Day 680 Not The Same Guy and This Isn't A Plan, It's Living

Day 680

Not The Same Guy and This Isn't A Plan, It's Living

A friend of mine brought it to my attention that someone leaving a comment on the AOL article suggested that the story was a fake. I'll be honest, I haven't read all of those comments. Why? I guess I need a little thicker skin. After reading the comment from some guy who was trying to calculate the calories I must have consumed to reach 505, I decided that it was best not to continue reading. I can't help it sometimes, I'm sensitive. That's just me. But this yahoo who was arguing the authenticity of the before and current pictures, saying that you can tell that it isn't the same person if you look at the eyes...this guy, wow...I guess I shouldn't be offended, because in a way it was a compliment, and in another way...he's right.

I'm not the same person as 505 pound Sean and you can see a difference in my eyes, absolutely, that's called joy my friend...pure joy. But seriously, how crazy funny is that? Someone arguing the authenticity of my transformation. Well, I've lived it every single day. It's real--that's me--and there are many like me with equally dramatic transformations. Some people just have to be negative...it must be a very miserable existence in their world. Poor guy...

I started the day with my normal routine of non-weighted strength training exercises. I just couldn't bare another day without these very simple, yet effective exercises--all of them, not just the squats. And perhaps they do just as much good for me mentally as they do physically. I enjoyed my coffee and a scrambled egg pita wrap with mushrooms. I really love this breakfast. I think I was getting burned out on omelets. I'll fix omelets again next week!

I received two different emails today, both talking about my "plan," and both mentioning the Atkins Diet. For one, my "plan" is simply called living, eating, and moving like a normal healthy person. It reminded me of a day early on this journey---and it took a little while to find the exact day, but I did. The following excerpt is from Day 54:

A listener of my morning radio show came up to me today at the store and congratulated me on my weight loss. Then came the question. “So, how are you doing it?” I told him “1500 calories a day and exercise.” Then he asked me “What plan is it?” I told him “oh, it's my plan”, This really confused him. “So like Atkins?” This guy wouldn't quit. “No, it's just 1500 calories a day and exercise—no special pills or plans or crazy strict food list.” He then suggested I try the Atkins diet, because “who can live on 1500 calories?” I was very polite and thanked him for the suggestion then I told him that 1500 calories was working just fine for me. He then proceeded to tell me how he lost 30 pounds on the Atkins plan. He was a very nice man and a loyal listener. And I appreciate that! But man, he was convinced that I had to be doing some kind of special plan or book or service or pills or something!

He's not alone, many people are convinced that you need to buy the solution. The multi-billion dollar weight loss product industry thrives because of this way of thinking. So many people struggle with obesity and have for so many years, all the while waiting for that perfect plan or drug to save them. Many of the “plans” will help you lose the weight, but do they really teach you how to eat after the plan?

That's my biggest problem with the Atkins diet. I actually gave it a try back in 1995, but the grocery bill was just too much! And I quickly realized how fast you remember how much you love bread and other carbohydrates when you're filling up on meat, eggs, cheese, and more meat. But my love for carbs isn't the reason I will not do the Atkins plan. It wasn't teaching me anything about portion control. I wasn't learning anything except the science of why it works. That came in real handy when I would explain why I could eat two pounds of hamburger meat, a half pound of bacon, and a block of cheese and still lose weight.

I'm in this for the life change, the long haul, the permanent results. I'm learning how to handle food in every day life and enjoy real portions, instead of monster size portions. And because I can eat whatever I want within my calorie budget, there isn't a situation or special circumstance that can trip me up.

Remember the crazy boiled eggs/bananas/hot dog diet? I think that was the “special” combination. One day you ate just boiled eggs, the next bananas, and the third day hot dogs. Then on day 4 you started over with the boiled eggs. Oh, it works! Sure it works! But I'll tell ya, I don't plan on eating those three things exclusively for the rest of my life! Maybe it wasn't bananas...I'm pretty sure about the boiled eggs and hot dogs, but that third item may have been something else. Anyway, it doesn't matter, that's nuts! And really it's just another form of calorie counting, the only difference is you don't have the choices. The unlimited choices are what makes calorie counting so great!

I don't spend too much time explaining or defending my "plan" these days. It's all documented right here in these writings. And it's not something you can buy, it's something you live. It's real change, the kind that sticks. And when you fully embrace this change, it's a joyous experience. Are there tough days when the Steel Curtain Zone must be activated? Yes, of course. But seriously, let me tell you something...the taste of triumph, of overcoming a tough day with your resolve and calorie budget in tact, taste much better than any binge or trigger food.

I prepared a fantastic meal tonight. Chicken breast, green beans with cheese, and a serving of hash browns. It was 460 calories of incredible.

Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...

Good Choices,
Sean


Jodi--Proud member of the PEWC--drinking the water at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Jodi writes: I drank two of these at dinner which equates to 40oz! How cool is that? Literally. LOL! We were out at Cheeseburger In Paradise where I made good choices! I had a grilled chicken sandwich on a whole wheat bun with one slice of cheese with broccoli on the side instead of their fries. Also, I wound up only eating half of the roll. Too much bread. Instead of any sauces I asked for lettuce, red onion & pickles. Great choices Jodi, and thank you for the picture! Very nice!! You can check out Jodi's blog at: http://www.elvismoodyblue.blogspot.com


Me--using the "straw-no ice" strategy for rapid water consumption!

This message was in my email:

I plan to keep drinking long after the deadline, thank you!! An avid reader--Tami

I don't have a water drinking picture of Tami, but her decision to keep drinking the 64 ounces a day long after this coming Sunday, is something I'm hearing from others too. I know I plan on continuing---and really, that was the idea of the PEWC anyway...Kind of like the challenge that never ends! The healthy benefits are simply undeniable.


A big before picture with Courtney, my youngest...


With Courtney---almost a year and nearly a hundred pounds ago--not sure when exactly--anyway, pictured with my size 64 jeans. These jeans were the biggest the big and tall store carried---and when I first bought them, they were tight!!!!!!!! Scary, to be that close to special ordering or custom sewn clothing...


Before picture with my cousin Debbie--this might have been shortly after I started along this road.


Dinner tonight!


Recent with mom