life, kids, and brazilian jiu jitsu

Success is a very individual concept.  I listened yesterday to a co-worker describe success in terms of when he would get a 3 series BMW.

For me the BMW is out.  But I wouldn’t turn down a Prius if it fell in my lap.  Success for me is the act of meeting a challenge.  It’s figuring out calculus with my son 20 years after I last cracked a book.  It is consciously choosing  what workout is appropriate and then going hard.  And lately it has been the challenge of cutting weight.

I am now at target and I count that fact as a success.  Next challenge?

The weight was lost by mixing equal parts of:

1. Intermittent fasting (“Fast 5“)
2. Running, BJJ, Crossfit
3. Willpower and desire

This last item was the key.  I have “tried” many times to get lean.  As Yoda says, “Do or do not, there is no try”.

The highs and lows of cutting 14 lbs in a month?

• Ketosis results in bad breath
• Low blood sugar results in a lack of energy, bad moods and yes, the odd dizzy spell when I stand up.
• The diet frightens everyone who is eating normally.  The level of discipline required makes me appear as if I have an eating disorder.
• When I did eat, energy came back FAST
• My clothes fit better
• Inflammation from injuries seems to subside faster
• Cravings for junk food are replaced with cravings for more healthful fare
• Food tastes better

I still carry some fat around my waist and my BMI is 23.6, which is described as being on the high side of normal.  So I can lose more fat if I want without being unhealthy.   My next challenge will be replacing the fat with some muscle.  But that is another story.

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