Crunch Time!

It’s crunch time. I’m down to one month to go on my Perfect Weight America diet. Unfortunately my goal weight of 185 pounds is still a long way from a reality. Not that I’m not doing well. I’m hovering just over 210 pounds. But with 30 days to go, it doesn’t look good. Since I’m an all-or-nothing kind of guy, this is the real test for me. Will I be able to stay the course, knowing that I very likely will fall short of my goal? Still, wherever I land, it will still be a far cry from 240.

The benefit of the rapidly approaching deadline is that I’ve been a lot more disciplined about eating the right foods and exercising regularly. At first I was wheezing five minutes into my workouts, but now I have more endurance. The next challenge will be to maintain this lifestyle after the four-month period is complete. Eating and exercising routines are like your character—they’re only put to the test when temptation strikes and no one is watching.

My 36 Jeans Make a Comeback

I’m well into the second half of my diet and I’m down to 215 pounds. Still a long way to go (my goal is 185), but I’ve lost over 20 pounds.

Does it ever feel good! I feel like one of those people in a cheesy diet commercial. But instead of dancing around in white, saying “Call Jenny!” I’m squeezing on my old size 36 jeans and bragging to my wife. “Check it out. Haven’t seen these in a while, have you.” I guess that’s how a man celebrates weight loss.

The loss has come a little slower than I had hoped. I’m the kind of person who wants immediate results. I think a lot of other guys are like that too. That’s why crash diets, with calorie limits, are so popular.

But I’m glad I’m doing Perfect Weight America instead. Jordan Rubin explains why the whole counting calories method is bad news. On those diets you can fill up your calories with whatever foods you want. Of course everyone chooses bad foods. What happens, Rubin explains, is that your body begins starving for nutrients and inevitably the body wins out. You break down and binge. That’s why those diets always fail. But on PWA, you eat all healthy, whole foods. It’s not about counting calories. It’s about getting the food your body needs. And when it does, you’re less hungry for junk food and therefore less likely to fall.

Though crash diets may work better in the short term, going healthy is by far the better option. And, hey, you still lose weight. I’m living proof. Next time you see me, I’ll be wearing my old 36 pants, even if I have to suck in my belly a little.