Without further a-do

So, I got up this morning and felt confident that when I step on the scale, something positive would happen. The scale reflects I’m down 4 pounds (320 lbs). The main reason why I’m excited is because, the last 2 nights, I’d eaten a big plate of black beans and yellow rice with sausage and 2 orders of chicken fingers w/ a order of waffle fries from “Chik-fil-a”, the night before. My daily 1800 calories or less was working well, but it was the weekend and the Chik-fil-a restaurant is right outside of the gym and the aroma just did me in.

Still in all, I had no guilt, because my meals prior were small and I’m sure I had calories to spare, plus I worked out really good that whole week.  I’m not looking for big losses. A pound or two a week is good for me, as long as I can keep or build some muscle.  Still, 4 lbs blew me away.  I can honestly say that my workout routines aren’t sick and I’m not spending hours or forcing myself to spend hours at the gym. An hour and a half /6 days a week is good for me.  I took off today, so my diet is strict. I really felt like going to the gym, but I’ll chill and wait for tomorrow.

You know what else?

About 3 weeks or so ago, Walgreens had a sale on boxes of my favorite cookie, “Pecan Sandies”. They were 50 cents which was a steal, so I scurried over there from work @ around 3a.m., and bought like 3 boxes. Yo, I planned to tear into that $#*t as soon as I got back to the job, but was unable due to an assignment that was waiting for me when I got back. Oh well, so when I got home I put one box in my work bag and hid the rest in my closet, ’cause the wife will say “I thought you’re on a diet”.  3 weeks later, that box is still in my bag and the others are still in the closet. It’s become a symbol of my commitment to myself and my health. I look at it everytime I go to work and open my bag. No temptation at all!! Aaarghh………

Whatcha got to say (I mean, please feel free to leave a comment or suggestion:-)

So, Ive been looking for that home workout that I could do consistently here in my apartment. I use the resistance bands, but needed something for the lower body. I work the graveyard shift, so my sleep pattern is kinda crazy. I basically nap in the morning when I get off and nap again at around 7pm, until it’s time to go to work.  My wife usually goes to the track at the High School around 7pm because it’s not as hot outside. I would love to do that, but I have to get my rest before work, so I’m kinda stuck as far as cardio. We’re trying to cut cost, so we don’t belong to a gym and the treadmill at the apartment complex gym is always busted. I totally lack the motivation to go to a public park and walk after work, cause I’d be sleep driving there. The graveyard shift is rough!!! By the time I wake up around noon, it’s blazing hot here in Atlanta. Still in all, I’m gonna have to make the time to go out and do some cardio, but for the meanwhile, I discovered the “stability ball“. You know, that’s that big rubbery hippity hoppity ball you used to bounce on when you was a kid (at least back in the day), except this doesn’t have handles. I searched “Youtube” and found instructional videos on how to use the ball and different variations of exercises that I can do. Looks fairly easy.

I found out my ability to maintain stability is lacking. I’d roll off the ball. I’d slide off the ball. I’d go back to my computer and watch the videos again. I’d roll and slide off again and again. I don’t know why everthing’s so hard for me.  My daughter watches me and just cracks up.  I was able to do the crunches where you lay on your back with your legs up on the ball, looking like I fell off a chair and couldn’t get up. I also straighten out my legs with the back of my ankles up on the ball and do pelvic thrusts. I thought it looked kinda funny, but the next day, my hammys were tight and on fire. I’m going to conquer that stability thing, because I have to admit, you can get a good workout from the stability ball and the resistance bands.

Once I can get used to ball / bands, I’ll dust off the Tony Horton’s “10 Minute Trainer” or the “P90x” videos, or maybe even the “Hip Hop Abs” . I have a whole collection of videos that I don’t use. But again, baby steps. I gotta get my mind right in order to get my body tight. Hey, I like that. That just rolled off the tongue. Maybe that”ll be my catch phrase.

I got caught up in the Facebook craze and lost my mind, when I was able to reconnect with friends that I haven’t heard from for the better part of 20 years (at least). Everyday I’m typing away, trying to see who else I can dig up. This can take hours, especially when you go through everyones friends list to see if you recognized someone else. If you’re on Facebook, then you know what I mean.

Oh well, a new day means a new start.  I’m ready to get back on track. The weather is pretty mild, so I’ll take advantage and do some outdoors stuff with my daughter. Maybe in time, I can post some photos on Facebook that doesn’t reflect an obese indvidual’s different stages through life. I’d like to have some slim fit flicks  to post (maybe not slim). Word!!!

I’ll try to become more disciplined with what I eat. It’s a struggle, but I’m encouraged with the results so far. I have my 10 year old daughter for the summer and she’s not a big meat eater and loves veggies. I mean, she can eat a can of spinach like its ravioli’s. Maybe I can learn something from her because I don’t really have to worry about treating her to a lot of fast food restaurants.  She’s satisfied with a big plate of salad. I’m not ready for that, but remember, “baby steps”. I’ll get there. I try to follow other online blogs (Israel) or forums  (OD) just to give myself  that extra push.  It’s good to know that you’re not alone in your struggles and that others have found success through hard work and perseverance. My workout has slacked a little, so I’ve got to get busy with that too…