60 Day Challenge - Week 9

 I am beyond disappointed. I was on vacation all this week except for today, that last day, December 31st. I ate whatever I wanted since last Monday. I had two or more sodas per day. Lot's of fried fish and no exercise. I always make time to run when I go to Virginia, but this trip I did not. It was cold and I didn't pack the right stuff to run in the mornings and failed to make time in the afternoons when it warmed up. I ended this year and this challenge at the HEAVIEST I've ever been in my life. When I first got on the scale this morning, I was 199.2 lbs. About a half hour later I stepped on the scale again and was 198.2 so who knows what the right number is. Either way though, I've never been this heavy. 

 I am starting this week where I was yesterday; 194lbs. But that's better than the 197 I hit last week. 

Day 57: December 27th

For breakfast, I had a bagel with butter and orange juice. For lunch, I had Indian food. I had butter chicken, tandoori wings, rice and naan. I also had a Mai Thai drink. For dinner, I had 10 garlic parmesan wings. I had a birthday cupcake from yesterday and a Coke.

For exercise, I did 25 air squats.

Day 58: December 28th 

For breakfast, I had a cupcake. For lunch, I had 3 slices of pizza. Pepperoni, Philly Cheese Steak and cheese along with a Coke. For dinner, I had fried fish, a crab cake and fried shrimp along with fries and 2 cokes. 

For exercise, I did 25 air squats. 

Day 59: December 29th

For breakfast,  had grits and eggs. For lunch I just had 2 cokes. For dinner, I had a fried fish po boy with fries and a drink called "Ship Faced".

For exercise, I did 25 air squats. 

Day 60: December 30th 

For breakfast, I had a homemade cinnamon roll. Lunch consisted of candy and 2 cokes. Dinner was Chicken Parmesan and pasta at an Italian restaurant on the drive home. 

I didn't exercise today. 

Day 61: December 31st

This morning is when I weighed in at my all-time heaviest...199.2. Talk about upset!

I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had a roast beef sandwich on a Kaiser roll with muenster cheese & horseradish sauce. For dinner, I had 8 pieces of sushi and a mini-Godzilla roll. I actually tried to run today, but only made it .87 miles before my legs felt like solid lead and my shins started to get sore. I walked the rest of the way home for a total of 1.64 miles...again, half of it I was able to run. As if this year couldn't have ended worse for my fitness. 

Signing off now, but I will post a new blog tomorrow.

60 Day Challenge - Week 8

 I am starting this week where I was yesterday; 194lbs. But that's better than the 197 I hit last week. 

Day 50: December 20th

For breakfast, I had a McDonald's Sausage McMuffin with egg and cheese. I also had the hash brown and an orange juice. I skipped lunch. I just wasn't hungry after eating breakfast. For dinner, we made chicken, beans and cheese tostadas. I also had grilled veggies to go with mine.

For exercise, I did 10 x 15lb curls and 10 x 15lb overhead presses.

Day 51: December 21st 

I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I had a roast beef, muenster cheese sandwich on an onion roll with horseradish sauce. For dinner, I cooked and made Tortellini with italian sausage. 

For exercise, I did a combo move with my 10 x 15lb curls but on the up position, I went straight into the overhead press. 

Day 52: December 22nd

I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had a grilled chicken sandwich from Chick Fil-a. For dinner we went out to eat at an Asian restaurant called Itto's. I had the Salmon & Tuna Poke bowl with water to drink. 

For exercise, I ran 5 miles. I had planned on running out 2.5 miles and then run/walking back. However, at the turnaround, I felt OK so I thought, let's go for 3. I kept feeling good at each half mile so I ended up running the whole way. It was definitely a confidence boost. 

Day 53: December 23rd

It is in the single digits today so I'm glad I ran yesterday. There was the lightest dusting outside. The interesting thing is that I've been rather sad lately. I know people get seasonal depression because it's cold and grey and gets dark early, but that never bothered me. I think my seasonal sadness is due to it being cold but no snow. I grew up in Minnesota so cold and grey is typical in the winters. I never knew any different. However, there was tons of snow so playing outside was fun. 

But then moved to Miami, then Austin, TX and then to Asheville. All had/have winters, but none really have the snow. Occasionally, Texas and North Carolina have some snow, but it's very limited and not very much. Interestingly, when there is a lot of snow, those are the days I feel the best. Leave it to me to have some weird version of seasonal sadness. 

Anyways...my weight this morning was 192.6. Last Friday, I had hit 197 and was really pissed. It was my fault though. Fast food twice a day sometimes. Lots of sodas. Lots of sweets. But this week, I reigned it back in and the results make me happy. I don't think I can lose weight during this 60 day challenge at this point, but hopefully, I will not gain any. But then again...what was I thinking trying to lose weight during November (Thanksgiving) and December (Christmas) when I love food and sweets?

I skipped breakfast this morning. I spent the morning wrapping presents, For lunch, I had leftover tortellini and sausage. For dinner, we ate in and made nut encrusted Salmon with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. I did have a glass of "spiked" eggnog with Maker's Mark Bourbon. 

For exercise, I did not run. My feet were a little sore from yesterday, but nothing too bad. It was always crazy cold and I did do 5 miles yesterday after having only run twice in the last two weeks. I did however lift my weights. 10 x 15lb dumbbell curls into a overhead press. 

Day 54: December 24th 

It's Christmas Eve! I know I'll eat a lot today with family coming over, baking, etc...but that's OK. It's Christmas and I'm not going to worry about it. I will do my best to limit the amount of sweets though. 

I skipped breakfast and for lunch I had a steak, a chicken and pork taco. For dinner, we went to Carrabba's and I had the Mahi Wolfe (fish) with garlic mashed potatoes. I also had a winter lager beer to drink and a slice or two of the bread with olive oil. 

At home, my wife baked so I did have cookies throughout the day, but I didn't go crazy. At night, opening presents with my kids who came over, I had an eggnog with bourbon.

I did not exercise. I thought about doing my weights earlier in the day but then I thought "I'll just do them tonight before bed.". I did not do them before bed. 

Day 55: December 25th

It's Christmas! I woke up and had a cup of hot chocolate to get in the spirit. 

For breakfast, my wife made hash browns, sausage links, French toast. For a late lunch, early dinner, we went to a Japanese Hibachi Grill where they cook at your table. I had the steak and chicken combo which comes with veggies, fried rice and a couple of shrimp. I did have a couple of cookies totday too.

Day 56: December 26th

Today, we drove to Virginia Beach. For breakfast, we stopped at a place called Biscuitville and I had a sausage and egg biscuit along with a hash brown and an orange juice. For lunch, we really just had snacks in the car and I had a Coke. For dinner, we celebrated my mother in-law's birthday with Mexican food. I had a carnitas burrito.

I have no scale here in Virginia so I have no idea where finished this week. For exercise, I did 25 air squats. 

60 Day Challenge - Week 7

Day 43: December 13th

I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had Moe's BBQ. I had the pulled pork platter with baked beans and potato salad. I had a Coke to drink. For dinner, We had homemade Chicken Pot Pie. I had water to drink. I didn't exercise today.

Day 44: December 14th

I was traveling today for work. I skipped breakfast. For lunch, the county I was in brought in Pizza Hut pizza. I had two slices of pepperoni and a slice of cheese. For dinner, I had McDonald's. I got a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a medium fries, medium Coke and a six count McNuggets with BBQ sauce. I didn't exercise today.

Day 45: December 15th

For breakfast, I had a Sausage McMuffin with egg and cheese, hash brown and an orange juice. For lunch, I had a Wendy's chicken Parm type sandwich with medium fries and a large Coke. I only wanted a medium. For dinner, I was finally back home and had leftover chicken pot pie. While driving, I forgot that I also had a bottle of Coke, an Almond Joy and a bag of peanut M&Ms.

Day 46: December 16th

After weeks of eating out and drinking SO MANY SODAS, I weighed in at 197 lbs today. 197!!! This was just about at where I hit when I was so mad at myself a year or so ago when I was 197.2 and I said enough was enough. And here I am again. This isn't a 60 day challenge to get more fit. All it's been is "how much crap can I eat". 

I am so frustrated with myself but it's a good experiment. I have been struggling with feeling sad. I've been feeling stressed and even overwhelmed at times with work. I've been traveling a lot so I'm on the road. I get home and I think I'll run or I'll workout, but I'm just so damn tired. In the morning, I think, let me run or workout now before the craziness starts...but it's cold, or it's raining, or I'm tired. It's just been one excuse after another. 

I'd love to just delete all of these weeks of posts for this 60 challenge as well as the last 100 Day Challenge. At least with that one, I did lose some weight. In two weeks, it'll be the end of December. As of now, I've gained 6 lbs during this 60 day challenge. Realistically, the best I can do in the next two weeks is to lose this six pounds and be even with where I began on November 1st. 

I skipped breakfast this morning. I had no appetite after stepping on the scale. For lunch, I had a piece of sourdough toast and a can of sardines (in water, not oil). I also had a protein shake about an hour later. For dinner, we of course got take out because that's what we always do on Friday nights. In fact, my wife and I had a spontaneous date night. We went out for Italian and I had a mushroom risotto with pulled chicken. We had two glasses of wine and we shared a really amazing dessert. It was a donut with cream, sugar and chocolate, which doesn't sound too amazing, but the way it was done was out of this world. 

Before going to bed, I did 10 x 15lb curls and 10 x 15lb overhead presses. My back felt OK. 

Day 47: December 17th 

I had a brunch today which was an english muffin with butter and an onion/cheese quiche. For dinner, I had taco bell which wasn't too bad. I just had 3 hard shell taco Supremes. I did have later at night while watching TV, two mini Cheerwine sodas and about 8 small Christmas cookies.

Before going to bed, I did 15 push ups which were way harder than they should have been. 

Day 48: December 18th

I woke up this morning and weighed in at 195.2. So the weight is starting to come up with some really simple tiny changes. It sure doesn't take much. Consistency is the key for me. 

For brunch, I had a slice of leftover onion/cheese quiche. Shortly after, my wife and I went for a 4.5 mile hike. For dinner, I went to Outback with my stepdaughter. We split Cheese Fries and I also got the Ahi Tuna and an Outback Blonde "Bloke" size beer. 

Day 49: December 19th

This morning I weighed in at 194lbs so feeling good that the weight is coming off. 

I skipped breakfast and for lunch I had a roast beef, muenster cheese sandwich on an onion roll with some horseradish sauce. For dinner, I had a Wendy’s grilled chicken sandwich, a jr. peppermint frosty and a mini-can of cheer wine. 

For exercise, I did 10 x 15lb curls and 10 x 15lb overhead presses.

60 Day Challenge - Week 6

Well, the good news is that today is day 3 of my back feeling better so I think I'll try some weights later tonight. I weighed in at 193 this morning. So weight is slowly coming back down after climbing like crazy for a few days in a row. I hate that I'm over 190 though. Obviously, I eat out way too much. This is my biggest problem. Sodas are the other aspect. I was doing OK for awhile when I was more local and I just got food at the fast food places and a bottle of water. But this whole challenge, I've been traveling and getting sodas out of sheer laziness to adjust the order. I need to eat more meals at home. I am considering that I eat breakfast at home on days I travel and skip lunch. That way, I'm only possibly eating out once per day instead of twice since we eat out pretty much every Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. That means I'm eating out 4 days per week and eating dinner at home only 3 nights per week. Not only is bad for weight loss, but it's expensive AF too! 

Day 36: December 6th

For breakfast, I had a banana and two slices of wheat toast with butter. For lunch, my wife brought me home the new Wagyu burger from Arby's along with crinkle fries and a Coke. For dinner, I had two hotdogs from Sam's Club.

I had some really good news today. Besides being my son's birthday, I also had my client run his military fitness test today. We've been working toward this for months now. He had to run a 10:20 for the 1.5 miles among other events. When we started, he was running a 10:45. Today, he passed his test with flying colors and ran a 9:45!

I personally, did not exercise.

Day 37: December 7th

I skipped breakfast. For lunch I went to Chick Fil-a and made good choices. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, fruit cup and a bottle of water. For dinner, I had homemade lasagna & 2 cups of water. I didn't exercise.

Day 38: December 8th

I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I had leftover lasagna, 2 cups of water and a serving of Rum Raisin ice cream. For dinner, I had more pecan encrusted salmon, brussels sprouts and stuffing and 2 cups of water.  I didn't exercise.

Day 39: December 9th

I skipped breakfast, had leftover lasagna for lunch and the Five Guys for dinner. I had the bacon cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate malt. I didn't exercise. 

Day 40: December 10th 

 I had homemade breakfast tacos and a cup of tea for breakfast. We then went for a 4 mile hike. On the way home, we stopped at McDonald's and I got a McRib, medium fries and a medium Coke. For dinner, I had salmon, broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes from Applebees.

Day 41: December 11th

For breakfast, I again made breakfast tacos. I skipped lunch and for dinner I had two steak tacos and a beer. After, I had a cupcake while celebrating my son's birthday (late since he just got home from college).

Day 42: December 12th

This morning I woke up and went for a run! Well, I did a walk/run combination for 1.64 miles. I had to walk 5 or 6 times but at least I got up and tried. My legs felt like let at about 3/4 of a mile. I then had a protein shake for breakfast, a Big Mac, medium fries and a medium Coke for lunch. For dinner, I had a  chicken sandwich from Sonic and water to drink. 

60 Day Challenge - Week 5

This is the start of week 5 and I have gained weight...AGAIN. I started this challenge at 191.0lbs and I'm (as of today, Nov. 22nd) 194.2lbs. I'm seriously pissed. I haven't been active other than some hikes. My back as been really sore. I keep thinking it'll get better, but it's not. I'm also depressed so I'm eating like a frickin' toddler. 

Day 29: November 29th

My weight this morning was 193.8. I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had a McRib, medium fries and a medium Coke. For dinner, I was much better and had Fried Tilapia (2 filets), couscous and lima beans. Water to drink. 

Day 30: November 30th

I woke up this morning and weighed 193.8. I skipped breakfast. I was on the road for work today. For lunch, I had a McDonald's Quarter Pounder w/Cheese, medium fries and medium Coke. For dinner, we made tacos at home,  salad and chips and guacamole from the grocery store.

Day 31: December 1st

This is the last month before the new year. I know I said it a bunch during the 100 Day Challenge and I've been saying it this whole time in the 60 Day Challenge. I have to focus. I'm not running, so I eat crap because I'm depressed. Then, because I'm depressed, I eat even more crap and I continue to not run. It's a vicious cycle. I'm tired of being this weight. I'm tired of my back hurting. I don't know what I did to it, unless it was during one of my weight workouts. Maybe I bent wrong? Arched my back wrong? Who knows. The point is....hurt back or not, I have to be more active and I have to stop eating crap. My 60 Challenge has been a joke so far in regards to progress. I'm really going to try and bring this home and finish the challenge with losing weight so I'm below where I finished the 100 Day Challenge, which was 189.2. My Goal now is to get to 185lbs by December 31st.

I had a banana for breakfast and for lunch I had 3 tacos at a restaurant. One chicken, one pork and one steak. I had a Coke to drink. For dinner I made Jambalaya with shrimp and sausage. I had water to drink but I did have a mini-Coke in the evening watching T.V. 

My back was feeling better so I started to do my weights. I did the bench and some arm curls. By the time I got to the overhead press, my back was really hurting so I stopped. Too much too soon I guess. Going to bed was awful! I was in so much pain.

Day 32: December 2nd 

I had a banana for breakfast. For lunch, I was treated to a Jimmy John's sub at work. I got a regular sized John Wayne which is roast beef. I just had water to drink. For dinner, my wife brought home Chick Fil-a. I had a Coke, large fries and a large Coke. She didn't realize I only get the medium size combo. 

I didn't do any exercise for fear of making my back worse. 

Day 33: December 3rd

 I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had a banana and two pieces of whole wheat toast with butter. There's not much in the house right now.

I did not exercise. My back is still wonky. 

Day 34: December 4th

Today I made a breakfast taco for breakfast. Just a scrambled egg on a tortilla with some salsa and taco sauce. I didn't have any cheese. For lunch I had a whopper with cheese, onion rings and a Coke. For dinner, I had take out from Fatz Cafe. I ordered the one pound of baby back ribs in the Kentucky Bourbon sauce and had rice pilaf for my side. I was supposed to get baked beans too, but they forgot them. I had a mini-Coke after dinner. 

I will add that my back didn't hurt today. So that's a good sign. 

Day 35: December 5th

I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I stopped at a McDonald's and got the two cheeseburger meal, medium fries and a Coke. I was traveling for work again today. For dinner, I had Popeye's. I had the chicken sandwich, medium fries and a Coke. 

No exercise but this is day two of my back not bothering me. Maybe tomorrow I'll ease into some light weights and see how it goes. 

60 Day Challenge - Week 4

Here's the start of week 4 and I have gained weight. I started at 191lbs and I'm (as of today) 192.4lbs. 

Too much wine and beer in the last couple of days I suppose. Not to mention fast food and no or little exercise. I'm still feeling really good about my workout last night. So much so, I want to workout again. But I will not. I'll wait until Wednesday to give my muscles some time to recover. 

Day 22: November 22nd

This morning, I skipped breakfast and instead had a bagel with butter and a protein shake for lunch. I know it sounds like breakfast food, but it was 11:30 a.m. when I finally ate. For dinner, my step-daughter made an avocado, egg, spam, rice dish. I just had water to drink. 

Day 23: November 23rd

I skipped breakfast and had a crumpet for lunch thinking that I'd find something else to eat. I ended up getting busy with work and "forgot" to eat. For dinner we had to go out because the chicken I was going to cook was past it's freeze by date. So we ordered pizza hut. I had two slices of thin crust sausage and a cinnamon stick w/frosting.

Day 24: November 24th

Today is Thanksgiving! I went for a 5K run (on my own) because I was too tired to get up early and go to the local Turkey Trot. It actually felt good to run again. Lately I just haven't had any motivation to run or workout. Maybe it's the holidays. Maybe it's the time change. Who knows, but it did feel good to be out again.

As for food...not my best day. I only had a protein shake around noon. We then went to see Wakanda Forever and I had popcorn, raisinets and a Vanilla Coke. When we got home, I went for the above mentioned run and then we had dinner. We had a turkey tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, acorn squash, jellied cranberry (the good kind of cranberry at Thanksgiving), rolls and a salad. I didn't have any rolls or salad. I did have a small slice of pumpkin pie and small slice of carrot cake.

For exercise, I did start the day with a 4 mile hike at the NC Arboretum, taking Hard Times to Owl Ridge, cutting down Rocky Cove Road and heading back to the parking lot via Bent Creek Road. 

Day 25: November 25th

I skipped breakfast and had leftovers for lunch. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing & a little turkey tenderloin. For dinner, I had the same. I did take a hike around Lake Powhatan which is about 1.6 miles.

Day 26: November 26th

I skipped breakfast today and for lunch had a Gator Cuban sandwich with bay seasoned fries and a bottle of water. For dinner I had Kentucky Fried Chicken. I had the two piece (breast and wing) with coleslaw. I didn't eat the biscuit. I also had a Mountain Dew. 

While at the mall, Christmas shopping, I had a Great American Cookie Company chocolate chip Double Doozie with a Coke.

For exercise I did hike almost 4 miles (3.8) on a trail to an old homestead ruin; The Rattlesnake Lodge. 

Day 27: November 27th

I skipped breakfast today. Had just a croissant for lunch as I wasn't hungry at all. For dinner, I had a crab cake sandwich and potatoes at home with water to drink. 

Day 28: November 28th

Today was rough. I had to be on the road at 6 a.m. to travel for work. I worked all day and then had a 2 hour drive home so it was late when I got back. I got a sausage Mcmuffin, hash brown and Orange Juice for breakfast. For lunch I had Pho Soup....Thai soup of some kind with beef broth, beef & noodles. For dinner, I had a coke and 10 Chicken nuggets. No fries. 

60 Day Challenge - Week 3

While the election is over, this week has been/will be all about getting ready to present the final results. We call this 10 day period after Election Day "Canvass'. 

Day 15: November 15th

I skipped breakfast and had a McDonald's 2 cheeseburger meal with fries and a Coke for lunch. For dinner, I had a bowl of homemade chili with cheese and some homemade bread w/butter. 

For exercise, I did my weight routine. 2 sets of  10 for Overhead press, curls, side and front arm raises.

Day 16: November 16th

I skipped breakfast and had leftover chili for lunch. Dinner was homemade salmon and potatoes. I didn't do any exercise. 

Day 17: November 17th

I had a McDonald's sausage, egg and cheese McMuffin with a hash brown and orange juice for breakfast. I basically skipped lunch although I did have a Snickers bar and a Coke while driving. For dinner I had Zaxby's for dinner. I ate the 5 fingers chicken plate with fries and a Coke. However the Coke was really bad tasting so I dumped it out. Only had a few sips. Guess the Universe is telling me I've been doing HORRIBLE on cutting out sodas during this challenge. I didn't do any exercise today. 

Day 18: November 18th

Today was Canvass. This is the day we certify the election results as being accurate and officially announce the winners. 

I had a McDonald's sausage, egg and cheese McMuffin with a hash brown and orange juice for breakfast again. My plan was to skip lunch but instead I had a Dairy Queen cheeseburger, fries, medium Coke and a hot fudge sundae. Talk about a 180 turn in my decision! For dinner, I tried to offset the lunch disaster and had a small piece of salmon, a couple of asparagus (not a big fan) and a small bottle of Sprite. I didn't do any form of exercise. 

Day 19: November 19th

Today is exactly 6 weeks left until December 31st! I have not been doing very well for the first 18 days of this challenge. I have been a little better on doing my weights, but my running has been non-existent. I need to get focused. 

I actually slept in today...first time in what feels like forever....and woke up really hungry. I had a crumpet with butter and then a cinnamon raisin bagel with butter shortly after. I skipped lunch today and instead went for a 4 mile hike with my wife. We have a date planned for tonight. It's the end of Nurse Practitioner Week and the end of my election season so I wanted to do something nice for her. I feel like I haven't been home and able to do stuff with her in what feels like forever so I want to make it up to her. 

    Update to Nov. 19th

For dinner, we went to a restaurant in Black Mountain called Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails. I had mashed sweet potatoes and venison. In the past, I've not liked venison as it always tasted very gamey to me. But I was trying to go out of comfort zone and try "new" things. It was really good and tender. I've since read that if it's cooked right, it shouldn't taste gamey. Good job chef! I also had a mixed drink at the bar and then 2 glasses of wine with dinner. We got a bottle to celebrate.

Day 20: November 20th

Today is 6 weeks until January 1st. I really need to get serious. I haven't even lost any weight since I started this 60 day challenge. 

I ate a late breakfast today...about 11:30 a.m. and had a bagel with butter and two strips of bacon. I didn't eat a lunch since breakfast was so late. For dinner, I went a little crazy. We went to Carabba's and I had the Trio with lasagna, chicken parmesan and fettuccine Alfredo and a Blue Moon beer.

Day 21: November 21st 

I skipped breakfast today. I was rather busy and so I only had a crumpet and a protein shake for lunch. For dinner, I had a Sonic double cheeseburger, tots and a medium Coke (which was all ice so I don't feel too guilty about it).

Tonight, I actually did a full workout. I did two sets of each exercise and 10 reps each. I used my wife's exercise ball as a bench and did bench press followed by bent over rows. I then did arm curls and triceps extensions. Next, I did side and front raises. That covered my upper body. For my lower body, I tried to do deadlifts but my form wasn't good at all because I've been having some back pain so they turned into more of squat like exercise. Overall, the workout didn't take long at all and I felt good for having done it.

60 Day Challenge - Week Two

It's Election Day! 

My last crazy day hopefully. Typically, the ten days during Canvass are pretty calm. Everything with this election should be wrapped up on November 18th. However, once today is over, I will have no excuses not to run and workout as I plan.

Day 8: November 8th

I skipped breakfast today. I was up at 5 a.m. after working until 10:45 last night. I was home by 11 p.m. but went straight to bed. I had pizza 2 slices of pizza for lunch from Papa John's, and another slice for dinner, courtesy of the county I was assisting. I did not esxercise.

Day 9: November 9th

Woke up this morning totally exhausted! I could have slept all day but it was back to work. For breakfast, I had a piece of toast with butter. For lunch, I had a deli sliced chicken sandwich with mayo on Keto bread, which actually wasn't bad at all. Sometimes, "healthy" breads taste like dry cardboard. For dinner, I made spaghetti and meatballs and had a beer. I did eat 3 Oreos and a couple of pieces of Halloween candy. 

Day 10: November 10th

Woke up this morning more awake but still really tired. I think 3 weeks of late nights and non-stop work just wiped me out. So needless to say, I didn't run. So far, I've only run once during this challenge and that was the first day. However, I did use my weights. I did arm curls, overhead presses and front and side raises. 

Anyway, I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had leftover spaghetti and meatballs. For dinner, we had an Aldi cauliflower crust veggie pizza and a cauliflower crust pepperoni pizza. I had 2 slices of peperoni and 2 slices of veggie. They aren't that big. I have had a lot of chocolate covered donut holes today. Probably about 10. I really need my wife to stop buying snacks. 

Day 11: November 11th

I skipped breakfast this morning and had a McRib combo meal with fries and a medium Coke for lunch. For dinner I had an eight piece sushi deluxe plate from a Japanese restaurant in town. 2 Tuna, 2 salmon, 2 yellowtail and I'm not sure what the other fish was, but it was really good. I didn't exercise.

Day 12: November 12th

I skipped breakfast today. For lunch, I met my daughter and her boyfriend for wings and a beer. For dinner, I had a steak burrito from Chipotle with black beans, white rice, cheese and Guacamole.

For exercise, I did two sets of my weights. 10 x 20 lbs for Curls & overhead presses, and 10 x 5lbs side and front raises. 

Day 13: November 13th

I skipped breakfast and had Popeye's for lunch. I had the chicken sandwich, fries and a Coke plus 4 chocolate beignets. For dinner I had a grilled chicken sandwich from Wendy's. No fries. Cheerwine to drink. 

For exercise today, my wife and I took a short hike around a lake. 1.5 miles give or take. 

Day 14: November 14th

For breakfast, I had two pieces of toast with butter. For lunch I had 2 slices of leftover pizza from last Thursday. Dinner was a grilled chicken sandwich from Chick Fil-a and a bottle of Cheerwine to drink. No exercise today.

60 Day Challenge - Week 1

Well, here I go again...even though the first week of November is super chaotic with work, I liked the sound of a 60 Day challenge so here we go. I started on November 1st and will finish on December 31st.

My 100 day challenge went OK. I did lose weight, just not as much as I had hoped. I lost 7.4 lbs and went from 197.2 to 189.8. I am starting this challenge (post birthday and Halloween) at 191 lbs. Which is still 6.2 lbs less than I was originally. 

I worked seven days this week and a ton of hours so I didn't exercise at all except for the first day. I ate like trash because I was on the road all the time. If not all day, for most of it. 

Day 1: November 1st

I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I went to Subway and had a 6" garlic chicken sub on white bread and a bottle of water to drink. for dinner, I had a small bowl of pasta. I got home at 9 p.m. and had a ton of nervous energy so I went for a run. I ran 2.4 miles and it felt really good!

Day 2: November 2nd

I skipped breakfast. I went to McDonald's for lunch and had the two cheeseburger meal with medium fries and a bottle of water. For dinner, I went to a Mexican restaurant and had a steak taco, chicken taco and pork taco. I had some chips and bean dip too. I had several pieces of Halloween candy (3 to be exact). I didn't do any exercise.

Day 3: November 3rd

I skipped breakfast. I went to McDonald's for lunch and had the McRib meal with medium fries and a Coke. For dinner, I had a Culver's cheeseburger, onion rings and an Oreo shake. I didn't exercise.

Day 4: November 4th

I skipped breakfast. I had an Arby's roast beef sandwich, crinkle fries and a medium Coke for lunch. I also went to Dairy Queen and had a banana split. Later that night at home, I had a beer. Not my best day. I was just really stressed. I didn't exercise either.

Day 5: November 5th

I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I tried to offset yesterday by eating lunch at home. I had some deli sliced chicken, so I had a sandwich w/mayo and some potato chips. For dinner, I was back at McDonald's for a 2 cheeseburger meal with fries and a medium Coke. Still not exercise, but surely work counts for something. 

Day 6: November 6th

For breakfast I had 2 eggs, 2 pieces of toast, bacon and apple cider. I skipped lunch. For dinner, I was driving back really late and got a McRib, fries and a Sprite from McDonalds. I did not exercise.

Day 7: November 7th

I had a sausage and egg biscuit from Hardees. I skipped lunch. For dinner, I had a Burger King chicken sandwich, onion rings and a medium Coke. I got home around 10:45 pm and went straight to bed. I had to be up at 5:00 a.m. on the 8th for Election Day.

100 Day Challenge: The Final Three Days!

Well, it's week 15 but there's only 3 days that actually wrap up the 100 Day Challenge. Again, not as much weight as I wanted to lose, but I have not been consistent at all with exercise. I was not consistent with eating better either. 

This morning, I weighed in at 189.8 lbs. I was down to 186 last Wednesday but I knew the weekend and having company over would nix some of that progress. Hopefully, I will get back to there by this Wednesday, but not matter, what I've lost weight during the challenge!

I did learn, that just trying to add some exercise and trying to eat better most of the time did help. I managed to lose 7.4lbs during this 100 day challenge so far. 

Day 99: Monday, October 24th

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast. 

Lunch: I was traveling for work....again...so I had a bottle of water and Chick Fil-A grilled chicken sandwich. No fries. I did have 2 mini-Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at the county I went to but I managed to skip the offered donut at the other one...so WIN! LOL

Dinner: I got back into town late so went through Burger King and got a whopper junior, onion rings and small Coke. I also had 2 Oreo cookies & a scoop of vanilla & chocolate ice cream. I don’t know what happened. I just had to be good two days and yet I went crazy tonight. Maybe boredom. Maybe stress. I don’t know.  

Exercise: I missed my morning run. I actually woke up to the alarm but having worked all weekend, I was just so tired. I know. It's an excuse. But I must have needed it. Usually, I am awake and instead of running, I'm just laying there. This morning though, I actually fell back asleep. 

Day 100: Tuesday, October 25th

I woke up this morning and weighed in at 189.2 lbs. A total weight loss of 8 lbs. I may weigh a little less tomorrow. I may not. We'll see...but 8 lbs isn't too bad considering I really didn't do much to earn that win. I mean honestly...go back and look. I didn't exercise that much, I ate out a lot and a lot of was fast food too. 

Breakfast: I had two pieces of sourdough toast with butter. Not sure why, but I was hungry this morning. 

Lunch: I had two quarter pound hot dogs on buns with sauerkraut and spicy mustard.

Dinner: We made salmon, brussels sprouts & stuffing for dinner. I just had water to drink. 

Exercise: I didn't run this morning. I was on call early. But in a last ditch effort, I did do 10 x 20lb curls, overhead presses, dumbbell deadlifts and dumbbell squats. I also did 10 x 5lb front and side raises. 

END OF THE 100 DAY CHALLENGE: Wednesday, October 26th

Start of Challenge: 197.2 lbs

End of Challenge: 189.8

Total Weight Lost: 7.4 lbs

After a full 100 days I lost a total of 7.4 lbs. 

Thoughts: "100 Day Challenge" does sound good, but I think it's too long to truly stay motivated. 100 days made me think, "I can have this treat because I have plenty of time to make up for it." or "I can not workout today because there's plenty of time." I'm going to do a new challenge beginning November 1st. A 60 Day Challenge that'll take me to the New Year!  But more than just weight loss, this challenge will have physical goals too. Stay tuned. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Fourteen Complete

  

Day 92: Monday, October 17th

Breakfast: I was hungry this morning so I had a banana. 

Lunch: Crunch peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich on wheat

Dinner: Chick Fil-a grilled chicken sandwich and a Reese's peanut butter ghost

Exercise: I was on call early this morning so I didn't get to run before work. 

Day 93: Tuesday, October 18th

We had company come into town this week and they are staying until Sunday. I'm afraid my last week's effort is in jeopardy!

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: BLT and potato chips

Dinner: Spaghetti and meatballs

Exercise: n/a

Day 94: Wednesday, October 19th - ONE WEEK LEFT IN THE CHALLENGE

This morning I weighed in at 186! I was so happy and motivated for this last week!

Breakfast: Banana

Lunch: leftover spaghetti and meatballs

Dinner: I had 2 quarter pound Nathan's hot dogs on buns, ravioli, a small glass of white wine, a mini-sprite and 3 Pillsbury Halloween sugar cookies.

Exercise: 20 Push ups

Day 95: Thursday, October 20th

Breakfast: skip

Lunch: A slice of meat lover's pizza, a small slice of carrot cake and Coke Zero

Dinner: I made Teriyaki Chicken w/Broccoli and an Asian salad (kit). I had a glass of white wine with dinner. 

Exercise: 30 Squats

Day 96: Friday, October 21st

Breakfast:  Skip

Lunch: Wendy's classic single with bottle of water

Dinner: Outback Steakhouse Prime Rib Sandwich and cheese fries. I had water to drink. I also had two Oreo cookies and 4 Lindt chocolates. 

Exercise: n/a

Day 97: Saturday, October 22nd

I feel like I did OK for most of the week until today. Today was a train wreck. 

Breakfast: Oatmeal

Lunch: Chick Fil-a sandwich (breaded) combo w/ medium fries and a Coke Zero. We then went to a retro arcade where I had a Coke and Nachos and Cheese...the fake cheese/sauce stuff.

Dinner: McDonald's 10 Piece Chicken Nuggets w/BBQ sauce, medium fries and a medium Coke, but I only took a few sips and them dumped it out. I did however, later have 2 Oreo cookies and then went to the movies and had popcorn and a medium Coke which I did drink all of at Black Adam...Which was amazing btw...!

Exercise: n/a

Day 98: Sunday, October 23rd

Breakfast: Oatmeal

Lunch: Skip - I wasn't really hungry. I was working this morning, but I worked yesterday too and I was eating all day. 

Dinner: After the hike mentioned below, my wife and I went to a greek restaurant. We shared stuffed grape leaves and I had the lamb Gyro with a side of potato salad. I also had a water and a Mythos beer

Exercise: Took a hike on Deerfield Loop in the evening. Actually got to see 3 deer too which was fun. We finished in the dark which was ever so slightly unnerving because it was hard to see the trail. But we know it well enough we weren't going to get lost. Just tripping hazards is all. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Thirteen Complete

 Well, Didn't make much progress last week. Basically I just held steady. I weighed in this morning at 190.6 lbs. I think I actually gained .2 since last week but I'd have to look back to be sure. Overall, I've lost weight during this 100 day challenge. Just not as much as I had hoped. But again, if you look back over the 12 other posts so far, you can see I haven't really been good about sticking to eating better, working out or anything else for that matter. Trying to diet during election season when I'm traveling, exhausted, and trying to keep my head above water was not the best time for this challenge, but oh well. 

I started today off at 190.6 (mentioned above) and I actually got up and went for a 2 mile run. It actually felt good. Not very fast, but nothing hurt and it's been two weeks probably since I ran last. I have been hiking a lot instead of running, but I just don't feel like it's a great workout for me. 

Day 85: Monday, October 10th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Chicken sandwich on wheat w/mayo

Dinner:  Popeye's chicken sandwich, fries and a medium Coke

Exercise: Ran in the a.m. before work. 2 miles easy. Felt good actually. I ran the whole way. Last time I ran, I walked the last quarter mile. 

Day 86: Tuesday, October 11th

Breakfast: skip

Lunch:   McDonald's fish sandwich, fries and a medium Coke

Dinner: Ordered Chinese food. Got chicken and mixed veggies with white rice and an egg roll. I had a mini-Coke to drink.

Exercise: 1.64 mile fartlek in the a.m. before work.

Day 87: Wednesday, October 12th

Only two weeks until the end of my 100 Day Challenge! Wow, it's coming up fast. 

Breakfast: skip

Lunch: I had a crunchy peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich on wheat

Dinner: Tonight, i made butternut squash ravioli with a pumpkin butternut squash sauce. I also made veggies and bread. I had water to drink but later had a mini-Coke to drink.

Exercise: n/a

Day 88: Thursday, October 13th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Chicken tenders, mac & cheese, a biscuit and a bottle of water

Dinner: Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich and a mini-Coke

Exercise: 1.64 mile tempo run - fastest time this year for this course!! I started out thinking I'd do another fartlek, but when I got to the point where I was going to slow down, I felt really good, so I went farther, then farther and I just kept pushing the whole way. It was such a great feeling! 

Day 89: Friday, October 14th

Breakfast: skip    

Lunch: PB & J on wheat with water to drink

Dinner: BBQ Ribs, baked potato, cole slaw and a beer

Exercise: Easy two miles

Day 90: Saturday, October 15th

Breakfast: PB & J w/Honey on wheat

Lunch: Cheeseburger, tots, pork rines and a beer

Dinner: I was super full from lunch and just had a Coke around dinner time. I had no appetite at all.

Exercise: Hiked 1.5 miles at Max Patch.

Day 91: Sunday, October 16th - ONLY 10 DAYS REMAINING

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Arby's prime rib cheesesteak w/crinkle fries and a small Coke

Dinner: Beef w/mushrooms from a Chinese restaurant

Exercise: Today was supposed to be a long run day, but I had a ton of things on my to do list and my back was hurting for some reason. I raked, mowed, did laundry, took the car for an oil change and inspection, changed out 2 old register diffusers and replaced a toilet seat. Not of it was hard labor per say but I was definitely going non-stop all day dealing with projects and my honey-do list.

In addition, this was the first week all year...possibly in several years...that I ran four times in a single week. My ego really wanted to run a long run, but I think the universe was looking out for me. It's good to ramp up mileage slowly. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Twelve Complete

Woke up today, at 191.8. Not sure what I ate yesterday that caused me to gain weight overnight but whatever. I was under 190 for a couple of days last week. I'll stick to the plan and try to run more this week which will be very tough. I can at least to weights, push ups, etc... to be active. 

Day 78: Monday, October 3rd

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Had a candy bar for lunch. Today was INSANE. A salted nut roll it was called. 

Dinner:  Chick Fil-A for dinner. Had the grilled chicken sandwich with mayo, medium fries and a water. 

Exercise: n/a

Day 79: Tuesday, October 4th

Breakfast:  skip

Lunch:  Candy bard and an apple for lunch. Another crazy day. 

Dinner: We went to the movies so I was bad. I had a Hard Cider, a burger and fries, popcorn & raisinets. 

Exercise: n/a

Day 80: Wednesday, October 5th

Breakfast: English muffin w/butter

Lunch: McDonald's 2 Cheeseburger meal w/medium fries and a Coke

Dinner: Salmon and rice + Spam and rice sushi thing...Musubi

Exercise: n/a

Day 81: Thursday, October 6th

Breakfast: English muffin w/butter

Lunch: Turkey sandwich on wheat bread w/mayo

Dinner: I made Spaghetti and meatballs and a Caesar salad. I had water to drink. Later, I had a mini-Coke watching She-Hulk.

Exercise: n/a

Day 82: Friday, October 7th

Breakfast: skip

Lunch: Godfather's meat lover's pizza with a bottle of water

Dinner: Cheeseburger and tater tots w/water to drink

Exercise: 10 x 20lb curls & overhead press + 10 x 5lb front & side raises

Day 83: Saturday, October 8th

Breakfast: English muffin w/butter

Lunch: 10 Wings in sweet/spicy sauce w/water to drink. Had a mini-Coke later.

Dinner:  Cheeseburger and tater tots with water to drink. 

Exercise: 20 Push Ups

Day 84: Sunday, October 9th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Steak taco, lamb gyro taco and a Coke. Also had some chips and queso.

Dinner: Spam and egg musubi (1) and Spam Musubi (3) and a Coke

Exercise: 4 mile hike to see 2 waterfalls at Graveyard Fields

100 Day Challenge: Week Eleven Complete

Today, Monday, September 25th marks 30 days remaining in my 100 day challenge. I have to be honest. I want to just scrap the whole thing and start over. I mean, I have lost 6 pounds...but honestly, I had lost that really quickly. Since then, I've been having sodas...sweets here and there...and not doing a good job avoiding fast food or at least making good choices. I'd say in all honesty, I'm probably about 50/50 when it comes to making good choices at fast food places. Getting sodas and fries is where I usually fail in trying to avoid fried/greasy foods. My weight keeps yo-yoing between 189.6 and 192. 

Early on in the challenge, I did get down to 188.2 but then I went on vacation and got a little off track. But rather than get back on track, I just kept eating like I was still on vacation. Work has been crazy, but let's be honest, that's just an excuse. Going through McDonald's drive-thru rather than going into Subway just another block down is a choice. That has nothing at all to do with how crazy work is or isn't. 

I'm going to see this challenge through. I think it actually paints a pretty good picture of what we tell ourselves are the reasons we don't exercise more or do better. I am definitely (I know I've said this all before...) make a real effort to finish strong. 

Starting weight at beginning of challenge: 197.2

Starting weight going into last 30 days: 191.4.

Weight loss in 70 days: 5.8lbs

Day 71: Monday, September 26th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Leftovers - chicken broccoli stir fry with white rice and a glass of water.

Dinner:  Chick Fil-A chicken deluxe sandwich and fries. I only ordered the sandwich...no fried and no drink...but opened the bag, and there were fries. Oh well. I was good at lunch so should be OK. 

Exercise: I didn't work out today. I had planned to go for a run all this week but then dinner, errands, work, etc...all happened. It's also getting dark earlier. I know. All excuses. RUN IN THE FRICKIN' DARK IF YOU HAVE TO!

Day 72: Tuesday, September 27th

This morning was great! I finally broke through 190. I was 189.8! 

Breakfast:  2 pieces of sourdough w/butter

Lunch:  Campbell's Chicken & Sausage Gumbo soup

Dinner: Salmon w/Brussel sprouts & cous-cous

Exercise: 10 x 25 lb curls & 10 x 20lb overhead presses + 10 x 5 lb front raises and then side raises

Day 73: Wednesday, September 28th

Woke up this morning and I was 189.6! Feeling optimistic again. 

Breakfast: 2 pieces of sourdough w/butter

Lunch: Hardee's grilled chicken club sandwich and a bottle of water

Dinner: Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich and a bottle of water plus when I got home I had a bowl of chili w/cheese that my wife had cooked.

Exercise: n/a

Day 74: Thursday, September 29th

I feel like I'm getting back on track! I woke up today and was 189.2! I love being under 190lbs. My stomach is much flatter and my shirts fit better. Can't wait to get below 180. 

Breakfast: skip

Lunch: Subway's foot long Great Garlic chicken sandwich on white bread. 

Dinner: I cooked and made a lemon-pepper breaded tilapia, spaetzle and a salad with feta cheese, apple slices and walnuts.

Exercise: n/a

Day 75: Friday, September 30th

Hurricane Ian hit Florida yesterday is making it's way up to here in NC. 

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Roast beef sandwich and a coke from the grocery store

Dinner: Outback Steak House. I had the small ribeye, loaded baked potato and seasonal mixed veggies. I also had some cheese fries and a large Outback Blonde beer

Exercise: n/a

Day 76: Saturday, October 1st

Breakfast: skip

Lunch: 10 Mcnuggets w/bbq sauce and a coke

Dinner:  Pulled pork taco and a shredded beef taco

Exercise: 10 x 20lb dumbbells for curls and overhead press. 10lb dumbbells for side and front raises. I also ran 2 miles and hiked 3.9 miles earlier in the day. 

Day 77: Sunday, October 2nd

Breakfast: skip

Lunch: Leftover chili and cheese

Dinner: Got chinese food. Had white rice, egg roll and honey chicken (breaded like sweet and sour chicken, but with honey)

Exercise: 10 x 10lb front and side raises + 20 push ups

100 Day Challenge: Week Ten Complete

 I started this week at 190 lbs.

Day 64: Monday, September 19th

Breakfast: I skipped breakfast.

Lunch: Not really hungry so I had some leftover caprese salad, a banana and a piece of sourdough toast with butter. 

Dinner:  I was on the road tonight for work so I stopped at Chick Fil-A and got a Chicken sandwich (breaded), medium fries and a medium Coke Zero...which I only took a few sips of and then dumped it out. 

Exercise: 12 x 20lb dumbbells - Curls and Overhead Presses

Day 65: Tuesday, September 20th

Breakfast: 1 Strawberry pop-tart because my wife wanted to get rid of the box. 

Lunch:  Campbell's Sirloin Burger soup

Dinner: Spinach, goat cheese pasta

Exercise: 12 x 20lb dumbbells - Curls and Overhead Presses

Day 66: Wednesday, September 21st

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: McDonald's Quarter Pounder w/Cheese and a bottle of water. No fries.

Dinner: 4 tacos, refried beans, chips and salsa and guacamole plus a salad.

Exercise: 

Day 67: Thursday, September 22nd

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Burger King chicken sandwich, onion rings and a Coke

Dinner: Chicken kabobs, roasted veggies and roasted potato salad with water to drink

Exercise: 12 x 20lb dumbbells - Curls and Overhead Presses

Day 68: Friday, September 23rd

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: 2 slices of Domino's pizza - veggie and pepperoni and a Coke

Dinner: Cheeseburger and french fries, Pisgah Pale Ale beer

Exercise: 12 x 20lb dumbbells - Curls and Overhead Presses + 10 x 5lb dumbbells front raises and side raises

Day 69: Saturday, September 24th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Pulled pork BBQ, chicken and ribs with baked beans and a Coke

Dinner: Popeye's Chicken Sandwich and 3 chocolate beignets with a White Zombie beer to drink. 

Exercise: Hiked for 2 hours 

Day 70: Sunday, September 25th

Breakfast: Two breakfast tacos with eggs, cheese and sausage

Lunch: Skipped lunch since I ate breakfast

Dinner: Chicken & Broccoli stir fry (home made)

Exercise: 2 hour walk along the river on the greenways

100 Day Challenge: Week Nine Complete

 

Day 57: Monday, September 12th

I was on the road today. ALL day I was traveling so I ate like garbage. I could have skipped the sodas but I felt like I needed the sugar jolt with all the driving. I probably didn't but just told myself I did to justify it. 

Breakfast: Skipped

Lunch: 2 Cheeseburger meal w/fries and medium Coke

Dinner:  KFC 2 piece meal with breast/wing, coleslaw and medium Mountain Dew

Exercise: N/A

Day 58: Tuesday, September 13th

Breakfast: Skipped Breakfast

Lunch: Reuban sandwich w/onion rings and a bottle of water. I helped one of my counties out with a project and they gave me an "ooey gooey butter cake" as a thank you. I had several squares of it. 

Dinner: Indian spiced chicken breast from Trader Joe's, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and a salad.

Exercise: N/A

Day 59: Wednesday, September 14th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Diary Queen cheeseburger, fries, medium Pepsi and a hot fudge sundae

Dinner: We went to the Mountain State Fair tonight so I didn't even try to be good. I had an Italian sausage with peppers and onions, 1/2 of a giant meatball on a stick, half an Elephant Ear, a Cinnabon cinnamon roll and a chocolate dipped ice cream cone.

Exercise: N/A unless you count walking around the fair.

Day 60: Thursday, September 15th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: I was not hungry at all so I skipped lunch. Probably recovering from last night's binge of crap.

Dinner: Chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes and green beans. Also had a biscuit with apple butter and then a sweet tea to drink. Later I had mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Exercise: N/A

Day 61: Friday, September 16th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: Godfather's personal pizza, coke, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup 4-pack. It was a rough morning at work. 

Dinner: Chipotle Steak Bowl with black beans, mild salsa, cheese and Guacamole.

Exercise: I actually exercised a little. I did 10 x 20lb dumbbells for Curls and overhead presses.

Day 62: Saturday, September 17th

Breakfast: I was starving for some reason. I had a fried egg and a biscuit with butter and grape jelly.

Lunch: I skipped lunch. I'm not used to eating breakfast so I just wasn't hungry.

Dinner: Two slices of mushroom/onion pizza and a caprese salad.

Exercise: N/A

Day 63: Sunday, September 18th

Breakfast: Skip

Lunch: I wasn't real hungry so I had a banana and a piece of sourdough toast with butter.

Dinner: I had an 8 piece Sushi, a side salad and a mini-Godzilla roll

Exercise: 10 x 20lb dumbbells - Curls and overhead presses.

100 Day Challenge: Week Eight Complete

 It's getting close. Too close. I feel like...no...I know I'm not where I wanted to be at this point. I thought I'd be farther in my weight loss but vacation and continuing less than good choices have slowed my progress. 

Day 50: Monday, September 5th

It's been 50 days and I'm down in weight overall. This morning I was 190lbs. I'm down 7.2 lbs but I should be much farther along. I thought I'd be around 183 lbs at this point given a 2 lb per week weight loss. But vacation set me back and then since I've been back, I've not been running and the weights I've been doing have more been to make me feel like I did something, but it is by no means an actual workout. 

I did do better yesterday doing 2 sets of 10 reps for four different exercises, but I can do better. 

Here's what I ate and did today:

Breakfast: Piece of coffee cake. 

Lunch: Chick Fil-A grilled chicken sandwich and I added Mr. Stubbs BBQ sauce to snazz it up a bit. I just had water to drink. I skipped the fries and save calories and money.

Dinner: For dinner, I had a BBQ chicken sandwich at Panera. No other sides or a drink. Just water. 

Exercise: N/A

Day 51: Tuesday, September 6th

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: Chicken Tender wrap with Ranch dressing and home fries.

Dinner: My wife made a pecan crusted salmon with ravioli and a Caesar salad.

Exercise: N/A

Day 52: Wednesday, September 7th

Breakfast: Apple cider donut

Lunch: I had leftover ravioli

Dinner: I had 2 Chicken sausages on hot dog buns, green beans, and a baked potato.

Exercise: N/A

Day 53: Thursday, September 8th

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: 4 slices of Mellow Mushroom Pizza: Pepperoni, 2 cheese and a meat lovers. It was SO good. I should have just ate the two slices I originally took but they were just so good. 

Dinner: I had dinner with my son and his girlfriend. We went to a really good taco place called Que Chula. I had 3 Asada (Steak) tacos and plantains with water to drink.

Exercise: N/A

Day 54: Friday, September 9th

Breakfast: I had two crumpets with butter. They are like English muffins in case you don't know of them. I had tea to drink. 

Lunch: I was driving all over today for work. I had McDonald's. I got my "usual" 2 cheeseburger combo meal with medium fries and a medium Coke. 

Dinner: For dinner, we got Carraba's to go. I had the salmon capperi with garlic mashed potatoes and a Caesar salad. I had a little of the bread and oil...about 2 slices.

Exercise: N/A

Day 55: Saturday, September 10th

Breakfast: I had two crumpets with butter. 

Lunch: I had a Chick Fil-A breaded chicken combo with a medium fries. I ordered a Coke Zero to drink. Better than a regular Coke, but I really don't like to drink things with Aspartame. Plus carbonation in general makes me bloated.

Dinner: In a moment of weakness, I had Burger King. And not just any BK, but the Whopper with cheese, onion rings and medium Coke. It was weird, becuase I was kicking myself for ordering a drink (especially since I had a soda earlier) but it was all seltzer so I threw it out and just drank water. Guess the universe was looking out for me. 

Exercise: N/A

Day 56: Sunday, September 11th

Today is just 45 days to go. A little over six weeks and I'm just not doing as well as I wanted to in both diet and exercise. I decided I needed to really kick my efforts in gear. 

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: I had a southwestern omelet (black beans, sour cream, tomatillos, cheese), home fries and a biscuit with raspberry jelly

Dinner: Tonight I had Fatz Cafe, with my favorite ribs! They had a special, one pound of their ribs with a side for $9.99. I had the sweet potato and I added butter and cinnamon. 

Exercise: I ran 1.64 miles which took 20:04 and then walked for another 10 minutes for a total of 30 minutes of exercise. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Seven Complete

A new start

Well, I did get better towards the end of this past week but it was too little too late. My weigh in this morning was 191.8 lbs. Down .2 lbs. from last week but it should have been more. I mentioned in my last post that I ran again this past Saturday and it was good to be active again. Also, yesterday's hike was so nice and relaxing.

Day 43: Monday, August 29th

As I mentioned above, I weighed in at 191.8 lbs. Still over 190 but oh well...I'm still down overall. Weight loss (contrary to popular belief) is not a continuous downward trend. It very often looks like a wave pattern. dips and rises but with an overall downward progression. 

I skipped breakfast. I also hit snooze three times so I didn't exercise this morning. But I am very motivated to run tonight and also to do a workout with my dumbbells later on.

For lunch, I wasn't really hungry. I have some things in the house I could eat but I just don't want any of it. Instead, I opted for a Belvita Breakfast Biscuit, cup of Green tea and two slices of Pumpernickel, toasted with butter. 

At dinner, I had a Wendy's classic and medium fries. I didn't mean to get fries but they were in the bag. I just had water to drink.

I did exercise! I did 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 44: Tuesday, August 30th

Breakfast: Skipped Breakfast

Lunch: Canned salmon on 2 Sourdough bread slices

Dinner: Spinach pasta w/2 zucchini fritters (like potato pancakes). I also had a blue moon light beer. Not sure why I grabbed one out of the fridge, but I did. 

Exercise: 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 45: Wednesday, August 31st

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: Leftover spinach pasta w/canned salmon

Dinner: 2 hot dogs on buns and a salmon burger on a bun. Also had a salad.

Exercise: 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 46: Thursday, September 1st

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: McDonald's 2 Cheeseburger meal w/fries and a medium Coke

Dinner: 2 slices of cauliflower pizza with mushrooms and a salad

Exercise: 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 47: Friday, September 2nd

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: Banana & Leftover cauliflower pizza w/mushrooms 

Dinner: Panera Bread Co. - Had a Mediterranean bowl with chicken and just water to drink. I also had half an ice cream sandwich and glass of wine. 

Exercise: I took the night off from weights.

Day 48: Saturday, September 3rd

Breakfast: I had something my wife made. It was scrambled eggs, asparagus, & potatoes. It was in a casserole dish so it was something like an omelet. I also had a big slice of coffee cake that she made as well as a piece of plain pumpernickel and a piece with grape jelly. No idea why, but I was ravenous this morning. 

Lunch: It's unlike me to eat breakfast so I was not hungry at all when lunch rolled around. 

Dinner: I had salmon with asparagus and zucchini. I had a light blue moon beer and an ice cream sandwich for dessert. 

Exercise: I did my usual 10 x 20 lb dumbbell workout. Just curls and overhead presses.

Day 49: Sunday, September 4th

Breakfast: I skipped breakfast but did workout as you'll see below with my wife in the a.m.

Lunch: We went out to brunch with my son and daughter which was so amazing! We went to a place in Asheville called Tupelo Honey. I had the scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, tomatoes and challa toast. I had a water and a mimosa to drink. 

Dinner: I had a Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, Chicken BLT with pimento cheese sandwich and french fries. I just had water to drink.

Exercise: First think in the morning, my wife and I worked out together. We did Curls, Tricep extensions, overhead presses and then she did should raises and I did Bulgarian Split Squats. She used different weights. I used 15 lb. dumbbells for everything. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Six Complete

 Time to Refocus!

Day 36: Monday, August 22nd 

It's just over NINE weeks until birthday! This challenge is going fast. I started out great and lost weight really quick. I was so motivated and doing so well. Then - Vacation. It's been going downhill ever since and it's nobody's fault but mine. 

This morning, I got on the scale and I was 192 lbs. I was 188 prior to vacation and I gained some weight which was to be expected. But last week, I just did, ate and drank whatever the hell I wanted and this morning, the scale said ENOUGH. I'm going backwards!

I skipped breakfast. J wasn't hungry at all. But by lunch I already had dropped the ball. I was on the road and I had a cheeseburger, onion rings, Pepsi (but only took 2 sips and threw it out...I do not like pepsi) and a strawberry Sundae from Dairy Queen. Curse you $7 meal deal!! 

I also had a Coke and a Strawberry/Dark Chocolate Kit-Kat bar. Why? I have no idea. I was still upset about last week and rather than be good...I had the attitude of what difference will it make? That's fine once in a while. But not ALL the time as I've been doing the last two weeks. My motivation lasted a total of 4 hours this morning. WTF???

For dinner, I got back on track and had Chick Fil-a, but I only had a grilled chicken sandwich. No fries. No drink other than water. 

Day 37: Tuesday, August 23rd 

Breakfast: Two slices of pumpernickel bread with onion-chive cream cheese.

Lunch: Ice cream sandwich. Don't judge. There was nothing in the house I wanted to go to the effort to make. 

Dinner: Pistachio crusted Salmon with parmesan potatoes    

Exercise: No exercise

Day 38: Wednesday, August 24th

Breakfast: two pieces of pumpernickel bread with onion-chive cream cheese

Lunch: A can of sardines in olive oil on two pieces of sourdough bread. 

Dinner: I made Orzo with shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, olives and feta. It was really easy to make too..  Here's the recipe: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/pasta/orzo-with-shrimp-spinach-tomatoes-olives-and.html It says to serve cold, but I couldn't wait and it was really good warm. In fact, I preferred it to the cold version which I had about an hour later when I went back for seconds.

Exercise: No exercise

Day 39: Thursday, August 25th

Breakfast: Two pieces of pumpernickel bread with onion-chive cream cheese.

Lunch: leftover orzo with shrimp, feta, olives, spinach & tomatoes. I also had an ice cream sandwich... again. Which is good honestly, because now they are all gone. No more temptation.

Dinner: Tilapia (breaded) with perogies and Brussel sprouts.

Exercise: No exercise

Day 40: Friday, August 26th

I finally broke 192 lbs where I've been stuck all week. I was 191.8 this morning. Heavier than before vacation, but at least I'm trending downward. On vacation I wasn't running like I wanted to, but I was active. Since I've been back, I've just been sitting at my desk working all the time. Not to mention eating whatever for most of it. Tomorrow will be 60 days left of my challenge. Still plenty of time to turn things around. 

Breakfast: Two pieces of pumpernickel bread. One with onion-chive cream cheese and the other with butter.

Lunch: Two Belvita breakfast biscuit packages. One coconut and one cinnamon. 

Dinner: Outback Steakhouse. I had the small ribeye, loaded baked potato and seasonal veggies. I did have a few cheese fries w/ranch, but not many. I had a glass of wine.

Exercise: No Exercise

Day 41 Saturday, August 27th 

I skipped breakfast again today. But guess what?! I went for a 3.99 mile run/walk along a new greenway section. I had to walk several times after the first mile but it felt so good to be out there again. After the first mile, I would walk a minute if I had to, and then would try to run again for as long as could. It was very hot and my legs were super heavy. after a couple of times of walking a minute and then trying to run again, I changed it and told my self I had to run 500 steps with my left or right foot. This is a great method by the way because you get lost in the counting and forget about the running part. It's very hypnotic. I ran 500 steps (only counting one foot) and then walked a minute and I repeated this two times. I then did 600 steps and a minute walk and then I finished with 800 steps. 

For lunch, I had two huge glasses of water and a can of chicken  (think of a can of tuna, but substitute chicken). I had a little mayo with it. It was not good. Very bland but it's all I felt like. I usually don't have much of an appetite after I run. 

For dinner I had a citrus-lime burrito with lettuce, beans and cheese for dinner. I only had water to drink. 

Day 42: Sunday, August 28th. 

I got up this morning and skipped breakfast. 

My wife and I went for a waterfall drive/hike. But before any waterfalls, we went to Judaculla Rock in Sylva, NC. It's a really cool soap stone with ancient Cherokee carvings that date back anywhere from 300-1500 years. One waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls is right at the road. In fact, you can usually drive behind it but today they had barriers up. Not sure why. 

We then went to Dry Falls which is not dry at all. It's a huge 80 foot waterfall with a huge flow coming down. Here, you can park and take a short walk down a path and again, go behind the falls. 

The last fall was Cullasaja Falls which is a little hard to find. There's a small pull=off on the side of the road that could fit 3-4 cars. You can see the falls from the road or you can be very adventurous and a little death-defying and go down what resembles a cross between an old trail and a landslide. But we made it the bottom. Check back and I'll have added some pictures if you don't see them. The hike was only about .2 miles down but it was grabbing onto rocks, tree stumps, or whatever else you could grab ahold of to keep your balance or to catch yourself when you started sliding. Coming back up was actually much easier than I thought it would be. Only had to grab and pull up on rocks, trees a couple of times. 

We stopped at a little gem mine/gift shop nearby and I did get a Cheer Wine soda when we bought some magnets of the various falls we saw that morning.

For lunch...or really brunch, we stopped at a cute little place called the Quirky Bird in Dillsboro, NC. I had a mimosa and a breakfast burrito with a side of fruit. 

For dinner, we went out to eat to a Hawaiian theme restaurant. I had a Cuban sandwich and onion rings. I wanted the fish, but they were out of all the fish. I know, right? So weird. I also had about 3 glasses of water and a Mai Tai drink which was very strong. I should not have had it but it just sounded really good after a day of hiking and driving for hours to all the waterfalls. I then had a mango flavored soft serve ice cream for dessert and a later on at home a tiny Fresca. I think they are 6.5 ounce cans. 

My only real change this week looking back was that I ran yesterday and hiked today. I don't think my weekly weigh in tomorrow is going to be very good. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Five Complete

Vacation is Over

Day 29: Monday, August 15th

Well, I'm back from vacation. I started my trip at 188.2.  This morning, I weighed myself and I was 193. While I'm upset about gaining back five pounds, it's honestly not too bad to go on vacation, pretty much eat whatever and drank whatever I wanted and only gain 5 pounds. But I'm back now and it's time to refocus!

I skipped breakfast, but for lunch, I had two eggs. We have NO food in the house since we were gone. For dinner, I went to Chick Fil-A and ordered the grilled Chicken Club sandwich. No Fries. No soda. However, when I got home, they had given me the breaded chicken version. 

I did not run this morning as I was so dead from waking up early every day for the past week and then driving all day yesterday. 

Day 30: Tuesday, August 16th

Super tired again today so I slept in rather than run. I had a late breakfast around 10 a.m. of Siggi's Vanilla Yogurt. I didn't mix anything in. Sometime's I'll slice a banana into it, but not today. I also had two slices of sourdough bread with butter. 

For lunch, I had a Steak-Umm sandwich with A-1 sauce on sourdough bread (the only bread in the house obviously).

For dinner, we had tacos. I had 3 ground beef, peppers, onions and cheese tacos with a little lime salsa from Aldi's. I also had a veggie taco just to finish off the peppers and onions.

I did get a little snack-ish at work so I ate a serving of Cheez-it crackers or whatever you would call them...which is about 27 of them. 

Day 31: Wednesday, August 17th

Did I run this morning? No! WTF is wrong with me. I didn't beat myself up too much because I was sure I'd run after work. Did that happen? Hell No! My motivation is just in the toilet. I seem to be losing weight without the running which is good in a way...but I think it does kill some of the motivation. I am not a morning person. I much prefer to run after work. But this week has been super busy with ballot proofing for the upcoming election this November that I'm just braindead after work and just want to crash. 

I skipped breakfast today. My usual routine. Sometimes I just get hungry in the morning and I can't figure out why the change. Usually, I just have no appetite in the a.m.

For lunch, I finished off my steak-umms and had a sandwich on sourdough with a little BBQ sauce to snazzy it up. 

I had some work day snacks of a banana and a serving of cheez-its. 

For dinner, I made Shrimp and Chicken Sausage Jambalaya. I don't cook too often. My wife is the much better cook. 

Day 32: Thursday, August 18th

I did not run this morning. In fact, I was tied to my desk most of the day. And not in a good way. LOL. But seriously, my exercise this week has been non-existent. I need to get back into something...anything...this weekend. 

I had Siggi's Vanilla yogurt and some dried cranberries for breakfast. For lunch, I had a bowl of chili with beans. Dinner was probably too much. I made this garlic pasta with bread crumb crumbles mixed in and added salmon to it. It was really good but I had two big servings. One serving was plenty...but it was just so good. I did have some cheez-its for a snack.

Day 33: Friday, August 19th

I skipped breakfast. I was on the road today for about 3 hours total. The county I visited for work had a catered lunch with chicken salad on a croissant, a pasta salad, bag of Doritos and a coconut blondie/brownie dessert thing that was so good. I did stick to water though and skipped the sweet tea. I also had a krispy kreme donut and 2 Ghirardelli sea salt caramels when I got there. 

For dinner, we got take out. I had a cheeseburger, fries and had a glass of wine. I then baked brownies, but I had only one. 

No exercise. I thought about it. Too bad "it's the thought that counts" doesn't apply to exercise.

Day 34: Saturday, August 20th

I actually had breakfast today. A piece of sourdough bread with butter and a fried egg. For lunch, I had a Culver's basic burger, onion rings and a chocolate malt. I also had some cheese curds from their, but just a few. I did try a piece of bourbon chocolate that was really good, but just stuck to the one piece. 

For dinner, we got Indian food to go. I had the Chicken Tika with rice. 

No exercise.

Day 35: Sunday, August 21st

First thing this morning, we hiked the Joyce Kilmer Forest in Graham County, NC.

I skipped breakfast and ate a late lunch of leftover chicken Tikka and rice. For dinner, I had steamed pork dumplings from a Chinese place nearby. It felt really good to get outside after being behind a desk all week. 

Not looking forward to the weigh tomorrow. I know I gained weight the week of vacation and this week, I didn't do a good job of working on my diet. I pretty much ate anything and everything I wanted!

Tomorrow, I refocus! I will not give up because of two bad weeks.

100 Day Challenge: Week Four Complete

Week Four of the 100 Day Challenge

Day 22: Monday, August 8th

Today is Monday, August 8th and it was a crazy day. It was great for exercise. Not so great with eating. At least I don't think it was...

I skipped breakfast. Except for that weird week early on where I kept waking up starving, I'm back to my usual self with no appetite in the morning. My wife and I set out on a four mile hike, but it turns out that the four miles was actually a one-way figure. Our actual hike with the different trails we took ended up being 7.25 miles. It was 93 degrees and the "feels like" temperature was 102! I was sweating like crazy, but it was a beautiful hike at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. 

For lunch, we went out for seafood, because you have to have seafood when you're at the beach, right? It also happened to be happy hour when we got there at 3 p.m. ( a very late lunch and the first thing I ate all day). I had an orange crush bar drink. To eat, I had Four steamed oysters, a little bit of crab dip, and a fried flounder po' boy and french fries. I then split a small piece of Key Lime pie 3 ways: me, my wife and my step-daughter so I don't feel too bad about that. 

For dinner, we ate in and cooked at our in-laws. I had a small pasta dish with chicken sausage and some asparagus with grape tomatoes and kalamata olives for a side dish. 

I'm hoping the fried fish and french fries I had at lunch didn't do too much damage to my progress. I need to be better. I will be better. 

Day 23: Tuesday, August 9th

I ran on Sunday and hiked 7.25 miles in extreme heat yesterday. I wanted to take today off to recover, so I just went out and walked for 25 minutes. Here's what I had for meals & snacks:

Breakfast: Polenta w/cheese and a piece of zucchini bake, which reminded me of a quiche.

Lunch: For lunch I went a little crazy. We went to the mall and they had an Applebee's in the food court. I had a cheeseburger, fries and a beer...but a small one.

Dinner: I had some leftover pasta with chicken from yesterday. 

Snacks: I had two cokes today...TWO...and a small bowl of popcorn while we watched TV. I'm mad about the cokes

Day 24: Wednesday, August 10th

Today, I skipped breakfast and instead went for a two hour kayak adventure. It was so nice, but man, what an arm & shoulder workout!

For lunch I ate cheese and crackers and some hummus. I also had a coke and a boston cream donut. 

For dinner, I ate an Oyster Po Boy and a few fries (not even half) with a bottle of water to drink. I then had a coke later on which I was (once again) not too happy with myself.

Day 25: Thursday, August 11th

In an effort to work off the donut and a half I had yesterday and the cokes, I skipped breakfast and went for a trail run for 47 minutes. It was hot, and my legs felt like lead. After a mile, I had to walk for a minute. After a brief run, I had to walk again. Rather than get frustrated, I just changed my run to a series of intervals. I ran hard for a minute and walked for a minute to recover. I did this the rest of the way for about 2.2 miles.

For lunch, I had fish, green beans and mashed potatoes but no gravy (they were out) at IKEA. 

For dinner, I had IKEA meatballs that we brought home, peas, & mashed potatoes and this time...gravy.

For a snack, I had two small cookies and a coke. WHY CAN'T I STOP DRINKING THESE??? 

Day 26: Friday, August 12th

Today, I skipped breakfast and walked on the beach for quite some time. I'm not sure how long or how far as I didn't take my watch or my phone. I also swam but just a little bit. Not enough to really call it exercise by any means, but it was nice to see if I still had it in me to swim.

For lunch, we went to an all day breakfast place and I had three eggs, hash browns, two sausage patties and some spiced apples. I had passion fruit to drink.

At dinner, I had a date with my wife. And a date we had! We went to a winery and got a flight of wine. Five different wines to taste (each) which was about 2 glasses they said. We liked one of the wines so much we got a bottle which was about another two glasses worth. We then had a charcuterie  board, a steak flat bread (like a pizza) and a beet salad.

Day 27: Saturday, August 13th

Today I skipped breakfast, and had leftover meatballs and mashed potatoes and gravy for lunch. I also had two potato pancakes...also from IKEA.

For dinner, I had a fried flounder Po Boy, french fries and an orange crush drink (alcohol) from the bar. For dessert, we split a piece of Key Lime pie 3 ways. 

During the day, I also had a Coke and I tried a pineapple cider, which was pretty good. I have to stop being on vacation! All this fried food, desserts and sodas can not be helping my weight loss!

I'm trying to be smart and I started out that way. But these last few days I've gone off the wagon with fried foods, drinks and all the stuff I love. I will get back on track after vacation.

We did go the aquarium so I did walk today...although it was slow and meandering as I watched the fish swim all around the giant tanks.

Day 28: Sunday, August 14th

Today we headed home. My wife's family made us omelettes, italian breakfast sausage (I had 2) and coffee cake...of which I had two pieces. 

We then packed up the car and left. We stopped at Sonic for lunch and I had a cheeseburger, tots and a bottle of water. I also grabbed some peanut M&Ms at the gas station for a snack. I did have a can of Coke that we took from her parents house. The last one they had bought me. I felt obligated in some weird way. But that was the only one I had this day and it will be the last!

For dinner, I had Chipotle. I had a Carnitas burrito bowl with white rice, black beans, salsa, cheese and guacamole.

I stared vacation at 188.2. Where did I end? I am not sure. I'll learn tomorrow how much of a setback vacation was. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Three Complete

 Week Three of 100 Day Challenge Complete 

Well, yesterday was the end of week 3 of my 100 Day Challenge. Unfortunately, I started Vacation on Saturday and I am without a scale. As a result, I am unable to give a weigh in as of this morning. I can say that Saturday morning, just before leaving, I weighed in at 188.2. Remember, I started at 197.2 so as of Saturday, I was down 9 lbs exactly. An average of 3 pounds per week. 

Being on vacation and trying to eat better is really a challenge but I'm trying. Exept for today...I went off the rails, but that's OK. I'll get back on track. As you'll see, I think I'll be OK. Let's get into the details shall we?

Day 15 - Monday, Aug 1

This morning, I skipped breakfast which as you know is my usual routine. For lunch, I had siggi’s, yogurt and a banana, while I was making a steak-umm sandwich on protein bread.

For dinner, I had a steak burrito with black beans, rice, cheese & guacamole along with a bottle of water. 

As for activity, I didn't do anything today. It was a crazy day and it just got away from me. 

Day 16 - Tuesday, Aug 2nd

This morning, I skipped breakfast and had a Godfather's personal pan pizza & a bottle of water for lunch. For dinner, I cooked and had Spaghetti & meatballs, a Caesar salad & water to drink.

I did cave at the grocery store while shopping and got a Coke Zero. I was just so hot and really wanted a cold drink. As you know, I'm not a big fan of Coke Zero due to the aspartame, but I wasn't wanting the sugar either. 

For exercise, I didn't run. But I did do 10 curls & 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 17 - Wednesday, Aug 3rd

I skipped breakfast. For lunch I had a Dave’s single classic and a bottle of water from Wendy's. For dinner, I had leftover Spaghetti & meatballs (a very small amount of leftovers) and a steak-umm sandwich on 1slice of sourdough bread.

For exercise, I again did my 10 curls & 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 18 - Thursday, Aug 4th

Per usual, I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I had a steak-umm on 1 slice of sourdough bread. For dinner, I had 2 fish tacos, a few chips & queso, and water to drink. I also had 4 Nilla wafers, 2 peaches and a Belvita chocolate cookie type thing. I'm not sure what they are as they are snacks my step-daughter has. She decided she doesn't like the chocolate ones though so I thought I'd try them. 

For exercise, I changed it up and did 15 push ups & 25 squats.

Day 19 - Friday, Aug 5th

I skipped breakfast. For lunch, I had a Dave’s single classic and a bottle of water from Wendy's. Yes, this is a repeat of just the other day. But what can I say. I like them. I had 8 Nilla wafers for a snack as well as a slice of Sourdough toast with butter while we figured out dinner plans. For dinner, I had 4 slices of cauliflower crust cheese pizza with kalamata olives.

I did not do any activity but I plan on really increasing this on vacation which starts tomorrow!

Day 20 - Saturday, Aug 6th - Vacation Begins!

I am nervous about being on vacation. It's so hard to eat right or even better when I have to eat out even more than I already do. But good news! I weighed in this morning at 188.2...NINE pounds down from where I started! 

Today, I was in the car for about 7 hours so I did not exercise at all when I got to Virginia. 

Here's a summary of what I ate today:

We stopped at a Korean market and I had half of a desert-type thing. It's like waffle batter with Nutella  filling in the shape of a fish. It was really good. For lunch, I had two 2 arepas. One was chicken and the other was salmon. I also had black beans and a couple of plantains as a side. For dinner, I had homemade Shepherds pie & a salad. I regret to say that I did have not one....but TWO Cokes. My in=laws bought them just for me, it was insanely hot when we got here and I really REALLY wanted one. But one was so good that I had another later with dinner. 

Day 21 - Sunday , Aug 7th

I woke up this morning and wanted to get to work. As a result, even though it was crazy hot, I ran 2.4 miles and then walked 25 minutes as a cool down. 

Upon returning, my in-laws had made breakfast. I had an apple pancake thing made with eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sliced apples. It was really tasty but I only had one slice. For lunch, we went out and I did have a Mimosa to drink. To eat, I had a crab ball and a fried oyster melt. It was so hot, that we stopped at Kohrs Bros ice cream and I had a small orange/vanilla cone.

Later at night, my wife and I went on a walk for 25 minutes which was still hot, but much nicer than it had been earlier in the day.

Unfortunately, I don't have a scale that I can use to weigh in so I will have to try hard to stay on track. I have to cut down on fried foods and find a way to cut out these sodas. They are my kryptonite.