Hello everyone,
I haven't posted in a while so I thought I'd update this thread with what's been going on. I haven't fallen off the wagon or anything.
I hovered for the longest time in the 230's (mostly around 235) and just couldn't seem to budge the scale. I was working out hard at the gym and eating well but just didn't seem to be making any progress. A friend gave me a copy of Tom Venuto's "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle." It made a lot of sense. I changed my diet adding some carbs and started eating 5 to 6 meals a day. The carbs I added were in the form of oatmeal for breakfast, brown rice occasionally at lunch, and apples, mixed berries, and oranges as snacks during the day.
I also lowered my calories to about 2,000 per day......maybe even 1,800. Once I made these changes the weight and inches started coming off again.
I'm at 225 now and close to buying 34 waist pants!
I'm also seeing a trainer two days a week along with 3 days of weights. I'm doing a lot of mobility/core, balance movements with the trainer trying to reverse the years of desk surfing in an office and couch surfing at home. We're doing a lot of drills with swiss and bosu balls.
Working with my trainer has made a huge difference but I think eating every few hours about 300 calories probably has been the most beneficial. My meals always include protein and some veggies. If I do eat complex carbs like brown rice it's part of a balanced meal that includes protein and vegetables. If I eat a snack like an apple, I also include peanut butter. I've gotten very anal with my diet, keeping a journal and counting all my calories. When I was 300lbs I didn't worry about calories or portions. I ate whatever I wanted as long as it was low carb. Now that I'm 225, that doesn't work anymore.
I have varied some from the "low-carb way" but just a little. I'm still a believer!!! But I am finding room in my diet for a few more of the right kind of carbs. I'm still scared of starchy and sugary carbs but don't be afraid of all carbs. I think it also has a lot to do with your activity level. I'm now pretty active 5 days a week or so, so my body can handle and probably needs a few more carbs.
I'm working on some goals for the new year that include more than just weight loss.....working on muscle definition and looking good without a shirt on.