Pastor Pusch

even when you don’t want to.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you didn’t necessarily fall off the diet wagon, but something just didn’t seem right? That has been my week 4. While I did not go on some giant pig fest, something about the week seemed a bit off compared to previous weeks. I ate good, made wise choices, and even started an exercise routine (which truthfully I am only 3 days in so week 4 won’t really count). Then why do I feel this way?

When it comes to this diet, I want consistency; EXTREME consistency. By that I mean that I want to do the EXACT same things as I did in weeks prior. If I ate chicken 5 times last week, then I want to eat it 5 times this week. If I played a round of golf last week, I am going to kill to play golf again this week. Same fruits, veggies, drinks, etc. Why? It’s simple. I LOST WEIGHT THOSE WEEKS! If those items contributed to my great weight loss last week, then surely it will contribute this week. That only makes sense, right?

Week 4 I tried some different things. Again, nothing crazy like a gallon of ice cream a day, just different things that would fall into the “more healthy than” category. Immediately guilt began to set in, like I committed adultery against my own self. Remember extreme consistency? That’s just how my mind has been working within this diet. How do I expect to lose if I don’t stick with what has worked in prior weeks?

Today (weigh in day), I do not feel like stepping on the scale. I don’t fear it, I just feel weird about it today. I know I can’t get used to the big numbers like 8.5lbs, 8lbs, and 7lbs, that simply can’t happen all the time. So, even though I don’t want to, I will GET ON THE SCALE! (Results below)

Week 4: -2
Total: -25.5

My instincts were right. The comments after the weigh in have pretty much been “hey, your still going in the right direction!” I totally appreciate that because they are right. I must admit though that I am a bit disappointed. Honestly, I didn’t expect the 7’s or 8’s, but at least 4-5lbs. It’s ok. 2 is unacceptable. I need to work harder.

After a month of being on this diet, I have lost 25.5lbs. I know that is great! Wouldn’t be nice if one could lose 25lbs every month? That would mean that by October, I would be down 100lbs. Wishful thinking, I know.

While I hesitate to say that I am ready for smaller pants, I will say that most of my bottom wear is starting fit more loosely. There are a couple reasons as to why I hesitate so much. I hesitate because I do not want to jinx myself! Odd, I know, but that is the reality I face. Another reason I hesitate to say I am ready for a smaller size is because I do not plan on stopping here. I will endure the belt and move the notch until it is absolutely necessary for me to go and by smaller clothes.

For me, the thought of smaller sizes is a thought that is too good to be true. When you are this size, clothes are hard to shop for and can be very embarrassing and defeating at times. At this size, your apparel is extremely limited and you are at the mercy of the “big mans” store as to what you are going to look like. Yes, a thought too good to be true. For years I have shopped at the same place for the same size for the same me (probably bigger me-s as the years went by). Right now, it’s hard to tell the difference in weight loss. If someone were only 40lbs overweight and they lost 20lbs, you would notice a great difference. However, at this size, 20lbs is pretty much unrecognizable in the mirror. All I have right now is the scale telling me that I am indeed smaller than I was last week.

So that’s it. Here are my thoughts on weight loss this week. I am about 20 minutes away from weighing in. I will put this particular blog on hold until then and publish it with this week’s results below.

The Results
Week 3: -7lbs
Total: 23.5lbs

Today is Tuesday. Tuesday has now become “weigh in” day at Randall House. A couple weeks ago I shared with you about my struggle in life called obesity and about my newest adventure with the Randall House Reduction Plan (weight loss program). We at Randall House are making it our goal to layoff the equivalent of one person by July 14 and two persons by September 24 (“weightfully” speaking). I am determined to pull my weight (no pun intended)!

For most of my life I have been fearful of the scale. I have avoided doctor’s appointments and all things related. Why? I was ashamed. I, like most people, did not want to face the dreaded reality the weight scaled brought with it. My heart would tremble as I would watch the doctor slide all of the measurement bars to the right side only to add a secondary weight because the standard was not good enough. My stomach turned as I prayed that no one would walk by and see. Never have I been excited to step on any scale. NEVER.

Today is Tuesday; a day that I look forward to and excited to step on the scale. Two weeks ago we all did the initial weigh in to begin the program. I dreaded it. That day, however, I determined that I would never dread the scale again. I want to be a loser! So the journey began. Last week I stepped on the scale and it read that I lost 8 pounds. It was exciting. My wife wrote me and reminded me that Jovie, our 13 month old daughter, weigh 8 lbs at birth. It was a great feeling.

(Pause: Going to today’s weigh in!) The verdict:

Today I am down 8.5 pounds. That is 16.5lbs total for the two weeks. I must admit; last week was hard. I know I am making good choices when I eat, but sometimes the ole sweet tooth wants to get the best of me!

I did some more thinking about this weight loss program over the weekend. Here are a couple things I look forward to:

1. Smaller Clothes (buying clothes from stores other than Casual Male)
2. Greater Mobility
3. More stuff with Friends
4. Jogging
5. Who knows… maybe the half marathon at next year’s Music City!

Many of you have encouraged me and loved on me since I started this program and all I can say is thank you. I love you all very much for your love and support.

Keep Praying,
PastorPusch