June 27, 2005
Update: First non-calorie counting week
I just wanted to leave a quick note letting you know that I took my measurements this morning and I'm still at about 8.5% body fat after my first week of not tracking what I eat. 
It's going to be tougher the next couple of weeks because we have company and have stocked some junk food in the house. This weekend I indulged a bit but now that it's back to the weekday routine it'll be easier to stay on track.
Tip for junk food and company: indulge just enough to get your fill. The trick works beautifully because your stomach will be hating you within a few hours for loading up on the garbage. I find this little move keeps me off of the sweets & fried foods quite well. Other tip? After they leave, toss leftover sweets, etc., in the trash. And things in wrappers go to the homeless shelters.
Great ideas, thanks. We've actually done the "throw away" thing. After having guests over for dinner we try to send them home with dessert and whatever is left after that gets tossed.
I just don't want that stuff in the house because if it's there I'll know it in the back of my mind and I'll eat it at some point. 
Vic
Vic,
You haven't mentioned your back problems for several weeks. Can you update us on how you're doing?
pr
Actually I think it's probably improved somewhat, I suppose. I had a few days where it increased quite a bit, but it backed down within a couple of days. It's really wierd as sometimes it's predictable and sometimes comes out of nowhere for brief periods.
Generally the same things set it off though: Too much time standing in one position or slow "mall walking". I don't think about it since I'm so used to it.
Thanks for asking. 
Vic
Vic,
When your back is bothering you, are there any specific exercises you find best for cardio / fat burning that don't irritate it as much.
I'm asking because I have this one problem area in the lower thoracic / upper lumbar area that is easily subject to injury. Last year I hurt it doing deadlifts so bad that I had to lay off everything for around a week or so. Anyway, yesterday I was trying to step over some electrical cords that were stretched out above floor level & tripped on one - I didn't fall, but that spot flared up again. It felt o.k. this morning until I got on the treadmill. As soon as I started jogging I had to stop because of the jarring motion. I think tomorrow I'm going to try some KB swings etc. because it seems like I'm able to use tension & control in a way that is o.k. for my back that I can't do running on a treadmill.
Thanks - Darren
When doing swings, brace your abs and try to find a position for your low back that's neutral. I do that by paying attention to the level of tension in my low back as I do swings... I tilt my pelvis forward and back until I find a zone where it feels "open" and only my abs are tight.
Also, if you usually use a 54 lb kettlebell, back it off to a 36.
Vic
OK, Thanks Vic. I'm going to at least start out with the 36 pounder tomorrow. Alot of ab tension seems to be key.
