Archive for the ‘Updates & Reports’ Category

The first update of 2010!

February 28th, 2010 admin

Better late than never, I guess. It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update concerning the weight loss journey so I figured it’s time to get back on the ball and keep this blog up to date.

Yesterday I posted my first picture at 80 plus pound lighter and was shocked when I saw it. I look in the mirror everyday and don’t see a lot of change because the loss has been slow and gradual. It was nice to see that the sweat and sore muscles have paid off so far, but I have a long ways to go.

rex harris,snook fishing,florida

My mission for 2010 is to drop another 30 to 50 pounds, which should put me where I want to be. I’ve had to become very patient with this process because it’s coming off very slow now… but that’s alright because it motivates me to keep it off.

At this stage of the game, if there are any words of wisdom to share, it’s don’t quit, even when you’ve worked your tail off for six weeks and haven’t lost a pound, or even gained. The body is an interesting machine and I still haven’t figured it out. I’d be very interested to hear any ideas about burning fat around the mid section to drop more pounds if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks for the support and I’ll make sure to get back in the habit of keeping this blog updated.

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: 1 Comment »

My Two Cents On Tiger Woods

December 5th, 2009 admin
So… what does this post have to do with weight loss, fitness and/or nutrition? Absolutely nothing! This is just a rant so take it as you will…

Most of my friends and family know that I am one of the biggest Tiger Woods fans on the planet. Tigers’ relentless pursuit of perfection and his dedication to his craft have inspired me, in life, to be my best.

I can probably even attribute some of my determination through this weight loss journey to Tiger.

As you can imagine, I was the first to jump to his defense last week when we received news of the car accident. When my wife informed me that she had heard there was more to the story I said “no way! It had to be a mechanical failure or something other than human stupidity.”

It turns out that even Tiger Woods is subject to “human stupidity”… Lord knows I have been more times in my life than I can count. Nonetheless, what has happened has happened.

Unlike the recent Seinfeld Reunion via Curb Your Enthusiasm, I’m not going to play the “that being said card”, I’m just going to state it plain.

While I realize that the world of golf and professional sports has put Tiger Woods and other high profile athletes on a pedestal, the truth remains that even though they sport million and billion dollar bank accounts they still put their pants on the same as the rest of us, everyday.

Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, David Letterman (who I respect because he had the guts to be honest about it) and a host of others (including myself, sorry to say) have strayed away from their wedding vows and gone the road of infidelity and or drugs and alcohol.

There is no excuse in this… the only thing those of us who have been guilty of such things (past or present) can do is hope for the forgiveness of family and friends while learning from the, as Tiger put it on his website (click here to read article from Tiger Woods) TRANSGRESSION.

While I’m disappointed and completely surprised by this turn of events in the life of Tiger Woods, I’d be a hypocrite if I were to turn my back. Tiger is still (in my book) the greatest golfer to ever play the game and I look forward to seeing him continue his domination of this sport in the future.

My prayers are with you and your family, Tiger, during this difficult time… but it’s time to just “man up”, tell people what happened and move forward. Hiding the truth is only going to keep people digging further. People are more likely to forgive brutal honesty than lies!

Cheers!

Rex
YesterdaysFatGuy.com

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , , 7 Comments »

Insanity workout recovery week is here!

November 17th, 2009 admin

Insanity workout logo

Did someone say RECOVERY? When I think of recovery it certainly isn’t what we did in our first Core Cardio and Balance RECOVERY workout… wow! That being said, it sure is a nice “change of pace” anyway!

As usual, I decided to go into this workout blind. Since the beginning (after previewing the first fit test) I decided that I wasn’t going to preview any other workout, I was just going to go for it.  A  So, when I started Core Cardio and Balance last night I was anticipating some stretching, maybe some light exercise, instruction, etc. That’s what I get for thinking! Just as in everything else we do, Core Cardio and Balance fits right into Insanity.

Not that I don’t enjoy them all, but I especially enjoyed last nights workout. I wasn’t huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf trying to flush out the three little pigs, but what we did do offered a different intensity that you could really “feel” working as you moved along…. and it still made you sweat like a “little pig!” ;)

The results I’m seeing at the midway point of Insanity are exceptional. In the last week I’ve really noticed a significant change in definition, especially in my upper arms and legs, as well as conditioning. What I’m able to do on the treadmill now blows my mind and I know that it’s Insanity that has helped me get there.

I would like to offer a special note of thanks to my wife Tami who helped me lift my legs during the final exercises of RECOVERY last night… LOL! “Thanks babe, you’re the best!”

I’m looking forward to P90X and RevAbs after Insanity. P90X is going will be next in my BeachBody journey.

If you are looking for a fitness challenge, the BeachBody programs do the trick… and they are a whole lot of fun, if such a thing can be said about a fitness program.

Have a great day and God bless!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy

Master Key System Quote Of The Day – “Those who look within, instead of without, cannot fail to make use of the mighty forces which will eventually determine their course in life and so bring them into vibration with all that is best, strongest and most desirable!”


Posted in Business & Marketing, Updates & Reports, Weight Loss Concepts, What's New? Tags: , , , , , , 5 Comments »

Sometimes you’ve gotta’ go up to go down!

November 13th, 2009 admin

I never would have guessed that I would have to eat more and take on more calories to get passed the current weight loss plateau. If you’ve been reading this blog you might be wondering why the number up in the right hand corner hasn’t moved in over a month? It’s simple… because my weight hasn’t moved much because I THOUGHT I knew better than the experts.

When I started Insanity I weighed 274 pounds. As of a week and a half ago, I still weighed 274 pounds. It didn’t matter how hard I exercised, no more weight was coming off.Here’s why…

It turns out that my daily calorie intake of 2000 wasn’t supporting all of the exercise. In talking with a friend of mine (Tom Lavigne, a certified trainer), he explained to me that my body was actually holding on to the fat because it wasn’t getting enough to feed the muscle I was building.

Turns out, he was right. After going back through the Insanity nutrition guide and using the Harris Benedict Equation to figure my daily calorie needs, it turned out that I should actually be eating 3600 calories per day to lose weight. Crazy right? Well…

When he told me I need to increase calories to between 2500 and 3000 I thought he had lost his freakin’ mind.

When told me I need to increase calories to between 2500 and 3000 I thought he had lost his freakin’ mind Based on those figures and following Toms advice (you can meet Tom by clicking here) I increased my calories and guess what? I GAINED FOUR POUNDS in two days! I was horrified! Nonetheless, I put my faith in Toms’ wisdom and the Insanity nutrition guide and did as I was shown to do.

Sure enough, after three more days I had dropped two pounds! Today, I’m losing an average of 1.6 pounds per day consuming 3000 calories per day plus my gym workout and Insanity. Looks like we’ve finally got this dialed in. I woke up today to find myself getting ready to FINALLY get out of the 270’s and into the 260’s with a weight of 271 pounds this morning on the bathroom scale and 269.5 on the gym scale!

What’s the moral of the story? Listen to those who know what they are talking about and don’t second guess. I’ve heard from many others using Insanity and P90X who have experienced the same thing. If you are exercising with that kind of intensity, your body needs the calories so follow the nutrition to the letter and you’ll get amazing results!  Trust me, when your body starts building this kind of muscle you will need the calories.

For the guys (sorry ladies)… I picked up a book published by Mens Health, the other day, called “The Mens Health Hard Body Plan – The ULTIMATE 12 Week Program for Burning Fat and Building Muscle.” This is an awesome book! If you are getting into the use of weights this is perfect. Everything you need nutrition and fitness wise is contained within the pages of this workout bible. I’ve had a hard time putting it down… there’s a ton of great information.

I’ve posted some updated pics (above) for those who have been wondering how the Insanity conversion is going. I’m getting ready to wrap up week number four and I can’t believe the difference between todays pic and the pick on day 1.

I’m starting to see some muscle showing through (there was a lot of fat to burn!) but what I’m noticing more than anything is the huge increase in conditioning and endurance.  What I’m able to do on the treadmill, at the gym, is leagues above what I was doing before I started Shaun T’s Insanity workout.

For those of you considering Insanity, my advice is DO IT, but DO IT BY THE BOOK!  Follow the nutrition to the letter using the Harris & Bartman equation outlined in the nutrition guide.  If it tells you that you should be eating 3500 calories per day to lose weight, then EAT the calories!  Eat healthy, but eat!  I wasn’t eating nearly enough and I paid the price with my weight loss… nearly a whole month without losing any.  The plan works so stick to it!

Have a great weekend!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy


Posted in Updates & Reports, What's New? Tags: , , , , 4 Comments »

Where, oh where, did the the fat guy go?

November 6th, 2009 admin

It’s like they say, “time flies when you’re having fun…” and I’ve been doing just that!  You wouldn’t think, in most circles, that any such thing could be said of personal fitness and exercise, but once you get in the zone you just can’t get enough.

My sincere apologies for the delay between posts here.  No excuses, just haven’t made time.

Cross Fit Demonstration Video

Insanity update:  Insanity is going great!  Today marks day 19 already and the results have been phenomenal.  I haven’t missed a day, and Lord willing, I won’t be missing or skipping any either.  Once you get started, good luck stopping!  This program motivates you to push yourself in ways you won’t believe your body can even handle.

Fitness test number two, with Insanity, proved to me that anyone willing to put their mind to it can do this!  It’s simply a matter of starting and pushing yourself to improve with each workout.

Insanity is shredding fat, building muscle and quickly taking me into the best shape I’ve ever been in!  I’ll be adding updated pics and video in the next couple of days.

In planning the future evolution of my fitness journey my plan is to take on P90X next.  Whether or not that is going to happen after round one, or maybe round two of Shaun T’s Insanity has not yet been determined.

From there, I will continue with the Insanity workouts (burst training) for the cardio benefits but am seriously considering the movement of my standard gym membership to a Cross Fit facility.  If you haven’t seen Cross Fit yet, and you are serious about taking your bodies shape to it’s absolute peak, then I highly recommend a visit to CrossFit.com.   Take a few minutes and watch some of the videos.  Cross Fit is hardcore!  If you have a minute, check out the video above!  WOW!

Burst Training Video

Overall, what started as a journey to lose weight has turned into a mission, maybe even an obsession, with personal fitness, weight loss, mental fitness and proper diet.  If you are going to be consumed and overcome by something in life it might as well be good for you!  The things I am learning never cease to amaze me.

It’s pretty cool when your metabolism is working so well that you have to increase calories to lose weight.  I recently hit another plateau, and after talking with a personal trainer, was shown that I was not eating enough to lose weight.  Turns out my body was storing fat (for a rainy day, I guess… ;) ) because it wasn’t getting enough fuel.  I would have never dreamed that I would get to a point where I would need 2500 calories per to lose weight.  Hard to wrap your mind around eating more to weigh less, but once you learn how the body works it makes perfect sense.

Have a great day!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy


Posted in Updates & Reports, What's New? Tags: , , , 3 Comments »

Insanity Week 1 Complete, Week 2 Started Today

October 26th, 2009 admin

“… and on the seventh day, Shaun rested!” Insanity 1:1

LOL! Wow, I just finished my day number 8 workout (after a much appreciated day of rest yesterday… thanks Shaun!) and I’m amazed how far I have come in a week.

I’m seeing results in my legs, arms and stomach (which is really cool!) but, more impressively, I’m noticing a significant increase in endurance along the ability to perform and execute the exercises with the precision that Shaun teaches them.

I’m not the most coordinated guy on the planet (spare tire doesn’t help), but when I can balance on one leg without feeling like the Leaning Tower Of Pisa it’s encouraging! My Heisman is looking more like a Heisman and less like the Private Pile it was on day 2 plus I can do more reps correctly throughout the workout.

I still can’t do the push ups on the floor yet (Dr. says not ready for that) so I’m doing them inclined on a chair and I’m still getting great results. I’m hoping there will be enough new muscle formed in my chest, in the next few weeks, to where I can do the push ups on the floor.

Even a 39 year old, former fat guy, heart valve recipient (when I put my MIND to it) can do Insanity. Don’t make excuses… take action and do something that will change the course of your life. It doesn’t have to be Insanity necessarily, but something that is going to transform your body and your mind and take you to places you didn’t THINK were possible.

The only one stopping your from doing what needs to be done is you! Anything you wish to achieve in life can be reached through faith!

To learn more about Shaun T’s Insanity, P90X and Beach Body contact my buddy Jeremy Henderson by clicking here! He is the coach you want in your corner. There aren’t to many guys that come more respectable then him!  I think the picture above says what words can’t…

Cheers!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy

Posted in Updates & Reports, Weight Loss Concepts Tags: , , , No Comments »

Insanity Day Five Pure Cardio

October 23rd, 2009 admin

As I squeezed out one last push up jack, tonight, our INSANE leader (Shaun T) uttered one of the most priceless statements concerning Insanity that I’ve heard yet. As he pulled himself up from the floor he said…

This sh** is ba-nan-as ya’ll!

“Well said Shaun, that sums it up perfectly.”

Just when you think it can’t get any crazier, Shaun T throws “Pure Cardio” at you. I had a suspicion that we were in for a butt kicking tonight, I just didn’t know to what extent. As we warmed up, Shaun made the comment that we was “nervous” about the workout. “Your nervous, Shaun? Holy bologna man! What are we in for?”

Well, you know how the commercial talks about long intervals of intense exercise between short periods of rest? Take that, only remove the periods of rest and go non stop like a freakin’ maniac for however long it was… and that’s Pure Cardio!

It’s invigorating, that’s for sure… and I really enjoyed it tonight, if such a thing can be said about brutal exercise. Once again I surprised myself and made it all the way through. I don’t quite have the speed the others have, but make no mistake, I have a bucket of sweat to prove I didn’t slack.

I think I’m finally starting to get the hang of the Heisman move… I guess I’ll know better when I do the next video on day ten. I’m pretty excited about that as I can already see a difference after day five.

You can check out my first day video and pics, and learn more about Shaun T’s Insanity, when you click here!

Only 55 more days to go… “keep diggin’ deeper, ya’ll!”

Cheers!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , , , No Comments »

Insanity Workout Day Number 4 Cardio Recovery

October 22nd, 2009 admin

I was elated to find out that today was Cardio Recovery. I saw the word recovery on my wall calendar and was thrilled to see that Shaun T was going to take it a little easy on us today. While, granted, we didn’t “kill the wind” (so to speak today), there were times that it felt like my legs were going to burst into flames. I never believed in spontaneous human combustion… but today, I came as close as I’ve ever been.

Words don’t do Insanity, and what it does for you, justice. Just four days down and I’m already noticing a difference in my core and seeing a visual difference in my upper legs and thighs. Insanity is pushing me to do things I wouldn’t do on my own, during a regular workout at the gym, because much of it is stuff I didn’t BELIEVE I could do. It’s amazing what happens when you push through and dig deep. Your body will do much more than you think it will.

I’m really digging the nutrition and diet included with Shaun T’s Insanity. Most of the diet plans my wife and I have tried include menus that are complicated and time consuming. That’s not the case with this. Most of your meals can be prepared quickly and efficiently while delivering quality taste, but more importantly, quality nutrition that is calculated to help you lean out and burn body fat.

Click here to watch Shaun T’s Insanity!

Cheers!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , , , , 3 Comments »

Insanity workout day 3 complete plus appetite info!

October 21st, 2009 admin
Insanity workout day three Insanity workout day 3 is in the books. Props to my wife Tamara for joining in today just to see how insane this really is!

Even after day three I’m already noticing some changes. Foremost, is the endurance. I was able to go through Cardio Power and Resistance today and do the workout efficiently and effectively.

Don’t get me wrong, it kicked my butt… but my form and ability to finish a circuit with less rest were noticeably improved.

The stretches went much more smooth today as well. Overall, Insanity is worth every penny invested, and drop of sweat,  so far!

Now, a dietary note. I’ve talked, quite a bit about appetite suppression and many of the readers here have commented on how hard it is to get appetite under control. That was a huge issue for me, for the longest time. However, since incorporating a higher protein level into my diet and adjusting my calories the way Insanity taught me too, I have notice a significant decrease in appetite. In fact, I’m having to force myself to eat five 300 to 400 calorie meals per day and I’m not craving food before bed time anymore. I’m excited to see what happens at my next weigh in… I might just hit double digits for the first time since I started this journey.

The whole Beach Body system is proving to be impressive from a people stand point. I’ve made some great new friends YouTube and the support is phenomenal. Thanks to Jeremy, Jason and Joe for the support… much appreciated guys!

Click here to learn more about Insanity!

Cheers!

Rex – Yesterdays Fat Guy

Posted in Updates & Reports, Weight Loss Concepts Tags: , , 1 Comment »

Weekly update from Yesterdays Fat Guy (10/12/09)

October 12th, 2009 admin

Before I get started today I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to my wife Tami and her family in the loss of her uncle. After being sick for quite some time we received word toward the end of last week that he had passed. Tami flew out yesterday morning to be with her family this week and I wish her well… she’s an amazing gal!

As far as YFG is concerned, I’ve been in the gym a little more than normal, over the last few days, in preparation for the Insanity workout (if you can prepare for such a thing… lol.) Lord willing, it will arrive and I can get started in the next couple of days.

I stepped on the scale this morning to find that I had surpassed the 60 pound mark on my mission to lose 100 pounds this year. At present I now weight 276 pounds (a BIG thanks to Fat Loss 4 Idiots). I’m excited to see how much more the Insanity workout is going to help me lose.

I’ll be doing a six video series once I start the Insanity workout, at which time I will be posting new video of my latest weigh in and measurement. At present, the tape is showing my mid section (or spare tire as it’s most commonly referred to) at 47 inches which is a total loss of six inches over the last four months. I would have expected more inches lost based on the amount of weight lost, but it’s progress so onward and forward.

I’ve been surprised at how much more I can do at the gym now that a significant chunk of the weight has come off. I’m running on the treadmill now (and running is something I have n’t been able to do in years). I’ve been running is segments of 2 to 4 minutes in between intense incline walking, which burns more than 500 calories over a half an hour. I’m burning 1300 plus calories with each workout now which, I’m sure, is contributing to the weight coming of a bit faster than it was a few weeks back.

Speaking of which, I’d like to touch on the subject of plateau again, before I close this post. For those of you who are also on a weight loss journey, when you do have those periods of days weeks, or even a month, where it doesn’t seem like you are making much progress, it’s easy to start listening to those thoughts of doubt. IGNORE those thoughts and keep pushing forward.

One of the things I’ve learned in this is that when you hit a plateau then it’s time to change things up a bit. You might try an adjustment in your diet or, I recommend, change up your workout. Instead of walking on the treadmill, at a certain speed and incline, for 30 minutes, change things up. Increase and decrease speed and incline between a brisk walk and a jog. Keep challenging your body with new things. One of the top programs by Beach Body teaches muscle confusion for the very purpose of pushing through a plateau.

Cheers!

Rex Harris – Yesterdays Fat Guy

Click here to learn more about Fat Loss 4 Idiots

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , , No Comments »

How a fat guy got into a skinny guys shorts!

September 9th, 2009 admin

Sorry, I couldn’t resist the title… lol, and it’s probably even more lame to laugh at my own joke, but it is what it is.

When it comes to losing weight we like to SEE progress. We enjoy seeing the numbers go down when we step on the scale, believe me, but there’s a certain sense of accomplishment that brings new motivation to the game when you are able to comfortable wear jeans that, just a month ago, I could even button.

As my wife and I were getting ready head out for lunch today I was digging through the dresser drawer for something to wear. There tucked in the back bottom corner were those jean shorts that have been waiting for me for a long time now. I wasn’t going to try but then I figured “why not… they have to be closer then last time.”

As I slid them on I could see there was a significant change but when I was able to button them without any extra effort, and sit down in them without cutting off the blood flow to my lower body, I realized that I had reached a marker on the journey to the checkered flag of 237 pounds by the end of this year.

So sure enough, the Yesterdays Fat Guy is shrinking!

“modern psychology tells us that when we start something and do not complete it, or make a resolution and do not keep it, we are forming the habit of failure; absolute, ignominious failure. If you do not intend to do a thing, do not start; if you do start, see it through even if the heavens fall; if you make up your mind to do something, do it; let nothing, no one, interfere; the “I” in you has determined, the thing is settled; the die is cast, there is no longer any argument.” Charles Haanel - The Master Key System

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , , No Comments »

Yesterdays Fat Guy Progress Report 9-8-09!

September 8th, 2009 admin

It’s nice to be at the stage where you can look in the mirror and see the progress made. Right now the weight is coming off steadily and I’m ready to see it go!

GBG Energy Matrix is fueling the workouts and functioning very well as a fat burner. I’ve never had much luck with fat burners so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I added Energy Matrix to my weight loss plan.

The gym has been the best addition to the plan. Once the gym was part of the daily routine the weight really started to come off. I’ve been pretty amazed at how well the body adapts to a fitness regimen. The first week in the gym was brutal. The first night I tried the elliptical machine I lasted about five minutes. Now I can do 30 to 40 depending on my workout plan for the day. For those who have been on the fence about getting back into exercise… just start. Your body will come around!

I know there are several schools of thought now concerning calories, but keeping track is working for me. It sure makes sense when it comes to weight loss, especially when you do the math.

Here’s to the continued progress of all who are working hard to lose weight and make a positive change in their life!

Cheers!

Rex
Prov. 3:5-6
MKS 5:21

Posted in GBG Energy Matrix, Updates & Reports Tags: , No Comments »

Yesterdays Fat Guy Weight Loss Update 9/6/09

September 6th, 2009 admin

Well, another week has come and gone. Fortunately, I’m a little lighter! Today the scales were kind, weighing me in at 290 lbs! I was a bit nervous getting on the scales today as I took a few, shall we say, “liberties” while on our road trip to Phoenix.

To date, that makes 47 pounds total lost since the day of surgery back in October of 2008, 39 pounds lost since the issue of the challenge back in January and 10 pounds lost since adding GBG Energy Matrix to the mix.

My latest tape measurement showed the loss of an additional three inches since the last video. I’ll have a new video posted with the recent updates in the next 48 hours.

I’m continuing to struggle with eating at night. My appetite is ferocious and it doesn’t matter what I try… added fiber, suppressants, I just fiend for food at night. Most of the time I’m able to clench my fists and get through but some nights it doesn’t matter what I try, the cravings are just too intense.

Other than that, things are going well. I’ve been able to increase the intensity of my workouts again now that my back is feeling better. This week my mission is to burn a minimum of 1500 calories per workout.

Before I wrap up this update I want to give a “tip of the hat” to 24 Hour Fitness. My decision to join this gym continues to prove that they were a solid choice. This past week they added in an awesome new “Cardio Theater” system as well as a set of new treadmills and a couple of elliptical machines. I didn’t get a chance to try out the new elliptical machines today but I did spend a few minutes on the new treadmill and was very impressed.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in GBG Energy Matrix, Updates & Reports Tags: , 1 Comment »

Yesterdays Fat Guy goes to the beach!

August 30th, 2009 admin

Who says you cant’ have fun on your weight loss journey? Getting away, doing more and keeping my mind off of food has been monumental in enjoying the weight loss success I’ve seen so far. After all, all work and no play makes Yesterdays Fat Guy a dull boy! Friday is beach day and today was awesome! I hope you enjoy the video from Imperial Beach, California!

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , No Comments »

Throwing your body a curveball? A weight loss strategy!

August 25th, 2009 admin

It’s interesting how the human body works when it comes to getting fit and losing weight. For five weeks I held to a solid routine that helped me drop a quick 21 pounds in the first four weeks, only to hit a plateau on week five, where I didn’t lose a pound.

Then last week, I hurt my back, start a new product, drastically decrease exercise and lost another six pounds, bringing me to my current weight of 294. Finally… back below 300 pounds for the first time since I can’t even remember.

In all of this, I got to thinking while I was at the gym today, about something I saw on TV recently that, perhaps, explains a little of what happened to me last week. In essence, it’s kind of like throwing your body a curve ball.

It seems as though that the more you change what you are doing to your body the better the results. There’s a popular fitness program right now that teaches something very similar to this theory. They call it muscle confusion. People are getting great results in a short period of time by putting their body through rigorous exercise. However, the change is that the exercise changes constantly.

This could very well explain part of why my weight dropped by another six pounds over the last week. Not only did my exercise level change but so did my diet. The only thing consistent over the last week was my calorie intake. I was very careful to make sure that I did not exceed the 1500 daily calorie budget. I’ve been following because of the fact that I was unable to the gym for five days.

Now that I’m back in the gym I’m having to take things easy so I don’t injur my back again. It will be interesting to see (this week) how my body responds to being back in calorie burning mode.

On a side note, I want to share something I’ve been eating with that is helping big time.   Now this isn’t going to be for everyone, but you can use it as a lunch or snack, it’s very filling and it really helps curb the appetite.  It’s a simple Tuna salad made up of 2 cups of lettuce, 1 can of Tuna (reduce by half for snack), a half a cup of thawed frozen peas or mixed veggies, a little pepper and a splash of light vinegar based dressing.  In total, you’re looking at a total of no more than 250 calories if you use a full can of Tuna.  I’ve been eating these for lunch and a snack.

Between that and the GBG Energy Matrix (which is helping with appetite suppression) I’m finding it very easy to stay within the remaining 1000 calories I’m alloting right now due to the limited daily exercise.   This week I’m only burning about 500 calories per workout due to the back but things ar improving and I expect to be adding more burn over the next two to three days.

Thanks for reading and I’ll talk to you soon!

Rex

Posted in GBG Energy Matrix, Updates & Reports, Weight Loss Concepts Tags: , , 1 Comment »

Yesterdays Fat Guy’s body strikes back!

August 18th, 2009 admin

Since the increase in exercise and fitness (a vital part of my weight loss mission) my body has been at my mercy. Today, it fought back. I was working my left tricep today (only three reps from the end of my third set no less) when I felt a little twinge on the left side of my lower back. In a split second decision that I’m regretting tonight, I ignored the little twinge and did one more rep.

Tonight, I’m sitting here on the heating pad, barely able to walk without strain and discomfort. Talk about feel like an idiot. After hobbling out of the gym and having to drive home semi-sideways in the driver seat it gave me time to reflect on what I did wrong.

Long story short I didn’t listen when I should have. If I would have stopped when I felt that first twinge, stood up, walked a bit and stretched out I would probably be fine tonight.

Lesson learned? Make sure that when you are making changes in your life whether dietary or fitness related that you listen to your body and don’t work outside of your physical abilities. Today, even though I thought I knew better, my body tried to tell me to adjust and I didn’t listen. Fortunately it was only a pulled muscle this time.

Getting fit and making healthy changes in life is great and I believe that everyone would feel better about themselves and their future were they to adopt a stricter discipline in these areas. Remember though, we get overweight and unfit over time and the action necessary to reverse the damage is going to take some time as well.

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , 1 Comment »

When your body hits a weight loss plateau.

August 16th, 2009 admin

Have you ever watched The Biggest Loser and seen one of the contestants hit a weight loss plateau (for whatever reason)? That happened to me, on the scales today, and it’s sobering. After losing 21 pounds in the last five weeks (and seven pounds the week previous to my weigh in last Sunday) I stepped on the scales at the gym today, excited about finally getting back below 300 pounds.

My jaw just about hit the floor when I set the scale at 300 and it weighed me the exact same as last Sunday.

Where did I go wrong this last week? I’m going to be honest (thank you Jennifer from =The Food Confessional) about why I believe I didn’t lose a pound last week.

The truth is this… I was very complacent about my calorie count last week. Instead of journaling it out and writing it down I got cocky and decided I could do it in my head. Apparently my math skills are not as good free hand as they are on paper. I also took out a couple of frustrations on food this week which I’m sure didn’t help in my cause either.

So starting today, I will be accounting for all of my calorie intake here on Yesterdays Fat Guy. Apparently I need the discipline and the accountability. I want this weight and fat gone in a bad way… so it’s time to step up the game a bit.

So, for today… here’s what I’ve eaten so far:

Breakfast: Snickers Marathon Protein Bar (290 calories) – Eaten before my workout today.

Lunch: Six Inch Subway Veggie Pattie with Swiss on Honey Oat loaded with veggies and light honey mustard, green tea and 1 bag of baked original chips. Based on the chart located on the counter at Subway, my lunch totaled 560 calories (I’m figuring a bit on the high side.)

Dinner: I will be eating the other half of my sub minus the chips and tea (approx. 350 calories) which will put me at a total of 1200 for the day.

Total Burn For Todays Workout: 280 on the elliptical – 720 on the treadmill plus some chest and ab work so we’ll call it 1000 calories burned for today.

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions greatly appreciated!

Post update 9/21/09 – Since posting this article I’ve started using Daily Burn for my record keeping. You will find a link to my Daily Burn profile in the link menu on the right.

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: 1 Comment »

Happy 10th Anniversary To My Wife Tamara And A Special Thanks To Tom Ham’s Lighthouse!

August 14th, 2009 admin

Tom Ham's Lighthouse Restaurant

“Okay Rex, so what’s the deal?  Aren’t you supposed to be losing weight?” Yeah, yeah… I’m losing weight and moving forward with the weight loss challenge, but as today marks our 10th wedding anniversary, a celebration was in order tonight.  It was well worth the extra time spent on the treadmill today in preparation, but I was good and didn’t blow my calorie budget, by much ;) !!

A few months back we discovered a nice restaraunt over on the bay, just south of Point Loma, called Tom Ham’s Light House.  Before tonight, we knew this to be the best Sunday Brunch in San Diego, but tonight we experienced, first hand, a dining experience we will not soon forget.

When it comes to dining out, one of the things that appeals to me more than anything is the courtesy of the staff.  Our waitress this evening hosted an anniversary dinner that was nothing short of spectacular.

We chose Tom Ham’s Lighthouse for tonight, as we had received an inivitation from them (as previous guests) to come and celebrate our anniversary… at a significant discount!  As we’ve never been disappointed there (and Lord knows I like to save a buck or two where I can) this was the obvious choice.

After being seated we were treated to a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and the chefs special appetizer… a Roma tomato served with olive oil, basil and Mozzarella cheese!  We then ordered a starter… the BEST spinach and artichoke dip we’ve ever eaten, served with home made potato crisps!  We were also treated to a great loaf of sourdough bread.

The enrtree’s were simply amazing.  We ordered a salmon and pasta dish, as well as a scallop dish served with garlic mashed potatos.  As part of the anniversary special one entree was on the house!

Just when we thought it was over, our waitress Kattlyn brought us one more surprise… a “more than generous” serving of the best chocolate mud pie we’ve ever eaten! This was the perfect compliment to our after dinner coffee.

In total, a dinner that would have easily cost $100 bill plus… as part of the special, cost less than $50.  I would have glady parted with $100 for such a fantastic evening.

So… to the managers, wait staff and chefs working at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse tonight, thanks so much for a wonderful evening.  We will be returning soon!

Posted in Updates & Reports Tags: , , 2 Comments »
RSS FeedSubscribe to our RSS feed!
Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Twitter!

  • Featured Video

  • Sponsor