Waisting My Life Away — I’m A Mr. Man! [Week 2]

I've done this before, I keep telling myself. I've lost the weight before. I was close to 200 pounds just 18 months ago. I dropped to 168 at my lowest. Then, it all came rushing back.

Last week, I decided to go on a diet. I actually decided about a month ago. And every Monday I tell myself I'm going to get back on the horse and lose this excess.

I was ready to go last Friday. I said, hey, I just have to watch out for all the greasy, nasty fried food.

Then I played in a golf tournament and this happened:

So it wasn't the best day, food wise. Let me rephrase that: It was an excellent food day! I mean, I had a dozen chicken wings, 3/4 of a cheese quesadilla and (not pictured) half of my girlfriend's chicken-bacon-ranch wrap -- and, in total, 11 beers.

It was no surprise I gained almost two pounds. It was, after all, at least 1,000 calories consumed in beer alone.

Then, it was Mother's Day and I had another dozen chicken wings, a chicken cordon bleu and red velvet cake for dessert. Stop shaking your head!

Miraculously, I didn't have a stroke and am still alive today (for now).

I suppose the greatest challenge of the week was my weekly trip to Norwich. Last week, before my diet, this happened on that trip:

I already told you to stop shaking your head. Now, look, in my defense: I wasn't on a diet yet. I just wanted to give you context as to my general eating habits when I'm on the road, OK? Thanks.

Still, it posed a problem. What to eat when I'm on the road if I can't necessarily pack something? I had the demoralizing, yet gutsy (I'll say!) experience of ordering off the kids menu.

I was proud of myself. I ordered in moderation. I chose a turkey and cheese sandwich, apple slices in yogurt and a bottled water.

Then, the order came and I, a 26-year-old man, sat alone at a table with this laid before me:

Sigh. Apparently, I am now a "Mr. Men" or something. I even got a Little Miss Wise toy! I did my good deed and gave it to a toddler in the restaurant. She was excited. Go me.

The point is, I suppressed my urge to get a giant, fried piece of chicken with ooey-gooey cheese and secret sauce that's just honey mustard. Shoot! I just drooled on my keyboard.

The exercise schedule I'm on needs more regimentation. I do situps occasionally. I did 50 three different times this week. I also played some more tennis, played in that golf tournament (I rode in a cart and drank beer, but don't hate), and I went for another half-mile run.

So I did burn some calories, just, you know, not a lot. I sneezed a couple time, too -- forgot that one.

After this roller coaster week of emotional highs and sad, sad lows, you'll be surprised to learn how I'm doing on my way to 170 pounds.

Here's where I stand:

Name: Dan Cassavaugh

Height: 6 feet, 0 inches

Weight: 196 pounds (no change)

BMI: 25.9

Waist: 39.5 inches

Gut: 42.5 inches

Exercise Habits: Gotta get on that

Disposition: Cautiously Optimistic