Unveiled: My Autumn 2010 Weight Loss Plan
Each year, as the leaves begin to fall, my weight begins to climb. I have many good reasons for this annual phenomenon, all of which share the common theme of blaming something besides my exercising less, while eating more.
This year, however, things will be different. This year I have noticed the warning signs early. In early September, for example, I noticed that I was tending to wear my bigger jerseys, just because they fit a little more comfortably. In mid-September I noticed that I consistently had good reasons to go on rides that have less climbing. In late September, I noticed that my knees squoosh into my gut when I pedal.
Subtle hints to be sure, but I am a very observant person.
Armed with knowledge of what had happened and what would — if left unchecked — continue to happen, I have created a plan to nip this problem in the bud. Specifically, I have created a weight loss plan to carry me through the rest of this year.
But this is no ordinary weight loss plan. No. This is a plan that takes into account the realities of life. It is a practical plan. One that I can — and will — follow.
Week of October 4
This was the week immediately preceeding Levi’s GranFondo. A hectic week, and I really didn’t have much time to get to the grocery store to buy lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. Plus, I knew that I’d be going to Santa Rosa on Thursday and that it would be practically impossible for me to eat well during the next few days.
Still, I’d be going on a long, demanding road bike ride on Saturday, and that would be a great starting point for me to begin the next week. I would establish and hold to good eating habits and get on track to having lost the ten pounds I’d like to have off by the time I go to NYC for the NYC Marathon.
Net Weight Change: + 2 pounds
Week of October 11
Of course, following the GranFondo, I was completely ravenous for about three days, and who could blame me? I was replenishing my depleted energy stores. Not to mention rehydrating.
Sure, there are probably better ways to rehydrate than drinking a gallon of chocolate milk per day, but after all, there’s lots of research that shows chocolate milk is an excellent recovery drink. So I wasn’t being a glutton; I was recovering.
By the time I got to Wednesday (today), I felt pretty much recovered. There’s just one little problem, though: the kids have the next two days off of school, so today we’re loading up the family into the minivan (yes I own a minivan, shaddup) and heading to Southern CA for a vacation to Magic Mountain.
And honestly, can anyone really expect me to successfully diet while at an amusement park? No. It’s impossible. I may as well loosen my figurative belt (figurative because I never actually wear belts)and just enjoy myself. I’ll start dieting Monday. And I’m going to be hardcore about it.
Net Weight Change: + 2 pounds
Week of October 18
I’ll get home just in time to get caught up on work for a few days, then I’m off to Austin for the LiveStrong Challenge / Ride for the Roses. I’ve been there before and know that while we’re all ostensibly gathered to ride and celebrate the good work we’ve done fundraising, it’s actually a three-day food fest.
Besides, I’ll be hanging out with Team Fatty, and that’s no time to diet; that’s a time to celebrate! Plus, one more week isn’t going to make any real difference in the grand scheme of things.
Net Weight Change: + 2.5 pounds
Week of October 25
From Austin, I’ll be flying to Chicago for work for four days. It’ll be an intense four days of work, broken up only by lunch being brought in (I love sandwiches and potato salad!), and then late-night dinners together with coworkers. I’ll need to be at the top of my mental game that week, and I can’t think clearly when I’m hungry (and don’t even get me started on how grouchy I can get).
I’ll get home on late night Thursday, and then it’s trick-or-treating with the kids on Saturday. I know myself well enough that I realize that if I start dieting on Friday and make myself all hungry right before Halloween where there’s candy everywhere, I’ll just pig out worse on Halloween and will — paradoxically, I guess — gain more weight because I dieted than if I hadn’t dieted at all.
So I’ll wait ’til the next week to start dieting.
Net Weight Change: + 3 pounds
Week of November 1
A quick few days at home, and then The Runner and I fly to NYC for the NYC Marathon. At this point, starving myself is counterproductive. I need to carbo-load for the race.
Seriously, I’ll start dieting right after this marathon.
Net Weight Change: +1.5 pounds
Week of November 8
I really do diet this week. And I’m good about it five days out of seven.
Net Weight Change: -2.8 pounds
Week of November 15
My success of the previous week goes to my head and I gather a false confidence: it’s not so hard to lose weight after all! I begin to back off on my clearly-over-regimented diet.
Then, on November 17, I get LASIK surgery, and my exercise plan falls apart. I lie in bed for a couple of days, milking my minor eye irritation for all its worth. And I eat my body weight in cheese-fries.
Net Weight Change: +2.8 pounds
Weeks of November 22 – December 31
You know what? The holidays are here. Trying to lose weight during this time of year is like pushing water uphill.
But starting January 2, I am going to lose weight. Seriously. No matter what.
Net Weight Change: +5.6 pounds
Total Net Weight Change: 16.6 pounds
Conclusion
I have high confidence that I can make this plan happen. In fact, I’ve already got a good start on it.
Comment by Clydesteve | 10.13.2010 | 11:12 am
Fatty – This sounds like my plan. Eeeeerily so.
Let’s do a little dieting together in Austin!
Comment by jodie_a | 10.13.2010 | 11:37 am
Fatty – Just imagine how much worse it would be if you didn’t plan ahead. My plan is to eat polish sausages while watching hockey at my local arena for the next few months while lamenting the cold weather. I’m guessing that will be good for at least a pound a week. I know it’s still 60 degrees outside, but it’s going to be cold soon.
Comment by Dan | 10.13.2010 | 12:01 pm
Oh Fatty, Fatty, Fatty – You have copied from my play book for sure. Of course I’m such and overachiever that it would take 3 of you to make up one of me. Of course January 2 isn’t that far away and if we follow the plan we can certainly be successful!!
Comment by Paul Guyot | 10.13.2010 | 12:06 pm
If only you could work in a Tour de Donut between Austin and NYC.
Comment by Squirrelhead | 10.13.2010 | 12:08 pm
I really think that you need to write a weight management book with this type of planning Fatty. You would sell millions of copies and the world would be happy and peaceful. You could change the world. Sadly I have to go against your plan or I will lose a bet and have to hike a mountain in a speedo in December. hmmmmmmmm I could use your plan and just add on some warm layers.
Comment by Lisa | 10.13.2010 | 12:10 pm
My goal for the holidays is always “DON’T GAIN”. If I stay that same I am a happy camper.
Comment by Flatoutjim | 10.13.2010 | 12:13 pm
Excellent plan. Very easy to follow.
Remember, if you turned skinny, you would have to go around changing your blog template, emailing everyone to advise them that now you are to be referred to as “The Skinny Cyclist.” Who needs all that extra aggrivation? The stress would only cause you to eat more!
Comment by Class Cyclist | 10.13.2010 | 12:54 pm
seems like my kind of diet…although I have lost a total of about 50 lbs since I started cycling 2 years ago…I’ve still got about another 40-50 to lose. and the off-season is a killer! I’ll try to keep up with your weight loss plan – see ya on the road!
Comment by Erik | 10.13.2010 | 1:10 pm
I’m thinking a Team Fatty Tour de Donut in Austin next weekend. Of course, if Mellow Johnny’s has Fat Tire on draft at their aid stop like they did last year, I’m in big trouble!
Comment by Russell | 10.13.2010 | 1:18 pm
I plan on reaching my climbing weight by Jan 1. Really.
Comment by Russell | 10.13.2010 | 1:18 pm
Never really having had a climbing weight I guess whatever I weigh on Jan 1 will do…
Comment by bikemike | 10.13.2010 | 1:49 pm
Setting realistic goals gives us realistic results. I like the way you think.
Comment by MaineMTB | 10.13.2010 | 2:23 pm
No one likes a skinny rider that blogs. He’s just another smug douche in spandex.
Have a donut for me.
Comment by Kyle | 10.13.2010 | 2:33 pm
Turns out, you will lose weight at Magic Mountain-chances are it will be 105+ (unless its below 40), so I think you’ll end up maybe neutral from all the sweat (plus all the food at magic mountain is gross).
And don’t under any circumstances ride “Revolution”. Its terrible.
Comment by Jeff | 10.13.2010 | 2:52 pm
“I never actually wear belts”
– How is that not one of your subtle warning signs? Sweat pants aren’t a warning sign, they’re a blaring siren.
Comment by annette | 10.13.2010 | 3:26 pm
Fantastic! To think, I saw the title and thought, wow, there may be some good tips in there, no just a reality check for the season!
Comment by Team Coffee Nook | 10.13.2010 | 3:55 pm
Jodie_a: We have the same plan, except I throw in a couple of Molsons, eh?
Comment by KanyonKris | 10.13.2010 | 3:59 pm
Fantastic diet plan! Why do we never see plans like this on TV?
Comment by Ventura | 10.13.2010 | 3:59 pm
I wouldn’t say, “my knees squoosh into my gut when I pedal,” but I do “experience abdominal interference.”
Comment by James Chiappetta | 10.13.2010 | 5:16 pm
Fatty
When you come to Chicagoland and you want to do some riding let me know, Ill do my my best to throw something together. I’m sure cyclists like myself in and around Chicago would love to have a chance to ride with a super famous blogger.
Jim
Comment by Yukon 19 | 10.13.2010 | 6:55 pm
I can relate to your plan! My only change would be to seek out some of the great eating places in NYC and Chicago. I once drove 100 miles out of the way just eat BBQ in KC. I’m dedicated!
Comment by Nurse Betsy | 10.13.2010 | 7:55 pm
regarding the Lasik surgery, follow all post surgical instructions. Keeping your eyes moist with the drops will keep you out of pain. I know, I had it done 5yrs ago.
Noodle finished her ride today. Check her out on Twitter @Noodleater.
Comment by Geo | 10.13.2010 | 8:23 pm
I started my plan a month ago. But I am doing no centuries, no charity rides, no marathons and I’m definitely NOT counting any calories (I can’t count above 5,000 so I stop there). I’m actually doing little riding lately due to schedule, weather and other factors. So, I’m already way ahead of you.
Comment by Lisa | 10.13.2010 | 8:28 pm
This is great, and especially knowing the new gear will be shipping soon! We’re all set.
Comment by Jenni | 10.14.2010 | 8:00 am
Now I want potato salad.
Comment by Rob L | 10.14.2010 | 9:28 am
Thanks Fatty! My weight loss is on the 2.5 yo yo plan. Up down up down and so on and I can’t break thru. I can only begin to think that the dairy farmers of america bought off the university/group that did that chocolate milk study. Sure I also feel better after that pint or quart of chocolaty goodness after a ride, especially the next morning. But the oreo’s that go with it aren’t helping! And celery doesn’t go well with chocolate milk. Or salad. Or grilled chicken.
Only peanut butter.
Comment by RL Julia | 10.14.2010 | 9:32 am
I am with James Chiappetta – Chicago is a great place to eat (at any price range!)- and ride your bike (hills? What hills?)- and ride your bike to places to eat. Know you are working and all but if you want some ride/food recommendations or a tour guide while you’re here its just an e-mail a way.
Comment by Doug (WAY upstate NY) | 10.14.2010 | 9:47 am
Fatty,
If you have another trip to the LiveStrong Austin Ride to give away, I would be happy to eat some of the food so you don’t have to. Just my little way of helping :)
Comment by Philly Jen | 10.14.2010 | 11:11 am
The alternative, of course, is Noodle’s weight-loss plan. Just ride America from sea to shining sea and you will definitely lose some junk in the trunk.
Congrats to Noodle and Precious on finishing their epic ride!
Comment by Mary from NC | 10.14.2010 | 12:03 pm
ok I think everyone needs to see this, it is hysterical. Made by two of my cycling in Greensboro NC
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7348129/
Comment by Mary from NC | 10.14.2010 | 12:03 pm
ok I think everyone needs to see this, it is hysterical. Made by two of my cycling in Greensboro NC
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7348129/
FYI NSFW
Comment by Hautacam | 10.14.2010 | 12:27 pm
Are you allowing for cake shakes during Lasik recovery? Or the 5 grams of facial hair you will gain during MO-vember?
Just curious.
Comment by Jenni | 10.14.2010 | 4:55 pm
Fatty, PLEASE give a huge shout out to Noodle- so so super amazing!!!!!
Comment by MrDaveyGie | 10.14.2010 | 6:28 pm
That made me so hungry reading all that, I have to find some food, I’ll comment later.
Comment by Brandy | 10.14.2010 | 10:33 pm
I love your blog and have been reading it for a long time and this is my favorite post yet. Don’t get me wrong, I love all your posts, but this is definitely my favorite…THANKS!
Comment by Tom | 10.15.2010 | 12:27 pm
Damn… I actually thought you might be giving some advice on this cuz it happens to me every fall… Oh well….It was entertaining, thanks….
hens
Comment by Rich | 10.15.2010 | 5:19 pm
Hey Fatty, love the diet plan. Was just watching your video from Levi’s gran fondo. If your footage is a fair sampling of the ride, it appears to 95% downhill. Don’t get me wrong, I think that’s awesome, just not sure why you were whining so much!
Comment by Kathleen | 10.15.2010 | 9:34 pm
I can totally relate to the whole “who can diet while on the road” as it’s been my undoing for the last 2 months. I can say that LASIK won’t have you in bed for 2 days. You’re going to be so psyched you can see that you’ll bouncing around like a kid. Just drink a beer with the pain meds they give you so you are good and knocked out for the first 4ish hours. Those are the worst.
Comment by Rob | 10.17.2010 | 11:46 am
Anyone get their Twin Six Fatty gear in the mail yet? It was supposed to start shipping a week ago, so I’m just curious.
Comment by Marilyn Wheatley | 10.17.2010 | 4:53 pm
Facebook someone comment that they got their fatty stuff on saturday so hopefully this week we will be able to sport out gear.
Comment by Lindsey | 10.17.2010 | 8:07 pm
I’m pretty sure I’ve been following your weight loss plan since February. I think I need to go the opposite direction now.
Comment by NYCCarlos | 10.17.2010 | 8:18 pm
yesssssssssssssssssss I JUST GOT MY FATTY KIT IN THE MAIL!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Grant | 10.20.2010 | 10:35 pm
Sorry to ignore most of your post, but I am latching onto your LASIK refernce… this is something particularly dear to me – I had glasses from when I was 12, and hated it with a firey passion. At 33 my eyes finally stabilised enough to have the surgery, and I have just had my 1 year post-op checkup.
My Dr tells me that not only can I now be a pilot, but I could also qualify to be an astronaut! As a child I always dreamed of going into space, but now it can be a reality!
Comment by Weight Loss in VA | 11.19.2010 | 1:17 am
potato is good also in weight loss its more on fiber. i love potato…