Weekend

To say that I am a bit weary of the weekend is an understatement.
So much free time.
Going out and catching up with family and friends and keeping to within my food plan has very good odds to crumbling.
Happy to say that because I'm not doing some crazy diet that keeps me on the edge of starvation, I have done well today.
Also being a long weekend adds another day to keep on track.
It seems so much easier to keep on track thru the working week. There is a lot of structure to the working week with defined breaks and set schedules but not so for weekends which is good it helps you relax by breaking up the routine.

I was contemplating if I should break routine and not train on Monday. My personal trainer Marco said that he would be happy to come in but was up to me.
After thinking about it I decided that I was not going to break my plan, I was going to stick with what I had committed to myself.

So happy with my progress so fare.
A questio that I was only ask now was how often are you going to publish yourweights readings.
I have done lots of weight lose program and they are telling me to check the scales on a dalily basis, and I see no point in doing that and from the study I have done it seems that a good time frame would be every 14 days.
So I am looking to have my first weight next Sunday 2nd Feb.
As this is going to be a slow and steady transformation I'm expecting a modest figure. As the actual goal is not to lose weight. It is to lose body fat and increase lean muscle.
So by saying that I am not expecting huge numbers as if all is going to plan I should be adding muscle from my weight training and in turn that muscle will help me burn body fat.

I think that is were most people go wrong and lose heart when they check the scales to much and dont get there head around that this is a long term plan.
This is a plan of small increments and I know it is hard to think that fare ahead and not lose heart as I have been one of those people!

Thanks for reading

New Shoes Jenny!

Well Leg day has arrived and had a great workout with Marco PT.
For those that don't know what I mean its simple.
Mondays at the gym I do weights and I do my chest, Wednesday is back and shoulders and Friday is Legs.
I am very strategic in my planning of my weeks exercises as I would not want to do Legs Monday only to not be able to walk Tuesday work day.
It's not that I can't walk or function but its a hard feeling to describe really.

DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness is moderate muscle pain that is felt 12 to 24 hours after exercise.

It's a common symptom following taking up a new exercise routine or after increasing the intensity or duration of your exercise program. DOMS is the result of new stress on muscle tissue that's not used to being exerted in a certain way. 

DOMS is thought to be caused by microscopic tears in the muscle fibers, which arise when we push our bodies harder than they're accustomed to. The inflammation that also accompanies these tears also contributes to the increased soreness and stiffness.

DOMS can affect anyone regardless of their fitness levels. Any new form of exercise that leads to muscles stiffness is simply a sign that your body is adapting to the new strain.

So being that this is the first session I have had for a long time I'm expecting to feel the pain but it's a good pain, it's my friend in away. Lets me know that what I did was pushing my boundary's and there for it was a good workout.

I am also looking forward to see how my supplementation helps this factor. As It has been great with the other work outs. It does not eliminate the DOMS but lessens the intensity and duration.

Been that my legs are my biggest muscles I should expect to feel quiet alot and be in for a ride, but I will wait and see. I have been pleasantly surprised with the recovery for the other two workouts.

I felt so good at the end of the day I went for another walk to loosen up the leg before bed. 
Another 8km night.

As of next week Im going to start timing my self around the track I have made in and around my estate.

Time taken to do my course helps me see alot of things, energy levels, stamina and by tracking them I can see what effect my times, food, work load of the working week and so forth.

Also what helped me today was I got myself some new shoes and to say they made a difference was the
understatement of the year.

Nothing but fantastic, my old ones were really holding me back. Only thing was the price.

You see when I go into a store, no matter what I am looking for I am driven by one factor and one factor only.

Do you have my size!
You see when I went to go buy this new pair I went to a store that specializes in sports shoes.
Now the first comment from the assist was "OK lets see what shoe you need for your particular foot".
My first comment was " well lets forget the shoe technology and lets start with do you have size 14US and if you do then lets discuss on each shoe there merits and functions".

I have had many years of training in stopping shop assistant's in there tracks. I see no point in going thru all the great point of a product if you don't have it in my size.
The shop assistant said she had never done it that way but would do ask I asked.

She soon found out that my way was the best way as there were only three shoe in that size.
and after trying all found only one was a fit, lucky for me it also had the requirements for my specific foot type.which is crazy as I normally have to take what I can get. My lucky day I guess.

So I have new shoes, but still not sure how a shoe can cost that much.
I asked as to how long the warranty was and would they last a year with 3 to 4 times a week use.
I got a really dumb founded look on the girls face which told me no.
Well I guess I will see how long it takes to wear them out.

another good day, this journey is enjoyable. Not what I expected.
If you have any questions please ask away.
Thanks for reading. 

oh no tommorow!

Walking up a storm

Hi all, well things have been traveling great and best of all I am feeling fine.

I am shocked at the recovery times after my workouts. My supplements are doing there job great.

I have been taking long walks at night working my self up to a point were i can do a jog or a intermittent walk/jog situation but taking it easy for the first week or so, see how I pull up.
The walks are good in so many ways, gets me out and thinking of the day and week to come.
Quiet a therapeutic solution.My old runners have had there day I think, lots of rolling not so much support. Time for a n up grade me thinks.
With nothing else at me like TV or other out side influences it's great time to process, clears the mind.

Who new exercise was were I would find my universal oneness haha
to find ones self you need to lose ones self

Well that's me for today, bed time nite all and thanks for reading.

Thank You

Well Since releasing to the world that I'm doing this journey I have had some truly wonderful and very welcomed support.
To all those that messaged with words of support I thank you, It means alot.
I was surprised as to how many people where interested in this little thin I'm doing but I guess I get surprised alot these days how powerful social Media can be.
I mean some times I wonder if anything I say is truly looked at on face book. But I guess it comes down to how good the content of that message put out.

Also I found so many people wanted to know and asked lots of questions and since there were so many and that I think it will be good to share with everyone I will answer them in this blog.

OK so first question was

" when starting this do you have and end weight or goal"

Short answer is yes I have a goal in mind but it's a bit vague and not an exact figure. You see I have asked the question to many professionals and found there answer all to be very different. Take my GP for example, he put my stats into his BMI program that came out with a healthy wait range of 78 to 85 Kg. Now for those that know me well and have seen me, you would know that my bones alone would weight that much.
Even my GP looked at me and said "um i think you could do with a little bit more on that as you have a big frame" so 110Kg's was what he guessed would be around that right mark. My personal trainer Marco said around the same when I worked out with him a while ago.
So the number I'm going for is around the 110Kg mark. I am guessing I will know what feels and looks right when I get there.
I really have not thought about a goal or a set time frame as I really don't know how long it will take or even what the best and safest weight loss schedule would be. There is alot of information out there saying what weight you should be but not so much on the optimal time frame to do it in.
I mean take for example the biggest loser progam. they aim for huge numbers in a very quick time frame but I'm not so sure that is best. Each to there own I guess.

Next question

"What made me put my soul on a page and expose my self so deeply"

OK I understand that for many doing what I have done would possible be that scariest thing ever.
Letting the whole world know some of the most personal details of you life.
I guess I did it for a few reasons, one would be to give my self no escape route. Meaning that by telling as many people as possible about my journey I would put myself in a position of accountability but also in a position to get the most support and for a journey like this the more help the merrier.

Also I thought that it would be selfish to accomplish something and not share, as what if my words, my goal reaching could or would help someone else rethink there life and maybe take the same steps as me. I'm not saying that someone should expose them self quiet like I have but take from it what they needed to do the best for them.
As my journey came form hearing of a friends battle and accomplishments.

"Do you need a personal trainer or is that part of your program" 

For me the reason I have chosen to use a personal trainer is to fill a specific roll to use a personal trainer at this time. I am only using my trainer for three weeks. I am using his skills to help me start a plan and to get myself in good form while training. As I have said before poor form while do exercises is a dangerous venture. On a ongoing basis I will check in and maybe have one off sessions but my plan is to become self sufficient in the training department.
The other thing to remember is that depending on your personal constitution you may need to have a driving force to help you and to make you reach your goals. For me I am good at self governing and I get my driving forces from within.
Plus if you can afford a personal trainer full time you have way to much cash.

"Are you going to show a before and after photos or progressive shots"

Short answer is yes I do intend to do before and after shots. Also I was thinking of doing progressive shots but I want to have a bit of fun with it.
If any of you are photographers out there I would like to discuss a fun project but I'm not sure how to do it.
To say that I am less than thrilled to put these pictures out there is an understatement but I think it necessary for this to continue to be a no hold's barred look into my journey and the pictures are a big part of it.

" Are you doing a calories count or doing a point system"

No, No points and I'm not crunching the numbers as to how may calories I am taking in.
What I am doing is not what I consider to be a diet. I'm changing the way I eat as well as what I'm eating.
I have been on many so called diets where I am starving reaching for anything to fill the void.
I have got some direction from the system I'm on but really it's just a change in perception of food.

It's not changing one thing its changing a few, not changing or focusing on only one thing drastically and not even looking at the other areas of my life.
More of a life style change if you will.

"Why are you taking supplements and what are you using and why"

My supplements, well I am using a supplement plan that was recommended to me by a friend that they have used for some time now and found it assisted in the progress to optimal health.
What it is not! It is not a fat loss wonder pill, meal replacement, shake, lemon drink or any thing in the normal weight loss world. I guess I would describe it like this.

My supplements can be broken down to 2 types of supplements

Protein

This supplements is a collagen protein, the protein helps me with my recovery after workouts, to protect my heart and connective tissues, promote lean tissue growth, and to protect my joints
It also has weight management properties perfect for fat loss and will help to speed up the metabolic function of the body also promotes healthy blood sugar levels, feeds the muscle and burns the fat!
Most importantly, it helps with craving control that's a big plus there!
Other things to consider is the anti aging properties is a great product for your skin. Hydrolyzed collagen helps thicken the skin, strengthen arterial walls, and rebuild cartilage

Multi-vitamin

I have three different types I take which all work in injunction with each other but all have very specific jobs.

The first I called burner, It help me with five key factors to losing weight safely and happily: appetite control, mental alertness, fat oxidation, athletic performance, and water balance.
Now I'm not going to go into great detail as I know I can go on a bit so, if you want to know more ask if not sit back and see how it helps me over time.

The Second is called Muscle,  firstly and most importantly this protect my existing muscle tissue, and secondly to create an optimum environment for the addition of new muscle tissue.
Through proven ingredients like milk thistle, beta alanine, acai, and vitamins B6 and C.
Once again  there alot in this and happy to tell you more if you want to know.

Third is call Youth,  it helps with four key anti-aging factors: mental alertness, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant support, and organ support.
Include things such as Acai, Resveratrol, Curcumin, Vitamins A, C, D, E, B12, and Alpha-lipoic-acid to help the body combat the effects of aging.
By keeping your body and organs healthy and free from inflammation you not only increase my quality of life but you also add years to my life expectancy. Which is a good thing!


Well I had a few more questions but these were the best and I did not really want to go to over loading with info.
I want to keep you coming back not put you to sleep :)
thanks for reading.

Feeling the pain

Well I new it was on its way after having such a great gym session yesterday, soreness is in the house.

But really it is quiet mild compared to other times I have gone to the gym.
I guess the supplements are doing there job in helping me recover quickly for DOMS ( delayed onset muscle soreness )

Today has gone really well once again.

Still have not fixed the egg white situation but I should have a plan by tomorrow.

So the day has gone well, very busy work day.
With my training I have to be very consensus of being able to function. No good having a great workout if you can't earn the next day.

I Must admit the first time I ever did weights I could not move the next day, I had  never felt pain like that but as I have learnt over time there is no better feeling. It is the feeling of growth, makes me feel like what I have done will bear results. It's one of the only indicators for me when working out that there is actually something working such as seeing weight lose it's such a gradual thing but  without fail next day after working out there it is.

Tonight I'm doing the cardio part of my plan.
Hitting the pavement for a good long walk on the none weights days.(Tues Thur Sat)
I will be working myself up to something alot more physical as I progress but as I said I have to be able to walk the next days so taking it slow and steady for the first week.

Well I took my walk and ended up going about further than I thought.
7 km which I think was a good job, now to keep up to that standard.

Taking an early night ready for training in the morning, a good nights rest is as important to you success as what you eat. Well that's what I have herd any way.

Night all and thank you for reading.

On the First Day................

So the day has arrived.

well it's late in the day now and what do I have to tell you.

This Is the protein pack I use

 Today went great, up for Gym at 6 Am and had a really good session with Marco, felt good to be back.
Had my protein, I use a protein call Protein 2.0 from a company called DUB Nutrition.  It is a Collagen based protein not a powder shake, it comes in the form of a gel . sooooo much easier to take than my old powder whey protein. Tastes better to..

After gym headed home to eat my breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs (3)
Now please note that the 3 whole eggs is not what I should be having but I have had to modify my breakfasts for the time being due to the lack of egg whites being sold in the market. (Just my luck Coles took egg whites out of there range).
It was only days before starting this I walked through Coles and saw that they had these egg whites in a frozen pack and Saturday when I went to gather all my ingredients for the week and....... nothing.............timing..... is this some plan to bring me down already?
So not wanting to waste I'm doing a 3 egg in stead of a 1 whole egg to 4 egg white.
As well as the eggs i have some oatmeal. so very filling really.

Also I took my supplements, time to get this vitamin D up as well as get some goodness in me.

Then off to work

Snack was fruit and nuts about 10Am

Lunch was great I made up some Tandoori chicken breast Sunday night ready to be made up into wraps in the morning. They were great, found some great organic wraps linseed, oat and something. Bit of lettuce carrot dash of very light mayo and walla..... tandoori chicken wrap.
Belinda (my wife) loved them also. Think we were on a winner.

afternoon snack was an apple and another protein. Choc Mint yum!

Dinner was steak fajitas with capsicum, onion, mushroom with dash of low ranch dressing.  So fast to make and crazy good too.  Really I can't complain. I have not felt hungry or wanting for anything.
That's the mark of a good plan to me, If I'm stalking the fridge at anytime then it not working.
So far so very good.

OK now for some numbers

Today before I left to go to the gym I weighed myself to have a starting figure. To be honest I was not happy with what i saw.

20.01.2014...................................165.9Kg

That's a huge number and more than I thought actually. I see a long road ahead but I will get there.

Tonight I was watching The Biggest Loser which is something I never do. I hate those kinds of show
but I know it has a following and I know it has helped a lot of people but I don't know, it still seems off to me but each to their own.
Anyway I was watching it with Belinda and we were watching the first weigh in by the group that were going into the house.
Now I was expecting to see crazy numbers up there but to my surprise they all but two weigh less than me.
And it hit me if i was in there I would be the second biggest guy there.
That hit hard. I said to Bels man I'm huge, Bels said no you big boned there is no way your as big as them.
But I am and I'm glad that I have started this.

I looked up my BMI today

BMI 20.01.2014...................  44.8

Another crazy number and once again alot of work to fix this.

This is a picture of myself in fine 'over weight' splendor and my wife Belinda.

I hope in a year there will be a very different picture taken!

So Close

So it is Sunday the day before the beginning of my health journey .
I have tried to clear everything that could have been a hinderance to me in this,food wise!

1 Foot Wide and 1/2 Foot high

 

Only yesterday we was cooking a birthday cake for Belinda's mums 66th, sure that it would kill a horse with the sugars and cream content. It was a crazy big cake that delivered on it intent, to shock and awe and it did that well and truly.
For those that know me cakes are my thing and the bigger and grander the better.

I have tried to make going into this as easy as possible by planning ahead. The food plan was crazy easy to do and not to mention I think we are going to save a bit with this as well.
Looking forward to hitting the gym again after so long but I'm sure i will feel the pain later.

No Pain No Gain

wish me luck for 6 Am