Week 1: A Few Good Graphs

Sunday, August 15, 2010: Day One #104.

Sunday, August 22, 2010: Week One Results Are In

Monday, August 23, 2010: Week One Results Are Public

But before we get to the results, let’s take a look at a few graphs. First, I’d like to go back in time to a happier era. This is what my last trip to Onederland looked like:

Graph 1

It began on July 25, 2008 and ran until June 25, 2009. It began at 224 pounds and bottomed out around 195. Nearly thirty pounds gone in less than a year. That sure would have been a great place to add And He Lived Happily Ever After. But unfortunately, the tale wasn’t over. If I take that same graph and add a few months to it, it looks like something not altogether unlike feeding Gremlins after midnight and getting them wet:

Graph 2

Ugh. I don’t like that one. Not one bit.

So, after taking a year off to gain it all back and then some, I finally got back on track last week. I’m mildly happy to report the first seven days’ results:

Graph 3

Week One
Starting Weight 233.0
Lost So Far 4.5
Pounds To Go 29.5

Started at 233 and ended at 228.5. [Insert Standard Week One Disclaimer:] While four and a half pounds probably seems like a lot to drop in the first week, it isn’t for me. I hardly get excited by numbers like this since I’ve seen them over and over and over again. This is simply what happens when someone my size cuts his daily caloric intake by two-thirds. Take a look at the last two days on the graph: identical weights. In fact, I can already tell you the day after that was also the exact same number. So the honeymoon is definitely over already, and it’s going to get tough again.

But that’s okay. That’s exactly why we got this whole train a-rollin’, right? How about everyone else? Any news to report? Good or bad, we want to hear about it.



14 Responses to “Week 1: A Few Good Graphs”

Anna said
on
August 23, 2010 at 4:09 am

Hey Charlie

That’s an awesome loss. I know you lose more in week 1, as I do too! But its still a good incentive to get you started 🙂

I’ve already lost 5lbs and kept that off….must consider these minor achievements too…..;)

Last week I lost 1lb – so, 26lbs to go! woohooo! 😀

Have started to eat a bit more too in view of myfitnesspal.com suggesting we eat our exercise calories? Hmmm! Now there’s a thing, I’ve really never heard that one before. What do you think of that?

Not that I’m eating ALL my exercise calories but I have added 100 -200 on those days when I work my butt off, without too much guilt 🙂

As we know, slow and steady wins the race. Also, patience and consistency 🙂

Good luck this week

Anna 🙂

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said
on
August 23, 2010 at 7:28 am

I do the same think during “week 1”. I had a really good week last week. I woke up today determined to keep it up which is good. I totally feel like it’s Game On for me and I SOOOOOO hope it stays!

TexasDeb said
on
August 23, 2010 at 8:00 am

Waaait a second! You mean we are supposed to actually LOSE weight as opposed to writing about losing weight? Sheesh – the dog ate my homework then.

And by dog I mean me because after 2 of the most stressful weeks of my recent life I actually gained weight. Yeah. You’re welcome.

Biz said
on
August 23, 2010 at 9:50 am

I won’t weigh in until Labor Day, so we’ll see.

Had a pretty good weekend – hardly ate anything on Saturday though – that’s what happens when you have a late breakfast, some late afternoon snacks (taquitos at a work party) you end up not being hungry for dinner.

I made up for it last night – 8 oz. filet mignon with spicy shrimp – yum! Oh, and I may have had three pieces of my rosemary focaccia!

Charlie said
on
August 23, 2010 at 10:45 am

@Deb: 🙁 Is everything okay?

@Biz: I know you weigh yourself once a month, but have you thought about weighing yourself three days in a row at that point? e.g., if your next official weigh-in is September 6, then weigh yourself the 5th, 6th, and 7th, then average them.

I simply could NOT weigh myself once a month and trust that one day. I have so many wild day-to-day fluctuations, I’d hate to think I just picked a bad day for that one weigh in.

    Anna said
    on
    August 24, 2010 at 8:50 am

    Agree with you on that one Caharlie. I weigh every day too and the GOOD thing about doing that is you learn just HOW much you fluctuate. Figure out WHY. And learn to deal with it 🙂

    Not that I should advocate daily weighing when everyone on the net is moving away from that, but I’m just saying 😉

Your prettier sister said
on
August 23, 2010 at 3:07 pm

Charlie, I’m on the train too! I just haven’t taken a picture yet!

The kids start school tomorrow and I feel I’m going to be more organized now? We’ll see!

I think 4.5 pounds is awesome! I would love to see that!

Tish said
on
August 23, 2010 at 8:48 pm

Sorry. Hope I didn’t miss the train. I weigh daily, but Wednesday is my official day. Last Wed I was up .8 (my first gain in over 3 months). My daily weight is looking good for a loss this week in spite of a mayo-heavy potluck at our house last night. I’ll report in on Wed with the official result.

    Anna said
    on
    August 24, 2010 at 8:51 am

    if you did everything right, then it is just a water fluctuation Tish. Hope it’s down again this week 😉

Julie said
on
August 23, 2010 at 8:58 pm

WOW, good job Charlie. I’ll check in tomorrow and go from there. This is awesome meeting and greeting new people working hard to become the better them. Everyone, good luck. Take care and God Bless!!!

Julie said
on
August 24, 2010 at 8:02 am

FYI, it’s on it’s way to your house. Check your mail for my ticket, check my blog for permission and we’re off.
For me exercising has helped with my weight loss. Nothing huge but I do walk 4+ miles 4 times a week, play tennis once a week and now do the Wii 3-4 times a week (just learning there so each time only use up 200 calories but still better then nothing). With daycare, two men and my parents here it’s hard to make light meals but I’m working on that part.
Thanks for a chance to learn from you all and a chance to share it all.
Take care and have a blessed day.

    Anna said
    on
    August 24, 2010 at 8:54 am

    Goodluck to you too Julie 🙂

    Exercise definitely increases your chances. You can eat more, for a start! 🙂 Let alone the feel-good and health benefits 😉

    Charlie said
    on
    August 24, 2010 at 11:33 am

    Pic posted on the All Aboard thread. And I’ll repost this repeatedly (or just move it to a page).

Quix said
on
August 25, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Every day you stay the same is a day you don’t contribute to the gremlins in water phenomenon. Good luck sticking with it! 🙂