The New Old Clothes and Progress

It's an annual tradition in the Rocker household. Get the kids clothes out of the attic to see what does or doesn't fit for the upcoming season, be it winter or summer. Well, the same was done for this dude. Because this dude needed some new clothes.

Thankfully, the gym is doing what it's supposed to do - help me get in shape. And by shape, I mean less of a round shape. I had a few shirts and some pants that are now hanging in the closet, instead of packed in a Rubbermaid container. Victoreeeee!!!!

I've been below 280 the entire week, so hopefully I'm leaving that behind for good. My initial goal was 280, and that was set when I started back to the gym in late August, when I weighed 296. From August to the end of December, I only lost 10 pounds (as of December 31). About 3 pounds per month. Which is a healthy rate, from what I've read and been told by smarter people than I.

My weight on the scale as of January 2 was 289, so that was may starting point for this year. As of this morning, I'm at 277.5. My goal for March was to get below, and stay below, 278. With still half the month to go, that should be attainable. The question is, should I adjust so I don't get complacent, or be happy that I hit another benchmark?

When I was struggling to get through the 283 pound plateau, I adjusted my workouts. I started on interval training on the elliptical, and dramatically increased my resistance on the higher parts. I also started lifting weights on a regular interval. And when I say lifting weights, I mean doing reps until you just can't. That was about two weeks ago, or on February 25 according to my records. My weight on that day was 283.0. So in a little under three weeks, I've lost almost six pounds, which is well ahead of the monthly average. I'd say the new workout regiment is working.

As far as the "diet" is concerned, I'm happy to report that I simply seem to be making better choices with ease. Sure, I still drink the occasional soda, but I'm drinking a lot more water than I did prior to January, and a lot less soda. I'm eating less as well. It's just easier to put the plate in the dishwasher knowing you've eaten enough and don't need to continue to load up. Sure, that second helping of grilled pork chops is tasty, but it's low carb!

As Andy at Lastrick's Resort has said, "It's not a diet. We just don't eat that any more."