A few weeks ago I asked people to send me their weight-loss ideas and plans that have worked for them. I heard from quite a few people, and I wanted to thank them for contributing to my knowledge on the subject of weight-loss. The theme that resonated with everyone: This is not easy, but if you stick with the plan, it works.
Weight-loss plans, or Programs that have worked for people:
-Weight Watchers
-Eat This Not That
-Body For Life
-Juice Cleanse, or Juice Boosters (From the Documentary: Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead)
-hCG Hormone (This seems scary to me, but several people told me about it.)
-Biggest Loser (Work office competition)
Like I said in my previous post. It's not easy. It's hard. Find what works for you and stick to it!
My plan has hit a plateau. I feel like I need a shock to my system to get things rolling again. Ideas for me?
As always, I thank you all for being my supporters and motivational sparks!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Free Advice For A Fee
"You know the secret to life? I do! And I 'll tell you all about it, in my book which you can buy for $19.95."
That's what I think of when I hear about most weight-loss food plans, exercise plans, pills or the like.
"It's so easy that you can do it in only minutes a day!" You know what? It's not easy!
"All you need to do is buy my program..." Oh, is that all? It's a wonder we have an obesity problem if that's all you have to do!
"For as little as 27 cents a day, you to can have a body like..." For as little as free, you can shut up!
I apologize for my bitter tone, but deception should not be part of any weight-loss plan. Don't deceive yourself, and don't let others deceive you. There are many ways to lose weight, and you need to find one that works for you and STICK TO IT! That's the secret. Stick to it! No money required.
When I reached a 50 pound weight-loss, I received texts, emails and FB posts talking about the determination, the fortitude, and as one person put it, the stubbornness that it took to lose 50 pounds. All of these ideas circle around, stick to it!
I gathered a large group to hold me accountable. I read a book, Eat to Live. I joined myfitnesspal.com. I was given the P90 DVDs. I read forwarded websites from friends. Yeah, I spent some money, and yeah I have stumbled in my plan. But I have stuck with it!
There you go. Mystery solved. Pick something that will work for you for the long-haul and stick to it!
______________________________________________________
On a side note. I know that most of my readers have already agreed to sponsor my weight-loss, and it's shaping up to be a bigger donation that you would normally consider(And I thank you for that, from the bottom of my heart), but I wanted to share the fundraising page of my friend Gary. He is on our Relay planning committee, and he works at Leota JH. His life has been greatly impacted by cancer, and he has a hard time asking for donations. Obviously, I don't... :) Read his page, and if you feel like you can, or know someone that can donate to his efforts, pass it along. Thanks!
That's what I think of when I hear about most weight-loss food plans, exercise plans, pills or the like.
"It's so easy that you can do it in only minutes a day!" You know what? It's not easy!
"All you need to do is buy my program..." Oh, is that all? It's a wonder we have an obesity problem if that's all you have to do!
"For as little as 27 cents a day, you to can have a body like..." For as little as free, you can shut up!
I apologize for my bitter tone, but deception should not be part of any weight-loss plan. Don't deceive yourself, and don't let others deceive you. There are many ways to lose weight, and you need to find one that works for you and STICK TO IT! That's the secret. Stick to it! No money required.
When I reached a 50 pound weight-loss, I received texts, emails and FB posts talking about the determination, the fortitude, and as one person put it, the stubbornness that it took to lose 50 pounds. All of these ideas circle around, stick to it!
I gathered a large group to hold me accountable. I read a book, Eat to Live. I joined myfitnesspal.com. I was given the P90 DVDs. I read forwarded websites from friends. Yeah, I spent some money, and yeah I have stumbled in my plan. But I have stuck with it!
There you go. Mystery solved. Pick something that will work for you for the long-haul and stick to it!
______________________________________________________
On a side note. I know that most of my readers have already agreed to sponsor my weight-loss, and it's shaping up to be a bigger donation that you would normally consider(And I thank you for that, from the bottom of my heart), but I wanted to share the fundraising page of my friend Gary. He is on our Relay planning committee, and he works at Leota JH. His life has been greatly impacted by cancer, and he has a hard time asking for donations. Obviously, I don't... :) Read his page, and if you feel like you can, or know someone that can donate to his efforts, pass it along. Thanks!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Special Occasions and Special Pains
Irish Heritage is something that a lot of people try to claim. Especially on St. Patrick's Day. Any excuse to go out, get drunk and act inappropriately. I have been that guy. What I am talking about? "...have been that guy." It's not past tense, I am that guy! Not this year though. Alcohol has too many calories to consume in such mass quantities. I am Irish though and if you need proof, checkout the picture below. My family all look like little Leprechauns and I look like a giant Leprechaun.
What I did celebrate on Saturday night was my Mom's birthday! We had her 20th Annual 41st Birthday Celebration at Jak's Grill in Laurelhurst. Mom loves steak and baked potato, and you can't find a better deal on such a great steak than Jak's (IMO). Chris, Kaelyn, Mom and I had a great time. Happy Birthday Mom!
Now, since I have started my life change, I have not had very much red meat. I had one bun-free burger in Vegas, a couple of soft tacos at a friends house, roast beef with the VanGerpens and maybe one other time in that last two and a half months. Logic would tell me to take it easy at my favorite steak joint, but food is one area that logic has never been my primary guiding factor. I ordered the Jak's Filet Mignon. It varies in size, but is usually around 20oz. They raise their beef locally, use all natural feed and it is dry-aged for 28 days. I don't want this to turn into a commercial, but I want to make clear the overwhelming forces that were upon me.
The steak was luscious, profoundly beefy and tender. I was in heaven as I devoured the entire steak. I may have even closed my eyes and moaned a few times. Don't Judge Me!! It was fantastic. A few hours later was not fantastic. My intestines were not used to that much beef bulldozing its way through, and the cramps were more than noticeable. And I won't go into too much detail, but if my dog Boston were still alive, he would not have slept in the bedroom that night. Even the dog would have had trouble breathing.
Lesson learned; no more 20oz steaks!
What I did celebrate on Saturday night was my Mom's birthday! We had her 20th Annual 41st Birthday Celebration at Jak's Grill in Laurelhurst. Mom loves steak and baked potato, and you can't find a better deal on such a great steak than Jak's (IMO). Chris, Kaelyn, Mom and I had a great time. Happy Birthday Mom!
Now, since I have started my life change, I have not had very much red meat. I had one bun-free burger in Vegas, a couple of soft tacos at a friends house, roast beef with the VanGerpens and maybe one other time in that last two and a half months. Logic would tell me to take it easy at my favorite steak joint, but food is one area that logic has never been my primary guiding factor. I ordered the Jak's Filet Mignon. It varies in size, but is usually around 20oz. They raise their beef locally, use all natural feed and it is dry-aged for 28 days. I don't want this to turn into a commercial, but I want to make clear the overwhelming forces that were upon me.
The steak was luscious, profoundly beefy and tender. I was in heaven as I devoured the entire steak. I may have even closed my eyes and moaned a few times. Don't Judge Me!! It was fantastic. A few hours later was not fantastic. My intestines were not used to that much beef bulldozing its way through, and the cramps were more than noticeable. And I won't go into too much detail, but if my dog Boston were still alive, he would not have slept in the bedroom that night. Even the dog would have had trouble breathing.
Lesson learned; no more 20oz steaks!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Linfield College
The Nursing Home in which my mom worked as a nurse was my first place to volunteer my time to others. Countless hours spent with the residents playing bingo, helping them use a kids bowling set from their wheelchairs and feeding them their food. In junior high I started volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. I helped start a teen program called Prime Time, to give teens a place to go on weekend nights instead of walking the streets. At Linfield College, I had plenty of options to volunteer.
Right now, I spend hundreds, if not thousands of hours volunteering for Relay For Life.
I wonder what the future holds...
Right now, I spend hundreds, if not thousands of hours volunteering for Relay For Life.
I wonder what the future holds...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Finding Myself
Time, patience and determination. How many times have you heard those words when talking about making a change, learning something new, raising a child, finding a job or improving the quality of your life? For me, countless. Educators will agree that these three words play a significant role in helping our students overcome obstacles and achieve to their best abilities. And because I am an educator, I thought I had patience and determination coming out of me like Rush Limbaugh has asinine comments coming out of him.
I was wrong. I did not fully appreciate the full complexity of truly being patient. Nor did I grasp the spirit of determination. I still don't think I do, but I have a better idea. I am learning and finding what I can do. Please read the latest blog post from a friend of mine. She is why Relay For Life is important, and why this journey is worth the time, patience and determination.
8 pounds down the last two weeks. Total of 60 pounds.
I was wrong. I did not fully appreciate the full complexity of truly being patient. Nor did I grasp the spirit of determination. I still don't think I do, but I have a better idea. I am learning and finding what I can do. Please read the latest blog post from a friend of mine. She is why Relay For Life is important, and why this journey is worth the time, patience and determination.
8 pounds down the last two weeks. Total of 60 pounds.
Hiding the Hard
Working out is something that I have enjoyed lately. I loved hiking a couple weeks ago. I actually had fun on the Elliptical Trainer. Going for walks definitely consists of less chub-rub. Then why am I having a hard time fitting this into my weekly routines?
I have not been doing the P90 videos. I have not been using the workout room that is 25 feet from my classroom at school. I have not been going for walks right outside my front door. What is my problem?
I could run the gambit of excuses. I am working 12 hour days almost everyday. I am the Event Chair for Relay For Life. I am still trying to be a good friend and family member, which means spending time. But these are just excuses.
I have lied to some of you when you have asked me about workouts. "Oh they are going great." "Yeah, I did the P90 twice this weekend." "The workout room at school is so close, how could I not use it?!" Great question.
I am sorry for my fibs(I say to you while hiding behind a blog post). I have two months and eleven days until my final weigh-in. I need to stop hiding my struggles, stop making excuses, and start making exercise a priority and a habit.
Bring on the sweat!
I have not been doing the P90 videos. I have not been using the workout room that is 25 feet from my classroom at school. I have not been going for walks right outside my front door. What is my problem?
I could run the gambit of excuses. I am working 12 hour days almost everyday. I am the Event Chair for Relay For Life. I am still trying to be a good friend and family member, which means spending time. But these are just excuses.
I have lied to some of you when you have asked me about workouts. "Oh they are going great." "Yeah, I did the P90 twice this weekend." "The workout room at school is so close, how could I not use it?!" Great question.
I am sorry for my fibs(I say to you while hiding behind a blog post). I have two months and eleven days until my final weigh-in. I need to stop hiding my struggles, stop making excuses, and start making exercise a priority and a habit.
Bring on the sweat!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
FAT 2012
My body has been at war since early childhood. Rebel forces, FAT, has been advancing for years. At times FAT has been quite stealthy under the guise of loose clothing and fat hiding posture. Through the years, my will has tried to fight back the FAT, but to no avail. The FAT beat down my will and found me eating burgers and pizza while the FAT furiously invaded all parts of my body. The FAT was visible, not invisible. These crimes against health will NOT stand!
This is the year that FAT will be held accountable for its horrendous actions. This is the year that the Radams Army of FAT Fighters brings down, once and for all, the FAT. It will take awareness. Thankfully my original email went completely viral, reaching at least 140 people. It will also take funding. Thanks to you, we have money pouring in as if cars ran on FAT, and I was Exxon. Lastly, it will take persistent badgering of the people that make the decisions regarding my FAT.
Here is what you need to do: Write letters to your local Ryan. Tell him that you will not stand by while FAT is still free in him. Call your Radams and tell him that FAT's time has come to end, and you support military action if needed. Email your fellow FAT victims and encourage them to join you in the war on FAT. This is our motto: FAT 2012: Stop at No Fast Food
Together, we will make the world FAT Free!
(This, in no way, is meant to make light of the atrocities of Joseph Kony. It was meant to make light of my FAT. {Pun intended.})
Is Subway considered fast food? Well, with exception to Subway and one trip to Taco Time, I have not been eaten fast food in over 3 months. When I saw this commercial, I had to laugh.
Thanks
This is the year that FAT will be held accountable for its horrendous actions. This is the year that the Radams Army of FAT Fighters brings down, once and for all, the FAT. It will take awareness. Thankfully my original email went completely viral, reaching at least 140 people. It will also take funding. Thanks to you, we have money pouring in as if cars ran on FAT, and I was Exxon. Lastly, it will take persistent badgering of the people that make the decisions regarding my FAT.
Here is what you need to do: Write letters to your local Ryan. Tell him that you will not stand by while FAT is still free in him. Call your Radams and tell him that FAT's time has come to end, and you support military action if needed. Email your fellow FAT victims and encourage them to join you in the war on FAT. This is our motto: FAT 2012: Stop at No Fast Food
Together, we will make the world FAT Free!
(This, in no way, is meant to make light of the atrocities of Joseph Kony. It was meant to make light of my FAT. {Pun intended.})
Is Subway considered fast food? Well, with exception to Subway and one trip to Taco Time, I have not been eaten fast food in over 3 months. When I saw this commercial, I had to laugh.
Thanks
Monday, March 5, 2012
50 Pound Pressure
Reader Request: Can you write a post about what it is like to be 50 pounds lighter?
Yes I can, but the problem is, I will never be able to put into words exactly what it is like for me. I won't be able to explain the intricate differences between me before the weight loss and now. The big differences will be obvious, but there are smaller ones that I have not even discovered yet. So by request, I will do my best to shed some insight on being 50 pounds lighter.
If you read the post, Shopping in the Mall of Despair, you know that I have started wearing clothes that have been too small for quite sometime. Six weeks into the weight loss, I was wearing jeans that I had not been able to wear for about three years. Those fit me for about a month, and are now too big. As one friend told me, "You look ridiculous in those jeans!" Thank you for your honesty. I can't go out and buy a whole new wardrobe yet because I am still planning on losing another hundred pounds, so I made a trip to Value Village. I purchased two pairs of pants that fit now, and two pairs that I hope to soon be wearing. Too baggy has never been a problem until now. It's a good feeling...
If you have not seen my car, good for you! It's an eye-sore, but it gets great gas mileage and it has nothing but space on the inside, so I fit in it extremely well. Now, I fit even better. I now notice a lot more space between me and the wheel. This space was not an issue before, but the difference is noticeable. The seat belt is not as uncomfortable as it used to be, and I can check my blind spots easier. For those of you that don't have weight problems, sometimes whipping your head around to check your blind spot can be tough for the large-necked person. The world is safer now that I weigh less. Another car difference, I "dance" while driving more now than I did before. I don't know if that is because of the weight loss, or that I was recently hooked on Macklemore, but it makes driving more fun!
Make a fist. Right now, make a fist. Squeeze tight. Was that difficult? What I did not realize before the weight loss was that making a fist was hard for me. I just thought that's what it feels like to make a fist, but now I can feel a big difference in making a fist. I did not realize that the fat in my hand made it difficult to squeeze, or grip tools. My yard work is easier because my hands fit around the tools better. A simple thing that makes my progress more motivating, a fist.
I have had questions about my back pain, and knee pain. My back has been feeling OK for a couple years, which one of the reasons I wanted to start my life-change. I did not have that pain holding me back, and I really had no excuse to not get started(I like the double-negative). I never had knee pain, but I have noticed that my feet feel better at the end of the day. My feet never hurt the way my back did so I guess I never gave it much thought, but with less weight pounding on them each day, I have noticed a reduction in pain. Take care of your feet, you'll need them for awhile!
I am sure I could go on, but let's save that for a future post. For now, thank you for being the people that changed my life. Value Village, my car, the people that watch me "dance" in car, my fist and my feet also say thank you!
Yes I can, but the problem is, I will never be able to put into words exactly what it is like for me. I won't be able to explain the intricate differences between me before the weight loss and now. The big differences will be obvious, but there are smaller ones that I have not even discovered yet. So by request, I will do my best to shed some insight on being 50 pounds lighter.
If you read the post, Shopping in the Mall of Despair, you know that I have started wearing clothes that have been too small for quite sometime. Six weeks into the weight loss, I was wearing jeans that I had not been able to wear for about three years. Those fit me for about a month, and are now too big. As one friend told me, "You look ridiculous in those jeans!" Thank you for your honesty. I can't go out and buy a whole new wardrobe yet because I am still planning on losing another hundred pounds, so I made a trip to Value Village. I purchased two pairs of pants that fit now, and two pairs that I hope to soon be wearing. Too baggy has never been a problem until now. It's a good feeling...
If you have not seen my car, good for you! It's an eye-sore, but it gets great gas mileage and it has nothing but space on the inside, so I fit in it extremely well. Now, I fit even better. I now notice a lot more space between me and the wheel. This space was not an issue before, but the difference is noticeable. The seat belt is not as uncomfortable as it used to be, and I can check my blind spots easier. For those of you that don't have weight problems, sometimes whipping your head around to check your blind spot can be tough for the large-necked person. The world is safer now that I weigh less. Another car difference, I "dance" while driving more now than I did before. I don't know if that is because of the weight loss, or that I was recently hooked on Macklemore, but it makes driving more fun!
Make a fist. Right now, make a fist. Squeeze tight. Was that difficult? What I did not realize before the weight loss was that making a fist was hard for me. I just thought that's what it feels like to make a fist, but now I can feel a big difference in making a fist. I did not realize that the fat in my hand made it difficult to squeeze, or grip tools. My yard work is easier because my hands fit around the tools better. A simple thing that makes my progress more motivating, a fist.
I have had questions about my back pain, and knee pain. My back has been feeling OK for a couple years, which one of the reasons I wanted to start my life-change. I did not have that pain holding me back, and I really had no excuse to not get started(I like the double-negative). I never had knee pain, but I have noticed that my feet feel better at the end of the day. My feet never hurt the way my back did so I guess I never gave it much thought, but with less weight pounding on them each day, I have noticed a reduction in pain. Take care of your feet, you'll need them for awhile!
I am sure I could go on, but let's save that for a future post. For now, thank you for being the people that changed my life. Value Village, my car, the people that watch me "dance" in car, my fist and my feet also say thank you!
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