Well I’m amazed it’s been a year already. I’ve undergone some serious life changes, some good some bad…but first and foremost is the fact that I still want to get healthier! I want to slim down and I want to get stronger! For those of you that know me, I’m a pretty solid guy. I may have some soft spots in the middle but overall I’m pretty athletic and I have some solid muscle. Transitions help me change my life style, the way I eat, the outlook I had on diet and exercise…I should note that transitions isn’t a diet, it’s a new way of eating, a lifestyle change (good marketing name huh?). I eat a ton of fruits and veggies, I have lean protein and still eat a small amount of carbs and dairy.
I’ve noticed that my appetite is down and my portion control is even better. I only eat until I’m satisfied, that’s been one of the harder adjustments for me. I used to eat everything that was put in front of me…the reinforcement of growing up under the mantra of “You took it, you eat it” or “finish everything on your plate.” Now I’m not saying this is a poor way to raise a family, my mother did a great job raising us, but it’s that mentality or social programming that begins to hardwire us as children and carries us into adulthood. I always ate what I took, even if I was overstuffing myself. Transitions Lifestyle System helped me break that social programming and has allowed me to reboot my food intake. For this I’ve been very grateful. I find that I eat more often, but I’m making healthier choices with smaller portions because I’m eating regularly.
So let’s get to the numbers. I’m fine with where I’m at, but I plan on going a lot further! There were my numbers at week 12 when I finished the program.
Week 12
Age: 35 Wgt: 256 BF% 31.8
So a year later:
Age: 36 Wgt: 238 BF% 26.8
Now I’m not happy with my BF% but at the same time I know that I had a few rough months at the start of the year that I didn’t work out, I didn’t eat right and I had a lot of stress in my life. I lost my grandmother in Feb and my grandfather followed her 4 weeks later. It was a very stressful time for me and my family. They were a big part of our lives growing up and it was a shock and blow to lose them so quickly.
So I admit I “fell off” the wagon for a little bit, I gained some of the weight back and I lost my focus. Well that focus is back and with a renewed fire. I know what I want to do and TLS is only one cog in the wheel. I want to share my successes with others and I want to help them gain the same freedom I have, not only with my health, but my life as well.
So I have started a new, intense workout, called P90X by Beachbody.com. This workout is the hardest thing I’ve done since I attended INDOC for BUD/S. It’s broken down into muscle building and cardio workouts lasting 1 hour each 6 days a week. And these work outs are anything but easy. The program is based on a term called “muscle confusion”, your body adjusts to certain workouts and you plateau getting no results. The reason I got P90X was for this very reason. I was hovering around 240 lbs with a BMI of 30% for about 4 weeks. I didn’t change anything, not the way I ate, not the powerbell workouts I was doing…nothing. So I knew I needed to switch it up. After 2 weeks of P90X I’ve lost 2% BF but I’m still hovering around the same weight, muscle weights more than fat so I’m ok with it.
Now this is one of the hardest things that people trying to lose weight, lose track of…a scale only measures your weight, not your worth. I’ve found that people have a serious mental block when it comes to the scale; they weight themselves too often and get discouraged when they don’t see a drastic change in the numbers. In my experience I’ve found that 4 weeks is the key. Take pictures and weigh yourself every 4 weeks and you will be fired up and encouraged by what you see. Also get a fabric tape measure and take your measurements. There is something pretty motivational about seeing a combined 20-30” drop from different parts of your body.
So I’ve set a goal to be at 17% BF by the end of my first 90 days. I’m planning on doing a second session of P90X afterwards so that I can get to be lean and mean again. While this workout program isn’t for everyone one, it has taught me some valuable lessons about working out. Don’t follow the same routine for weeks on end. There are literally hundreds and thousands of different exercises out there and you can change up and modify when you need to for your body to continue to burn fat and build lean muscle. But not just working out, you need to change the way you eat.
I challenge any of you reading my blog to just change one thing a day. Instead of going for a soda, grab a cup of water and squeeze in a lemon slice, or if you want the carbonation drink flavored sparkling water. Instead of ordering chicken tenders, toss a boneless (skinless) chicken breast in the oven and then slice it into tender strips. Instead of grabbing a ho-ho or ringding grab an apple or a banana. Just these little changes will make huge changes. If you are feeling especially froggy you can join me on a 12 week transitions plan and we can do the whole thing right, and together. Support is the key to making this, or any program really, work. Whether you want to do it with a group of peers or one on one with a coach (me), support will give you the nudges and pushes when you need them the most but it will also give you someone to be accountable to.
So in closing I want to thank Dr. Lydia Martinez for all of her hard work in pioneering this program and to all of the TLS coaches and trainers out there that give up their own time to make sure that this program touches as many people as possible. Last but not least my coach, aka my Mom, for taking me serious and keeping me honest. You are an inspiration to me. This isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of the next chapter as we climb to glory together. I will actually keep this blog going as my life unfolds, because like I said at the beginning this isn’t a 12 week program, it’s a life altering experience and you people will get a firsthand look at how my life is changing!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Final weeks
Well I have reached the end of the 12 week program, and I must say I'm pretty excited. We realized that I didn't put a realistic 12 week ending goal..15% body fat from 37% is more of the 6-12 month goal. I'll be redefining these goals a little later. However lets move on to the numbers!
Week 1
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37
Week 4
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
Week 8
Age: 35 Wgt: 262 BF%: 33.6
Week 12
Age: 35 Wgt: 256 BF% 31.8
So a summery of my totals:
27.6 lbs lost
5.2 % body fat lost
18.25" over all inches lost (I have nothing that fits me anymore!) :)
I will be very honest and let you all know that I'm not happy with these numbers. Yes they are good, I could have done a lot better. The last week of the program we almost lost my grandfather, so I was in the hospital a lot, only was able to work out 2 times. I also snacked, unhealthily, for most of the that week as it was stressful. Now I spent two night in the hospital, I was able to get out and walk around for a bit, but I didn't get to work up the sweat I usually do...I really actually missed it. I think the first time I stepped on the treadmill in my grandparents basement was on Thursday, maybe Friday...the whole week is kinda of blur.
I am going to keep this blog going, as Transitions isn't just a 12 week diet, it's a lifestyle change. You change the way you eat, exercise regularly and get healthy for the rest of your life. I still have a Mini-Triathlon I'm training for in April, and the year after that I'm going to set a goal now to run a real one! I have so many goals in my head that I think I'll have to map them out on an excel spreadsheet.
I'm also planning to travel to Fort Lauderdale, FL in March and become a certified Transitions Coach. This program is so great that I have no problem teaching other people how to to do it, and having been a client first I can see things from both sides. This is a life style change, its not a diet...this is something that will serve you well for the rest of your life, should you adopt it. The program is really simple to follow and provides the education to succeed. If I can do this, I can sure as hell show someone else how to.
The program is simple, yet has to be balanced out. The first 12 weeks educate you on label reading, proper low glycemic eating, and exercise. The first week was the hardest, De-tox! Detox was rough because I had a ton of cravings...I wanted something as simple as a sandwich, or even a piece of bread...but for 7 days it was veggies and fruit. I learned to really like the V8 Spicey Hot, a little high in sodium but if I watched my other foods it was fine. After that week, I learned how to add more things into my diet to help level off my cravings and boost my energy level. By the end of the first 4 weeks I had a pretty good handle on it.
Exercising was key also. There were two kinds of exercise that I needed to do, one was to exercise the slow twitch muscle fiber and the other was to build lean muscle. Slow twitch muscle fiber exercise works to burn fat, not sugar. For this I chose a verity of cardio workouts, at the time I was limited to what I could do because of an injury to my feet, I had to go through physical therapy for them...still not 100% but much better then they were. I started at 45 minutes a day and went to 60 as the weeks went on and I kept my heart rate between 110-120. Heart rate is key for burning fat, two high of a heart rate and your body begins to burn sugar for its energy and not fat. This is why you can see some people at the gym that are throwing up 250 lbs on the bench press but have a gut hanging over their belt, they are burning the sugars of their bodies, not the fat and most likely not eating right (but that should be its own paragraph). :)
As for building lean muscle, I'm going to do a plug of a product, I rarely endorse things, but this is by far the best muscle building work out I've ever found. I invested in something called the powerbell by weider (http://www.getpowerbell.com/), and let me tell you it was a fabulous investment. It combines cardio and muscle exercise in a short workout. The first time I did this I over did it...and I couldn't lift my arms over my head...which was a problem because I had a LARP to attend! I had a hard time swinging my sword over my head...I looked like a I have jelly arms. I do the basic workout 3 times a week, its only 12 minutes total...though I've cheated and increased mine to 15 minutes. It is the best muscle building work out I've ever used, immediate results and limited stiffness. I highly recommend investing in one of these.
So we come to the end of my 12 weeks and the beginning of the rest of my life, and it will be a very long and healthy one! If anyone wants more information on transitions or has any specific questions about my journey, you are more then welcome to ask. This whole Blog as been for you guys, as much as for me. I hope I have inspired you to get a grip on your weight and health.
More to come in the future!
Week 1
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37
Week 4
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
Week 8
Age: 35 Wgt: 262 BF%: 33.6
Week 12
Age: 35 Wgt: 256 BF% 31.8
So a summery of my totals:
27.6 lbs lost
5.2 % body fat lost
18.25" over all inches lost (I have nothing that fits me anymore!) :)
I will be very honest and let you all know that I'm not happy with these numbers. Yes they are good, I could have done a lot better. The last week of the program we almost lost my grandfather, so I was in the hospital a lot, only was able to work out 2 times. I also snacked, unhealthily, for most of the that week as it was stressful. Now I spent two night in the hospital, I was able to get out and walk around for a bit, but I didn't get to work up the sweat I usually do...I really actually missed it. I think the first time I stepped on the treadmill in my grandparents basement was on Thursday, maybe Friday...the whole week is kinda of blur.
I am going to keep this blog going, as Transitions isn't just a 12 week diet, it's a lifestyle change. You change the way you eat, exercise regularly and get healthy for the rest of your life. I still have a Mini-Triathlon I'm training for in April, and the year after that I'm going to set a goal now to run a real one! I have so many goals in my head that I think I'll have to map them out on an excel spreadsheet.
I'm also planning to travel to Fort Lauderdale, FL in March and become a certified Transitions Coach. This program is so great that I have no problem teaching other people how to to do it, and having been a client first I can see things from both sides. This is a life style change, its not a diet...this is something that will serve you well for the rest of your life, should you adopt it. The program is really simple to follow and provides the education to succeed. If I can do this, I can sure as hell show someone else how to.
The program is simple, yet has to be balanced out. The first 12 weeks educate you on label reading, proper low glycemic eating, and exercise. The first week was the hardest, De-tox! Detox was rough because I had a ton of cravings...I wanted something as simple as a sandwich, or even a piece of bread...but for 7 days it was veggies and fruit. I learned to really like the V8 Spicey Hot, a little high in sodium but if I watched my other foods it was fine. After that week, I learned how to add more things into my diet to help level off my cravings and boost my energy level. By the end of the first 4 weeks I had a pretty good handle on it.
Exercising was key also. There were two kinds of exercise that I needed to do, one was to exercise the slow twitch muscle fiber and the other was to build lean muscle. Slow twitch muscle fiber exercise works to burn fat, not sugar. For this I chose a verity of cardio workouts, at the time I was limited to what I could do because of an injury to my feet, I had to go through physical therapy for them...still not 100% but much better then they were. I started at 45 minutes a day and went to 60 as the weeks went on and I kept my heart rate between 110-120. Heart rate is key for burning fat, two high of a heart rate and your body begins to burn sugar for its energy and not fat. This is why you can see some people at the gym that are throwing up 250 lbs on the bench press but have a gut hanging over their belt, they are burning the sugars of their bodies, not the fat and most likely not eating right (but that should be its own paragraph). :)
As for building lean muscle, I'm going to do a plug of a product, I rarely endorse things, but this is by far the best muscle building work out I've ever found. I invested in something called the powerbell by weider (http://www.getpowerbell.com/), and let me tell you it was a fabulous investment. It combines cardio and muscle exercise in a short workout. The first time I did this I over did it...and I couldn't lift my arms over my head...which was a problem because I had a LARP to attend! I had a hard time swinging my sword over my head...I looked like a I have jelly arms. I do the basic workout 3 times a week, its only 12 minutes total...though I've cheated and increased mine to 15 minutes. It is the best muscle building work out I've ever used, immediate results and limited stiffness. I highly recommend investing in one of these.
So we come to the end of my 12 weeks and the beginning of the rest of my life, and it will be a very long and healthy one! If anyone wants more information on transitions or has any specific questions about my journey, you are more then welcome to ask. This whole Blog as been for you guys, as much as for me. I hope I have inspired you to get a grip on your weight and health.
More to come in the future!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
weeks 9 and 10
Has it really been 10 weeks...good lord time has flown. Have I mentioned that this is a lifestyle change, not a diet? I like Garfield's (cartoon cat) impression of what a diet is...Die...with a T on it!
I know that I might sound a little preachy, but what can I say, I have something that really works..and it isn't a hard thing to do once you get into the swing of things. Everyone that went through this program before me has said the detox was the hardest part, and that is so true. Its not hard, at all, to follow the program once you decide that you are going to. You need to buy fresh, organic is nice but if you can't afford it, buy fresh fruits and veggies, learn to read labels and stay away from processed or foods with additives. You don't have to give up everything you love, but the detox is key to clean your body of all the shit you've been filling it with over the years and getting your body ready to burn the foods you will keep going with.
I have added whole grains to my daily intact now. Brown rice, steel cut oats, things like that, and I've noticed a little difference but to be honest I'm finding I don't really need them. A large major of the US population is thought to have an allergy to wheat and gluten products caused by the way that some grains, wheat in particular, are processed.
At this stage of the program you want to only add whole grains. 100% Stone ground wheat is not whole wheat. This program is as much about education as it is numbers and formulas. It teaches you how to read labels, how the first 6-10 ingredients are the most important to pay attention to and what to look for to identify good carbs verse bad carbs. The education of this program is the most important aspect of the program, as when you 12 weeks are up you will be left with the tools to help guide you through the rest of your life.
I am so amazed at how this program works I'm signing up to become a Transitions Lifestyle Coach. I want to share this with as many people as possible and help people live a healthier and happier life. The thing people need to understand is that its a mind thing, you change your mind you can change your life. This program will only work if you want it to. You can follow the program for your 12 weeks, and you can then go back to eating all the shit you did before...unless you actually make the decision to stick with it...for life. You will live a longer and healthier life if you simply change your mind.
So at work I've joined a little competition for fitness. This program has to be one of the biggest jokes or greatest illusions ever. Basically you add up your minutes of exercise for the week and submit it. Some of the activities they say "qualify" as fitness actives is a little ridiculous. My problem with this program is they are calling it a fitness program...its not. Fitness requires training, coaching, and changes to be made in lifestyle, not just what you eat but how you live your life. There has to be accountability to someone for moral support and kick you in the ass when you need it.
I think I've been pretty good to my coach and she hasn't had to kick my ass, but I know that some of her other clients might cause her to go bald! Accountability and Education...those are the keys.
If you want more information then ask me, I've made this blog avaialble to the public so that I can share this with all of you. The US is the most obese country on the planet! According to the CDC "In 2008, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-two states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; six of these states (Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia ) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%." Thats over 1/4 of the nation that is great then 25% BMI (BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height and provides a reasonable indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems.)
This is a scary state to be living in. Our life expectancy is dropping as our BMI is raising...with our vast strides in technology and modern medicine why is this happening? Education in natural and healthy living is being stifled, because of major drug companies who are finding it more profitable to treat illness then to cure it, and we, as Americans are blindly following the herd.
Sorry to sound political and preachy, but the education of this program has really opened my eyes to the world we live in. Things need to change, and we need to start the change with each of us.
Thanks for reading! :)
I know that I might sound a little preachy, but what can I say, I have something that really works..and it isn't a hard thing to do once you get into the swing of things. Everyone that went through this program before me has said the detox was the hardest part, and that is so true. Its not hard, at all, to follow the program once you decide that you are going to. You need to buy fresh, organic is nice but if you can't afford it, buy fresh fruits and veggies, learn to read labels and stay away from processed or foods with additives. You don't have to give up everything you love, but the detox is key to clean your body of all the shit you've been filling it with over the years and getting your body ready to burn the foods you will keep going with.
I have added whole grains to my daily intact now. Brown rice, steel cut oats, things like that, and I've noticed a little difference but to be honest I'm finding I don't really need them. A large major of the US population is thought to have an allergy to wheat and gluten products caused by the way that some grains, wheat in particular, are processed.
At this stage of the program you want to only add whole grains. 100% Stone ground wheat is not whole wheat. This program is as much about education as it is numbers and formulas. It teaches you how to read labels, how the first 6-10 ingredients are the most important to pay attention to and what to look for to identify good carbs verse bad carbs. The education of this program is the most important aspect of the program, as when you 12 weeks are up you will be left with the tools to help guide you through the rest of your life.
I am so amazed at how this program works I'm signing up to become a Transitions Lifestyle Coach. I want to share this with as many people as possible and help people live a healthier and happier life. The thing people need to understand is that its a mind thing, you change your mind you can change your life. This program will only work if you want it to. You can follow the program for your 12 weeks, and you can then go back to eating all the shit you did before...unless you actually make the decision to stick with it...for life. You will live a longer and healthier life if you simply change your mind.
So at work I've joined a little competition for fitness. This program has to be one of the biggest jokes or greatest illusions ever. Basically you add up your minutes of exercise for the week and submit it. Some of the activities they say "qualify" as fitness actives is a little ridiculous. My problem with this program is they are calling it a fitness program...its not. Fitness requires training, coaching, and changes to be made in lifestyle, not just what you eat but how you live your life. There has to be accountability to someone for moral support and kick you in the ass when you need it.
I think I've been pretty good to my coach and she hasn't had to kick my ass, but I know that some of her other clients might cause her to go bald! Accountability and Education...those are the keys.
If you want more information then ask me, I've made this blog avaialble to the public so that I can share this with all of you. The US is the most obese country on the planet! According to the CDC "In 2008, only one state (Colorado) had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-two states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; six of these states (Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia ) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%." Thats over 1/4 of the nation that is great then 25% BMI (BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height and provides a reasonable indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems.)
This is a scary state to be living in. Our life expectancy is dropping as our BMI is raising...with our vast strides in technology and modern medicine why is this happening? Education in natural and healthy living is being stifled, because of major drug companies who are finding it more profitable to treat illness then to cure it, and we, as Americans are blindly following the herd.
Sorry to sound political and preachy, but the education of this program has really opened my eyes to the world we live in. Things need to change, and we need to start the change with each of us.
Thanks for reading! :)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Corrected week 8 stats
I can't believe its been 8 weeks already. I feel great and I'm swimming in most of my cloths. I am wearing a pair of size 40 pants and they are getting big on me! :)
So over the weekend I posted my stats, I then got an email from my coach telling me that I had posted them wrong.
So here they are:
wk1 284.6 lbs....38.6 %BF
wk4 270 lbs.......37% BF
wk8 262.6 lbs.....34.4% BF
Totals are still the same though...I've lost over a foot over my waist, chest, thighs, and hips.
I was walking off the train to my mom's car on Friday night and she didn't recognize me until I was about 5 feet away, either she's going senile or I've changed a bit, with her it could go either way. :) I joke but she's been a great inspiration in my life.
Enjoy the stats. I'll post most when I start doing a daily journal.
So over the weekend I posted my stats, I then got an email from my coach telling me that I had posted them wrong.
So here they are:
wk1 284.6 lbs....38.6 %BF
wk4 270 lbs.......37% BF
wk8 262.6 lbs.....34.4% BF
Totals are still the same though...I've lost over a foot over my waist, chest, thighs, and hips.
I was walking off the train to my mom's car on Friday night and she didn't recognize me until I was about 5 feet away, either she's going senile or I've changed a bit, with her it could go either way. :) I joke but she's been a great inspiration in my life.
Enjoy the stats. I'll post most when I start doing a daily journal.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
8 Week Stats
So I'm in Maine and sitting here with my nephew watching some TV and i get an email from my coach with the results as of now, so I figured I would do a quick update.
Week 1
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37%
Week 4
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
Week 8
Age: 35 Wgt: 262 BF%: 33.6%
So in week 8 I've lost an additional 8.5 inches, 3.4 % Body Fat and 8.5 inches overall.
Totals:22.2 lbs, 4.2%BF 15.25 inches overall...thought I would share these mind blowing figures. More to write later.
Week 1
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37%
Week 4
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
Week 8
Age: 35 Wgt: 262 BF%: 33.6%
So in week 8 I've lost an additional 8.5 inches, 3.4 % Body Fat and 8.5 inches overall.
Totals:22.2 lbs, 4.2%BF 15.25 inches overall...thought I would share these mind blowing figures. More to write later.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Missed week and weigh in!
So I was a little busy again over these last couple of weeks and didn't get a chance to blog my story...so here I am. I'm going for my 8 week weight in this weekend, also going to see my Nephew play some ball and hang with my grandparents, (never know how much longer they will be around).
But to last week. So I was tired, after going to the gym I caught the train home and decided I was going to veg for an hour or so after I got out of the shower. I sat down and watched the 2 hour episode of the biggest loser, and I was stunned to see that in the first 30 minutes two of their new contestants had to go to the hospital because they had a problem doing just a mile...a whole mile. Now I'll be the first to admit I am no fan of running, but to be taken to a hospital by helicopter at the end of a mile...should set off some kind of bells and whistles that things need to change in your life, esp with the fact that the woman in question has 2 young kids and a husband in Iraq. Not to mention Coach Mo, who was a collegiate athlete and went on to coach youth athletes. How can you coach and have people look up to you when you can't do a mile without needing O2 and an over night in the hospital?
I'm not condemning anyone...but I'm looking at how America has become the largest country in the world, and on our TV shows as well. At the weigh in for the biggest looser they made the comment that it is the largest class they have ever had. Shay, one of the ladies on there, was 474 lbs, that was the largest person ever, in the history of the show. Fits right up there with the show "more to love", the average size of woman in america is between 16-18...now I like a woman with curves but why is the national average this high? Are we truly a nation of apathetic people that will take the easy way out? Its easier to go to the drive through then spending 20 minutes at home grilling some chicken and steaming a bowl of veggies? I think that is just sad, how many people in today's society actually sit down and have an evening meal with the family that was prepared in the home and not Domino's or Chinese?
Just doing a quick search on the CDC website I found these stats for 2005-2006:
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)
Percent of adolescents age 12-19 years who are overweight: 18% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 6-11 years who are overweight: 15% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 2-5 years who are overweight: 11% (2005-2006)
Back in 2006 these are shocking statistics...18% of our children are overweight. Thats going up even today.
Now I didn't want to turn this blog into a rant about overweight and obesity but these are the reasons that I started down this path. My spirit is willing but my body is unable...and I'm the one that let myself get there. I was as apathetic and as lazy as the next person. Currently I'm suffering from planter facetious and this is causing my work outs to be less intense then they could be, as a result of this condition I was have also started to suffer some damage to my lower leg because its causing me to walk awkwardly...I'm not happy about this...at all. However it is what I have to work through to get myself healthy. Everyone will face their own trials and tribulations, this is what makes the journey special, being able to look back and say..."I did it, despite all this crap before me." I mean hell if it was easy the national average wouldn't be so high!
So back to my journey! I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Take last week for instance. It was a Wednesday and I had just gotten done working out in the gym and I called up my friend Andrew to grab a quick bite. We eat and then made our way to the train. We are sitting at the train for about 5 minutes when I notice that I had voice mail. I listen to my VM and its my friend Rachel, she tells me that there was a fire at the Chinatown stop and as a result she was kicked off the train and missed her commuter rail back to Providence, wanted to know if I wanted to hang out. Now for those of you who know Rachel, she's awesome, truly one of the special people in my life...I don't spend nearly enough time with her. So I ditched Andrew, who totally understood, and met up with Rachel under the caveat that she be able to catch the 750 or the 820 train out of Backbay to Providence. We met on the Green line at Symphony hall and walked around Boston for the next hour or so. It wasn't so much that we had any particular destination in mind...we just caught up on each other's lives. At about 8 o'clock we found a little pub near Backbay and went in for a drink. Now I haven't had a single drop of alcohol during this entire program, and I wasn't going to have one...until we sat at the bar and saw Hoegaarden on tap! Now this is one of my favorite beers and I've never seen it in the states. I fell in love with it when I was in Hong Kong...its a great white beer of Belgium origins...the problem...one of the main ingredients is wheat. But I figured it was a special occasion, I don't often spend time with Rachel so I decided I would treat myself.It tasted great! We each had a beer, I think Rachel bought because I couldn't get my card fast enough...but hey i won't argue when a beautiful woman wants to be buy me a beer! :)
We go back head back to the train station and she makes the 820 back to Rhode Island. I on the other hand have to deal with the cluster fuck that is the MBTA on this particular night! Not only was the Orange Line only working on Outbound trains(i needed to go inbound)...the Red Line had a power failure from Harvard square to JFK...for those not familiar with the Red line...thats all of about 6 stops! So I ask the T attendant what to do...he has no idea what buses were running, if shuttle service was available or when the trains would be back to normal. Really...what the hell are my taxes paying you to do? He actually recommended I take a cab home! I did and submitted the receipt to the MBTA for reimbursement...I know I won't see it but it was the principle dammit! And this is why I truly believe in cause and effect. I never would have got to hang out with Rachel if none of this happened, and that was my best night of the week!
But the fact we walked around the city, the back roads of the Backbay residential area, some of the historic buildings and just had a beautiful night with each other was possible because of this program. I don't think I could have handled being on my feet for that long if I wasn't on this path. She's moving to Chelsea and we hope to spend more time together, I attribute this to my sparkling personality and my growing confidence! :) I suppose the fact I'm a great person might have something to do with it too!
This program isn't just about numbers, anyone can put up the numbers. It's mental as well as physical, and in some cases it could be spiritual. A while ago my life coach told me, change your mind and change your life. That is one of the huge reasons I'm having such great successes with this program. I decided that enough was enough, and I haven't lost that drive. I'm making changes to my life in all areas...with the exception of cleaning the apartment...which will have to happen soon because I'm not having Rachel over in its current state...but I digress. I really haven't given it this much effort in the past. I've always had some excuse, "oh I can't motivate myself to go to the gym and I need a work out partner to keep me going", I call bullshit on that one. If you aren't in the mindset to do this for yourself and be self reliant you are setting yourself up to fail. Yes, it's easier with a partner but in the end you are the only one that can make the necessary changes in your life to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. So live it, Change your mind, change your life.
So I'm off to Maine this weekend for my 8 week weigh in. I'll post the numbers when I get back. I'm confident that my work is paying off, not only are my cloths fitting better...but my level of energy is remaining constant. I've even joined a workout program at work, we have a 9 week competition every year...I'm gonna blow them all out of the water! :) After I win I'll show them my secret...which isn't really a secret because its all right here...they just need to open their eyes! :)
Until next time, stay positive and keep your eyes on your goals!
But to last week. So I was tired, after going to the gym I caught the train home and decided I was going to veg for an hour or so after I got out of the shower. I sat down and watched the 2 hour episode of the biggest loser, and I was stunned to see that in the first 30 minutes two of their new contestants had to go to the hospital because they had a problem doing just a mile...a whole mile. Now I'll be the first to admit I am no fan of running, but to be taken to a hospital by helicopter at the end of a mile...should set off some kind of bells and whistles that things need to change in your life, esp with the fact that the woman in question has 2 young kids and a husband in Iraq. Not to mention Coach Mo, who was a collegiate athlete and went on to coach youth athletes. How can you coach and have people look up to you when you can't do a mile without needing O2 and an over night in the hospital?
I'm not condemning anyone...but I'm looking at how America has become the largest country in the world, and on our TV shows as well. At the weigh in for the biggest looser they made the comment that it is the largest class they have ever had. Shay, one of the ladies on there, was 474 lbs, that was the largest person ever, in the history of the show. Fits right up there with the show "more to love", the average size of woman in america is between 16-18...now I like a woman with curves but why is the national average this high? Are we truly a nation of apathetic people that will take the easy way out? Its easier to go to the drive through then spending 20 minutes at home grilling some chicken and steaming a bowl of veggies? I think that is just sad, how many people in today's society actually sit down and have an evening meal with the family that was prepared in the home and not Domino's or Chinese?
Just doing a quick search on the CDC website I found these stats for 2005-2006:
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)
Percent of adolescents age 12-19 years who are overweight: 18% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 6-11 years who are overweight: 15% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 2-5 years who are overweight: 11% (2005-2006)
Back in 2006 these are shocking statistics...18% of our children are overweight. Thats going up even today.
Now I didn't want to turn this blog into a rant about overweight and obesity but these are the reasons that I started down this path. My spirit is willing but my body is unable...and I'm the one that let myself get there. I was as apathetic and as lazy as the next person. Currently I'm suffering from planter facetious and this is causing my work outs to be less intense then they could be, as a result of this condition I was have also started to suffer some damage to my lower leg because its causing me to walk awkwardly...I'm not happy about this...at all. However it is what I have to work through to get myself healthy. Everyone will face their own trials and tribulations, this is what makes the journey special, being able to look back and say..."I did it, despite all this crap before me." I mean hell if it was easy the national average wouldn't be so high!
So back to my journey! I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Take last week for instance. It was a Wednesday and I had just gotten done working out in the gym and I called up my friend Andrew to grab a quick bite. We eat and then made our way to the train. We are sitting at the train for about 5 minutes when I notice that I had voice mail. I listen to my VM and its my friend Rachel, she tells me that there was a fire at the Chinatown stop and as a result she was kicked off the train and missed her commuter rail back to Providence, wanted to know if I wanted to hang out. Now for those of you who know Rachel, she's awesome, truly one of the special people in my life...I don't spend nearly enough time with her. So I ditched Andrew, who totally understood, and met up with Rachel under the caveat that she be able to catch the 750 or the 820 train out of Backbay to Providence. We met on the Green line at Symphony hall and walked around Boston for the next hour or so. It wasn't so much that we had any particular destination in mind...we just caught up on each other's lives. At about 8 o'clock we found a little pub near Backbay and went in for a drink. Now I haven't had a single drop of alcohol during this entire program, and I wasn't going to have one...until we sat at the bar and saw Hoegaarden on tap! Now this is one of my favorite beers and I've never seen it in the states. I fell in love with it when I was in Hong Kong...its a great white beer of Belgium origins...the problem...one of the main ingredients is wheat. But I figured it was a special occasion, I don't often spend time with Rachel so I decided I would treat myself.It tasted great! We each had a beer, I think Rachel bought because I couldn't get my card fast enough...but hey i won't argue when a beautiful woman wants to be buy me a beer! :)
We go back head back to the train station and she makes the 820 back to Rhode Island. I on the other hand have to deal with the cluster fuck that is the MBTA on this particular night! Not only was the Orange Line only working on Outbound trains(i needed to go inbound)...the Red Line had a power failure from Harvard square to JFK...for those not familiar with the Red line...thats all of about 6 stops! So I ask the T attendant what to do...he has no idea what buses were running, if shuttle service was available or when the trains would be back to normal. Really...what the hell are my taxes paying you to do? He actually recommended I take a cab home! I did and submitted the receipt to the MBTA for reimbursement...I know I won't see it but it was the principle dammit! And this is why I truly believe in cause and effect. I never would have got to hang out with Rachel if none of this happened, and that was my best night of the week!
But the fact we walked around the city, the back roads of the Backbay residential area, some of the historic buildings and just had a beautiful night with each other was possible because of this program. I don't think I could have handled being on my feet for that long if I wasn't on this path. She's moving to Chelsea and we hope to spend more time together, I attribute this to my sparkling personality and my growing confidence! :) I suppose the fact I'm a great person might have something to do with it too!
This program isn't just about numbers, anyone can put up the numbers. It's mental as well as physical, and in some cases it could be spiritual. A while ago my life coach told me, change your mind and change your life. That is one of the huge reasons I'm having such great successes with this program. I decided that enough was enough, and I haven't lost that drive. I'm making changes to my life in all areas...with the exception of cleaning the apartment...which will have to happen soon because I'm not having Rachel over in its current state...but I digress. I really haven't given it this much effort in the past. I've always had some excuse, "oh I can't motivate myself to go to the gym and I need a work out partner to keep me going", I call bullshit on that one. If you aren't in the mindset to do this for yourself and be self reliant you are setting yourself up to fail. Yes, it's easier with a partner but in the end you are the only one that can make the necessary changes in your life to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. So live it, Change your mind, change your life.
So I'm off to Maine this weekend for my 8 week weigh in. I'll post the numbers when I get back. I'm confident that my work is paying off, not only are my cloths fitting better...but my level of energy is remaining constant. I've even joined a workout program at work, we have a 9 week competition every year...I'm gonna blow them all out of the water! :) After I win I'll show them my secret...which isn't really a secret because its all right here...they just need to open their eyes! :)
Until next time, stay positive and keep your eyes on your goals!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rough Weeks...
Ok so the stress of the last couple of weeks seems to be abating, which is good. I strayed from the plan a bit and ate what was convenient, not what was the healthiest choice for me. I'm glad this plan is flexible to the point that you don't blow all your work if you stray a bit.
I went away this weekend "camping" with some friends...by camping I mean LARPing and for the uninformed you can google that word. :) At these weekends food is always an issue, however because I was constantly on the move I was able to stray a little. These weekends can be fairly intense..and in the past I would be sweating to the point of sever dehydration, this event though the only time I started sweating profusely was when I had my helmet on...that thing makes my head feel like its in an oven! So I can totally see that my time in the gym has paid off in that department.
Another department the whole plan has paid off in would be the clothing department. For the first time in years I was able to wear a pair of slacks that were a size smaller...I haven't been in a size 40 for about 3 years. I felt really good and gave me a huge boost in confidence. I knew that my normal cloths were getting looser, but this was another experience all together. It felt great!
So over the course of the weekend I ate fruit and yogurt when I could, I brought some humus and carrots with me as a healthy snack between meals and I ate the vegetarian option with the mean plan, which turned out to be pretty good. Had to many potatoes but I worked around it, starches are still on the no list for me. But over all it wasn't to bad. To off set big lulls I ate Clif Bars, those really helped ease the hunger pains and gave me the energy I needed to get through the weekend. In fact I only ate 2 of them of the course of 3 days. They had a lot of sugar, but the amount of activity negated that.
So on to my gym workout and regiment...I've pretty much stayed were I was. 45 minutes on the recumbent bike, but I've increased to level 4...so its a little bit harder on the legs while maintaining my heart rate between 110-120. I've been averaging around 117...so thats good. I try to get 5 days, but thats not always the case...minimum would be 3 days, but I do what I can.
So this is going to a short entry...I go back for my 8 week weigh in the end of this month, and I'm going to push myself to out do my week 4 results!
Always forward, never backwards.
I went away this weekend "camping" with some friends...by camping I mean LARPing and for the uninformed you can google that word. :) At these weekends food is always an issue, however because I was constantly on the move I was able to stray a little. These weekends can be fairly intense..and in the past I would be sweating to the point of sever dehydration, this event though the only time I started sweating profusely was when I had my helmet on...that thing makes my head feel like its in an oven! So I can totally see that my time in the gym has paid off in that department.
Another department the whole plan has paid off in would be the clothing department. For the first time in years I was able to wear a pair of slacks that were a size smaller...I haven't been in a size 40 for about 3 years. I felt really good and gave me a huge boost in confidence. I knew that my normal cloths were getting looser, but this was another experience all together. It felt great!
So over the course of the weekend I ate fruit and yogurt when I could, I brought some humus and carrots with me as a healthy snack between meals and I ate the vegetarian option with the mean plan, which turned out to be pretty good. Had to many potatoes but I worked around it, starches are still on the no list for me. But over all it wasn't to bad. To off set big lulls I ate Clif Bars, those really helped ease the hunger pains and gave me the energy I needed to get through the weekend. In fact I only ate 2 of them of the course of 3 days. They had a lot of sugar, but the amount of activity negated that.
So on to my gym workout and regiment...I've pretty much stayed were I was. 45 minutes on the recumbent bike, but I've increased to level 4...so its a little bit harder on the legs while maintaining my heart rate between 110-120. I've been averaging around 117...so thats good. I try to get 5 days, but thats not always the case...minimum would be 3 days, but I do what I can.
So this is going to a short entry...I go back for my 8 week weigh in the end of this month, and I'm going to push myself to out do my week 4 results!
Always forward, never backwards.
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