Weekly Update - 2/22/2009

February 22, 2009 · 25 comments

Diet starting weight: 295

Week starting weight: 281

Today’s weight: 281

Week weight loss: 0 lbs

Total weight lost: 14 lbs

I have been very bad in doing my weekly updates - in fact they have been nonexistent and I think that has been a big part of my problem. When I was doing well I was weighing myself daily (although only reporting it every week) and I was using that to push me each and every day. I’ve got to get back into that weekly habit. In fact there are a lot of habits I need to get back into and the good news is I will be on a schedule soon that will make that easier.

Like millions of others I have been out of work since the beginning of November and that has definitely made it harder for me to stick to my diet and exercise plans. You would think the opposite would be true but in fact being home all of the time has been tough. There is almost too much time to exercise so I am not forced to get it done early in the morning - and then it doesn’t get done. To save money we started making lots of 13×9 pan dishes, lasagnas, casseroles, etc, and portion sizing is more difficult for me at home particularly when I am the one doing the cooking - a lot of food gets eaten before it hits the table.

The good news is that I start a great new job a week from Monday. My goal for this week before I start is to get back on the daily exercise schedule so that I’ll be fully back in the groove next week when I start my new job.

Things I did well this week:

Nothing

Things I did not so well this week:

Too much snacking
Too big portions
Not enough water
No exercise other than one visit to the dog park

I know some people don’t believe in weighing yourself every day but I am convinced that not doing so has been a big part of my problem. I need that daily push. This week is going to be all about establishing those good habits that have helped me in the past.

Amazon.com Widgets

Like This Post? Give me the thumbs up

The Thesis Theme from Chris Pearson and DIYthemes

Similar Posts:

{ 25 comments }

Cammy February 22, 2009 at 9:16 am: Congrats on the new job, John! Thanks for highlighting some of the perils of having your days less structured. I’ll be joining the unemployed on April 30, and I know I will need to be prepared for the “dangers.”

As far as how often we weigh ourselves or report our progress, it really is a personal thing, isn’t it? What works for some of us won’t always work for others. Our success comes from learning our own truths and acting on them. Good for you for being ever-vigilant in learning what works for you and what doesn’t!
South Beach Steve February 22, 2009 at 9:53 am: Congratulations on the new job! That will sure help relieve some stress.

I agree with you about weighing daily. I only have one official weigh-in day, but I usually step on the scale daily. For me, it is a motivator.
HappySkinnyGirl February 22, 2009 at 9:58 am: I know, I thought having all the free time would make it easier to lose weight too, but it’s not. Almost harder. There are researches that tell people weigh in every day is a good idea because you have a better control. Other time we’re hearing the opposite. But the thing is do what’s fit you best. I used to weigh in everyday, but it doesn’t fit me anymore. Now I’m going to try every month instead. By the way, congrats on your new job =)
Greg at Live Fit February 22, 2009 at 10:00 am: Congratulations on the new job!

Frankly, when I’m at home, I too, find it much harder to focus on my weight loss and fitness goals. Doesn’t make much sense, but there you have it.

I’m a big proponent of daily weigh-ins as well. Some people find it discouraging, but it helps keep me focused.
Flo February 22, 2009 at 12:27 pm: Ditto everyone. I was unemployed and found it almost impossible to get my daily exercise in. It was incredibly frustrating. Even now, I’m only employed part time, it’s still rather difficult. I see no reason to get up at 4:30 when I’m going to be home at 11. But I get home at 11 and am hungry and then I can’t workout for a couple of hours, blah, blah, blah…..Yeah, it’s hard.

As for the daily weigh-ins, I completely agree. Also, by weighing in everyday it gave me some perspective on the scale. I would follow my workout and eating plans and the next morning the scale would show a 3 lb gain. That really showed me that weight is influenced by many,many things and so I wouldn’t get down if I showed an increase. Generally the following day it would be back down again.

Good luck on the new job and I hope you get that routine back.
Angie February 22, 2009 at 2:06 pm: John,

Congratulations on your new job! I’m very happy for you.

I know for me structure is a big deal - it’s too easy to keep putting the inevitable diet and fitness goals aside when you think you have all day to get to them.

I wish you much success in both your health and career endevours. Have a wonderful Monday!
asithi February 22, 2009 at 3:00 pm: Congrats on the new job John! I wish you the best of luck!

Like you, I end up not really working out on a non-structured day. It is much harder to workout because now I have all day to get to it. And I usually do not end up getting to it.
Hanlie February 22, 2009 at 4:55 pm: I’m very glad to hear about the new job! All the best…

And good for you for getting back on track!
Merry February 22, 2009 at 7:13 pm: Good news about the new job!

I’m probably going to be laid off in a few months; it’s not a great feeling to know what’s coming. And somehow, even with all the free time, you never can get a lot done when your self-esteem is getting kicked in the teeth.

Usually the new job is a step up or an improvement over the old job in some way. Congratulations!
AndrewE February 23, 2009 at 1:43 am: When I don’t weigh everyday I gain. No ifs and no buts.

Start weighing yourself my friend!

And congrats on getting the job.
LisaNewton February 23, 2009 at 2:23 pm: Congrats on the new job.

However I find it difficult to believe you did nothing good this week. Plus, I’m a big believer in weighing myself every day. It’s the best way to keep track of it, IMHO………………..:)
julie February 23, 2009 at 2:37 pm: I found it much easier to lose weight when I was unemployed, but now that I’m used to being employed, I’m right back at it. It’s true that I sometimes feel as if I live a life of drudgery. I’m in the habit of making my own food, rarely eating out (a necessity when you’re broke), so I have that going for me. Even if I make heavy things at home, I still eat less than eating out. I often get home at 5:30, inhale some food, get changed, leave for the gym at 6, come home at 8 or 9, shower, eat a snack, go to bed, do it again. Occasionally I take a day off and have some fun, but even on days off, I walk or cycle a few miles. It was much easier to exercise 2+ hours/day being unemployed, but it was harder to regulate my eating. It’s much less stressful being employed.

Good luck on the new job!
Paul Piotrowski February 24, 2009 at 3:29 pm: Whenever I update my Blog daily relating to my fitness goals, they end up getting done. It’s like leverage that pushes you to keep moving and getting things done, when you know “someone” is watching.

Keep weighing yourself daily, keep updating your site as often as you can… I guarantee you’ll be better off.

-Paul
Cynthia February 25, 2009 at 1:55 am: Congrats on the new job!

You didn’t gain this week, so that’s a small victory there. I say well done! As for doing your weekly updates, I know that for me, the blog calls me back. I feel like I best be accountable. So even if they have to be short, do them, it will provide more motivation to stay on track.

I weigh daily. If I don’t, I tend to gain, plain and simple. I *need* that reminder.
Melisa February 25, 2009 at 5:22 pm: Congrats on finding a job John!

I think I would find it much more difficult to lose weight if I was home all the time as well. I do less around the house when I have time off for the same reasons…I don’t have to do it right now so why not put it off!?

Portion control has always been my problem and I have tried various things to control it from literally measuring portions to using smaller plates etc. Do what works for you and defintely stay away from second helpings.

I too weigh myself daily and feel that it does a better job of keeping me in check. Its too easy to fool yourself that you are doing “ok” when you dont know for 7days what the scale is saying of your progress or lack there of.

Step back on the scale my friend and take back control of your journey.
Steve@weightlossweapons.com March 1, 2009 at 11:59 pm: Great news about the new job. My wife has been out of work since November as well, she has gain 10 pounds since then. I thought it would have had the opposite effect but apparently not.

This should have read -
“Things I did well this week:”
Recognized that I haven’t been keeping up the habits that were helping me lose weight.

Some times just acknowledging your mistakes can help turn things around.

Steve
Melissa March 3, 2009 at 10:40 am: John,

First of all, I want to say congrats on the new job! This is my first visit to your website, and I’m intrigued at such a blog. Maybe the new job will give you a boost in your mental state and confidence to want to keep trying to lose the weight. The fact that you have started this blog to log your weight loss journey is a huge step in the process and you should be proud of yourself!

Try to make yourself post something every day-even if you write one sentence that says, “Didn’t work out today and I feel bad about that.” Just post anything! If you know that you HAVE to post something, you’ll be more willing to try to eat better, or workout.

I do not struggle with weight and I DO workout. I don’t say that to throw it in your face, because we all have struggles in one way or another; ALL of us!

For what it’s worth…I love the Flat Ab diet book. The original one I believe, was written mostly for men (not the Flat Belly Diet which is a newer and different book). I believe you could follow it. I’ve read the book, followed the “rules” and it is doable because you eat throughout the day-you’re just changing up your foods a bit.

Also, I believe the P90X workout system is the best one around. It’s not easy and you need to be in some sort of shape, or willing to work through your fitness challenges to get through the 90 days, but it is truly the BEST workout system out there! I’ve worked out for over 20 years and I’m now in my 8th week of this system and can’t believe the results. It takes a commitment of about an hour a day, but within a week, you should start to see results.

Again…just my two cents. I wish you much luck on your journey!
Steve v4.7 March 3, 2009 at 11:49 am: Good job landing the new opportunity. I wish you all the success in the world. As far as your week went fitness-wise, it was a bye- no loss, no gain, but on to the next round. Again, I wish you the best.
John G March 3, 2009 at 3:12 pm: Hi - Just wanted to say I found your blog today and really like it. I’ve been on a mission to lose weight for two months, and have lost 12 pounds so far. Anyway it was great to find you and will keep reading!
Tom Rooney March 5, 2009 at 9:33 am: Great news on the job John. Drop a line to let us know how you’re doing.
Mr. Meltdown March 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm: John I for one can relate to how hard it is to get back in track. I think that sometimes taking a break can have a positive side effect allowing you to get your mind right during the off diet season. Now that you are back in action and have your personal things on point, you can swing back into action full speed. I am proud of you John, keep up the good work and remember we are all in this together!

Best regards,
Your buddy in weight loss, Mr. Meltdown!
Charlie Hills March 21, 2009 at 8:41 am: “…a lot of food gets eaten before it hits the table…”

That’s always a problem for me. It always starts so innocently—a bit of cheese here, a cracker there—then you finally sit down to eat and you’re stuffed. But you eat anyway, because of all that work you put into it.

Congrats on the new job! Hope to hear from you again soon!
Doctor John March 25, 2009 at 2:53 am: Congratulations, on doing the job well done! that’s what im talking about. Nowadays, a lot of people are saying they want to get physically fit, but they lack one thing, Discipline. Once they passed by into a cake shop or any food chains or stores, they’re gonna grab anything edible they can think of. And then realizing that they have broken their sworn statement of loosing weight.

Keep on doing that hard work! im sure that you’ll achieve the fit body you wanted.

-Doctor John
MamaBearJune March 28, 2009 at 9:03 pm: So glad to hear you are starting a new job. Hope that helps you get motivated to get back on track! I’ve been a stay at home mom for 20 years, so it’s been easier for me to diet and exercise when I AM at home. I think I’d find it harder if I tried going out to a gym.

I’m with Melissa on The Abs Diet, written by the editor of Men’s Health. It has a lot of very good tips and thorough information. But what really helped me get back on the downward slope again (and FAST), was The Flat Belly Diet and the specificity of that program. It was written by the editors of Prevention Magazine (written mainly for women), but the online program is modified for use by men. There were women and men that did the trial program before the book came out.
Clinton Walker III April 4, 2009 at 9:21 pm: One way to keep from falling off is to post what you doing everyday.