Thanksgiving Week

I didn't think that I’d be able to maintain last week’s level of intensity with my workouts, so I focused on simply remaining consistent.

I banked some calories early in the week, because I planned on sampling everyone’s cooking when we got together for Thanksgiving dinner.

I got my workouts in Monday through Wednesday.  I hadn't planned on working out on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, until I found out that the gym would be open that morning, so I got in a bonus workout.  I considered doing another double session on Friday, but I was a little tired and decided to take it easy.  I was planning on taking my wife Salsa dancing that night and Friday would have been a leg workout day.  I decided not to mix them.  I spent some time practicing a few new Salsa patterns, which I guess could be counted as an aerobic workout.  I was feeling less tired afterwards, so I pulled out the dumbbells and did a high rep, low to medium weight workout.  After a fun night of dancing, I managed to get to the gym on Saturday morning and completed my regular elliptical, resistance training, Zumba workout.  Plus, I did a little extra track work after the Zumba class.

After all of that, I weighed in 2.8 lbs heavier than last week.  Go figure!

Anyway, I had so many positives this week that I can’t help but consider it a successful week.


I received a number of compliments and encouragements from friends, acquaintances and even strangers.  The best was the reaction I got from a friend that I hadn't seen for a few months.  It’ll keep me encouraged for quite a while!

In an October post, I mentioned that I was close to getting into the next lower pants size, but that I wanted to wait until after the Thanksgiving holiday to try them again.  I got them fastened on Saturday!  They aren’t comfortable enough to wear regularly yet, but a win is a win.  This means that I've dropped three pant sizes since I restarted my fitness journey!

Speaking of pants, the ones that I’m wearing in the photo from Salsa night were bought over a year ago.  I knew that they were too small when I bought them, but I hoped that I’d eventually be able to wear them.  Eventually came this past Friday night.

To stay positive and motivated, I try to read lots of positive, motivating articles.  Here are a couple that I thought I’d share.

Mentally Strong People: The 13 Things They Avoid
Expect Immediate Results. Whether it’s a workout plan, a nutritional regimen, or starting a business, mentally strong people are “in it for the long haul”. They know better than to expect immediate results. They apply their energy and time in measured doses and they celebrate each milestone and increment of success on the way. They have “staying power.” And they understand that genuine changes take time.

How Long It Takes to Burn Off a Thanksgiving Dinner 10 Different Ways
The jury is out about how much the "average American" actually consumes on Thanksgiving every year. Some claim it's 4,500 calories, others say it's between 3,000 and 5,000 calories. Either way, considering the recommended daily calorie intake is between 1,600 and 2,400 for most of us, it's safe to say that we'll be putting in more than our bodies will appreciate.

Weight loss to date: 38.4 lbs.