...And Weight Loss For All

Not happy with this weeks result.  Even though it falls in line with a healthy amount to lose in a week, I feel like I could have done better. Then again, I'm in a shitty mood and probably wouldn't be happy if it was an even 1 kg.

Okay, so that's a Dream Theater lyric and not a Metallica one, but it fits this post so well. Today I experienced one of the worst panic attacks of my life. My heart was racing so fast and I was so full of adrenaline that I felt like I needed to run at top speed.  I'm feeling a little better now, but that was scary. Hopefully a good night's sleep will calm me down, and prepare me for the weigh in tomorrow morning. 

Today, I am miserable. There's no particular reason for it, it's just one of those things that happen when dealing with depression. Some days my mood will swing, and for no good reason whatsoever, an unbearable sadness comes over me.  Moods such as this will often see me relapse and ruin my diet by indulging in unhealthy foods, but I have stuck to it and have resisted the temptation to binge.  Still miserable! 😂

First results are in, and they are looking good! And so they should, I've put in a lot of hard work, and I deserve this.

Tomorrow will be the first weigh in of many along my journey. I'm a little nervous, but positive that there will be a good result. I've been working really hard on counting calories and keeping up my exercise (walked for 2 hours on Friday!) so I have earned the inevitably positive result that I'm going to get! 

 I've decided that when (not if!) I reach my goal, I'm going to get this printed to wear to the show. If you see me there, come say hello!

My workplace is a minefield when it comes to snacks - there are always an abundance of treats like potato chips, biscuits and cookies, chocolate, snack bars, and soft drinks readily available, and unfortunately I'd often find myself indulge way too much. Then there's the catering for big meetings. As a cleaner, my job is to clean up afterwards and get rid of the leftover food, which I am welcome to take if I please. Today, there was a selection of scones with jam and cream, brownies, and lemon slice - and I didn't touch a single one! I was tempted, but strong. I just kept on going and resisted the temptation. Whenever I feel the urge to snack on junk, I picture this photograph of the band. They kind of look like they're watching me, saying 'don't even think of eating that shit, fat boy!' 

I'm officially calling today the very first day of my journey. Monday always seems to be a good day to use as a launch pad for something new - even though I traditionally suffer from a regular 'case of the Mondays' and feel fucking miserable. And today is no exception. But, despite my desire to call in sick and binge on bad food all day, I'm heading to work soon. Working as a cleaner, I have the advantage of keeping pretty active all day so I can usually reach the coveted '10,000' steps and burn enough calories, but starting today I am going to add a walk into my routine after work. Ultimately, I would like to add something a little more high impact, but baby steps. With my back acting up the way it is, I don't want to push it too much and cause any damage.  So, here goes nothing - send me some positive vibes, I need them!  Rock on!  176Seasons

On the 8th of November, 2025, Melbourne's Marvel Stadium will play host to Metallica as part of their '72 Seasons' world tour - their first tour 'down under' in 15 years!  As a big fan of the band, I have secured my ticket and I am eagerly awaiting the show.  However, as keen as I am to see them live again, I have decided to use the upcoming concert as motivation to change my life. I am nearing 44 years of age (176 seasons!) and at 130.8 kg (288 pounds) I am currently considered 'obese' with a BMI of 35.1. Over the years I have tried many times to lose weight, with varying levels of success. Unfortunately, I have always had trouble with the process, as I constantly lack motivation. This time around, I am putting something big on the line to help me stay motivated. My friend is in possession of the tickets, and I have instructed him that he is not to give me my ticket unless I manage to lose 30.8 kg (68 pounds) before the concert. This gives me approximately ...