I've received some questions about exactly what I'm doing to lose weight, so I figured I'd spell out my particular plan as best I can.  Please keep in mind, that my way may not be your way and that's ok.  :)

Foodwise, I follow a pretty low carb diet.  I try to stick with 20-50 carbs per day (gross, not net).  I do not subtract dietary fiber to get to my carb count.  At the bottom I'll list a semi-typical day.  I do my best to eat at least 1200 calories per day so I avoid starvation mode.  This is tough for me!  The best part of eating high protein and fat in your diet is that you are fuller longer, so most of the time, hunger is not an issue.

As far as exercise goes, I've been doing CrossFit now for about two weeks.  Prior to that, I hadn't done anything, thanks to bronchitis.  I take class three days per week and it kicks my butt.  But I love it.  I'm sore and tired a lot of the time, but also feel powerful and strong.  I take classes at http://www.conditiononecrossfit.com/ and the owners, Kyle and Natalie, are some of the most loving and supportive people I've met.  To walk into a place like that at over 300 lbs is intimidating to say the least.  I've never felt judged by a soul in that building.  I've only felt built up and supported.  That's hard to find in a gym setting for someone that's obese.

Now, so far, I've lost about 16 pounds.   That doesn't seem like much.  However, I've gone down a whole size in clothes already.  I'm leaner.  I have a ton of energy.  I sleep better.  So, it's all worth it. 

My success is only because I have a great support system.  My wife is an amazing cook.  While she's not following a low carb diet, she's been wonderful at creating flavorful, satisfying meals that I can eat.  As a result, she, our roomates and our kids are eating better.  She's incredibly inventive in finding new ways to serve standard recipes.  Right now, she's on a rutabaga kick, as you'll see as I upload some recipes.  :)

 Our son, Josh, is the second part of that support.  He attends CrossFit with me.  He's almost 14 and is a powerhouse already.  He's fit and strong.  And he's as challenged by the classes as I am.  What helps me is knowing that he's watching and I'll be damned if I'm going to quit or give up in front of my kid.  He's right there, cheering me on, challenging me and not letting me quit.  I want to make him proud to say, "This is my mom."

So, that is a quick and dirty overview of what I'm doing to lose weight.  I hope it helps.  I'm no expert, I'm just doing what works for me.  I'd be happy to answer any questions!  Also, if you have a recipe that you'd like me to run by Kim to see if she can create a low carb substitute for - shoot me an email or leave a comment.  She loves a challenge!!!!

I'll leave you with a comparison pic of my progress so far and a sample menu!

Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Breakfast	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Farmland Thick Sliced - Bacon, 4 strips	120	0	10	6	660	0
Rutabaga hasbrowns, 1 serving	53	8	4	0	14	3
Eggs - Fried (whole egg), 0.5 large	46	0	4	3	47	0
Add Food Quick Tools	219	8	18	9	721	3
Lunch
Lunch Mate - Aldi - Premium Black Forest Ham, 3 oz (56g)	105	2	4	15	975	2
Joseph's Lavash- Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Pita Bread - Pita, 0.5 Pita (37g/1.33oz.)	30	4	1	3	150	0
Add Food Quick Tools	135	6	5	18	1,125	2
Dinner
Meat - Grilled Chicken Breast, 1 Breast	220	0	5	44	220	0
Heb - Grilled Asparagus Spears, 15 spears	72	9	0	6	810	6
Oil - Olive, 0.5 tablespoon	60	0	7	0	0	0
Cheese - Parmesan, grated, 0.25 oz	30	0	2	3	108	0
Add Food Quick Tools	382	9	14	53	1,138	6
Snacks
Jif - To Go Creamy Peanut Butter, 1.5 oz cup (43g)	250	11	22	9	180	4
Boar's Head - Provolone Cheese, 1 oz	100	1	8	7	250	0
Home Made - Beef Jerkey, 2 oz	160	0	6	12	1,080	6
Quick Tools	510	12	36	28	1,510	10
Totals	1,246	35	73	108	4,494	21