to lose 30lbs!
As of yesterday, I am 30lbs lighter than I was on Jan 1st. What got me motivated was finding out in March that my cholesterol, BS, and triglycerides were all high (blood pressure was fine). Until that point, while overweight, I thought I was ok since I worked out vigorously 3 times a week and didn't eat a totally crap diet.
The best part? I didn't do it by succumbing to a fad diet. I simply reduced my total caloric intake a bit (shooting for 1500-2000 calories a day), greatly reduced my fat and sugar intake, and ate more fruits and vegetables (preferably raw when possible).
I've eaten more apples, bananas, grapes, pears, etc in the past 3.5 months than I have in my entire life previously. Same goes for raw cauliflower, brocolli, carrots, etc. I've always liked cooked veggies. Now, though, I add little, if any fat in the form of seasoning meat or butter (though, the collards still get a couple ham bones just because).
I reduced the amount of meat I eat. I used to have a 10-12oz steak, not I get a 6-8oz one. If I go to a fast food joint, I get a plain burger without mayo (fat) and ketchup (sugar). If at Wendy's, I'll get a side salad with lite dressing instead of fries. I hate diet sodas, so I get water.
I religiously eat breakfast (used to be a weekend thing only). Every morning, I have a bowl of oatmeal or some fruit. Every once in a while, I let myself have a piece (only one piece rather than the 2-3 I used to eat) of sausage and maybe an egg to go with it.
Now, if I eat like I used to, I feel really bloated and full. This is good, it helps me to continue to eat less. I don't find myself craving food like I used to. Sure, I get hungry between meals from time to time, but not like I used to and not so much that I gorge myself at meals. If possible, I try to have a piece of fruit or a single serving size canned fruit for a mid afternoon snack.
As for the gym, we no longer go. It was getting to be too much of a hassle and we weren't happy with the way the gym was being run under it's new owners (besides, after 1.5 years of the gym, I had only lost 10lbs and no fat). Instead, we try to take a long walk each evening. We also walk to the store or Blockbuster rather than drive (just a couple blocks away). I'm sure some of the weight I've lost has been muscle, but the 2" that came off my waist wasn't.
I'm going clothes shopping this weekend, all of my pants are too big.
Chris
