Without beating around the bush or wasting time with tired movie analogies, I’ll just come right out and tell you what happened this week: I got down to 201. This not only means the holiday bump is fer sure behind me, I even surpassed the pre-holiday low of 201.5 by an entire eight ounces.
That’s The Good. Before you applaud me for another job well done, I must go on record by saying this was not a good week. A glimpse of the raw data might explain why:
| Date | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 01/26/09 | 203.5 | 1974 |
| Tue 01/27/09 | 204.0 | 2856 |
| Wed 01/28/09 | 204.0 | 1691 |
| Thu 01/29/09 | 202.5 | 1546 |
| Fri 01/30/09 | 202.5 | 1689 |
| Sat 01/31/09 | 201.0 | 1342 |
| Sun 02/01/09 | 201.0 | n/a |
My BMR is supposed to be around 2,500. My calorie goal for a pound-a-week weight loss is 2,000. While Tuesday was a little high, the rest of the week was way under. So, yeah, of course I lost weight, but this was definitely not the way to do it. It’s a hollow victory, not unlike using a screwdriver to solve a Rubik’s cube.
So that’s The Bad. The ugly part is what I ate. I’d love to say all those low numbers were due to all the carrots and celery and spinach I ate. If that were the case, then this might not seem so bad. But no. I ate chips and cookies and Ramen noodles and Spaghetti-Os. (And not even the good kind of Spaghetti-Os, but a knock-off store brand who makes their pasta out of flour, eggs, water, and tin.)
My real problem? I drink too little water. I eat too much sodium. I don’t exercise. My road to Onederland isn’t exactly what I’d call a model for the masses. So if it’s not too late, I think I’ll make a New Month’s Resolution: do a little better. Not a lot better. But just a start. I mean, I’d like at least feel a modicum of pride when I finally do pass under the Gates of Onederland instead of a guy who cheated his way there.
| Day 189 | |
| Starting Weight | 224.0 |
| Current Weight | 201.0 |
| Change from Last Week | -2.5 |
| Lost So Far | 23.0 |
| Pounds To Go | 2.0 |
I just realized I didn’t update the “Current Weight” value last week. So if you’re going off last week’s report, it looks like I lost five pounds this week. I didn’t. This chart has passed Quality Control and was Inspected by #7.
Odds are by this time next week, I’ll have my first foot in Onederland. And, just to refresh everyone with the official definition of Onederland: I must weigh in an entire week at or below 199. That’s how I’ll prove I’m not just skirting it but have actually arrived. Hope to see you all there at the finish line. And tell your friends to come along too. There should be plenty of parking.
on February 2, 2009 at 7:28 am
As they say at the top of the Matterhorn, it’s not the journey, just that you got here. Charlie, what you are experiencing is life. Plain and simple with all the ups and downs that go along with chips, cookies and off brand Spaghetti-Os. Everyone of us falls somewhere in between what our diet should be and what it actually is. Celebrate the victory of dropping some weight and getting very very close to your goal.
For those about to rock, we salute you.
on February 2, 2009 at 7:30 am
You ate generic SpPaghettios? How could you? 🙂
I have been stuck at the -12 or -11 or -10 spot for months. I go up and down. -12 one day, -10 then next.
Hallie
on February 2, 2009 at 8:09 am
That’s my goal too this month. Just try a little better. I did do great with not eating crap on the food table at work, which is a HUGE siccess for me. I probably saved 10,000 just doing that alone!
I still think you are doing great because you are in the game and are aware of what you are doing.
on February 2, 2009 at 8:16 am
I am slowly but surely getting back down to my fighting weight this year by eating fewer calories and burning more with exercise. If that sounds familiar – think I read it in a diet book and/or blog somewhere….
As to drinking more, I am drinking more water and zero alcohol for the time being which may not actually slow the clock but sure makes the days SEEM like they are dragging at times.
Thanks for the blog company while we are all struggling together. Mystery (how/why we eat the ways we do) loves company!
on February 2, 2009 at 8:18 am
Deb: Wait a minute… wait… what’s this eating fewer calories and burning more with exercise thing you’re talking about?
on February 2, 2009 at 9:13 am
Knock off spaghettios? How dare you?!
Did you at least have buttered Wonder Bread toast with it?
on February 2, 2009 at 9:57 am
Hopefully you just got lucky last week (I know, and you’ll improve this week and really earn onederland! 🙂
on February 2, 2009 at 9:58 am
Um, hit submit too fast. I mean to say.. I know I’ve had some of those weeks, but I figure that they make up for the ones where I’m a perfect saint and gain 2 lbs.
on February 2, 2009 at 9:58 am
Here is hoping you are in Onederland next week!
on February 2, 2009 at 10:33 am
I think you did good Charlie. I am always 600-700 cals in deficit (with exercise)cos I can’t bear to be ONLY losing 1lb per week!
The main thing is to eat the right foods so you dont feel hungry. Not sure how you coped with such a carb attack as I always want to eat more if I eat too many processed carbs.
So what happens when you hit 199lbs? Is that your ideal weight now or your first goal ?
Tusc 😀
on February 2, 2009 at 11:07 am
Well I’m really happy for you Charlie even though it might not have been the best way to do it. You’re inspiring me and I need inspiration for two reasons:
1. I booked our vacation to the Caribbean and it’s exactly 3 months from yesterday that I’ll have to be in a bathing suit.
2. I just found out about these over the weekend and have been considering making them:
http://www.geekologie.com/2009/01/move_over_baconcheese_roll_the.php
http://www.geekologie.com/2008/12/pfft_hearts_are_overrated_anyw.php
Not that I’m trying to tempt you but I needed to share with someone who feels the same way I do about bacon.
on February 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Is 199 your ultimate goal, or just a short term one along the journey? I know I personally cant wait until I have it in sight!
on February 2, 2009 at 12:29 pm
199 is just the first stop on this tour. That still puts me 30 pounds over what I weighed less than eight years ago. 🙁
I don’t expect to ever get down there again, but I’m nowhere near done.
Sorry, folks. This blog will continue…
on February 2, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Cool Charlie. I need to lose another 30lbs too!! And of COURSE we are going to get there, we will do it together!! Chin up, chest out, and stop eating those Godamn chips!!!!!!!
Tusc 😉
on February 2, 2009 at 9:26 pm
You can do it! And get some exercise, even if it’s just a walk. I don’t want to be preachy, but it’s just from experience. You can do it do it do it do it!
on February 3, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Knock off spaghettios? Nummmmy!!!