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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
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.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
"New Outlook" For Me Provides New Approach To My Journey
Tuesday February 21, 2012; Day 106; 8:11AM: SO I went to fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) last night feeling really positive about the week I had and was looking for a possible big number drop on the scale. Well to prove just how unpredictable the weight loss process is, after a week of high stress and losing 1.6 pounds, this week of relatively low stress, great workouts and normal eating and water consumption brought a loss of 1.0 pounds. I sit at a total loss of 47.6 pounds and am currently weighing in at 227.4 pounds.
Normally I would have been incredibly frustrated by the numbers, but some real change in me lead to some "real" revelations for the first time in this process. Yes I would have loved to have lost more, but to be quite frank, I have been less and less concerned with the numbers on the scale as of late. I am noticing a distinct switch in focus on this journey that has allowed me to see a larger picture in front of me than the simple "peep hole" viewpoint that the numbers on a scale have provided me. Here's what I mean by this. Last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) I walked in with supreme confidence that I had lost, and lost big. Was I humbled just a tad, sure. But more than that I was amazed that I was not more aggravated. As a matter of fact I was quite content with the tally. I truly believe three factors played so heavily into the reaction.
The first factor is a simple one that I have been at the realization of for some time now. As I am losing weight, people I have not seen in a significant period of time since being on the "New Outlook" program with Aultman's Weight Loss Center have taken notice of my physical change and have been more than willing to compliment me on the progress. I have always and continue to maintain that I am doing this to improve my total health, not just my weight and to give my wife and I the opportunity to conceive if we choose to attempt to do so. But I have to admit to a certain amount of satisfaction and contentment when people do recognize the change that has been a total change in action, approach, and assessment of myself internally. It fuels me to continue and validates progress that is tougher for me to see on a daily basis since I have the misfortune of having to look at myself in the mirror every day.
Second to the objective party's compliment and visual recognition of the process is the fact that I have not been so strict with measuring every morsel of every nutrient I put into my body. YES, I have stuck to the program, but not always to the strictest letter of the game plan. I sometimes do allow myself an extra couple of ounces of protein if my body tells me it needs it due to the increased workouts. I also have not been as diligent in measuring my fat intake. In other words I still scoop the allotted amount of peanut butter onto my measuring spoon. But before I would have scraped the excess back into the jar, now if I choose not to be as careful, I am not as paranoid about doing so. This IS NOT recommended by my friends at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), but it is in reality the practice I have adopted from time to time, so if the numbers are not as large as they once were, I have to hold myself responsible, and I am comfortable in doing so. No journey worth taking comes without bumps in the road. And while I am the one who has upon occasion created them, I also understand that this process will be one that lasts me for the rest of my life, so I am truly understanding in a more complete fashion what it is going to take for me to maintain all of the progress being made once I hit my ultimate goal weight.
The third factor is the most profound, and the most revealing about this total process of weight loss and improvement of my overall health. I find myself being happier with the way I look, the way I feel, and the way I approach every single aspect of my life. The folks and friends that run Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) have given me real tools and cues to utilize not only through out this process, but to manage my life long after the weight loss part of this journey is over. When I weighed in last night, I had a complete sense of calm when I saw the number because I realize at some point I am not going to have the scale to be my primary motivator. In other words, I am going to need to be every bit as diligent if not more with food selection, exercise, and my approach to my health after the goal weight is met. Yes the scale provides the positive feedback I need at the moment, and I HAVE continued to lose every single week of the thirteen I have been on this journey, which is wonderful in itself. But I am ready to focus on this life change as a whole, not just the process. I am noticing in the last couple of weeks clothes are changing dramatically in the way I am fitting into them. My muscle tone has increased to a noticeable level of improvement, and my endurance in a work out has noticed dramatic improvement. In any case, while I realize I can do things better, I am realizing how rewarding improved health and a "New Outlook" can really be to every part of my life.
Ironically last night in the class portion of the evening, Dr. Margaret DeLillo-Storey, the psychologist came in for her monthly class discussion and focused on the topic of stress management. She related the cues she spoke about to how overall life management is so very important to the process. A week removed from one of the more stressful events of my life, and into the home stretch of the weight loss portion of this journey, I have a far better understanding of the overarching goals of this program. I know the more you lose, the more difficult it is to lose big. I know to continue consistently I need to get back to measuring, and take the extra time to prepare the food I take in so those measurements are as accurate as possible. I know working out is great not only for weight loss, but for increased energy, and improved overall health. But most importantly, for the first time in a long time I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin, more confident in my ability to maintain this process, and happier overall as a result.
Normally I would have been incredibly frustrated by the numbers, but some real change in me lead to some "real" revelations for the first time in this process. Yes I would have loved to have lost more, but to be quite frank, I have been less and less concerned with the numbers on the scale as of late. I am noticing a distinct switch in focus on this journey that has allowed me to see a larger picture in front of me than the simple "peep hole" viewpoint that the numbers on a scale have provided me. Here's what I mean by this. Last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) I walked in with supreme confidence that I had lost, and lost big. Was I humbled just a tad, sure. But more than that I was amazed that I was not more aggravated. As a matter of fact I was quite content with the tally. I truly believe three factors played so heavily into the reaction.
The first factor is a simple one that I have been at the realization of for some time now. As I am losing weight, people I have not seen in a significant period of time since being on the "New Outlook" program with Aultman's Weight Loss Center have taken notice of my physical change and have been more than willing to compliment me on the progress. I have always and continue to maintain that I am doing this to improve my total health, not just my weight and to give my wife and I the opportunity to conceive if we choose to attempt to do so. But I have to admit to a certain amount of satisfaction and contentment when people do recognize the change that has been a total change in action, approach, and assessment of myself internally. It fuels me to continue and validates progress that is tougher for me to see on a daily basis since I have the misfortune of having to look at myself in the mirror every day.
Second to the objective party's compliment and visual recognition of the process is the fact that I have not been so strict with measuring every morsel of every nutrient I put into my body. YES, I have stuck to the program, but not always to the strictest letter of the game plan. I sometimes do allow myself an extra couple of ounces of protein if my body tells me it needs it due to the increased workouts. I also have not been as diligent in measuring my fat intake. In other words I still scoop the allotted amount of peanut butter onto my measuring spoon. But before I would have scraped the excess back into the jar, now if I choose not to be as careful, I am not as paranoid about doing so. This IS NOT recommended by my friends at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center), but it is in reality the practice I have adopted from time to time, so if the numbers are not as large as they once were, I have to hold myself responsible, and I am comfortable in doing so. No journey worth taking comes without bumps in the road. And while I am the one who has upon occasion created them, I also understand that this process will be one that lasts me for the rest of my life, so I am truly understanding in a more complete fashion what it is going to take for me to maintain all of the progress being made once I hit my ultimate goal weight.
The third factor is the most profound, and the most revealing about this total process of weight loss and improvement of my overall health. I find myself being happier with the way I look, the way I feel, and the way I approach every single aspect of my life. The folks and friends that run Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) have given me real tools and cues to utilize not only through out this process, but to manage my life long after the weight loss part of this journey is over. When I weighed in last night, I had a complete sense of calm when I saw the number because I realize at some point I am not going to have the scale to be my primary motivator. In other words, I am going to need to be every bit as diligent if not more with food selection, exercise, and my approach to my health after the goal weight is met. Yes the scale provides the positive feedback I need at the moment, and I HAVE continued to lose every single week of the thirteen I have been on this journey, which is wonderful in itself. But I am ready to focus on this life change as a whole, not just the process. I am noticing in the last couple of weeks clothes are changing dramatically in the way I am fitting into them. My muscle tone has increased to a noticeable level of improvement, and my endurance in a work out has noticed dramatic improvement. In any case, while I realize I can do things better, I am realizing how rewarding improved health and a "New Outlook" can really be to every part of my life.
Ironically last night in the class portion of the evening, Dr. Margaret DeLillo-Storey, the psychologist came in for her monthly class discussion and focused on the topic of stress management. She related the cues she spoke about to how overall life management is so very important to the process. A week removed from one of the more stressful events of my life, and into the home stretch of the weight loss portion of this journey, I have a far better understanding of the overarching goals of this program. I know the more you lose, the more difficult it is to lose big. I know to continue consistently I need to get back to measuring, and take the extra time to prepare the food I take in so those measurements are as accurate as possible. I know working out is great not only for weight loss, but for increased energy, and improved overall health. But most importantly, for the first time in a long time I am becoming more comfortable in my own skin, more confident in my ability to maintain this process, and happier overall as a result.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
St. Valentine Made the Scale Fall For ME!
Tuesday February 14, 2012; DAY 99; 8:41AM: Well to follow up with my last post; in spite of me basically putting my body into starvation mode due to our family emergency; I still managed a loss of 1.6 pounds. I have lost a total of 46.6 pounds in 98 days and currently sit at 228.4 pounds. I AM ECSTATIC!!!
Obviously Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has taught me a ton (no pun intended here), but it amazes me how much I continue to learn from this incredible experience. I think the lesson I take away from last week is two-fold.
One, and most important, is that numbers only really are a PART of the experience. After all, I started the journey to live up to what my wife had done so well on her own, and that I didn't have the will power to do without the accountability that the program and this blog provide me. When the trip to the hospital happened, it brought things back into perspective for me. As I began to lose, I became obsessed with numbers and not so much the learning process that is attributed to the long term sustainability of the program. Heading to weigh in yesterday afternoon, I have never been so unconcerned with the scale would say because I was simply happy that my wife was home, healthy, and unscathed from the experience (so I don't scare anyone, she was eventually diagnosed with TIA, or transient stroke, no trace evidence left in any of the tests, full recovery on site, and prognosis for long term is incredibly positive and easily managed). So quick shout out to Aultman hospital EMTs, nurses, ER Doctors, and Neurologists for being so very good at what they do, so patient and willing to address any and all of our concerns, and so very thorough when taking measures to address both symptoms, and long term health. But to get back on track with my original train of thought, the digression is meant to illustrate how much more I realize that overall health and wellness is far more important than any number on a scale I read every Monday when I weigh in with dietitians and techs at what has become such an enjoyable experience for me personally to be able to share with like minded people going through the exact same progress driven successes and plateaus that I am, and continue to inspire me to march forward.
The second, and your "not such a revelation" moment for this week is more simple than most, which would explain why the seven layers of concrete located north of my neck has had such difficulty in grasping the concept. It is this: THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTION FOR STICKING TO THE PROGRAM!!! I mean it sounds simple enough but the reason I am able to lose even a modest amount like I did this week (albeit in a high stress environment) is because I didn't cut corners with adherence to the types of foods I am allotted on the program. Not being able to work out and not getting enough calories or water into my system halted to some extent the loss, but I did not allow for a gain because as a stress eater, I typically would have grabbed for any and all comfort foods with a dismissive attitude. Once again my progress, while to some extent circumstances were out of my hands, was dictated by my willingness to control what I could and stay dedicated to the goals at hand.
I think at the end of the day, baptism by fire through the holidays, tough environments like the scenarios in Virginia, and even family emergencies such as last weekend, I've learned the greatest two lessons of all. One, there is no legitimate excuse to allow myself the opportunity to fall back into bad habits that landed me in fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Program) to begin with. AND, finally, be thankful for the progress in knowledge, health and wellness, numbers, and the realization of what is truly important in life; your family and loved ones unconditonal love and support.
Cheesy way to end I know, but hey it is Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day to all, and to all a healthy bite,...yeah okay, that was too much.
Obviously Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has taught me a ton (no pun intended here), but it amazes me how much I continue to learn from this incredible experience. I think the lesson I take away from last week is two-fold.
One, and most important, is that numbers only really are a PART of the experience. After all, I started the journey to live up to what my wife had done so well on her own, and that I didn't have the will power to do without the accountability that the program and this blog provide me. When the trip to the hospital happened, it brought things back into perspective for me. As I began to lose, I became obsessed with numbers and not so much the learning process that is attributed to the long term sustainability of the program. Heading to weigh in yesterday afternoon, I have never been so unconcerned with the scale would say because I was simply happy that my wife was home, healthy, and unscathed from the experience (so I don't scare anyone, she was eventually diagnosed with TIA, or transient stroke, no trace evidence left in any of the tests, full recovery on site, and prognosis for long term is incredibly positive and easily managed). So quick shout out to Aultman hospital EMTs, nurses, ER Doctors, and Neurologists for being so very good at what they do, so patient and willing to address any and all of our concerns, and so very thorough when taking measures to address both symptoms, and long term health. But to get back on track with my original train of thought, the digression is meant to illustrate how much more I realize that overall health and wellness is far more important than any number on a scale I read every Monday when I weigh in with dietitians and techs at what has become such an enjoyable experience for me personally to be able to share with like minded people going through the exact same progress driven successes and plateaus that I am, and continue to inspire me to march forward.
The second, and your "not such a revelation" moment for this week is more simple than most, which would explain why the seven layers of concrete located north of my neck has had such difficulty in grasping the concept. It is this: THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTION FOR STICKING TO THE PROGRAM!!! I mean it sounds simple enough but the reason I am able to lose even a modest amount like I did this week (albeit in a high stress environment) is because I didn't cut corners with adherence to the types of foods I am allotted on the program. Not being able to work out and not getting enough calories or water into my system halted to some extent the loss, but I did not allow for a gain because as a stress eater, I typically would have grabbed for any and all comfort foods with a dismissive attitude. Once again my progress, while to some extent circumstances were out of my hands, was dictated by my willingness to control what I could and stay dedicated to the goals at hand.
I think at the end of the day, baptism by fire through the holidays, tough environments like the scenarios in Virginia, and even family emergencies such as last weekend, I've learned the greatest two lessons of all. One, there is no legitimate excuse to allow myself the opportunity to fall back into bad habits that landed me in fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Program) to begin with. AND, finally, be thankful for the progress in knowledge, health and wellness, numbers, and the realization of what is truly important in life; your family and loved ones unconditonal love and support.
Cheesy way to end I know, but hey it is Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day to all, and to all a healthy bite,...yeah okay, that was too much.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Whatever Happens, Happens
Monday February 13, 2012; Day 98; 3:07PM: As I am about an hour or so from weighing in at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) I am completely at peace with whatever the scale says. Allow me to explain.
I typically get all worked up about the specifics in the numbers that the scale produces. but I learned a much more valuable lesson this week already. My week started out great and I got 3 really solid workouts in. I was feeling good, noticing improvement, and genuinely geared towards a big number week I commonly refer to in these posts. But on Thursday I got a call from my wife, she was in the ER due to a health concern and immediate incident. We spent two full days in the hospital, and when we left while both of us exhausted, all had worked out so very fortunately for her and I could not have been more happy for both outcome and prognosis.
During her stay, I typically didn't leave the room, and if so, not for more than 5 minutes so that I could be present for her, to hear doctors if they stopped by, and to hear test results if they came in. I took a couple of the meal replacement bars with me and always filled my water bottle at the beginning of the day. But with really long hours in the room and with the general anxiety and uncertainty of doctor visits to her, I did not eat, nor did I drink nearly any amount of the recommended levels, almost certainly putting the body in starvation mode. And YES, when I grabbed, I typically opted for something easy and quick when I did not have bars near me. Nothing catastrophic in the larger scheme of things, but certainly enough to throw my body off of the routine it has been in for so long.
I'm not minimizing the opportunity to lose each and every week, as I have enjoyed it immensely. BUT, in this case I clearly realize the difference between a minor bump in the road, and the things I have control over. I thank God my wife is healthy, happy, and returned home almost a close to form as she left it. i know regardless of what the numbers say, I had a great week. I know this because she is doing so well and because I realize this journey is not one that a week of uncontrollable circumstances will keep me from achieving my ultimate goal, regardless of some numbers on a scale.
I'll post tomorrow morning when I know the particulars, but trust in the fact I will never be so at ease with whatever they may be this time! I'm staying strong an pushing on!
I typically get all worked up about the specifics in the numbers that the scale produces. but I learned a much more valuable lesson this week already. My week started out great and I got 3 really solid workouts in. I was feeling good, noticing improvement, and genuinely geared towards a big number week I commonly refer to in these posts. But on Thursday I got a call from my wife, she was in the ER due to a health concern and immediate incident. We spent two full days in the hospital, and when we left while both of us exhausted, all had worked out so very fortunately for her and I could not have been more happy for both outcome and prognosis.
During her stay, I typically didn't leave the room, and if so, not for more than 5 minutes so that I could be present for her, to hear doctors if they stopped by, and to hear test results if they came in. I took a couple of the meal replacement bars with me and always filled my water bottle at the beginning of the day. But with really long hours in the room and with the general anxiety and uncertainty of doctor visits to her, I did not eat, nor did I drink nearly any amount of the recommended levels, almost certainly putting the body in starvation mode. And YES, when I grabbed, I typically opted for something easy and quick when I did not have bars near me. Nothing catastrophic in the larger scheme of things, but certainly enough to throw my body off of the routine it has been in for so long.
I'm not minimizing the opportunity to lose each and every week, as I have enjoyed it immensely. BUT, in this case I clearly realize the difference between a minor bump in the road, and the things I have control over. I thank God my wife is healthy, happy, and returned home almost a close to form as she left it. i know regardless of what the numbers say, I had a great week. I know this because she is doing so well and because I realize this journey is not one that a week of uncontrollable circumstances will keep me from achieving my ultimate goal, regardless of some numbers on a scale.
I'll post tomorrow morning when I know the particulars, but trust in the fact I will never be so at ease with whatever they may be this time! I'm staying strong an pushing on!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
"Winning!"
February 7, 2012: Day 92; 1:54PM: Numbers first, then experiences and observations. I lost 2.4 pounds this week bringing me to an even 45.0 pounds in 91 days and I sit currently at 230.0 pounds.
Now last week was anything but normal, as we had our first event, hours and routine were longer and tougher to keep, and workouts were consistent and productive. But again I continue to be inspired by others sharing their experiences with me.
Three particular instances I want to reflect upon. I find them both humorous because I seem to be in need of being hit over the head to realize things that apparently are right in front of me, and motivation to continue this journey with even more vigor and focus. Allow me to explain.
During our event on Sunday, which was a great success and became a benchmark of expectation for us in preparing for June, I had the opportunity to see people do incredible things, enjoy the experience of being active and fit, and make the day one the whole family could participate in. In doing so I had the opportunity to interact with friends, and make new ones, and promote our company to all and our community as a whole with pride in both us and our sponsors.
The First example came as we were set to announce our winners in the different categories, I took to the podium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to introduce myself, welcome the participants, and turn the program over to one of my bosses. In doing so, as I introduced my self - I happened to scan down to two tables right in front of the podium, and two ladies had recognized me from some of the local publicity going around due to this journey and I actually overheard the one say to the other, "That's the Guy from the paper!" I physically had to stop myself from chuckling because A.) I never anticipated such an overwhelming flood of support from so many who I have never had the opportunity to meet, and B.) I have to admit as the physical changes have begun to take shape in a way that is more noticeable as of late, I cringe at the thought of recognizing my former physical stature. Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) is truly amazing and I am and will be forever grateful for the very real "new lease on life" but boy am I excited to get some of the after pics up! ;-)
Second, came just last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center). I met a wonderfully sweet lady who has just begun the program. She was very nervous and it was her first experience with weigh in and class. She explained that her daughter has been in the program and she started due to the overwhelming success the daughter has had, losing 60 plus pounds! Being new, and not knowing me from Adam, she confided in me her anxiety and introduction to the shakes, and asked questions of me and how I felt about my experiences with the program, products, trials, tribulations, etc. I was very excited to encourage someone through the different emotional as well as physical adjustments that I made and did my best to quell her anxiety. The humor came when she asked if I noticed a difference in my physical appearance. I pulled up a picture from my phone taken a month before I joined the program. As she reviewed it and looked back at my current self,..she grew more and more impressed, (No That's not the funny part). She then said (here it comes) "Wow, you're handsome either way (feel free to belly laugh here), but that is a striking difference." Chuckling out loud I thanked her for the compliment and said "No need to lie Ma'am, I'm comfortable with my short comings at this point." She sincerely met it, but I still find those remarks a bit far fetched with the lights on.
Finally, also at fat camp last night the head dietitian had me for the consultation part of the evening immediately following weigh in. Maleda (Please excuse the spelling as I'm not entirely sure of it's accuracy) after asking questions she had similarly touched on recently mentioned that she'd really prefer I attend the actual class portion more. She feels it would be more beneficial to not only my overall progress, but also to the blog, and give me a more substantial depth to experience on all levels. She was right for two reasons. One, I found some fairly useful hints I took away from the otherwise familiar information presented in class. To continue to have an opportunity at big numbers the further along we are into the program, we have to continue to increase water consumption. While I have been fairly consistent with consuming between 120-150 ounces of water each day, I have not in the better part of a month attempted to increase my consumption. Huh, imagine that, regular attendance improves results. I certainly wish my college professors had been a little more adamant, I might have learned more than keg stands, how many shots I could do when mixing beer, and spent less time developing my "Fun Bobby" alternate personality. ;-) Second, it gave me the opportunity to meet the wonderful lady mentioned above which continues to motivate me to new heights in progress. The conspicuous aspect of the request was that when I said yes I would be happy to do so and firm up the lose ends, Maleda kept revisiting the issue as if I had not originally conceded. HA! I am wondering if she didn't have a conversation with my wife or mother and was warned I would be a difficult sell?!?!?!? Rest assured Maleda, I'm in with both feet!
Now last week was anything but normal, as we had our first event, hours and routine were longer and tougher to keep, and workouts were consistent and productive. But again I continue to be inspired by others sharing their experiences with me.
Three particular instances I want to reflect upon. I find them both humorous because I seem to be in need of being hit over the head to realize things that apparently are right in front of me, and motivation to continue this journey with even more vigor and focus. Allow me to explain.
During our event on Sunday, which was a great success and became a benchmark of expectation for us in preparing for June, I had the opportunity to see people do incredible things, enjoy the experience of being active and fit, and make the day one the whole family could participate in. In doing so I had the opportunity to interact with friends, and make new ones, and promote our company to all and our community as a whole with pride in both us and our sponsors.
The First example came as we were set to announce our winners in the different categories, I took to the podium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to introduce myself, welcome the participants, and turn the program over to one of my bosses. In doing so, as I introduced my self - I happened to scan down to two tables right in front of the podium, and two ladies had recognized me from some of the local publicity going around due to this journey and I actually overheard the one say to the other, "That's the Guy from the paper!" I physically had to stop myself from chuckling because A.) I never anticipated such an overwhelming flood of support from so many who I have never had the opportunity to meet, and B.) I have to admit as the physical changes have begun to take shape in a way that is more noticeable as of late, I cringe at the thought of recognizing my former physical stature. Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) is truly amazing and I am and will be forever grateful for the very real "new lease on life" but boy am I excited to get some of the after pics up! ;-)
Second, came just last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center). I met a wonderfully sweet lady who has just begun the program. She was very nervous and it was her first experience with weigh in and class. She explained that her daughter has been in the program and she started due to the overwhelming success the daughter has had, losing 60 plus pounds! Being new, and not knowing me from Adam, she confided in me her anxiety and introduction to the shakes, and asked questions of me and how I felt about my experiences with the program, products, trials, tribulations, etc. I was very excited to encourage someone through the different emotional as well as physical adjustments that I made and did my best to quell her anxiety. The humor came when she asked if I noticed a difference in my physical appearance. I pulled up a picture from my phone taken a month before I joined the program. As she reviewed it and looked back at my current self,..she grew more and more impressed, (No That's not the funny part). She then said (here it comes) "Wow, you're handsome either way (feel free to belly laugh here), but that is a striking difference." Chuckling out loud I thanked her for the compliment and said "No need to lie Ma'am, I'm comfortable with my short comings at this point." She sincerely met it, but I still find those remarks a bit far fetched with the lights on.
Finally, also at fat camp last night the head dietitian had me for the consultation part of the evening immediately following weigh in. Maleda (Please excuse the spelling as I'm not entirely sure of it's accuracy) after asking questions she had similarly touched on recently mentioned that she'd really prefer I attend the actual class portion more. She feels it would be more beneficial to not only my overall progress, but also to the blog, and give me a more substantial depth to experience on all levels. She was right for two reasons. One, I found some fairly useful hints I took away from the otherwise familiar information presented in class. To continue to have an opportunity at big numbers the further along we are into the program, we have to continue to increase water consumption. While I have been fairly consistent with consuming between 120-150 ounces of water each day, I have not in the better part of a month attempted to increase my consumption. Huh, imagine that, regular attendance improves results. I certainly wish my college professors had been a little more adamant, I might have learned more than keg stands, how many shots I could do when mixing beer, and spent less time developing my "Fun Bobby" alternate personality. ;-) Second, it gave me the opportunity to meet the wonderful lady mentioned above which continues to motivate me to new heights in progress. The conspicuous aspect of the request was that when I said yes I would be happy to do so and firm up the lose ends, Maleda kept revisiting the issue as if I had not originally conceded. HA! I am wondering if she didn't have a conversation with my wife or mother and was warned I would be a difficult sell?!?!?!? Rest assured Maleda, I'm in with both feet!
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