RABBI HILLEL DIET

Two days ago, I reported that I had lost 24 lbs in 24 days.  Certainly what it is that I am doing has produced the desired results.  I am not following any popular diet plan.  Up until now my plan had no name.  That is no longer the case.  My plan has a name.

It is the  'Rabbi Hillel Diet.'

One of my favorite stories that I learned within the past two years from my Rabbi at my Chabad House in Chicago involves a story about the great sage, Rabbi Hillel.   This 2000+ year old story goes something like this: A man interested in converting to Judaism said that he would accept the teachings of Judaism if a Rabbi could teach him the entire Torah (Five Books of Moses) while the prospect stood on one foot.   He first asked this of a Rabbi who was insulted by the 'ridiculous' request.   The prospect was undeterred.  The prospect approached Rabbi Hillel.  Rabbi Hillel rose to the challenge, and he said:

"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary - go and study it!"

It is from this famous quote that I have fashioned the name of my plan.  You could now ask me what is the name of my weight loss plan.   You could task me with divulging this information while you stood on one foot.

"What is unhealthy for you, do not eat. That is the whole plan; the rest is commentary - go and have lunch!"

Rabbi Hillel was asked to teach a prospective convert to Judaism the entire Torah while the prospect stood on one foot.  Rabbi Hillel accepted the challenge. "What iS hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary - go and study it!" (artwork by Sara, my talented daughter)

That's it.   It is truly simple.   Not necessarily easy, but truly simple.  If someone should ask me what plan I am following to lose weight - I will simply say: It is the 'Rabbi Hillel Diet.'

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GRADUATION FROM CLASS III

I am still in a state of euphoria as a result of the quick progress I have been making since I started my lifestyle change. My weight dropped from 309 lbs. to 284.7 lbs. in twenty four days.

And now... The Reality Check

The ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ) diagnosis from my doctor when I visited for my 'wellness' exam on December 24, 2014 was CODE 278.01 Morbid Obesity.   Neither one of these two words evokes health, and the two of them together are really nasty.  Obesity is determined by one's BMI (Body Mass Index)

BMI is calculated by dividing mass by the square of height

Metric: 

US/Customary and imperial: 

My medical report on December 24th indicated a BMI of 42.0
My height is 6'1" (73 inches) 
I have recently been brushing up on my algebra as I am tasked with helping my daughter with her 7th grade homework, so I even checked the math, and I did get the same result.

Different BMI results indicate different classifications.   On December 24, 2014 my result put me in CLASS III OBESITY.   

BMI	Classification
< 18.5	underweight
18.5–24.9	normal weight
25.0–29.9	overweight
30.0–34.9	class I obesity
35.0–39.9	class II obesity
≥ 40.0	class III obesity

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I HAVE GRADUATED.

BMI=294.7 x 703 divided by (73 squared) = 38.9

As you can see I have GRADUATED TO CLASS II OBESITY.

I am aware that it is a stupid thing to be so cheerful about,  but I do need to get 'promoted' one class at a time.

My ultimate goal will be to be considered NORMAL.  For that I will have to weigh 189 lbs.

My original thinking was to get down to the 'neighborhood' of 200 lbs.

I do not know if I will get all the way down to 189 lbs.
Once I am down to 200 lbs. - maybe then, and only then I could claim I have big bones.
(That excuse doesn't really explain an extra 100 lbs. - maybe it could explain 11 lbs.)
180 lbs. was my weight was when I was 17 years old and in tip top shape.

I think I have some time to think about it!

Another good day eating yesterday:
Breakfast: Three poached eggs, two strips of turkey 'bacon.'         280 CALORIES
Lunch: One 5oz. Roasted Garlic Mahi Mahi                                  160 CALORIES                        
Dinner: Two Salmon Burgers                                                          220 CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIC CONSUMPTION FOR THE DAY WAS 660.
YESTERDAY BEGAN WITH A 60 MINUTE 4 MILE WALK @ 4 MPH - 600 CALORIES

BODY MASS INDEX CHART, WITH MY NEW WEIGHT OF 284.7 lbs, AT LEAST I AM ON THE CHART!

There is one other option, but I fear its practicality is questionable.   I could conceivably remain 294.7 lbs and simply INCREASE MY HEIGHT to 7' 8" (ninety two inches tall)
At that height, I could remain 294.7 lbs and have a normal BMI.
294.7 x 703 divided by 92 squared = 24.47 BMI 
Where would one find a medieval rack in Chicago?

Alternate Plan: Maintain Weight, Gain Height. I don't think so. I will stick with Plan 'A' maintain height, LOSE WEIGHT

IF CURRENT TRENDS CONTINUE...AAY!

The big news today, especially for my loyal readers (Wife, Mother, and one or both of my Brothers) is that in the past seven days I have lost an additional 5.5 lbs.  This means that since way, way back on December 24th, 2014 (a mere twenty four days ago) I have lost a total of 24.3 lbs.  (I HAVE LOST ONE POUND PER DAY FOR THE PAST 24 DAYS!)

This is the number of calories that I consumed in the past seven days:

Saturday     721
Sunday       948
Monday      971
Tuesday      935
Wednesday 981
Thursday    821
Friday         776

TOTAL CALORIES CONSUMED FOR THE WEEK, PAST SEVEN DAYS = 6,153

This is probably the smallest amount of calories that I have consumed since my first weeks of life (you know, back in 1957 sometime after I took my first breath)   I firmly believe that my body was the recipient of more real, nutritious and healthy food than it has consumed in nearly a decade.  I consumed actual protein rich foods, good carbohydrates, reduced chemical additives, plenty of water AND I HAVE NEVER FELT BETTER OR MORE ENERGETIC.

TOTAL WORKOUTS FOR THE WEEK, PAST SEVEN DAYS = 305 MINUTES (5 HOURS)

My workouts mixed walking, elliptical and tread climbing.  My workouts took place in the morning and/or evenings.

I have not exercised so much since 7 years ago when I did successfully lose 80 lbs.  (That is, before I moronically gained every pound back, and tacked on nine more for good luck.)

It is really not a mystery why my successful weight loss this week was virtually guaranteed.

I know that this cannot continue indefinitely, but it sure is fun now.

Yesterday, my wife and I went shopping at Costco.  We 'discovered' Mahi Mahi in the freezer section. This is another delicious addition to my menu.  A 5oz. piece of Mahi Mahi is only 160 Calories.  I combined that with mixed vegetables for my totally satisfying 235 calorie dinner.

I do suppose that at some point I will have a chocolate again.  At this point I don't foresee the desire overwhelming me.  When one remembers that the calories in one chocolate bar can only be negated by 30 minutes of cardio - the chocolate bar quickly loses its appeal.

You cannot imagine how great I feel today.  I have lost exactly one pound per day since December 24, 2014 at 10:00AM in the morning when I switched some synapses in my brain and decided during my routine 'wellness' exam that I was going to lose weight.  (TODAY BEGINS DAY 25)  I went from a person with ZERO SELF-CONTROL to a person with COMPLETE SELF-CONTROL in the length of time that it takes to blink an eye.  (A 'minor' personal issue is that the wisdom of this decision had eluded me for only 7 years!)

I have lost 24 pounds in 24 days.   If current trends continue, I will be down 100 lbs by the first week of April.   Don't worry - I know with complete certitude that this is ridiculous.   It brings to mind, Disco Stu, a character from 'The Simpsons.'   There is a flashback scene where Disco Stu points to a graph and says that DISCO RECORD sales were up 400% in 1976.   "IF CURRENT TRENDS CONTINUE... AAY."    We all know that 'current trends' of disco record sales did NOT (thankfully) continue.   I, too, know that my personal 'current trends' will not continue at this pace.  I also know that direction of this trend will continue for quite some time.

"Did you know that disco record sales were up 400% for the year ending 1976?  If current trends continue... AAY!"    (DISCO STU from The Simpsons)

December 24, 2014  I weighed 309 lbs.
January 17, 2015     I weigh 284.7 lbs.

More good news: 
During my initial 'wellness' exam December 24, 2014   BLOOD PRESSURE WAS 158/82
YESTERDAY January 16, 2015 before gum surgery    BLOOD PRESSURE WAS 139/85
This is another good trend.
My blood pressure is still elevated.   This is not shocking.  I weigh 284.7 lbs.  I AM obese.
I only see thin, when I look in the mirror.   That is MY mind playing tricks on me.
I have a long way to go before I can be unclassified as obese.

Mahi Mahi (5oz) & Mixed Vegetables (1 cup) = 235 CALORIES

Right now, it is time to celebrate.   I will put on my sneakers and take a 60 minutes walk at 4 mph on my treadmill.   Burning off another 600 calories is a excellent idea.  (I'm glad I thought it!)

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE?

My five day, four night tour of the Kansas City area ended yesterday.   I left Independence, Missouri at 11:30AM after a particularly good early morning appointment.   I was in a hurry to arrive home so that I might possibly meet my family at the Pediatrician as my daughter was suffering from a virus.  I knew I would not have time for lunch, so I departed Independence with two bananas and two apples.   That was my lunch.  (Not quite as satisfactory as lunch at Jason's Deli or Panera Bread) I drove 500 miles for 8 hours straight  with only three extremely short breaks.    I met my family at the doctor and finally arrived home in Chicago at 8:00PM.   Admittedly I was hungry.  Nevertheless, the very first thing I did was spend twenty minutes on my home elliptical machine. Now I have a baseline for what I can and cannot do with this type of exercise.   On my home machine I set the 'resistance' to '10.' (This was a low level.)   I struggled yet still managed to complete a twenty minute segment.   The machine indicated that I 'burned' 275 calories.   My heart rate at the conclusion was 150 BPM.   Had I set the 'resistance' any higher it would have been futile - I was struggling enough as it was.

Thursday marked the 21st consecutive day that I have managed to consume less than 1000 calories.  I continue to surprise myself.   This is the same guy who one month ago was eating and snacking virtually 24 hours per day. (Only sleep kept me from eating.)   For the past three weeks I have not had a snack.   There have been times when I was hungry - but my willpower to train myself to eat only breakfast, lunch and dinner was stronger than my desire to eat something. My resistance has not been futile.   I guess resistance is futile only applies if confronted by The Borg.  Perhaps that is not quite true. Didn't Captain Picard mustered just enough resistance to help the good folks of the U.S.S. Enterprise?

This morning, I resisted the urge to step onto my scale.  I am simply going to wait until tomorrow morning.   It was almost futile to resist the urge to weigh myself today - but I managed.

This afternoon I have gum surgery scheduled.   I am looking forward to answering a question that is always asked when I go to the dentist.  "Are there any changes in your medical condition since your last visit?"   My answer this time will finally be emphatically, "Yes."   I have gotten healthier.   In fact, I am eager to have my blood pressure checked this afternoon as I will be able to see if there has been any improvement from past readings, and especially the reading that I had during my 'wellness' exam way, way back on  December 24, 2014.

The BORG were wrong.  RESISTANCE IS NOT FUTILE.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Today, Thursday January 15, is DAY 23.   For twenty-three days I have broken my habit of eating at  McDonalds, Burger King, Panda Express, and White Castle.  For twenty-three days I have broken my habit of eating an unending river of snacks including Hershey Bars, M&M's, Hostess Ho-Ho's, Klondike Bars, Dunkin' Doughnuts, Nestles Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lays Potato Chips, and quite a few other unhealthy things.   (You understand, that it took some real 'effort' to balloon up to 309 lbs.  You just don't wake up one day 100 lbs overweight - you really have to 'work' at it!)

I have some GREAT EXPECTATIONS of GREAT SUCCESS in my quest to look healthy and more importantly to be healthier.   As much as I would like to snap my fingers and lose all my weight by tomorrow - it does not work that way.    My 'BIG' Ralph Lauren slacks which are waist size 48 and were too small, when I first fished them out of my closet two weeks ago,  have become loose.   It is ironic that these slacks which have been patiently awaiting the day when their owner could wear them again, may soon be packed off and donated as they will soon be too big for me.   It appears that their window of opportunity to be worn will last only three weeks. Good. Time to go shopping!

I must remember to manage my expectations with regard to the speed of my weight shedding.   I cannot expect to lose weight going forward as fast I have in the initial stages of my new lifestyle.

A friend posted this amusing New Yorker Magazine cartoon on her facebook page a couple of days ago.   I told her that I was going to use it for my blog.   This cartoon basically sums up the importance of having great expectations, but also emphasizes that the expectations should be reasonable.   I would like to lose one hundred pounds before next New Year's Eve.   I have two things going for me.  I only have to lose one hundred pounds not thirty-eight thousand pounds. New Year's Eve is nearly twelve months away.  I believe that I can manage my great expectations!

This morning started off well.  The treadmill at my hotel was out-of-order.  I hopped onto an elliptical machine for the first time in seven years.  This machine didn't power on.  I had no measurement of distance or calories burned or resistance level.   I know this.  I spent twenty minutes on it and it was a struggle.   Therefore it was a good workout.   My next goal is to start using an elliptical more often and increase the amount of time I can spend on it.   My all-inclusive Days Inn breakfast was two hard-boiled egg and one orange.  (Approximately 240 calories)

My next weigh-in will be early Saturday morning.   
I can't weight!  (<----- not a typo - just a minor attempt at humor)

New Yorker Cartoon by Kaamran Hafeez

TWO FOR TUESDAY

Back in the days when I listened to the radio, that is before I had access to my entire music library on my iPhone,  rock radio stations often had 'Two for Tuesday' promotions.  They would simply play two songs from the same artist back-to-back.   A good way to start any day is with two tracks from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin or Blue Öyster Cult.  Today was my own personal 'Two for Tuesday.'

I completed TWO (2) workouts.  The first at 5AM, the second at 6PM.  Each session had me on the treadmill walking at a 4 mph pace for 45 minutes.   1000 CALORIES BURNED.

I also managed to enjoy two three-course meals.

My first appointment today was in Topeka, Kansas.   For lunch I visited yet another Jason's Deli and sampled something different for lunch.

ORGANIC VEGETABLE SOUP BOWL  150 CALORIES
MEDITERRANEAN WRAP - HALF        180 CALORIES
FRUIT SIDE ORDER                                  60 CALORIES              ($9.34)

I only had one banana for breakfast (120 Calories)  I had plenty of calories 'in the bank' so I was able to enjoy my second three-course meal of the day at Jason's Deli back in Lawrence, Kansas where I was lodging for the evening.

In the spirit of continuing to try new things at Jason's I ordered something different yet again.

SPINACH VEGGIE WRAP - HALF       185 CALORIES
FRENCH ONION SOUP CUP                 180 CALORIES
FRUIT SIDE ORDER                                60 CALORIES                 ($7.92)

I checked the Jason's website for the caloric content of the 'fruit dip' that they insist on serving with the strawberries and melon.    That fruit dip is listed at 150 calories.    I have not tasted it.  I don't intend to taste it.   It does not seem reasonable that the garnish on a food item is more than twice the caloric content of the food item!  This same warning should be applied to high calorie salad dressing on low calorie salad.

TOTAL TUESDAY CONSUMPTION                                         935 CALORIES
LESS TOTAL CALORIC EXPENDITURE ON TREADMILL 1000 CALORIES
NET CALORIC CONSUMPTION FOR THE DAY                    -65 CALORIES <---NEGATIVE

I still feel that I am still breaking out of the starting gate on this race that never ends.   Once again, I am eagerly looking forward to stepping onto a scale again at the conclusion of the week.

Wednesday morning started off excellently.   I was back on the treadmill this morning at 5AM and this time I logged 60 minutes @4mph which is precisely 4 miles.   Burned 679 CALORIES.  I did weigh 290 lbs last Saturday.  I don't know what my weight is this morning.  I do know it is less than 290.

Jason's Deli LUNCH 390 CALORIES

Jason's Deli DINNER 425 CALORIES

THREE COURSE MEAL - 510 CALORIES

Yesterday I started out with two apples for breakfast and Jason's Deli spicy shrimp gumbo for lunch.  Since I have established a routine of keeping my caloric intake under 1000 calories per day, I still had more than 500 calories 'in the bank."

I returned to Jason's Deli (Lawrence, Kansas) and was able to order what I now define as a three-course meal.   There is nothing that I have ordered at Jason's which has not been delicious and satisfying.   I am trying to make an effort to explore the many possibilities available to me.   Last night I ordered something new:

BEEF STEW - BOWL    250 CALORIES

TURKEY WRAP HALF  200 CALORIES 

FRUIT SIDE ORDER        60 CALORIES (served with a creamy fruit dip which I ignored!)

TOTAL DINNER (three-course meal) 510 CALORIES         ($9.98)

After I was finished with this delicious dinner I was completely satisfied.   The chances of me ordering a fruit side with my meal prior to this lifestyle adjustment would have been zero.   Surely I would have ordered chips.   Basically every decision I ever made with regard to food was usually either wrong or very wrong.   If I may borrow the title from a Jim Carrey movie, my choices were 'Dumb and Dumber.'  The time has been long overdue for me to 'Get Smart.'  These days I feel like I am in CONTROL.

I visited two websites this morning, WebMD.com and healthstatus.com which both have a CALORIE BURN CALCULATOR.   I discovered that I might have been underestimating the caloric benefit of exercise.   This morning I walked 3 miles, @ 4 mph (45 minutes).  Both calorie calculators on these two websites indicated that my calories burned was 500!   This is amazing.   I guess it goes a long way to explain my weight loss results with my 1000 calorie per day intake.
 
Weight loss is supposed to be simple (exercise more, eat less) but not easy (it takes perseverance) These days it does seem easy. So where was I the last 7 years?   I'll tell you.... I don't know.

Jason's Deli: 3-course meal: beef stew, half turkey wrap, side order fruit: 510 calories

WHAT A WHOPPER!

WHOPPERS: not the most effective way of adding protein to one's diet

It is probably a very good thing that I am not a regular Wal-Mart shopper.  Yesterday, on the way to Kansas City I stopped at a Wal-Mart to buy some zero calorie flavored Sparkling Water. I passed the candy aisle I decided to look at some labels. Now for most of my life I would be the guy who thought it would be a good idea to buy a box of WHOPPERS CHOCOLATE MALT BALLS as I settled into my seat to watch the latest James Bond or Star Trek movie at the cinema.   I never did enjoy paying nearly $4 for the privilege.  Wal-Mart offers this box of candy for only 98 cents.   This is the type of candy that a guy like me could easily devour in 15 minutes (and of course, still feel hungry and unsatisfied afterwards). You cannot imagine my surprise when I examined this 5 oz. box of Whoppers.

190 CALORIES PER SERVING nothing spectacular about that information - it's candy!

SERVING SIZE 18 MALT BALLS That's it? Why 18? For Good Luck?

SERVINGS PER CONTAINER 3.5 Let's be honest, one box of candy IS one serving!

TOTAL CALORIES FOR THIS TASTY CONFECTION 665 CALORIES  Not good, not healthy.
An actual BURGER KING WHOPPER is 650 calories  At least there you are getting some meat.

On the 'bright side' - THEY ARE KOSHER! 

For the past 19 days, I have consumed a fraction more calories in a whole day than what can be found in that box.   These are the types of 'food' items that really help a person balloon up to 309 lbs.  These are precisely the types of 'food' items that I will be avoiding in the future.   Earlier in one of my blogs, I had estimated that there must have been days when I consumed 5000 calories. (Perhaps I was underestimating)  

On the way to Kansas City yesterday I had mapped out a route that would direct me to a Jason's Deli in the St. Louis area.  This minor 9 mile detour rewarded me with a delicious 540 calorie lunch: Spicy Seafood Gumbo Bowl & Amy's Turkey Half Sandwich.  That was a very satisfying detour.

The hotel that I stayed in the first night only had one working fitness machine.  So I hopped onto something called a BOWFLEX TreadClimber TC5000 and logged thirty minutes.  This machine combined walking and step climbing. The machine estimated that I expended 140 calories. I used some new muscles that have been lying dormant for quite some time. It was a struggle to get to 30 minutes.

Before I checked out of my hotel this morning, I climbed back on the BOWFLEX and this time I reduced the speed of my workout and doubled my workout time.   I 'burned' 185 calories and this was the best workout that I have had since I started two weeks ago.  Everything about this specific workout was positive: time spent on machine, calories burned, feeling great afterwards.

HERSHEY COMPANY WHOPPERS pack a wallopping 665 calories!

VANDELAY INDUSTRIES IS BACK IN BUSINESS!

VANDELAY INDUSTRIES is the fictional company that George Constanza, from SEINFELD claimed to have worked in order to 'earn' unemployment benefits.   SEINFELD remains one of my all-time favorite TV shows, and the VANDELAY INDUSTRIES t-shirt was a cherished gift which I received from my wife and daughter for a Fathers Day gift a few years ago.

It is a bit pathetic when a XXL (extra extra large) t-shirt can no longer properly fit as is TOO SMALL.  That is what is known as an OXYMORON.   

This is no longer an issue.  I fished this shirt out of my closet and it fits very nicely.  Apparently a 19 pound weight loss really does make one at least a little bit smaller.  I wore my 'new' t-shirt for my 45 minute, 3 mile treadmill walk yesterday.  I even have a few shirts in my closet that are size "large" (no extra).  It is my plan to wear those shirts again.  That will surely have to wait until summertime - which is actually a good thing as it is currently freezing cold outside and not t-shirt weather anyway. It is now early Sunday morning and I have long a drive ahead of me...

Next stop this week on the 'Marc Jacobs Weight Loss Tour of America' is Kansas City.

VANDELAY INDUSTRIES | IMPORTING & EXPORTING | CURRENTLY EXPORTING EXCESS WEIGHT

HIGHWAY 290 HEADING SOUTH

It took some discipline to wait until this morning to step onto my scale after my 6 days 'on the road.' This morning my digital scale indicated  290.2 lbs  (and that was with my glasses on!) 
I am (metaphorically) traveling on Highway 290 and heading south!

I have lost 4.3 lbs since last Sunday (six days ago)
I have lost 19 lbs since Dec 24, 2014 (seventeen days ago)

Since I am not a complete moron, I am aware that this rate of loss,  approximately one pound per day will not continue.  There is no question that I am off to a great start.  That is, a great start to the race that never ends.

A man whose weight is 290 lbs is not usually considered thin.  In fact, the adjectives usually used are obese, morbidly obese, fat, etc.  This is of no concern to me at this time.  I look in the mirror and only see thin.   I see the future.

Last night, right after I arrived home I quickly changed into my 'walking shorts' and hopped onto my home treadmill and completed 45 minutes, @4 mph which translates to three miles.

My next trip takes me to the Kansas City area.  I leave Sunday.  I have already reserved hotels with Fitness Rooms and discovered Jason's Deli will be an option in this part of the country.   I am visiting very good customers.   I am anticipating a healthy and profitable trip.

I believe that my three poached eggs this morning will taste even better than usual.