Author Topic: tattooedchef's progress.  (Read 2365 times)

Offline tattooedchef

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tattooedchef's progress.
« on: January 29, 2010, 07:05:02 AM »
I don't have pictures or measurements, but I figured I'd at least document how things go so others might benefit (or be able to spot some weak points in what I'm doing).

For some background, my heaviest weight ever was around 230 pounds, and that was in 2006 or so.  I went on a serious HIIT program, counting calories and weighing out food, and dropped down to around 190.  Given that I'm 5'9"-5'10" (depending on who you ask), this was huge for me. 

I'd exercised a fair deal in 2009, and had run two half-marathons, but after I got married, I pretty much axed the idea of being diligent with diet and exercise.  Voila, back to 213. 

My introduction to Paleo was the article in the New York Times a few weeks back.  Went out and bought Cordain's book since it seemed very interesting, and January 15th was the first day of Paleo combined with a cross-fit training program.

So, the progress:

As of today (which is Day 15), I am hovering around 207 (on average) and feel more toned.  Not a huge amount of weight loss, but I know from past experience that it's more than just weight loss, since I am also replacing fat with muscle.

I've found that the first few days are the hardest.  Avoiding the drive-thru, mentally preparing myself to eat clean, making sure I have the foods I need to eat properly at home -- it's a lot of habits to break/change in order to see this through.

I feel better, more energetic (I'm only tired after a long day of work) and much happier.

I've had some guys at work bust my chops about this, and others who have gone out of their way to assist me (i.e. one coworker grilled up asparagus and brought it over just so I had something to snack on).  Working in a restaurant is a bit difficult, especially when you're one of the pastry chefs.  It's not the dessert that's hard, but the bread I bake off.  However, I have been extremely diligent and haven't touched any.

I think my next update (unless conversation changes this) will probably be in another 15 days, to compare/contrast from the current results.

Offline Wlfdg

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2010, 07:21:26 AM »
Good on you Chef!

My GF is also a Pastry Chef but she isn't eating consistently Paleo. My hat is off to you at being able to do your job and still be Paleo. ;)

You can't "replace fat with muscle" technically speaking.

HIIT and resistance training are the physical keys to the kingdom!

Keep up the good work! ;D

   
Walking isn't exercise, it's locomotion!
Living for longevity is like fighting for peace.
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"There is no such thing as “firming and toning.” There is only stronger and weaker" - Mark Rippetoe

Offline tattooedchef

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2010, 07:37:30 AM »


You can't "replace fat with muscle" technically speaking.


Well, noooooo...  :)  But you know what I'm getting at.  More of a weight perspective thing.  :)   Thanks for the support! 

Even if I wasn't going Paleo, I get bored with desserts.  I don't really eat them much -- I just enjoying feeding them to others. 

Offline Wlfdg

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2010, 07:47:16 AM »


You can't "replace fat with muscle" technically speaking.


Well, noooooo...  :)  But you know what I'm getting at.  More of a weight perspective thing.  :)   Thanks for the support! 

Even if I wasn't going Paleo, I get bored with desserts.  I don't really eat them much -- I just enjoying feeding them to others. 
I do understand what you are saying. I'm a health and fitness professional and a bit of geek. Things like using "muscle tone" incorrectly in regards to muscle definition makes me crazy.  >:(

My GF doesn't eat dessert either but she eats so much sugar,etc... just in testing!
Walking isn't exercise, it's locomotion!
Living for longevity is like fighting for peace.
"Food is fuel! It's not a f***ing theater ticket!" -author unknown
"There is no such thing as “firming and toning.” There is only stronger and weaker" - Mark Rippetoe

Offline tattooedchef

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2010, 06:50:59 AM »
Well, it's been one month since I started my regimen of Paleo and CrossFit.

As of this morning, the scale read 197.  Given that I started this at 213, I'm pretty pleased with how it's gone thus far.  Sticking to the Paleo diet has been challenging and quite the learning experience, but for the most part I've been very disciplined and haven't veered too much off course.

My body definitely has more tone to it.  I'm still working towards losing the girth around the midsection, which has lessened somewhat, but that's one of the hardest places to lose fat from what I understand.  It's just a matter of time and patience.  :)

Thanks to those who have helped me out so far with advice! 

Offline jman

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2010, 09:44:11 AM »
Nice work

Offline drillagent

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2010, 11:12:16 AM »
Your progress looks really good, but I have a question for you.  Have you ever hit a weight loss plateau?  How did you get past it?  I'll tell you my situation.
I started doing Crossfit and Paleo a little less than a year ago.  I was doing really well and lost weight, but I tore one of my ACLs and had to have surgury.  During the recovery and surgury, I reverted back to my bad eating habits and gained all my lost weight back.  With the start of the new year, I restarted my Paleo and weight training.  So far I've lost 13 pounds and several inches on my waist, but I've since hit a plateau.  I'm still not able to run yet, but I've begun lifting again and I use the eliptical regularly.  The rest of the family doesn't want to eat Paleo, so there's bad food in the house.  I usually get cravings after work and on the weekends.  Those are the worst.  I've begun fluctuating by about 5 pounds up and down each week.  Any suggestions?  Do you know of any Paleo snacks to curb the cravings?  Thanks

Offline tattooedchef

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2010, 11:40:19 AM »
I wouldn't say I've hit a plateau yet, but then again, I've only been doing this for a solid month. 

I can completely understand bad food being an issue.  My wife had a couple of donuts from a fantastic bakery on the table last night, and they were CALLING TO ME.  I mean, these were quality donuts.  The trick was recognizing that I didn't necessarily need donuts, but I needed something sweet to curb that craving.  So I butchered up a pineapple and had a few chunks, which did the trick -- then I went to bed.  Crisis averted.

As far as snacks go?  I resort to a few almonds (few < 10) or perhaps an apple.  That's usually enough to stave off any major hunger pangs.

Offline tattooedchef

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2010, 05:17:48 AM »
So I'm officially at the two month point as of today, and I'm down to 187 pounds.  My love handles have shrunk down (though there's still work to be done) and I've definitely gotten more muscular from working out four days a week.

I've found the Paleo Diet to be much easier over time, learning what's easy to prepare for when I don't feel much like cooking.  It'll be nice to get some better weather outside so I can get the grill out and really start cranking out food in advance for a week's worth of meals.

Offline Wlfdg

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #9 on: March 15, 2010, 06:31:53 AM »
Good work Chef! Congrats!
Walking isn't exercise, it's locomotion!
Living for longevity is like fighting for peace.
"Food is fuel! It's not a f***ing theater ticket!" -author unknown
"There is no such thing as “firming and toning.” There is only stronger and weaker" - Mark Rippetoe

Offline QwertyDvorak

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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2010, 05:18:08 PM »
Keep going, chef!



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Re: tattooedchef's progress.
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2010, 05:18:08 PM »


 


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