Time To Change – Setting The Starting Parameters

Some people are not going to like this post.

I understand that.  There are lots of ways to approach the process of losing weight and getting into better physical shape.  If a certain way works for you, I would expect that you will have an emotional attachment to that system.  There is a lot of passion that is generated by discussions of this sort.  It’s all good.  Remember that my criticism is of the system and not of the people who use it.  My approach is very simple.

Did it work for you?  Great.

Here’s what works for me.

You will never find a popular/fad diet here.  You will never find a diet that requires you to completely eliminate any particular food group.  You will never find a diet that requires unusual eating patterns (I’m thinking of regular fasting here).  You will never find a diet where you buy pre-packaged food.   The reason is simple.

I don’t believe in them.  I don’t believe they are based on good science that will help people in the long run.  I do believe that most of them can help you lose weight in the short term.  Possibly a lot of weight, possibly in a short period of time.

That’s not the answer I’m looking for on this journey.  I’m less than 20 pounds away from my goal.  I could jump on one of these quickie diets, drop those pounds in a couple weeks, get my “Damn, don’t I look good” photos taken and then begin the inevitable slide back up the weight chart.

Just. Not. Interested.

Here’s what my “program” is based on.  The sure knowledge that I eat too much, often of the wrong food and I sit on my butt for too much of each day.  I don’t need someone to prepare my meals for me.  I’m a grownup, I ought to be able to feed myself.  I don’t need someone to tell me I need to go outside and play.  I’m a grownup, I ought to be able to maintain the base level of activity to keep my body healthy.

I just bent some people’s noses out of shape.  That’s fine.  Remember, I’m describing my process.  The only one I’m responsible for on a daily basis.  That means learning what my body needs.  A body in late middle age.  A body with T2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• It’s really not that complicated
• But it’s still hard
• People who want to sell me something should be treated with a LARGE dose of skepticism
• It’s about a balanced diet
• It’s about regular exercise
• As long as you’re willing to put in the work, it doesn’t require anything fancy or expensive
• If you’re not willing to put in the work, it doesn’t matter how much you spend
• Success or failure is mine.

Your journey is different.  Even if you’re a late middle-aged, T2 diabetic with high blood pressure.  My way will almost surely work for you.  But I’m not offering a guarantee.

My job is to succeed on my journey.

My hope is to share what works and to inspire you on your journey.

Ready?

Onward.

(Some folks face different issues than I do.  It is possible to have additional medical conditions that make weight loss more difficult.  Their journies will be very different and more difficult.  My belief is that the majority of us don’t fall into that category.)

My resolution remains:

 

I want to am going to be The Guy again.  The Guy weighed 175 pounds and looked good and felt good.  And his blood pressure was good and his blood tests were good.

 

 

Active Minutes – Goal is 150/week

Steps – Goal is 10,000/day

Watch my activity on my Fitbit page

Biking Mileage – Winter Break

I track my mileage with MapMyRide

The next milestone is getting back below 185.  I will get there and go on.

Official Weigh-In Weight

192 pounds

Weight Change this week: -1.0 pounds

Total Weight Loss To Date: 1.0 pounds– Goal is 17  pounds

Goal Weight and Total to Lose – 175/35