Warning: reading the following post is the intellectual equivalent of watching the TeleTubbies. At the end of this "article", I explain what has me preoccupied. So unless you are bored, there is no need to comment on how horrible this is or how your brain is on fire or that this is the worst drivel you have ever read since you learned how to read, because I know it's bad. Anyway, I apologize and will try to be back on track shortly.
When you think of diabetes, what is the first thing that comes into your head? It is probably having to prick your finger for blood samples and having to take insulin shots. I must admit that this is the first thing that I think about. When I was diagnosed as being on the cusp (my doctor’s words) of type 2 diabetes, those were the first thoughts that ran through my mind. However, as da old man reminded me, it is only the tip of the iceberg.
One of the hardest things to do while on a diet is to remain motivated. I find that there are those times when I just want to chuck the whole thing and have that big, juicy hamburger. Yet, I resist the temptation. Why, because I have found that one thing that motivates me to keep going.
This is just to give you a quick update as to my progress on my diet. It has been almost a year since I started, and I must say that the journey has not been a smooth one. From the dramatic reduction in my caloric intake to the introduction of an exercise routine, I have lived a very different life from what I had been a year ago.
I basically use two pieces of equipment in my workouts: The Total Gym and an old Nordic Track. The Nordic Track is one of those old cross-country skiing machines; you know where you swing your arms and move your legs. Well, even though I can cross-country ski, I just don’t seem to be able to use the machine. The first time I tried, I went flying off the back and into the wall. So, I just hang unto the handles and work my legs. Yes, it’s not the “complete” workout experience, but it still gets the job done. Anyway, I said all that, so that I can talk about one thing: Boredom. I have to admit that, from time to time while exercising, I do happen to get bored. But what can you do about it? I have something that works for me and that is an iPod.
Today I went to buy some cat food for our starving 13-pound cat. As I was getting ready, I put on a shirt that I hadn’t worn in months and much to my surprise, the think swam on me. Yes, I used to fill this shirt out; I mean there was no spare room at all. Now, there is almost room for another person (but I won’t go there, as I try to maintain at least a PG rating on this blog).
Feeling alone and left out when everyone is settling down to a nice meal and your stuck grazing on a salad. To quote the X-Files, you are not alone. There are millions of us out there that are going through the same thing. We are having the same feelings that you are. Unless we all wear a sign that say, “Please don’t feed me, I’m Dieting,” then there is no way to tell who we are.
Now, you can go to the one extreme and purchase the type of scale that your doctor uses, but unless you have several hundred dollars to spend just to purchase the scale (add-in the cost of annual calibration as well), than I would opt for one of the less expensive models. Of these, there are two types: Analog and Digital. Now, I have a prejudice against the digital (my current model), so I prefer the analog variety. First, I like the idea of actually seeing the numbers on the dial and second, I like the idea of not having to buy batteries. If you do go Analog, try to find a scale that has a big, easy to read dial.
As you begin your fitness routine, you may want to invest in a valuable resource. This item will not only help you to assess how well you are doing, but it can also act, during certain times, as a great shot-put. What type of multi-tasker can do this: the dreaded bathroom scale.Although you may already own one of these devices of torture, it is imperative that you have one that is accurate.I have an old digital scale that stretches to new heights in inaccuracy. For example, I step onto the scale and I weigh 233 pounds. I step off and step back on, and I weigh 238.5. I try it again and I weigh 235.5. So, have I lost 3 pounds or gained 4? There’s no way of knowing, so I spend the rest of the day thinking that I gained weight. Losing weight is hard enough without having to worry about the accuracy of the scale.
Tomorrow: Part Two
I eventually hit a weight-loss plateau, overcame that, and continued on with my same eating schedule. It wasn’t until my wife shared her medical knowledge with me, that I discovered why my weight was staying pretty much stable. My body was in, what she called, a Starvation Mode. Yes, I was still working out. Yes, I was still maintaining my low caloric intake. Yes, I was still drinking like a fish (again, water). Yes, I was still only eating once a day. Yes, my weight stayed the same.
There is a common belief amongst us dieters that states, “The less you eat, the more you lose.” For the most part, I agree with this statement. However, the problem arises with how you define “eat less.” Does this mean you eat less food throughout the day, or does it mean you eat less food by having only one meal during the day?
