i guess it's finally paying off

Since I’ve started my diet I’ve given up many unhealthy habits. Some permanent, and some temporarily. I’ve lost a total of 21 lbs and my stamina for cycling is way more than it ever was.

Here is a list of what I’ve changed in my life to be where I am now.

1. I stopped drinking diet drinks. Diet coke is my addiction. I’d drink around 2 cans a day or more. I’m now down to zero. I can’t lie, I had a can of diet coke during my bachelor party. But that’s one can since February. But I’ve also cut out substitute sugar in general. So no splenda, no aspartame, sweet n low, etc. Zero fake sugar.

2. I also cut down coffee dramatically. I used to have about 2 cups a day, but I’m down to one cup a week. I’ve never been addicted to caffeine, except for just the taste. If I need some caffeine, my first choice is unsweetened tea. I’m really starting to love tea. The reason for giving up coffee is that the caffeine impact on your body is drastic it slows down your metabolism. Tea on the other hand releases caffeine over a longer period of time so the impact is not as great.

3. Sweets. I love sweets in general. Ice cream would be my weakness. But I cut out the cookies, the cakes, ice cream and all. In the past month or two I may have had a few treats, but it’s nearly down to zilch.

4. Fast food. No more of that. Closest thing I get to fast food is a sandwich from subway.

5. Skipping meals. I never ever skip a meal. I eat 3 full meals a day, with snacks in between. So I’m usually snacking every 3 hours. But healthy snacking.

6. Excess eating. I’m pretty aware of portion control now thanks to my fit foods. I’m very aware of what I eat and how much of it. This helps a ton.

7. Alcohol. Since January 1st, I’ve drank about 3-4 times. When dieting alcohol is your enemy. It’s loaded with calories making you feel hungry. I definitely miss my ales, stouts, whiskey and scotch. Damn you diet.

These are just some of the things I’ve given up so far this year and it’s helping drastically. I workout 3 times a week in the gym and bike on the weekend, and it’s slowly paying off. Since I’ve started working out in February, I’ve lost 21 lbs and still counting. 14 lbs shy of my pre-wedding goal. On my way to better me!

Thursday 03.26.10
Back and bicep workouts.
30 Minutes on the bike station.

Tomorrows and 62 mile ride in the hill country. Supposed to be tougher than the ms 150 ride.