The seriously final, last post...

*EDIT* My Bodyspace page: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/brandonsfit/

Ok, I'm done with my current semester courses (straight A's :D) and I won't have more classes until fall.  That means I should have enough free time to blog again.  My goals have certainly changed.  I'm no longer racing to loose the most weight the fastest.  Instead I strive to live a healthy lifestyle meaning regular exercise and eating right.

I'm @ 188 lbs. as of this morning, although it's been an unusual week because I've had more alcohol and carbs than I'm used to.  I typically don't drink but it's been a week worth celebrating for a few reasons I won't go into...

I've been working out 4-5 days a week depending on my class schedule.  I'm excited to have more free time to focus on my training.  I'm going to kick it into high gear.

That's enough, for now.  I'll have a new blog up starting next week (new goals new blog).  Enjoy your weekend.

My Last Update.

I just want to thank everyone for helping me understand how this weight loss thing works.  As I mentioned before I did win my work's weight loss challenge.  I lost 18% of my starting body weight by the end of the contest.  After that I did continue to lose a few more lbs. but I started to look a little too skinny. 

Now, I've changed my goals from losing weight to gaining muscle. So far I have gained 2 lb but that's expected with the changes I've made.  I'll be going through some bulking/cutting as I continue to try to get my fat% down and lean muscle mass up.

One thing I didn't mention during my blogging is that my wife has also been working hard to get fit and live healthy.  She's gone from weighing in at 138lbs to 121lbs.  I'm very proud of the efforts she has given towards getting fit.  It was especially trying for her to get started since she suffers from a lung disease that made if very difficult for her to tolerate exercise.  Initially, she would get short of breath very quickly and suffer from cramping chest pains each day she would exercise.  Now she doesn't need to use oxygen and suffers from far fewer cramps.

I've seen the most amazing improvement in the last few months, and it's not my own.

Anyway, I'm done with the weight loss challenge so I won't be updating this blog anymore, mostly due to time constraints.  I will be checking in on everyone from time to time.  I wish everyone the best of luck in all their pursuits and of course, Happy New Year!

Yay! I'm a loser!

Just a real quick post as I have class and an exam in an hour.

I'm the biggest loser!

I'll have more later...

How are you? (losing weight that is...)

Today's weight: 183.2 lb.

Well today's the final contest day.  I just need to get my last official weigh-in and then I'm good to go.  I wonder how long it will take to get results.

So, I've lost a few pounds and it's noticable.  One or two times a week I get asked if I'm losing weight and it feels good to be able to respond -yes I am.  Of course it seems like the obligatory follow up question is always How are you losing weight?  My answer seems to land with a pretty dull thud when I say that I've been eating right and exercising.

What is it about us that we expect all things to come fast and easy?  I mean I've been guilty myself signing up for 3 different gym memberships in my lifetime and never actually going.  I can imagine myself maybe a year ago asking someone that same question and being annoyed or uninspired by that answer.  Now participating in a contest and giving an effort I've shown great results in what I would consider a short amount of time.  What has changed?

For me it was getting older and feeling older.  Along with just looking fatter and being at greater risk for diabetes which runs in my family.  I felt the urgent need for change, all I needed was a catalyst.  For me that was my works 'Biggest Loser' contest.  My thanks to Mary who organized it.

I don't know how many would agree with me, but when it comes to weight loss I think all of us have a basic understanding how it works.  It is very helpful to have a wonderful resource in the form of bloggers.  There are many who have gone down this weight loss and healthy living road before me, I appreciate being able to read and learn from their experiences.  Not just that but they are real people who give real support and advice.  How much would you pay for that?

Anyway, weight loss is possible but it takes effort.  More than some are willing to give but less than what I thought was necessary.

Final Five!!!

Today's weight: 185 lbs.

Ok, I'm five pounds shy of my 180lb goal and I have 1 week left for my contest.  I don't think that there is any possible way for me to drop 5 lbs in a week in a healthy way so that idea is out.  Still, I'm focused and I'll be working hard to keep losing in the final week of this contest.  Wish me luck!

I'm still here!!!

Today's weight: 187.6lbs.

It's been a while since I've updated.  Not because I'm slacking (well maybe a little...)  but it's mostly been because I've been pretty busy at work, school, and doing projects around the house.  I've also had a little problem with my computer so I had to send it in for service.  

Hopefully you've noticed my weight is down in the upper 180's now which is awesome.  I'm not doing anything new in the diet or exercise department.  I'm just sticking to the same plan because I'm still losing weight even though it has slowed down a bit.  That's okay, you know what they say about slow and steady.

I hope everyone is doing well.  I should have my computer back within a week so I can get back to regular blogging then.

Weight Goals

Today's weight: 192.4 lbs.

I didn't meet the eta for weighing 190lbs.  I'm close though.  It's not a big deal as that was just a quick estimate based on my then current weight loss trend.  I'm still going strong.

As I get closer to 180lbs I find myself thinking that I might actually want to go to 175 or so.  The reason for this is I've always had a 'belly' even throughout high school.  Currently at almost 190lbs. I have one.  If I'm going through all this effort to change I want a flat stomach.  Even more than that I want abs.  So I'm officially keeping my goal at 180lbs but that may change in the near future.

Anyway, nothing really new here.  Working hard and going to school so my efforts to exercise and eat right have an added complexity.  Still, I plan my eating ahead of time and only eat what I pack so that helps me to avoid hunger based bad eating decisions.  As far as exercise I probably don't do more than an hour or so each time I workout, 5 days a week.  

That's it for me, I hope everyone is still going strong!