BeachReady

How we lost 78.5 lbs. so far

Yes, that's right.  In 6 months (almost to the day) we have lost over 78 lbs.  I've only lost 20 of that, but that's ok because I didn't really want to lose any.  That is, I didn't think I needed to lose any.  (I feel so much better , and look so much better, that I'm really glad I did.)  I couldn't help but lose, even though I didn't really diet.  I just went along with George.  He's the real hero.  He's lost 58 lbs.

So, how did we do it?  Well, as you know, we started with the South Beach Diet.  Did the two weeks on Phase 1.  It wasn't hard.  We just took it one day at a time to see how far we'd get.  We did the whole two weeks and it changed our lives.  We didn't crave bad fats or bad carbs anymore, and haven't ever since.

Now, we're on Phase 2.  With a couple of modifications.  Little things that make it work for us.  (In answer to all your e-mails, I'll share our entire eating plan in a separate post under the "Picnics" category.  Maybe, tomorrow.)

The other, very important thing we've done is have fun.  We walk for over an hour, now.  Of course, we didn't start out walking that long, but as we spend more time at it, we enjoy it more and walk longer.  And, we enjoy it more as we get more fit. 

We also do other fun stuff that we don't think of as exercise.  We cruise the mall to window-shop.  We cross-country ski when we have the chance.  We dance around the house.  (One of these days we will go out dancing for real!)  We run up and down the stairs.  Now that we can!

George still wants to lose another 50 lbs. especially since he's getting so many compliments.   I don't think I want to lose too much more weight, but I sure don't want to put any of it back on.  I don't think we can help but continue to lose weight if we keep eating and playing "on the beach".   ~ Louise

Exercising together

"It's easier for you guys," he said.  "You're doing it together." 

Tim is right.  It's a lot easier to stay on track if you have someone to do things with - like take walks, ski, or go to the gym.   

Especially this winter.  It's cold out.  And, I'm tired of it being so cold.  I often wonder, would I go for a  4-mile walk heading into the wind (somehow it's always "into" the wind, even when we turn back home) if Louise wasn't with me? 

Not too many people go to the beach alone.  If they do, they bring a book, rather than a Frisbee.  The fun is in having someone to do things with.  Someone who motivates you when you need it, and someone who thanks you for getting them out when they're feeling lazy. 

I'm lucky that I have Louise to push me.  I hope I push her a bit, too.  But, I wonder how to answer my friend, Tim.  How do you get out and exercise if you don't have a someone to do it with?  How do you find someone with similar fitness goals and motivations?  How do you find someone to play Frisbee with?  Any ideas for my friend, Tim?  ~ George

It's Lent

Besides using this Lenten season as a time of spiritual renewal, George and I have decided to step up our beach regimen.  We'll eat less and exercise more.  It's hard to cut back on the food, since we're already doing so well, but we'll do a few things...like forego wine with dinner (at least on weekdays).  We also plan to walk twice a day, rather than just once.  That may be a little tough with our busy work days, but we'll make the effort.  We're still losing, about a pound a week, and this should help even more.  Plus, the self-discipline will strengthen us in other ways, we hope.   ~  Louise

Indoor walking

I know a lot of people manage to walk indoors on cold or rainy days.  They get access to schools early in the morning and walk the empty hallways.  Or, they join a group of mall-walkers.  I recently read about people who go up and down stairs in their office buildings.  Of course, there's always treadmills.  Any other ideas?  ~ George

It's in the blood

Great news!  George just met with his doctor to go over his blood tests.  His cholesterol is well within the normal range.  His LDL (bad cholesterol) is way down and his HDL (good cholesterol) is just where it should be.  Hurray!  Eating healthy is more than just about looking good.  ~ Louise

New favorite fast-food dinner

My new favorite fast food is scallops.  Sea scallops (or bay scallops, if they're available) are tender and delicious and cook in just a few minutes. 

For the two of us, I saute a half-pound (or more) of scallops in olive oil and garlic until they turn opaque.  They're delicious served over whole wheat angel hair pasta with marinara sauce.  Actually, George prefers them on a bed of spinach that's been steamed or microwaved.  I add more garlic and olive oil and parmesan cheese.  (And to think that George never used to like spinach!) 

You can use either fresh or frozen scallops and spinach.  It's all good and very fast.  Yum.  ~ Louise

Are you Beach Ready?

There are 20 weeks until the first day of summer (June 21st)!  Are you ready to hit the beach?  Ready to buy a new swim suit?  20 weeks is plenty of time to lose 20 to 40 lbs. or more and get into shape for fun on the beach, or wherever.

We recommend sensible weight loss - eating good carbs, good fats, and proteins.  We like the South Beach Diet because it makes it easy to eat that way.  And, we suggest that you don't wait until you're slender and chic to have a good time!  Get out and play now.  Play hard and enjoy life.  It will burn up the calories and keep you healthy.

Enjoy!  ~ George and Louise