The Quest to Lose 10 Pounds in 6 Weeks – Week Five

In case you’re jumping in on this series late, my husband Fran is documenting his quest to lose 10 pounds in 6 weeks, at his doctor’s orders. Every week so far he’s recorded a loss on the scale. This week? He was a little nervous. I was a little nervous for him. It’s not that he was less committed to his workouts and eating choices, it’s just that sometimes when you’re losing weight, you have a week here and there where your body decides to stay status quo (or temporarily devastate you with a gain on the scale). So, how did it work out this week?

Week One (Starting Weight): 220 pounds

Week Two: 218 pounds

Week Three: 215 pounds

Week Four: 214 pounds

Week Five: 213 pounds

Total Weight Loss: 7 pounds

PHEW. I was so thrilled for him when he told me the awesome result. Before I hand over to Fran, just in case you are catching up, here are the first few posts from Fran on his quest to lose 10 pounds in 6 weeks:

Week One – Why the doctor insisted I have to lose weight

Week Two – The diet pitfalls of traveling and socializing for work

Week Three – Making new healthy habits (and finding ways to still incorporate alcohol)

Week Four – Wishing there was a magic weight loss machine and looking forward to new clothes

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As my wife has probably highlighted in her introduction, I did indeed lose another pound. That puts me at 7 pounds total lost. So, with a little less than two weeks until “Judgement Day” at the doctor, I have 3 pounds left to shed. Confidence should be high, but I was a little nervous about hopping on the scale this last time and I have some trepidation about the next two weeks. This past week rattled me a little. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am still doing well. I mean, I did lose another pound. But I felt like a slipped a little bit this week. In a few ways. Check it:

• I need to be more disciplined with my alcohol. Watching Survivor is not an occasion for Scotch. And even though it goes together SO well, I don’t NEED to drink beer while I watch my beloved NY Rangers play hockey. Going forward I need to ask myself if I really need a drink or do I really need ANOTHER drink. Moderation. Does anyone else like to snack/drink while they watch TV? I can’t drink soda or juice. And water? Water and TV? Uh, hmmm. Water?
• Yeah, I need to drink more water. I just don’t drink enough. I am really trying but it is difficult. It is just so, plain. I see so many skinny people drinking water and they look so happy. People banging down water like those aliens in that movie, The Faculty. Have you seen it? Oh, it is a classic. Jon Stewart is more than just the Daily Show. Trust me. In any case, hydrating has been a challenge. Okay, I can’t let you NOT see Jon Stewart’s thespian genius – here’s a special clip:

• I gave in to some snacking this week. I decided to treat myself to some chips and salsa at the grocery store. You know, because I am on a roll and I have been “good”. Also, I allow myself the chips in this scenario because I am dipping them in salsa so, it evens out. It is like washing down a Big Mac with a Diet Coke to “even it out” so to speak. This also led to me eating most all of the chips to get rid of them. Yes, eat all of the chips to get rid of them. The irony is not lost on me. The funny part is after throwing a few crumbs out the window to the birds, I actually caught myself patting myself on the back. You easily saved yourself 30 calories with that move, Fran. Nice work, buddy.
• The other struggle I blame on my son. You see, my son is a growing boy of 3 and still has his metabolism, something that I parted with years ago. So, he can get away with eating a grilled cheese or pizza or an ice cream as a special treat and I think that is awesome. I am happy for him. I have a vague recollection of those days and what I remember is glorious. That said, would it be too much to ask of him to FINISH his food?!! Yeah, he eats until he is full and then stops!! The humanity. So, you know what I do? Finish all of his food. Yeah. Great idea.
• In Roman’s defense, he really has been an ally to me in this battle. He actually seems to have a pretty good grasp on the whole thing. He has this kitchen that we got him for his birthday. Little man loves to cook and make coffee. None of it is real but it’s the thought that counts. So, he has all of this plastic/pretend food however, lately, the menu seems to consist of fried eggs and French fries. Roman recently asked me if he could make me anything in his kitchen. Knowing that the menu had slimmed down to eggs and fries, I ordered the eggs and fries. My son informed me that fries were not good for me. “Fries aren’t healthy, daddy. “ Why you little!!! Wait, my son is helping me. It was a warm fuzzy for sure. Yes, I embrace the term “warm fuzzy” and I am a man.

• And I have to mention something I forgot to share after my trip to Chicago. I was at a sports bar entertaining some clients and I noticed a rather large gentleman at the next table. Dude was obese and I don’t write that to be mean but, since the BMI has me bordering on obesity, I can safely call this one. In any case, dude was a large man with a beard that would rivals any of the beards seen in the Stanley Cup finals. What is my obsession with this guy? He was eating and drinking everything. He was banging down wings, fries and a variety of other meats, cheeses and fried goods and washing it down with beer after beer. And all without a care in the world. I was jealous of him. Is that crazy? I’d like nothing more than to rock a slim-fitting suit and go to the beach without shame and yet here was a guy who probably had 50 pounds on me and I was jealous. Why? Because it just looked FUN. Now, I know nothing about this guy. He may have a variety of mental and physical health issues but at that moment, I wanted to be him. If anyone understands this, please let me know. But, if you are one of those skinny people who eats whatever you want and rarely exercise, we probably should cease being friends. I hope you understand.

The gym had far fewer pitfalls. I made it to the gym for my 3 days and had some really good workouts. I am enjoying lifting weights. I dig it. I feel stronger for sure and I am always reminded of an article that Henry Rollins once wrote for a men’s magazine about “the iron” as he called it. The iron rarely, if ever lets you down. Also, the gym is a great place for people watching and I have become a huge fan of said people watching. I enjoy laughing at the guys who grunt a lot and the guys sipping/shaking their protein drinks. Those guys are always funny to me. Sorry.

I also made an effort to spend less time looking at the Greek Gods at the gym and focus on other guys like me or guys who are worse off than me and still showing up and working out. I am finding that the fat guy at the gym who shows up on a regular basis to try to get healthy is far more inspiring to me than the male models who actually take their time getting dressed in the locker room rather than trying to dress as quickly as possible to hide any imperfection. I’m hoping that guy from the sports bar in Chicago finds his way to the gym. I don’t know him but he seemed like a nice guy and he did have a sweet beard. We need guys like that. I hope he finds a reason to get healthy. I hope maybe it is a guy like me that makes it seem possible.

3 pounds to go. And yes, after 10 pounds, there is still work to be done. But, one day at a time. As they say in the US Navy SEAL teams, “The only easy day was yesterday.” So, today, I will do my best. Tomorrow is promised to no one.

– Fran

P.S. – I am not going to the gym today because my son puked on me last night and I didn’t get much sleep. I found myself horrified that I might get what he had (I was in a coma once) but couldn’t help but think that a stomach flu could shed some pounds pretty easy. It’s like forced bulimia. Yes, I am aware of the ridiculousness of this BUT I am certain others have thought this. You know who you are.