So I got a wild hair and decided that it would be a good idea for me to commute to work on a bike.  This posed a couple of topics for thought.  One, my bike is a mountain bike (Giant Iguana) that I bought in 1988.  Two, work is about 15 miles from home.

In my effort to “Keep up with the Jone’s” of the world, I based some of my rationizing on the rise of prices and demand for gasoline.  Instead of buying an expensive Hybrid (thus making the ROI a bit unreasonable), a motorcycle (something I really considered), or a scooter for few thousand dollars, I decided that a bicycle commute would not only reduce the amount of gas that I would have to purchase for my gluttonous Jeep Wrangler, but would help me get in shape!

I also decided that my mountain bike would not be well suited for such a recurring trip.  I decided to purchase a road bike.  I decided to visit Arno, owner and operator of the Silver Comet Depot bike shop near my house.  I had purchased a bike for both my son and my wife in the past from Arno and was happy with the experience.

After a bit of research and a “backordered” disappointment from Specialized, I settled on a Bianchi Via Nirone 7

End of Part 1.

“I only need 4-6 hours of sleep a night”

I have made this statement countless times to many people.  I have argued that I wake up without an alarm clock therefore I am not sleep deprived.

Studies show that lack of sleep induces hunger.  There are endorphins that are released when one is awake for extended hours that increase appetite.

Americans, in addition to being the most obese nation, is also one of the most sleep-deprived.  Connections between these two things are being discovered.

Maybe that explains how I got to be 240lbs at only 5′8″.  Every night I would do a considerable amount of snacking.  Even today, after losing 50lbs and being disciplined eater, I still have an overwhelming urge to snack after midnight.

Regardless of the maybe’s, I think I will try to get more sleep to at least reduce the cravings.

And there you have it!

Joe

When my father called me in November and said that I needed to lose weight, I figured I REALLY needed to lose weight.

I started by exercising…running after work with my friend Tim, 2 or 3 times a week.  I actually lost about 10lbs that month, but then it tapered off.  I had gotten down to 230lbs and was pretty much stuck.  My size 38 jeans were fitting a bit less snug, but I was in no danger of dropping a pants size with my routine.

In early December, I noticed a coworker who had apparently lost a lot of weight.  I asked Alex how he did it.  He just started counting his calories.

I figured I could do the same thing and be successful.  I took Alex’s advice and signed up for an account at About’s Calorie Count.

I started counting my calories, but was determined not to go on a diet.  I wanted to make a change to the way I eat.

After a few weeks, I no longer really need to count calories using the website.  Occasionally, I look something up if I think that I am nearing my daily limit.

I have lost over 30lbs since November.  I am down to 205lbs and expect to be under 200 before month’s end.

More updates to come…