I Wish I Hadn't Eaten That...

Last night my wife, my parents, and I had to run some errands, so we decided to go out to eat. After spending some time trying to figure out where we could go so everyone would be happy, we decided on O'Charley's. It's similar to Applebee's and TGIF, but a little nicer. I was starving, so I didn't really care where we went, but I was sure I could find something there. I ended up getting a cheeseburger. Or, pretty much what I always get when we eat out. Since it's so rare that we do eat out, I always figured I didn't really have to worry about what I ate when we went out, but I ended up eating less than half of the burger and only a few fries. I felt disgusting afterward.

I'm not sure if it's because I have been eating better food, if my body isn't used to that type of food anymore, or if their burger just wasn't that good, but my body and stomach did not like what I put in it last night. I have no problem eating ground beef at home, but maybe that's because we try to buy leaner meat to use when we cook. Either way, I have decided to stay away from those kinds of foods for a while. From now on when we eat out, I will stick to chicken, fish, or maybe the occasional steak. No more french fries and no more greasy foods. Period. (Until we are in California and I might have to go to In n' Out)

I am really hoping this is a good thing and it's my body's way of telling me that it likes fresh fruit and veggies, doesn't want me eating fatty foods, and wants me to eat more foods like I eat at home. I'm not really a big salad person, but last night, my mom and wife both got salads that looked amazing. Oh, the benefit of hindsight. That's what I'm having next time!

So, here is to my new way of looking at food... I'm eating healthy at home, so I might as well eat healthy everywhere else. I also have another theory... Most foods that you eat with your hands, aren't that good for you. Maybe with the exception of sandwiches depending on what you put on them and fresh fruit, of course. But, pizza, burgers, french fries, fried chicken -- not so good. So, another plan I have is this; if you are supposed to eat it with your hands, I'm not supposed to eat it.

A Blog About a Healthier Life...?

The reason I am writing this blog is mostly or my benefit... I tend to get really involved with something and then lose interest and I don't want that to happen with living a healthier life. I think keeping a blog about my new "lifestyle" will help to keep me motivated.

I also hope this blog will encourage other people to live healthier lives.

Another reason I decided to start a blog is in hopes that maybe people reading it can give their advice on how to live a healthier life. What are you doing to eat better? Are you exercising? How often and what are you doing?

I would love to hear anything you have to say!

Why I'm doing this...

Some people may wonder why I have decided to live a healthier life. Aside from the obvious reasons, here are some other reasons...

1. I am tired of how I look and how I feel. I'm not comfortable in a lot of clothes I own and am definitely not comfortable going without a shirt in public. The funny thing is, I don't remember the last time I was comfortable going without a shirt in public. I know that these reasons may sound a little vain, but I don't care. How can anyone expect to live a truly happy life if they aren't happy with themselves?

2. I don't really eat unhealthy as it is, but I know I could eat better. Who knows what all these processed foods do to your body. The United States is the fattest country in the world and I think it's partly because of all the processed foods. Look at France. Their food is covered in butter and other fats but the people aren't fat. Why? Because they eat real food. Processed foods are harder for your body to digest causing you to gain fat. The biggest example of this is High Fructose Corn Syrup. I'm not saying it's a horrible thing that will kill you, but what's wrong with regular sugar from the earth? Basically, I just want to eat foods that are "real" and I know this will help me be healthier.

3. This one isn't a huge deal, but I know it will help me feel better. I want to look better for my wife. I know she doesn't mind and that she would love me no matter what I looked like, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I was stronger and looked a little healthier.

So, that's why I'm doing it... I don't really care if it helps me live longer or if people think I look good. I'm doing it because I want to look better for me (and my wife) and to feel better.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I was 173.5 lbs this morning!

Trying to Get Fit...

As of today (8/19/2009), it has been two months since if started my healthier lifestyle. Things are going pretty good.

I am now down to 175 pounds, which means I’ve lost 10 pounds from when I started. I can’t say as if I think I look any different, but I’ve read that a lot of the starting weight that you lose is underneath.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been exercising as much as I was when I first started, but it’s good to see that weight is still coming off. Next week I plan on going back to my routine of exercising 6 days a week. Even if it’s just getting on the treadmill for 30 mins or going for a long walk outside.

I am still sticking to eating healthier, though. I don’t drink soda anymore unless I go out to eat, which isn’t very often and I’m eating smaller portions for my meals. Also, I have been eating more frequently and more times a day to help increase my metabolism.

My goal, as of right now, is to lose a total of 20 pounds (165) by October 16th. At the rate I’m going, I think it will be possible. But, if I happen to lose it before then, that will be okay, too!

Comments are welcome. Wish me luck!!