Thursday, April 30, 2009

Nick's Weight Loss Journal - Day 21: . . .

Hey all! It's the end of another day and my third week in my endeavors. I'm pooped after my workout. Add in that I walked about 1.4 miles this afternoon, and you'll realize that I was alot more active than usual today! Which means my bed is calling me. I am so ready to answer...

I ate modestly today. Half a wheat bagel and an instant breakfast this morning, a salad with chicken for lunch, a nutrition bar and some string cheese for a snack, and a Lean Cuisine pizza for dinner. And a half a glass of instant breakfast, because I really needed something sweet. Oh, and some diluted Vitamin Water throughout the day.

Now, I've been told that my weight would drop sharply during the first couple weeks of my diet, due to losing water weight, and then the loss would start to decelerate as time went on. Now, if you've read this blog from the beginning, you'll know that I had measured my weight regularly when I first started, then dropped it to once a week. During that first week, my weight was all over the place, (I felt like the Nutty Professor. Eddie Murphy, not Jerry Lewis. No plans for a telethon yet.) but overall, I'm losing rather steadily. Can I consider that normal? Don't get me wrong, I like losing gradually, but it goes against what I've been told is typical. No big deal.

Tomorrow it looks to rain, but I hope it stops long enuff to get out there and take some pictures of the cemetery.

Ok, I'm tired now... Time for sleep. 'Night all!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Nick's Weight Loss Journal - Day 20: Cold Reception

Hola, and welcome to Wednesday, and it’s quite a bit colder today than the past few. It’s currently 57° F, as compared to 92° F it was yesterday. No walk today, mostly because I went and got my lunch. If it’s not too cold tomorrow, I’ll walk some more. In fact, it looks like it’ll be cold-ish and rainy for the next two weeks. Phooey! Anyone know of an indoor track I can walk? Oh yeah, it’s called the mall. Gotta get blinders like carriage horses wear, so I don’t accidentally wander into GameStop and accidentally purchase any games.

This morning’s breakfast was a couple yogurts. Strawberry and blueberry, respectively. Kinda wished I had a bagel or bread for toast, but I didn’t think to bring any. Lunch consisted of my typical tuna sub with apple slices. I’m not happy that Subway no longer has carrot strips to put on my sub! Ah well. I made a point of going out for lunch so I wouldn’t have the temptation of eating Al’s birthday cake. (Take that, Thom!) He brought it to the downstairs lunch room, where I was eating. It was in the shape of a woman, and all that was left was her bust and neck. I didn’t have any, for a few reasons. First, I’m engaged, and putting my mouth on another woman’s chest is cheating in my book. Second, the woman was just too sweet. Lastly, I already had my share of dairy for the day. Ba-dum bum. Had the other half of my sandwich right after work, then had a nice dinner at Danny's. Steak, chicken, garlic bread and veggies. Yum!

In the last few days, I’ve been reading about nutrition and watching a few YouTube videos. I feel smarter! =) It’s been years since I took a course on nutrition, and I’m beginning to remember it! Of course, now I’m in the mood to look for podcasts on the subject. Help, I’m becoming an addict!

It’s Weigh-In Wednesday! Last week’s weight was 285.0. I have a few estimates this week, both online and in person. The estimates were:

Robert: 283.4
Thom: 287 (because I had cake last week)
Angela: 283.4
Mary: 275
Robert the Marshal: 282.5
Mike the Marshal: 280

And the results are:

Weight: 281.4
BMI: 40.37

Yay! I’ve lost 3.6 lbs! Yes, a lot of that is water weight, but I’m still happy I’m on the decline. That means that the winner is Mike the Marshal. Of course, Mike doesn’t go onto my journal, so “no swag for you!”

I worked out with Danny, Rachel, Missy, and Scooter. We played a party game after dinner and then got to the workout. I got some weights and finally used them tonight. I really feel that they amplified it! Missy and Scooter had a great time with us, and I think we're all going to make it a regular thing. I feel really good about that!

Well, that's all for now. Gotta sleep some time! ttfn, ta ta for now! Hoo hoo hoo hoo!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Nick's Weight Loss Journal - Day 19: Braaaaiiiinnnssss

Hey all! I found out that my walking speed exceeds that of the average zombie, and that when the zombie apocalypse starts, I should be able to outpace them. Provided that I don't get overwhelmed by their sheer numbers. If that's the case, then as they say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I'm just not looking forward to having an appetite for human flesh. So high in fat...

Speaking of appetite, I have to admit I didn't do well at all. My lunch went bad, so I had to throw it out, and I didn't have enough money to buy anything for dinner. I had an instant breakfast this morning, some peanuts as a snack, a string cheese to tide me over until after work, and a Portuguese roll that my fiance didn't want to finish. Surprisingly, I'm not all that hungry. So, I'm way down as far as my caloric intake today. I'll try not to make a habit of it.

On a brighter note, I went walking today. There's a school up the street from where I work in Hartford, and I walked 5 laps around their track. 2775 steps, which means, if I calculate it correctly, I walked 1.3 miles in 27 minutes. Not an Olympic record or anything, but I'm pleased with it. It was pretty hot, but cold water, a nice breeze, and listening about a zombie apocalypse made it bearable. I need to figure something else to listen to now...

No workout today, because I just got home and I need sleep, but I will be working out with Danny and Rachel tomorrow.

Tomorrow is my weekly weigh-in. I was 285 last Wednesday. What will I be this time? Place your bets and win some flair!

By the way, I have a bunch of friends who are not on Facebook, so I've decided to mirror this blog on Blogspot. This way, I can reach more people! If you're reading this on Blogspot, sorry, you won't get the flair if you guess my weight, but please post your comments nonetheless. The more you do, the more I learn!

That's it for tonight. See you all tomorrow.

Nick's Weight Loss Journal - Day 17 & 18: Taking Advantage

The game is trying to kill me! Sunday I had to do a update to my progress, and it made me do some workouts to test my heart rate, upper body strength, etc. After doing the jumping jacks, (the first task) I said screw it. I did a regular 15-minute workout, followed by me nearly collapsing. It increased the difficulty again. Since the weather was beautiful, I spent a good portion of the day at the park with Chrissy, her brother, and his girlfriend. We didn't walk around that much, we sat and played Clue. I won both times. Yay me. That night I went home in time to watch the WWE pay-per view. Breakfast was a bowl of Cheerios, lunch was a tuna 6" grinder, and dinner was a few slices of pizza. Yeah, not the best, but on the bright side, I had plenty of calories to spare.

Monday was a boring day at work, errands prevented me from going on a walk, and it's Monday, so no workout. I resolved to go for that walk after work, so I brought Chrissy and Elizabeth to the track and did a few laps. I walked over a mile. I'm happy now. I'd like to make that a habit, but we'll see. Breakfast was a bowl of Rice Crispies, and two string cheese. Lunch was Wendy's chicken nuggets and a salad. (I know, still not the best for you.) Dinner was a chicken breast sub. I also had peanuts for a snack and a Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials. Yummy! BTW, I don't usually put in the full amount of mix per serving of milk, I usually find it too strong. (And here I complained about missing chocolate. Go figure.)

I'm really enjoying going for my walks. It's time that I can throw on some headphones, listen to a book or podcast, and be in my zone. Like I need any more time to myself. ;) Now if only I could master my sleep patterns.

Sorry these posts have become a little less frequent. I'm trying to get them out as often as I can, but lately I've been getting home late and have not had the oomph to even turn on my computer. I'll try harder, but I won't make any promises. ;) See you later!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Nick's Weight Loss Journal - Days 15 and 16: I Need a Vacation

Hey all. Not much of a post tonight. It's very late, and I just don't have the oomph to write much at the moment. The past two days have been physically demanding.

Yesterday, I was on the go so much that I barely got a chance to eat. I saw 19 clients, when I've averaged about 6 per day. When I had the chance, I downed some string cheese, and a couple yogurts for lunch, peanuts and carrots for a snack, and salad with chicken patties for a late dinner. No chance for a walk or workout.

Today, I had a nice breakfast. Scrambled eggs with cheese on an english muffin and a bowl of Rice Crispies. I actually felt full! Yay for me! Lunch... Well, it was a bit of nibbling at the food we were making for tonight's dinner. And what a dinner it was. Pasta, meatballs, homemade mac and cheese, and Chrissy's beef and potato balls. (we've discovered that they're kick ass with some melted cheese!) I had a soda, which has been a rarity as of late, but one in about two weeks isn't bad. I was running around and dancing with my family and friends, so I was active. And even though the night was expectedly cut short, I just didn't have it in me to work out. I hope I was active enough, tho.

Tomorrow, I'm supposed to work out. Gotta stick to it. Wish me luck.

Well, 'night all. I'll see you... in... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Friday, April 24, 2009

Nick's Weight Loss Journal - Day 14: Fasting Leads to Hunger, Hunger Lead to Binge, Binge Leads to Suffering

1.12 miles in 30 minutes. That works out to be about one mile in 26 minutes. I think that my previous count of 1.7 in 25 minutes has Mapquest to blame. But I walked, and that’s what counts. I’ve been listening to the Zombie Survival Guide during my commute and walks, so I think I’ll be ready to make it though the zombie apocalypse soon. I generally listen to podcasts or audio books during things that don’t require higher brain function, like walking or driving. Yes, driving. I mean, it’s not like I’m reading comics or texting while driving. (Ok, I’ve done both, the latter especially, but I play it safe. I usually only do so at stoplights.) During my workout, the game will use its own soundtrack to maintain rhythm. Lots of lackluster generic music in the style of your choice. Eighties, Latin, yada yada. It’s great using a gaming system to exercise, but it’s not as fun as actual games. What they need to do is come up with a series of fitness video games that are as exciting as all the other video games. Super Calorie Bros. The Legend of Fiber: A Link to the Pasta. Guitar Gyro: Metallica Edition. Although I’m not sure that Grand Theft Salad 4 or Prince of Parmesan would be big hits.

I got into work this morning, complaining that I didn’t have enough time to get something to eat, only to realize I was 10 minutes early. Not enough time to go anywhere. Ah well, I luckily had a wheat bagel left over and the strawberry preserves. I also tried the Orange-Orange 10 Calorie Vitamin Water. Not bad. Not fantastic, but not bad. I think I’ll stick with grape or fruit punch though. There’s only so much Tang-flavored water I can take. A serving of peanuts to hold off the pangs of hunger. After my walk, I came back to work for a client who didn’t show up. I didn’t have enough time after the walk to get lunch, so I gave the client half an hour and then started to head out. Of course, I found myself in one of the conference rooms, celebrating a probation officer’s birthday. Which meant cake. Ice cream cake. With peanut butter and those cookie crumbs. Ugh, I hate myself. I had a bigger piece than I wanted, and I hate wasting food, so I finished it. At least it was low fat ice cream, like that makes it all better. “Cake or Death?” “I’ll have the cake, please…” And no, Rob, I only had the one piece! Anyways, I need to remember how I feel after eating ice cream cake. It’s never good. I had a half of a chicken breast sub, usual veggies, on honey oat bread. Not bad, lots of fiber and protein. No cookie, no apple slices. I had to make a sacrifice somewhere. Still hungry. The other half of my sub looked really good. No, save it for later, manage your calories. Use the Force, Nick.

“Give in to your hunger!”

No, I will not come to the Dark Side!

“Search your stomach. You know it to be true.”

No! That’s not true! That’s impossible!

“We can rule the buffet as father and son!”

Shuddup, Mr. Peanut! I don’t want to look like Jabba the Hutt no more!

Yeah, I’m a geek. Proud of it.

Tonight, I had a little chocolate. Not alot, just a few nibbles. And a corn muffin, because my daughter offered it. And a piece of pizza, because my stomach demanded it. It stopped complaining after that. So, yeah, I prolly overshot my calorie goal. I'll get back on track. Tomorrow is a salad day. Tomorrow night, we're making those potato balls for Saturday's dinner. I only hope I have the willpower not to partake in them.

No workout tonight. The TV is occupied. It's getting late and I have work in New London tomorrow. 'Night all!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Nick’s Weight Loss Journal – Day 13: I Miss Chocolate!

I went shopping today for lunch. I had to go down the candy isle and I passed by a smorgasbord of confectionary temptation. My mouth began to water, my eyes widened, I felt a tingling feeling in my… stomach. (Get yer minds outta the gutter!) Before you start lecturing me, I didn’t pick any up. I wanted to, though. God, I used to have some chocolate everyday!

Wait, I had chocolate chip cookies yesterday, so why would I miss chocolate so soon? I think I was a chocoholic. Yes, to quote Betty White, I was addicted to chocohol! No, I craved it, and thought nothing of indulging that craving. I still do. Crave it, I mean, but I don’t impulsively buy it anymore. Instead, I’m eating peanuts. I thought it might be a good idea to up my protein a little, and nuts seemed to fit the bill. There are only two kinds of nuts I really like: peanuts (which apparently are not really nuts, but work with me here) and cashews. I love me some cashews, but they’re expensive, and looked to have more fat and calories. I could be mistaken. Yeah, that’s the ticket… So I got a bottle of lightly salted, dry roasted peanuts. And now Mr. Peanut is staring at me through his monocle, with that snide smirk that says, “Yes, Nick, you want more, you want to pile them in your face and eat them in one sitting. Go ahead, they’re on sale. And you get 25% more free, so it’s not exactly cheating.” Or, at least that’s what he’s saying to me. He’s in my filing cabinet now. I’ll let him out tomorrow.

Breakfast at Adult Probation! Woohoo! Nothing like stealing a few minutes before your clients start showing up to wolf down a bowl of Cheerios. I left the remaining bananas on the lunch room table yesterday and like magic, they disappear! It’s a miracle! I mean, it’s magic! I could use some blueberries or strawberries with my cereal. Thank goodness for summer! An apple quelled my hunger long enough to make it back to work from the grocery store. A salad with a little chicken and some ham was lunch, with a diluted Vitamin Water. I figure if I do a 50/50 VW/water mix will bring down the calorie value while still making it pleasing to the taste buds. That was followed up by me eating my nuts. Um, lemme rephrase. Eating whatever peanuts actually are. Dinner at Danny and Rachel's was rotisserie chicken sandwiches and chocolate pudding. Mmmm, chocolate. I mean, oh crap! =P

No walk today due to inclement weather, but I did a group workout with Danny and Rachel. Y'know, it was alot more fun, with each of us making fun of the workout. We've pretty much decided that Wednesdays will consist of the three of us working out together.

I’m using SparkPeople to track my food intake and my cardio. It’s pretty cool. I can use my cell phone to input the foods and their servings, and the site will calculate the rest. On average, I’m taking in anywhere between 1700-2500 calories. They recommend about 2500 calories, and they're complaining that I'm not taking in enough calories. What?! Isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing, eating fewer calories than I'm burning? And at the end of the day I'm still hungry. Crap, I think it's time I go to the doctor and spend $25 on the copay, then a dietitian and spend another $35. That I don't have. Anywho... Browsing the food database on the site gave me a rude awakening. The only thing on a chinese menu I like, Sweet and Sour Chicken, has an ungodly number of calories. Goodbye, S&S Chix. I'll miss you. Most of the other things I crave like Arby's and Pizza Hut are also pretty hefty. Eating well is a pain!

Well, I weighed myself today. And the results are:

Wednesday Weigh-In
Weight: 285.0
BMI: 40.89

I lost 1.8 lbs since Friday, which isn't really out of the ordinary, but it's in the right direction. Robert was the closest to my weight with an estimate of 285.6. Actually, he was the only one. Ah well. Congrats, Rob! Next Weigh-In is in one week.

Well, that does it for this Day 13. Tomorrow looks to be awesome weather, so I think I'll take a walk. Check ya later!