Somethin' 'Bout A Truck

There's something about a truck.  I have fond memories of riding in the back of Michael Barrett's truck with a few friends on Saturday nights in high school.  Of course, that's frowned upon now.  I also remember when my father dug me out of a hole I created for myself.  I was living with friends after my car broke down and I had lost my job.  So, that VW bug had to be sold.  It was a very basic 1988 Toyota pick-up but it took a beating.  It got abused, wrecked and dealt with overheating issues after I cracked the weld where the hose going to the radiator was.  I still remember a few times where it died from abuse (let's face it, I wasn't really a responsible person at this point in my life) and I would be sitting in the truck with my friend Tracy on the way to Barley's to watch Monday Night Football.  Getting rid of that truck was really a transition to adulthood for me.

Between then, I had a Rodeo and a Tucson.  Ok, still have the Tucson but someone else in the family will be driving it more in the near future.  But we had some serious conversations about what to get next.  I really wanted to have something I could put our mountain bikes in the back of and go off riding.  Something dependable but depreciated (which really is like wanting a dog without fur... they are out there but seldom found) and maybe not even a truck.  It could have been a beater for David to use.  But after talking about different options and we said, "If it is meant to happen soon, it will just pop up."  A few weeks later, this truck was sitting outside our door with a 'for sale' sign on it.  We eyed it over curiously and a friend of the owner (a neighbor) came and told us about it.  Well, it's done.  It's now a new member of our family.  All we can hope for is the dependability but I can say that my responsibility level now will allow me to appreciate it a lot more than that little '88 Toyota.

Putting The Socks In The Right Drawer

Yes, you know that I can take on more than I should sometimes.  But someone once told me that "if you want to get a project done, put it in the hands of the busiest person you know."  It's time for me to start getting busier once again.  So, I should be announcing a new project later this year.  That is... after I announce this one.

Things can get cluttered.  Heck, ask any parent of a teenage boy that stares at his bedroom in frustration.  Once I started posting about my progress in taking back my health, I did a good job of confusing myself on the future of my own writings here.  As my physical changes began, my enthusiasm increased and I stopped babbling about about music, personal musings and technological advances.  It didn't mean there weren't any but I lost focus.  Let's just say that the socks started getting into the shirts drawer and after awhile there were more socks than shirts.  To fix that, I've decided to corral future posts in the health, fitness and nutrition areas off into a new site called My Fitness Future where I will talk about and hope to inspire others to making a change for the better.  There is a lot of design work left to do but it launched today and I feel it's worth letting you know about the change.

80s music fans should enjoy my upcoming project.  I am in the early planning stages and will give you an early preview when possible.  Stay tuned.

Photo Update 041413

I take a lot of photos but none of myself.  I tend to lean towards more interesting subjects.  hahaha  So, after taking a very bad one (that had more of a problem with posing), I had to put up something more recent... with clothes on.  (Ok, that sounds so wrong.)  So, 31 pounds later...

New Numbers For A New Martin

I stopped in to the doctor's office today to get my latest blood test.  So, I thought that I'd do a little side-by-side comparison.  I'm on this journey, as I've said, and it's nice to have a little science to back up the changes.  (Ok, 31 lbs. is still a scientific measurement but let's look internally.)

                                 18 mos. ago             Now

Cholesterol                   218                       130
Triglycerides                  285                       89
LDL                              123                       73
HDL                              38                        39



So, amazing drop in triglycerides, isn't it?  Weird to think that you can be proud of your blood.  All positive numbers.  Even the least positive, my HDL went a point in the right direction (up.)  Still need to work on adding a few different things to my diet to try to bring that higher.

Post Cleanse 2 Check-In

Figured that I'd keep my shirt on and do as close of a full body shot as I could.  Today is the first day after a second round of the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse.  I started this journey after Thanksgiving with a cleanse and was urged to do another one as someone wanted to do it with me.  (No, not that, the cleanse.)  Anyhow, I started this voyage at 222 lbs.  Over the course of time, I worked my way down to 196 lbs.  26 pounds is pretty good when you aren't really focused on just the numbers but how your clothes fit and how you feel.

This morning, I weighed in at... 191 lbs.  Cleanses like this can yield varied results.  I also added Yoga Flex (from 10 Minute Trainer... which I'm now wearing the shirt from) to the daily routine.  Why?  Well, I had 2 of the next 3 days of it listed on my monthly program.  I don't like quitting and I'm almost halfway through the month.  Which is why you get a new photo.  It also looks like I'm hovering below a size 34 waist now... after I changed out all those 40s, 38s and 36s.  Can't see myself going lower than that, though.

I also talked with my chiropractor about my ankle and a shoulder issue that I've been dealing with.  Looks like I have a little work to do to rehab those muscles and ligaments but hard to believe that I'm not 100% most of the time... because I'm starting to feel it.

(The wife thought the self-photo looked a little strange... so we'll take another one later.)

Big Fans Of Potatoes

I am a big fan of food.  Ok, most of us are.  I mean how many of us avoid dinner or dessert?  Anyhow, I really don't get that much time with the family at night.  One of the things that I miss most is the elusive 'family meal.'  I've always loved to cook and have an arsenal of recipes that would make a housewife tear up (possibly because of all the cayenne.)  But, I would never have a chance to use them.  We as a family decided to hold what we call Martin Mondays each week where I get to delve into my bag of tricks.

What you see over in the photo are potato fans which we discovered while watching a show on television.  (Yes, I watch a lot of those shows even when it's focus is something I'd never put in my mouth.)  We tried these out and found a winner.  We will also try scallops for the first time (as well as some chicken and steak as David can be a little picky.)

What is nice is that feeling that I can provide an experience for the ones that I love and maybe pass on a few Hennessy family favorites and new favorites on to another generation.  (Chili tacos didn't make it to that next generation but maybe there is a niece or nephew that I can inspire.)  So, if your kids aren't huge fans of potatoes... make fans of the potatoes first.

90 Days Later

Every journey starts somewhere.  And this photo captures a moment that I look back and go, "Really?"  I was on my West Coast Tour 2.0 with the family and my father-in-law caught this shot of me with the kids and dogs near a little stream.  It doesn't look pretty.  By this point, I had gone through a lot of different struggles with health.  I had been in pain when on the treadmill.  I had sore ankles when I walked.  My eating was sporadic and fluctuated with what I was focused on at the time.  So, when I saw this photo for the first time, it was one of those wake up calls.

Losing weight is easy.  Really.  But the hard thing about extreme body changes are the extreme rebounds as your body tries to find its homeostasis or internal equilibrium.  Let's use a quick example.  I will be celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary this month.  I had my ring finger sized before the wedding.  Because of it being a 'lifetime event' it is usually photographed like crazy, so I wanted to look as good as possible.  I went on a low carb diet.  They had always worked for me and it is wonderful for those that have seen similar results.  But, I never thought that once the ring went on my finger... it would be too big for it.  During the honeymoon cruise, I stopped the diet and found a ring guard on the ship to keep it from falling off.  The problem is that it only took a few weeks for the ring to become uncomfortable and I'd have to remove that guard.  Because the weight was coming right back.

Extreme changes are roller coasters and your body gets sick of the movement too.  But what if you don't have to "diet."  I really dislike the way the word has been used or used in different ways.  An animals diet of nuts and berries or smaller animals isn't something that it just decided on to lose a little weight.  A diet is your every day lifestyle.  So we should really strike the usage of the word in lieu of "weight-loss program."  Because, everyone is on a "diet."  But what we need is a long-term lifestyle change.  What, how and when we eat should stay consistent.  Why?  Stress.

Your body doesn't like the roller coaster, right?  So, if it knows that the road isn't going to swerve (or you aren't going to miss a meal), it isn't worried about what comes next.  Stress hormones like DHEA and cortisol are shock absorbers for the body.  Heck, they even have weight loss drugs to suppress cortisol to help keep your body from storing extra energy as adipose fat tissue.  Why not cut out the stress instead?

Sure, there are lots of ways to stress out the body.  Just skip breakfast and you are already on your way.  The way we handle external stress can also be a factor but that can be alleviated with exercise -- and having an outlet to unleash it.  But I find it most shocking how easily we stress ourselves out by just the infrequency of our meals.  In fact, I'm just about an hour from my next one.  If you have children, watch what happens when they next ask you, "What are we having for dinner?" and you say, "I don't know when we are going to eat."  Your body reacts the same way.  It will ask you again and again... that's what really feeling hunger is about.  Take two of your days off and try eating small meals every 3 hours.  If you get up at 6am and eat, your last meal will be at 6pm.  Just see what happens if you go 30 minutes over for dinner.  You will hear that message clearer than normal.

Enough babbling.  After 90 days working on my program which included a minimal yet effective workout, having a special shake for breakfast and eating every 3 hours, I am down 21 pounds and 6 belt sizes.  I'm wearing a ring guard again and feeling healthier than I have in years.  The journey will still continue but I wanted to have a good moment to sit down and assess how things are going.  I know that I could be doing more workouts and can see that in the next 90 days.  I've moved on to the Accelerated Results schedule to test myself further.  But, I'm amazed at where I am already.  Life is looking pretty darn good and I can't wait to take my next blood test to see where my cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure are at.  Then again, this is the way I'm spending the rest of my life.  I'd say that I'm going to become the man my wife deserves.

Last Day Of The Initial Process

When I said that I wanted to focus on getting healthier, I meant it.  That is why I started after Thanksgiving instead of making it just another New Year's resolution.  Well, today is my 90th day of the program.  3 months worth of work and the effort is paying off.  I'll post the end results either tomorrow or Thursday.  But, since I am talking about days, I'm changing the game plan and calling these Tuesday posts Fit Tuesdays as Fat Tuesday can sound like it's going in the wrong direction (and to avoid possible legal action from a certain alcoholic beverage enterprise.)

Why the leg muscle photo?  I'm more and more impressed with how quickly my legs have responded.  Leg cramps were always a problem for me when working out.  I would spend days recovering from my first workout.  A lot of this difference I believe comes from the workout plan and what I have for breakfast each morning as they are the main adjustments that I've made.

What I can tell you before looking at numbers tomorrow is that I'm more balanced, stronger and self-aware than I have ever been.  What surprises me is that it really didn't take that much work.  Taking back control of your life, your present and your future begins with a step.  That step may be unsteady but it is going in a direction.  Future steps will be more sure and resolute and less painful but you can't quit.  Stopping mid-step throws your balance off, allows you to stumble and can ultimately fall.  But even then... fall in the right direction and keep going even if you have to crawl.  A future you awaits you if you just meet them part way.

Surfing The Ocean Blue

I've had this band on my brain for the last week. This 1989 hit single by Hershey, Pennsylvania's The Ocean Blue really brings me back.  The band just has a sound that is hard to describe... hence the reason that they were absorbed under the alternative college rock description at the time.  Just listen to the breathy vocals and that great guitar solo.  Love their stuff.

The reason they are on my mind is that they are releasing a new album.  They have even previewed a few tracks here and there including another song that just sticks in my head:  "Sad Night, Where Is The Morning."  Enjoy it.

Healthy Food Doesn't Have To Taste Healthy

So, today is the start of my last 2 weeks of my 3 month (90 day) attempt to reclaim my life.  Sounds dramatic that way, doesn't it.  The results are great.  I'm down nearly 20 pounds, stronger and more alert.  It's weird having to buy new clothes in sizes that I'm unused to.  But, what have I really changed?  Very little.

One of the excuses people have about the journey toward fitness and staying healthy is:  "It's too hard for me to change my lifestyle."  Ok, that isn't an excuse people admit.  The excuses they do use are:  "I don't have the time to exercise."  "I don't have the money for... (insert gym membership, healthier food or workout equipment.)"  "I don't like the taste of... (insert fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals or lean meats.)"  Another one that they don't say is:  "I don't have the willpower to do something consistently."  Yet, they find time check their Facebook account.  They have the money for junk and fast food.  And, as for taste... healthy food doesn't have to taste bad.

I could ramble on a bit here.  (Actually, I did and then I decided to hold onto it for further posts.)  But, healthy things don't have to taste bad.  Shakeology is a great example.  The video above explains it pretty darn well.  I have even cut back on some of the vitamins I take every morning and, at my house, it's what's for breakfast. You can find out more here.

My Friend The Resistance Band

I've decided to take Tuesdays and post specifically about fitness.  Let's call it Fat Tuesday, shall we?  Anyhow, today I wanted to focus on my new friend the resistance band.  I have tons of weights and other great tools in the house to get healthy but for those of you just starting... start right here.  Ok, your eating habits are important too but, when used properly, you can work biceps, triceps, shoulders, delts, quads and even gluts.

A small investment and it takes up very little space.  If you are looking for exercises to start with... there are tons.  Feel free to ask.  But... don't you think tripping over this rather than a dumbell would hurt less?

Numbers are numbers

I have mentioned my dislike for numbers before.  Let's take two for a moment: weight and BMI.  If a man loses 2 pounds of fat but gains 2 pounds of muscle, he sees a zero on the scale.  In that man's head, his body didn't do anything because the numbers are the same.  It makes it a bit easier for someone to quit the journey.  My issue with BMI comes from weight lifters.  You could have a low body fat percentage but because your body contains so much muscle weight, you would be considered fat due to how much you weigh and how tall you are.  Then there is mathematics.  So, I tend to not want to qualify or quantify my success numerically.  Well, until yesterday.

As you can see, I weighed in about 4 times starting in May.  The numbers on the far right are weight.  From a high of 222, I am now down 18 pounds.  Blood pressure is to the left next to the date and that is looking better as well.  There are even hydration percentage and BMI numbers in there somewhere.  Having too many numbers can be confusing.  It is good to feel great but, now, when someone asks, I can tell them something other than how many pant sizes dropped or belt loops I've had to adjust.

Living And Living Well

Nothing quite as dramatic as looking at this photo of Jared.  I love me some Subway but there is more to a weight loss journey than repeat visits to a restaurant.  So, why the photo?  As of late October, I have moved my belt notches at least 4 spots.  I have made temporary drops in weight for things like my wedding (which was almost 5 years ago) but all things go back to use of the word 'diet.'  I'll say it here right now that I am not dieting.

The Free Dictionary defines a diet as:

   n.

    1. The usual food and drink of a person or animal.

    2. A regulated selection of foods, as for medical reasons or cosmetic weight loss.

    3. Something used, enjoyed, or provided regularly: subsisted on a diet of detective novels during his vacation.

   adj.

    1. Of or relating to a food regimen designed to promote weight loss in a person or an animal: the diet industry.

    2.

     a. Having fewer calories.

     b. Sweetened with a noncaloric sugar substitute.

    3. Designed to reduce or suppress the appetite: diet pills; diet drugs.

    v. di·et·ed, di·et·ing, di·ets

    v.intr.

     To eat and drink according to a regulated system, especially so as to lose weight or control a medical condition.

    v.tr.

      To regulate or prescribe food and drink for.

 

Notice that -- as a noun #2, adjective #1, #2a, #2b, #3, as an intransitive verb and possibly the transitive verb -- most of these deal with weight loss.  Yet, only one (#1 noun) deals with regularity (non-bowel.)  Years ago, the word diet was focused on what one's normal eating was but as you can see... it has evolved.  So maybe we need a new word for this.  I would say that I am just living.

I was stretching out a size 38 pair of pants before Halloween (I still have issues with calling one item a pair) but, yesterday, decided to see how far I've progressed.  I'm not a scale person.  I want health but if muscle comes with it, I don't want to upset myself with gaining a pound (muscle) when looking for loss (fat.)  It could also be a numerical denial and avoidance but I'll seek therapy someday for that.  Oh, so I purchased a size 34 pair of pants and they fit with a little room.  I don't think I've been in a 34 since after high school.

I also know that my trajectory may take me beyond 34 and more wardrobe changes.  So these purchases are going to be here and there.  I recently also started purging any shirt over a large.  Gave a few to David for bed shirts.  My jacket is currently a 44 (down from a 48 at one point) with room to move.

No, you don't need to have pant-size or shirt-size comparisons to make you feel good.  Making changes in your life should do that for you.  This especially happens when finding the ability to do more in your workout program, have better form in your moves, feel less sore afterwards and not tire out as much.  Sometime I may talk about the program a bit more extensively and if curious you can contact me but, for now, let's just say that I'm living and living well.

An Available Open Door Doesn't Guarantee Its Use

On January 9, economist Jed Kolko released a study to real estate site Trulia.com that takes 5 different measures to rank the best and worst cities to live in if you want to lose weight.  Of course, this is the best time to mention such a study as people made resolutions recently to make a life change this year.  Despite living in nearby Henderson, Las Vegas was named at the worst place to live in if you want to drop that midsection tire.

What I find interesting about such studies is that there are and will always be other studies.  One specifically released last year in Men's Fitness named Las Vegas at #6 in the top 25 "fattest cities."  On that same list, Philadelphia is #14 on the heavy cities list but #8 on the "best cities to lose weight" list.  Houston and Memphis come in come in #1 and #4 (respectively) on this list and #7 and #6 on the worst cities to lose that weight.

Sure, I think it's easy to pick on a city that is known for buffets but not everyone here goes to them.  Personally, I may go to one once or twice a year (excluding Sweet Tomatoes.)  I guess it is a case of perception and reality.  Las Vegas is full of hotels with buffets that are supported by people coming to visit from other cities, states and countries.  Having something doesn't mean it is highly attended by locals.  Healthy food shopping is available all over from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, Fresh and Easy (for now) as well as many sections at WinCo, Walmart, Smith's, Albertson's and Von's.  The Urban Spoon cites 48 organic restaurants and 23 vegan friendly organic restaurants in the area.

The Kolko study misses a big issue here.  Having healthy food available doesn't mean it will be purchased or eaten.  3 of the 5 measures Kolko studies view the proximity of a gym to homes, outdoor sports opportunities and percentage of weight loss or diet centers per population density.  Proximity, opportunity and locality do not mean attendance.  If you survey those that walk or bike to work, why not survey them on if they walk or bike for exercise or recreation?  Does walking to work include walking a mile or so to public transportation?  Does the study account for weather conditions conducive to outdoor exercise or count the number of tennis or basketball courts... and why limit it to outdoor in an age of P90X, Insanity, Turbofire and many other home indoor options?  Might as well ask if they have a functioning DVD player if you are going to measure opportunities to lose weight.

The Long Road To A New Year

Distance and time have all sorts of mathematical equations surrounding them.  I like to believe that they can be extrapolated and ripped away from their fixed points and viewed separately as experiences  While distance can be a "long and winding road" it is also a journey.  Time can also be a countdown clock or a fixed moment.  2012 will remain a difficult collection of those experiences.

The year started with my grandfather's passing.  Weird to think about it now.  I still have a lot of work to do editing some interviews that I conducted with him.  One can say that time caught up or that we ran out of time with him.  What I do know is that he remains in my thoughts each day.

I ended and started new projects.  It isn't really easy to know when the road should end.  Think about the above picture.  If you were just laying down asphalt, where would you decide to put a fork in the road?  Where would you stop?  Projects can be hard to judge like that.  I thought the road would be quite a bit longer for the new news site but I'm happy that I learned my lessons early.  What lessons?  One big one, really.  "Are people really ready for facts?"

We also saw the passing of my sister-in-law.  Time and distance.  We had an idea that an end was coming but didn't know how far out it was.  All we know is that it was too soon.  We did a lot in her name (raising money for breast cancer... even have some bracelets left over) and spend quality time before her passing.  At one point I thought that our love and support for her husband and step-son were important but who would have thought that we'd be the ones supported when around them?

At the end of the year several of us came down with the flu.  (Ok, most of both sides of the family.)  Time does heal all, doesn't it?  While we support one that is sick until health, another gets sick and we rally behind them until better and then another one goes down... and today I'm better.  House is full of healthy people again.  Just not mentally.  B)  So much emotional distance traveled this year and now it's definitely time to move on to a new beginning.

Halfway Mark In Month-long Workout Project

Today is the start of week 3 of my month-long workout plan.  Yes, there will be a follow-up plan but setting goals is important.  This series will end on Christmas day and allow me to reward myself a little.  But let's talk about the journey so far.

Understand, these are part of a series called 10 Minute Trainer.  The idea is that you work out multiple muscle groups at the same time to maximize your effort.  My abs after 1 day of focus were sore for a good 2 days.  (Which I believe prove they got a beating.)  Arm muscles and leg muscles feel full and strong now.  I can see a major difference in my quads as they are a lot stronger in supporting myself during the workouts.  The way the workouts are mixed up do leave me wanting more.  But, I want to take this slow and enjoy the journey.  Maybe I'll expand it next month before going on to advanced.

From Time To Eternity

The bonds of marriage really aren't like the ball and chain that they are made out to be.  Sure, I guess bondage and the binding legality of the ceremony can be confused.  One can even say that the bonds established bear greater further significance.  Remember that phrase "lawfully wedded" in the ceremony, you suddenly gain a whole 'other side' of the family that you append with the phrase "in-law."

At about 4pm on Tuesday, my sister-in-law Paula Stage-Squire lost her year-long battle with cancer.  I've done more praying in the last year than I have in the last decade with her being a primary focus.  She was a strong, intelligent and caring person of faith that people could rely on.  She was also the partner to a very good man, my brother-in-law Joe.  She loved her nieces and nephews immensely.  As you can see from the above photo, nature could easily be seen as the family backyard and they loved the outdoors.

I told my wife a little while ago that, if it weren't for what I learned from previous relationships, I would not have been good for her at all nor would I have appreciated her as much.  I have been made a better man by them.  People leave impressions and help shape our hearts through joy, pain and strife.  Paula did make us better people and all of our hearts are heavy at this time.  Today, she's no longer a sister-in-law but a sister from this temporary home.

Changing My Direction... Intentionally

Decided that it is worth making some life adjustments before throwing out a New Year's resolution -- as those really don't have a great track record for anyone.  Thanksgiving was a chance to give thanks for all that I have, have been given and have ahead of me.  That was the last stop before taking a detour to a better path.

When you grow up around someone that works out twice a day, takes his vitamins daily, has a physically intense 12 hour-a-day job and is always looking for a 'healthier' option, it is bound to creep into your psyche.  But knowing and practicing are two different things.  I have always been big on vitamins but, previous to this, I had gone with low carb and timed eating which worked together but didn't make much sense as a way to live long term.  I even decided to use a blender to mix smoothies using... well, we'll go into that another time as I have a video for that.  Although I felt good, portion control became an issue.  So I gave more than a glance to nutrient dense meal replacement products and found Shakeology.  It could sound like a quick fix but I'll explain that away in a future post but I can say that since starting it in October, I lowered my cholesterol 45 points, dropped a few pounds and have no issue with cravings.

So, the day after Thanksgiving, I went the Shakeology 3 day cleanse.  (Contact me here for details.)  Long story short, it is 3 days of restricted calories, 3 Shakeology drinks, some green tea, a gallon of water and a whole lot of bathroom breaks.  Generally, it is used for when you feel your weight loss is at a plateau, to detoxify and/or to start a new program.  In the end, over a belt size down and no hunger during the process.

Last week began phase 2.  The cleanse was a planned springboard for my new workout program.  Ever felt that you just didn't have time to work out?  Did you just skip it that day?  Did you ever let that stop you from going after that?  We all do it unless we are fiercely determined or on a show with Bob, Jillian and Dolvet.  That's when I saw 10 Minute Trainer.


Part of the idea here was the stacking your workouts.  Think about how one person, maybe yourself, would go to the gym and focus on 1 body part.  While holding that dumbell in your hand to do bicep curls, why not work another muscle or two.  Anyhow, it was a great first week of four and now starting the second week.  At the end, I will see where things go and, if I'm ready to ramp it up a bit more, possibly go to advanced series or stack the workouts.  As of now, I'm really thankful that I started this now and feel like I'm regaining a bit of myself.  I hope your next New Year's resolution is as fulfilling.

You can find more details about particular products here or email me here.

Post Post-Thanksgiving Shakeology Cleanse Post

I saw some positive gains here... well, let me say, losses and gains.  I don't have a scale, don't plan on using measuring tape even though some may really may like doing so.  I definitely lost a few pounds and could see definite improvement in many areas.  I can the sides of my abs (pre-six pack) and a thinner jaw/chin.  Looks like I am also down a belt size.  Can't wait to see a blood test next year.  I have gained a lot of knowledge about hunger and nutrition and how a body can be satisfied with so little.

My vet told me once that the problem with my dog eating her poo was that certain nutrients weren't being absorbed in digestion and she was now seeking it and any other unprocessed items there.  Shakeology is nutrient dense.  It's so dense that there was no hunger during 3 days of these 5 eating times.  But, what do people not getting those essential nutrients do?  Some may skip breakfast or eat a large one.  They may flip that scenario around for dinner.  They may eat crap all day.  My son mentioned to me today that he sometimes eats because he is bored.  So, if you aren't getting the nutrients... you are doing what my dog does -- searching for nutrition and eating crap to fill the void.

My assessment?  I'm sick of eating crap for no reason.  Meals should mean something.  Eat to live, don't live to eat.

Post-Thanksgiving Shakeology Cleanse: Day 3

Slept amazingly well again.  The 3 day cleanse may be a perfect thing for insomniacs.  Woke up about 15 minutes until 6, made our green tea and Shakeology mixes.  I also took a long look in the mirror.  A little leaner in the face and mid-section but also a lot more energy.

Wife had a banana and I had an apple as our 9am snack.  Just in time to get ready for some football.

We returned from running some errands (after deciding the football game wasn't going to go our way) just in time for lunch at noon.  She had a chocolate and I again went with greenberry for our Shakeology mixes.  The reason I decided to change things up around lunch was I felt that I needed to break up the chocolate taste as... I really haven't had a craving for chocolate since taking Shakeology.  We both topped it off with our green tea.  We then took the dogs for a walk.

At 3pm we had our final chocolate Shakeology mixes of the cleanse cycle.  Left out a piece of ice to see if it helped or hurt the taste but found it didn't affect it much.  Also had our half-serving of almonds.  Decided to watch a little television.

I love the way that I am excited about our final meal of the night.  I can't really describe it.  Well, I can (it's the same spinach, romaine and chicken breast salad mentioned previously) but what I mean is the anticipation.  I even told my wife that I would be happy having that with her for dinner here and there because it just leaves you feeling satisfied.

All our water is gulped and, yes, the need to pee is strong.  One of us spent more time in the bathroom than the other one and figured that we really had that much more junk in our system to 'cleanse.'  Tomorrow should be an exciting morning.  Back to putting bananas and peanut butter in my shakes.  But I really love how I am feeling right now.  A summation will follow tomorrow.