I am Belittled - This Week at Least!

End of the week and time to review my goals and my journals to see how I did. Also it is time to face the ultimate test - to see what the scale says.

It was a challenging week - in that I was back to work. This brings all the challenges of trying to maintain my exercise and diet goals while shuffling many more responsibilities. over all, I did well.

My diet/calorie intake was good - keeping solidly within the 1800-2200/day zone that is my target. Of the seven days this week i missed my goal twice. In one I was slightly over - a bit of unwise late night snacking - and one I was a bit under. 

It is a good point to bring up in that eating too little, especially when you are working in an exercise program. While eating too much will defeat your weight loss goals, eating too little can mean your body will start using your muscles and bones to help fuel it, something that can lead to injury. 

Neither of the times I was outside my target calorie intake was it a major problem - I was 100 calories high and 75 calories low. This included going out twice to eat. During the week we went out and I simply made some good choices for calories and portion control. Last night I went with my wife for sushi. I ate light during the day so I could afford the extra calories.

My exercise was great, although a struggle from a convenience standpoint. A lot of last minute scheduling commitments and some bad weather made me change a lot of my workout plans. I ended up substituting an exercise DVD at home for my planned workouts twice. Yesterday I had planned a cardio workout at my school's track after work, but they were doing maintenance. Instead, I decided to walk home. 70 minutes later I had a nice walk and a decent cardio (hauling my bag with me helped).

It was worth it at the weigh-in. Despite it being a challenging week, I managed a two pound weight loss. Better yet, I busted through the 270 barrier and stood at 269.

Here are the numbers:

High Weight:        295

Last Week's Weight: 271

Current Weight:     269

This week's loss:     2

Total Loss           26

Next week's Goal:   267

Short Term Goal:    260

Medium term Goal:   250

Long Term Goal:     200

Ultimate Goal:      Hit and maintain 190

Jillian Workout DVD

Jillian, from The Biggest Loser, has rode her fame on that show to some serious weight loss and exercise success. Of course, a lot of it is because her stuff works.

I ran across this exercise DVD of hers. I'm ordering it for myself, and thought I'd mention it here for anyone also interested.

Vacation Winding Down - Back to Work!

This morning I had a good, 60 minute cardio - a walk-run around adjacent neighborhoods with a couple laps around the running track at my favorite park. These morning times will be going by the wayside, unfortunately. next Monday teachers report back to our school. My school here in Guayaquil, Ecuador, runs on the South American school calendar, April to January. Getting up to grab the bus at 6:30 in the morning means my morning workouts are out. Instead I'll be taking time after school to use the school facilities as often as I can.

I'm going to weigh-in Saturday, and I am hoping for a number below 275. Wish me luck!

Bad News - Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Way Up

My wife, who has been diabetic for over 20 years, suggested I use her blood suger tester to see what my blood sugar level was. A prick of the finger, a drop of blood and the reading was...

315.

OMG, that reading is worse than my wife gets on her bad days, like when she has eaten breakfast without taking her insulin. The next day I took it again: 280. Still way bad. I also know my blood pressure is elevated. All severe medical situations that are brought on and complicated by my weight.

Of course, I shouldn't be surprised. Obesity is a major factor in people with high blood pressure and diabetes. Good news, both can be treated with medications, and even without medication with proper diet and exercise along with loss of weight. If I didn't need it before, I have even more motivation to shed these pounds off me.

Half-assed - I love it.

If you want to read a story about someone losing weight, that is inspiring and hysterical all at the same time, check this out!

In a hurry

I was kind of proud of myself yesterday. My wife couldn't go in to school yesterday, and in the morning I received a desperate call from the teacher coordinator if I could sub for her, since they had no other subs available. I had 25 minutes to shower, dress and put together a lunch and some healthy snacks before the bus came to pick me up (most larger Ecuador businesses and schools have buses called Expresos which pick up employees).

Despite the sudden change, I managed to keep my food on track all day. The only problem was I wasn't able to do my cardio. This week it seems every day either my food intake or my workout goes off kilter. Hope it doesn't hurt much on the scale Saturday.