The biggest news? I've dropped down to 245 pounds. That's 20 pounds gone in about 10 weeks. This is the kind of weight loss I experienced the last time I embraced a lifestyle change and got back to working on me again instead of worrying about everyone else.
And I'm not done yet. I make it to the gym 4-6 days a week, and when the days are longer and the weather a bit more accommodating I will make bicycling a part of every day. By the time I'm lounging on the beach this summer, I'll be a fraction of the man I was in November - physically speaking.
I've never been a fan of dieting, but I would be remiss to neglect bringing up that I've been abstaining from most carbs over the past few weeks. I still eat fruits and vegetables, but most of the bread, rice, pasta and other grains are out of my diet. It's made a huge difference in my energy level and my physique. I'm getting nice definition in my calves, my forearms and my shoulders.
Here's my typical workout:
- 15-20 minutes cardio warmup, alternating between treadmill, elliptical, rowing and stair-climbing
- 5-10 circuit machines - I focus on 1-2 muscle groups each day, giving them at least one day off between workouts... so shoulder, chest and back one day, arms and legs the next, then abs and chest the third day, then legs and shoulders the fourth day, etc.
- 10-15 minutes of cardio cool down, on something other than the machine I warmed up on.
Here's my typical menu:
- Breakfast: Eggs and avocado; or 1 packet plain instant oatmeal; or 1/2 cup of yogurt.
- Morning snack (optional): I often skip this, but an orange or banana can help tide me over
- Lunch: Can of "lite" soup (too high in sodium, eliminating); or salad w. avocado; or leftover protein
- Afternoon snack (pre-workout energy boost): Melon, berries, or banana
- Dinner: Chicken or fish (seared or braised) with green or orange vegetable on the side
- Evening snacks: Cashews, almonds, peanuts or pistachios. Unsalted.
I'm well on my way to a better Chris.
