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!!!