Colo Alex - Finding 'me' Journey

[Colo Alex]

May 14, 2007

Monday. Ended up having a great weekend. I got a lot of work done at the house (coolers and yard work) and had a nice mothers day. I was able to increase my calories to maintenance levels and slightly below for both days. I exercised and ate good foods. I had a lot more fruit than I have in a long time. Mostly berries. They were great. I can’t believe how much I miss that food group. I plan on adding more fruits as I up the calories and carbs. I had losses on both days and I’m sitting right on 207 this morning. I will continue with this way of eating and see where it leads me. I plan on breaking down the door to 199 soon.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 207.0
Goal weight: 185

[DarbyAz]

Way to go Alex. I think you just need to increase and you'll see a difference.

[monet0329]

Originally Posted by Colo Alex

May 14, 2007

Monday. Ended up having a great weekend. I got a lot of work done at the house (coolers and yard work) and had a nice mothers day. I was able to increase my calories to maintenance levels and slightly below for both days. I exercised and ate good foods. I had a lot more fruit than I have in a long time. Mostly berries. They were great. I can’t believe how much I miss that food group. I plan on adding more fruits as I up the calories and carbs. I had losses on both days and I’m sitting right on 207 this morning. I will continue with this way of eating and see where it leads me. I plan on breaking down the door to 199 soon.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 207.0
Goal weight: 185

and you WILL !!!.. glad you has a great weekend hun.. ..

[Colo Alex]

May 15, 2007

Tuesday. Long day yesterday. The closing of the branch store has been pretty stressful. I did not get to take a hike yesterday at lunch but I plan on one today.

My daughter had her last ever middle school band concert last night. I’ve been going to them for five years (counting the years my son was there.) It is strange thinking both kids will be in High School this fall. So, after the concert I did manage to get in an upper body workout. It was not great, but I got it done. I had another compliment last night from one of the parents at the concert. That is always nice.

Eating has been on plan and I continue to add a few calories. Last night I added some cottage cheese and blueberries.

I plan on looking into the BFFM plan some more. It is quite intriguing. I think it is where I need to be. Of course, I don’t do anything until I have researched and investigated it thoroughly. Just how I am.

Keep fighting and pushing for the 199 mark. Once I get there the real battle will begin.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 207.0
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

May 16, 2007

Wednesday. The new eating plan is going well and my weight was down a little this morning. The calories I’ve been adding in lately have all been good foods like fruit and yogurt and cottage cheese. Last five days I’ve averaged 2054 calories. That’s about a 15% increase. Carbs are up to 50 a day instead of 20 or less. I’ll keep working on this new plan. Seems to be working.

I plan on lifting lower body tonight so no long hike at lunch today. One day at a time.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 206.6
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

May 17, 2007

Thursday. Eating was pretty good yesterday. I lifted lower body plus bench press last night. I only had 1800 calories and not enough protein and 30 carbs yesterday. My weight was up a pound this morning. I am thinking that the day after I lift is not going to show a loss. It is usually steady or even a pound or so up. I think it is my body holding water to repair the muscles. I hope. I’ll keep working on my diet. It is hard to change after all this time of low carb and low calories but I will keep going because I think it is the right thing to do for the long term.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 207.6
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

May 18, 2007

Friday! Yep, my weight is back down today. I didn’t eat enough calories or carbs yesterday, but I did OK. I did not get in a hike at lunch because I’ve been out shopping for cars on my lunch hour. I did take a nice walk after dinner last night however. It’s not exactly great exercise but I’ll take it. I’m still working on the concept of more calories and carbs. I just need time.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 206.6
Goal weight: 185

[DarbyAz]

Way to go Alex. It's a way of life and you have to figure it out what's best for you. Nice new pic!

[Colo Alex]

May 21, 2007

Monday. Had a kind of rough weekend. Really felt the urge to binge. I fought it pretty well, but Sunday was really hard. I did not go off plan, but I did end up eating too much. My weight hit 205.8 on Saturday Morning but was up on Sunday and back down today to 206.6 pounds. No real harm done and I’m ok now. Saturday I played some tennis with the kids and took them bowling. They wanted to do something so I steered them to something with so physical activity in it. Not the best exercise but better than watching a movie. I plan on lifting tonight. I’ll try to change it up a bit to keep it interesting and to make sure my muscles are not getting used to the workout. Fight On!

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 206.6
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by DarbyAz

Way to go Alex. It's a way of life and you have to figure it out what's best for you. Nice new pic!

Thanks Darby. You are right. I'm still figuring it all out. I doubt I'll ever totally get to 'normal' what ever that is. I will always be learning about my body and what it takes to run it.

[Colo Alex]

May 23, 2007

Wednesday. Stress is trying to kill me!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, it’s not that bad but I’m still struggling with how do deal with it. I know I can’t eliminate it and with my job I will always have this level of stress, I’m just not dealing with it very well.

Eating has been pretty good. Kind of light yesterday, but I went to an academics awards deal for my daughter last night right after work. The new way of eating has been good. I am still really enjoying the fruit. Not a lot of extra calories but a fair amount of carbs. I’m not worried because I’m still losing. Today I was down a pound to 204.8 pounds. Getting Closer!!!

I haven’t lifted this week. I’m going to try and get in a session tonight. I need to keep up the lifting.

We are going to Denver for a 3-day weekend this Saturday so I’ll see how well I do in the eating category. There is always lots of junk around when I visit my family. I’ll need to be strong. I’m really looking forward to getting away for the weekend.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 204.8
Goal weight: 185

[DarbyAz]

Told ya!

Here's a trick I use around my family. I make lots of deviled eggs. It's hard to keep everyone out of them, but it's a quick and legal grab item.

[Colo Alex]

May 29, 2007

WEAK! That is what I was this weekend. I totally blew it on the food side of things. I ate way too much, and a bunch of the wrong thing. I am really feeling lousy today and last night and I am attributing it to the horrible food I ate.

Friday night: ate at Texas Roadhouse and had a 6oz filet, Caesar salad, and Rice Pilaf.

Saturday: Omelet for breakfast (normal). Skipped lunch. Early dinner was hamburger and brat (no buns), potato salad, Chips, Birthday cake & Ice cream!!!!

Sunday: 5-mile walk. Omelet for Breakfast. No lunch. Dinner was Greek fry bread and Greek rice. Large amounts of each. Pie for dessert.

Monday: 2-mile walk. 2 Bagel’s w/cream cheese for Breakfast. Power bar snack. 1 Bagel for lunch. Tilapia fish for dinner, mixed veggies and strawberries for dinner.

I also did not drink very much water and snacked on chips and other junk during the day. That is the reason I hit 208.8 on the scale this morning. Up 4 pounds from last week!!

I am not beating myself up this morning because I ate what I did willingly. I was planning on eating this food for a long time. I think I just ate too much of it. I never felt out of control or like I was in a binge. I just ate poorly. I really enjoyed being with my family and it was all worthwhile. I had bad gas all day Sunday and Monday and I dealt with some pretty bad chest pains last night, that felt like suppressed burps. I think it was acid, gas and/or stomach related. Too many bad carbs. I’m really glad to be back on plan.

Well, back on plan today and I hope to see the extra pounds gone quickly.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 208.8
Goal weight: 185

[DarbyAz]

Alex - four pounds cannot be fat gained. Get back on track and drink your water and you'll probably see a woosh in a few days.

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by DarbyAz

Alex - four pounds cannot be fat gained. Get back on track and drink your water and you'll probably see a woosh in a few days.

Yeah, I'm just ticked that it went up that far. I was expecting a raise just not that much. I'm drinking lots of water and getting back into the exercise groove. Feeling much better today. Dropped a pound.

Nice to see you!!

[Colo Alex]

May 30, 2007

Down a pound today. I did not eat very much yesterday. My stomach was not happy most of the day. It is better today and I am eating on plan. It is really tempting to eat very restricted today, but I don’t think that is very smart. I plan on eating normally and on plan. I know I will lose the weight I gained this weekend, just don’t know when. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Chest pains and stomach problems are gone. I’ve just been dealing with a headache for the last couple of days. Can’t seem to shake it. It’s not horrible, just persistent.

I was able to get out at lunch yesterday and hike. It felt great. I will do it again today. I need to hit the weights tonight as well. I think I’ll try to get in full body workout tonight and then back on normal schedule Monday.

Life is good.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 207.8
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

Friday. I’m back to the weight I was before last weekends splurge. Eating has been good and I have resisted eating very low calories. I’ve resumed my new plan of 50 – 60 carbs and 2000 calories per day.

I did a lot of physical work yesterday and it was a good thing because I was really frustrated all day. Even after that long day I still had some energy after dinner and took my kids bowling. We had a great time. I have not lifted since a week ago, so I really need to get back at it. Tonight!

Life is still good.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 205.2
Goal weight: 185

[DarbyAz]

Told ya!

[monet0329]

Hey there buddy.. .. just coming to check in on ya.. ..

so you had a "free" weekend.. you did good.. got right back on.. which is more then I can say for myself.... but I am back now.. for the long hall.. since Tuesday.... and I am starting to get that energy back that I love so well.. hehe..

just keep doing what it is your doing.. its great!!...

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by DarbyAz

Told ya!

Yes you did! How's things with you??

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by monet0329

Hey there buddy.. .. just coming to check in on ya.. ..

so you had a "free" weekend.. you did good.. got right back on.. which is more then I can say for myself.... but I am back now.. for the long hall.. since Tuesday.... and I am starting to get that energy back that I love so well.. hehe..

just keep doing what it is your doing.. its great!!...

Hi Monet. Glad to hear you are back on the wagon. High energy is a great feeling Isn't it!

[Colo Alex]

June 4, 2007

Monday. Looks good today. I saw the lowest ever on Sunday. That was nice. I need to keep it up through this week. No straying off plan. Wife’s birthday this Friday, Son’s next week and then my Anniversary and Fathers Day. Tough time of year. This is where I’ve blown it in the past. I’ve got to be tough. Big vacation to Alaska at the end of the month. I want to be under 200 by then.

Saturday was a good day for activity. I worked in the yard and even played DDR with the kids that night. My knees are talking to me today.
Sunday was a lazy day. It felt good to do nothing. I’ve got to make sure I pick up the exercise this week.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 204.4
Goal weight: 185

[Colo Alex]

June 11, 2007
Monday. Haven’t written in my journal in a week. Need to do a better job all the way around. This past week I got down to 204 pounds. This morning I’m at 207. I had another weekend splurge. I was planning on this one and did not go too overboard. Celebrated my wife’s birthday. We had a good time and overall the eating was not too bad. I had Mexican food for lunch on Friday (way too much) and a reasonable dinner. All were at restaurants so the food was in mass quantities. Went on a 6-mile hike on Saturday morning. Saturday night had grilled chicken and some pasta. The pasta really messed up my stomach. I did not eat very much of it but it still had an impact. Overall the eating was not out of control or even super high calories. The carbs were very high for the weekend however so that did have an effect. I’ll get right back on schedule today and see how long it takes to lose these temporary gains. Last time it was one week. I need to eat really clean the next three weeks so I can be ready for our vacation to Alaska. I’m not planning on binging or splurging while in Alaska, but I’m also not planning on being overly restrictive either.

I feel in control today and I’m ready for a good week. Son turns 16 on Thursday.

Started Atkins September 2003: Weight: 297
Fell off sometime in August 2004
Restarted a few times since January 2006
Current Weight: 207.0
Goal weight: 185

[DisneyPrincess]

[Colo Alex]

Originally Posted by Jackielbrown04

Hi Jackie! Nice of you to drop by! I hope things are going well with you. Thanks for all the encouragement!