This Daniel Plan is easy........as long as you never leave the house, have a party to go to, get some crazy things on your schedule, or do anything besides walk the dog, eat, go to work, eat, do the dishes and go to bed!
In the last two days I have gone to two different parties - one for my daughter's birthday and one for my niece's. Shockingly, at these parties, their idea of dessert is not Greek yogurt with muesli! My sister had a cake that was made to look like a minion - a real minion! People are eating rice and beans, combos, chips. They're drinking....stuff besides water!
And one thought crosses my mind - why am I on this Daniel Plan? In fact, when asked yesterday if I was going to keep doing this after Lent was over, I said, "Yes......and just suck it up until I die."
Again, I'm losing a lot of weight - down to 166.5 from 191, I don't feel hungry, I don't have as much energy as before but it's not like I'm Lazy Leon! But, boy I didn't realize the social aspects of this healthy eating thing.
People really kind of get mad at you when you eat this crazy healthy food. A lot of people tell you that you don't have to do this. At work, at home, all over people suddenly have graduated from Healthy Living U.
And I'm already mad because I'm eating nuts and apples and they're eating combos and chips. So, I guess I've got to come up with a plan.
1) I asked God to not make eating such a big deal for me. Why do I even care if I don't drink a Coke or eat pizza?
2) Once Lent is over, I will eat whatever someone has prepared - it's actually kind of rude not to.
3) I will do the 90% / 10%.
But, until Lent is over, I really do want to try to stick to this thing and see what happens to my body / mind.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
WHAT A DIFFERENCE?
The first time I went shopping for the Daniel Plan it took four hours. I had to go to three stores, and it cost me over $200. I just went shopping for the second round yesterday. Two stores, an hour and a half, and $75.
Yep, I had some leftover spices and nuts. And I did shop for a fewer amount of days. And I did pick out what I was going to eat this time from the Core Menu (did you know that they allow fruit after the detox? I was actually excited about fruit salad! Fruit salad? What is wrong with me?) But, this Daniel Plan - when you don't eat exactly what they have for every day and follow their crazy shopping list - seems doable.
In fact, I'm kind of excited about the next ten days. There are even deserts included - well, if you count fruit with cinnamon as a desert. It was a little weird though. I actually thought about how fat I was going to get if I ate whole wheat bread or why in the world I would buy chocolate chips. 21 days ago, I would have eaten a bag of chocolate chips on the way home from Aldi and ordered the bread bowl at Panera - I think I actually did that.
There was even a point at Aldi's yesterday when I saw a good price on salmon.....AND I GOT TWO! I knew I would use it! How crazy is that? (I just love the salmon and celery thing!)
Now, to be honest, the really healthy turkey was $6.99 / pound and Carolina was $2.99 - guess which one I got! And I didn't buy cage free eggs. Oooooooh! I know - bad person. But, I am starting to tailor this Daniel Plan to a new lifestyle.
Yes, I do look forward to tomorrow at 3am when I have to get a Slurpee to celebrate the birth of my daughter, and I can't wait until Easter. But, after Easter I can totally see 90%, 10%.
So, we start the next ten days of eating Core Menu. Then, ten days of using their list of foods you should eat almost always. Then, a day of gorging myself. Then, dare I say it, Daniel Plan for life!
Yep, I had some leftover spices and nuts. And I did shop for a fewer amount of days. And I did pick out what I was going to eat this time from the Core Menu (did you know that they allow fruit after the detox? I was actually excited about fruit salad! Fruit salad? What is wrong with me?) But, this Daniel Plan - when you don't eat exactly what they have for every day and follow their crazy shopping list - seems doable.
In fact, I'm kind of excited about the next ten days. There are even deserts included - well, if you count fruit with cinnamon as a desert. It was a little weird though. I actually thought about how fat I was going to get if I ate whole wheat bread or why in the world I would buy chocolate chips. 21 days ago, I would have eaten a bag of chocolate chips on the way home from Aldi and ordered the bread bowl at Panera - I think I actually did that.
There was even a point at Aldi's yesterday when I saw a good price on salmon.....AND I GOT TWO! I knew I would use it! How crazy is that? (I just love the salmon and celery thing!)
Now, to be honest, the really healthy turkey was $6.99 / pound and Carolina was $2.99 - guess which one I got! And I didn't buy cage free eggs. Oooooooh! I know - bad person. But, I am starting to tailor this Daniel Plan to a new lifestyle.
Yes, I do look forward to tomorrow at 3am when I have to get a Slurpee to celebrate the birth of my daughter, and I can't wait until Easter. But, after Easter I can totally see 90%, 10%.
So, we start the next ten days of eating Core Menu. Then, ten days of using their list of foods you should eat almost always. Then, a day of gorging myself. Then, dare I say it, Daniel Plan for life!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
THREE WEE REVIEW OF THE DANIEL PLAN
That's right, three weeks ago today, I was shoving every imaginable junk food down my throat for Fat Tuesday. I probably ingested more calories that day than I have in the last three weeks! Good times, Good times!
But, that seems like a whole other life ago. Last night, we had a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings. Don't tell anyone, but I got some wings (The cheap side of me is much stronger than the Daniel side - $10 for a salad compared to $5 for wings - you tell me what you'd order!). But, as I went to bed, my body felt weird. It wasn't used to all the processed food - for me to even type that is strange! This coming from a man who lived on processed food for 42 years.
This morning, I left for work. Already had my lunch and snacks prepared and threw some nuts, berries and seeds in a tupperware, drank a small cup of almond milk and was on my way!
For the most part, the dishes have been done daily and that $200 I spent on groceries actually lasted three weeks (with a ton of non-perishables left over). But what about the important stuff?
Am I still fat? Well that Tuesday night I weighed in at 191. This morning I was at 168. It is possible that all that weight loss has affected my workouts. I don't feel as strong when doing strength training, but I ran for 8 out of the 25 minutes on a treadmill. For most people under 70 that's not a big deal, but for an overweight guy whose brother sat on his leg and hasn't done that in years - big deal!
As for the most important (and some may think it's crazy to tie in a dietary plan to the following things, but that's how I think), my family life has been ok. I still seem to not have as much energy as I'd like, get angry too often and make bad choices about a few things. At work, kind of the same thing, but I have noticed that my work ethic has suffered a little bit. In the community, I'm actually getting better. I've got a better attitude towards PADs, and I even put on Christian music today.
After three weeks, I am looking forward to the day when it's 90-10, but I can see the benefits of this healthy eating stuff. Heck, why not do this for a lifetime?
NOW, MY FAVORITE THINGS LIST:
1) Love the salmon and celery salad thing!
2) Chicken pesto
3) The stir fry (with or without that fake meat stuff)
4) Kale salad - yes, I said it. Kale salad - with no olives.
5) Black bean soup
6) And I just put all the stuff from the protein shake in a bowl and ate it separately - much better!
THINGS THAT ARE NEVER, EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER:
1) Quinoa
2) Veggie Mocktails
3) Taking all the leftovers and making soup
But, that seems like a whole other life ago. Last night, we had a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings. Don't tell anyone, but I got some wings (The cheap side of me is much stronger than the Daniel side - $10 for a salad compared to $5 for wings - you tell me what you'd order!). But, as I went to bed, my body felt weird. It wasn't used to all the processed food - for me to even type that is strange! This coming from a man who lived on processed food for 42 years.
This morning, I left for work. Already had my lunch and snacks prepared and threw some nuts, berries and seeds in a tupperware, drank a small cup of almond milk and was on my way!
For the most part, the dishes have been done daily and that $200 I spent on groceries actually lasted three weeks (with a ton of non-perishables left over). But what about the important stuff?
Am I still fat? Well that Tuesday night I weighed in at 191. This morning I was at 168. It is possible that all that weight loss has affected my workouts. I don't feel as strong when doing strength training, but I ran for 8 out of the 25 minutes on a treadmill. For most people under 70 that's not a big deal, but for an overweight guy whose brother sat on his leg and hasn't done that in years - big deal!
As for the most important (and some may think it's crazy to tie in a dietary plan to the following things, but that's how I think), my family life has been ok. I still seem to not have as much energy as I'd like, get angry too often and make bad choices about a few things. At work, kind of the same thing, but I have noticed that my work ethic has suffered a little bit. In the community, I'm actually getting better. I've got a better attitude towards PADs, and I even put on Christian music today.
After three weeks, I am looking forward to the day when it's 90-10, but I can see the benefits of this healthy eating stuff. Heck, why not do this for a lifetime?
NOW, MY FAVORITE THINGS LIST:
1) Love the salmon and celery salad thing!
2) Chicken pesto
3) The stir fry (with or without that fake meat stuff)
4) Kale salad - yes, I said it. Kale salad - with no olives.
5) Black bean soup
6) And I just put all the stuff from the protein shake in a bowl and ate it separately - much better!
THINGS THAT ARE NEVER, EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER:
1) Quinoa
2) Veggie Mocktails
3) Taking all the leftovers and making soup
Monday, March 24, 2014
SUNDAY NIGHT OF THE NCAA TOURNEY
Thursday morning you wake up early, go to McDonalds and fill out your brackets. At 11:15, you get all excited to stream the games live - even though you're supposed to be working. From Thursday until Friday night, your life revolves around guys named Parker, Wiggins and Drake. Saturday, you may do a few things around the house while checking in on the games and maybe even watch a few at night. Come Sunday night, you're hoping Arizona blows out Gonzaga so you can just go to bed!
It's like that with a lot of stuff. We get excited, go all hung ho, and then a couple days pass, a couple weeks, and the enthusiasm is gone!
That's where we may be in the Daniel Plan. People are not excited to hear about the foods you're eating anymore. No one cares that you just sat down to lunch with a bowl of kale. The "newness" of preparing meals, doing dishes and trying original recipes kind of wears away. And you finally finish the detox and wonder, "What do I do now?"
You've seen some results. The scale is very kind to you. Your body feels good. However, you might not say this has been life changing as far as being able to run and jump in basketball, and you've even noticed the bad attitude that usually comes when you do this type of stuff.
But, the one change you notice is that YOU CAN DO THIS! This might be something that has "lasting power." Sure, I'm not excited about eating the soup I made with all the leftover vegetables from the detox (lot of cilantro in there), but I'm looking forward to planning out my meals and seeing what this is like when I'm only eating stuff I like. And, if I'm only eight pounds away from my goal weight - what if I could keep it there? To top it off, basketball this Wednesday might not be as painful!
We're coming up on three weeks, and there have been times when I really would have liked a cookie or some pizza or snackies from the teacher's lounge, but it hasn't been crazy. It's been a sacrifice, but not a huge one. Kind of like the NCAA Tourney, you make it to Sunday night.....and you can't wait for next Thursday!
It's like that with a lot of stuff. We get excited, go all hung ho, and then a couple days pass, a couple weeks, and the enthusiasm is gone!
That's where we may be in the Daniel Plan. People are not excited to hear about the foods you're eating anymore. No one cares that you just sat down to lunch with a bowl of kale. The "newness" of preparing meals, doing dishes and trying original recipes kind of wears away. And you finally finish the detox and wonder, "What do I do now?"
You've seen some results. The scale is very kind to you. Your body feels good. However, you might not say this has been life changing as far as being able to run and jump in basketball, and you've even noticed the bad attitude that usually comes when you do this type of stuff.
But, the one change you notice is that YOU CAN DO THIS! This might be something that has "lasting power." Sure, I'm not excited about eating the soup I made with all the leftover vegetables from the detox (lot of cilantro in there), but I'm looking forward to planning out my meals and seeing what this is like when I'm only eating stuff I like. And, if I'm only eight pounds away from my goal weight - what if I could keep it there? To top it off, basketball this Wednesday might not be as painful!
We're coming up on three weeks, and there have been times when I really would have liked a cookie or some pizza or snackies from the teacher's lounge, but it hasn't been crazy. It's been a sacrifice, but not a huge one. Kind of like the NCAA Tourney, you make it to Sunday night.....and you can't wait for next Thursday!
Friday, March 21, 2014
SOME THINGS THAT BUG ME!
I'm perfect in the pool! Then, NC State can't make a free throw, Oklahoma can't either, Milwaukee doesn't pull off a miracle, and Texas (who I thought I picked but didn't) wins! THAT BUGS ME!
I'm trying to watch the games at work, and people keep calling me to do computer stuff. THAT BUGS ME!
Through some miracle I get all the games on the internet, but then my time runs out and I'm stuck with only CBS. THAT BUGS ME!
We didn't have the heat on last night, because it was so nice. I wake up this morning - icicles hanging off my sides. THAT BUGS ME!
And as we're into Day 16 of this Daniel Plan. something bugs me. Yes, I have started to enjoy the food (maybe enjoy is too strong a word, think "don't dread eating anymore"). Yes, the food prep has been tough when you actually have something to do in life, but for the most part I've relished it. Yes, the comments about the gross stuff I'm eating and the Daniel Plan discussions have died down, but there is this whole new group of healthy friends I have. And yes, I am down to 170 - about ten more pounds and I won't be fat!
BUT SOMETHING STILL BUGS ME!
I read this, this morning:
29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
IT BUGS ME!
Why can't the poor do the Daniel Plan? Why can't they choose from healthy or non-healthy options? Why can't they decide if they want to drink a Veggie Mocktail or skip it for some Kale salad?
Doesn't Jesus say here, "Don't worry about it. God knows you need it. These things will be given to you as well"?
What's the deal there? Do the people who are starting just not seek after His kingdom? Is it possible that every person who is starving doesn't trust in God? Why in the world are there people without food when God says "Don't worry about it"?
You may say I'm doubting God for just writing this, and maybe I am. But, I just don't get it. How can you use the ravens (not the football team in Baltimore, actual birds) as an example of something that doesn't reap or sow and still God feeds them, tell people we're more important than ravens, and then have billions of starving (real starving - not like people in the U.S.) around the world?
I don't get that, and IT BUGS ME! Probably not as much as that NC State loss though - you're up 16!
I'm trying to watch the games at work, and people keep calling me to do computer stuff. THAT BUGS ME!
Through some miracle I get all the games on the internet, but then my time runs out and I'm stuck with only CBS. THAT BUGS ME!
We didn't have the heat on last night, because it was so nice. I wake up this morning - icicles hanging off my sides. THAT BUGS ME!
And as we're into Day 16 of this Daniel Plan. something bugs me. Yes, I have started to enjoy the food (maybe enjoy is too strong a word, think "don't dread eating anymore"). Yes, the food prep has been tough when you actually have something to do in life, but for the most part I've relished it. Yes, the comments about the gross stuff I'm eating and the Daniel Plan discussions have died down, but there is this whole new group of healthy friends I have. And yes, I am down to 170 - about ten more pounds and I won't be fat!
BUT SOMETHING STILL BUGS ME!
I read this, this morning:
29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
IT BUGS ME!
Why can't the poor do the Daniel Plan? Why can't they choose from healthy or non-healthy options? Why can't they decide if they want to drink a Veggie Mocktail or skip it for some Kale salad?
Doesn't Jesus say here, "Don't worry about it. God knows you need it. These things will be given to you as well"?
What's the deal there? Do the people who are starting just not seek after His kingdom? Is it possible that every person who is starving doesn't trust in God? Why in the world are there people without food when God says "Don't worry about it"?
You may say I'm doubting God for just writing this, and maybe I am. But, I just don't get it. How can you use the ravens (not the football team in Baltimore, actual birds) as an example of something that doesn't reap or sow and still God feeds them, tell people we're more important than ravens, and then have billions of starving (real starving - not like people in the U.S.) around the world?
I don't get that, and IT BUGS ME! Probably not as much as that NC State loss though - you're up 16!
Monday, March 17, 2014
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
Louisville is a #4 seed! Wait, that is a different article.
I can't believe that for the last three days, not only have I not lost weight, I've actually gained some. Sure, I've lost a ton since the start, but I'm pretty sure that I could be at 174 pounds and not have to spend $200 on groceries. I'm pretty sure I could be at 174 pounds and not spend a more time preparing meals than playing with my kids. I'm pretty sure I could be at 174 pounds and not drink celery, spinach and garlic from a blender. I'm pretty sure I could be at 174 pounds and not have to bring my lunches and dinners to different places like a third-grader on a field trip.
When I started the Daniel Plan, I wanted to see what it would do. Shockingly, I've never eaten like this before in my life (I've probably prepared more meals in the last two weeks than I have in the last 42 years!). It looks like I may have plateaued on the weight loss. Yesterday I forgot to bring my wallet into Aldi and did a couple other goofy things. My workouts have been less energetic, and I even got angry over something stupid yesterday.
My life has been pretty much the same as before I went all lettuce! It may even be going downhill.
Obviously, I'm going to keep going. Two weeks is not enough time to reverse 42 years of damage. But, if it was Easter Sunday today, I would just eat cheap healthy foods, skip a lot of the food prep, and maybe (I know this is going to be difficult for some people to hear), maybe even eat some processed food.
I will say, I've gotten into a groove with food prep and dishes. Our counter is spotless right now and I'm making stuff in no time. We even have kind of a little Sunday routine where we make a family menu and go shop for the stuff - Oh boy, this is what my life is coming too. I'm excited about meal prep and dishes!
Back to thinking about why Louisville is a #4 seed!
I can't believe that for the last three days, not only have I not lost weight, I've actually gained some. Sure, I've lost a ton since the start, but I'm pretty sure that I could be at 174 pounds and not have to spend $200 on groceries. I'm pretty sure I could be at 174 pounds and not spend a more time preparing meals than playing with my kids. I'm pretty sure I could be at 174 pounds and not drink celery, spinach and garlic from a blender. I'm pretty sure I could be at 174 pounds and not have to bring my lunches and dinners to different places like a third-grader on a field trip.
When I started the Daniel Plan, I wanted to see what it would do. Shockingly, I've never eaten like this before in my life (I've probably prepared more meals in the last two weeks than I have in the last 42 years!). It looks like I may have plateaued on the weight loss. Yesterday I forgot to bring my wallet into Aldi and did a couple other goofy things. My workouts have been less energetic, and I even got angry over something stupid yesterday.
My life has been pretty much the same as before I went all lettuce! It may even be going downhill.
Obviously, I'm going to keep going. Two weeks is not enough time to reverse 42 years of damage. But, if it was Easter Sunday today, I would just eat cheap healthy foods, skip a lot of the food prep, and maybe (I know this is going to be difficult for some people to hear), maybe even eat some processed food.
I will say, I've gotten into a groove with food prep and dishes. Our counter is spotless right now and I'm making stuff in no time. We even have kind of a little Sunday routine where we make a family menu and go shop for the stuff - Oh boy, this is what my life is coming too. I'm excited about meal prep and dishes!
Back to thinking about why Louisville is a #4 seed!
Friday, March 14, 2014
I AM FAT AND NOBODY LIKES ME!
There's been a lot of great lines since we've started this Daniel Plan, but Rob Brost went to the top of the leader board with that one. "I am fat and nobody likes me!" I was at a PTA meeting when I read that and laughed out loud (then laughed even harder at his texts later that evening - sorry, not appropriate for a family blog).
So, it's been ten days, and I could say that I'm still on the FAT AND NOBODY LIKES ME plan. I'm still about 13.5 (roughly) pounds away from where I probably should be. And, as I was reading Rick Warren this morning, I'm not to the point where I'd rather have a plate of vegetables than a hamburger, but........
We had a grueling basketball practice yesterday! I ran the girls through our summer basketball workout. It's basically 40 minutes of movement! Felt great! I even did 2 defensive shuffles and 3 suicides afterwards - and fast (I only lost to one girl!). That was my whole goal, to be able to play sports again, and yesterday I felt like I may be on track! And then.....
I ate something that actually looked like normal food this morning! Eggs, like yellow eggs. Not some crazy green or red (I'm noticing the color of food really does matter - drinks should not be green unless they start with M and end with Dew!). And, today I will put another thing on the "NEVER AGAIN" list - quinoa. At roughly 12:25 it will touch my mouth for the last time!
I was thinking this morning, "Could I really eat like this forever?" Forever is a long time, but I've done it for ten days - what's 12,000 more? (About 40 more years of life times 300). And can you imagine how skinny I'd be by then?
Now, getting someone to like me - that's going to take a miracle!
So, it's been ten days, and I could say that I'm still on the FAT AND NOBODY LIKES ME plan. I'm still about 13.5 (roughly) pounds away from where I probably should be. And, as I was reading Rick Warren this morning, I'm not to the point where I'd rather have a plate of vegetables than a hamburger, but........
We had a grueling basketball practice yesterday! I ran the girls through our summer basketball workout. It's basically 40 minutes of movement! Felt great! I even did 2 defensive shuffles and 3 suicides afterwards - and fast (I only lost to one girl!). That was my whole goal, to be able to play sports again, and yesterday I felt like I may be on track! And then.....
I ate something that actually looked like normal food this morning! Eggs, like yellow eggs. Not some crazy green or red (I'm noticing the color of food really does matter - drinks should not be green unless they start with M and end with Dew!). And, today I will put another thing on the "NEVER AGAIN" list - quinoa. At roughly 12:25 it will touch my mouth for the last time!
I was thinking this morning, "Could I really eat like this forever?" Forever is a long time, but I've done it for ten days - what's 12,000 more? (About 40 more years of life times 300). And can you imagine how skinny I'd be by then?
Now, getting someone to like me - that's going to take a miracle!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
BUBBLE WATCH!
It's that time of the year, where experts like Joe Lunardi tell us which teams are in the NCAA Tourney and which teams are out. Every morning on SportsCenter, you hear about which teams punched their ticket, and last week Harvard became the FIRST TEAM IN.
Well, in honor of Joe, I'm doing the Daniel Plan Bubble Watch. And the FIRST TEAM OUT is......the VEGGIE MOCKTAIL! Never again will that recipe touch my lips. At 6:35 this morning I gulped down my last swig (before I dumped the rest) and swore to never go back. Just the fact that anyone would be allowed to publish that recipe in a book that people might actually read and try should be punishable by law. I've got a bad taste in my mouth just writing about it.
And just so you know, QUINOA is on the bubble list right now too! As soon as I finish this breakfast casserole, they may also be booted from the "Field of 64" (sorry, I'm a traditionalist, 68 sounds weird!)
Next on SportsCenter....
It's Uh-Oh Time! The whole reason I started this Daniel Plan was to get my body healthier so I could play basketball. My thought process was I would give up the enjoyment of food if I could gain the enjoyment of playing sports again - my true love.
So, every time I walk on the basketball court it's a Daniel Plan Report Card. Yesterday, they did not Meet! My legs felt just as bad as when I'd have a 44 ouncer and 2 Toranados for breakfast (oh, does that sound good right now! Wait! Focus!). I've even noticed that my energy level at workouts has been not so stellar. But, for now, I'm blaming the Veggie Mocktail, and we'll see what happens in 40 more days.
I did just realize that I've lost 16 pounds in the first 8 days and have 40 left to get down to what I think would be a good weight for me - 160 (that's another 15 pounds). Easy, right?
After drinking a total of four Veggie Mocktails in an eight day span, I fell like anything is possible!
Well, in honor of Joe, I'm doing the Daniel Plan Bubble Watch. And the FIRST TEAM OUT is......the VEGGIE MOCKTAIL! Never again will that recipe touch my lips. At 6:35 this morning I gulped down my last swig (before I dumped the rest) and swore to never go back. Just the fact that anyone would be allowed to publish that recipe in a book that people might actually read and try should be punishable by law. I've got a bad taste in my mouth just writing about it.
And just so you know, QUINOA is on the bubble list right now too! As soon as I finish this breakfast casserole, they may also be booted from the "Field of 64" (sorry, I'm a traditionalist, 68 sounds weird!)
Next on SportsCenter....
It's Uh-Oh Time! The whole reason I started this Daniel Plan was to get my body healthier so I could play basketball. My thought process was I would give up the enjoyment of food if I could gain the enjoyment of playing sports again - my true love.
So, every time I walk on the basketball court it's a Daniel Plan Report Card. Yesterday, they did not Meet! My legs felt just as bad as when I'd have a 44 ouncer and 2 Toranados for breakfast (oh, does that sound good right now! Wait! Focus!). I've even noticed that my energy level at workouts has been not so stellar. But, for now, I'm blaming the Veggie Mocktail, and we'll see what happens in 40 more days.
I did just realize that I've lost 16 pounds in the first 8 days and have 40 left to get down to what I think would be a good weight for me - 160 (that's another 15 pounds). Easy, right?
After drinking a total of four Veggie Mocktails in an eight day span, I fell like anything is possible!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
175.5 - THE ONE WEEK REVIEW!
Fraternity's should try this Daniel Plan. Forget sleep deprivation, pushing pennies with your nose, and whatever else those crazy frat guys do - have pledges blend up some beets, celery, ginger root and spinach, and you'll find out who really wants in!
So, it's been a week, and after a week of anything you should reflect (Unless you've done a week of a big fat nothing, then just move on)!
And since the Daniel Plan is all about the five F's, let's use that.
FAITH - Honestly, I have seen myself get more honest with God. I would say there hasn't been any huge changes as this wasn't a huge focus of my Daniel Plan. But, I have found myself praying to be able to just take one more bite or cursing the devil who made quinoa! (Side note, I just finished my quinoa last night - don't see myself ever going back!)
FITNESS - Workouts have been pretty much the same. Body was really sore a couple days ago, but feels good right now. I'm playing basketball the next two days, so we'll see if I'm the Tony Melton of old (wait, my goal was to run and jump - never was much of a jumper).
FOCUS - This is the big one! I do notice my brain feeling like it's on that crazy expensive gas that I never get at Speedway! For example, we had this rock idea. It was going to take a little time, and I'm not the greatest handyman / guy type stuff guy, but I was all in. Bought the rocks, thought of a great way to clean the rocks and transport them to school, even thought of a great way to be able to write on them. Just a lot of things I normally wouldn't have come up with. In fact, as I think about it, I had the most clear thoughts that I've had at a tech coaches meeting the other day. Maybe Coke does interfere with the brain signals!
FRIENDS - This has been one of the coolest things. I've talked to a lot of people about what I'm eating (surprisingly they've never seen anyone eat this junk!), and I've made this whole new community of healthy eating people (including a life long buddy from Trader Joes). And it's very cool to connect with other Daniel Plan folks and talk about how much we enjoy this (some, who put vegetables in their drinks while on the beach, more than others!)
FOOD - Little change here! Here's the math equation that doesn't add up. We spend a lot of time preparing food.....AND IT'S HORRIBLE! You would think that the amount of hours that goes into food prep that this stuff would actually taste good (No offense chicken pesto, you were awesome!). So, not sure I could do this for the long term, but I have gotten into a prepare the night before, do the dishes, throw this stuff down rhythm.
And here's the big one. I weighed in at 191 on Fat Tuesday night. This morning: 175.5...in a week. A little off of my original pace, but at this rate, by Easter I'll be 100!
So, it's been a week, and after a week of anything you should reflect (Unless you've done a week of a big fat nothing, then just move on)!
And since the Daniel Plan is all about the five F's, let's use that.
FAITH - Honestly, I have seen myself get more honest with God. I would say there hasn't been any huge changes as this wasn't a huge focus of my Daniel Plan. But, I have found myself praying to be able to just take one more bite or cursing the devil who made quinoa! (Side note, I just finished my quinoa last night - don't see myself ever going back!)
FITNESS - Workouts have been pretty much the same. Body was really sore a couple days ago, but feels good right now. I'm playing basketball the next two days, so we'll see if I'm the Tony Melton of old (wait, my goal was to run and jump - never was much of a jumper).
FOCUS - This is the big one! I do notice my brain feeling like it's on that crazy expensive gas that I never get at Speedway! For example, we had this rock idea. It was going to take a little time, and I'm not the greatest handyman / guy type stuff guy, but I was all in. Bought the rocks, thought of a great way to clean the rocks and transport them to school, even thought of a great way to be able to write on them. Just a lot of things I normally wouldn't have come up with. In fact, as I think about it, I had the most clear thoughts that I've had at a tech coaches meeting the other day. Maybe Coke does interfere with the brain signals!
FRIENDS - This has been one of the coolest things. I've talked to a lot of people about what I'm eating (surprisingly they've never seen anyone eat this junk!), and I've made this whole new community of healthy eating people (including a life long buddy from Trader Joes). And it's very cool to connect with other Daniel Plan folks and talk about how much we enjoy this (some, who put vegetables in their drinks while on the beach, more than others!)
FOOD - Little change here! Here's the math equation that doesn't add up. We spend a lot of time preparing food.....AND IT'S HORRIBLE! You would think that the amount of hours that goes into food prep that this stuff would actually taste good (No offense chicken pesto, you were awesome!). So, not sure I could do this for the long term, but I have gotten into a prepare the night before, do the dishes, throw this stuff down rhythm.
And here's the big one. I weighed in at 191 on Fat Tuesday night. This morning: 175.5...in a week. A little off of my original pace, but at this rate, by Easter I'll be 100!
Monday, March 10, 2014
I FEEL SOMETHING!
I can't quite describe it! It was something! It felt weird, but weird in a good way! As I went to church yesterday morning, my body felt good! Throughout the day, felt good. When I went to sleep, I was tired, but not the "I have to lay down tired." It was a good tired!
This junk may be working!
Sure, I've got this thing with my shoulder that just popped up when I started eating tree bark. Sure, I am eating rice with milk and flax seed right now - and it's kind of disgusting. Sure, I spent my whole Sunday on meal preparation. But....
The whole world seems clearer, my mind is firing on all cylinders, I'm noticing things I've never noticed. As I walk, my body feels the way, I think, God intended it to feel. My workouts are better, my mind is sharper.....
OK, none of that is quite accurate, but these are the first positive signs (besides the weight loss - down twelve) of this Daniel Plan. Maybe it takes like five days to reverse the negative affects from 42 years of the Speedway Plan, but I see hope.
To be honest, I'm not sure I want hope. I kind of want to have no changes whatsoever so I can just eat normal food forever, but this Daniel Plan might have something. Who knew?
This junk may be working!
Sure, I've got this thing with my shoulder that just popped up when I started eating tree bark. Sure, I am eating rice with milk and flax seed right now - and it's kind of disgusting. Sure, I spent my whole Sunday on meal preparation. But....
The whole world seems clearer, my mind is firing on all cylinders, I'm noticing things I've never noticed. As I walk, my body feels the way, I think, God intended it to feel. My workouts are better, my mind is sharper.....
OK, none of that is quite accurate, but these are the first positive signs (besides the weight loss - down twelve) of this Daniel Plan. Maybe it takes like five days to reverse the negative affects from 42 years of the Speedway Plan, but I see hope.
To be honest, I'm not sure I want hope. I kind of want to have no changes whatsoever so I can just eat normal food forever, but this Daniel Plan might have something. Who knew?
Sunday, March 9, 2014
I'M TIRED!
I had a hard time getting out of my seat at an incredible junior play last night! I couldn't go five minutes without wanting to sit down while playing Xbox. I just couldn't walk Freddie last night when we got home.
I THOUGHT I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE MORE ENERGY!
I'm guessing that a man who could drink multiple 44 ouncers for the good part of the last 3,560 days of their life will take a little while for the healthy food to take effect. But, if I eat all the junk that's in my fridge right now, spend zillions of dollars on groceries, and take hours of my life to prepare food, and do that for forty days......AND HAVE LESS ENERGY, there's going to be a knock on Daniel's door!
On the positive side, I think my brother and I shared edamame and salmon yesterday for the first time in our lives. And this Daniel Plan does give you something to talk about in almost any situation. Healthy and unhealthy people love to talk about quinoa!
And although I'm starting to look at those Coca-Colas like Marty looked at steaks in Madagascar, I might be getting used to this life style. Yesterday, I poured out a Coke. Sure, it had been sitting in my car for a week, but last Tuesday I would have drank that up.
Jim asked me yesterday, "What's been your favorite?"
TONY'S TOP FIVE AFTER FOUR DAYS:
1) Cinnamon covered almonds
2) Beef Stew
3) Tempeh Stir-fry
4) Vegetables with hummus
5) Crunchy chickpeas
OK, gotta go get my quinoa oatmeal off the stove. Can't wait!
I THOUGHT I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE MORE ENERGY!
I'm guessing that a man who could drink multiple 44 ouncers for the good part of the last 3,560 days of their life will take a little while for the healthy food to take effect. But, if I eat all the junk that's in my fridge right now, spend zillions of dollars on groceries, and take hours of my life to prepare food, and do that for forty days......AND HAVE LESS ENERGY, there's going to be a knock on Daniel's door!
On the positive side, I think my brother and I shared edamame and salmon yesterday for the first time in our lives. And this Daniel Plan does give you something to talk about in almost any situation. Healthy and unhealthy people love to talk about quinoa!
And although I'm starting to look at those Coca-Colas like Marty looked at steaks in Madagascar, I might be getting used to this life style. Yesterday, I poured out a Coke. Sure, it had been sitting in my car for a week, but last Tuesday I would have drank that up.
Jim asked me yesterday, "What's been your favorite?"
TONY'S TOP FIVE AFTER FOUR DAYS:
1) Cinnamon covered almonds
2) Beef Stew
3) Tempeh Stir-fry
4) Vegetables with hummus
5) Crunchy chickpeas
OK, gotta go get my quinoa oatmeal off the stove. Can't wait!
Friday, March 7, 2014
RUMOR NOT TRUE - DOGS WILL EAT THIS
Today, some of my veggie omelet (sounds good right? Not when you take all the junk that didn't "juice" and pour it in - beets, ginger root, spinach, yuck!) fell to the floor. Freddie, my dog, was in the kitchen as he always is when we are making food. It was the moment of truth. Would Freddie, who loves all food besides these dog treats we once bought, actually eat the Daniel Plan junk?
He did it! So, just when you think this stuff is worse than dog food - you're wrong!
Two big breakthroughs today: 1) For the first time, I actually ate more of something than I was supposed to! I may have sneaked a few more than 25 of those cinnamon almonds into my mouth. Tasty! And they smelled so good last night.
#2 is #2! I have been a little worried! Haven't dropped the boys off at the pool since we started this thing. I won't go too much into it, but that is taken care of.
Obviously, those were both big moments in my life; however this morning was an even bigger one. This Daniel Plan is driving us crazy. Last night, I had to run out to Ultra Foods to find nitrate free turkey - even the deli lady didn't know what that was, but got a great deal on the best turkey you can buy! I come home and chop up a few vegetables for a Beef Stew. Then, I start doing the dishes - there are a ton of dishes when you're cooking all the time! My wife says she will do them while I walk the dog.
Again, it's a ten o'clock bedtime (that's two hours past my normal). We get up, walk the dog, go to cut the meat. Have you ever cut up chuck roast? I think it would be easier to just take it off the cow (and that cow was definitely not on the Daniel Plan - lot of fat!). So, we're using knives, scissors, swords, the chain saw and my daughter wakes up. She has to go to basketball early! We forgot!
Now it's make the stew, cook an omelet, get my nuts ready (almonds, that is!), and pack up some romaine, turkey and frozen berries for my food - while getting daughter to school and making it to Madison on time to show a video!
If not the food, making it, may just kill us all. But, I am down ten pounds on the scale (that put's me at -10 by the time we're done with this!) and the math class I teach was telling me about the healthy food they brought for lunch today - so there is some definite good coming out of it!
He did it! So, just when you think this stuff is worse than dog food - you're wrong!
Two big breakthroughs today: 1) For the first time, I actually ate more of something than I was supposed to! I may have sneaked a few more than 25 of those cinnamon almonds into my mouth. Tasty! And they smelled so good last night.
#2 is #2! I have been a little worried! Haven't dropped the boys off at the pool since we started this thing. I won't go too much into it, but that is taken care of.
Obviously, those were both big moments in my life; however this morning was an even bigger one. This Daniel Plan is driving us crazy. Last night, I had to run out to Ultra Foods to find nitrate free turkey - even the deli lady didn't know what that was, but got a great deal on the best turkey you can buy! I come home and chop up a few vegetables for a Beef Stew. Then, I start doing the dishes - there are a ton of dishes when you're cooking all the time! My wife says she will do them while I walk the dog.
Again, it's a ten o'clock bedtime (that's two hours past my normal). We get up, walk the dog, go to cut the meat. Have you ever cut up chuck roast? I think it would be easier to just take it off the cow (and that cow was definitely not on the Daniel Plan - lot of fat!). So, we're using knives, scissors, swords, the chain saw and my daughter wakes up. She has to go to basketball early! We forgot!
Now it's make the stew, cook an omelet, get my nuts ready (almonds, that is!), and pack up some romaine, turkey and frozen berries for my food - while getting daughter to school and making it to Madison on time to show a video!
If not the food, making it, may just kill us all. But, I am down ten pounds on the scale (that put's me at -10 by the time we're done with this!) and the math class I teach was telling me about the healthy food they brought for lunch today - so there is some definite good coming out of it!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF!
It sounded like a great idea! Use the 1 SecDailyPic app, take a picture of my bare belly for forty days straight, and see what happens. First, the app blows! It kept on dying on me. Next, I AM FAT!! LIKE DISGUSTING FAT!!! LIKE IT WAS MORE DISGUSTING TO LOOK AT MY BELLY THAN THE DRINK A CUP OF BEETS, CELERY, GINGER ROOT AND WHATEVER THE HECK ELSE WAS IN THERE!
I guess the camera really doesn't lie, and it's probably a good thing that I drank that same cup of junk this morning for breakfast (switched it up a little - living on the wild side!) and eating quinoa, steamed veggies and way too much apple-cider vinegar for the second day in a row (I realized quickly that those recipes are way too much food for one day, and it's not the type of food you like to gorge out on!).
And I will say, I woke up this morning and it said I had lost 7.5 pounds since Fat Tuesday! I love scales - they lie so much! But, I am noticing a few things.
As I ate yesterday. I didn't rush. (You almost need a break in between bites to stop from throwing up!) I sat down and talked to my wife. I didn't eat too much (really, who wants to eat more of that junk!). And I didn't focus on eating. It was quite the opposite, instead of looking forward to what I was going to eat I couldn't wait until I was done eating.
Although, it was tough to swallow (literally - except for that stir fry thing. I could eat that every day!), I also finished everything. It taught me that none of this stuff is going to kill me (ok, maybe that apple-cider vinegar will lead to a slow death), and I really can't wait to see the good it's going to do for my body.
So, I did end up taking a picture; because I want to visually see what this does. But, more importantly, it's kind of a sign: How I viewed eating before the Daniel Plan and how that may change come Easter.
I guess the camera really doesn't lie, and it's probably a good thing that I drank that same cup of junk this morning for breakfast (switched it up a little - living on the wild side!) and eating quinoa, steamed veggies and way too much apple-cider vinegar for the second day in a row (I realized quickly that those recipes are way too much food for one day, and it's not the type of food you like to gorge out on!).
And I will say, I woke up this morning and it said I had lost 7.5 pounds since Fat Tuesday! I love scales - they lie so much! But, I am noticing a few things.
As I ate yesterday. I didn't rush. (You almost need a break in between bites to stop from throwing up!) I sat down and talked to my wife. I didn't eat too much (really, who wants to eat more of that junk!). And I didn't focus on eating. It was quite the opposite, instead of looking forward to what I was going to eat I couldn't wait until I was done eating.
Although, it was tough to swallow (literally - except for that stir fry thing. I could eat that every day!), I also finished everything. It taught me that none of this stuff is going to kill me (ok, maybe that apple-cider vinegar will lead to a slow death), and I really can't wait to see the good it's going to do for my body.
So, I did end up taking a picture; because I want to visually see what this does. But, more importantly, it's kind of a sign: How I viewed eating before the Daniel Plan and how that may change come Easter.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
WORST LENT EVER!
We're only 8 hours in, and this is definitely the worst Lent I've ever had....and that's saying something (I once went 40 days eating only bread and water!). Already, at this point, I've spent two and a half hours (and a gazillion dollars; although it was fun trying to find the stuff) shopping for food. One night I even ditched my daughter who wanted to play basketball! Then, I was up until 10:00 making stuff for today's first three meals (yes, only three of the five that I need today.)
I made the shake. Our friend told me to put it in the freezer, take it out in the morning, let it thaw for a couple hours and drink it. I took it out at 4, it's 8 - still frozen. I'm having carrots, cucumbers, celery and jicama (which, by the way, blows!) for breakfast.
I know what you're saying, "Isn't there supposed to be humus with those vegetables?" Well, I made the humus last night not knowing exactly what a clove of garlic was. I used two whole things - my wife says that is bad for you. No humus!
Then, I made the quinoa, which is going to take 40 days just to learn how to pronounce, and even steamed some vegetables. In the book it says to make this dressing - with apple cider vinegar. I don't care what you put before it - it's still vinegar! But, I made it. And I mixed it up with the quinoa and vegetables. I walked by dog for a half-hour last night, and still was about to throw up when I got home just from thinking about the smell. I was sweating in my bed just thinking about having to eat that.
Good news, I am fat (191 last night). And if nothing else, this food will be so terrible that I won't eat for forty days and lose a lot of weight! And as I eat this jicama, it kind of grows on you.
It will definitely be an interesting 40 days - oops, there's my first of many flagulations!
I made the shake. Our friend told me to put it in the freezer, take it out in the morning, let it thaw for a couple hours and drink it. I took it out at 4, it's 8 - still frozen. I'm having carrots, cucumbers, celery and jicama (which, by the way, blows!) for breakfast.
I know what you're saying, "Isn't there supposed to be humus with those vegetables?" Well, I made the humus last night not knowing exactly what a clove of garlic was. I used two whole things - my wife says that is bad for you. No humus!
Then, I made the quinoa, which is going to take 40 days just to learn how to pronounce, and even steamed some vegetables. In the book it says to make this dressing - with apple cider vinegar. I don't care what you put before it - it's still vinegar! But, I made it. And I mixed it up with the quinoa and vegetables. I walked by dog for a half-hour last night, and still was about to throw up when I got home just from thinking about the smell. I was sweating in my bed just thinking about having to eat that.
Good news, I am fat (191 last night). And if nothing else, this food will be so terrible that I won't eat for forty days and lose a lot of weight! And as I eat this jicama, it kind of grows on you.
It will definitely be an interesting 40 days - oops, there's my first of many flagulations!
Monday, March 3, 2014
THE BIGGEST SIN!
Do you know what the biggest sin in the world is? Before I tell you, let me share my morning. I woke up at three. You know the kind of waking up where you still lay in bed but aren't sleeping. Thoughts of what I could do in the one class I teach started popping in my head. Have an imaginary box delivered to my room. Dress up like a pirate! Quit, walk out, and have the kids teach themselves! By 3:45, I'm up (even before the dog was ready to walk!)
So, do you know what the biggest sin in the world is? Before I tell you, let me share what I just read. Jesus is talking about the bucket and light thing. You don't hide the light with a bucket, or something like that. That's what I thought about when I was awake at 3a.m. It's been a long time since I did goofy stuff in the classroom. Call it laziness, lack of motivation, just trying to get by, not wanting to make a fool of myself - whatever the reason, it's been a while since I've really been the person God made me to be.
So, about that biggest sin in the world? Are you ready for it? Actually, I've already told you. Whenever we don't do something God made us to do, that's it! Whenever we have a chance to let our light shine and don't, that's it! Whenever we settle for doing something instead of doing something great, that's it!
I think far too often God gives us these great ideas. But, because they seem too crazy or would take too much energy or require too much time - we don't do them. Those great ideas could change the world, one crazy idea at a time.
So, the next time you get a little whisper from God, just do it! If you don't, it may just be worse than anything on the Big Ten!
So, do you know what the biggest sin in the world is? Before I tell you, let me share what I just read. Jesus is talking about the bucket and light thing. You don't hide the light with a bucket, or something like that. That's what I thought about when I was awake at 3a.m. It's been a long time since I did goofy stuff in the classroom. Call it laziness, lack of motivation, just trying to get by, not wanting to make a fool of myself - whatever the reason, it's been a while since I've really been the person God made me to be.
So, about that biggest sin in the world? Are you ready for it? Actually, I've already told you. Whenever we don't do something God made us to do, that's it! Whenever we have a chance to let our light shine and don't, that's it! Whenever we settle for doing something instead of doing something great, that's it!
I think far too often God gives us these great ideas. But, because they seem too crazy or would take too much energy or require too much time - we don't do them. Those great ideas could change the world, one crazy idea at a time.
So, the next time you get a little whisper from God, just do it! If you don't, it may just be worse than anything on the Big Ten!
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