Tech. Business. Life.

Part of me feels guilty for all the awesome folks coming here expecting a GourmetDudes post (sorry guys!), so I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on some healthy eating tips I’ve picked up over the years.  These are tips that, combined with a nearly religious 5 day a week training program have, as of this morning, allowed me to drop 15.5 lbs in the last 9 weeks.

(FYI, that’s a little under 2lbs/week and includes the ridiculous food frenzy that was Easter)

1) Replace ground beef with ground turkey - in everything.  You can’t even tell the difference, although it IS pricier.

2) Never skip breakfast - my personal preference is a cup of yogurt or a slim fast, followed up with a Kashi granola bar about an hour later.  (can’t forget the 2 cups of coffee either).

3)Indulge a little.  It’s easier to stay the course when you’re not starving or depriving yourself.   I find cheese nips and string cheese are great to keep on hand.  And, get a jar of Nutella and a teaspoon.  It’ll change your life.

4) Drink plenty of water - duh.

5) Keep alcohol to a minimum.  A glass of wine or a beer is no problem - but overdoing it will kill your progress (and make you feel to crappy to train the next day).

Extra notes - go vegetarian for a while, when in doubt - eat beans, take a vitamin daily, think of it as making yourself better - not as ‘dieting’….

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Well, it’s been a full week since I started passing on animal flesh in favors of other protein sources.  I must say, it’s been easier than I expected - even including two instances of eating out in “regular” restaurants.  I feel good, and I’m not really missing meat - although the weight loss has slowed down dramatically (guess that was to be expected).  It’s probably better to keep it at 3lbs a week or less anyway.  Plus, I’ve been lifting a lot, which makes losing weight harder (but looking good naked easier).

Today marks the first day of “official” half marathon training.   I’m excited, and a little nervous.  I’m more worried about having the time to do it right and staying injury and (hopefully) mostly pain free.  We will see!

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5 days without meat.  If you’d have told me a few months ago I’d be trying this, much less enjoying it, I’d have slapped you.  No seriously, it would have been so off the wall, I’d have actually slapped you. Unless you were a lady or bigger than me

So, I started this experiment Sunday.  That was 5 days and 4.5 pounds ago.  I attribute that to not only eating much healthier, but also the 9 miles I’ve run since then (thanks to the Half Marathon Training).  I’m sure my body will adjust and the weight loss will mellow out, but for now, I’ll take it.

My body still feel great - I actually feel more energetic and focused than I have in a while.  I’m sure some of that is just in my head…but again, I’ll take it.  I’m still enjoying the food, and the challenge of coming up with meals that are tasty and meat free.  I think, even when I allow meat back into my diet, it will be in much smaller quantities.

Of course, the way things are going, I’m not sure that will happen, except on special occasions.

On a running note - a 3-mile run is a regular, pretty easy thing now.  I’m actually starting the program Monday (it allowed perfect timing for the Music City Half-Marathon) - so I’ll be a step or so ahead of it for a week.  It ramps up quickly though, so I’m hoping my body can keep up with the demands.

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So, I’m winding down my third day of not consuming animal flesh.  I’ve learned that I’m a Lacto-Ovi-Vegetarian, meaning I eat dairy and eggs. I’ve also learned that, were I to choose this as a permanent lifestyle change, my chances of developing several types of cancer decrease dramatically.  I’ve already determined that I can save money by going this route.  Things are looking promising.

Overall, I still feel really good.  The additional fiber is, ummm….doing its job.  I also don’t get quite as hungry, but also never get that gross “over-full” feeling.  It may sound weird, but it feels like my body is running more efficiently.  Plus, figuring out what to make for dinner is fairly exciting.

I’ve also dropped two pounds so far.  In three days.  Of course, that could also be partially due to the crappy food I ate Friday and Saturday exiting my system and taking some water with it.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress of the experiment - I think this weekend is going to be the first real test.

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So, I’m going to bring back an old favorite, the “10 things I think” posts - which I unceremoniously hijacked from SI’s Peter King. They were a crowd favorite back in the day.

1)Blogging is more fun when you do it for you.  No pressure, no traffic stats, no worries.

2)This blog was supposed to be my SEO blog to generate leads.  It’ll be easier to change the title than to try to get excited about that!

3)Vegetarianism may, in fact, have its merits.  I feel really good.

4)I’ve got too much on my plate, and I’m loving it.  Work IS my hobby.  And I’m cool with that.

5)Good running shoes make all the difference.

6)I didn’t watch the SOTU Address tonight.  Because I already know.

7)My Xbox 360 is trying to ruin my life.

8)I’m happiest when I’m productive, but I want to be productive so I can achieve the ability to not feel compelled towards productivity anymore.  ’tis a conundrum.

9)I’m excited about the Half Marathon.  Really.  I think it’s going to rock.  My knees, however, are asking me to re-consider.

10)I’m super excited for this to be back to being ‘My’ blog.  Random.  Meaningless.  Hopefully funny.  Occasionally Poignant.  Practice for my writing skills.

Good enough start I suppose.

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So, in an attempt to improve my diet - I’m taking a month to go vegetarian.  Not vegan - (I’ll kill you if you touch my cheese) - but critter flesh is out until Feb 28.  I’m curious about this on several levels -  I wonder if I’m going to lose weight, and if I do, will it be sustainable?  I’m wondering if my body can keep up with my demanding lifestyle - and I’m wondering if I’ll just freak out and load up on cheeseburgers in a week.

Mostly - I’m wondering if I can have the discipline to stick it out.

Day 2 - I actually feel really, really good.  I felt good yesterday too - I’m focusing on healthy foods (no cheese pizza, please), and I feel very ‘clean’ and surprisingly alert.   I’ve got whey protein, lots of greens, and plenty o’beans ready, so I no longer have concern about protein deprivation.  I also discovered that I like pita and hummus (with buffalo sauce) more than, well, just about anything.

Note - I’m a HUGE carnivore - so this is a bit of a departure for me.  Any tips are greatly appreciated.

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