Day 29 - Evaluation

Tomorrow will be the end of my first month. I've started to do some evaluating of my progress so far and here's this dirt:

First, my weight has been a roller coaster the last 30 days. The first day of my Pre-Plan week I weighed 242.0 and today I weighed 238.2, down 3.8 pounds. I guess that's good, but not good enough to make 50 lbs. in six months.

I've been as low as 236.6 (down 5.4 lbs.). Tomorrow's weigh in will be my actual loss for the month.

Second, I've cheated far too much. My plan has been to be protein heavy, but in the last three weeks (after my Pre-Plan Week) I've had carbs in the form of:
- peach pie (homemade by Karen)
- fruit with yogurt (several times)
- Apples
- fruit smoothies at McDonald's
- cinnamon rolls (at Bible Study - thanks Kris)
- lots of bread - mostly whole grain, but bread nonetheless, plus other breads and hamburger buns
- ice cream (three times)
- tortilla chips at El Mez and Mi Pueblo
- mashed potatoes several times
- popcorn
- Wheat Thins and other crackers
- Oatmeal with raisins and nuts
- pretzels

I've had plenty of "good carbs" along the way - salads, vegetables, fruits, etc., but way too many of these bad carbs.

Third, I'm not getting the rest I need. Sometimes I'm trying to do everything on six hours of sleep. This is simply not possible. My body tries to defend itself with weight and fluid retention.

Fourth, an upside has been that I am getting regular exercise and heavy work at least five times a week. This has been a strong change from being mostly sedentary. It's a slow change, but a good one.

Tomorrow, I plan to edit the plan to be more specific in light of this evaluation.

Today's weight: 238.2
Breakfast: Nothing (I skipped) - I need to re-read Day 20
Snack: an apple, 1T peanut butter, 1 string cheese, two small Slim Jims
Dinner: a chicken thigh (no skin), a chicken wing (no skin), scalloped cauliflower, baked potato with 1t butter and 1/2T sour cream
Supper: tortilla chips (rats!), grilled chicken tossed salad (with cheese), salsa, 1/4c guacamole

Exercise: Mowed the lawn this evening