Tricked You!!! (Memorial Day Update)

So, you see that I haven't posted since March. What do you assume? Oh, he fell off the bandwagon, couldn't keep it up, blah blah blah.

Wrong.

Truth is, I just got so busy that I never found time to blog. Sorry.

Before I get to this milestone update, I'd like to thank Billy, who was my inspiration and mentor through this process. He showed me the way to health.

So, I had some goals set for Memorial Day. How did I do? I'd give myself a B. I weigh 165, which is not the 160 that was my goal. Lots of stuff happened in April and May that derailed that last five pounds:

1. My body REALLY did not want to lose that 5 pounds.

2. My mind got tired of going to bed hungry.

3. I got busy at work, and I was sent to LA for a week.

4. I hurt my back, so I had to stop lifting. I began a running program, but the results were not the same.

So my plan is to maintain 165 and my current measurements until October. Then I'll start a program to lose more fat and gain more muscle.

OVERALL PROGRESS

Starting Weight: 208

Ending Weight: 165

Total Weight Lost: 43 lbs

Measurements

NECK

Start: 16.125"

End: 14.125"

Lost: 2"

CHEST

Start: 43"
End: 37"
Lost: 6"

BICEP

Start: 15.75"

End: 12.5"

Lost: 3.25"

GUT

Start: 42"
End: 31.5"
Lost: 10.5" (!!!!)

WAIST

Start: 40.5"
End: 32.5"
Lost: 8" (!!!!)

THIGH

Start: 24"
End: 22"
Lost: 2"

Monthly Update: February

Yes, I know March is almost over, but I forgot to post my progress in February. March update will be next week.

Things that went well

Started lifting again, doing the TT Intermediate workout, which was a good workout, I can see the results.

Things to improve

Well, I didn't lose a whole lot of weight in February, less than 5 pounds. I think it was a combination of my body having less weight to lose, plus me relaxing a bit and going out to dinner a few times. I had one week where I didn't lose any weight, and that threw the numbers off.

More veggies are needed.


OVERALL PROGRESS

Weight as of 3/3: 169.6
Total Weight Lost: 37.16 lbs (4.56 this month)

Total reduction in measurements as of 3/3

Neck: 1.75 inches
Chest: 5 inches
Bicep: 3.125 inches
Gut: 9.125 inches
Waist: 6.750 inches
Thigh: 1.5 inches

Monday morning update

OK, so I've been gone for a while. Both Billy and I are alive and well, I assure you.

3/10 Report:

So back on 3/6, I went on vacation to Tampa on a golf trip. I think I did very well in balancing the "Hey I'm on a diet!" with the "Hey, I'm on vacation!". We had a suite with a kitchen, so we made breakfast every morning, so I basically at the same breakfast that I do at home (Eggs, Turkey Sausage, Kashi Cereal). I packed a Tuna wrap every day for lunch while we played golf, plus a protein bar. We went out to dinner every night, which is where I relaxed a little. I had a big nasty steak every night, except for one night where I had Ahi Tuna, another favorite. But I always made sure to order veggies instead of the potato side, and no dessert.

So here are the 3/10 stats:

Weight Average: 168.6- loss of 1.04 pounds this week (38.2 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.25-No Change
Chest 37.75- Gain of 1/4"
R. Bicep 12.625- Gain of 1/4"
Gut 32.375 - Gain of 1/4"
Waist 33.625 - Gain of 3/8"
Thigh 22.5- No Change

Even though it says I lost 1 pound, that's more a function of the averages. I weighed in at 167 on the day I left and weighed 171.2 when I got back.

3/17 Update:

So I get home on 3/10, and then on 3/11 I had to get on a plane to go to Madison WI for 3 days for work! So I was good there as well, I did most of the same things that I did the last time I was there (I posted about that trip in January).

When I got back, I was at 169.8, instead of 171.2 when I got back from Tampa, so that was a relief.

Weight Average: 169.28- Gain of .68 pounds this week (37.5 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.25-No Change
Chest 37.625- Loss of 1/8"
R. Bicep 12.375- Loss of 1/4"
Gut 32.500 - Gain of 1/8"
Waist 33.375 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 22.5- No Change

So the rise in the average is once again due to the high weights early in the week, so this is the vacation/business trip coming home to roost.

3/24 Update:

So you would think that now that I am back home and things are back to routine, that this would be a good week. But something happened this week that really got my attention: Easter. Now, we aren't very religious, so Easter is no big deal to our family. So I didn't focus on having a plan or being ready to fight the temptations that were going to be present.

Friday: We went out to dinner at a restaurant called The Melting Pot (fondue). Almost impossible to eat healthy there, as the first course is dipping stuff in melted cheese (I did mostly veggies, not much bread), the second course is salad, the third course is meat cooked in veggie broth, and the fourth course was melted chocolate fondue. Now, I usually don't eat dessert, but if you put a hot pot of melted chocolate and a plate full of stuff to dip it in front of me, I can't resist. At least I dipped mostly fruit (strawberries/bananas).

Saturday: We had a pot luck dinner at my Grandfather's house, where there was Ham and something called baked macaronis, which is macaroni, butter, cheese, bread crumbs and tomatoes. I had 3 helpings. Out of control.

Sunday: Easter Brunch. Huge buffet with anything you want. I managed to control myself here, but the damage was done.

Weight Average: 168.40- Loss of .88 pounds this week (38.4 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.125-Loss of 1/4"
Chest 37.375- Loss of 1/4"
R. Bicep 12.500- Gain of 1/8"
Gut 32.00 - Loss of 1/2"
Waist 33.125 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 22.125- Loss of 3/8" (Huh?)

I'm falling behind my weight goals (I should be 1.5 lbs lighter), so I'm really focused this week on eating properly.

Monday morning update : Under 170!

I lost 1.9 pounds this week, and today was the first day that my average has gone under 170!

Another milestone, by both the caliper and web site methods of measuring body fat, I'm now at 15%! My scale, however, says I'm 20.9%, what the hell?

I have noticed that my neck and chest measurments have not changed for 3 weeks, so maybe they are settling in at the sizes that they will be when I reach my goal. I've noticed that there is not much fat on my chest anymore.

Weight Average: 169.64- loss of 1.9 pounds this week (37.2 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.25-No Change
Chest 37.5- No Change
R. Bicep 12.375- Loss of 1/4"
Gut 32.125 - Loss of 1/8"
Waist 33.25 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 22.5- Loss of 1/8"

I leave for vacation on Thursday. I've got a plan in place, but I will not be trying to lose weight, just trying to make enough good decisions to come back and not have gained a whole lot.

Just for fun, here is how many days I've spent in each "decade" of weight:

Days in 200's (started at 206.4)
40

Days in 190's
39

Days in 180's
43

Days in 170's
51

Monday morning update

I gained .1 pounds this week. This is the first week where I feel like I slipped up. I went out to dinner 2 nights in a row, and then on Sunday we had a potluck lunch at my in-laws, and I ate ice cream. Not good.

I have officially lost 35 pounds. That is good.

Weight Average: 171.52- gain of 0.1 pounds this week (35.3 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.25-No Change
Chest 37.5- No Change
R. Bicep 12.625 - No Change
Gut 32.25 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 33.5 - Loss of 1/8"
Thigh 22.625- No Change

I'm leaving on vacation on 3/6, so my goal is to get my average well under 170 before I leave.

Monday morning update

I lost 1.8 pounds this week. It's been a crazy week. I fasted for the first time on Thursday, which resulted in a contest win over Billy. Then, like Billy, I relaxed this weekend. Friday night a bunch of guys went to an indoor, simulated golf place. 2 slices of delicious pepperoni pizza, a beer, and some wine. Then, on Saturday, Catherine and I went out to a great wine restaurant, Cosimo. They have this awesome wine preservation system where they can open expensive bottles of wine and offer them by the glass (most restaurants won't do this, you have to order a whole bottle). They offer "wine samplers", where they give your 3 or 4 small glasses of great wine to taste. So grand total, probably 4 glasses of wine. And as a bonus, the food was wonderful. I didn't go overboard (no dessert), but I ate well. Then yesterday, we had friends over for lunch, and we bought doritos, which are a weakness of mine. So I had some.

So to sum up, my average will be going up once I lose the 170.6 and the 169.6 from last week, and I need to get back on the horse this week.

Weight Average: 171.4- loss of 1.8 pounds this week (35.4 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.25-No Change
Chest 37.5- Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 12.625 - Loss of 1/4"
Gut 32.5 - Loss of 3/8"
Waist 33.625 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 22.625- No Change

I'd like to crow about getting to 35 pounds total lost, but I'm concerned that it won't stick over the next few days...

It's Over

Weight Lost since 1/2: 10

Well, the fast worked, I weighed in at 169.6 this morning, which brought my average down to 171.68, which is 10 pounds exactly.

Congrats to Billy for getting back to his low in a month and a half, I hope this contest added a little extra motivation. As he's said, there are no losers in this contest.

For me, I just have to not get lazy. I'm getting close to being 170 (average), and that is 10 pounds away from my 160 original goal. Much like Billy, I'm beginning to think that my original goal weight won't get me to 10% body fat, it might be 155.

I have a vacation in early March that I have to plan for, and another one in early April. Both are guy's vacations (golf and the Master's), and I need plan for not going completely off track.

Welcome, Jason

http://jasonscrusade.blogspot.com/

Billy, can you post his blog on your blog as well?

Fasting Today

Weight Lost since 1/2: 9.32

Two good weigh ins have gotten me oh-so-close to the 10 lb challenge goal.

I'm fasting today. Boy, I hope it gets easier. It's 7:30 and my body is pleading for food!

Billy is going on vacation next week, and he has said that the contest needs to be over before he leaves. I'm trying to grant his wish...

Monday morning update

Weight Lost since 1/2: 8.4

I lost 1 pound this week. After a great start to the week, my weight went up over the a few days, which threw off the averages. Had a rough weekend, with a birthday party on Sunday. Since I lost 3.4 last week, I'm not too worried. But the contest is getting tight.

Weight Average: 173.2- loss of 1 pound this week (33.6 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)
Neck 14.25-No Change
Chest 37.875- Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 12.875 - No Change
Gut 32.875 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 33.875 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 22.625- No Change

I know I should fast for 24 hours over the next few days, as Billy is quickly approaching 10 lbs. But I just don't feel like it. I'm so fucking hungry all the time, I just don't feel like starving for a whole day and trying to work. I get very pissed off when I'm hungry, and I don't want to start yelling at people at work.

I think I have at least 15 pounds to go, and it's a good thing that I can see the finish line, because I'm really looking forward to the next phase of the journey, learning how to maintain a weight and gain muscle.

Back to the gym this week with the TT Intermediate workout. I'm taking it slow to be careful with the shoulder and elbow.

Supermarket wars

Weight lost since 1/2: 8.6

Monthly Update: January

Weight Lost since 1/2: 8.68 (Crap)

Things that went well

Weird month. First half was spent trying to get back to where I was pre-xmas. Then traveled to Wisconsin mid-month and got all screwed up. Then made some hay at the end of the month with a 3.4 lb loss. I had to stop lifting a few weeks ago b/c of my shoulder, so I started endurance running, and the weather cooperated, allowing me to run outside. I'm looking to get back into the gym this coming week.

Things to improve

I can feel myself getting bored with the food I'm eating, so it's time to expend some effort exploring new recipies and foods. I also need to be strict about my form in the gym to keep my shoulders and elbows healthy.

OVERALL PROGRESS

Weight as of 2/4: 174.2

Total Weight Lost: 32.6 lbs (7.8 this month)

Total reduction in measurements as of 2/4

Neck: 1.75 inches
Chest: 4.25 inches
Bicep: 2.625 inches
Gut: 8.125 inches
Waist: 5.875 inches
Thigh: 1.375 inches

Pant Size: 32 or 31, depending on brand

Chicken Piccata

Weight lost since 1/2: 8.80 lbs

This is one of our family favorites. We make a lot of it so that we have extra leftovers. It's a good amount of work, pick a weekend day where you have 2 free hours.

Ingredients
Family Size Chicken (2-4 lbs)
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Shallot
3 Garlic
2 tbsp Butter
1 Bottle Capers
1/2 Lemon
white wine
1 large carton Chicken broth
Salt/Pepper
Whole Wheat Flour

Steps

Add Oil, butter and Shallots to large pan On medium, cook
Add Capers
Break Capers up in pan cook 5 minutes
Then add Garlic, cook another 5 minutes
Add 3/4 Lemon's Juice
Add Wine
Cook all ingredients until mixed
While everything is cooking, Pound Chicken breasts flat with a mallet, and then bread them with the whole wheat flour, salt and pepper..
After Wine has cooked off, pour everything out of pan and set aside
Add Chicken broth to SaucePan to reduce (boil for 10 minutes uncovered)

OK, now you have your sauce set aside, and your chicken is floured and ready to cook. Pour a tablespoon or two of the sauce into the pan, then put some chicken in the pan on top of it. Cook the chicken slowly. When it is cooked, put the chicken on a plate and cover, then repeat with more chicken until you are done.

Now add the sauce and the chicken broth, plus a little more wine to the pan (no chicken in it). Cook on high heat until reduced to a thicker sauce. Use the whole wheat flour to thicken, if needed. Pour some of the mixture over the chicken, put the rest in a bowl.

We also cook brown rice with this dish. Put some brown rice on a plate, cover with chicken and put sauce on to taste.

It's a good amount of work, but it's worth it. It reheats really well.

Balls

Weight Lost since 1/2: 8.24

Meatballs, that is:

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground round (at least 90% lean)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely shredded fresh Parmesan cheese (I use Pecorino Romano)
1/2 cup dry italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Garlic Powder, sprinkled

Steps
Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl; stir well. I use my hands to make sure everything mixes well.

Shape mixture into 30 (1 1/2-inch) meatballs. Place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until done.

Yield 30 meatballs (serving size: 5 meatballs)

Nutrtional data PER MEATBALL:

Calories
52.1

Calories from Carbohydrate
5.1

Calories from Fat
24.5

Calories from Protein
22.5

The Reward (Monday Morning Update)

Weight Lost since 1/2: 7.48 (Yeah, you read that right)

So I went to Billy's place for the SB yesterday. I brought my dinner and ate it right when I got there (around 6:30). I brought gum, because I didn't want to eat anything after dinner, and Billy had some snacks (healthy of course, but still) out. So I chewed a shitload of gum, and took some ribbing from Billy about it (don't worry, I gave him some back). I ended up winning $500 based on one of those "numbers" pools! Then I come home and go to bed. This morning, the reward: 172.2, a pound and a half lower than yesterday, which moved my average my almost a pound. Discipline pays, baby.

I lost 3.4 lbs this week! Awesome! I could not work out my upper body because of a bad shoulder, so I still lift my legs, but I've started running. I've found that running really drops weight off of me, but the measurements do not match compared to when I'm lifting. Meaning, if I lift all week and lose a pound, the measurements will typically be what you see below. What does this mean?

1. You should measure yourself and your body fat as well as doing the scale. When I was doing TT, I wasn't losing much on the scale, but my body composition really changed and I could tell I was losing fat and gaining muscle.

2. Nothing beats lifting weights for changing how your body looks.

Weight Average: 174.2- loss of 3.4 pounds this week (32.6 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)
Neck 14.25-Loss of 3/8" (Huh?)
Chest 38.25- No Change
R. Bicep 12.875 - Loss of 3/8" (Double Huh?)
Gut 33.125 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 34.125 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 22.625- Loss of 3/8" (Triple Huh?)

Looks like the contest is getting interesting!!!

Power Foods

Weight Lost since 1/2: 6.56 lbs

Instead of a recipe today, I'm going to give you a list of some of the foods that have really helped me:

1. Coffee. Yeah, I tried the green tea. Not so much. I like coffee, it's 0 calories, and I have regular in the morning and decaf in the afternoon.

2. Eggs and Egg Whites. Almost every morning, great way to start the day with protein.

3. Optimum Power Cereal. Great source of fiber and it doesn't taste too bad either!

4. Kashi Oatmeal. See #3.

5. Low fat canola oil mayonaisse. Better for you than regular. (Whole Foods and some regular markets)

6. Pure Protein Bars. High in protein, easy in a pinch (BJ's, Trader Joes)

7. Amy's Cheese and Pesto Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust. A great treat that my wife and I love. It tastes great and it's much better for you than other pizza.

8. Boneless Whole Turkey Breast. Cook it up on Sunday, have turkey for lunch all week. Easy. (The best is at Whole Foods, but you can get it anywhere)

9. Vegetables. Still don't eat enough, but I eat more than I ever did.

10. Nuts. Great snack, much better than pretzels.

11. Pecorino Romano grated cheese. Adds flavor to a lot of things, and it's not a lot of calories.

12. Muir Glen Organic Soups. Canned, I know, but much better for you than regular canned soup. (Whole Foods, I've also seen it in the organic aisle of regular markets)

Feed the Warrior!

I love this commercial. My favorite part is how Lance looks at the guy after the guys says he just wants to do some "light cardio"

Sausage and Peppers

Weight Lost since 1/2: 5.48

I was in the lead for one day, then Billy weighs in at 150 or something like that. I think Billy's scale should be re-calibrated. Very Fishy.

Ingredients
3 peppers (1 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow or green)
1 lg. onion
1-1.5 lb. Italian Turkey sausage (sweet or hot)
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp oil
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 cup white wine

Steps
Separate links of sausage and prick with a fork. Place in Dutch oven with 1/2 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until all water has evaporated and sausages have given up some of their fat and are lightly browned all over.

Drain fat from pan. Cut sausages into smaller pieces about 1 1/2 inches long.

Add wine, garlic, basil, oil and oregano. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Top with peppers, onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix well.

Cover and simmer another 30 minutes or until sausage is done, stirring occasionally.

Much Better Turkey Chili

Weight Lost since 1/2: 5.04 (halfway!)

So I posted a quick recipe for turkey chili yesterday. It is good stuff. But this recipe, while it takes longer to prepare and cook, tastes much better (the best turkey chili I've ever had) and has more veggies:

Ingredients
1.5 tbsp Canola Oil
3 lb ground turkey breast (99% lean)
2 cans organic black beans (or kidney, but the black are really good and give less gas)
2 28oz cans of organic diced or crushed tomatoes (If you like chunky tomatoes, used diced)
2 red peppers, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1-2 lg. onion, diced (depends on how much you like onions, I use 1)
4-8 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup water
1/4 cup red wine
4 bay leaves
4 tsp. cumin
2 tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. sea salt
3 tbs. oregano
a pinch of cayene
1-3 Jalepenos (OPTIONAL. I don't use them. If you don't use them, this chili will not be hot at all, which I don't mind. If you like your chili hot, add the jalepenos)

Steps

Brown the meat in a skillet and drain. Saute the peppers and onions in canola oil in a separate pot. Add spices to the peppers and onions after they've cooked a bit.Don't over do the veggies - they'll cook when it's all mixed.

After turkey is browned, add turkey, tomatoes, water, red wine, bay leaves to the pot & let simmer for a couple of hours.

When you eat it, add some shredded cheddar or pecorino romano to the top.

Makes at least 8 servings. If you calculate the recipe as 8 servings, here is the estimated data:

Calories
462

Calories from Carbohydrate
181 (45 grams)

Calories from Fat
42 (5.6 g, 0.6 g saturated)

Calories from Protein
240 (62 g)

Quick Easy Turkey Chili

Weight Lost Since 1/2: 4.72

I caught the stomach bug that my family had, but it's not so bad, I'm just tired, achy and naseous. No workouts for the next three days probably. Bummer.

I thought I would start posting some recipies that I've learned during the journey. Today is a very easy Turkey Chili:

Ingredients

3 tbsp Olive Oil
1.5 lb ground turkey breast (99% fat free)
1 Shallot
2 Cloves garlic
1-4 Jalapeno (Depending on how hot you like it)
Medium Yellow Onion
Cumin (to taste for spicy)
Chili Powder (again to taste for spicy)
Big Can (28 oz) Organic Tomatoes
Salt/Pepper

Preparation

Chop Onion
Chop Jalapenos, removing seeds
Cook Olive Oil, Onion and Jalapenos on MEDIUM LOW heat for about 10 min
Then add garlic and shallots, both chopped Cook for another 10-15 on MEDIUM LOW
Once base is established, add turkey and brown
Add Tomatoes, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper and cumin Turn heat to medium and cook for 20 min

Makes 3 servings. You can add beans as well, it just increases the calories.

Calories 439
Calories from Carbohydrate 103 Calories from Fat 135
Calories from Protein 200

Monday morning update

Weight Lost since 1/2: 4.08

I lost 1.12 lbs this week, but I had gained .72 last week, so basically, it took me two weeks to get back to the point where I was before I left for Wisconsin on 1/14. This was disappointing, since I tried so hard to stay on track, but as I said last week, travel messes up your body. Also, my measurements are still good, so I guess there was some muscle put on over the last few weeks.

Weight Average: 177.6- loss of 1.12 pounds this week (29.2 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)
Neck 14.625- No Change
Chest 38.25- Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 13.25- Gain of 1/4" (GUNS!) :)
Gut 33.375 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 34.375 - Loss of 1/8"
Thigh 23- No Change

Not that you wanted to know, but I look at the last stages of this journey as the following:

Stage 1: When standing in front of the mirror relaxed with nothing on, there will be no visible love handles. (5 pounds from now, I think) Don't worry, no pictures will be posted.

Stage 2: When standing to the side of the mirror with nothing on, there will be no visible gut. (8 pounds from now, I think)

Stage 3. When standing in front of the mirror relaxed with boxers on, there will be no visible love handles. (10 pounds from now, I think)

Stage 4: When standing to the side of the mirror with boxers on, there will be no visible gut. At the completion of this stage, I'm ready for the pool, but still a ways to go. (13 pounds from now, I think)

Stage 5: When standing in front of the mirror with boxers, waist and hip area start to look defined. (15 pounds from now)

Stage 6: When sitting down, there are no fat rolls around the waist. (20 pounds from now)

Stage 7: Abs defined, six pack starting to show underneath my forest of hair, 7-8% body fat. Stunned and awed looks from people at the pool. Billy asks me if I can show him how to get that cut. People start cult groups to worship my defined body. My children always behave because they respect and fear my greatness. Women want to be with me (sorry, taken), Men want to be like me. (23 pounds from now)

So I'm guessing 155 is my target weight, but who knows...

My Wife: Osmosis

So my wonderful wife has lost 7 pounds since I started my journey in September. How, you may ask? Well, for the first 5 pounds, it was osmosis. Yes, she is annoying. Basically, she did the following:

1. She's one of those people that forgets to eat. So she would eat a bowl of Cheerios with Milk for breakfast at 6 am, then at 11 she would start to get dizzy and would wonder why. So for a few weeks, I would make her two scrambled eggs, a piece of sourdough toast, and a piece of turkey sausage for breakfast. This got her through the morning and helped her make good decisions about food throughout the day. Now she cooks this herself every morning (just the eggs and toast).

2. She listened to me talking about what I've been learning about food and WHY certain foods are bad for you (like Milky Way bars, which was one of her favorites). So she started making better decisions for lunch, and started skipping the pure junk (like candy bars and chips).

3. She does not cook, so she happily took part in the dinners that I cooked, regardless of the fact that they were healthy. For her, this was great since she didn't need to worry about dinner.

4. She started getting on the treadmill to walk 3-4 times a week.

So then she started noticing the results, and decided that she wanted to make the effort to lose 7-10 more pounds (she's pretty thin to begin with, she's a size 4 at this point). She doesn't really have a goal weight, she just wants to see her hips and thighs looking better. So about a month ago, she started keeping track, doing daily weigh ins. Since then she's lost 2.5 more pounds, for a total of around 7.

She also allowed me to talk her into the fact that if she wants to see her hips, thighs and butt look better, she should start doing different things than just the treadmill. So I designed a bodyweight program for her lower body and another one for her upper body. Things like squats, lunges, core work (bridge/plank, crunches), pushups, etc. We did the lower body program on Saturday, and she was sore yesterday, which I keep trying to tell her is a great sign!

So I'll be keeping you guys up to date on her progress. Unfortunately, today she caught the stomach bug that our kids had last week. So if she does what our 5 and 2 year olds did, she'll spend today vomiting, then the next 2 days not able to eat and being tired, then the next day with head congestion (weird). Obviously, I'm praying that I don't get this...

Memorial Day

Weight Lost since 1/2: 3.68 (catching up in the slowest race ever)

It's funny that Billy mentions Memorial Day in his post. Once I got the confidence that I can truly get into shape, I started looking at Memorial Day as the BIG DAY. We belong to a pool, and it opens on Memorial Day. We're there every weekend during summer, and in years past, I've had to take my shirt off because my kids go in the pool, and I'm not going to be that douche in the pool with his shirt on. So, as horrifying as it sounds now (as I look at my "before" picture), I was shirtless at the pool last year.

Well, this year I'm ripping off the shirt at the pool with a vengence, I may even go into a posedown. There are two possible Jay's at the pool this year: 1) Jay with a lean physique, no "jelly roll" (which I'm currently sporting) 2) Fucking Ripped Jay. I will get to #2 eventually, I'm just not sure that this May will be that time. I may need to bulk like Billy did, then cut back down. I won't do that during the summer, I'd just work on maintaining over the summer and start a program in the fall.

Bought a pair of size 32 jeans at Old Navy today....Nice.

Monday morning update

Bad News:
I gained .72 lbs this week. And Billy is about to bust through a plateau, so I might be out $50 here soon.

Good News:
1. This week was messed up. Not only did I trek out to Madison, WI on Monday-Thurs, I then turned around and drove up to Syracuse, NY with the family on Saturday (returned late last night). I did very well on both trips, not missing any workouts and eating well. But I think that your body gets a little messed up when you travel, so I'm chalking the gain up to travel and I expect to even out this week.

2. Yesterday we were at the Syracuse mall, and I tried on a pair of size 32 jeans, and they fit perfectly (my wife agreed). I haven't been a size 32 since junior year in college (17 years ago). I had a feeling that they would fit since the size 33 pants I've been wearing have been getting loose. I had to fight the urge to buy them, as they were $78 and I'm not at my goal yet, so I have a feeling that they won't fit in a month or two.

3. Correlating with #2, my measurements were very good. I lost significantly around the waist and hips, and didn't lose from the chest and thigh, where I should be making muscle gains.

4. Over the last two weeks, I've felt way better. The TT workout is kicking my ass, and I can feel my muscles getting bigger and firmer (especially the lower body).

5. I took pictures today and I look better. Today was the first day I looked at my start picture and current picture and thought "Wow, what a huge transformation!" Before it was "Boy, I sure look different". In my mind, there is a big difference between these two thoughts.

Weight Average: 178.72 - gain of 0.72 pounds this week (28.08 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)
Neck 14.625- Gain of 1/4"
Chest 38.625- Gain of 1/4"
R. Bicep 13.125- No Change
Gut 33.625 - Loss of 3/8"
Waist 34.5 - Loss of 1/2"
Thigh 23- No Change

Weight Lost since 1/2: 2.96 (Shitballs)

Pant Size: 32

Greetings from Wisconsin

So I'm on a business trip in Madison WI. I've been here since Monday, leaving Thursday. Here is what it took to stay on course while traveling:

1. Well, first of all, I'm not going to try to eat out all four days, so I needed to find a hotel room with a kitchen. Residence Inn, here I come.

2. Ok, now you have a kitchen, but we need food. So I need to book my flight to arrive early so I have time to get to the Whole Foods that I've located here in Madison. Made up a list with everything I'd need for the four days.

3. Gotta work out, right? So found a Y that let me work out there for free! But instead of going out to dinner with everyone from the meeting, I have to go work out after the grueling, brain deadening all day meetings, then come back to the hotel room and eat.

4. Oh, and don't forget to bring some lunch to the meeting in case they decide to bring in a disaster of a lunch like they did today. Three kinds of pasta, that's it. No salad, no fruit, just pasta. Good thing I brought a healthy lunch just in case, which I ate instead. Oh, And you better eat breakfast at the hotel, because all they have are bagals and cream cheese (nope, no fruit).

5. Also, better pack snacks as well, because all they put out for an afternoon snack are giant cookies and soda. Jesus! No fruit again. So I fill my laptop bag with apples, nuts and protein bars. During the meeting today, I saw a 250 lb woman have a cookie and a Pepsi as a snack. Can you think of anything with less nutritional value than that?

It took so much work to put myself in the position where I could work out, and more importantly, where I wouldn't be forced to eat the shit they put out for breakfast and lunch, and I didn't need to go out to dinner every night and fight temptation. It took a shit load of planning, but it was worth it, because I leave tomorrow and I've been on track the whole trip. I've got all my travel food packed already. It's just a matter of priorities...

Monday morning update

I lost 2.16 lbs this week. Yes, I know my previous post is bitching about a plateau. My weigh-ins since that bitch have been much lower. My wife and I realized that our digital scale was messed up, it was weighing both of inconsistantly. We bought a new scale and now things are much more consistant.

By the way, I've lost the equivalent weight of the unrelenting, non-stop 2 year old girl pictured in this post.

Weight Average: 178 - loss of 2.16 pounds this week (28.8 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.375- Loss of 1/8"

Chest 38.375- Loss of 1/4"

R. Bicep 13.125- Gain of 1/8"

Gut 34 - Loss of 3/8"

Waist 35 - Loss of 3/8"

Thigh 23- Gain of 1/4"

Weight Lost since 1/2: 3.68 (Watch out, fats, here I come!!!)

This Turbulance Training workout is an ass-kicker, it's great.

You are now entering the Flatlands, enjoy your stay

So I was reading old posts on Billy's blog, specifically the February 2007 area where he went through a brutal plateau. I feel like I'm entering a plateau, here are my last 9 weigh-ins:

181.2
180.8
180.2
179.4
180.2
180.8
180.2
180.2
180

All bunched in the same general 1 lb area, except for the 179.4, which is looking like a fluke.

I started the Turblance training fat burning workout this week, it is intense. I tried to eat the low carb way that Craig B. suggests, but I couldn't pull it off, so I'm back to my regular eating plan. The only big difference is that his plan doesn't allow whole grain carbs, and mine does (in moderation).

Monday morning update

I lost 1.8 lbs this week, but I had gained .44 last week, so let's call it a net of 1.4 lbs for the last two weeks. I'm frustrated because I have been hovering around 180 for several weeks. Given how hard I'm trying, this was unexpected. I talked to Billy last night and I realize that this is just a stubborn plateau, but it's hard psychologically. I think I'm getting down to fat that I've had for over 10 years, and maybe this fat is fighting me harder...

Weight Average: 180.16- loss of 1.8 pounds this week (26.64 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)

Neck 14.50- Loss of 1/8"
Chest 38.625- Loss of 1/8"
R. Bicep 13- Loss of 1/8"
Gut 34.375 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 35.375 - Loss of 1/8"
Thigh 22.750- Loss of 3/8"

Weight Lost since 1/2: 1.52

See Ya, 18x

Today's weigh in: 179.4.

Weight lost since 1/2: .96 lb

Today was the first morning in about 4 years that I weighed less than 180. Now I just have to get my average under 180...

Also, I used this tool for a body fat measurement, and it measured me at 19%. I used the calipers last week and got 20.6%, so if you average the two out, I'm less than 20% body fat, another great milestone.

Another thing that I forgot to post. My wife and I went to a New Year's Eve party at a friend's house. I was wearing a new BR shirt (Medium, by the way), and size 33 dress pants. Got a lot of feedback about how good I looked, which felt awesome. Also, I had a strategy. Usually parties like this are foodfests for me, but my strategy was this: Order a gin and tonic (mostly gin). Drink half, then ask for more gin and ice. Repeat until sloshed. It only took three trips to the bar (I'm a lightweight). I was then able to ignore the appetizer spread and the CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN! It's been so long since I've had refined sugar that my cravings for sweets are almost gone.

The Challenge begins

The gauntlet has been thrown down. The challenge has been issued. Billy and I are in a 10 pound challenge. First one to lose 10 pounds wins a $50 gift card to Banana Republic.

Here are the rules:

1. Average weight on Jan 2 will be start weight.

2. Must lose 10 lbs off Jan 2 AVERAGE.

3. Nothing out of the ordinary, like diuretics,roids, ass plugs, etc.

Honor system, of course.

Argument for Billy: He's a pro. He's just packed on solid muscle and boosted his metabolism. The first 5 pounds will come off fast.

Argument for Jay: He's fat. Body fat % is at least 8% more than Billy's, so I have more fat to lose.

My starting weight average is 181.68.

Let's get it on.