30 by 30: Cautiously Optimistic

STARTING WEIGHT: 237 lbs
CURRENT WEIGHT: 228 lbs
WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: -9 lbs
CHEST: 44 inches (even)
WAIST: 46.5 inches (-.5 inch)
HIPS: 47 inches (-1 inch)

“The meal’s not over when I’m full. The meal’s over when I hate myself.” –Louis C.K.

So I’ve made some progress in the weight loss department, but let’s face facts: I had severe stomach pains and was in the hospital recently. I’m down 9 lbs but that’s only because I ate oatmeal and water for 4-5 days. I’m feeling better but still being very careful about what I eat and I haven’t been able to get back to running. Which is too bad because the day before my stomach acted up I was finally able to run 3 miles in less than 30 minutes.

But let’s get back to the quote from Louis C.K., who if you don’t know, is one of the best (and underrated) comedians out there. If you never caught Lucky Louie on HBO, do yourself a favor and get it on Netflix immediately. It’s hilarious. But that one line epitomizes my problem with weight loss. I eat to excess. Actually, that’s not telling enough. What’s beyond excess? Whatever that is called, that’s what my gluttonous ass eats to.

I’m not even sure why, because half the time I’m not even hungry. But I will eat every single thing that’s cooked just out on principle. Seconds, thirds and fourths…whatever it takes to get the job done. MJ was horrified when we first started dating because she once cooked three pounds of chicken, thinking we’d eat dinner and then have the rest for leftovers and lunches over the next few days. Little did she know, I ate all of it. Same with pasta. You cook a box of pasta and it’ll be gone that night.

And it’s a wonder I’m having stomach issues?

But that’s my demon to overcome. I haven’t mastered it yet but I’m trying some stuff out. I’m definitely eating less but I’m also eating smarter. More fish and chicken instead of red meat. Sides of pasta have been replaced by white rice or — gulp — the dreaded salad. Snack food is a long forgotten aquaintance at this point and if I want to snack I have to have an apple, orange or a granola bar.

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t wanted to hang myself lately. But I’m getting results so…

Anyways, here are this week’s pictures. Or as I like to call them, the Internet’s weekly punishment.