Mission Accomplished (for now)
There are 2 ‘last things’ I want to do in writing this little piece; 1, to appear to be showing off, and 2, to appear to make light of the difficulty of actually losing weight.
However, for those few that saw my original post, I’d like to provide an update to my ‘journey’ to a fitter, more responsible me.
According to my account on myfitness.com, today is the 75th day of my quest, and I’m delighted to report that I’ve gone a little bit beyond the initial goal (12st7lbs - 79.38kg or 175lbs) I set myself - as I weighed in at 12st 61/2lbs this morning. (79.15kg or 174.5lbs).
75 days ago I weighed 14st 5lbs (91.2kg or 201lbs).
Now I wouldn’t presume to give slimming advice to anyone, as a bit of personal success doesn’t make me an expert, but if my experience, ‘technique’ or attitude can help anyone else, then I’d be delighted.
My ‘slimming success’ such as it is, I compare to my ‘quitting smoking success’ over twenty years ago now. Apart from external aid in the form of nicotine chewing gum, I ‘flicked a switch’ in my head, which completely realigned the way I thought about smoking.
I’ve done the same with my weight, and I really wish I could describe what I mean by flicking a switch - but it’s not easy to describe.
Here’s my best shot at describing it in relation to weight loss. Up to 76 days ago, I loved eating, and I loved eating quite large quantities.I loved drinking aperitifs - usually whisky with a splash of lemonade.
I still love my food, and I still love to drink whisky and lemonade (or dry ginger) and Champagne and Americanos and Cocktails in many forms.
But the realisation dawned that my weight had steadily risen over the years and was on a course to continue doing so and not being immortal, this would most definitely have an impact on a) my quality of life, and b) the longevity of that life.
Subconsciously, that gives you a choice of 3 things: ignore it and hope it goes away, behave like a spoiled child, stamp your feet and reduce your intake with the attitude of a martyr, or flick that switch and do the seemingly impossible - embrace the challenge.
That’s what I did. I met it head on. I’ve never been fond of physical exertion, but I have two legs and two arms just like Olympic athletes, and though I don’t aspire to greatness (or even average levels) in terms of physical prowess, I figured I could offload some of my excess weight by gently exercising, and so I began with the aid of a treadmill, and a twenty five quid misfit flash.
My love of food remains too. The only shift in attitude I have made has been in terms of quantity. But it is possible to change the way you view the quantity you’re taking in. I eat slower, savouring more what I’m eating rather than wolfing it down. I also use a smaller sized plate - which plays the simple but effective trick of making it look like you’ve a lot on your plate.
I have reduced my intake of bread significantly even though I’m the one in our house who makes it in the wonderful Panasonic breadmaker. Much of my pleasure in that regard is in seeing how my wife and son love it. I also cut down the quantity of other carbohydrates I take in.
I still have my beloved aperitifs - though I limit them to weekends, and I keep a careful note of the number of calories they contain, and take them off the food I eat.
I found that Ryvita Crackerbreads (19 calories each) taste lovely and surprisingly (to me) 6 of them with a slice or two of ham or corned beef or cheese are enough to fill me at lunchtime - rounded off with a weight watchers yoghurt. I never feel hungry after my lunch - and that’s someone who 76 days ago used to each several thick slices of bread, a packet of crisps of some kind and a fuller fat yoghurt or some other unnecessary pudding to finish with.
The key is to heed the advice of myfitness pal and stay within the daily calorie limits they suggest. (This is tailored for you when you sign up - which is free).
I can’t help but think this would work for anyone. It just takes that switch to be flicked - which amounts to an honest change of attitude and a conscientious adherence to limiting the calories.
Just before I began this ‘quest’ I did a measurement of my Body Mass Index, and the advice was that I should reduce my weight by 3 stone, taking me to roughly 11.5 stone. At the time, I thought I never ever be able to get there - it seemed a fantasy, so I set my target at what I thought was a difficult but achievable level. Now I’m sure I could reach that ‘ideal’ weight.
I’m not sure I really want to do that - I’ll have to completely refurbish my wardrobe if I do, but I now know I can if I want to.
For now, my new goal (without time limit) is 12 stone (76.2kg or 168lbs) and I’m absolutely confident of achieving it - as of this morning it’s only 6.5lbs away.
I’ll report back when I get there.