Jay's journey toward health

1/29

2009-01-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 166.2
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 28
Weight lost since 1/1: 10.4

2 days left...

1/28

2009-01-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 166.7
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 27
Weight lost since 1/1: 9.9

Billy is charging from behind, I hope I can hold him off...

1/26

2009-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 167.4
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 25
Weight lost since 1/1: 9.2

I know my brother will be outraged with the 9.2, so I'm posting the last 2 weeks for his (and your review).

Date Weight AVG Lost Total Lost
1/12/2009 171 171.6 -0.4 5.0
1/13/2009 171.6 171.5 -0.1 5.1
1/14/2009 170.8 171.4 -0.1 5.2
1/15/2009 170.4 171.1 -0.3 5.5
1/16/2009 170.8 170.9 -0.2 5.7
1/17/2009 170.6 170.8 -0.1 5.8
1/18/2009 170.2 170.6 -0.3 6.0
1/19/2009 170.6 170.5 0.0 6.1
1/20/2009 169.8 170.4 -0.1 6.2
1/21/2009 169 170.0 -0.4 6.6
1/22/2009 168.4 169.6 -0.4 7.0
1/23/2009 166.8 168.9 -0.7 7.7
1/24/2009 167.2 168.2 -0.7 8.4
1/25/2009 167.6 167.8 -0.4 8.8
1/26/2009 166.8 167.4 -0.4 9.2

1/24

2009-01-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 168.2
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 23
Weight lost since 1/1: 8.4

I'm back in the game...

1/23: Excellence

2009-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 168.9
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 22
Weight lost since 1/1: 7.7

Last 5 days weigh ins: 170.6 169.8 169 168.4 166.8

Excellence!

1/22

2009-01-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 169.6
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 21
Weight lost since 1/1: 7.0

Just an update, all is well here in frigid PA.

1/15

2009-01-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 171.1
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 14
Weight lost since 1/1: 5.5

Saw one of the winners of the show "Biggest Loser", who lost 214 pounds (went from 404 to about 195) has gained about half the weight back (he's back up to 310). Scary stuff. I'm coming to the conclusion that people like us need to behave like recovering addicts. During maintenance, you almost have to be as focused on your eating/exercising as you are during weight loss. You have to be vigilant about maintaining, you can't start to think "Hey, I'm thin, screw it" and eat whatever you want. You can certainly allow more indulgences than during weight loss, but you can never take your eye off the scale and the reprecussions of your actions.

1/12

2009-01-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 171.6
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 11
Weight lost since 1/1: 5.0

Not sure where my brother is.........

1/9

2009-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 172.6
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 8
Weight lost since 1/1: 4.0

1/8

2009-01-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 173.0
Number of consecutive days clean eating: 7
Weight lost since 1/1: 3.6

Well, I seem to be in a good groove. I haven't lifted my legs, just my upper body b/c of a back problem. But I added running to my workouts, which seems to do the trick for me in terms of losing pounds...

Still trailing Billy, who should go out this weekend and enjoy himself, maybe stop by Geno's on your way home...

1/7

2009-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 173.6
Number of days clean eating: 6
Weight lost since 1/1: 3.0

Progress...

1/6

2009-01-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 174.2
Number of days clean eating: 5
Weight lost since 1/1: 2.4

Weight went from 172.6 to 174 today, just because I ate a little something before bed...

1/5

2009-01-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

5 Day Average Weight: 174.8
Number of days clean eating: 4
Weight lost since 1/1: 1.8

Good weigh in today. Managed to get through the travel yesterday without a blow up. Now I can settle into a schedule over the next few weeks. Silence from my brother since his big weigh in...

1/4

2009-01-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

Weight: 173.2

Number of days clean eating: 3

Weight lost since 1/1: 3.4

One more tough day (traveling to friends for the day), and I can start a good routine...

1/3

2009-01-03T04:08:00.000-08:00

Weight: 175.2
Number of days clean eating: 2
Weight lost since 1/1: 1.4

Good weigh in today. I have some obsticles coming up. Today, going to the in-laws for dinner, then I have a poker game, then tomorrow we are visiting friends all day. But I have a plan, just need to stick to it.

Hopefully Billy doesn't lose another 4 pounds today...

1/2

2009-01-02T09:28:00.001-08:00

Weight: 176.2
Number of days clean eating: 1
Weight lost since 1/1: .4

Eating less is not any fun.

Back for more (or less?)

2009-01-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Weight: 176.6 (appalling)
Number of days clean eating: 0
Weight lost since 1/1: 0

So here I am. I've gained back about 10 pounds since June. Many factors/excuses, but the past is the past. Billy and I have started another challenge, basically, whoever loses the most weight in January wins some cold hard cash. My goal is to eat clean every day in January. No booze, no sweets, no cheat meals.

Tricked You!!! (Memorial Day Update)

2008-05-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-03T07:57:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-27T03:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-15T05:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

http://jasonscrusade.blogspot.com/

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

Fasting Today

2008-02-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-10T03:12:00.000-08:00

Weight lost since 1/2: 8.6

Monthly Update: January

2008-02-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-02-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-03T03:40:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T05:07:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-16T19:40:00.001-08:00

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

2008-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T04:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

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.

Monthly Update: December

2007-12-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

Things that went well

Overall, this month went really well, given that it was December with all the landmines that come with it. I lost almost 7 lbs, and I managed to not hurt myself lifting weights, which led to some good strength gains.

Things to improve

Still not doing great on the veggies, but I bought a new steamer and I'm in the process of getting more veggies in my diet. Also, the holidays threw a grenade into the routine, so I need to make sure that I re-establish the routine on January 2, not February 2.

OVERALL PROGRESS

Weight as of 12/31: 181.96

Total Weight Lost: 24.84 lbs (7 this month)

Total reduction in measurements as of 12/31

Neck: 1.375 inches
Chest: 3.750inches
Bicep: 2.375 inches
Gut: 6.625 inches
Waist: 4.5 inches
Thigh: .875 inch

Pant Size: 33

Monday morning update

2007-12-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

Good news, bad news. I GAINED .44 lbs this week, but my measurements are good. So I'm not too freaked out. I did have some weak moments, but overall, I ate better this xmas than I ever have. One more party (tonight), then it's back to the all important routine.

The lifting has gone reallly well over the last few weeks, so I think I have gained some muscle, which is a good thing.

Weight Average: 181.96- gain of 0.44 pounds this week (24.84 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.625- No Change
Chest 38.750- Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 13.125- Loss of 1/4"
Gut 34.625 - Loss of 1/8"
Waist 35.500 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 23.125 - Gain of 1/8"

Happy New Year!

The Godfather

2007-12-26T08:59:00.001-08:00

You may all think that Billy is the pioneer of our family's fitness, but in fact, he is not. Our older half-brother, Tom, has been fit for decades (he's now in his 50's). Both he and his wife have been (and still are) into exercise, doing triatholons, lifting weights, eating healthy, the whole deal. If you saw them, you would think they are in their late 30's, early 40's. In fact, when I was pushing maximum density, people would see the two of us and ask who the older brother was (he's 17 years older than me, yikes). Not a fun time for yours truly.

Why do I mention all of this? Because I used to look at Tom and his wife and think to myself "Wow, I could never do what they are doing." And I just realized how defeatest and ridiculous that thought was. Both Tom and his wife work, they have two children, they are living a normal life, yet they managed to make health and fitness a priority. Why can't I do the same, and do it for DECADES (not just this year, or for a "while")? They are truly an inspiration and an example of what can happen when you take care of yourself for a long time. What happens:

1. You tend to look much younger than you are.

1a. You tend to feel much younger than you are.

2. You can enjoy the time you have when your kids are grown, because you have the energy to do lots of the things you didn't do when you had kids (travel, play sports, etc)

3. You don't have as many health problems as people who treat themselves like shit.

4. People ask you if you are younger than your much younger brother/sister.

Something to think about...

Post Xmas

2007-12-26T08:53:00.001-08:00

First, thanks to my brother for posting that picture of us after xmas dinner, I look like I ate the table. Not sure why I look so bad in that pic, oh well.

Ugly day on the scale, weighed in at 183.8, after being 180.6 last week. My average has gone up 2 pounds, and besides the carnage that was yesterday, I think I've done really well. I can see how people that go nuts for a week or two can easily gain 5-10 pounds.

I expect that there will be a quick rebound. Going back to the gym today.

I got a bunch of gift cards for Banana Republic for xmas. We just got back from the mall, I tried on some size 33 pants and they fit! I'm going back and buying the same style pants, only in a size 31 (which do NOT fit :)). Nice to have something to look forward to.

Harry and David Royal Riviera Pears. Best fruit on earth. You won't believe that you are eating something that is good for you, but it is. 120 calories, 5g of fiber. Trust me, go out and buy a box or do it online. They are expensive ($30 for 8 pears), but less expensive then buying 8 lattes at Starbucks. Trust me.

Monday morning update

2007-12-24T03:32:00.000-08:00

I lost 1.68 pounds this week. Not too bad. My only gripe is that I've seemed to gain weight by osmosis the last few days. I was cruising towards an over 2 lb loss until a few days ago. Here are this weeks weigh ins:

182
181.2
180.4
180.6
181.8
182.8
182

Nothing like ending up where you were! I can only explain it by saying that I lifted well this week, so my muscles may be taking up some water or something. But I've been really good about the eating, even though we had a bunch of events this week. Oh well.

Weight Average: 181.52- loss of 1.68 pounds this week (25.28 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.625- Loss of 1/8"
Chest 39.125 - Gain of 1/4"
R. Bicep 13.375- No Change
Gut 34.750 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 35.750 - Loss of 1/8"
Thigh 23 - Loss of 1/4"

One more week to go before eating season is over! Hope everyone has a good holiday, but stay away from the feedbags....

Monday morning update: Day 100

2007-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

Day 100 today. I lost 2.28 pounds this week. Also started lifting again, so this is a good result. I'm almost to the halfway point (around 182)! I'm happy with the measurements as well.

Weight Average: 183.20- loss of 2.28 pounds this week (23.60 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.75- No Change
Chest 38.875 - Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 13.375- No Change
Gut 35 - Loss of 5/8"
Waist 35.875 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 23.250 - Gain of 1/8"

The weights went well this week, I changed up the workout to emphasize exercises that would be kinder to my joints (knees, elbows, shoulders), and I'm feeling less pain and I'm still getting a good workout.

Historically, I've only been able to stay on diets for about 2-3 months, then I'd go veering off dramatically. I feel like this time is different because I'm not really on a "diet", I'm changing my eating habits for life, and right now I"m just in a cutting phase (albeit a LONG one). Still, I need to be aware of this timeline (I'm at the 3 month point) and make sure that I don't veer off course.

Xmas comparison

2007-12-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

OK, here are a couple of comparison pictures I found. Like I said, there aren't that many fat pictures of me because I wouldn't let people take very many pictures of me. But I found one. The first pic is a family pic from Xmas 2006, where I was probably around 205. The second is a pic taken on 12/3/07, where I'm around 185...

Confusion: Monday morning update

2007-12-10T04:19:00.000-08:00

I lost 3.2 pounds this week. Great, right? But I'm confused because my body fat % didn't go down much at all, and neither did my measurements. Based on my computations, my BF% indicates that 2 of the pounds that I lost this week were lean mass! Very confusing.

Weight Average: 185.48 - loss of 3.2 pounds this week (21.32 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.75- Gain of 1/4"
Chest 39.25 - No Change
R. Bicep 13.375- Loss of 1/4"
Gut 35.625 - Loss of 1/4"
Waist 36.125- Loss of 3/4"
Thigh 23.125 - Gain of 1/8"

Back to the gym today, I took the week off at the gym (I just walked on the treadmill), because I'm doing something wrong when I lift. I get sore in my knees, neck and lower back. It is probably bad form. So I'm going to stick to the machines for a few weeks and try to ease my body back into lifting. Also, based on the bad BF %, I'm going to go back up to 2000 calories.

A message to Santa

2007-12-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

I have some thoughts around what Billy calls "eating season". If you are in any way offended by obscene language or hostility towards Santa, please stop reading NOW.

Fuck you Santa, you fat bastard. I'm trying to lose some goddamn weight over here. And what do you bring for me in December? A children's holiday party? Yeah, I'm sure there will be a lot of healthy options there. A "make your own gingerbread man" party and buffet? Great, thanks. A fucking cookie exchange? Are you kidding me? My wife is going to come home with a giant goddamn platter of cookies? Big help there, fatso. Oh, and then, of course, we need to have a neighborhood holiday party, where I have to pretend to like my drunk neighbors as the stuff their faces full of shit.

And we haven't even gotten to the big day! First, we have Xmas eve dinner! Bet there won't be any salmon there! Then, of course, Xmas day! My brother can tell you all about the carnage involved there after he kicks your ass. Yeah, he's the buff one in the corner there, he's been bulking up just for this moment.

But guess what? I'm not doing it. I'm going to lose 8 pounds this month, not gain 8 pounds. Just give my kids some presents and beat it. And it wouldn't hurt for you to try a salad once in a while.

20

2007-12-08T05:23:00.001-08:00

20 pounds total off the average today! I'm sure Billy can provide information as to what that equates to. A large cat? A small dog? I think my youngest daughter is 25 pounds, so I can't post a picture of her yet.

Monthly Update: November

2007-12-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Things that went well

So this month went pretty well, I lost 7.5 pounds. My measurements went down as well, and I'm starting to look and feel better. We went and had some family pictures taken this past weekend, and I'm really happy with how they came out. For a long time I avoided the camera at all costs, so it's nice to have a picture with me included in it!

Things to improve

I started to drift away from the veggies. I'm eating a lot of fruit, but no more salads, and not much other veggies either. I'm going to try to get back on the veggie train. Also, my knees are aching a little bit, I've got to keep an eye on that.

OVERALL PROGRESS

Weight as of 12/3: 188.68
Total Weight Lost: 18.12 lbs (7.5 this month)

Total reduction in measurements as of 12/3
Neck: 1.5 inches
Chest: 3.25 inches
Bicep: 1.875 inches
Gut: 5.375 inches
Waist: 3.125 inches
Thigh: 1 inch

Monday morning update

2007-12-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

So some good news, but I expected some good news after last weeek: I lost 2.24 pounds this week. Even after a mini-disaster trip to Atlantic City, where I ate cheese fries, good lord. But my average is now under 190!

The measurments reflect the lack of weight loss:

Weight Average: 188.68 - loss of 2.24 pounds this week (18.12 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.5- Loss of 1/4"
Chest 39.25 - Loss of 1/2"
R. Bicep 13.625 - Loss of 1/8"
Gut 35.875 - Loss of 5/8"
Waist 36.875- Loss of 1/8"
Thigh 23 - Loss of 1/4

I'm going off the creatine, it makes me retain too much water. I know that Billy won't approve, but psychologically, I can't deal with the fluctuations that it seems to cause.

I'm also going to continue eating 1700-1850 calories a day for the next week to see what happens.

189.72

2007-11-28T04:20:00.000-08:00

Last three weigh ins:

189.4
187.6
188.8

These weigh ins brought my average to 189.72! Under 190! I'm happy to see the break through after last week's frustration. Thanks for all your encouragment!

Monday morning update

2007-11-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

Told you it was going to be bad news: I lost 0.1 pounds this week. Ug. The only saving grace was that this morning I weighted 189.6, my first weigh-in under 190. So that saved me from reporting a gain this week. Whew. I'm chalking this week up to three things: 1. Starting creatine again. 2. Thanksgiving day (about 5000 calories) 3. Being sick (I have a cold).

The measurments reflect the lack of weight loss:

Weight Average: 190.92 - loss of 0.1 pounds this week (15.88 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.75- No Change
Chest 39.75 - Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 13.75 - Gain of 1/8"
Gut 36.50 - No Change
Waist 37.00- Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 23.25 - No Change

Looking forward to getting the average under 190 before 12/3, the goal date...

Bad news coming

2007-11-25T04:53:00.000-08:00

So things did not improve after Thanksgiving. My last two weigh ins were 191.2 and 191.6, despite lifting the first day and interval training the next, while eating only 1700 calories. This convinces me that I'm retaining water from taking the creatine.

I won't lose any weight this week, unless I miraculously end up under 190 tomorrow morning. I'm hoping the measurements are good, at least.

This is head down, keep pushing mode...

Goddamn Thanskgiving

2007-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last five weigh ins:

190.8
190.6
190.2
190.2
192.2

So it's not enough that I treaded water all week, but I weigh in 2 pounds heavier today after I thought I did OK at Thanksgiving. I know, I know, I didn't REALLY gain two pounds. Whatever. I'll be lucky to lose a pound this week. I'm going to go punch a wall.

Monday morning update

2007-11-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

So I lost 1.5 lb loss this week. But not great from any aspect. The measurements below suck, and my BF% didn't go down a lot either. This week was not a disaster, but this is one of the days that you have to put your head down and keep going.

Weight Average: 190.96 - loss of 1.5 pounds this week (15.84 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.75- Loss of 1/8"
Chest 40- Gain of 1/8"
R. Bicep 13.625 - Loss of 1/4"
Gut 36.50 - Loss of 3/8"
Waist 37.25 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 23.25 - Loss of 1/8"

I've been reading the Lose Fat Not Faith book by Jeremy Likness (linked on Billy's blog). Really good for motivation, goal setting, attitude, etc.

So I'm back on the weights, I skipped Friday's lift ( I ran instead) because I was so sore from Monday and Wednesday. If all goes well, I have a big milestone (under 190) approaching, just have to avoid a Thanksgiving disaster...

Monday morning update

2007-11-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

OK, the good news is a 2.2 lb loss this week. The bad news is that it could have been 3 lb, but my behavior was not good this weekend. Lots of sweets, some pizza, some bad decisions. So over the last two weeks, I've had points where I've gotten off track. As you all know, the key is to get back on the good track quickly, and not let this turn into a complete derailment. As many of you have told me, the measurements can be deceiving, and you'll notice that there was not much loss in the measurements as you'd expect with a 2.2 lb loss.

Weight Average: 192.48 - loss of 2.2 pounds this week (14.32 lbs total)

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

Neck 14.875- No Change
Chest 40- No Change
R. Bicep 13.875 - Loss of 1/4"
Gut 36.875 - Loss of 3/8"
Waist 37.50 - Loss of 1/8"
Thigh 23.375 - Loss of 1/8"

Back to the weights today, and back to the creatine. So I have to anticipate a water weight gain with the creatine. Also have to get back to the healthy eating, no snacking, no sweets.

October: Monthly Progress Report

2007-11-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

OK, I figured at the beginning of each month, I'll do a status report on how the month went and how things are going overall. This post is for September (1/2) and October.

September

Not that great, I didn't lose much weight. I was eating too many calories on Bernardi's Meta Advantage program. Foodwise, I was trying a bunch of new things, eating way more veggies and fruits. Exercisewise, I got back into a weightlifting program and it felt great.

October

Did WAY better losing weight, lost about 10 lbs. The key was starting to track calories using NutritionData. Exercisewise, I pulled my head/neck muscle so I had to start doing endurance training (40-50 min on treadmill, brisk walk and jogging).

So coming up in November, I'm shooting to be below 190 by 12/3, which I think I'm on a good track for. I think the weight loss will slow a bit once I start lifting and taking creatine again, but I understand that it will be water weight and muscle weight.

OVERALL PROGRESS

Weight as of 11/5: 194.68

Total Weight Lost: 12.12 lbs

Total reduction in measurements as of 11/5

Neck: 1.125 inches
Chest: 2.5 inches
Bicep: 1.375 inches
Gut: 4 inches
Waist: 2.375 inches
Thigh: 0.5 inches

Monday morning update

2007-11-06T05:32:00.000-08:00

"Only" lost 1.4 pounds this week. I had a few rough patches, some halloween candy, a late night poker game, spending the day in the city with the wife, etc. So overall I'm OK with the results this week, but I'll be tightening things up this week, more veggies...

Weight Average: 194.68 - loss of 1.4 pounds this week (12.12 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)
Neck 14.875- Loss of 1/8"
Chest 40- Loss of 5/8"
R. Bicep 14.125 - Loss of 1/8"
Gut 37.25 - Loss of 3/4" (YEAH BABY)
Waist 37.625 - Loss of 3/8"
Thigh 23.50 - Loss of 3/8"

So I tried to play Racquetball on Friday, and my elbow has been telling me that wasn't a good idea since then. I'm probably going to need a cortisone shot and some physical therapy to get it to 100%. I'm going to start weightlifting later this week, I think my head muscle is ready.

Tough day

2007-10-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

So I've been doing really well over the past 3 weeks at clean eating, only eating high quality, nutritious foods. Today was tough, however. I found myself craving carbs late this afternoon, and I did down some goldfish crackers and some cheese crackers as well, not the best choice. Also had to really fight the urge to eat some of the Halloween candy! I've been cruising for so long that I kind of forgot what a life long committment eating well takes.

I was listening to Howard Stern this morning. For those of you who don't know, Howard eats very well and is very consious of his health, and has been that way for 20 years. They were talking about the fact that someone had brought in cupcakes, and Howard was talking to a less healthy guy on the show. The less healthy guy made an assumption that it was "easy" for Howard to not eat the cupcakes, since he's been healthy for so long. Howard disagreed and said that it's always a struggle, and that cupcakes taste great, but he has made the decision that he's not going to eat "that shit". This made me realize that no matter how long you are healthy, you still need to have the discipline to stay the course.

2007-10-29T03:53:00.000-07:00

Another 2 lb loss, but I've been in a holding pattern around 196 for the last 5 days, so let's hope things start going downward again.

Weight Average: 196.08 - loss of 2.12 pounds this week (10.7 lbs total)

Measurements (Losses/Gains are for the week, not total)
Neck 15- Loss of 1/8"
Chest 40.625- Gain if 1/8"
R. Bicep 14.25 - Loss of 1/4"
Gut 38 - Loss of 5/8"
Waist 38 - Loss of 1/2"
Thigh 23.875 - Loss of 1/8"

Sorry I haven't posted last week, I've been busy at work. But I'm still chugging away. I'm trying to decide whether or not to start lifting again this week or to keep letting my muscle pull heal...

Monday morning update

2007-10-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

One goal down, seven to go!

I lost 3 pounds this week, which is great. But the measurements weren't any better than last week, when I lost 1.5 lbs. I might have lost some water from my muscles as they got used to not working out...

Weight Average: 198.2 - loss of 3.08 pounds this week (8.6 lbs total)

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

Neck 15.125- Gain of 1/8"
Chest 40.5- Loss of 1/2"
R. Bicep 14.5 - Loss of 1/8"
Gut 38.625 - Loss of 3/8"
Waist 38.5 - Loss of 1/4"
Thigh 24 - Gain of 3/8"

I probably won't lift any weights this week, my neck/head still feels tender. So I'll keep with the endurance training...

Cookie Cake, are you kidding?

2007-10-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Look people, there is food in life that tastes good, there is food in life that tastes great, and then there is cookie cake (Mom's chicken divan is a step above, but that's it.) .

So it was my beautiful daughter's 2nd birthday party today (she actually turns 2 on Oct 26). We had a bunch of kids over to the house and my wife got a cookie cake, which is Lily's favorite. Luckily, I only had a few bites. Lily had more than a few bites, as the photographic evidence shows.

I've really started losing weight since I stopped lifting weights and concentrated on endurance training. I've cut back to 1900 calories/day instead of 2100 to compensate for not lifting.

Weighed in at 197.2 this morning, big weigh in/measure tomorrow. If I get 197.4, that would be 3 pounds this week...

Good Morning!

2007-10-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

Weigh in today: 198.6

5 day average: 199.92

Looks like the head muscle injury has caused some weight loss! :)

Head update

2007-10-18T04:34:00.003-07:00

My doctor emailed me back and says it sounds like I pulled a muscle in my head. The trap muscles in your neck are connected to muscles in your head. He told me to take it easy on the weights (don't strain), and put heat on it twice a day.

200.0 again today...

Ouch! (**$)(##@(*&

2007-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm at the gym Monday, pounding out the weights. I am on my last exercise, leg presses. I'm pushing up my last rep and POW! I get this sharp pain in my head, above and behind my left ear. It hurt like a sumbitch. But I was at the end of my workout, so no biggie. So today (Wed), I go to do my first exercise, pull-ups. I get to the 5th rep, and POW, there it is again. I have a good pain threshold, but I could NOT have this pain happen every set! So I went to the elliptical machine and did 40 low impact minutes. It seems that this pain recurs when I'm doing something high intensity.

I've emailed my doctor to ask him what the hell is going on, but it looks like I should spend at least the next week doing low impact stuff (walking, elliptical, etc).

I won't let this stop me...

Yesterday I was 200, today I was 200.2. Isn't it cruel?

Monday morning update

2007-10-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

Boy, even though I weigh myself every day, I still look at Mondays as the milepost days, I guess b/c I measure on Mondays (No, I will NOT measure every day )

Weight Average: 201.28 - loss of 1.5 pounds this week (4.5 lbs total)

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

Neck 15- Loss of 1/8"
Chest 41- Loss of 5/8"
R. Bicep 14.625 - Loss of 3/8"
Gut 39 - Loss of 5/8"
Waist 38.750 - Loss of 3/8"
Thigh 23.625 - No Change

I'm feeling that I'm getting into the groove, let's hope it continues.

Brittle

2007-10-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Weight: 201.4 (new low)
Average Weight: 202.2
Weight Lost so far: 3.6 pounds

So one of the many reasons I'm doing this is that over the last few years, I feel like my body has become brittle. I've developed tendonitis in both shoulders (left from golf, right from racquetball), and this past January I developed a bad case of tennis elbow (again, tendonitis) from r'ball. Over the months, I got a cortizone shot in it, did physical therapy, rested, iced, and still it did not go away.

After reading Dr. Weill's book, I have to think that the crap I was eating was harmful to my body's healing process. Since I've started eating healthier, the elbow has started feeling better, even though I'm using it to help lift some heavy weights when I work out (it's really the tight grasp on the weights that isn't good for the elbow). I've got to think that I'm giving my body the ability to heal faster by eating good, clean food. I'm still nervous about getting back on the court at this point, but I'm hoping that in a month I can make a return. R'ball is great exercise and I truly enjoy it.

At 36, I shouldn't be this prone to injury, and I think that making this lifestyle change, I'll be able to avoid some problems in the future.

Some good news

2007-10-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a week since I adjusted my strategy, let's take a look at the results for the week:

Weight Average: 202.84 - loss of 2 pounds this week

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

Neck 15.125 - Loss of 1/4"
Chest 41.625 - Loss of 3/8"
R. Bicep 15 - Gain of 1/2"
Gut 39.625 - Loss of 7/8"
Waist 39.125 - Loss of .5"
Thigh 23.625 - Loss of 1/8"

Feels good to finally be headed in the right direction!

Tightening up

2007-10-05T04:34:00.001-07:00

Well, things are going better now that I'm tracking the calories with NutritionData and trying to keep to 2000/day. Last 5 days:

205
204
202.8
202.8
203.4

Off to work...

New Screen name and Goals

2007-10-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

To make it easier on the "other" Jay and myself, my new screen name is BrotherJay. Glad I could help.

Nothing much new to report, I'm tracking calories with NutritionData and trying to keep to 2000/day. 204 this morning, not bad.

Here are my long awaited goals:

Long Term:

· Be healthy enough to enjoy my early retirement (another goal) and be able to engage in activities (golf, racquetball, etc) that I enjoy for many years.
· Be a healthy role model for my children and wife · Be happy with my body image for the first time ever.

1 Year
· 12% body fat
· Good bloodwork.

Short Term Goals

· October 22 : Under 200
· December 17: 190 lbs,
· March 3: 174 lbs, 18% body fat
· June 1 : 160 lbs, 12% body fat

I don't know about the body fat %'s yet, I may change them once I get a good idea where I am.

Now I need to figure out how to put the ST goals in a fancy pane in my blog like the rest of you!

Progress Report

2007-10-01T04:11:00.000-07:00

OK, it has been three weeks since I started this journey, let's look at how things are going:

Weight:

Well, here are each Monday's weights: 205.8, 205.6, 205.8, 205. Yay, 1 pound! Pain in the ass.

Body Measurements

24-Sep 1-Oct
Neck 16.00 15.40
Chest 42.50 42.00
R Bicep 15.50 14.50
Gut 41.25 40.50
Waist 40.00 39.57
Thigh 24.00 23.75

So this is keeping me off the ledge, a pretty consistent loss of between .25" (Thigh) and 1" (Bicep, gee thanks!). Most important to me was the .75 loss on the Gut and the .4 loss on the waist.

I have to deduce that I'm losing fat and building muscle, but I know that I can do better. In each week, there has been at least one event where I strayed big time (dinner with friends, golf outing, birthday party). In the past, I've been able to do that and still lose weight.

For any of you that measure this way, have you seen times where your weight stays the same but your measurements go down?

So here is what I'm going to do:

1. Eat more carbs! Gasp! Shock! Everyone relax. I think I'm eating too much protein. It results in me not feeling energetic. So I'm going to add the Optimum Power Cereal to my routine for breakfast, and I'm not going to be so freaked out by adding good carbs to my diet through the day. I think my body will respond well to this, but if not, I'll scale back.

2. Tighten up the diet. Let's try a few weeks where I don't stray from my program at ALL and see how that goes.

3. Incorporate fat burning workouts. All of Berardi's workouts are weight lifting and cardio. I'm going to incorporate fat burning workouts in addition. In the past, this is how I've lost fat. Playing racquetball, jogging, walking. I can't play R'ball yet (elbow), but let's try to get a 30 minute walk in there at least 3 times a week.

I hate my scale

2007-09-28T05:09:00.001-07:00

Before I started on this journey, I bought a digital scale to replace my old scale, which was reliable but hard to read. So this morning I step on it and it tells me 204.6. Then I move it a little, step back on and I'm 202.8. Then I move it again, I'm 204.4. I then step on the manual scale, which is pretty consistantly 2 pounds lighter than the digital, and it says 201, which should translate to 203 on the digital.

So how much do I weigh? Given my struggles, this is the last thing I need.

I'm strongly considering replacing this digital scale, does anyone have any recommendations?

I told you!

2007-09-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Oh, and sorry about not posting in a while, but I did warn you not to expect the same volume and quality as my brother...

In response to Billy's question, it's hard to tell if I feel much better, because I have vertigo (long story) and I'm lightheaded a lot of the time. I do feel stronger when I go to the gym, and my tennis elbow feels better (fish oil?). I'm taking steps to figure out how to get rid of the vertigo...

Keeping Track

2007-09-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

Weight is going back down, was 204 this morning, which is great considering there was a fairly major eating binge on Monday.

So I used www.nutritiondata.com to track my calories yesterday and it came out that I ate 2100 calories. This is interesting on several points:

1. I really didn't eat that much yesterday compared to other days on this program. so I bet during the first couple of weeks, when I was eating more, I was probably up around 2500/3000 calories, no wonder I wasn't losing weight!
2. Nutritiondata does not agree with the calorie counts that the Meta Advantage book has. Nutritiondata thinks the recipes I have entered have more calories than the book says. hmmmmm.....

On another note, I've started eating the Optimum Power cereal that you can get at TJ's. I like how it tastes, but I also like that after I'm done eating it, I can yell "OPTIMUM POWER" as loud as I want. Try it, it's fun.

&^%&^%*&^!!!!

2007-09-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

So after getting back on the downward track, now, all of a sudden and for no reason that I can figure, I went right back up in weight. Culminating in today's weight of 205.4, exactly the weight I started at 2 weeks ago. I'm beyond frustrated at this point, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Other than that, I am just speechless.

Here are my most recent weights. Mind you, I've done very well nutritionally, except for the one day mentioned in a previous post:

205.6
204.8
204.2
203
205.4
205
205.4

I just don't know what is going on...

Danger

2007-09-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

So my life is not very predictable. I work for a consulting company, and right now I am not at a regular client, so my days are completely different. One day, I may have nothing I need to do, another day I may be busy from home, other days I may be at sales calls on site with clients. So I have to plan each day carefully. Today was the first day the plan didn't work, and we had a bit of a problem. I had a sales call scheduled from 10:30 - noon. So I eat breakfast, then I take a protein shake with me in the car. The plan is to drink the shake on the way home, then eat lunch after I get home (around 1:15).

So we get into the conference room and there is a dish of goddamn chocolate on the conference room table. Homemade chocolate from the factory next door. Are you kidding me? So the meeting starts.
Then it's Noon.
Now it's 12:30. I'm weak with hunger, but I can't go out to my car and get the shake because then I can't get back in the GD building!
Now it's 1:00 and I'm getting dizzy from hunger. I eat one piece of chocolate. Oh my god it's good. So I eat many more. Now it's 1:30 and I have to step out of the room to take a call. Now I have to find somewhere private so I'm not bothering anyone. So I find an empty room. Ooops, it's the snack room. Giant container of assorted trash (chips, pretzels, cheez doodles, etc). So I start pounding that while I'm on the phone. We didn't get done the sales call until 2 freaking 30.

Not a good outcome, I need to think about how to better deal with these situations.

Metbolic Drive = Angry

2007-09-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

203 today, a loss of 1.2 lbs. Nice.

So John Bernardi is full of good info, but he also likes to sell the products he had a hand in developing, one of which is a protein shake mix called Metabolic Drive. Before I ordered it, I had been using Designer Whey to make my protein shakes, with some success. So last week, I made a shake with the MD, and I noticed that after I drank it, I was in a very bad mood. This was evening, so I chalked it up to being tired. But today I had an MD shake around 2 and by 3:30 I was pretty fired up, in a very angry mood. It has to be something with the MD, it is a STRONG feeling.

Has anyone had this experience? Does anyone use this stuff? I think I'm going to have to throw it out, I can't use it.

Banging out the weights

2007-09-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the movie Casual Sex? It's an 80's movie that is otherwise forgettable, except for the fact that Andrew "Dice" Clay has a role as a slimy single guy. The best scene in the movie is set in the gym, and Dice is trying to impress the ladies. So he picks up some dumbbells and starts doing curls and yelling "Duuusssshhhh, Duuussshhhh". I know, it's not funny in print, but it is hilarious in the movie. If it's ever on late nite cable, check it out.

Anyway, I bring this up because I felt like Dice on Monday and today at the gym. I think I did indeed gain some muscle last week, as I've been able to move up significant amounts of weight in almost every exercise, which feels good. Nice to see some progress.

Goals to come, I swear...

Back in the right direction

2007-09-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

OK, so over the last few days, the new approach of eating less than the Meta book says has worked much better, my weight has gone from 205.6 to 204.8 to 204.2 over the last few days, so I feel better that things are going the right way. I've discovered that I REALLY like hummus, probably too much. However, dipping celery or carrots in it is not very appetizing, so I've dipped some pretzels in it as my last meal of the day. Probably too much carbs right before bed, so I'm trying to figure out what else I can dip in the hummus...

One week down...

2007-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

OK, the first week has passed.

What went well:
1. I learned that I can actually eat foods that I didn't think I could eat. Spinach, tomatoes, Peppers, Avacado, Asparagus...
2. I learned that I LIKED some foods that I didn't think I liked: Salmon, Hummus...
3. I pushed myself at the gym harder than I have in 10 years. I realized how complacent I've been even during previous semi-successful diet/exercise attempts.

What went poorly
1. I didn't lose any weight. I'm chalking this up to eating too much of the Meta advantage menu. I'm going to listen to my body more than the book to dictate how much I'm eating. Also, I know my muscles have grown, since I've been sore all week! But it's tough to work so hard and not see results on the scale. I'm also going to start taking pictures of myself like Billy has, and measuring myself, so I have other ways to track progress besides the scale.
2. I've never cooked so much in my life! Now, I'm pretty good in the kitchen, but this was ridiculous. So I'm going to start making some common sense decisions that shouldn't affect my results. For example, this week the book wants me to eat hummus, and wants me to make it. Screw that, I bought some hummus at Trader Joe's.
3. I know that I need to post goals as well, and I've sucked at keeping this blog updated, so improvement is needed there.

It's Go Time

2007-09-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

OK, let's get this over with. Yes, I am related to the man, the myth, the legend Billy. He is my baby brother. We've both struggled with our weight all our lives, and he has inspired me live a healthier life. My brother and I are very different people, he is single, artistic, lives in the city, drinks Jack Daniels, and has never liked sweets. I am married with 2 kids, unartistic, live in the burbs, rarely drink, and I could eat sweets until I pass out from a sugar high.

I am so proud of what Billy has done, he has truly transformed himself into the fit stud of the family. Now I'd like to follow his footsteps. I'm 35, I weight 205 pounds, and I'm 5'8". Even though I've always been overweight, I've been active, my issue is food. I've never eaten vegetables, and I've done all the diets. So I read the Metabolism Advantage and I'm going to do the 8 week program. Here are a few of my reasons:

1. It exposes me to foods that I've never eaten. I figure I'll come out of the 8 weeks with some healthy foods that I like.
2. It seems sustainable for life, as opposed to crash diets like Atkins.
3. I've seen Billy and a close friend follow many of the concepts (healthy eating, supplements, many small meals, lifting weights to change body composition) successfully.

I started on Monday, and I'm following the 8 week plan that is in the book pretty closely. For the next 8 weeks, I'm not allow to say "I'm not eating that, I don't like it". I'll try it and if after the 8 weeks, it makes me gag violently (like the "Spinach Saute", Spinach, onions, tomato and garlic cooked together), then it's out. But this is the only way I can discover healthy foods I like (Salmon, for instance, which I had last night and really liked).

I'll post my progress and random thoughts, please don't expect the same brilliance and motivation that you get from my brother, he's on a different intellectual plane than I am. I think I used to be smart, before children's TV and music slowly began to rot my brain...

I know I'm supposed to set some detailed goals, but I suck at that, so I'm still working on it. When I come up with them, I'll post them. Right now I think a good goal would be 160ish with 12% body fat, but I have to figure out what a healthy body fat % is, and it's going to depend on muscle. When I was 19 and in college, I lifted weights and dieted and got down to 150, but that was a LONG time ago :).

Jay's journey toward health

1/29

1/28

1/26

1/24

1/23: Excellence

1/22

1/15

1/12

1/9

1/8

1/7

1/6

1/5

1/4

1/3

1/2

Back for more (or less?)

Tricked You!!! (Memorial Day Update)

Monthly Update: February

Monday morning update

Monday morning update : Under 170!

Monday morning update

Monday morning update

It's Over

Welcome, Jason

Fasting Today

Monday morning update

Supermarket wars

Monthly Update: January

Chicken Piccata

Balls

The Reward (Monday Morning Update)

Power Foods

Feed the Warrior!

Sausage and Peppers

Much Better Turkey Chili

Quick Easy Turkey Chili

Monday morning update

My Wife: Osmosis

Memorial Day

Monday morning update

Greetings from Wisconsin

Monday morning update

You are now entering the Flatlands, enjoy your stay

Monday morning update

See Ya, 18x

The Challenge begins

Monthly Update: December

Monday morning update

The Godfather

Post Xmas

Monday morning update

Monday morning update: Day 100

Xmas comparison

Confusion: Monday morning update

A message to Santa

20

Monthly Update: November

Monday morning update

189.72

Monday morning update

Bad news coming

Goddamn Thanskgiving

Monday morning update

Monday morning update

October: Monthly Progress Report

Monday morning update

Tough day

Monday morning update

Cookie Cake, are you kidding?

Good Morning!

Head update

Ouch! (**$*)(#*#@(*&

Monday morning update

Brittle

Some good news

Tightening up

New Screen name and Goals

Progress Report

Ouch! (**$)(##@(*&