As I have done in past blogs, I have taken an entry from my weight-loss log, which I started in 2010, and reproduced it in this blog. The below entry is from September 26, 2010. Aside from communicating what I was feeling and going through during my two-year weight-loss period, it is interesting to note that I still fast on Friday’s before my weigh-in on Saturday, and now, my Saturday workout is a harder 900 calorie workout instead of an 800 calorie workout, plus instead of blasting my stereo and having my TV on mute, I instead listen to my music on headphones — my neighbors appreciate the change.

“September 26, 2010.  Yesterday, I weighed 307.8. Getting closer to having lost 110 lbs., and getting closer to finally getting under 300 lbs.  I have been wondering if is a good long term practice to not eat after lunch on Friday’s, in preparation for my Saturday weigh-ins. On the one hand, it demonstrates discipline regarding food, and I have heard that the body needs to fast every so often. What I am doing is essentially fasting for 24 hours. On the other hand, is it a good long term practice to have only one meal on Friday?

What I have been doing is try to eat a very balanced lunch, with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, and then drink fluids the rest of the day. I eye behind the fluids is to prepare for Saturday’s workout. My fluids includes Sportea, which has electrolytes. I remember hearing Lance Armstrong say on TV that hydration starts the night before an event, and that is what I am doing.

Psychologically, that second half hour of my Saturday workout is very tough. By 30 minutes I have already burned 400 calories, and my mind tells me that is enough. But I keep reminding myself that I need the fully 60 minute, 800-calorie, workout for my maximum weight loss. Now I have taken to blast my stereo and watch the TV on mute to really pump up my workout.

One on the rewards of weight loss is that tight fitting clothes become an incentive, whereas when you are gaining weight, tight fitting clothes are a sign of failure and impending doom.  This weekend I bought a new blazer, and its sleeves are a touch tight, but I am willing to put up with that since it will allow the blazer to last longer in my wardrobe as I lose more weight. It is almost time to get a new belt and trousers. I still hate shopping for clothes, but I am starting to be able to buy clothes from regular stores rather than the fat men’s stores. Nothing is so embarrassing and depressing than having to buy clothes at the fat men’s store – it just reinforces that you are abnormal.

I had a date on Thursday, and it was one of the best of all my dates so far. I am not feeling so abnormal anymore, and it may be paying dividends. We have a second date (a first for me) in two weeks. One thing I noticed during our date is that she was complimentary about my small talk, but did not compliment me about my appearance when I complimented her appearance. Am I too sensitive, or is that how she feels?  However, she did hug me and kiss me on the cheek goodbye, which was nice to feel again after over years of no such contact after Monique’s passing. Time will tell how things go, and hopefully over time, my physical appearance will be more attractive to women. Have to remember to keep on pushing since this is small victory, and I cannot rest on my laurels.

I am still feeling hungry, and want quantities of food, which is still scaring me. Just trying to satisfy these cravings with good non-fattening foods like chicken breast, vegetables, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Also, using my Wasa Mutli-grain crackers to deal with my carb cravings. As Al Rokker said on TV, dealing with a weight problem is like being a recovering alcoholic in that you always have to be vigilant about what you eat, and your exercise. This week I have a lot of work to do, which makes my more hungry, so I will feel better if I can maintain my weight loss momentum this week.  Also, this Friday I am going out to lunch with two of Monique’s friends, and then have a lunch date on Saturday with another woman from Match.com. Need to keep “my eye on the prize” which is the slogan on my refrigerator.”