I don't know what happened last week but it is gone, baby. Gone. An entire week… missing. And I can think of only a couple of significant things that I'm going to remember.
Oh well. That's why I write shit down on a calendar.
(An old-fashioned calendar. Made with PAPER! gasp)
(Obviously, my caffeine is kicking in.)
So as I implied earlier my dear husband Keen has been a busy boy lately. He had a doctor's visit this year that was a little scary and a wake up call for him. But you know how guys totally slack about going for a checkup in the first place and then after they go they're all dedicated? Keen's right there. He's made some serious lifestyle changes to be more healthy. And they've paid off because starting from the Monday after Thanksgiving to today… he's lost 37 pounds!
I am really, really proud of him.
Keen's a big guy and always has been; the type of guy who has a barrel chest and a square build. When we first met Keen was doing a lot of sports and had a physically active job in a grocery store (he taught me how to mop). We dated all through college and then we both graduated and Keen went on to become a CPA. So he went from an active lifestyle to a busy desk job. Over the years that starts to have an effect.
So how has he done it? First and foremost, he changed his diet. He added in a lot of high fiber, and way more vegetables. He's cut out salt, reduced and changed the types of carbs he eats, and reduced his red meat, while eating a lot more lean meats like turkey. He's kept his calorie intake to 1200 a day. It helps that he loves to cook so he's experimented with keeping flavor in while staying healthy. Just last night he made a dish with lean pork, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and couscous that was delish!
And he's been exercising every day. He started with walking a couple miles around the neighborhood, then 3-4. Then working out on an elliptical trainer. Now he's up to an hour on the elliptical at a time.
For his next step, Keen's shooting for more weight loss but he also wants to start building and toning up muscles, so I think some of that will even out. It becomes reshaping the body instead of just dropping weight.
He says he feels better than he has in years. We're celebrating our 20th anniversary this week and in that time he's been bigger and he's been smaller. He was probably at his heaviest when we got married. I'm going to love him no matter what size or shape he's in. But I have to say, seeing him happy, seeing him take charge of his health so that he's here for our family in the long run… it's super sexy.
– the weirdgirl
Kudos to Keen! Definitely sounds like he’s making changes the right way that he’ll stick with after his goals are met. I think it’s one of the hardest things to do, and something we’re working on here. Now, if I could just get my husband to go to the doctor for a physical!
Mine did the same thing last Spring. In May we went to the beach, and he was HORRIFIED at the pics of himself. So he started eating better, exercising a few times a week, and boom. Hot Guy. The man lost 35 pounds over a four month period, and has since maintained the absolute fabulousness. Of a six pack…he didn’t even have one of those when we got married 10 years ago. And, of course, I got pregnant right away, so he’s been shrinking while I’m growing. *sigh*
Good for Keen–and Happy Anniversary to you both!
Awesome!
I’m trying to do the same thing. It’s hard. But Keen’s story is inspiring. Is there a way to get some of his more successful food experiments in recipe form?
Taking care of himself is a great way to celebrate 20 years and reaffirm the promise for 20+ more. I’m so happy he’s feeling the results of his work and staying motivated.
Fantastic! Sounds like he’s built like I am. I lost 35 lbs. as well, but gained about 8 back after a job change and the holidays. I’m back on it now too.
I think I’ll try something like Keen did. I never thought of walking as being exercise, but I’m hearing that it’s better than running.
FADKOG – It is a tough move, but a good one. You might want to consider just scheduling the doctor’s appointment for him. No offense guys, but you never get to it.
Jess – Tell him congrats for me (and to you, Hot Guys are yummy)! No wonder you’re pregnant.
Scott – Thank you!
Andrea – Keen is definitely willing to share some recipes. I may get him to guest post. Or just yell recipes at me while I frantically type. By the way, I guess it was VEAL in that dish the other night, and not pork. Which is totally why I don’t cook.
Jeanne – thank you hon! I’m tasking you with telling us how we’re doing 20 years from now, too.
Phoenix – I love walking! It’s underrated for sure, and it really can keep you in shape. Congrats on your weight loss and good luck for more!
That’s awesome! And you are so positive and supportive. Way to go, Keen!