Happy Trails

Friends,

It's been a remarkable journey!

Just five months ago, I was obese, in medical trouble, and looking at bad options all the way around. It seemed like the final 20 years of my life were to be consumed with a downward spiral of bad health and bad outcomes.

Now, 45 pounds lighter, things are much different. Gone are the worries about high blood pressure, deteriorating joints, and multiple prescriptions. I'm healthier, happier, and have many more options than I did just a few months ago.

Did the protocol work? Oh, yes, it did! I've lost inches and pounds, and feel so much better. I'm more active than I have been in years, and look forward to getting in even better shape.

There are many people to thank for this blessing, and you, dear reader, are at the top of my list. You've encouraged, counseled, and been there for me through the bad times and the good times. We've shared victories and frustrations, challenges and rewards. You have been a friend and guide. I can never thank you enough.

Now, as my emphasis changes from losing weight to keeping it off and getting back in shape, I find it's time to move on. The horizon is further away than ever, and daily measurements and reporting, although important, are now less pressing than the long-term goals I have in mind. In short, there is less to report on a daily basis, and therefore less need to write of these daily events.

So, my blog comes to a conclusion with this post. It's been a wonderful experience, made even better by taking it with a group of friends like you. I simply don't have the words to express my gratitude to each of you for the gifts you have given me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and wish you continued success on your journey!

Marshall

R3 Phase 3 Day 3

Feeling Polluted

Well, yesterday I dumped a bunch of things into my body that it just did NOT want in there, and I'm sure feeling it.

Let's see...sugar, preservatives, fats, all sorts of things it hasn't had for a while. And this morning I'm up almost two pounds and feeling like crap.

Oh, well, back to reality...I'll focus on healthier eating today and drop a lot of that water overnight.

It never ceases to amaze me how my body responds to these bad food choices, and how the way I feel now was normal not very long ago. I do NOT want to feel this way day in and day out like I used to. So, obviously, I'm going to have to be more careful what I put into the system.

Overall, the first three days of P3 have been a bit disappointing, in that the things that I thought I would delight in (desserts) have been a resounding dud...I much prefer having a cold, crisp apple or a juicy, sweet orange. Even after I've had 3 or 4 cookies, I'm still longing for a fruit. How much of that is newly-built habit and how much is an actual preference for healthy food I cannot say, but the foods that used to please me before no longer do.

And that's a very good thing, since it was those foods that got me into trouble in the first place.

The ultimate test of this theory will start on Monday in Las Vegas, as each day will be spent eating at an all-you-can-eat buffet...and those of you who have been to Vegas know what kinds of food are available there! Staying plus-or-minus two pounds is going to be virtually impossible, but if I make fairly good choices I should not be too out of control by the time I get back. We shall see...

Off to mow the lawn...which is now 6" high due to a week of rain. Have a great Saturday!

R3 Phase 3 Day 1

A surprise, a shock and a treat

Something weird happened last night. Usually, when I'm on Phase 2, I'm cold all the time in bed...just can't seem to get warm and stay warm. Last night, suddenly, I got WARM. And hungry! Very strange.

This morning, I woke up very hungry. I weighed myself and discovered I had lost 1.6 pounds overnight! Very, very weird.

Now, I'm indulging in a real treat: for the first time in weeks, I'm eating breakfast, and it is a good feeling!

So, Phase 3 begins with a nice weight loss putting me 1.6 below LIW--a great place to start.

My thanks to Becca and Biz for the encouraging words yesterday. I'll keep posting as I go through P3.

Have a good day!