Since B kicked by butt last Friday I’ve really been on a tear with my nutrition. At the time, I think I was a little defensive about our encounter. After all, I’ve lost almost 50 pounds on my own by counting calories and exercising regularly. But, I was only 90% to my goal: and 90% is not 100%. Pam and I were talking the other day and she reminded me that I’d basically been at the same weight for the past year and that I haven’t yet accomplished the goal that I set out for myself. She asked me what was up and why I had stopped making progress towards that goal. She even talked with JD about it via email–behind my back!
So all of these things have really kicked me back in gear. I’m exercising EVERY day, so I should be dropping some pounds. But I wasn’t. Because of this, I’ve been following B’s meal plan meticulously. My food scale and my measuring spoons are constantly dirty which means that I’m using them a lot more than I was before. And My portions are no longer estimated. If the meal plan calls for 20 almonds, then I count out 20 almonds and eat them one at a time until they are gone-savoring each and every one.
I’ve hit my calorie targets each and every day since Friday. And as you can see from the graph above, each and every day I’ve weighed less than the day before–just like B said I should be doing. If things continue at this rate, I’ll be at my maintenance point within a couple of weeks. And that will be great!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
According to the graph, you’ve lost nearly six pounds in the past week. Is that right?
.-= fit36.com´s last blog ..Apple Slicers and Eating Right =-.
How does this scale measure fat %?
Awesome work Mac! I think the closer you get to your goal, the harder it is to lose those last few pounds. I’ve just finally started counting calories and tracking what I eat this week. I hadn’t been doing any of that before, and even though things had been working fairly well for me without it, it’s one of those things that I knew I really should be doing. If nothing else, it’s made me much more aware of what I’m eating, which is a good thing.
.-= Brandon´s last blog ..Learning to stop grazing =-.
I think what you meant to say about me is: “My wife is really proud of me for what I have accomplished so far and gave me some encouragement to get to my final goal. She is so supportive, she even discussed the issue with JD.”
You are doing great – keep it up!
.-= Pam´s last blog ..Four Weeks Down, 18 To Go =-.
Awesome Job!
.-= Seth´s last blog ..Feb 16 – 19 & the 100 Mile GiVEaWAY =-.
Nice work. I think we will need to pay attention to these types of details our whole lives, because we have tended towards weight gain in the past. That is what will keep us from the yo-yo thing.
.-= Frank´s last blog ..The Facts: Belly Fat and Heart Attack =-.
Now you are talking…..We are almost competing with each other now.
Keep it up.
I started at 217.6 on Dec 10th and am now at 201.2 (today – 2/18/2010). I have 26 more lbs to go.
Exercise is the key, but more important as new life style of eating and thinking about food.
My Formula is internalizing the formula:
Output Calories – Input Calories > 0
Once I figured out that all of my weight gain came from eating carbs and storing them for the future, I realized that I got the concept of having a good life, knowing that in the winter, there will not be any hunt! Well, I am not a hunter, so I found food, and more food and therefore gained weight for 20 years (only one or two lbs per year). Sedatory life-style in the IT world did not help, and of course, all of those Sale s meetings and Seminars (with good food).
So, I cut the carbs, watch the TV Series 24 now from my hard-drive on a 155″ screen, and exercise away.
Kenny
A bit of focus is what it takes!
And boy it does look like you are losing about a pound a day which is probably a bit too much!
.-= AndrewE´s last blog ..A wee run around Wellington =-.
Todd–Here’s the link to my daily meal plan. It’s a little boring, but the ratios are right for what I’m doing and I like all the foods on it. I do need to incorporate some more veggies, however.
Fit36&Andrew–Yeah, according to that graph I was down 6 pounds at one point during the week. I’m not sure what it was, but I don’t think I was down that much. Maybe dehydration, or something else. By the time Friday rolled around, I was back up a bit and according to the scale at the trainer, I was down 4 pounds. That’s still a little bit more than I can sustain for the long term, but I’d really like to get to my number soon. Then I’ll get on the maintenance plan and muscle building plan so that I can change a little bit more of my flab into muscle.
Kenny–Sounds like a good plan. Keep it up.
Congratulations, Mac! Your dedication is paying off. Bad news on my front – I got a bad case of shin splints, my first after 20 years of on-and-off running. I’d started up again after a couple of years, first by walking, then building up to around 3.1 miles three times a week, and was feeling great. Then took a break over the holidays. Then freaked out and probably tried to speed back up too soon with intervals, and I think that’s what did it. Regardless, it looks like I’m off the treadmill for at least a couple of months, and I’m concerned. Running is the best way for me to keep the weight off. I’m going to switch over to an elliptical for the time being, but I don’t know if it will be the same. I’m also going to start swimming. And of course, this means I’ll have to pay much more attention to my eating. Thanks for posting a link to your eating plan; it’s a little austere for me right now, but I’m glad to know what it’s going to take to get to my goals.
You’re doing great Mac. And in all of the reading I’ve done, I have yet to read or hear anybody who says, “oh yeah, the last 10% of my goal was the easiest. Peace of ca–I mean, easy as ice chips and air for dinner.”
Keep up the great work – you’re so close!
.-= Metroknow´s last blog ..February: Behind, but finally feeling better =-.
Thanks Metroknow. Those ice chips sure are tasty!
The last few pounds are always the hardest to get rid of, but you really seem to be in the right frame of mind for success. Keeping thinking positive thoughts and you will be there in no time. Best of luck!