REVISITING THE HOMER SIMPSON CALORIE CONUNDRUM

Saturday was the 41st consecutive day that I have kept my calorie consumption within the neighborhood of 1000. This 'program' has been successful. I have lost more than 30 pounds in those 41 days.... Today I look back at my own blog post from February 7, 2015 when I had first started to lose weight from a starting point of 309 lbs.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

HOMER SIMPSON CALORIE CONUNDRUM 

There are some people who might feel that I am eating too little.   I am in Day 15 of my new program.   My program does not have a sexy name like Paleo, Slim Fast, Biggest Loser, Atkins, South-Beach, Mediterranean, Weight-Watchers, Jenny Craig or scores of other plans.  Each one has its own book (or books) and each has its legions of followers.  My diet plan is EAT LESS.  For fourteen consecutive days I have consumed less than 1000 calories per day.   Some days I have been under 800 calories.   The small amount of literature that I have seen indicates that this might be too low.  Would it have been really helpful if I had a hot dog roll with my hot dog (+100 Calories)? Would it have been helpful if I had had ranch dressing on any of my salads (+300 Calories)? Would it have been helpful if I had had my baguette with my Turkey Chili (+100 Calories)? Would it have been helpful if I had had only one piece of cake as some kind of misguided reward (+400 Calories)? 

I am convinced that my body is sending signals to me thanking me for finally giving it the fuel to operate properly.   In the past, I might have consumed 3000, 4000 or even 5000 calories per day. What nutritional benefit did the Ho Ho's, Oreos, Dunkin' Doughnuts, Klondike Bars, or M&M's provide?  Homer Simpson eats a lot of calories, but how much of what he eats is actual food?

I never ate as badly as Homer.  In my defense, it is hard to compete with a cartoon character.

* * * * * * * * * 

Saturday in Chicago....
The day started with a great weight 252.1 lbs (down 6.3 lbs for the seven day week!)
The day included a two hour study session with my daughter in her first days of Pre-Calculus
The day also included an 11 mile urban hike...
and for the 41st consecutive day, my calorie consumption was in the neighborhood of 1000.

LONG BEACH

In the spirit of Homer Simpson, it has been my 'lifelong dream' for the past two years to walk to Long Beach from my Mom's house in Lynbrook where I grew up. My Mom still lives in the house that I grew up in and I got it into my head that it would be a interesting to walk to the beach sometime during a visit. During my last visit to Lynbrook, a family crisis interfered with my plans.  When my Mom shattered her ankle in three places during my last visit, my enthusiasm for taking such a walk and the opportunity to do so disappeared. Fast forward, fourteen months, and my Mom is back on her feet and while the ankle is not 100%, it still qualifies as a wonderful miracle that she can walk again, and while my Mom humorously says the ankle is not painful, but gives her discomfort. Me? I consider pain and discomfort to be synonyms - but I digress.

I woke up early on Wednesday morning in the same bed that I used to wake up in when I was going to high school nearly, but not quite 50 years ago.  I made myself two bowls of instant oatmeal and set out for my suburban hike. I bundled up quite well, and checked the temperature. The temperature when I set out was 20°F. I was able to easily convince myself that it was not so cold, because back at my home in Chicago at the very same moment, it was -1°F.

The trek to the beach, the the Atlantic Ocean was just 6.5 miles and it took just over an hour and a half. Had I just turned around and returned the way I came, I would have taken a 13 mile trek. I did not do that. I continued west along the boardwalk which was recently re-built after 'Super Storm Sandy' five years ago to the very end, and then I continued on the main road to the Atlantic Beach Bridge. I don't think that I crossed this bridge even a dozen times in my entire life growing up. In fact, I wasn't sure that I could cross it as a pedestrian until I googled it during my hike and confirmed that it did have a pedestrian sidewalk. Using my MapMyWalk App, I saw that the way back to Lynbrook was very uncomplicated. I made a right turn shortly after crossing this bridge and walked a few miles on Broadway right back to my neighborhood. I made a short detour to walk past the elementary school that I started attending as a kindergartner likely in 1962.

My hike was 17 miles. I came home, had some lunch with my Mom and then I had to go back outside to do my chores. My Mom had asked me to clear some leaves in her front yard and yesterday seemed like a good day to do that.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Trader Joe's - Maple and Brown Instant Oatmeal	320	64	4	8	480	26
	320	64	4	8	480	26
L U N C H
Oven Broiled Chicken	200	0	13	20	146	0
	200	0	13	20	146	0
D I N N E R
Garden Salad	100	6	0	4	400	4
Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti	600	99	21	79	858	0
French Baguette	300	60	2	10	740	2
Rataouille	200	44	3	8	216	44
	1,200	209	26	101	2,214	50
S N A C K S
Cookies, Brownie	300	47	12	4	231	27
	300	47	12	4	231	27
Totals	2,020	320	55	133	3,071	103
Your Daily Goal	4,560	570	152	229	2,300	171
Remaining	2,540	250	97	96	-771	68
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 2,630 extra calories from exercise today

.

.

This was just the beginning of my hike, when I arrived at the boardwalk for my view of the Atlantic Ocean.

.

I am facing east, but the camera is facing west while standing on the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

I am facing west, but the camera is facing east while standing on the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

.


.



.

COMPLETE DAY OFF

Yesterday I was busy at a local wholesale fabric tradeshow. After the show, the seven sales reps who sell their fabrics traditionally get together and have pizza afterwards. I had planned to use the elliptical machine after dinner, but I fell asleep in my room before I had the chance to use the equipment. Yesterday was a complete day off from exercise. Unfortunately it was not a day off from over-eating. it was also my first full day without the benefit of a cellphone which was rendered useless during a mishap at Matthiessen State Park on Saturday.  One forgets how important one's cellphone is until one does not have it available.  Aside from making or receiving phone calls, texts and emails. I realized in my hotel that I was not without a reliable alarm clock. Without a camera I could not email my orders to my vendors. And there are quite a few other countless inconveniences that one is simply not used to dealing with. I hope to have this situation rectified by later today, Monday

.

Everyone enjoys their day off in a way that suits them.

Your Food Diary For:

Sunday, September 11, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Biscuits and Gravy, 1 biscuit	415	22	30	12	0	0
Sausage, 3 links	170	2	14	10	490	1
Scrambled Egg - Scrambled Eggs	158	2	12	14	160	0
Kellogg's - Raisin Bran Crunch, 2 cups	380	90	2	8	400	38
	1,123	116	58	44	1,050	39
L U N C H
Rice Krispies Treats Chocolately Drizzle	800	136	24	8	760	64
Fiber one cheesecake - Danish	450	72	18	6	390	30
	1,250	208	42	14	1,150	94
D I N N E R
Medium Sausage & Bacon Pizza	1,000	108	46	40	2,420	0
	1,000	108	46	40	2,420	0
S N A C K S
Totals	3,373	432	146	98	4,620	133
Your Daily Goal	1,930	241	64	97	2,300	72
Remaining	-1,443	-191	-82	-1	-2,320	-61
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g

.


.

.


.

.

JACUZZI

I have stayed at many hotels which claimed that they had a fitness room - only to be disappointed once I arrived. Sometimes the fitness room has only two pieces of equipment which barely function. Sometimes the fitness room is 'closed for repairs.'  Just last week, I stayed at a hotel whose fitness room did have an elliptical machine which was broken beyond repair.  I spoke to the manager about it and suggested that they replace it and not donate it to Goodwill as that would be cruel. Last night in Indianapolis, my hotel did have an operational fitness center and my room had its own jacuzzi.  Let me tell you this: Nothing beats the convenience of using a fitness room in  your own building and then being able to take a jacuzzi in your own room afterwards. That is luxury.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Scrambled Eggs w/two Sausages, 1.5 breakfast	450	0	0	0	0	0
Tropicana - Orange Juice - 100% Juice, 16 fl oz	220	54	0	4	30	44
Quaker Oats - Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	640	132	8	16	800	48
	1,310	186	8	20	830	92
L U N C H
Subway - Turkey Breast & Black Forest Ham Sandwich, 12 inch	560	92	8	36	1,460	16
CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 0.75 CUP	240	40	7	5	60	15
	800	132	15	41	1,520	31
D I N N E R
HUGE SPINACH SALAD	750	0	0	0	0	0
Campbell's - Home Style New England Clam Chowder, 2 cup (240ml)	340	30	20	10	1,780	4
	1,090	30	20	10	1,780	4
S N A C K S
California Roll, 8 pieces	300	8	9	2	100	2
	300	8	9	2	100	2
Totals	3,500	356	52	73	4,230	129
Your Daily Goal	3,409	426	113	171	2,300	127
Remaining	-91	70	61	98	-1,930	-2
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,479 extra calories from exercise today

.

Your Exercise Diary for:

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
POLAR LIFEFITNESS ELLIPTICAL	65	839
POLAR LIFEFITNESS ELLIPTICAL	65	850
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-210
Daily Total / Goal	131 / 30	1,479 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	499 / 210	7,526 / 4,130

.

total calories consumed 3500 calories

total calories burned (elliptical) 1689 calories

total net 1811 calories

. . . . . . . . . . .   

fitbit day 189

19698 steps  

. . . . . . . ...

.

COLD TURKEY

I can remember, back in December 2015, when I first started to lose weight from a starting point of 309 lbs, I went 'cold turkey.'
.

cold tur·key informal noun 

the abrupt and complete cessation of taking a drug to which one is addicted.

"cold turkey, with no medication, is not recommended for those with medical conditions"

.
I had been a man that was consuming 5000, perhaps 6000 calories per day for years at a time. I combined this excessive diet with a lifestyle that completely excluded exercise. On December 24, 2014, I made an abrupt change and consumed only 1000 calories per day for three months. Within those three months, my weight dropped by approximately 80 lbs (which is right about where my weight is right now).  Somehow, back then, I was able to convince myself that I was not hungry, or at least that I was not so hungry that I couldn't hold out for my next meal. I remember so clearly how convinced I was once I reached a desired weight, it would be easy to limit myself to 2000 calories per day.  Apparently I was delusional, as it has not been easy to even limit myself to 3000 calories per day. On the other hand, I have maintained a very aggressive workout regiment - and for that I remain proud of myself. I just need to find the guy that I was one year ago to get back on track. I know that he is nearby.  If I continue to go backwards when I weigh myself this Saturday, it might be time to add some 'cold turkey' back to the program.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Daisy - Low-fat Cottage Cheese 2% Milk Fat	360	16	10	52	1,400	16
Wonder Bread - Classic White, 4 slices	280	58	3	8	360	10
Smuckers - Sugar Free Concord Grape Jam	40	20	0	0	0	0
Nice! - Creamy Peanut Butter, 2 Tbsp	180	8	15	7	130	3
	860	102	28	67	1,890	29
L U N C H
HUGE SPINACH SALAD, 1.5 SALAD	750	0	0	0	0	0
Teriyaki Salmon Steaks, 6 oz	270	3	8	47	365	5
	1,020	3	8	47	365	5
D I N N E R
Campbell's ChunkChicken Corn Chowder Microwave Bowl, 4 cup	760	80	40	24	3,360	20
	760	80	40	24	3,360	20
S N A C K S
Edy's Outshine Fruit Bar - Creamy Coconut, 1 bar	120	20	3	4	40	18
Nestle - Milk Chocolate Bar, 1 bar	210	27	12	2	20	25
	330	47	15	6	60	43
Totals	2,970	232	91	144	5,675	97
Your Daily Goal	3,792	474	126	190	2,300	142
Remaining	822	242	35	46	-3,375	45
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,862 extra calories from exercise today

.

       Your Exercise Diary for:

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
MATRIX FITNESS 7xi	65	1,036
MATRIX FITNESS 7xi	65	1,006
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-180
Daily Total / Goal	131 / 30	1,862 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	262 / 210	3,811 / 4,130

.

total calories consumed 2970 calories

total calories burned (elliptical) 2042 calories

total net 928 calories

. . . . . . . . . . .  

fitbit day 174

17491 steps  

. . . . . . . ..

.

1. 
   

STILL DOWN 80

I never cured myself of overeating.  I have also been learning that just because I don't enter something in my food diary, but I still eat it, it still can add to one's weight. (I know that the proper responsed to that last statement is: duh!) I have been increasingly less rigid about entering everything that I have eaten. Obviously I am eating more than I am entering, I am eating more than I am burning off and I have fought a few battles over the past few weeks that I have lost. It is now time for me to reassess and make sure that I do not lose the war. After all this backwards progress, I am STILL down 80 pounds from where I started on December 24th, 2014. It is time for me to be a bit ticked off at myself and to buckle down and STOP going backwards. I have been toying with the idea of blogging more sporadically, however the more that I think about it, the more convinced am I that I should not go that route.  My weight this morning was 228.7 lbs.  I am still down 80 lbs from where I started. Today is the first day of the rest of my life - I will try to make it a good day.

Oddly enough, this is true.  However NOT TRYING guarantees failure.

Your Food Diary For:

Friday, February 12, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Kelloggs - Raisin Bran Cereal, 118 g	380	92	2	10	420	36
Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon, 4 Bowl	640	132	8	16	800	48
Mcintosh - Apple, 2 medium apple	160	44	0	0	0	34
	1,180	268	10	26	1,220	118
L U N C H
Panera - Roasted Turkey & Avocado Blt, 1 sandwich	520	48	22	32	940	2
Panera French onion soup - Onion Soup, 1.5 cup	300	32	14	12	1,725	14
WHOLE FOODS CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 110 g (3/4 cup)	480	80	14	10	120	30
	1,300	160	50	54	2,785	46
D I N N E R
HUGE SPINACH SALAD, 1.5 salad	750	0	0	0	0	0
YOGURT PRETZELS, 40 g (approx 8 pcs)	190	28	0	2	180	19
FRENCH VANILLA GRANOLA	200	32	6	4	44	11
	1,140	60	6	6	224	30
Totals	3,620	488	66	86	4,229	194
Your Daily Goal	4,032	504	134	202	2,300	151
Remaining	412	16	68	115	-1,929	-42
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 2,102 extra calories from exercise today

.

       Your Exercise Diary for:

Friday, February 12, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
PRECOR AMT (ADAPTIVE MOTION TRAINER)	65	1,131
PRECOR AMT (ADAPTIVE MOTION TRAINER)	65	1,100
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-129
Daily Total / Goal	131 / 30	2,102 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	573 / 210	9,595 / 4,130

.

total calories consumed 3620 calories

total calories burned (elliptical) 2231 calories

total net 1389 calories

. . . . . . . . . . .  

fitbit day 159

15934 steps  

. . . . . . . .

.

.

.