Two things I knew about today going in: It was going to be busy and I needed to plan and prepare. Planning and preparing beyond food, too. I planned and took a midday nap, exercising an option to split my studio workday in half. And since we were short staffed this afternoon, it equally benefited me and the radio station.
I had a big gig tonight, emceeing and playing music for the Party at The Palace, a bi-annual fundraiser for our area chamber of commerce held at the historic Marland Mansion. My normal requires me to plan ahead as far as food is concerned.
I hadn't a clue what they would be serving at this event, so I made sure to prepare, weigh and pack some fruit--just in case I needed a fallback plan. As it turned out, the food was fine and I was able to navigate the choices easily. Just to be sure, I spoke with the caterer while preparing my plate. I wanted some of the burgundy mushrooms and a small portion of the prime rib--both were possibly containing refined sugar, so I had to ask. I did ask, politely and without explanation. The caterer obliged politely and without hesitation. No sugar in the prep of either items in question. Perfect.
My abstinence from refined sugar is that important to me. It took very little effort to gain the certainty I needed before plating those two items. I ended up eating the apple I packed and bringing the other two baggies of fruit home.
There were over 600 people in attendance tonight. Everywhere I turned, someone was commenting on my weight loss. The compliments were numerous. And I had a couple of words of caution, as in "you really shouldn't lose anymore" to which I replied, "I'm not trying to lose anymore!" One gentleman, who listened regularly twenty years ago to my radio show on another radio station, in a different city, came up to the stage tonight to ask if I was the same guy. "I don't forget a voice and your voice is the same but you look completely different." That was a pretty cool experience. He remembered 500 pound me very well. He said he just couldn't believe it and he was proud of me. Again--very cool.
My goal of planning better today was accomplished. I planned well.
A couple of friends of mine, Bethany and Whitney, at tonight's big party. Both of these young ladies have had wonderful weight loss success stories. Bethany told me of her success, not too long ago--and Whitney once weighed just shy of 200 pounds before she decided to choose change. She's maintained her weight loss for years. Whitney is a long time reader of this blog. Right after Bethany snapped the photo, Whitney said something to the effect of I want to see that picture on the blog!
It isn't the first time she's been on this blog. She bought one of my leather "I'm Choosing Change" adjustable bracelets a few years ago and posed for a picture wearing hers.
Intentional exercise wasn't in the plan today. If my fitbit actually worked (it's broken), I'm sure it would show a nice activity calorie adjustment. Instead, I can feel the work of the day and night. And that's good enough for me.
I'm sleeping in tomorrow morning until at least 9 or 10am. I have a location broadcast starting at noon. I should be well rested.
My Tweets Today:
Travel mug of coffee as I rushed out the door, late, this morning. 3 tblspns half & half. 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/PzcoydjO9c— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
Omelet w/3 whl eggs, 114g avocado & 1 slice swiss, 403g grapes. A little higher count than I normally allow. 744 cal. pic.twitter.com/O2tJJwGPF6— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
Afternoon java. Dark roast w/2 tblspns half & half. This, plus another, later, after lunch, to sip while I work. pic.twitter.com/lC5KPzOUqy— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
2 cups water with lunch. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/aMAgw3uchx— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
Chicken (6oz) & zucchini crispy tacos w/sour cream (3 tblspns total-in salsa too) & lettuce. 7 chips & salsa. 548 cal pic.twitter.com/1q9bBQJmca— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
Packed and prepared, just in case some measured snacks are needed throughout the evening. #planningforsuccess pic.twitter.com/3m3EMqdG0A— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 21, 2015
Approx. 4oz prime rib, 1/2 portn burgundy mushrooms, cantaloupe, honeydew, carrots, strwbrrs & cheese cubes. 582 cal. pic.twitter.com/t70oopsACY— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Amounts entered into MFP... pic.twitter.com/J38GovrUbP— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
2 cups water. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/clBznnfDm9— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Spoke with caterer before assembling dinner plate. Me: "So, tell me about these mushrooms. How do you prepare them? Any refined sugar?"— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
"Tell me how you prepare the prime rib. Sugar involved?" The mushrooms and prime rib were my only questions. The answers were perfect. ;)— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
2 cups water. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/Tg9uttFpwo— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Snack time. Did you know 181g of apple is exactly 100 calories? Party continues... Apple. 100 cal. pic.twitter.com/MZWATscaxg— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Dark roast w/2 tblspns half & half. Long night. I've been looking forward to this cup for hours. Finally!!! 40 cal. pic.twitter.com/PGIj92m7z1— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Earlier. Emceeing an event. I have no idea what I'm doing with my left arm in this picture. pic.twitter.com/ViM0DAx8WA— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Several from tonight's gig. pic.twitter.com/CVbrz70OV7— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Blog writing snack before dropping in bed. 65g green seedless grapes & 2 cups water. #lastfoodofday #watergoal 46 cal pic.twitter.com/k6GDyO7zwZ— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 22, 2015
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean