Part 14 - These Legs Were Meant For Walking...

     Welcome to Part 14 of The Rendering!  This week's post has, apparently, been in the works for quite some time now.  By that I mean, I decided shortly after writing last week's post that I wanted to discuss this topic.  In only what I can call an odd coincidence, I was given, with no mention from me, confirmation by several people throughout the week that this was a subject that was on their minds as well.  Even at my Weight Watcher's meeting we discussed a similar subject.  So, without further ado, let's dive right in.

WARNING TOO MUCH SITTING IS KILLING YOU!!

     This is a simple, yet poignant, statement.  I know that it speaks to me and it is in my opinion, if you have dealt with or are dealing with weight issues, this speaks to you as well.  Take a moment and think about it... ...Do you work a desk/computer job or spend excessive time at home on the computer?  I do on both counts.  Perhaps you feel that you don't do that so much, so consider this...

      ...Do you find yourself constantly checking your "smart" device?  Could you go without checking it for a couple of days or are you a slave to it?  I, myself, cannot say no to this.  

     Perhaps we should call them "evil" or "diabolical" devices because having no need to move to find information or entertainment certainly doesn't seem "smart" to me.  Again, however, I must plead guilty.  I love having information and entertainment within a simple swipe of a finger.   Ok, ok, maybe you think computers and "smart" devices aren't your thing.  I offer to you this...

...Perhaps my own worst foe, THE DREADED TELEVISION OF DOOM!!!  Think to yourself, and be honest.  How many hours a week do you actually spend watching television?  I think that the actual number may surprise you.  I would be willing to wager that the majority of those hours watching our "friend" the television are spent planted firmly on our backsides.
     Now, please, do not take me wrong.  I have examined my own life and found these areas were far, far out of control.  I have had people bring it up in conversation this week in regards to their own lives.  The message at Weight Watchers was also in regards to needing to be more active.  I want to share with you some facts about how sitting too often and leading a sedentary lifestyle are harmful to us...

I know this chart is small so here is what it says about how sitting too long affects the body:

-HEAD-

Blood clots that form after sitting too rigidly can travel to the brain, causing strokes.

-NECK-

Fluid retained in the legs during the day moves to the neck at night and contributes to obstructive sleep apnea.

-LUNGS-

In individuals who experience heart failure, fluid first backs up in the lungs.

-HEART-

A sedentary lifestyle contributes to cardiovascular disease.  In people who suffer from heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea, fluid collects in the lungs and neck at night.

-ARMS-

Physical activity reduces the risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure.

-STOMACH-

Sitting too much contributes to obesity and colon cancer.  Enzymes in the blood vessels of muscles responsible for burning fat get shut off, and the body's method of metabolizing fuels such as glucose and lipids gets disturbed.

-LEGS-

Fluid collects in the legs during sitting.  Walking helps pump it out before it causes problems.

 

     I can say that over the past years I have had to deal with several of these problems.  It is only since I started this journey that I have really taken ownership of the fact that I am responsible for allowing this to be my burden.  In the same breath, I say that I am now going to take ownership of the fact that I and I alone must be responsible for becoming more active.  I have done so over the past months but not to my satisfaction.  I need to be routine with my actions and I will.  I was inspired this week when my sister commented to me that she was impressed that I walked much faster than I had been.  

     Now, I am not saying that we all have to become gym rats, but feel free to rat out if you are so inclined.  Heck, get yourself some fine kettlebells and sing a song about a KETTLEBELL DAY!!  What I am saying is, find what works for you and get active.  Try doing leg lifts in your chair while watching TV.  Walk up and down stairs an extra time or two.  Park farther away from your destination and walk there.  Get active!  I am going to try to get this fine little contraption offered by Weight Watchers called the Activelink.  It is an activity monitor that works with the program I am on.  The more you are active the more points you get.  I am setting small goals and pushing them further as I achieve them.  I am hoping to be able to drop a few more pounds each week by upping the activity.  I would ask those of you that talk to me to hold my feet to the flame on this one.  If you see me feel free to ask me how I have been being more active.  Maybe that will work for you as well.  Find an "activity buddy" that you are accountable to.  Lol..."activity buddy" sounds dirty...yes, yes, again I get it...I have the mind of a child...NO, I just find things funny!  Laughter is a healing power, try it! 

     I will end this week's post with the numbers as usual...

VOILA!!!!

     Again, I have drop 1 lb. for a grand total of 121 lbs. gone!!  Hopefully, as the weeks go on I will be increasing the amount lost but any amount lost is a victory in my eyes.  I will say goodbye for this week and I will leave you with this.  Try to unplug and become a bit more active.  Remember, there is a world out there full of actual life.  We should seek to experience life for ourselves rather than finding it in a digital form.  As always, I thank you all for supporting me and showing me great love.  I ask that you give me some feedback in the comments of the blog.  Your feedback is a great motivator for me and I look forward to hearing from you.  Please make sure to share this on your Facebook pages and twitters or hey just get out there and tell somebody about it.  The more people we reach, the better the chance we can change somebody's life.  Much love and God bless you all.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!   To be continued...

 

Part 13 - There Is Power In Your Words!!! CAUTION: EXPLICIT CONTENT

     As you have seen in the title for this post, as well as the very large advisory, this week's post will include some explicit language.  I am going to cover an issue I have had to deal with all of my life and one that I am sure I am not alone in.

       I am going to address how words have been used to hurt me directly related to my weight.  However, I do not intend to come from a place of victimization, but rather, I would like to perhaps be able to show others that their words do far more damage than they may realize.  I, first and foremost, am a supporter of the 1st amendment.  For those who are not sure what that is, here you are...

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

     I am focusing specifically on the part highlighted in red.  I will NEVER tell a person that they do not have the right to say something.  In today's world of over sensitivity, we have actually gone to such lengths as BANNING words, a practice I find absolutely ridiculous. Words such as nigger, faggot, and retard are being "banned" by certain groups or they are being substituted with "the N, F, or R word" respectively, as if that particular manifestation doesn't make you immediately know what word is being referenced.  Even though I do not believe in "banning" any words, I ask these self-righteous people supporting these movements, why do you not push to ban other words such as, "fat-ass", "tub-a-lard", "piggy", or "wide load"?  All of which have been used to describe over-weight people and all of which cause just as much pain.  
     I don't support the banning of words for one simple reason.  We as free Americans do not have the right to not be offended!  

"What is freedom of expression?  Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist."

-Salman Rushdie-

     I cannot claim my right to the freedom of speech if I am not willing to let everyone have that same right.  So that leads me to how would I address my point this week of how words have been used to hurt me in relation to my weight issues.  It is simple...

"You can change your world by changing your words... Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue."

-Joel Osteen-

     I cannot force others to use or not use certain words but I can choose what words I do or do not use and I hope to show others that they have a choice in how they affect the lives of overweight people struggling day by day.  I am not, by any means, perfect in regards to this practice and I have, sadly, used my words to hurt others in the past.  It took a very dear friend of mine to show me just how hurtful my words could be and now I try hard to not use certain hurtful language.  I believe that if you are at a show, concert, gathering, or just watching the good old TV and you find yourself offended by language, you always have the right to walk away or turn the chanel.  I will not defend the stupidity that some people spew but I will defend their right to spew it.  

The Power of Words

'Tis a strange mystery, the power of words!
Life is in them, and death. A word can send
The crimson colour hurrying to the cheek.
Hurrying with many meanings; or can turn
The current cold and deadly to the heart.
Anger and fear are in them; grief and joy
Are on their sound; yet slight, impalpable:--
A word is but a breath of passing air.

  -Letitia Elizabeth Landon-

     For those out there that will say that I am out of line for trying to compare the abuse and struggles of an overweight person to those of these other groups, please, allow me educate you with a few excerpts from an article I have researched:

Morbid Obesity, Depression, and Suicide

 by Kevin Caruso

     A study on morbid obesity and depression that appeared in the American Journal of Epidemiology indicates that people who are morbidly obese are five times more likely to be depressed than those who are not.

     As a rough guide, women of average height who weigh 240 pounds or more, and men of average height who weigh 280 pounds or more are probably morbidly obese.

     People who are morbidly obese not only have to deal with the extra weight on their bodies, but also a social stigma associated with obesity. 

     Clearly, the social stigma can be contributory to the onset of depression. 

     The findings in the study that morbidly obese people are five times more likely to be depressed than those who are not also means that people who are morbidly obese are at a high risk for suicide. 

     Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you may have said something that you thought would just be a funny joke to your friends but to somebody struggling it was the final straw?  I know that I personally, have never stopped to consider what I was saying or what damage I may have done with a simple throwaway line.  I was always the victim and now I have to own my actions and I hope that I can show some people out there that words can build or destroy with how they are used.  

     Those that know me know that I am a HUGE comic book fan so I included this poster in this week's blog for two reasons.  First, it is a classic lesson that has been with Spider-man since his beginning and it is appropriate for this discussion.  "With great power comes great responsibility."  To have the gift of words is one of the greatest powers a person can receive, therefore, we must also accept the mantle of great responsibility for our words.  Secondly, I just thought it was very cool to have Spidey in one of my blogs!  Yeah, yeah I know, I am a kid at heart, what do you want?  I choose to be a builder of those around me and not a destroyer and I choose to surround myself with other builders so we all can succeed!  I also believe that we must start setting better examples for our youth.  We must raise them up to be more responsible with their language rather that just trying to "ban" words from them.  I know that I personally would always try to learn the words that were "bad" when I was a youngster.  Heck, I am not saying that this actually happened but, perhaps, I may have been about 5 years old and got caught practice "swearing" at my dining room table all alone.  I also, may have said I was "practicing" for school.  Like I said, if we continue "banning" words then we are only asking our youth to go looking for them.  I can remember a man we used to call Uncle Paul would always offer me snippets of wisdom.  One particular offering stands out to me.  He would say, "If you want to change the world, you have to start teaching them young, for the young hold our futures in their hands."  In his own strange way, Uncle Paul was right.  If we teach our youth to own their words and be responsible with using them, nothing will stop the change that will come.  

     Well, I guess that will be enough for this week's edition of The Rendering.  I hope that you all can take with you something that will help you become a builder of not only yourselves but of others.  I guess that I should post the numbers for you all before I close out for this week...

POW!!

   That's right, I did it! LOL I have lost the 3 lbs. that I somehow managed to find last week.  That means that I am back to a total of 120 lbs. lost overall.  I still find that number astounding.  I am scratching and clawing my way down but I will take it as long as it keeps going down.  Since this is the first post for October that means time for a waist measurement.  My waist now measures 68.5"!  I have lost a total of 5.5" from my waist!  With that folks, I am going to once again say thank you to all who read and support, not only my blog, but also my whole journey.  Thank you for helping me build towards my success and I hope that I am doing the same for you all.  Remember, you can change your world by changing your words and believe me; we are changing lives and changing the world.  Much love and God bless you all.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!  To be continued...

Part 12 - A Man's Got To Do What A Man's Got To Do!!!

     Who could have put it any better than The Duke?  The quintessential man's man made it simple.  Sometimes in life we all have to face difficult obstacles that may slow us down but we can't let them stop us.
     This past week has been an especially troubling one for me. When I started this blog and invited all of you to go on this journey with me I said that this would be an open and honest forum.  So I will hit you all with the numbers early...

     There it is for all to see.  Yep, that's right, up 3 lbs.  That in turn, means that my total weight loss by the pound drops 3 lbs. to 117 lbs.  As I also stated in the very beginning, I would have weeks that I would show a gain as well.  This is one of those particular weeks.  I can't say that I am overly shocked that I put on some weight.  I was not vigilant this week and I will admit, that even though last week's post was all about "no excuses", oh boy, did I ever find myself trying to excuse my break in routine.  Well, I guess that just proves that I too, am human.  

     I had originally planned to take a "hiatus" from my life in general for about a week.  Sadly, that hiatus would have included both my Weight Watchers meeting and my blog.  I was overwhelmed with so many different things affecting me this past week that I needed to shut down and reboot.  I needed a chance to let my processors cool.  I figured that if I could just step back and not have to try to juggle everything in my head I could sharpen my focus on what matters.  I did, however, decide to write the blog for a few different reasons.  I find that as I write, it is almost a cathartic experience and that, in fact, it helps me to deal with some of the overwhelming nature of my own mind.  I also feel that this has been a safe place for me to just "vent" and not be judged.  I know that all of you are supporting me and that we all can understand these trials and tribulations.  I was also afraid that my writing was becoming a bit "forced".  I must remain genuine during this journey.  I would rather not write at all as opposed to giving you all something that wasn't heartfelt and honest.  I thought that maybe a break would refresh my point of view.  Lastly on this subject, I didn't want any of you that are readers, followers, or, and most importantly to me, folks fighting their own personal fight with obesity, to think that I was not going to write because I had a small gain.  There is a special person that always seems to be able to inspire me when I am blocked, discouraged, or overwhelmed with writing and once again she came through when I needed it.  I would like to thank her for that.  This is what she said...not in these exact words but it conveyed the same meaning and I liked this...

     This idea truly spoke to me.  I allowed so many things and people to get into my head this past week and doubt start tickling around in there as well.  My body was physically fighting me with migraines and flu like symptoms.  My mind was bringing back old hurts and betrayals.  Worries about my financial situation and job and car and what ever else were being piled on.  It was like having a hurricane in your head and all you can do is just hang on.

     That is just what I did.  I hunkered down and held on.  While I was holding on I found what I needed.  I found the key that would refresh me.  As it turned out, all that I needed was to laugh.  Not just laugh, but laugh hard, a true belly laugh.  Who is better equipped than I to "belly" laugh.  Once I started laughing I could feel the tension and worry melt away.  My next step was to just get away for a bit, so I went to see my Godchildren.  There is little in this world that can bother me when I am around those two wonders from God.  As the storm in my mind abated, I was able to look back and truly appreciate just how far I have come.  Seeing all of that success, I was able to easily look forward and say, "Bring it!".  I ask all of you to please take a moment to appreciate how far you have come in your own journeys.  Maybe it is a foot or maybe it is a mile, either way take a few moments for yourself and revel in the afterglow.  I know I have a long journey ahead, but I know I will make it and so will all of you no matter what your personal journey is.  WE ARE INVINCIBLE!!!

     When I think about the times when it appears that trouble is just piling up on all sides, I am reminded, yet again, of something my old friend, Jerry Shepardini, used to tell me.  He would say, "some days you eat the bear, and some days the bear eats you".  I have a little message for my good old friend the bear...

...I am just as sharp and focused as I ever was before, even more so!  I am coming for you and your buddy!

     Perhaps, you are still having trouble with the fact that, in this instance, I lost ground in my journey by gaining a little weight.  I know, for a fact, that there are some that read this blog that feel stumbling and backsliding are bad things.  Well, here is a little visual aid that may help you, especially if you are a fan of football.

Every once in a while, the quarterback gets put on his ass.  More often than not, this will result in a loss of yards, but by no way does that mean he gives up.  A good QB will step back up and move forward with a determined aggression and that is what we MUST do!  Ok ok ok.... I know...don't beat a dead horse but I had that great picture of Tom Brady getting, what I am sure was not pleasant, planted and it made me very happy so I used it.  LOL

     With all of that said I will wrap this up for this week.  I am very optimistic about the coming week and I will embrace it good or bad because a man's got to do what a man's got to do (or woman).  As always, I thank you all so much for all of your support for The Rendering and for me.  Without people who pat you on the back and say "great job" I may not be where I am today.  Please, help others that might be struggling by sharing this blog on your Facebook pages and your twitter feeds or email blasts or news letters or billboards or smoke signals or Morse code.  Send out carrier pigeons with little scrolls on their ankles, tell the produce boy at the local store, teach your dog to talk and send him out to tell others.  Heck, hire a skywriter.... do ya get it?  LOL Let's get the word out.  We can and are changing lives and rendering useless pounds away.  Much love and God bless you all.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!  To be continued...

Part 11 - Excuses Are For Losers???

???

     In my ever so humble opinion, I must gracefully disagree.  In actuality, I would not be able to proudly call myself a loser had I not taken ownership of my actions and stopped making excuses.  So I say loud and proud my friends, EXCUSES ARE NOT FOR LOSERS!!

    Welcome back to all of my loyal readers and a heart-felt howdy to any new folks.  I thank you all for taking time to join me on my journey and to lend me your support.  This will be the 11 installment of The Rendering and I still am in awe of the overwhelming show of support and success I have received during my journey.  I am going to throw out the numbers early this week because I would like to spend the later part of this post discussing excuses and success.  So without further ado...

 ...POW!!!

     There it is my friends, a meager 1 lb. down.  I have managed to lose a whole 16 ounces...LOL.  I only joke because any loss is a good loss. 

“We must not constantly talk about tackling obesity and warning people about the negative consequences of obesity.  Instead we must be positive - positive about the fun and benefits to be had from healthy living, trying to get rid of people’s excuses for being obese by tackling the issue in a positive way.”

- Andrew Lansley -

     I love this quote and here is why.  Knowledge of the consequences of obesity is good to have, however, approaching the subject by shedding light on the positive aspects that are to be gained by fighting obesity has truly motivated me.  Yes, I only lost 1 lb. this week and I could list excuses from now until next year as to why I did not lose more but I choose to focus on this fact, with this 1 lb. that I have lost this week, my total weight loss is 120 lbs.!  I now have motivation to set a new goal and hit that as well.   

     That being said, I am now going to talk a little about a darker issue I have been experiencing.  Over the past weeks I have spoken about the fact that even though I am succeeding, I sometimes wonder if I am living up to my potential weight loss ability.  I have been trying over the past few weeks to look at my outside life through the eyes of a spectator.  What I saw was that even though I was working the program, I was making far too many excuses trying to rationalize my behaviors.  Take a moment to step back and look at yourself and the struggles you are experiencing.  While you are succeeding, you may be making excuses that limit your potential.  I saw, for me personally, that I would make excuses not to exercise regularly.  I would tell people that I was too tired or sore or I had been through a rough day.  I would toss out the excuse that "one little piece" was acceptable; even if I knew I didn't have the points to spare.  I was using these excuses to hide behind.  I think that many who read this would agree that they either do this now or have done so before.

“The cruelest lies are often told in silence.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson - 

     I found, as well, something far more disturbing in my day-to-day actions.  I have fallen into the habit of convincing myself with excuses, that some old bad habits are acceptable.  I was starting to play a "numbers" game with my Weight Watchers points.  I was convincing myself that I could slip today and catch it up "tomorrow".  The sad part was that tomorrow just wasn't coming and I was finding a need to excuse my excuses.  I was keeping my head above water and even making some progress but I was, to say the least, "under achieving".  I am well aware that I am going to stumble, but I must OWN my mistakes and keep focused and accountable for my journey.  

          I have made the choice that I WOULD succeed a long time ago now so I stand here and say I choose NO to excuses!  What will you choose?  I must remind myself that with this new lifestyle I am living, that I am not limited with the food that I eat.  I just need to make the right choices about how I eat it.  Knowing what is healthy for you isn't that hard but committing to living that knowledge can get a bit rough at times. To remind myself of this I found this for my "Wall Of Reminders"...

     Every single example above is so true to me that I am reminded I can feed both myself and others of all the excuses in the world but living up to my potential is worth so much more.  I am learning to apply this theory to many other areas of my life and I feel like I am becoming not only a healthier person but also just a better man for the effort.

  

     I carry this little "check list" in my wallet as a daily reminder.  Only I know if I am tossing excuses around to myself in my head.  Have you ever done that?  Sometimes we can become our own worst enemies with what we tell ourselves.  I read this every morning to remind myself to cut the BS and be strong.  Can you do the same?  Try it...we will all succeed!  I am also going to keep this in my wallet to remind me that if I am going to give it up for excuses that they should at the very least be creative...

    I figure, hell, I will feel ridiculous with that excuse so why use any right?  

     So, armed with a few visual aides and an even more focused positive attitude, I am gonna crank this train up to eleven!  I hope you all can see the excuses that creep into your own lives that might be holding you back from reaching your full potential and toss them out like so many stinky fish!

     I have one more small item to talk about.  I want you all to know that I absolutely love and cherish all of your feedback.  I use your comments as motivation to keep pushing.  Over the last couple of weeks I have received a couple of comments from somebody labeled "anonymous".  I am fine with people commenting under anonymous for whatever reason, but this person said "I remember you from youth group at Union Center Methodist", so naturally, I was curious to see who this was.  If you are not comfortable leaving your name in the comments, you could email me at Pedropwr3@aol.com .  Pleas do, I would love to get an opportunity to talk with you. 

     I am also happy to announce that there is a plan to get some T-shirts for The Rendering made and dispersed.  I am working on the logistics at this very moment.  I hope, as always, that you all can make some sense out of the jumbles that pour from my mind and that you can find some encouragement in what I am doing.  We all can, not only, meet our potentials but far exceed them!  I believe in all of you and remember...excuses most certainly are NOT for losers.  Excuses are simply stinky fish!  As always, thank you all and please, please, please, share this with everybody and by any method you can.  We are changing lives and making a difference.  Much love and God bless you all.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!  To be continued...

Part 10 - You Have To Believe To Begin...

I give you six unremarkable letters simply arranged in a row.  Any school child could have offered them to you just as I did.  Six simple letters, but one amazing word, one thought, one concept that can move mountains and change worlds.

One word that has changed my life.

     Let me start by asking you all to think for a moment, what does the word BELIEF mean?  I think that it means many things to many people, but, as always, let's start with the straightforward dictionary definition:

-BELIEF-

: A FEELING OF BEING SURE THAT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING EXISTS OR THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE

: A FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS GOOD, RIGHT, OR VALUABLE

: A FEELING OF TRUST IN THE WORTH OR ABILITY OF SOMEONE

     Allow me to tell you a bit about this past week and how it has inspired me for this particular posting.  I was given the honor of being asked to be one of the speakers at this week's "success stories" Weight Watchers meetings.  We also spoke about belief during the meeting and the importance of having self-belief.  I spent a good amount of time pondering over just how important this idea of self-belief was to me personally.  I came to the conclusion that without being able to believe in myself and my ability to succeed, I would not have made it this far.  In fact, in my past, I realized that my failures had come when I stopped or rather never started believing in myself.  I had allowed the seeds of doubt to blossom into a vine of destruction that would choke out any hope I had of succeeding.  This time was different some how though.  This time, not only was I succeeding in my battle for my life, I was doing so with gusto.  

 

“You have to believe. Otherwise, it will never happen."

-Neil Gaiman-

     We all have this ability to succeed through self-belief; sadly, I fear that many of us have allowed others to plant seeds of doubt.  To my benefit, I have found myself surrounded by "caretakers of encouragement" while on my journey.  These "caretakers" are people who love and care for me enough to nurture my self-belief and encourage it to grow and to produce fruits of faith and success.  If I can pass anything along to any of you that are struggling not only with obesity but also  in any trials you may have, it would be this.  Encircle yourself with your own "caretakers of encouragement", because there are still going to be those that will plant seeds of doubt and the more positive support you have on your side, the easier it becomes to weed out the doubt and nurture the belief.

      One method I have found that personally was an absolute necessity for me was attending my Weight Watchers meetings.  As I have stated before, this is not a paid advertisement for Weight Watchers, but it is my own personal testimonial.  Weight Watchers WORKS!  When I walk through those doors I don't feel like I am being judged or mocked.  There is only love, understanding, and support there.  It is a safe place full of people that want to nurture your self-belief so that it becomes a powerful tool and a cornerstone of your foundation to success.  My own personal experience has shown me that when I walk through those doors, not only do I receive support but I get to give support and help build self-belief in others as well.  

     I have been very blessed this week.  So many positive things have happened that I cannot possibly have room to give any negative events my attention.  So I say to those that want to bring negativity and doubt to my doorstep, may you find your own source of support and self-belief to guide you to your success, but allow your negativity to roll away as a tumble weed in the dessert.  At the same time I say, if you need some support I will offer you my shoulder and we can all walk on together.  

     Anybody that struggles with weight issues knows that there is cruelty out there.  Words, stares, snickers, and actions that, done by ignorance or maliciousness, can be damaging to us and hinder our success.  There was a time that I would have allowed such people to stop me, but no longer!  I have a new attitude and I look these people in the eye and say, "I am who I am. Your approval is not needed."  Those that choose to accept me for this will be blessed by my amazing wit, humor, insight, and down right AWESOMENESS!  OK OK...perhaps that was a bit far but hey.... I AM WHO I AM.... get it?  Those that can't accept me for that...it is their loss...I will go on.... lol.  As my dear friend Lyle Chipperson once said, " Tss I got buds who are light and some buds who are heavy, and some just normal size. Tss tss".  

     I found this next picture and it was so inspiring to me that I am going to print it for my "Wall Of Reminders". 

Are you going to see the meek kitten or the MAJESTIC KING OF THE JUNGLE?

I know my answer.  What about you?

     I "BELIEVE"...oh I slay me...lol..that I have said enough on this subject so let's talk some numbers shall we??  I am still working on getting more dedicated to an actual exercise program.  I need to light a fire under that particular pot and not be so inconsistent with my routine.  I can proudly report that something that has not happened in the past 20 months is currently happening.  I have PERFECT ATTENDANCE for this month at work.  I have had days where I was not feeling so good but nothing like I was when I weighed in at 674 lbs.  I fully understand that the month is only half over but guess what?  I BELIEVE IN MYSELF TO MAKE PERFECT ATTENDANCE!  Can I get an AMEN!  As promised, here comes the big number...(reggae drum roll please!!):

 POW!!

There it is kids...TRIP-QUINTS...5-5-5 or turn it around 5-5-5!
Yep that means 3 lbs. more eradicated from my gorgeous person!  TEE HEE...just funnin' ya!
The grand total is 119 lbs. and I can honestly say that I can already feel my life coming back.  I will end this week like this...thank you all for supporting me and showing me much love throughout my journey.  Take a moment to believe in yourselves this week and you will see that great things will happen when you believe in you.  Don't forget that when you reach for a hand up in life to reach down and offer one to someone struggling as well.
There is a chance that some incarnation of T-Shirts featuring "Beware The Fatypus!!!" or "Keep It CRISPY!" could be coming.  I have received some requests for some so I ask, are there others out there that would rock one of these T's advertising The Rendering?  
I am working on a few other big things relating to my journey that I will talk about more when I have more concrete details so stay tuned for that.
Remember, if you feel alone I am just a message away if you need some support.  Realize that we are not alone if we just look around.  Much love and God bless you all.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!  To be continued...

Part 9 - Keep It CRISPY!

     In my humble opinion, the first bite of a fresh apple is the best.  You know what I am talking about.  That crispy, juicy bite that each apple promises when you pick it up and decide, "hmm you look tasty".  Assuming that you, the reader, likes apples.  I mean, if you don't, what is wrong with you? LOL...Just a little apple humor folks, just play along.  Honestly, if you think about it, if that first bite was pithy, rotten, too sour, or just plain nasty, would you be enticed to eat more?  Allow me to answer for you...and pardon my crude language but...HECK NO I WOULD NOT!  
     So, now is the part where I find myself needing to say once again, "I have not lost my mind!"  By the end of this posting it will all make perfect sense...well...sense...ok let's just say I might be a little closer to proving my sanity, I hope.  I will start with an apology.  I apologize to all who have supported me on this journey that I have mislead this week.  I posted this on Facebook late Friday night:

"As I lay my head down to go to sleep I am making this announcement with a heavy heart. I am calling it, I quit! My journey is done for any number of reasons. Please voice your complaints and concerns in writing in the comments and I will address them as I feel I can. Thanks for the support. The fat guy."

     Let me reassure you all, I am not quitting and I never was going to.  I posted that because I needed to get true, raw emotional responses from people.  The only way to get them was to do this without people knowing my true motive.  I will say, that you all did not disappoint me.  I received dozens of responses in a very short amount of time.  So you may wonder what motivated me to "need" these responses, here it is.  Throughout this week, I have noticed a rather depressing trend popping up among those that I have spoken with.  I have heard "I quit" or "I can't" or "it is too hard" or "why don't people understand me and what I am going through?"  Please, please, don't misunderstand me.  I have heard all of these from inside my own head as well this week.  I have family members going through terrible times and it stresses me out so I say to myself "I can't" and I find some "comfort" food.  I learned this week that there is a good chance I may be unemployed by April, so what happened?  I said, "I quit", why bother if I won't have any future income or insurance.  Who would hire me with my issues?  Again, please forgive my harsh, sailor-like language, but that negative; go-nowhere thinking is a warm ball of POPPYCOCK!!  Yep, I said it.  Cover the kids' ears and send the old folks out of the room because I am spitting truth bombs!

     I wished that I could say it was only I thinking this, but I am hearing it from others.  Others that I look to for inspiration and support.  If they are giving up on themselves then what about me?  I want all of you that read my post to think back, think of exactly the raw emotion and hurt and disappointment that you felt.  You, who have been my strength and my support, were basically watching me choose death.  I want you to remember the raw nerves that were touched by my announcement.  Remember that when you say, "I quit" or "I can't" or "it is too hard" or "why don't people understand me and what I am going through?" because that is how not only I, but all who love and support you feel when we hear it.  I believe the term I saw in many comments to me was, "tough love".  If we are truly going to support each other then we all need a little "tough love".  I have made two items to help remind me of this.  One is a copy of all of the responses to my post so if I ever need a little boost out of the negative zone I can look to those and be reminded of all of the love and support I have.

     My second reminder I have actually printed out for myself and I am using it as a daily positive affirmation.  I call it...Keep It C.R.I.S.P.Y.:

- KEEP IT C.R.I.S.P.Y. -

·      C – COMMITMENT:

- Go All In and Don’t Look Back.  The Past is the Past. -

·      R – Reality:

- Do Not Sugar Coat the Reality.  There Is No “Easy” or “Quick” Fix, You Have To Work For It and Work Hard -

·      I – INSPIRATION:

- Find One, Then Become One -

·      S – SUPPORT:

- You Are NOT Alone.  Look Around and You Will See -

·      P – PERSEVERANCE:

- You Will Stumble and Fall Accept That and Dust Yourself Off.  Keep Moving Forward -

·      Y – YOU:

- Succeed For YOU!  In The End, The Choice Is Ultimately Yours To Win or Lose -

So there it is folks.  I know acronyms can be a bit silly but it works for me.  As for the bunnies, well, bunnies just love CRISPY treats!  Besides, just look how adorable they are.  If you still need a positive boost just look at them!

     Changing your lifestyle and eating habits can become dull and boring.  When we find this happening we start to become negative and we cut corners.  Cutting corners can lead to bad habits.  So I say, KEEP IT CRISPY!  If you try to make each day as appetizing as that first bite of a fresh, juicy apple you will find it gets easier.  It will be hard, but that is why we have each other to lean on.  I know, it is an odd place in my head but it works for me.  I hope that those of you that are going through troubles can find this a little helpful.  Think of those that depend on you to succeed because you inspire them as much as they inspire you.  KEEP IT CRISPY!

     Ah, I guess it is time to toss out the numbers for this week.  I will be honest, as I said above, I did turn to some "comfort foods" this week so I was dreading stepping on the scale.  Nonetheless, I did climb upon the digital slab of doom and I saw this...(itty bitty drum roll please)...

 Uhh.....what? Wait?

Dang bunnies...they breed like...well you know...sorry.

TA DAAAAA!!!!

     There it is people.  That my good friends is 2 more lbs for a total of 116 lbs. go, going, gone!  I seem to be in a rut of little losses but they are still losses.  I will take it.  I just wonder "what if?"  Therein lies the rub folks, the past is the past and "what ifs?" don't matter.  I am going forward no matter what.

      So I will end the week with a recipe for an awesome Greek salad that my sister found.  So good!  Give it a try and make it your own if you want.  Let me know what you think.  Here it is...

Good For Your Greek Salad –

3 – Large Ripe Tomatoes Chopped – 0 points – WWPF

2 – Cucumbers Peeled and Chopped – 0 points – WWPF

1 – Small Red Onion Chopped - 0 points – WWPF

¼ - Cup Olive Oil – 14 points

4 – Teaspoons Lemon Juice – 0 points

1 ½ - Teaspoons Dried Oregano – 0 points

Salt and Pepper To Taste – 0 points

1 – Cup Crumbled Feta Cheese – 11 points

6 – Black Greek Olives Pitted and Sliced – 2 points

*WWPF - Weight Watchers Power Food

            In a shallow salad bowl, or on serving platter, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.  Sprinkle with oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle feta cheese and olives over salad.  Serve.  Serves 6.  Much better if you allow a day to marry.

Total Weight Watchers Points – 27 for the whole bowl, 4.5 WW points per serving.

     That is all I have for this week my friends.  As always, thank you all for you support and love.  I would ask that you share this blog with as many people as you can.  On your facebooks, twitters, word of mouth, or just tell random people.  It doesn't matter how the word gets out, just the fact that it gets out and that it is touching lives.  Stay positive this week and keep it C.R.I.S.P.Y.!  I am here if you need a push.  I love you and may God bless you all.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!  To be continued...

Part 8 - The Demon In the Dark

     I am going to start this week's post a little bit differently. I am going to talk about the demon in the dark.  Specifically, my demon.  The demon of addiction.  Merriam-Webster defines addiction as the following:

- ADDICTION -

The compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.

     I am not addicted to drugs, alcohol, or sex.  Sadly, there are times that I feel I would rather be addicted to one of those because my addiction is a bit more trickier.  I know that sounds a bit ignorant to say but think about it for a moment.  Even though it has become a social norm to make drugs, alcohol, and sex evil villains in terms of addiction, these are all addictive sources that can be overcome and exiled.  Once a person addicted to one of these "bad boys" claims a victory, they can banish the substance from their lives.  I, as I have said before, am addicted to food.  I am not saying that my addiction is any more important or worse off than other addictions; I am just saying that it is a bit more trickier.  As I am sure you have figured out, we are living beings and as such, we can not just stop eating.  There is no way to banish or ignore that fact that our bodies need food to survive.  Imagine how successful a heroin addict would be if they had to shoot up even just once a day.  It isn't hard to see that they would not be able to achieve success in kicking their addiction.  Food is a necessary evil to keep us alive, but it can be just as deadly as any substance, in the long run, if abused.

     As you can see from this graph above, obesity is a growing (no pun intended, just a happy accident) issue within the United States.  I personally feel that if you were to take a close look at the ever-increasing numbers, you would find out that the reason is because they too battle addiction to food.  Any person fighting this battle, at one point or another, will begin to question if it is even possible to beat this addiction.  I say to all of you that have questioned this, YES! YES! YES! you can indeed conquer this addiction but you must solve the puzzle...

      I try to keep this thought in mind when I face my demon or when people ask for my opinions or encouragement.  I remind myself that for each one of us, even though our addiction is the same, the pieces will never fit the same.  Fear not though! The pieces WILL fit in the end!  I believe that all of this back and forth encouragement and discussion is helping both myself and others figure out where the pieces go.  Sure, sure, I will admit, I do occasionally try to pound a square piece into a round hole but hey, that's just me...lol.  Someone will slap me in the head and point out that no matter how many corners I try to cut, that particular piece just simply, will not fit in the round hole.  It helps to have people that love me enough to smack me like a skipping record player to get me back on track.  

     Oh the days that I have dreamed away exactly like good 'ole Homer.  That is where it all starts for me.  Trouble in my head leads to trouble in my eating habits.  Here is some science for ya!  The term HIGHLY PALATABLE FOODS refers to foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat.  These foods, when respected and not abused, are fine to have in your diet.  However, the reward signals from highly palatable foods may override other signals of fullness and satisfaction within your brain. As a result, people keep eating, even when they're not hungry.  That right there is not good for a food addict...duh!  So how do we beat this addiction and figure out the puzzle??  You put one foot in front of the other and gets to steppin'...(get ready for some silliness).

DO YOU ALL REMEMBER THIS FELLOW WITH THE LONG WHITE BEARD?

NO?

WHAT?

HE IS THE WINTER WARLOCK!

     For those that are not familiar with who the Winter Warlock is, he is a character from the 1970 TV special, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town.  Fine, I am sure that there are some of you thinking, "what the hell does this have to do with food addiction?" and no I didn't lose my mind.  In that fine work of art, Winter, as he is called, sings a little ditty that I keep in my head as a reminder of how to start making changes to beat my demon.  If you have never seen this before, please feel free to watch this short clip and be encouraged.  I insist...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wJ19XeCPG88

     Making small changes in the beginning is the first step.  I have weeded out a lot of the foods that are considered "highly palatable" in my daily diet, although not completely.  Moderation is the key to battling food addiction.  Portion control and constant vigilance is how the demon will fall.  I have replaced the "HP" foods with better options.  Green, leafy veggies, fruits, and water are all great options to help replace foods and they help to fill you up.  A friend told me this weekend that he just won't eat anything "healthy" because it all tastes gross.  One of the most revealing lessons I have learned on this journey is that; all of those "healthy" foods are not gross, they are just different.  I have begun to refine my palate and I am tasting worlds of new flavors all from "healthy" foods.  I also supplement my diet with a treat now and again, remembering to stay vigilant by choosing a healthy option to fill up on.  I find that even a small treat can be enough to satisfy the demon and keep him at bay.  

     As you continue to put one foot in front of the other you will find it gets easier to choose the healthier options.  It is said that you can change your habits by repeating the new habit 21 days in a row.  That is a great goal to start with.  Once you hit day 21, you have planted the seed of a healthier lifestyle and it is sprouting.  Continue these habits for another 60 days or so and you will realize that you have completely replaced the poor habits with the healthy ones.  You may never fully defeat the demon, but by making healthy habits and remaining vigilant you can render the demon powerless.  Claim your victory!

     I think I have said enough so I will announce to you all my numbers for the week.  Are you ready?  Are you sure?  Tiny drum roll please.....

      There it is guys and gals...FIVE SIX ZERO!  I weighed in at the lovely weight of 560 lbs.  That means that I am down 2 lbs. more from last week and a grand total of 114 lbs. overall.  Since this is the first post of September, I am also including my waist measurement.  As of the August 8, 2013 posting of Part 4, my waist measured 72.5" and I can proudly report that this month's measurement is 70" even.  I have dropped a total of 4" from my waist since I began.  I hope that I have been an encouragement to some of you out there and I encourage you to share your success stories with me as well.  I am going to try something new.  I am asking for suggestions for a "mystery" ingredient.  Something that you enjoy eating but would like to find recipes that are healthier and tasty, delicious even!  I will pick one or two ingredients and find a delicious and healthy recipe to share with the group.  That is about all I have for this week.  As always, thank you all for you support and love.  I would ask that you share this blog with as many people as you can.  On your facebooks, twitters, word of mouth, or just tell random people.  It doesn't matter how the word gets out, just the fact that it gets out and that it is touching lives.  I see in my day-to-day life that there are changes happening all around me.  Random people are surprising me by coming up and talking to me about the blog and their own personal journeys.  People are seeing us and the Fat Revolution is hurtling on like a juggernaut.  VIVE LA FAT REVOLUTION!!!  God bless you all.  To be continued...