It's been weeks without my DTG food...I hope I at least maintained.

OK, so Christmas was a blast with my entire family there. We do a non traditional meal of Italian food. It was delicious too. Rigatoni with meatballs and Italian sausage, garlic bread and spumoni ice cream for desert. Granted, I indulged and did make a few batches of cookies with the boy to leave out for Santa but I tried hard to not over-eat. I'm still living in two different states and the scale is only in one so I can't verify my weight today but plan to post right after the new year to get a baseline of where I am.

I'm still recovering from some scheduled surgery I had December 7th. Unfortunately it's taken it's toll on my activity level. I really need to re-dedicate myself to a walking program and get back on track with my DTG meal plan. I thought I would begin receiving my meals again this Thursday but by some mixup there won't be a delivery. I'm hoping for a shipment next Thursday for sure. I figure I still have 20 pounds to go to reach my goal. I wanted to try and hit that by my 1 year anniversary date of January 27th (I think) but expecting 5 pounds per week at this point is a bit unrealistic. I'll begin knocking away at it again in the new year and give my best wishes to those of you considering weight loss as a resolution. You have to start somewhere and it's easier if you have help. Diet To Go has been my friend throughout this process so why not give it a try for 2010. Good luck and the best to you all in the New Year!!

I made it past Thanksgiving without gaining a pound!

Whew, I must confess; I was sweating the Thanksgiving holidays for a number of reasons one of which was my weight loss goals. I'm happy to say I enjoyed myself immensely, ate and drank with my family and had no measurable gains because of it. I'm not sure how that happened but I'm thankful for it. We hosted the entire family at our new home in MS and all went very well. My sister in law Pam came in from NC and did almost all of the cooking. The side dishes were delectable and the turkey and ham came out great! (First time I've brined a turkey)

I was able to stop my shipment for that week and will resume this week. It's easily done online or with a simple phone call. I will need to stop my shipments next week and resume the week after that as well because I will be taking some time off for some scheduled surgery. I'll be OK but need about 2 weeks for recovery. I plan on having those that take care of me heat and serve my DTG meals so I can stick with the program and make it easier on them. For those looking to take off a few pounds as part of your New Year Resolutions I highly recommend the Diet To Go meal plan over anything else I've ever tried. Whether you're looking to drop 20 or 200 I believe embracing the DTG philosophy will get it done. Trust me, you'll become bored with the other plans out there very quickly as the food is not fresh and it repeats too often. With 5 different weeks of meals you are ready for week one again after finishing week 5.

I started in February of 2009 and plan to stick to this plan until at least Feb 2010 to lose my final 20 pounds. If I am able to reach my goal of losing 60 pounds it will have taken me 1 year. I feel an average of 5 pounds a month is reasonable and my chances of keeping it off are better than if I'd taken it off in 6-8 months. I have ALWAYS put it all right back on when losing it that fast. I hope you all had a great holiday and were able to stick to your goals throughout the festivities but if not, don't beat yourself up over it just get back on the plan and keep losing. It has been working for me and I hope to get the remaining 20 off by February and reach my goal of being under 200 pounds for the first time in....I can't remember when.

I'm hangin in there like a hair in a bisquit.

Hey folks, as I continue to push forward with the move, we're getting things done and I'm trying to adhere to my meal plan. It sure has been tough though. Being in 2 places several days a week makes it difficult to keep up with the food. Having the Saints undefeated at 8-0 for the first time ever is something to celebrate as well. If it weren't for the fact that there is the threat of hurricane Ida in the gulf right now I'd think Hell was about to freeze over. Oh, and it was my birthday Saturday. I had some wonderful friends drive in from North Carolina just to help me move...and of course celebrate with me. There was plenty to eat and drink with lots to do but I'm happy to say we got (most of) it done and then some.

I'm still hovering around the 40 pound mark and I'm satisfied with that considering all that has occurred to derail me. I have a large goal of losing 10 more pounds in the next 4 weeks and I think I can manage that if I get back on the meal plan with no late-night driving and eating. As long as I was able to close the refrigerator door by 6:30pm or so and not open it again till morning I was fine. Driving to MS puts me at the house late so I'm eating later and later AND I'm around my sons snacks as well. Lots of temptation in the new house but I'm happier being there with my family.

I see DTG has returned (if only partially) to their "new" packaging. I still received some "vacu-packed meals in this shipment but the majority had the plastic just over the top opening and the label placed on that instead of on the bottom. The food is still very good, the plan is convenient and easy to follow; much like any diet though...you must commit to it. DTG has been a great tool to jump start my weight loss and I'm proof that it works if you work it. Good luck with your weight loss and check us both out on Facebook as DTG has a site or search me as; Bo Boots Walker. BTW, that's my son and me at his birthday party a week on 11-1-09.

A little perspective...new and old.

OK, so I started Diet to Go in late January at a whopping 258 and change. Below are my first pictures of that glorious day.




















I hoped there would be relief from the way I was feeling and the way I looked. Fast forward a few months where I'd lost at least 20 pounds or so. I'm sure I used these same photos in a previous blog if I wanted to find out the exact number.




















Fast forward to today...a little over 8 months down the road. I'm 219 and down almost 40 pounds. I look and feel so much better and have somehow weathered the storm (so far) with all that has happened in my life these past few months without falling off the wagon. I look better, I feel better and I'm happier for it. Start your transformation today. If you've tried all the other diets and failed why not try DTG and succeed.

wow, what a month.

It's been a little over a month since we bought the new house and it wasn't until last weekend that we actually feel that we live there. It was only a week ago that the tilers finished and we were able to move furniture into the house. The tile and paint looks great but there is so much to do and so much travel involved I feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. Add to that; my mom went in the hospital again on Friday after slipping at home. She had an angiogram week before last and wasn't feeling well after being in the hospital a few days. I'm holding steady at 222 and that's still 38 pounds.

On a positive note, my food has arrived safe and sound since Diet to Go changed their packaging. The food is still awesome but I'm green beaned out. I love the proteins but and bored by the veggies sometimes. If they would send me the whole, half-chicken every night I would love it. As always, I have my favorites but it would behoove me to spend a bit more time on the phone or online tailoring the meal plan to my preference. I fully intend on sticking with the plan through the first of the year...I'm budgeted for it but with the holidays coming I may take a few weeks off. For the first time in my 46 years on the planet I plan on hosting Thanksgiving at my house. I hope it doesn't end up like Chevy Chases' Christmas Vacation but I'm really looking forward to it.

I've been derilict in my duties to post

Hello all, since my last post a lot has happened. We did close on the new house and since then it's been a whirlwind of activity both in travel and contractors. Since my son is enrolled in 1st grade in MS, he and my wife have been staying over there so I've been traveling to see them several nights a week and on the weekend. We have also had painters and now the tile people in the house since the beginning of September. Dealing with all of this from a distance comes with its own set of difficulties and has turned my stomach, on occasion, into a churn.

I've found it tough at times to stick to the DTG program during these past few weeks allowing myself to eat out (probably more than I should) and eat some things I shouldn't have at all. Even though I've slipped a bit I have only fluctuated a couple pounds and as of this morning was 223. I will spend another weekend in MS probably painting and cutting the grass if the weather permits. There is a lot to be done before we can move in so I'm going to take it one day at a time and will try my best to keep on the straight and narrow. In the mean time, here are a few photos of the tile work being done...enjoy and have a great weekend.

I'm sure I've said this before but the food on Diet To Go is freakin' awesome!

Just got back after a harrowing weekend with the family in MS. Yes, we closed on the new house on Monday and without regaling you with the details it was one of the most bizarre closings I've ever been involved with. OK, I'm currently trying to get the paint and tile done before we officially move in over there so this too has been trying. Lots of quotes, lots of prices, several levels of competency and English. Needless to say it has been a real distraction to my diet plan but I 'm proud to say that "trauma trim" has allowed me to drop down to 221 pounds...without really trying, honestly. I'm ashamed and guilty for some of the things I've eaten during the 2 of 7 days that I eat on my own but the activity and possibly my food choices have allowed me to continue to lose weight. 258 minus 221 makes it 37 pounds that I've lost.

I'll tell you the reason for the title of my post. Just when I think I'm getting tired of the food at DTG I revisit something that I haven't had in a while and am wow'd by it. Tonight it was the stuffed flounder. Damn, I've paid for worse flounder in a restaurant before. This dish is expertly seasoned and if you heat it properly the flounder is moist and flaky with a delicious seafood stuffing, pesto cauliflower and let's face it; I'm a bit tired of the green beans but they to were crisp and delicious with a mild sprinkling of cheese. Thank you DTG for keeping me on track during these very distracting days. It's good to know that I don't have to worry about a meal plan each night after all of this.

Also, I hear from the big cheese at DTG that they are buying a huge shrink wrap machine that better protects the integrity of the packages when they are shipped. as you know I've had a few problems with my deliveries but I've been assured that it is all behind us now and my food will arrive fresh and safe. have a great week and as things slow down a bit I promise to post a bit more. I removed flooring, tack strips and painted today...the longer it takes these guys to get back to me on these projects the more I just do myself...there is a certain amount of satisfaction that comes as well. Have a great week!!

I've been distracted by more than just my diet.

Sunday night and after a pretty god weekend I think I should throw up a blog. Friday night was the Saints pre-season opener at the Dome. It wasn't a great showing but they did win. The mantra for the evening being; what do you want, it's pre-season. I was able to enjoy the game with some red wine and even stuck to my program at dinner later that night. Forgoing the bread and as many other carbs that night as I could, I was able to enjoy a delicious chicken and andouille gumbo (without rice) plus a delicious roast duck...no desert. Saturday, I wasn't as strict and I did allow myself a few "off the plan items."

Today was better as steak and eggs was a great eye opener and tonight's DTG offering of Italian Meatballs with a mouth watering artichoke and black olive side dish. 7 months on the plan and I'm still amazed by the food. As we move forward on the purchase of a second home in MS, it's become more complicated to concentrate on job performance, fixing up my current home, dealing with the pressures of financing the second home plus having my wife and child living, working and going to school in another state. I'm lucky if I get to see them once during the week and the 2 days on the weekend but it means several hours of drive time any way you slice it.

The good part is that I haven't allowed myself to put back on several pounds. I'm sticking to the plan as well as can be expected but I have found that I'm slipping a bit more than usual. I was given some really good news last week that I can't share here but lets say that it's in my best interest to continue losing weight as this will be a great reward in the end. The prize will come in early December so I really want to have at least 10 more pounds off by then...maybe more. I've got to stay on that tread mill and really stick to the program though.

Sorry for not posting more often but again, time has been a real issue...more to come. I promise.

I think they finally got it right!

OK, so I may have been pouting a bit and I have been pretty busy as of late but I think DTG may have the right packaging now. I know it may seem that I'm harping on the delivery issue a bit but this is an expensive program and it's imperative that these meals arrive on time and in consumable condition. Last Thursday my shipment was completely destroyed...the worst yet. The inside contents were visible and I didn't know when this when the breakage occurred since there was no documentation and the UPS man simply dropped it off and left! They pissed me off too. I called UPS and filed a claim but no one ever contacted me after that...no one! I contacted DTG and they were mortified because this has happened to me several times now. I'm glad that they took some responsibility in this as well because I feel the package must be "road worthy" before the monkeys at UPS get a chance to wreck it. Simply sending an unprotected Styrofoam ice chest is NOT sufficient.

I'm happy to report that this week my ice chest arrived INSIDE of a standard card board box and the contents were still frozen and intact. Look, this meal plan has helped me lose a total of 35 pounds now and I'm astonished by that because the food is gourmet. This isn't some nuke & puke Jenny Craig or God forbid the dog food Nutri System passes off as food. It's real food, cooked fresh, flash frozen and delivered to my door. For those lucky enough to pick theirs up, there is no freezing involved as I have noted that some meals don't lend themselves well to the travel and reheating process. I look forward to getting back on track because my biggest worry was that I just went to 5 days a week instead of 7, leaving me with 2 big decision days or several meals on my own. I tossed last weeks shipment because I didn't know what condition it was in therefore I was on my own for entire week! I'm not ready to be let off the leash just yet! Much like my buddy Steve, we are recovering food addicts and can't be left to our own devices without much more counseling and behavior changes.

I managed to gain 2 pounds this past week all because I missed my food arrived compromised and I was left to my own devices. Bad me, yes. I'm back on the treadmill and can't wait to have my meals waiting for me so my decisions are made. I have way too much going on right now so taking my nutritional needs out of the equation will free me up to figure out how I'm going to pay for this new house...oh yeah, We will likely close this month! It's been 17 years since I've had to deal with this dog and pony show and even back then I don't recall it being this stressful...maybe because I signed all my life away while on pain pills after falling 30 feet in the Superdome. Now that's a story for another time. I promise I'll share but I've got to get to the Home Depot and buy some paint and supplies as "this old house" will soon be on the market!

A few more steps but the stress is mounting.

Well, if all goes well, I won't have to stay in an apartment when I travel to MS any longer. We have a contract on the house with the garage mahal but there are a few hoops to jump through first; home inspection, appraisal, insurance, etc. If all goes well we could take possession sometime in August. I'll keep you posted.

So, how is this messing with my diet. As you know, I've dropped down to 3 meals, 5 days a week instead of a full 7. It allows me to eat out a bit or with my family. It also leaves me on my own to make healthy decisions which can be difficult. I don't mind telling you I still crave carbs and not having that DTG meal in front of you to heat and eat my mind begins to wander towards them. The stress of re-mortgaging my life isn't helping matters and I have a history of stress eating, too. I'm staying active...as active as I can with a job that confines me to a chair but my treadmill is still calling me each morning and the honey-do list of house repairs will keep me busy for weeks as we prepare to sell our existing home.

I don't want to say my focus for weight loss has deminished but with so many things on the plate in front of me I feel I could derail. The compliments and the way I feel are carying me right now but as the vison gets blurred a bit some things move to the peripheral. As I focus on doing the deal on this house and preparing my home for sale I hope my weight loss goals don't end up there.

Apartment life sucks!

The transition from New Orleans to Mississippi is a slow process but we are making gradual progress. No sooner that we secure an apartment for my wife and son to live in while he begins first grade than we actually find a house to make an offer on. It couldn't happen soon enough for me. I've been in my home for 17 years and have forgotten how bad apartment life can be; dogs barking, paper thin walls, etc. It's all a bit much for me so finding a house has just moved up the priority list for me. Granted, I don't live there full time...neither does my wife, yet but even staying there a couple nights on the weekends while we look at homes is enough to turn me off. The woman that lives above us has two little yappy dogs that will bark at anything. Couple that with her obvious size 12 concrete shoes that she walks in and the fact that she gets up for work at 1:30am and you've got a recipe for a very unhappy tenant--ME! We do have an offer in on a really nice home with what I'm calling a "garage-mahal" in the back. Keep your fingers crossed

that they accept our offer so we can move!

Diet wise I'm doing well. I'm keeping up with my exercise and sticking to the meal plan as best I can. As previously mentioned, I went to 5 days a week, down from 7 so I'm providing a few meals on my own. As long as I can stick to the low/no carb regimen, I think I'll be OK. I'm at 222.5 or so and hoping I can drop into the teens very soon. I feel better than I've felt in a long time and it's all due to the weight loss, eating plan and exercise. Unfortunately when we let these things slide we end back up where we started; tens of pounds overweight, eating poorly and not exercising. Then we can't seem to figure out why we feel so bad. Hmmmmm

Stumbling through another week...

I feel like I'm stuck at 224...not that it's a bad thing but I'd like to hit the teens before the end of July! I knocked my meal program back to 5 days a week/3 meals per day because it seems like I have a backlog of extra meals. With the recent holiday and an extra shipment while I was on vacation, for some reason I have several leftover meals. I'm trying to get my wife to eat them and I hate throwing them away...I pay for them, ya know. Invariably I end up eating a breakfast or two off program and a couple of lunches or dinners so 5 days should be plenty to fill out the week.

My last shipment was completely destroyed by UPS. I mean I barely got it home before the whole box just fell apart. I don't know what they did to it but I hope no more arrive like that. I called DTG and explained what happened. Even though they have no control over what UPS does with their packages they were kind enough to ship my next set of meals for free! Great customer service.

I've been pretty stressed out lately with the move (we got an apartment in MS over the fourth) and looking for a house to buy, plus keeping up this one in LA. Having a structured meal plan like DTG has kept me from going off the deep end and stress eating. Knowing that there is food available for me to eat and that I'm not left to my own devices has really help me to maintain these last few weeks. I'm back on the treadmill, after being sick last week...just wasn't up to it. I really want to get into the two hundred and teens. With a little luck and some hard work I will get there and maybe my offer on a house in MS has been accepted...cross your fingers for both.

The move and the 4th was a success but I'm paying for it now.

I hate being sick. I've been feeling this coming on for several days now but somehow was able to shrug it off. This is my second day of missed work. It all began Saturday June the 28th as I drove to Florida with my son. He had the sniffles but I didn't think much of it. He would spend an entire week with his "poppa" and I would turn right around to Louisiana dragging a 20 foot trailer to move my wife to Mississippi fourth of July weekend. In preparation for the move we kicked up all kind of dust and even got some furniture from an elderly couple (with cats) from across the street. I believe my sinuses began to pay from that point on. It has also been very dry with record breaking heat.

The move went fairly well and we were able to spend the rest of the 4th of July weekend enjoying the festivities with my wife's family and community friends. Sunday we headed east and stayed the night at her new apartment in MS, son in tow. She had to go to work early so my son and I kept the Gulf coast on our left for most of the ride home. My intent was to drop him off at daycare and head to work sometime before noon. As the ride home wore on I began to feel increasingly worse and warned my assistant that I may not come in at all. Just before I was ready to bring him to camp I decided to take his (and my) temperature. They were both over 101. We were going no where...the same was true this morning as we were both over 100 and I felt worse today than yesterday.

Now to the weight loss. Let's back up to Sunday June 29th. My wife and I packed the majority of the furniture headed to MS on that day. She has been working in the Biloxi area since Set. 2007 and commuting from New Orleans almost daily. That night we decided to go to Ruth Chris Steakhouse for dinner since our son was with his grandfather...for the next week! We went with a plan and I'm proud to say that we were able to stick to it. Once nice bottle of red wine (2003 Lancaster estates) we'd split the lettuce wedge and broccoli au gratin but each have our own steak...no desert, no appetisers, nothing but what we ordered and it was awesome!

I received my food shipment on Thursday and am happy to report that it arrived in much better shape than previous shipments. The food was stacked properly and still had ice crystals between the packaging so I know it was still frozen. I had Friday off so that morning we got up early and drove the trailer to MS and had it unpacked (with help) within 30 minutes. I was able to stick to the program pretty well throughout the weekend and even walked Saturday and Sunday morning on the point. I was able to enjoy some boiled shrimp, roasted pork and sausage from the feast but managed to avoid all of the sweets except a few slices of ice cold watermelon. I'm down to 224 now so that's 34 pounds. I missed walking Monday and today but am hoping I feel well enough tomorrow to get back on the plan. Well, time for lunch and some more medicine.

It’s amazing what exercise can do and how it makes you feel.

I am loving my new treadmill as it is the “new girl” in my life. You guys know how that is, right? You get something new in your life and you pay a lot of attention to it. Unfortunately the attraction usually wanes and it soon becomes insignificant. Well, for now anyway, the treadmill is high on the list of things to do each day. My new Ipod Shuffle should be in today and the sports specific headphones I ordered too. Walking each morning for 30 or more minutes has not only kicked my weight loss into high gear but I feel so much better all day. I’m convinced it’s the exercise.

I won’t bore you (or waste the time to find any) with the scientific research supporting all of the claims and benefits of exercise but in my case, it’s true. I have lost 33 pounds now and that’s a full 5 months in to the DTG program; an average of 6.6 pounds per month! Not too shabby. I hope to continue each day with my treadmill in the hopes that I can shed the LB’s. so pray I don’t fall out of love with my new girlfriend.

I was having some shipping issues after returning from vacation. I didn’t contact Diet To Go right away thinking it may just be a glitch with their packaging and packing. As previously stated, some of the food was unlabeled and it was mostly thawed by the time it got to me. Granted, we’ve had record breaking heat these past few weeks so I don’t expect the shipments to be rock hard when I unpack them but because they were stacking the meals on their sides before shipping the liquid would run out of the packaging and into the plastic over-wrap as the food thawed. I was not pleased. I decided to send an email to DTG about this condition and was happy to receive a positive reply. For the most part, DTG didn’t know what was happening with their “ship” customers because their clients rarely said anything or simply stopped receiving their shipments without comment.

As a side bar, my sister used to be married to the most famous chef in America...yes, Emeril. When they opened their first restaurant together there was much trial and error. It was funny when people would come up to my sister and tell of their experiences while dining at their restaurant…some good, some bad. She would listen intently to whatever problem they encountered and usually followed up with the question: “did you tell anyone at the restaurant about this.” Sheepishly, most would just say no and that they didn’t think it was a big deal. My sister would explain that if “we” don’t know this is happening, how can we correct it? The lesson I learned was if something is unsatisfactory you must say something. Not only so it can be made right for you but the other party needs to know that something is wrong as well.

With that said, I was happy to know that my email went to the “big cheese” at DTG and was promptly addressed. He oversaw the packaging personally to make sure that no mistakes were made and that the food being shipped would arrive the way it was intended. DTG tells me that they ship a sample package to themselves to their California location for inspection but didn’t notice what I was experiencing. Either way, I’m happy with their response and their restitution. Customer service is what sets any company apart from the rest these days and it’s appreciated now more than ever with this economy. Everybody wants to make sure they get what they pay for. I am still amazed by the food and am ecstatic that I am still losing weight eating this good. I’m 27 pounds from reaching my goal of being under 200 pounds. At 6.6 pounds per month that’s just 4 more months. I’m giving myself a new challenge in the hopes that by my birthday on November 7th of this year, I will be under 200 pounds!! Wish me luck and if you’re looking to increase your losses, start walking 30 minutes a day. I feel better and I know it’s helping me lose more weight.

Woke up way too early, couldn't go back to sleep.

Well it's just after 5am and while the rest of the family sleeps I'm typing away at the computer. I didn't post a loss this week but I did increase my activity. I'll chalk the no-loss up to "building muscle mass." I don't know if it's true but I'll fool myself into thinking that anyway. I was able to exercise on the treadmill M,T,W, and F. I cut the grass in near 100 degree heat so I will count that as exercise too. I'm planning on taking a walk this morning as well but will likely take Fathers Day off. I'm really liking the treadmill. I hop on with my IPoD and a cup of coffee and walk for about 35-40 minutes. It's a bit over a mile and a half by the time I've cooled down but I figure that's pretty good for just getting back into it. I've always been the type that sets unrealistic exercise goals therefore I never achieve them. I come out of the box great but the fervor wanes and I end up ditching it. I'm hoping that by walking 30 or more minutes in the morning before I get my son (and myself) off that it's just enough to keep me interested and enough exercise to lose some weight.

I'm still loving the DTG food. As I've said before, the low carb plan works for me. I'm still a bit disappointed in the packaging but I'm told by the folks at DTG that it too will change. They have been including a re-freezable gel pack in with the food. I'm not sure what it's for or if they've abandoned the dry ice all together but my meals are not as rock hard frozen as they've been in the past. Add to this the fact that whoever is packing the meals lays the trays on their side so now as the meal thaws it all slides to one side and the liquid leaks out of the tray and into the plastic vacu-sealed bag. I've received a combination of the vacu-sealed bag containers and the newer type where the plastic is just heat sealed over the top of the container. Some of the food this go around didn't even have labels on them. If I had my preference, I'd choose plastic sealed with the label on top so you can tell whats in it without having to turn it over and mess up the meal inside. I'll keep you posted as to whether or not Diet to Go calls me for for my packaging advice. LOL.

Happy Fathers Day! Bo

Pictures of my trip out west are available.

You can view them at my Facebook page. Follow this link.

Also, anyone interested in buying a motorcycle can see all the photos here.

Jeez...has it been over a week since I posted.

Last week was a bear as my co-worker was on vacation. Yes, he had to do all my duties while I was gone too. I was pretty busy but I did have a productive week. Here are a few details. I bought a treadmill Thursday evening!!! My delightful, elderly neighbor paid over 3 grand for this pro-gear treadmill several years ago. I was able to pick it up (literally and figuratively) for $600. It was like wrestling an alligator to get it out of her house and across the street but I made it. No way I was going to walk on the thing that night but I did do 25 minutes on it Friday morning and posted another one pound loss so I'm at 227 and a total of 31 pounds!

I did a few home improvement projects over the weekend and even snuck in a bike ride. I saw some coffee-house improv Saturday night with a friend and enjoyed his company and some spirits. Sunday was a lazy day but not without it's drama. My wife's brand new car got side swiped while sitting on the street in front of my house in broad daylight. The car didn't stop but left a couple of parts behind so with some investigating, I'm hoping to find out the type of car and maybe even find it parked around the neighborhood. Sad and upsetting all at the same time.

I did 30 minutes on the treadmill to start my day this morning and I'm hoping I can start each morning this same way. Even my son is patting my belly and encouraging me to keep it up. With the new exercise routine and my DTG food I'm poised to knock off another 10 or so as soon as possible. I spent most of my downtime yesterday going through my closet as my double-extra-huge shirts just swamp me and I've easily dropped from 44's to loose 40's now so those pants and shorts have been put away. I'm hoping I have my "skinny" shorts and shirts tucked away somewhere because the closet and drawers are quite empty without the fat clothes in them.

Now is the time I really need to focus because this is the time I usually begin to slip back into old habits. It's been almost 5 months that I've been on the program and I know if I start to loosen the leash I will quickly back slide and be kicking myself for doing it. I think bringing on the exercise at this point in my weight loss was the right thing to do as it injects something new into my routine and will hopefully keep me focused and on track. Congrats to those who are also doing well on the program and for those who still think they can eat off the plan you need to re-focus and realize what you came to Diet to Go for. You wanted help and someone or something to guide you. You took the first step now trust the program and follow it to a tee...the weight will come off. There are too many success stories to think otherwise. You CAN do this and you have all the tools you need. It's much like a smoker though; they won't quit until they are truly ready to give it up. You have made that decision and accepted the help so stop thinking you can control it and give in to the program. It will take you there soon enough. Stick with it and good luck.

What a wonderful weekend.

This was my first weekend back home since I left for vacation. It was nice to spend Friday night at home with the family. We all got to see watch a movie and share time together. I spent most of Saturday unpacking and washing clothes. I promised my son we would go to the theater...we all did and saw UP! Really enjoyed it, too. I was even able to work in a home improvement project by replacing the screen in our storm door. I just finished a Flat Iron steak with asparagus, onions and spinach and am settling in for the evening.

I looked at a treadmill today. There is a sweet old couple that lives across the street from us that are getting to the point where they can no longer use the stairs in their home. She explained yesterday that they were considering moving their sitting room from the upstairs to the first floor but they need to get rid of some stuff to do it. In addition to some furniture there is a wonderful Life Fitness T3 treadmill that has been barely used. I know she paid over $3000 for it several years ago and I'm thinking of bringing it in to my home now so I can walk in the morning. I wouldn't mind walking outside in the morning before work but I can't leave my son alone in the house just yet...he's only 6.

I must admit I ate some carbs this weekend that weren't on the plan. I don't know how it will impact my weight loss next week but I expect to just hit it hard and get back on the plan. It was a few stone ground crackers with some cheese. I also had a wheat tortilla with the hamburger patty from DTG. I may have even had a piece of chocolate, too. Whoops. Again, I'm not going to beat myself up over it...just jump back on the wagon tomorrow. While on the subject of food, I was confused by my most recent shipment. It appears they have either gone back to the old packaging as ALL of my meals were fully vacu-sealed instead of (what I thought was) the new method of just sealing plastic over the top of the container. Maybe they changed their mind about the newer packaging. Given a preferrence, I like the peal off lids rather than having to cut open the bag which tends to load with liquid and spills sometimes.

Thanks to all who gave words of encouragement as I find it better to know that there are others on the program. I have tried to leave comments on some of your blogs sites but for some reason I can't post. Don't know why. Please check me out on Facebook; search for Bo Boots Walker if you have an account. If not, create one and connect with tons of friends, colleagues and people of like minded interests. Diet To Go has a site filled with fans and don't forget to blog on their site as well. Now, how much should I give that nice old lady for the treadmill...

Back to the grind.

It's hard to believe it's only been 2 days back at work. I don't know why but it appears to take a really long time to knock out an 8 hour day. I miss vacation already. Anyway, it's back to business as usual now as I will receive my normal Thursday shipment and plan to get back to hitting it hard. I really want to drop another 10 pounds over the next 5 weeks so exercise will become a very important factor. I need to force myself to get out during the day so I can get some movement. Sitting in my chair all day does nothing for my metabolism or will to live. I would like to add some home exercise as well. I am planning on either getting up earlier to do my "slide" exercise thing or take a walk in the evening with the family after it cools down a bit. I'm sure the DTG food will do it's part...I just need to do mine. Here are a couple of pictures from my trip; as I get more I'll post them too. Above is a self portrait at the Devils Backbone in Utah...below, a picture of the bad-ass bikes that took us there. I may post some video as well but will need to edit it some so it's not too long.

Back safe and sound...and 2 pounds down!!!!

That’s right; I stepped on the scale this morning and was 228! I was really surprised to see that I was able follow the rules of the low carb plan and come back lighter than when I left. I think the key for me was not eating any starches…no buns on the burgers, no fries, crackers, beans, pasta, corn, etc. I ate salads with protein on top as often as I could and some days lived on beef jerky and protein bars for lunch as we were in the canyons of Utah and no place for take-out! I allowed myself 2 glasses of red wine each evening and I think I had one beer with dinner but only because they didn’t serve wine.

My riding partner and I had some problems along the way that may have added to my stress. That in itself would have been a trigger to begin eating like a mad man but instead it empowered me to try and overcome those old behaviors. Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be riding together anymore and doubt we’ll remain as close of friends as we have been over the last 10 years but our traveling habits are just too different and unfortunately irreconcilable. As for pictures; I shot most of them with his camera and the video I shot was saved to his computer. If I can get him to send me a disc I’ll post some for all to see.

Prior to leaving on May 22nd, I used the DTG website and called the 800 number to cancel my shipments for a couple of weeks. Somehow, I still received a shipment on the 21st so I had my wife freeze everything until I got back so I had food ready when I returned on Monday. The shipments are to resume this week so I anticipate getting my ice chest of goodness on Thursday. I’ve noticed something different about the packaging though. The good news is DTG has gone to a heat shrinking process to close the meal containers instead of the vacuum packed variety of old. The clear plastic is just over the top of the open compartment and doesn’t encapsulate the entire package. I find it easy to just poke a few holes in the top and microwave as usual rather than having to cut open the package. In some cases, once the food thawed it was easier to spill over the lip of the container only to be caught inside the plastic wrapper…causes quite a mess. This way is cleaner and keeps the food separated if in different compartments of the tray. One problem though. I would prefer they put the label on TOP of the container rather than on the bottom. Again, once thawed, you have to either turn the meal over to figure out what it is or raise it over your head to read the label. Looking through the clear plastic doesn’t do much good because they tend to fog up once the condensation settles on it in the freezer. I have also had several meals come with NO label whatsoever. It’s a mystery until all others have been identified using the meal plan sheets.

I would like to offer one more suggestion. It would be great if the meals were color coded in some way. When I go to unpack my weekly shipment they have been in an ice chest for 4 days. The dry ice is gone and most of the meals are still very frozen but I try to get them in the refrigerator or freezer as fast as I can. I have a spare “fridge” outside under the patio so it’s anywhere from 80-95 degrees out there so I don’t like leaving the doors open for too long as I sort out the food. I use the top shelf of the fridge for breakfast, middle shelf for lunch and bottom for dinner…same in the freezer. (there isn’t usually much more than an extra gallon of milk and some cold waters so I have the room.) By using a colored dot system or label it would be easy for me to separate the meals quickly without having to hold each one over my head to determine what it is and where it goes. It’s a little think but would be greatly appreciated. I also have to bring my breakfasts and lunches to work with me once a week so it would speed that process as well as I’m standing outside packing a plastic bag to go.

I’m thankful for the Diet to Go program and what it has allowed me to do. I’m hoping to reach my goal within the next 6 months and keep it off or good this time. As my fellow DTG’er Steve shared Oprah’s words of wisdom in his own blog; “losing weight is easy, keeping it off is hard.” One need only look to the cover of this week’s People magazine to see Kirsty Ally has gained 85 pounds again after being the spokesperson for Jenny Craig. We’ve all done it…me, twice on NS alone. Jenny twice, too. Work the program and it will work for you but don’t forget to learn something along the way. One of the biggest problems is we rely on these programs to shepherd us to skinny-land but once separated from the flock we run amok and go back to our old familiar ways. Know what you’re putting in your body and what it does to fuel it each day so when you no longer need the helping hand of guidance you can fend for yourself once on your own. I’m still loving the food and now better understand why DTG sends the food that they do after being aloud to “go it alone” for several days. Good luck and keep doing what you’re doing…it DOES payoff!!!

Finally have a chance to post...ON VACATION!!!

OK, here's the down and dirty on what's going on with me. I left last Friday for my annual trip out west. I ate breakfast and lunch on the DTG plan before leaving but had to snack and eat on the road. I was smart enough to boil some eggs before leaving so I had that available along with some almonds, beef jerky, protein bars and even some pork rinds. Our first stop was for dinner just outside of Shreveport. It was a diner with a buffet. I normally avoid a buffet but it had fresh vegetables and some fish, chicken and fruit...so that's what I had.

We spent the night in Longview, TX and awoke to a free breakfast. They actually had something other than dry cereal and honey buns so I had 3 little egg patties along with some sausage. For lunch we stopped at Cracker Barrel so I ordered the BBQ pork with cole slaw. Dinner was a Rib eye with roasted vegetables and a salad. I really trying to avoid all carbs so no dinner rolls, crackers, potatoes, etc.

Sunday morning we were in Albuquerque, NM and I'd saved a piece of steak from the nite before to have with my morning eggs...which I did, 3 hard boiled. Lunch was quick in Farmington, NM as we had many more miles to go so we stopped into the KFC for their new grilled chicken plates. No dinner roll or potatoes, just chicken ad cole slaw. Keep in mind that as I grew hungry along the way I had the snacks mentioned above to munch on and I was drinking plenty of water. We pulled into Mexican Hat, Utah around 3pm and got our gear ready for our first ride. A quick run down Comb Ridge and Butler wash and we were both exhausted and ready for dinner. There is a really cool place called the  Swingin Steak and yes, they actually swing your steak over an open flame. The meal comes with a salad and pinto beans with a huge piece of Texas style toast...I just had the steak and salad along with an ice cold beer!

Memorial Monday we woke to beautiful blue skies along the San Juan River so we took a walk  to start the morning. A short hike along the ridge of the San Juan River was exhilarating to say the least. We also took the opportunity to fire off a few rounds from our weapons as no one was around in this desolate area. Scrambled eggs and bacon topped off the morning. We are on the bikes for most of the day so we lunched on protein bars, hard boiled eggs and cheese sticks. It filled the belly as we traveled to Hanksville, UT. It's a pretty small town so food choices are limited but we actually found a place where we hadn't eaten before. I enjoyed a nicely grilled chicken breast with delicious green beans and a salad vowing to come back Tuesday night for a steak.

The short walk to "Blondie's" for breakfast got our blood moving. I ordered 3 scrambled eggs with cheese and 2 sausage patties along with a fruit cup...it look refreshing and it was. We rode hard all day in the Temple Mountain region north of Hanksville and just outside Goblins State Park. We lived off of beef jerky and protein bars so by the time we made it back for dinner we were ravenous for a well prepared steak. Our little restaurant didn't disappoint! The rib eye was cooked to perfection with a side of green beans and a salad. Delicious!

My goal here is to enjoy my vacation and not come back from this trip, like so many others, at east 5 pounds heavier.  (I want to just maintain what I've lost; which by the way is 28 pounds. I was 230 the Thursday before we left.)I think that because I haven't been eating anything fried, I feel so much better out here. I haven't suffered with the altitude sickness as in past years nor have I felt zapped of my energy. I truly believe that what I'm eating is having a profound effect on the way I feel and the way I'm performing on my rides. It's amazing. I may not get a chance to blog again but I'm thinking about you guys. More later and lots of good pics!

I've got good news and GREAT news!!

Let's start with the good news. I lost a pound this week bringing my total to 26 pounds! It was a rough week because I was a bit depressed that the scale didn't move last week but I'll take the pound and see if I can post a big loss for next week getting closer to my goal of 30 pounds before vacation. I find with the low carb plan the weight loss comes in spurts. Unfortunately, a lot of times the weight lost is dependant upon how well your bowels moved that week. I've mentioned before that for some reason all that protein tends to bind.

Now the great news; I went to the doctor for a checkup on Tuesday and of course she noticed I have lost weight but more importantly my blood work was remarkable. I won't go into too much detail but I can tell you my triglyceride levels have plummeted considerably. I'm still outside of the normal range but being in the 300's is leaps and bounds better than when the number was so high they could calculate some of my cholesterol numbers. I was once at 1059!!! My A1C level has dropped down into range and my glucose levels have dropped from 138 into the 120's. This morning my own stick came up 99! It's the first time I've been out of the triple digits since I don't know when.

My doc was so impressed with the results that DTG has given me she asked for some information from them that she can give to interested patients. I'm walking talking living proof that this program can and has lowered my blood sugars while losing weight. It's another shining endorsement for the DTG program, I feel. I've noticed some new followers of this blog that are new to the DTG program. I hope you are encouraged by these results because chances are you too are dealing with the same issues I am. Diabetes is rough and I want to avoid becoming an inject able diabetic like the plague!

I'm hoping to pick my exercise up a bit more. The elevator is a ghost to me...I haven't taken an elevator ride in over two months now as the dozen or so trips up and down three flights of stairs has gotten easier. It's not an organized program but it's all I have right now until I can find a way to shake my schedule loose and exercise. I feel so much better these days and look forward to losing even more. I'm wearing clothes that still have the dry cleaners tags on them from the last time I fit into them...it's like a new wardrobe! The comments from people that know me all say they notice a difference and to keep it up. We have free concerts every Wednesday in Lafayette square. I ran into several people that knew me and they all commented on the weight I've lost...some were encouraged by it too. Stick with the plan; the plan will work for you.

Happy Mothers Day!

First, let me catch you up on where I stand. Last Thursday I did weigh in but couldn't post a loss...no gain but no loss so I didn't Bog that day. I have been extremely busy trying to prepare for my trip on the 22nd. It has taken most of my weekends and several days during the week to get ready but I've been able to stick to my meal plan pretty well. I've decided I'm not going to try and travel with my food and luckily, DTG doesn't seem to mind if you stop and restart so I plan of putting my order on "pause" for the week I'll be gone and resume it when I get back. It should be easily accomplished through the Internet or with a simple phone call. DTG's customer service is very good unlike some of the other diet plans out there.

Now, to mothers day. I'm fortunate that I still have my mom. As mentioned, I lost my dad better than a dozen years ago. We all miss him and I'm sure we will talk about him often today. I am cooking a late lunch for my mom, her friend, my sister and of course my wife and son. The menu is certainly something I could eat with a few exceptions but I plan on heating my DTG meal and eating with them. Grilled chicken, cheesy vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower) with a garden salad and some garlic bread is the fare for them. It just so happens that I too will be having chicken.

My initial fascination with green beans for breakfast is waning as it's just not that appetizing that early in the morning but for the most part I am really enjoying the low carb meals. I still get surprised by the variety and flavors put in that little tub. Last night's salmon and vegetables was delicious. The pot roast was fantastic as was the prime rib. I also want to say hi to some of my new followers who have decided to blog along with starting their DTG plan. I think it's a great way to chronicle your experience and will help keep you honest in the long run. Please remember to turn your comments on so we can respond to your postings and good luck. It's an amazing journey and it's well worth it.

Happy Moms Day.

Made it through the weekend pretty well.

Friday after work I went to my buddy's house to work on our motorcycles as we get ready for our trip. I brought my DTG food with me and ate with his family...flatiron steak with asparagus was pretty darn good!

We had an early rise Saturday morning to get to Mississippi and meet with the Realtor. We saw almost 20 houses in about 6 hours. We stopped for lunch at (almost) world famous BBQ joint "The Shed." I would have loved to have had a big sloppy pulled pork BBQ sandwich but opted for just the brisket meat and some coleslaw. It was terrific, too. We were home in enough time for me to have DTG but I couldn't have been more proud that I made some good decisions at lunch that afternoon.

Sunday was another early day for me as it was back to the grind...literally. We were working on the trailer getting it ready to roll so we were welding and grinding and cutting and bolting and painting. It was hard work in the warm sun but I kept hydrated and believe I only ate 2 meals on Sunday.

I had a talk with my rather large co-worker today about the low carb plan. I believe it would benefit him as well because it CAN be easy to lose weight IF you follow the rules. He's on insulin among other things to control his sugars. I hope I can convince him that losing some weight and controlling his sugars could add years to his life. If you too are dealing with poor health because your weight I can't recommend Diet To Go enough. The food is great tasting and they send you everything you need to assure success. I get new lab work tomorrow and I'll have the results when I see my doctor next Monday. I really hoping to see some positive results this go around.

So much to be thankful for...so much.

Well, I feel I've hit a milestone in my quest for health and fitness. I've lost a total of almost 25 pounds as this morning I was 233.4 pounds. I feel better, I look better and I have people commenting more frequently now. I'm also wearing smaller clothes. I have several reasons to be thankful. One is that my company laid off almost 1000 more employees on Tuesday bringing to total to almost 3000 in the last three months...I'm thankful I have a job. I'm also thankful for my family. It was my wife's birthday yesterday and my son and I baked a cake for her simply enjoying each others company. Oddly, I didn't feel the need to reward myself with a slice but I hear it is wonderful. I am also thankful for Diet To Go. Here is why.

I want to talk specifically about the food in a bit but even my wife commented that I have never been so satisfied while on other programs. Honestly; tonight's meal of chicken wings and drumettes with a delicious blue cheese dipping sauce plus this fabulous artichoke heart and ham salad was incredibly satisfying. I mean, I felt like I was eating some good old fashion comfort food and my wife said I don't remember you licking your fingers on Nutri System or any other diet for that fact. The light bulb went off in my head...she was right and the fact that the meals are so good and so close to what I could fix myself or order in any restaurant made me believe that I can make it. I've eaten some incredibly tasty and satisfying meals over the last several weeks and I don't recall having that satisfying feeling AND losing weight at the same time.

I had a beef short rib with bordelaise sauce and celery puree that you'd swear was mashed potato's. The bordelaise was as good as I've had in any five star restaurant and I've eaten in a few. The Wasabi Catfish and Oriental Pea Puree with Stir Fry Veggies was another surprise. It was flavorful and moist and the "food designers" at DTG have put together combinations that I would never have come up with. I am really enjoying the new menu's!

I'm also thankful for the new packaging. I feel DTG is listening to me when I comment on something that just isn't quite right. Last week I wrote an email to Rachel at DTG warning of the potential hazard that the dry ice causes on their packaging. It appears that when the dry ice back is placed directly on the food after its packed it makes (a part of) the container brittle and it can shatter into the food. I came accross a couple of pieces last week and was thankful I didn't choke on it. It appears they have headed the warning because this week the dry ice bag was on the bottom (instead of on top) and the food was in a large foil-looking bag with packaging pillows on top and then sealed. They even have a new way of sealing the meals! Instead of just vacu-sealing them in a bag with the label on the bottom (which makes it awkward to figure out what's in it without turning it over---if thawed, it makes a mess) they now simply heat seal a clear plastic cover over the top of the container and the label has been moved to the top which makes it easy to see the food and read the label. Bravo!

So, I know it's not Thanksgiving but I have a lot to be thankful for. Enjoy these fine photos of a much thinner, healthier and better feeling man.















For comparison, below is my first photo at 258.

Great weekend...great weekend.

With everything that is happening in NO this weekend it's no wonder the masses had a good weekend. The weather was pretty good and opening weekend of Jazz Fest was a success...as usual. I have my sister-in-law in town for the Fest so we are were all pretty busy. I got up early and went to work on my dirt bike rebuilding the carb...and it actually ran when i put it back together. Then, my wife decided on a new vehicle so we went and purchased that. I'd forgotten how exhausting the "back room" can be but we made it through.

After a Starbucks and omelet with sausage breakfast I loaded up the bikes and Trikkes in my truck before we had to return the rental car and then went to the Lakefront for a family outing. It was quite windy but I managed to ride a few miles before we packed it in. I'm counting this as exercise...of course. I came home and was motivated to install a bicycle hanger that I'd bought years ago. It's one of those deals where you can hoist the bike up and out of the way with the pull of a string. I then ran my generator (a must if you want to keep it healthy for hurricane season) and pressure washed some brick on the north side of my house...I'm counting that as exercise to, right.

Lets get down to the food. Again, I am really impressed with low carb menus. They are increasingly flavorful and filling. Tonight's whitefish and wasabi (not really wasabi but mashed peas with some heat) was really good. I really enjoyed the beef patty with cheese on top and vegetables, too. I'm hoping for another good week and another good loss so hang in there and I promise, barring emergency, I will post some new pictures...have a great week.

3 pounds this week!!!

I really wish I had more time to blog but with my wife's car breaking down and a fun-filled work week I've been really busy. The problem is I, I am really excited about the meal low carb plan and want to share my thoughts with you. I mean, I'll eat something really delicious and should follow my instinct to post a blog but something always jumps in the way. Granted, I haven't been using the toaster over very often (that came in so handily on the low fat plan) but there are a few things that are just killer when put under the broiler. Like the half-chicken...seriously, that was a meal one night; a half chicken with the skin on! I microwaved the meal to get it warm and finished it off under the broiler to crisp up the skin...crunchy good and of course full of flavor.

The beef short rib(s) in creamy mushroom sauce was only missing a couple of things...a couple more of those tender-tasty ribs. WOW! Breakfast has been wonderful. It's usually some form of eggs; fried, quiche, omelet, etc. and then some form of meat (and vegetable) sausage link, patty or bacon. I hit it with a few dashes of hot sauce and man, that's some good eatin'...even the pork chop! The baked chicken stuffed with goat cheese was a crowd pleaser as well.

If I can avoid the sweet stuff and munch on some raw veggies, beef jerky, hard boiled eggs or cheese sticks when I feel snackish I'll be just fine. I don't miss the bread...yet, and I've somehow been able to avoid the "sweets-fest" at night enjoyed by my wife and kid. Have I mentioned that my sugars have been almost 30-40 points down from the low fat plan. I've been amazed that I've had a couple of readings in the "one-oh somethings" instead of 140-150 and beyond. And yes, I lost 3 pounds this week bringing me to a total of 23 pounds.

I promise to post some pictures as soon as I can because others are starting to really notice but this weekend will be pretty busy as I'm working to get my motorcycle together for my upcoming trip out west and we have to pick up our NEW car this weekend as well. Not to mention that my sister-in-law is in town for opening weekend of the NO Jazz and Heritage Festival. Oh, and the Zurich classic (for you Golf fans) is also in town. I'm really motivated to have 30 pounds off of me by the time I leave for vacation next month! Thanks DTG.

Wow, what a crazy week.

Well, I was really excited to post a nice blog Thursday with my new weight (Yes, I made the 20 pound loss mark) including some new photos and details about the low carb plan but unfortunately my wife's car broke down on the road again. She was just outside of Mobile, AL and began to overheat again. It was actually Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday they had a new water pump (since we already replaced the radiator and thermostat the week before) and installed it but it still overheated. The shop she had it towed to in Florida began to think the last shop didn't replace the thermostat but simply said they did so they pulled the thermostat again, put another one in and took it for a long test drive on Thursday. Long story short, it overheated again and of course blew the head gasket so I grabbed my kid, threw a few clothes in a bag for the both of us and headed to Florida right after work to rescue her. Friday we left early to get back for a half day of work and school for myself and my boy. Being that the car is ten years old and blown head gasket is terminal so we're looking for a new car. We picked up a rental for the week so we're cool for now.

OK, that was a long way to go to tell you I actually traveled with my DTG food and was able to avoid stress eating by bringing my pre-packaged meals. They're convenient, tasty and have helped me lose 20 pounds. I'm really enjoying the flavors too. I'm not used to eating tons of veggies for breakfast...or with every meal but if you eat nothing but the protein you may have some er um...troubles in the bathroom. I promise some pictures this week but let me just say that I found a couple of meals that weren't to my liking. Unfortunately the salmon makes the lost again...my wife loved it though. For some reason I just don't think it packs well. It's belief that it probably comes to Diet To Go frozen. It's then thawed, seasoned and cooked. In my case it's flash frozen for shipment and the I thaw it and cook it again. I love salmon! My wife and I found a spectacular way to cook the frozen kind you can get from Sams Club or Costco. You wrap it in cling wrap with a pat of butter and whatever seasoning you desire and cook for only about a minute...no more than two per piece. It comes out medium rare and cleanup couldn't be easier; just remove from the wrap onto a plate, drain the juices off with it and throw away the cling wrap. There's just something about the way it turns out that I find unappealing. Oddly, my wife loved it so to each his own.

I was really looking forward to the prime rib tonight but was a bit disappointed with the cut of beef. It was rather fatty and a bit sinewy which made it difficult to chew. The sauce and veggies were great and the flavor of the beef was wonderful but if a better cut of prime was used it would be perfect. With that said, everything else I've eaten on this new low carb plan has been delicious. I really enjoyed the chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese. Breakfasts are really good too with lots of gooey cheese, ham bacon or sausage and terrific salsas and sauces. If your currently on the low carb I hope you're enjoying it like me. If you're doing the low fat and and looking for something to change it up I highly suggest the low carb. Now, I have a friend that has been busting his but to lose weight and he HAS been successful (35 pounds) but I can promise you he hasn't enjoyed his meal plan half as much as mine. I'll detail out slightly similar approach in my next blog. Now wish me luck finding my wife a new car. Luckily with my years in radio, I've crossed paths with several different dealerships and won't have any trouble getting a good deal.

Yes, I lost another pound...details to come.

This IS the stimulus plan for me.

As you have all read in previous posts, I really enjoyed the low fat meal plan from DTG but the Low Carb menu is the plan for me. I have noticed a real difference in the way I feel just from the 5 days I've been on it. I am less hungry because the protein fills me up and I find my energy level has really increased. I've followed the Atkins/Sugarbusters/South Beach plan before...years ago before going to Cancun on vacation. I dropped 15 or so pounds real quick. I wouldn't say I was ripped in a swimsuit but I felt less fat knowing I had lost a few before stripping down by the pool. What I'm realizing now is this is how I will need to eat for the rest of my life. My blood sugars have dropped from the 140's and 150's to the 120's. I get new blood work next month and can't wait to see what my fasting A1C readings will be.

The food is really well seasoned. I'm learning to love green beans with every meal including breakfast...OK, love may be a bit strong. But, to quote any chef in America today; "fat is flavor" and let's just say this diet has plenty of flavor. I love having bacon...even on things I wouldn't think need bacon. Cheese is abundant as are the different spices used in this meal plan...as opposed to the low fat variety. I am looking forward to what comes next as everything I've eaten so far; green beans and broccoli included have been really good. The breakfast Quiche had a chubby little sausage with is and lunch was a delightful chicken breast with bacon, pesto sauce and veggies seasoned to perfection. Tonight's stuffed flounder was much better than I expected it would be with a small fillet of flounder stuffed with a well seasoned mixture of other kinds of seafood...with the requisite green beans and cauliflower.

I'd be feeling a whole lot better if I didn't have to write a very large check to our commander in chief to blow on stimulus packages...so I didn't. I wrote a very large check to myself...rather my financial advisor. I made the maximum contribution to my IRA and reduced my tax liability considerably so for those of you last minute filers looking for a break consider paying yourself instead of the government and feel better about your retirement years as they are approaching faster day by day. Happy Tax day...

OMG...the Low Carb meals are THAT good!

It seems I’ve been writing this Blog entry in my head since Friday morning but finally have a chance to put it down and post it. Because I had a few Low Fat entrees left from previous shipments I decided to start the Low Carb plan on Friday morning. From the moment I put those tasty little full fat sausages in my mouth I knew I was going really enjoy this plan. Don’t get me wrong, the low fat program has plenty of flavor but when you haven’t had fat for a couple of months it tastes really good. The western omelet (that included those 2 tasty sausages) was delightfully cheesy and had ham bell peppers and the right amount of western seasoning. I recall licking my fingers…seriously. I’m happy to see that breakfast is repeated several times in the meal plan.

Lunch was a large 6-8 inch piece of Andouille sausage with a zucchini and squash mix that once seasoned with some Cajun spices had me wishing for rice to pour the liquid over. For those that don’t know what Andouille sausage is, it’s mostly pork but ground with lots of Cajun spices and seasonings. The best comes from the heart of Cajun country around Lafayette, La. But this truly wasn’t bad at all.

I left work early for the Easter weekend and went to my Father in laws house in the panhandle of Florida. We all got a chance to visit and then settled in for dinner. The enjoyed a stuffed chicken and I was blown away by the Grilled Pork Chop with Green Peppercorn Sauce and Garlic Cauliflower Puree Green Beans & Roasted Peppers. The pork was really tender and I loved the peppercorn sauce. The cauliflower puree was just like having mashed potato’s so it didn’t feel like I was missing the carbs. They all had desert…none for me, I was satisfied.

Saturday morning was another surprise the Scrambled Egg Breakfast Egg Patties, Canadian Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Spinach, and Cauliflower was just what I needed because I knew it would be a long time before lunch. It was delicious and filling and got me through to our family style (Easter) lunch. My in laws have several hundred acres of property and I like to go and shoot when I get the chance. Having emptied most of the ammo I brought through several different guns we headed back for lunch.

It was hotdogs and hamburgers for them but I sat down to the Beef Short Ribs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Kale & Red Pepper Broccoli Florets. The rib was tender and juicy with a flavorful sauce…I even ate the kale. Really good but I did supplement my lunch with a hamburger patty…no bread or other fixings. I hope that meal returns to the menu several times as well.

Dinner was the Lemon Herb Chicken Cheesy Broccoli with Bacon Green Beans. I absolutely want whatever seasoning they put on the chicken. I’ve used lemon pepper seasonings for years but this had some crushed red pepper in it and when I tell you it was spicy, believe me it was. The green beans soaked up all the extraneous spices and tasted just like a spiced green bean you’d put in a bloody Mary. Again, really delicious!

Sunday morning’s Vegetable Quiche, Sausage Patty & Spinach was a great start before we got on the road to head back. Unfortunately my son and I needed a pack of “wheat-n-cheese” crackers to hold us over until we got to “Grammy’s” house for Easter dinner. I brought in my Spicy Salmon & Spinach Salad with Bacon Round &Marinated Vegetable Blend. I ate the chunks of salmon and bacon but still had a piece of spiral sliced ham and a small yam to feel like I was part of the family. My sister brought several different kinds of cheese to munch on as well so that kept me satisfied too. I wasn’t even hungry for dinner even though my mom sent home some pasta salad…never touched it.

I think me and the low carb menu are going to work out just fine. I noticed that growing up, after a big bowl of pasta, we all would fight for what we termed “the digestion couch.” First one there would fall out and likely fall asleep after a big family gathering like this. I find that eating the large portions of protein has the opposite effect on me and I’m energized by the meal. I have to put my trust back into Diet To Go that they know what they’re doing because food that tastes this good shouldn’t be called diet.

Another Milestone while on Diet To Go!!!

I've been wanting to make this post since the moment I stepped off the scale this morning but have finally gotten the time to write it down. I'M UNDER 240 POUNDS!!! As of this morning I weigh 239 and feel like I've accomplished something. I was going to wait to pound the drum until I lost a full 20 pounds but It's in my sight and I'm hoping by next week I post up a 20.

For some reason this has been a very stressful week of work and I apologize for not posting more often but I've been mentally spent each evening and just didn't have the energy to blog. Today I feel I have something to say. Not only about my weight loss but I start the low carb diet tomorrow and it's Easter weekend and I'm traveling so...

I unloaded my low carb meals today in an ice chest that actually survived the trip intact. I can tell the DTG packers that strapping that box of extra calories to the top is what is ruining the integrity of the chest. If you're getting your meals and the chest is being crushed; ditch the extra calorie box and save some calories and likely your ice chest. The food looks great and I can't wait to dig in. Full discretion's to come as I go through each week.

I'm sitting in front of a table full of chocolate right now and yes, I'm tempted...not tempted enough to reach for a piece but I can't lie; the Reece's PB cups are calling me. My young son has had Easter activities all week so there has been candy around every day. We will be spending time this weekend at my father in laws house on the water. I fully intend to pack my food and stick closely to the meal plan but I'm not going to beat myself over a few indiscretions. I'm hoping for more seafood, actually.

I wish you all a happy Easter/Passover and will take the weekend off from blogging to be with my family...we'll talk again then.

This by far is my favorite time of year.

Spring has definitely sprung here in Louisiana as the weather has been really nice. Out temps were in the 70's to 80's yet tonight we will hit near freezing temps on the north shore of lake Pontchartrain tonight so it may be a chilly ride in for me on the motorcycle. Why the bike? well, last week my wife's car failed her while during her daily commute to Biloxi, Ms. The radiator failed and left her on the side of the road around 5am in a less than desirable stretch of I-10. We got her to the repair shop but it took until Friday to get a radiator and make the repair. She drove it over the weekend and it seemed fine but overheated on her just a few street from the house so back to the shop it goes, she takes my vehicle and I'm on the bike...not so bad but it may be a bit chilly because Mondays highs will only reach around 60 degrees.

I met a couple friends out at an old Haunt Friday evening for a couple of "oat sodas" and some good conversation. You guys would have been proud that I excused myself shortly before 8pm, leaving the others to "do as they may." By the time I got home my wife and one of my sons schoolmates mother were sitting in the driveway enjoying the cool night air and having a glass of wine. They picked up some fresh boiled seafood and had just finished off the crawfish but offered me the dozen or so boiled shrimp that were left. Yes, they were fantastically boiled, spicy and went down great with a crisp Chardonnay. I let that be my dinner and went to bed not long after because I was planning on meeting my drinking buddies tomorrow morning to prepare the trailer we are taking out west in May for our annual trek through the deserts and mountains of Utah and beyond.

I didn't spring right out of bed but was making my coffee by 7am hoping to have breakfast and meet the crew by 9am. I called about 15 till nine and it was clear that I was the prudent one last night. These grown men had hurt them self with several pitchers of beer and were paying for it. I gave them an hour reprieve hoping they could recuperate by then. Wit a few parts from the Lowes, we fired up the plasma cutter and split a 1/2 inch piece 4x4 solid steel to make a welding table. I must say the plasma cutter is damn impressive by any standards. It uses compressed air shot through a very small hole in a "gun" that is is electrified to the voltage of lighting. That piece of 1/2 inch plate could be cut with steady hand at an inch every 2 seconds. Smaller gauge steel and aluminum could be were stripped at an amazing 100 inches per minute...you do the math. I got a change to weld, grind and drill all in the same day making it a very manly day indeed.

I left the house fully prepared to bring my smoked turkey sandwich and side bean salad but walked out without it so we decided on the Whole Foods mart for lunch. They had some pre- made turkey sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and turkey on whole wheat so i picked up a bag of Terra chip (luv those things) and a bottled water and hoped that would suffice. By dinner I was amazingly hungry from the days work and enjoyed the Ravioli but being that I'm not a huge mushroom fan couldn't appreciate the large slices of Portobello in the red sauce. Really good though.

Starbucks Sumatra kick started my day thanks to my wife making the run. I swallowed my handful of daily meds with it and had a banana for breakfast. I busted out the turkey sandwich that I left home yesterday and ate it instead...had a few Terra chips leftover from yesterday too...how bad could they be for you, right. They come packed along with the DTG meals sometimes. I took a short n=bike ride out to the lakefront on my way to dropping a pair of festival tickets off to my 21 year old nephew. I intended to walk around the festival before the concert started but because my wife's car had to go back to the shop we wanted to get it over there so they could get right on it in the morning.

Tonight was one of my favorite meals from week two. It's a delightful blend of scallops, shrimp, fish and broth that is so good the only thing I could think would make it better is if it were served over rice with a delicious crust or two of our local french bread...it does come with a roll and stick of string cheese and pudding but if I could have a gumbo sized bowl of that with the bread I wouldn't need anything else. We'll see what next week brings with the car drama and Easter Sunday. I'm planning a little getaway with the family to Florida for some fun in the sun...and maybe a few Easter egg hunts for the boy. Have a great week and thanks to all of you who take the time to comment and suggest things...anything is helpful, of course.

didn't lose but didn't gain.

OK, maybe I haven't been as diligent with my diet plan this week but I needed a little break. I'm sure the crawfish on Sunday started it all but for some reason I was ravenous at work this week. That usually isn't the case but for some reason I wanted to snack. Nothing bad; I didn't binge or anything but I'm sure I "munched" on a few things at work and at home that kept me at my status quo. Last week I was at 240.4 I weighed this evening and I was 241 on the nose...that's nothing more than a good BM for me so I'm calling it even.

I'm still pondering changing to the low carb Diet To Go Plan. Even eliminating the extra calorie packs of yogurt, jams and jellies, juices and extra bread, my sugars have been higher than normal since starting DTG. My morning readings are 140--160 or so and by lunch (given what I may have had for breakfast) can rise closer to 200. No one will be happy with that...doctor or myself. I realize the low carb is meat and fat heavy but I'm on a good cholesterol statin and I recently had a stress test and heart scan and things looked fine. I'm more worried about putting my sugars back in line than severe blockage due to cholesterol. I'm a firm believer that everybody has a set of "body norms." My cholesterol has always teetered around the same number ever since I began checking it several years ago as have my triglycerides. I also believe that some "bodies" are comfortable at a certain weight even if considered unhealthy by the medical community. Sure this goes against conventional thought and I'm certainly not advocating that you stay at 400 pounds because "your body told you to." I am saying that there are several factors that determine a healthy weight for certain individuals including blood type, body type and diet.

I have always been able to lose weight on any diet...sticking to it is the key. There always came a time though when I needed to get over a hump or plateau where you had to consume way less calories that the diet plan called for...you had to go to bed hungry. It got to the point to where if my stomach wasn't growling all the time I didn't feel I was losing any weight. That can certainly lead to an eating disorder and likely has. It's like athletes who actually begin to enjoy the pain. Believe me, I was never in any real danger because I could ALWAYS go right back to pleasuring myself with food. (many bulimics and anorexics can't draw that line) I'm hoping to do things different this time but feel I might "react" better to the low carb diet plan at DTG. I've done well on Atkins and Sugar Busters before but if I'm being honest a lot of the dishes in the low fat meals are vegetable based and many don't appeal to me...I'm a meat eater; always have been.

I'm planning of making the call tonight so by next Thursday I'll have a new set of menus and food. I'll keep you posted on how I like that plan, too. Also, I want to share with you guys that of the 7 shipments that came in the "ice chest" version and not the cardboard box and insulated panels, only one arrived in good enough shape to be used again and not completely destroyed. The food never spoiled or none of the meals were unusable but I love how on the DTG site it says you get a free ice chest with the delivered food...no ya don't.