I was surprised to see today the heat index in Manassas.  Holy crap it’s hot today!!

Contests can be won or lost by ones state of mind.  My state of mind this weekend (that eventually lead to my failing at the challenge) was that I was having great beer at a place called Dogfish Head Alehouse.  They make great brews.  Why, you might ask, would I put myself in a position where I could lose?  Well, truly it was the challenge to myself…to see if I could resist.  I had done it many times before in these past 16 days…but tonight I chose not to.

The best part to this whole failing was I didn’t really eat a bad item as I probably should have.  I ended up eating a salad (which was delicious) instead of eating some fat, juicy bacon burger topped with all kinds of goodies.  No…I ate a salad.  So, maybe, just maybe, this whole challenge has really taught me to eat better.  I’d like to think so.  While I have lost the challenge to my friend Tim, I do plan on continuing not to eat out…call it a personal challenge.

Current weight loss is ~10 lbs.  It means that I’m loosing around ~2lbs a week…which is fine by me.

Well, the day has come and gone…and I almost had two deal breakers today. It was a brush with defeat that I didn’t want to happen. Luckily I made it through.

The day started cleanly enough. I made my coffee and sat down at my desk to read through emails. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted it…a delicious Anita’s Breakfast burrito gifted to me by my boss Tom. Without thinking I scooped it up, took it to the microwave and…….while carrying it back saw my friend who INSTANTLY reminded me (just by seeing him) that I was still in a bet. He said I had such a sad face when I realized I couldn’t eat it. Blah!

The day continued and I finally was able to get home. However, I was faced with a decision which such dire hunger pains in my stomach…break the bet and eat out, or, go home and make food. I normally would have just gone home to make food without thinking…but my hunger was just so great from the days events! Finally, as I was driving down the lane towards Chipotle (which makes an awesome (mostly healthy) naked burrito (no tortilla)) I made myself face both an moral and ethical decision. Do I go home….or do I eat out.

Luckily my mind prevailed and told me (yes, mind spoke to me) that I should just make my own naked burrito. I know, novel idea…but sometimes I just don’t think about that. I went to the grocery store….and not Chipotle.

Bought myself some cooked black beans (canned), pinto beans (canned), cheese, hot sauce, low-fat sour cream and some crunchy chips. When all was said and done it was a damn yummy meal that could give Chipotle a run for it’s money.

Maybe I should open Ward’potle….any takers?

It just goes to show me (possibly you) that someone who is so tuned to participating in social events (most likely including restaurants) can easily, almost, fall back into a lull…and not think about the actions of the moment. I’m glad I made the decision I did today.

Well so far the challenge has been going pretty well. I have to say that I’m admitted surprised at myself that I’ve been able to carry on for so long! There have been many challenges along the way so far including gambling and drinking with friends…which…I actually packed a lunch for!! However, there is a lot of road ahead of me so far.

Current weight loss is ~8lbs.

So with 1 week down of 8 to go in the no restaurants personal challenge…I’ve been feeling pretty damn good!  Renee and I have been cranking away producing good eats around the house.  I have to admit, I’ve had:

• A huge amount of energy last week from eating at home.
• A jump in my wanting to exercise outside (albeit not in the extreme temperatures of late in VA).
• A reduction in weight.  Lost ~4 lbs so far.  I plan to hit my goal of 220 by the end of the month.  200 is where I need to be per my body structure.

Now that the first week is over in the challenge, I feel pretty positive that I can make it all the way to August 31st.  As part of my reduction goals, I’ve also scheduled time to hit up the gym with my friends.  They routinely do two hour stints of working out.  I’m sure this will help.  Additionally, I’ve radically increased my fruit and vegetable consumption ratios.  I feel like I’m going to start sprouting grapes from my head!

Overall I can’t wait to see the results of these changes.  I think they’re going to be dramatic enough that I’ll shotgun my will and confidence to pursue other goals…such as running a race, or, finally gaining that physique I’ve always wanted.  Only time will tell.

Off to eat some fruit .