[Originally posted on the-signal.com: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2133/]

I was eliminated from the Summer Slimdown contest last week. Although I have one of the lowest overall body fat change totals, I posted my biggest one-week weight and body fat loss of the contest thus far.

Being eliminated isn’t stopping me from keeping up with my diet and workout routine, though. I haven’t felt this good in a long time (maybe high school?), and want to see it completely through the nine weeks.

We’re halfway through the contest, but I’m more than halfway to my weight-loss goal. I’m feeling really healthy these days, and have more energy to keep up with my kids.

My back feels great so I’m trying to give it my all with my workouts, especially the group classes. I’m still having trouble with the kettle-bell weights, but I’ll get there.

It’s really great to see so many of us making progress. Best of luck to everyone in the second half!

You can vote to save me by registering at The Signal, and voting for me on the contest page. I’m the one on the couch with the baby.

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[Originally posted on the-signal.com: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2095/]

This is a fantastic post and a reminder to all of us as to how we should be viewing this adventure: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2092

It was really cool to see so many of the Summer Slimdown contestants at Results Fitness this morning… I think I counted 6 of us.

My trainer, Mike, asked me last week what my plan was after the nine weeks are over. My first, gut reaction was that I won’t be quitting. I haven’t figured out what that exactly means just yet, but I hope to have that figured out over the next four to five weeks.

I’ve learned so much from this process already. I want to take my knowledge, and newly found appreciation for healthy eating, and make a serious attempt to changing my diet and exercise habits beyond these nine weeks.

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[Originally posted on the-signal.com: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2084/]

I was pretty bummed out this week after injuring my back on Saturday morning, and then coming down with a 102.6 fever for a couple of days in the middle of the week. I missed two sessions at Results Fitness, and one day in the pool. I knew that all I could do was stick to my diet as much as possible, and try and keep my spirits up.

I finally had a breakthrough on Thursday: no pain in my back, and my fever under control. I was excited to get back to the gym for a training session with Mike, but apprehensive about the weigh-in and measurement. To my surprise, I had lost a little bit of weight and body fat!

This really helped my confidence. I know that I don’t have to let exercise consume my life and workout four times a day (which is what I thought it would take to finally shed these 15-20 pounds I’m always carrying around). Paying attention and eating the right kind of healthy foods, along with drinking lots of water, is more than half the battle.

When I do exercise, I need to be more focused; honing in on the activity and isolating the muscles being used. If I need to use lighter weights, that’s OK, just as long as I’m performing the workout properly so as not to injure myself again.

Good luck to everyone this week! We should all be proud of ourselves for trying our best, no matter what the circumstances.

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On July 18th, I signed up for “Summer Slimdown,” a summer-long fitness and weight-loss contest for charity. The contest (administrated by The Signal) runs for nine weeks, ending on Saturday, September 19th. I’ve committed myself to changing my eating and exercise habits for the contest, but hopefully for good.

Why I’m Doing This

I not only want to be healthy, but I want to feel healthy. I want this for myself, and for my family. As a father, I have to lead by example. If I’m feeling tired, sluggish, or lazy, my boys are going to see it. I want them to look up to me in a positive light, and see me exercising, eating the right foods, and feeling good about myself.

I often tell my oldest son how important it is to eat a good meal. “It will give you lots of energy and help you get through the day,” This is what I explain to him as I take another bite of my orange chicken from Panda Express. I want to be able to give him this advice, but also show him by eating more fruits, vegetables, and the right kinds of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The Contest Rules

Here’s how the contest works: every week, all of the contestants have their weight taken and their body fat measured. The two contestants with the fewest amount of “fat pounds” lost up until that point are then nominated for elimination from the contest. Then, voting will take place online to determine which of the two contestants are allowed to remain in the contest. All of the participants are allowed to keep up with fitness and nutrition aspects of the contest, but are not eligible for any prizes.

For Charity

All of the contestants were asked to select a local charity to represent. I chose the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club. I am fortunate enough to have a loving, and supportive family, and the SCV Boys & Girls club does a wonderful job of providing for children without that kind of support circle. My grandfather-in-law, George Pederson, was on the board of founding members for the organization, and I’m proud to be representing them as a contestant.

My Diet

I’ve completely bought into the plan that the gym, Results Fitness, has put together. They have a 90% diet weekly compliance rule, which means I can only cheat, splurge, miss a meal, or miss a protein/workout shake four times per week. Basically, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, something I know all about, but didn’t actually do until now.

I’ve rediscovered some foods already, including bananas, carrots, grapefruits, and nectarines. I’ve also learned about some new foods that are now an every day part of my diet, especially breads. I’ve started eating rye and Ezekiel breads, replacing white and wheat.

Exercise Plan

I attend two “group classes,” which are forty-five minute cardio workout classes. I also go to the gym on two other days for my strength and resistance training. For two other days, I’m on my own, which has consisted of swimming, stretching, and doing a light workout at home.

Challenges Thus Far

So far, the biggest challenge has been making time for all of this. The diet is what it is, but missing dinner once a week and cutting down on (or even skipping) my son’s bath time has been tough. I’ve had lots of support and encouragement from my wife and family so far, so I’ll just take everyone’s word and believe that I’m doing the right thing.

How You can Support and Follow Me

You can track everything that’s going on here:

Summer Slimdown Contest
http://the-signal.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=7839

My Health Blog Posts at The Signal
http://community.the-signal.com/accounts/view/3183

The Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club
http://www.scvboysandgirlsclub.org

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