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Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Princess Health and July 26th, 2016 I Feel The Same Way. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 26th, 2016 I Feel The Same Way. Princessiccia

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July 26th, 2016 I Feel The Same Way

The past two days have been rather busy. Several new readers have come along since the Today Show social media post yesterday and today's feature on MSN.com. Two different questions about my abstinence from refined sugar gave me an idea. It's re-run time on the DDWL!

The following excerpt comes from June 2014. I was only nine weeks abstinent. I'm currently approaching two years and four months. Without question, it's the best nutritional decision I've ever made. It was interesting to go back in the archives and read how passionate I was about this topic. And now, over two years later--I feel the same way.

From June 2014:

I've written about my abstinence from sugar and how it's given me a peace and calm like I've never known. It's not something necessary for everyone. You may not have the reactions I do when you consume sugar. Arriving at this point in my journey has required a bunch of trial and error, or more accurately, a bunch of denial and struggle. I'm glad I've experienced things this way, though. Because without the trials, the struggles--I wouldn't be where I am today. And I love where I am today.

If you're not someone affected by sugar, like me, good! For you, moderation is key. After experiencing the last nine and a half weeks without and the resulting peace and calm--I've never been more sure of its affects on me. When denial and struggle is replaced with the positive perspective of peaceful acceptance, it's life-changing, certainly has been for me.

I'm writing about this because I've received a few messages and an email today on this very subject.

I believe I've shared these thoughts before. Just in case, here's my deal with sugar:

Restrictions.
This was one of the biggest points of contention for me since I started losing weight in 2008.
I lost 275 pounds eating cake, ice cream and desserts--all within reasonable portions at appropriate times. Using prior success as a reference, It made it very hard to get to a place of acceptance for abstinence, where I am now.

How did I stay consistent for as long as I did, despite all the sugary foods in moderation?

In hindsight, I clearly see how my support and accountability system importance level was set so high, I didn't dare give in to the struggle, temptation and the obsessive like attraction to "getting more." There were a lot of prayers and meditation--surrounding myself with people, instead of isolating--and connecting as much as possible with a variety of support sources.

When I basically abandoned almost every support and accountability component I had leaned on for so long--then it was a very different dynamic. Suddenly I was dramatically weakened.

When the bio-chemical reactions of sugar addiction swirled through my brain, I followed its lead without question--as if possessed. I traded one struggle for another. Instead of struggling against the compulsions to binge, I gave in--then struggled with the regret, shame and embarrassment associated with weight gain and the guilt associated with doing the very things I wanted to be diametrically opposed.

I was very much NOT wanting to let go of the sugar or, the option to enjoy it occasionally in portioned doses. My denial was slowly revealed and chipped away by learning. What ended up happening is, I kept researching the effects of sugar, specifically the addictive nature of it, and then as if I was destined to hear--I kept having conversations with people in recovery from food addiction---people who have what I want--years of maintenance behind them--and 100% of them said the same thing in relation to sugar and how it creates a bio-chemical reaction in our pleasure sensors---and then sets off the addictive cycle of, "I gotta have more and NOW!!!!" 

(The following two sentences of this excerpt no longer applies. I switched to Half & Half in my coffee a very long time ago) I can't say I'm 100% sugar-free, because of my non-flavored plain coffee creamer. The tiny amount doesn't seem to have the same effect as larger more obvious amounts. I'm sugar-free enough to experience the most amazing benefits I once thought were impossible to find for me.

No binges and no urges to binge. So many people described their experience to me--and they described this feeling--but still, until I actually committed to the effort needed to personally "test" it, it was like they were speaking of some mythical fantasy.

I do recognize that I have a similar and many ways stronger support and accountability system in place now--but even still--I'm not fighting to maintain control. 

There's a peace and calm about my approach that I'm absolutely in love with.  If trading the occasional refined sugar for this feeling is the deal...then I'll sign a lifetime contract. That's the long answer to my perspective.

Will I ever go back to eating ice cream, cakes and other sugar-laden things? I pray I never do. My short answer is no, I don't plan on ever going back. I now know, understand and appreciate what I must do in order to stay abstinent.  I also know that if I ever decide to abandon the principles and practices of my personal recovery, I'll surely go straight back to the very familiar reality of an unmanageable and chaotic existence.

It's important to note that fortunately, not everyone is a food and/or sugar addict. For some, the basic fundamentals of eating less, exercising more and developing an "in moderation" approach to food is the answer. I wanted it to be my answer. And as much as I wanted to wish it into being--summoning the law of attraction and constantly telling myself I was someone who could be okay with a non-addict approach to recovery--I finally realized it wasn't me. And it's okay. I'm okay. And I have a wonderful, rich and fulfilling life ahead of me without sugar.

The acceptance of and fully embracing my personal truth of addiction, along with some life changing epiphanies about identity and self-worth, have sent me straight to a very positive place. I love this feeling and I wouldn't trade it for all the Snickers Bars and mint chocolate chip shakes in the world. Truth is, all it takes for that transaction to happen is one Snickers or shake.

I'm happily abstinent from sugar.
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That was a fun look back!

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I remained firmly connected with solid support contacts and I completed an unusual, but very effective workout.

I'll try for another day like today, tomorrow.

One more thing. I do share a lot here, but I try to be very mindful of protecting the privacy of people close to me. I'm the only one who signed up for this level of sharing. I haven't always made this important and the archives reflect that very well. I do much better these days. With that said...

I noticed Kristin publicly acknowledged our breakup early last week, so I will too. Ultimately, It turned out to be a mutual decision. I wish her all the best. I know she wishes me well, too.

Continuous Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Monday, 25 July 2016

Princess Health and July 25th, 2016 That Explains It. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 25th, 2016 That Explains It. Princessiccia

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July 25th, 2016 That Explains It

I knew something was going on, but I didn't know why. I started getting a bunch of Twitter activity midday. My Twitter followers naturally fluctuate up and down. Some people will follow without knowing what I'm all about, then quickly unfollow after several food and water pictures. I never take it personally. They're not aware of what this Twitter feed is all about or why it started in the first place.

I'm proud of the two years and four months worth of picture tweets documenting everything. What started as an "extreme accountability measure" designed to aid my turnaround from relapse/regain, transformed into simply an accountability measure and now, I credit the Twitter feed for helping me maintain consistency, improving my choices and encouraging me to mindfully prepare and enjoy my food... and enjoy the process! I don't plan on stopping this part of my plan anytime soon, or ever, really. 

It turned out, the Today Show included me in an article released on Twitter and Facebook. It was an unexpected surprise this afternoon. That explained today's dramatic increase in Twitter and Facebook traffic! It was an honor to be included with five other JoyFit Club members!

We've had several more signups for the weight loss support groups I co-facilitate with Life Coach Kathleen and Life Coach Gerri. We're down to only a few spaces remaining for our next 8-week session. If you're interested, it would be a good idea to email me directly--rather than me posting the sign-up links again. I'm super-excited about our next session!

Transformation.road@gmail.com

I maintained the integrity of today's maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I met my daily water goal and I remained actively connected with great support exchanges.

Continuous Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:








































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Sunday, 24 July 2016

Princess Health and July 24th, 2016 All Or Nothing. Princessiccia

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July 24th, 2016 All Or Nothing

The following is an exchange I shared this weekend with a longtime supporter of this blog. Please understand, I DON'T know it all--and I don't claim to know it all. So when I speak or write, it's coming from my personal experience. The learning along this road never stops. Some of the perspectives I've come to better understand about me and my past experiences are shared within this exchange. Perhaps some of it might resonate with you, too.

Longtime reader: "Please Tell me some steps to eliminate "all or nothing" thinking."

Reply: All or nothing thinking comes from the self-imposed rules we create for our plan. These rules are developed from our lifetime of experience that has created our perception of what it means or what we believe is required to lose weight successfully.

What happens is this: We honor those old perceptions by creating our own set of rules- and maybe these rules are on paper or not- they can exist subconsciously, too... And then, when we do something that isn't in line with these old patterns of thinking- we feel like we've failed... When in reality, we haven't failed at all... But all or nothing thinking suggests we have- and then we get into the, "forget it, why bother" area of our brain.

Longtime reader: "That would apply to the number on the scale not matching what we are expecting also, wouldn't it!?"

Reply: Yes- the idea is to embrace our plan... And since the scale takes into account about seven different things... We let the scale do what it does. We just embrace our plan and move forward. The scale will catch up. And after awhile, if it doesn't, we can modify our plan if needed. The idea is to take the power away from the scale. It's about finding our peace and calm in the embrace of our plan, rather than from a number on the scale.

Because the scale isn't a direct reflection of our plan. Yet, many times, we allow that number to completely negate our plan- and discourage us- when truly, it wasn't our plan the scale was reflecting on any particular number it shows. I'm so incredibly proud of you. Thank you for reaching out for support!

It is challenging- but it's completely possible, to simplify our plan. Throw out the preconceived notions, develop a plan where we can consistently hit these "new marks," --and we can feel great about it, instead of constantly feeling defeated because we're not living up to what we thought was required of us to be successful.

The smaller, simplified plan, is one that we can embrace. It's designed for our consistent progress- and it evolves in time. The more consistency we give this new, simplified list of "non-negotiable" elements, the better we feel... Because finally, we're able to focus on a plan we can feel good about-- and one that ultimately, gets us to where we're wanting to go along this road... And wasn't that the goal to begin with? :)

And when our brains start telling us things reminiscent of the old diet mentality- we must reach for support and a different perspective. It's important. You're important.

Longtime reader: "THANK YOU! Thank you! THANK YOU! SO needed to hear your explanations!!!"

Reply: You're always welcome. I hope that perspective helps!

Longtime reader: "More than you know! Your words caused a HUGE AHA for me!  I needed this even more than I knew!!! Thanks."

Reply: Awe, I'm so glad. :) That does my heart good!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Today was a great day. I was able to get some work done, prepare some great food, I did two Facebook LIVE videos--one in the secret exclusive support group--and the other on my regular Facebook page. I had a great workout tonight and even tried something new in the kitchen!

If you're thinking about signing up for the weight loss support groups I co-facilitate with Life Coach Kathleen and Life Coach Gerri, I hope you do it soon! We limit registration in order to keep the group small, so space is very limited! If you have questions, email Kathleen or me--and we'll be happy to answer right away! Coach Kathleen's email: totalkathy@aol.com My email: transformation.road@gmail.com




























Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I remained actively involved with wonderful support connections. And I had a great workout.

I'll take today and hope and pray for another, just like it, tomorrow!

Continuous Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Saturday, 23 July 2016

Princess Health and July 23rd, 2016 So Suddenly. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 23rd, 2016 So Suddenly. Princessiccia

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July 23rd, 2016 So Suddenly

I think I'm calling an audible and opting for a fast blog post and sleep. I just got back from spending some time with my oldest daughter and her husband. I think we could have talked all night! It's always an enjoyable conversation with those two. But then, and so suddenly--I started getting excessively tired!

Today was amazing. I'll let the tweets tell the tale.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar, I exceeded my daily water goal and I remained solidly connected with great support.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:










































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Friday, 22 July 2016

Princess Health and July 22nd, 2016 More On That In A Minute. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 22nd, 2016 More On That In A Minute. Princessiccia

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July 22nd, 2016 More On That In A Minute

Every single day presents an opportunity for me to learn. And maybe it's something I've already learned, didn't do for whatever reason--and then it becomes an opportunity for a refresher of sorts. I experienced one of those things this evening. But more on that in a minute.

Today was very busy--highly involved, my morning show this morning--followed by production, a lengthy interview with 2004 World Series of Poker Champion Greg Raymer and a noon to 2pm location broadcast. I opted for an afternoon nap before getting ready for a big concert. I was scheduled to emcee, make announcements and introduce the band--then I stuck around for the first two songs before getting out of there and heading to the store to pick up items for a late dinner. I was super hungry by this time. And that's where the refresher lesson comes in...but more on that in a minute.

I've been invited to play in a poker tournament with Greg Raymer tomorrow afternoon--THE Greg Raymer--the pro--Fossilman...That guy!!! And I've jumped on it. I haven't played in a tournament for a very long time. If you're a regular reader of this blog, perhaps you remember when I was invited to play in a tournament for charity a couple years ago--and even though it was for charity, I discovered the highs and lows of the game affected my stability with everything. It was as if the addictive side of my brain--you know, the side affected so dramatically by refined sugar, was tickled in the process. I made it through that experience--but not without learning some valuable information about me. I'm not turning down a chance to play poker with Greg Raymer, so I'll remain with a high awareness level and I always carry support in my pocket via text or call, 24/7. I will also have a great meal for breakfast--and plan my food well for the rest of the day. I'm confident I'll be fine and my plan will be well cared for--I can't say I'm as confident about my game against one of the worlds best, but hey--we'll see!

Okay--the refresher... I didn't plan my food very well. For some reason--about 8 O'Clock, right as I was about to walk onto the stage, I noticed how incredibly hungry I was becoming. I never get too hungry. I eat well and I usually space it out well. Not today, apparently. The jump between my late lunch and dinner time was a little much, I suppose. Right before going on to do announcements and the welcome stuff, I was shown the hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken strips area--and was asked to include an announcement about the availability of these items during the concert...for just five bucks! I didn't want any of those things, but I wanted something--quickly.

I left the venue and my brain started scrambling for a solution. I was too hungry. I was the "H" in the acronym HALT (don't get too Hungry-Angry-Lonely-or Tired--and if you do, get support quickly). I'll tell you what old Sean would have done: I would've found a drive through, immediately. But dang it, I deserve better.

I called Gerri Helms in a similar situation one time and she said something that stuck with me: "Nobody has ever starved to death between meals." I remembered that tonight. I also composed and sent text messages to three support contacts--and all responded with very supportive perspective--and suddenly, I felt strong again.

I marched into the grocery store determined to get the ingredients for the best meal. I did, too! Stuffed mushrooms, sirloin and fresh cut and baked sweet potato fries...oh yeah, a meal I absolutely adore! I made it home and started preparing everything even before changing clothes. I didn't change clothes until everything was on and cooking. It was a late dinner.

The refresher was all about the need for good planning. A good snack around 6pm would have prevented that mini-crisis. It was also a refresher about how when real physical hunger kicks in--my brain is still and always will be capable of offering up less than good ideas.

And it was a refresher on the importance and power of good support. The support exchanges I experienced this evening completely took me out of the danger zone and into a nice determined groove to get what I needed, get home and cook--and enjoy an amazing dinner.

I felt so good after dinner, I decided to get one of my Friday late night workouts. I don't know why, but occasional late Friday night workouts have become a thing for me. It might not be the best thing for me, but a thing just the same.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I was very active in support exchanges. And, I finished a nice workout.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:








































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Princess Health and July 21st, 2016 Any And Every Reason. Princessiccia

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July 21st, 2016 Any And Every Reason

Today was stacked pretty tight. I had a full production schedule and oops!!! A midday meeting across town I almost forgot about!! I suppose setting calendar reminders in my phone doesn't help if I don't pay attention to the reminders! I made it to the meeting and back to work for a later lunch before getting back into production.

By the time I made it home this afternoon, I was whipped. I took a nap. It likely wasn't the best move, I know--but it was the one I chose today.

I'm starting to accept the truth that my best plan is to get my workout in before I make it home for the day. Once I'm home--especially when it's 100 degrees outside, I'll find any and every reason to not get back out. I did have three great workout days in a row--and I haven't been able to say that in some time, so--I suppose I'll allow this day to be a rest day. I don't really count my fast #morningdeal routine as a workout. It's simply a "let's get this body wide awake" type thing--and I do it to get coffee, because that's the deal.

photo GrandpaandMe.jpg
#tbt With my late grandpa back in the 500 pound days. Grandpa loved apples. I do, too, and every now and then when I'm eating my apple slices, it reminds me of him.

The next 8 week session of the support groups I cofacilitate with Life Coach Kathleen and Life Coach Gerri is filling up quickly! The next session starts August 8th.

If you have any questions, email me! transformation.road@gmail.com or Kathy: totalkathy@aol.com

























Sign-Up Links:

Primary (regular) Monday Group (6pm Central/7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-monday-88

Primary (regular) Tuesday group (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-tuesday-89

Premium (new) Monday night (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific-*Includes individual specific one on one time slots within that hour)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-88-premium

I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget today. I remained abstinent from refined sugar for the 813th day in a row. I exceeded my daily water goal. I stayed well connected with great support exchanges. I prepared some delicious meals! And, I feel very well.

I'm taking special care of me and that's always a good thing.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:






































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Princess Health and July 20th, 2016 Attention and Substance. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 20th, 2016 Attention and Substance. Princessiccia

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July 20th, 2016 Attention and Substance

It is July. Last night I accidentally labeled the post June 19th. I've made the edit correction since. I have no idea how I didn't catch that!

I've increased my personal spiritual time the last three mornings and I truly believe it's made a big difference. Apart from prayer, it's my time for meditation and positive visualizations. I'll admit it--I tend to get sloppy with it sometimes by rushing it--and not truly feeling it, just doing the absolute basics. I can clearly notice the difference when I give it more time, attention and substance.

Positive visualizations have played a big role for me from Day 1 at 505 pounds. What I visualize has changed over the years. The first six months or so, I was trying to visualize what I would look like at a healthy weight. The positive visualizations evolved from there. I remember a trip the family and I took to the amusement park years ago--and we rode everything, every coaster--things I was scared to death of riding--but I did anyway, because I finally fit--I was no longer the morbidly obese man sitting on the bench, sweating--and watching everyone else have the time of their lives. I fit on every ride we tried. And it felt amazing. I visualized that trip many times over the course of a year or so before it actually happened. Call it a goal, call it what you will--to me, the power of the positive visualization, in detail--imagining where--specifically--I want this road to go, has been critically important to my success.

So yeah, I've been making more time for that lately. It's making a difference.

I've worked out well three days in a row. I've prepared some wonderful food--and even stretched a little bit in the kitchen. My cherry banana nachos today--and a sweet pork, veggie and long grain/wild rice dish--wow!!! Fantastic!!! You can see the tweets below.

I've had a few tell me they don't look at my meals because since I'm in maintenance mode with a generous daily calorie budget, it's too much food. I consume 2300 calories per day in maintenance. Most of what I prepare is adjustable. The calories can be easily reduced with a few key changes. A different perspective might be--instead of, "wow, that's a lot of food, too much!!" How about: "How can I adjust those amounts to fit my calorie budget?" I include the MyFitnessPal entry for every meal as a screen shot tweet.

I'm five minutes from bedtime.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I remained connected with support contacts and I worked out at the gym. It was a fairly good day.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:








































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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