Off at Noon

I work at a Nursing Home and there is a Children's Daycare there as well. I have two children that attend the daycare and come to work with me daily. Unfortunately, the daycare was closed early today allowing the teachers to attend a statewide conference for daycare teachers. I took a half a day off today to spend the afternoon with my three kids. My first grader also had a half-day today.

Well, we ate our way through the afternoon to say the least. They had all eaten at daycare or school and when I got home, I hadn't eaten lunch yet. I made a great lunch, a cod fillet, mushrooms and carrots, a cheesy potato and yogurt. Really was a low-point lunch. It was after lunch when the troubles started. My kids were looking for something to eat every 5 minutes. They ate popcorn, crackers, jello, yogurt, fruit snacks and finally we made peanut butter cookies.

Ah! The smell of those cookies haunted me. I did very well. I ate two cookies and my kids each ate a few and after dinner, I took them outside and offered them to our neighbors. I don't think we've ever offered our neighbors food before, so it was nice to be able to share the "fat."

Not a bad day, for being home most of the day alone with the kids.

Weight Loss Resume

TB’s Journey
Blogsite: http://tbjourney.blogspot.com



Objective: To obtain a healthy lifestyle that will allow me to remain active as a father raising three children along with exercising, eating wisely and making healthy choices.

Highlights:
* 33 years of life experience
* Lost 20% of my starting weight
* 22 weeks developing a healthy lifestyle
* Demonstrated a disciplined attitude, attention to detail through journaling, ability to take personal responsibility for actions and willingness to change as evidenced by losing over 55 pounds successfully

Experience
Spring 2007-Present Weight Watchers West Allis, Wisconsin
Professional Loser
* Attended weekly sessions to gain knowledge of the program.
* Implemented exercise into daily routine to increase activity level.
* Motivated other members through providing a quiet leader through example.

Fall 1992-Spring 2007 Life Experience Wisconsin
Overweight 33 year old
* Attended college and gained over 40 pounds in one year.
* Initiated little to no activity for several years.
* Consumed at least a six-pack of soda daily during college and at least a 12-pack weekly since.

Winter 1974-Fall 1992 Wonder Years Mayville, Wisconsin
* Lead a healthy childhood following parents example.
* Participated in several school activities including football, dramas, and musicals.
* Worked out 3x weekly both strength and cardio.
* Member of the Mayville High School 300 Club; able to bench press 300 pounds.


Activities:
Member in good standing of GOAD (Guys on a Diet)
Daily routine includes 40 minutes on elliptical machine 6x weekly.
Walking at least 10,000 steps daily.
Playing with 3 children and keeping up with them.

References & Portfolio:
Available upon request

Week 22

Week 22: 211.4
Last Week: 214.4
Progress: Down 3.0
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 58.8
Average Weekly Loss: 2.67

Back on track with a solid loss. Glad to see my weekend didn't lead me astray. I've been working extremely hard, doing the elliptical for at least 40 minutes daily since last Monday. Tomorrow I will take a needed day off!

Our meeting tonight focused on choices. Someone on the GOAD message board has a signature: "Make the better choice!" I took that to heart this week and tried to make the better choice each time I was making a choice this week food related or not. We also talked about writing a resume. I'm going to update mine and I'm going to work on a "Weight Loss Resume" as well. I'll be sharing it soon.

It feels so good to be where I'm at. Can't believe I'm almost to 210! That will be my goal for next week. 210 will also get me over 16 pounds for my at work challenge, which I am really kicking butt in by the way.

Great Weekend

My week is flying by and I've been too busy to get around to blogging. This past weekend I didn't do the best food-wise, but I had a great time. Saturday, I dropped our 3 kids off at Grandma's house and headed for Green Bay. My wife and I visited with friends from our college days and went to a sports bar on Saturday night. I was pleasantly surprised to see a grilled chicken breast on the menu and I did the right thing by asking for the mayo and cheese on the side. My wife ended up eating the cheese and I left the mayo sit. Sunday, we went to an amazing football game. Packers vs. Chargers! I didn't get all my walking in over the weekend, but I had a great time. We tailgated and I had a garlic-herb chicken breast that was awesome. My sister and brother-in-law were very supportive with the food. We shopped together on Saturday night and bought the chicken, sun chips, and grapes. The only thing that wasn't quite planned for were the girl scout cookies they had brought from home. Overall, it was a great weekend and one that I will call a success in more ways than one.

Did You Say Doctor?

I can honestly say, I haven't been to a doctor in over six years. I'm not sure if I'm bragging or embarrassed, but it is the truth. In fact, I've gone through many different doctors on my insurance card since the last time I went. The last doctor I went to retired, followed by one that stopped accepting my insurance, followed by now not really having a doctor. I read a lot of posts on the Weight Watcher boards this week about going to an "overweight" doctor and if his/her comments about weight loss would motivate you to lose weight. I'm not doing this because some doctor told me too. I'm worried about the outcome if I don't lose weight without hearing it from a doctor. I know there are many "silent killers" out there and when I reach my next milestone birthday, I do plan on going to the doctor, but for now I am quite happy taking my kids to the doctor. I just have a feeling that all the doctor would say is, "you're doing great, keep doing what you're doing, the bill's in the mail!"

Ode to Oatmeal

I ate it for my breakfast,
And I ate it for my lunch,
What do you say?
I'm eating it too much?
Ate it in my cookies that I made
For a tasty snack,
Maybe I went to far when I bought a 164 oz. pack.
I'll eat it for my dinner,
And don't forget dessert,
I'll add some peanut butter,
And a juicy piece of fruit.
I love my flavored oatmeal
In any old plain way,
And that's way I'd eat oatmeal,
Anytime and any day!

Today, I ate oatmeal for breakfast. Someone made oatmeal cookies at work and I had to try a few. I also am eating some right now as I write this tasty note. Before I started Weight Watchers, I rarely had oatmeal. Maybe an occasional "Oatmeal Raisin" granola bar or a "Oatmeal Raisin" cookie, but seldom did I eat plain oatmeal. Now, there are not many days that I do not eat it. I've had it for breakfast, lunch, snacks and even for dessert. It really is tasty with a tablespoon of peanut butter and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. I often add bananas or pineapple tidbits to my oatmeal in the morning. I've found it to be a very versatile friend.

And so I lift my spoon to oatmeal: "May you continue to help me along my weight loss journey!"

Come On, You Know You Want Some...

Tonight, I worked late because we hosted a fast food fest at the Nursing Home I work at. I know, I shouldn't be promoting fast food, but the residents rarely have anything from "THE OUTSIDE" so it really was a special treat. We received 10 boxes of Dippin' Strips from Pizza Hut for 1/2 price, 125 hamburgers from McDonald's for 1/2 price and 3 party trays with 45 sandwiches each donated by Subway. On top of that, we served a tossed salad, french fries and a choice of French Silk, Banana Cream, Blueberry or Cherry Pie.

Well, unfortunately there were loads of leftovers. I scarfed up some of the subway subs, but there were some many burgers left. I said I really didn't want them, but I ended up taking six. What will happen to them is still to be determined. I wish I could say the same of the 8 dippin' strips I took home. They made it to the back yard before I devoured them like I have never seen pizza before. After being so proud of myself over the weekend for tossing a pizza out, I went and spent a lot of points on Pizza Hut. I do have to say, IT WAS WORTH IT. I have done it and now I am satisfied.

I know I'm doing fine and I needed a little treat for myself and I know it will not be a daily habit.

Now, anybody want a burger or two?

Week 21

Week 21: 214.4
Last Week: 214.2
Progress: Up .2
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 55.8
Average Weekly Loss: 2.66

My streak is over! 20 weeks of solid losses and tonight I gained. I'm alright with it since I know I weighed in two days early. I'll get back on track next week. Had to weigh in tonight since I'm working late on Wednesday. Picked tonight versus another night because my usual leader leads on Mondays and Wednesdays. Unfortunately, she wasn't even there tonight.

Weekend was challenging. I attended my 15 year class reunion. It was neat to see everyone, even those I didn't really get along with 15 years ago had matured for the most part. I've gained weight since HS, even though I'm in the process of losing it. My weight at graduation was 186. My football playing weight was listed as 177. This is a goal of mine, but I've got a few mini-goals before that ultimate one.

5 things I am Grateful For

There was a thread started on the Weight Watcher board today about being grateful, here's my short and sweet list.

I am grateful for:

...the ability to walk without pain.

...supportive family and friends.

...on plan days that make it all worth it.

...inspiring stories from others that keep me plugging away.

...the innocence of a child.

New Non-Scale Victory

I love pizza! In high school, my choir director bet me the price of the two pizzas that I could not finish one whole pizza in 1/2 hour. Needless to say, I did it with time to spare. I don't care what's on my pizza, what kind it is, I love pizza! So it is with great sadness that I report to you tonight, I have a whole left over pizza in the frig that will be disposed of tomorrow morning. Stupidly, I made two frozen pizzas last weekend and we've never gotten around to eating the left overs. Normally, I would have eaten at least one or two more when we originally ate it, plus I would have finished it the next morning for breakfast. Nothing like a good piece of cold pizza to wake you up.

The thing I feel most guilty about is that it's a good pizza too. Not your average, Tombstone or Jack's frozen pizza. This was a Digorno, you know the whole, "It's not delivery it's Digorno!"

I am definitely embracing a new lifestyle! Throwing almost a whole pizza away and there are starving children in Africa!

One Small M&M

M&M's are really football fields. What does this mean? To find out walk with a small bag of plain M&M's onto a football field. Open the bag, take out one little M&M at the back of the end zone. Eat this one M&M it will last in your mouth about 10 seconds. Start to walk off your M&M by striding across the football field all the way into the far end zone (120 yards).

Congratulations! You just burned off one M&M.

Now turn around and look back at the goal post. If you're willing walk another football field, enjoy your second M&M. Just remember there are about 55 of those little sugar coated chocolates in every small bag.


And if you care not to walk, it takes approximately 10 minutes and 55 seconds to burn one M&M at rest.

9/11

Yesterday marked the sixth anniversary of 9/11. Unfortunately, I believe we have downplayed the signifigance of this anniversary. I did lead a music group yesterday and sang some special patriotic songs as it is now "Patriot Day." My group was appreciative and shared more stories from WWII as those are more prominent in their minds than 6 years ago.

I asked my first grader if she did anything special and she shrugged. I asked her if she knew anything about 9/11 or New York and her response, "Does Brittney Spears live there?" Oh the mind of an innocent 6 year old.

Remembering 9/11...

Week 20

Week 20: 214.2
Last Week: 215.4
Progress: Down 1.2
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 56
Average Weekly Loss: 2.8

Happy about another loss. Tonight we talked about moving at our WW meeting. I can't believe so many people come to WW thinking they can lose a bunch of weight without exercising. Initially, I wanted to lose as much as I could without moving much. I hit 10% and an additional 10% by walking daily. Now, I have added the elliptical to the mix and it has brought a whole new dimention to the weight loss journey. I got a bravo sticker for wearing a pedometer daily and another one for gaining at least 5 Activity Points daily. Activity Points are gained each time you burn about 100 calories.

We had an employee picnic today at work. It was catered in and they served chicken breast and pulled pork. The good voice inside of me said eat the safe chicken breast, the naughty voice said eat the pulled pork, it won't hurt you too bad. I picked the naughty choice, but I don't regret it. Moderation, not deprivation. Now if that naughty voice would have left me alone I would have been fine, but I continued on with three chocolate chip cookies. Oh well!

Those Blasted Wheat Thins!!

Last night, I took my walk around the block (2 miles) and I stopped in Walgreens for a few things my wife had asked me to pick up. Unfortunately, I also picked up two bags of baked wheat thins. Each bag contained 8 servings and about 3 points per serving. I ate about a serving last night after my walk and they were great. Today, I took them to walk and to say the least, there are none left. TWO BAGS!! TWO BAGS!! TWO BAGS!!

I am about to scream at myself, but I know the damage is done and now I can get on with it. Even after the two bags, I'm not too far off for the day. I had small meals all day and my exercise has covered the difference. We'll see what the scale says on Wednesday.

I have not had anything crunchy and salty for a long time and I went a bit overboard. At least I haven't opened the licorce I bought too. Hoping I can be strong enough to bring that to work and let everyone in our "At Work Challenge" feast while I watch.

Week 19

Week 19: 215.4
Last Week: 219.0
Progress: Down 3.6
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 54.8
Average Weekly Loss: 2.88

A temptation filled week ends with a solid loss. I couldn't be more pleased. Tonight at our meeting, Bev, our regular leader was on vacation in Italy and will be gone again next week. We had a sub, Nicky, who is the site supervisor. It was nice to have a different perspective. I did feel bad, since many of us are very quiet if our regular leader is MIA. We talked about the "Winning Outcomes." We discussed making goals for ourselves. I think the topic was a bit too personal to share with the group. I will definitely fill out the Winning Outcome form and bring it back next week, but would prefer not to share it with the whole group. There seems to be many people who come just for the socialization aspect and don't take the program too seriously. I, along with another lady have been solid losers and I've been keeping track of Miss Jeanne to make sure I'm staying in line with her losses.

Today, I weighed in for a check point at my "At Work Challenge." My goal was to lose 12 pounds in 2 months. The lady checking weights was rather surprised to see that I had lost 10 pounds already. She played with the scale for a few minutes before realizing the weight was right. One more month to lose 2 pounds; definitely a doable goal!

Labor Day Update

Well besides seeing the Brewers collapse in the final two innings, I had a very successful Labor Day feast. My wife did make our traditional taco salad and unfortunately, there is at least half of it left. I'll be forcing her to take it to work tomorrow and share with her teacher friends. I didn't bring anything else, but was sad to see watermelon and cantelope as the only fruit at the tailgate party. I am not a melon person! I had several people watching what I had on my plate, so it made me stay disciplined. The only treats I allowed myself was a pretzel during the game and a few rice krispie treats. I'll never be able to pass on those. We definitely could have substituted our sour cream and cheese cheese in the taco salad for fat free and honestly, I doubt that anyone would have noticed, but my wife who was making it. Maybe next year.

Even though I had several people say they were going to eat only what I ate, I noticed that there was plenty of veggies left when it was time to pack up. I made several stops for the sugar snap peas. I treat I don't usually get since my wife and kids are not big pea eaters.

I heard about pluots on the Goad message board last week and at Sam's Club I stumbled upon some as I was picking up fruit to bring to my Mother-in-laws for our Sunday Labor Day outing. I bought a cartoon full and out of eight I only have two left. I will be eating them tomorrow as they are as juicy as I would like them to be. Next time, I think I'd pass on the bulk and look for them at the grocery store. They are definitely a treat I'll be looking for again. A cross between a plum and and apricot, they really have a small pit and are very easy to eat. Just a bit messy when they are over ripe.

After my weekend, I am sure that I'll be able to live with my new found lifestyle. There are always challenges that arise and I'm sure I won't be perfect all the time especially if my family keeps making rice krispie treats.

Marking the end of Summer

Happy Labor Day!

Today marks the unofficial end of the summer season. Fortunately, I like fall/autumn just as much if not more since the temperatures drop a bit and make it great to do outdoor activities. I am getting concerned about wintertime however. I've really enjoyed my early walks on the weekend, but I have a feeling that it will be much harder in 30 below weather. As long as I do the "mental rehearsing" and imagine myself walking with all the winter gear, I hope I'll be fine.

Labor Day is always a big family get together for our family. Inlaws, outlaws and all the in-between come and socialize with us at the Brewer Game. We are always in charge of bringing the same dish to pass, ours being a not-so-healthy taco salad. I am considering bringing something more point friendly so I know I won't overindulge too much. Here's to another great family BBQ and may the Brewers keep winning!