Well......

...Here it is! OK, I know I haven't measured fractions of pounds but since it is the final weigh-in - I thought I would make an exception!

Starting Weight: 383
Current Weight: 301.5


Total Loss for 2008
81.5 pounds!!

I'm having trouble knowing what to write. Too many emotions are swirling around me. I must give first thanks to God. There were so many times when I just wanted to chuck this whole thing and He kept me strong and put wonderful people in my path to encourage me at just the right time. Thank you Father for taking care of your child.

Then there is Jimmy Page - Fitness Coach, Man of God, King of Pain. Love you man! Thanks for the push, the support and your example. Also, thanks for giving of your time and talents to those who are searching for a healthy life.

Lisa & Larry Steve - My SupperThyme USA family! I am not exaggerating when I say that without the 3-A-Day Fast Track meals this goal may have been close to impossible for me. Thanks for taking care of me and the others who are eating better because of your care and concern.

Tracey, Dave & the rest of my WRBS family - your support and prayers always helped to pump me up when I needed it!

Stacey & Matthew - You are my life! Thank you for living with and loving me through the tough times.

And finally...Thank YOU! You have been a constant source of prayers, support and a laugh at just the right time. I'm not sure that you can ever fully understand what it has meant to me to know that you have been standing with me this year. I am truly blessed.

So.......Now What?

Well, first off - We are going to party! Be watching next week for the announcement of a date for a party at STUSA (Thanks Lisa!) I want you to come a celebrate with me. I will be wearing a special Hawaiian shirt made for me by Wave Shoppe (Thanks Charles!). And I'll talk a bit more about my plans for 2009.

Speaking of 2009...Jimmy Page and I are talking about my next steps and I will be letting you know what the plan is within the next few weeks. To that end, I will be taking the month of January off from posting weekly weigh-ins. I will be posting during the month but I need a few weeks off from the weigh-in. I'm not coming off my eating or exercise - just think of it as a vacation!

During this time I will also be working on a new blog that will hopfully have a few more features and some fun things!

I'm sure I'll have more to say in the coming days and weeks...but for right now...

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 12/19/08

It is going to be a photo finish...

Current Weight: 307
Last Week's Weight: 307
Loss for the Week: 0

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 76

Even this week. So, that means 11 days to lose 4 pounds...and Christmas dinner in between. This will be interesting!

Have Very Merry Christmas!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

I'm pushing for the end...

Current Weight: 307
Last Week's Weight: 309
Loss for the Week: 2

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 76

OK, I have to tell you that was surprised by the loss this week. I thought for sure that this would be an even week. It is interesting how you can "Feel" thinner or fatter and it has nothing to do with your actual weight (I know I'm not telling most of you ladies anything you don't already know!).

In 13 days it will be Christmas and that means Christmas dinner! So, I really need to drop these pounds before then. Ugh! More bike!

Live Well, Live Healthy,

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 12/5/09

Coming down to the wire...

Current Weight: 309
Last Week's Weight: 312
Loss for the Week: 3

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 74

Someone just asked me if I really thought I would lose 80 pounds when I started this journey last January. January? Yes! August through October? Not so sure. November? YES!

Now that we are in December, I have only 6 pounds to go. I will drop those pounds...even amongst the cookies, cakes and baked sugar things of all kinds. If I can - You can!

Be listening on Fridays just after 8:25am for Jimmy Page to join our morning show to talk about getting healthy and eating issues.

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Turkey Day Eating Advice

Hi!

I have had a few folks ask me what my plan is for Thanksgiving when it comes to eating. Well, I'm going to enjoy myself but not go crazy. I will also make sure that I'm not starving when it's time for the big meal!

I asked my fitness "guru" - Jimmy Page to give me some tips for staying on track this weekend. Here are Jimmy's steps to a great Thanksgiving:

1. Eat a good breakfast - omelette w/veges, fresh fruit, coffee
2. Eat a healthy lunch (depending on when you eat the Thanksgiving meal) - Tuna sandwich on whole grain with an apple. OR a good snack (munch on fresh vegetables as you wait for the meal) so you are not too hungry for the big meal.
3. Serve yourself on a smaller plate (9 inches).
4. Avoid a second helping until 3 hours later (left-overs)
5. Eat a little bit of everything that you like - don't totally deprive yourself.
6. Go easy on the gravy, mashed potatoes, and stuffing
7. Eat a small slice of your favorite pie instead of a "wedge"
8. Eat slowly - talk more to your family!!
9. Eat the turkey and veggies first, then the potatoes or stuffing.
10. Drink a large glass of water 20 minutes before you eat.

Decide what you will do before you go in!

Bonus Tip: Exercise in the morning (early so it doesn't get in the way) AND go for a long walk after you eat!!

Sounds like a good plan. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember that the day is about Family, Friends and giving Thanks to God...not about food!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 11/21/08

Back in the pattern...

Current Weight: 312
Last Week's Weight: 312
Loss for the Week: 0

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 71

Let's go back in time...earlier this year when I was dropping pounds quick and easy - there was the pattern. Loss, loss, loss, even! Well, I've dropped the last three weeks and...guess what? EVEN! You know what? I'll take it!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 11/14/08

So far, November may be my favorite month...

Current Weight: 312
Last Week's Weight: 314
Loss for the Week: 2

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 71

Nine more pounds! That's it! While it is just a number, it is a milestone mark. If I can lose 80 pounds then I can lose another 25, 50 or 80 again to get me to my final goal. I need to say a big "Thank You" to Tracey Tiernan! Her idea of the fun "Smackdown Challenge" has really fired me up and gotten me excited about reaching for this finish line. Thanks TT!

OK - The Juice Fast - I really liked it! (Tracey is doing it too and also enjoyed it) It is a nice change of pace and has gone a long way to confuse my body and help keep the digestive tract healthy.

We are using one bottle (15.2oz) of Naked Juice's Green Machine and one bottle of any other Naked Juice (this week was Blue Machine - good for an energy boost!). Each bottle is 2 servings and so, on the recommendation of Jimmy Page, we take half the bottle and cut it with the same amount of cold water. The juice is really sweet and this help make it more refreshing. Then enjoy it!

I will warn you that Green Machine looks like cold pea soup but it tastes great because of the amazing mix of fruits they add to the green superfoods. Jimmy explained that this is better than a straight fast as it energizes your body at the cell's level without your body having to work to breakdown the food and turn it into nutrients.

Remember - you need to talk to your doctor or nutritionist to make sure that this make sense and will be beneficial for you before starting any fast, diet or exercise program.

Wanna join us? Send me a note or comment and let me know how is going for you.

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Mike & Tracey's Smackdown Workout

Tracey and I have been talking about how we are upping our exercise routines to help us keep the pounds off. Thursday, Tracey invited me to a Smackdown Workout her club in Columbia. It was sweet! We worked hard and I think we surprised ourselves at how nice it was to workout with a buddy. Took a couple of pix to prove we were sweatin' it!

Tracey Pumping Iron!

Mike on the Road to Nowhere!

Tracey's Other Workout Buddies!

Thanks for all your support! Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 11/7/08

Let's hear it for November...

Current Weight: 314
Last Week's Weight: 316
Loss for the Week: 2

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 69

Eating right, on the bike and the pounds come off! This week I did something that I have never done before - Fast. I wanted to do it along with prayer for our country. However, I had also not eaten the best over the weekend and figured that this would be a good way to kick-start my week. It wasn't as hard as I thought - you have to keep yourself busy so you don't have time to sit and think about the fact that you are not eating.

Jimmy Page and I met this week and he has suggested that I do a "Juice Fast" once a week. I'm going to try it starting this Monday. I tell you more about it this week.

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

PS - Don't forget to look at the post below for some great savings and a FREE food tasting at SupperThyme this week!

Friday Weigh-In 10/31/08

I'm so happy October is OVER...

Current Weight: 316
Last Week's Weight: 315
Gain for the Week: 1

Starting Weight: 382 Total Loss: 67

I think this has been the hardest month since I have started this quest. I will tell you that I got back on the bike this week for the first time in a long time. Not that it showed up during my weigh-in....agrgh! Right after I post this you will see another post about a challenge that I have agreed to. I think it will spur me to stay on the bike and keep my eating on track.

I WILL put up some bigger numbers next week! ...Lord willing.

Thanks for your continued support. It means more than you know.

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

The SmackDown Challenge is ON!!!!

As I strive to get healthy, my morning radio show has been working with Jimmy Page (Fitness Guru!) to eat well and lose weight (Tracey and Mike...not Skinny Dave).

Well, Jimmy confronted me and Tracey about being "Stalled" in our progress to drop the pounds. He was right! So, Tracey has decided to challenge me to a "Weight Loss SmackDown!"

Between today and the end of the year, the one who drops the biggest percentage of weight will be awarded the "SmackDown" prize. We aren't sure what the prize will be yet but will let you know. If you have any suggestions leave us a comment!

From now until Dec. 31st we will post the "Weight Loss SmackDown" updates on Friday after I do my weigh-in. Because Tracey is a girl (and it is not polite to ask a girl her weight) we will be posting only her percentage of weight loss. Check the left side of the TMD blog for a poll and vote on who you think will win our "SmackDown!"

Thanks for your support! - Mike

The "Y" and SupperThyme team up to lose!

Hi!

Looking for a way to combine training and a food plan that will help you drop the pounds and learn to keep them off? This maybe just the thing for you! Check out how SupperThyme and the Towson YMCA are teaming up: Click Here To Read

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 10/17/09

STILL at zero...

Current Weight: 315
Last Week's Weight: 315
Loss for the Week: 0

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 68

Well, it is not a gain...

Between you and me - this is getting a little frustrating. OK, maybe a lot frustrating! And the worse part is I know that it all falls on me. I know that I can change this. There is more I can do (exercise...ugh!) and trim back my carbs for a couple of weeks but I just haven't done it. What is with that? Is it just our sin nature? We know what is right but still don't do it. The last few weeks have been packed from morning to night. My weight has been one of the farthest things from my mind...and then *BANG* it is Friday morning and as I get on the scale I just think about all the things I SHOULD have done this week. Don't get me wrong - I'm not depressed but just feeling the pressure of the very public goal I set for myself...especially when life seems to get in the way.

I don't have an answer to any of this but I do know that it is time to lean on those who know more about this than me. So, Jimmy Page and I will be meeting to talk about this and figure out what I can do to break through this wall. I will let you know what we decide. In the meantime, you stay strong and keep moving forward!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 10/10/08 Plus News!!

Back to zero...

Current Weight: 315
Last Week's Weight: 316
Loss for the Week: 1

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 68

Ok, sorry I haven't posted in a week or so. I had the Big Daddy Weave concert last Friday and just was worn out and the rest of the week...life just got in the way. As you may be able to tell, I gained a pound last week and dropped it this week. I must tell you that Jimmy Page wrote to me and said most people gain 5-7 pounds during the holiday season. That means I need to lose 20 so I don't have to worry about gaining five. ARGH!!

BTW, if you haven't checked the comments lately there are some great snack suggestions if you are looking to spice up your snacks. Along those lines, let me suggest you stop by SupperThyme USA in Cockeysville and grab a free sample of Betty Crocker's Warm Delights Molten Chocolate Microwave Cake Mix.
This is a quick, simple and 150cal treat that is perfect if you just need that chocolate fix but can't stop at just one brownie.

SupperThyme is coming to Harford County!!

ST has partnered with the Arena Club (Next to Harford CC) to do a once-a-week delivery of 3-a-day Fast Track meals to Harford County. If you have been wanting to try the same great food that I have been eating but couldn't get to Cockeysville to pick them up...now there is no excuse! Call Lisa for all the details 410-667-2665. Also, the Arena Club has a great 12-week shape up program that I have heard wonderful things about.

That's it! I will try to be better about posting stuff on a timely basis. Thanks for your continued support and prayers!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 9/19/08

Still moving in the right direction...

Current Weight: 315
Last Week's Weight: 317
Loss for the Week: 2

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 68

I can only give Praise to God for the loss this week! I have a recurring issue with my foot that flared up over last weekend. It kept me sidelined for most of the week so I really wasn't expecting to post any loss...and yet....

Thanks for the great comments that had ideas for snacks and other de-lish food ideas. Keep 'em coming!

Wanted to give you a link to a recent article on Marty & Amy from The Biggest Loser. I hope it will show you that weight is a continuing issue...even for them. (Note: Marty & Amy are the creators of SupperThyme's 3-a-Day Fast Track meal program)

Read it: HERE

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 9/12/08

OK - now the reason you came...

Current Weight: 317
Last Week's Weight: 318
Loss for the Week: 1

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 66

And the losing continues! How often can you say that and feel good about it. HA!

Friday Weigh-In 9/5/08

Small steps, big journey...

Current Weight: 318
Last Week's Weight: 319
Loss for the Week: 1

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 65

Well, not so much on the bike this week (those darn, political conventions). But stayed really solid on my eating! BTW - got to tell you about two wonderful things...

1) Skinny Cow Mini-Fudge Bars - Love these! Only 50 cals. per pop. Chocolate, ice cream - de-lish!

2) Seltzer w/flavor - I love sparkling water but it gets a bit boring and expensive. (Saratoga rocks!) However, I found that my supermarket (Giant) store brand of Seltzer infused with fruit flavors (orange, lime, raspberry/lime) is wonderful. This is not the sweetened water but straight, natural flavor with no chemicals and no calories! Light, refeshing and bubbly.

I would love to know if you have wonderfully, de-lish food, snacks or drinks that good for you. Email or comment!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 8/29/08

Moving forward...

Current Weight: 319
Last Week's Weight: 321
Loss for the Week: 2

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 64

Got back on the bike this week. Not easy but needed. More bike next week!

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 8/22/08

Back to even...

Current Weight: 321
Last Week's Weight: 324
Loss for the Week: 3

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 62

Feeling a bit better as I'm back to even after a few weeks of yo-yo activities. I have spent the week slowly working on going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. I tried to do it in one day - not smart! By Monday I will be getting up early enough to do my workout and make it to station on time.

Between you and me...I want to knock out this last 20 pounds fast! I know that my not be the "Correct" way to think about it but that is what I really want to do. We'll see.

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike

Friday Weigh-In 8/15

What?...

Current Weight: 324
Last Week's Weight: 321
Gain?? for the Week: 3

Starting Weight: 383 Total Loss: 59

I'm very sure that if you were in my bathroom around 3:45 this morning you would have seen a cartoon come to life. When I saw the number on my scale I know my eyes jumped out of my head and became big as dinner plates (a'la Daffy Duck). I was a bit stunned.

Now that I have had a few hours to absorb it, I think one thing has become crystal... I need to get back on track with regular exercise! I'm at the point where the food alone isn't going to cut it anymore. I know this is not a news flash but I'm a procrastinator. (Gasp! Shock!) Even though I started strong on the bike, the wonderful food plan from SupperThyme's Fast Track made it easy to lose weight and I slacked off.

Slacking seems to be something many of us excel at. For you, it might not be exercise but keeping in touch with God. Just like getting on the bike, all you have to do is "do it." You can just start talking to Him or pick up the Bible and read his letters to you. Don't wait another day.

So, the wake up call has been received. All three pounds of it! It has to be the right food and the right exercise to achieve the right results. It is all on me now and how I face this challenge. Let's see...

Live Well! Live Healthy!

Mike