So I ate some delicious Indian food (and started this new blog)....

[Systematic Chaos]

What a day I had today! I was plagued with insomnia last night, so I couldn't make it to my doctor's appointment at 8:40 this morning, but I did manage to wake up at 11:30 and get a lot done. I made it to the Indian lunch buffet I talked about yesterday. It was EXCELLENT food! It was a little expensive ($8.95 + $1.50 for unlimited soda or tea) and there were only about ten selections, but it is stuff you could eat every day for the rest of your life and feel great doing it. Every dish was vegetarian except for two kinds of chicken that they served and those were both delicious. But, I mostly ate the veggies and curried rice. It isn't easy to guess exactly how many calories I took in, but I will estimate between 1,100 and 1,300 for the meal, with heavy emphasis on starchy carbs and protein from lentils and garbanzos. I walked out quite full after two trips up plus a bowl of soup. My wife isn't as "into" ethnic cuisines as I am, but she still enjoyed most of the dishes.

After lunch, we went to the library and I got a few CD's and Jeanette got her weekly fix of Sci-fi novels. After that I went down to the bike shop and bought myself a new $50 toy. It's a Cat's Eye cordless cycling computer so I can keep track of how much ground I'm covering on my bike. While I was there I saw this peach of a Giant brand road bike that I would eventually like to replace this one with, but it won't be easy for me to find the $800 for it, and I wouldn't want to even attempt riding it until I'm well below 300 lbs. At my current weight I can just hear the horrible noises coming out of the front suspension and who knows where else as I tried to ride it. For now, my el cheapo Giant mountain bike is doing me fine. I've only had to replace my pedals and the rear axle hub in 10 years, plus the occasional inner tube. It's an old, heavy bike, but it gets the job done.

After the bike store we hit Target on the way back for kitty litter and drinks (diet soda and tea mix). The day's high temperature was 104, and we were out during the worst of it, but I'm back to where I can easily outpace Jeanette, so when I'm with her I have to take it easy. This is compared to just after I got the cast of my ankle for my foot problems, when I nearly passed out and threw up from a 1.5 mile ride to the store, my whole body shaking like a leaf and stars in my eyes. All total I would estimate I got in 6 - 7 miles of riding at a slow but steady pace, plus a good amount of walking around.

Thanks to fellow DU'er Longhorn for pointing out this wonderful blog in one of my earlier threads here:

http://mikabike.blogspot.com/

This guy is pushing 600 lbs. and yet he got himself an awesome bike and he's really giving the diet and exercise thing a go. His blog inspired me to start one of my own so that I can share my story with people and (with any luck) inspire others to regain their health. Here it is. Be sure to check it out and post any suggestions you might have.

Something's happening here, and I'm not sure what it is, but my whole attitude is undergoing this massive shift for the better. It's scary but at the same time it's so much fun!!

:yourock::woohoo::yourock:

[Droopy]

1. Your blog looks good

I didn't leave a message over there because it looked like I had to sign up for an account and I really didn't want to do that right now. But keep in mind that I will be reading your blog and I will contact you here if I have anything to say.

Good luck on embarking on your program.

[Systematic Chaos]

2. Thank you very much, Droopy.

I do believe that you can choose to post as "anonymous" without signing up, but I haven't tested it so I could be wrong. Just knowing that you'll be checking the blog is enough for me. :D

[lavenderdiva]

3. I have visited your new blog, and left comments for you there too!

You are making such a fantastic effort, and it sounds like you are reaping great benefits from it already! Your Indian lunch sounds delicious. I just love the Indian buffet that we occasionally visit here. They have the best Saag paneer, daal, and Tandoori Chicken.

Your bike riding combined with your new healthier eating habits seem to be giving you a lot of newfound energy, at the point that Jeanette is trying to keep up with you! I have the same trouble with Mr. Lavenderdiva, I just can't keep up with him most of the time, and have to tell him to slow down for me. As you know, my feet are painful, and my weight makes it hard for me to go very fast these days.

Gentle Giant, what do you think was the initial turning point for you this time around? Was there a 'lightbulb moment' for you, or was it a gradual thing? Your posts indicate a momentum and definite direction, pointing you toward success. I need some inspiration, and insights on how to develop discipline. Also, does Jeanette follow your diet with you, or do you each have your own eating plan?

[Systematic Chaos]

4. Just a quick post to let you know I'll answer you by tomorrow.

I will either post a response below this one, or start another thread on motivation (unless you do first :)) where I can talk about my personal process of change, and how Jeanette and I are doing this together. Right now, though, I feel like installing my new computer on my bike and giving it a test run while it's gloriously cool outside and I still have some energy.

Check back later! :hug: :hi:

[lavenderdiva]

5. I would love it if you started a thread on motivation!

I will look for it tomorrow, and hope you are enjoying your new bike computer!!! :hi: