Day 354-Weigh-in Day: 305lbs

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WEEK 51

Start Weight: 365.4

Last Week’s Weight: 314.8

Current Weight: 305

This Week’s Weight Loss: 9.8lbs

Total Weight Loss: 60.4lbs

Miles Biked this Week: 20.1

Total Miles Biked: 2187.71

Miles to Go: 5312.29

GEOGRAPHY (Where I'd be on the map having started at my house in Salt Lake City, Utah, heading for Tokyo):

Pacific Ocean (1475 miles off the west coast. I am heading for the Hawaiian Islands)

This Week’s Workout

Monday: Gym

Tuesday: 9.84 miles

Wednesday: 8.27 miles

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 2 miles on Spin bike

Saturday: Rest

TODAY:

Well, I cannot believe it!!! I lost almost 10lbs this week! I did a test this week. I made a drastic change in my diet and my exercise. I have totally cut sugar out of my diet. I have discovered that cereal and fruit, the primary sources of sugar in my previous diet have been sabotaging my weight loss. It’s okay to eat that stuff once one has achieved their target weight, but I have been on a plateau for the past 7 months ping ponging at a certain weight. That is what you call “maintaining” your weight. I don’t want to do that.

So, based on the first week of this experiment, sugar and “white” carbs have been sabotaging my weight loss. I am now not eating potatoes, rice, grains, bread, and fruit. I am not drinking anything with calories in it. I cut out soy milk. I am drinking solely water. I will figure out where I can get the calcium I used to get from soy milk.

So what specifically am I doing? Here is what I began to do this week.

I eat protein, veggies and beans. I’ve been eating chicken, beef, pork and fish. I then eat broccoli, asparagus, green beans, spinach---basically whatever veggie I want. Then I have a half can of beans---black beans, pinto beans, or lentils.

I can eat all I want, and I haven’t been counting calories like I have been over the past year. It hasn’t necessarily been a fun and exciting way to eat this week, but it’s a great recipe for eating healthy and losing weight. I know I can come up with more interesting combinations.

When I did Body for Life 10+ years ago, the plan allowed one day to eat whatever you wanted---a free day. So I am considering a free day too. However I don’t know if I want to let my hair down once a week just yet/ I’m parnoid that I’ll ruin my hard work! ;) I think I will eat a few more items that I want on my free day, but not go totally crazy yet.

I am kind of holding my breath this first week, hoping that I can see positive results this second week. I am going to see if I can sustain this trend over a month’s time. If I can, I’ll know that I am onto something.

As far as my exercise, this week I did some interval training both on the treadmill and on my spin bike. I also got a couple of days of riding my bike to work because the weather was good. I worked out 5 days this week!

I know as I start to do more and more intense workouts---riding my bike longer and longer---that I will need to figure out the nutrition for feeding while biking. I have heard that instead of relying on carbs for fuel, that you can teach your body to rely on burning fat for fuel.

I know that in the running and cycling world that there are some that can’t buy that philosophy, but I’ve read papers on how they did some tests with cycling athletes who didn’t fuel with carbs, and instead fueled with a diet of protein, veggies and fats. Their results were amazing. I will see if I can track down the info and share it with you.

Anyway, I think this week I’ve seen more progress and movement in the direction I want to go, than I have in the past 7 months. As I’ve always said, this journey is for me to learn and discover. I don’t think that I wasted 7 months at all. It was the path I needed to be on to get to the next part of the journey. It’s all education.

I feel I have “shifted gears” this week, and am excited to see where this new focus takes me.

Next week is my ONE YEAR anniversary. We all need to celebrate somehow. Wouldn’t it be cool if I could officially celebrate my anniversary having lost 6lbs and joining the 200 Club?! I didn’t realize that I’d be this close today. Well, it is exciting to feel progress.

I’ll check in soon!

Sugar-free Don

What meals look like around here.

Day 349: Changing it up

There has never been a time where I have been more frustrated with where I am with my weight. I have been on my challenge almost a year. I have been working hard with some results, but not the results that I need to hit my target.

As of today, I have lost about 50lbs. I have been up to the 60lbs mark, but continue to ping pong. If you look at my weight loss chart below, you will see a very interesting fact that has slapped me in the face. Last July 14th (2012) I weighed in at 318.6. That is basically what I weighed in at on Feb 2nd (2013) a few weeks ago. The bottom line is that I have not really moved much as far as weight for 7 months!

So I have been doing some major research and reading, to figure out what is going on. Am I over-eating? Am I not working out enough? Am I not being consistent? Am I eating the wrong stuff? Am I doing the wrong exercise?

Something that I discovered recently that I posted on my blog is that the body seems to like things to be mixed up. I have mixed it up a little as far as exercise, but this weekend I have gone into total analyzation mode, and have re-looked at absolutely everything I am doing.

Here is what I am going to change...and I have already started changing it up as of this morning.

I think my primary workouts cannot come from a stationary bike. I have been trying to get my mileage in on a stationary bike, but the time on the stationary bike is not as effective as time doing a whole different exercise standing up.

I remember that 3 years ago when I began the battle of trying to do something different, that I was getting up at 5am in the morning, and walking. And the pounds were coming off. So how can I lose more weight walking, than on a stationary bike?

Also, I have been drinking at least 1-2 cups of soy milk every day...and I usually have a bowl of cereal in the morning. Most of the time it's multi-grain cheerios, or frosted mini wheats.

I have thought that I am burning this cereal off having done a good workout within the previous hour.

Well, I am going to cut out the cereal, and the soy milk. One of the things that I have wanted to do is stick closer to primal eating. The cereal has only been 50-75g of carbs each day. However, it really is processed food...as is soy milk. I noticed that there is cane sugar in the soy milk I drink as sweetener. It is better than regular milk, but I have wondered if changing out the soy milk could help?

As far as my exercise in the gym this morning. I stayed away from the stationary bike. Today I spent about 30 minutes on the treadmill doing intervals. I put the treadmill at a 15% incline, and then walked very fast a 3.3 mph for 10 seconds, and then rested for 10 seconds. My heart rate got up to 150bps. That is good.

So perhaps I will focus on intervals and weight training at the gym in the morning, and ride my bike to and from work, and then do spin biking for an hour in the evening.

As far as eating, I am going to try something different for the next month and see what happens. I will still record what I am eating, but I am going to not be trying to shoot for a goal of so many calories each day, I am going to not worry about calories, and focus on eating 3 food groups:

1-Protein (chicken, fish, grass fed beef)
2-Legumes (black, white and pinto beans)
3-Veggies (mixed veggies of all sorts)

I will continue to not eat any bread. And I will cut out all white rice, potatoes, etc.

I will continue to eat 4-5 smaller meals a day, although I am eating to satisfaction, and not for portion size.

This sounds a little drastic, but the principle of what I am doing is that I am eating everything that the "caveman" ate. Also, I'm going to focus on eating veggies, and cut out fruit for the time being. And when I eat my veggies, I am not going to cook them, it's going to be raw!

For now, this is not a long term commitment, it is a test to see how my body will react. I want to see how I feel, and see what happens to my weight loss.

As I reviewed what I was doing last July (2012), that is when I was putting in 100 miles a week in cycling. That is what I want to be doing once I can get out in the warmer weather. To me warmer weather is 35 degrees. This morning it was 19 degrees...geee...come on now! Of course this has to be one of the coldest winters I've ever experienced. All I ask is for something in the 30s and I will be out riding!

I might add, that I have not been keeping track of how much body fat I am losing and muscle I am gaining, but I am sure that despite keeping the same weight for 7 months, that I have built  muscle. I know that inches have come off too. So even if the weight seems to be the same, I am in a different state of health...and it's obviously a more positive state.

Well, so here goes the science experiment to see how my body reacts to totally changing things up.

Today I weighed in a 315lbs. I am 105 pounds away from where I need to be in August. I realistically don't think that I will hit 210 by June. That's the reality of it. I'd have to lose 30lbs a month. However, by the time I ride to Fuji, which is at the end of August, I have about 6 months. There is some definite change that can be made by then.

One thing is for sure, I cannot eat and exercise the way I have been for the past 7 months.

Happy Presidents Day!

Did you know George Washington rode a Jamis Bike? He did!

Don

I've basically been playing ping pong for the past 7 months.

This morning's breakfast...my new approach.

Day 347-Weigh-in Day: 314.8

WEEK 50

Start Weight: 365.4

Last Week’s Weight: 309.6

Current Weight: 314.8

This Week’s Weight Loss: +5.2lbs

Total Weight Loss: 50.6lbs

Miles Biked this Week: 23.2

Total Miles Biked: 2167.61

Miles to Go: 5332.39

GEOGRAPHY (Where I'd be on the map having started at my house in Salt Lake City, Utah, heading for Tokyo):

Pacific Ocean (1455 miles off the west coast. I am heading for the Hawaiian Islands)

This Week’s Workout

Monday: Gym + 9.02 miles

Tuesday: Gym + 9.22 miles

Wednesday: Gym

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 5 miles on Spin bike

Saturday: Rest

TODAY:

Well, this was a good week with a bit of frustration towards the end. I got workouts in 4 days this week. I ate perfectly…except for Valentine’s Day where I had some very big cookies and some pizza. On Tuesday I was weighing in at 308lbs. And then on Friday I was weighing in at 315lbs. It absolutely boggles my mind that I could gain 7 pounds in 2 days. I surely didn’t even come close to eating 24,000 calories…ha ha. The only thing that I have to think is with the increase of carbs and sugar on Valentines Day, my body retained a lot of water. I’m sure it will come back off as I hone in on my diet again. But I do admit is was deflating to know that I have put in a lot of time and effort only to not see the results I wanted.

What can I do? Give up? No! I've just got to keep plugging away.

I will be working hard this coming week and hopefully will see a better weigh-in next Saturday.

I’ll check in soon!

Don

Day 343: Humming Along

This week is off to a good start again. I got to the gym first thing in the morning on Monday, and I got there again today! I've almost got 20 miles in between the 2 days.

I have learned that getting "out there" at the very beginning is an important part of consistency. If you can't get there on "Day One", how will you on day two and three?

Tomorrow I've got to be to work early. My options are to go to the gym early, or go later in the day. Realistically, I've got a busy evening tomorrow too. What is my plan?

I will decide right now to get up and be out the door by 6am, get to the gym at 6:15am, workout until 7:15, and be home and ready to be out the door by 8am. That is my plan.

I really want to get 5 solid days of workouts in this week to see what my results will be. I worked hard last week...and I'd be curious to see what happens after another week of hard work.

Anyway, anyone know any secrets on how to get a bike company to "sponsor" me a bike in exchange for a hardy mention in my documentary...and website? I sent an email to Jamis Bicycles explaining my endeavors and never got a response back. Last year I sent a letter to Specialized too to see if they were interested. I even contacted some local dealers...but no response.

I don't expect a freebrie, and I guess I'm not really an athlete per se. The bike company's want to associate their names with athletes...what about people that are losing weight and have a good story?

I think I'm going to call Jamis personally, and see where I get on the phone with them. Hey, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Also, I wanted to get some sponsorships to help pay for the trip to Japan and the cost of production on the film. Anyone have any suggestions as to who might be willing to shell out a little cash for a little immediate, and a lot of future exposure through the 210Again brand?

Would Carl's Jr., or Jumba Juice be better a sponsor?

Actually, there is an awesome hamburger joint in Japan that makes somewhat "healthy" burgers. They are more than yummy. They're called "Mos Burger." Maybe I need to be looking for a sponsor in Japan.

Ideas anyone?

Have a satisfying day!

Everyone on earth should try a Mos Burger!

Day 340-Weigh-in Day: 309.6

WEEK 49

Start Weight: 365.4

Last Week’s Weight: 318.2

Current Weight: 309.6

This Week’s Weight Loss: 8.6lbs

Total Weight Loss: 55.8lbs

Miles Biked this Week: 42.19

Total Miles Biked: 2143.59

Miles to Go: 5356.41

GEOGRAPHY (Where I'd be on the map having started at my house in Salt Lake City, Utah, heading for Tokyo):

Pacific Ocean (1432 miles off the west coast. I am heading for the Hawaiian Islands)

This Week’s Workout

Monday: Gym + 11.73 miles

Tuesday: Gym

Wednesday: Gym + 21.05 miles

Thursday: 9.51 miles

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Rest

TODAY:

Hard work and clean eating pays off! This week got off to a great start because I “bought in” the first day! That was where I was tripping up in weeks past…not jumping in feet first, the first thing Monday morning. Once I got that done, and finally got to the gym again, the rest was easy.

The only thing I ate out of a box this week was cereal. I have been starting my days with a bowl of frosted shredded mini wheat or Cheerios and some fruit and protein. After breakfast, I don’t eat any more grain. I don’t believe I had more than a slice of bread all week. Again, I’ve been laying off the carbs after lunch.

I haven’t craved anything this week! It seems when you give your body what it wants, it’s not only happy, but performs well too.

I couldn’t resist any more…I just had to jump on my bike mid-week and bike to work for the first time this year! It was 27 degrees out, but the sun was shining. I got a couple of days of riding to work in. My face was a bit cold to say the least…but, it was doable. The roads have been clear so I felt it was okay to start biking again.

More than ever, I have been thinking about the big ride in August. Every day it crosses my mind. Will I make it? Or will I discover that I just don’t quite have what it takes. I refuse to accept that I could fail. I can’t. The sooner I get the weight off, the easier it will be to pedal up the mountain. So, I’ve got to shed a lot of weight quickly!

I have been looking at airfares to Tokyo, I’ve been communicating with a couple of cameramen based in Tokyo to shoot. I have a friend who works for a company that sells headlamps for outdoors. They’ve got a nice one that I would need to use for my all-night bike ride to Fuji. They're only $400! I’ve got to buy a new bike. There’s a lot of money I have to shell out, and it wouldn’t be good to shell it all out only to get to Japan and fail. Yikes!

But, remember…this isn’t just about the final goal, but about my purpose and the journey. So, am I accomplishing my purpose to lose weight? Oh yeah! In fact…I am close to 60lbs lost! That is very good progress, so I will sit and take it in. Last year at this time, I was 60lbs+ heavier! So I feel I’m in a good place.

By the way, in less than 3 weeks it will be my 1-year anniversary of starting the challenge. I need to do something to celebrate…how about joining me over at the All You Can Eat Buffet? Ha ha. Not in your life. Please hold up an apple instead…cheers!

Well, that’s what’s going on. I plan on making next week as good if not better than this week!

Pedal Forward!

Don

We've discovered a great white turkey chili recipe! This has optional white beans and avocado in it.

Day 337: At the Gym 3 days in a Row!

I finally got back in the saddle with working out and eating. I am on my way to the gym and this will mark 3 days in a row! My arms are sore from weight lifting, but this has made the for some good corners of my mouth lifting. It's good to be back in the groove!

Have a beautiful day.

Don

Day 333-Weigh-in Day: 318.2lbs

WEEK 45

Start Weight: 365.4

2 Week’s Ago Weight: 309.8

Current Weight: 318.2

This Week’s Weight Loss: +8.4lbs

Total Weight Loss: 47.2lbs

Miles Biked this Week: 0

Total Miles Biked: 2101.4

Miles to Go: 5398.6

GEOGRAPHY (Where I'd be on the map having started at my house in Salt Lake City, Utah, heading for Tokyo):

Pacific Ocean (1390 miles off the west coast. I am heading for the Hawaiian Islands)

This Week’s Workout

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Rest

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Rest

TODAY:

You know, I’ve been in a rut a couple of times during the past year, and I am in the midst of another one. I haven’t done any workouts this week either…I think it’s been 3 weeks since I went to the gym and got on a bike. I have to be accountable to you…and again, this is embarrassing. I have to admit that this is the closest I’ve been to falling off the wagon…but don’t worry, I am not going to. I have come too far to stop now. In fact, I would never stop. I get to start getting smart and get going again.

I have noticed this week that I have lost the stamina I once had. I did a 6-hour shoot today, and was exhausted. I remember doing a 12-hour shoot last summer before I started feeling tired. My knees are feeling weaker, and I’ve just been feeling run down. Why am I feeling this way? Because I’ve been eating bad, overeating, and drinking soda! I admit it! I don't like the way I am feeling. This evening I ate an apple for the first time in a few weeks, and drank some water. Enough is enough.

What has caused me to derail? I can point to 2 things…

1        
      1)    I have not prepared my food. I had a good little system going where I had all my meals    for the day prepared to take to work. Not preparing the meals results in hunger, eating out,   and just plain frustration.

2       
      2)    Not making the decision to work out in the morning. This combined with a long day at work makes for low willpower at the end of the day, and thus I’m too tired to get myself to the gym at night.

I’ve got to change these two things. If I’m prepared with food, I can simply eat and I’m happy! And if I can just make that decision to get out of my warm bed in the morning and walk out into the cold, then I’ll get my workout in.

Today was a gorgeous day in the mid 40s and it looks like this week will be a warmer week…mid 30s. I absolutely want to get outside and get on my bike and ride! It’s kind of funny that to me the mid 30s is warm.

I’ve enjoyed sharing with you my successes, but not so much my rut. Again, it is what I have chosen to do to help me stay accountable. So along with the public humiliation, I will just focus on making these two items above work this week. It’s clear where my weak points are right now. Maybe I will pay my daughter $1 if she can help me get out of bed every morning. It would be worth it to me.

Now, let me tell you about a couple of successes this week. These are simply things I want to share about some of you that are following this blog. I won’t list names, but you will know who you are as I share.

Last week I had a friend who lives on the east coast take the time to call me and leave me a message of encouragement. This meant so much to me! Even if only one person is reading this blog, it’s good to know that they are watching…it helps keep me accountable. Thank you! And I thank all of you who leave comments on the blog. You are powerful to me, and a great motivating factor in my life. This blog stuff is a great way to get “pushed” along! Again, Thank You!!

Also, I got word that someone that reads this blog has decided to stop eating sugar. This person apparently has been dealing with a lot of pain in their daily activities. They are not that old, but pain has been an issue for them. This person has made the decision to eliminate sugar out of their diet! And now, apparently the pain is subsiding!! I think this is great news! There is something about this processed food stuff that does not help our bodies. Each body is different and each of us reacts differently to all the crap out there. This reduction in pain by this reader is another witness that sugar, and processed grains may not be good for us…or at least not at the levels that we all eat them at. Anyway…congratulations to you…and you know who you are!

Okay, I want to experience more good news. I hope that next week I can share some personal good news with you from the results of working out and eating right!

In closing, I was curious what you think of the new website? If you go to http://www.210again.com you will land on it. Before you would land on my blog. Now you’ll find a link on the website to the blog. Let me know what else you’d like to see on the site, or what you think would make it better. It is obviously a work in progress.

Also, please LIKE my http://www.facebook.com/210again Facebook page. Starting today I will be posting my weigh-in updates there, and no longer on my personal page. Of course, I'd love to have you subscribe to this blog to!

Have a great week…and I’ll check in soon!

Don

Help...we've got a lot of snow here in Utah!

I wouldn't recommend riding on these roads on a bike.