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.