Monday, November 7, 2011

Week 38

Day 267

Weigh-in #37 178 lbs., kind of up and down the last two weeks but I'm back on track.  Whenever family members come in from out of town (my daughter), or when I travel, it's difficult to balance out a regular feeding schedule.  I'm still at 2200 kcals and will stay at this level until I reach the 175 lb. goal.  Once that is accomplished, I will evaluate the menus and the exercise routine and estimate a new daily kilocalorie intake.  I'm confident that I can maintain my new "lifestyle" but I need to be vigilant, I still enjoy food!

On an exercise note, running is going well.  Four days a week, 45 minutes per run.  I finally began a lifting program, but I've decided to put it off until after the new year.  Between school and other responsibilities, I just don't have the time or energy for another challenge.

Friday is the IAHPERD Conference in Indy.  I am completing a PowerPoint presentation and will post it to the blog when it is finished.  The presentation will also be video recorded and I will also post that as well.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Week 36

Day 253

Weigh-in #35 178 lbs., fifty-seven down and three to go!!!  Obviously things have settled down since returning form fall break.  I dropped the daily kilocalorie count back to 2200 for the week and the adjustment of fluids, a regular schedule, and consistency have payed off.  I will move back up to 2300 kcals for Week 36 and I began a lifting routine today as well.  Hopefully I can reach the goal weight of 175 lbs. by November 11, the day I present at IAHPERD.

A new photo was taken today and is loaded in the photo section.  It's amazing what some basic math, a little discipline, and loving support can do!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Week 35

As you can tell, some time has elapsed since my last post.  The diet plan is going well, I've just been busy and a bit distracted with school.  We had fall break last week and I travelled to Portland, OR where I did gain four pounds. But, that's understandable given the amount of sugar I had with my granddaughters, which was well worth it!  My max test (prior to fall break) went very well as did my yearly medical checkup.  I will be detail all the info when I get some extra time.  I will be presenting the twinkie2diet at IAHPERD in November and am really excited!  Don't worry, I'm still in the game!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Week 32

Weigh-in #31 181 lbs., another three pound loss, 54 so far!  It was a busy week and my activity level is high.  Running four days a week, 45 minutes per run has been enjoyable.  I feel strong and the pace seems to increase with each run.  My metabolism is at an all time high for this program.  I noticed that I became increasingly hungry during the week and losing three pounds for the second consecutive week concerns me.  I have decided to increase my kcal's by one hundred, up to 2300 a day.

With six lbs. left to lose, I want to be sure to take my time and not get impatient.  Once 175 lbs. is reached, the maintenance aspect of the diet will kick-in.  Determining my daily metabolic needs will be critical.  My yearly physical is scheduled for two weeks and all tests will be reported as the results come in.  The details of the these results will help me to determine the direction of my future nutrition habits.  I'll keep you posted.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Week 31

Weigh-in # 30 184 lbs, 3.5 lbs. lost!  Week 30 was a great week.  Running was excellent, eating was good, and fifty-one total pounds down!  I will continue to worn on the last 9 lbs. and hopefully meet my goal by the end of October.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Week 31

Day 211

Weigh-in #29 187.5 lbs., one pound weight gain which reflects the typical ups and downs of the three phases of the twinkie2diet.  Today represents the end of Phase III and the start of Phase IV.  Thirty weeks on the plan have netted a total loss weight of 47.5 lbs. and tremendous changes in my mindset and body shape!  I have scheduled my yearly physical for October and will report the details as they become available.  All of the preliminary measurements will be re-taken in October, blood profile, oxygen uptake, body fat, etc. and all aspects of the diet will continue until I achieve my goal of 175 pounds.  I plan to stay with the 2200 kcal's and the same format during this phase.  It's been a great "run" and I am excited to see the changes which should be in evidence!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Week 30

Day 204

Weigh-in #28 186.5 lbs., another two pound loss, 48.5 so far.  The first full week of classes began for the fall semester, the diet and exercise program went very well!  Phase III is about to end and I'm still at2200 kcals and feeling fine.  I will continue with another Phase until I reach my goal of 175 lbs. and then adjust the plan accordingly.  My running continues to improve, four days a week, 45 minutes per run.  The knees have been improving and I am even going at a faster pace.  I have really been motivated and pleased with the results!
Some good news from Indiana Association for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance, a proposal I submitted in June to present the twinkie2diet plan at the November conference was approved.  Dave Wiedericht and I will be involving some of our students at the conference in Indianapolis, it should be fun!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Week 29

Day 199

Weigh-in #27 188.5 lbs., a new low and only fourteen and a half pounds to go!  Beautiful weather and running has been excellent, I really am so encouraged.  Thanks to everyone for all your support.  This plan is so simple in concept, but the reality is, hard work and dedication can only go so far.  People supporting people is such a key to success!

The new college year is off to a good start.  My Exercise Physiology class will be fun and using this diet as a tool will be a part of it.  In October I will be tested again for bloods, oxygen uptake, etc. and I'm looking forward seeing what changes have taken place.  I will try to get a new photo posted this week, a new camera has been secured.  And yes, I still eat a snack food everyday!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Week 28

Day 192

Weigh-in #26 192.5 lbs., lowest weight of the summer (tie).  I am officially wearing size 34 pants and large shirts!  The weight is more difficult to get off but the diet plan is solid.  I'm running four days a week for 45 minutes each day.  My knees are okay, but I can feel the effects of the "aging" on my joints.  Not bad, but I do take ibuprofen and ice daily.  I'm looking forward to the beginning of school this week and the regular schedule it will bring.  I'm not all that worried about getting to my goal weight of 175 by the end of Phase III (two weeks), I feel confident that I can achieve the final results during the fall.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Week 27

Day 185

Weigh-in #25, 193 lbs., back on board!  The past couple of weeks have been busy with visitors and activity.  Needless to say, I've been off focus and disinterested in the blog.  The diet has actually been fine, very little to report other than a bit of an upswing in weight through the visit on my daughter and her family and a great deal of family fun.  I basically decided to give the blog a rest and concentrate on enjoying my grandchildren.  Another setback has been the digital camera I've used was left outside in a rain storm.  No photos until I come up with an alternative.  Other than that, the diet has been going great the past two weeks, 2200 kcal's a day and three hours of running a week.  My lowest weight this summer has been 192.5 lbs. and I almost there.  I will pursue the 175 lb. mark down the stretch run of Phase III, the next three weeks will be critical.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Week 24

Day 164

Weigh-in #22, 192.5 lbs., a drop of one pound.  Last week was a very good week nutritionally and with activity.  Reverting back to the 2200 kilocalories and increasing running to 45 minutes, four days, was a good start to the "stay at home" portion of the summer.  I must apologize for the many inconsistent reports coming from this blog.  Timing issues due to travel and various changes in time zones and circumstances have limited my daily routine all summer.  Yet, I am feeling excellent and really enjoying both exercise and the mental relief of losing over forty lbs. of excess weight!

I am planning on staying with the Phase II approach for the time being.  The remaining time for the summer break will be spent working on the 175 lb. goal.  A recent conversation with my orthopedic doctor gives me hope that the struggles with the knee will be manageable as I continue to work on my metabolism.  I will post a photo by the end of the week and try to stick to a Monday/Friday update each week.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Week 23

Day 156

Weigh-in #21, 193.5 lbs., no change in two weeks but that's not unexpected.  I just arrived home from Dallas, two straight weeks of soccer camp with temperatures over 100 degrees.  Although the temps were high, the humidity was low.  I used my pedometer throughout the camps and I walked nearly twelves miles a day.  Running was also outstanding, the cortisone shot was a miracle worker!  I was actually able to get in two track workout as well.

Eating was adjusted to the meal schedule of the campers.  I didn't keep track of kilocalories, but obviously, I ate more that 2200 kcals a day.  The three daily feedings were heavy in carbohydrates, plenty of fruits and vegetables.  I really felt energised each week and my legs, feet, and knees felt great!  Each session with the kids was demanding but good.

I will continue Phase III, reverting back to the 2200 kcal menu's for the time being. I have started to run for up to 45 minutes on some days and hope to get at least one sprint/track session a week as well.  I still want to get to 175 lbs., so I will evaluate the caloric needs as I go along.  Again, I don't want to lose weight too quickly.

On a side note, two colleagues of mine have been on the diet plan (with their own modifications) and it's exciting to see the discipline work.  Bethel baseball coach Seth Zartman has lost over 20 lbs. and former soccer coach Pablo Rodriguez has lost eight.  Great job guys!  I will post some new photo's very soon.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Week 21

Day 141

Weigh-in #20, 193.5 lbs., Phases II complete, total weight lost 41.5 lbs. and counting!  Phase III begins today with an amazing success from the first twenty weeks!  I arrived in Dallas yesterday ready for the heat and work at my brother's soccer camp.  I will use these two weeks as an adjustment period before proceeding to the next set of goals.  I still have a desire to reach 175 lbs. and I believe that is realistic.  Eating in Dallas will consist of "dining hall" food but, I will select amounts and choices which reflect all the original percentages  and foods of the diet plan.  Timing should be fine as I use the three daily meal times along with select food item to eat during the other three feeding periods.  I am limited with specific measurements of body fat, bloods, etc., due to the logistics of being away from our lab.  When I get back to Mishawaka, I will work on additional measurements.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Week 20

Day 136

Good visit with my orthopedic doctor, no surgery needed.  The diagnosis is Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CCPD), a pseudo gout like problem otherwise known as Chondrocalicinosis.  Similar to gout, the problem lies in calcium deposits in the fluid surrounding the knee due to aging.  I recently stopped taking glucosamine/chondroitin which contains shell fish and might be contributing to the swelling and pain.  I was given a cortisone shot and will be on an ibuprofen regimen along with icing and hopefully, I can contain the main symptoms.  I have been instructed to take the rest of the week off from running which is fine.

So, all in all, I'm pleased with the prognosis and look forward to wrapping up Phase II on Sunday of this week.  I will post soon, the Phase III plan for the next ten weeks.  I will be traveling to Dallas next week to begin two weeks of soccer camp at Southern Methodist University.  I will continue to report on the progress of the twinkie2diet!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Week 20

Day 135

Weigh-in #19, 197 lbs, .5 lb. gain over the last two weeks.  I'm actually happy with the results, the Portland trip went well and eating, although not quite to the dietary standards of Phase II, was solid.  I experimented with more of a Phase III approach, not necessarily counting calories, but staying within basic nutritional parameters, balance, timing, and restraint.  I still enjoy food and I not being "legalistic" in my approach, and I must admit that I did partake in more than one yogurt cup with my granddaughters, but all in all, I did well.

Tomorrow I will be seeing my orthopedic doctor and the appointment can't come soon enough.  When I run my knee usually feels great, post-run though is a different story, a great deal of pain and swelling.  I'll post later this week with the doctor's prognosis along with insight into the next phase approach.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Week 18

Day 120

Weigh-in #18 196.5 lbs., thirty-eight and a half pounds down, 21.5 to go!  Very good eating week last week, good variety, consistent frequency.  I'll be flying to Portland, OR on Thursday and I am determined to stay focused on the plan.  Only three weeks left of Phase II and I'm not sure kilocalorie-wise the direction I will take but the goal is still 175 lbs. and I believe it is achievable.  My regret so far is that I didn't begin a lifting program in May, but realistically the timing didn't work out, otherwise, I am pleased with the progress so far.

I will continue to blog during my time in Oregon but I will not be weighing myself again until I get back on June 27.  My doctor's appointment for the knee is the 29th.  I'm hopeful that I can continue to run as long as I keep icing, stretching, and adjusting the schedule.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Week 17

Day 118

Very good week on the diet plan.  Warm weather, good running, busy with projects.  I posted new photo's yesterday and I will try to be more consistent with my blogging.  Summer is wonderful!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Week 17

Day 115

I did weigh myself this morning and I dropped to 199 lbs. and I had a nice run.  I will really try to focus on the schedule this week and be patient with the injured knee.  I've already iced it twice today and will do it once more before bed.  I know that I keep promising new photos and they will come, but I am in the "summer mode" and a great deal is going on.  I promise, I promise.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Week 17

Day 113

Weigh-in #17- 202.5 lbs., just back from Denver and a rarity for the diet thus far, weight gain.  I actually ate healthy last week but some key factors did come into play.  First, I have had timing issues since school got out.  The regular feeding schedule has been difficult to follow due to travel, sleep patterns, etc.  The conference was very good but the sessions didn't necessarily fit into the normal feeding time either.  Secondly, I have had a "nightmare" with my left knee all spring/summer.  I did a great deal of walking in the Denver Convention Center and this left my knee throbbing constantly.  I was only able to run once, a great run, but I did get in a very good pool workout, yet both contributed to my discomfort and frustration.  I compensated by taking ibuprofen and a prescription pain med, both leaving me constipated and retaining fluids. I usually only weigh myself once a week but this week I will check my weight on Wednesday.  Finally, I did splurge a couple of times, DQ and more red meat than usual, but all in all, I didn't do that poorly.

Also, a note about the ACSM Conference, it was quality!  I sat in on many sessions that related to nutrition as well as exercise.  The research that is currently going on is amazing.  I did make contact with several vendors about body fat equipment, diet analysis programs, and diagnostic equipment of many types.  One interesting result of all this was the vendor who was selling ultra sound equipment.  He noticed how uncomfortable I was when walking and offered to do an ultra sound on my knee.  The fluid that built up lateral and posterior of the knee was significant.  An interesting observation was a chrystal-like material in the fluid that could be an indication of Gout!  One of the potential results of losing weight quickly is a build-up of uric acid.  Anyway, I have an appointment setup with my orthopedic doctor for the end of June (soonest he could get me in) and hopefully we can get to the bottom of things.  I'll try to be patient, keep icing, and use pain meds when necessary.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Week 16

Day 106

Weigh-in #16- 198 lbs., sub-200 for the first time in over sixteen years!  It's been such an unbelievable fifteen weeks so far, 37 lbs. down, dropped to size 36 pants (from 38), and large shirts actually fit!  Last week was a good week on the diet, I developed a few more menus, more consistency with the feedings and, I feel good.  Running was the only real problem, I took two days off--four rest days in a row, in order to give my knees a break.  I ran this afternoon and it hurts again.  I know I need to get in to see the orthopedic doc!
Anyway, off to Denver early tomorrow for the ACSM conference.  I'm excited to learn from the professionals and hopefully gain many helpful ideas for next fall's classes.  We are expanding our Human Performance Lab this summer and I will check out the vendors as well.  I'm especially pumped for the Thursday evening get together for alums of the Ball State exercise physiology graduate program.  I'm also looking forward to running in Denver!  I'll keep you posted and yes, new photos will be coming soon.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Week 15

Day 99

Weigh-in #15-200.5 lbs., down two and a half pounds from last week.  I had a great day of running on Saturday, not so good today.  I am still working on menus and adjusting to the feeding schedule, but I feel like I'm doing fine.  I can't believe that it has been 99 days on this diet!  Next week will be a challenge, I will be attending the ACSM conference in Denver and travel always requires special planning.  I'm looking forward to hearing the many good speakers as well as revisiting one of my favorite cities.  My wife Susan will be going with me and hopefully we will be able to do a little sight seeing while we're there.

New photos will be posted in the near future so stay tuned.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Week 14

Day 95

Weigh-in #14-203 lbs., up one pound from last week, hectic trip to New York.  No real insight, still trying to adjust to the summer schedule.  Running is fine, eating too.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Week 13

Day 87

Weigh-in #13-202 lbs., another two lb. weight loss.  The last week and a half have been fairly sporadic and inconsistent with the meal plan.  I have been keeping with the 2200 kilocalorie limit but timing, concentration, and blogging  have all been a challenge due to a hectic schedule as well as a variety of changes in the schedule (summer break).  I will get into a routine soon and I'm already boosting up to four days of running this week.  The knees and legs are hanging in there but I am using a lot of ice and ibuprofen.  My speed is much better, hopefully I find some races this summer to compete in.  I'll keep you posted.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Week 12

Day 79

I just got my blood profile back and some amazing changes!  Checkout the Post Assessment page for the full account, but the highlights are as follows:
  • triglycerides 103 mg/dl, down from 126 mg/dl
  • cholesterol 159 mg/dl, down from 219 mg/dl
  • LDL 94 mg/dl, down from 144 mg/dl
  • HDL/LDL Ratio .468, up from .347
The HDL level (good cholesterol) actually dropped too, from 50 mg/dl to 44 mg/dl, which isn't the direction I want it to go, but the overall HDL/LDL ratio improved.  All in all, the reduction in overall kilocalorie intake and fat intake is obvious.  I will look for an improvement in HDL levels by looking for more unsaturated fat intake and increased aerobic exercise.  A good day!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Week 12

Day 78

Weigh-in #12-204 lbs., no change from last week, but definitely going through an adjustment period.  Week 11 and the beginning of Phase II was extremely busy with finals, graduation, and student registration all wrapped-up in one.  I stuck to the 2200 kilocalorie limit, but my feeding times were out of whack.  I'm still struggling with my running, the knees are hurting!  I'm looking forward to getting into the "flow" this week and I will be posting some of the new menus by weeks end.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Week 11

Day 75

Phase II is in full swing.  Increasing the daily intake to 2200 kilocalories means new menus and an adjustment to the mentality.  It's been a very busy week, finals and graduation on Sunday, post measurements are well under way.  Checkout the Post Assessment section for a new photo and body fat measurements.  I had a blood test yesterday and the results should be in next week.  A new glitch, this time with the oxygen uptake equipment, will delay the Max Test for a few weeks.  In spite of the delays, it is obvious that the plan is working.  I need to keep moving forward with Phase II, increasing my exercise minutes per week and beginning a lifting program.  It should be a busy summer. 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Week 11

Day 71

Weigh-in #11- 204 lbs., after ten weeks on the twinkie2diet, I've lost a total of thirty one pounds.  My body fat has dropped from 23% to 15.5%.  Every other measurement will be completed by the end of the week and I will post the results as they become available.

Today begins Phase II, 2200 kilocalories, a 400 kcal increase.  I am excited about the progress of the diet as well as the increase in additional food intake.  My goals will also be posted in detail as the results come in, I continue the pursuit of 175 pounds.  Overall, the diet will contain more nutritious foods with the elimination of one of the snack foods and more servings of fruits and vegetables.  Variety will also be a key to the next ten weeks and balance (60/28/12) of carbohydrate, fat, and protein will continue to be a priority.

An updated photo will be posted in the near future, a technical problem with the camera has caused a delay.  Be sure to checkout the Credit and Video sections for video clips of Dr. Mark Haub and  Mr. Morgan Spurlock, two men who have willingly placed themselves in the spotlight of public opinion in order to supply answers to some of our most difficult questions about health and nutrition.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Week 10

Day 70

A new Phase begins tomorrow but first I will reflect on Phase I.  For seventy days I have focused on this diet with a sense of apprehension and challenge.  At first, it was the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of giving up something which is so ingrained in me, denying myself foods I like and emotionally depend on.  But then, as my body and mind began adjusting to the changes, I learned to relax and slow down my eating, accepting smaller quantities of food, enjoying the tastes of simple things.  Meat wasn't a big part of the ten weeks but when I did eat it, it was great!  Fruits and vegetables tasted good as well.  I never really panicked with this plan because I knew the next  feeding was just three hours away, I would survive.  I could tell that I was taking in less kilocalories than my body was using but it was tolerable because the deficit wasn't too great, keeping weight loss to 1-2 lbs. a week is the key.  It's been interesting and exciting to go through this process and to "survive".  I am looking forward to the results (which will be posted in the upcoming week) and the beginnings of a new challenge-Phase II here I come!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Week 10

Day 68

No photo this week, Easter break, I will post a new picture on Monday.  Three days left and Phase I is complete!  I am still having trouble with my knees but it's tolerable.  I may have to switch to non-weight bearing exercise if I can't get on top of it.  I need to get in to see my Orthopedic Doctor once school is finished.  Finals begin on Monday and graduation is in a week.  I'm looking forward to summer, especially some warm weather!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Week 10

Day 64

Weigh-in #10- 207 lbs., one week left in Phase I.  Twenty eight pounds down, almost halfway to my goal of 175!  I am especially appreciative of my nutrition and health classes for their help and support.  Along with my wife Susan, they have been very encouraging.  Susan has done a great job helping me with this blog and I must say, this has been a very encouraging "experiment"!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Week 9

Day 62

No major problems this week, fairly straight forward.  I am beginning to setup the schedule for Post Phase I measurements.  By the end of next week the new menus should be done and I will be ready for Phase II to begin.  The new schedule will be April 25-July 3.  I'm excited with the progress so far and am looking forward to the new challenges!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Week 9

Day 57

Weigh-in #9- 209 lbs., twenty six pounds lost.  Okay, so I had a milkshake yesterday, what can I say?  I stopped in Upland, IN on the way back from a trip and Ivanhoe's Restaurant is a Central Indiana classic.  I couldn't resist.

I did get a run in Saturday and it felt okay.  My knee is still not to full strength but it's tolerable.  I should be able to get in three days this week and get some strength back.  The diet is going very well, the progress thus far has been encouraging.  Two weeks from today will be the final weigh-in for Phase I and I will also be scheduling a blood test and the other measurement soon.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Week 8

Day 55

I'm a bit late in writing this week but it has gone well.  I ran today for the first time in two weeks and my knee feels better.  I still have some pain but I'm icing it and doing more stretching than I usually do.  My new shoes are great, Nike LunarGlide +2's!  I will post the photo from yesterday next weekend, my wife is in Oregon and she is my "technical support" for the blog.  Translation, I don't know how to do it.

One subject I haven't mentioned is the amount of water I am drinking.  I try to drink consistently throughout the day.  It's easier at work because I keep bottled water in my office.  I'm not as consistent during the weekends at home.  We have well water and I don't like it as much.  I guess I need to buy bottled water for home.  Week 8 is almost done, I'm on the home stretch for Phase I.  I will be announcing the Phase II changes in the near future, again, feedback is appreciated.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Week 8

Day 50

Weigh-in #8- 210.5 lbs., a three pound loss, 24.5 lb. total so far.  With only three weeks left in Phase I, I will finish out the ten weeks at 1800 kilocalories a day.  Already looking forward to Phase II, I will be adding anywhere from 500 to 750 additional kilocalories a day.  One of the junk food items will be eliminated and replaced with a more healthy alternative.  Additional foods will be determined and any suggestions would be appreciated.

I will start running again this week.  Still waiting on my knee to progress a bit further.  It still hurts but not too badly.  Hopefully I can begin tomorrow, but I'm confident that by Thursday at the latest, I should be ready.  Tonight, the twinkie2diet blog will be posted on facebook for the first time.  Hello World!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Week 7

Day 47

This week has proven to be an interesting one on the twinkie2diet.  I followed the Monday, Week 7 weigh-in (216 lbs.) on Tuesday with another weigh-in and my weight decreased to 213.5 lbs., a 2.5 lb drop.  Difficulties with knees were transferred from my left to right knee when I had an incident with my LA Z BOY chair.  Attempting to close it on Monday evening, I hyper extended it and haven't been able to run all week.  This is the first week in a year an a half that I won't be able to complete my goal for running.  Regardless, the diet is going well and I feel healthy and more energetic.  Speaking of exercise, a key to any diet plan is a combination of regular vigorous activity and healthy eating.  During Phase II, I will increase my running and add lifting along with increasing my daily activities with more outside work and play.  Three weeks left in Phase I.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Week 7

Day 43

Weigh-in #7- 216 lbs., same weight as last Monday, but no worries.  On Thursday when I ran, I really "tweaked" my knee and have been taking some pain pills.  They have left me constipated and that has certainly had an impact on weight loss.  I ordered a new pair of running shoes and they came in today, It always affects my knees when my shoes break down.  I really enjoy running and I'm looking forward to some warm weather and  the new shoes!

The diet plan continues to go well, I am adding a variety of vegetables instead of just carrots and it helps on the variety scale.  As the semester winds down, Phase II is right around the corner.  I will be making some critical decisions soon.  I'll keep you posted.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Week 6

Day 40

This was a busy week.  Today my nutrition class wrapped-up a major class project.  They did a very good job with a "Training Table" assignment for the track team.  It's amazing how important nutrition is for human beings.  In many ways it is the key to our physical life.  The twinkie2diet has been a challenge but it is actually going very well.  Having a daily goal and restrictions (1800 kilocaloeies) has been positive.  I still have moments when I long for relief from food but it has been manageable.  I look forward to the daily challenge of the diet plan and it certainly helps with motivating me to move forward.  I continue to consider the rest of Phase I and goals for Phase II.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Week 6

Day 36

Weigh-in #6- 216 lbs., two and a half pounds off and I have reached a weight I haven't seen in many years.  Halfway through Phase I and the plan seems to be stabilizing.  Celebrating on Friday with my wife posed no real problems, the steak was great and I was able to adjust the other feedings to accommodate the extra kilocalories.  It was somewhat uncomfortable (abdominal fullness) eating more in one feeding than usual, but I did cut the meal in half and finished the other half on Sunday.  I still enjoy the taste of a variety of foods!  I will post the new "resturant" meals later this week.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Week 5

Day 33

Tonight my wife Susan and I are heading out to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary.  My student workers are beginning to design menu plans that incorporate local restaurants and tonight it will be steak at Logan's!  This will be the first time in over four weeks that I have had red meat.  I'll let you know how that goes. 

Sunday marks the midway point of Phase I of the twinkie2diet.  I am beginning to consider the objectives for Phase II.  Any suggestions from followers are appreciated.  As I mentioned before, if my weigh-in on Monday, 3/21 shows a more than two lb. drop in weight, I will consider adding kilocalories to the diet.  I do feel good and my running has been giong well, there is less stresson the knees.  As part of Phase II I will be increasing the run schedule by adding an extra day.  I am also considering running in some road races and possible competing in a triathlon.  We'll see.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Week 5

Day 29

Weigh-in #5- 218.5 lbs., another four pounds off.  Again, I need to be careful not to lose weight too quickly.  I am evaluating the menu constantly and will consider an increase in kilocalories.  This past weekend was more difficult than the last two in terms of being hungry.  I attribute this in part to some inconsistent feedings, my timing was off due to extra sleep on Saturday and the time change on Sunday.  I am also finding it more difficult to eat the carrots and will be including more of a variety of vegetables.  Another change I am trying this week, is switching the protein shake to my 7:00 am feeding and eating solids for lunch.  Otherwise, I feel good and I am definitely losing inches.  I'll post a photo later on in the week.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Week 4

Day 25

Checkout the photo section--my second picture with my shirt off.  It's still embarrassing but change is taking place (12.5 lbs. lost) and I feel great!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Week 4

Day 22

Weigh-in #4- 222.5 lbs., down another two pounds and going strong.  Spring break went well although the daily feeding schedule got jumbled up a bit.  I was able to maintain the 1800 kiloclorie mark with the exception of two days.  One for a breakfast outing with my daughter and the second a dinner at a restaurant with her family.  Although I'm not sure exactly how many kilocalories I consumed those days, I did make adjustments during the other feedings and I'm sure I didn't go over by much.  In both cases I enjoyed the food (bacon omelet /fish & chips) but I couldn't eat as much as usual, my stomach has shrunk.  Anyway, back to the regular schedule, we'll keep you posted.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Week 2

DAY 12

Weigh-in #3 = 224.5 lbs., a 2.5 lb drop from the beginning of the week.  The usual plan is to weigh-in every Monday but I will be on spring break next week and this is the last opportunity to use an accurate scale until week 4.  I'm not concerned yet with losing this much weight this quickly.  A "flushing effect" is taking place and I fully expect the pace to slow down.  If it doesn't, I will increase the daily caloric count.

All-in-all I am feeling fine.   I still have moments, especially at night, when I crave certain foods, usually when a commercial comes on or my wife is eating something.  Spring break will be a challenge as I travel to Portland Oregon.  The time difference, schedule changes, etc. will be different and I will need to be willing to adjust.  The daily menus are set and I have packed some foods to take with me, I should be fine.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Week 2

DAY 9
 Yesterday afternoon I ran my max test but we had a problem with the computer and the results were not valid.  The glitch was worked out and today I was able to complete the test.  The resulting score of 49.57 ml/kg/min was an improvement of my score from last February, 45.26 ml/kg/min.  I guess my running program is paying off!

I would like to thank my colleague Mr. David "Wied" Wiederrecht for his help with the fitness testing and camera.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Max Test

Week 2

DAY 8
Week two begins with an overview of last week.  Seven day into the twinkie2diet and I'm feeling okay.  I have been waking up a bit nauseous the last couple of days but it goes away quickly and no, I'm not pregnant! The most difficult time for me is in the evening when I'm used to going on an "eating fest".  The six regular feedings do help to keep things in balance though.  I think it is still more psychological than physiological but I am noticing change in the internal environment.  The menus are coming along but the tweaking process will continue to be ongoing.  This afternoon I will be taking the MVO2 test which I didn't have time to do last week.

Weigh-in #2 = 227 lbs., down eight pounds from last Monday.  I will monitor this carefully because I don't want to lose weight too quickly.  I'm sure that some fat was lost but certainly, much of the weight loss was due to the reduced amount of carbohydrate in my diet and the associated water loss.  But it is encouraging to see some changes.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Week 1

DAY 5

Alright, it's coming along.  The variety and balance of the food on this diet helps.  Each feeding is staggered every three hours and I'm not really hungry.  I did run into a difficult moment yesterday when my wife and I took two of our grandchildren to the mall and I had to sit and watch everyone eat Chick-fil-A.  It was tough!  But, I survived and with the weekend coming up, I should have more time to make adjustments to the plans as well as make adjustments mentally.  I am definitely feeling different internally, somewhat of a withdrawal effect, but it's not too bad.

Thanks to two of my student workers, Sarah Mott and Serena Frey who have been helping to tweak the menu's and getting everything organized on the computer.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Week 1

DAY 2

We're off!  The first day went well, no real problems adjusting to the diet except the emotional pull that food has on me.  I really would like to eat what I want when I want!  I am grateful to the students in my Applied Nutrition class, they have helped with the daily menus and their creativity is appreciated.  Working in pairs, they designed two weeks worth of menus that I will repeat and tweak during the ten weeks of Phase I.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Week 1

DAY 1
Today is the first day of Phase I of the ten week twinkie2diet.  It begins with a weigh-in, girth measurements, and body fat measurements.  Other assessments will include a Maximal Oxygen Uptake test and  a blood profile.  My current weight is 235 lbs., wow!  Each day of the diet will include a meal plan limited to1800 kilocalories and a balance of approximately 60% carbohydrate, 28% fat, and 12% protein.  Key differences with the twinkie diet that Kansas State Professor Mark Haub developed are the limits on "junk foods" and the inclusion of fruits and more vegetables.  Yet the premise is the same, limiting the number of calories equals weight loss.

I will keep you updated frequently on my progress and we should see a consistent pattern of healthy weight loss take place over the next ten weeks!

Also, I want to thank student worker Robby Burns for his assistance with today's measurments.