Day 1

Day one

My challenge has started. And I'm ready.  I've been weighed measured and photographed.

My menus are in place, I’m drinking water, I’m journaling my calories, and I’m exercising.  All that is left to do is watch the results.

I’m not going to share my stats with you at this point, but I will share my before photo

Yes the picture is awful.  I choose it, so my after pictures will look that much better.



I'm Not Alone

One thing on this blog I haven’t talked about yet is my faith.  I’m whole heartily a born again believer of Jesus Christ.  I say it this way because in the south everybody is a Christian regardless if they ever heard God’s word or not.  I truly believe that salvation and heaven can only be found in Jesus.  As for other religions and faiths, I totally respect them and the great sacrifices they make for their beliefs.  I don’t believe they will enter heaven, but I also expect nonbelievers to think that I won’t either.

There are so many things in my life that was only made possible through God.  For example I would never have met my wife and had my daughter.  My relationship with my family would have been far different than it is now.  But the biggest change in my life is I no longer walk alone.  Christ is with me everywhere I go, and He will be with me on my weight loss journey.  I expect it to be hard at times because I won’t be able at all times to with my family at restaurants or share in with deserts and then there are those who will be envious of my success.  I can accept this because I’ll never be alone.  God is always with me.

Discipline

I once heard a definition of discipline that made since to me.  Discipline is saying to no to the little things so can you can say yes to the big things.  Simply this means no to bad food choices and yes to a fit and healthy me.  I’m going to say no to little things like donuts and Mountain Dew and say yes to the things listed below

1.       A new wardrobe

2.       Not cringing at photos of myself

3.       Fitting into an airplane seat

4.       An extreme amount of confidence

5.       Riding rollercoasters with my daughter

6.       To be an encouragement to others

7.       Shopping for clothes at any store I want to

8.       Good blood pressure

9.       Cholesterol at the right levels

10.    Not looking different than anyone else in the room

Sean 1 Caffeine 0

Woke up this morning and no headache, no feeling like crap.  I feel pretty good actually. Now I just have to continue.  8 glasses of water seems like a lot, but in reality if you cut out all other drinks or just have a Pepsi for dinner you can get it done.  The trick is to drink water throughout the day and make it as normal as drinking any other beverage.  But people don't do this.  They have to go out and buy the biggest sports bottle they can find or a traveling mug the size of keg. They just have to drink 8 glasses; no one said you have to act like your trying to pass a drug test.

Caffeine Addiction

It is sad to think just about everyone in America is addicted to caffeine.  I read a report that stated that in North America about 80 to 90 percent of us are addicted and the majority doesn’t even know they are.  I am one of them.  I've been drinking water the last 2 days and no sodas, no tea, no coffee simply no caffeine.  I woke this morning with a headache and just in general felt crappy for half of the day.  But I got through it and I expect tomorrow to be about the same.  And after that I expect to feel much better, because the withdrawal symptoms will be gone.

Here is something to think about.  In Roman times gladiators won slaves as prizes.  These slaves were called addicts.  Since you know where I'm going.  I don't have to say if someone calls you an addict, they are really are calling you a slave.

H2O To Go

Another big step, I've just committed to go from drinking sodas and tea to going to water.  That’s right you heard me 6 to 8 glasses a day.  When it comes to living it healthy, I'm straight up hardcore.  I would like to see the Straight Edge Movement be that committed.  I don't just rebel against society norms, but against restaurants and combo meals.

Pre 90 Day Challenge

So, it's not like I'm just sitting around waiting for Dec 31st.  As funny as it might sound I'm training to lose weight.  Normally when someone starts a lifestyle change or a diet they just jump in head first not knowing what to expect and end up failing, because they had no idea of what it takes in the first place.  Think about it does it make sense for a runner to just to decide one day to do a marathon.  No they train first to prepare for the long run ahead of them.  I'm doing the same thing.  I'm preparing menus, gathering recipes, buying the right foods.  I'm getting in the habit of journaling what I eat.  I'm drinking more water and winging myself off sodas and caffeine. I'm working on a workout routine. When Dec 31st comes, I will be completely prepared and have everything in place for success.

Welcome to Argo is gold

I'm going to share with you a family tradition.  The word Argo has played an important role in my family.  It is my personal sports team for weight loss and fitness.  In the past Argo has showed up on hoodies, t-shirts, and even a bible cover.

Argo is Greek for gold.  Gold is pure, special and precious.  It is the first place prize in the Olympics and the metal of wedding rings.  That is what I'm seeking to be pure, special and precious. 

In the coming weeks starting on December 31st, I will start a 90 Day Fitness Challenge.  I choose Dec 31st because 90 days from this date is March 29th my birthday.