Get Fit: Week 7

Hi internet and future self. I've been having a harder time posting on the exact week anniversary for posts. I've decided to stop counting the days and just count the weeks instead. I'm finding it easier to post updates on Friday's instead of on Tuesday/Wednesday. I hit a milestone this week. I made it under 235 pounds. I did have two/three events though where I did not really think about the amount of food I was eating.

1. June 26 - had lunch with my coworkers to celebrate the turnover of zOS 2.2 at an Italian pasta place. I ended up finishing my Uni Pasta plate as well as bread, salad, and a diet coke. Not my proudest moment, but I did work out a little extra the same day to balance the calorie input/output.
2. June 28 - happy hour with Kevin and Eddie. I ate lots of fried foods (i.e. chicken, fries, and rice) as well as a glass of beer. Ended up drinking a sugary coffee drink to wash down all the food after. In preparation of the day, I did work out in the morning knowing that I would not have time due to the happy hour meet up.
3. June 29 - parents are celebrating the closing of escrow for Russell at a Japanese dinner show restaurant (this is today). I'm determined not to eat as much, considering how much I ate from last night. I also can't wait to have a full workout, although it will be out of my element and will be done at the Chino Hills Anytime Fitness location.

Ultimately, I need to work on my love for food. I end up having good intentions coming in, but then temptation takes over and I end up overeating. I know I can still love food, but I need to practice more self-control so that I can be consistent with my goals. In other news, this past weekend I went to Carlsbad with the parents. I knew it would be filled with eating out, but this time I was very conscious about my food choices. I stuck to my gut and chose better items such as chicken and fish. I even worked out at the Carlsbad Anytime Fitness location. I did skip a day of workout (on Saturday). It was too late and I could no longer fit it into the day's schedule. I went to Carlsbad because I wanted to check out the outlets for new clothes. I noticed that my current pants and belts were no longer fitting me and needed a new set with my weight loss. I went in thinking I lost about 2 pants sizes (46 going to 42). I went into the fitting room and was surprised. I am now at a size 40; that's three pant sizes! It gave me such a confidence boost and the encouragement to keep trying to attain my fitness goals. Knowing that I love food, I can use the pant sizes to my advantages by scaring/reminding myself that if I want to continue losing weight and looking good, I need to be smart about my food choices and my food portions. I've noticed that once I slip with a bad choice for a food item, I end up making bad choices for the rest of the meal. For example, if I consume a glass of beer, I tend to eat more than I need, and refill my glass until I feel way too full. If I don't make the choice at all and stick to my regiment, then I end up being good. There are several events that are coming up where I need to make this conscious choice:

1. June 29 - the meal with the parents regarding closing escrow for Russell. Stick to small portions and see if the restaurant has any healthier substitutions.
2. June 30 - hanging out with my circle of friends in Santa Monica (potluck style or takeout; not sure yet). Pick healthy options and portions. Don't be tempted to eat more. Count your calories!
3. July 1 - Karaoke hangout with another set of friends. This will most likely involve eating out after. If you know the restaurant choice does not provide healthy options, try to leave the event altogether. If friends insist in you coming, stick to a healthy appetizer to keep the portion small.
4. July 2 - pizza party farewell for Tony. This seems unavoidable in terms of healthy choices. Have one pizza (preferably less oil, more veggies). If dessert is served, either don't eat any or stick to a really small portion. Throw away anything you don't feel like eating.
5. July 3 - my celebration for being permanent. We're eating at hipster restaurant that does provide healthy options. However, the portions might be bigger than what I typically eat for lunch. Nevertheless, make sure to workout after with lots of intensity to get rid of the calories.
6. July 4 - America's Independence Day! Surely there will be BBQ served with the family or with friends. Stick to grilled chicken and veggies if possible. Most definitely will need to hit the gym (for all days actually) to get rid of the excess calories.
7. July 5 - last day of work for the week. I'll probably be eating out with Mitch and we can stick to healthy places. Nevertheless, I need to be conscious about my choices. Mitch doesn't mind healthy alternatives like sushi so it shouldn't be a big deal.

I'm so happy with my progress so far. I see this list above with lots of temptations to eat and indulge. I need to constantly remind myself to trust the process so that I can gain the look I desire for myself. Don't let temptation break you. Otherwise, you will boomerang back to your former self AND THAT IS NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. Be patient, continue your journey, and trust yourself that you will make the right decision every time.