Cate
Long term member
I LOVE that yet Chef.
I also love that you are moving closer & closer to having that correct mentality and are actively moving towards creating a healthy body. Go you!
ChefChiTown's Rebirth: I'm Back, BABY!!! (In More Ways Than One)...
- Thread starter ChefChiTown
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ChefChiTown
New member
It's been a little while again so I figured I'd check in.
I've been a little stressed lately. Work, kids being back in school, a seemingly endless stream of car trouble, my lovely wife being stubborn and not going to the doctor even though she thought she had another blood clot in her leg, a blood clot that could possibly kill her without a moment's notice. You know, that kind of stuff.
We went to the ER last night to get her leg checked out. It's been hurting her for two weeks now but she has refused to go to the doctor...until last night. She had a little episode and I pretty much forced her to go to the ER. Luckily, there's no blood clot. So, we don't know what the hell it is at this point, HAHAHAHA...but at least it's not a clot. Anyway, I feel better now that I know she doesn't have a potentially fatal blood clot hanging out in her leg. So, that's one less thing to stress over.
Oh, I also just had to paid $400 to get a new radiator put in our car. That was fixed yesterday, just hours before I had to take Jen to the ER. Soooo, that was good timing, HAHAHA.
I've been a little stressed lately. Work, kids being back in school, a seemingly endless stream of car trouble, my lovely wife being stubborn and not going to the doctor even though she thought she had another blood clot in her leg, a blood clot that could possibly kill her without a moment's notice. You know, that kind of stuff.
We went to the ER last night to get her leg checked out. It's been hurting her for two weeks now but she has refused to go to the doctor...until last night. She had a little episode and I pretty much forced her to go to the ER. Luckily, there's no blood clot. So, we don't know what the hell it is at this point, HAHAHAHA...but at least it's not a clot. Anyway, I feel better now that I know she doesn't have a potentially fatal blood clot hanging out in her leg. So, that's one less thing to stress over.
Oh, I also just had to paid $400 to get a new radiator put in our car. That was fixed yesterday, just hours before I had to take Jen to the ER. Soooo, that was good timing, HAHAHA.
ChefChiTown
New member
Thanks, guys.
It's been a few weeks since I've been on here. There really wasn't any specific reason - I was just kind of focusing on getting this next phase in my weight loss journey started and didn't really put much attention elsewhere.
Anyway, we're going down to Cleveland to visit my mom and dad for Christmas. We haven't spent Christmas with them in yeeeeears, so I'm really looking forward to it. My mom goes all out for Christmas - the house literally looks like a Christmas store, it's insane - and I'm pumped that Jen and the kids get to experience it for the first time. And, probably not for the last time. Becaaaaause...
My mom's cancer has shrunk by half!!! Woo hoo!!!
Anyway, we're going down to visit for Christmas and the wife and I have one common goal before then - get less fat, HAHAHA
In order to motivate ourselves we made up some calendars and put them up on the fridge. We started two weeks ago and we've made some pretty good progress so far. The calendars help keep us focused - that way we can SEE how much time is left each day...which doesn't look like a lot when it's staring you in the face on a day-to-day basis. But, it's working, so I'm happy.
We have 10 weeks left until we leave to see my parents and I'm confident the both of us will make significant progress by then. Jen's made good progress and I'm headed in the right direction, so all is good here.
It's been a few weeks since I've been on here. There really wasn't any specific reason - I was just kind of focusing on getting this next phase in my weight loss journey started and didn't really put much attention elsewhere.
Anyway, we're going down to Cleveland to visit my mom and dad for Christmas. We haven't spent Christmas with them in yeeeeears, so I'm really looking forward to it. My mom goes all out for Christmas - the house literally looks like a Christmas store, it's insane - and I'm pumped that Jen and the kids get to experience it for the first time. And, probably not for the last time. Becaaaaause...
My mom's cancer has shrunk by half!!! Woo hoo!!!
Anyway, we're going down to visit for Christmas and the wife and I have one common goal before then - get less fat, HAHAHA
In order to motivate ourselves we made up some calendars and put them up on the fridge. We started two weeks ago and we've made some pretty good progress so far. The calendars help keep us focused - that way we can SEE how much time is left each day...which doesn't look like a lot when it's staring you in the face on a day-to-day basis. But, it's working, so I'm happy.
We have 10 weeks left until we leave to see my parents and I'm confident the both of us will make significant progress by then. Jen's made good progress and I'm headed in the right direction, so all is good here.
ChefChiTown
New member
Thanks, guys.
So, when I started this leg of my journey I made a workout schedule for myself. I haven't followed it exactly but, for the most part, I've stuck to it. Anyway, my running has much improved and I can feel my overall fitness level increasing...which is an awesome feeling.
HOWEVER, HAHAHA...
Wednesday is my "Crossfit Day" which is full of full body exercises that are designed to help build muscle and cardiovascular endurance. I do exercises with a kettlebell and a medicine ball, and other stuff like jump rope. None of the exercises I do on Wednesdays are super hardcore or anything (for instance - kettlebell swings, overhead slams w/ the medicine ball, jumping lunges, burpees, squat thrusts, etc) but HO-LY SHIT. My entire body is exhausted when I'm done. Like, I'm so tired I could lay on a pile of broken bottles and angry bees and still fall asleep. Don't get me wrong - I feel GREAT after completing that workout, but it kicks my fat ass.
I have to walk to work in a little bit and I'm going to leave 10 minutes earlier than normal just because my legs are Jello right now and I know I'll need the extra time to get there. But, the more I do all these squat-related exercises the nicer my butt will look.
So, when I started this leg of my journey I made a workout schedule for myself. I haven't followed it exactly but, for the most part, I've stuck to it. Anyway, my running has much improved and I can feel my overall fitness level increasing...which is an awesome feeling.
HOWEVER, HAHAHA...
Wednesday is my "Crossfit Day" which is full of full body exercises that are designed to help build muscle and cardiovascular endurance. I do exercises with a kettlebell and a medicine ball, and other stuff like jump rope. None of the exercises I do on Wednesdays are super hardcore or anything (for instance - kettlebell swings, overhead slams w/ the medicine ball, jumping lunges, burpees, squat thrusts, etc) but HO-LY SHIT. My entire body is exhausted when I'm done. Like, I'm so tired I could lay on a pile of broken bottles and angry bees and still fall asleep. Don't get me wrong - I feel GREAT after completing that workout, but it kicks my fat ass.
I have to walk to work in a little bit and I'm going to leave 10 minutes earlier than normal just because my legs are Jello right now and I know I'll need the extra time to get there. But, the more I do all these squat-related exercises the nicer my butt will look.
ChefChiTown
New member
Great effort Chef, squats are great but if you want to hit that ass hard then have a go at hip thrusters, in various studies hip thrusters activate the gluteal muscles more than squats. Squat activate a wider range of muscles.
Hmm, I'll have to give those a try. Not just to make my butt look great but, you know...because of...reasons.
ChefChiTown
New member
So, this is the start of the 4th week since the wife and I have gotten back on track and I've noticed a few things.
1) I've technically gained weight
Yes, you read that correctly. I have technically GAINED weight. However, I'm not upset by that fact. Well, I'm not THAT upset by that fact, I should say, HAHAHA. It suuuuucks that I haven't lost anything but, you know what? I'm only gaining weight because I'm gaining muscle. I'm not doing low-carb this time around and I've noticed it making a huge difference. Eating carbs gives me energy - energy I can use while working out. Since I'm working out more I'm building more muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat sooooo I've gained a few pounds. Does it sucks seeing the scale go up instead of down? Yup. But, it's a good thing. I can see a difference in my body (not a big one, but it's there) so I'm just trying to focus on the positive side of the change instead of the numbers on the scale.
2) I look forward to working out
There are two quotes (and many others like them) which I like and they go like this...
"Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you ate."
IT IS!!! And, it took me a long time to realize it. When I workout now, I don't view it as a punishment for being fat and out of shape. No. I view it as a celebration of what I can do with my body. I don't focus on what I can't do - I focus on what I CAN do. And, it's made working out a much more enjoyable activity.
"One of the greatest moments in life is realizing that two weeks your body couldn't do what it just did."
Yes, yes, YES!!! Two weeks ago, I couldn't imagine myself running a sub-nine-minute mile. Yet, I did it on Saturday. Two weeks ago, I couldn't imagine myself getting through an entire workout without gasping for air and collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. Yet, I feel great after a hard workout, not like death is on my door step. It's amazing - every single physical improvement really does give you that, "OH MY GOD, I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF!!!" feeling. And, it's that feeling which makes it so I look forward to working out now.
3) I care about myself more
I'm more confident which makes me feel better about myself. I'm getting back into wanting to dress better and look nicer, I feel better in my own skin which makes me feel better and I'm beginning to fit into clothes I haven't been able to wear before. Plus, I have an awesome partner who is by my side who helps me feel more confident each and every day.
1) I've technically gained weight
Yes, you read that correctly. I have technically GAINED weight. However, I'm not upset by that fact. Well, I'm not THAT upset by that fact, I should say, HAHAHA. It suuuuucks that I haven't lost anything but, you know what? I'm only gaining weight because I'm gaining muscle. I'm not doing low-carb this time around and I've noticed it making a huge difference. Eating carbs gives me energy - energy I can use while working out. Since I'm working out more I'm building more muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat sooooo I've gained a few pounds. Does it sucks seeing the scale go up instead of down? Yup. But, it's a good thing. I can see a difference in my body (not a big one, but it's there) so I'm just trying to focus on the positive side of the change instead of the numbers on the scale.
2) I look forward to working out
There are two quotes (and many others like them) which I like and they go like this...
"Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you ate."
IT IS!!! And, it took me a long time to realize it. When I workout now, I don't view it as a punishment for being fat and out of shape. No. I view it as a celebration of what I can do with my body. I don't focus on what I can't do - I focus on what I CAN do. And, it's made working out a much more enjoyable activity.
"One of the greatest moments in life is realizing that two weeks your body couldn't do what it just did."
Yes, yes, YES!!! Two weeks ago, I couldn't imagine myself running a sub-nine-minute mile. Yet, I did it on Saturday. Two weeks ago, I couldn't imagine myself getting through an entire workout without gasping for air and collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. Yet, I feel great after a hard workout, not like death is on my door step. It's amazing - every single physical improvement really does give you that, "OH MY GOD, I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF!!!" feeling. And, it's that feeling which makes it so I look forward to working out now.
3) I care about myself more
I'm more confident which makes me feel better about myself. I'm getting back into wanting to dress better and look nicer, I feel better in my own skin which makes me feel better and I'm beginning to fit into clothes I haven't been able to wear before. Plus, I have an awesome partner who is by my side who helps me feel more confident each and every day.
ChefChiTown
New member
The wife and I have officially completed one month of...umm...I don't know what to call it. Uhh, doing better? Getting healthy? Being less fat? I don't know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I mentioned before that I haven't lost any weight - that, technically, I've gained weight - and, I 'm alright with that. I can physically see a difference in my body, I can sense a huge jump in progress when it comes to my physical abilities and, most importantly, my mind has definitely evolved into something I am happy with...my mind has definitely accepted and, more importantly, learned to sincerely admire and appreciate the lifestyle of a fit and healthy man. For the first time in my life, my priority is my health and fitness - not food or drink. I had my first beer in over a month tonight. Was it delicious? Yes. God, yes. But, this is all I get. When I wake up tomorrow, my mind will not revert back into a state of gluttony or weakness. When I wake up tomorrow, I will be determined, strong-willed and motivated. That's not an assumption - that's a fact. And, I KNOW that to be true because of one thing...my wife.
Today is my birthday. October 31st. Halloween. Technically, as of about an hour ago, it was my birthday. However, my true birthday was the day I met my wife. Jen. Because, the day I met her was the day I was reborn. I was reborn, given a second chance, given a meaning, a purpose, a destiny. Before her I was nothing. I was no one. So I thought, anyway. But, I was wrong. It took me a long, long time to realize it, but Jen has helped me become a better person, a better man. She helped me be reborn.
The man that sits on this couch today is not the man she met over 7 years ago. The man that sits on this couch today is someone who actually gives a fuck about his health, his well being, his mind, his body and his future. The man that sits on this couch wouldn't exist without her so, if anyone deserves accolades on my birthday it is her. Not I. For, without her, I would've never been born. I would've never had the chance to become the driven, determined, healthier and, if I do say so myself, potentially bad ass man that I am today. So, happy birthday to me. But, not for the reason you think. Happy birthday to me...and thank you to my wife. For, without her, my true birthday would've never happened.
Here's to the me you helped create.
Remember, I'm still cute and hilarious
Anyway, I mentioned before that I haven't lost any weight - that, technically, I've gained weight - and, I 'm alright with that. I can physically see a difference in my body, I can sense a huge jump in progress when it comes to my physical abilities and, most importantly, my mind has definitely evolved into something I am happy with...my mind has definitely accepted and, more importantly, learned to sincerely admire and appreciate the lifestyle of a fit and healthy man. For the first time in my life, my priority is my health and fitness - not food or drink. I had my first beer in over a month tonight. Was it delicious? Yes. God, yes. But, this is all I get. When I wake up tomorrow, my mind will not revert back into a state of gluttony or weakness. When I wake up tomorrow, I will be determined, strong-willed and motivated. That's not an assumption - that's a fact. And, I KNOW that to be true because of one thing...my wife.
Today is my birthday. October 31st. Halloween. Technically, as of about an hour ago, it was my birthday. However, my true birthday was the day I met my wife. Jen. Because, the day I met her was the day I was reborn. I was reborn, given a second chance, given a meaning, a purpose, a destiny. Before her I was nothing. I was no one. So I thought, anyway. But, I was wrong. It took me a long, long time to realize it, but Jen has helped me become a better person, a better man. She helped me be reborn.
The man that sits on this couch today is not the man she met over 7 years ago. The man that sits on this couch today is someone who actually gives a fuck about his health, his well being, his mind, his body and his future. The man that sits on this couch wouldn't exist without her so, if anyone deserves accolades on my birthday it is her. Not I. For, without her, I would've never been born. I would've never had the chance to become the driven, determined, healthier and, if I do say so myself, potentially bad ass man that I am today. So, happy birthday to me. But, not for the reason you think. Happy birthday to me...and thank you to my wife. For, without her, my true birthday would've never happened.
Here's to the me you helped create.
Remember, I'm still cute and hilarious
ChefChiTown
New member
One full month of counting calories, exercising and doing what all nutritionists, doctors, scientists and expert professionals in the health and fitness field recommend - I gained weight. I literally GAINED weight.
One day of "FUCK THIS SHIT" where I eat like fat pig and pour beer down my face hole - I LOST 3 POUNDS.
One day of "FUCK THIS SHIT" where I eat like fat pig and pour beer down my face hole - I LOST 3 POUNDS.
ChefChiTown
New member
Ok, haven't updated in a while.
Well, let's start with the crap news. My mom's cancer has shrunk by half (which is great) but her chemo treatments have caused quite the blood clotting problem in her body. She now has a blood clot in her brain, one near her collarbone and one of her carotid arteries is 100% blocked. Since she has began chemo she has suffered six or seven mini strokes and has had fainting spells (which I just found out she was still having). The big concern at the moment is clearly her clotting, especially the ones in her brain and the one clogging up her carotid artery. The carotid arteries are the main supply lines the body uses to get blood to the brain and to the face. One of them is completely shut off right now. The only reason she isn't currently seeing any significant loss in brain function is because of something called "The Willis Circle" which, in layman's terms, is a round-about way the body can get blood to the brain if one of the carotid arteries is blocked. Is she getting enough blood and oxygen to her brain? No. But, it's at least enough to keep her alive and functioning. So, that's a positive. She says she feels great and hasn't noticed anything significant, so I'll take that as a good sign.
She has seen all kinds of specialists and the vascular surgeon (who is focusing on her clotting) absolutely refuses to perform surgery on the clot in her carotid artery. He feels, and I understand, that surgery is too risky because the clot can either release completely or a piece could break off and either cause a massive stroke or kill her right there on the operating table. Sooooo, all we can do is wait and see if her body can manage to absorb the clot on its own.
Now, here's the crap part of it - my mom refuses to get a prognosis. She is trying to stay positive, which I totally understand and support, but she refuses to get a prognosis. She would rather not know how long she has left. She doesn't want any negatives to focus on so she's choosing to stay in the dark. However, I believe this was caused by one of the statements one of the specialists made to her last week. After discovering the multiple clots and the complete blockage of her carotid artery one of the specialists told my mom that she should focus on enjoying each and every moment she and my dad had left with each other. Now, does that mean she's going to drop dead tomorrow? Or next week? Or any time soon? No, absolutely not. It just means it COULD happen. A blood clot can release at any time without notice so, in a sense, you SHOULD enjoy each and every moment because "you never know." And, with everything going on with her, it's a genuine possibility it could happen sooner than later. So, that's the crap news.
The good news?
I got it out of my system. The past few days have been rough - the news on my mom paired with me having some sort of 24-hour bug really brought me down. But, it's out of my system. I've processed it and have figured out how to move on. I'm channeling my fear and emotion into something positive. I could sit back and be glum about it - basically give up and mope around like a sad sack of crap - but, that's not what my mom would want. My mom would want me to continue on with my life and continue loving my family. So, that's exactly what I'm doing.
I got up this morning and worked out for the first time since last week. I sincerely needed a physical break last week so I didn't workout at all. I planned on getting right back on track this past Monday but I came down with something that just ruined me for a day or two. So, I got back to it this morning. And, it felt GREAT. My body missed it. It needed it. Not only is exercise something that is physically beneficial to me, it's something that's a great stress reliever as well. And, I'm sure I'll be feeling a looooot of stress in the near future, so I'll be using exercise as more than a way to get fit in the upcoming months.
Anyway, Jen's been doing great. She's been pretty dedicated to getting fit and you can tell she's lost quite a few pounds (her face and body are definitely changing).
Well, let's start with the crap news. My mom's cancer has shrunk by half (which is great) but her chemo treatments have caused quite the blood clotting problem in her body. She now has a blood clot in her brain, one near her collarbone and one of her carotid arteries is 100% blocked. Since she has began chemo she has suffered six or seven mini strokes and has had fainting spells (which I just found out she was still having). The big concern at the moment is clearly her clotting, especially the ones in her brain and the one clogging up her carotid artery. The carotid arteries are the main supply lines the body uses to get blood to the brain and to the face. One of them is completely shut off right now. The only reason she isn't currently seeing any significant loss in brain function is because of something called "The Willis Circle" which, in layman's terms, is a round-about way the body can get blood to the brain if one of the carotid arteries is blocked. Is she getting enough blood and oxygen to her brain? No. But, it's at least enough to keep her alive and functioning. So, that's a positive. She says she feels great and hasn't noticed anything significant, so I'll take that as a good sign.
She has seen all kinds of specialists and the vascular surgeon (who is focusing on her clotting) absolutely refuses to perform surgery on the clot in her carotid artery. He feels, and I understand, that surgery is too risky because the clot can either release completely or a piece could break off and either cause a massive stroke or kill her right there on the operating table. Sooooo, all we can do is wait and see if her body can manage to absorb the clot on its own.
Now, here's the crap part of it - my mom refuses to get a prognosis. She is trying to stay positive, which I totally understand and support, but she refuses to get a prognosis. She would rather not know how long she has left. She doesn't want any negatives to focus on so she's choosing to stay in the dark. However, I believe this was caused by one of the statements one of the specialists made to her last week. After discovering the multiple clots and the complete blockage of her carotid artery one of the specialists told my mom that she should focus on enjoying each and every moment she and my dad had left with each other. Now, does that mean she's going to drop dead tomorrow? Or next week? Or any time soon? No, absolutely not. It just means it COULD happen. A blood clot can release at any time without notice so, in a sense, you SHOULD enjoy each and every moment because "you never know." And, with everything going on with her, it's a genuine possibility it could happen sooner than later. So, that's the crap news.
The good news?
I got it out of my system. The past few days have been rough - the news on my mom paired with me having some sort of 24-hour bug really brought me down. But, it's out of my system. I've processed it and have figured out how to move on. I'm channeling my fear and emotion into something positive. I could sit back and be glum about it - basically give up and mope around like a sad sack of crap - but, that's not what my mom would want. My mom would want me to continue on with my life and continue loving my family. So, that's exactly what I'm doing.
I got up this morning and worked out for the first time since last week. I sincerely needed a physical break last week so I didn't workout at all. I planned on getting right back on track this past Monday but I came down with something that just ruined me for a day or two. So, I got back to it this morning. And, it felt GREAT. My body missed it. It needed it. Not only is exercise something that is physically beneficial to me, it's something that's a great stress reliever as well. And, I'm sure I'll be feeling a looooot of stress in the near future, so I'll be using exercise as more than a way to get fit in the upcoming months.
Anyway, Jen's been doing great. She's been pretty dedicated to getting fit and you can tell she's lost quite a few pounds (her face and body are definitely changing).
Cate
Long term member
Good thinking chef.
I'm so sorry about your Mum. What a good woman she must be. I don't think any of us knows how we will deal with adversity until it happens. She is showing great courage. My older sister had a similar attitude & I tried to learn a lesson for the future.
Take care of yourself, chef. Love to you & Jen xoxo
ChefChiTown
New member
Little victory yesterday.
I went to the doctor three months ago and had some bloodwork done (just routine stuff, nothing of concern), so I had my follow-up yesterday to see if I had made any improvement in certain areas. And, I did.
My good cholesterol (which was already good) went up a little bit more which my doctor said was due to exercising. So, that felt good. Meanwhile, my bad cholesterol went waaaaay the hell down. It was at 260-something three months ago and it was all the way down to 106 yesterday. My blood sugar dropped so I am no longer anywhere close to being pre-diabetic and pretty much everything other thing about my bloodwork was really good. So, that made me happy.
I also discussed my weight. I have literally only lost a total of one-tenth of a pound since my last doctor appointment. That is one-tenth of a pound in 90 days. Now, I haven't been perfect but, for the most part, I counted calories, ate moderately well and exercised routinely. And, I only lost one-tenth of a pound. Anyway, I'm not discouraged. The doctor said she could tell I was getting more in shape so she told me not to concern myself with the number on the scale too much.
It's something I realized not too long ago, but getting healthy is definitely not just about one thing. It's not JUST about the weight on the scale. Or, JUST about how you look naked. Or, JUST about your biological statistics. Or, JUST about how you feel. It's about a combination of all of it. You'll improve in some areas quicker than others but that's fine. That's normal. Hell, I haven't lost a single pound in 90 days but I've improved in all other areas. So, I am getting healthier. Who cares what the scale says right now? It'll come around.
Also, new personal best - I ran a mile in 7:40 yesterday. Small victories. They feel nice.
I went to the doctor three months ago and had some bloodwork done (just routine stuff, nothing of concern), so I had my follow-up yesterday to see if I had made any improvement in certain areas. And, I did.
My good cholesterol (which was already good) went up a little bit more which my doctor said was due to exercising. So, that felt good. Meanwhile, my bad cholesterol went waaaaay the hell down. It was at 260-something three months ago and it was all the way down to 106 yesterday. My blood sugar dropped so I am no longer anywhere close to being pre-diabetic and pretty much everything other thing about my bloodwork was really good. So, that made me happy.
I also discussed my weight. I have literally only lost a total of one-tenth of a pound since my last doctor appointment. That is one-tenth of a pound in 90 days. Now, I haven't been perfect but, for the most part, I counted calories, ate moderately well and exercised routinely. And, I only lost one-tenth of a pound. Anyway, I'm not discouraged. The doctor said she could tell I was getting more in shape so she told me not to concern myself with the number on the scale too much.
It's something I realized not too long ago, but getting healthy is definitely not just about one thing. It's not JUST about the weight on the scale. Or, JUST about how you look naked. Or, JUST about your biological statistics. Or, JUST about how you feel. It's about a combination of all of it. You'll improve in some areas quicker than others but that's fine. That's normal. Hell, I haven't lost a single pound in 90 days but I've improved in all other areas. So, I am getting healthier. Who cares what the scale says right now? It'll come around.
Also, new personal best - I ran a mile in 7:40 yesterday. Small victories. They feel nice.
JohnMarshall
New member
Sounds like progress, progress, progress to me! And isn't it amazing that your eating and exercise habits have such a dramatic effect upon our health - as proven by your medical tests.
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