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

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, what a HUGE amount of progress you have made already! 16 pounds is a LOT of fat to lose- think of it like 3 five pounds bags of sugar!

Way to go, man. Remember- you don't have to do it all at once- it's not a "diet" and it's not a race...it's just a lifestyle change that will make you slowly healthier and healthier. Easy does it...if it becomes a chore or you burn out on it, you won't stick to it...keep it do-able and enjoyable.

[spokewench]

Wow! Great Job Mr. Silver! It sounds like you are really making the right choices and that is what it is all about.

Oh, and there are no "pipe dreams". Just long-term goals. Give yourself a year, maybe you'll be ready for the fraternity boys! 43 is not all that old!

When I was 43, I rode a 24 hour race on a 4 woman team. (even did it 2 years in a row) That even sounds like a "pipe dream" to me right now - BUT I DID IT! So, can you.

[kaybee]

I agree with Spokewench -- there are no "pipe dreams," just long-term goals. You're doing great so far, just keep it up!

KB

[Denise223]

Originally posted by Mr. Silver

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.

I am very happy for you -- I know (from experience) that losing weight, exercise and developing new eating plans can be difficult. At present, I am having a very difficult time with my lack of motivation - to do any exercise! Unless I make a decision to start exercising RIGHT NOW, I know that cycling this spring won't be very fun for me !

I'm going to start reading all of your posts & read your blog, too. If you don't mind, I think I'll adopt a few of your January "firsts" as my own !

Peace & Love to you and Mrs. Silver!

Denise