5K a day and an update

So, I have been in search of motivation since September's contest ended. I've found it has been harder to get out of bed without something to drive me. I think I have found it.

On November 7th, I will be participating in my first 5k run. I am a little nervous, because my life-long stance on running has been "Don't do it unless someone is chasing you." But, as of late, I have found that running, especially in the early morning, is a great way to start the day. Plus, I seem to get some of my best (and craziest) ideas while on my morning run.

I really have no idea how it will go. Most of the "5k training plans" I have looked at require at least a month; I have two weeks. But either way, I know I will finish, and I know that it will be a good experience for me.

As far as my weight loss update, here is what I got:

My weight: 239.3 lbs (+.5)

My waist measurement: -1 in

Daily calorie intake: 2100-2300

My exercise regimen:
Monday-Thursday-
-Resistance/Core Exercises - 30 min on Wednesday
-Run/walk - 3.5 Miles

Recipe of the Week: Creole Shrimp

Here is a versatile dish from the heart of NOLA. If you are not a fan of seafood, you can replace the shrimp with chicken, sausage, or whatever you like.

Creole Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 can of low sodium tomato sauce or 1 can diced tomatoes, liquified (I prefer Rotel with jalapenos, but I like it spicy)
1 tbl low sodium tomato paste
2 ribs celery (with leaves), chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 c onion, diced
2 garlic clove, crushed
2 tbl olive oil
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp parsley
cayenne pepper to taste

-Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
-Saute shrimp until pink. Remove from pan and set aside.
-Saute onions, green peppers, celery, and garlic about 4 minutes.
-Add tomato sauce and spices. Bring to a slight boil, stirring occasionally.
-Stir in tomato paste and simmer. Continue to stir as sauce thickens.
-Add shrimp.
-Serve as is, or over brown rice.

Serves about 6. Calories per serving: 385 (not counting rice)

What's my motivation?

I am sorry for my absence, fellow losers. I have taken up an entry or two this week, but I can't seem to finish them. The main topic I wanted to address was motivation, so I guess it's irony that I cannot find the motivation to finish.

One lesson I learned in September is that, in order to succeed, you need motivation. Too often, I would start a diet/workout because my pants were getting too tight, or my favorite shirt made me look like a sausage link. I was focused and motivated....until my clothes started to fit right. Then, I got a little less driven. Then a little less. September was different, because I had a different goal ($100). M and I are on the Dave Ramsey plan, so money is tight. Every time I wanted to ignore my alarm instead of going running, I remembered the cash. When I wanted to cut my exercise short, I focused on what I would buy with my newfound reward.

What motivates you? What do you draw on to get you to the finish? How do you keep yourself from getting seconds?

I'll take that as a compliment

So, when people notice you have lost weight, most of them attempt to make a positive comment. "You look fantastic." "Wow!" "Where did your conjoined twin go?" But sometimes, even niceties can go awry.

I think the weirdest compliment I have ever received came from my mother. After dropping nearly 20 pounds, my mother and I had the following face-to-face exchange:

Mom: "How's your diet going?"
Me: "Pretty well. I have lost about 20 pounds."
Mom: "Really?"
Me: "Yes."
Mom (after looking more closely): "Oh, yeah. I can see it. Your head looks smaller."

Now I will admit it. Twenty pounds off 250 is not a lot. And, to be honest, I have always had a large head. When I was born, my head was this size. I just grew into over the years. The size of my melon has been a source of amusement to my family for many years. But the thing is, she was being serious. She was not trying to bust my chops. It was just the first thing that came to her mind.

What is the weirdest compliment you have ever received? Who gave it to you and how did you take it?

Recipe of the Week: Salsa Chicken

So, I've decided to include a recurring feature. The recipe of the week (or every other week, or...) will generally be something we are eating that week. Our recipes are usually quick and easy, as well as healthy. I enjoy cooking, so sometimes I use pinches and dashes, but I will try to quantify them for you, fellow losers. So, without further ado, I introduce you to one of our easiest...

Salsa Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (about 6oz per person)
1 jar of your favorite salsa (We like Old El Paso Medium)
Reduced fat shredded cheese, either Cheddar Jack or Mexican blend

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees
-Place chicken in square baking dish
-Pour salsa over chicken
-Top with cheese
-Bake for 25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165 degrees

That's it. The total calorie count is about 250 per serving, depending on the type and amount of cheese you use. Salsa makes a great condiment or sauce all around, because 2 tsp are roughly 10 calories. We usually serve with a SteamFresh bag of green beans.

The first month in review

In order to catch you up, fellow losers, here is how the first month passed:

First, I had to find how many calories I was consuming. After all, there are only two ways to shed pounds. However, not suffering from OCD, I limited my calorie counting to the first week. That was enough to give me an idea of "If I eat this, it's about this many calories." My goal was to keep my calorie intake at or below 2000 (prior to the diet, I was consuming between 2500 and 3500 daily). I arrived at this number using one of the many Basal Metabolic Rate calculators online. Instead of counting the calories as I ate, I used Calorielab.com to estimate my caloric intake each day.

Next, I devised a workout plan. Nothing too strenuous, since I did not want to burn out too early. I chose walking/running and stretching/yoga. No weight lifting, since the goal was weight loss. I did this Monday to Thursday only.

That's it. Day after day. Below are a summary of my before and after:

My starting weight: 256.8 lbs
My ending weight: 238.8 lbs

My ending waist measurement: -3 in

Starting daily calorie intake: 2500-3500
Ending daily calorie intake: 1700-2200

My exercise regimen:
Monday-Thursday-
-Stretching/Yoga - (20 min)
-Run/walk (mostly walk)
--Week 1: 1 mile
--Weeks 2 & 3: 2 miles
--Week 4: 3 Miles

Introductions are in order

Hello, fellow losers. I am The Big Loser, but you can call me Loser, or TBL, or Eddie. I am a computer geek by trade, and I am married to a wonderful woman, M (just like the boss in a Bond Movie), and I have a kidlette we'll call Fuss. I entered an office weight loss pool in September 2009, and, as a result of dedication and some planning, I lost 18 pounds in 30 days and gained $100.

Along the way, I learned a few things:
1) No diet solution has all the answers, though each holds a piece.
2) The basic premise of weight loss is still true: To loose weight, you have to either cut calories or increase activity, or both.
3) In order to succeed, you have to find real, tangible motivation.

I hope what follows is useful to you. It was to me.

Happy Losing!