Here are the numbers-
8–4 Weight 202.8 Waist 44.5 Chest 44.25 Hips 43 Neck 16.5 R Bicep 12.25 L bicep. 12.25 R Thigh. 26 L thigh 26
8–18 Weight 199.6 Waist 43.5 Chest 44 Hips 42.25 Neck 16.5 R Bicep 12.1275 L bicep. 12.1275 R Thigh. 25.5 L thigh 25.5
Can I just say how stoked I am this morning? Man, I don’t remember being under 200 pounds since college. I intentionally didn’t record measurements last week as Emily and I were celebrating 12 years of marriage and that meant, we were at the coast, eating out for every meal and doing very little that could be considered active.
That being said, the folks that see me every day and ask were fully aware that I was on the verge of breaking through the 200 pound mark.
Here’s another thing that’s really exciting- I also lost a full inch around my waist during this last 2 weeks and .75" from my hips/butt. I knew these would both be great numbers this week as my suit pants have all gotten ridiculously big on me this week. Another belt loop, and another 2 suits that absolutely have to get taken in this week.
Ok. Enough about the success, let me say a little about what has been working for me.
Water and sleep. Every weight loss book or plan I’ve ever read or casually browsed talks about these two, but until very recently, I just didn’t approach them with much enthusiasm.
Water
I’ve been pretty hardcore. I refill my 27 ounce Klean Kanteen bottle at least 5 times each day at work, and usually 3 times again after I get home. For those who aren’t great at math, that’s 216 ounces, which is 1.6875 gallons. I got on this after my I saw my friend Chris fill up a gallon container and take it back to his desk each day. Chris is ripped. That may seem like a ton, but I feel less hungry, I have less cravings for other drinks, and my body seems to regulate temperature and everything else much better.
Sleep.
I was talking to my friend Shaun about sleep this week and we both felt like it was so common sense, but so easily overlooked. I am a little crazy about weighing myself. I weigh myself every evening before going to sleep and again in the morning. When I get at least 7 hours of sleep, I lose 4 pounds of weight at night. When I get less sleep, I lose less. Not just that night, but also the whole next day. I looked into it a little further and it seems like the consensus among doctors and researchers is it’s mostly water weight lost through respiration, perspiration and trips to the bathroom. In addition, the average person’s body burns around 70 calories an hour while sleeping through normal metabolic functions. There is some research pointing to overall metabolic processes operating more efficiently when you get enough sleep.
Ok, enough weight loss nerdiness. I’m now 19.6 pounds away from my 180 pound goal. I blew right past the halfway point without even realizing it because I was so focused on getting under 200. I’ve set a stretch goal to hit 180 by October 1st. It’s going to be tough, but I’m feeling pretty motivated and energized this week.
If you are also trying to lose weight, or develop healthy habits, I’m here to cheer you on. Drop a note and say “Hi!” and/or introduce yourself!