I set out on an adventure on Dec 28, 2015. It included a change in eating habits and better exercise to lose 25-30 lbs in thirty days. By the end of January 2016, I had shed twenty pounds. It was not easy, however, it was rewarding. It reminded me of losing thirty pounds in my last month of serving with the Army in Berlin in May 1970. Admittedly, my metabolism was younger then, however, I was convinced I could do it again.
Two habits changed that led to the weight loss. First, I followed a slow carb diet, Mediterranian style, recommended by the “Four Hour Workweek” author, Tim Ferris. The inclusion of beans at every meal has been shown to increase weight loss. I agree. Not only did I feel satiated for longer, I am convinced the slow carb effect led to faster weight loss.
The second habit was exercise. I have a treadmill and elliptical unit close at hand. I began with 20 minutes on the treadmill and worked my way up to 90 minutes on the combined machines. It took two weeks of 5 days a week, average, to reach a daily weight loss of a pound or more.
At 67 years young, this was the proof I needed to believe that age should not be a deterrent to rapid weight loss. Additionally, I, once again, exhibited the grit that I have shown my whole life to achieve a long-term goal. I have been able to maintain the weight loss and establish a new “set point” for my weight in the 175 lb mark. I have established an exercise habit that will, hopefully, remain with me the rest of my life. I have been prone to exercise on a regular basis for most of my life. Now, I am even more focused and driven to keep a five day a week program going that keeps my body and mind as invigorated as possible.
Good me!
See the difference between December 2, 2015, and March 2016
I look like a very old man!
This is how I want to look from now on.