Breakfast Beans

Week One has ended and week two begins with beans for breakfast. How'd I do for week one?

Here's the numbers:
Current weight: 210
Total Inches: 162.75 - What?!
Current body fat %: who the H--- knows?

My body fat % is a wash this week. The instrument I was using to measure gave wildly erroneous numbers when I tested it with scrutiny. It gave my percentage from 19% to 28% in a single hour. I don't need it to be right on, I need it to always be the same amount off. Even if the error is large as long as it is consistent I can measure changes. So this number will start over at 27.3% stated by a new device.

As lose as pants are fitting I was very excited to take measurements until near total devastation presented itself in the form of NO CHANGE... I immediately looked for sugar. Bummer that my very first response to an unexpected result was to completely give up. However, a little preparation before hand allowed me to avoid disaster. The emotional tug of war during any lifestyle change is intense. I had pranced my way around for the last six days elated about the positive changes I had made in my life. There was more bounce in my step, and less of it was the result of belly jiggle. I had no idea how much emotional investment I had made in a favorable outcome to all my gut busting. That is until it didn't happen. I had adhered to the protocol with almost no deviation. What else could I do? What did I do wrong? It doesn't matter. I had made a decision to live a healthier lifestyle, the only part of the equation I really have any control over. The rest, as John Gabriel would say is to "relax, let go, and let it happen."

The silver lining: My total inches did change. From my hips waist and arms I lost 1.5". I gained .75" in each leg. This made my total inches the same but the proportions have changed, and for the better.

The numbers I'll keep:
Weight: 210
Body fat %: 27.3
Inches: 162.75"
Lean Mass: 153

Peace out.

Busting a gut.

The war on my weight. Not truly my weight because weight is not bad in and of itself. The percentage of body fat to lean mass is where shoes hit the dance floor. Either way you hold the tape my numbers are too high. This began in my mid twenties when my lifestyle changed from that of always on the mountain adventure guide to desk jokey, night working college kid. Talk about a change of pace. In three years I ballooned from a very fit 145lbs to 235 and a whopping 34% body fat. I was ready to take on any sofa. I suppose my body had decided that 235 was a great place to be because I basically stayed there for the next five years. Fat had pulled well into the lead. Not that I didnt fight, I did. My best sort-term weight loss got me down to 15% body fat at 195. Not too shabby except it didn't stick.

So what will stick? I've spent a few years looking for the answer. I have a basic theme that I will explore in this blog. A permanent change must begin in the heart. I suppose it all began when I came across the Gabriel Method. More on all that later.

Here are the day one numbers.
Present weight: 215 - From 235 a few months ago. I've done a bit of work already.
Body fat% 26.4, in case you don't know thats bad.
Total inches: 162.75, includes arms, legs, hips and waist.
Lean body mass: 159lbs

Basic premiss of "The Plan"
No calloric restrictions. That doesn't do a body good (neither does milk just in case you have never ever talked to me). I am eating all the veggies I could ever want, all the beans and legumes, leans meats (grass fed or wild) some nuts and very little fruits. This is basically the Paleo Diet. No grains or white starches of any kind. Then all that changes on cheat day! This is the "no holds barred" day. It serves two purposes. One, when tempted I can save it for cheat day limiting the damage. Two, a carb and callorie heavy day once per week will keep me from starvation mode. A loading day will serve to retain a high basal metabolic rate (BMR).

More to come about suppliments and why I'll be taking them. Also I'll be hitting the gym and Crossfit will be hitting me.

TTFN