January Firsts

[Mr. Bloom]

Well, thanks to this group for your interest and encouragement in my weight loss and exercise plan. You've challenged me, advised me, and assisted in setting me on a path to my goal.

It has gone MUCH better than I expected...but as I inventory my progress, I truly feel good and healthy. As of this morning, I have lost 16.5 pounds and have more stamina and energy that I can imagine.

In the process, here are my "firsts" for January:

• I bought fresh veggies at the grocery store
• I ate veggies and enjoyed them
• I rode a bike with Silver (when Indiana weather allows) and kept up
• I broke a sweat while exercising, rather than simply keeping my heart rate at 115
• I placed my morning and evening exercise as a priority, instead of the contest to see who can get into work earliest or stay at work the latest
• I devoted up to an hour per day to exercise
• I cooked REAL meals rather than simply unwrapping a meal bars
• I ponder what I will eat at a restaurant from a health perspective
• I put my wedding ring back on my formerly fat finger
• I got in a suit that I hadn't worn for years (last month, I couldn't fit a leg into it)
• I eat up to 6 small meals per day (instead of 3 big ones) and not gained weight
• I have gone one month without taking candy off someones desk at work
• I put a belt aside because it was TOO BIG
• I conquered my food cravings and they don't haunt me anymore
• I am looking forward to the spring so I can ride a bike daily

I really do feel great. Thanks for the help and encouragement. I am now highly confident that I will be riding the Hilly Hundred in the fall.

Ironically, yesterday someone say how much leaner I was and suggested that I get on my fraternity's team for the Little 5 at Indiana University. At 43. I think that's a pipe dream...I think I'll just pop "Breaking Away" in the DVD player instead

[sbctwin]

Congratulations, Mr. Silver. You are such a positive person. I enjoy reading your posts. I have been on the "weightloss" struggle for several years. I started at 225 and am now at 168, but I can't seem to get any lower. I am only 4'10" so my weight shows everywhere. I am trying not to make it my focus anymore. It will come off when it comes off. I am disappointed at myself for not getting the rest off, but it just won't budge. I keep track of my food at calorie king. I blow it at times and I know I will pay for it, but then I get right back to eating healthy. I have always been a vege and fruit eater. Fresh is the only way to go. 16.5lbs is a lot for the short time you have been eating healthy...way to go

[Duck on Wheels]

Well done, Mr. Silver! Keep up the good work!!

(((... ehhhhm, now if only, after participating in inspiring Mr. Silver, I could do the same ... )))

[Bikingmomof3]

Fantastic firsts Mr. Silver. Keep up the good work.

[roguedog]

Wow.. that's awesome. I'm always jealous of men and how they can lose weight easier. NOt from a cravings or psychological standpoint just from the physiological standpoint.

I heard it's easier for them cuz they just have more muscle mass to start with so they burn more faster.

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations, Mr. Silver!!

While you may have shrunk physically, you've grown in many ways.

Emily

[Mr. Bloom]

Thanks for the encouraging comments.

I'm at the point where I no longer view this as a weight loss plan, but rather a LIVE HEALTHY plan.

In my teen years, I would drink a 2 Ltr Mountain Dew and eat a complete box of 6 pop-tarts daily (eating the crust first and then moving into the fruit filled pastry). After my shift working at a restaurant back then, I wouldn't just treat myself to a piece of cheesecake, I'd have the ENTIRE CHEESECAKE. Despite all that, I weighed 118 pounds when I went to college.

All that to say that I have a lifetime's worth of bad habits to overcome to make this stick.

[RoadRaven]

I'm at the point where I no longer view this as a weight loss plan, but rather a LIVE HEALTHY plan.

This is exactly where I am, I am not so worried about the weight anymore, its about how I feel and how fit I am.
Excellent attitude to develop and cultivate.

Well done on keeping up with Silver!!! You'll be giving her a run for her money before you know it!!

Wonderful to hear about your firsts... congrats