People would tell me, “Oh, it’s just water weight.” when I would start eating a low carbohydrate diet. This would be said to make it sound “easy” or dismiss my diet changes. I then would feel guilty, thinking it was unhealthy dehydration.
To the contrary. Endocrinologist Edward Gordon and Walter Bloom of Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital both noted that carbohydrates, which spiked insulin, caused one to retain sodium and water. Thus lowering carbohydrates also lowered sodium. And lowering sodium caused the kidneys to no longer hold on to salt but to excrete it via urine. Since water was needed to balance high sodium levels in the body it too was excreted as no longer needed. Balance.
I for one am glad and proud to have lost water weight. My body is adjusting itself. To me, no bloat is better.
Paleo is so pretty.
Wow it has been over a year since my revised goal list ( April 10, 2010 ) and September will be two years of eating healthy. In those two years, I’ve never gone back over 155 lbs. At my lightest I’ve lost 36 lbs 45 lbs. I’ve dropped the ball a few times but I’m committed to never quitting entirely.
My mindset has shifted from focusing on the scale’s number to perfecting my body composition. Low body fat percentage, more muscle, and getting rid of the belly fat are what I’m focusing on. The sidebar has been changed from “Goal Weight…” to “Goal: 130lbs or a flat stomach”.
In regards to this blog, I essentially have two overarching life goals. They can be seen in the sidebar ( as a daily reminder ). Below are my goals for each area and a timeline to get them done.
Overarching Life Goals
Healthy Eating Goals
To give a picture of where I am at now, except for the occasional slip up, I do not drink sugar based sodas on a regular basis. My primary staple is Coke Zero or Diet Coke. I used to drink nothing but HFCS based regular Coke. My biggest weakness is Mexican Coke, which is made from cane sugar. Yum.
Thankfully, the city that I currently reside in has no fast food places near me. It’s either a $20-40 meal out or I cook at home. Budget reasons alone are encouraging me to eat more at home. I see this as a good thing.
Body Goals
Instead of calling it exercise, I’m going to call these my body goals. The main focus is improving my body and learning to love me at every stage.
It is always a journey and never about reaching a “destination”. I see goals as markers to show overall life improvement. In an eternal infinite universe, how can there be a “finish line”?
Updated 10/16/11 - Completed BodPod measurement. Added new goal of taking Crossfit classes.
Try out this delicious recipe. I’ve had it for breakfast a few times. It is simple, fast, and will get you fueled for a busy day.
Ingredients
3 eggs
3 basil leaves, chopped
3 sprigs of italian parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of butter
salt
pepper
Other Items Needed
skillet
measuring cup
fork
slotted turner
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, crack three eggs into a measuring cup. Using a fork beat the eggs. Mix the basil and parsley in with the egg. Use your best judgement on the amount of salt and pepper that you prefer.
Once fully heated, place the tablespoon of butter in the skillet and give it a good swirl to coat the bottom. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Use a slotted turner to push the egg around until it starts to solidify. Transfer to a plate once the consistency is to your liking.
Enjoy!
( I used to call a “slotted turner” a spatula. Corrected myself after some quick research. It’s basically the tool you use to flip hamburgers. I’ve even seen the same task done with a fork. Not the best idea if you use non-stick. Have to protect the coating! )
Okay, it’s back to Getting Gary Fit. Well, I haven’t really stopped. I’ve just had extended pauses a few times. I admit this is a journey and there won’t really be a destination. It isn’t about losing weight as much as it is about being healthy. I’m human - not perfect.
( Believe it or not, there is a small pot belly in there. Black is slimming, no? )
My current weight as of this morning is 154. The last post ( as seen below ) said I was 149. So technically I’m up 5 lbs. I haven’t gone over 155 since then. I think that is progress. However, the scale can only tell so much. I swear I’ve lost muscle mass and gained a bit of bell fat. The weight has stayed the same. That isn’t “fit” to me.
BodPod
A friend of mine mentioned this tool and I’ve also heard Tim Ferriss recommend it in his new book. I found a local “mobile bodpod” in my area so I’m going to give it a try. $75 is reasonable for an accurate body composition reading. ( example results, not mine ) No longer am I going to rely on the scale for progress. It’s a nice indicator but it really means nothing as far as being “fit” goes. This post really hit home on that.
Loving Me
Another reason that I want to use the BodPod is so that I can get an overall accurate reading. The primary motivation for eying the scale like a hawk was that I felt fat and hated my body. I’m slowly learning to embrace who I am at this moment in time, love myself the way I am and change my motivation.
The motivation has shifted from “losing weight” to being more healthy. Shortcuts, when it comes to food, are simply “borrowing from the future”. People who eat like crap now because it’s cheap, quick and lazy will pay for it later in medical bills. I’m investing in a healthier future. And loving “me” in the process.
Paleo
Six months ago, I tried to the Paleo diet. That didn’t last long. Mainly because I was in the process of job searching. To be honest, eating Paleo is not cheap. Well it’s not expensive, but it’s not dollar menu cheap.
I don’t like calling Paleo a diet because it brings up the mental picture of doing without. I think of it more of a diet in terms of “a way of eating.” Out of everything I’ve tried it does make me feel, much, much better. And lose weight. Now that I have a good job, it is time to get back to Paleo.
I’ve read “The Paleo Diet” book. And recently, I’ve been reading “Everyday Paleo”. I love her blog. It’s a balanced approach to Paleo living. She even has a recipe for crab cakes! I’m also working my way through her book. ( on iBooks - and she has a print version too )
If I can find some coconut oil and flour in this city then I’m going to give it a try for 30 days. Can’t lose!
Cooking
Last, but not least, I’ve picked up cooking again. I want to create more recipes for healthy eating. It is also about eating healthy. The best way to know what is going in my body is to create what is put there. Simple as that. It only takes an hour or two out of my day. And for the long term of health and happiness that is only a fraction of time.
Time to gear up, eat right and get Gary fit!