Another Challenge in the books.....

I am happy to say that this was my best challenge so far. The 52DC crew provided some great support! You all have been my best advocates, a key part of my persistance and success. I hope I can return the encouragement to all of you....

I actually fell below 200 lbs which is first time since September of 2006. The key for me, as I knew it would be, is keeping to a clean diet. Very little in the way of carbs, no crackers, pasta, potatoes or desserts. I am not where I want to be yet. In fact, I think of it this way, I have a better body and I am hoping to get a very-good body by the end of the spring.

Feelin' smaller everyday.

I am a people watcher. Watch people at the airport, in the restaurant, on the slope... everywhere. I also look to see how I compare. Most of the time, I don't measure up. We are our toughest critics. I try to give myself a break but I am anxious to be happy with what I look like. I can't complain too loudly, when I look down I don't see a massive gut. I am down 14 lbs as of yesterday since the begining of this 52DC winter challenge. Patience grasshopper...

This new little tid-bit of knowledge has encouraged me. It seems, according to Men's Health, that full fat cheese "is an excellent source of casein protein—one of best muscle-building nutrients you can eat". Even 10 ounces a day for 3 weeks didn't budge one study groups bad cholesterol. Not even a cheese lover like me could eat 10 ounces of cheese a day.. Well maybe I could but I don't.

The cookie

It was big, full of chocolate chunks, staring me right in the face. The little sign next to the cookie read that it only contained 430 calories. It was in the front of a display at Starbucks and I had just walked into the store after having a stressfull day. What would it hurt to have one cookie?? I could even have it with a coffee. It would be my little reward for getting through the day. I have been pretty good about watching what I eat during this challenge. There have been celebrations and parties where I passed on cupcakes, brownies and cake. I have slipped once or twice but my cheats now consist of going over the edge ever so slightly, an extra beer or a couple of crackers or pretzels. In previous challenges a cheat day meant like 5000 calories.

I passed on the cookie. I was happy and proud, all of that. I am not saying this to brag because I could fall back into my old habits, easily. I mention this one win because if I can do it, anyone can do it....

My workout today

I do a superset workout. Here it is:

5 minute warmup/stretch

1. Do a set of each, then rest 45 sec. Three sets total.
Leg Press
370 lbs (10x10x10)
Shoulder Press
115 lbs (8x7x6)

2. Repeat (45 sec rest after doing a set of both excercises)
Dead Lift
135 lbs (9x8x8)
Tricep extension
75 lbs (8x8x8)

3. Repeat (45 sec rest after doing a set of both excercises)
Incline Lat Pull Down
130 lbs (10x8x8)
Leg Cul
130 lbs (8x6x7)

4. Repeat
Dumbell Squats
50lbs in each hand (10x10x10)
Dumbell Tricep Extension
25 lbs in each (10x8x8)

5. Pullups (4x4)

Those who workout in glass houses should fog the windows...

... That is what I was thinking while working out the hotel gym in Barcelona Spain this week. Hotel gyms are usually bad and this was no exception. There was a two treadmills (one was broken), two bikes and an elipitical. There was a few dumbells, all under 25 lbs. The gym was on the outside of the hotel and had glass walls on the front of the room. I made it my mission to fog them up during my cardio workouts. Yesterday, a women asked me if would be ok to leave the door open. She needed to cool off. No foggy windows for that workout but I have to say she was really sweet (english accent) and a killer body. Gave me a little extra motivation!!

A little surprise..

Yes! I stepped on the scale this morning, knowing that I would report in on the 5% challenge and I found that I had lost 7 pounds. I was a little shocked and pleased at the same time. I don't expect to keep this weight loss up. I know it won't happen and if it does than it wouldn't be healthy but this is does, in a small way, validate the TNT diet/workout plan.

When I started out a couple of challenges ago, I thought just doing a challenge would motivate me and help me get to where I want to be (didn't fully work). With the next challenge, I thought a blog would help but with the holidays I sabotaged my eating. This time, I am going with a working plan, taking before pictures and staying far away from the goodie table at work. The table was full of cookies and candy that were left over from the holidays.

A new start

I am into my first week using the TNT program. I am looking forward to reaping some of the rewards (weight loss, better health). My beginning weight was 217 lbs. I am looking to lose 11 lbs or %5 of my total weight. I can say after just a few days that I am feeling really good. I was a little weak on Tuesday night but I have read that things get easier with any program after the fourth day, I am now into my fourth day. I have done two 52 day challenges and have had some success but I am looking to really have a good year with the TNT program. As I have said before I am looking to be a "beach" guy not a "big" guy....