Wow, a lot has changed since my last venture in here. Lots of dust to blow off of the old blog – thank the Lord for Swiffers. A major change I have undertaken is simply this…
On 9/12/11 , I began a journey. A journey towards a healthier me. After a challenge was thrown my way by two of my Columbus Jackaroo teammates (I joined this Australian Rules Football Club in May 2010), I decided to drop a few pounds. A few became several, and now I am down about 120.
How did I do it ?
I was eating a shocking number of calories each day. I guesstimate in the 4500-5000 daily range. It’s easy to drop half a box of donut holes while watching the TV after a hard day at work, and there’s about 1500 right there. I decided that day to cut the junk out and try this thing out, with a mission of losing 25 pounds by Christmas. I got rid of a lot of the heat-and-eat and replaced my high-fat hamburger with 96/4 (half the calories and not near the fat), replaced fish sticks and pizzas with chicken breasts, turkey, and salads with near-zero calorie dressings. I’m eating a cereal bar instead of a half box of donut holes the rare occasion I crash in front of the tube. Right now, I have cut my intake back to about 1000 calories per day, while taking a vitamin supplement every morning as well. And I walk a lot more frequently…like 4-5 days a week in my neighborhood or at the mall. I have the world’s best support group, in an Australian Rules Football Club and a community of fans and players from at least one other club as well. Also friends, family, and co-workers rallying behind me.
But I am remiss not to mention three of my Jacks’ teammates that have been instrumental in their support of this endeavor. Those being Chet Ridenour, Scott Matheson, and Mike Krause. They put up with my text messages and calls updating my status, and rally me to victory, which will be in probably another 30-35 pounds.
So although the road is a lot shorter, and there is light at the end of the loss tunnel, there is still a long road ahead, as in maintaining. This is not a quick-fix, look good for Myrtle in May thing. I want this to be a lifestyle change. And thus far, it has been.
