Colo Alex - Finding 'me' Journey

[Colo Alex]

February 12, 2007

Well, I made it through the first week of “on the road” eating. I did really great! In fact I lost two pounds while I was gone. I ate really clean and the hotel had a great room with exercise equipment. I was able to do 30 minutes of elliptical training every night. That is more than I have been doing at home. This tells me I can handle being on the road. It really was not so tough. Went to the Outback Steakhouse one night and instead of a big ol’ steak, I had Mahi-Mahi. It was grilled and was very good.

I got home late Friday night. My daughter was having a birthday party (14th) that night and the junk food was abundant. Pizza, M&M’s, chips, cake, ice cream etc… I did not have any!! None on that night and none of the leftovers during the weekend. I am really glad I was able to resist. I even took my two kids out to the tennis courts on Saturday and schooled them in tennis. Ha!

Sunday was Really Tough! I distracted myself with lots of water, took the dog for a walk, etc… Once I finally decided I was not going to cheat its like a switch was flipped and I did not crave the junk anymore. I got close a couple of times, but I grabbed a few almonds instead and left the kitchen.

I’ve got a major high-stress couple of days coming up on Thursday and Friday this week. I have all day meetings with my board of directors. One of the topics will be negotiating my new contract. I plan on asking for a large wage increase. This kind of thing is tough, and I know it will be stressful, but I will go into it with a good attitude. I am SO thankful that I am eating right and feeling so much better. Having that problem out of the way helps a lot. I don’t think that my weight and eating will ever not be an issue with me, but when I have it under control, I don’t seem to worry about it near as much.

I really have a lot of energy right now. I feel like I am in the zone. The combo of eating right, and exercising is having a really great affect on me at the moment. I want to step it up even more with the exercise.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 228.6
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

February 26, 2007

I had a really tough week. I’ve had the Flu since Monday the 19th. Really sick. The only thing good about it was I lost 5 pounds. I’m now at 223. That’s great. This has really sapped my energy and I have not gotten any exercise in a week. It’s all I can do just to get up and down the stairs at home. I am getting better so I hope that sometime this week I will be able to hit the elliptical.

My meetings with the Board went pretty well. I am pleased with the outcome. The stress is still high and I have our regular meeting tomorrow night. Hopefully the contract issue will be solved and I can move on.

Eating has been on target, but I have not had much of an appetite, so I have not taken in very much calorie wise, but I have stayed low-carb the entire time I’ve been sick.

223 is great, but I am focused on getting under 200. That will be a great day. I am close, but I know there is a long way to go. I’ve lost 21 pounds since January 3 so if I can keep that pace up I will be under 200 by summer.

I’ve got to see about losing my gut however. It is still big and squishy. It is gross to look at and I really want to lose it. I know that there are no magic exercises that spot reduce, and I just need to keep my eating on plan and exercise more and it will eventually come off. I know it is smaller as I am in size 36 jeans, but when I look at myself without a shirt on it is repulsive.

For now I will just keep fighting.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 223.0
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

March 2, 2007

Friday! I’m feeling better, not great, but better. This Flu has been tough. I will be glad when I am completely better. I’m still not able to get as much exercise as I would like.

I’m down to 222 pounds. That is 22 pounds since Jan 3. I feel good about my loss and I’m excited to see more success. I really want to get below 200 but for now I will be glad to see the two-teens.

My meetings with the board of directors have gone well. I am pleased with the results and feel like that stress is finally over. I know that high stress effects me in a negative way, and I think it is easier to lose weight while under lower stress levels.

I can’t wait for warmer weather. The cold and snow are getting really old. Spring can’t come soon enough. I’d really like to ride my bike a lot more this summer. I need to get in better shape and I need to be able to exercise more. Hopefully the longer days and warmer weather will help me in my quest.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 222.0
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

hello there.. .. good to see ya back in here.. so sorry you've been sick.. the flu is a killer huh.. I had the 24 hour thing a about a month ago and let me tell you.. I was down for the count.. but that the good Lord it only lasted 24 hours..

good for you on your weight loss.. that's awesome.. .. I am hoping to get back to losing.. .. joined a 30 in 3 challenge.. .. so far.. just 2 days down..

I'm with you about wanting spring to get here.. can't get here soon enough for me..lol.. today was good.. except we had 40 mile an hour winds.. totally messed my hair.... ..

OK you get better and keep up the losing!!

[monet0329]

[Colo Alex]

Hi Monet! It is always nice of you to drop in. I really admire you!


March 5, 2007

Monday morning. I feel pretty darn good. I had a great (too short) weekend. I’m down only a half-pound but I feel so much better. I think the flu is just about over. Still have a cough, but it is not near as bad.

Eating has been good, and I’ve been making some pretty good choices lately. I’ve had some tough temptations but I’ve won every time. I really feel good about that. Saturday night I was home alone and didn’t know what to do for dinner. Thoughts of easy sandwiches, or even cereal popped into my mind. I really had to fight them. I ended up cooking a piece of Mahi-Mahi. It was frozen in a pack but it was really good. I felt great later on that I had made the right decision.

Later that night I even got my butt on the elliptical for 30 minutes. Boy, the first 5 minutes are the toughest for me. I know if I can make it through the first 5 I’ll be able to go the entire 30.

Sunday was even better. I continued with clean eating and then in the afternoon I went on a nice long (8 miles is long for me) bike ride with my daughter. It was still a little cold but the sun was shining and it felt really good. Then I cooked a nice pork roast with mashed cauliflower for dinner. It was nice to sit down with our whole family. First time in two weeks.

Things are going pretty well right now and I want to keep pushing the weight loss. I really want to get below 220 this week. For now, I’ll just keep fighting.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 221.6
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

March 7, 2007

Feeling good today. Lost another ½ pound yesterday but nothing today. I had beef last night and it seems that it stays with me longer than other foods. I’m sure that in a couple of days I will drop again. No worries. I just want to get below 220. Then I’ll concentrate on 210 etc…

I’ve been getting in a good 2+ mile hike at lunch with a little bit of running (I’m being careful not to hurt my bad knees) every day. Also I’m getting in 30min of elliptical every night. I think I need to start lifting weights 3 days a week. Start toning up. I have lost a lot of weight but I hate how my body looks. It’s all flabby. Time to crank it up a bit. It is amazing how good I feel after a good workout. I would like to join a health club but I am still very self-conscious about how I look.

We are planning a vacation to Alaska this summer and I’m already planning on how I am going to eat while I’m there. They have lots of fresh fish and seafood so I’m planning on eating a lot of “swimming food” while I’m there. Breakfast and lunch should not be a problem. I will continue just like I do while at home. Omelet for breakfast, and salad for lunch. Just keep it simple.

I turn 43 this September and I want to be at my goal of 185. I also want to get a complete physical and see how my overall health has changed. I have not had a physical since my surgery, which was over 5 years ago. I will get there!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 221.0
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

March 8, 2007

Thursday. I have a lunch meeting with our company health insurance hmo to discuss a wellness program. I want to get one started for our company. I’m expecting they will have healthy food. If not, I will just skip and eat on my own.

I really need to start lifting weights a few times a week. Need to get toned up! I’m feeling good and in control. We had fish (tilapia) for dinner last night and I’m expecting a drop in my weight soon. I want to be under 220 by Saturday.

Not much else to say today. Weather has been nice here lately. My hikes at lunch have been great.

Keep fighting.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 220.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Hello darlin.. .. Tilapia is so0o0o good.. .. I bet you get under 220.. .. I wish you the best!!

Hope the food was good for you today hun.. have a great Friday!!

[Colo Alex]

March 10, 2007

Still holding at 220.8 pounds. Only lost 1 pound since last Saturday. It is a little bit frustrating but I’m OK with it. I just need to stay tough and I will start dropping again.

Today I am vacuuming and shampooing the carpets at home. I am also washing the woodwork and dusting. Just a little spring-cleaning.

I also want to get out and ride my bike. I may take a break from the cleaning to go ride while it is still sunny out.

I added my picture to my avatar today. It is from last year. I was about 235 pounds. I don't have a recent one but I look pretty much the same. I'll change it after I lose more weight. I need to figure out how to scan a picture from a photograph from when I weighed 297. I think I look different from then.

Monet – I bought some Mahi-Mahi today that I am going to grill tonight. Doesn’t that sound good? Be good, and thanks for all your kind words!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 220.8
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Well . look at you.. your a handsome man.. .. nice to put a face to the words I read.. Thanks....

yes.. that Mahi-Mahi sounds good.. ..let em know how it turned out ..

a bike ride would be awesome.. how ever .. only road around here is the one I live on.. and its too narrow and the people drive like maniacs.. .. too scary..lol... there is the car lot.. but not much of a view there..lol.. oh.. and I don't have a bike.. .. might need one of those for a bike ride..

ok I am being silly.. lol..

when your done cleaning.. come on over.. I need help..lol..

You have a lucky wife ... you clean and cook.. .. every woman's dream..

and yes.. keep at it and the weight will start coming off.. remember.. the slower.. the better.. means it has a better chance of staying off..
I know it can get aggravating.. but Patience is the key word..

Now.. when I get down because I am not losing again.. copy and paste that..

have a great night..

[Colo Alex]

March 12, 2007

Monday. I’m feeling a little frustrated today. I seem to be stuck at 221 pounds. I have not been cheating and my eating has been on plan like normal. I have even been exercising a little more than normal. Still, the weight seems to be holding for whatever reason. I’ve only lost 2 pounds over the last two weeks. I should be under 220 now but I’m stuck at 221. I’m getting aggravated. I know I need to look at the long haul, but I really need short-term success. I guess I will step up the exercise even more. I don’t think I should skip meals, or fast or anything else drastic. I don’t think it is healthy and I don’t want to go off plan. Maybe I’ll just cut out cheese completely for a while and see if that helps. I don’t think I eat too much of it, but it may help break this little stall. Maybe do a week or two of strict induction eating and go from there. I guess I need to keep fighting.

Monet - The grilled Mahi-Mahi was great! Of course it was... I cooked it! The carpets look fantastic. Sorry, I only clean my own house, I don't do house calls!!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 221.0
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Colo Alex

Monet - The grilled Mahi-Mahi was great! Of course it was... I cooked it! The carpets look fantastic. Sorry, I only clean my own house, I don't do house calls!!

i KNEW IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

HANG IN THERE MR. THAT WEIGHT WILL DROP.. YOUR BODY JUST DOESN'T WANNA LET GO.. SO KEEP SHOWING IT WHO'S BOSS !!..

MAYBE THE CHEESE WILL HELP.. WELL THE LACK OF ANYWAY.. GOOS LUCK HUN..

[Colo Alex]

Monet - You were right. I just needed to be patient! Thanks!


March 13, 2007

Well, the scale was kind to me this morning. I finally broke the barrier and I’m in the teens. Today I weighed in at 219.4! I’m really glad to see the scale moving again. That was quite a drought! Now I can start pushing for 210. That will be exciting. I’m really glad to see the loss. It is just the motivation I need.

My eating has still been on plan and exercising is still up. I’m feeling pretty good and have a positive attitude.

I had a little episode yesterday and ended up at the doctors. My heart kept “skipping” beats. It felt like it was flip-flopping around in my chest. It was doing that all day so finally at 3:00 I decided I better call my doctor and find out if I needed to see them. They took me right in and did some tests. EKG and blood draws. I find out the blood test results on Wednesday. The EKG showed the “skip”. My doctor said it was an irregular heartbeat caused by an early beat. This is when the heart beats too soon and does not fill completely with blood and then the next beat which seems late, but is really on time if the other beat had not come early, feels big. Well, he did not seem concerned, but decided to test my blood for thyroid problems, or blood clots. I was a little worried but my heart feels normal today.

The doctor said that most likely it is caused by stress. Caffeine can contribute as well. So today I’m officially off of caffeine. After I get the results I will need to figure out a way to handle stress better. I don’t think I can change the reasons for the stress, but I hope to change how I deal with the stress. The whole incident was a little scary but I feel ok now and I’m ready to figure out the stress thing now.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 219.4
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Hey buddy.. on the loss..

but Man.. that would be a scare for sure !!.. I hope the blood work comes out good.. I will be sending up for ya.. ..

keep up the great work!!

[Colo Alex]

March 15, 2007

Thursday. Feeling good today. Have not had any problems with my heart since Monday night. Doctor called and said all blood tests were negative. So the culprit is likely stress and caffeine. I quit caffeine on Tuesday. Today is day three without it. The first day was tough. I guess I didn’t realize how addicted or dependent I was on caffeine. Tuesday I had an amazing headache all day and was pretty grouchy. Today, no more headaches and my mood is much better. Yesterday afternoon I was not nearly as tired as Tuesday. I thought I was going to fall asleep at my desk on Tuesday. So, big relief on my heart.

Not much movement in my weight but I did drop .2 this morning. Not enough to get excited about but I’ll take the loss.

The weather here has been fantastic. 73 for a high yesterday. That was a new record. Hate to be trapped indoors during this fine weather but hopefully it will hold on till the weekend and I can get out and enjoy it more.

So, my task is to figure out how to reduce the stress in my life. I don’t see how to decrease the actual stress, but somehow I’ve got to figure out how to lessen the effect on me. I have to find ways to relieve the stress or to not let it get to me as much. I will have to do some research on it and try some things.

Monet – Thanks for the kind words and the prayer. You are a wonderful person.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 219.2
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Good morning Alex...2.. yep.. own it MR.!!

stress.. do you like to read? some times a good book will take your mind off things.. put you in another part of the world.. you now what I mean?
or walk.. jog.. or simply just lay on your bed.. with some soft music on and concentrate on breathing nice and slow.. think Happy thoughts.. .. just some thoughts..

glad the blood work was all cool.. .. and wtg on the caffeine..

have a great day!

[Colo Alex]

Monet - Thanks for the stress advice. I know we all have stress, I just have to figure out how to deal with it better. I do read, but not much lately. I don't have, or take, the time. I walk at lunch and after dinner everyday. I know that it helps, cause I usually feel a lot better after.


March 16, 2007

Friday!! Nothing like a Friday to pick up my day. I feel great today. Saw another little drop on the scale today. Eating and exercising are on plan and in control. It’s great, when I control my health; everything else in my life becomes easier. Work, home, life in general. I love this feeling. I just have to keep focused and in charge of myself. I know I can do this.

I’m going to work on the anti-stress a little this weekend. I’m taking my wife on a short trip to Ouray on Saturday. Just to get out of town. No kids, just the two of us. We will hike around and explore the town and the shops. Have lunch and then come home in the evening. I am really looking forward to the trip. I really need to get away. The weather should be perfect!

I just keep fighting!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 219.0
Goal weight: 185

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Colo Alex

Monet - Thanks for the stress advice. I know we all have stress, I just have to figure out how to deal with it better. I do read, but not much lately. I don't have, or take, the time. I walk at lunch and after dinner everyday. I know that it helps, cause I usually feel a lot better after.


March 16, 2007

Friday!! Nothing like a Friday to pick up my day. I feel great today. Saw another little drop on the scale today. Eating and exercising are on plan and in control. It’s great, when I control my health; everything else in my life becomes easier. Work, home, life in general. I love this feeling. I just have to keep focused and in charge of myself. I know I can do this.

I’m going to work on the anti-stress a little this weekend. I’m taking my wife on a short trip to Ouray on Saturday. Just to get out of town. No kids, just the two of us. We will hike around and explore the town and the shops. Have lunch and then come home in the evening. I am really looking forward to the trip. I really need to get away. The weather should be perfect!

I just keep fighting!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 219.0
Goal weight: 185

GREAT IDEA !!.. I WISH YOU THE BEST.. HAVE A GREAT TIME..
CONGRATS ON THE LOSS AS WELL..

[Colo Alex]

March 18, 2007

Ice 1.jpg
(click to enlarge)

Had a great time in Ouray yesterday. The picture is me in front of a frozen section of a fall.

[monet0329]

Well.. look at you Mr. skinny.. .. what a cool picture.. I bet thats was cccccold.. was it slippery?

your looking great Alex !!.. I bet your wife is proud of you..

Glad you have a great time hum.. you deserve it !!

[Colo Alex]

Monet - It was a little cold, and very slippery. We had to climb over piles of snow. We had a blast tho. I'm no where near skinny, but I'm getting there. Thanks for the kind words.

March 20, 2007

I had a great weekend. (well, Saturday) Our trip to Ouray was great. We hiked to two waterfalls and just messed around. Very good for anti-stress.

Sunday we read about the pet food recall and we wondered if maybe that was what was affecting our cat. He wouldn’t eat and was lethargic. Wife took him to the vet on Monday. He has Acute Kidney Failure. He is only 2 years old and my wife and kids are pretty upset. They are pumping IV’s thru him for 48 hours to see if they can save him. I’ll know on Wednesday afternoon. Put in my report to the FDA, but can’t get through to the pet food company’s (Iam’s and MenuFoods). It doesn’t sound too promising for the cat.

My weight came down a little this weekend so I’m happy about that. Need to get out and walk this afternoon. Work is hectic but that is good. It means business is really starting to pick up.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 218.4
Goal weight: 185