Vegetarian Weigh-In #2

Whut up, ya'll?

Yeah, I know, I haven't blogged in a week. I've been soaking in my Steelers' win and taking it easy before I complete the site's revamp. More on the Super Bowl later.

Today was Vegetarian Weigh-In #2, and I'm pleased to say I've finished another successful week. I'm down to 206 pounds and continue to have energy on top of energy. I can see the weight-loss in my face and neck as well as being able to notch my belt one extra hole. I worked out twice this week and stayed true to my diet all week long (with the exception of the Super Bowl, but I'd made concessions for it in advance). I'm still not experiencing the afternoon trough and for the most part I continue to wake-up much easier. I did have problems early in the week with getting up on time which can be traced back to my lack of sleep from the weekend. I've decided to shoot for a stricter sleep schedule on the weekends so as to not throw off my weekdays.

All in all, a very good week. I'm coming up with a routine this weekend for strength-training, again with body-weight exercises. I'll draw up a plan on Saturday and punch it in same day for instant momentum. This will add to both the energy AND weight-loss.

I must admit, there are times when I get hungry enough that I wonder if it's all worth it. This hunger only comes, though, when I'm late for a meal. I'm rarely hungry between meals anymore, or at night after my 7:00 pm deadline. I don't really have a taste for pop anymore, either; my daily consumption has fallen drastically, which I suppose can only be a good thing. The hardest part is walking around the grocery store and seeing all the things I used to buy and wouldn't think twice about eating. If I shop after work (since it's on my route home) then I'm late for my meal, hungry, and going eye-to-eye with all the sugary, carb-loaded sweetness I enjoyed in the past. If I'm satiated, no problem: All the ice cream and cookies in the world can't tempt me. I'm immune to their seductive ways.

And that's the great thing: I'm eating so healthy now that I don't crave like I used to so long as I stick to my schedule. I've eaten two oranges today, and I'm looking at the third. I sometimes leave one of my sandwiches in the work fridge and eat it on the way home instead of lunch. I bring cans of pop to work with me but I only drink them if I'm eating cashews, and even then I don't always need it. I'm hungry at the right times but don't really crave anymore. And for a guy who used to crave all the time that's a HUGE accomplishment.

I'd eat, then an hour or two later be ready for another meal. There never seemed to be enough food in the apartment, and I was always re-stocking. Now the only things I re-stock are oranges and whole grain bread (whole grain bread comes in the smallest loafs! Unbelievable.). South Beach did well to cut my cravings, but going vegetarian has pushed me that extra step to nearly eliminate them completely. Good stuff.

And I have to remind myself in those lean times when I've not eaten yet and the Hot Pockets look almost too good to pass up that the South Beach portion of my diet won't last forever. I'm still on Phase 2, and once I reach my goal weight I can shift to Phase 3 where I get to enjoy pasta again (how I miss you!) and other foods strictly verboten in the first two phases. Phase 3 or not, however, I'll still need moderation, but at least I can expand my dietary repertoire. It'll be nice.

My diet goal for this next week: Include more fruits. I ate lots of fruit the first week, then become so satisfied I only ate them for breakfast this week. My snacks have been cashews, but I'll be switching them out with fruit again to maintain balance and energy.

Here's to another healthy week!