May 31, 2016 Week 003 – Day 012 & Walk Across America

May 31, 2016

Week 003 – Day 012

I find my evenings thinking of food greatly, but now diminishing slightly from the days before. It is hard for me for whatever reason, to view a burger or steak.. pizza… on TV in the evening when we watch. There is an extreme instant I feel the real “need” to have it, and then my brain tags that as “want” instead, then I file it away. Addiction? I believe so. Withdrawal is happening.. and I must endure. As a in between snack, just for some savory to enter my day aside from the soups, I tried the Waldon Farms ZERO Calorie Honey BBQ sauce. Though like water, it was AWESOME! I found it a great assistance in my ‘want’ of food, allowing me a taste I associated and enjoyed with the foods I used to eat. It was indeed giving me the satisfaction. It makes me wonder if this is a good thing, or something that will take me down a wrong path. I will inquire with my team mates this Thursday evening at the weight in. Hopefully they are already reading this… LOL.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

3659 Steps for 1.7 Miles and 3204 Calories burned. 6 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 11min. Asleep last night, Awake X2, Restless X15

Food Schedule:

10AM – Chocolate Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Vanilla Shake
2PM – 1 Cinnamon Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Chocolate Shake
6PM 1 packet Chicken Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
7PM – 2 Tbsn of ZERO Calorie Waldon Farms Honey BBQ Sauce (AWESOME!!)
8PM – Vanilla Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

**

In the Weight Loss Program… We have split into teams of 4 and have been challenged to have a combined walking distance that would expand across the United States as we walk each week. This is the first results provided by Norma Vail… our counsel in all of this. I think I am in Team 3, and as such… I am that teams hindrance currently, until I am able to walk better. This will change soon.

May 30, 2016 Week 003 – Day 011

May 30, 2016

Week 003 – Day 011

My night’s sleep, while plentiful, was broken up with my anxiety over my leg wraps. Oh yeah… did I mention I have issues with casts and things like that? I am that guy that cuts the cast off with 24 hours. Around 4AM I woke with a great amount of itchiness on my leg, inside the wraps where I cannot get to. I nearly cut the wraps off. Instead… I managed to go to my desk and get some work done, taking my mind off of it. That stated, at least I was not feeling hungry! lol. Maybe the leg thing is a blessing in disguise? Hmmmmm. Yesterday I got through the Church hours with ease, while bringing what I needed with me. Once again I found great uplifting in Him, and from those of my Church and Family that are truly supporting what I am doing in this program. Today I endeavor to walk more… and I am feeling quite good! This is a feeling I have not had in some time! I am finding myself excited to get to the scale, even though I realize that last week’s number was higher than what I should normally see. Another thing I mentioned in our class, which is an awesome group of people by the way. As I mentioned, find myself thinking of, and planning my return to food, planning what I may eat that is low on calorie, yet high on taste. The Waldon Farms ZERO calorie sauces we ordered were delivered and I will taste them today. We ordered Ranch dressing, and Honey BBQ sauces, plus their chocolate ice cream topping, which is surprisingly thick for a ZERO calorie treat. Of course I tried the chocolate sauce right out of the box! LOL. It isn’t bad, and has that diet after taste that fake sugars have. I guess it will do however. Zero calories with some favorable taste is great. I still find myself having issue even looking at food, wanting it as soon as I see it. TV ads are awful, and still pound upon me greatly in the little time we do watch TV. I also find myself longing to know how my fellow program mates are doing. This is a great journey to truly know oneself, and everyone in the program are amazing. I look forward to the day when we may have a combined participant weight loss number to show. That will be awesome.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

2360 Steps for 1.1 Miles and 3021 Calories burned. 3 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 5 min. Asleep last night, Awake X2, Restless X18

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Chocolate Shake
2PM – 1 Peppermint Cocoa Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Vanilla Shake
6PM 1 packet Chicken Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Chocolate Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 29, 2016 Week 003 – Day 010 & FitBit Report

May 29, 2016

Week 003 – Day 010

Today I am heading to church, which for us is about 7 hours of activity outside my home. I will be taking some of my drinks and cinnamon bar with me. Even with my sleep time increasing (from 3-4 hours a night to 7), last night’s rest seemed a bit choppy, and my body ached much. I lay on my side to sleep, and lately have only been able to sleep on my left side. Sleeping on my right side for whatever reason feels awkward, and becomes painful on that entire side, much quicker than laying on my left. Still, I feel decently rested. I still keep my feet elevated at night to relieve the swelling in my legs… so maybe that is causing a bit of the change. That stated, my legs are looking much better. Not entirely back to normal, and still wrapped, but I can see that my left leg is only half the size it was just a week ago. I had noted a few days ago how going to the bathroom was becoming an easier task. It continues to become so. TMI? Yes indeed, but information to note still. Yesterday evening I was getting great cravings for food, then in bed, I found myself hungering greatly. Actual hunger pains this time. Usually when I am feeling I want to eat, I check myself with my actual hunger level, asking myself if I am truly hungry, or just have the munchies. Up until this time, true hunger has not been present. Perhaps the amount of water taken in last night washed away the last shake I had? Possibly lessening it’s usual fill? I wonder. All in all…. I am feeling quite blessed… and with another new day toward a new life, I feel confident. In my trying to do what is right, I know that He is uplifting me in all of this… and that it could be much, much worse. My amazing wife and family continue to give me great support, being mindful of things they would like to do that deal with food during my time of craving. Soon I will get used to what I am doing in this program, and I will be able to join them all once again at food functions. Albeit with my own ability to resist. It is well. I am grateful in all things.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

3937 Steps for 1.83 Miles and 3280 Calories burned.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 51 min. Asleep last night, Awake X4, Restless X21

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Chocolate Shake
2PM – 1 Cinnamon Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Vanilla Shake
6PM 1 packet Tomato Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Chocolate Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

**

My FitBit Report – Week of May 23 thru 29 of 2016

May 28, 2016 Week 003 – Day 009

May 28, 2016

Week 003 – Day 009

I wake today thinking of all the great possibilities ahead of me. With this weight loss, I will be able to move freely again, possibly without pain… and drag… which has plagued me now for a few years. I have felt what I imagine a person of 90 years or above feels like. This is sad being that I am not yet 50 years of age. Today, I feel younger! And I full of hope and determination! I have missed this in myself.
I am still battling seeing or smelling food. As I spoke of yesterday, doing so makes me feel like I must eat.. the true pattern of addiction. In keeping myself busy…. actively busy, I keep my mind from wandering toward the food I simply want, and not need.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

2794 Steps for 1.3 Miles and 3064 Calories burned. 3 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 33 min. Asleep last night, Awake X2, Restless X7

Food Schedule:

10AM – Chocolate Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Vanilla Shake
2PM – 1 Peppermint Cocoa Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Chocolate Shake
6PM 1 packet Chicken Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
7PM – 1 12oz Diet Lemon Lime Soda with Waldon Farms 0 calorie chocolate syrup over 24oz crushed ice
8PM – Vanilla Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 27, 2016 Week 003 – Day 008

May 27, 2016

Week 003 – Day 008

I am elated with joy, knowing this program, and all of work I have put in, along with all the support I have been given…. is working! With yesterday’s weigh-in at 385.2, means I lost 28.6 pounds from last weeks weigh-in. Yes… I know much of this was water. For some reason everyone likes to point that out. Perhaps either to warn me of getting my expectations too high for the next week’s weigh-in, or the darker side which almost feels like a bit of competitive jealousy. Now that I type that, I realize it is probably my own insecurity talking. In any case…. water weight… yes. Next week is surely going to be a lower number lost. I will try my best this week to begin walking again. I am feeling quite good today aside for my leg and back issues. Getting rid of my stomach protrusion will help greatly with my back, as I know it is pulling me forward and my back is constantly pulling backwards to compensate.
I will be calling a friend of mine today, a Brother from the Church, as I have shared this site with him in hopes he will replicate what I do. He too is greatly challenged in eating way too much, and having no confidence or will power to battle what I now know to be an addiction for me. I am a food addict. How do I know this, I am constantly thinking about food, even going as far as already planning what I will eat when I am off this program, albeit the food I am planning is designed to now keep me healthy. Regardless of that… food is a focus I do not need and I must power through to defeat that feel of need. Hopefully my friend will join me in that challenge.

I must admit, until this week I had not realized just how much food is pushed upon us all on everything we view today. That stated, even though these have great influence over us all, even unconsciously, we are ultimately all responsible for our own actions. I did this to myself, and with great understanding of what I have become, I will get myself better again. Believe when I state… IT IS ALL POSSIBLE. We just need to try, then endure.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

3089 Steps for 1.44 Miles and 3159 Calories burned. 4 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 35 min. Asleep last night, Awake X3, Restless X21

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Chocolate Shake
2PM – 1 Cinnamon Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Vanilla Shake
6PM 1 packet Tomato Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Chocolate Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 26, 2016 Week 002 – Day 007 WEIGH-IN!

May 26, 2016

Week 002 – Day 007
WEIGH-IN!!!

I LOST 28.6 POUNDS!!

Today is HUGE day for all of us, as it is the first week actually on the program that we may see the weight loss result. As I stated yesterday, my anticipation is great, and I hope I am not expecting too much in my heart. I know how hard this week has been, being bombarded with food suggestion, and remaining strong in conviction to myself in this program. My legs are finally looking better. I have been elevating them at night, which is kind of difficult to sleep with. I took sleep aids last night and it was not as bad. The wraps seem to be helping, and certainly elevating is. The leg with the ulcer really hurt after I came home from the Nurses changing the wraps. I think my leg is battling to get better. All that reported, I must say, regardless of any weight loss, my body is feeling better. I don’t feel like death any longer, only challenged. I feel lighter and I am able to move about better. Below are photos Melanie took of me this morning…

Today’s FitBit Stats:

4266 Steps for 1.99 Miles and 3506. 9 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 35 min. Asleep last night, Awake X3, Restless X21

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Vanilla Shake
2PM – 1 Cinnamon Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Vanilla Shake
6PM Chocolate Shake – During Weight Management Class
8PM – 1 packet Tomato Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 25, 2016 Week 002 – Day 006

May 25, 2016

Week 002 – Day 006

FOOD!! Last night I could not stop thinking how hungry I was,… and not really being hungry. Today, so far anyway, has been easier for my not thinking of food. Of course I have kept busy with work, and Mission prep. I had my legs checked again today and they seem to be on the mend. The open wound is showing signs of new skin, and the swelling in my legs is not as great as it had been. I have been elevating my legs as I sleep at night, and for the first time in a while last night, I was able to spend most of my sleep laying down on my side. Even though it was broken up, I slept better than usual. The nurses at Kaiser are excited to know how much weight I have lost in the first week of this program. So am I. Hopefully I don’t get my expectations up too much, which I am already finding myself doing. It is vital that I curb that now… so that I am not disappointed tomorrow at weigh in.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

3979 Steps for 1.85 Miles and 3424 Calories burned. 7 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

7 hour 38 min. Asleep last night, Awake X5, Restless X25

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Chocolate Shake
2PM – 1 Peppermint Cocoa Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Vanilla Shake
6PM 1 packet Chicken Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Chocolate Shake mixed with 16oz shaved ice, and 12oz Coke Zero.

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 24, 2016 Week 002 – Day 005

May 24, 2016

Week 002 – Day 005

I spent most of the night very restless. I raised my feet with my sleep number bed to maximum, and I did notice a small difference in my leg’s size this morning, albeit I did sit up much last night. I am feeling like I may be losing weight, but that means nothing. We will see on Thursday evening when I weigh in. It is something of a lessor subject, but one that should be noted for all like me. Believe when I say I am humbling myself in order to document fully everything that one may go through during this time. I was having issues trying to wipe myself when going to the bathroom. It was hard to bend and reach around the girth of my body. As I did so, I could feel my liver pushing itself under my rib cage, indicating to me that my liver is very large at this time. Something my doctor has been concerned about for the time I have been heavy. In any case, for wiping myself in the bathroom, as of today, what I consider to be day 5, it has become easier. Food seems to be showing itself everywhere at this point. Watching TV has become challenging due to all the food shown in Ad’s and shows. This confirms to me that I am indeed a food addict. This is important to realize in oneself in order to fix the issue on a forever basis. One must fight moment to moment to keep himself/herself in check. My wife Melanie continues to be of great support, even going as far as getting some SlimFast Shakes (similar to what we drink as meal replacements) from Sam’s Club. They sell them in bulk there. She will be drinking a few a day with me, but not completely replacing her eating. That is true support…. to join in with the one you love. I am a very lucky and blessed man to have her in my life. We have also tried the sugar free, calorie free shaved ice syrup in an ice drink yesterday. Unfortunately, because there is no sugar to thicken the ice to Slurpee or margarita consistency, it comes out as basic snow cone ice with flavor. That stated, if you like snow cones, this is a zero calorie solution! We also ordered a few items to try from Waldon Farms… this company specializes in making zero calorie sauces and spreads. This may be good for when we introduce food back into our systems. It is funny, I never thought I would have this much to report. I can see how important it is now, not only keeping me on top of all I am doing right now, but also to serve others like me whom wish to know what it is like, and show them it is possible to do. Human’s were made to be healthy and functional. I allowed worldly things, and desires to get to me, changing me into what I am today. Nobody else is responsible for what I have have become… only me. As such, I am responsible for pulling myself back. The great thing is, there is an abundance of people willing to help me do that… and I do not have to face my problem alone. I am grateful.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

2355 Steps for 1.1 Miles and 3155 Calories burned. 1 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

6 hour 21 min. Asleep last night, Awake X4, Restless X12

Food Schedule:

10AM – Chocolate Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Vanilla Shake
2PM – 1 Cinnamon Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Chocolate Shake POWDER mixed with 16oz of shaved ice and a diet lemon/lime soda (I don’t like the powder)
6PM 1 packet Tomato Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Vanilla Shake POWDER mixed with 16oz shaved ice and a diet orange soda (Not bad. I don’t like the powder).

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 23, 2016 Week 002 – Day 004

May 23, 2016

Week 002 – Day 004

My legs are still swelling. I had them wrapped by the doctor last Friday, and the wraps are getting to be uncomfortable. I have an adjustable Sleep Number bed that allows me to raise my head and feet as I wish. I raised my feet most of the night last night, but still found myself sitting up in bed quite a bit to sleep. This may be a habit I need to curb in order to leave my legs raised for the blood to leave them, and allow the swelling to go down each night. My nerve pain medications (Gabepentine) were cut in half at the start of this program, and I am finding that my nerve pain kicks in for a brief time at night, before I fall to sleep.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

3248 Steps for 1.51 Miles and 3264 Calories burned. 2 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

6 hour 41 min. Asleep last night, Awake X4, Restless X18

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Chocolate Shake
2PM – 1 Chocolate Mint Protein Bar & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
4PM – Vanilla Shake
6PM 1 packet Chicken Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Chocolate Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

May 22, 2016 Week 002 – Day 003 & FitBit Report

May 22, 2016

Week 002 – Day 003

I continue to be uncomfortable, legs in pain. I still sit up in bed to sleep, but found I was laying down more frequently to sleep. As far as food, I have never noticed that TV ads are mostly food! No wonder we want food all the time! As I fight the urge to eat food, these are constantly bombarding me during any program I watch live. I can say that my wife is helping me greatly by reminding me what my goal is. I am finding that she holds me up quite a bit, and her support is saving me. I believe this vital to the success of this, or any program. That stated, I have noted for the past two days that I am not hungry with this program, but my formed habits of wanting to eat is prevalent. And it seems that my body wants to actually chew something. I am therefore looking into 0 calorie gum with no aspartame. I crushed up some ice and chewed on that in the mean time. This is bad for the teeth, but a saving grace for wanting to chew. I am still thinking of food, getting flashes of my favorite foods going through my head. I can even smell them from time to time. That is another biggie…. just driving down the street how many food smells there are. I never noticed until now. And forget about the guy next door that is having a BBQ! ARRRRGH! This is easy, and hard at the same time. It seems the world is working against what is right. Like my wife says… I can do this. Second by second…. everyday.

Today’s FitBit Stats:

3102 Steps for 1.44 Miles and 3236 Calories burned. 3 Floors Climbed.

Last Night’s Sleep Recorded This Morning:

8 hour 2 min. Asleep last night, Awake X4, Restless X16

Food Schedule:

10AM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
12PM – Chocolate Shake
2PM – 1 Cinnamon Protein Bar
4PM – Vanilla Shake & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
6PM 1 packet Tomato Soup in 8 oz Water & 8 oz glass of water with Orange Fiber
8PM – Chocolate Shake

Calorie Intake for the day = 970

**

My FitBit Report – Week of May 16 thru 22 of 2016

What is interesting about this is that the week’s number above is what I am aiming my daily number to be!