Woah wait.....Size 44 belt?!?!

     So last night was the Super Bowl. I have to admit I was a little naughty in regards to the food that was there. Now compare what I ate last to me in the past, last night looks more like I was eating twigs and nuts compared to the way I used to eat. The past me would have eaten an entire bag of chips, had 4th's on dinner, polished off half the tray of cookies, add all that up with no exercise and no wonder I was at 420lbs at one point!

     Today was my weigh-in. I was a little nervous because of my "splurge" last night. I really didn't want it to be a 0 or a + number. Needless to say when the scale said 295lbs this guy was stoked! Sure I was a little naughty last night but I did not allow myself to go overboard! Let me tell you there was plenty of food there for me to be naughty with! The key is I was able to keep myself under control and limit what I consumed, being sure to keep what my coaches have been teaching me in mind. STICK WITH THE PLAN!

     The next task was getting ready for the day. When I got around to getting a belt it seemed like the one I have been using was just a touch too loose. So I grabbed one I purchased after Christmas with "future use" in mind. Back in September I believe I was at a 52 waist. Well the belt I had been saving is a size 44 and it fits!!! All of or at least most of high school I wore size 46! Size 44 is crazy talk!!! But man oh man it is awesome! Progress folks! September Size 52 and in February Size 44!!! That's a big deal for any body!

Cheers,

     Mike

Holiday's and Sporting Events

     I have to admit one of my fears on this diet are Holiday gatherings, and professional sport's events. The MLB season is winding down but the playoff season is just heating up! Lets not forget the NFL just started, the NBA and NHL are hot on its heals! This means being invited over to friends houses, lots of food, and the heavenly scent of BBQ on the grill! I better stop because Famous Dave's is just right down the road! That line from Star Wars Episode III A New Hope keeps running through my head, "Stay on target......Stay on target!" I have been doing well when it comes to staying away from events with lots of food, but I can't stay away for ever.

     Holidays, I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sure its nice to gather with family and friends, but man do I love the food! I am not going to list the items I love most. Ok maybe the one item that I know I wont be able to pass up ever. Pumpkin Pie! I am going to have to either eat in a different room than the food and people or sit there with my eyes on my plate only and try not to think about getting a second helping. I still have some time to learn from my coach before I am faced with holiday season.

     So far so good! I have lost 10lbs since I started this leg of weight loss. The more I begin to lose the more motivated I will be to stay firm in my direction. As long as the Medifast 5+1 plan is working I tend to stay on it till the end! Right now if it is not on the plan I am not eating it. My wife is also doing a great job keeping me on track by making some fantastic lean and green meals. If you are reading this and feel its time for you to begin I can not stress enough the importance of a solid support system. Do not, and I mean do not ever go it alone! There are people out there with the same struggles as you who are more then willing to lend a hand.

Peace and good vibes,

Mike

When you set your mind to it.

     One thing I have always heard people say is, "Do not even attempt weight loss unless you are ready for it." I never really understood it, and frankly it has made me angry a few times. I have known a lot of people who were ready but the main problem was how they ate. I remember one guy would tell me about his salad he enjoyed every day for lunch. Then one day I saw his salad and understood why he was not losing weight. Sure he had lettuce but he also had a 7 course meal on it for toppings! So how do you reduce you calorie intake without feeling full?

     To be honest there really is not a lot out there. I have tried many diets but what lacked from most was control. What I needed was something where what they give you is all you eat. The Medifast 5 + 1 plan was the best I could find, but before I agreed to the system I had to be 100% sure I was ready. I need to learn a new way of viewing food. I remember having some guests over for some steaks on the grill and some one took the biggest steak on the plate and I was irritated by that. I sat back for a moment and thought, "Wow what the heck am I doing getting angry over something so petty?" That moment I knew I had a problem and that I have had this problem for a long time. That was the moment I knew I was ready.

     When you set your mind to it you can do anything. Most of us heard this a lot growing up, sure mostly from Mr. Rogers but it is a very true statement. If you are struggling with weight loss, and by struggle I mean sneaking snacks. Just because you say you didn't does not make it true! You need to be true to yourself and be able to admit you can't do it alone. If you do not want surgery I highly recommend Medifast's 5 + 1 plan and teaming up with a health coach. This coming Monday I have my second weigh in, sure I am excited but I do not want to get my self too jacked up. The worst is working hard and seeing a plus or a big fat zero. I would be happy with even a -1. So far I feel good and seem to have more energy, did I mention that the food is pretty good? My wife has been doing an awesome job making my "Lean & Green" meals. The other night she made me some Tilapia and a nice fresh salad! Yeah she rocked it!

-Mike

P.S. Below is a link to my coaches site!
http://claireandarnold.tsfl.com/


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