100+ and going...

Well, I reached the first big milestone - 100 lbs. lost! On Christmas Eve, I weighed in, and I had reached it - 101 lbs lost since July 9th of 2010. Since then, I've even lost a few more - I'm currently at 107 lbs. down.

A lot of people ask me - "What are you doing?", or "Has it been hard?", among other questions. The answer is always the same - "I'm following the Weight Watchers program, and it's really that simple." - and it really is...

Now, I've also started an exercise program with a trainer, along with a regular program of water exercises, like water aerobics. It all helps.

Don't be fooled - I have had some bumps. This month, I've had to adjust to going back to work after the holiday break at school, traveling to Tampa for four days, and the stress that comes along with my job at this time of year. I've only spent one evening home in the last week. All of this, and I haven't gotten the sleep that I should.

All of these things are factors, and there are consequences. In the first week after New Years, I found that I had gained 3 lbs. Now that isn't terribly significant at my size - less than 1% of my total weight, but it was a discouraging day, nonetheless. The following week, while on my Tampa trip, I weighed in and found that I had lost those 3 lbs back and 4 more - WooHoo!

Then, last Friday, at my weigh in, I came up PLUS 1.6 lbs again -- also a statistical non-issue.

But, it IS an issue, after all - The emotional roller coaster, and the realization that there are going to be days, weeks and months like this. Some of you reading this will understand. But there is a lesson here.

What I've realized is this - I won't lose big numbers every week. Also, if I want to get back on track, then I need to get back on track. That means being more deliberate in tracking my food intake and exercise.

I've even made some minor changes for this week. I'm cutting out as much bread as I can this week. Not completely, but I'm going to significantly cut back. Also, I'm going to eat more fish and other lean proteins. I've got to increase my water intake, too.

So anyway, it's late. I could write for hours, but I need to get to bed. Blessings to all of you who are reading this - Thanks for taking the time to share this journey with me. :)

"Every choice you make has an end result." - Zig Ziglar

Blessings!
S

I'm going to do it myself! (With a little help from my friends!)

Well, I never made it on the show -- God has a different plan, I guess. But I have made a decision - I'm going to lose the weight anyway.

11 weeks ago (or so), on July 9, 2010, I joined Weight Watchers. I weighed in officially at 481 lbs. I know, I know -- "Scott, how did you let yourself get there?" or "Why didn't you start earlier?" -- That's for a different discussion. The point is, I started.

Well, here I am 11 weeks later, and I weighed in this past Saturday at 419.6 lbs. Yes, folks, that's 61.4 lbs in 11 weeks!!! I can feel the difference already.

My mobility is better - My knees definitely feel a whole lot better - and I don't feel like I'm denying myself anything! I'm so excited!!

Well, here's the jist -- My Biggest Loser mission has changed! I'm still going to be the Biggest Loser, I'm just going to do it at home! Stay tuned here for more updates! You can follow me on twitter, too at www.twitter.com/daddynole

Talk to you soon!
Scott

I want to be a Biggest Loser

Here we are -- January 1st, 2010.... The beginning of a new year - a new DECADE, even... There are lots of opportunities ahead and available for us all to undertake. For me, it's a turning point.

You see, I turn 40 this year. In just over 2 months, I will celebrate my birthday, and a new chapter in my life begins. I don't know what it is about 40 - maybe it's the thought that I am getting old. My oldest daughter is graduating in a few months. In a few years, it's conceivable that I'll be a grandfather - but that will be another emotional crisis. Maybe I'll create another blog about that. :)

As for this blog, "I Want to Be a Biggest Loser", there are a lot of levels for this. I have decided that 2010 is the year. I plan to lose at least 100 - yes, I said 100 pounds this year. I weigh more than 440lbs. right now. How much more, I do not know, because the scale at my doctor's office doesn't go higher than that. Dang.

I have a bunch of reasons for this decision:
1. First is for me -- I'm tired of being overweight. Well, you know what? It's not even being overweight that bothers me. It's being so dang fat. I'll write about some of those feelings later.
2. Secondly, my family. I have a wonderful wife and 3 great kids. I want to spend a lot of time with them. If I don't change now, I might not even see my son graduate in 6 years. That's a scary thought.
3. Next, it's for my kids. Not my children -- My students. I teach high school music, and I want to inspire them and show them that I can do this. And if I can do this -- they can do ANYTHING they set their minds to do. I always tell them to follow their dreams. Now I'm following my own.
4. My last reason is selfish again -- I love to perform. I sing and act, but I have not had any opportunities in almost 20 years to really get out there and do what I love. I want to do it again. This time, I want to go for lead roles, not just the obligatory fat sidekick part....

I guess I'll explore my reasons some more as I add posts to this blog.

As part of my journey, I am going to audition for the NBC's the Biggest Loser Season 10. I sent in a tape last year and went to Miami on my birthday last year to wait in line to see a casting director. Inever even got a callback.... :( This time, it's MY year. It's MY turn.

New year - new video. I'm going to another open call. More, if I need to. I'll keep you posted.

However, I know this. If I'm selected, I won't be able to tell you. But I'll keep you posted on as much as I can.

In the meantime, I will also do this -- I'll share my journey. In a "Julie & Julia" sort of way, I have set a goal -- 365 days to go, and 100 pounds to lose.

This should be a fun ride.

Yours truly,
Scott