I have started my very own diet program that has seen some early results. I started at 218 pounds and have lost 6.8 pounds in 8 days. I have combined a fun exercise routine with consistant eating habits to start me on my goal to be under 200 pounds in 90 days. At this rate, it will not take long to be under 200 and continue to an optimal weight for me–around 175 pounds on the “Mr. Mike Diet”.
The desire started when my wife showed me a Wii video game system that the hosts were using on QVC–one of those shop from home TV channels. It looked like they were having fun and getting a good workout at the same time. We made a mistake and just ordered the Wii and some games in time for Christmas–what we needed was the Wii Fit Balance Board. Unfortunately, by the time we figured that out, everyone was out of stock on this item. I proceeded to check out the video game section of every store each time I went in to shop for other items. It wasn’t until March 17 that I saw a single Wii Fit Board at my local Wal-Mart. I nabbed it and headed for the checkout lane. On my way there, 3 people asked me where I had found it. I was obviously not the only person looking for this hot item and I had the only one.
I have been burning fat for a week while doing the step dance routine, plus hula hoop and boxing. It gets me sweating and feeling the burn, expecially while doing the hula. It logs my progress, counts the length of the workout, and graphs my progress. I have set aside some time each day to workout in our house. I try to go 30-40 minutes doing these aerobic exercises. There are also fun games, weight training, and yoga.
But, working out isn’t enough. A decent diet has to be part of the program. Most of the diets I have been on in the past have left me famished after every low calorie meal. I need to eat real food in decent quantities or my stuffing and snacking habits will return.
I had always noticed on the Seinfeld show that Jerry was a pretty trim guy who ate a lot of cereal. I like cereal and have chosen my favorites from Kellogg’s to stock up in the pantry. Most days I have Corn Pops or Special K along with some fresh fruit, juice, and water. It fills me up and keeps me satisfied. However, I do own the Munro House Bed and Breakfast. What kind of host would I be if I ate cereal while my guests ate my specialties? When I join my guests for breakfast, I opt for a high protein meal of bacon and eggs.
I shared a flight with Jared the Subway Guy several years ago. His Subway diet inspired me to add that to the lunch portion of my meal schedule. I usually have the 6 inch turkey breast sub with lots of safe vegetables and dressing, plus water. There is a Subway about a half mile from my house, so I get a mile walk going there and back, I eat a filling low fat meal, and I feel good about my choices.
Dinnertime can be tough, but I have been trying to stick to broiled chicken breast with light starches on the side, plus lots of vegetables and more water. Sometimes, I have to cheat a little bit–especially at restaurants. I try to stick to seafood menu items that are light on butter and sauces. It hasn’t always worked out, but being conscious of my choices is part of the process.
I always cut a big bowl of fresh fruit for breakfast. What the guests don’t eat is all mine. I use it for snacking the rest of the day. I have a big tub of fat free strawberry yogurt that I add to a nice portion of berries once or twice a day between meals. It is delicious, filling, and healthy.
That’s it. I exercise, eat well (and healthy), take a nice walk, and watch my progress on my video game system. Getting started was the hard part. Charting my progress on the video game system is the motivator. It’s been a few years since I was under 200 pounds. Now that I’m in my 50’s, controlling my weight and taking steps to improve my health will be a good thing. I call it the “Mr. Mike Diet”, but it could just as easily be known as the “Seinfeld-Wii-Subway Diet”.
Mike Venturini – Innkeeper
“Life is good in Jonesville”