Weight Loss Story – An Uneventful Beginning

Yesterday was Saturday, but I still got up at 6:30 in the morning. I still have a job working on automated welding equipment but I don't travel any more. I work at the companies headquarters and get to do a lot of research and development projects. I actually enjoy my job now. I don't have to be at work until 8:00 but I have always had to get up at 5:00 in the morning for the better part of my life and it is hard wired into my psyche. I haven't needed an alarm clock for years. The first think I do in the morning is take care of natures business, brush my teeth, and step on the scales.

Today's weight: 336.8 lbs

The only other person in the household that likes to get up that early is my 3 year old daughter Mary. So, I did 100 crunches on the Ab Roller while we watched the Wiggles on TV. We both had a bowl of Captain Crunch (we were out of Cheerios), a glass of orange juice, and I had 2 cups of coffee. Coffee is the one vice I have allowed myself to keep for now. I have cut down on the amount I drink. I used to drink almost an entire pot before I went to work.

I also took my vitamins. I mention this because it is an important part of your weight loss. You need to take a good multi-vitamin supplement everyday. I am not going to tell you what I take at this time because I don't want to sound like I am pimping pills and potions. Just make sure it is a reputable brand name and has a good smattering of all the B's and some of the good stuff like bee pollen, and ginseng, which will help boost your metabolism. When your body is functioning at optimum, it is burning calories even when you are at rest. Kind of like a big diesel engine when it idles. By taking vitamins everyday, you make sure your "engine" is well oiled and has the proper fuel it needs.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. I didn't do anymore exercise. I pretty much sat on my butt and watched TV, played with the kids, spent 4 or 5 hours working on my Internet marketing business (including getting this blog online), and started reading the latest book in the Stars Wars series that just came out last week. I have been a fanatic Star Wars fan since the first movie and have read almost every book written, which there are about 100 to date. Does that make me a nerd?

Back to business. Once everyone got up, we watched TV and my wife cooked eggs and pancakes at about 11:00. I had one pancake and a couple of eggs, chased down with a huge glass of water. Keep in mind, I drink water like it is going out of style. It helps to keep your stomach full. Whenever you fell really hungry, chug a big glass of water. It helps resist the urge to go eat something.

Later in the day, about 4:00, I had a small bowl of leftover chili. We ate dinner late in the evening around 8:00. I had one helping of lasagna and a big glass of water. Notice that I ate some pretty fattening things throughout the day. There is no reason you have to give up all of the foods you like in order to lose weight. You do need to give up things like candy bars and ice cream for the most part, at least until you reach your goal. You also need to keep your portions small. Stop eating until you your gut feels stuffed. Forget about the all you can eat buffets, unless you can restrain yourself and only hit the salad bar.

That was it except for the before bed routine that I would like to recommend to you now. Stress is one of your greatest enemies when you are trying to lose weight. I always take 15 or 20 minutes before I go to bed and unwind. I took karate when I was a teenager and learned to meditate. I also go through a stretching routine that I used to do after track practice. Stretching can be very relaxing but a little difficult when you have a huge gut. Just make sure you take it easy and never bounce when you stretch. Make a slow, easy, pull and never over do it. You will become more flexible with time.

If you want to try your hand at meditation, here is an exercise to kind of break you in. This works best if you can do it in absolute quiet. I know that this can almost be impossible unless you live in the middle of the wilderness, but that's OK. Sit in your favorite chair or on the floor, what ever is comfortable. Clear your mind of all thoughts. Let me say it again. Clear your mind of ALL thoughts. You will find that this is easier said then done because if you are thinking about clearing your mind, you have not cleared your mind. Some people like to concentrate on their breathing. Start practicing this every night for about 5 or 10 minutes. I think you will find it surprising effective.

See you tomorrow.