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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.