Steady Progress
I wanted to get out a progress update this morning. I’ve been working really hard the past 3 weeks and have quite a bit to show for it. I started the new year at 345.5 pounds and this morning I weighed in at 328.6 which is 16.9 pounds lost in 3 weeks which is about 5.6 pounds per week. Actually the losses were more like 9.4, 3, 4.5 each week respectively.
I’ve been trying to do some self evaluation to see what has and hasn’t worked in the past. Obviously I’ve been trying to get healthy in earnest for over 10 years but only last year did it stick somewhat. Here are some of the things I’m doing differently this time:
- More and More Real Food
- This may see obvious to some and I certainly knew this but implementing it in practice is an entirely different story. I have always eaten healthy but in the past I’d have a set of staple foods I always ate and some supplements I’d consume. This time around I’ve dramatically changed those foods to not only have more variety but contain more natural non-processed food sources. Things like dates, figs, walnuts, almonds, steel-cut oatmeal, salad, broccoli, etc. I’m also trying new recipes that I haven’t in the past in order to keep my body and metabolism from getting into a rut.
- Exercises Constantly Changing
- Again one of those things that seems and is obvious but isn’t often practiced. I’m doing entirely new exercises and I’m excited to do them, especially in my new shoes. I’m running (yes actual running), doing a ton of circuit training (thanks to the Biggest Loser DVD), elliptical, weight training, aerobics, step, etc. Just trying to constantly shock my body. No, not changing every 2-3 weeks I’m talking changing every 2-3 days. It means that I’m constantly sweating like crazy and am really tired when I’m done but the results show what can happen when you do this.
- Lots of Reading
- I’ve been reading a number of new books and blogs lately to keep motivated. Books like Born to Run, Sports Nutrition Guide, and soon The Omnivore’s Dilemma and blogs like The Anti-Jared, MizFit, and Jack Sh*t, Gettin’ Fit have really kept me thinking and pushing myself to new levels.
- LoseIt! Forums & Friends
- I’ve been using the FREE LoseIt! food and fitness tracking application on my iPhone since last year and in earnest this year. I’ve also been participating in the LoseIt! forums and have been adding Friends this time around sharing advise and receiving it from others. It reminds me a lot of the forum I used to use back in 2000 when I was hardcore Body for Life. Everyone is happy to talk about what has and hasn’t worked and offer sound advice on how to succeed. A fitness community sounding board can go a long way when you get into a rut and need help.
I’m really excited about this year and know I can finally hit my longterm lifestyle goals and push to be even stronger. No matter what, don’t make excuses, get out there and push to change and make yourself healthier.
