Colo Alex - Finding 'me' Journey

[monet0329]

Your welcome my friend .. glad I can help.. that goal isnt to far away.. how exciting it that !.. and yes.. this will be an on going battle ..all of us who has food issues.. will have it for ever.. like a person on drugs.. Food is our drug.. sad huh..

anyway.. keep doing what your doing.. maybe another form of exercise would help?.. your hiking is great.. but sometimes the body gets used to what we do every day so it just stays there.. KWIM?.. just a thought..

ok gonna get for now.. I'll be back to check on ya.. hugs my friend

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

I'll be back to check on ya.. hugs my friend

right back at you!

[Colo Alex]

October 23, 2007

Tuesday. I had a good day yesterday and I feel great today. A really good nights sleep after a good day of exercise. My breakfast of Oatmeal and a Banana stayed with me through lunch with no problems. Lunch was an apple and a power bar. This did not stay with me long enough. At dinner I wanted to eat everything and then some. Today was eggs for Breakfast and Lunch will be an apple, a power bar, and some chicken breast. Then I think I’ll have some nuts and maybe more fruit for a mid-afternoon snack.

My hike at lunch yesterday was fantastic. I really felt great. The weather was cool at 45 but sunny. I went with shorts and a sweatshirt. Perfect. I made good time going up and ran a lot going down. It was the most I have run so far. I hope to one day be able to run all the way down and then move to running up some. Wouldn’t that be something? The fact that my knees are holding up to some running is great. I would love to be able to run further distances.

The scale has me down to 195 this morning so I am happy about that. I would like to be in the 180’s by Thanksgiving. I am taking this Friday off to go hiking. My wife and I are planning to go to a slot canyon called Little Wild Horse. It should be fun.

Life is good.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 195.0
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Good morning Alex.. nice to see you had a good day yesterday!!.. and 195.. thats so cool.... I think you will get to that Thansgiving goal all right

You have a great day!!

[Colo Alex]

October 24, 2007

Wednesday. I just turned down a ticket for game 5 of the World Series. I think I’m going to be sick! It is for Monday’s game if necessary. I have a doctor’s appointment to take that weird mole off my arm. They want to send it in to have a biopsy. I’ve also got a staff meeting the next morning and Board meeting the next night. So I passed it up. I can’t believe what an idiot I am!! The Rockies better sweep the series so there isn’t a game 5!

Eating was pretty good yesterday. Omelet for breakfast, chicken breast, apple and protein bar for lunch. Had a small pack of peanuts around 4 and meatloaf and veggies for dinner. I was not famished at dinnertime so the added chicken was helpful as was the snack. I think I can do this low cholesterol thing.

This morning was oatmeal and a banana. Lunch will be tuna, apple, and a power bar.

The scale was down again today to 194.2 pounds. I am now less than a pound from my lowest a month ago. It is time to keep this momentum going and push into the 180’s.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 194.2
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

October 25, 2007

Thursday. Well, the Rockies pretty much stunk last night! Yikes, 13-1 loss. Not good!

Eating was pretty good yesterday. Last night I ended up eating too much. Nothing bad, just couldn’t feel satisfied. No damage on the scale but no loss either. I hate it when I blow a full day of clean eating with one evening. I’ll do better today.

Tomorrow Bev and I go hiking in a slot canyon in Utah. It will be lots of fun. I can’t wait to get out of here!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 194.2
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

hey Buudy.. .. wow on the tickets.. bummer..
when my oldest was in lil league he was on the Rockies team one year hehe..

you and Bev have a great time tomorrow..

hope that Mole turns out ok.. for ya..

yack at ya later..

[Colo Alex]

October 29, 2007

Monday. What a jerk. I still can’t believe that after all of this time I can do so well for the entire week just to give it all back on the weekend. When will I ever learn? I just don’t understand the lack of control or the mindset that leads to the binges. I thought I did, but obviously I do not.

The hike on Friday was fantastic. We hiked 9.7 miles through two slot canyons. Little Wild Horse and Bell canyons in Utah. The weather was great and the hiking was even a little challenging in places. We really had to scramble and climb over big rocks, some around 10 feet tall. Then on Saturday we took a driving trip and ended up going on a fun 4WD road. Later that day I went to my daughters soccer game and then that night we spent at home. Dinner was taco salad (without chips of course).

Late Saturday night I found myself eating again. This continued on Sunday. None of the food I binged on was good for me and even got sick to my stomach. What an idiot. I still cannot believe that I can still act this way. Thursday I was 194.2, today I’m almost 200 again. I know that it will drop off quickly if I get back on plan, but I should not be yo-yoing like this.

It is good that I can write about this in my journal. I think that it helps me keep the binges down to just a weekend or less. I’ve got to find a way to stop the binges before they start. I guess I’ll just keep working on it. It is very frustrating.

I rolled my ankle on Friday during the hike. It is still a little sore but if should not stop me from hiking today.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 198.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

I'm telling you, its like a drug abuser.. the urge will always be there .. we just need something that will help fight it ....

nights and weekends are bad for me.. sniff sniff.. its when I sit down and get bored..lol.. but geesh.. we gotta take a load off sometime don't we?..

anywho.. the good thing is.. your back today!!.. THATS THE RULE MISTER..

ok gotta run..

[Colo Alex]

Oh, it IS a drug. No doubt about it. Gotta fight it!

[Colo Alex]

October 30, 2007

Tuesday. Well it is the last Tuesday of the month so that is meeting day. Staff meeting this morning and board meeting tonight. Always a long day. Anyway, I am in a better mind set this morning. The doctor hacked off the mole yesterday and sent it in to the lab. He doesn’t think it will turn out to be anything but wanted to be sure. My arm is a little sore today, but no big deal. My ankle is still a little sore, but I did my hike yesterday without incident.

I’m still battling nighttime eating. I did better last night but I did not do great. I think I will be better tonight and better tomorrow night as well. It just feels like the urge to binge is now past. Funny. I don’t know why or how, I just know.

Keep fighting.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 198.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Ouch on the mole..

glad the foot is better.. .. maybe when you get the night time munchies.. have pork rinds or something low carby.. I know, I know.. practice what you preach..lol..

just a thought.. .. don't go to crazy today

[Colo Alex]

I'm best if I just do not eat at night. Legal or non-legal foods, I just go overboard. Last night I ignored the TV and just played the piano and sang for several hours. No cheats. Just got to stay away from the kitchen.

I would NEVER tell you to practice what you preach!! Thanks for always telling me how it is!

[Colo Alex]

November 2, 2007

Friday. I’m still battling. I was able to eat clean yesterday and got in my hike at lunch. Had halibut for dinner and did not eat after, so a small victory. I continue to run some short spurts during my daily hike. So far, it is just during the “down” portion of the hike. However, there are some uphill sections on the decent that I am running. I plan on slowly increasing the running until I am running all of the safe distance on the descent. Then I plan on adding some running on the ascent until I am running the entire time. We’ll see how that goes. I need to continue to challenge myself with tougher exercise and this is a good way to do it.

I am disappointed in myself for eating Halloween candy. No real gains except that it stalled out any potential losses. I’m regrouping again and hope to push it really hard the next three weeks until Thanksgiving. I would really like to be in the 180’s by then. I know I can do it if I suck it up and stay disciplined.

Need to plan a hike for tomorrow. Needs to be close, as we don’t have as much time for the hike. Kati has a soccer game away and we will need some travel time. Bev and I will hike again. Our hikes together have been nice. I’m hoping she will continue to work on her own health so that we can hike together for a long time.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 197.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Good morning Alex,,

does you dw know how you feel about wanting her to keep up the weight management?.. Just wondering.. some men tend to sway away from talking weight issues with their ladies.. lol.. cause we women are sensitive about such things..lol.. but I think if you haven't , you should.. I mean I know she likes the hikes and stuff.. but is she watching her eating as well? You may have already said something about it in here.. and I may be having a memory problem.. its early yet.... so I am sorry.. but I am not recalling anything just yet.. my brain needs to wake up..

have fun at the game ... hope she wins !!

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Good morning Alex,,

does you dw know how you feel about wanting her to keep up the weight management?.. Just wondering.. some men tend to sway away from talking weight issues with their ladies.. lol.. cause we women are sensitive about such things..lol.. but I think if you haven't , you should.. I mean I know she likes the hikes and stuff.. but is she watching her eating as well? You may have already said something about it in here.. and I may be having a memory problem.. its early yet.... so I am sorry.. but I am not recalling anything just yet.. my brain needs to wake up..

have fun at the game ... hope she wins !!

We talk "a little" bit about it. She says she knows she needs to do better but can't seem to do it. I don't know how much I can help her. You got to want it for yourself. She eats bad junk when she is by herself and hides candy and stuff at the house. It's tough, because three years ago when I fist started Atkins, she did it too and did really well. It is a hard situation Monet!!!!

[Colo Alex]

November 5, 2007

Monday. The weekend was not great. Saturday started off pretty good. We got up early and went for our hike. For whatever reason, Bev was going pretty slowly. It got frustrating for me towards the end because I didn’t feel I was getting much out of the hike and didn’t get to go as far as I’d like since we had to be back home early so I could take my daughter to her soccer game. Frustration leads to poor eating choices for me. It did the rest of the weekend. Lame excuse, I know, but there it is. Sunday I woke up with some sort of cold. Still not feeling too great but I think it is already starting to lessen.

I’m still not losing on my new, low cholesterol, eating plan. I’m not sure I’m willing to give up the weight loss for the cholesterol loss. I’m really confused right now. I have not given it much time, but I’m getting frustrated nonetheless.

Of course, Halloween candy is not on any healthy eating plan!! I need to be a little stricter with myself and see how I do after a full two-weeks on the new plan. I’ll bet I lose weight if I stick to the plan. I just need to be a little more disciplined.
As far as the hiking with my wife goes, I just need to relax and enjoy the time we have. It would also be a good idea to try and plan the hike on days where we don’t have such a tight schedule. That way if it takes longer then no biggie.

Ok, today I’ve done really well and my plan is to stay strong tonight, then tomorrow etc. I’ve got to do this!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 198.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Colo Alex

We talk "a little" bit about it. She says she knows she needs to do better but can't seem to do it. I don't know how much I can help her. You got to want it for yourself. She eats bad junk when she is by herself and hides candy and stuff at the house. It's tough, because three years ago when I fist started Atkins, she did it too and did really well. It is a hard situation Monet!!!!

Hiya.. I am not taking up for her..lol.. but it IS a hard situation.. I ma saying this because I know how it feels.. I am sure she wants to eat better.. as I do.. but it is SO hard to get back on the wagon.. I have been trying since last Christmas.. a year has gone by and still not any good.. it makes me sad.. and mad.. and just grrr.. so I know how she feels .. just keep letting her know your there for her .. when she gets ready.. and it gets set in her head again.. you'll be there.. .. I know in the perfect life.. you two would be eating healthy together and exercising together and on the same level.. but.. we all know , this life is not perfect.. so keep being patient with her.. and if she never chooses to eat healthy and get fit.. love her for better or worse..lol..

good idea and making the hikes on no rush days.. maybe plan one with her.. and the next on your own.. explain to her in kind words that you feel the need to go faster and they you two will go again on another day.. till she gets up to your speed..KWIM?.. I hope she understands,. ..

good luck to ya.. and have a great day!

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Hiya.. I am not taking up for her..lol.. but it IS a hard situation.. I ma saying this because I know how it feels.. I am sure she wants to eat better.. as I do.. but it is SO hard to get back on the wagon.. I have been trying since last Christmas.. a year has gone by and still not any good.. it makes me sad.. and mad.. and just grrr.. so I know how she feels .. just keep letting her know your there for her .. when she gets ready.. and it gets set in her head again.. you'll be there.. .. I know in the perfect life.. you two would be eating healthy together and exercising together and on the same level.. but.. we all know , this life is not perfect.. so keep being patient with her.. and if she never chooses to eat healthy and get fit.. love her for better or worse..lol..

good idea and making the hikes on no rush days.. maybe plan one with her.. and the next on your own.. explain to her in kind words that you feel the need to go faster and they you two will go again on another day.. till she gets up to your speed..KWIM?.. I hope she understands,. ..

good luck to ya.. and have a great day!

I'm afraid if I confront her at all she will feel bad and not want to go, so I will just keep it to myself. I'll just try to keep us out of situations that might rush us or put me into "hurry" mode. I think it is me, Monet. I've just got to be more patient. I'll get there.

[Colo Alex]

November 6, 2007

Tuesday. Well yesterday was a little rough work wise, but I stayed totally on plan eating and got in a good hike at lunch. The scale was kind and I’m back down a little. I feel much better today. I think my cold thing is just about over. The weather here continues to be fantastic. Upper 20’s in the morning and mid 60’s during the day. Makes hiking even more enjoyable. Of course, that also means the trails have more people on them. Funny, where were all the people when it was 100+ out there? Apparently I am the only idiot who hiked in the heat. We’ll see how many of them hike when it gets cold. I will be there!

I’ve decided to give my new eating plan a little more time. I really can’t judge it as successful or not until I’ve been on it for a while and that means more than three days at a time!! I’ve got to stay on it steady for a week, then two etc. I’ve really been apathetic lately and I need to stop.

I’m using fit day more now so I can track all the food to make sure I’m not eating too much or too little. I started reading “Good calories, Bad calories” last night. So far it is very interesting. The first bit talks a lot about heart disease and its relation to food. This interests me quite a bit right now.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 196.4
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

That book sounds pretty interesting.. I need to find it..

keep working on the patient thing.. my dh is the same way.. s well as his mom..lol.. I lovem both.. but I so do not like going out to eat anywhere with them that brings the food to you..lol.. its never fast enough you know.. hehe..

anyway.. I think your right to give your new plan a few weeks.. maybe more to try it..

hang in there my friend..

[Colo Alex]

November 7, 2007

Wednesday. Yesterday was a pretty good day. Eating was good all day but I am going to start looking at the amount of calories I consume at certain times of day. I think that I eat too many at night. Here is yesterday:
B – Ham/Cheese Omelet: 581 calories
L – Can of Tuna, Rice Crackers, Cottage Cheese and Blueberries: 489 calories
S – Apple and peanuts: 415 calories
D – Bacon wrapped Bratwurst, Cheese, LC Wrap, Ham, green beans, salad: 1039 calories.
Total calories for the day were 2523, which is about right. I try for 2000 – 2500 in any given day.

I don’t think I should eat my biggest meal of the day three hours before bed. I am going to try to increase my afternoon snack so I won’t be so hungry at dinner. I’m not sure if it is actual hunger as much as it is lack of activity in the evening. During the day I am busy and temptations and poor choices are easy to fight. During the evening I am at home and after dinner it is usually the TV or some other mundane activity. This makes me “hungry.” It is the same problem with weekends. I think it all boils down to discipline and finding something to do to keep busy and not grazing.

Had to go on a different trail to hike yesterday. Too many people. That’s what you get with the really nice weather. That’s ok. Things look good today. I’m ready for a nice loss on the scale!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 197.0
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

November 8, 2007

Thursday. Well, yesterday was pretty good. Eating was nice and clean and I got in a hike at lunch. I think I ran more yesterday than I ever have so that was a positive. Boy, running is a lot tougher than the hiking. It’s a good challenge for me and gets me a little more cardio than just hiking. The hiking used to give me a lot of cardio, but I’m in better shape now and it is less challenging so the running is a good progression.

I managed to spread my calories out a little better yesterday and also kept the amount at dinner down.
B: Oatmeal & Banana – 365 calories
S: Apple - 125
L: Canned Chicken Breast meat, olives, rice crackers, Cottage cheese, Blueberries – 428 calories
S: Peanuts, protein bar – 450 calories
D: Roast chicken, cauliflower – 385 calories

Not too bad. Lets see how I do for a while.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 196.8
Goal weight: 185