5 weeks ago I wrote about buying a new scale. Actually it wasn’t that it was a NEW scale, it was that I actually had a scale here at home. And what that scale told me, back on Jan. 4th.

As I said at the time, I haven’t weighed over 190 lbs in maybe 15 years. That was a bucket of cold water, right in the kisser. So, I got out my little notebook and started a 5 week diet. Yeah, that’s right, I called it a diet. Cause that’s what it was. The short term goal being to get to 171, or as close to it as I could within that time frame. Feb. 7 was a hard deadline because I’m running a half marathon on Valentine’s Day. Why not? It’s not like I have anything else going on on that day. But let’s not bore you with my shortcomings…

….but I digress…

So.

5 weeks.

24 lbs, give or take.

Possible, given that I’m a guy ( women have to work twice as hard to lose weight. Sorry), given my activity level and given that I stick to my fairly strict diet. And yes, I know that popular opinion is that weight lost quickly will just come back, usually plus some. But that’s not how it works with me. I’ve gone from 265 to where I am these days with short duration, high intensity dieting. I’d rather be strict for a month or two than practice moderation for 6 months. Because, folks, I like good food. I like good wine and cheap beer. That’s always going to be part of my life. And if it means I have to do something like this once a year or so, I’m good with that. I usually get conscious of it when I get past 185, which means I usually have to deal with more like 10 lbs, but this time I didn’t adjust for work from home, no gym, no scale, etc.

Also, this doesn’t’ always work. I’d say that 2 out of 3 times I start this type of diet, I don’t finish. I get bored, or I decide that I’m good where I’m at, etc. This time, I was probably a little more motivated because of I was shouting distance from 200. That really bugged me.

A lot.

So, 5 weeks later ( actually 34 days, cause I wanted to be done on Super Sunday morning) . I got back on the same scale. Same conditions, same clothes, you get the picture…

Aside to my buddy Randy. “I made weight!!”

For a second I was going to post an “after” photo. But I don’t need to, and you certainly don’t need to see a 60 year old man trying to show off. Now, next Sunday when I’m running 13 miles in Ft.Lauderdale, if it even hints at humidity ( or even if it doesn’t, really) shirt’s off and I’ll feel pretty good about it.

Last thing.

This is what makes me happy. I like being thinner. I was big between the years of 13 & 24. Not the best years to be heavy, trust me on this. This, and it’s just my preference, is how I’d rather be. As I have said here before, this is what I want from a wellness perspective, and I’m willing to do what it takes to get & stay here. What you choose for your version of “wellness”? That’s your business.

Do what makes you happy.

Again

Do what makes you happy.

Right now, I’m pretty happy. Now this weekend I’m going to go to Ft. Lauderdale, run 13.1, have a “diner breakfast” at the Floridian, have a glass or two of good red wine and a ham, gruyere, mushroom & béchamel crepe at La Bonne Crepe on Las Olas. You guys have a great week.

Talk Later,

Bob