Friday, March 7, 2014

Health Games and Oatmeal

Weight: 243.1

A couple of days since I posted, but I probably don't need to be keeping detailed track every day. Then again, maybe I should. Hm.

The weight I've lost is probably due mostly the natural fluctuations of weight that most people go through. I've been eating a little lighter, and trying to choose the healthier choice. Yes, I went to fast food on Wednesday; but I chose a kid-size soda and fries, and a regular cheeseburger - no bacon or second patty of beef. I've also been cutting way back on my soda, so good on me for that. I've been doing fairly good at walking as well; in fact, once this post goes up, I will go out walking for a half hour or so.

I've also signed up on Superbetter.com, which is a site that helps people achieve their goals by making them more game-like. (See the TedTalk about it here.)

A surprisingly simple and filling snack/meal I've been having is oatmeal. Just put some instant oatmeal in a bowl, add some milk (experiment with the amounts a bit) and top off with some honey for sweetness, maybe some cinnamon for flavor. I put it in the microwave for a minute and a half, stir, and run it through for another 1-1/2 minutes. I use honey instead of sugar because, despite having a few more calories per teaspoon, it also has more nutrients.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Egg Sandwich Recipe

Weight: 248.3 lbs

I started the day off fairly well. I had an apple and a tangerine fairly early, then went mall-walking. Walked about 2 miles, in total, around the mall. At just high enough speed to start to smell the sweat, though not enough to get my shirt wet. Increased heartbeat is the key.

After, I had a fried egg sandwich to complete my breakfast. (Recipe below.) I can understand not enjoying egg sandwiches, but me? I love 'em.

I didn't do so well for lunch - my brother-in-law decided to take me to a pizza buffet place. Not ideal situation, I grant you. But, I did go for a variety of toppings, chewed well, and ate a little slowly. I was still very satisfied, and ate a good amount. But I didn't eat as much as I used to.

The side benefit to that is I needed very little dinner! I had a glass of juice, and I don't think I had much besides that.



KP FRIED EGG SANDWICH

     2 Eggs
     Pepper, to taste
     Parsley
     Just a little salt
     Tomato (Ketchup or salsa work, as well)
     Mayo (Lite Mayo works great!)
     Bread

I have a tiny little pan that just barely holds the two eggs, and turn the temperature on low, maybe medium low. I add the pepper, parsley, salt, and a little bit of tomato, ketchup, or salsa while the eggs are still pretty uncooked. When it is solid most of the way through, I flip the eggs. (Or, in the case of my tiny pan, hold the eggs with a spatula and flip the pan over top of the eggs, then turn the whole mess over.) Give it enough time to solidify,

Spread mayo on the bread, lightly is fine; it's mostly so the bread isn't too dry. Put the eggs on the bread, and you're done! (Again, small pan, so I put the bread on the egg and just turn the pan over to get it out.)

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Baby Steps

Weight: 250 lbs

Well, I ate smaller portions than normal today. Breakfast was a fried egg sandwich (I love fried egg sandwiches to an unjustified degree.) I did use light mayo rather than regular, and spread it a little thin. For lunch, I had rice with a gravy topping that included some beef and onions. I ate light for dinner: a snack of oatmeal, and a peanut butter sandwich. Plus one small chocolate, and less soda than normal. Altogether, not the best choices for foods, but I did eat smaller portions and made some decent options. I'm pretty satisfied, too. I need to add some veggies into the mix; I'll probably have a tangerine before bed.

I walked for almost an hour (50 minutes). I walked even swung by my game store, but didn't go in because I was a little sweaty and stinky. So, a good day for walking. Tomorrow morning I'm going Mall Walking - the mall opens the doors, though not the stores, unbelievably early so people can get some exercise walking around it.

Don't expect these diet and exercise ones to be terribly entertaining; they're mostly a way to hold myself somewhat accountable for my diet, exercise, and general health. I'll try to think of some way to mark the Headlines when I think I have something interesting to say or share on the subject.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Breakfast of Champions

Weight: 250 lbs

This morning, I had two pieces of cold deep-dish pizza and a leftover taco for breakfast. But I stopped at two pieces for breakfast. I had the other two for lunch. So, not the most auspicious start to an attempt at weight-loss. But it could have been worse; I wasn't hungry, but I still could have finished off those other two slices for breakfast.

I had much less soda than normal. I also chose a sandwich which included vegetables over a giant sausage for dinner. I probably could have done without the ice cream. But it was really good ice cream.

I got outside for a few minutes, but I could have done with a bit more walking around today.

Overweight

Weight: 250
Body Fat %: Beats me. I need something to measure this.

I went in for a checkup at the doctor's today. (Today as in yesterday; I'm up too late right now.)

I am 5'10", 250 lbs. My blood pressure is borderline, though the bottom number is good. I didn't hear anything bad about my heart rate or pulse, so I assume those were within normal parameters.

I am tired of being overweight. I want to lose weight so that I can have more energy and avoid the health problems associated with being overweight - High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, etc. My goal is 180 lbs or less than 18% body fat. Since I don't have a machine for the second, I'll focus on the first.

Here's the thing: I don't want to give up everything I love. So, I'm going to try cutting back on the things I can - I don't really need an entire half a pizza - and adding in healthier things so that cravings for unhealthy things are lessened.

That is what this blog is for. It shouldn't take away from my previous blog, which I have been admittedly lax on. Rather, it should actually improve my postings there, as my brain function and general attitude improve. I'll keep you updated on weight, exercise, and healthy choices I make (or try to make).

My first healthy choice? Well...it's late. So I'm going to bed and getting a full nights sleep.