Last night, 2 days later, my weigh-in showed that I regained 1.5 of those pounds. I was not surprised.

The entire time I overlooked something that occurred to me today.

I realized that even with the extra 1.5 pounds, I have officially lost 20 pounds since April. I am not done, but it was a nice realization.

In the two years before and the months that followed, my weight averaged 220 lbs. It would dip down around 217 and then rebound back up. It was a roller coaster.

My birthday this year opened my eyes to my destructive behavior. On my birthday eve I ate half a pizza (medium double dough YUM!). For lunch on my birthday I finished off the other half. I was stuffed and bloated. I looked at the numbers, the roller coaster, and had enough.

I decided that I was going to get the weight off and keep it off. Another major goal was to improve my overall health and stamina. I was getting winded too easily.

I dusted off the elliptical and started working out. When I started I weighed 221 lbs. Due to my bad knees I which can’t handle too many jarring workouts, so I focused on the elliptical. During the workouts I watched some of my favorite comedies (The Big Bang Theory FTW) to help distract me and pass the time. I worked out three days a week, initially doing 30 to 45 minute workouts but quickly settling on 45 minute workouts.

My goal is to get down to 185 lbs with the first milestone of 200 lbs (i.e. lose 21 lbs) by August 1, 2011.

It was an effort, not just the workouts but making myself take the time to workout. I focused on making the workouts a priority while still trying to deal with work and home life.

After a month of these workouts my weight fluctuated between 215 and 219 lbs.

I stepped up the workouts pushing some of them to 60 or 70 minutes. My weight stayed in that same range. I started watching software training videos to double the effectiveness of the workouts which I dubbed #LearnandBurn.

Slowly I started the next phase, trying to change my eating habits. Even though I wasn’t eating half a pizza any more, I still ate large portions especially of my favorite foods. Of course, it didn’t help that my favorite foods are very unhealthy, fattening foods. I’ve been avoiding, or severely restricting, my favorite foods. I’ve been eating smaller portions. If I didn’t feel hungry before my next meal I knew I had eaten too much at the previous meal. I tried to weigh myself everyday to see where I was at and to remind myself of the goals and dangers.

When I was able to fit in a fourth workout, I did. It still took (takes) effort because when the stretching and cool down time is factored in, my 60-70 minute workout takes 90-100 minutes.

This past week I finally broke under the 215 barrier. For a full week (weighing in daily) I stayed under 215 lbs, well below it. I still have a way to go to reach my first milestone. I still have a fat belly but the waistbands of my pants confirm the progress.

Today I weighed in at 210 lbs with a BMI of 28.5. I lost 11 lbs in 63 days.

I have 57 days to shed the next 10. It won’t be easy but I’m determined to do it.

The train ride was two hours long and stopped at Phantom Lake, where we caught the sunset, before it returned to the train museum.

Photos below (or go to www.degutis.com/blog)

While on the Kishwaukee River (“The Kish”) it dawned on me that canoeing on our anniversary was apropos.

Canoeing, like a marriage, takes teamwork. One person can do all the paddling, but that wears a person down quickly. Sharing the work not only eases the burden, but can also speed things along.

Canoeing also requires a coordinated effort. If both people paddle on the same side of the canoe, it will veer to the other side. Getting to the destination requires teamwork.

Here are some photos from our canoe trip. Unfortunately, not pictured is the eagle that flew overhead.

What party?

Walla-Pa-Looza!

Walla-Pa-Looza was started by a guy that saw a need to party and raise money at the same time.

Walla-Pa-Looza is about good bands, good friends, good food, and a good cause.

Money raised at the event will benefit the American Cancer Society.

The event will be held at the Johnsburg Community Club, 2315 W. Church Street, Johnsburg, Illinois and will feature four live bands playing throughout the day:

• Blush
• Peter & The Versatiles
• Danny & The Devils
• Always Frantic

How much did you spend on Starbucks or other coffee this week?
A mere $5.00 donation gets you into Walla-Pa-Looza and kids under 12 are free.

Walla-Pa-Looza  runs from 2:00pm-11:00pm

In addition to the bands, there will be a 50/50 Raffle, Silent Auction, Ticket Raffle, Activities for the children and more Food and beverages will be provided for purchase on site.

For more information, or to make a donation at any time:
http://www.walla-pa-looza.org

Also, the organizers of the event received some sad news as seen in this week in the Northwest Herald, which just reinforces the need for your participation in this event to help it succeed:
Cancer fundraiser gets personal
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/07/29/r_ugziiy3grui2gbap3ch68w/

Pass this along to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers!

Thanks
Al

I’d like to add one more option: volunteering.

Judy has been a volunteer at the Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Store for over six months. Proceeds from The Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Stores help support the Home of the Sparrow McHenry County Interfaith Shelter Program.

Home of the Sparrow provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless women and children in northern Illinois. Home of the Sparrow’s mission is to empower individuals and families to eliminate homelessness, joblessness and hunger by teaching self-reliance, independence and self-discipline. The program goals and objectives of HOS specifically focus on individuals and families who were homeless and now participate in our program. Every facet of HOS’ program is designed to foster independence and teach life skills to help break the cycle that perpetuates homelessness.

Make a difference in someone’s life today by helping out this great organization, whether through a donation or volunteering your time.

Volunteer opportunities

Donate to Home of the Sparrow

~ Posted by Al Degutis