New Years Motivation

I reached 251 pounds by the end of last year, and that was the mark that made me dig in and start fighting back. I didn't like what I sawin the mirror. I am a type-2 diabetic, was taking 50 units of Lantus insulin, and other oral medications (Actos) which can cause excerbate weight gain. So I took my clothes of the elliptical in the garage, cleaned it up, cleaned the garage, and then bought a treadmill. I now work out at least 50 minutes a day, 6 days a week, and twice a day (morning and evening) on weekends. My knees won't allow me to run long distances. My doctor has been hounding me to lose weight for a few years. This last annual physical, I heard him loud and clear.

Since January 1st, I have dropped 18 pounds. My blood sugar levels have remained at pre-diabetes levels (between 80-120), and I have lost 4 inches from waist, where most of my fat had accumulated. My before meal and after meal insulin levels have stablilized dramatically - never above 140 two hours after a good meal. My insulin dose is down to 20 units, and I should be off injectable insulin by the end of March. I meet with my doctor in late March to discuss this, and reduce other oral medications once my A1c levels are confirmed. The more weight I lose, and exercise, the blood sugar is stable.

I got a horrible stomach virus for 3 days and was not able to exercise, and I noticed it immediately. So as soon as I was able to get back on my feet, I got back into my home gym and worked out. That made me realize the need to work out consistently, and make it part of my life each week. At least 3-4 days a week. Some days, your mind says just step off the machine and relax, so you have to battle these inner demons and keep on pushing through it. So far, so good.

The MFP tool has really helped me count calories, the scale of various levels of carbs and protein, especially when I am in restaurant, it helps me find good meals with lower calorie counts and better protein levels. I can adjust my meals and have some variety. I am not feeling starved, and maintain about 1400-1500 calories a day, with 300-500 calories burned from exercise. I am allowed 1900 calories a day. If I feel hungry, I eat a snack like a fuji apple cut into many slices or other low-calorie goodie. So far, I am done with my first 6-week cycle, and adjusting my routine for another 6 weeks. If I have a big meal and overshoot my daily calorie levels, I don't punish myself, I just adjust my calories for the next week by 50-100 calories less. Sometimes you can cheat once a month or so with a big meal or fatty snack (cake, ice cream, whatever), I just don't recommend it.

This is working out well for me. Just a matter of getting mad and getting real about my weight, stress, and wanting to be around for my family. I am shooting for 50 pounds total by end of summer/Fall, I know the first 25 are easier to lose than the last 25 pounds. It will take awhile, but I am shooting for a modest 2-3 pounds a week. I am not starving myself.

Just wanted to say hey, and that I enjoy the comments.