Alan Foster writes: Beginning weight: 225 / Current weight: 206

Over the last week, I was faithful in recording all the food I consumed and my exercise activity…that is, until the weekend.

In recalling what I ate over the weekend, it’s quite obvious that I eat much better when I’m frequently looking at a written list of what I’m consuming each day.

To add credibility to the benefit of this food/exercise journal, I lost another 2 pounds last week while finding a little motivation to keep the journal for seven days instead of 5.

Maybe I’m on to something. We’ll see what the scales have to say about it next week.

Alan Foster writes: Beginning weight: 225 / Current weight: 208

After a week of preparations at work for Hurricane Irene, I can’t look back and say that I was very mindful of what I ate last week. I also can’t say that I spent a lot of time exercising. Fortunately, I didn’t gain any weight, but I didn’t lose any either. This week, I’m going to try to write down everything that I eat. I remain against doing any calorie counting, but I think that if I record what was eaten, I can look back and see where I could eat better, thereby reducing a few calories. While I’m at it, I might as well record what exercises I do for the week. Now if I could just keep the food list shorter than the exercise list…

Alan Foster writes:

Beginning weight – 225. Current weight – 208

I think I’ve finally gotten past the rut. The scales this morning indicated a drop of a whopping two pounds. I know that’s not much cause for celebration but after three weeks of seeing no weight loss, it was a very welcome and encouraging sight. Hopefully, it’s the beginning of a sustainable trend to lose the other eight to ten pounds. At a minimum, it’s certainly a boost of encouragement and a shot of motivation.

Alan Foster writes: In an effort to keep up this weight loss effort, I discovered a really nice source of motivation. It actually came during a brief conversation with a co-worker who mentioned seeing this blog.

I must confess I’ve been avoiding this blog in recent days because it’s where the reality of my efforts hit me square in the face.  The reality is I’m stuck at the same weight; I’m stuck eating the same foods; I’m stuck with little motivation to exercise.

Alan Foster writes: It’s 102 outside, the dog days of summer are upon us, and I’m wishing I could just join my dog and lay around in the shade all day.  I certainly can’t find the desire to go exercise.  I know the gym is a cool 76 or so but the motivation to go sweat when it’s so hot is gone.  I even found my pool too hot to enjoy with the water temp at 88 degrees.  Fortunately, it’s too hot to eat a lot too.  Sticking with a cool salad, some cold fruit, and plenty of water will hopefully help with the reduced exercise. 
Unfortunately, I haven’t lost any weight this week.  But, I haven’t gained any either.  As soon as these high temperatures go down, I’ll get back to working on getting my weight down.  Think I’ll make my lazy dog join me too.

Alan Foster writes: My family and I have almost finished our annual “week at the beach”.  We come every year with nothing on our agenda but rest, relaxation, and eating seafood.  This year, I elected to alter my agenda a little due to this weight loss effort.

On day 1, my wife and I went to the grocery store and stocked up on enough food so that “eating out” would be reduced.  We planned a few meals and I grabbed some healthy snacks for me.  I also brought my bicycle.  Being an early riser, I’ve gotten in some nice rides even though it was already hot and humid.  I’ve also gotten in some brisk walks on the beach.  

But what’s a trip to the beach without some fried seafood?  I gave in last night and had the typical seafood platter.  But, I didn’t eat it all.  I saved enough for a nice lunch today.

Alan Foster writes: The question was recently asked would I be trying to lose weight if I wasn’t committed to writing this year-long blog. It would seem the answer should be a simple yes or no. However, if I were honest with myself, the answer would be yes and no.

Alan Foster writes: I finally made it back to the gym last week. The first day wasn’t so bad, but I really paid for my month hiatus on day two. I participated in my regular group TRX class and did the routine as if I hadn’t been gone. The muscle soreness for the next 2 days was quite painful both physically and as an aching mental note that I just can’t bounce back like I could a few years ago. So lesson learned – some exercise is better than none.

Alan Foster writes: Returning from a great vacation and managing not to gain any weight has admittedly generated a bit of exercise laziness in me. It’s been two weeks since I’ve been to the gym.