Broken Masterpieces

September 18, 2003

Losing Weight

Since early May of this year I've decided to lose some weight. I've been overweight for about 10 years but finally decided to make a real attempt at weight loss. I first started by doing the Atkins diet. That got me off to a good start as I began to lose weight immediately. By June, I started to exercise on a recumbent bike (easy on the back). I started slowly but now am doing it 5-6 days per week for 30 minutes. I've also moved away from Atkins (I don't like many veggies) and went towards a low sugar, low enriched flower type diet. I still watch the carbs and only eat real wheat break or wheat tortillas, but I don't starve. In fact here's what I usually eat during the day:

  • Breakfast - cheese omlette
  • Snack - handful of cashews
  • Lunch - Sanwich with whole wheat bread with meat and cheese (get the real stuff)
  • Dinner - Either a cheese burger on buns with only 80 calories or a big burrito that has meat, beans and a whole wheat tortilla

    I also drink a lot of diet soda because it tames the sweet tooth but should drink more water.

    I share this because I've lost over 40 pounds during that time and I want to encourage others with a weight problem to start something. A fad diet may get you started but controlling portions and exercise are the keys. Start slowly on the exercise but make sure it's something that is practical. I do my exercise in the morning while talking to my kids, lifting dumbells, watching TV or reading something by CS Lewis. I'm a lazy person by nature but this is important. I do feel better and it was really cool when I tried to use my belt to hold up my jeans; the belt was too big!

    Many people deserve thanks:

  • Mrs. Broken Masterpieces - for washing all the pans all the time and for understanding as I fret over where to go out to eat.
  • Andrew the Eldest and David the Younger - for reminding me about sweets and holding me accountable.
  • My parents - for the prayers.
  • Hugh Hewitt - for some of the sections in his great book, In, But Not Of.
  • My pastor - for setting an example of how one should live.
  • Mark at work - for telling me about doing dumbells while on the bike.
  • Friends at work - for the encouragement and noticing.

    I've still got about 25ish pounds to lose and they will be hard, but the goal is 170 pounds on 4/2/04, our 10th anniversary.

    Again, for the people who want to lose weight, be encouraged. If I can do it then so can you.

    Posted by Tim at September 18, 2003 10:23 PM
    • Comments

    I'm so incredibly proud. You are an encouragement. :) Stick to it man, it's great! I've done about the same as you, similar loss, similar modified diet. There are things in life that are needed, and atkins doesn't provide those, but it is a good kickstart.

    Posted by: JonnyU at September 18, 2003 11:31 PM