4XLT

Today’s Weigh In: 330.8 pounds
Days Till Goal: 23
Pounds To Go: 10.8

The crazy superfans over at Seahawk Blue are throwing a party this weekend called “Motherland III,” and I’m joining them up in Seattle. There’s a party Saturday night, and then I’ll head to my first ever Seahawks game on Sunday.

It is going to be a total blast, but it also holds all the possibility in the world for bad, terrible, catastrophic damage to the forward progress I’ve made in my weight loss this week. I’ve got to be smart and plan how to keep moving forward. Here’s my plan.

1. Keep Drinking Lots of Water

I’ve been drinking more water than I’ve ever before in my life at my new job. I keep my water bottle open at my desk and work my way through it a few times during the day. I’m still getting used to peeing so often!

I’m going to keep my water intake up. I’m not sure if it has any direct correlation, but it definitely can’t hurt!

2. Booze Intelligently

I’m talking about alcohol consumption in general here, rather then going out and getting smashed. The get drunk and party scene has never been mine, and I don’t plan on that beginning this weekend.

But, I do enjoy a drink from time to time – a fact made wonderful by living in the beer capital of America: Portland, Oregon. There’s so much to choose from! But there’s no way around the simple fact that alcohol is just plain bad for your body. Add to that the tons of empty calories (just like drinking soda) and carbs (barely and hops) that are in the good beers, and it equals major weight gain.

I want to avoid that for obvious reasons, but I don’t plan on abstaining outright. I’ll stick with cocktails that are relatively lighter on the caloric levels and free of carbs (which I avoid at night). Anyone want to class it up and drink a martini with me?

3. Plan My Eating

I’m hitting the road early Saturday. There’s no reason I should exempt myself from healthy eating for the 36 hours or so of fun I’ll be having. In fact, I consider this a test of sorts to see how “real life” works (if that makes sense).

I’ll continue eating my five meals a day. There’s no reason it’s not possible – I just have to exercise self-control. And really, self-control is the foundation for a healthy life at its most basic. Just because I’m at a tailgate party with a lamb getting roasted and tons of beer and good eats doesn’t mean I have to eat until I’m sick to my stomach!

4. Hit the Gym Before and After

As I mentioned, I leave for Seattle Saturday afternoon and get back to Portland Sunday evening (possibly late).

That gives me some time on Saturday afternoon to go to the gym and get in a good weight training session (dumbbell swings are brutal, but effective). When I return Sunday, if it’s not too late and I’m not too tired, I’ll go to the gym and work through my HIIT cardio plan.

I’ve got to keep my training regimen going just as strong as my nutrition.

5. Have Fun

My life has been really crazy, frustrating, and stressful the past two months or so. There’s definately stress and chaos waiting for me when I get back to Portland on Sunday night, but for these 36 hours, I’m going to leave it behind me and enjoy myself.

Seattle, here I come!