I can't say what it was. Like most things, it was a combination of events, attitudes, timing and resources. Yet, some indescribable switching occurred in my brain, and I started doing what was necessary to lose weight.
On Jan. 1st of this year, I met with the training manager of my gym, and we put together a program. My goals were to lose weight, increase muscle endurance and to build some wind. Chasing my four kids is exhausting.
I worked out on that day. My New Year's Eve was tame, so The First was an easy "first." I weighed in at 301 lbs that day. Six full months later, I had lost 50 lbs. Yep. Ate less. Ate less carbs, especially. Exercised. 1+1=2....always.
Now, over the six months, as I saw progress, I did more. I progressively ate better. I progressively increased my workout frequency and intensity...and more weight came off.
I saw patterns, too. Weeks that I ate poorly and lose little, none, or even gain. Weeks I ate poorly and didn't work out much...I gained.
I began to change up my workouts EVERY WEEK. Every week was a new program. I'd never have the excuse, "I don't know what's happening. I'm doing exactly what I was doing before, but now I'm gaining!" The varitey worked.
I've lost six inches in my waist alone. I went from a doughy 2XL shirt to a nice fitting 1X. I've got more endurance. Now I'm worried, though. I haven't been working lately. It's been a long time, actually. Not because I wanted to but couldn't find anything...my wife has a good gig and we do great. I just didn't have to work. As part of The Switch in Jan., however, I had the super idea I should also go back to work.
It took a while to find something I wanted to do with people I wanted to be with, but this month I started a new job. I'm contracting. Just three days a week, but I'm already experiencing unwanted change in my patterns. I'm not working out. I'm eating poorly, and I'm really tired. Also, my temper is becoming difficult again.
I need to be eating well EVERY DAY. I need to be working out EVERY DAY. I need to get back to doing what I was doing. Yeah, I'll take rest days, sure, but this job isn't going to ruin what I've achieved these past six months. It pays well...but not that well.
Wish me luck.
DJ