Week 18 End - More Success!

Well, I never got around to posting last week. For those who were waiting for my post, I apologize.  It was a successful week with a loss of 1.6 lbs.. As most of you know I have been fanatical about getting my workouts in at the gym, going 7 days a week except when it was just impossible due to illness or circumstances. Over the past 3 weeks I have changed that outlook.

We had a stint of nice weather so I decided to start walking outside around the neighborhood instead of going to the gym all the time. Over the past week and half or so the weather has again turned less than ideal. We've had a lot of rain, very cool temps and generally just kind of miserable for the end of April and beginning of May. Last week I only got my walking in about 1/2 the time and this week not at all. That might sound like a fail, but I don't see it that way. Even though my workout streak has suffered, I've been more active in many other ways. I have had the opportunity to work around the house and yard and work on vehicles and motorcycles. I continue to lose weight as evidenced by the 1.6 lb loss last week, and  3.6 lbs. this week. I continue to monitor my calorie intake and try to stay active throughout my day. It has just gone to show that I can continue my journey successfully regardless of my ability to "work out".

Next week promises better weather so I hope to hit the milage pretty hard again. But, it's good to know that when circumstances and weather conspire against you, you can still control those things over which you DO have control and push forward.

I am now less than 1 month away from the Color Run and looking forward to it. I was apprehensive about committing to 3 miles back in Feb. when I was talked into this, but feel very confident now.

I have finally reached a loss level where it is showing. It's amazing the questions you get when people all of the sudden realize you are half a person smaller than you were. While I have more than 90 lbs to go, I have lost 61 lbs. and that is the weight of an average size 7 year old. It's hard to believe that I was carrying that around all the time. No wonder I was always tired and sore. It's hard to imagine what losing the last 2/3 will feel like. I am more motivated than ever.

The Incredible Shrinking Man

I had a doctor's appointment this past Friday and he was very impressed with my weight loss and the impact it has had on my overall health. My blood pressure is outstanding and although we are waiting for the results from my bloodwork, my daily blood sugar tests have been outstanding. He is confident that if I continue on this path, with this resolve, I can reverse the diabetes and blood pressure and because of my better eating habits, I may be able to kick the cholesterol meds as well. That's encouraging because the whole point of this journey is reclaim my health. By posting time next week we should have the results of the blood work and see for sure how much improvement there has been. We discussed how I have been doing it and he wholly approves of my methods at this point. He agrees that for this to be long term it must be sustainable and that by trying to normalize my diet and exercise to something that can be continual into the future, I should not fall into the trap that so many do by hitting their goal then gaining it all back by abandoning the lifestyle changes that it took to get them there.

We recently booked our first cruise for next spring. Being a novice at the whole cruising thing, I decided to do a little research. According to many in the know, the average person gains 5-10 lbs. on a 7 day cruise. It will be a real challenge to not fall into that. I should be closing in on my ultimate goal weight by that time and certainly don't want to be side tracked by gaining a months worth of weight loss in a week. I will have to remain disciplined to not overeat even though apparently food is available everywhere 24 hours a day. We are looking forward to the new adventure, but will have to make sure that I don't defeat myself in the name of vacation. I fully intend to enjoy myself, but I have no intention of undoing a year and a half of hard work. We will see how it all shapes up. For now, on to breaking that 300 lb. mark. 14.6 lbs. to go. That's the key. Taking this mammoth task on one small goal at a time.

Until next week my friends, Thanks for the ongoing support and reports of your own victories in the battle for a more healthy life!