Feels good

Words of Encouragement

     I think that the best feeling I have gotten from all of this, is the words that come from my wife.  Last night while we were getting ready for bed she noticed just how much I have lost from my legs.  She told me how she didn't think I had anything to lose from there, but now they were so "little" and muscular.  It is amazing how the small saying like that have a deep impact in me.  She is the biggest reason why I have accomplished anything in my adult life.

     If it was not for her I might still not be working, or if I was not the jobs that I have had and loved.  I know I never would have gone to school, I use to talk about it, but never did I act on it.  She made me believe in myself and encouraged me to take the next step, now I'm just two classes away from my bachelors degree.     

     When it came to losing weight, she was the biggest reason why.  I knew I had to and needed to do it for myself, but I think we all need external forces to help.  It was her believing in me that kicked all of this off.  For that, I thank her, for changing my life in many ways.  School, kids, and my own health.

Getting a sweat going...

     Dancing to the Oldies...

     Today I did what started out to be one of the most embarrassing workouts to date.  That's right, I took the leap into dancing, not just dancing but dancing while Richard Simmons was on the television. What was I thinking?  At first I was pretty embarrassed and barely moving to the moves.    Then I saw that my wife and my daughter were really starting to get really into it and I decided, what the heck, what do I have to lose besides calories.


    What can I say, he is a silly man who may have some issues, but he knows how to exercise and get the blood pumping.  After just 20 minutes I was close to burning 200 calories.  I don't care how embarrassing it was at first, it was worth it seeing the numbers and feeling my heart work out.  This just goes to prove, if you want to lose weight, you cannot let anything get in your way.

Extra motivation and help

Walking with friends and family

     A few days ago my wife decided that we would start exercising together as a family.  This morning was the first attempt at this.  The kids were all for it, so we started by turning on some good music, doing a few stretches, and decided to go on a walk.  

     Walks are much more entertaining when you have others to join you.  It was a lot of fun being able to walk with my kids and wife and enjoy each others company.  I would highly recommend finding someone to go with you when you take your walks, it really makes it more desirable.   

     Now instead of fighting with myself on whether or not I will be going for a walk, I would have to fight with my kids and wife too.  That is not something I plan on doing, I've learned.  It is nice to have that extra motivation and drive from others who are excited to exercise.  I think this will help me get over the hump that I have been stuck on for the past few weeks.  I still have more goals to meet.  

The football gift...

The gift that never gave... thankfully.

     Growing up I always would hear the same thing be told to me, "You look like a football player. " This had to do with my broad shoulders, and stocky look.  I would then be asked the dreaded question of, why don't you play?  Over and over I had the same answer, my heart and doctor will not let me.

     It was tough growing up and not being able to do something you loved.  I would watch television and desire to play. I would play on the ps2 and have the same desire.  I would play with my friends and almost always be one of the best players that were there.  However, I would run out of gas quickly.  My breathing would become hard, my heart would start to race, and I would feel the arrhythmia start to take over my heart.  This would be my reminder to why I couldn't play football for a league.  

     All throughout football season I would watch others partake in the sport that I loved.  I would dream of playing for the Huskies, I would dream of catching a touchdown pass from my favorite quarterbacks, or running over the defense on the way to a touchdown, or making that game changing tackle in the backfield.  I eventually became angry with the thoughts and the truth of the situation.  I hated God because of the limitation that had been put on me.  I felt here I was, just a kid, with skills that could take me far in a sport I loved, but I couldn't use them.  How dare He do this to me.  

     I struggled to understand why things were the way they are.  I didn't want to be limited in what I could do.  The truth hurt, and so did the questions of those who did not know my past.  Why didn't I play football?  I could only wish that I knew then what I know now.  One bad hop and my career could have been over, then what?  Instead I'm able to raise a wonderful family, work and do the things I enjoy, not be worried about some lockout, and things like that.  If I had become what I desired I would not have a life that was unimaginable. 

     We may want to fulfill our desires, but if it is not in our plans then we have to understand there are reasons for this.  Dwelling on the past or dwelling on things we cannot do will only get in the way of things that we can achieve.  If I just dwelt on the bad of my life, I never would have met my wonderful wife Kate.  I would not be just three classes away from my bachelors degree.  I would not have the life that has been created.  

    It took a long time, but I have realized that dwelling on the can nots in life will only get in the way of the can's.  Our paths are usually altered for a reason.  I never would have had my beautiful wife and children if mine wasn't, and I thank Heavenly Father for that. 

Thank you

To my readers...

    These past few days I have had different people message me or talk to me in person about how I have helped them out.  I will be honest, I never imagined I would have had the effect that I have had on people.  I could only of hoped that my blog would maybe help one person see that anything is possible.  Instead I have heard from quite a few the impact it has had on them and it makes me truly humble that I could help.

     If we are given the trials on earth that our Heavenly Father has in store for us, and do nothing with them, we are no better than the man who hides his talent in the dirt.  It is important to know that all your trials are part of His plan and it is important to gain knowledge, experience, and  share the knowledge we receive from those trials. 

     Don't be afraid to email me if you want to tell me your story or just to talk.  Also if you send me your story and would like it published in my blog I'm more than happy to do that as well.  I feel truly blessed for the opportunity I am having.  In closing I just want to say to my readers, Thank You.  I hope you keep reading and keep coming back because I promise you, we are still just beginning.  I have 28 years of history to give insight to haha. 

     Be blessed for I know I truly am. 

The Shocker...

It was shocking to say the least...

     So people who read this blog may wonder just why it is a big deal that I desire to do things like jog around, play basketball, and things along that line.  First off, always being overweight it didn't take long for me to become out of breath and have my heart start acting up.  This would quickly end any sort of moving around.  However, up until I received my ICD implant I was able to do those things, even if just for a short amount of time.  Since the implant, I have not been able to play basketball or anything in that nature.

     A few months after having the device implanted, my parents and I moved into a new home.  I wanted to do something really cool with the landscaping in the backyard.  I decided I would dig out the back hill and create a type of garden that would go down the hill in tiers.  After planning how I would accomplish this and after getting the materials was ready to set off to work.

    I had dug out quite a bit over a period of time with no problem.  However, one day while digging I started to feel something very weird and different go on with my heart.  Suddenly I felt my device do a couple of weird beats followed suddenly by what I can only explain as being so powerfully punched in the chest that I almost fell onto my backside.  The taste of electricity engulfed all of my senses.  A dark cloud quickly washed over my day and a fear had started to be instilled into me.  

    This was the beginning of a new anxiety and fear being instilled into my mental state.  I started to become fearful of doing too much and knew that there were now many things which I could no longer do.  It killed me inside knowing that many of the things I loved were gone.  It was the true beginning of my depression and gaining of weight.  I no longer wanted to do anything more than just live carefully, it would only get worse later.

This is why I share...

Motivation

     "HI Adam! I started to read your cut the crap blog and found the calorie counter that you mentioned on there and started using it. Thanks so much for posting that site up. It has been a help for me in my weight loss goals. I've lost 5 pounds since i started using it. It is a great aid in helping to track what you are eating and making sure you are getting the right things in your body. You are AWESOME Adam! Thanks."

     When I began to blog, it was with the intention of letting everyone know that this is doable.  It takes hard work and dedication but for everyone out there, there is hope.  Growing up I was always overweight and let excuse after excuse after excuse stop me from being the healthy person I longed for deep down.

     This journey has been a long one, and I still struggle day in and day out to maintain what I have done.  If you are not struggling then likely you're not trying.  Daily I have to look in the mirror and remind myself the importance of being healthy.  Yesterday I did something I never thought I'd ever be able to do.  I played a game of half court basketball, I may not have been at full speed, and it may had been with my 8 year old scouts, but I was out there, shooting, passing, and just having a good time.  Every dream has to have a start, when are you going to start your dream?  

      

Lunch Time Boredness

Was tired of being bored...

     While sitting at work a few days ago on my lunch I started looking around and thinking just how boring it is to be on lunch.  I hate the feeling of not doing anything productive in a small cold looking room.  I would eat my meal, listen to music, and just have all the energy I had in me be sucked out faster than how I use to down pizza.  

     A few days ago I decided I needed to make a change.  I had 30 minutes to play with and wasn't hungry so I decided I was instead going to go out and take a walk.  I walked down Main Street, of course with my music on, and felt a wave of unfounded energy wash over me.  I kept an eye on my watch and when it came close to the half way mark of my lunch, turned around and headed back, sad that I couldn't just keep walking outdoors.  

     This has become my new norm when I am at work.  I think this just comes to show that you can really incorporate working out to any normal routine.  Already in just the few days that I started this little extra workout during the day I have noticed another drop in weight.  It is harder to lose weight when you get closer to your goal, but adding little extras like this sure does help.

Awesome Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

4 Green Peppers

1 Cup Bob's Red Mill - Organic Whole Grain Quinoa

20 oz Jennie-O Ground Turkey

2 Cups Campbell's Tomato Bisque Soup

1.5 ounces of cut up Dunbars Sweet Roasted Peppers

1/4 Cup Premium Quality Private Selection Crumbled Feta Cheese

Any spices you'd like

Directions:

Cook up Quinoa as directed on box.

Brown up ground Turkey

Take the four Green Peppers and cut in half, clean up.

Preheat oven for 350

Mix the Quinoa, Ground Turkey, Sweet Peppers, Spices, Feta Cheese, and Soup.

Put green peppers on cookie sheet and pour in the mixture.

Cook the peppers for 40-50 minutes and enjoy! 

Notes:

Of course you can always make your own home made tomato sauce to use, I just didn't have the time.  I loved how these turned out however and so did everyone who tried them. 

Outcome!:

8 servings each serving =

Calories:                   238

Fat:                          6g

Protein:                    22g

Cholesterol:             39mg

Sodium:                   264 mg

Carbs:                     25g

Sugars:                    6g

Fiber:                      3g

June 1st weight loss update!

Unit	May 1st, 2011	June 1st, 2011
Weight	203	198
Waist	39.5	39 in
Hips	38	37 in
Waist to Hip	1.04	1.05
Body Fat %	28.3	27.6