The Initial Weigh In

In my initial post I inserted an image of a BMI calculator, where I claimed to be 275 lbs.  At the time I estimated that 275 was probably a slight exaggeration. However, I had not actually been on a scale because, well, I was horrified to do so.  

The next morning I bit the bullet and dug the scale out of its hiding place in the hall closet. Initially, after stepping onto that poor scale, I averted my gaze in a manner similar to the maneuver you use when encountering someone in public who is a Facebook "friend" but who you actually have no desire to speak to in reality. You know the one... "Just don't make eye contact, keep going, and hope you don't run into them again."  However, just as you inevitably run into that "friend" numerous times and eventually must make awkward conversation, I eventually had to face reality and look at the scale.

278 lbs!

"Two hundred and seventy eight pounds," said the miserable, heartless, box of wires that rested beneath my feet.  As a knee-jerk reaction I told the smart ass scale to "shut the f*ck, b*tch!" and forcefully slammed it back into the closet.  That would surely teach it the lesson it deserved.

While I have managed to calm myself, and apologize to the scale, I am still fairly upset that I let my weight get that high again.  After all, no more than a month ago I had weighed 267 lbs.  The fact that one person can even gain 11 lbs in a single month has to be some sort of record.

Now three days later, I find find myself at a slightly less disappointing 272 lbs.  While I realize most of the 6 lbs is "water weight" and not actual fat loss, the number is still encouraging

The Goal:

At my fittest, in highschool, I weighed 155 lbs and had about 9% body fat.  On March 1st 2012 I weighed in at a massive 308 lbs, at which point I halfheartedly resolved to go on a diet.  364 days later I am down 36 lbs.  I realize that 155 lbs is an unrealistic goal to set for myself.  Setting that goal would not only be unfair to myself, but would also eventually end in disappointment and a very probable relapse of old habits. 

After much consideration I have decided that my intial goals will be:

Short Term: 262 lbs by March 30th (4 weeks from Saturday)

Long(er) Term: 250 lbs by May 4th (KY Derby Day)

Ultimate Goal: 195 lbs by (a date to be determined on May 4th)

The first two goals are very attainable, but will require focus.  My ultimate goal, however, is quite intimidating. After all, I haven't weighed 195 lbs in approximately eight years. No to mention, meeting that goal will require a total weight loss of 113 lbs from my heaviest weight last March.  

Enough about the future, for now I am riding on the emotional highs of a fantastic work out, and my outlook on life in general has drastically improved already.  Until next time, lets hope that these good feelings last and the Diet Coke headaches continue to stay the f*ck away.

Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend

Good News!

Operation "Eat All the Food" was a huge success.  I managed to eat and drink everything in the house and then some... which made me feel terrible.  By Sunday evening I was lethargic, nauseous, and full of enough junk food to choke a manatee.  While disgusting, or even disturbing, the over all feeling of "I may die soon" has proved to be nothing but added motivation.  

Yesterday was the first day of a new diet, and a new way of life. The day 1 meal plan included:

Breakfast:

Black Coffee
Special K Protein Plus Cereal w/skim milk

Lunch:

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

Snacks:

1 large orange

Celery

Dinner:

Tuna fish sandwich on 1 slice whole grain bread

I know, pretty damn healthy right?  I found that I actually enjoyed eating healthy (which is the exact opposite of past attempts) and at no point during the day did I feel like I was going to starve to death.  As a matter of fact I felt so good after breakfast that I believe I may have bitten off more than I can chew.  I have decided to give up soft drinks.    

For some, saying "hasta la vista" to soft drinks may sound simple.  For me, however, it will be like saying goodbye to a life long friend.  Diet Coke has become something I not only enjoy on a daily basis, but also something that I apparently NEED, as I came to find out last night when the head ache struck.  

Goodbye, old friend.  You will be missed... for two weeks.
 Then, I hear, my addiction will be broken and I will hate you.

While not especially painful, my Diet Coke headache proved to be quite a nuisance.  It brought on a dull yet persistent pain, accompanied by a foggy or dream like feeling, both of which lingered for hours.  Even ibuprofen seemed unable to eliminate my ailment. Only sleep would eventually bring relief.

Despite yesterdays struggles, and the headache already beginning to makes its return today, I remain stalwart in my pursuit to kick the Cokes. I am determined to fight through the temptations and torment so I can become one of those (healthy) freaks at restaurants who always orders water.

For now, however, my biggest concern is finding time to make it to the gym.  While I understand that exercise will be crucial to my success, I don't particularly enjoy exercising and I have never understood how someone could become addicted to it.  Or at least that is how the OLD Josh felt!  

The new and improved Josh loves to exercise.  There is no place new and improved Josh would rather be than on a treadmill.  So that is exactly where new and improved Josh will be bright and early tomorrow morning. On the treadmill... having fun... sweating because I enjoy it... not hating life... or crying.

Rock Bottom

This is where I have found myself.  How do I know I've hit rock bottom?  Well, for starters, my breakfast has consisted of Cheese-Its on more than one morning this week.

Still not convinced? Check out the results of this BMI calculator:

For the information you entered:

Calculate again: English | Metric

Height: 7 feet, 6 inches Weight: 275 pounds Your BMI is 23.9, indicating your weight is in theNormal category for adults of your height. For your height, a normal weight range would be from 213 to 287 pounds. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with overweight and obesity. For information about the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight, visit Preventing Weight Gain.

BMI Weight Status Below 18.5 Underweight 18.5—24.9 Normal  25.0—29.9 Overweight 30.0 and Above Obese

23.9!  Just barely within the normal range for a man who is 7' 6" tall. Unfortunately I am only 6'. 

Now that I am here, at this lonely place called rock bottom, I realize that there is one advantage to being here.  I have no where to go but up.  

I am fed up with being fat.  I look like shit and feel like shit, mostly because I eat like shit, and I am sick of it. Beginning this Monday, February 25, I am changing my life.  I will be changing what I eat, when I eat, and where I eat.  I will begin implementing an exercise routine on a daily basis and opting for more active hobbies and weekends. Fitness will replace "fatness" in all aspects of my life, and this blog will chronicle all the ups and downs along the way.

I am more motivated than ever to achieve my fitness and weight loss goals... starting Monday. For now I have to clean out (aka eat) all the unhealthy food in the house and drink a ridiculous amount of bourbon.

Cheers!