So about 4 weeks ago I started to work on “serious” weight loss. You can read the background that got me to this point, and the course of action I’m undertaking.

Since I started, it appears I’ve lost 10 pounds. 10 pounds in 4 weeks? I can live with that, especially since not all weeks were ideal. There was the business trip to California, and that was tough because meals are social events, but even if I couldn’t be strict about a down day I still kept the intake reasonable. Then there was the trip to Georgia to get Sasha, and while that wasn’t ideal I was pretty close to sticking to the regimen. I’d like to think if I had been able to stick to the diet perfectly I’d probably be down another couple of pounds, but hey, so long as I’m seeing steady progress I’m alright with that. And again, about 2.5 lbs a week is a good average rate.

I don’t really notice the difference when I look in the mirror, but it’s 10# of loss spread over a very tall frame. Now that I think about it, stupid me should have taken pictures. I guess I should remedy that now. I’ve no plans to share the pictures. Too scary (for you), too personal (for me).

But I have noticed my clothing fitting differently. For instance, I’m using the same hole on my belt yet the belt is a little looser. I can’t switch to the next hole yet, but I know that will come. So, seeing what I see on the scale along with a little bit of “tangible” evidence, I can dig that.

As for the program itself (up day down day), I have to admit, it’s working. On paper it works because you are decreasing your total caloric intake but not starving your body. But the best part? It’s not a mental stress. In fact now after 4 weeks of it I’m finding myself in quite a groove with it. Week 2 was the hardest for me — the down days just got old. But you press on because you know it’s merely a matter of hours until you can eat normally again. Then when you can eat, you eat but you always keep your goal in mind. It works out pretty well. I also like that this program requires nothing but my own discipline. That’s as it should be. No buying meals, no buying other products or supplements. I like that it costs me nothing and I can still eat all the good food Wife cooks.

So all in all, this is working out well. It’ll feel neat to break through the 200 lbs. and hopefully by the end of November I’ll be there. I did notice that Thanksgiving itself will be a down day for me, and yes I will stick to it. Besides, the leftovers are always better than the original meal. 🙂