So I got on the scales this morning and they read 244.4! (These are digital scales.) I got off and got back on, thinking there must have been a mistake. I did that like four times. Then I walked away thinking that can't be right. That would mean I lost 1.6 pounds in 24 hours. I didn't want there to be a mistake and then get back on the scales tomorrow and find that they said 245.5 or something. Then I would feel like I gained weight. So I went back again after about ten minutes and every time I got on the scales they said 244.4. Not a tenth more or less.
I looked back to that fateful day on September 23rd when the scales read 252 and calculated that I've lost 7.6 pounds in 16 days. And folks, I'm not fasting or going on any radical diet. All I've done is cut back portion sizes. I eat with my family and I eat what they eat. In fact, two days ago we ate Chinese take-out, but I ate smaller portions. Also, I've asked my wife to delete red meat from our menu, so I've been eating fish (and loving it) and turkey or chicken. Yesterday for dinner we had Italian sausage made with turkey.
However, it has not just been cutting back in portions that have made the difference. At first I didn't see much weight loss from just cutting back portion sizes. The loss has accelerated since I've added 20 minutes of strenuous exercise over the past 5 days. I walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes. I will not increase the time, but I have been increasing the speed, which of course increases the distance. My treadmill indicates how many calories I burn and yesterday by walking (a fast walk) 4 miles an hour for 20 minutes at a 2.0 incline I burned 200 calories. That just about cleared all the calories I ate with the Weightwatcher's lunch I had at Applebee’s with my wife. She had French Onion soup and sliders :(
Admittedly, I feel hungry much of the time. The trick is to tell myself that that feeling is pounds falling off--and they are! I know I'll hit a wall eventually, but getting to 240 will be milestone for me.
My Verse of the Day: Prov 4:12
12 When you walk , your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble. NKJV
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A blog about losing weight. Mark Hardgrove is trying to lose 50 pounds by the time he turns 50. He'll be 49 on October 31, 2009. If you want to watch his progress and read his posts, you may find it inspiring and helpful for you in your own weight-loss program.
About Me
- Mark E. Hardgrove
- Conyers, Georgia, United States
- I'm married, a pastor, with a PhD in Organizational Leadership. A published author of two books and several articles. A Lead Pastor and a Dean at Beulah Heights University in Atlanta.
Good Links for Fitness
This is Life and Death
I heard about a man who is 114 years old. He said the key is to skip dinner and only eat two meals a day. He is spry and healthy and sharp. I'm only 48 but I know I need to make a lifestyle change or I'll be lucky to make it to 78. My cholesterol is way too high, though medication helps keep it down, and my blood pressure is creeping up. I get winded too easily, and I am way too stressed. This is my manifesto that I will lose 50 pounds by the age of 50, which will be October 31, 1010.
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