Day 659 We Want You For The PEWC!

Day 659

We Want You For The PEWC!

One of the biggest discrepancies along my transformation road has been my inconsistent water consumption. I know all about the healthy benefits of drinking water, at least 64 ounces a day, and still---some days I struggle. Do I still get enough fluid? Maybe, but maybe not. I just haven’t placed the priority level as high as water deserves. It’s extremely important, aiding in weight loss as it flushes the system---I know this, and yet, some days I don’t drink a single bottle, relying solely on my coffee and tea for hydration. That’s about to change.

When Kenz suggested we co-sponsor a water challenge, it just made perfect sense. I’ve never sponsored a challenge before and if you've followed this blog for some time, you know---I’ve never been big on participating in challenges. I just do what I do. But what I do, isn’t always best. And not getting enough water is a good example. So I whole-heartedly agreed and sponsored this wonderfully easy challenge.

Kenz and I challenge you to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day for three weeks. The challenge can start today, no need to wait---but officially it starts Monday July 12th and ends Sunday August 1st. The idea is simple---three solid weeks of consistently drinking enough water could form a nice habit that will benefit all who participate. Maybe you already drink this much or more water daily, if so—great!!! You can still offer your water consumption habits, tips, and tricks to this challenge, so please join! Your positive water habits could really inspire someone like me. How do you sign up? Just leave a comment here or on Kenz’s blog saying that you’re ready for the Sean and Kenz Positive Effect Water Challenge! We’ll keep up with everyone. Then, every Sunday evening—report how you accomplished your water drinking goals. This is going to be fun!

One more thing...

This message is for those of you interested in joining us for this challenge. Before we begin please be aware that there is such a thing as drinking too much water. Please understand that our personal goals are to drink 64 oz. per day which is widely accepted as a healthy amount of water consumption. Sean and Kenz are not medical or nutritional experts, they are just really cool weight loss bloggers. Please consult a qualified physician before starting any weight-loss regimen.

I like the “cool weight loss bloggers” part.

If you want to right click and save the Positive Effect Water Challenge logo found below, resize it—and place it on your blog---you can go right ahead, we would be honored! Right Kenz?

I started this morning with a round of non-weighted strength training exercises followed by leaning against the bed and feeling my abs of steel that normally hide under a blanket of fat and loose skin. There’s this one position, when I’m leaning against the bed, knees on the floor---stretched out---when I can feel them, along with a different style belly button---I know, it’s crazy---and as soon as I get up---it’s gone. But it’s there and someday my friend, someday---it’ll be uncovered completely, I’ve simply decided. I dream of a flat stomach…I do. And if having skin removal surgery can help me achieve that someday, then that’s what we’ll do. I know I’ve said that I really don’t care either way---and from a health stand-point, I really don’t. But from a mental health stand-point---I must.

Let me explain: Tonight at play rehearsal, I learned that the director is expecting me to tuck my shirt into my pants. He told me that he would allow it un-tucked for certain scenes, but it had to be tucked for others. Why is this such a big deal to me? I know I’ve come a very long way, but I’ve never been a tucker---NEVER, and I’m very uncomfortable with the way the loose skin and remaining fat looks when I’m tucked. Un-tucked, I’m the picture of confidence---tucked, I’m horribly affected. Crazy, I know…but I’m just being honest. I went through this same anxiety with last year's "Call Me Henry" production.

And then I was told that I needed to wear boxer shorts for a bedroom scene---and oh boy, that’s a completely different set of insecurities. You want me to show my legs? Uh---hmmm. I don’t want to talk about this right now. Chris is a great director---he understands me---we’ll work something out.

I swear---I’m going pita pizza crazy! I just bought these last night, and already I’ve prepared and consumed four pita pizzas. Last night, then a breakfast version this morning, then a 300 calorie double “pita pizza nachos” for lunch. I’ve been deprived of these 60 calorie treats! I do love them dearly---and the calorie value is just awesome---plus, I’m getting needed fiber. It’s all good!

In my daily time travels back to the day one year prior---I found this excerpt that highlights my zero deprivation, “nothing is off limits” approach:

I'm eating a Hershey Chocolate Bar right now. I had the calories left tonight, and so did the girls, so we thought...why not? We're not breaking the calorie bank! I actually still have 115 calories left after this creamy chocolate bar. It's chocolate without the guilt! I love the freedom that calorie counting provides. What I love more, is how it's taught me how to eat responsibly for the first time in my adult life. If you're new to this blog and you think it's crazy that I'm writing this while a Hershey Milk Chocolate bar melts in my mouth, then you should read some of the archives. I've enjoyed anything and everything, all within my calorie budget. It sounds crazy to have had so much success eating every thing from ice cream to pizza to fast food to cake and pie and even lasagna and Olive Garden! Oh my...But what I've done is really simple. I eat normal food and normal portions. The difference is, before I would eat normal food and gigantic portions, or large portions more often. The idea that NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS completely eliminates any possible feelings of deprivation. And feeling deprived is a big reason “diets” are temporary. I'm living and eating what everyone else eats. The difference? I now know what a portion is supposed to be!

I also found this line---and I couldn’t resist:

Maintain your journey with consistency, defend your journey like it's the life or death situation it really is, and you too will experience this freedom if you haven't already.

It’s all about importance level, right? Thank you so much for reading. Goodnight and…

Good Choices,
Sean


Join in today! Just leave a comment here or on Kenz’s blog saying that you’re on board! Then, track your water consumption between July 12th and August 1st---updating us on your progress and performance every Sunday evening. Three weeks to a more consistent, healthy habit with water—that’s my goal!


My “Pita Pizza Nachos.” I used two 60-calorie pitas, three 50-calorie slices of mozzarella—divided equally between the two pitas—and a ¼ cup of pizza sauce for 30 calories. 300 total! Great little lunch!!


Where did this come from? My dear Aunt Kelli found this “Lost” before picture---I have no idea how long ago it was snapped---but I think it’s safe to say it’s either pre-transformation road---or shortly after I started stumbling this way. 500 pounds, and if not, real close.


Recent picture with my lovely grandmother