Monday again...

[Rich Stern]

Haven't seen my boat or been fishing in what seems like a month of Sundays, but...



183 lbs.



Starting to fit in some clothes that I haven't worn in a few years. Halloween will be a challenge (I'm a chocoholic, and I never met candy corn I didn't like).



I am enjoying how much better I feel physically. If you have been toying with the idea of doing this, do it! You won't regret it. The first few weeks are tough, but it gets easier as you begin to feel the benefit.



Interesting side note: I was shopping around for health insurance, because our current provider keeps jacking up the rates with ridiculous increases. When I got a quote last week, I told the agent his price seemed kinda high. He said, "Based on your height and weight, they added a 25% premium." I said, "I'll call you back in a few weeks and we'll have this conversation again."



For any of you that are self-employed and buy your own health insurance, I'd appreciate hearing any wisdom on cost containment.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Congats on the weight. Still struggling to get back on the wagon again. Not gaining, but not loosing either. Need to get that treadmill working.



On life insurance . . .



Mine costs significantly more than my wife's, simply because of the weight. For that insurer, I would need to loose and keep it off for a year to get a reduction in rate. One of the questions they ask is - have you lost a major portion of weight lately? They are not looking for diet results, but rather seriousl health problem results.



You will probably need to call another insurer (or salesman), and then just tell what you weigh after you have lost the weight. In short, you'll likely have to tell a story.



When I was self employed, the health insurance was outrageous. Wouldn't want to have to do that these days. Best of luck. Good work again on the diet.



Tex

 

[Tim King]

So, what is your secret weapons in this battle of weight loss?? I would really like to lose some considerable baggage!



Tim

 

[Rich Stern]

Tim, here are my methods:



1. No more junk food, except special occassions, i.e., a piece of birthday cake is fine, or a modest desert if out to dinner every week or two. Candy, donuts, and such are off limits. I see the inside convenience stores a lot less these days. If I want to snack, I have raisins, pretzels, a piece of fruit, a yogurt, low fat trail mix, etc. One of the realities you have to accept is that none of this stuff will ever taste as good as a jelly donut, but after a while, it does really start to taste pretty good. I went through junk food withdrawals for the first few weeks, but now I don't crave the junk anymore.



2. In general, eating less, particularly when it comes to fat. I haven't had a hamburger or fries in over a month. The wife helps a lot. She prepares healthy dinners, fish, salads, pasta with light sauce, etc. For breakfast and lunch, I am usually on my own, but follow the same drill. Choosing good stuff instead of bad. If I have to have fast food, I'll get one of the grilled chicken sandwiches instead of a Big Mac, and I skip the fries. If I'm at home, skip the bologna sandwich and have tuna instead.



3. Learn not to go for seconds, except for things like vegetables and salad.



4. Regular excercise. I jog on a treadmill, but really, almost anything will do. Walking, biking, jumprope. Just hit it 20 to 30 minutes a day while watching TV (or get outside and get some fresh air). Give myself a day off every few days if I don't feel like doing it.



Today, I had a business lunch and the person I was with wanted to go to a BBQ place. Not an easy place for a healthy eater. I ordered a half salad with shredded pork on top. It tasted great, but I couldn't even finish it. Back in August, I would have demolished it in five minutes.



Here's a list of positives to look forward to:



- No more indegestion (haven't had it in over a month)

- Old clothes start to fit again

- You get less lazy as your body gets leaner

- You become less controlled by your stomach

- Your wife says you look different (and you just have to hope she means it in a positive way)

- In general, you just feel better about yourself



I won't kid you: It's a bit of a hill to climb when starting out, but it is quickly becoming second nature to me. Give it a try, and be disciplined for a few weeks. You'll get over the hump and be on your way. Start when you finish reading this message. It's as good a time as any.



Cecil...I hear ya. I wouldn't cheat on an insurance application. I don't know any lawyers that good.

 

[Steve Rizza]

Good job on the weight Rich.The right way is how you are doing it.Through a healthy diet and excercise.Keep up the positive outlook and good luck.