My Blog

Man, what a way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary…

Friday was the weigh-in…  Having consulted with my doctor and with my personal health physician/pharmacist, Kim, I was advised that losing 10-20 pounds was necessary should I desired to live a longer life.  I told several of my co-workers that I needed to drop a few lb’s, and long and behold, I was included in their competition of the "Biggest Loser".  My weigh-in was 195 lbs, 25% body fat, with a 28 BMI.  Despite a few objections against me (they call me the "Ringer") joining the competition, I was welcomed with open arms.  The final weigh-in is in 6 months (March 21st, 2008).  At that time, the "biggest loser" and his spouse gets a free dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse from all the losers and their spouses. 

There was a huge debate over how to calculate the weight loss as I, obviously, had the least amount of weight, body fat, and BMI to lose.  But we finally agreed that it would be based on % of weight loss multiplied by % of body fat percentage loss.  While some thought BMI should have been included, others thought it should be excluded since some of us were still interested in increasing muscle mass… which would hurt our changes of losing weight as well. 

I don’t know… If anyone knows of a good way/idea to judge our competition, I would be delighted to hear it.

This weekend was also our one year wedding anniversary.  I had something special devised, but it all went out the window when Ali said she signed me up for a massage and a facial for herself at Spa Nordstrom on Saturday.  Having never been to a masseuse/spa before, I didn’t know what to expect.

Saturday started off rainy.  A fitting start for a new diet program for me.  With a positive frame of mind and excitement about the weight loss competition, I proceeded to the 24 Hour Fitness in San Mateo and jogged 1.25 miles.  Afterwards, I hopped on the treadclimber and worked out another 20 minutes. 

Ali told me that our SpaNordstrom appointment was at 2:30 p.m., so we had to stop right there, whereas I would generally gravitate towards working with weights after cardio.  Instead, we drove to the Burlingame library and hunted down my "bibles": "The South Beach Heart Program" and "The South Beach Recipe Book," both by Arthur Agatston.  Next, we drove to Costco and bought the main ingredients to me new diet, mainly meat and vegetables, as Phase 1 of the diet does not allow any breads and sweets. 

_____________________

The First Test

After shopping at Costco, we shared a Costco Chicken Caesar Salad.  It was rather difficult to watch all the other customers eat their pizzas and hot dogs.

____________________

Afterwards, we went home, dropped off the groceries, and jumped on BART into downtown SF.  Westfield SF Centre was a madhouse as usual.  We hopped on the elevator straight to the 5th floor, and in a flash, that craziness and hype vanished.  Ali checked us in, and both of us were led to changing rooms.  After fitting into my robe and pajama "massage" pants, we were led to a lounge where two ladies filled some soapy water in two bowls and placed our feets in them.  It felt pretty nice, especially when they started wiping it down and massaging them.  FYI, there were three other women there with us.  I was the only gent.

Afterwards, I was led to a room with dim lights and soft music playing in the background.  The masseuse told me to strip down and get under the covers on the massaging table, and that she would be back in a few minutes.  I did what I was told.  The masseuse returned and started the massage.  The massage involved hot towels, massage oils, and scented (lavendar) pillows.  After 45 minutes of treatment, she left and told me to close my eyes.  15 minutes later, she returned with a glass of water and told me that I need to drink it for the "detoxification" process to take place. 

All in all, a very pleasurable experience.  Now I see why you ladies are willing to pay top dollar for spas.

_____________________

The Second Test

After the massage, we went down to the Bloomingdale’s Food Court.  Despite all the yummy food choices, I had to settle for a Buckhorn Grill Tri-tip Caesar Salad.  It was rather difficult to watch all the other customers eat their Sorabol and Beard Papas.

____________________

On Sunday, Ali’s mom made us an Anniversary breakfast comprised of Turkey Dogs, Ground Beef Patties, Canadian Bacon, and Scrambled Eggs.  My, how news about my diet travels quickly.  As always, I enjoy everything she cooks and scarfed down my breakfast in a fast manner. 

Later that day, we went to celebrate Ali’s step-mom’s birthday at the Elephant Bar.  I never know what to order there.  But a Blackened Hawaiian Ono and steamed veggies mades its way to my side of the table. 

After that, we proceeded home and spent the next 4 hours prepping the food for my new diet.  Boy, it was a lot of work as we made sugarless jello, chicken salad, peanut dip for my celery sticks, veggie soup, turkey sausage and mushroom egg tarts, and poke.

By 6 p.m. we were wiped out.  We weren’t really hungry as we had been cooking all that time.  Despite it all, I dragged Ali out to Cetrella’s at Half Moon Bay, one of my (now our) favorite restaurants.  We had an awesome time, especialy when I was getting verbally chastised and entertained by our waiter for being on the South Beach. 

I told him we were on our 1 year anniversary and he brought out a glass of muscato for Ali to go along with the Hazelnut Ice Cream on top of a Warm Peach Tarte that she ordered. 

_____________________

The Third Test

I would usually devour any and all desserts in my vicinity.  That ice cream and tarte dared me to consume it.  Ali apologized for eating it front of me and commended me for being a good sport and having strong willpower.  She offered a bite, and I openly took her up on that offer.  On most occassions, I would of eat at least 60% of our desserts.  So, despite the tasting, I still see that as a moral victory.

____________________   

On a side note, after two days on the diet, I feel more energy(despite feeling considerably weaker)… but I’m also noticing a little change in the body!

This entry was posted on Monday, September 24th, 2007 at 11:04 am and is filed under Books, Current Affairs, Food and Drink, Science, Thoughts, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.