Rick, from one recovering addict to another, keep up the good fight.

Speaking of dropping a few pounds….

Instead of going to the local donut shop, buy a bag of your favorite candy. It has less calories + fat. Before you pop your first M&M, open the bag, pour out a handful, and throw those M&M’s in the trash. Now go ahead and eat what’s left. I promise that you won’t miss what you threw out. Now if you have to have that donut, rip or bite a piece off, and toss it in the garbage. Eat what’s left. I know you’re saying ‘Dan, come on, give me a break’. While you won’t lose any real weight quickly, all those thrown out M&M’s (or whatever your favorite candy is) start adding up over time. The key to success is to always buy the same candy. It will eventually become boring; and you’ll eventually toss half the bag (or save it for day 2).

Rinse and repeat for that cheeseburger and fries (and other foods).

This is successful because you’re still eating the foods you like, just less of them!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to research a few credit cards for my mid-September churn. I’m considering the Freedom card and Hawaiian cards to start.

Awesome! Great piece – and great job! I am guilty of some similar behavior; always important to check ebay, etc. before taking the plunge! Often, it’s just as well to forego the “great deal” – even if we can make a few bucks; not always worth the effort; great read; thanks for the laugh! As for the diet – that’s no laughing matter; great job there, too; keep it up! (btw – My gf Dana – who doesn’t even need to diet – recently started using a similar/same? app; she loves it, too, and has managed to knock off the few lbs. she wanted to lose). All the best!

I would put less faith in doctors and more faith in yourself. What gets many people in trouble is the idea of a diet (I will eat good for a bit, lose weight, then I can eat “normal again”). The reality is what you have been doing up until now doesn’t work. It’s what got you where you are currently. It is broken. That isn’t a judgement, everyone has their own battles in life.

What is required is a new definition of normal, a serious look at your life, and serious work towards healthy. It won’t be easy, but the best things in life are never easy. My Fitness Pal can be a great tool. Real foods (they kind grandma would recognize) are some of your best friends. You are a smart and strong guy…you can do it! You always say your credit is your greatest asset…but I think your health comes first.

I will also suggest my wife’s blog (shameless family plug) : http://www.thrivepersonalfitness.com/blog/

Rick,

Keep up the good work. I have lost weight recently by
eating more and always keeping my belly full. Here’s what works for me.

1)
Eat all you want of these three categories a) Vegetables b) Fruits c)
Meats. Meat is great for filling up the belly, and not the great evil
many people are taught. This means the real things, so avoid stuff
processed in a way that they no longer resemble their original state.
2)
Avoid wheat and flour at all costs. If you take a look it seems that
80% of American food items contain wheat and/or flour. This means, stay
away from all breads, cookies, crackers, and breaded products. You can
have some once a month or so, it won’t kill you, though everyday will
kill you.

BTW, you may notice in the above there is no mention
of human designed foods, such as soda, candy, peanut butter, or anything
else you wouldn’t find a lion, monkey or other animals eating. These
are to be avoided.

By following the above, I never count
calories and keep myself stuffed. If I get hungry I eat vegetables,
beef jerkey, cold cuts, or if I have a sweet craving, some fresh fruit.
This is not a diet, it is a lifestyle. When was the last time you saw a
lion or monkey on a diet?