It has been approximately 8-9 weeks since I embarked on the GR2 Control Program and I am extremely close to achieving my goals. I can vividly remember writing down my goals with Lori and sharing some of my personal thoughts in my first blog. At that time, my goals seemed to be a pipe dream, but I knew from the outset that with perseverance and support I would be able to achieve them. Here are a few things that the GR2 Program has done for me
1. Maintained my absolute strength levels
2. Increased my relative strength level
3. Decreased my chances of developing Type II Diabetes
4. Increased my energy levels
5. A total weight loss of 20lbs (5 more to go!)
I may need to by some new clothes since I have not been this size this my first year of university, but that is something I am looking forward to!!
There are 5 other individuals who are participating in this challenge and there are 2 more individuals who will be embarking on GR2 Control Program next month. I am looking forward to watching others make positive changes in their lives, and they, in turn, will provide me with additional motivation to maintain my success.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
I will remain patient...but I vow to increase my activity!!
Well it has been a little while since my last 'post'. I am still down 15lbs from the beginning of my journey, and I WILL chip away at the last 10lbs. My plan for the next 6-8 weeks, is to increase my level of activity through a few simple outlets.
1. I will add two 15 minute sessions of skipping per week to my regime
2. I will add one 15 minute body weighted conditioning circuit to my regime
The main thing that I want people to realize is that I plan to keep up the same level of activity when I reach my weight loss goal. I have not yet added Jiu Jitsu to my training, and when I do it will mean that I will be training an extra 3 hours per week. That means that I will have 3 hours of kickboxing, 3 hours of Jiu Jitsu, and 2 hours of strength training. Which is a total of 8 units of exercise in 6 days (I always take at least one day off every 7 days for recovery). I realize that if I do not at least maintain my current level of activity then I will eventually gain back the weight, and I have worked hard to lose it!!!
I know there are more than a few success stories from the challenge, but I want everyone who is currently in the challenge (and those who get on the GR2 Control program in the future), that refining your eating habits is only part of the battle. You must increase your level of activity in order to maintain your weight loss. Remember, this is a lifestyle change NOT a DIET!! If you can establish a healthy eating regime and an active lifestyle you will be a success. You will be a role model for your children, significant other and friends.
Be a role model, meet your goals and exceed your own expectations!
1. I will add two 15 minute sessions of skipping per week to my regime
2. I will add one 15 minute body weighted conditioning circuit to my regime
The main thing that I want people to realize is that I plan to keep up the same level of activity when I reach my weight loss goal. I have not yet added Jiu Jitsu to my training, and when I do it will mean that I will be training an extra 3 hours per week. That means that I will have 3 hours of kickboxing, 3 hours of Jiu Jitsu, and 2 hours of strength training. Which is a total of 8 units of exercise in 6 days (I always take at least one day off every 7 days for recovery). I realize that if I do not at least maintain my current level of activity then I will eventually gain back the weight, and I have worked hard to lose it!!!
I know there are more than a few success stories from the challenge, but I want everyone who is currently in the challenge (and those who get on the GR2 Control program in the future), that refining your eating habits is only part of the battle. You must increase your level of activity in order to maintain your weight loss. Remember, this is a lifestyle change NOT a DIET!! If you can establish a healthy eating regime and an active lifestyle you will be a success. You will be a role model for your children, significant other and friends.
Be a role model, meet your goals and exceed your own expectations!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Sharing In The Success Of Others
Okay, so I am still feeling pretty good about myself and I am also feeling good about a couple of other individuals who have decided to embark on the GR2 Challenge.
In the near future you will be able to read a progress report from Amit, and you will also get another update from my better half, Lori.
It is a fantastic to be able to share in the success of others! I once again have to mention how much easier (and enjoyable) the journey is when you have a support of other individuals.
I am now down a total of 15lbs, and I have to lose another 10lbs. I have more energy and my relative strength has increased. The road to weight loss is now easier to navigate, due to my success, and to a large extent, sharing in the success of others!
In the near future you will be able to read a progress report from Amit, and you will also get another update from my better half, Lori.
It is a fantastic to be able to share in the success of others! I once again have to mention how much easier (and enjoyable) the journey is when you have a support of other individuals.
I am now down a total of 15lbs, and I have to lose another 10lbs. I have more energy and my relative strength has increased. The road to weight loss is now easier to navigate, due to my success, and to a large extent, sharing in the success of others!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
Boy do I love long weekends!! Although since I am a business owner, I do not actually get long weekends (my boss can be an A#*)!
On a serious note, I love the family time that surrounds long weekends and the creative gourmet meals that Lori puts together. Of course when there is a big family dinner, that usually means a meal that consists of 3-4 courses (which means that dinner is a marathon, not a sprint...). Well this year, since I am right in the middle of the GR2 Challenge, I promised myself that I would 'enjoy' all the spoils of the Thanksgiving dinner at 'Casa Campbell'. As dinner was rolled out and placed on the table (in order to fit all the food it should have been a boardroom size table!), I strategically began my meal and planned the first two helpings (I was not sure if I could eat 3); my first helping consisted of:
a) white turkey meat with gravy
b) stuffing
c) broccoli
d) twice baked potato
OK, so the stuffing, potato and gravy are not the 'healthy list' (although the stuffing was made with whole wheat bread), however, the main point here is that I could not eat any more than 1 helping!! My stomach has shrunk and therefore I reach a point of feeling sated much sooner than I would have in the past.
As a result, I also felt better throughout the evening (I did not have to loosen my belt in order to breathe), and about 1.5 hours after dinner, I indulged in a piece of apple pie with ice cream.
We had our family dinner on Saturday and this morning (Monday), I got on the scale and noticed that I am down a total of 13lbs. I felt great that I had managed to enjoy the holiday by allowing myself to indulge to a point, but within control. I listened to my body when it told me "you're full" and made the wise choice not to have seconds of the apple pie.
I have another 10lbs to lose so I will need to remain disciplined in order to stay on course and meet my goals.
On a serious note, I love the family time that surrounds long weekends and the creative gourmet meals that Lori puts together. Of course when there is a big family dinner, that usually means a meal that consists of 3-4 courses (which means that dinner is a marathon, not a sprint...). Well this year, since I am right in the middle of the GR2 Challenge, I promised myself that I would 'enjoy' all the spoils of the Thanksgiving dinner at 'Casa Campbell'. As dinner was rolled out and placed on the table (in order to fit all the food it should have been a boardroom size table!), I strategically began my meal and planned the first two helpings (I was not sure if I could eat 3); my first helping consisted of:
a) white turkey meat with gravy
b) stuffing
c) broccoli
d) twice baked potato
OK, so the stuffing, potato and gravy are not the 'healthy list' (although the stuffing was made with whole wheat bread), however, the main point here is that I could not eat any more than 1 helping!! My stomach has shrunk and therefore I reach a point of feeling sated much sooner than I would have in the past.
As a result, I also felt better throughout the evening (I did not have to loosen my belt in order to breathe), and about 1.5 hours after dinner, I indulged in a piece of apple pie with ice cream.
We had our family dinner on Saturday and this morning (Monday), I got on the scale and noticed that I am down a total of 13lbs. I felt great that I had managed to enjoy the holiday by allowing myself to indulge to a point, but within control. I listened to my body when it told me "you're full" and made the wise choice not to have seconds of the apple pie.
I have another 10lbs to lose so I will need to remain disciplined in order to stay on course and meet my goals.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
More Participants, More Support, More Updates
I am about 1 month into the GR2 program and I am still feeling great! There are 7 other people who will be embarking on the journey to losing some inches and body fat, so this blog will serve as both a support medium for the group, and progress tracking for other interested individuals.
Personally this week has been a tough week for me, I have had some cravings on a few occasions simply due to not planning my meals for the next day. We have all had those times when many hours have past in between meals, and when we finally get to eat....watch out!!! The hunger is so intense that we literally inhale our food and eat until we feel drowsy (once again, gluttony is one of the 7 deadly sins!).
Well this happened to me twice in a span of 5 days. Thankfully I made a CHOICE, to eat something healthy and low glycemic, and not have a huge 'American Buffet style' serving. Please note that we all have to make choices. You can choose to be healthier, you can choose to ask for assistance, you can choose to be a role model for your kids. Or conversely you can choose to live a unhealthy existence.
Personally this week has been a tough week for me, I have had some cravings on a few occasions simply due to not planning my meals for the next day. We have all had those times when many hours have past in between meals, and when we finally get to eat....watch out!!! The hunger is so intense that we literally inhale our food and eat until we feel drowsy (once again, gluttony is one of the 7 deadly sins!).
Well this happened to me twice in a span of 5 days. Thankfully I made a CHOICE, to eat something healthy and low glycemic, and not have a huge 'American Buffet style' serving. Please note that we all have to make choices. You can choose to be healthier, you can choose to ask for assistance, you can choose to be a role model for your kids. Or conversely you can choose to live a unhealthy existence.
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