Day #249 & #250 - The Fat is Coming Off Once Again!!

I apologize for doubling up on the last two day's worth of posts. I was extremely busy on Thursday (Feb 3, 2011) and yesterday (Fri, Feb 4, 2011) I wasn't feeling that good and I ended up staying home from work. But let's not bring up things that can slow down the mission or this blog in any way, shape, or form. Instead, I want to talk about the positive things that happened this past week, that helped me to break through my little plateau and into the 190s!!! Yes my friends..... I have officially done it. Not only have I lost over 100 lbs in the last 8 months but I have managed to say good bye to the 200 lbs range and hello to Onederland!!!!

I have been struggling the last few weeks with losing weight. I was eating healthy everyday, with the occasional cheat meal here and there. I was exercising just about everyday but not as consistent as I wanted to be with the balance between cardio and weight lifting. And nothing was happening because I was still around the 201 - 204 lbs range. I was starting to get a little hard on myself because nothing seemed to be working any more. I am not complaining because what I have done in the last 8 months has changed my life around tremendously. I just know that I am not finished with this mission yet because I still have some fat to lose and some muscle to develop. And I will admit that it is hard some times to stay positive when things are not happening like they used to. But that is why I developed this mission and this blog. Because it gives me the opportunity to lean on all of you for help and motivation.

Well that motivation came earlier this week. My buddy and I had decided last Sunday (Jan 30, 2011) that we were going to start working out together in the morning to switch things up a little. My buddy Paul, had started Weight Watcher's, after I had started, and lost about 50 lbs himself. So we were the perfect answer for each other's situation because he was stuck in a 205 lb stand still for the last few weeks as well. After we had agreed to make this switch, it took a while to get to the starting line. It is not easy trying to wake up at 6:15am everyday to execute a workout before you go to work, especially if you are not a morning person to begin with. To make a long story short, it took us until Wednesday to get everything in motion. But once we started, it was actually fun, and we don't really want to stop. We were motivating each other so much, that we ended up going to the gym twice on Wednesday and twice yesterday. And what do you know, that switch up was what we needed to get the weight loss going again. Because I started the week 201.4 lbs and I weighed in this morning (Sat, Feb 5) at 197.2 lbs! That is over a 4 lb loss in 6 days!! The amazing thing about it, is I only had to switch my workout times / routine and my body did the rest. I mean I ate the same everyday as I always do and all I did was switch up the exercises and the times I did them.

When all is said and done, this week was awesome in terms of working out and re motivating myself all over again. I am excited to get back into the gym today (Sat, Feb 5, 2011). I am waiting for Paul to get home from work, of course. Well I am going to leave you with the update photos from the last two days and I will be back again soon to recap the details of today (Sat, Feb 5, 2011). Until then my friends, have a great day!!

Day #249 (Thurs, Feb 3, 2011) Weigh-In

Day #249 Front Shot

Day #250 (Fri, Feb 4, 2011) Weigh-In

Day #250 Front Shot

With that being said, let's get to the details of yesterday (Fri, Feb 4, 2011):

Meals of the Day (The Heavy Man - 45 Points)
(I am currently following the Weight Watcher's PontsPlus program)

* Even though I stayed home sick from work yesterday, I still had a craving for pizza. So Patty went and got me 2 slices, which count as a cheat meal.

Breakfast - Eggs on 2 slices of Weight Watcher's whole wheat bread
Snacks - 3 apples and pretzel pack
Lunch - 2 slices of pizza
Dinner - 1 boca burger on 2 slices of Weight Watcher's bread with a slice of WW american cheese, a serving of baked chips, and a pear
Dessert - 1 WW ice cream cone

Exercise

Yesterday I executed my new weight lifting routine in the morning and I felt sick the whole time, so I went back home and went to bed. I attempted to do some cardio last night and had a pretty decent workout. Today I feel a lot better and I will be doing cardio and core as my workout.

Day #250 - Weigh-In = 199.4 lbs

* Like I mentioned before, I weighed in this morning (Sat, Feb 5, 2011) at 197.2 lbs!!

Day #251 (Sat, Feb 5, 2011)

Day #248 (Wed, Jan 2, 2011) - "Front Shot Photos" & Thursday Preview

Yesterday (Wed, Jan 2, 2011) started off amazing and ended the same way. I actually managed to drag myself out of bed yesterday morning to go to the gym. Once 6:15am came, I wanted to roll over so bad and go back to sleep. But I made myself get up and get dressed for the gym. It also helped that I was meeting a buddy of mine there to workout with. It was an idea that he and I came up with the other day because now we have to go in order to not let each other down. We both executed a new workout that worked our shoulders, back, and some biceps. He used to do this workout back in high school when he was preparing for the baseball season. And you all know me, I am willing to try new things, as long as they are healthy and work. Our workout lasted about an hour and we were both on our way to our offices at a very decent time. I would say it was a success! So much of a success that we ended up going to the gym again last night to do some cardio. Yes my friends..... I executed my weight lifting routine yesterday morning and then went back to that same gym, last night, to get some cardio in. Two times in one day!!

I am going to let you in on a little preview for my next post that will be recapping today (Thurs, Jan 3, 2011). This morning I weighed in at 199.4 lbs!! I think the switch up yesterday, working out in the morning and then doing a little cardio last night, actually shocked my body!! I know I might not be the same weight tomorrow morning and it might take me a little longer to be under 200 lbs permanently but I will take it for now!! So yesterday was a great day in terms of working out and this morning was great in terms of weighing in!

I am going to leave you today with my "Front Shot Photo" comparison. I usually show my "Front Shots" the day after I reveal my monthly "Side Shot Photos." I hope you all enjoy and I will talk to you next post!

Day #1 (Mon, May 31, 2010) 302 lbs

Day #248 (Wed, Jan 2, 2011) 201.8 lbs

With that being said, let's get to the details of yesterday (Wed, Jan 2, 2011):

Meals of the Day (The Heavy Man 45 - Points)
(I am currently following the Weight Watcher's PointPlus program)

Breakfast - Eggs on 2 slices of Weight Watcher's whole wheat bread = Points 5
Snacks - 1 pear, 2 rice cakes, and 1 serving of wheat thins = Points 6
Early Afternoon - (1) 6" Chicken Teriyaki sub on whole wheat bread with a slice of american cheese, a serving of sun chips, and apples = Points 15
Late Afternoon - (1) 6" Double Turkey sub on whole wheat bread with a slice of american cheese, pickles, and an apple = Points 10
Dinner - 2 pieces of grilled chicken and a serving of whole wheat pasta = Points 11

Total Points Eaten = 47 Points (2 points over my daily limit)

Exercise

Yesterday morning (Wed), I executed my new weight lifting routine: Lat Pull Downs (3 sets), Lat Pull Downs Front (3 sets), Upright Rows (3 sets), Back Rows (3 sets), Straight Bar Curls (3 sets), Preacher Curls (3 sets), Fore Arms with dumbbell (3 sets). I was also on the bike at the gym last night for 30 mins.

Day #248 - Weigh-In = 201.8 lbs

Day #248 (Wed, Jan 2, 2011) Weigh-In

* Like I mentioned above, this morning (Thurs, Jan 3, 2011) I weighed in at 199.4 lbs. I wanted to share it with you as a preview to my next post that will be recapping today.

Day #249 (Thurs, Jan 3, 2011) Preview

Day #247 (Tues, Feb. 1, 2011) - It's Side Shot Day Again!!

Well this morning (Wed, Jan 2, 2011) started off great!! But I will get to that later on tonight, after today is over. But for now I want to recap yesterday (Tues, Jan 1, 20110). I first want to thank you all for your support and words of encouragement. I was so excited about building this new consistent routine, of working out every morning, into a habit. But unfortunately it didn't happen the way I wanted it to on Monday and I was very disappointed in myself. And after reading all of the comments, I was determined to make this new direction work. I made up for it yesterday in the gym and set my sights on getting up early this morning.

Yesterday was just the same old routine of working, working out, eating healthy, and going to sleep. So nothing really interesting happened, except for the ever so popular "Side Shots!" For everyone who is new to this blog, I take my "Front Shot Photo" every single day, along with a photo of my daily weigh-in. And I know it can get boring after a while but I wanted to share with everyone what I go through on a daily basis while trying to lose weight. I think there is no better way, then showing it through pictures. However, I will stray away from that path at the beginning of every new month and take a "Side Shot Photo", to show a different view of how I have been losing weight and getting healthier. So with that being said, below are three photos. The first photo, is my "Side Shot" from Day #1 of this mission. The second photo, is a "Side Shot" from the beginning of last month. And of course the third photo, is a "Side Shot" of from the 1st day of this month, which is February of 2011. I hope you all enjoy and let me know what you think.

Day # 1 (Mon, May 31, 2010) 302 lbs

Day #219 (Tues, Jan 4, 2011) 206.6 lbs

Day #247 (Tues, Feb 1, 2011) 202 lbs

With that being said, let's get to the details of yesterday (Tues, Feb 1, 2011):

Meals of the Day (The Heavy Man - 45 Points)
(I am currently following the Weight Watcher's PointsPlus program)

Breakfast - 4 Eggo nutrigrain waffles = Points 7
Snacks - 1 serving of wheat thins, 1 serving of yogurt pretzels, and an apple = Points 6
Early Afternoon - (1) 6" double turkey sub on whole wheat bread with american cheese, a serving of baked tostitos, and an apple = Points 13
Late Afternoon - (1) 6" double turkey sub on whole wheat bread with american cheese and an apple = Points 10
Dinner - 2 grilles cheese sandwiches (All Weight Watcher's Ingredients) and a serving of baked ships = Points 11

Total Points Eaten = 47 Points (2 points over my daily limit)

Exercise

Yesterday I ran on the treadmill of 35 mins. This morning I executed my new weight lifting routine.

Day #247 - Weigh-In = 202.0 lbs

Day #247 Weigh-In

Day #247 Front Shot

Day #246 (Mon, Jan 31, 2011) - A Horrible Start

Well my new plan of working out in the morning has gotten off on the wrong foot. It was my goal on Sunday to start a new consistent routine of working out every morning, so I can be working out at the same time everyday. It will also help to free up time after work, so I can do the things I need to do at night. It would also allow me to write my daily post at a decent time, so I could get to bed earlier. But unfortunately, the day didn't go quite as planned.

First, I slept through my earliest alarm that was set for 6:10am. Second, I woke up at 6:30am with a sore back because of my snow sledding adventures over the weekend. So I decided, as I was half awake, to workout after work because I was going to be late if I went to workout at 7am. But little did I know that my work was going to keep me in the office until 10:30pm and of course my gym closes at 11pm. So I didn't even workout at all yesterday (Mon, Jan 31, 2011). And it wasn't like I could go running outside because we were in the middle of our most recent snow storm in NJ as well. I can't believe that I let myself down on the first day of my new consistent routine.

I am determined to build this new routine and make it a habit because I think it will be the best option for me going forward. I think if I could get my workout in every morning, I will be able to shock my body enough to sling shot myself into the 190s. And like I mentioned before, it will also give me some much needed time after work to get other things done. Until the next post, have a great day my friends!

With that being said, let's get to the details of yesterday (Mon, Jan 31, 2011):

Meals of the Day (The Heavy Man - 45 Points)
(I am currently following the Weight Watcher's PointPlus program)

Breakfast - 4 Eggo nutrigrain waffles = Points 7
Snacks - 3 apples, 1 pear, 1 yogurt pretzel pack, and 1 serving of wheat thins = Points 6
Early Afternoon - 1 serving of homemade Chicken Pot Pie and a serving of wheat thins (Weight Watcher's Recipe) = Points 11
Late Afternoon - 1 serving of homemade Chicken Pot Pie (Weight Watcher's Recipe) = Points 8
Dinner - (1) 6" double turkey sub on whole wheat bread with american cheese and a serving of sun chips = Points 15

Total Points Eaten = 47 Points (2 points over my daily limit)

Exercise

I did not make it to the gym yesterday. I am hoping that today will be a different story.

Day #246 - Weigh-In = 201.4 lbs

Day #246 Weigh-In

Day #246 Front Shot





Days - #242, #243, #244, & #245 - Getting Back to a Consistent Routine

First of all, I want to apologize for two things. First, I want to apologize for not publishing any new posts until today. I have not put a new post up since Thursday.  The second thing I want to apologize for, is being lazy the last few weeks and let me explain what I mean. Since the beginning of January, I have been slow with my daily posts. I don't know why I slipped into this little holding pattern but it is really bothering me now, to the point where I want to get back to my old ways of posting my daily updates every night. It has been so bad lately, that I am finding myself doubling up on posts and waiting for the next morning to talk about the day before. I want that to stop now. The only part of my daily posting routine, that has been consistent, is my update photos. I am really happy that I have continued to take those photos everyday.

This laziness has also spread to my workout routines as well. It is not that I am not working out, it is the fact that I have not been consistent with my routines at all. For the majority of this mission, I have found success alternating between weight lifting and cardio workouts every other day. But lately I have been finding excuses to not weight lift as much and to stick to doing a lot of cardio. I know that cardio is an important part of losing weight but so is weight lifting. I think a big reason for doing more cardio is because my long days in the office are taking a lot out of me mentally and I don't feel like going through the motions of weight lifting as much as just running on the treadmill. Well this is going to stop as well and I think working out at different times during the week, at night, is because of my work schedule. So I am going to start building the habit of working out in the morning. I think making this move will help with two things. First, it will get me on a consistent workout schedule, at the same time, everyday. And second, I think it will allow me to do many more things after work as well as relax with Patty. I will be able to get my posts up every night again at a decent time.

So as you can see, I have been doing a lot of evaluating lately and I think a change is a must. Getting back to a consistent routine with both my writing and my workouts will help me keep sane. The eating has been fine and right on target but as you all know, losing weight is so much more than just eating better. You have to be mentally in the game to succeed. Well, I have said my piece for the day and I am once again very sorry for being so lazy the last couple of weeks. These few changes are what I need in order to kick it up a level and stay strong for the next 6 months until my wedding day.

I am going to leave you with the update photos from the last few days:

Day #242 (Thurs, Jan 27) Weigh-In

Day #242 Front Shot

Day #243 (Fri, Jan 28) Weigh-In

Day #243 Front Shot

Day #244 (Sat, Jan 29) Weigh-In

Day #244 Front Shot

Day #245 (Sun, Jan 30) Weigh-In

Day #245 Front Shot

With that being said, let's get to the details of today:

Meals of the Day (The Heavy Man - 45 Points)
(I am currently following the Weight Watcher's PointsPlus program)

Breakfast - Eggs on Weight Watcher's (WW) whole wheat bread = Points 4
Snacks - 1 serving of 100 cal pretzel pack, 1 pear, and 1 WW ice cream cone = Points 7
Lunch - 1 serving of French Onion Soup, 1 7oz sirloin steak, 2oz of shrimp, and steamed vegetables and red potatoes (Applebees) = Points 22
Dinner - 2 grilled cheese sandwiches (WW Ingredients) and serving of baked chips = Points 11

Total Points Eaten Today = 44 Points (1 point under my daily limit)

Exercise

This morning I played basketball for 2 hours. Tomorrow I will be starting my new morning workout routine with weight lifting.

Day #245 - Weigh-In = 201.4 lbs