Laura asked us to answer the following question, "What has been the biggest change in me since I started the contest."

 

 

As I spent my time doing yard work pondering about this question, I could not come to a consensus with myself on any one specific change that was the biggest.  Instead, what I came to realize was that I have gone through several small changes over the last 4 months, which have contributed to my weight loss so far and has me on target for my goal of 60 lbs for the 6 month contest.   One of the changes I have noticed is that I was an experienced excuse maker and justifier of my actions.   In the 4 months of the contest, I have had 2 good months (-16ish each month), and 2 bad months (less than -8 lbs total for the 2 months).   I justified those bad months by telling myself it was OK because I was out of town, or I was on vacation, etc.   I now realize I can do some form of a workout no matter where I am at, and I can eat relatively healthy no matter where I am at.   So, I have promised myself that there will be no more excuses in these final 69 days.  One of the ways I am monitoring myself is by keeping an Excel spreadsheet which includes my daily weight, meals I eat through the day, and the workouts I do each day.  On days where I lose weight, the font is green, and on days where I gain weight, the font is red.   I try to keep the red days to a minimum.

 

Another change involves me eating foods I have never eaten before, or in very limited portions.   Foods such as bananas, blackberries, celery, asparagus, and protein shakes are no commonplace on my menu.  It sure is much better for me than gyros and patty melts and wings.

 

Another change has been my sleeping patterns.    I used to be a night owl, even during the work week where I would routinely stay up well past midnight watching TV and also getting cravings for food and late night snacks.  I would then awake in the morning in time to start my work day, usually forgoing breakfast and definitely no time for a workout.   Now I am generally in bed between 10-11, awake around 6-6:30.  I get in a morning workout, have a healthy breakfast, and then start my work day.  I feel much better throughout the course of the day, and my workout is already done.  This also helps me regulate my 4-6 meals a day.

 

Basically, I feel better physically and mentally since this contest has started.  I am looking forward to continuing this process for the next 69 days and beyond to reach my ultimate goal of 100 lbs lost.