One week later

[Rich Stern]

Last week, I described how me and my Nitro are doing a makeover. I haven't gotten started on the Nitro yet (cleaning out my garage first), but I thought I'd share my personal status. Last Monday, I went out and bought a scale (first one I've owned in at least two decades). I am embarrassed to say that I weighed in at 202. Yikes! No time like the present to take action.



In the time since, I've hit the treadmill every day. I now only eat what's on my plate. No more second helpings, except for vegetables and water. Burgers, fries, pizza, wings, etc., all gone from the menu for the time being. I'm eating a lot more salad and fish. Interestingly, once I cut out all of the junk food, the other stuff started to taste better. Hardest of all is the process of trying to convert my thinking. "This is not a diet. This is a lifestyle." Last night, a Doritos commercial came on, and I thought to myself, "I could eat a whole bag of those." And I immediately remembered that I can't go back to that mode. Have to break that thinking process. I don't know if I'll make it to a knew way of thinking, but I'm gonna try. Even after a week, the excercise and the changed diet are having a positive impact on my physical well being. I don't think I fully realized just how physically deteriorated I'd gotten from carrying the extra weight and eating all that junk.



I won't kid myself or you: The first week, it's easy to shed pounds, and each week it will get a bit harder. But, I'm hoping to maintain a new way of thinking about food and eating so I eventually won't worry about gains/loses per week. And having excercise as a permanent part of my life will be good. Can't wait to see how it feels to stand on the front deck of my boat for six hours in much better shape.



I started this process at a time when I honestly didn't think I had the willpower to get it done. One of the reasons for my post last week was just that...I needed some outside encouragement, because any attempt in recent years to do it on my own has failed.



This morning I weighed in at 195.



Thanks for the encouragement! For those of you who are in similar shoes: Today is as good as any day to start. See you next week on the other side of 190.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Hey 7 lbs is nothing to turn your nose up at! Great progress Rich. I'm at 190. I was only 145 when I left school about 10 years ago. I'm hoping hunting season will help me shed some. Keep it up. You'll look like Trep in no time! LOL Not that you would want to! LOL

 

[Texas Transplant]

Good start Rich. Personally, I weigh EVERY DAY. And I tip the scales right now around 276. TOO BIG!



What I've tried to do this year is 'control my diet', rather than be on a diet. Doing much the same types of things with the food that you are doing. One other thing that I do, is when my wife and I go out to eat, I only eat half of what is served, and take the balance home for the next day. Most resturants serve entirely too big a portion. They serve 'bigger', so that you won't think you are getting taken for the price.



I, like you, need to get back to the treadmill. I'm going to get on mine tonight. It will take me about a week to get the legs back in shape, and my wind up. I usually push it pretty hard (walking), when I use it.



I guess since I posted my weight above, I'm now officially back in the game. I'll join in the reporting next week.



Tex

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Rich....I've been at it for about a year now and I've lost 14 lbs. not by dieting but, like you said ,"just watching what and how much I eat at one time". I still eat pizza's and some junk but, not much and I make sure that it's only maybe once a week. I even lost my taste for light beer....I'm back to regular Bud's and I'm still doin' good. Just keep that thought in the back of your mind every time you get hungry.

TEE

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Congrats Rich! Keep up the good work. I'll be joining you soon with my task to quit smoking!!!

 

[Staci Matheis]

I guess this gets me outta havin' to treat you to a blizzard at DQ next time we get together, huh?!!?



Oh, yeah..... I musta ate too much this past week..... I tipped the scales at 148 this morning!



me!

 

[Bruce Freeman]

Hey Rich: Great start after your post I hit the scales (they scare me) at 6,1 195 but I should be more like 175 (my goal) I did get out yesterday and ride my mountain bike for the first time in over a year.WOW am I soft. So I will follow your lead. 2 goals I am going to quit smoking and try to lose the 20 lbs or at least move it up from the middle..Got a Dr's appt next monday for the smoking the rest is up to me.

BF

 

[Marke Cicero]

Good job Rich. Seven pounds is a good start. I'm hoping that this move to MI will be a good start to a complete life style change. New state, new home, new career, etc...



I'm glad I'm finally here. The last two weeks almost killed me. EVERYONE wanted to buy me lunch or get me drunk. I haven't eaten or drank so much in my life. I think I put on 10 lbs. last week.



I hope I can follow your lead.

Just for the record: 5'11" and 220 lbs. (maybe 230 after last week)

 

[John Foster]

Way to go Rich. Keep it up. Or should I say down..HA



I need to buy a scale. But I haven't found one that will weigh that high for less then $250.00. So next pay check I will get one.



I too have been eating only home made food. No fast food at all. Chicken, fish and some lean pork and a lot of veggies. I forgot how good a salad could taste.



I don't know if I have lost anything, But I sure feel better. Started using the excersize bike again. Can't use a tread mill. the Knees just can't take it anymore.



Biggest thing for me has been to almost entirely cut out soft dinks. Maybe one or two a day if at all. I already only drank Diet sodas anyway. But the caffein and acids in them I could do with out.



I am drinking water and sugar free/low sodium juices now and can tell the difference in the way I feel





6' 4" and 425+ My goal is to be 50lbs or more lighter by the rally in April..

 

[Barry Loos]

Keep going. Don't do too much to burn yourself out. Remember slow and steady always wins. Just think thin and keep going.



Bear

 

[Buzz Bouvier]

Rich, how's the weight project going? I've come to the conclusion that I want to lose 25 pounds before the start of the season. June 15 for us. Todays weight,242.(I thought)it's 244.Ahh

 

[Marke Cicero]

Thanks for the reminder Buzz. I was wondering the same thing myself last week. So how you doing Rich.



I was down to 210 then up to 228 after the holidays now I'm right back holding steady at 220. I've been 220 +/- 5 for the last 6 years.



Marke

 

[Rich Stern]

Buzz, Marke, so glad you asked!



Got really busy with work, and that kind of broke my focus. I got down as low as 177, but I am hovering at 183 right now. Need to rededicate myself to the treadmill and the careful eating.



I can tell you this: I've felt so much better physically since beginning this process last September. It's very much worth the effort.



There's no time like the present: I can knock out that last 13 lbs. in one month. March 15th, I'll be post my weight here, and it's 170 or bust!



Are you with me?

 

[Mike Levesque]

Rich, I just for the first time I think, read all this thread, all I can say is wow! Way to go, man! congrats on how far you've come, and how much more healthy you must feel... egMike

 

[Buzz Bouvier]

O.K. Rich, I will try and lose the weight before the start of the season. 10 pounds by the 15th of March. I just got off the scales and I weighed 244. Marke you in?

 

[Marke Cicero]

OK Buzz, I'm in. 10 lbs by March 15th or anything <210. Long term I'll say <200 by my fishing trip in Ontario in June.



Just to keep us focused Buzz, I'll bet you dinner on the March 16th. The loser buys the winner a salad and a light beer )



Marke

 

[Buzz Bouvier]

O.K. Marke..