Saxman Mike Challenge: Update

[Cardiffgal]

Mike,

I started a food log today. I walked for 45 minutes which logged me in for 3 miles and burned 488 calories. My weight is at an all time high of 208.6 lbs and I am 5'10" tall.

I will post here each day with an update on activity and results. Today I walked to the music of Astrub Gilberto.
Tomorrow it will be all Janis, I think I have 137 of her songs on my iPod Nano.

Thanks Mike, for the push to get going yet AGAIN!

Cardiffgal

[saxman]

ill weigh in tomorrow morning and post my progress sometime tomorrow . Thanks you are helping me just doing it. Thanks!

[saxman]

started at 290 . this morning im at 292 . How can that be? well i wont give up, its only temp.

[saxman]

Im at 288 this morning . Yea ! ive been eating lots of vegies and salad . tonight i have salmon planned chicken tomorrow . im used to eating lots of red meat . im changing that to other things . 288 is progress . see ya

[Cardiffgal]

April 12th 205. No walks to report too much baseball here this week.
BUT I lost 3 lbs!

[saxman]

Great news i wish i could walk . its way to sandy here where i live . anyway i wish more people would Join us on our weight loss challenge. Any one that reads this we are donating $5.00 per pound we lose to the Pearl foundation . ending at the end of may . so far i lost a total of 3 lbs . come join us. we need help . or i need help . i ate a bananna and a sub sand yeasterday and i weigh 287 this morning , Thanks Cardiffgal You are keeping me going . good job on your end.

[Judy]

Mike and Lori -
I really respect you two in this struggle. I've never had a weight issue and think I'd be disasterous if I had to control it on my own. I'd like to lend my support by pledging $2 per pound loss for each of you. I hope you both manage to make me poor...
I'd say best of luck, but something this difficult takes way more than luck!
Judy

BTW, how will this work? Will we send pledges monthly or what?

[saxman]

i am waiting till the end of May and what ever i lose from now till then i will Donate all at once . im weighing in everyday . . Every morning i will post my weight here . and at the end of May i will pay all at once . How NICE of you to help . Thanks You for your support. I hope others that see this can help. my goal is at least 25 lbs . we will see .. at the end of May. Today i am at 286. i went to the store and bought fruit and vegies and salmon chichen and all good stuff for the week . Thanks again for your interest and support.

[Eva]

Mike & Lori, you are so brave!

Eva

[Agnes]

Hats off to both of you!

[Cardiffgal]

Mike I am off to my son's basketball game so I will weigh in later. I did get another walk in yesterday. 2.44 miles, 41 minutes that burned 376 calories. Mike, if you have a Trader Joe's near you I have found their pre made salads fantastic and a good value. I had one for lunch yesterday and another for dinner.

I will be challenged the week of April 21st-29th. I will in France for a week. So I better do lots of walking because all that good food, and wine and cheese is going to be tempting.

Keep the faith, Mike you are helping me to keep this going. It is a goal I have had for a long time and never acted on.

I am fortunate to live near the ocean. Those walks along the beach are so healing and peaceful.

Check-in with you later.

[gisli]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you both, best of luck to you.

[saxman]

Today is sat the 14th my morning brought me to my scale with NO decrease today Bummer . i was expecting at least another Pound off / but im one of those guys that always is looking for instant gradifacation . Not today. LOL im still at 286. Have fun in France cardiffgal, No French Fries ! im going to vegas next week and im staying away from the buffets. see you tomorrow .

[Darlene]

I really admire you guys! I sure could use to lose a lot of weight. But alas I am no good at dieting. After I stop dieting I seem to gain back 5 pounds for every pound I lose. At that rate I have become obese! I need to get on a diet that lasts a lifetime and stick to it. But oh how I love to eat.
You guys are doing great! I am proud of you and wish you all the rudie wishes that I have in me and that's a lot.
Peace and happy dieting, Darlene ;)

[Oak Kitten]

Mike and Lori,

I am going to jump in on this, too. I fell out of my regular exercise routine over the winter and I NEED to lose about 20 - 30 pounds. Mr. Oak is in great shape because he works outdoors doing a lot of physical labor while I just sit in front of a computer all day (and night). Besides, I have to take my Physical Readiness Test (PRT) for the Navy next month. I have consistently scored in the "Outstanding" category for the past five years, but I know I am so out of shape at present - that ain't gonna happen if I don't get my butt in gear.

All my fat is in my belly. So I am going to measure my gut - and track that.

FYI - it is not a good idea to weigh yourself frequently - because the changes are so incremental that you just discourage yourself. You should weigh yourself biweekly or monthly - don't obsess over the scale.

Oak

[saxman]

I welcome You and anyone else . Thanks . i moved my scale outside on my patio so i wouldent look at it all the time . but i still step on it everyday. Your absolutly right i shouldent weigh everyday but i need to for my own satisfation and to post my weight everyday it keeps me going. anyway welcome aboard. Good Luck

[Bat]

Oak, most of mine is in my belly, too, with the rest evenly distributed...let me know what you are doing to shape up! Belly fat is very hard to get rid of, isn't it? I'd love to get back to 155 with washboard abs and in good shape all over! I've gotten so lazy I stink, as mama would say, so I need to do something about that. I've picked up my horn again...maybe that will help the belly, since there is a lot of exercise in blowing and breathing.

[saxman]

Today 4/15 im at 285.5 . its paying off . ive been eating broccoli corrots califlower and salmon chicked and salads for a week now . when i get hungry i munch on veggies and fruit . 1/2 lb is a major lose for me in a day .

[Eva]

Mike, how do you like your diet untill now. Is it tasty? Is it satisfying? Do think you can keep up eating like this? Maybe I am asking to early though. But it is important that you don't feel deprived when it comes to your food. It helps to keep the diet up.

Lori, how are you doing?

Oak, you joined in? What is your strategy?

Eva

[saxman]

I do feel deprived of the foods i love. i cook lots of stuff with butter and garlic . i ate red meats 5 nights a week . pasta and lots of starchy foods . i MISS my own cooking LOL bet you dont hear that alot. but im a Great cook . i LOVE to eat eating is an emotion for me . when im sad or depressed i eat . now i have a note on my ice box that says dont open unless you eat right. its Very Very hard for me thats why im gratful that others are helping me and have joined in on my quest . Thanks for your concern and help. i just had a pear and im full til din.

[Oak Kitten]

Today I finally hauled my butt back into the gym and did a practice PRT: sit-ups (88) push-ups, the real ones not the modified on your knees kind (40) ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill in a little over 16 minutes. I have to knock more than a minute off that time before I take the test in May if I want to get an "Outstanding" score (270 out of a possible 300 points). The scoring is calibrated to age and sex - so my standards are those for middle-aged (45-50) women.

But getting back into the workout routine will not be enough. I also have to work on portion control at meals - that is where I have problems. The food in the cafeteria at work is good, but the portions are HUGE. I need to bring some containers to the office with me so I can store half of it for the next day. Lose weight and save money too! I also have to stay away from the candy jars so many people (always women) have on their desks for anyone to partake of. That and stay out of the kitchen off of the CO's conference room. Every time he entertains VIP visitors and they serve goodies (Pepperidge farm cookies, mmmmm!) there are always left overs for the staff to snag. Have to stop doing that. This battle is as much mental as it is physical.

It did feel really good to work out again, though.

Oak

[mixtymotions]

Oak, just reading your post made me wheeze and gasp! Any time I get the urge to exercise, I just lie down until it passes.....

[saxman]

Now that was FUNNY . !!!!!!!!!! 1

[KarenSews2]

Over the past few months, I've lost some weight, but I don't really know how much. I can tell in my clothes, though. I don't seem to see it in the mirror, but my friends see it.

The main thing I've done is that I've (nearly) given up carbonated beverages. I always had diet, but now I stick to mostly tea and water. Every couple of weeks I might have a diet whatever, but I don't really miss it.

Also, if I've eaten and decent lunch that's later in the day, I'm not hungry for dinner, and if I eat at all, it's not much. Then, I might have an apple or something later in the evening.

I think not making a "big deal" over it seems to be working.

Now, if those damned Peeps would stop calling my name... ;)

Good going, Mike, Lori and Randy!

[Cardiffgal]

Just got on the scale and I was so surprised! I know it will not keep up at this pace but I am very happy. Keep goin' Mike!

[saxman]

Im with you cardiffgal as of today 4/17 im at 285 . i lost 5 lbs Thanks for helping . next weeks going to be the hardest for me because im going to Vegas for a week ive got to remind myself to stay away from the buffets. . check in with you tomorrow or thurs. Have a Great day

[Dar]

Mike,
Buffets aren't too bad as long as you patrol them first to see what's available. Then have your first pass be a big giant salad with whatever vegetables they have that aren't drenched in sauce or grease. Stick with roasted or grilled or poached stuff.

Eat slowly, this is helpful all the time. It takes your stomach 20 minutes to realize it's full. Start with less on your plate than you normally would have. EAt slowly and savor it. Before you go for a refill, just because it's all you can eat, sit a spell. Drink lots of water.

I was a charter member of the clean plate club, still fall back occassionally. I used to say, it's such a waste to not eat it all, but the fact is, if we eat more than are bodies need it's still a waste, it's just waste that hangs out on our waists...or hips as the case may be. That really helps me only eat a half a something I'm served at a restaurant and take the rest home for a meal the next day. I definitely go hog wild from time to time, but I really try to limit it to special occassions or Rudie gatherings. :)


Mike, I love to cook. I usually use just a little bit of olive oil, sesame oil or butter depending on the dish. The bulk of my saute liquid is always low fat broth, either veggie, chicken, beef, or fish. I buy the cans, but I also keep Knorr brand bouillion cubes on hand. I'll dissolve one of those in hot water and use that as my saute liquid. Works great and save a ton of fat.
Fat free evaporated milk is a really good cream or half and half substitute if you want a creamy sauce.

I have a friend who serves all her meals on a bed of spinach....gets all the good vitamins of spinach, plus it helps her to feel full more quickly.

If I have a frozen dinner for lunch, like a Lean Cuisine, I'll always microwave some frozen veggies to stretch it out.

You guys are doing great, Lori and Mike. Keep it up! Posting here will really help keep you accountable, and it's certainly helping me to stay on track.

there's another website I really like called hungrygirl.com. Lots of great healthy eating tips and new product suggestions. They send out a daily email. I've gotten lots of great tips from this site.

[saxman]

Today im good still at 285 . the spinach thi g sounds good i Love spinach. Yea posting here keeps me going ,thanks for your input .

[Eva]

Are their more vegetables that you like, Mike? And you Lori and Randy? Maybe we can make up some tasty recipes with those vegetables... Salads or other dishes.

Eva

[Judy]

I'm proud of you both! Okay, so far you've got me tagged for $20...like I said, folks, I'm cheering for you both to put a hurting on my wallet. I have real confidence that you all are going to reach your goals.
Judy

[Oak Kitten]

I had soup and salad for lunch today. . . okay. . .and a D&D Bavarian cream doughnut (weak, I know). I ran outside instead of on the treadmill. It took me over 18 minutes to cover 1.5 miles. That STINKS. It was the damn doughnut. But I did manage to ignore the Pepperidge Farm cookies in the kitchen calling my name. . .

I run with my MP3 player. The songs I listen to when I run are, in order: This Train Still Runs, Run Too Fast, (which always makes me laugh, because that is a problem I have never had), and Walkin' in the Rain. I have to finish the course by the end of Walkin' in the Rain to make my target score, with about 20 seconds to spare. Today I was well into "Boots Like Emmy Lou's" song #4 by the time I finished the course. UNSAT. Me, not the music.

I would love to drop 20lbs at least. Since I just started this challenge, I won't be weighing myself and remeasuring my waist and gut again for another two weeks. (No, Im not giving you the stats - you don't have the need to know.)

Oak

[saxman]

Thanks Judy . im trying very hard but i had a snickers bar today Yikes im so week, . Thanks for your Pledge also it will help the Pearl Foundation . Thats My goal as well Thanks for Your help .

[Eva]

My left hip is stuck since yesterday. Shopping for pants wasn't easy yesterday. Oi! :D And gee, the pants were quite big too :o Maybe doing some sports would help? Ehm... I am not sure yet...

Eva

[saxman]

Well i lost another pound im at 284 and im off to vegas for a week . i will check in when i return next tuesday . wish me luck ! see ya

[aabram]

I turned veggie on April 16th last year, and stopped eating meat altogether. The weight just dissolved of me, and while I don't actually know what I weigh, my dimensions are considerably less than they were a year ago. Try it sometime, you'll surprise yourself. I did!!!!! :rolleyes:

Annabel

[gisli]

Ok.. ten to one that you guy´s have either fallen into the ice parlour department or the coco puffs department or the chocolate department..........so wich one is it????????????

[saxman]

well i survived Vegas and only ate salads and good stuff . lost 2 lbs im at 282 YEA it must of been the 2 lbs of money the black jack tables took from my wallet . im headed off to drive to the southern states tomorrow ill check in when i have computer time on the road. Looking forward to the trip antique hunting . see ya

[gisli]

No falling into temptations from you saxman and congratulation with them 2 lbs. Keep up the good green eat.

[Eva]

It seems you are keeping it up well, Saxman. :cool: Congratulations.

Eva

[Oak Kitten]

Well, I took my physical readiness test today. I did not make my target score of 270. I came up short on the sit-ups - only got 80 instead of 88. Got max points for 40 pushups and I acutally finished the 1.5 mile run under 15 minutes! 14:42 to be exact although I nearly coughed up a lung in the process. At least I didn't puke. Final score was 255.

Anyway, all that effort and so far I have only lost ONE measly pound in the last two weeks. I shouldn't whine about it, as I am still not doing enough physical activity. Spent most of last week in the National Archives doing research. I LOVE the National Archives. When I get in there I get so wrapped up in my research that I literally forget to eat - which you think would help with the weight loss, but the other side of the coin is that I am still sitting all day reading documents. Now that the nice weather is here I will have to start riding my bike and get the kayak out on the bay. That should help.

Oak

[Bat]

Anyway, all that effort and so far I have only lost ONE measly pound in the last two weeks.

But, Oak, with all that conditioning you were doing, you might have taken off several pounds of fat and replaced it with heavier muscle tissue...it's not your weight, it's the inches!
Keep up the good work...even a little workout every day helps.
Ha! I'm one to talk...I've lost a lot of muscle tone and strength by just sitting around for a few years, and I need to lose about 30 lbs, all over.
I'm just too danged lazy.

[Dar]

Hey Oak,
If you've increased your level of activity, your muscles are likely holding more water. You probably have lost more fat than you think. Keep it up!!
40 pushups??!! PHEW!! You rock!

[saxman]

Im home from a 2 week trip through the southern states and ate catfish and all those good fixens for 2 weeks and lost weight im weighed in at 275 today the trip was Great got a few antiques and had a blast in the south . Good People in the south warm friendly and cook the best meals in america . im surprised i lost after all i ate . but 2 more weeks to go and im on target . see ya

[Dee]

Good for you Saxman! Keep up the good work.

[mixtymotions]

Congratulations Mike! With all those temptations, you stayed the course. I believe in you!

[saxman]

i gained 3 lbs im at 278 today . well tomorrow is another day . i got my bowflex machine set up in a new room and i can start to do minor work outs now starting tomorrow of course. . Thanks everyone for the encouregments . im not giving up my goal is 270 by the 1st of june. sorry i cant spell encouregments i went to LA city public schools . it might be right im not sure but it sounds ok but looks like i misspelled it. maybe a dictionary would help. . but you know what i mean . see you later . $5.00 a pound for every pound i loose to go to the Pearl Foundation at the end of this month .i better start working out.

[saxman]

I peeeed and im at 275 again LOL maybe i should pee more often. ok only a few days left Cardiffgal how you doing? i liked you link to your site. i didnt know you had so much tallent . Thanks for the site . someday we will meet.

[saxman]

i will check in at the end of this month and then eat lots of ice cream. im still at 275 lost 15 lbs .

[saxman]

well i said i would donate $5.00 for every pound i lost to the Pearl Foundation. Its my last day of my diet and i lost a total of 14 pounds in the last 2 months. Today i will send $75. to the Pearl Foundation. an extra $5. because after i pee i should lose another lb. anyway Thanks Everyone for the help. i will do this again soon i still need to loose about 80 more lbs. Thanks for ALL THE SUPPORT !

[GodSistah]

well i said i would donate $5.00 for every pound i lost to the Pearl Foundation. Its my last day of my diet and i lost a total of 14 pounds in the last 2 months. Today i will send $75. to the Pearl Foundation. an extra $5. because after i pee i should lose another lb. anyway Thanks Everyone for the help. i will do this again soon i still need to loose about 80 more lbs. Thanks for ALL THE SUPPORT !

GREAT JOB, MIKE!

;)

~Andrea~

[Bat]

Nice going, Saxman! You've probably done enough for a while...relax and concentrate on keeping the weight you're at now until you are comfortable with it.
People go on diets and lose lots, but can't keep it off because they get uncontrollable hungers. Seems to me that if you take it in stages, so your body can get used to where it is now, then it will be easier to go down another step without feeling such angst, and you'd be much more able to keep it off that way.
Now I have to take my own advice! LOL

[Judy]

Cheers all around for you, Mike! And I pledged $2 per pound you lost, so I'll be making a $30 donation in your name. (and will meet Lori's count as soon as she checks in.) So congratulations to you, Mike ... your loss was definitely the Foundation's gain.
Judy

[saxman]

thanks that was nice of you . i sent my payment via Pay pal yesterday Thanks for the donation every bit helps . i love the fact that the Pearl Foundation helps us older people that have the time now to get there education. i take my Hat off to Janis for starting it. if i could find a way to go back to school at my age , i would love to . but my atttension span forbids me from even trying. i have a hard time retaining info . and have trouble concentrating .i think it has lot do do with some of the meds i take . anyway Thanks for the donation. and Thanks for anyone else that as on board with this .

[aabram]

Congratulations, Mike and the Pearl Foundation is better off for all your hard work. I shall start saving soon, and the day I get paid after I get a job, what's in the "pot" will also get as far as Janisland :) I wonder who else is encouraged by this sterling effort :)

Annabel

[Cardiffgal]

I sent in $220 today to the Pearl Foundation. I have been on the run like crazy since I got back from France in early May. I did not gain any weight while on vacation but I sure did not lose either.

Thanks Mike for the support. Off for a walk on the beach with my dog!

[GodSistah]

Good to see you back Lori girl!!!

:)

~Andrea~