US Represented

US Represented

The Academic Redneck Fitness Challenge: Update 5

Previous Weight Loss (November 28, 2016-November 6, 2017): 34.4 pounds
Weight Gain (November 6-December 4): 5 pounds
Total Weight Loss (November 28, 2016-December 4, 2017): 29.4 Pounds
Remaining to End of 2017 Goal: 20.6 pounds

Well, I seriously considered pulling a CNN or a Brian Ross and throwing out some fake news today to avoid admitting I actually gained weight in November, but for what purpose? I know the truth, and I’m the one who really matters. Too many road trips, get-togethers, and cheat days did me in. No excuses. I blew it.

There’s no way for me to make my 50-pound weight loss goal by the end of the year.  Since it’s the holiday season, I should probably just be content to maintain or lose the five pounds I put on last month. I’m going to have to re-adjust my goals. But I’m going to keep on trying and reporting here every single month. I still have a lot to be proud of with 29.4 fewer pounds on my frame since this time last year. The scale just needs to move in the right direction again.

What’s that old Merle Haggard song, “If We Make It Through December”? Of course Merle was crooning about hard economic times and not being able to give “Daddy’s little girl” any Christmas cheer. For people trying to watch their weight, the song has a different meaning. We probably would benefit from some economic hard times this season to keep from overindulging in all the holiday food. Maybe I should spend the holidays at the workhouse in Oliver Twist. When I presume to ask for some more, somebody could give me a good smacking and tell me that’s all the gruel until tomorrow. Or a lean Dickensian Christmas at Scrooge’s house in the days before his encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come might be the kind of holiday I need.

Seriously, this month will be a challenge. We’ll be traveling December 14-29 and eating out a lot. I’m going to try and keep some healthy snacks in the car while we’re driving South. Then there are the celebrations with friends and family in Alabama. I want to enjoy myself, but I also don’t want to have to come back next month and report another weight gain. I need to be vigilant. Can I do it? My confidence is a little shaky, but I’m going to try.

I’ve exercised 335 out of the 338 days of 2017. I missed one day in November, when I was in Alabama and just too tired to work out after visiting Mother at the nursing home. I’m very proud that my activity level is so consistent.

Keep your fingers crossed for me. I need all the help I can get right now!

Next Update: January 1, 2018.

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