40 Pounds of Purpose

Lack of Discipline = Gain in Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:07:00 +0000

My life has been crazy, well, for the last 8 years... Itinerant ministry, church planting, parenting, multi-tasking employment, and my personality are all contributing factor to this chaos. However, in the midst of all of this, I believe that I can lose weight if I become more disciplined.

I'm not going to advertise that I'm blogging here. Some of you will read it because you are subscribed to this blog or because you check on it from time to time. So, you are welcome to join me once again on this journey. I need to be healthy... I must be... Please pray for me.

10 Pounds on Purpose!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

I'm in my 3rd week of swimming and I have already dropped 10lbs and 2 inches. I know that probably 6-7 lbs is water weight, but I am not complaining! My jeans don't feel like biker shorts anymore and my moobs are going way down!

Also, I wanted to encourage all of you out there who have been struggling forward with me in this battle against gluttony, sin, obesity, unhealthiness, etc., to check out a blog written by a friend of ours. Her name is Caryn Turner and she is the wife of my good friend Kempton Turner. They are currently serving at Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, MN. Caryn is in the middle of a blog series on weight loss, chronicling her journey dealing with the sin of gluttony. Very encouraging! You can check it out by clicking here.

Look Out Champ!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Swimming... I have tried that before... It is exhausting and not fun especially when I'm fat and have moobs (aka man-boobs). However, I had several friends encourage me to try it again. They would tell me how relaxing it is, what a great work out it is, etc. I thought they were lunatics, but finally agreed to try when my friend Dr. Y told me that she would help me get in shape in exchange for some marketing advice, etc.

Dr. Y is an OB/GYN and is exploring the possibility of opening a Women's Wellness Center here in Brenham. She and my mom are the same age (29 :-] ) and she told me that she would go swim with me for the first 2 weeks to show me some water exercises and help me to plan out a workout routine. I thought that this was a very generous offer, so I agreed.

Last week was our first week at the pool. This lady can swim and she is TOUGH. She does have 3 sons of her own, but I was not expecting the intensity. After the first day of swimming I was sore and a bit frustrated. I swam two 25's and then had to run (in the water) because I was tired and WAY out of breath. The second day was easier, but still a lot of half laps. The thought of swimming two WHOLE laps was overwhelming to say the least.

I was sharing my frustrations with a tri-athelete friend of mine, Lee. He told me that there was this swimming video that I HAD to watch. A video? Was he serious? I mean my doctor back in Houston would make me watch a video on eating healthy whenever my weight got too high. The video was somewhat informative, but felt like detention. I learned more about how ridiculous the 90's were than about nutrition.

However, I watched the video this Monday afternoon and it changed EVERYTHING! I went and swam for an hour today. I did laps the ENTIRE 1st 20 minute block! No walking, no stopping! I then did my water aerobics for 20 minutes, then I swam for another 20 minutes! It was amazing! I loved swimming today! I was totally relaxed and my heart was pounding for almost an hour!

In just the past 2 weeks I am already feeling better and my clothes are feeling better. I love swimming! So, to the current champion and record holder. Look out! :-)

Here's how I felt after today's workout:

Questions for friends who swim:
1. How do you get water out of your ears?
2. Do those little shammy towels really work?
3. Do those little speedo shorts make that big of a difference?
4. If I shave my head, do I still need a skull cap?

Here's to hoping for change!

40 Pounds of Failure

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:09:00 +0000

"DO OVER!" Failure again. I was doing so well, but then summer came. Perhaps it is because I am a creature of habit. Or maybe it's just a passive way that I give in to my sense of entitlement, but whatever the issue, I've failed. When I started this adventure I was 238 lbs and then went down to 225 lbs. I am now back up to 236 lbs.

Now, before you give in to the temptation to rush in and make me feel better about myself, I would kindly ask that you don't. This is a real problem for me and not something that needs to be taken lightly. It's a combination of situation, vocation, and sin. Certain situations I can't avoid eating like garbage, BUT I can make wiser choices about portion sizes, etc. Vocation as an itinerant speaker (preacher) forces me into camp cafeterias, airport restaurants and late night fast food runs. Again, it's still an issue of choice, and the scale exposes my propensity towards making poor choices when I am out of my day-to-day rhythm.

So, here I am again starting over. Drinking a lot of water, going to the gym with old guys in their starched jeans, and watching what I eat. I know I will only feel like I am starving to death for a few days and then it will get better. This is frustrating. I have been here before, I know better, yet, I fall. I repent.

Here's to better days...

Original Start Weight: 238 lbs
Loss of weight at the end of May: 225 lbs
Start Over Weight: 236 lbs

I haven't gone on a fat kid bender...

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:08:00 +0000

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted on here. I haven't been back on a steady work out rhythm since the hectic graduation week and post-graduation retreat. However, I have not been eating horribly either. I am hoping to get back to the gym tomorrow and will begin posting here again.

Are any of you still struggling forward with me? Would love to hear your stories.

In a Perfect World - Week 8

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:29:00 +0000

Well, this week was a whirlwind of sorts. I finished my final class of seminary on Monday, had our College Ministry party on Tuesday, church-wide BBQ on Wednesday, graduation rehearsal and Family celebration on Friday, and graduation on Saturday. Beyond all of that, Sunday was a day of worship and rest, as well as travel to my writing retreat here in Willis, TX.

I was only able to go to the gym once this past week due to being sick still. My sinus infection was pretty bad and I didn't have any desire to lift weights or do cardio work outs. I know that since it was 'neck and up' that I could have done it fine according to some blogs I have read, I just was wiped out.

This week, even though I am on my writing retreat, I hope to be able to do some walking, push ups, sit ups, and some other 'home-made' work out routines. Next week should be better as I will conduct it as a regular work week.

However, as I look forward to the summer, I have 4 weeks of camp, and I am hoping to come up with a 'survival plan' at least to maintain the weight I have dropped. However, at best I am hoping to continue to drop weight in a creative way.

Does anyone out there in "Bloggerisville" have any tips on exercises to do when you do not have access to weights?

Starting Weight: 238 lbs
Weigh In: 225 lbs
Total Loss: 13 lbs

Week In Review - Week 7

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:17:00 +0000

This was a rough week. I did not get to 'work out' one time (except for Sunday) and I wasn't able to maintain the strictest diet. A few times I was tempted to just 'forget about the change in lifestyle' and go back to eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and being physically complacent.

For those of you who do not know, my grandmother passed away on April 23rd. I found out the news Thursday morning and had to go non-stop through late Saturday night. We had church on Sunday and then I had to finish a paper. Up until this point my diet and workout had been consistent and on mark, including the enjoyable 'off day'. However, Monday things changed.

We left for the airport at about 7:30 am and I ate a breakfast burrito that I had purchased the night before. We made it to the airport and caught our flight. We landed a bit late and then by the time we got the rental cars situated it was after 4. The visitation began at 5 so we rushed to the hotel, changed clothes, and left for the visitation. So, on Monday I went 16 hours or so without anything to eat. Not the best for the metabolism, but that's how it goes.

For the remainder of the trip I did okay with not eating too bad or anything, but I didn't eat 'clean' like I had intended. We flew home Wednesday and stayed with my in-laws Wednesday night. Steph had a docs appointment in Houston on Thursday, so we went to that and then headed back home.

On top of all this fun, I have been experiencing a sore throat and a cough. I do not think it is the Swine Flu™, but I was not feeling well. So, I talked myself out of going to the gym again today...

Of course, I have great excuses, but... This is a tough season in this journey. When am I 'well' enough to go back to the gym? How do I get back 'on' the diet and exercise program? I KNOW the right answers, but knowing and doing can be two very different things.

I appreciate the love, support, and prayers of all of you. Pray that I get well and get 'back on'. I want to struggle forward.

Six Weeks In

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:28:00 +0000

Week in Review - Week 6

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:18:00 +0000

This week I began to notice changes in the way my clothes felt that were unmistakable. I mean, I'm not like Jared in the Subway commercials or anything (remember those huge pants he'd hold up?), but I can notice a significant change in my waste line. However, my weight in pounds is just about the same. It actually appears that I put on a pound or two. Now, before I throw the scale out the window and go on a food bender, I reminded myself that muscle weighs more than fat...

Also, I wanted to share with those of you struggling forward with me some helpful tips I received from my friend Jason C. who is a US Marine currently stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC:

1) Carb cutoff: picking a certain time of day (6 pm for me) where i wouldn't eat any more carbohydrates other than green veggies.

2) Interval Cardio: doing cardio in intervals of high intensity and low intensity is something I found worked really well for me. It also relieves some of the monotony of staying a single speed.

3) Compound movements: I'm sure that you've already heard this, but stick to using compound movements (bench press, shoulder press, leg press, and type of row or pull up/down). Using more compound movements requires multiple muscle groups, using more energy thus burning more calories

4) Rep range: What I've found best is to, for the most part, stick with weights that I can handle for 8-10 reps per set. Alot of people think using low weight for high reps is only for losing weight, but weight loss has more to do with diet than a specific excercise routine.

Mr. Potato Head Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:24:00 +0000

Today I was working out on the elliptical and about half-way through I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like Mr. Potato Head. It was pretty disturbing, I mean, I know that my body is changing, my clothes fit better, I don't feel like a sausage in my XL t-shirts, and I have to tighten my belt one more notch. What I mean is, my arms looked much thinner and my torso is still thick...

I know that weight loss usually starts in our extremities and then works more towards the core. Steph commented last night that my belly has gone way down, which is good. I also saw a friend that was out of town for about 3 weeks and she said she noticed a difference, too. So, I am encouraged.

However, there is this awkward stage, kinda like kids go through when they are 11 or so, that I am currently experiencing in this journey. It's just part of the process. My XL t-shirts seem a bit too large, and the L shirts make me look like I think it's cool to wear UNDER Armor as my over-armor. So, I guess patience, commitment, and perseverance are what I need to push through this phase.

The weird thing is, that if this is how I was going to stay (how I look), I'm now at a place where I don't know if there's much I'd change. I feel healthy, I have more self-discipline and control, and I don't feel like I'm owned by anything, save Jesus Christ. So, it is a bit discouraging, but overall, I am hopeful.

Slow and Steady

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Well, I'm not having Atkins-like effects (i.e. 35 lbs in 3 weeks) or anything, but each week, things fit better and my bride comments (and encourages me) that I am looking thinner. One of the best things about this process is that I have been doing it long enough now that it is a habit. I can tell if I haven't worked out and I don't like that feeling.

However, one challenge has to do with working out. It's not a motivational issue anymore, but a patience issue. I think since I have been Ellipticaling (SP?) for 5 weeks that I should be able to run 2 miles flat out in like 15 minutes. No go... I did do 20 minutes on the elliptical yesterday and then ran a mile in just under 10 minutes. That took a LOT of work to do, though. Also, I don't want to get so 'macho' with my weight lifting that I hurt myself. I think one of the greatest risks for me at this stage is not quitting, but being forced to quit because of an injury... That kind of thing tends to run in the males of my family...

Also, I have upped the amount of vitamins and minerals I am taking. A friend loaned me his copy of The Rosedale Diet, which has a lot of helpful insights into the Leptin hormone that regulates hunger and fat metabolism. The diet itself seems a bit un-doable for this stage of my life, but I did learn quite a bit about foods to avoid and why. This book was very helpful though explaining recommended dosages/servings of certain vitamins and minerals, while EXPLAINING what each does. That was very helpful.

For those of you struggling forward with me, how is it going for you?

Let me know how to help!

Week 5 - In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:42:00 +0000

This week has been very busy. By God's grace I have kept with the eating healthy and have worked out 5 days this week. I am finally starting to notice a difference in how my clothes are fitting. I was in denial about my XL t-shirts being too small, but in reality I looked like an unaware, overweight, Emo kid.

I hope to begin posting more frequently next week, but for now, I just wanted to check in.

WEIGH IN: 226 lbs
WEIGHT LOSS: 12 lbs

Phantom Gut

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:38:00 +0000

I'm experiencing something pretty weird right now. By God's grace and a lot of hard work, my gut has done down quite a bit. However, whenever I feel "full", bloated, or big I feel like I have the same gut just sticking out. I feel huge, but my stomach is way down.

Now, I have heard about people experiencing phantom limbs, when they lose an arm or leg and they have the sensation of it still being there, but I haven't heard of Phantom Gut. Some of you have been very kind saying stuff to me like, "I never thought you were fat", etc. I appreciate that kindness, but I used to be able to rest my arms on my gut. Also, Braelyn used to say to me, "Daddy, you gonna have a baby?" ... I'll give you a few minutes to collect yourself on that one. Fortunately, she now says, "You are getting a tummy like Mommy's?" So, Phantom Gut is a reality for me right now.

Phantom Gut has a weird effect on me. I start feeling self-conscious and embarrassed when I get that feeling, but then I look down and my greatly reduced mini-gut is there. I am both thankful, and a bit weirded out. I'm sure that with time it would go away, but it is definitely an interesting phenomenon.

I will weigh in once this week, at the end of the week. So, for now, I will eat healthy, workout daily, and remain dependent on God for His strength.

Week 4 - In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:49:00 +0000

4 weeks in now and I'm feeling much better than I was. I don't daydream any longer about inventing a portable elevator/escalator (depending on the location), I don't run out of breath taking the trash to the curb, and I don't automatically have feelings of loathing for people who work out or eat healthy. All positive signs, no?

However, I was just about to throw my scale out of the window when my Mom reminded me that it's probably not best for me to weigh myself everyday at this point in the process. I think she's right.

It just gets so frustrating when I am working out 5-6 days a week, eating much healthier, drinking tons of water, etc, and I still am not dropping the lbs. But, I guess that's the difference between doing a more holistic approach and doing a fad diet. Also, my clothes are fitting much better, I don't look like a stuffed sausage in my XL t-shirts (4-pack of black pocketed @ WalMart for only $10!), and my wife gets closer in when we hug, which is nice.

I also remember that when I got in shape in 2002, that I dropped fat, looked a lot better, etc, but did not start 'losing weight' on the scale until the 6th or 7th week in. My body is just weird like that. There is also no denying that I still have quite a way to go before I get where I want to be, but throw a man a bone, you know? Marathon, not a sprint... I have to remind myself of that often.

To all of you out there reading, praying, writing, encouraging, participating, feeding me, funding me, etc, THANK YOU! We have had over 950 visits to this blog since it began on March 16th! So, please continue to share this blog with folks who you think would be encouraged.

See ya on Monday! Happy Easter!

"That's not a little bit more..."

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

- Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV)

Last night Steph made one of my favorite healthy meals, Taco Soup. I had eaten very well all day, so when I finished my first bowl, I asked if she thought it would be okay for me to get, "A little more..." She said that she thought it would be fine and that she was so proud of how I had been doing. That's how she rolls. ;-)

Anyways, I went to the kitchen feeling like $1,000,000 and excited to have a little more soup. However, when I got back to the table and began shoveling soup in my mouth, Steph kindly said to me, "That's not a little bit more..." Hrmph... She was right, and I was wrong. I thanked her and took a couple more bites and then slid the bowl away from my reach.

I was about to over-indulge and my wife intervened. This is a beautiful example of biblical submission on her part and her desire to honor Christ by being my helper. Thanks, Steph. It was no fun being wrong, but your gracious reminder helped me.

We all need accountability, and I'm grateful for those who have been faithful to me in this time.

Don't Give Up! - Day 23

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:54:00 +0000

I'm now in my fourth week. There are days where I want to tackle people who are enjoying pizza for just a taste, and other days where there are zero cravings. Perhaps that 'thorn' is what I need to keep from becoming arrogant, or maybe just part of the process. We'll see...

Today, I wanted to write an encouragement to all of my friends who are struggling forward in regards to weight/diet/life issues. It is so tempting to give up. If you have a bad day at the gym, or at work, or at home, or a number of other things can compound and make this change seem impossible. However, I want to encourage you, DON'T GIVE UP! (<-- Meant as a positive encouragement and not as the typical all CAPS yell). Look, we didn't get this way overnight, so we can't expect change overnight. There will be days where you "blow it" and eat like a Hungry Hungry Hippo™, and other days that you just sleep right through your 'quiet time' at the gym. It happens, to us all. The important thing to remember is that we are running a marathon and not a sprint (thanks, Steph for the constant reminder!).

Also, I know there are some of you out there that want to join in, but are waiting for the right time. My question to you is, "Why not now?" How about you get up from your computer, go fill up a glass with ice water, and drink a few glasses today. That's it. Just enjoy feeling hydrated for once. Then tomorrow, get up and go for a walk around your block. Do something.

Here are some common excuses that I have given or that I have heard as to why individuals are delaying their repentance:

We're in the process of huge transitions at church/work.
Maybe after Memorial Day Weekend.
Perhaps after the semester.
After the wedding.
After the birth of my 4th-born.
When it snows in Hades...
When my spouse will do it with me.
If I didn't travel so much.
I don't want to eat like a girl.
I've always been taught to clean my plate...

I've either used these excuses myself or heard them (more than once). The point is, if you know that you are out of shape and unhealthy. Not only are you letting down your family (or future family), but you are also in sin. This 'project' is meant to be a place where we can struggle forward in repentance. Not just a help to mask our yuck... So, if you have started this with me, but have since stopped. Start again! If you have been watching on the sidelines thinking, "I should do something", then do something! If you have been struggling forward with me, then "Don't Give Up!"

Let's honor God, our family and friends, and for those of us who God has placed in positions of authority, the people we lead by how we steward our whole lives as worship to Him.

WEIGH IN: 227 lbs
TOTAL LOSS: 11 lbs

The Famous Off-Day - Day 21

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Back in 2002, when I began getting into shape, I read a book called Body for Life (BFL) and stuck pretty well to the diet and workout routine. Lost a lot of fat, gained quite a bit of muscle, and my wife thought I was a 'hotty'. It is a good diet and workout routine, but what I am doing is a bit different. I'm 30 and not wanting to eat tons of processed protein, so I eat more balanced meals.

There is one element of BFL that I totally loved and it was the OFF DAY! You see, you get one day to eat and drink whatever you want. Now, several of my friends who know a lot more about training and diet than I do warned not to go overboard, which I would affirm their caution. However, if you are eating right the remainder of the week, you're not going to want to splurge or over-eat too much. Instead, it's a good reminder for your body that you are not starving to death, a chance to tame the cravings, and a break from the 6 meals-a-day.

This Saturday I had a moderate off day where at lunch I had a bacon cheeseburger and french fries. My snacks stayed pretty tame (with the exception of a small bag(s?) of cookies). Other than that I ate decently at supper, and then resumed my healthy eating on Sunday. Typically, I encourage folks who are just starting this new way of living to skip the first 'off-day' to allow them an opportunity to see some changes. But after week two, then have at it!

We're 3 weeks in now, friends and Steph affirms that my body is changing in shape and getting smaller. However, the weight isn't showing that much 'improvement', but I know that muscle weighs more than fat, etc. Overall, I'm encouraged.

I would love to hear from those of you who are doing this with me how it's going!

Week 3 - In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:30:00 +0000

Saw a super sweet belt buckle at the gym today! This older friend was wearing some wranglers, podia-tastic brown shoes, and this rockin' belt buckle. Much akin to the one in the picture. Please know, if you are an older friend and you are reading this that I am not necessarily poking fun (too much at least), but am glad that you are taking initiative to be in the gym. Also, it says something about those snooty places with dress codes, no?

This week was pretty monotanous. I was able to get down to 228 lbs, which puts me at 10 lbs lost! Also, this week was a good reminder that the transformation of my body will take time. I am starting to lose weight in my face and neck, wrist, and ankles, but am still pretty large in the mid-section. I kind of feel like the shrunk-head guy in Beatleguese™, but I am encouraged that this is just the beginning and know that if I keep this up that the rest of my body will soon follow suit.

I have been amazed by the response to this little task. As of yesterday, there have been over 700 visits to this blog since I began a little shy of 3 weeks ago with almost 300 unique users! Wow! I pray that God uses this offering as an encouragement for those who are in the same predicament of me and are in need of a life change. The last thing I want is just some vain attempt at self-glorification and if you know me IRL (in real life) then you know that my desire is for God to get the glory. To 'get in shape' just for that purpose alone is a vain attempt at transformation. To submit oneself to the leadership of Christ, and thus allow all things in our life to become subject to King Jesus, then we're getting somewhere. Anything less is spiritually bankrupt.

I am hopeful for the next few weeks. If I remember correctly, it is between weeks 4-8 that a noticeable difference becomes visible. Thank you all for your continued love and support. See you next week!

Calming the Chaos

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:13:00 +0000

When everything in your life is chaotic, then it's the area of your life that is most out of control that gets the attention. However, it seems that all the other areas that are out of control go unnoticed. That is, until change begins. This is true in my life right now.

My eating was out of control, my weight was increasing, which also means that my eating habits were way out of whack, and my exercise was near non-existent. However, beyond this aspect of my life, several other areas were out of sync as well. I didn't realize to what extent until I started 40 Pounds of Purpose.

Now that I am well into my third week of this new way of living, I am becoming increasingly more aware of how many other areas of my life that I had stewarded poorly. Namely time, resources, and overall organization. One merely needs to walk into my home office to see what I am talking about. However, it seems that when all these 'plates are spinning' I am quick to just do what needs to be done to keep everything from crashing down. It's not a way to live, trust me.

I am coming to a place where eating is meant to fuel my life, not be my life. Where exercise isn't a physical punishment for my poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. Rather, this area is coming in-line, I am more aware of areas that are not in line... It seems to go that way, no? When we begin confronting one area of sin in our life, the others like to sneak up on us... However, instead of being discouraged, I will hold fast to Romans 8:1:

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (ESV)

I am committed to living a life of repentance, and trusting in the grace of Jesus Christ for freedom.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Finding the Rhythm - Day 16

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Yes. That is a picture of a metronome (for those of you who have never studied music). There is a tempo, a beat if you will, to this new way of life. Have you ever been in a worship service with very kind, godly, yet, very white people? You can tell they love God, but even trying with everything within them, they cannot seem to clap on the down-beat. The Lord is pleased by the intentions of their hearts, but for those of us who by God's grace have a sense of rhythm, it drives us MAD!!!

The past 2 weeks I have been the rhythm-less white dude in a worship service at the gym. Squirming on the bench (remember that Joey?) and wanting to quit half-way through a workout. I remember the days when working out was "fun", but have long since forgotten why I felt that way EVER. However, today I was reminded of the magic of getting into a 'groove' in any scenario in life. Working out is no different.

I am now at a place where the diet is becoming more a part of my life. True, I could do a better job of choosing fruits and vegetables as a vibrant part of my daily snack regimen, but overall, I am eating clean and being discerning about what I ingest. Working out has been sheer drive and discipline. I don't have that 'psych myself out' thing that people get to do one more rep. I'm thinking, "Does anyone really care if I do one more, and if they do, do I care that they care?" The answer is a resounding, "NOPE." I've tried to submit to the cheesy sayings painted throughout the "gym" I go to, but, they are grammatically flawed and downright silly, so I just ignore them. I know that, "Weakness is just pain leaving the body, uh huh huh huh..." (dumb laugh), but that doesn't motivate me to want to hurt some more. Who cares if I'm weak? Jesus loves me and my wife rocks...

Anyway, today was a good day in the gym. I'm not yet at that awkward deception stage where I start feeling like I look a TON better than I really do, but I am hopeful. Things that were such a chore early on are becoming habit, and my love-lust for chocolate, burritos, etc have become much less prevalent.

There is still much road to be traveled, and I cannot convey how grateful I am to God for His grace, to my wife for her encouragement, my fellow elders for their accountability, and my family and friends for their prayers and encouragement. Thank you all.

If you have been sitting on the sidelines wondering if you should join me, let me answer that for you. YES! You will be glad you did, and your body will thank you!

Let me know if I can serve you in any way!

Weigh In: 230.0 lbs (grr...)
Loss: 8 lbs

Mini-Victories Count - Day 15

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Today was a good day. I woke up, and was 229.8. I know it's just a few ounces, but just an encouragement that I'm not stuck. For those of you concerned, I am not starving myself, but eating a more balanced diet. Mommy MD suggested that I eat more veggies, which I am slowly doing. What are some good snack veggies?

I know that weight comes of slower once the initial water-weight has been lost, etc. However, I do want to be intentional and proactive about my weight loss. Having 6 small meals each day helps with the hunger and keeps me energized.

However, I am aware that I have much to learn and am grateful for friends and family who have been encouraging me. Please keep the prayers, encouraging words, and tips. Keep them coming! If there is any way that I can be of service to you, please let me know! More tomorrow!

Another Day and a Bit Frustrated - Day 14

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:28:00 +0000

I had a good weekend. Restful, good time with my daughter, and somewhat productive. I decided that I would relax a bit on my eating on Saturday after consulting with Steph. So, Saturday AM I had 1 breakfast burrito from Andrea's Taco Shop (used to have 2), shared quesadillas with Braelyn at lunch, had 1 scoop of Blue Bell (used to have 2 or 3), and then cleaned it back up for snacks and dinner. It was good to remind my body that I wasn't starving to death.

I worked out 6 days last week and although I had a busy day yesterday (Sunday) I still woke up early and went to the gym and did 30 minutes of cardio. However, I am feeling a bit discouraged. I have been 'stuck' at 230 lbs (230.8 today) for several days now. The last time I decided to get in shape (secretly), I wasn't eating near as clean, working out when I could, etc, and I got stuck at 230 then also. Surely I haven't hit my wall already?!?

Look, I know that muscle weighs more than fat, and I have been lifting 3 days a week, etc. My jeans do feel looser, in fact, I am going one extra hole on my belt. But for some reason, 230lbs... What I wouldn't give to see a 229.9999!!! I know that seems like a minor victory, but that would just tell me that my hard work is paying off. I mean, one of my buddies started out after I did and has already dropped 13 lbs! Granted, he is only 23, but still!

Anyways, I'm not going to quit, but I had to vent my frustration. I'm not really frustrated, in that I am going to go on a food bender and stop working out, just a bit irked. If I recall correctly, back in 2002, when I started getting in shape for the first time, it seems like it took a while for me to start really shedding the pounds. My body was transforming gradually, but nothing major in the weight 'loss' arena happened right away. I guess we'll wait and see.

I welcome your feed back and comments. Maybe Reggie will have something else to offer.

WEIGH IN: 230 lbs
Total Loss: 8.0 lbs

Week 2 - In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Week 2 is coming to an end. It was a good week. The hunger pangs have subsided, I've dropped a few lbs (although I have been 230 for 3 days, grr), and the time in the gym is getting a bit more enjoyable.

I lost count of the number of older friends I saw at the gym wearing khaki pants, Wranglers™, and Capri's, but some of them at least look at me like I am familiar. I guess that is something, no?

God has been so gracious to me these past two weeks. One of the greatest differences I've noticed is switching from coffee to Green Tea. Not that I am anti-coffee, but I didn't realize what a nervous wreck I could become when I drank too much coffee. I was irritable, couldn't sit still, and had a hard time concentrating on my time with my family. Since I've been drinking green tea, I've had more energy and have been enjoying a great time with my family. Steph said she noticed quite a difference as well, so that's a good thing.

I'm looking forward to my friend Reggie offering some insight into this journey. Also, several of you have indicated you are on this journey with me and are experiencing some successes as well. Your encouragement, as well as your testimonies are so helpful. This weekend should be a good time of rest on Saturday, and then Sunday I'll spend quite a bit of time driving. So, that will be a challenge in and of itself. But, I am hopeful and grateful. Thanks for reading and for your prayers!

Community and Weight Loss - Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:48:00 +0000

As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I have been trying for 2 1/2 years to lose weight on my own in quiet. More than lose weight, it was more weight management. Trying to figure out the sweet spot of how much I had to work out or cut back on eating to not become morbidly obese. It really had nothing to do with health.

However, since I started this process publicly and through this blog, I have been overwhelmed by the encouragement and support I have received from all of you. I have also been very encouraged and blessed to hear from friends who are pursuing this new way of life along with me. They have told me how God has been using this blog to encourage them towards honoring God with their bodies. I thank God for how He works redemption, not just in independent isolation, but also in community.

In other news, I spoke with my old friend Reggie Palma, who is a professional trainer down in Hawaii. I invited him to consider posting some on this blog so that we can have a pro help us along our way. He and I are going to start having conference calls or video chats at least once a week and he will be coaching me (FOR FREE, Y'ALL!) and helping me troubleshoot issues with my diet, exercise. Especially in those frustrating times when you seem to 'hit a wall' with your workouts, etc. So, hopefully he'll decide to post some on here, not only to help me, but to encourage those of you who read this blog and are doing this along with me.

Let me know how I can encourage you. Thanks for your prayers and support!

WEIGH IN: 230 lbs
TOTAL LOSS: 8 lbs

Green Tea, Veggies, and Rice Cakes, OH MY! - Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (Casey Cease) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:56:00 +0000

So... Rice cakes with peanut butter on them actually make for a good snack... Things have been going alright, but today I am tired. Had to be up early for the Men's Prayer meeting at church, so I grabbed a little granola bar on my way out. Got home after our Elder's meeting and went to the gym.

Today was a lower body day. I do not heart (heart = love, for my older friends) lower body day. Lifting with my legs makes me want to be one of those dudes with a swoll upper body and then little chicken legs, but I'm going for whole body health, so, yeah... I did my work out without incident, then I did 20 minutes of cardio.

However, I had a slew of meetings this afternoon, and I did not plan very well for it in regards to Green Tea, snacks, and water. So, as I type this I am feeling a bit dehydrated and needing a good long soak in a hot tub. However, while our clawfoot tub is cute, it is made from steel, and cold... So, MEMO to self, "When you have a busy day, plan ahead, and pack some snacks and fluids." Fortunately, I didn't go on any Sonic™ benders or anything wild like that, but I can tell that I'll need to watch my choices tonight. I'm feeling entitled a bit, or maybe just tempted, so the rest of today will be a test. Thankfully, my wife and daughter are at home, so there isn't much time for closet eating.

Let me know how you all are doing or if you have any questions/topics that you would like for me to address on here.

WEIGH IN: 230 lbs

TOTAL LOSS: 8 lbs