Tues. July 19, 2011

Today took a short (15') walk in the AM . . . way out of shape! It'll take some gradual time to get back into it.

Protein drink in the morning, some nuts and cheese in the afternoon, then to friends for dinner: bison steak, salmon (both YUM!), tomato and avocado salad, corn on the cob (I had half of an ear) and cantaloupe. Half glass of Prosecco before dinner and a very small eclair for dessert. First bit of wheat in the eclair that I've had since beginning this. More on wheat/grains in a few days.

Overall, not too bad, considering. Mostly friendly, moderate (but not low) carb.

Wednesday will eat a bland, fiber-free diet, Thursday is prep day for a colonoscopy (all clear liquids), nothing to eat or drink after midnight Thursday, then colonoscopy sometime Friday morning. I would imagine I won't pig out after the procedure. That means that it's likely Saturday's weigh-in (after totally emptying myself out!) will be lower than one would expect . . . and that the following week (after gaining back water weight) might not show much difference. That's OK! Just want to keep moving in the right direction.

Week 1

So, a decent week. We had family around, so more eating out than I would ordinarily plan for.

I'm looking at low carb diet (as I said, I'm a carboholic) and lower carbs at first to get the switchover from carb burning to fat burning. However, with one meal at a steakhouse with great fries, I had a few (OK, about 10). And at a Mexican restaurant (where I had a wonderful steak), 3-4 chips, Mexican rice and a few bites of bean soup.

I've still been feeling bloated, which might also be the protein shakes: 1 scoop Designer protein powder, 1 scoop Grow protein powder (I like the taste of the combination), 1 scoop BCAA, an egg (raw), couple tablespoons coconut oil (virgin from Tropical Traditions), and a tablespoon of cream.

So weight and bodyfat are below (although bodyfat on a Tanita is not super accurate, especially at the beginning when you lose water weight--but over time, it should give a good idea of direction):

Not bad for a week in which I wasn't perfect--2 1/2 lbs loss. Bodyfat isn't yet relevant, but I'll keep posting it each week. Pictures will come every 6-8 weeks.

Since I'm posting this on Monday (Saturday was weigh-in day), I can say that I'm feeling less bloated and have done a much better job staying away from carbs--partly because we haven't eaten out.

Please understand me, I'm actually eating more veggies than before on this diet.

Both Sunday and Monday had protein drinks. Dinner Sunday (with a friend over) was:

steak (bone-in ribeyes on sale!)

cole-slaw (my wife makes a fabulous cole-slaw with sushi ginger)

green beans (with some butter)

and strawberries for dessert

Later, one piece of chocolate (I alternate between Dove dark squares and Hershey Bliss dark) and a few macadamia nuts.

Monday's dinner had a Johnsonville smoked brat with mustard (no bun, of course), celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and half an apple. Same snacks later as Sunday.

My job is to continue with this. I'm feeling past the worst of the "low-carb flu" (as some call it) with low energy, and will start walking again soon (maybe tomorrow, who knows!).

Transformation

So, what do I mean by "transformation?"

This will begin by being primarily physical. Could it move into other realms? Sure. But that's where I need to start.

I'm an almost 61 year old male with diabetes (controlled with metformin, no insulin) and minor high blood pressure (also controlled with medication). 5'10". Currently very unfit.

Simply put, I want to get back to where I should/can be physically. A weight close to what I was in high school or a bit more (if I can get more muscle): 155-165 pounds. Possible? I think so.

Here I am currently, weight and body fat with my Tanita scale:

That's as of Saturday, July 9, 2011.

I actually hit 251 about 3 days earlier. We've had a ton of junk food around and have been eating out (I live near Dallas) with house guests for more than a week and really pigged out. Cut back a little before starting.

Pictures:

So, you get the complete picture.

This blog is a way for me to keep track and keep honest. I'll post weight once a week when possible and pics less frequently.

I'm doing basically low carb--more about that later. It's what works for me and I am indeed a carboholic! One question I'll have (at some point) is whether it's possible for me to eat some bread, pasta, etc. and not go off the wagon . . . something I've done before. I may be addictive enough with carbs that I simply have to stay away from starches. But that's putting the cart 'way before the horse!

For now -- here's to starting!