I learned something last night

I went to a business Christmas party last night with my wife to a restaurant in the Duluth area. I sat across from someone that is in the LA Weight Loss program and I go tot talk to him a lot last night. He has lost about 60 pounds while in the program. He joined after being inspired by our fearless team leader Bill Jones. We talked about portion control and not giving in to the temptation to eat everything in front of you. Not giving up all the things you like just not eating so much of it.

So what did I learn. I have been hearing Bill talk about a lifestyle change and not really understanding what that means. I read Dr. Phil's book and kind of got it but last night it became clear to me. I can still eat the way I want. I just can't eat as much as I used to. Last night I ordered a nice steak, mashed potatoes and some baked beans. I trimmed the fat off the steak (even though it adds so much flavor), removed some of the butter from the mashed potatoes, and eat slower. I wasn't stuffed when I got done but I was fairly full. And since someone else was paying the tab, I ordered a piece of Cheese Cake. I ate a few bites and brought the rest home. I will eat it when I get home from my sons Christmas program tonight.

So what am I saying. I have learned that I needed to change my lifestyle. My 5-6000 calorie a day diet was going to kill me. But the 1200 calorie diet that I was on when I first started wasn't going to work for me either. I have been eating a little bit more the past few days, about 2000 calories a day, but I have increased my workout times as well. And I have still lost about 3 pounds since last Thursday. But the main thing is I am happy. I am losing the weight that I need to lose, I am getting into better shape, and I am looking and feeling better, and I am doing the things that I need to make my weight loss program a success, something I can keep up long after this program is over.

So I may not lose the most weight in the program and that may cost me the grand prize. But what I have learned in all of this is worth far more then prizes. I have learned how to make my life better and healthier. And that is rubbing off on everyone around me. My Mom had to have a procedure done to get her heart back into a normal sinus rhythm (a cardioversion), and she is coming back down to Duluth to have a cardiac stress test to see if she can start a weight loss/exercise program of her own. My wife and I are spending more time together at the YMCA working out and having fun. We have removed most all of the unhealthy snacks from our house so that our son will learn to eat more healthy. This program has not only affected me but those around me. So I want to thank Bill and Jason for organizing this, Matt and 24 Hour Fitness for helping us to work out, and everyone in the program for all the support and encouragment that you have given to me and everyone else. I wish you all the best of luck and hope that you all meet the goals that you have set for yourselves.