My tub of Raiment, not Ramen
With another week of healthy eating and exercise completed another weigh-in is upon me. Getting right into the numbers … I started the week at 318.6 and after 6 days of exercise and 6 2/3 days of eating healthy I’m now 315.6 lbs. That’s a loss of 3.0 lbs this week and 74.4 (134.4) lbs to date.
It’s official, I’ve reached my lowest weight in over 15 years again. From this point forward it’s about attaining new lows in weight and highs in happiness. It’s taken me the last two months to return my weight to where it was last August, but life happens and I’ll never quit trying to repair my broken habits. As @theantijared said:
“Quitting is for quitters!”
The other day my wife commented that my clothes were looking very “tent like” on my smaller frame so I decided to remedy that. No, I didn’t go on a shopping spree … we can’t afford that with #2 on the way. Instead I pulled out the weight-loss trump card, something almost everyone who’s lost weight more than a few times owns, a tub of old clothes that used to fit them.
Before you start worrying that I’m traipsing around Chicago in vintage clothes from the late 80’s early 90’s (are the 90’s vintage yet?) let me put your mind at ease. These are clothes that either myself or others bought me within the past 10 years when my weight-loss trajectory was headed where I am now. These are 2-3XL shirts that are brand new and still sport the stickers.
Much to my chagrin there weren’t nearly as many 3XL as I’d hoped, most of the shirts were of the 2XL variety. Against my better mental judgement I decided to toss them on and see how they fit. I was feeling pretty certain I wouldn’t get them over my chest.
Holy mother of Marmaduke, they fit almost perfectly!
While they aren’t quite ready for prime time public viewing I’m nearly there. Another few weeks and I’ll be able to knock off another goal, fitting into 2XL shirts. While they fit fine standing, they still aren’t quite comfortable when sitting. Progress, not perfection … I’m ecstatic none the less.
I was able to find some 2XL workout shirts to wear though which was awesome as my other shirts were getting annoying. When they come untucked I usually end up missing a few reps for a tuck-in. While they aren’t perfectly comfortable sitting down I don’t expect to be in that position long. If I’m sitting, other than to quickly catch my breath between sets or while doing abs, I’m not pushing hard enough.
That’s about it for the weigh in. I hope your week goes as well as mine. I thought I’d end the post on an inspiring quote as I’m in that mood today.
“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst … a spark that creates extraordinary results.”
Hi Sean,
I just sort of stumbled onto your site…and just want to say that I think what you are doing is awesome! Congratulations on your incredible progress, and thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure more than a few people out there in the blogosphere see you as a true inspiration!
All the best,
Heather
Doesn’t it feel great to root around in those out-grown duds and find proof positive that you’re making great strides on this journey? I played a game that I called “Last Pants Standing” where once a month I’d try on all the pants from my dreaded top shelf in my closet, keep the ones that fit and toss the rest back up there. A couple of months ago, I slipped on the very last pair… a crazy stretch-goal pair that I had bought thinking they might inspire me… and they fit perfectly! Keep up the great work, Sean. The sacrifices and effort are all worth it in the end.
I totally know what you mean with the buckets of smaller clothes. I’m counting down the weight until I can bust out my old favorite t-shirts.