The day after today

Tomorrow is the day where all things will change again.  I have not been doing as well as I should be these past few months, and especially these past few weeks.  I have put on more weight than I should have, even with the excuse of not being able to do too much running or lifting etc due to my injury.

I will post my weight on my chart below in the next day or two and then we will all together start the downward trending once again.

I have determined that I will once again slow down on the diet sodas.  I will not go into a bunch of the reasons, but I think drinking them the way I have has been detrimental to keeping my diet where it should be.  I will also start to drink more water once again, and will start watching what I eat as well as how much I eat.

I have not let myself go, but am not happy with my lazy attitude lately.

If you are reading this, how about we do this together.  Let me know what your goals are and we will keep each other accountable.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Lost momentum

Over the past few months since my injury I have been losing momentum.  The holidays have also not helped with this and in fact has continued to hinder my efforts.

The lack of physical activity always seems to make it very difficult to eat right, and I have seen this first hand over the past couple months.

Remember, if you fall off the wagon, like I kinda have, the only thing you can do is get back on that wagon.  There is no shame in having to get back on the wagon, but there is shame in giving up.

Start climbing, it is not that big of a climb!

Merry Christmas!

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

How not to lose momentum during the Holidays

As I write this the holidays are on the horizon.  Do you have any plans on how you are going to stay the course during the next few weeks?  My plan is fairly simple, to keep doing what I have been doing all along, but only better.  

I do have a slight modification to my plan.....  I plan on eating whatever I want on Thanksgiving, and then again on Christmas, but only those days.  By saying "what I want", I don't plan on going overboard, but I also don't plan on restricting myself to where I am miserable all day.  These holidays come but one time a year, and they are meant to be joyous times when we spend time 

with family and not worrying about what we are eating.  Remember, one day is not going to cost you the race, it is not about one day, it is about a lifestyle change.  I will not stuff myself, but if I see a piece of pie that is calling my name, I will answer the call..... and then later if a different piece of pie calls my name I will again heed the call..... but only on those days.

Do

 you need some extra motivation to keep you on track for the holidays?  One very effective way is to see the goal, or at least see what the goal may look like.  I just found out about a service called WeightView.  WeightView is a digital motivational weight loss tool that allows users to see themselves 10, 20 or even 50 pounds lighter.

Here's how it works:

• Users upload a full-body photo
  
• Specify how much you want to lose
  
• Then WeightView sends back an image of you at your goal weight (FREE of charge)
  
• Print it out and hang it on the fridge or download it as a scrensaver for visual motivation 
  

WeightView also released an application recently on Facebook with the same concept. They've built this user centric application that focuses on community motivation and support. Some of the features include:

• tracking your weight loss progress
  
• building a support system with other WeightView users on the application
  
• providing and receiving motivation to and from your support group
  
• gaining reward points toward for actual prizes including magnets, picture frames and even mugs with your picture at your goal weight.
  

If you're interested you can check out the service at www.weightview.com, or if you are interested in the Facebook application you can visit the WeightView page and add the WeightView application.

What are you doing to keep the momentum and motivation during the holidays?

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Here are the results for me - not a real noticable change, but I like the quality of the service.

One of the many benifits to losing weight

I have just this past weekend experienced just one of the many benefits to losing weight and endeavoring to live a healthier lifestyle.

I have been horribly under insured as far as life insurance is concerned for many years.  During the years I occasionally looked into fixing this issue, but I was terribly disappointed and discouraged at the rates because of my weight alone, not to mention my sedentary lifestyle.  Each time I put this on the back burner saying that I would take care of it when I lost some weight.

Well, the time has come.  I told myself and my wife that once I hit my weight loss goal and kept it off for some time I would get my life insurance in order and make sure she and the kids were taken care of.  A couple months ago I started this process and just this past weekend I received the paperwork saying that the underwriting was completed and all I needed to do was send a check.

Now, here is the WHOOOOO HOOOOO! part.  I was underwritten at the best possible rate.  My changes in lifestyle and weight loss have paid off in saved premiums.... just one more of the many benefits to a healthier lifestyle.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

The ups and downs

I have stopped posting my weekly weigh in and measurement reports, mainly because it is getting discouraging. I know that is part of the motivation behind it, but it is causing me to really hate keeping up this blog. I think this blog still serves an important role so I don't want to get a bad attitude towards it.

As you are aware if you have been reading for any time, I broke my collar bone four months ago running a race and have been able to do very little physical activity since. If you are unaware or are new to my blog, more information can be found on my running blog at blog.262quest.com. I am starting to get back into the running a little bit, but it is very uncomfortable still at this time.

One thing I have noticed, and is probably the biggest reason I have gained the 5 lbs over this past four months of inactivity, is that when I am not as active on a daily basis, I tend not to crave the same foods, but tend to crave the fattier foods and the foods that are generally not as good for you. Fruit has become less appealing, although I still enjoy it. It has just been easier to make bad choices and to continue to eat when I know my body has had enough.

I am not sure all the reasons behind this, but it is very real. I am trying to figure out what I can do to turn this around because I still have two more months before the surgery to remove the pin.

I hope to still actively post on this blog, but just will not be posting my weekly weigh in and measurements..... which most of you don't care about anyway :)

Until next time......

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 9-22-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 169.0
Last Week Low: 167.2
Last Week High: 169
Average: 167*
Last Weeks Average: 168
Gain: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 38

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8
BMI: 25.0 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

The Biggest Loser - The Social Network

The Biggest Loser: Families premiered last night on NBC. Also premiering right along with it was NBC's new Social Network companion, The Biggest Loser League: tbll.nbc.com

"The Biggest Loser League" will allow people to create their own teams and recruit members from their communities at any level – families, friends, cities, companies, schools, organizations and neighborhoods. The site will provide the tools and resources needed for team leaders to create motivational messages, grab tips and weight loss tracking widgets, and utilize a tool kit of food journals, workout logs and challenge tips. Teams will also be able to compete against other teams to start living healthier, more active lifestyles while earning points for participation.

In addition to user-generated challenges, there will also be a weekly challenge that relates to that week's on-air episode of "The Biggest Loser: Families." The site will include helpful features like profiles, message boards, photo and video galleries and blogs for teams and members, a weight/BMI tracker, exercise, diet and motivational tips and a robust search page to help users find new friends or teams to join. It will also offer welcome kits for captains, leaderboards to track top point-earning teams and members, and special promotions and offers from the NBC store and www.biggestloserclub.com. Select teams may also be featured online and on NBC's local affiliate stations.

"'The Biggest Loser League' is the perfect example of what can happen when great television meets an active online community. With NBC.com's social networking capabilities, the possibilities are endless," said Vivi Zigler, President, NBC Universal Digital Entertainment. "We're really excited to see how far these enthusiastic, engaged fans will take it."

One of the most important parts of my journey was the community aspect and others checking up on me and seeing how I was doing. This looks like NBC's attempt at doing the same thing.

Why not give it a go?

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 9-15-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 169.0
Last Week Low: 166.2
Last Week High: 169
Average: 167*
Last Weeks Average: 167
Gain: 0

Measurements:
Waist: 35
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 9-08-08

Two weeks ago stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 167.6
Last Week Low: 163.8
Last Week High: 168.6
Average: 167*
2 Weeks Ago Average: 166
Gain: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Eating Slowly

One of the biggest problems I had over the years of overeating and just plain not eating right was eating too fast. Growing up with brothers I am sure had something to do with this, but was not the only reason. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I worked in management at a Long John Silvers. Managers were not given breaks, and we could only take time to eat if time permitted. Many times this meant that I ate while running around like crazy, shoving the food in whenever and however I could. This time in my life really helped set some of my bad habits of eating too fast and eating without sitting down.

I have to admit, this is still one of my hardest things to deal with. When I eat too fast I almost always eat too much. For me, sitting down to eat, and not being too hungry when I do are key parts to succeeding at this.

I came across this great post over at www.positivityblog.com which reminded me all too well of this ongoing issue I deal with. Many of these things are key things I used in my journey to lose the weight that I did. Give it a read, it is a great reminder.

Tim Wilson blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 8-25-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 167
Last Week Low: 163.8
Last Week High: 167.0
Average: 166*
Last Weeks Average: 166
Gain: 0

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.5 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 8-18-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 167
Last Week Low: 164.2
Last Week High: 167.0
Average: 166*
Last Weeks Average: 165
Gain: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.5 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Not been eating great

Over the past couple weeks I have noticed a trend that I am not so happy with. I have not been eating really bad, but have not been watching my portions as well as I should. Don't get me wrong, I am not going terribly overboard, but just have lost the reins a bit and need to reel them back in.

What has caused this you ask?

I am not sure all that has caused it, but I can probably think of a couple things.

1. I am down, and discouraged because I still cannot run. Basically, I am having a pity party.... wanna join me? :)
2. I am going through a lot of changes in life, trying to figure out where I am going, what I need to be doing. Some may call it mid-life crisis, me - I call it changes.
3. Stress has been getting the best of me lately.
4. I have a daughter that just started high school this week, so I am feeling old which equals depression. :) I am very happy for her though :)
   

What am I gonna do about it?

1. Not sure yet, still working on that part. (suggestions accepted)
   

Thanks for reading and keeping the encouragement coming.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 8-11-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 167
Last Week Low: 164.2
Last Week High: 167.0
Average: 165*
Last Weeks Average: 164
Gain: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.4 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

And the winner is.......

Thank you all for stopping by my blog and checking out my post Super Size Me - The Movie - Win a free download!.

For those of you that were already readers, thank you for your continued readership, and for those of you that just found my blog in the last few days with this contest welcome!

If you have not yet subscribed to my feed, I would greatly appreciate your subscription. You can either subscribe by RSS, or by E-mail.

If you have not read my story of where I started, you can learn a lot about me by doing so here, you can also learn more about me by heading over and checking out my running blog, 26.2 Quest.

Now, on to the winner. It was a tough job tabulating all the entries, and I think I really gave www.randomizer.org a run for it's money with all the entries. I hope I don't get a nasty e-mail from them for using so much CPU Time to get the results. :)

The numbers were fed in and the results returned cyberpenguin as the winner. Congrats!

cyberpenguin, please send me a DM on Twitter, or you can send me an e-mail to info@2big.org with your iTunes e-mail address. Once I receive this I will provide this to the sponsor so they can gift you the free movie.

Thanks again all for stopping by and participating, stay tuned for more excitement!

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Super Size Me - The Movie - Win a free download!

Super Size Me, the movie, is a movie that I have wanted to see for a long time. I have heard very good things about it and says a lot about what I have learned in my journey from being overweight to where I am now.

SUPER SIZE ME is one man’s journey into the world of weight gain, health problems and fast food. It’s an examination of the American way of life and how we are eating ourselves to death. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unravels the American obesity epidemic by interviewing experts nationwide and by subjecting himself to a "McDonald’s only" diet for thirty days straight. His Sundance award-winning feature is as entertaining as it is horrifying as it dives into corporate responsibility, nutritional education, school lunch programs and how we as a nation are eating ourselves to death.

I just got some news the other day that this movie was now available for download on iTunes which is very cool because I have not seen it in places that made it easy for me to rent it.

Another very cool thing is that I have been provided with the opportunity to give a way a free download on iTunes to this must see movie, a $10 value.

Are you interested in checking out this movie? Why not take a look at the trailer here and if you would like an opportunity to win continue reading below the video.



To have a chance to win the free download do one of the following:

• Blog about this post on your blog and send people over here to try and win themselves.
• Twitter about this post.
• If you don't have a blog or a twitter account just comment on this post, but with a twist. When you comment tell us about your story when it comes to weight loss, getting fit, etc and you will be entered.

Once you blog about it post a comment to this post with links to the post, if you twitter about it post a comment with your twitter account and when you twittered it so it can be verified. Each blog post, twitter post, and comment will be an individual entry in the contest.

While you are here why not check out my blog starting with my first post about where I started. You could also subscribe to my feed or subscribe by e-mail so you can keep up with where I am and help keep me accountable, not to mention be one of the first to know when I run another contest.

Why not check out my running blog over at blog.262quest.com and see how far I have come and where I plan on going on my quest to run a marathon. While you are there you can subscribe to my feed or by e-mail as well.

And last, are you a twitter fan? If so, I would love to interact with you there, why not follow me at twitter.com/virtual4now.

*Contest is open till Thursday, August 7th at 7:00 pm EST. Unfortunately, this contest is only open to US residents. Winner will be chosen using www.randomizer.org

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 8-04-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 166
Last Week Low: 163.8
Last Week High: 166.0
Average: 164*
Last Weeks Average: 163
Gain: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 37

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.2 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

The body is a funny thing

Sometimes I don't quite understand my body.....

OK, to be honest, I have understood my body less than I have understood most anything else. Just when I feel like I understand something about how my body works it throws me a curve-ball.

This past week I haven't eaten perfect, but I by no means have eaten bad either. I had ice cream one time, and had a few too many chips at a Mexican restaurant another time, but other than that really didn't eat bad.

Now that I have set the stage, or more or less tried to defend myself, let me tell you what has been going on and why I am complaining. This week my body has been on an upword spiral. My average weight has gone up by 1 lb, but the scale has gone from 162 last Saturday, to 164 during the week, and ended up resting at an even 165 this morning. I hit 165 one other time about a month ago, but that didn't concern me because it was more of a spike, rather than a week long increase. Last time it happened, the very next day it dropped, I am not so sure by the way it has happened this time that it will start dropping immediately.

Because of my recent collar bone break (you can read more about it on my running blog over at blog.262quest.com) I have not been running or, I am embarrassed to say, doing any cardio at all. This really didn't make much of a difference at first in my weight, as my weight continued to drop during the injury, but seems to be starting to take it's toll, or so it seems.

The thing that I never seem to understand is why something will work one time, but not the next. You see, I kept losing weight following the injury, and now it seems that even though nothing has changed my body decided to put it all back on in just one week. I know I am just upset because of the quick turn, and really shouldn't be concerned on what happens in just one week, but it can really mess with your mind when your body doesn't always act the same way.

So, what about you?

Have you ever had those unexplainable times when your body just doesn't do what you want it to do? Have you thought that you had everything under control only for your body to throw you a curve ball? Why not tell us about it? There are many that read this blog on a regular basis, or those that will come across it while trying to figure out why things just are not going as they should. These readers could be comforted by the fact that they are not alone in the frustration or inconsistency that they feel.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 7-28-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 164
Last Week Low: 161.4
Last Week High: 163.8
Average: 163*
Last Weeks Average: 163
Loss: 0

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 36.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.1 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Vacation Eating

We were on vacation last week and had a wonderful time together as a family. Our vacation was taken in two parts, one just south of the Georgia line, and one just north of the Georgia line. The way we split our vacation meant that mid-way through the week we stopped by home and unpacked and repacked. This layover gave me a chance to weigh in to see how the week was treating me.

Before leaving for vacation I had hit a new low in my weight loss and for the first time hit the scale below 160 lbs, 159.2 to be exact :) I knew that during my vacation I was not going to be as careful so I knew that I wouldn't continue a weight loss during that time. My average weight before leaving for vacation was 163 lbs which I was very pleased with.

During the camping part of our vacation we ate pretty good. I did eat a couple smores, but you just gotta do that while camping. During our layover I weighed in and hit the scales at 161 right in the range I was in before vacation started.

The second part of our vacation then took a turn for the worse. I won't go into details but I didn't eat what, when, or how I should have. Fast food, too much, and just an all around messed up eating environment did not make my body happy. When returning home as you can imagine I was curious what the scale would say. I jumped on the scale on Monday morning following our vacation to be welcomed by 166 on the scale. I wasn't upset as I knew how I had eaten, I was just curious to see how long it would take my body to get back to the pre-vacation weight.

I was hoping that this was just a spike because of the previous 4 days of eating and not an actual weight gain, which over the next few days proved to be true. It is just once more proof that occasional poor eating will not ruin your diet, it is a lifestyle. Since this was just a 3-4 day hiatus it didn't affect my overall weight loss goals and journey, the key was getting back at it as soon as I returned...... however we still have a little bit of fudge I need to finish :)

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 7-21-08 - Back From Vacation

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats are very scarce. Today is my first day back to work and I was dressed earlier and so missed many of my stats. The scale wasn't nice to me this morning, but I did eat kinda crazy over the past 4 days. It will probably take a few days for the scale to settle down where I currently am.

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 166
Last Week Low:
Last Week High:
Average: 163*
Last Weeks Average: 163
Loss: 0

Measurements:
Waist:
Stomach:
Chest:

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper:
BMI: 24.1 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 7-13-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats are a day early. I will be leaving in just a short time and will not have access to a scale for the majority of the week.

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 160.6
Last Week Low: 160.0
Last Week High: 164.0
Average: 163*
Last Weeks Average: 164
Loss: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34
Stomach: 35
Chest: 37

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 12.7
BMI: 24.1 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 7-07-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 163.2
Last Week Low: 162.0
Last Week High: 164.0
Average: 164*
Last Average (two weeks ago): 167
Loss: 3

Measurements:
Waist: -
Stomach: -
Chest: -

I will not be doing these above measurements for a few weeks. I cannot use both arms so this is not going to be possible. A few weekends ago I was tripped and fell during a 5k road race and broke my collar bone. More information is available on my other blog.

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.2 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Losing Muscle Weight?

I am now almost 3 weeks into my hiatus from running and weight lifting due to my recent running injury. I fully expected to have my weight loss completely halt if not start to creep up a little bit as I adjusted my food intake to counteract my lack of exercise. The complete opposite is what is actually taking place. I have started to lose at a little faster pace than I was currently.

Over the past almost 3 weeks I have lost almost 3 pounds. I am feeling good and the injury is feeling a little better every day. The question is: am I actually losing fat, or am I just quickly losing muscle weight because of the lack of activity over the past few weeks.

I am sure once I start running again it will not take long to see if what I was losing was muscle or fat, so until that time I guess I will just continue to do what I am currently doing.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 6-30-08

Last stats - two weeks ago

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 164.6
Last Week Low: 163.0
Last Week High: 166.0
Average: 166*
Last Average (two weeks ago): 167
Loss: 1

Measurements:
Waist: -
Stomach: -
Chest: -

I will not be doing these above measurements for a few weeks. I cannot use both arms so this is not going to be possible. A few weekends ago I was tripped and fell during a 5k road race and broke my collar bone. More information is available on my other blog.

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.5 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 6-16-08 & Broken Bones

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 167.6
Last Week Low: 165.0
Last Week High: 168.0
Average: 167*
Last Week Average: 167
Loss: 0

Measurements:
Waist: -
Stomach: -
Chest: -

I will not be doing these above measurements for a few weeks. I cannot use both arms so this is not going to be possible. Over this past weekend I was tripped and fell during a 5k road race and broke my collar bone. More information is available on my other blog.

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Tim Wilson - blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 6-09-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 167.8
Last Week Low: 165.0
Last Week High: 168.0
Average: 167*
Last Week Average: 167
Loss: 0

Measurements:
Waist: 33.5
Stomach: 35
Chest: 38

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Weightloss - Stress - Sleep

So many times you hear how stress and sleep can really cause problems with weightloss. I found this to be especially true over the past 18 months along my journey. I would find that when I would have higher levels of stress I would tend to have trouble sleeping. Both the stress and lack of good sleep would mysteriously cause the weightloss to slow or completely stop.

What are some ways that you deal with stress or trouble sleeping? I find reading will always put me to sleep, however that is not always a good sleep. Soothing music can also help, but there are always distractions and it is hard to find good soothing music. What about stress, how do you deal with stress? I find that avoidance of stress is always the best way to deal with stress, but that is not always the way I handle it. I get myself into situations that cause undo stress all too often.

I find that if I am going to use music to sooth the stress or help me fall into a better sleep, I need that music to be mindless and not distracting. So much of the music out there can be distracting, which ends up doing just the opposite of what you are trying to set out to do.

Amazingly enough, I came across this software called Pzizz, www.pzizz.com that is designed to help you relax, take naps to re-energize yourself, and to get a better nights sleep. The software has a speaking voice that walks you through some relaxing techniques. I personally don't care for this part of the software as it is more distracting to me, but I know this works for some people. The thing I like about the software is that I can turn this portion way down, or completely off if it is distracting at all. As I first started to play around with the software it almost put me to sleep while I was still trying to work, my wife was sitting beside me as well working on the computer and it was making her eyes heavy as well. I guess it works!

Here is a good video about it:



Have you thought about your weightloss and how it is being affected by stress you are not dealing with? How is your lack of sleep or lack of good sleep affecting your weightloss? Soothing music or the software above is just one option in dealing with these issues. If soothing music is not your thing, I suggest that you do something to deal with the sleeplessness or stress, as it is affecting your weightloss in ways that you may not even be aware of.

Tim Wilson blog.2big.org

Monday Morning Stats - 6-02-08

Two weeks ago stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 166.8
Two Week Low: 165.0
Two Week High: 168.0
Average: 167*
Two Week Ago Average: 167
Loss: 0

Measurements:
Waist: 34
Stomach: 35
Chest: 38

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

No Monday Morning Stats Today

There will be no Monday Morning Stats today. Today is a day off pretty much everything. We got a new tent and set it up yesterday and did a trial run in the back yard last night. I wanted to get it all put up and away before the sun got too hot this morning so I didn't have time for my normal stats report and weigh in.

The last couple days I have eaten more than I should have, but not as much as I used to. I have one more meal that I am sure will be along the same lines, but I don't feel guilty enjoying time with family and friends.

Is technology making us fat?

Is technology in general making us gain weight? As many of you know I have been in the IT industry for the past 8 + years. The funny (or not so funny) thing is I can see a real correlation between the time I joined the IT industry and when I started to really put on the weight. Now, don't get me wrong, I have always been overweight, but sitting in front of a computer all day really didn't help that at all.

This post over at Channel Insider talks about how technology has helped us to become more sedentary as IT workers as now we don't have to get up and go to the server room, go to the users desk, etc. We can now do just about anything we need to do remotely meaning we are getting less and less exercise.

But... does this hold true for everyone, not just IT workers? Absolutely! The constant evolution of technology has made it easier and easier for us to become more sedentary in everyday life. Sometimes we don't think about it, but what has the garage door opener and the remote control done for our waistline?

As those living in the technology driven era, we need to take this into account with our actions and get up and move. Do we need to banish technology? - No. But we need to understand that as technology makes life more sedentary we need to counteract it with more intentional exercise.

The kind of athlete I used to want to be

Monday Morning Stats - 5-19-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 166.4
Week Low: 165.0
Week High: 168.0
Average: 167*
Last Week Average: 168
Loss: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34
Stomach: 35
Chest: 38

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Less than desirable week

This week has been a little hard as far as eating well is concerned. I am not quite sure why, but I guess these times will come. I have not done extremely horrible, and I am not concerned about gaining any weight, however I really don't expect to lose any either.

Tomorrow being the start of the weekend I am hoping to get back on track with an early morning Saturday run. You can check up on me and my running at my running blog >> blog.262quest.com

Monday Morning Stats - 5-12-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 169
Week Low: 165.0
Week High: 168.6
Average: 168*
Last Week Average: 169
Loss: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34
Stomach: 35
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 24.8 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Officially Normal - 90 lbs later

Today is a big day in my 2big journey. When I got up this morning and stepped on the scale and the weight said 167 it marked the time when my "official average" dropped to 168. I don't use the scale as my "official" weight, but rather I use my average as my "official" weight. My average is calculated by using PhysicsDiet.com. Today with the 167 on the scale my average weight dropped to 167.93 which marks my official drop to 168.

Here is what my chart looks like since starting 17 months ago:
As you can see.... things get tough as you get close to your goal weight. If you consider my activity level in the last few months you would think that there wouldn't be any red dots at all near the end.... and that the curve would be way lower.

What this 168 means is that I have officially (according to Government's BMI Calculations) obtained the normal status. I think it was awful nice of them to actually use my height as an example on their website. :)
With a BMI of 24.8 I have passed by the 24.9 that says that I am normal. Now, I am sure that this is the only measure in my life that makes me normal.... but I am still quite pleased. Now, before I get comments.... which I will.... on the government's BMI.... no, I don't put a lot of stock in it, but is still quite cool to be normal in the government's eyes.... does this mean I now get a tax break? :)

Here is a snapshot of where I started.... and where I am now, taken from the BMI Calculator at the Mayo Clinic:













The other big accomplishment that today at 168 helps me attain is my official toppling of the 90th pound. Starting off at 258 in January of 2007, and hitting 168 today, May 7th, 2008. It has not been as fast as some, but I have taken off an average of 1.25 lbs a week. Based on any doctor I have ever heard, the slower you take it off the better for the long term keeping it off and the better it is for your body to adjust. I still have some droopy skin, but that gets better all the time as well.

Am I done? Well, not really. I am happy with my weight if it never drops another pound, but I am not yet done. I would like to lose a little bit more, but I am more concerned with toning up a bit and losing the flabby belly. I am fairly certain that my belly is not as bad as it looks, as it is still a bit flabby because of the droopy skin.

What can I close with? I can close with.... if you are reading this and you are not yet there, or have not yet started.... If I can do it - you can do it. It just takes determination and not giving up when things don't go great. I had many times along the way where I was down and depressed. I also had many plateaus, one lasting almost 3 months where I hardly dropped a pound. You can see where I started here. Keep it up - you can do it!

Monday Morning Stats - 5-05-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 168
Week Low: 165.6
Week High: 169.4
Average: 169*
Last Week Average: 170
Loss: 1

Measurements:
Waist: 34
Stomach: 35
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 25.0 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Medium Man

Just a quick post that is overdue. I don't remember the last time I was wearing anything less than a large or XL shirt. Just this past month I have graduated down to a medium shirt. I was a bit hesitant, but my wife went out and bought me one and WOW - it fit.... and fit good!

I now have a few t-shirts and dress shirts that are medium and fitting great. The funny thing is now that I am wearing the mediums the larges are feeling kinda big. :) I am also wearing 34 jeans and dress pants, but the funny thing is they are starting to feel a little loose. The last time I remember wearing size 32 jeans was back in high school...... we will see. :)

Monday Morning Stats - 4-28-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 170
Week Low: 167.6
Week High: 169.8
Average: 170*
Last Week Average: 172
Loss: 2

Measurements:
Waist: 34
Stomach: 35
Chest: 38

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 25.1 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Monday Morning Stats - 4-21-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 171
Week Low: 168.2
Week High: 171 (today)
Average: 172*
Last Week Average: 174
Loss: 2

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35
Chest: 37.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 25.4 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Still holding steady

I am still holding steady since my last post on Saturday when I hit 170 for the first time and became normal :)

This past week has been looking really good, each time on the scale this week it has spoken back with only numbers at or below 170. This is truly a surprise since I figured that was more of a low spike because of the food poisoning.

So far this week I have been right at 170 each day with a 169.6 on Sunday, and my lowest yet today at 169 even. I am just excited to see what my body does over the next week since the weight always seems to drop first and then my body starts to see the results over the next week.

Feeling good!

Monday Morning Stats - 4-14-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 170
Week Low: 169.6
Week High: 175
Average: 174*
Last Week Average: 176
Loss: 2

Measurements:
Waist: 34.5
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 38

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 14.8
BMI: 25.7 **

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

I AM NORMAL..... at least today!

Today is the first time I have seen this on the scale. I actually woke up this morning to a scale that said 170.0. That is the first time I remember seeing that ever. I am sure I was around that back in high school, but how many of us actually weighed ourselves in high school?

So, this is not an official weight for me, because my official weight is an average based on my Physics Diet logging, but it was very cool to see this today. The reason I say I am normal is because according to the Governments BMI (see my weekly weigh in posts for an explanation) I officially move from Overweight to Normal when I hit 170 lbs. Whooooooo Hooooooo!!!!

I am sure it will bounce back up a couple pounds over the next day or two because I was sick yesterday and didn't eat much of anything. My body was kinda going through some unhappy times because of some food poisoning I (and two other family members) got from some Turkey we got from the grocery store deli on Thursday. I am starting to bounce back this morning, but yesterday was not a fun day.

My scale is moving.....

Over the past couple days my scale seems to be doing something that it has not done over the past couple months. It is starting to move. I have been holding steading but have not really been dropping like I want to to take off those last 15 pesky pounds.

I hear many people tell me I don't need to lose anymore, but I still have a little bit of a pudgy belly that I am determined to take into my past and not in my present or future. I am feeling really good and I know I am healthy and fit, but just not quite where I want to be yet.

I started to count calories again, but have quit once again. I had forgotten how much of a pain it was. I did benefit from it again though, and I think through the counting I once again got an understanding to what I am doing wrong. I believe that it is completely eating too much when I sit down and not stopping when I am full and have had enough. I have started to make this change.... and as anyone would know, it is not an easy change. I have to get back in control or this will not be a long term change. I am not gaining, so that is good, but this is a good wake up call to make sure I keep my health and weight in check and not relapse.

Monday Morning Stats - 4-07-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 175.8
Average: 176*
Last Week Average: 176
Loss: 0

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 36
Chest: 38.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Monday Morning Stats - 3-31-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 176.4
Average: 176*
Last Week Average: 176
Loss: 0

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 36
Chest: 38.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Monday Morning Stats - 3-24-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 175.2
Average: 176*
Last Week Average: 177
Loss: 1

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 36
Chest: 38.5

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Monday Morning Stats - 3-17-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 176.8
Average: 177*
Last Week Average: 177
Loss: 0

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 36
Chest: 39

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

To Count Or Not To Count - Part 2

I wrote about this back in January when I stopped counting calories after counting for 8 months. What seemed like the wise decision at the time has made me think along the way. I am glad I stopped as it made my life easier, however I find myself now rethinking this decision.

I have been gaining ever so slightly over the past 30 days and have been getting frustrated. I have not been gaining in body fat according to the caliper, but the pounds have been sneaking up on me anyway. Some say this may be muscle, but I don't think I have been working out enough to say that I have gained this much muscle.

I made the decision yesterday that I needed to at least rule out the possibility of me not being as careful when it comes to eating. I started counting yesterday again. Yesterday wasn't the best day to start since I was prepping for a 10k Run today, but I had to start somewhere. I will not be counting indefinitely, but may need to visit it off and on just to keep myself honest.

Monday Morning Stats - 3-10-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 178.0
Average: 177*
Last Week Average: 176
Gain: 1

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 36
Chest: 39

Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Getting Discouraged

I am not sure what is going on with my body. I am getting really discouraged about this. I am now gaining about a pound a week and will probably have to post another pound gain tomorrow. That is my average, so my average is going up which means I am really going up.

I would like to think that it is muscle, but I don't think I have been doing enough to build muscle so I am not sure what is causing it. I haven't been eating perfect because of the schedule we have been holding these past few weeks, but I have not been eating bad either.


Here on the right is what my Physics Diet shows for the past month. (Thanks Alex for telling me how to do this!)

I am hoping this will start to turn this week, but I was hoping the same last week. :(

Monday Morning Stats - 3-03-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 177.2
Average: 176*
Last Week Average: 175
Gain: 1

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 39



Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Stress Weight Gain

I know you have heard about stress causing weight gain. I for one can personally attest to this and am living proof. Over the past couple weeks I have been under a lot of stress with work, and working a lot of hours. I know many of you may think I am a baby by saying this, but I have gained almost 1 lb over the past two weeks. Let me put this into perspective. I use www.physicsdiet.com to track my average weight, and I am saying that my average weight has gone up by almost 1 lb over the past couple weeks. This is opposed to losing about 1 lb a week lately. During the bulk of my weight loss I was losing between 2 - 3 lbs a week, but this has slowed quite a bit as I have gotten closer to my goal weight, as would be expected.

I came across this article at www.about.com when trying to find some information about stress and weight gain. This is what they say:

Chronic stress and cortisol can contribute to weight gain in the following ways:

Metabolism -- Do you feel like you're prone to putting on more weight when you're stressed, even if you're eating the same amount of food as you always have? Too much cortisol can slow your metabolism, causing more weight gain than you would normally experience. This also makes dieting more difficult.

Cravings -- OK, you're stressed. Do you reach for a nice salad or a pint of Ben & Jerry's? I'll bet on the latter. People experiencing chronic stress tend to crave more fatty, salty and sugary foods. This includes sweets, processed food and other things that aren’t as good for you. These foods are typically less healthy and lead to increased weight gain.

Blood Sugar -- Prolonged stress can alter your blood sugar levels, causing mood swings, fatigue, and conditions like hyperglycemia. Too much stress has even been linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health concerns that can lead to greater health problems, like heart attacks and diabetes.

Fat Storage -- Excessive stress even affects where we tend to store fat. Higher levels of stress are linked to greater levels of abdominal fat. Unfortunately, abdominal fat is not only aesthetically undesirable, it’s linked with greater health risks than fat stored in other areas of the body.

Stress and weight gain are connected in other ways:

Emotional Eating -- Increased levels of cortisol can not only make you crave unhealthy food, but excess nervous energy can often cause you to eat more than you normally would. How many times have you found yourself scouring the kitchen for a snack, or absently munching on junk food when you’re stressed, but not really hungry? More on what causes emotional eating.

Fast Food -- Experts believe that one of the big reasons we’re seeing more obesity in our society these days is that people are too stressed and busy to make healthy dinners at home, often opting to get fast food a the nearest drive-thru instead.

Too Busy to Exercise -- With all the demands on your schedule, exercise may be one of the last things on your to-do list. If so, you’re not alone. Americans live a more sedentary lifestyle than we have in past generations, yet our minds seem to be racing from everything we have to do. Unfortunately, from sitting in traffic, clocking hours at our desks, and plopping in front of the TV in exhaustion at the end of the day, exercise often goes by the wayside.

I find myself doing some of these items, but not all of them by any stretch. I really don't think that any of the second set of things apply to me, but I haven't been running or working out as much this past week because of things I have discussed previously on my other blog in my post about A Lack Of Energy. You will see a lot in the comments on that post.

I am not too upset about this, because I know the stress will subside shortly, although it can be a bit of a let down. I am just hoping to see the trend turn a little bit over the next week.

Monday Morning Stats - 2-25-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 176.0
Average: 175*
Last Week Average: 175
Loss: 0

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 39



Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

Lack of Energy

This is cross posted at my other blog blog.262quest.com

No, I am not making the statement because I am confused why, I am making the statement just because I am tired. I have a terrible lack of energy.

This morning I was at the gym and just couldn't seem to get much done. I started to lift my normal routine and just couldn't seem to get through it. I finally gave up and went and walked on the treadmill to try to awaken my body. I went back to the weights and after just one more set gave up and came home.

This week my runs have also been tiresome with lack of energy as well. I originally figured that I was seeing the results of pushing my body so hard in my half marathon this past week, but figured that would be subsiding by now.

Like I said, it is no surprise that I have no energy. I have been getting up and 4:05 AM each morning, running or working out, going to work and working 9 and 10 hour days, coming home, taking care of some household business (running the kids here or there) and then working 2 - 4 more hours before going to bed between 10:30 and 11:00. All to do it all over the next day.

Now, many of you might laugh at me and say "You call that work?" I am an Application Developer so yes, work for me is sitting in front of the computer all day. Not much of a physical activity, but unless you have worked in front of the computer all day, you would never understand how physically draining it is. I am sure the mental part of it is what drains you physically, but it is tiring none the less.

I have a hugh project that is coming due, that I have a lot of work left on. I had a mini due date this past Tuesday, then another bigger due date today. I have one of the main due dates on Monday which is going to be tough, and then it is roll out of the application from there. All while continuing to work on back end stuff. To say the least I am stressed.

To add to all this, I think my body is reacting from a weight loss standpoint. I have not seen any weight loss over the past couple weeks while I have been going through all this. I am not eating as good as I could be, but I am not eating bad enough that I shouldn't be losing weight either. I think it is my body just telling me that I am not getting enough rest. I wish I could respond to it and give it the rest it needs, but it will have to wait till after these deadlines.

Monday Morning Stats - 2-18-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 175.0
Average: 175*
Last Week Average: 175
Loss: 0

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 35.5
Chest: 39



Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 16.8***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.

First Half Marathon - 1:55:46

OK, this isn't specifically about my weight loss, but is in more ways than one. I ran my first Half Marathon today. You can read more about it on my running blog. >> Link

New badge at work

Just this past week our company issued new picture badges. I have been looking forward to this day. My old badge was about 6 years old. I wasn't at my heaviest back then, but I still love to see the change!

The first signs of normal

OK, I know that BMI is not the greatest form of measurement for weight loss and fitness success, but it is out there and screaming at us all the time. This makes it very hard to ignore. I don't tend to worship at the alter of the great BMI, but I do watch it. If you look at my weekly stats, I list both BMI and what the caliper says. I know that most people would trust the caliper over the BMI, but I am not sure how accurate I am with the caliper.

Here is where I get to the first signs of normal. According to the BMI charts, when I started in January of 2007 I was obese with a BMI of 38.1. I celebrated when I finally became overweight at 29.9. I now am inching in on the normal range of 24.9 with a current BMI of 25.8.

Monday morning when I was doing my stats I went to enter my weight on www.skinnyr.com for the chart that shows up at the bottom of my blog. I think their calculations are off a little bit, but was I ever excited when I saw that they had my BMI showing normal. You can see in the image to the right that it shows normal. Now, I know according to the official BMI I am not normal until 24.9, but for someone to think I am normal makes me very happy! Thanks Skinnyr!

Monday Morning Stats - 2-11-08

Last weeks stats

This weeks stats:

Weight:
Scale: 172.6
Average: 175*
Last Week Average: 176
Loss: 1

Measurements:**
Waist: 35
Stomach: 36
Chest: 39



Body Fat Measurement:
Caliper: 18.6***
BMI: 25.8 ****

*According to PhysicsDiet.com rounded up - my official weight.

**This is really the first time I have taken these measurements and written them down. The trending may be crazy at first until I get consistent.

***This is the first time I have logged this, and I am not sure how accurate I am with my measurements. I am following all the instructions, but this seems low.

****According to the official BMI calculations and this BMI Calculator.