Monday March 19, 2012: DAY 133; 4:16PM: Well as I mentioned last week one bad decision cost me to gain 1 full pound. Well seven days worth of very good decisions and sticking to the protocol that Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has set for me to follow and I produced and eerily symmetrical number. This week I had a weight loss of 7.4 pounds!!! I have now lost a total of 59.4 pounds in 133 days, for an average of 3.1 pounds per week, and I sit at 215.6, 10.4 pounds form my goal weight.
Needless to say I came out of fat camp with a much different attitude this week than I did last. But I think it's important for me to focus on the why more than the what right now. The number is AMAZING!!! But let me not forget to remind everyone that the number I saw on the scale last week was due, in part, to the water retention I experienced as a result of consuming a high fat, high sodium meal. In other words, this result is really a reflection of the two week period minus the bad decision with the Saturday night pig out at a greasy spoon and paying the price for being too bull headed to accept that change is an every day thing and constant struggle to stay the course, not a once in a while "when I feel like it" action.
Before I go any further to explain what I have learned and why I really feel for the first time ever, my goal weight is not only achievable, but able to be maintained, I need to apologize. To Angie, my little blond dietitian friend, I AM SO GREATLY SORRY for my reaction today to my great result. For all who were fortunate not to be present let me explain. When the "wheel of fortune" spun to its final resting place on 215.6 pounds, I raised my arms in triumph. While on the surface - harmless enough, I had a shirt on that I always weigh in with, but I typically don't raise my arms to the point that I expose a still scary sight, my stomach. I've always said I look best with the lights out, pretty sure I just proved that to yet another unfortunate soul. My bad Ang.
Sorry for the digression but I got back to doing what I have been taught to. First, I weighed and measured every ounce of nourishment that I put into my body to the decimal. Second I took their advice (Aultman Wieght Loss Center dietitians) and cut work outs back to four, 60 minute efforts, as opposed to the over 10 hours I was putting in on a limited calorie intake. These did two things. They allowed my body to burn consistently, and at a high rate. Plus it did not allow my body to shut down the burn to store that calories as a survival reaction because to it not getting enough nourishment to burn. Finally I kept my water intake at an average of 200 ounces which allowed me to stay hydrated and allowed the body to consistently flush the unneeded nutrients from the body (hope this part wasn't too graphic).
As I get ready to sign off let me leave you all with one more horrifying visual, me on the honeymoon, on the pool deck, strutting this "not such a beach body" around like Snooky at a dance club at night without a mirror to have gotten ready in front of. Oh well, it's only the other guests that will suffer.
Stay tuned I'll blog from the honeymoon to let you know what I have done wrong or right, and what I weigh in at unofficially on the scale we will be bringing from home.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Failing to Prepare IS Preparing to Fail
Wednesday, March 14, 2012; DAY 128; 7:07AM: Well, Tom Petty famously sang the lyrics "..I'll stand my ground, And I WON'T Back Down." Oddly enough a man, by life or by lyric, not necessarily known for healthy choices, has become my most recent inspiration for persistence in my journey to health and wellness. For the first time in a real way, I have stumbled along the way toward this goal. Last Monday night at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) I weighed in at 223.0 pounds. A gain of one pound from the previous week. Netting my total loss to date at 52 pounds. The VERY FIRST gain or poor result in the entire process. YES, IT IS MY FAULT ENTIRELY! I'll explain.
All week following the great results from the previous two weeks, I really increased my workouts. I felt great! I worked out an average of roughly two hours each day between running, swimming, cardio machines, weights and, abs. I was feeling fine, recovering well, and had a single minded focus to get under the 220 barrier headed into my honeymoon. My wife and I headed shopping at an outlet mall for some new clothes since much of what we own we do not fit into anymore. It was on Saturday, two days before the weigh in. I worked out hard on cardio machines and weights for an hour and a half. I went home had some water and a cup of coffee and waited for my wife to wake so we could take a short run before heading shopping. Heading out I had a shake and 32 ounces of water, packed another shake and more water, and off we went. The day got away from me as far as my eating schedule and by the time all was said and done we had walked another 3.5 miles and I hadn't remembered to eat or drink anything since breakfast (THIS IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED BY THE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AT FAT CAMP - AULTMAN WEIGHT LOSS CENTER). Tired and starving we pulled the car to a restaurant that is not known for healthy choices.
This is where the turn for the worse takes place.
We sat down to eat. As I looked over the menu I rationalized to myself that one bad meal would not affect my progress considering the time and effort I had put in working out, and lack of calories I had consumed to that point through out the day. I ordered a half sandwich (Too Much Starch), split an order of hot wings (Too Much Fat and Sodium), and had a couple slices of pizza (Too Much of EVERYTHING!). But, I did wash it down with a diet coke (because that will make up for all of the crap I put into my body). I've always said I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, here is your proof.
Skip ahead to Monday following the weigh in, as I'm sitting in the consultation with my dietitian Angie, completely appalled at myself and the result, and wholly worried about the future. The overarching concern: How do I ever adapt back to all food if one meal caused a pound of weight gain? How is it even possible to maintain once I hit my goal weight, especially considering the work I've put in with the fitness? Well fair questions to be sure, but it turns out things aren't as bleak as the numbers would have made them appear. Angie explained the high sodium content from the one meal could very well have caused significant water retention, and it usually takes days to filter out of the system. Sodium can cause major weight fluctuation due to water retention. Oh,..umm, okay, as I return to a less frantic state and continue to consult with Angie a few things come to light. The increased workout I was performing could very well have also put my body into starvation mode. Wow, double whammy.
This much is clear. Decisions we make always affect us regardless of whether we believe there is a counter balance through over compensating in one or more areas. Staying the routine that had proven so successful of eating within the parameters given at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), and working out at reasonable levels of output provided the desired results. Good decision making has to be an "All The Time" process, not most of the time. Real life scenarios such as last week will always present themselves, but I always have a choice. I should have chosen to A.) Drink the shake in the car, and B.) eat a salad or grilled protein instead of the high sodium, high fat choices I made. Please understand, this IS NOT a product or a prescribed plan of fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center). This is a product of my overconfidence and my poor decision making. I can and will do better.
I am human, but I do expect so very much more out of myself. I am unconditionally supported in all facets of my life to succeed in this journey, but ultimately I have to be completely accountable for my own progress, results, and maintenance. Life can and will be normal, but a new kind of normal. I am beginning to see and realize how important it is to A.) make good decisions, B.) minimize the bad ones, C.) not to over compensate one area to fix another, and D.) realize one bad result does not make it final, unless I allow it to. I am more resolved than ever to reach my goal weigh and continue a healthy lifestyle. As I always say "Life Happens." But it is up to me to manage it when it does.
All week following the great results from the previous two weeks, I really increased my workouts. I felt great! I worked out an average of roughly two hours each day between running, swimming, cardio machines, weights and, abs. I was feeling fine, recovering well, and had a single minded focus to get under the 220 barrier headed into my honeymoon. My wife and I headed shopping at an outlet mall for some new clothes since much of what we own we do not fit into anymore. It was on Saturday, two days before the weigh in. I worked out hard on cardio machines and weights for an hour and a half. I went home had some water and a cup of coffee and waited for my wife to wake so we could take a short run before heading shopping. Heading out I had a shake and 32 ounces of water, packed another shake and more water, and off we went. The day got away from me as far as my eating schedule and by the time all was said and done we had walked another 3.5 miles and I hadn't remembered to eat or drink anything since breakfast (THIS IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED BY THE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AT FAT CAMP - AULTMAN WEIGHT LOSS CENTER). Tired and starving we pulled the car to a restaurant that is not known for healthy choices.
This is where the turn for the worse takes place.
We sat down to eat. As I looked over the menu I rationalized to myself that one bad meal would not affect my progress considering the time and effort I had put in working out, and lack of calories I had consumed to that point through out the day. I ordered a half sandwich (Too Much Starch), split an order of hot wings (Too Much Fat and Sodium), and had a couple slices of pizza (Too Much of EVERYTHING!). But, I did wash it down with a diet coke (because that will make up for all of the crap I put into my body). I've always said I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, here is your proof.
Skip ahead to Monday following the weigh in, as I'm sitting in the consultation with my dietitian Angie, completely appalled at myself and the result, and wholly worried about the future. The overarching concern: How do I ever adapt back to all food if one meal caused a pound of weight gain? How is it even possible to maintain once I hit my goal weight, especially considering the work I've put in with the fitness? Well fair questions to be sure, but it turns out things aren't as bleak as the numbers would have made them appear. Angie explained the high sodium content from the one meal could very well have caused significant water retention, and it usually takes days to filter out of the system. Sodium can cause major weight fluctuation due to water retention. Oh,..umm, okay, as I return to a less frantic state and continue to consult with Angie a few things come to light. The increased workout I was performing could very well have also put my body into starvation mode. Wow, double whammy.
This much is clear. Decisions we make always affect us regardless of whether we believe there is a counter balance through over compensating in one or more areas. Staying the routine that had proven so successful of eating within the parameters given at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), and working out at reasonable levels of output provided the desired results. Good decision making has to be an "All The Time" process, not most of the time. Real life scenarios such as last week will always present themselves, but I always have a choice. I should have chosen to A.) Drink the shake in the car, and B.) eat a salad or grilled protein instead of the high sodium, high fat choices I made. Please understand, this IS NOT a product or a prescribed plan of fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center). This is a product of my overconfidence and my poor decision making. I can and will do better.
I am human, but I do expect so very much more out of myself. I am unconditionally supported in all facets of my life to succeed in this journey, but ultimately I have to be completely accountable for my own progress, results, and maintenance. Life can and will be normal, but a new kind of normal. I am beginning to see and realize how important it is to A.) make good decisions, B.) minimize the bad ones, C.) not to over compensate one area to fix another, and D.) realize one bad result does not make it final, unless I allow it to. I am more resolved than ever to reach my goal weigh and continue a healthy lifestyle. As I always say "Life Happens." But it is up to me to manage it when it does.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
"All For One" - The Three Musketeers (Charlie Sheen, Oliver Platt, Kiefer Sutherland version of course)
Tuesday March 6th, 2012; 8:19AM: Day 120: It seems the further along in this process I progress, the more overwhelmed I become with not just the results, but the support and encouragement I receive. Speaking of results, last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) I weighed in at 222.0 pounds for a loss of 2.2 for the week, bringing the total to 53.0 pounds to date, leaving only 17 more to go to hit my goal weight. I'm averaging in 17 total weeks on the program just over a loss of one pound per every two and a quarter days, which is about 2.24 pounds per week. This is right in line with what the "New Outlook" program predicts for a male enrolled. That being said there is something far more overwhelming and emotional about this program than the numbers.
I always post updates on my Facebook page when I weigh in, and always post when this blog is updated for those that choose to follow my progress. I do this because it DOES hold me accountable for my efforts and consistency in adhering to the protocol Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has laid out for me to follow. Secondly, with my new role and career path, it creates honest, fair, and real life experience to the health and wellness industry I am currently working in. In short it demonstrates not only my subscription to the premises of said industry, but the commitment of the Canton Marathon to said subscription.
All this being said, I think I am most blown away by the out-poor of continued and growing support for not only my progress, but for me. Let me drill deeper to paint a clearer picture. I have never considered myself (and still don't) anyone special, with any skill set above the median, apart from my willingness and ability to work very hard and accomplish tasks regardless of any scenario presented. In other words, I am just stubborn and single minded enough in pursuit of task accomplishment, I don't quit until I do so.
But for whatever reason so many people in my life continue to believe in me and my abilities, even when I haven't. As I mentioned above, I always post a status update after weighing in as a means of accountability and to allow those interested to follow the trend. After I posted last night, 40 different people from all different points in my life "liked" my status update and many commented affirmatively to my progress made. I heard from college teammates I haven't seen in between 8-15 years located in Cleveland, Buffalo, Canada, Indiana, Ireland, South Africa, Bulgaria, family and friends from Canton (my hometown in Ohio), Pennsylvania, Florida, West Virginia, Washington DC, and Cincinnati all wishing me well and sending out words of encouragement! ME!!! FOR ME!?!?!?!?!!!! Crazy Huh!
I only mention this for one reason. I have stated many times in this blog how lucky I am to have the support of my wife, mom, in-laws, immediate and extended family, and close circle of friends. But the out-poor of support and the reach with which it is coming from continues to awe, excite, and motivate me to reach all of my goals, not just with weight loss, but beyond with maintenance, the running progression, and all of life's experiences that come with it. I continue to be amazed by the process, the interest in it people as far back as high school and even further have taken in it and me, and the genuine support from all corners that floods in on a daily basis. This experience is demonstrative of one over-arching concept; NO ONE EVER GOES IT ALONE, DOES IT ALONE, AND CERTAINLY NO ONE EVER SUCCEEDS ALONE!!!!!
"All For One" is how I have, continue to do, and will continue to approach this incredibly crazy, stressful, wonderful, and rewarding journey that I am on. You see I have always been a people pleaser to a certain extent. My successes in any case always mean more to me when someone else has a vested interest in that success. I never seem to take letting myself down as hard as letting others down. So the love, support and encouragement from others is the fuel for becoming the "littler" engine that could. I blog about Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), its amazing staff, techs, dietitians (who between the two I have gotten to know: Angie - my little blonde friend, and Mareda *spelling??* only combined stand the normal height of one person - gotcha both), and incredible clientele I continue to be motivated and inspired by because I DO NOT want to let them down. I am so proud of what they have taught me I owe it to them not to misrepresent their efforts by not succeeding. I owe it to my two bosses Steve and Julia for giving me this amazing opportunity and consequently motivating me into healthy living. I owe it to my wife, family, and friends who have always and continue to be so supportive of me to be healthy and around long enough to attempt to pay back the favor of their love and support. Hence the response to this post's title: "One For All."
But once again the final lesson I take away from this week's lecture, weigh in, results, and its ripple effect, comes from the one who has amazed me from the moment I met her on August 1, 2009, my wife Jenna. She attended a conference for work yesterday for school counselors. At such, the lecturer asked the constituency to write down everything each of them did for their students, their parents, their school, their communities, and so on. After the partaking in that task, the lecturer then asked the room to write down everything they do for themselves. Clearly the realization came immediately that all of these counselors put the weight (no pun intended) of the world and everyone in it on his or her shoulders all the time, leaving almost no time to take care of themselves. Lesson learned being that unless we take time to care for ourselves we are less effective in helping every one and everything we involve ourselves with in a truly effective manner. The conference was for school counselors, but the lesson is relevant to all of us. Unless we (I) am able to do this for me, and we (I) accept the responsibility of caring for me long after the classes, support systems, out-poor of encouragement subsides and life continues, I cannot be as effective in helping and pleasing of others. Hmmmmm, for someone who claims to not be as worldly, she certainly continues to be most profound to me on a regular basis. So if she refuses to acknowledge her wisdom, I am so lucky and blessed that her "whimsical discovery and absent minded disclosure" continues to put us both on life's better path (Please note the obscene amount of sarcasm in the previous sentence).
All For One And One For All!
I always post updates on my Facebook page when I weigh in, and always post when this blog is updated for those that choose to follow my progress. I do this because it DOES hold me accountable for my efforts and consistency in adhering to the protocol Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has laid out for me to follow. Secondly, with my new role and career path, it creates honest, fair, and real life experience to the health and wellness industry I am currently working in. In short it demonstrates not only my subscription to the premises of said industry, but the commitment of the Canton Marathon to said subscription.
All this being said, I think I am most blown away by the out-poor of continued and growing support for not only my progress, but for me. Let me drill deeper to paint a clearer picture. I have never considered myself (and still don't) anyone special, with any skill set above the median, apart from my willingness and ability to work very hard and accomplish tasks regardless of any scenario presented. In other words, I am just stubborn and single minded enough in pursuit of task accomplishment, I don't quit until I do so.
But for whatever reason so many people in my life continue to believe in me and my abilities, even when I haven't. As I mentioned above, I always post a status update after weighing in as a means of accountability and to allow those interested to follow the trend. After I posted last night, 40 different people from all different points in my life "liked" my status update and many commented affirmatively to my progress made. I heard from college teammates I haven't seen in between 8-15 years located in Cleveland, Buffalo, Canada, Indiana, Ireland, South Africa, Bulgaria, family and friends from Canton (my hometown in Ohio), Pennsylvania, Florida, West Virginia, Washington DC, and Cincinnati all wishing me well and sending out words of encouragement! ME!!! FOR ME!?!?!?!?!!!! Crazy Huh!
I only mention this for one reason. I have stated many times in this blog how lucky I am to have the support of my wife, mom, in-laws, immediate and extended family, and close circle of friends. But the out-poor of support and the reach with which it is coming from continues to awe, excite, and motivate me to reach all of my goals, not just with weight loss, but beyond with maintenance, the running progression, and all of life's experiences that come with it. I continue to be amazed by the process, the interest in it people as far back as high school and even further have taken in it and me, and the genuine support from all corners that floods in on a daily basis. This experience is demonstrative of one over-arching concept; NO ONE EVER GOES IT ALONE, DOES IT ALONE, AND CERTAINLY NO ONE EVER SUCCEEDS ALONE!!!!!
"All For One" is how I have, continue to do, and will continue to approach this incredibly crazy, stressful, wonderful, and rewarding journey that I am on. You see I have always been a people pleaser to a certain extent. My successes in any case always mean more to me when someone else has a vested interest in that success. I never seem to take letting myself down as hard as letting others down. So the love, support and encouragement from others is the fuel for becoming the "littler" engine that could. I blog about Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), its amazing staff, techs, dietitians (who between the two I have gotten to know: Angie - my little blonde friend, and Mareda *spelling??* only combined stand the normal height of one person - gotcha both), and incredible clientele I continue to be motivated and inspired by because I DO NOT want to let them down. I am so proud of what they have taught me I owe it to them not to misrepresent their efforts by not succeeding. I owe it to my two bosses Steve and Julia for giving me this amazing opportunity and consequently motivating me into healthy living. I owe it to my wife, family, and friends who have always and continue to be so supportive of me to be healthy and around long enough to attempt to pay back the favor of their love and support. Hence the response to this post's title: "One For All."
But once again the final lesson I take away from this week's lecture, weigh in, results, and its ripple effect, comes from the one who has amazed me from the moment I met her on August 1, 2009, my wife Jenna. She attended a conference for work yesterday for school counselors. At such, the lecturer asked the constituency to write down everything each of them did for their students, their parents, their school, their communities, and so on. After the partaking in that task, the lecturer then asked the room to write down everything they do for themselves. Clearly the realization came immediately that all of these counselors put the weight (no pun intended) of the world and everyone in it on his or her shoulders all the time, leaving almost no time to take care of themselves. Lesson learned being that unless we take time to care for ourselves we are less effective in helping every one and everything we involve ourselves with in a truly effective manner. The conference was for school counselors, but the lesson is relevant to all of us. Unless we (I) am able to do this for me, and we (I) accept the responsibility of caring for me long after the classes, support systems, out-poor of encouragement subsides and life continues, I cannot be as effective in helping and pleasing of others. Hmmmmm, for someone who claims to not be as worldly, she certainly continues to be most profound to me on a regular basis. So if she refuses to acknowledge her wisdom, I am so lucky and blessed that her "whimsical discovery and absent minded disclosure" continues to put us both on life's better path (Please note the obscene amount of sarcasm in the previous sentence).
All For One And One For All!
Friday, March 2, 2012
New Gains Come With New Pains
Friday, March 2, 2012: Day 116; 9:15AM: First off, I apologize for not posting sooner,but the week has been incredibly hectic, productive, but hectic. Last Monday night I weighed in at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) on day 112 at 224.2 pounds. That brought me to a loss of 3.2 pounds for the week, and 50.8 total loss in that time. I am thrilled, and I know what was directly responsible for the big number this week.
I can attribute one definite marker, the increase in workouts with both length and intensity. Now let me preface the story with this: without fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), their program, the tools they have instilled in me, knowledge they've shared with me, and weekly guidance they have given me - NONE of this would be possible! That being said, I have certainly pushed the work outs to a new level in every way and I think, given the fact I am following the program to the letter, and increased water along the way that I consume, the weight is again showing definite progress in loss thereof. I do feel better (after,....LONG after the workout), and energy levels have shown significant improvement. With each of these, obviously the physical transformation has come to show some definite progress as well. So when I say the numbers are not as important as the change in lifestyle, I still believe that. BUT,....the number was pretty freakin' cool too!!!! ;-)
However with every step forward, seemingly a new discovery of sorts has accompanied it. Most of these "not such a revelation" moments are simply an arrival at some form of true self awareness that I happen to come to grips with along the way, not life changing, profound discoveries to shed light on a "secret to life." And this is no different. Two observations I'd like to share that have me scratching my bald head as to how this seems to take place without warning, or remorse from mother nature and father time.
First is this, it takes longer each year to build muscle. As a part of the aging process, the body stops producing the hormones in quantities that allow for the muscle growth at both the rate and ratio we all were once able to enjoy. As such, I am working incredibly hard to find some semblance of my former self, and enjoy the physique, or as close to it as I once was. That being said, while I am in the best physical shape I have been in roughly 13 years, man am I SORE!!!! Whoever said "it get's easier" was clearly a liar or completely delusional about the "ease" with which said change takes place. It is all worth it, but easy my A........ never mind. ;-)
Secondly, in reference to my parents (mother nature and father time), let's just say they could have done a better job at preparing said child (me) for life's changes in a more direct, up front way. I have vented on here before about time and physical change becoming quite apparent to me, about me, throughout this process. But I'm going to ignore the advice mother nature and father time have so conveniently not given. My maternal grandfather always says to me: "it's ok to get old. It's ok to become feeble. Just don't do both at the same time." Great advice, I just wish I had listened long enough for him to tell me how to avoid either.
I can attribute one definite marker, the increase in workouts with both length and intensity. Now let me preface the story with this: without fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), their program, the tools they have instilled in me, knowledge they've shared with me, and weekly guidance they have given me - NONE of this would be possible! That being said, I have certainly pushed the work outs to a new level in every way and I think, given the fact I am following the program to the letter, and increased water along the way that I consume, the weight is again showing definite progress in loss thereof. I do feel better (after,....LONG after the workout), and energy levels have shown significant improvement. With each of these, obviously the physical transformation has come to show some definite progress as well. So when I say the numbers are not as important as the change in lifestyle, I still believe that. BUT,....the number was pretty freakin' cool too!!!! ;-)
However with every step forward, seemingly a new discovery of sorts has accompanied it. Most of these "not such a revelation" moments are simply an arrival at some form of true self awareness that I happen to come to grips with along the way, not life changing, profound discoveries to shed light on a "secret to life." And this is no different. Two observations I'd like to share that have me scratching my bald head as to how this seems to take place without warning, or remorse from mother nature and father time.
First is this, it takes longer each year to build muscle. As a part of the aging process, the body stops producing the hormones in quantities that allow for the muscle growth at both the rate and ratio we all were once able to enjoy. As such, I am working incredibly hard to find some semblance of my former self, and enjoy the physique, or as close to it as I once was. That being said, while I am in the best physical shape I have been in roughly 13 years, man am I SORE!!!! Whoever said "it get's easier" was clearly a liar or completely delusional about the "ease" with which said change takes place. It is all worth it, but easy my A........ never mind. ;-)
Secondly, in reference to my parents (mother nature and father time), let's just say they could have done a better job at preparing said child (me) for life's changes in a more direct, up front way. I have vented on here before about time and physical change becoming quite apparent to me, about me, throughout this process. But I'm going to ignore the advice mother nature and father time have so conveniently not given. My maternal grandfather always says to me: "it's ok to get old. It's ok to become feeble. Just don't do both at the same time." Great advice, I just wish I had listened long enough for him to tell me how to avoid either.
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