CHUTZPAH

2015 has been a very momentous year in my life.  Just two days past four months ago, on December 24, 2014, I visited my doctor for 'wellness' exam.  As I have mentioned a few times, on this date I 'discovered' that my weight had ballooned up to 309 pounds.  I didn't need to see a doctor to learn that I was a clinically morbidly obese man - the world has no shortage of mirrors - I was aware of my condition. Sometime, during that appointment while discussing my weight with my doctor - I flipped a switch in my head - and decided right then and there that I was going to change the direction of my life.  I had planned on doing this 'starting tomorrow' for the past decade - my decision just made 'tomorrow' actually arrive.  Starting with my lunch that I had that very first day, I started making new decision regarding what I would be cramming into my 'pie hole.' (an expression I learned from Glenn Beck, a man that I greatly admire)

After merely two days of eating like a normal human being, in fact, restricting my daily caloric consumption from somewhere north of 5000 calories per day to south of 1000 calories per day,  I made another decision. The decision was to lose weight.  lots of weight.

CHUTZPAH

I figured that my anticipated journey from a 309 pound morbidly obese man to normal weight human being would make an interesting story.   I decided, that I was going to go public with my thoughts and actions via a blog.  On the very first day of my blog I posted 'before' pictures. Well, actually, they were not 'before' pictures at all - they were 'current' pictures.   I tried as best I could to capture my obesity in photos,  some photos were even 'topless.'   It took some real chutzpah to start this blog at this early date.  After all, if I failed, my failure would be broadcast not only to my immediate family - but to the world (or at least those in the world that would pay attention to my blog.)

It takes CHUTZPAH to start a blog documenting a 100+ weigh loss (before the first ounce has been shed!)

Today, April 27, 2015 means that four months have passed since this journey began. My success has been spectacular.  I have exceeded my own expectations in speed but not the result. I certainly expected to be successful, but I never dreamed that I would come this far in only four months.  It is the speed of my success which has astounded me. If I hadn't expected to be successful, I never would have summoned the chutzpah to start this journey.

This past Saturday, just two days ago, when I stepped onto my scale, I learned and announced to the world that my weight loss had reached 95 pounds.  This is no small accomplishment.  I am not done.

Time for some sports analogies.  I do think that I am in the 'late innings' of this part of the journey. Maybe it's only the 'seventh inning stretch.'   It's certainly the 'fourth quarter.'  It's late in the 'third period.'  As New York Yankees Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over till it's over." Now the truth is, in this type of journey, it's never going to be over.  The whole trip will have been an exercise in futility if I fail to commit to a lifelong program of eating well. I anticipate that I have become too smart (and way too happy) to backslide (again).

7th Inning Stretch

I have not yet posted side by side BEFORE/AFTER photos.  I am not quite ready to do so, just yet. I will be visiting my doctor for my third time during this journey in two weeks.  I remember, shocking him when I showed up after 60 days and had lost more than 50 pounds.  I presume he will be less shocked, but still somewhat amazed that after an additional 90 days I will have lost perhaps ANOTHER 50 POUNDS on top of the first 50 pounds!  I will be using this visit to discuss how long I  could/should continue my 1000 calorie per day diet.  I will be using this visit to discuss where my goal could/should be.  I have some ideas,  but I will be seeking his guidance.

A weight loss journey is never over.  

2015 HAS BEEN A MOMENTOUS YEAR IN MY LIFE.  This whole trip started just four months ago.  The journey that really never ends, has only just started...  I don't know if you are amazed - but I am!

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SUNDAY MENU
breakfast oatmeal w/prune, two poached eggs, two slices turkey 'bacon'                     355 calories
lunch       Spinach salad w/hearts of palm, mushrooms, 9 cherry tomato, onions  
                Trader Joe's All Natural Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage
                Miso Soup (2 cups)   4 Dill Baby Pickles,  2 ounces Seaweed Salad            334 calories
dinner     Spinach salad w/hearts of palm, mushrooms, 9 cherry tomato, onions
               Trader Joe's All Natural Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage
               Bowl Miso Soup, 4 Dill Baby Pickles, Seaweed Salad, 12 asparagus spears 359 calories

TOTAL CALORIE CONSUMPTION 1048 CALORIES

CALORIES BURNED
6PM elliptical 32 minutes 431 calories

SUNDAY NET CALORIES  617 CALORIES

HUGE DINNER, SMALL CALORIC CONTENT
SPINACH SALAD w/mushrooms, hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, onions, zero calorie dressing (79 CALORIES)
TWO CUPS MISO SOUP (90 CALORIES)
TWELVE FRESH ASPARAGUS SPEARS, TWO OUNCES SEAWEED SALAD (60 CALORIES)
TRADER JOE'S ALL NATURAL SWEET APPLE CHICKEN SAUSAGE (120 CALORIES)
FOUR BABY DILL PICKLES (10 CALORIES)
GRAND TOTAL 359 CALORIES

chutz·pah

ˈho͝otspə,ˈKHo͝otspə/

noun

informal

1. shameless audacity; impudence.

   synonyms:

   audacity, cheek, guts, nerve, boldness, temerity "it took a lot of chutzpah for her to walk in on Owen's bachelor party"

   
   

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   You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.
   

   Yogi Berra

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THINKING ABOUT MAINTENANCE

Weight Loss is Fun.  Weight Loss is Exciting.  Weight Loss is Exhilarating.
I suppose Maintenance is a little less fun, exciting or exhilarating.
I wouldn't know from experience - I have never been involved in a successful maintenance program.
THAT CHANGES NOW.
When I approached this challenge I vowed to myself, that I would be successful in dropping at least 100 lbs and that I would manage to maintain my new physique once it arrived.
I am not completely at the end of the weight loss part of this trip - but I can see it the end of this phase on the horizon.

It is time to consider how I will keep this weight off - once my goal ceases to be weekly weight loss.

I was 57 years old when this journey began on December 24th, 2014.
I am anticipating that I will be closer to 58 years old when my goals switch from weight loss to maintenance.

I have plugged in some numbers to see how many calories (allegedly) that a 58 year old man, 6' 1/2" who exercises at least 5 times per week needs to consume to maintain a weight of 195 lbs.  That screen shot form my calculator.net application appears below.

calculator.net application which calculates calories needed to lose, maintain or gain weight

If I am reading this correctly, and honestly it does not seem too complicated - all I need to do to maintain of weight of 195 lbs is to 'LIMIT' myself to 2407 CALORIES PER DAY.   This now seems almost too good to be true.   Now I am aware that the way that I ballooned up to 309 lbs was by eating perhaps up to 6000 calories per day.   I believe that I have cured myself of this disgusting habit.   I have been surviving and thriving on a diet of 1000 calories per day for the past four (4) months.   HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO LIMIT MYSELF TO 2400 CALORIES PER DAY?

I am aware that this charts are imperfect and are meant to provide guidelines.   Before I jump in head first and start consuming 2400 calories, my plan will be to increase my calorie count to something far short of that number and carefully monitor my weight.   I will take it very seriously if my weight fluctuates up a two or three pounds.   I will not let that type of increase go unchecked.  

However, if I keep up my exercise and don't go crazy and start personal all-you-can-eat contests - I have to believe that I will be successful with my maintenance.  I am getting a little bit ahead of myself - I still have about 25 pounds to drop to get to 195.   I just no longer need the HUBBLE TELESCOPE to see my destination - I can see my destination with the naked eye!

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MONDAY MENU

breakfast  two eggs, oatmeal w/prune two slices turkey 'bacon'                               355 calories
lunch        spinach salad, w/three crab legs, hard boiled egg, 8 cherry tomatoes
                 Campbell's Homestyle Italian Wedding Soup                                         330 calories
dinner      Jimmy John's Bootlegger UNWICH w/xtra cucumber, tomato, Dijon
                Baby Spinach Salad w/8 cherry tomatoes, large honey crisp apple, pickle 433 calories

TOTAL CALORIC CONSUMPTION 1118 CALORIES

calories burned
6:30AM elliptical 32 minutes   460 calories

MONDAY NET CALORIES  658 CALORIES

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SPINACH SALAD w/crab legs, hard-boiled egg, 8 cherry tomatoes   210 CALORIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Today is April 2.   On April 2, 1935, my Mom was born.  She is 80 years old today.  Happy Birthday, Mom.  I should not be so shocked that my own Mom is 80 years old...since I am 57 years old.   What is shocking to me is that at my age, I am not so far away from being 80 years old myself.  That IS shocking.  The good news for me is that I have changed my lifestyle so that I have a good chance of achieving this age (and beyond) in good health.  The path that I had been on previously was not leading to a good outcome.

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY, MOM!
 I am so pleased to be here to help you celebrate!

The direction that my life took changed somehow while I was visiting the doctor for a 'wellness' exam on December 24, 2014.  When I awoke that morning, I had no plans and no real desire to make the decisions that would change my life.  During my consultation with the doctor, I summoned the desire to change my lifestyle.  During the summer of 2014, my Mom was suggesting that I should try to lose weight.   The only real reason that I had made that appointment was that I promised my Mom that I would 'at the very least' see a doctor for a checkup prior to the end of the year.  That promise was made during previous summer.  Obviously I was not in a big hurry to fulfill that promise to my Mom - but I am glad I did as the visit to the doctor has propelled me to a new freedom - the freedom to be fit and healthy.  It feels great.  Thanks, Mom!  And Happy Birthday!

Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to spend the entire day with my Mom in Lynbrook, Long Island in the home that I grew up in.  It was a thoroughly delightful day.  As soon as i arrived home, we had lunch.   if there was any doubt, and there was none, my Mom is a regular reader of my blog. My Mom prepared two perfect meals for me yesterday. Isn't that what Moms do?

 LUNCH: spinach salad w/tomato and Panera Bread Tortilla soup (purchased from a supermarket) 305 calories

4

DINNER: spinach salad w/cucumber & tomato, 4 Trader Joe's turkey meatballs,
one cup broccoli, one potato pancake, CABBAGE SOUP 416 calories

WEDNESDAY MENU
breakfast   two hard-boiled eggs, one apple, three slices turkey 'bacon'                   326 calories
lunch         spinach salad w/tomato, Panera Bread chicken tortilla soup.                  305 calories
dinner        spinach salad w/tomato & cucumber, turkey meatballs, cup broccoli     416 calories
               

total calories consumed  1047 calories

calories burned
late Tuesday night   elliptical 42min  478 calories

TUESDAY NET CALORIES   569 CALORIES

LOST MY THIRD TURKEY

On December 24, 2014 I woke up and visited my doctor for a 'wellness' exam. I weighed 309 lbs.

On January 21, I reported my weight loss was the equivalentof the weight of one turkey.

On February 15, I reported my weight loss was the equivalentof the weight loss of two turkeys.

Today, March 15, I am reporting that my weight loss is the equivalentof three turkeys.

As of yesterday, March 14, I have now lost 69.5 lbs in 80 days.
I must admit that I am gobsmacked that I have lost nearly one pound per day for 80 days.

69.5 lbs = THREE TURKEYS

Naturally, I needed to return to the supermarket to take a new picture.  Photographs don't always have sequels.  This one does.  It is Turkey III.

These three turkeys that I appear to be struggling to hold weighed about 65 lbs. (close enough to approximate the 69.5 lbs that I have lost so far) It is not just that I appear to be struggling, I was struggling!  (Believe me, trying to hold 65 lbs of frozen turkey is not so easy - which of course, is the point.  I was carting around an extra 69.5 lbs, 24 hours per day prior to December 24, 2014, and that's not so easy either!)  I am wearing for the very first time, a pair of 42" waist slacks.

This picture is for my Mom.  She has 'complained' that she can not see me in my 'turkey' photos.

Hi Mom!

FEBRUARY 14, 2015   Back this date, I weighed myself

and discovered that I had lost 46 lbs since December 24.

I had wanted to hold two turkeys that weighed 46 lbs, and 

the two turkeys that I did find only weighed 42 lbs.

For the purposes of the photo - that was close enough!

(I was wearing my 44" waist blue jeans at the time.)

JANUARY 21, 2015  Way back on that date, I had lost 24 lbs and posed with a 23 lb turkey to visualize my accomplishment.  On that date, I was happy to wear my size 48 waist blue jeans.  They have long since been donated to Goodwill. 

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My 'fitness consultation' appointment at the YMCA took place on Friday. It was less than I expected.  I came dressed to learn about the various types of equipment that the Y offered. This meeting was more to explain various options with personal trainers. Although this sounded somewhat interesting, I am not sure that I need it.

I did make one appointment with personal trainer to do exactly what I wanted.  That is, to explain each piece of equipment and to make sure that I have the rudimentary knowledge to know how to use them. That meeting will be in approximately 10 days.  

On Saturday I visited my CHICAGO YMCA for the first time in order to actually use the equipment.  The elliptical machine was absolutely the finest machine that I have ever encountered. It had an easy to read and understand video screen so that I could select the type of workout that I wanted: FAT BURN.

It had an embedded television screen with nearly 20 different channels.  I didn't watch any TV as I was way to busy listening to my latest addition to my Rolling Stones collection: ROLLING STONES: FROM THE VAULT: L.A. FORUM (LIVE IN 1975)

I set the machine for a 45 minute workout, and I even stayed on the additional 5 minutes for the 'cool down.'    After working out, I made use of the sauna, took a shower and returned home feeling absolutely fantastic.   I was still 'mentally bathing' in the new knowledge that my weight loss in 80 days has been nearly 70 lbs!  Never in my wildest imagination could I have foreseen that my progress would have been so quick.  Even so, I still have 45 pounds more to lose to get to my target weight of 195 lbs.  I am more than halfway to my goal. 

The YMCA ELLIPTICAL machine displays very complete information once your workout is complete.

SATURDAY MENU

breakfast cup oatmeal w/prune, two poached eggs, two strips turkey 'bacon' 355calories

lunch      Spring Mix Salad w/Roma Tomato, one cup sirloin burger soup         185 calories

dinner    Turkey Burger, Spinach salad w/Roma Tomato, potato pancake

              Dole Carrot Ginger Soup                                                                 390 calories

total calories consumed 930 CALORIES

CALORIES BURNED

11AM YMCA ELLIPTICAL MACHINE 50 minutes      700 CALORIES

TOTAL NET CALORIES  230 CALORIES

dinner: Costco Turkey burger, Spinach w/Roma Tomato, Carrot Ginger Soup, potato pancake   390 calories

and one more thing...

Yesterday I did something that I never would have done prior to December 24th.  My daughter, Sara, had a Bat Mitzvah party to attend in downtown Chicago just 1.1 miles from our home.   Normally, we would have taken her by subway, or perhaps by car.  Yesterday, Sara and I walked together to the hotel where the party was, and then I walked back home.  For pickup at 11PM, I walked back to the hotel, and Sara and I walked back together.  That I walked 4 miles yesterday is hardly a big deal. From everything I have read, successful weight loss comes not just from the 30 or 45 minutes spent working out - but emanates from those that 'keep moving.'  People that 'keep moving' are those that purposely park far away from the front door of whatever store they have visited.  People that 'keep moving' are those that take the steps instead of the escalator.  People that 'keep moving' are the kind of people that have successful weight loss.  I am striving to be a person that 'keeps moving.'

Sometimes it is really difficult to obey traffic signs, but when in doubt....KEEP MOVING!

WHAT I HAVE IN COMMON WITH HOMER SIMPSON

Even casual fans of 'The Simpsons' know that family patriarch, Homer Simpson always tells his wife as various opportunities arise that one thing or another is his lifelong dream.

Invariably, his wife, Marge, advises him that each dream has usually been accomplished.

This information was duplicated from a site called: wikidumper.blogspot.com.

List of Homer Simpson's lifelong dreams:  The following is a list of lifelong dreams by Homer Simpson as reported in The Simpsons TV series. Homer is a man of many lifelong dreams which he frequently quotes during the series. Each dream is different from his previous dream, and his wife, Marge, points out every time he makes up a new one that his actual life long dream, which also varies from episode to episode, was already accomplished by him.
His lifelong dreams include (partial list):
- Managing a beautiful country-western singer ("Colonel Homer")
- Eating the world's biggest hoagie ("Colonel Homer")
- Living in the wilderness, while keeping a journal of his thoughts ("Marge Gets a Job")
- Becoming a monorail conductor ("Marge vs. the Monorail")
- Being allowed to do his job from home ("King-Size Homer")
- Being the next Thomas Edison ("The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace")
- Becoming a hippie ("D'oh-in in the Wind")
- Bowling a perfect game ("Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder")
- Seeing Stevie Nicks naked ("Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder") 

I also have a lifelong dream.  I have not accomplished it.  In fact, it has been completely elusive to me for just about my entire adult life.   Many, many years ago I learned that one could take a mule ride down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  This sounded like great fun.  And as soon as I learned about it, I thought that I would like to do it.  

There is however, one 'minor' obstacle.  In order to qualify for a Grand Canyon mule ride to the bottom of the canyon, one must weigh less than 200 lbs (with their clothes on)

I aspire to do this one day.   It may be over the top to call this a lifelong dream - but it is true that I would like to do it.  If I am going to qualify for this, I know what I need to do.

If I am going to qualify for a Grand Canyon Mule ride - I will need to lose another 60  lbs.   I figure that  in order to weigh  less than 200 lbs with my clothes on... I might have to get down to the mid-190's.   Lifelong dreams are supposed to be grand, and what could be grander than a GRAND CANYON MULE RIDE? 

WEDNESDAY MENU
breakfast  two poached eggs, cup oatmeal w/prune, two strips turkey 'bacon'   355 calories
lunch         spinach salad, salmon sockeye burger, pumpkin soup                        240 calories
dinner       Polish Sausage, Spring Mix Salad, Mulligatawny Soup                      400 calories

total calories consumed     995 CALORIES

CALORIES BURNED
7AM     ELLIPTICAL MACHINE  32 MINUTES    480 CALORIES

NET CALORIES  515 CALORIES

WEIGHT LOSS MYTH

Recently I have been saying that I had two hobbies: Losing weight and blogging about it.  A third hobby is developing, that is, listening to diet and/or weight loss podcasts.   One of these podcasts that I recently discovered is the CUT THE FAT podcast.   On the CUT THE FAT podcast,  episode 16, Aerobic Exercise on Trial - Does Aerobic Exercise Promote Weight Loss (originally released April 13, 2010)  I learned something very annoying.  It is only annoying because it appears to be true.

The thesis of the two hosts, Dr. Ray Hinish and fitness expert, Blythe Alberg is that AEROBIC EXERCISE DOES NOT SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE WEIGHT LOSS.   This seems contrary to everything that I have heard, or read in the past.  They make the case, backed up with scientific studies that the body tries to replace the 'fat' used during steady state aerobic exercise.  Aerobic exercise can be defined as walking on a treadmill, using an elliptical machine or stair climber.

The two hosts of this podcast stress that aerobic exercise may provide other benefits, including cardio-vascular health, stress reducer or simple enjoyment.

I think back to the week when I 'walked' 80 miles on the treadmill and had the expectation of losing 10+ pounds that week and I could not understand why I 'only' lost 3.5 lbs.  In fact, if the calories 'burned' were really negating a similar amount of calories consumed in food - my results should have been far in excess of what they already are.

These two hosts did claim that aerobic exercise is important to maintaining weight.   It is my plan to continue my aerobic exercise as I do enjoy it.   Perhaps I should be more clear, I feel a great sense of satisfaction once I complete an exercise session.

In my case, it does appear that I have had some beneficial weight loss from my exercise - but the math did not add up anywhere near where is should have been if a calorie burned in exercise was truly equal to a calorie consumed.  I will certainly continue my elliptical training as I am enjoying the sense of accomplishment that I feel as I continue to improve.

I am in desperate need of meeting with the personal trainer at the YMCA who can guide me to other exercises that I should be contemplating.   Hopefully that meeting will take place sometime within the next week.

I have decided to relearn the lesson that I tried to teach myself a few weeks ago.  LESS IS MORE.
I will continue exercising each day, but I will (mostly) limit myself to once per day.  In addition, two days ago, I increased the 'resistance' on the elliptical machine, making each 30 minute segment much more difficult and challenging.  On Tuesday morning, which was the second day that I had increased resistance, I found that my 30 minute workout was (allegedly) burning more calories.  It does make sense that as the 'resistance' increases the energy needed to overcome the 'resistance' will increase as well.   As it is every week, my weigh-in this Saturday should be interesting.

TUESDAY MENU

calories consumed

breakfast     oatmeal w/prune, 1/2 salmon burger, two poached eggs                   350 calories
lunch           JIMMY JOHN'S Bootlegger Club Unwich w/Provolone                  290 calories
dinner          PANERA BREAD Soba Noodle Bowl w/Chicken                           390 calories

calories consumed     1025 calories

calories burned
6AM elliptical machine 32 minutes        475 calories

net calories consumed   550 calories

(Based on the aerobic calorie burning myth that I exposed today - I now know not to place too much faith in the net calories that I report each day with regard to weight loss - although I will continue to do so.   I guess you could say I am reporting this for entertainment only)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA

Today, March 2nd, is the 13th birthday of my daughter.  Seven years ago, the first time that I dropped my weight from 300 lbs down to 220 lbs - I was a thin, fit dad.  As I have written before,  I gained all that weight back and added nine more pounds for good luck.  My daughter had no memory of me not being a big blob.  I am very happy that that is changing now.  Over the weekend, my wife, hosted a birthday party in our home for six of Sara's closest friends. The girls sat around a table and spent a couple of hours making jewelry crafts, doing whatever girls do behind closed doors in Sara's room, they had pizza and two birthday cakes and cookies. I spent part of the afternoon exercising, and of course I had none of the pizza, cake or cookies. For me, it was a very successful party - I believe the girls all had a great time as well.

Strawberry cake made by Mom.

Chocolate cake made by one of 

Sara's friends

SUNDAY MENU

calories consumed

breakfast     oatmeal w/prune, 1/2 salmon burger, two poached eggs                   350 calories
lunch           Costco turkey burger, 1 cup asparagus spears, chicken broth           290 calories
dinner         3.5 oz Salmon, cup Broccoli, pumpkin soup, spinach pancake         380 calories

total calories consumed  1020 CALORIES

calories burned
9AM elliptical machine 62 minutes        800 calories

net calories consumed    220 CALORIES

dinner:  3.5 oz Salmon filet, cup of broccoli, spinach pancake

cup of pumpkin soup    380 CALORIES

BLOOD TEST RESULTS

During my initial 'wellness' visit, December 24, 2014, my blood was tested.   I will confess that I was concerned when the results indicated that my glucose levels were elevated.   The report that I received from my doctor last December had my 'fasting glucose' level at 114 mg/dL.   The initial report came with the advice to visit www.diabetes.org for more information.   If I was not officially pre-diabetic, I was on the wrong track and headed in that direction.

Two months later, after I had dropped more than 50 lbs, my blood was tested again.   I was most interested in this glucose level.    This time the reading was 74 mg/dL   (normal range is 70-99)

I am no longer speeding down the tracks headed into a diabetes or pre-diabetes.   I successfully switched tracks.

I was speeding  straight towards pre-diabetes, my efforts

over the past two months, had me 'switch tracks' and now
I am on a very different path headed in a new direction.

However, my blood tests, show a new minor problem, 'Mild Anemia.'   All of a sudden my Vitamin D level is 'insufficient.'  (Maybe McDonald's McChickens, Burger King hamburgers, Hershey's chocolate milk and Klondike ice-cream have lots of Vitamin D!)   The recommendation is to eat foods rich in Vitamin D, or foods fortified with Vitamin D or increase Sun Exposure.   Sun Exposure might be problematical while it is 10 degrees outside.   Considering what was going on with my body and by body chemistry two months ago - this report was very satisfying.

I consulted the 'Vitamin D Council' website to find out why people might not be getting enough Vitamin D

For a number of reasons, many people aren’t getting enough vitamin D to stay healthy. This is called vitamin D deficiency. You may not get enough vitamin D if:

• You don’t get enough sunlight. Your body is usually able to get all the vitamin D it needs if you regularly expose enough bare skin to the sun. However, many people don’t get enough sunlight because they spend a lot of time inside and because they use sunscreen. It’s also difficult for some people to get enough vitamin D from the sun during the winter.

• You don’t take supplements. It’s very difficult to get enough vitamin D from the foods you eat alone.

• Your body needs more vitamin D than usual, for example if you’re obese or pregnant.

I can see that getting enough sunlight might have been a problem for the past few wintry months in Chicago.   I had recently been taking a Vitamin D supplement.  I have now increased the amount from 1000 IU to 2000 IU.  I am still considered obese although I am nearly certain that I am not pregnant.

Next thing to do was get a list of foods rich in Vitamin D - so I know what foods to add to my menu.
I consulted webMD.com:

Foods that provide vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon

• Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals

• Beef liver

• Cheese

• Egg yolks

To get vitamin D from food, fish is a good option. Six ounces of cooked salmon has more than 600 international units (IU).

MONDAY MENU

breakfast  2 poached eggs, 2 slices turkey 'bacon' cup OAT MEAL, 1 prune          355 CALORIES

lunch        Jimmy John's #14 Bootlegger Club UNWICH w/provolone cheese       280 CALORIES

dinner       APPLEBEE'S Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (no dressing)                    370 CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIES CONSUMED     1005 CALORIES

CALORIES BURNED

6AM    elliptical machine 32 minutes             440 calories

7PM     DAYS INN Stairmaster 30 minutes   400 calories

total calories burned     840 calories

NET CALORIES     165 CALORIES

APPLEBEE'S GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR
SALAD (NO DRESSING) 370 CALORIES

WALK THIS WEIGH

Hello everyone.  If you were interested in hearing about my follow-up appointment with my doctor that took place yesterday, Friday morning, I simply could not wait to blog about it.   Yesterday, I had two separate blog posts.   I talked all about my visit with my doctor on the post titled: "There's always another meal six hours away."  It is the blog post directly preceding this one.

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One of the biggest hits from the legendary rock band, Aerosmith, was Walk this Way, released in 1975.   Since December 24, 2014,  I have chosen a new path, and I encourage others to walk this way with me.   The rules are very simple.  The philosophy of the Rabbi Hillel Diet can be explained in a few short words: "What is unhealthy for you, do not eat.  That is the whole plan. The rest is commentary - go and have lunch!"  Those that internalize these thoughts will walk this way with me.   For the past seven years, and for most of my life I had been walking another way.  This path that I am on now, is the right way.  I now know that with every dietary fiber of my being!

Saturday February 21 means that I have completed 59 days on my new program, which I have named the 'Rabbi Hillel Diet.'  Since I began this journey on December 24, 2014 I have been walking a different way.  Today begins Day 60. Saturday is the day to weigh myself so I can gauge my progress.  It is my favorite day of the week.



254.5 lbs

I weigh 254.5 lbs.
I lost 8.1 lbs this week.
I lost 54.5 lbs in 59 days. Today begins Day 60.
I have lost 6+ inches on my waist.  
I am still at the beginning of a journey that never ends.
I weigh 254.5 lbs. (59 days ago I weighed 309 lbs)
I have lost 17.6% of my weight since Dec 24.
I have lost 2.6% of my weight since last Saturday!
I have had an extremely successful week losing 8.1 lbs.
I have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 34.04 (still Class I obesity)
I had a 42.0 BMI on December 24, 59 days ago (Class III obesity)
I will 'graduate' from Class I obesity into simply 'overweight' in a few weeks (224 lbs)
I have two words to describe how I feel right now - super euphoric
...I know how to begin this week... 
ELLIPTICAL MACHINE


FRIDAY MENU
breakfast   (NONE) I needed to fast in order for my blood to be tested yesterday
lunch         MY FIT FOODS ASIAN FLAT IRON, carrot ginger soup                     355 calories
dinner        7 oz. SALMON, spring mix salad, ginger dressing, pumpkin soup        480 calories

total calories consumed  835 calories

CALORIES BURNED
6AM   ELLIPTICAL MACHINE 32 minutes         435 calories
6PM    ELLIPTICAL MACHINE 60 minutes         805 calories

total calories burned  1240 CALORIES

NET CALORIES       NEGATIVE 405 CALORIES

my fit FOODS: ASIAN FLAT IRON (prepared meal) w/Organic Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque Soup  
355 CALORIES

dinner: 7 oz. salmon fillet, 50/50 Spring Mix Salad w/Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing, Pumpkin Soup
480 CALORIES

LOST MY SECOND TURKEY

Regular readers of this blog might remember that nearly one month ago, January 21, I  reported that I had lost 24 lbs in 24 days and to highlight that achievement I posted a photograph of myself holding a 23 lb turkey. 

As of yesterday, February 14, I have now lost 46 lbs in 52 days. 
(I never believed that I was going to continue to lose exactly one pound per day.  Nevertheless, 46 lbs in 52 days ain't too shabby!)

46 lbs = TWO TURKEYS

Naturally, I needed to return to the supermarket to take a new picture.

FEBRUARY 14, 2015   On this date, I weighed myself

and discovered that I had lost 46 lbs since December 24.

I had wanted to hold two turkeys that weighed 46 lbs, and 

the two turkeys that I did find only weighed 42 lbs.

For the purposes of this photo - that's close enough!

(I am wearing my brand-new 44 waist blue jeans)

JANUARY 21, 2015   Back on that date, I had lost 24 lbs and posed with a 23 lb turkey to visualize my accomplishment.  On this date, I was happy to wear my size 48 waist blue jeans.  They have since been donated to Goodwill. 

SATURDAY MENU

breakfast     three poached eggs, two slices turkey 'bacon'                                      280 CALORIES

lunch           Maryland style crab cake, Pumpkin Soup, Spinach salad, balsamic   342 CALORIES
dinner         Chicken Tortilla Soup, Spinach, balsamic, Sockeye Salmon Burger   312 CALORIES

total calories consumed  934 CALORIES

CALORIES BURNED

6AM    ELLIPTICAL MACHINE, 30 minutes    400 CALORIES

11AM   ELLIPTICAL MACHINE, 30 minutes   400 CALORIES

total calories burned     800 CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIC INTAKE      134 CALORIES

LESS IS MORE

I have had one day to celebrate and contemplate the fact that I currently 'only' weigh 268 lbs.  For many human beings living on this planet, this would be an insanely high number.   Considering that I arrived at 268 lbs from 309 lbs only 46 days ago, it seems like a good number.

This past week, I continued my daily sub-1000 calorie consumption as I have been doing since December 24, 2014.  Since I began this journey I have not had one snack.   I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.  That's it. When I sit down to breakfast each and every day, I am truly breaking my fast from the night before.  This was the first week that I almost exclusively worked out on the ELLIPTICAL TRAINER. (I 'walked' on the treadmill only on Saturday morning.)

I worked out for a total of 7.5 hours (one 60 minute walk and thirteen 30 minute sessions on the elliptical machine) which burned 5397 CALORIES.

My weight loss for the week was 4.7 lbs

The previous week I was just a little bit 'psychotic'.   I 'walked' 80 miles on the treadmill.   I spent 20 hours, 'walking' at 4 mph for 60 minutes each session. (twenty sessions total)  I calculated that I should have burned 12,000 CALORIES.

My weight loss for the week that I 'walked' 80 miles, burning 12000 CALORIES was 'only' 3.7 lbs.

CONCLUSION: REGARDING EXERCISE....
                            ...S O M E T I M E S...
                            L E S S  I S  M O R E

I decreased the hours spent working out, and experienced better results.   Conclusion: LESS IS MORE!

SATURDAY MENU

breakfast    three poached eggs, two strips turkey 'bacon'                                     280 CALORIES

lunch          4 oz salmon filet, spinach, vinaigrette dressing, pumpkin soup          364 CALORIES

dinner        Mahi Mahi burger, spinach pancake, iceberg lettuce, pumpkin soup  282 CALORIES  

total consumption        926 CALORIES

CALORIES BURNED

6AM  ELLIPTICAL 30 minutes  400 CALORIES

1PM   ELLIPTICAL 30 minutes  400 CALORIES

total burned  800 CALORIES

NET CALORIC INTAKE        126 CALORIES

Mahi Mahi burger, spinach pancake, lettuce wedge w/vinaigrette, Pumpkin Soup        282 CALORIES

ELLIPTICAL IMPROVEMENT IS SWIFT

I started using the elliptical trainer on Saturday.   On Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesay I used the elliptical twice per day.  Each time I limited myself to 30 minutes.  (That's almost funny - I promise when I got off the machine each time - I didn't have a minute more in me!)

Each time I get on, I plug the same information into the machine: weight 273 (my last official weight) and I set the machine to 'calorie burn.'    I start pedaling with no particular goal in mind relative to speed, I am just pedaling along at a rate that seems natural and comfortable.   Still without trying to improve, the improvement has come naturally.


SESSION                CALORIES BURNED
SATURDAY AM              322
SATURDAY PM               330
SUNDAY AM                   340
SUNDAY PM                    360
MONDAY AM                  350
MONDAY PM                   360
TUESDAY AM                 370
TUESDAY PM                  380

I am in awe of how fast one can improve in such a short period of time.   As I have improved, I remain just as winded (or more winded) than when I first began using the machine.   I am definitely 'getting more bang from my buck' from the 60 minutes that I am devoting to exercise each day.

TUESDAY MENU
breakfast   three poached eggs, two slices turkey 'bacon'                                    280 CALORIES
lunch         Jason's Deli Bowl Spicy Seafood Gumbo                                          301 CALORIES
dinner        Mahi Mahi burger, iceberg lettuce w/balsamic, Spinach Pancake
                  Sweet Potato Bisque Soup                                                                  312 CALORIES


TOTAL CALORIES       893 CALORIES

calories burned
6AM elliptical  30 minutes   370 CALORIES
7AM elliptical  30 minutes   380 CALORIES

total calories burned  750 calories

NET CALORIC INTAKE   143 CALORIES

photograph by Sara Jacobs, age 12

Mahi Mahi Burger, Spinach Pancake, Iceberg Lettuce wedge, Sweet Potato Bisque Soup  312 CALORIES