Step By Step

Weight loss and fitness are a journey, not a destination.

You can set goals, but in another sense you never arrive.

There is always another hill to climb, another road to travel, another adventure to enjoy.

Remember riding in the car as a youngster and asking your Mom or Dad,  "Are we there yet?"  After a while my dad would tire of the question and say, "No we are only 5 miles further than the last time you asked the question."  But that is the point each day we are on the journey we are a little further than we were before.


This week a friend shared this photo which I shared and got lots of comments on.  That guy who is obviously a "Life After 50" guy is a lot like me.  He's got a way to go, but he is on the road and that is all that counts.

One of the things I have tried to do on my blog is to simply share from a non professional basis the  success and frustrations of weight loss and fitness goals.

I figured up today that I have lost 6.5% of my original start weight.  I am still 82 pounds from my ultimate goal.

But I got lots of goals along the way. I am reaching to break 250.  Then I want to lose 20 pounds.  My challenge goal was 30, but now I want to finish the 90 days losing 40.  After this challenge I want to do another and break below 200.  Then I want to hit my high school weight of 180.  Then I want to hit the century mark of losing 100 pounds.  I am sure then I can set another goal.  Because fitness is one goal that when you think you have arrived and can therefore stop, you will find you are no longer where you want to be.

Joe and Flo

We held steady today but went for a brisk two mile walk so we are really getting there step by step.

Good News

After a week of frustration this morning my weigh in showed me down 1.5 pounds. I have watched the biggest loser and seen those contestants doing the right thing and still not lose so it shouldn't shock me, but trying to lose weight can be an emotional roller coaster.

My friend "Lady Bug" who posted a comment on my last blog used to be a counselor for a national weight loss company that does great work.  Her advice was right on.  One of the reasons I started this blog was because it keeps me from quitting on emotional days like the previous week. It is the ultimate in accountability.  Here are some tips that can keep us going.

1.  Have a buddy.  My wife is my diet buddy she keeps telling me I can't stop.

2. Define your motivation.  I want to lose for my health.  I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I was starting to feel old, and I was using being out of shape as a reason to do not do things.

3. Be realistic. I have lost 4 pounds a week the first month.  I don't really expect to lose that fast the rest of the 9 weeks of this challenge.  I just want to be diligent and consistent.

JOE & FLO REPORT.

I am down 17.6 pounds

Flo is down 11 pounds.

Work is Exercise

WORK IS EXERCISE

Exercise is work some claim, but work can be exercise.  I decided the last couple of days to make my daily exercise work.  I got out in the yard and mowed and cleaned up the yard.

It feels great to me to be accomplishing two tasks at the same time. I do this a lot. I am ADD so I tell my wife I can't multi-task but I can double-task.  So I am a double-tasker.  Here are some other ways I double task.

• Listening to an audio book while cleaning the house.
• Listening to my Bible MP3 while walking.
• Going out on my pontoon boat with someone from church that needs encouragement.
• Exercising with a friend or family member so you can have quality time.
• Spending time praying while I drive or walk.

Using work as exercise is a great way to use time efficiently.  So fire that lawn guy and get out there and mow that yard with a push mower.   Get out the rake and get those arms moving.  Get out the mop and get those floor a little extra TLC.  Trim those hedges and give your biceps a work out.  Wash and wax your car. "Wax on / Wax off.  (Do you remember that line?)  Who can forget "Paint the fence" and "Sand the floor."  

Day 29

I gained a little today and I don't really know about Flo but I had a great day and getting all that work done has sure made me feel more energetic, productive, and happy.   Now I just need to go buy a pressure washer.  

See you tomorrow.

One Week on the Challenge

Today is one week on the challenge.  I'd like to share our results.

Joe - I am down 5.4 pounds.  

Flo - My girl is down about 4 pounds. I say about because her official weigh in scale is at work and she isn't working today.  She may have done better than that.

Here is what I like about Body by Vi and the challenge.

1. The shakes taste good.  I am not going to lie and say I'd rather have a shake than a rib eye and baked potato, but I do like the shakes and I can customize them which I really haven't even started doing yet.
2. It is easy.  Drink a shake. Skip your regular meal.  It is easy to clean up my little blender, and food prep time is eliminated.
3. It is adaptable to my lifestyle.  All I have to do is use the shakes when I can and eat a sensible meal the rest of the time. I have had friends over, church events, been out to eat and I have still lost weight.
4. The Planning. - Flo said she likes the fact she doesn't have to plan.  She knows she is going to drink her shakes and otherwise eat a sensible meal.
5. IT HAS WORKED.  I have lost 5.4 pounds that is awesome.
6. The Support. Our whole family is now on the plan.  I am thinking about doing a challenge party and meeting once a week to give each other support.
7. Free product - I will get my products free next month because my family and friends are signing up.
8. The challenge itself.  I like challenges.  I have a goal and a deadline.

Joe Palmer