 lbs-4/1/2010
310.2 lbs 4/4/2010
309.8 lbs 4/5/2010
307.4 lbs 4/12/2010
307.0 lbs 4/16/2010

Trying something new...

2010-04-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I ate breakfast. I've heard for years that it is much better for you, helps your metabolism run more smoothly, encourages weight loss, etc. In my head, I realize that. Starting as a child, I have never been a breakfast eater, save for special occasions where there's a big family breakfast or something similar. But I am going to try.
So:

Breakfast
1 small orange
2 slices wheat bread
4 oz ham
1 tbsp sweet pepper relish
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
12 oz coffee with Splenda( my first cup of the day, I always treat myself to real sugar, after that, it's the fake stuff)

Lunch
taco salad with black beans, chili beans and ground turkey

Snack
1 small mandarin
1 medium banana
12 oz coffee with Splenda
1 small section Lindt chili chocolate

Dinner
taco salad
2 small oranges

Went over WW points by 2. Not so bad, since I only just adjusted my points last saturday(lost two points with recent weight change), and used my weekly "extra" points. Still, not something I like to so.

2010-04-14T21:20:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
Nothing(I was asleep, having only gone to bed at 4 am, yay, insomnia!)

Lunch
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 large apple
2 small mandarins

Dinner
2 boneless pork loins
2 slices bread
4 oz turkey breast
13 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 small orange

2010-04-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
1 large apple
12 oz coffee

Lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 small apple

snack
2 small mandarins

Dinner
2 boneless pork loins
1 corn on the cob with 1 pat butter
2 cups carrots
12 oz coffee with stevia

Feeling really hungry tonight, checked my weight watchers points and had nearly half my daily points, lol. So...

Supper
2 cups Texas Chicken Soup
6 small corn tortillas

2010-04-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

2010-04-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
2 small mandarins

Lunch
2 slices wheat bread
1/2 cup salsa
4 oz turkey breast
13 tortilla chips

snack
1 medium banana
1 large apple

dinner
2 cups white rice
2 cups Sweet and Sour sausage

Barbell pushups, 2 sets of 10
4 sets of stairs

break

2010-04-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
met rx bar

Lunch
2 cups Texas Chicken Soup

Snack
1 oz beef jerky
small pear
small apple

Dinner
2 cups Texas Chicken Soup

Kicking things up a notch

2010-04-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

After my big loss last week, I don't seem to be making much progress. I really didn't get any exercise this week. The pushups/situps program worked for me, because I could squeeze them in wherever. I think not having them in my day has been bad for me. So, I started back on them today, with week three, day one of the situps program. It was pretty rough, I may have to go back to the week two workout, but we'll see.
I also did 3 runs up and down my stairs today. Pretty harsh, as my stairs are unusually steep. Felt good though.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Lunch
2 slices whole wheat
12 tortilla chips
4 oz ham
1/2 cup salsa
20 oz water

Dinner
2 cups Texas Chicken Soup
4 tortilla chips
1/8 cup grated cheese
2 cups salad
2 tbsp raspberry vinaigrette
1/8 cup grated cheese
1 small orange

snack
3 strawberries
1 small mandarin
1 pumpernickel loaf
12 oz coffee with stevia

Hard time staying on track today

2010-04-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Because I was out ALL day. Unplanned.
But I think I did pretty good. So far. I still, as of the snack of strawberries, have about a third of my daily points left.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Lunch
Carl's Junior Walnut Cranberry Apple Grilled Chicken Salad
The salad only seemed to make me hungrier, so I waited 20 minutes, then had:
A Low Carb Six Dollar Burger.

Snack
1.5 cup fresh strawberries

Dinner
2 slices wheat bread
6 oz turkey breast
1 oz pickles
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
2 cups fresh fruit salad

2010-04-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz turkey breast
1 oz pickles
1 oz pepperoncinis
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

Dinner
Met Rx meal replacement bar
1 medium banana
1 hard boiled egg
7 cashews
1 small mandarin

What am I eating today?

2010-04-06T17:10:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
small apple

Lunch
2 slices whole wheat
4 oz ham
2 oz turkey breast
1 oz sweet gherkin pickles
1 oz pepperoncini slices
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 large mandarin

Snack
1/2 Met-rx bar

Dinner
23 almonds
3 cups green salad with vinagerette and 1 oz grated cheese

A major change...

2010-04-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

It occurred to me this morning, that I have undergone a significant change since last year, when I fist attempted to lose weight. It didn't happen then, but sometime between February and this morning, my attitude toward food has changed, and it has made all the difference.

I no longer look at food the same as I used to. It's no longer something I do to replace anything I am missing, as my main source of pleasure, or as a crutch for feeling down. Food has become, while enjoyable, merely something I do to fuel my body. I now find myself stopping to think about when I ate last, and it's in the manner of someone looking at a fuel gauge.

Don't get me wrong, if I miss a meal, I do get hungry, but I no longer find myself reaching for the pretzels, or going to the kitchen out of boredom as I once did. It makes all the difference. Last year, I lost a lot of weight with weight watchers, and did so quickly. However, each and every pound was a struggle. I would spend hours wishing I had more points to use, going to bed early to drown out thoughts of food, and generally being pretty miserable. This weight loss since February has been effortless in comparison.

Somewhere along this journey, I changed the way I look at and interact with food. I don't know how or why I did it, but I am glad I did.

Monday...

2010-04-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday weigh in...

2010-04-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Food I ate today...

2010-04-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Snack
10 cashews
15 almonds

Lunch
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup carrots
1 cup applesauce
2 cups white rice
20 oz water

Snack
1 oz beef jerky
pumpernickel roll

Dinner
No dinner so far. Got home late, don't like to eat past 7 pm. Pretty hungry, so I may have to break my rule, but I'm gonna try and tough it out.

Sausage Chicken Gumbo

2010-04-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
12-14 oz summer sausage or 2-3 smoked sausage links, slice and cooked if desired
1 can (26 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 can (15 oz) chicken
1 can (11 oz) canned corn, drained
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked rice or enough for your family

Dump all ingredients expect rice into a pot or crock pot. Bring gumbo to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Simmer gumbo for 20-40 minutes until flavors are infused. If gumbo gets too thick add a little water to thin it out.

Pour over rice (or you can put the rice into the gumbo if you would like), and enjoy!

2010-04-02T15:01:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with stevia
14 cashews

lunch
12 oz coffee with stevia
20 oz water
2 cups homemade white chicken chili over 8 tortilla chips with 1/4 oz cheese.

snack
2 oz gummi mini worms

Dinner
2 slices wheat bread
2 oz ham
4 oz turkey breast
2 cups Homemade white chicken chili

2010-04-01T14:27:00.001-07:00

2010-03-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Lunch
3 oz ground turkey
1.5 cups black beans and rice
3 oz sharp cheddar

Dinner
3 oz ground turkey
1.5 cups black beans and rice
2 slices wheat bread
4 oz ham
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

Gargh!

2010-03-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Stepped on the scale this morning and...nothing. The darn batteries are dead. I just replaced them a couple weeks back. I caught my cat sitting on it the other day, I suspect now that it may be a common occurrence.

Breakfast
Nope.

Lunch
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Dinner
4 oz turkey breast
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
20 oz water
12 oz coffee with stevia

No breakfast or lunch today. Woke up with a pretty sore throat and just feeling a bit under the weather. No real appetite to speak of until about 4 pm. Gonna try to get to bed early tonight, instead of my usual 2 am. Gotta go out and see about picking up new batteries tomorrow.

Weigh in...

2010-03-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

...

2010-03-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
nothing

Lunch
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
3 oz ground turkey
1.5 cup black beans with rice
1 oz cheddar cheese
1 banana
2 small mandarins
20 oz water

Dinner
2 cups beef vegetable stew(homemade)
4 oz ham
2 double fiber wheat bread slices
20 oz water
2 small mandarins

Seem to have hit a snag.

2010-03-27T12:51:00.001-07:00

Last year, I began weight watchers in February, at 360+ lbs. I lost weight very rapidly, until about the end of March or so, where I reached 312. My weight leveled off, and I gained back a bit of the 50 lbs I had lost. I stopped doing WW in May, as my work schedule was crazy, and I just wasn't able to take more weight off, no matter what I tried. I tried coming in at my alloted point amount, I tried 3/4 of my points, even tried half a time or two. I stayed more or less the same until October, when I came down with swine flu. Between that and pneumonia, I dropped to 309. Once I began to recover, I didn't watch what I was eating, and I shot back up to 335, at which point I began my current weight loss attempt.

This week, I have just felt off, and periodic checks of my weight have show that, despite eating fairly well and sticking to my WW plan, I seem to be steadily gaining all week. Today, I stepped on the scale, and confirmed it. 319. 5 lbs in a week! I know I haven't been eating enough to account for that.

Earlier today, I was taking my vitamins and using my allergy inhaler when it hit me. My inhaler is a nasal steroid, and I started using it the same time last year. The same week I began having trouble losing. Shit. I also stopped using it some time after spring, which is when my weight leveled off again.

I have to figure this out. This inhaler is the ONLY thing I have found that helps my congestion, other than the now prescription only Sudafed etc. I have no medical insurance, so Sudafed is not available to me. When my allergies act up, I can't breathe right, which means I don't sleep, which makes it VERY hard to watch what I eat. Further, this inhaler is like a miracle drug for me. It works better than anything I have ever tried.

Do I drop the medicine, and try to deal with the lack of breathing? Maybe I can increase my exercise to offset the steroid effects.

Oh well. At least now I have a reason for my sudden halt in weight loss. I can figure this out.

Edit:

Ok, so after my earlier stress and freakout, I rechecked my weight. I made sure the scale was level, and checked my weight three times, with the same result, 317. So, only a gain of about 2.5-2.75 lbs. Not great, but not as bad as I thought. I could be retaining extra water, I have really slacked on my water intake this week. Normally I drink a lot. Of water, I mean. So, more water, and I am going to see if I can do some more exercise. I decided last night to take the rest of the week off of the situp/pushup regimen, and restart next week at this same level. My abs are feeling overtaxed, and I don't want an injury. Have to replace that with other exercise, though.

Slept in late. No breakfast.

Lunch
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
Got busy doing research, forgot to eat

Dinner
12 oz beef round, broiled
1.5 cups carrots
1 bell pepper

I'll be at a bellydance party at my studio tonight, so hopefully the snacks don't prove too tempting for me. We'll see.

Didn't do terrible tonight.
2 tbsp cheese/salsa dip
16 tortilla chips
assorted cucumber slices, carrot sticks, celery sticks
8 oz coffee with raw sugar and fake creamer

Friday...

2010-03-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Breakfast(late)
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
4 oz ham on double fiber wheat bread
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 oz sweet gherkin pickles

Lunch/snack
2 oz beef jerky
pumpernickel roll(300 calories, 5 grams fiber)
2 small mandarins

Dinner
1.5 cups black beans and rice
3 small mandarins
6 small corn tortillas

Snack
12 oz decaf coffee, one half packet hot cocoa

Busy day...

2010-03-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

Started my own earache last night, so I slept late this morning. As a result, my morning coffee was closer to being lunch. Busy with chamber of commerce and work stuff, then had to do Walmart for a while. A bit off today, but I think fairly well, all things considered. This week has been rough, diet-wise, I am dreading weigh in. I guess, looking at what I actually ate, I did pretty well, but it feels so out of routine...

Breakfast(brunch)
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Lunch
Subway footlong veggie sub on wheat
Doritos chips
diet soda

Snack
pumpernickel roll(300 calories, 5 grams fiber)

Dinner
5 oz Turkey Breast on double fiber wheat
1 cup carrots
2 small mandarins

www.Twohundredsitups.com

Week 4, Day 2

I need protein...

2010-03-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

I know this. I've known this for a long time, that I do much better if I eat a diet high in protein. It was reinforced when I began dieting, because I became much more aware of both exactly what I was putting into my body, and how my body was reacting to the different foods.

I got a reminder this morning. See, last night I ate most of my calories midday, which was fine. However, my late meal was almost purely starch, with no protein to speak of. This morning, I woke up and, how can I put this? I was a monster. I was awful, cranky, grumpy, lashing out, depressed.
I had some protein early on, and that helped, but it took until midday and several protein sources to get my mood back to normal.

Have to remember, I have to eat protein late and night, as well as first thing in the morning. I am simply a much nicer person when I have a good source of protein. Also, being low on protein makes my carb cravings much worse, and nearly impossible to resist.

Breakfast
Ham(4 oz) sandwich on wheat(2 slices)
13 tortilla chips with 1/2 cup salsa
1 small apple

Snack
1.5 oz beef jerky
14 cashews

Lunch
2 oz ham
3 small mandarins

Dinner
Ham(4 oz) sandwich on wheat(2 slices)
13 tortilla chips with 1/2 cup salsa

Supper
2 cups black beans and rice
6 small corn tortillas

Gah! I was so hungry, and decided to give in. Back on track tomorrow.

http://www.hundredpushups.com/week4.html
Week 4, Day 1 complete.

blarg.

2010-03-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kiddo still sick today, had to take her to urgent care. Did fairly well, despite the unplanned road trip.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee, raw sugar
1 small banana

lunch
Carls Jr low carb six dollar burger(no mayo).
side salad with raspberry vinegarette dressing
diet coke

snack
4 oz beef jerky

Dinner
baked potato with salsa(no butter)

http://www.twohundredsitups.com/
Week 4, Day 1 completed.

2010-03-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

In which I ramble senselessly...

2010-03-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

One thing I have learned, if I am hungry, I have to find something at least somewhat healthful to cram into my mouth, or I will eat something REALLY bad! Which is why I keep about 20 of those darn MetRx meal replacement bars around. If I feel my willpower fading, that's it, my meal is decided. More carbs than I'd like, but it fills the hole in my gut, and has plenty of protein to keep me satisfied until next meal.
Another thing I do(which may not work for you) is I have tons of crap in my house. Seriously, cookies, candy, chips, soda, all of it, it is in my cupboards. For one, I have a 5 year old. So it's gonna be around.

The other thing is, sometimes, I have a craving. Most times, I can ignore it. But there are times where if I don;t satisfy it, I will keep trying to substitute, and end up eating three plates of something, rather than the 12 chips with salsa I really wanted.

Lately, as my diet progresses, I find I have fewer and fewer cravings. When I do, it is fruit, veggies and (always) protein that I crave. I have an entire shelf filled with fruits and vegetables in my kitchen. I go to the local fruit stand every two weeks and stock up. Apples, oranges, mandarins, bell peppers, garlic, bananas, cucumbers, papayas, tons of healthy natural snacks. All of them on a shelf at just below eye level.

Weigh in

2010-03-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Breakfast!

2010-03-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

I ate breakfast today.

2 cups Texas Chicken Soup
12 oz coffee with Raw Sugar
20 oz water

And now I have my daughter's illness from yesterday. Thankfully, it seems to be a 24 hour bug, as she is much better this morning.

Snack/lunch
1 medium apple
1 large mandarin
1/2 banana
1 mini bagel with 2 tbls Nutella (bad for me, I know, but I have been resisting Nutella for a couple months, and if I didn't have a small bit of chocolate, I was likely to eat a whole bag of something)

Dinner
MetRx bar-didn't really want this, but I needed to eat something, and I was far too ill to prepare a meal for myself.
1 medium apple
3 strawberries
2 small mandarins

Sick kid

2010-03-19T13:47:00.001-07:00

No chance to eat anything so far today. My daughter came home sick from school, so no chance to head downstairs for food, just taking care of her. Hopefully she'll feel a little better soon, so I can grab something quick.

Had some coffee when I first got up, was about to get food, but no luck.

8 oz coffee with raw sugar(didn't get to finish my cup).

HA! Ran downstairs, grabbed an apple! The wife should be home soon, maybe I'll get a break then. Daughter is almost asleep though, so maybe even sooner.

Finally! Mom's home, and I have 2 cups Texas Chicken soup, a carb free turkey sandwich, 1 cup carrots, 1 large mandarin.

Ok, a few more hours, and I had the chance to grab two more large mandarins, and a MetRx meal replacement bar. At east things are spaced out nicely today. We ARE supposed to eat several small meals, right? lol...

Another day, hopefully another pound less....

2010-03-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar

Lunch
1 ham sandwich(2 slices wheat bread, 4 oz ham)
1 cup carrots
a large mandarin

Early dinner
1 turkey sandwich(2 slices wheat bread, 4 oz turkey)
1 cup pretzel sticks

Dinnertime snack
1/2 cup salsa
15 tortilla chips.

Supper
carb free sandwich:
4 leaves green lettuce
1 oz sharp cheddar
4 oz turkey breast
2 oz ham
1 apple, medium

Nearly forgot to post this:
http://www.hundredpushups.com
Week Three, Day Two completed.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
12 oz coffee with raw sugar
1 large mandarin

lunch
1 ham sandwich(2 slices wheat bread, 4 oz ham)
1 large banana
1 large mandarin
1 medium apple
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa

Midday
20 oz iced coffee(fake sugar)
1/4 cup milk in coffee

Dinner
4 cups Texas Chicken Soup( black beans, kindey beans, chicken, pinto beans, chili beans, tomatoes, green chilis, corn)
6 tortilla chips(under the soup)
1 oz cheddar cheese(shredded, on top of soup)

Late snack
3/4 Met Rx meal replacement bar

http://www.twohundredsitups.com/
Week Three, Day Two complete.

Tuesday...

2010-03-16T14:29:00.001-07:00

Breakfast
Nothing, because I was asleep. Slept in until 11:40. I feel much better now.

Lunch
12 oz coffee, with raw sugar
1 small mandarin(I know it isn't much, but it is an improvement over my usual first meal f the day, which has traditionally been coffee.)

Dinner
1 large mandarin
ham sandwich on wheat bread(4 oz ham)
6 El Sabrosos Salsitas chips
12 tortilla chips
1/2 cup salsa
12 oz iced coffee (1/4 cup whole milk, fake sweetener)
(oops, forgot this earlier)
2 slices wheat bread with chicken salad on top.

Supper
Ham sandwich, 4 oz ham on wheat, 1 slice block sharp cheddar(about one oz)
2 apples
8 oz Mongolian Beef

One Hundred Pushups Challenge
Week 3, Day 1 complete.

Well, not so much progress today...

2010-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep last night. I mean, at all. Not a second. Stayed up all night. Had a meeting at 11:30 this morning. Now, I am not a breakfast person, but my meeting didn't get done until after 1, then I had stuff to take care of...what it comes down to is, I didn't eat breakfast, I didn't eat lunch, now I don't want to eat dinner. Too much stress, not enough sleep=no appetite for Byron. Blech.

Breakfast
12 oz coffee, with raw sugar.

Lunch
Nothing.

Dinner
ham sandwich on wheat bread(4 oz ham)
12 El Sabrosos Salsitas chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 small mandarin orange
1 Met RX Meal Replacement bar

Evening snack
2 small mandarin oranges
1 large banana
1/2 oz summer sausage

Week three, Day one of http://www.twohundredsitups.com/

today I ate...

2010-03-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Breakfast
Coffee with sugar-12 oz
1 small mandarin oranges

Lunch
ham sandwich on wheat bread(4 oz ham)
12 El Sabrosos Salsitas chips
1/2 cup salsa
1 large mandarin orange

Dinner
3 cups white rice
2 cups Mongolian Beef
1 small mandarin orange

2010-03-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

2010-03-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Weekly weigh in tomorrow....

2010-03-06T23:32:00.001-08:00

Pretty sure I am screwed. Had a few rough days this week, being busy and out and about. HArd to stay on track, so I think I will see a weight gain. But, I did pretty good today, logging a LOT of walking, as well as only going over my diet slightly, even with being out and about all day. So, we'll see. If I gain, that just means I have to kick back into high gear to recover lost ground.

The first month...

2010-03-03T02:13:00.000-08:00

Weight record:
329.8 lbs-2/1/2010
324.4 lbs-2/5/2010
323.2 lbs-2/6/2010
323.4 lbs-2/7/2010
335.0 lbs-2/14/2010
326 lbs-2/21/2010
323.2 lbs-2/23/2010
322.8 lbs-2/26/2010
321.8 lbs-2/28/2010
320.6 lbs-3/2/2010

As you can see, my first two weeks went slowly, and were completely derailed by Valentine's day. I had been slipping back into my old habits already by then, but that day was the final straw. I was at an event that day, as a vendor, and my wife was performing, so I ended up watching the booth. I had expected to be able to go out for food that day, but what happened was I got stuck there and ate the choice I had available to me, which was hot dogs. Then of course, it was the chocolate and candies and a big dinner..I was headed right back into fatland on the calorie express.

I decided I needed to join WeightWatchers. Again. I lost 50 lbs with them last year, over a period of about three months or so. I kept that weight off for 9 months, until illness and job loss, combined with stress, put me back to gaining weight. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention lack of will power, or rather, failure to exercise it.

No More. I will not allow fat to control me. I will be around when my daughter has children, I will be healthy, and I will not let the flab beat me. With hard work and a bit of luck, by March 20th, I will be under 300 lbs for the first time since 2003. That will reverse 6 years of weight gains. Worst case, I can see it maybe taking until the end of March. We'll see.

2010-03-02T15:19:00.001-08:00

2010-02-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Weight record:
329.8 lbs-2/1/2010
324.4 lbs-2/5/2010
323.2 lbs-2/6/2010
323.4 lbs-2/7/2010
335.0 lbs-2/14/2010
326 lbs-2/21/2010
323.2 lbs-2/23/2010
322.8 lbs-2/26/2010
321.8 lbs-2/28/2010

2010-02-26T17:21:00.000-08:00