Well, it’s been five weeks since I returned to a much higher level of compliance, and the results have been positive in a number of ways. And in some ways that I hadn’t quite expected. Even the Clan O’Kitties are making out in my return to a higher rate of compliance.

In the five weeks that I’ve been ‘back on the wagon’, I’ve managed to drop 10 pounds. Ten pounds, in spite of the fact that because of my weightlifting, I’m now eating 6 times a day, instead of three. In that same five weeks, I’ve also managed to lose two inches off my waist, while still making gains in the amount of weight that I’ve been lifting. I’d say it’s a good start to the new year. : )

As mentioned in my previous entry, I had also started taking my meals to work with me. This decision had more of a benefit than I had hoped. I’m now eating more, and yet my grocery bill has actually decreased! Between my grocery bill at home, and what I had spent at the cafeteria at work, I was spending close to $500 a month. In the past month, I’ve managed to knock $150 off my monthly food bill, without even trying.

The Clan O’Kitties have also benefitted from my decision to return to a higher rate of compliance. Since I cook all of my meats ahead of time, they find it ‘necessary’ to assist me in the kitchen. : ) And of course, any good cook has to have a taste-tester, right? : ) And since more is usually better, then it’s o.k. to have three taste-testers, yes? *chuckle* The only downside to having my taste-testers is that I now have to turn around in place, before I take a step. Helpful taste-testers can also be a safety hazard. : )

So, where did I start last month? Well, here’s a few measurements to start with, and I’ll see how I can add to some of the numbers, while at the same time subtracting from others as the year goes along.

On 16 December 2006, this is where I started at;

16 Dec 2006-

Weight- 167 lbs.

Waist- 37

Hips- 38

Neck- 16

Chest- 40 1/4

Biceps- 14 loose, 14 3/4 flexed

Thighs- 22

On the 24th of January, this is where my measurements are for now;

Weight- 157 lbs.

Waist- 34 3/4

Hips- 37 1/2

Neck- 15 3/4

Chest- 39 1/2

Biceps- 13 loose, 14 1/2 flexed

Thighs- 21

Having started a new workout routine this week, it will be interesting to see what gains can be made in the next 8 weeks. I always enjoy creating a new workout routine, as it gives me reason to find exercises that will make my friend and workout partner swear at me. *chuckle* After completing one of the new exercises this week, he simply turned to me and said, “You’re twisted”. Does it prove his point, if I admit that I work towards hearing such a comment? *chuckle*

Well, it’s time for me to head towards the kitchen, likely followed by my taste-testers. Meal #5 for the day is calling my name.

May all that is yours by Divine right now manifest into your life under Grace, in a perfect way. Until next time.

(Written on 30 December 2006, just hadn't had a chance to post until today)

Yep, it’s that time of year. Time to reflect on the past, and make plans for the coming year. However, I decided to start a little early. My fresh start began on December 16th. As I mentioned in my last entry, it was time to get back to a higher rate of compliance, due to my starting to backslide. And I jumped right in.

Since the 16th, I have prepared all of my meals, and brought them to work with me. Water, too. They have the fluoridated stuff at work, and I won’t touch that with a ten foot pole. Plus, I figure if I stay away from the cafeteria, the apple pie can’t tempt me. *chuckle*

It is interesting, however, the looks that one gets, when you walk into work with a 34 quart cooler. And because I’m vertically challenged, it looks that much bigger when I’m carrying it. *chuckle* That was the biggest one that I could find with a handle, and I can just barely fit all of my meals in it. On the weekends, I work 12 hour shifts, so I have to prepare 4 complete meals to bring with me each day, as well as the water. Just carrying the thing is a workout in itself LOL

But the short term results have certainly been worth it. In the two weeks that I’ve been near 100% compliance, I’ve lost 6 pounds. In spite of my now eating much more food than I was before. Right now, my only cheats have been a black cherry soda, a Lindt truffle, and a single serving pack of Pringles. Considering I’m now eating 6 meals a day, I’d say that I’m doing pretty well. : ) My one consistent ‘cheat’ is two squares of either 65 or 70% cacao, extra dark chocolate each day. Both for its antioxidant value, as well as helping to meet my daily quota for fats.

Many of the foods that are touted as being good for bodybuilders are very much avoids for us O types. Whey protein, milk, wheat pasta, potatoes, and others, with whey protein being touted the most. Many of the protein powders for bodybuilding contain whey, and it was challenging to find an acceptable protein powder that I could consume. I finally ended up using Universal’s Egg Pro Ultra Free. While it does have dextrose, an avoid for O’s, and is a metabolic inhibitor, it was a far better choice than a product with aspartame, or some other kind of artificial sweetener. I only use it once a day as part of a post-workout meal, so its effects should be minimal. Egg protein powder, a cup of oats, and mixed with chocolate almond milk, in addition to a banana, makes for a good post-workout meal.

So for 2007, an experiment is born, and I will be the test rat. Hmmm.....where is my wheel to run on? *chuckle* Can a person, eating per the principles of ER4YT, make similar, if not better gains, than a person who consumes items that are touted as being beneficial to bodybuilding, and yet are listed as avoids by ER4YT? I think so. If a body is being fed a clean fuel, more of that energy can go to the repair, and building of new muscle, rather than being wasted on dealing with inflammation or other negative effects caused by the consumption of avoids. I guess we’re going to find out, aren’t we? Next time, I’ll try to have some measurements handy, so we have a baseline to go from, and see how the numbers change as the year progresses.

May you all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.