One Victory At A Time

Waking up with the feeling that a serial killer recently shoved a rusty screwdriver into the base of my skull was not a pleasant way to start my day, yet I soldiered on.  I decided to start operation kick caffeine to the curb on Wednesday last week.  As previously mentioned the first few days were B-R-U-T-A-L and headaches continued through yesterday (Sunday the 22nd) but so far so good today.

My eating regimen hasn't been as clean as I would have liked but since I was fighting that caffeine dragon I decided a little grace was in order.  So, this week is better eating.  Although on the way to work I had a balsmic blast in my lunch bag today....UGH. 

Over the weekend, zero caffeine and minimal wine.  I'll classify that as a victory.

TK

Official Weigh-In

Health Ahead, Biggest Loser, Dump-the-Plump, whatever it's called officially kicked off today.  I weighed in at 163.6 pounds, I am a bit over 5'6" so I am kind of fun-size I guess.  I have some pretty aggressive weight loss goals (at least for me) and want to finally get down to my "God ordained" weight. 

I am trying to evict the coffee demon that I've allowed to squat in my person for the past 15-20 years too.  So as one can imagine, I am kind of cranky right now.  Dealing with detox/withdrawal headaches.  I am hoping the worst is behind me but I still think the next few mornings will be tough. 

For breakfast I had a smoothie: Kale, mango, cilantro, soy milk, splash of OJ, and ground flaxseeds.  My lunch menu is a cup of chili sans carne and a large salad. 

Exercise - so far I have been taking it easy.  I've been walking on my treadmill in the mornings and reading for about 30 minutes.  Nothing strenuous but I get my HB up to about 100 bpm.  Nothing like Insanity when it gets to about 180 bpm and I have to back off but at least I am moving. 

So the games have begun and I need to push my mind, will, and emotions beyond their comfort zone during the next 90 days (and beyond).  I am confident my body will follow suit but the battle is definitely going to be in my mind.

TK

Eating to Live

As mentioned previously, I need to lose about 20 pounds.  The majority of people I discuss this with feel I am being way to aggressive.  Of couse, most everyone I know is overweight or obese -- so I guess it's all relative. 
My reason for losing weight is primarily medicinal.  I think having my heart cracked open or inserting stents into arteries is extreme - much more extreme that choosing a plant based diet.  So, I soldier on...mostly alone. 
I picked up the book Eat to Live recently for reinforcement and encouragement.  I found it an easy read compared to the China Study.  Most of the information wasn't new to me but it's always nice to have the concepts reinforced.  See, my reason for eating a plant based diet is not religous or moral but medicinal.  I don't have the moral or religous boundaries to keep me on the straight and narrow. 
I intend to follow the Eat to Live plan during my "biggest loser" challenge that begins tomorrow.  In a nutshell, here is the plan:

• At least a pound of raw vegatables per day
• At least a pound of cooked vegatables per day
• At least 4 pieces or servings of fruit per day
• An ounce of raw nuts per day
• One serving of starchy vegetables or whole grains per day

The plan is intense but preferable to drugs, surgery, premature death or a low quality of life.  I see too many people living a life of "moderation" and killing themselves on bite at a time.  I am going to give it 100%.

See you on the flip-flop,
TK