Full Throttle - Day 18

Well, today BJ posted the results of several different classes that he does throughout the day. We all do the same exercises in various groups. I was very disappointed to see that I completed the least amount of rounds of all the people at Full Throttle Athletics. This makes me want to push myself harder. My initial reaction when seeing that was disappointment and embarassment, but I will just work harder. I have only been working out for 3 weeks, so I have to remember that, but I know I can work even harder. Now I am even more ready for my workout tomorrow.
This is what I ate today:
7:15am - Apple
7:45am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink
1:00pm - South Beach Turkey and Bacon Wraps, small bag of carrots, and 6 sushi
4:00pm - Whey protein drink and a plum
6:15pm - Large salad with grilled chicken, cucumbers, and tomatoes with light vinaigrette dressing, and a few pieces of fried mushrooms (I know I should not have eaten the fried mushrooms) and Coke Zero.

Full Throttle - Day 17

Today I saw some good friends that I had not seen in a couple months. All 3 of them immediately commented on the fact that I looked smaller. It felt so good to be told that, I was so excited to tell them how I am getting into shape and losing weight. These kinds of comments just add fuel to the fire. I can't wait to see them in a few months again and see their reaction then.
Here is what I ate today:
5:30am - Whey protein drink and 2 slices of watermelon
7:15am - 6 strawberries
8:00am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink
10:15am - small bowl of grapes
12:00pm - Large salad with blackened chicken, tomatoes, and cucumbers with vinaigrette dressing
4:00pm - Whey protein drink and plum
7:15 - large bowl of grapes
I drank over 150 ounces of water today

Full Throttle - Day 16

Today I had 4 different people tell me that they can tell I have lost some weight. It sure feels good to be told that by people, and it also feels good to tell people how I am losing the weight. As I mentioned previously, I have done fad diets, but I was embarassed to tell people what kind of diet I was on. There is no embarassment whatsoever in telling someone that I get up at 6am to workout 3 days a week and that I am eating healthy. Although everyone has their opinion as to the best way to lose weight, nobody can dispute great exercise and healthy eating.
Here is how I ate today:
7:00am - 2 slices of watermelon
8:00am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink
10:30am - Small bowl of grapes
12:45pm - Smart Ones Quesadilla and small salad with ham, mushrooms, a small amount of cheese, with vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
3:45pm - Whey Protein drink and an orange
7:30pm - Salad with mushrooms and grilled chicken, with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and a Diet Dr. Pepper
I drank over 150 ounces of water today

Full Throttle - Day 15

Today marked 2 weeks since I started working out at Full Throttle. It feels good that I am sticking with it, and I am still excited to see results. So far, there have been a few small changes I have noticed. My shirts seem to be fitting me a little looser, and I am noticing that my quads are firming up. I can feel my quad muscles now instead of just flab. This is exciting. Todays workout was tough, but I almost feel a bit disappointed in myself. I was a bit sluggish after a long weekend, but I tried to push myself, I just felt a little slower today. It is nice to have this workout every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday because when my alarm goes off, I just get up. When I have tried to work out on my own, I have always been able to convince myself that sleep is better than exercise. Now, I know that I will be missed if I do not show up. This accountability is just what I need. So, it has been 2 weeks since my first workout, but I look forward to many more weeks ahead.
Here is what I ate today:
5:15am - Whey Protein drink, 2 slices of watermelon
7:15am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink, 1 banana
12:30pm - Smart Ones frozen meal and several grapes
4:00pm - Whey protein drink and an orange
6:30pm - 6 eggs, bowl of small carrots
I drank LOTS of water.

Full Throttle - Days 13 and 14

This weekend I knew I was going to get my one "free meal" for the week. However, I craved several different things. I did not want to use that free meal on eating something that was just ok, I wanted to eat something GOOD. I had planned to eat it at lunch Saturday, but I ended up eating it on Sunday evening. It was a very busy week, but I still tried to space out my meals as best I could.
Here is what I ate this weekend:
Saturday
5:30am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink, 1 banana
10:00am - 6 strawberries
12:30pm - salad with mushrooms and raspberry vinaigrette dressing
6:00pm - Salad with tomatoes and carrots and vinaigrette dressing
Sunday
8:00am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink, several strawberries
10:30am - apple
12:30pm - pot roast, several carrots, salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing
8:00pm - Free meal - Taco Bell with Diet Dr. Pepper

Full Throttle - Day 12

This morning before working out, I was weighed and my measurements were taken. I am so proud of the following results after only 5 workouts:
Weight (-5 lbs)
Chest (-7/8")
Waist (-1.25")
Hip (-1/8")
Arm no change
Thigh (-3/4")
Calf no change.

Today's workout was hard work, but I am enjoying it more and more. I NEVER thought I would enjoy working out, but I do enjoy it, and I really enjoy the way I feel afterwards.
Here is what I ate today:
5:15am - Whey Protein drink and 2 slices of watermelon
7:30am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink and a banana
11:45am - pear
12:45pm - Smart Ones meal and a bowl of small carrots
3:45 - Whey Protein drink and an apple
8:30pm - Grilled tilapia with steamed broccoli
I only drank water today, and LOTS of it.

Full Throttle - Day 11

After a great deal of encouragement from my friend, Mark, I have decided to post what I eat each day. I have hesitated to do this for a couple reasons. First, EVERYBODY seems to have a different opinion about what I should eat. It seems like everyone I talk to gives me different ideas, tips, suggestions, etc. Therefore, I know that if I post what I eat, I will have all kinds of different comments. The diet that I am trying to follow has been laid out to me by a doctor and will be reviewed by a doctor and my trainer. Second, I know that if I post what I eat, I will make myself vulnerable and be held accountable. This accountability is a good thing, but food is one of my greatest struggles (as evidenced by my girth). I know I will have days when I struggle and "fall off the wagon." On those days I will be embarassed to post what I eat, but I will post it nonetheless. By posting what I eat, I am truly making myself vulnerable, but I also think it will help me maintain a good diet. I plan to eat 5-6 meals a day, most of which are small meals, and drink at least a gallon of water a day. So here goes... here is what I ate today:
7am - ProGrade Lean Meal Replacement Drink and 6 strawberries
10:30 - 2 pineapple slices and 3 strawberries
12:15pm - Bowl from Chipotle with rice, black beans, steak, and lettuce (a bit of hot sauce) I also had a cup of Coke Zero (refilled once)
3:00pm - 2 strawberries and a couple melon slices
7:15pm - Grilled steak and a salad with mushrooms and raspberry vinagrette dressing, 2 slices of watermelon.
I drank a ton of water today. I refill throughout the day and lose count of how much I drink after about 100 ounces.

Full Throttle - Day 10

It seems like I realize something new every day as I go through my journey to transform myself, and today was no exception. This morning we had a good workout, which you can see in the video below. I have always thought that after working out for a few days/weeks/years that it would get "easy." I realized today that if it ever gets easy, then you are not doing it right and will not see the desired results. One thing I love about the Full Throttle Athletics Boot Camp is that there are people of all different fitness levels in each class, which can be seen in the videos. I always thought working out with people that are in much better shape than me would be intimidating, but I have discovered that it is the opposite. The others in the group are so encouraging and push me to do more and work harder. I notice how hard they work and that no matter what kind of shape they are in, they are pushed, and the workout is never easy. I love the feeling I have after working out. It is a feeling of accomplishment, pride, excitement, and anticipation. Here is the video of our workout this morning:

Full Throttle - Day 9

Today I realized that I am constantly imagining myself a few months from now and how I will look after working hard for a few months. Sometimes it is difficult because I am ready for results NOW, but I also know that the results will come. I feel better already, and the physical results will be here. I stand in front of the mirror in the morning and imagine how different I will look when I am looking in that same mirror 6 months from now. I imagine what people who have not seen me in awhile will say to me when they see me a few months from now. I imagine what it will be like to hug my inlaws when they return from Asia in November and how they will react to my transformation. I imagine what I will look like and how much better I will do in the videos like I have posted below. This imagination, although frustrating, really drives me. I have been big my whole life, and I want to be normal and healthy. I want to go to an amusement park with my kids and not wonder if I will fit in the ride. I want to buy clothes that don't have multiple "X"s in front of the size. I feel like I am finally taking steps to get there. Each day I work hard, and I know I am getting closer to the body that I imagine. If any of you share in these same desires for yourself, please consider joining me. As I have discovered in only a little over a week, having someone working with you, motivating you, encouraging you, and driving you makes this process so much easier.
Here are a couple videos that show me in my 6am workouts at Full Throttle Athletics.

Full Throttle - Day 8

This morning I woke up bright and early for my workout. I woke up several times during the night in fear that I had overslept, because I am still not used to waking up this early. There is a great deal to be said for accountability, so I do not want to oversleep and miss the workout. The workout at Full Throttle Athletics this morning was tough, and I worked hard, but I was a little disappointed that I could not do more. I have to keep reminding myself that I am going to have to gradually build up to be able to do more. However, I can tell my endurance level is already improving. This morning I started drinking Prograde Lean Complete Meal Replacement after my workout, which I will be drinking every morning for awhile. I am also really watching my diet and trying to eat healthy.
I was able to see some results from working out today. I have been playing slowpitch softball for several years now. It is something I love to do, but I have realized how limited I am because of my size, weight, and endurance. Tonight I had a game, and I was amazed that my energy level was higher than it has been in years, and I did not get winded running around the bases. This was the first sign of real results I have been able to see so far. It was nice to score a couple runs, go into the dugout and not have to sit down for a few minutes to take a breath. We have one more game this season, and I cannot wait to play in the fall and be in much better shape and have much greater endurance.

Full Throttle - Days 6 and 7

Well, the weekend was a nice break, but I am ready to get back to work with BJ. I did walk/jog about 2 miles today. I am not able to jog that entire distance, but I was surprised at how much of it I jogged. I probably jogged about 1/3 of the distance, which is a lot for me. I just couldn't stand going 2 days with no real exercise, and the weather was perfect. Another thing I am really working on is drinking LOTS of water. I am trying to almost always have a water bottle in my hand so that I can drink it without even thinking about it. I also went to the store this evening and bought fruit, vegetables and meals to eat throughout the week. I plan to really eat well in order to get my body where I want it to be. I made it through 1 week, and I am excited about week 2.

Full Throttle - Day 5

Wow, today's workout was the toughest yet, but I feel so great now. Most of the soreness is gone, so after the workout I am actually able to walk normal throughout the day with no pain. Today we did 4 different exercises for one minute each back to back with no rest in between. Once done with the 4 exercises, we took a 1 minute rest, and we started again. We did this 7 times!!! After the first round, I was not sure how I'd make it through 6 more rounds, but I made it. I had to take a few short breaks, but I did not quit. After the workout I was tired, but I was not as tired as I had been after the previous 2 workouts. I feel great now, and I feel such a sense of accomplishment.
BJ gave me some healthy eating guidlines, and my friend Mark sent me a very detailed eating regimen to follow. BJ and Mark have been so encouraging to me, and that just motivates me even more.

Full Throttle - Day 4

Today I woke up and actually looked forward to working out tomorrow. I was sore again today, but not as sore as I have been the last couple days. I am still so excited about the transformation I am making to my body and my life. I'd love to have some friends in the Frisco/ Little Elm area join me. The Boot Camp is actually kinda fun, and it will be even more fun if some more friends join me. I am commited to this, and I am looking forward to seeing some changes. BJ tells me I will see changes in just a couple weeks, and I cannot wait to start seeing them. I feel like I am beginning a new chapter in my life. I have always been a big boy, and I am tired of being out of shape. I want to have the energy to play with my kids, and I want to be able to buy clothes without having to go to the Big & Tall Section.

Full Throttle - Day 3

This morning I was up at 5:15am. I arrived at Full Throttle a few minutes before 6am, and BJ took my measurements, some pictures and my weight. I am embarassed at these right now, so I will not post them until there has been a change in a few months. After my measurements were taken we started "warming up" before the workout began. After about 5 minutes of "warming up" I was already breathing hard and tired... and the workout had not even started yet! BJ took some time to show us the proper way to do each exercise, and then we got started. I paced myself a little better today, and I was able to make it through the entire workout. What I love about the Boot Camp is that there are people of all fitness levels working out together, but I did not feel inferior or feel like I was behind. One hang up I have always had about going to any kind of gym is that I did not want to look stupid because everyone else knew what they were doing, but I did not. Today I did not feel that way at all. I am excited about the change I am making in my life. I was really sore today, and I am sure people enjoyed watching me try to walk up and down the stairs. But again, this pain I feel makes me feel like I am accomplishing something. It makes me feel like I am beginning my transformation. It excites me.

Full Throttle - Day 2

Well, I was pretty sore today. Sore in places that I did not even realize I had been using during my workout yesterday. But, it feels good to be sore like this. This soreness makes me feel as though I have accomplished something. Although it hurts, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I talked with BJ at Full Throttle Athletics today, and I decided to do the Look Great Naked Bootcamp. So, for at least the next 3 months (and hopefully longer) I will be working out at Full Throttle every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 6am. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am using this blog to track my progress. I feel like the accountability of my friends and those who I work out with will help push me to where I want to be. If anyone wants to join me in this journey, go to the website www.fullthrottleathletics.com and contact BJ, and you can go through this transformation with me.

Full Throttle - Day 1

My friend, Mark, has been encouraging me to join him in working out for a few days. He told me I could try it out for a week and see if it is something I would like to do. Well, Mark is in great shape and competes in national martial arts competitions, and I have never really worked out at all in my life, so I was not sure if I would do it. However, I knew getting into shape was something I needed to do. At 6am this morning I joined Mark at Full Throttle Athletics for my first workout in years. I had watched the videos posted on the Full Throttle website but still had no idea what to really expect. I was nervous, but I was a bit excited. So, I got there a few minutes early and met BJ. BJ was such a nice guy and was very upbeat and positive. So, we stretched a little while and got started. I thought it was pretty cool that I was working out right alongside Mark, who is in great shape, and I did not feel inferior at all. Within the first 10 minutes of an intense workout, I thought I was going to pass out! I had made my mind up before going in that I would NOT be dramatic and would continue to workout no matter how tired I was. However, I did not expect to become light headed. I had to stop and have a seat, and I tried to be as nondramatic about it as possible. I was disappointed in myself for not finishing, but I also knew that I had pushed my body farther than I had pushed my body in years, and it helped that BJ and Mark were so positive and encouraging. I have done low carb diets, fad diets, and tried to lose weight in other ways, but I have never liked working out (not that I had tried, but any kind of cardio or weights has always turned me off), and I never really cared to do so. However, once I was done, I realized that this could be the start of something amazing for me. This could be the start of a transformation. I will give it a try for the week and see how it goes.