Wednesday 31 August 2011

Day 31 - One more day to go

Last day of August and one day to go for my final weigh in of this campaign. I can report no change again still 211lb same as last few days. So maybe if I can lose a lb by tomorrow I'll put the months loss into double figures which I suppose is good in a month.

Tomorrow I'll be putting together my next plan and targets.

The comments on my last post firstly from "losing 100" about exercise every day will certainly be in plan but "Reginas" comment about food intake is the important part wont be forgotten, both are important.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Day 30 - No Change

No Change today still 211lb as I was before the weekend (and yesterday) but am still happy with that.

So only a couple of days left of my August challenge and although I'm pleased to have lost what I have (9lb so far), I know I'm not going to make my target loss of 1 stone (14lb). So been thinking about where it went wrong (if losing 9lb is going wrong) and must admit I didn't always stick to the rules.
Going a month without sweet stuff (including chocolate) proved impossible but to be fair to myself I didn't do two bad.
Limiting the numbe of alcoholic drinks per week went ok but did blip a couple of weeks but not by any riddiculous amounts so did ok I think.
Not eating after 6 went ok apart from when eating out (usually dating with Paula at weekends), still you got to live sometimes.

On another note I don't think I've exercised enough, wanted to but have struggled with sore ankles oon and off (gout related) over the last few weeks, as I write this I've a badly swollen knee although not too painful just stiff because of the swelling. Hoping it clears by the weekend because the TT season starts this weekend and I'm in a tournament at Sunderland. And of course I know in the long term weight loss plan I need to up the exercise because its as much to do with fitness as weight loss but they do go hand in hand.

So the plan is to carry on with the weight attack and daily weigh ins upto my Cyprus holiday (25th September), maybe I can lose a few more pounds by then, thats the plan anyway.
I know the majority of people advise against regular (daily) weigh ins but it works for me, it keeps me focussed.

Monday 29 August 2011

Day 28 & 29 - Happy to be the same

Weighed in at 211lb when I got home this morning which is same as Friday morning. Considering we were out both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon its a result.

Saturday we went into town early had a couple of drinks then tried a new Italian restaurant we'd spotted, it was ok but don't think we'll be going back. Afterwards made our way to the Volunteers Arms as it was re-opening following refurbishment and one of the groups Paulas nephew plays in were the star attraction. The band is blues group called TC & the Moneymakers and are really talented.

We actually went to see them again on Sunday but not before a big Lunch, they were playing outdoor in a Pub Car Park, sort of local music festival.



Got to mention the big footie news the draw for the Carling Cup as been made and the Mighty Whites have got the big one, yes them in Red will be coming over the hills to ER. Of course they are in top form a division above us and we have no chance (just like last time, lol).
ER will be bouncing hell we hate them nearly as much as we love our own team, again we have nothing to lose nobody expects us to win but this is Leeds United and anything happens.

Just for the doubters here is a reminder of what happend last time and that was at their place :-

Saturday 27 August 2011

Day 27 - Six Strings Down

Alpine Valley August 27th 1990 is it really 21 years since that sad day when all us music fans particularly those who appreciate the Blues and the great guitarists associated with it lost the best ever.

o I make no apologies to start todays post with a tribute song to Stevie Ray Vaughan and the many other Blues artists that heaven as called home. It was wrote and performed by Stevies brother Jimmie with a little help from a few stars such as Eric clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Dr John, Bonnie Rait, etc.




Suppose better mention the weight loss and its good news with another pound gone this morning. Don't know how the weekend will go with it been bank holiday weekend, off to Paulas this afternoon and wont be back until sometime Monday. So next weigh in will be tuesday.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb
Weight 18th August - 214lb
Weight 19th August - 213lb
Weight 22nd August - 214lb
Weight 24th August - 213lb
Weight 25th August - 212lb
Weight 27th August - 211lb

Of course not going to finish todays post without some SRV music so here is another tribute video but with Stevie playing the classic "Tin Pan Alley", enjoy some great music and pictures.

Friday 26 August 2011

Day 26 - No News is Good News

Not much post as I've weighed in at 212lb exactly same as yesterday, suppose its a case of "No News is Good News".

Thursday 25 August 2011

Day 25 - Down

Another day gone and another pound lost to report, down to 212lb now. I should be feeling up and happy but to be honest I'm feeling sort of down. Not sort of depressed mmore like lethargic with no energy or motivation to do anything.
Its been coming on over the last week or so and I reckon its maybe something to do with virtually no sugar in my diet this month so I have bbroke my rules and had a 99cal choc biscuit this afternoon.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb
Weight 18th August - 214lb
Weight 19th August - 213lb
Weight 22nd August - 214lb
Weight 24th August - 213lb
Weight 25th August - 212lb

Had problems with my mobile phone this morning, couldn't make or recieve calls it kept just cuting out (not a lot of good for a phone). I could still text which was strange but to cut a long story down I now got it going, for how long who knows.
I really didn't want to buy a new one (a lot of costs lately) and I've still a year left on my contract so its fingers crossed it keeps working.

Got a lot of spend on my credit card this month and my car is about empty of fuel so will need to fill up. I've TT Club subs to pay next Thursday and need to get some euros for my holiday in september (not too many as luckily I've a few left over from last time). Want to buy a new bed sometime soon aswell.


Wednesday 24 August 2011

Day 24 - Fighting Back

After putting a pound back on the other day I'm pleased to report I've lost it again (forever). So its back to 213lb and it ain't stopping there.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb
Weight 18th August - 214lb
Weight 19th August - 213lb
Weight 22nd August - 214lb
Weight 24th August - 213lb

A good win for Leeds United at Donny in the Carling cup last night coming from a goal down to win 2-1 with two cracking goals from Honduran international Ramon Nunez. The result is more pleasing considering a lot of first teamers were rested following Sundays tough match on Sunday.


Tuesday 23 August 2011

Day 23 - Best in the World

Nothing to report on the weight loss battle today still at 214lb so I'll talk about the Cricket. Its well done England who are now officially the Worlds top team.
And what a way to achieve that status by whitewashing the former top side India, to be honest I can't remember us having a better team that the current squad.

Monday 22 August 2011

Day 22 - Ouch

Not happy with the fact I've put a pound on over the weekend probably eating out a couple of times is the cause but you've got to enjoy life sometimes. So a bit of effort needed to make sure its only a weekend blip.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb
Weight 18th August - 214lb
Weight 19th August - 213lb
Weight 22nd August - 214lb

Played a match in the Pool sunday singles league last night and managed a 2-0 win, with two matches still to play (usually have a match every 3 or 4 weeks) I'm top but do have my two nearest rivals to play.
While I was down at the Pub for my match the Landlord informed me I'd a load of beer paid in behind the bar, I was confused so he explained it was from the members of my local Table Tennis Club. I've been sorting out club competitions on thursdays through the close season and it was their way of saying thanks for the work I've put in. Much appreciated from me, thats a few free nights out sorted (when I ease my diet rules, lol).

Getting ready for Cyprus, bought a couple of shirts and a new pair of jeans at the weekend, only 5 weeks to go.

Happy with the Footie result Leeds got a good point away at West Ham which was always going to be a tough one. Away down to the tractor boys (Ipswich) in the league next weekend. Victory will do nicely.

Sunday 21 August 2011

Day 20 & 21 - No Weigh in

Been at Paulas all weekend, spent yesterday in York after taking her car in for its MOT. We went out for a nice meal last night and also went out for Sunday Lunch today. Thought about weighing when I got home but a bit pointless after lunch as I normally weigh first thing in the morning.
So will wait until morning to reveal the facts but despite eating out don't think I've done any damage.

Wasn't actually feeling too good had a stomach ache and also got a headache saturday night, stomach still a bit iffy but ot stopping me doing anything.

Friday 19 August 2011

Day 19 - Another Loss

After a week without the scales moving I've now lost a pound for the 2nd day running, weigh in was 213lb this morning.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb
Weight 18th August - 214lb
Weight 19th August - 213lb

Been thinking about my travel plans for the future and realise that with my relationship with Paula it'll be somewhat reduced because of the time she can get off work. Sure I've had two good holidays this year with Cyprus still to come in September and a week in a holiday cottage in Norfolk in December.
Saying that we can have weekends away and on that theme reckon I'm going to do the full Vetts table tennis circuit this year. Paula comes along we get to stay in a nice hotel have a couple of good nights out and as she says if she gets bored with the TT she can always have some retail therapy in the various towns we visit.

Already booked up fr the Northern Masters at Sunderland (early sept), Midlands Masters (oct), Vetts British League at Hereford (Nov) and Eastern Masters (Dec tied in with holiday cottage week). A few other things like county to organise but no dates yet. Will look after Chrimmy at a later date.

On the holiday front we are sort of toying with doing a biggie at Easter but it too early to book cos flight and hotel deals wont be about until end of year.

Thursday 18 August 2011

Day 18 - Moving Scales

Its been 7 days since I saw movement of the scales and today I can happily report another pound lost (6lb since start of month), I now weigh 214lb.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb
Weight 18th August - 214lb

Sad aniversary coming up for me this Saturday, it will be two years since Jane past away although it doesn't seem that long. It always amazes me how fast life moves we really arn't on this Earth long, need to make the most of it.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Day 17 - The needle is definately stuck

Yes I'm still 215lb and I really thought I'd see a drop this morning so sort of disappointed, think the needle on the scales is stuck, lol. Sstill tomorrows another day so fingers crossed I'll be able to report a loss.

Good news Leeds United are up and running, crushed the Cod Heads (Hull City) 4-1 last night, impressive but will need to be at their best on Sunday when the visit the Cockneys (West Ham) who are favorites for promotion.

Been busy in the garden this morning, need to do it while weather good, gonna chill out this afternoon then go to table tennis practice tonight. Got to sharpen up as my first tournament of the season is just over 2 weeks away at Sunderland.

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Day 16 - Stuck on 215lb

Once again I've weighed in at 215lb and I'm starting to think the scales are stuck, lol. Seriously I'm working hard at this August push and really want to see the next movement, its getting frustrating.

Need my footie team to win tonight its been a depressing start with two defeats in the league, was best team on Saturday against Boro but then the stupid ref sent off 2 of our players (and one of theirs) and 9 agains 10 is hard. Got the Cod Heads (Hull City) tonight and it wont be easy.

Lost my Pool Match last night 2-1 so am a little dissapointed, didn't feel I played my best but hey there is always next year.


Monday 15 August 2011

Day 15 - Same again

Weighed in at 215lb this morning same as yesterday, quite happy though its always better than up and if i drop any its usually during the week not weekends for some reason.
Its now 2 weeks since I started this Month long concentrated effort and I'm 5lbs lighter than I was, think thats ok but would have liked it a couple of pounds more.

Playing singles at Pool in the area knockouts tonight and its out of town so going in the car so wont be having a drink (well one maybe). Its a tough match he's a cagey sort of player so I'll have to concentrate on every shot.


And I'll finish todays post with a warning for all of you that like a drink :-

Vodka and ice will ruin your kidneys.
Rum and ice will ruin your liver.
Whiskey and ice will ruin your heart.
Gin and ice will ruin your brain.
Coke and ice will ruin your teeth.


That damn ice is lethal!!! Warn all your friends: Lay off the ice!!

Sunday 14 August 2011

Day 13 & 14 - A nice weekend

Didn't weigh in yesterday as I'd been staying in York all weekend and didn't want to use different scales as I did last week. Anyway on my return home this morning I jumped on the scales to reveal no change (still 215lb) which was pleasing because we had a busy day yesterday.

During the day we decided to have a ride out to Whitby, had a nice stroll around and it was very busy. Fr those that don't no Whitby is a famous Yorkshire coastal town from which a certain Captain James Cook was based before discovering half the world. We actually had a trip to sea on a replica of one of Cooks ships HMS Endevour, apparently it was 40% the size of the origional.
Its also the town that inspired Bram Stoker to write the Dracula Novel.

Last night we went out into the city and tried a Italian restaurant we hadn't been to previously and it was great we both really enjoyed our meals (and the wine we washed it down with). One confession I did succumb and have a sweet, had a piece of Cheesecake but it did have blueberry on so was virtually classed as a fruit dish, lol.

Captain Cook with seagull


Whitby Abbey

 

HMS Endevour

You can find rest of photos here :-

Friday 12 August 2011

Day 12 - Not the hat trick I hoped for

The last two days I've been able to report the loss of 1lb and sort of hoped I could report a hat trick this morning but it wasn't to be as I weighed in at the same 215lb as yesterday. Still cant expect miracles and the trend is still in the right direction.

Had a bit of pain in my ankle for a week or so but this morning it was really sore couldn't put any weight on but it is feeling a lot better now I've got moving. Suspect there is something moving about in there, chipped bone or something thats what it feels like.

Thursday 11 August 2011

Day 11 - Tough going but working

Another day gone and I must admit my August assault on weight loss is tough,certainly was last night I really wanted to eat something I shouldn't but again my will power won the day. Its certainly in the late evenings its difficult, especially when I've nothing on to take my mind off it.
Still it helps when you see the weight coming off and I'm pleased to report that todays weigh in revealed another 1lb lost. I'm now down to 215lb.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb
Weight 11th August - 215lb

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Day 10 - Keeping it going

I'm still sticking to my weight loss plan for August and am pleased to report Ive said goodbye to another 1lb. I now weigh in at 216lb.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb
Weight 10th August - 216lb

Another note was sorting some old clothes and came across a Brown Leather Jacket I haven't worn for years because I thought it was too small and I couldn't fasten it. Its a good quality one and I was amazed to find I can actually fit into it, a real bonus must wear it sometime.



Tuesday 9 August 2011

Day 9 - Londons Burning

Today like most decent English people I am disgsed with the Thuggish riots going on in our Cities and just wish the government would get tough take the kid gloves off and do everything in their power to stop it.

Looters, Arsonists, Petrol Bombers should simply be shot end of story in my opinion the army should be used. These thugs are ruining their own areas trashing buisnesses destroying homes of decent law abiding citizens. Then they will be complaining their areas are rundown with no facilities, no work, etc, that makes me laugh who in their right mind would run a buisness provide work in these slums, these people are a burdon on society.

I'm angry we need to build more prisons (and not the holiday camps we have now), give longer sentences because I'm convinced half of our problems is because too many low lifes are outside when should be in jail.

In fact I'm angry enough to say if police want volunteers to help crush these bastards I would be happy enough to volunteer like thousands of others would, give me a shield and baton and I'd love to crack a few heads.

Ok rant over and back to the weigh in, no big news I was same as yesterday 217lb.

Monday 8 August 2011

Day 8 - One week gone

I'm now one week into my August assault on losing weight and am pleased to report I'm sticking to the rules I set myself. If I'm honest thought I'd have lost a couple of pounds more than I have so far but at least its coming off. My weight today is 217lb so I'm down 3lb lighter than I was a week ago.

The story so far :-
Weight 1st August - 220lb
Weight 4th August - 218lb
Weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales so not sure about this reading)
Weight 8th August - 217lb

As I said in yesterdays post I've been at Paulas all wekend, we spent saturday at Pickering Traction rally and on the night after going out for a meal went to watch one of her nephews bands (he plays in 2) called Joe Below, they are good and play a lot of Bluesy type songs.

Here they are with Paulas nephew on Bass and lead vocals doing Route 66 :-



You can see the Pickering photos here :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157627254925293/detail/

Sunday 7 August 2011

Day 6 & 7 - Up 2lb but think its the scales.

Stayed at Paulas last couple of nights and I did jump on her scales both mornings to find I was back up to 220lb although I'm not panicking as I think there is a difference in the scales (almost certain) but we'll see the truth in the morning.
I've been good and stuck to my rules with the exception of saturday night were we ate just after 6pm at a local restaurant as we'd been out all day at Pickering Steam festival.
weight 1st August - 220lb
weight 4th August - 218lb
weight 6th August - 220lb (different scales ?)

Friday 5 August 2011

Day Five - Thieving Gits

My table tennis was cancelled last night, we all arrived at the venue to find the Electric off, some thieving gits had cut down all the overhead supply cables and nicked them to sell as scrap, half the village had been off since 3am apparently. Pity they hadn't been electrocuted.

On to the weight loss, no change from yesterday still 218lb.

Off to stay at Paulas over the weekend so not sure when I'll weigh again but will still be sticking to my rules. She is still struggling with her leg and after been treated for a pulled hamstring its now looking like its sciatica, she is starting with the physio on wednesday.

If she is fit enough we are thinking of going to the Pickering Steam Rally on Saturday which should be interesting, some live music on as well. http://www.pickeringsteam.com/

Probably not stay until the end as we are hoping to go see her nephew who plays in a band and is performing at a local pub.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Not forgetting the football starting tomoz, come on Leeds.

Thursday 4 August 2011

Day four - On track

Still early days for my August weight loss purge but I'm pleased to say I still haven't broken my own rules and can also report a 2lb weight loss which of course helps the motivation. So I can happily report I'm right on track.
weight 1st august - 220lb
weight 4th august - 218lb

Having a healthy salad for my main meal today (and tomorrow aswell) so that should be good I think. Also off to my local TT club tonight and playing in the weekly tournament, its only a friendly event but keeps my eye in and may help sweat out another pound.
May have a beer I've still five of my weekly allowance left so that would leave 4 for the weekend.

Its that time of year again, yes the footie season starts on saturday and I'll be hoping Leeds have a good season and get promotion from the Championship. Got a tough opener away at Southampton but they've gone well in pre season friendlies going unbeaten.

Here is a few memories from last season :-


MOT

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Day three - Last night was hard

It was only day two of my August battle against the fat yesterday and it was so hard last night, I knew I was in danger of breaking my rules, I was feeling hungry but don't allow food after 6pm plus I was craving chocolate and cheese (not together, lol). But am happy to report my will power saw me through and to be honest when I woke up this morning I didn't feel hungry. Suppose it'll be like this for the next few evenings, especially when I've nothing on to take my mind off it.

Did some exerecise mainly gardening and been out there this morning and reckon every little helps. Another plus yesterday is I cut the potato I had on my main meal to a half portion.

Biggest dissapointment was at the weigh in, was still the same 220lb but hell it only day 3 and I sort of feel a lump is gonna drop off at one of these weigh ins.

I'm gonna win.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

August Weight loss challenge - Day two

Well got up this morning and jumped on the scales to find myself same weight as yesterday 220lb. I'm happy with that because Monday is usually one of my bad days where I can destroy the weeks work, its my Pool match so usually results in a good few beers and a non healthy supper at the pub. Last night I had two beers so have 5 of my weekly allowance left, also turned down the Pie & peas and sat there while everyone stuffed their faces.
Monday isn't my healthy meal day either, usually have 2 sausages, 2 rashers of baccon with jacket potato and spaggetti bolognaise, cut down to one rasher and one sausage.

Before anyone asks I've decided to weigh (and report) everyday, I know its unusual and not normally the advised thing but I'm thinking it could motivate me.

So 30 days to go and I'm sticking to my 14lb prediction while my friend Sandii reckons 10lb (anyone else want a guess, lol). Both positive so thats good.

Did I mention we won 5-4 at pool last night big win for us, we are 2nd in league and they were reigning champions, just behind us but with games in hand.

Been to dentist today for my 6 monthly check up, teeth got all clear so was happy.

For those interested here are some of my London photos from friday :-

Nelsons Column


Big Ben


Buckingham palace


Guardsman


London Eye


Mini Cooper


Me in Telegraph offices

Monday 1 August 2011

Day One - The Battle begins

1st of August and the start of my August weight loss challenge as begun and I nearly slipped up on my first lunchtime. I'd been TT training in York this morning and Paula came along so we went a light lunch afterwards and I was about to order a ham and chese toasted sandwich until I remembered my rules totally ban cheese, ended up having beef.

Just to remind you these are he rules I'll stick to this month :-
1. Alcohol limited to 14 units (7 pints) per week.
2. No Chocolate, sweets, biscuits or cake (even as a treat)
3. No Cheese (and I'm a cheese addict)
4. No eating at all after 6pm.

Tonight I'm out at Pool so I'll maybe have some of my weekly alcohol allowance but want to save some for next weekend and also will have to say no to the after match refreshments, it wont be easy but I'm quite determined.
Not sure how much weight I'll lose this month following these rules (and been careful with other foods) but I'm confident it'll give me a big kick forward.

On the diet front sort of had a bit of a easy weekend before this months efforts, went out for meals with Paula boh Saturday night and Sunday lunch and allowed myself the treat of having a sweet on both occasions. Also allowed myself a few beers last night as I'd a pool singles match and walked to the pub.

Friday I had a day out in London, was doing my promotional video and photos for the singles holiday company I'd travelled with. They paid all my expences so i went on the early train and had a walk across central London getting some photos of many of the sites. I met the people organising it at lunchtime where  i was treated to lunch then onto the studios for the shoot. The studios were at the Telegraph offices and I got a tour around, it was interesting to see how a national newspaper is produced.
It was very proffesional, was even had my own make up artist getting me ready for the camera, it involved a video answering questions about the holiday and a lot of still shots.
Afterwards I walked down to the river before making my way back to Kings Cross and getting something to eat, it was a long day and i was tired but was a great experience.

Back to this months weight loss battle and I just about got away with the ekend, was only one pund heavier than wednesdays weigh in at 220lb.

Just out of interest how much do you think I'll lose in August I'm going for a ambitious 14lb (1 stone) as my guess.

Nearly forgot my friends it is 1st August so :-

HAPPY YORKSHIRE DAY