I moved in early April to an apartment 10 minutes from "home" with my best friend, who was just finishing up his active duty in the Army. 24 Hour Fitness didn't make sense anymore, but because the complex is on the same plot of land as the YMCA athletic club, I received a free membership as part of the lease agreement.
Saving $40 per month and having a gym in my own backyard? Where do I sign?
Truth be told, since moving in, I've only maybe used the elliptical ten or so times ... at the most. Mostly, I'm taking advantage of the nice spring weather and playing basketball with Dusty (and sometimes Mikaela).
I go out for lunch pretty much every day at work, but other than that, I'm pretty good about meals. Not perfect, but who is?
That's something I've learned about weight loss, too. Anyone making a real concerted effort and dedicating themselves to living healthier shouldn't sweat it when they eat more than they should. Sometimes, that happens. Don't beat yourself up, just try harder next time.
I weighed myself last Saturday and was at 303.5 pounds. By the time I hit my seven-month anniversary Monday, I don't see why I shouldn't be at 300 pounds, give or take a pound. That would place me at about ten pounds per month average.
People say they see a difference. I hope so. This wasn't about me and improving myself, though; I'll cop to hoping to impress those around me with a slimmed down physique. I still have a long way to go, though.
Here, in the ultra-condensed form, is how I did it. It may or may not work for others ... but it helped me.
-No soda pop, just water.
-Nothing deep-fried.
-One cup of juice per day, at most. Even 100% juice contains empty calories.
-Three solid meals. Almost no snacks.
-Substantial exercise three-four times per week.
-Following my exercise routine.
-Making up for it when I miss a work-out.
-Not going back for seconds or thirds.
-Working out even when I don't want to.
-Salads salads salads salads.
That's the gist. It's not a magic diet. It's just a lot of lifestyle changes. I went from eating fast food twice or three times every single day to losing 10 pounds per month. And if I came before you and said "it's the hardest thing" or "I can't believe how difficult it's been," I would be lying. Because it's just a matter of getting my mind on something and not giving up, no matter what.
Am I where I want to be? Not even close. I'm probably about 50% to where I want to be. And it's only going to get more difficult. When you don't have the weight to lose, you have to do more to keep it coming off. And I'll have to eat less. But as I get there, I'll make the adjustments. I've been able to so far ... no reason I can't when the times start changing.
People are quick to try South Beach, Sonoma, Atkins, Richard Simmons ... whatever. But the problem is that those diets get people to a certain point. Then, people revert back to their old way of living. I think the key is all in your head: you can go off a diet, but you can't just switch up your lifestyle changes, if you really care and are committed.
Look, I don't mean to be condescending. God knows I've had my battles with weight loss over the years. But the big thing is ... it's all mental. Every choice about food, drink or exercise ... it's all made with cause and effect, consequences and repercussions, in mind.
Like I said, I'm not perfect. But I've lost 70 pounds in 7 months and want to lose 70 more. 80 more. Whatever. It's not about where I end up, but really how I get there and stay there. And that's going to make all the difference as I get closer to my goal.
"It can be done. And I am living proof. BEEFCAKE!" - Cartman
The end.
