Week 24

The scale was a little disappointing this morning - 409 lbs.  I was expecting it, though with the heat and increased liquid consumption along with the salty foods over the weekend.  I haven't gone crazy on the food front so I know that the increase is likely retained water and not an indication of eating gone wild.  Speaking of heat, we have been at 110+ for the last 4 days and are forecasting another 5 days in that range, with a 115 on Thursday.  Of course it will be the hottest day of the year on Thursday as that is the day we are moving.

We can't even put out there that it's a dry heat, since relatively speaking, the humidity levels are increasing all week leading to some likely thunderstorms this weekend.  I was hoping to be able to get a ride or two in at the new house, once we get settled, but it may wait another few days withthe heat and humidity.

Not much else going on with fitness for me at the moment.  I am hoping that a change in residence will help spur a resurgence in activity for me.  We will wait and see.

Week 23

Another week and down another pound.  I know I will not make the 80 pounds by 8/6 but I'm OK with that.  I will likely have lost 60+ pounds and that is significant.  Also my change in mindset about what I eat will be much better for me long term.  I will still struggle with temptation and wanting to eat much more than I need to, but I believe this is a struggle I can win on a daily basis.

Our move is less than 2 weeks away and I am greatly hoping that the move will help with my riding motivation.  I rode much more when the roads in my area were flatter and I think there will be flatter roads near the new house as well as less traffic on the roads.  Its time to let this new house e a new beginning on our journey to more active, fit lives.

Weeks 21 and 22

I realized this morning that with the holiday and the busy week last week, I had forgotten to post an update.  So this weeks covers the last 2 weeks.  Not that there is much to say.  Last week's weight was 409, a 1 lb. loss from the week before.  Not much but still movement in  the right direction. I am happy with that. This week I'm at 407, which is another 2 lbs. gone bringing my total so far to 51. At my current rate I don't think I will hit my 80 lbs. lost 4 weeks from now.  I'm OK with that, though.

I realize this is a lifestyle change and not just a temporary diet.  As such, I am just making sure I am making the right choices each and every day.  the next few weeks are getting crazier as well.  We are packing and moving and then have a trip back to Michigan for a reception and to see family.  All that makes making the right choices important.  As long as I keep on track and don't go off the rails, eating those things I know aren't good, I will be fine.  I'm not going to obsess over the number on the scale.

I'm also hoping the new location will be conducive to more riding as the streets are quieter and a bit fatter than around the current location.  It is amazing what a difference a couple of miles distance will make.

Week 20 Update

There has finally been some positive movement in terms of my weight.  It was stalled at 415 for a few weeks, but I got on the scale and it said 410!  That is a 5 lb. loss and I am happy with it.  That puts me down 48 lbs. so far.

On the movement front I didn't improve on my step average.  Last week I averaged only 4,496 steps per day.  That is below what I was aiming for by a large amount.  This week I will do better.  In terms of calories, I was much better.

Looking ahead it is going to be a busy time as we prepare to move into a new place.  The lease on our current place is expiring the end of July and they are wanting to raise our rent $50 per month.  On top of that we don't need that large of a house so we are looking for a new place and will end up moving in the next 5 weeks.

Week 19

Time is flying by on this personal challenge.  I have been remiss in my duties in staying the course.  I am, again, at 415. This plateau seems to be a semi-permanent one.  I know what I need to do and I am working on it.  My eating has been more lax than it should be to meet my goal and the exercise has been fairly non-existent.  Sure I rode 2 days last week, but that is it - only 2 days.

As of yesterday I have re-focused my attention on my eating and am sticking with my hard limit of 1800 calories per day.  I am also going to up my activity and exercise game.  My average steps last week were only 4,694 per day.  That is less than half of where it really should be.  I need to work on increasing that number in order to have a positive impact on my weight loss.  I can and will do this.

Week 18 Update

My weight seems to be holding steady at the moment.  The scale said 415 again yesterday.  That motivated me to get my butt out of bed this morning and go for a ride.  It wasn't very far or very long at just 3.5 miles in just under 18 minutes, but it was a ride and got me moving more than I have been. I felt pretty good out there.

As for my eating, it hasn't been horrible, I've been staying away from the sugars and the grains and flour, etc. but I have been over my target number of daily calories.  I am going to be much more vigilant this week and that combined with riding every day should reap some results and get my weight once again moving in the right direction. I need to get serious if I'm going to hitmy goal of 378 in a mere 8 weeks from now.

Week 17 Update

No weight to report this week as I have been traveling back to Michigan to see family and celebrate with my nephew and his new bride. In fact I'm writing this as we fly along at 36,000 feet. It was great seeing family and friends I haven't seen in too long of a time.

Our trip was almost non-stop running from place to place to visit. We put almost 600 miles on the rental car in the 5 days we were there. It seemed each gathering involved some type of eating and drinking.  I must say that I stuck to my eating plan and didn't overindulge at all. There were temptations galore but I stayed resolute.

I  have a reason to not get on the scale right now. I feel like I've retained a good deal of fluids due to not taking all of my medication as I should have.  I know things will improve in a couple of days as I get back on schedule so to avoid feeling down at a possible higher number on the scale I will just forego this week's weigh in.

My plan is to really focus on getting in some exercise over the next 8 weeks before heading back to Michigan to celebrate again. It is time for me to get my buttons back on my bike on a consistent basis. 4:00 am and I are going to become reacquainted very quickly.

A non-scale victory this week was the fact I got the seat belt fastened on the plane without using the extender.

Week 16 Update

I'm late this week but that's because of lots to do and so little time.  The good news is that this morning the scale was in a good mood as it showed 415 lbs.  Heading back in the correct direction but I have ground to make up to hit my goal my August 7th. Being very careful with my food has done the trick.  Looking ahead, though, next week might be a challenge in that I am traveling this weekend and it is a challenge to eat well while doing so, but I plan on it.

Things should calm down at home after this weekend as we are taking 3 of the four grandchildren to Michigan for the summer.  It will be quiet at home and I will be able to get back into a routine.  My riding has been non-existent for the last few weeks and the temps are topping out with daytime high in the triple digits so its time to get back to getting up early and enjoying the cool mornings.

Week 15

I didn't get on the scale this morning but as of a couple of days ago, things are static in terms of my weight.  I have been a slacker in the activity department and eating more than my goal, so my weight hasn't changed.  Yesterday I indulged in some cake for my Grandchildren's birthday party, but resisted the pizza and other foods.  I am not stressing about my weight this week and hope to have a good report next Tuesday.  The reason I'm not stressing is because I know what to do and I will do it.

In my mind over the last few days, I had planed on doing a couple of longer bike rides but never got out there.  The first day I didn't go was on Friday when we had winds gusting to 50 MPH.  I just didn't think it would be fun to be fighting a wind like that.  The second day I had hoped to get out was on Saturday, but ended up with little time once my grandchildren watching duties were over.  Yesterday there was everything to do with the party and I wasn't feeling the best with a headache (I think it was from tension from all the noise).  I recognize these for what they are - just excuses and I will do better this week.

Week 14 Update

Well, the good news is I didn't gain any weight this week.  Of course that means the bad news I didn't lose any either.  I was expecting this, though since I pushed to get the scale down last Monday for the competition weigh out.  On a brighter note, I did ride 5 of the last 7 days which is good.  I had planned on 7 for 7 but it was just too blasted hot during the time I had to ride on both Friday and Saturday, we hit 99 and 97 respectively.

Yesterday we were cooler with only 92 for the high, but silly me, I went for a ride in the afternoon heat.  Made it up one hill and had hoped to go farther when I left but it just was way too hot out there.  I haven't acclimated at all to the warmer temperatures yet this year.  I know in a month or two, 92 will feel refreshing but right not it was just too hot.

One thing I have been fighting has been the temptation to eat everything in sight now that the Biggest Winner competition is over.  This is where I would normally fall of the diet wagon in the past but I am bound and determined to not have that happen this year.  I am going to stay strong and get to that 80 lb loss by August.  I'm also looking beyond that and towards the rest of my life as a healthier individual.