So what is my secret? Not much of a secret but anyone that knows me definitely knows I wasn’t out running two miles every day, or even running any further than the bathroom from my office chair! I took a less stressful approach and cut a few things out of my routine and added a few things to it:

1. Cut out some unnecessary sugars: By reducing my sweet tea intake, I easily cut several hundred calories a day from my diet. I still have a glass here and there with dinner or lunch, but not constantly drinking it as my constant drink. Instead, I decided to substitute a few things:
   1. White Lightning – This is an energy drink I have been drinking for about a year now. It is healthy, low sodium, 24 calories, 6g carbs (2 from sugar), and high on Vitamin C, Niacin, and B vitamins. You can get this from Triunity (bought in boxes of 30 packs which are mixed with bottled water). Don’t drink this within 5 hours of getting ready for bed.
   2. Water Mixers – you know the ones, they are little flavor packs that you mix with water and get from Walmart next to the Kool-Aid. I like Grape and Kiwi Strawberry.
   3. Water – In between other drinks, I have a full bottle of water.
2. Eat Breakfast: I typically do not eat breakfast and then grub like there is no tomorrow at lunch. By eating a small something (bagel, fruit, eggs, whatever) within the first hour of getting up I am able to “jump start” my metabolism and also not so hungry at lunch that I have to eat until I feel like I am going to pop.
3. Light Lunch: Keeping lunch light instead of having a side of ribs and bowl of potatoes helps keep the stomach from expanding to the point of no return. I have taken lunch down to a turkey sandwich (or two if I am really hungry). This typically knocks the hunger off and I can eat a snack in a couple of hours (apple/banana/bagel/something)
4. Somewhat Healthy Dinner: Food that is good for you does not have to taste bad. I simply knocked off the fried foods. We now will have chicken breast, pork ribs, steak, etc typically with a vegetable and a light starch.

My physical movement has expanded some as I have been playing a driving range game on my wife’s Wii Fit Plus (bought at Buy.com – use that link and it will save you $10 on any $200 order). I like the driving range game because it helps me stay balanced while swinging the hell out of the remote. I also enjoy playing the bowling game on Wii Sports (which shipped with the Wii)

The final secret is an appetite suppressant. I did good without it but when my weak moments hit, I would take the TriThin Magic, another product put out by Triunity. You can get a free bottle by visiting FreeMagicDiet. It is a pain to go through the sign-up process, but worth it to get a great product for free.

My goal is to get down to 180 pounds (maybe a little less). I am currently 209, started two weeks ago at 232…. STAY TUNED!