I just got my new driver's license in the mail, which was actually part of a wonderfully simple process. The state sent me a note saying it was time to renew and that I could do it online. I took the note on a trip to Phoenix, and from my hotel, found the site, checked that my info was correct, gave them my credit card number, and a week later, they sent me my new Driver's License. It was so much better than trekking down the the Jamaica DMV in Queens in the late 80s.
But when I checked my license, I saw my weight was listed at 240. "Huh," I thought. "That's not too far off."
And as of tonight, I reach a new goal. I now weigh what it says on my license. My actual weight and my state reported weight haven't matched in, well, ever.
I know some people are horrified at the idea of posting their weight publicly. It doesn't bother me too much because it's not like people I know in real life are under the illusion I'm skinny. It's no "secret shame." It's pretty obvious that I'm a big guy.
I'm down about 15 pounds since 2009-10-31. At my biggest I was up around 265 3-4 years ago.
I've been losing at about 3 pounds a month, which isn't quick, but it is likely sustainable. I'm doing it without major lifestyle changes, too.
When I'm at home, I spend about 60-90 minutes on the Wii Fit Plus. (See 5 Things I like about the Wii Fit Plus and 5 Thing I don't like about the Wii Fit Plus.) That's actually how I started -- just using the Wii Fit Plus. And it helped. I attribute that fact that I'm accomplishing any of this completely to the Fit.
I started taking the stairs in my building whenever I'm not carrying too much stuff. I live on the 5th floor and can make it all the way up without being too winded.
I've reduced my regular soda drinking. Now I mainly drink diet soda, water, juice, wine, beer, or other items. I still have the regular stuff from time to time, and am not jumping on the corn-syrup-is-evil bandwagon. As with most things, moderation is key.
I really enjoy eating good food, and I'm not willing to give up the wonders of bacon and butter and meat. It's just not going to happen. What I can do is make sure that if I'm going to eat stuff that's bad for me, that I eat it because I am actually hungry or because I really want it. Eating just because it's time to eat, or because something happens to be in front of me, is a bad idea. The key here is to eat deliberately and intentionally.
A few years ago I switched to 2% Lattes. I tried the Soy ones, but they were nasty (which is funny because I do enjoy things like Miso, Edemame, and even Tofu). More recently, I switched primarily to Americanos and often drink my coffee black. I'll explain the reasons for that switch in the coming weeks.
I try to walk more. I live in a fantastic neighborhood and plan to explore it more this summer.
So it's been a lot of little things. I'm not swearing off any food that's "bad" for me. This biggest change is the hour+ on the Wii Fit and that's mainly come at the expense of some time wasting on the net.
Where do I go from here?
Well, in a couple months, the summer will be here and once again, I'll be hauling 7, 50 pound water jugs up the stairs and out to the roof most days, so I may pick up the pace there.
I was hoping to make 235 by the end of the month, but that might be pushing it. Here are my target weights for the next 12 months.
- 2010-05-15: 230
- 2010-06-30: 225
- 2010-09-30: 215
- 2010-11-25: 210 (Thanksgiving)
- 2010-12-31: 220 (Holiday food it too awesome to worry about it)
- 2011-03-30: 199
8 comments:
Congratulations on losing weight sensibly, and without giving up the foods you love! My Mommeh has been trying to lose the same 10# for years. Since she started her new job, she's already lost 8 pounds. A little bit of stress is good for that, I guess.
I was pleased a few weeks ago when I renewed my license and noticed I weighed what it said. 1st time thats ever happened.
That quickly changed to dismay when my 8 year old daughter asked to look at the license. "You don't look to different from this 8 year old picture, daddy." Really, how have I changed? "Well, you've got a goatee." This is good, I'm thinking. Then she adds "And your more wrinkly."
Ouch.
Congrats on losing the weight! I weigh very close to what my driver's license says - I seem to stay about the same regardless of diet soda, skim milk, etc . . . Apparently all working out three times a week (average) is doing for me is helping me maintain . . . guess I need to add some more walking. And eat fewer of my hubby's homemade cinnamon rolls. LOL.
Good for you for doing it sensibly - it is hard to make drastic changes and stick to it . . . so this sounds smart and sustainable.
@Daisy: Thanks. I actually put on my latest surge of weight in 1998 when I started a new job. I went from running around a store all day to sitting in a car for much of it.
@Keim: Heh. Shockingly frank, huh? I am concerned about increased wrinkles accompanying weight loss. Afterall, if there ends up being less to push them out...
@Shawna: Thanks. Mmmmm....Cinamon Rolls.
I've actually seen that happen. But it was a massive loss in weight, resulting in flabs of skin. Worth it, says I. Weight loss is worth the extra wrinkles.
That's awesome! Although I'm not a big person it gets harder and harder to not spread a bit, even with all the hiking I do. I'm now dealing with the effects of a too-sedentary winter, and can also manage to lose about 3 pounds a month. Dang! Got 10 to go. But the hiking will increase in May... hope that helps.
Hang in there.
Stick to your self-set goals and you're on a good way. It's all about doing it and not only talking about "i should loose some weight", talking about "actions".
Have a great week!
@Keim: Definitely a good point.It's a good trade.
@Sharkbytes: Good luck. I imagine extensive hiking would take off quite a bit. Or at least lead to those distinctive bicyclist/hiker calves.
@cornyman: Action is what matters. I never say I struggle with my weight because over the years we haven't stuggled at all. We roomed together quite agreeably.
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