There are a lot of things that keep me in this program. The idea of winning a prize is one. Dinners at Aladdin's Eatery is another. And the dreaded Weigh-In is the one that is on my mind when I get up in the morning.  Those things are incentives but there are a few that only some one on the program can receive. 

One is the feeling of being lighter today than I was a day, a week, a month or 5 months ago.  You can't put that in terms of money.  It is a great feeling. Another one is putting on some clothes you haven't worn in a while or never worn because you bought them just before the last weight expansion. How about the comments that people make about you when they see you have lost a significant amount of weight.

Every day I take a long walk to help the weight reduction and increase my stamina. I started a waving to the people driving by just to share a good wish for the day. At first people didn't respond figuring I was some kind of a crazy old man. But now just about everyone waves back and if they are coming from the opposite direction they honk their horns. People notice me walking and often ask how I am doing. I am fortunate to have my own cheering section. I certainly can't give up on those people. They want me to be successful and like a double edge sword, I can't let them down. I am thankful for them.

My best cheering section though is my wife.  She says the greatest things that make me want to stay on the program.  Just little words of encouragement that make all the difference.  They help me say no to the goodies that are always a temptation. I am thankful for her help and encouragement.

This week was a strange one. My wife flew to Canada to visit her brother.  I got to "batch" it for a few days. My Dad who is 94 came to visit and we tackled a remodeling job that had been on my to do list for a number of days, months, or was it years. I wasn't able to do the walks for the days we worked on the remodeling but the acing muscles and lots of sweat gave a different type of workout.  

The eating wasn't really a diet plan but it was low in total calories because we didn't eat as much. I didn't check the scale during the time and needless to say it was on my mind that I didn't feel as if I lost any weight. The scale proved my wrong. The loss put me back on track,or as Gene Autrey would say "back in the saddle again."

The first week after the weigh in was almost a bust. I loosened up on the carbs and portion size. Had a few over the top days with regular food. My exercise plan was still okay. By the time Saturday came it was a no loss week. It wasn't quite as dissapointing in that I could eat more regular food. I guess we'll call it a test out what is going to happen once the program is over. Will I gain it back or go on to lose more. At least I can stay even for a while after the program.

Although the weight loss was not great, the exercise was good. Look forward to a better week next week.

Well the weigh in was a time of celebration. For the first time in more than 15 years my weight was below 300. Clothes are significantly looser and may are on their way to Goodwill. It was a great day. Now back to the grind and happily to the next new lower level. 

I feel better. I picked up my 6 year old granddaughter and felt what the 44 extra pounds were that I was carrying around for the last 10 or so years. 

Looking forward to a month without holidays so it can be a little easier to stick to the plan.