It’s still hot, but it was a nice and cool morning. Yes, cool! Summer mornings where I live can be unpleasantly warm and humid during the summer. Luckily my weight loss since last year at this time has come with some heat resistance. I’ve talked about that before. But it’s true. I don’t sweat unless working hard. Just sitting in the shade when it’s 92 out is bearable.
Another thing that comes with hot weather is cookouts. And eating outside can be nice.
My food intake and calorie count
Breakfast – sausage (200); wrap (140); peppers and onions (60)
- 400 calories
Lunch – 2x bratwurst (260); 1/2 wrap (70)
- 590 calories
Dinner – 2x hot dogs (110); 2x buns (120); baked beans (160); potato pieces (40);
- 660 calories
Snacking – fire-toasted marshmallows (75)
- 75 calories
Total for the day: 1725 calories (limit 1750)
Yes, it's a new limit
I’m trying something new this week. Since my weight loss has slowed down and there has been a reduction in my physical exercise regimen, I will trying lowering my daily calorie limit to 1750 for a week to make up for it. That will be 700 calories less than usual. My exercise regimen was actually about -1200 calories per week, but we will see what effect this has. I would like to have a bit more exercise, but thanks to Corona virus closures I can’t go to the pool and it’s pretty hot outside for much else. The mornings may get cooler and I can do more walking, I guess. Online the calculator says someone like me would have to walk for 1 hour to burn 380 calories. I do miss swimming and hope it comes back.
There now, I have something to look forward to on Saturday. Will I continue losing just one pound or will it be a bit more? Always start the week off with a pull – something pulling you ahead, something to look forward to. It’s part of setting up your life so that you are rewarded and enjoy it. That makes it worthwhile.
-The Doctor
It is a grand experiment… but lowering daily calories like you are can come back to bite you – your metabolism could slow even more. You may find that you have decreased energy, leading to decreased calorie needs, leading to – well slower metabolism and the weight does not come off. It can impact your mood, it can impact your happiness. I would suggest increasing your exercise instead. You cannot swim, fine, try walking 2-5 miles every other day. Try sit-ups and core exercises 30 minutes 4 times a week (vimeo.com search YMCA core). Do 10-20 pushups every other day. Pushing yourself to do the exercise sucks at first, it is hard and annoying. But, after 2-4 weeks the changes in your body will make it worthwhile, and you will find the exercise takes no more time, likely less time, than a pool commitment – and best news it improves your metabolism and allows you to continue your new healthy lifestyle.
I like this approach and I’m going to try it. Walking is the easy part…core exercise is tough and I’ve never been successful at sticking with it. Today is a new day though and I am (somewhat) motivated to start core work. Thanks.