197 lbs!!! Very Nice...

Making Progress.

Wooohoooo!

I started out at 216 lbs. I am now at 197 lbs.

Its been about a month.

How does that happen?

Like I said earlier, not by dieting (I think that's extremely unhealthy), nor by working out like crazy (gradual physical activity within moderation is preferable), but by mentoring physically fit people that I know.

What does that mean?

I try to behave exactly the same way a physically fit person behaves.

A healthy lifestyle is encouraged by making better choices that are in line with the way a fit person behaves.

Instead of opting for the junk food and highly processed white flour food products, choose water rich foods instead.

I am by confession, an emotional eater. LOL.

But it's true.

Hiding out in a bag of chips cause I feel down and out can be gratifying in the moment, but the consequenses are heavy. No pun intended.

Ever tried emotionally eating an apple? I don't know why, but no matter how hungry I am, I can't eat more than one apple in a sitting. It's as though it's got a built in gage to prevent me from over indulging.

I can emotionally eat 3 bags of chips and not even bat an eye.

Little choices such as these make a world of difference.

I will keep you posted.

Learning From Past Mistakes

I'm not certain what prompts these episodes, but every now and then I find myself to be in a reflective mood.

It can go one of two ways.

Either I can morbidly re-live past failings and set backs, or I can choose to learn to do better.

Choosing the latter is better.

The challenge is this then: Acting like a grown up.

Hahaha.

Not easy for the immortal 17 year old that I am.

Seriously though, choosing the latter means I take responsibility for all that I experience and create. That is when something interesting happens.

I am no longer a victim to the past. I can be proactive.

Wow. What a concept.

By dropping the word blame from my vocabulary, by owning my role in things, and by taking the responsibility, I can evolve. I don't have to be stuck.

And, it is in those moments that opportunity presents itself where I can improve, if I choose to.

By stretching myself ,trying out new things, and leaving my comfort zone, I become better.

That tends to happen only if I am not weighed down with the past.

Live and learn.

Staying On Track With Accountabiliy re: Healthy Weight Loss

Another update.

Yup.

I had to go and keep myself accountable... (sigh)...Didn't I?

Well if I can stop whining like a little school girl for just a few moments, I am glad to report that I am still on track with dropping those excess pounds of flab.

I am not depriving myself nor dieting cause that's not effective or healthy in my opinion.

I am simply opting for more water rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and other healthier alternatives.

Admittedly, I'm starting to feel pretty good.

Every morning I am going for a brisk walk for about a mile and a half and doing some light calisthenics too with lots of stretching.

It's working.

My clothes are a little less tight and I feel lighter.
I will be weighing in with my current weight at the end of the month to gage my progress.

Just modelling the behaviours of people I know that are physically fit and healthy has had tremendous impact in weight loss.

I will keep you posted.

Healthier Choices, Physical Fitness and Weight Loss.

I am happy to report that things are going well.

I have started to exercise again and have made healthier choices with my food intake.

As I mentioned in a previous post, 216lbs is waaaaay too heavy for my frame.

Here's a neat little visualization technique that I have been using that has been effective in keeping me on track.

Every morning as I begin my exercise routine (and by the way-nothing too intense just yet as I am just starting out again--I will work up to a higher intensity as I make progress) I do this:

Imagine someone you know who is physically fit (and healthy) that is in the workout room with you. And, imagine that they are urging you on with positive encouragement and support.

It can be a famous athlete or a friend... whoever you want it to be.

Visualize them saying things to push you further (without hurting yourself of course) in a clear and supportive tone.

If you are going for a jog for instance, visualize them jogging in front of you and turning around to face you and beckon you further.

It works.

With respect to my food intake I use a similar technique. I imagine that same healthy and fit individual eating with me (I know it sounds nuts but it works) and I find I am making healthier choices.

For example, instead of snacking on highly processed fat rich foods, I opt instead for water rich foods such as an apple or a vegetable. I am becoming conscious of the fact that if I am putting the effort to get back into shape, I should be equally as diligent in what I am eating.

But not dieting. Diets don't work.
After dieting, it is highly likely that the progress I make is reversed when I return to my old ways.

Instead, a healthier lifestyle works.

I will keep you posted.

Hey...That's My Wife!

WTF...

I am really curious if any other guy has experienced this.

Yesterday, my wife and I went to our Godson's birthday party. There were alot of people there, including many parents and kids etc...

Anyways, we were early (one of my obsessions- punctuality) and got there to help set up. We arrived in the party room and started to assist with the tables and chairs etc. More and more people started to arrive and I went outside to get more items from my truck.

When I came back in to the room, I noticed this woman from behind.

Wow.

She looked fine. I mean really fine. Gentlemen, you know what I mean.

Now, I'm not one for having a wondering eye. But then again, I'm married--not blind.

I didn't remember seeing this woman walk in to the party room. She was helping out with the set up for the party. I thought I would walk up a little closer and get a better look. I walked around to the other side of the table. Lo and behold it was my wife!

Hahaha...

She was wearing a new pair of designer jeans with an equally fashionable collared shirt.

It was hot.

It was really amusing, and confusing!

How come I didn't notice earlier in the morning?

Must be because I'm a guy... Ask any wife or girlfriend. She would probably concur. We don't listen, and we don't notice things.

It must be in our evolutionary make up.

Anyways, this experience prompted a moral dilemma:

Am I being unfaithful by checking out an incredibly attractive woman from behind with keen interest only to find out it is actually my wife that has grabbed my attention?

Or am I simply confirming my heartfelt attraction with my subconscious by noticing her with the intensity of a man who even unknowingly is drawn to his beautiful wife's presence?

Am I the only dude who has experienced this?

Somehow, I doubt it.

Weight Loss, Accountability, and Goals.

Well, its time to commit.

I am publicly committing to getting back in shape. This time I mean business.

When I came back from my trip through Europe this past January, I was made painfully aware of the consequences of thoroughly enjoying every morsel of food (and I do mean "every"!).

That frigging digital weighing scale couldn't lie to me-- even just once.

216 lbs.

That aint much if say... you are 6' 10".

Its pretty hefty for a guy like me who stands exactly a foot shorter. Very hefty.

And by the way, don't be deceived by my profile picture, that photo was taken in 2008, when I was regularly working out on an ongoing basis... I weighed about 168lbs there.

But back to the present. What was my moment of clarity? A visit to the chiropractor.
I have had muscle spasms and strains in my lower back. Although I have no qualms of acknowledging that at times I am a world class wuss, it was a painful problem. My chiropractor was honest with me.

"Ron, I see this problem regularly in pregnant women. You're getting fat. It's the root of the issue."

He wasn't being mean, or hurtful, just honest. In a Simon Cowell sorta way. The truth will set you free.

Recognizing the problem is paramount and then success in addressing it is that much nearer. The key to success is found in the simplicity of stating a goal that is clear, and stating one that will also undoubtedly keep you accountable. (i.e. announcing it on a blog that is accessible by countless numbers).

So here is the plan and I will give an update on an ongoing basis. It's really quite simple:

I am going to model those people I know who are physically fit, healthy, and happy and most importantly those that remain physically fit and healthy. Gonna use them as a mentor-like guide.

The goal is to get down to a healthy 170 lbs by June 1st of this year.

Simple.

I'm not gonna starve myself cause I think thats foolish and dangerous.
I'm not gonna go on some new fad diet that causes me to have bitter hatred towards a can of tuna.
I'm not gonna work out like some speed freak on an unbridled binge.

I'm gonna make real healthy changes and behave like a fit person. Yup. That's it.

When I am lured by that luscious piece of rich dark chocolate, or seduced by that provocative and juicy cheeseburger, I will attempt to the best of my ability to behave like a fit person would.

In other words, I refuse to behave like a fat guy.

No offense to fat guys.

I am currently a fat guy and in many respects have enjoyed the experience immensely.
Both ways of being offer their own unique set of pleasures.

I'm just making choices and changes to live as a fit guy.

I will keep you posted.

Randy Couture Is My Hero. UFC 109

Gotta love Randy.

Dude is 45 years old and yet he still retains world class skills as he continues to compete among the elite in the sport.

A genuine class act and a thorough gentleman.

He is my hero and is easily someone to look up to for inspiration.

He was succesful in the Octogan this past weekend, defeating Mark Coleman via rear naked choke in round 2 in their light heavyweight match up.

As I endeavour to get back into shape this year, I am inclined to look for guidance from The Natural...

I came across an interesting article on extremesports.com which provided 10 Hints for training from Randy:

Randy's Top 10 Training Hints

1. Use a calendar to periodize your training, include your peaking phases for competitions or goal deadlines.
2. “The human body is amazing.” It will adapt to a workload in 8 to 10 weeks. Use that as a guide to adjust training and keep your training moving forward.
3. Keep a training log: include workouts, diet, sleep, and anything else pertinent to your training.
4. Set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Write them down and share them with someone close to you.
5. After a competition (win or lose), or at a goal deadline (accomplished or not) evaluate your program and routine. Keep what works, eliminate what didn’t, and move forward.
6. Establish a warm up “ritual”. Think of your best performance, what did you do to warm up? Repeat that! It’s a living, evolving thing. Make changes accordingly until you can put yourself in the “zone” every time.
7. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Find workout and drilling partners that challenge you or you’ll never improve your game!
8. Proper rest is just as important as time spent training hard. Listen to your body and let it recover.
9. Over-training is more a state of mind rather than [of] body. Altering your routine to keep it fresh helps avoid plateaus and stagnation.
10. Strive to get 1% better each day. It doesn’t sound like much, but adds up in a hurry!

Great Advice. Great Man.

Faux Finishing and Specialty Painting Effects

Here's a sample of some of the stuff I've doing for almost 20 years... It looks more fun to watch someone else do it... hahahaha

Specialty painting and faux finishing have been around for centuries. It is a practical way to create the look of say marble, granite, or whatever other precious commodity you wish to have in your home --without having to bring it there physically.

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ancllmUBIQg&feature=channel