Body Fat: 17.8%
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 146.4 lbs
Well today marked the official end of my 4 Hour Body weight reducing diet plan experiment. My goal was to lose 1o pounds but as of my weigh in this morning I was down 7.8 - close but no cigar. Although I'm happy with the results (I'm only 1.4 pounds heavier then I was when I got married), I'd still like to see if I could break 145. Thus, I've decided to keep going with the eating plan until at least Saturday (and possibly as long as two weeks). Jobina has told me she is not continuing with the plan so I'll be on my own - we'll see how this affects my self discipline.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs (ran out of spinach sadly)
Lunch: Chicpea curry with veggies
Supper: Roast beef, gravy, salad
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 30: Slight Reductions
Body Fat: 17.8%
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 147.8 lbs
Today was a super busy day so I didn't have time for a decent breakfast, but Jobina was kind enough to drop off a taco meat salad for me at work (thanks honey!) which kind of saved me. I sense a sickness coming on so I'll have to see how that affects me tomorrow - I hope it holds off til Thursday morning!
Starting to think about what happens after tomorrow. Do I end the experiment or extend it? Or do I transition to one of the other 4 Hour Body bodyhacks; strength or muscle building. Not sure right now.
Breakfast: spoonful of peanut butter (yah, pretty sad I know)
Lunch: Massive taco salad
Supper:
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 147.8 lbs
Today was a super busy day so I didn't have time for a decent breakfast, but Jobina was kind enough to drop off a taco meat salad for me at work (thanks honey!) which kind of saved me. I sense a sickness coming on so I'll have to see how that affects me tomorrow - I hope it holds off til Thursday morning!
Starting to think about what happens after tomorrow. Do I end the experiment or extend it? Or do I transition to one of the other 4 Hour Body bodyhacks; strength or muscle building. Not sure right now.
Breakfast: spoonful of peanut butter (yah, pretty sad I know)
Lunch: Massive taco salad
Supper:
Day 29: Post Cheat Gaining
Body Fat: 17.8%
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 148.5 lbs
2.5 pound increase after cheat day! Oh well, it shocks me less then it used to. This 30 day experiment has been interesting and today I had a new challenge. Jobina made homemade chocolate chip cookies (one of my favorite things) but we couldn't eat them. Then we had some old friends over with their kids so they all ate cookies. But I still stayed strong. Then (horror of horrors!), Jobina decided that eating a cookie (or two) would be OK for her so I was the only one left standing. Huge temptation! But somehow I sipped my tasteless tea and got through it. Social events of any kind seem to be huge when it comes to staying strong.
Breakfast: spoonful of peanut butter (we were late for church), iced water
Lunch: 3 eggs, spinach
Supper: chicken, veggies, water
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 148.5 lbs
2.5 pound increase after cheat day! Oh well, it shocks me less then it used to. This 30 day experiment has been interesting and today I had a new challenge. Jobina made homemade chocolate chip cookies (one of my favorite things) but we couldn't eat them. Then we had some old friends over with their kids so they all ate cookies. But I still stayed strong. Then (horror of horrors!), Jobina decided that eating a cookie (or two) would be OK for her so I was the only one left standing. Huge temptation! But somehow I sipped my tasteless tea and got through it. Social events of any kind seem to be huge when it comes to staying strong.
Breakfast: spoonful of peanut butter (we were late for church), iced water
Lunch: 3 eggs, spinach
Supper: chicken, veggies, water
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 28: My Cheating Heart
Body Fat: 18.7%
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 146 lbs
Today, after much discussion (and pressure from Jobina) we decided to make today our cheat day. I was tentative at first but then I remembered my discipline and proceeded to eat 6 pieces of French toast. Mmmm . . . French toast. From there it all got easier. Down almost a pound this morning it is a bit troubling to realize that it will all come back (with friends) tomorrow. Ah well, today was wonderful!
Breakfast: 6 pieces of French toast, apple juice
Lunch: Chicken noodle soup with lots of crackers
Supper: Tuna fish casserole, OJ
Misc: Frapuccino, many reese's peanut butter cups, chips and salsa,
P.S. Tried to do some air squats (as prescribed by Tim Ferris for binging) after one meal
Total Inches: 134.0
Weight: 146 lbs
Today, after much discussion (and pressure from Jobina) we decided to make today our cheat day. I was tentative at first but then I remembered my discipline and proceeded to eat 6 pieces of French toast. Mmmm . . . French toast. From there it all got easier. Down almost a pound this morning it is a bit troubling to realize that it will all come back (with friends) tomorrow. Ah well, today was wonderful!
Breakfast: 6 pieces of French toast, apple juice
Lunch: Chicken noodle soup with lots of crackers
Supper: Tuna fish casserole, OJ
Misc: Frapuccino, many reese's peanut butter cups, chips and salsa,
P.S. Tried to do some air squats (as prescribed by Tim Ferris for binging) after one meal
Friday, May 27, 2011
Day 27: So Close!
Body Fat: 18.7%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 146.9 lbs
1.9 pounds to go! Not sure I can drop that much in 4 days (to reach my second goal) but I will try. Note: By try I mean "stick to the eating plan and hope for the best!" The problem is I have a cheat day either today or tomorrow (still haven't decided which one) which will temporarily make my weight go up again. Yet if I skip the cheat day (and honestly, I don't think I have enough willpower to) then I'm breaking the rules of the eating plan. Probably when I weigh myself tomorrow morning then I'll make my decision . . .
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs, spinach
Lunch: Nothing (work interfered with this and I planned poorly)
Supper: 2 steaks, cooked spinach, stir fried veggies (including mmmmmushrooms), cottage cheese, a little ham
Snack: Tablespoon of natural peanut butter
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 146.9 lbs
1.9 pounds to go! Not sure I can drop that much in 4 days (to reach my second goal) but I will try. Note: By try I mean "stick to the eating plan and hope for the best!" The problem is I have a cheat day either today or tomorrow (still haven't decided which one) which will temporarily make my weight go up again. Yet if I skip the cheat day (and honestly, I don't think I have enough willpower to) then I'm breaking the rules of the eating plan. Probably when I weigh myself tomorrow morning then I'll make my decision . . .
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs, spinach
Lunch: Nothing (work interfered with this and I planned poorly)
Supper: 2 steaks, cooked spinach, stir fried veggies (including mmmmmushrooms), cottage cheese, a little ham
Snack: Tablespoon of natural peanut butter
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Day 26: Getting Closer!
Fat: 18.7%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 147.6 lbs
Interesting. There is a real pattern developing. Every week I make some progress, then after my cheat day it takes at least three days to recover. Those three days are kind of discouraging because my weight shoots up no matter what I do. Then mysteriously it begins to inch down and then usually gets a little lower then it was the previous week. If a person can be patient enough to get through the discouraging days, you get to see small but consistent results. Today when I woke up and weighed myself I was only .2 pounds away from last weeks lowest weight. Hopefully I will surpass that tomorrow?
A side effect of doing this diet is increased discipline. I felt good when Jobina told me a story of one of her friends who her and her husband only lasted 2 hours on their new eating plan! Jobina has said that this experiment has helped her to realize she can do anything she puts her mind to. I don't know if I can say that, but I will say that I realized that I can discipline myself more then I thought I could. A very empowering realization.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 scrambled eggs, spinach
Lunch: Salad?
Supper: Lamb chops, salad, spaghetti squash and marinara sauce
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 147.6 lbs
Interesting. There is a real pattern developing. Every week I make some progress, then after my cheat day it takes at least three days to recover. Those three days are kind of discouraging because my weight shoots up no matter what I do. Then mysteriously it begins to inch down and then usually gets a little lower then it was the previous week. If a person can be patient enough to get through the discouraging days, you get to see small but consistent results. Today when I woke up and weighed myself I was only .2 pounds away from last weeks lowest weight. Hopefully I will surpass that tomorrow?
A side effect of doing this diet is increased discipline. I felt good when Jobina told me a story of one of her friends who her and her husband only lasted 2 hours on their new eating plan! Jobina has said that this experiment has helped her to realize she can do anything she puts her mind to. I don't know if I can say that, but I will say that I realized that I can discipline myself more then I thought I could. A very empowering realization.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 scrambled eggs, spinach
Lunch: Salad?
Supper: Lamb chops, salad, spaghetti squash and marinara sauce
Day 25: Status Quo
Fat: 18.7%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 148.8 lbs
Same as yesterday, nothing to report. Jobina whipped up a big pan of taco seasoned ground beef and I ate a lot of it yesterday right before bed, we'll see how it effects my weight tomorrow.
Breakfast: Eggs, spinach, iced water
Lunch: Taco flavored salad
Supper Taco flavored salad, 2 servings of taco meat/salsa
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 148.8 lbs
Same as yesterday, nothing to report. Jobina whipped up a big pan of taco seasoned ground beef and I ate a lot of it yesterday right before bed, we'll see how it effects my weight tomorrow.
Breakfast: Eggs, spinach, iced water
Lunch: Taco flavored salad
Supper Taco flavored salad, 2 servings of taco meat/salsa
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Day 24: (Sigh)
Fat: 19.1%Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 148.8
Slight reductions, ah well.
Breakfast: Iced Water, eggs,
Lunch: McDonald's salad
Supper: Chicken and mixed veggies
Snack: Humus and veggies (humus is apparently not the best for weight gain)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Day 23: Yuck
Fat: 19.1%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 150.1 lbs
Wow, was expecting a slight drop, jumped up a little instead. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs, spinach
Lunch: Cottage cheese, pork tenderloin salad
Supper: Mexican chicken salad
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 150.1 lbs
Wow, was expecting a slight drop, jumped up a little instead. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs, spinach
Lunch: Cottage cheese, pork tenderloin salad
Supper: Mexican chicken salad
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Day 22: Post Cheat Gains
Fat: 18.6%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 149.6 lbs
Yikes, jumped up quite a bit after my cheat (almost 2 pounds)! Compensated by doing a 3 hour bike ride today.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs, spinach
Lunch: Pork tenderloin salad
Supper: Chicken, mixed veggies, salad
Snack: 1/2 tablespoon of natural peanut butter
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 149.6 lbs
Yikes, jumped up quite a bit after my cheat (almost 2 pounds)! Compensated by doing a 3 hour bike ride today.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs, spinach
Lunch: Pork tenderloin salad
Supper: Chicken, mixed veggies, salad
Snack: 1/2 tablespoon of natural peanut butter
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Day 21: Cheating But Strangely Subdued
Fat: 18.6%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 147.8 lbs
A few points up before cheating (which is slightly deflating) but perhaps it helped me feel a little less crazy on a cheat day. Curiously as this is my third cheat day I did not feel compelled to gorge myself (while I still could!) and didn't get completely sick like the last two times. Instead I ate a lot, but was not gluttonous. Feel better about that, it will be interesting to see if it takes longer to lose the weight as Ferris says that when you cheat, cheat good!
Breakfast: 3 big bowls of honey nut cheerios.
Lunch: Big Mac, fries, Junior Chicken burger, root beer
Supper: 3 pieces of homemade Hawaiian pizza, Dr. Pepper, chips.
Snack: Large Root beer float, 2 reese's peanut butter cups, strawberries
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 147.8 lbs
A few points up before cheating (which is slightly deflating) but perhaps it helped me feel a little less crazy on a cheat day. Curiously as this is my third cheat day I did not feel compelled to gorge myself (while I still could!) and didn't get completely sick like the last two times. Instead I ate a lot, but was not gluttonous. Feel better about that, it will be interesting to see if it takes longer to lose the weight as Ferris says that when you cheat, cheat good!
Breakfast: 3 big bowls of honey nut cheerios.
Lunch: Big Mac, fries, Junior Chicken burger, root beer
Supper: 3 pieces of homemade Hawaiian pizza, Dr. Pepper, chips.
Snack: Large Root beer float, 2 reese's peanut butter cups, strawberries
Friday, May 20, 2011
Day 20: Another Drop Before Cheat Day
Fat: 18.6%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 147.4 lbs
One pound drop overnight - not sure why but I'll take it. Hopefully cheat day tomorrow won't undo all that has been accomplished this week! Today I had (for me) an active day - I got out of work early and spent the day doing the lawn, biking, and going for a walk with the family. I was amazed at how easily I get tired and winded. Now I am severely out of shape, but this was worse then even my usual. I think about how heavy on carbs my old "diet" was compared to now - I guess it's understandable. Since beginning this experiment I conservatively estimate that I've cut out 95% of my carbs, 75% of my sugar, and 90% of my dairy. It's crazy when I think about it. Tomorrow I dream of pasta, bread, and chocolate (ah sweet luxuries).
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 scrambled eggs, spinach
Lunch: Pork tenderloin leftovers and spinach
Supper: Mexican vegetarian soup, cottage cheese, lots of water (Jobina makes it spicy!)
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 147.4 lbs
One pound drop overnight - not sure why but I'll take it. Hopefully cheat day tomorrow won't undo all that has been accomplished this week! Today I had (for me) an active day - I got out of work early and spent the day doing the lawn, biking, and going for a walk with the family. I was amazed at how easily I get tired and winded. Now I am severely out of shape, but this was worse then even my usual. I think about how heavy on carbs my old "diet" was compared to now - I guess it's understandable. Since beginning this experiment I conservatively estimate that I've cut out 95% of my carbs, 75% of my sugar, and 90% of my dairy. It's crazy when I think about it. Tomorrow I dream of pasta, bread, and chocolate (ah sweet luxuries).
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 scrambled eggs, spinach
Lunch: Pork tenderloin leftovers and spinach
Supper: Mexican vegetarian soup, cottage cheese, lots of water (Jobina makes it spicy!)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Day 19: Keeping on Keeping On
Fat: 18.6%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 148.4 lbs
Not too much to report. I've given up on photo documenting my meals - I'm beyond the point where that would affect my discipline. 24 hours until my next cheat day - and I can't wait. Tried thermal loading again - twice with the cold water in the shower. By the way, I'm doing a max of 60 seconds of cold - something I've slowly worked my way up to. Tim Ferris is right - it wakes you up like a foghorn (although in the evening after the shock has worn off then I think it actually helps me to sleep better). 10 more days and three more pounds to go.
Jobina and I have been doing this together but because she was having some unpleasant symptoms (dizziness and extreme fatigue) she has "tweaked" her diet to include some small amounts of carbs. Logically I support her 100% but a piece of me (the emotive side) feels abandoned to suffer the cruelty of the eating plan alone. I have felt a little dizzy after getting up some times as well and wonder how the lack of carbs is affecting me. Nothing else has been problematic.
Breakfast: Iced water, spinach, 2 scrambled eggs (this is now my go to breakfast)
Lunch: Chicken Teriyaki Salad
Supper: Pork tenderloin (orange glazed), salad, grilled veggies
Evening Snack: A tablespoon of natural peanut butter (yes, it's sad, but it's the closest to desert we have)
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 148.4 lbs
Not too much to report. I've given up on photo documenting my meals - I'm beyond the point where that would affect my discipline. 24 hours until my next cheat day - and I can't wait. Tried thermal loading again - twice with the cold water in the shower. By the way, I'm doing a max of 60 seconds of cold - something I've slowly worked my way up to. Tim Ferris is right - it wakes you up like a foghorn (although in the evening after the shock has worn off then I think it actually helps me to sleep better). 10 more days and three more pounds to go.
Jobina and I have been doing this together but because she was having some unpleasant symptoms (dizziness and extreme fatigue) she has "tweaked" her diet to include some small amounts of carbs. Logically I support her 100% but a piece of me (the emotive side) feels abandoned to suffer the cruelty of the eating plan alone. I have felt a little dizzy after getting up some times as well and wonder how the lack of carbs is affecting me. Nothing else has been problematic.
Breakfast: Iced water, spinach, 2 scrambled eggs (this is now my go to breakfast)
Lunch: Chicken Teriyaki Salad
Supper: Pork tenderloin (orange glazed), salad, grilled veggies
Evening Snack: A tablespoon of natural peanut butter (yes, it's sad, but it's the closest to desert we have)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Day 18: More losses?
Body Fat: 18.6%
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 148.2 lbs
I was pretty shocked to wake up and see I'd lost over a pound - especially as I didn't feel really disciplined yesterday. I'm wondering if my use of cold water during showers (not the whole time, only about a minute) is what's putting me over the edge? Not sure really, but we'll see how things go tomorrow. Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast: Iced water 25 minutes before eating, 2 scrambled eggs, spinach
Lunch: Salsa salad, sliced baloney
Supper: Teriyaki chicken, stir fried veggies (peppers, beans, mushrooms, water chestnuts, etc)
Extras: Did one 60 seconds of thermal loading in the shower, 50 air squats directly after a meal
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 148.2 lbs
I was pretty shocked to wake up and see I'd lost over a pound - especially as I didn't feel really disciplined yesterday. I'm wondering if my use of cold water during showers (not the whole time, only about a minute) is what's putting me over the edge? Not sure really, but we'll see how things go tomorrow. Here's what I ate today:
Breakfast: Iced water 25 minutes before eating, 2 scrambled eggs, spinach
Lunch: Salsa salad, sliced baloney
Supper: Teriyaki chicken, stir fried veggies (peppers, beans, mushrooms, water chestnuts, etc)
Extras: Did one 60 seconds of thermal loading in the shower, 50 air squats directly after a meal
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 17: First Goal Achieved
Body Fat: 19%
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 149.9 lbs
Well today I reached my first goal, 5 pounds lost at day 17. That leaves less then two weeks to lose the last 5. What do you think my chances are? I'm hoping to do a big bike ride this Saturday (from my house in Winnipeg to Grand Beach (anyone want to come along?) so I'm hoping that I might lose a good pound or two on that, even though it is my cheat day. Today though I celebrate progress!
P.S. Although I've reached my first goal, I expect that my weight may jump again over 150, but I can live with that. Two steps forward, one step back seems to be the way of this eating plan.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs, spinach
Lunch: Roast beef, brocolli
Supper: Roast beef salad, water
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 149.9 lbs
Well today I reached my first goal, 5 pounds lost at day 17. That leaves less then two weeks to lose the last 5. What do you think my chances are? I'm hoping to do a big bike ride this Saturday (from my house in Winnipeg to Grand Beach (anyone want to come along?) so I'm hoping that I might lose a good pound or two on that, even though it is my cheat day. Today though I celebrate progress!
P.S. Although I've reached my first goal, I expect that my weight may jump again over 150, but I can live with that. Two steps forward, one step back seems to be the way of this eating plan.
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs, spinach
Lunch: Roast beef, brocolli
Supper: Roast beef salad, water
Day 16: Feeling Good
Body Fat: 19%
Total Inches: 136.5
Weight: 151.5 lbs
Today I had a good feeling and woke up renewed in my zeal for this whole 4 hour body experiment. Not sure why, maybe a good night's sleep? Anyway, felt good about my meals and it really helped that Jobina made my lunch for me. Anticipating losses tomorrow, especially since I tried doing some air squats before lunch and had two showers where I tried 60 seconds of cold water (more thermal loading). Yikes, that wakes you up fast!
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs/spinach
Lunch: Salsa salad with spiced lentils and chicken
Supper: Roast beef and brocolli
Total Inches: 136.5
Weight: 151.5 lbs
Today I had a good feeling and woke up renewed in my zeal for this whole 4 hour body experiment. Not sure why, maybe a good night's sleep? Anyway, felt good about my meals and it really helped that Jobina made my lunch for me. Anticipating losses tomorrow, especially since I tried doing some air squats before lunch and had two showers where I tried 60 seconds of cold water (more thermal loading). Yikes, that wakes you up fast!
Breakfast: Iced water, 2 eggs/spinach
Lunch: Salsa salad with spiced lentils and chicken
Supper: Roast beef and brocolli
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Day 15: Post Cheat Gains
Body Fat: 20%
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 152.7 lbs
Breakfast: Iced water, bowl of lentils/spinach/taco meat/eggs/salsa
Lunch: Taco salad with salsa
Supper: Thai Peanut butter chicken stir fry (very yummy)
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 152.7 lbs
Breakfast: Iced water, bowl of lentils/spinach/taco meat/eggs/salsa
Lunch: Taco salad with salsa
Supper: Thai Peanut butter chicken stir fry (very yummy)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Day 14: 2 Week Cheat Day
Body Fat: 19%
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 150.1 lbs
Weighing myself this morning I realized that I had lost a mere .1 pounds but today was reserved for cheating (ah sweet cheat day). Here's what it looked like:
Breakfast: 6 pieces of French toast with corn syrup and icing sugar, apple juice
Lunch: Chicken fingers and mashed potatoes at Montana's, 2 glasses of Brisk lemonade
After lunch: one medium frappucino from Starbucks (1/2 price!)
Supper: Burger, chips, hot dog, 2 cokes, ice cream bar, mac and cheese
Total Inches: 136.75
Weight: 150.1 lbs
Weighing myself this morning I realized that I had lost a mere .1 pounds but today was reserved for cheating (ah sweet cheat day). Here's what it looked like:
Breakfast: 6 pieces of French toast with corn syrup and icing sugar, apple juice
Lunch: Chicken fingers and mashed potatoes at Montana's, 2 glasses of Brisk lemonade
After lunch: one medium frappucino from Starbucks (1/2 price!)
Supper: Burger, chips, hot dog, 2 cokes, ice cream bar, mac and cheese
Friday, May 13, 2011
Day 13: Baby Steps
Body Fat: 19.3%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 150.2 lbs
Last night I lost .3 of a pound which is not much but tantalizingly close to the half point of my goal - 5 pounds off at the 150 pound mark. I will keep on going until I reach 145 or the 30 days is over. Tomorrow is a cheat day so I have no idea what that will do in the long run although I expect a couple pounds put on and then leaving over 48 hours. I spent a fair amount of time this week whining and complaining to Jobina (which I felt was unlike me) and I blame it on the lack of carbs. I miss carbs like my own children. Ah well, I can last. This will definitely not be a long term plan though. Also, I tried freezing cold water in the shower this morning for 30 seconds (thermal loading) and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I will be doing that again for sure.
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs, taco ground beef, salsa, spinach
Lunch: Taco salad (minus tacos, sour cream, cheese, and anything else really tasty)
Supper: Chicken and veggies a la Jobina (with pizza sauce added)
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 150.2 lbs
Last night I lost .3 of a pound which is not much but tantalizingly close to the half point of my goal - 5 pounds off at the 150 pound mark. I will keep on going until I reach 145 or the 30 days is over. Tomorrow is a cheat day so I have no idea what that will do in the long run although I expect a couple pounds put on and then leaving over 48 hours. I spent a fair amount of time this week whining and complaining to Jobina (which I felt was unlike me) and I blame it on the lack of carbs. I miss carbs like my own children. Ah well, I can last. This will definitely not be a long term plan though. Also, I tried freezing cold water in the shower this morning for 30 seconds (thermal loading) and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I will be doing that again for sure.
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs, taco ground beef, salsa, spinach
Lunch: Taco salad (minus tacos, sour cream, cheese, and anything else really tasty)
Supper: Chicken and veggies a la Jobina (with pizza sauce added)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Surprised by loss
Body Fat: 18.5%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 150.5 lbs
Lost some weight last night! That is mildly encouraging since I'm starting to get sick of not being able to eat carbs. I told Jobina last night that this experiment would be very difficult for me to continue long term as I miss breads, cheese, and pasta too much. Going vegetarian was way easier on me! Two more days til cheat day . . .
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs/ham, lentils, beef
Lunch: Meat/lentils/Salsa salad
Supper:
You may have noticed I'm not taking pics very often. Sadly this is because I keep forgetting!
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 150.5 lbs
Lost some weight last night! That is mildly encouraging since I'm starting to get sick of not being able to eat carbs. I told Jobina last night that this experiment would be very difficult for me to continue long term as I miss breads, cheese, and pasta too much. Going vegetarian was way easier on me! Two more days til cheat day . . .
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs/ham, lentils, beef
Lunch: Meat/lentils/Salsa salad
Supper:
You may have noticed I'm not taking pics very often. Sadly this is because I keep forgetting!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day 10: More Of The Same
Body Fat: 18.2%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 153.3 lbs
Little change again today. I've mostly adjusted to the diet now, just tough in the evenings when I get cravings for bread, cheese, etc.
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs/ham, chicken, spinach
Lunch: Spaghetti squash/meat sauce
Supper: Steak, mixed veggies
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 153.3 lbs
Little change again today. I've mostly adjusted to the diet now, just tough in the evenings when I get cravings for bread, cheese, etc.
Breakfast: Iced water, eggs/ham, chicken, spinach
Lunch: Spaghetti squash/meat sauce
Supper: Steak, mixed veggies
Monday, May 9, 2011
Day 9: Cheat Day Gains
Body Fat: 18.4%
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 153.5 lbs
Well, everything jumped up today except body fat - disconcerting but not unexpected. I expect the weight to go down to where it was previously over the next 24 hours. Jobina made a great fajita bowl today for supper - it was very good. Tried some insulin boosting exercises directly before and 90 minutes after eating. This is supposed to help your body to pass more of the food you eat as waste instead of absorbing it into your system. We'll see!
Breakfast: Iced water, ham and eggs, salsa, lentils
Lunch: Spaghetti meat sauce and spaghetti squash
Supper: Fajita Bowl (sorry no pic)
Total Inches: 136.50
Weight: 153.5 lbs
Well, everything jumped up today except body fat - disconcerting but not unexpected. I expect the weight to go down to where it was previously over the next 24 hours. Jobina made a great fajita bowl today for supper - it was very good. Tried some insulin boosting exercises directly before and 90 minutes after eating. This is supposed to help your body to pass more of the food you eat as waste instead of absorbing it into your system. We'll see!
Breakfast: Iced water, ham and eggs, salsa, lentils
Lunch: Spaghetti meat sauce and spaghetti squash
Supper: Fajita Bowl (sorry no pic)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Day 8: Cheating For Real
Body Fat: 19.5%
Total Inches: 136.25
Weight: 152.2 lbs
Today was great because it was officially cheat day! Unfortunately, because of my unintentioned cheating the day before at the wedding, I gained again overnight which I think skewed my weekly number, but ah well. So, after one week, I lost two pounds, gained (according to my terribly inaccurate scale) 2.5% body weight, and remained about the same in total inches. Not too shabby I suppose.
Breakfast: Apple juice (yes it's in a wine glass with ice cubes - I like to eat fancy), many pieces of French toast with corn syrup and icing sugar
Lunch: Iced cap, sandwich, boston cream doughnut
Supper: Ribs, potato, brocolli casserole (mmmm), blueberry and peach pie, misc drinks and snacks til bedtime.
Total Inches: 136.25
Weight: 152.2 lbs
Today was great because it was officially cheat day! Unfortunately, because of my unintentioned cheating the day before at the wedding, I gained again overnight which I think skewed my weekly number, but ah well. So, after one week, I lost two pounds, gained (according to my terribly inaccurate scale) 2.5% body weight, and remained about the same in total inches. Not too shabby I suppose.
Breakfast: Apple juice (yes it's in a wine glass with ice cubes - I like to eat fancy), many pieces of French toast with corn syrup and icing sugar
Lunch: Iced cap, sandwich, boston cream doughnut
Supper: Ribs, potato, brocolli casserole (mmmm), blueberry and peach pie, misc drinks and snacks til bedtime.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Day 7: Weddings Not Good For Eating Plans
Body Fat: 17.6%
Total Inches: 136.25
Weight: 150.8 lbs
One down, one number up, one number the same. Got some exercise today which was good. The bad - we went to the wedding and everything was carbs and sugar - ended up starting my cheat earlier then expected! Oh well, perfect adherence isn't possible all the time.
Breakfast: eggs with ham, iced water, spinach
Lunch: Veggie Soup, Salad
Supper: (at wedding) 4 slices of pizza, caesar salad, breadstick,
Total Inches: 136.25
Weight: 150.8 lbs
One down, one number up, one number the same. Got some exercise today which was good. The bad - we went to the wedding and everything was carbs and sugar - ended up starting my cheat earlier then expected! Oh well, perfect adherence isn't possible all the time.
Breakfast: eggs with ham, iced water, spinach
Lunch: Veggie Soup, Salad
Supper: (at wedding) 4 slices of pizza, caesar salad, breadstick,
Friday, May 6, 2011
Day 6: More of the same
Body Fat: 18.8%
Total Inches: 136.25
Weight: 150.4 lbs
Another mostly plateaued day. Had some trouble with my scale this morning; took me a long time to get it to give me a consistent number, even for my weight. I'm going to stick with it though. Cravings dropped another 20% or so today. Tonight I was home by myself babysitting when Jobina was out and since usually I treat myself on such evenings to junk food, I instead concentrated on cleaning the house and doing the dishes. Not nearly as satisfying though.
I'm slowly doing some thermal loading by doing spurts of cold water in the shower in the morning. The colder your core gets, the faster you burn calories. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to the cold so progress has been slow. One last day before our cheat day (we decided together it would be Mother's Day)!
Breakfast: Iced water 20 minutes before eating, eggs/spinach, lentils, salsa (highly recommended), and seasoned ground beef
Lunch: Vegetable soup, water (sorry no pics)
Supper: Chicken, brocolli, artichokes/tomatoes, water (sorry no pics)
Total Inches: 136.25
Weight: 150.4 lbs
Another mostly plateaued day. Had some trouble with my scale this morning; took me a long time to get it to give me a consistent number, even for my weight. I'm going to stick with it though. Cravings dropped another 20% or so today. Tonight I was home by myself babysitting when Jobina was out and since usually I treat myself on such evenings to junk food, I instead concentrated on cleaning the house and doing the dishes. Not nearly as satisfying though.
I'm slowly doing some thermal loading by doing spurts of cold water in the shower in the morning. The colder your core gets, the faster you burn calories. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to the cold so progress has been slow. One last day before our cheat day (we decided together it would be Mother's Day)!
Breakfast: Iced water 20 minutes before eating, eggs/spinach, lentils, salsa (highly recommended), and seasoned ground beef
Lunch: Vegetable soup, water (sorry no pics)
Supper: Chicken, brocolli, artichokes/tomatoes, water (sorry no pics)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Day 5: Plateau?
Body Fat: 18.6%
Total Inches: 138.00
Weight: 150.4 lbs
Good news: cravings are down about 50% from yesterday. It was a bit disappointing doing my tracking today as my weight remained steady, my body fat was slightly reduced and my inches was back where I started. Tracking is an interesting discipline - it brings out emotions such as joy, annoyance disappointment, shame, guilt, or anger. Of course these emotions depend on what you think of yourself and the process. I think that when heavier emotions are encountered as a result of tracking many people's instinct is to give up. I sense that pull myself (after only one day of plateauing - sad I know!) but I am choosing to ignore it. I figured ahead of time that it will eventually happen and that just means I will have to tweak something to get momentum again. Either I will change my diet, add exercise, add psych strategies, or a few other possibilities. Luckily, thanks to the book, I have further options if progress gets slow. I also know that most people have ups and downs and that is a normal part of the process.
Breakfast: Iced water 20 minutes before eating, ham and eggs, spinach, cottage cheese
Lunch: Pork and beans, sauteed shrimp (yes that's a weird combo)
Supper: A thin veggie soup, mixture of cottage cheese* and ground beef (sorry no pics), water
* In case you are curious, Tim Ferris says that cottage cheese is OK - the only dairy he recommends.
Total Inches: 138.00
Weight: 150.4 lbs
Good news: cravings are down about 50% from yesterday. It was a bit disappointing doing my tracking today as my weight remained steady, my body fat was slightly reduced and my inches was back where I started. Tracking is an interesting discipline - it brings out emotions such as joy, annoyance disappointment, shame, guilt, or anger. Of course these emotions depend on what you think of yourself and the process. I think that when heavier emotions are encountered as a result of tracking many people's instinct is to give up. I sense that pull myself (after only one day of plateauing - sad I know!) but I am choosing to ignore it. I figured ahead of time that it will eventually happen and that just means I will have to tweak something to get momentum again. Either I will change my diet, add exercise, add psych strategies, or a few other possibilities. Luckily, thanks to the book, I have further options if progress gets slow. I also know that most people have ups and downs and that is a normal part of the process.
Breakfast: Iced water 20 minutes before eating, ham and eggs, spinach, cottage cheese
Lunch: Pork and beans, sauteed shrimp (yes that's a weird combo)
Supper: A thin veggie soup, mixture of cottage cheese* and ground beef (sorry no pics), water
* In case you are curious, Tim Ferris says that cottage cheese is OK - the only dairy he recommends.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Day 4: Getting Through The Cravings
Body Fat: 19%
Total Inches: 138.37
Weight: 150.4 lbs
Sigh, 2 measurements up, 1 down. I console myself with the fact that at least one important measurement is down (weight). Body fat and measurements are less accurate anyway (I noticed a small error in measuring that might account for the increase I saw today). I really enjoy tracking my progress (or regress), it helps me when I feel weaker in my resolve.
Yesterday I had my first real test - because I had to run to a BCBC board meeting after work I didn't get a chance to eat anything before leaving the city. I knew there would be a snack at the meeting (7:30) so I had to decide - would I indulge? After all, it's not like I'd had anything else to eat in the past seven hours. Also, I had a headache and was extremely tired. I decided ahead of time that I wouldn't eat anything til I got home (which ended up being around 11:30pm) but it was tough. Some of my favorite snack foods were being served and I had to say "nyet" to them. So I had internal (hunger) pressure as well as social pressure. But I did it. The whole ride home I fantasized about stopping for some fast food but I refrained and had a delicious taco salad (without the tacos, cheese, or sour cream) when I got home which killed the cravings perfectly.
I remember when Jobina and I did the "death diet" (imagine that someone said they'd kill you by the end of the month if you didn't drop ___lbs - what would you do differently?) that eventually you have to face your cravings. This intense battle usually lasts for a couple of days and then (if you don't give in) the cravings go mostly away. I have a feeling I'm in that place of battle right now. I hope I don't have to go through a three day cravings battle every week! On this eating plan I can eat any amount of things, as long as they fit with the four rules. I hope this will help me when I get those cravings over the next 48 hours.
Breakfast: Lentils, taco seasoned ground beef, shaved ham, 3 eggs, tall glass of iced water 20 minutes before
Lunch: Taco salad minus the taco/cheese/sour cream/etc, water. Also had an extra plate of lentils/ground beef, a quarter cup of spinach, and a tablespoon of natural peanut butter
Supper: Shrimp, mixed veggies, and lentils (thanks honey!)
Total Inches: 138.37
Weight: 150.4 lbs
Sigh, 2 measurements up, 1 down. I console myself with the fact that at least one important measurement is down (weight). Body fat and measurements are less accurate anyway (I noticed a small error in measuring that might account for the increase I saw today). I really enjoy tracking my progress (or regress), it helps me when I feel weaker in my resolve.
Yesterday I had my first real test - because I had to run to a BCBC board meeting after work I didn't get a chance to eat anything before leaving the city. I knew there would be a snack at the meeting (7:30) so I had to decide - would I indulge? After all, it's not like I'd had anything else to eat in the past seven hours. Also, I had a headache and was extremely tired. I decided ahead of time that I wouldn't eat anything til I got home (which ended up being around 11:30pm) but it was tough. Some of my favorite snack foods were being served and I had to say "nyet" to them. So I had internal (hunger) pressure as well as social pressure. But I did it. The whole ride home I fantasized about stopping for some fast food but I refrained and had a delicious taco salad (without the tacos, cheese, or sour cream) when I got home which killed the cravings perfectly.
I remember when Jobina and I did the "death diet" (imagine that someone said they'd kill you by the end of the month if you didn't drop ___lbs - what would you do differently?) that eventually you have to face your cravings. This intense battle usually lasts for a couple of days and then (if you don't give in) the cravings go mostly away. I have a feeling I'm in that place of battle right now. I hope I don't have to go through a three day cravings battle every week! On this eating plan I can eat any amount of things, as long as they fit with the four rules. I hope this will help me when I get those cravings over the next 48 hours.
Breakfast: Lentils, taco seasoned ground beef, shaved ham, 3 eggs, tall glass of iced water 20 minutes before
Lunch: Taco salad minus the taco/cheese/sour cream/etc, water. Also had an extra plate of lentils/ground beef, a quarter cup of spinach, and a tablespoon of natural peanut butter
Supper: Shrimp, mixed veggies, and lentils (thanks honey!)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Day 3: Baby Steps of Progress
Body Fat: 17%
Total Inches: 136.7
Weight: 152.1 lbs
Still having a difficult time remembering to take pics of my food! Jobina made me an excellent breakfast but I'm not sure what to call it. You can't see it well in my somewhat pathetic pic below, but it is a bowl of 3 eggs, spinach, lentils, and salsa. Today I procrastinated for awhile by looking up recipes for Milkshakes for my cheat day - big mistake! Cravings are strong but I will resist. Yesterday I had no craving and today I wasn't hungry until I thought of milkshakes. Mmmm . . . sweet, creamy milkshakes. I have added this item to my "cheat day" list for this coming weekend.
Speaking of cheat days, we are in a bit of dilemma. We usually pick either Saturday or Sunday, but this weekend Saturday is a wedding and Sunday is Mother's Day. So what's worse - to abstain from delicious food on someone's special day (most likely with amazing deserts) or ruin Jobina's Mother's day? I'm leaning to abstaining at the wedding but we'll see how we do. Of course we are not totally legalistic about everything but tracking your info does not allow you the illusion that the food you eat doesn't affect your goals . . .
Speaking of which, psychology says that managed competition can by your ally when setting health goals. Anyone out there willing to challenge me to a weight/body fat reduction duel? If so, please contact me!
Breakfast: Jobina's lentil/eggs/salsa/spinach power breakfast (thanks honey), iced water 30 minutes before.
Lunch: Leftover stew (1 full bowl), water.
Supper: ?
Total Inches: 136.7
Weight: 152.1 lbs
Still having a difficult time remembering to take pics of my food! Jobina made me an excellent breakfast but I'm not sure what to call it. You can't see it well in my somewhat pathetic pic below, but it is a bowl of 3 eggs, spinach, lentils, and salsa. Today I procrastinated for awhile by looking up recipes for Milkshakes for my cheat day - big mistake! Cravings are strong but I will resist. Yesterday I had no craving and today I wasn't hungry until I thought of milkshakes. Mmmm . . . sweet, creamy milkshakes. I have added this item to my "cheat day" list for this coming weekend.
Speaking of cheat days, we are in a bit of dilemma. We usually pick either Saturday or Sunday, but this weekend Saturday is a wedding and Sunday is Mother's Day. So what's worse - to abstain from delicious food on someone's special day (most likely with amazing deserts) or ruin Jobina's Mother's day? I'm leaning to abstaining at the wedding but we'll see how we do. Of course we are not totally legalistic about everything but tracking your info does not allow you the illusion that the food you eat doesn't affect your goals . . .
Speaking of which, psychology says that managed competition can by your ally when setting health goals. Anyone out there willing to challenge me to a weight/body fat reduction duel? If so, please contact me!
Breakfast: Jobina's lentil/eggs/salsa/spinach power breakfast (thanks honey), iced water 30 minutes before.
Lunch: Leftover stew (1 full bowl), water.
Supper: ?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day 2: Back In the Saddle
Body Fat: 18%
Total Inches: 138.15
Weight:153.1 lbs
Yesterday was a pretty good cheat day. I felt like I had done a bit of a wimpy job at breakfast but going to McDonald's for lunch brought be back in the game and I definitely felt gorged and ready to diet again for today.
My starting numbers (which I expect to fluctuate quite a bit, especially because we got a new weight/body fat scale and so we aren't comparing apples to apples here) were not too radically changed. Many people say don't weigh/measure yourself every day as it can become demotivating (emotionally painful) but I agree with Ferris (and psychological literature) that says that in depth tracking increases one major thing - awareness - which is crucial to improvement. I plan to handle negative progress (increased weight) by reminding myself of my disciplines and sticking to them. Also, by tracking several different things (body fat, weight, and total inches) I can stay motivated when I see one thing plateau (such as weight) but still see improvements in others (say decreasing my total inches or body fat percentage). I find it tough to remember to photograph my meals - like today - but otherwise I'm keeping up with everything else.
Breakfast: Ice water 30 minutes before eating, 4 ounces of protein (leftover chicken . . . mmmm), cooked beans/carrots (also leftovers), handful of spinach
Lunch: More of the same above
Supper: 1 tall glass of water, two bowls of Jobina's amazing (but sans potatoes) stew
Total Inches: 138.15
Weight:153.1 lbs
Yesterday was a pretty good cheat day. I felt like I had done a bit of a wimpy job at breakfast but going to McDonald's for lunch brought be back in the game and I definitely felt gorged and ready to diet again for today.
My starting numbers (which I expect to fluctuate quite a bit, especially because we got a new weight/body fat scale and so we aren't comparing apples to apples here) were not too radically changed. Many people say don't weigh/measure yourself every day as it can become demotivating (emotionally painful) but I agree with Ferris (and psychological literature) that says that in depth tracking increases one major thing - awareness - which is crucial to improvement. I plan to handle negative progress (increased weight) by reminding myself of my disciplines and sticking to them. Also, by tracking several different things (body fat, weight, and total inches) I can stay motivated when I see one thing plateau (such as weight) but still see improvements in others (say decreasing my total inches or body fat percentage). I find it tough to remember to photograph my meals - like today - but otherwise I'm keeping up with everything else.
Breakfast: Ice water 30 minutes before eating, 4 ounces of protein (leftover chicken . . . mmmm), cooked beans/carrots (also leftovers), handful of spinach
Lunch: More of the same above
Supper: 1 tall glass of water, two bowls of Jobina's amazing (but sans potatoes) stew
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Day 1: Focused Cheating
Body Fat: 17%
Total Inches: 138
Weight:154.2 lbs
Most people don't find it helpful to start their new eating plan by eating as much as you can . . . but that is precisely what I am doing today. Because I have been gearing up for this plan by doing some of the things necessary over the past few weeks, I have been practicing cheat days and it just so happens that my cheat day falls on the first day we are starting. Ah, sweet coincidences.
According to Ferris' understanding, cheat days are not an allowance but an intentional and necessary step to keeping one's metabolic rate high. I've found over the past month that cheat days did not seem to hurt me at all. Aside from a quick boost in weight (which dissipated in a day or two) I was still able to lose weight. Having a cheat day increases adherence - the chances that you will actually stick to your discipline so I'm all for it. Today will be a day of much chocolate I am thinking.
P.S. In case you are wondering, Total inches = measurements of both upper arms (at the biceps), waist (at the navel), hips, and mid thing on both legs. Body fat percentage is measured by using a scale that uses bioimpedance (a small electric current sent through your body) which seemed to be the best balance of cost and accuracy. We bought the scale last night but may have to get another one as right now it will only allow us to weigh one person.
Morning Meal: 4 pieces of toast (mmm . . . sweet white carbs, bowl of frosted flakes, tall glass of AJ
Lunch: 2 chicken burgers, 1 bacon cheese burger, 1 milkshake
Supper: Fettucini Alfredo, salad, water, 3 pieces of easter chocolate
Evening Snack: 2 packs of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, 2 chocolate eggs
Didn't post pictures because . . . well, I forgot. Still trying to remember all the new disciplines!
Total Inches: 138
Weight:154.2 lbs
Most people don't find it helpful to start their new eating plan by eating as much as you can . . . but that is precisely what I am doing today. Because I have been gearing up for this plan by doing some of the things necessary over the past few weeks, I have been practicing cheat days and it just so happens that my cheat day falls on the first day we are starting. Ah, sweet coincidences.
According to Ferris' understanding, cheat days are not an allowance but an intentional and necessary step to keeping one's metabolic rate high. I've found over the past month that cheat days did not seem to hurt me at all. Aside from a quick boost in weight (which dissipated in a day or two) I was still able to lose weight. Having a cheat day increases adherence - the chances that you will actually stick to your discipline so I'm all for it. Today will be a day of much chocolate I am thinking.
P.S. In case you are wondering, Total inches = measurements of both upper arms (at the biceps), waist (at the navel), hips, and mid thing on both legs. Body fat percentage is measured by using a scale that uses bioimpedance (a small electric current sent through your body) which seemed to be the best balance of cost and accuracy. We bought the scale last night but may have to get another one as right now it will only allow us to weigh one person.
Morning Meal: 4 pieces of toast (mmm . . . sweet white carbs, bowl of frosted flakes, tall glass of AJ
Lunch: 2 chicken burgers, 1 bacon cheese burger, 1 milkshake
Supper: Fettucini Alfredo, salad, water, 3 pieces of easter chocolate
Evening Snack: 2 packs of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, 2 chocolate eggs
Didn't post pictures because . . . well, I forgot. Still trying to remember all the new disciplines!
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