Post: #1

Hi Everyone,

My goals are

-Loose 5 kg, current weight 115kg

-Change sleeping patterns by going to bed at 11pm, meditate (for the first time), read a bit and sleep before midnight.

-I am also planning to move my get-up time to 5.30am. I am starting to get up every day a bit earlier and not to rush it and fail.

-I will eat no meat and no diary products for the 21 days

-I will drink 3l of water (what a help this was already addressed:dance

-perform physical exercise every day


I thought it will make most sense to post every evening my journey so I have everything logged what happened.
Day 1:
I have managed to drink 3l of water, however I realized that I have almost never in my past 37 years done that. I am very interested to see the changes when I continue to do this.

It is also the first time I am attempting a vegetarian diet of some sort. I find it very interesting to change my view point since I was so used to meat and things like eggs and milk. I had a soya milk pancake and soya milk in my coffee together with lots of fruits for b-fast. Lunch fish (need a protein source and otherwise maybe too challenging for a beginner in this field) and evening fried potatoes with assorted mushrooms. All in all very yummy and I didn't miss anything.

I think an essential part of this journey is planning ahead. Be it water intake or food choices, if you are prepared, it is far easier not to fall into a trap. E.G. I have committed myself to a Sunday brunch with friends. I have told them about my challenge and they are all supportive, printed out the menu in advance for me, so I can find something suitable. Luckily my wife is going along with me and helps me to stay on track.

I am looking forward to tomorrow...

"Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future."

Post: #2

Hey Florian,

It sounds like your on a good track. Keep up the good work!
I like how your easing yourself into the new sleep pattern--something I need to do instead of jumping in headfirst.
I'm glad that you have a support system as well to help you stay focused.

Wishing Well,
Aaron

Post: #3

That’s AWESOME! It’s absolutely GREAT when you have a support system within your friends and family, you’ll achieve these goals you have set for yourself!

Continue onward and Yay, for You!!!!

Post: #4

(01-02-2011 12:07 AM)Florian Wrote:  I think an essential part of this journey is planning ahead.

Ah, planning ahead. I agree, it truly is essential to our success.

To our 21 days ahead of us!
Susy

--------Research shows that people who diligently use To Do Lists get more things DONE!--------

Post: #5

Hi Florian,
Good to see another heavy person here. My starting weight is 132-133KGs. I also aim to lose 5kgs during this challenge and set up good eating and exercise habits.

I'll be keeping an eye on your progress. Good luck!

Post: #6

My internet was down and therefore I can only access it now.

Day 2
I had a Sunday brunch with friends and was close not to go since I was "on a diet". I decided to give it a go, told all my friends and the waiter what I am not eating (meat & diary) and surprisingly it worked...!!!! I was actually the topic for the first 30min of our conversation, they asked about the challenge, the blog, my goals etc. and I felt actually great by having a purpose. I thought that enjoying wine and great food would be the ultimate pleasure, however now they are asking me and want to make some changes as well. They also opened up about weight loss, their previous failures etc. and it was a bit more than the usual chat over brunch.

I had a mixed salad with oil/vinegar based dressing and a porcini mushroom and crab meat risotto. I was even able to withstand a trip to a yummy chocolate cake cafe and ended up with black coffee. Not easy but I have already a list of things I want to eat on January 22;-)

In the evening I went for 5K run in the gym and had a very delicious tuna salad-homemade- on whole wheat bread and some sweet potatoes.

My BMI is 2339 and I am planning to work with a 1800 calories diet and 500 calories of burn in the gym.

---

(01-03-2011 08:50 AM)Gordie Wrote:  Hi Florian,
Good to see another heavy person here. My starting weight is 132-133KGs. I also aim to lose 5kgs during this challenge and set up good eating and exercise habits.

I'll be keeping an eye on your progress. Good luck!

Hi Gordie,

Loosing weight is truly no easy and won't happen over night. I think doing this challenge is a great way to start the year and get some some discipline on things that are actually good for us but we are too lazy/afraid/not knowledgeable enough to try. I am looking forward that we reach our goals.

"Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future."

Post: #7

(01-03-2011 12:17 PM)Florian Wrote:  Day 2
I had a Sunday brunch with friends and was close not to go since I was "on a diet". I decided to give it a go, told all my friends and the waiter what I am not eating (meat & diary) and surprisingly it worked...!!!!

I'm proud of you, Florian! That certainly took some self-discipline on your part--and look at the results: You not only did a fabulous job with your choices, but you had a "ripple" effect on your friends!

Looking forward to your next entry! We're all on this journey together.
Susy

--------Research shows that people who diligently use To Do Lists get more things DONE!--------

Post: #8

Day 3

Workout-1h weight training
Water-still drinking
Meals: Oatmeal & coffee with soy milk, pasta e Ceci (with chickpeas and tomato paste) and veggie dumplings
Sleeping patterns-will start tomorrow when I am working again
Weight-down by 2 kg!!! Let's see if it was a lucky morning or if it really drops

"Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future."

Post: #9

Wow, that's a GREAT day you had today, Florian! Congratulations, your efforts are paying off!

Hey, I notice that you have "Newbie" on your profile. If you'd like to change it, I just learned how. Here's the instructions:

1) Near the TOP of almost any page you're on, you should see "Edit Settings." Click on it.
2) Next, on the left side of your computer screen (a little ways down), you should see "Edit Profile." Click on it.
3) On that page, you should see where it says "Custom Title." Everyone's default is NEWBIE until -you- change it--and this is where it gets changed.
4) You're not completely done until you scroll down to where it says "UPDATE PROFILE" and click that. Then you're done!

P.S. Did you know that our group (#4 G-H) is the smallest team on the forum? But despite our size, we have lots of supportive posts to one another! Yay! That's a success in itself! Keep it up!

--------Research shows that people who diligently use To Do Lists get more things DONE!--------

Post: #10

Hi Florian.. Great work sticking to the non meat and dairy diet! If you're looking for vegetarian restaurants to eat out at, you should visit Happy Cow. They list vegan and vegetarian websites all over the world. It's the first website I visit whenever we go on a holiday anywhere.

As for the milk, you could also try oat milk, almond milk and rice milk. Although you probably wouldn't find options for these at any cafes.

Glenn Thomas - Sydney, Australia
Avene Website | Personal Website | Facebook Page | Twitter

Post: #11

Nice goals,

I´m also goin to bed at 11 pm and meditate too, don´t you get a perfect sleep? It´s awesome!

Keep uo the good work!

(01-02-2011 12:07 AM)Florian Wrote:  Hi Everyone,

My goals are

-Loose 5 kg, current weight 115kg

-Change sleeping patterns by going to bed at 11pm, meditate (for the first time), read a bit and sleep before midnight.

-I am also planning to move my get-up time to 5.30am. I am starting to get up every day a bit earlier and not to rush it and fail.

-I will eat no meat and no diary products for the 21 days

-I will drink 3l of water (what a help this was already addressed:dance

-perform physical exercise every day


I thought it will make most sense to post every evening my journey so I have everything logged what happened.
Day 1:
I have managed to drink 3l of water, however I realized that I have almost never in my past 37 years done that. I am very interested to see the changes when I continue to do this.

It is also the first time I am attempting a vegetarian diet of some sort. I find it very interesting to change my view point since I was so used to meat and things like eggs and milk. I had a soya milk pancake and soya milk in my coffee together with lots of fruits for b-fast. Lunch fish (need a protein source and otherwise maybe too challenging for a beginner in this field) and evening fried potatoes with assorted mushrooms. All in all very yummy and I didn't miss anything.

I think an essential part of this journey is planning ahead. Be it water intake or food choices, if you are prepared, it is far easier not to fall into a trap. E.G. I have committed myself to a Sunday brunch with friends. I have told them about my challenge and they are all supportive, printed out the menu in advance for me, so I can find something suitable. Luckily my wife is going along with me and helps me to stay on track.

I am looking forward to tomorrow...

---

Alrigth Gordie, that´s the spirit!
Awesome work my men.

Cheers to you!

(01-03-2011 08:50 AM)Gordie Wrote:  Hi Florian,
Good to see another heavy person here. My starting weight is 132-133KGs. I also aim to lose 5kgs during this challenge and set up good eating and exercise habits.

I'll be keeping an eye on your progress. Good luck!

Post: #12

Day 4

I managed to stick to my diet during my first real test-during a working day.

I again had the uncomfortable feeling to tell my colleague I went to lunch with that I am on a special diet. I felt I inconvenience him and our choices. He was interested, knew a lot about vegans, offered to bring me some vegetarian cook books and even reminded me what not too eat when I almost ate a spoon full of yoghurt without thinking. Great support and it makes me think I can stand my ground for the coming weeks.

Right after work I hit the gym again and run 5k. I was running on a faster speed than usual but in the future I will go for High Intensity Training (Intervals).

It feels like that the vegetarian food and the high amount of water make the food go faster through my body.

Tomorrow I get up again 20 minutes earlier to reach my goal of 5.30am. I need to get used to this!!!

I had musli with soy milk for b-fast (can't promise I will stick to this after the 21 days since it didn't taste very yummy), black coffee and lots of fruits (at least 2 servings)
For lunch Indian vegetarian curry with rice and Laksa with Buckwheat noodles and shrimps for dinner.

My wife is following my no meat diet to support... Great help not to see any temptation.

"Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future."

Post: #13

Florian Wrote:I again had the uncomfortable feeling to tell my colleague I went to lunch with that I am on a special diet. I felt I inconvenience him and our choices. He was interested, knew a lot about vegans, offered to bring me some vegetarian cook books and even reminded me what not too eat when I almost ate a spoon full of yoghurt without thinking. Great support and it makes me think I can stand my ground for the coming weeks.

That is fantastic! I know what you mean Florian, as I'm currently on a raw vegan diet (which is even stricter since no cooked food is allowed). I don't think you should worry about inconveniencing others though as many restaurants nowadays serve vegetarian/vegan options. I've been a vegan for 3 years and I don't believe my friends/acquaintances have ever felt I was inconveniencing them; instead they have very gladly looked out for vegetarian options for me whenever we go out. What helped a lot for me when I first switched to vegan diet 3 years ago is to check out the restaurants that sell vegetarian/vegan food before the mealtimes, so I already know what are my options before hand.

Florian Wrote:had musli with soy milk for b-fast (can't promise I will stick to this after the 21 days since it didn't taste very yummy), black coffee and lots of fruits (at least 2 servings)

I'm sorry that it doesn't taste so good! What can you replace it with then? Our ideal diet should be one where we feel 110% happy consuming it, so if you don't think it tastes very good, perhaps it's time to take it out and replace it with something else you really like? (and is nutritionally good too?)

Florian Wrote:My wife is following my no meat diet to support... Great help not to see any temptation.

Aww that's so sweet of your wife!!

"If you want to get something you have never gotten before, you've to do something you've never done before."
Personal Excellence - For people passionate about achieving excellence in life

Post: #14

Whoa Florian, you're a picture of a man chasing his goals! Well done, you're truly inspirational. You preform 'with excellence' (as Celes would say it )
Keep up the good work! And kudos to all supportive friends,colleague and your wife it sure makes a change easier.

Oh, and by the way, don't give up soy milk before trying different brands, they can taste very different. I've also heard about almond milk, rice milk etc...I haven't seen those kinds in my country, but if you can find'em maybe they would make a good substitute if soy really isn't your thing

(01-05-2011 03:47 AM)Celes Wrote:  Our ideal diet should be one where we feel 110% happy consuming it

This is well said, I'll remember it

Post: #15

Hi Florian, like Celes said, never feel uncomfortable about being vegetarian around others. Most people will respect you for it and do their best to cater for you. I remember one lunch I went to that my mother in-law organised for the family. All the food was vegan! Considering I was the only vegan out the 12 people there, I really appreciated that. If you decide to stay vegetarian, or even become vegan, the most important thing is to stay positive and just set a good example. Then people will respect you even more. I never tell anyone I'm vegan, unless there's a chance they might serve me something I can't eat. So when you go out, you don't even need to tell them. Just order veg meals, and eventually they'll figure it out for themselves and respect you for making that decision and not making a big deal about it.

Glenn Thomas - Sydney, Australia
Avene Website | Personal Website | Facebook Page | Twitter

Post: #16

Day 5

Oatmeal with black sesame for b-fast with apples, seafood noodles and lots of veggies for lunch and vegetable dumplings for dinner, some almonds as snack.

No workout, but will do some stretching, couldn't manage the gym today, so tomorrow an extra intensive work out. Ordered a foam roller today. Seems they do wonders for stiff muscles.

Water intake is still difficult, even though I manage my 3l.

Overall a non eventful day... all on track. Will focus on a good night sleep today and read a bit before going to bed.

"Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future."

Post: #17

(01-05-2011 11:55 PM)Florian Wrote:  Day 5

Oatmeal with black sesame for b-fast with apples, seafood noodles and lots of veggies for lunch and vegetable dumplings for dinner, some almonds as snack.

Sounds like you are eating a good variety of foods and I find that to be the key for me or I get bored.

Congrats on a successful Day 5!

Post: #18

(01-05-2011 11:55 PM)Florian Wrote:  Day 5
Ordered a foam roller today. Seems they do wonders for stiff muscles.
...all on track. Will focus on a good night sleep today and read a bit before going to bed.

I am very interested in what you think about the foam roller once you start using it. I've got some stiff muscles that would LOVE for me to do something about.

And CONGRATS on being "all on track!"
That's a success in my book!
Susy

--------Research shows that people who diligently use To Do Lists get more things DONE!--------

Post: #19

Day 6

My foam roller arrived. It looks easier than it actually is, definitely something I have to get used to. Feels great after my first session.

Workout: I did a 5K run in intervals, so relatively fast pace.

Drinking remains a challenge. I will now incorporate a 1/2 liter drink of warm water right after getting up.

Meals were fine, I had muesli with soy milk, flax seeds, dried cranberries and cut apples and oranges together with a cup of black coffee.
For lunch I had a seafood soup with some mushrooms and i believe it was scallops.
For dinner I had multi grain rice cooked with fresh pumpkin, steamed broccoli and cauliflower and another dish with mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and backed tofu....
Wo rolled the rice in seaweed paper and wrapped it like sushi.. very yummy.

I find the pages are opening very slow, therefore it takes a long time to read through all the other posts. Will post more comments over the weekend.

"Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future."

Post: #20

Hi Florian!
--Your auto sig quotation is very empowering! Good choice and I can say it's absolutely on target for how some of my past accomplishments (even small ones) have made me feel about myself.
--Yeah, when my computer is slow and the pages open too slowly, it's quite frustrating. It does take some time to go through our little group, and the slow-down (for me) discourages maximum posting on my part.
--Your meals look awesome! I keep thinking that I'm at a decent place with my nutritional choices, and then I read some of yours and others on here and think to myself: Boy, do I have more changes I need to make!
--You encouraged me with your experience with your foam roller. I'm gonna have to check that out.
--Take care and I'm looking forward to your next progress post!
Susy

--------Research shows that people who diligently use To Do Lists get more things DONE!--------