tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15369523426795687142024-03-05T04:24:49.298-06:00You Have To Eat To Lose Weight And Other Lies Skinny People Tell Fat PeopleA Self-Deprecating Look At The Insanity Of Weight LossBig Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-2161987094486160172009-06-18T16:04:00.005-05:002009-06-18T17:19:00.824-05:00Don't Call It A ComebackHi, it's me. Fatty Fatso McFatterson.You remember me. I'm the guy that barely fits into clothes that double as pup tents. I'm the guy that doesn't take his shirt off at the beach out of fear some near-sighted paparazzo will mistake me for a topless Rosie O'Donnell. I'm the guy with more stretch marks than Kate Gosselin and more chins than a Chinese phone book. You know exactly who I am. I'm the Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-40422878012923409672008-07-31T11:17:00.002-05:002008-08-06T11:41:15.555-05:00Hot enough for ya?Its hot.Damn hot.And humid. Actually, humid isn't a strong enough word – it's just plain wet. You know what your bathroom feels like after a long, hot shower, when you can't see anything through the thick fog hanging in the air? That's what it feels like when I walk out my front door.Then the wind starts whipping around and it feels like I live in a convection oven.Its so oppressive it's actuallyBig Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-29160868530027291312008-07-21T14:59:00.002-05:002008-08-06T11:45:53.631-05:00The Potted Plant TheoryBeing over six feet tall in the sixth grade, I never had much luck finding age-appropriate clothing that fit me. While my friends ran around in Coca-Cola shirts, OP and JAMS, I was sporting a pinpoint button down from the Dillard's mens department. This had an obvious impact on my effectiveness with the ladies and added to what was already a considerable "awkward" stage of life. Imagine a kid Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-78466058341543833632008-06-05T16:55:00.008-05:002008-06-12T17:14:23.475-05:00Weigh In - 6/4Its been a while since an "official" weigh in. Over the last month or so I've kept on the Rehab Diet, but with varying levels of intensity. Not surprisingly, my weight has fluctuated up and down (within about a 5 lb range). Overall, a little weight still came off over that time - which motivated me to refocus over the next four weeks before a vacation.Today's weight: 274Most encouragingly, I've Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-39185119424821558402008-05-28T16:28:00.020-05:002008-05-30T12:41:34.661-05:00The Katy TrailI thought it might be fun to create a "pictorial essay" of my daily trip on the Katy Trail (mostly because I didn't have the time to write anything this week). If you're feeling especially generous, visit the Friends of the Katy Trail site and donate some money for lighting. It might save me someday from getting rolled by a gang of hoodlums for my skips and my iPhone. Speaking of, I apologize forBig Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-2194573098420540172008-05-19T10:20:00.008-05:002008-05-19T16:16:51.621-05:00Back With A BangFirst of all, let me apologize to the faithful readers of You Have To Eat... (all three or four of you). I had a crazy month and have been on a bit of a roller coaster lately adding and losing weight. What I'm learning is that weight loss is as much about the management of time as anything else (more on that to come later).That out of the way, I thought I'd recount a recent experience that Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-11363664971338855222008-04-09T15:21:00.001-05:002008-05-21T11:50:28.373-05:00Weigh In - 4/9Another week - another 4 pounds.I'm at 282, tantalizingly close to the 270's. For some reason the 270's represent some monumental threshold for me. I think that's where I feel like I go from being really overweight to "my God, he's going to explode."On a similar note, I'm starting to jiggle again. Now, I know for most of you skinny people who've struggled with 5-10 pounds your whole life, Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-76019911461477820312008-04-09T09:53:00.004-05:002008-04-15T11:18:54.126-05:00Step 9 - BreakfastEat breakfast.Every day.Skinny people claim eating breakfast every day is one of the most important things an overweight person can do to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Numerous studies show people who regularly eat breakfast lose more weight, consume fewer calories and fat overall during the day, exercise more and are better able to keep the weight off than those of us who skip Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-5322198549089221752008-04-07T17:30:00.005-05:002008-04-09T10:53:28.768-05:00Don't Eat That!!!Or That! Or That!! And no matter what you do, don't ever eat that and that together!Ever get tired of skinny people telling you what you can and cannot eat? Me too. First they told us to stop eating calories. Then it was fat. Then it was carbs. Carbs, they told us, were too easily broken down into simple sugars that wreak havoc inside our rotund bodies.To make matters worse, these so called Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-15602032747947475062008-04-02T09:09:00.002-05:002008-04-05T11:54:54.342-05:00Weigh In - 4/2286 and back on track - 4 pounds lost for the week (skinny people, please read this before commenting).Full Disclosure: I've actually started exercising more than 3 times a week even though I'm not slated to start that for a couple more weeks.As I stated at the onset of the Rehab Diet, my hope is that after the twelve weeks are over some of these good steps will have evolved into good habits. It Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-56999499418087593802008-04-01T08:47:00.001-05:002008-04-09T10:52:40.885-05:00Step 8 - FishEat more fish.Why? Just look at the Japanese. Widely regarded as one of the healthiest people on the planet, they live longer than the rest of the world and their rate of obesity is just 3% compared to over 30% in the US.They drink a lot of tea (which I've already extolled the virtues of), eat a lot of rice (Carbs!?! A lot of them? And they live longer? Have American nutritionists gotten this Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-39728768459441372672008-03-31T11:44:00.001-05:002008-04-04T14:52:08.643-05:00Smoke Yourself ThinI'm in bed a few nights ago, past midnight, wide awake. I'm jittery and antsy and can't seem to relax. The next night, the exact same thing. What the hell is going on?At first I reasoned my new healthier lifestyle was simply resulting in an increased level of energy. I've noticed a huge difference in my energy level in almost all facets of my life. I used to think I was just a naturally lazy Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-59423370865367202912008-03-26T12:41:00.001-05:002008-04-01T12:52:47.623-05:00Weigh In - 3/26My vacation from the 290's didn't last very long.For the first time since starting the Rehab Diet, I've gained weight in a week: I'm up one pound and back to 290. This is no doubt a result of my weekend of debauchery, and quite frankly, I was expecting worse.While frustrating, I was never naive enough to believe I would make it through the entire twelve weeks without a blemish on my record. Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-40109990871299361082008-03-25T16:27:00.003-05:002008-04-01T12:27:13.491-05:00Wheels OffI spent a weekend at home (as in where I grew up, not my domicile) over the Easter holiday. Sounds innocent enough, right?Until you find out where home is: the great state of Louisiana.That's right, where excess is more than a word, it's a lifestyle. They eat too much. Drink too much. Party too much. Eat a little more. Drink a little more. Smoke them if they've got them. Then they wake up in the Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-17981797591086601612008-03-24T13:25:00.001-05:002008-04-01T12:33:08.561-05:00Step 7 - Green TeaWhat's so great about green tea? Evidently, everything.Besides claims that green tea helps prevent and/or alleviate the symptoms of depression, headaches, cancer, arthritis, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, infections and immune deficiencies, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition released a study in 1999 that revealed drinking green tea can actually aid in weight loss.I was pointed Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-81109218687817882922008-03-21T16:20:00.006-05:002008-03-27T12:56:19.217-05:00Doing It "Healthy"No, this isn't that kind of blog.I'm talking about losing weight the healthy way, whatever that may be.First, a disclaimer: In no form or fashion do I advocate the practice of vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, stimulants or any other "fat-annihilating" pills purchasable off late night TV. To me, engaging in something life-threatening in an attempt to overcome something life-threatening is pointlessBig Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-59029462859259472102008-03-19T09:14:00.004-05:002008-03-26T19:30:38.052-05:00Weigh In - 3/193 more pounds and the 290's in the rear view mirror. May I never see them again.Actually, I didn't know the 290's that well. They were really just a blur each time I shot to and above 300 pounds. And the several times I've fought my way out of them, it's been relatively painless and quick. Still, I'm hopeful I've fought that battle for the last time.One other milestone - I'm past the 15 pound Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-32975495232474039302008-03-18T15:16:00.004-05:002008-03-27T12:55:50.982-05:00Step 6 - Soft DrinksMy thoughts on Coke and soft drinks in general have been covered extensively in previous posts. Needless to say, I truly believe soft drinks are... well, needless.A fun, related side trip: Death By CaffeineTo my credit, I've virtually eliminated soft drinks from my repertoire since starting the Rehab Diet. But there's one instance where I contradict myself and can't seem to shake them: as Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-11063455618831272202008-03-17T11:05:00.008-05:002008-03-27T12:37:21.000-05:00I Can Make You... Less Fat?So several people have brought to my attention a new weight loss guru making the scene. His name is Paul McKenna and he's British and the name of his book/show/system is "I Can Make You Thin."Really? Short of moving me to Ethiopia and restricting my diet to rancid water and flies, I will never in my life be "thin." Thinner? Hopefully. Healthier? God willing, but in the words of a nurse I once hadBig Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-64764725536044698622008-03-12T09:24:00.004-05:002008-03-27T12:53:50.989-05:00Weigh In - 3/12Another successful week on the Rehab Diet: Three pounds lost, for a grand total of 13 pounds.As I start my sixth week and the half way point of my steps, I thought I'd provide an update on my previous steps to date:1. Coke - Have not had a Coke.2. Fast Food - Have successfully avoided all Fast Food.3. Exercise - Biking 6-7 miles or walking 2-3 miles three times a week.4. Water - 60 oz. (at least)Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-22888561059383802342008-03-11T13:19:00.004-05:002008-03-27T12:54:52.376-05:00Step 5 - Fried FoodsIf something tastes good, it'll taste better fried.That about sums up my thoughts on fried food. Anything dredged in batter then dunked in hot oil = good times in my mouth. Fried Chicken. Chicken Fried Steak. Fried Catfish. Fried Okra. Fried Pickles. Onion Rings. And for dessert? Fried Twinkies, Fried Oreo's and Fried Cheesecake at the State Fair! Last, but certainly not least, the ultimate in Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-20962569350566033922008-03-10T10:22:00.010-05:002008-03-27T13:02:58.438-05:00GoalsSkinny people will tell you that you have to set a goal before starting a diet. You have to know where you're going in order to get there, they say.A lot of people have asked me what my goal is on the Rehab Diet. Interestingly, I never really thought of one. I'm a big fan of making lists and writing down goals and keeping track of progress. I do it in my business and other areas of my personal Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-35699120624361554242008-03-05T09:31:00.003-06:002008-03-19T09:49:28.653-05:00Weigh In - 3/5I'm very happy to report I've doubled up on my weight loss this week, losing four pounds and bringing my total weight loss to ten pounds! In celebration of the occasion, I thought I'd list a few things that weigh ten pounds to help illustrate what I'm no longer carrying around:1) 19" Flat Panel Television2) Five Reams of Copier Paper3) Bag of Indian Basmati Rice4) Dell XPS Laptop Computer5) Lump Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-56499004368946444572008-03-04T19:55:00.003-06:002008-03-26T19:52:09.343-05:00Food PornI've noticed something odd in the last couple of weeks - I've developed a voracious appetite for food related television. I'll watch anything on the Food Network (except for Alton Brown - I don't care why fried chicken gets crispy in oil, I just care that it tastes like a party in my mouth). I watch Hells Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey (the Fox version doesn't compare to the Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1536952342679568714.post-17929918985794428012008-03-03T10:20:00.003-06:002008-03-13T14:47:13.628-05:00Step 4 - WaterSkinny people say you're supposed to drink upwards of 60 oz of water a day, or roughly half a gallon. And for one of the very few times, I agree wholeheartedly with skinny people! Its amazing how that much water cleanses your system, suppresses your appetite and fuels your workouts.If and when I drank water before, it was bottled. Cute, little convenient 10 oz servings I kept cold in the fridge Big Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421469820590906938noreply@blogger.com1