Tummy Tuck Thursday: by Mike Ramsey

As some of you know I Love to Eat and I always have. As life has gotten hectic and the IDEA of walking up the stairs almost gives me a heart attack and I end up Yelling up the stairs and saying " Hey Gavin, throw me my shoes" or "Hey Caeden, stop what you are doing and come down here so you can take this up to mommy" So I decided I had had enough and wanted to start felling better. At my last birthday in august I weighed 266 lbs. I didn't sleep well, and I snored all the time. I actually slept in a different room then Jen, so that I wouldn't wake her up.

Today, I weigh about 212 lbs, and sleep better and rarely snore. I run up the stairs and ask a lot less of my kids, because I feel better doing it my self. And recently Jen has joined my quest and we have been experimenting with healthier meals and found some very good recipies that we can share with those who are interested. I began my journey being very hard on myself not eating any meat, going to the gym 5 days a week at 5 in the morning, and even protein shakes for 5 meals a day and nothing else. In most situations this is not the best way to go, but for me it had to be all or nothing, and I chose all.

I use this story as a lead in to my Tummy Tuck Thursdays. For anyone who is interested I Am going to post a couple tips for eating and/or exercises as part of our blog. I only do this because I feel it is important and I see the changes that it has had in my life. I in know way want anyone to be offended by this, I just want to offer support in something that I know and something I feel stongly about. Any comments and discussions are welcome.

My first tip is: Eat 5 to 6 times a day.

This does not mean to go to the store and by a 12 pack of burritos and eat two burritos every 3 hours throughout your day. Simple snacking between your 3 main meals, on things like fresh veggies or protein bars. Your breakfast should be a good size and a good variety. while your luch and dinner can be anything you would like, but portioned well. Before each main meal drink a full glass of water.

By eating more often and the right types of food, you are telling your body that there is never a need to store the excess energy (other wise known as Fat)It will also keep you energy levels up avoiding those afternoon yawns keeping you from needing to have that rush of caffine that I always felt like I needed.

Exercise of the week: stetching - stretch when ever you can, your arms, legs, back, anything. I stretch my calfs when going up the stairs, stretch my arms and shoulders when in the door way. Anything is better than nothing. Make notes as you go through the day as to what you have eaten and what you have stretched. then post your results!

Sorry for the long post, they won't be this in depth from now, I just wanted everyone to know why I was doing this.

Mike