My 3 Month Okinawa Diet

Day 33 Round 3 Weight 108kg

2009-10-24T10:06:00.005+09:00

My son's school closed last tuesday due to an outbreak of influenza. Thankfully our little guy is healthy. The last 3 days have been great and challanging. I wrote before that I appreciate some of the diet hurdles stay-at-home moms face. I don't know how they do it.

Have a nice day.

Day 32 Weight 106

2009-10-24T10:06:00.001+09:00

Day 31 Round 3 Weight 106kg

2009-10-22T17:26:00.002+09:00

I've been terribly busy. While I am not happy with my progress I am happy my weight is not going up. Though I am not super focused I am happy I have not lost sight of my goals.

Have a nice day

Day 30 Round 3 Weight 106kg

2009-10-21T09:00:00.002+09:00

I am not satisfied with the progress of my diet but I am very pleased I have kept at it now for 30 days. Dropping kilograms is just one hurdle. Grinding it out day after day, post after post is another hurdle. One I have to jump every morning. I can't rest. I am waiting for the momentum to pick up. As frustrated as I get I know that every single dieter who never gave up - is rewarded.

Have a nice day

Day 29 Calories & Exercise

2009-10-21T08:58:00.002+09:00

Banana & Yogurt 240
Vegetable Soup 320
Steamed Chicken 320
Vegetable Stir fry 320
Apple & Yogurt 160

Total 1360

1.5 hour walk

Day 29 Round 3 Weight 106kg

2009-10-20T08:43:00.002+09:00

Breaking 106 kg is proving to be very difficult. I should break through soon.

Day 28 Calories & Excercise

2009-10-20T08:33:00.002+09:00

Cereal, Soy Milk & Yogurt 460
Vegetable Soup 360
Banana 80
Vegetable Stir Fry 420

Total 1200

1.5 hour walk

Day 28 Round 3 Weight 106kg

2009-10-19T09:03:00.001+09:00

Day 27 Excercise

2009-10-19T09:02:00.001+09:00

1.5 hour walk

Day 28 Calories

2009-10-19T09:00:00.001+09:00

Cereal & Banana 360
Fish Soup 320
Almonds 120
Vegetable Stir Fry 420
Yogurt & Apple 240

Total 1460

Day 27 Round 3 Weight - 106kg

2009-10-18T07:16:00.003+09:00

I gained 2 kg then the next day lost 2 kg. It is madness. Sticking to a plan and grinding it out is the only way to fight the madness. I have been at 106kg for one week and I am going to go hard over the next two days to break it.

Have a nice day

Day 26 Review

2009-10-18T06:54:00.003+09:00

It was a great day. Weather wise outstanding. I accomplished all my goal. Not sure where it came from but I can feel myself moving away from my blah mood.

I remember reading about Sir Winston Churchill and his self described his blah mood - the "black dog". At some points in his life Sir Churchill would confine himself to bed until the old black dog left. As Sir Churchill was known for hitting the sauce I suspected he was going through a sketchy period after a particularly long session. I am not convinced anymore. Some of us have the black dog wired into our being.

Sir Churchill was an amazing man. A heavy smoker, a heavy drinker and an all round heavy man - he lived to be 90 years old.

Day 26 Excercise

2009-10-18T06:53:00.000+09:00

1.5 hour walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours

Day 26 Calories

2009-10-18T06:50:00.002+09:00

Cereal & Yogurt 380
Banana & Apple 160
Vegetable Soup 320
Banana & Yogurt 160
Sardines 160
Vegetable Stir Fry 420

Total 1600

Day 26 Round 3 Weight - 108kg

2009-10-17T07:28:00.001+09:00

Not sure how I gained 2kg yesterday but suspect water and no bowel movements for two days have contribute to the gain.

Day 25 Review

2009-10-17T07:25:00.002+09:00

I did not exercise today. I did not accomplish all my nutritional goals but still ate healthy. I feel terribly bloated. On to another day.

Day 25 Calories

2009-10-17T07:21:00.002+09:00

Banana & Cereal 380
Apple 80
Vegetable Soup 320
Almonds 120
Banana & Yogurt 240
Vegetable Stir Fry 420

Total 1560

Day 26 Round 3 Weight 106 kg

2009-10-16T07:20:00.002+09:00

I wrote in my daily review, the battle is now in my head. This reminds me of the first 20kg I lost prior to losing the next 40kg. It took me a painful 6 months to lose 20kg. I struggled, failed got back up again. Failed, struggled and drifted. Then I lost 40kg in 3 months.

I know those 3 months were difficult but they did not "seem" difficult. It is a matter of perception. If we perceive our diet to be easy it becomes easy.

Have a nice day

Day 25 Review

2009-10-16T07:13:00.003+09:00

Wow, I don't seem to be in "Zone". Just drifting along. I am following my plan and I have not gained any wieght - so all is good.

The battle is now in my head. I don't do well when things move slowly.

Have a nice day

Day 25 Excercise

2009-10-16T07:12:00.000+09:00

45 minute walk

Day 25 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-16T07:09:00.002+09:00

Banana & Yogurt 240
Fish Soup 320
Apple & Yogurt 240
Almonds 120
Vegetable Stir Fry 420
Apple 80

Total 1500

Day 25 Round 3 Weight 106kg

2009-10-15T07:07:00.002+09:00

Ugh. The new card for my camera has gone blank - asking me to reformat. It must be a problem with my camera or computer. I will google a possible explanation later today.

Have a nice day.

Day 24 Round 3 Review

2009-10-15T07:05:00.002+09:00

It was a pretty good day. I accomplished my goals. Not sure why my exercise is lacking. I lack steam. I just need to grind it out.

Day 24 Excercise

2009-10-15T07:04:00.000+09:00

1.5 hour walk

Day 24 Calories

2009-10-15T07:02:00.001+09:00

Banana & Apple 160
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Almonds 120
Banana & Yogurt 240
Vegetable Stir Fry 420
Apple & Yogurt 240

Total 1500

Day 24 Round 3 Weight

2009-10-14T07:14:00.002+09:00

Day 23 Round 3 Review

2009-10-14T07:10:00.002+09:00

It was a good day. I accomplished all my goals.

After my walk I realized I did not try hard enough. There was a bit of a spring missing from my step. I was doing more pondering than exercise. Tomorrow I will remind my self why I am going for a walk before I start. This should help to push the pace.

Have a nice day.

Day 23 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-14T07:09:00.001+09:00

1.5 hour walk

Day 23 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-14T07:06:00.003+09:00

Banana 80
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Banana & Yogurt 240
Apple & Yogurt 240
Vegetable Stir Fry 420
2 Apples 160

Total 1460

Day 23 Round 3 Weight 106kg

2009-10-13T09:48:00.000+09:00

I will buy a new card for my camera today - for sure.

Day 22 Round 3 Review

2009-10-13T09:45:00.002+09:00

It was a very busy day. My wife's Grandfather's 88th birthday party was a great success. Over 200 guests attended.

One of my goals is not to drink any alcohol. I had one indiscretion last night - about 3 oz of champagne.

Day 22 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-13T09:43:00.001+09:00

45 Minute Walk

Day 22 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-13T09:41:00.001+09:00

Sausage Egg McMuffin Set 600
Sushi 600
More Sushi for Dinner 800

Total 2000 Calories

The Hot 100 Contest - 2nd 10 Day Update

2009-10-12T09:24:00.004+09:00

My two 100 day goals

1. Weigh 85kg at the end of the contest.
2. Don't drink any beer (alcohol) for 100 days.

Day 20 of 100 Update

Goal 1 - I have lost 5 kg in the last 20 days for an average of 0.25kg (0.55lbs) a day. I need to average 0.26kg (0.57lbs) loss a day for 100 days in order to accomplish my goal. I am doing well.

Goal 2 - Accomplished.

Day 22 Round 3 Weight 106kg (233lbs)

2009-10-12T09:21:00.002+09:00

Tomorrow for sure I will get a new card for the camera. I know it is not necessary to take picture of the scale. It is just part of my routine and I wish to stick with it.

Have a nice day.

Day 21 Round 3 Review

2009-10-12T09:09:00.004+09:00

It was a good day. I substituted goya tea for goya vegetable, otherwise I accomplished all my goals. For the last two days my wife has been busy and I have been taking care of our son. Which is great. Last time it really messed up my diet but I have not let it interfere this time. Well, one more day with the little guy. Then I will decrease my calories and increase my exercise. I would like to be 104kg on Friday.

Day 21 Round 3 Exercise

2009-10-12T09:09:00.001+09:00

1.5 hour walk

Day 21 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-12T09:06:00.002+09:00

Sausage Egg McMuffin Set 600
Miso Vegetable Soup 240
Banana & Apple 160
Banana & Yogurt 240
Vegetable Stir Fry 420
Apple & Yogurt 240

Total 1720

Day 21 Round 3 Weight - 106kg (233lbs)

2009-10-11T08:05:00.002+09:00

I suspect my weight will remain at 106kg for 2 more days.

My wife and her family are busy planning a huge 88th birthday party for her Grandfather. Okinawa has a strong historical and cultural tie to China. In China and to a lesser degree Japan, the number 88 is a very symbolic that infers prosperity. I will write about it later.

Have a nice day.

Day 20 Round 3 Review

2009-10-11T07:58:00.002+09:00

It was a great Saturday. Except for not buying a new card for my camera, I accomplished all my goals. Going to McDonalds for breakfeast was unavoidable. It was a family thing and did not want to let my wife down. We will be going back tomorrow for breakfeast as well.

Have a nice day

Day 20 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-11T07:57:00.000+09:00

1.5 hour walk

Day 20 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-11T07:54:00.004+09:00

Sausage McMuffin with Egg & hash brown -600
Miso Soup 240
Banana & Apple 160
Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry 450
Yogurt & Banana 160
Apple 80

Total 1690

Day 20 Round 3 - Weight 106kg (233lbs)

2009-10-10T07:42:00.001+09:00

What a busy Saturday morning.

Have a nice day.

Day 19 Round 3 - Review

2009-10-09T17:16:00.005+09:00

It was a great day. I accomplished all my goals.

I lost 4kg (9lbs) in 4 days and feel fine. I am a bit worried I am losing weight too fast and decided to increase my calories to 1700 and reduce my exercise for a few days.

Day 19 Round 3 - Excercise

2009-10-09T17:14:00.002+09:00

1.5 hours
30 minuites hills & stairs

2 hours total

Day 19 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-09T08:06:00.003+09:00

Cereal & Soy Milk 320
Half an Apple & Banana - 80
Almonds 110
Yogurt & Banana 240
Fish Soup 360
Yogurt & Banana 240
Cereal & Soy Milk 320

Total 1710

Day 19 Round 3 - Weight 106kg (233.2lbs)

2009-10-09T07:37:00.002+09:00

I could not figure out how to reformat the disk for my camera. If I can't figure it out tonight I will go out and spend the 3000yen (30usd) for a new one.

You know it is amazing. I can go to a bar and drop a hundred dollars and not blink. But, I will spend 6 hours trying to save 30 dollars. If I do have to spend the crappy 30 bucks I will be in a bad mood for at least 30 minutes. It is madness.

Day 18 Round 3 Review

2009-10-09T07:19:00.002+09:00

It was a good day. I accomplished all my goals. I noticed my walking pace has increased without really thinking about it. While I am overweight (still medically obese) I am fortunate my fitness is fairly good. I walked with a skinny friend yesterday and he could not keep up. I destroyed him.

People who diet for the sake of their health only - are probably the most sane. I started my diet in order to look good and to stop people from making (intentional & unintentional) comments about my size. I admit these are shallow reasons but would argue they are valid.

My reasons for continuing my battle are changing. Slowly, health is becoming more important than ego.

Day 18 Round 3 - Excercise

2009-10-09T07:18:00.000+09:00

1.5 hours walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours total

Day 18 Round 3 - Calories

2009-10-08T13:23:00.003+09:00

Cereal & Soy Milk 240
Yogurt & 1/2 an Apple 180
Sardines 160
Miso Vegetable Soup 240
Vegetable Stir Fry 320
Banana & Grapefruit 160

Total 1300

Random Thoughts

2009-10-08T07:47:00.002+09:00

I suspect those who read my blog are familiar with South Beach Steve's "Log My Loss" blog. Those that don't, I invite you to check out his Word of the Day posts. I voted for Steve to be included on "Good Mood Gig". I invite you to do the same.

Have a nice day.

Day 18 Round 3 Weight - 107kg (235lbs)

2009-10-08T06:52:00.004+09:00

I can't provide a picture today as I am having problems with my camera's memory card. Somehow I erased the disk and it is asking me to re-format. The instructions are in Japanese and I cannot follow along.

When it comes to second languages I am a very slow learner. No second language is impossible to learn but every person comes wired with a learning curve. My learning curve is very flat.
I studied French is school and had the same problem.

I can identify with the some of the first generation immigrants living in every city in North America. We speak funny. Our listening is better than our verbal skills. When we read a second language we tend to translate everything back to our native language. In my case I am officially at a grade 3 reading level. Yet, I suspect I can understand banking and custom forms better than any three year old.

It just dawned on me. My struggle with dieting and learning Japanese are similar. Both require intense focus, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude. Both struggles are extremely frustrating and rewarding.

Have a nice day.

Day 17 Round 3 Review

2009-10-08T06:41:00.002+09:00

It was a good day. I accomplished all my goal.

We have entered the Fall season and the weather is really nice. Intermittent showers in the afternoon make for a cool evening. I prefer to sleep with fans, my wife prefers the A/C. In a week or so I should be able to convince my wife to leave the A/C off at night.

We sleep on a traditional tatami floor and futon. At first it felt like camping and now I swear - it is a very comfortable way to sleep.

Have a nice day.

Day 17 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-08T06:39:00.001+09:00

1.5 hour walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours total

Day 17 Round 3 - Calories

2009-10-07T09:14:00.001+09:00

Cereal, Soy Milk, 1/4 Apple - 320
Almonds 80
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Grapefruit & Banana 160
Vegetable Stir Fry 320
2 Apples 160

Total 1360

Day 17 Round 3 - Weight

2009-10-07T07:06:00.001+09:00

Day 16 Round 3 Review

2009-10-07T07:00:00.001+09:00

It was a good day. I accomplished all my goals except consuming 1.5 cups of Konnyaku. I added half a cup to my soup and half a cup to my vegetable stir fry. I believe Konnyaku has a few calories but I count it as zero calories. It is a very high fibre food. You can't help feeling full after eating half a cup.

Day 16 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-07T06:59:00.002+09:00

1.5 hour walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours total

Day 16 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-07T06:59:00.000+09:00

1.5 hour walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours total

Day 16 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-06T07:54:00.004+09:00

Cereal, Soy Milk, & Yogurt 440
Almonds 70
Vegetable Soup 320
Yogurt & Banana 160
Vegetable Stir Fry 240

Total 1230

Day 16 Round 3 Weight 109kg (240lbs)

2009-10-06T07:49:00.001+09:00

Day 15 Round 3 Review

2009-10-06T07:41:00.002+09:00

It was a good day. I accomplished all my goals. I bought a huge amount of Gobo (burdock) from the vegetable lady. It took me 45 minutes to wash, peel, cut and pack all of it. I froze about 80%. I had to agree with my wife - foreigners are very odd.

Day 15 Round 3 Exercise

2009-10-06T07:39:00.001+09:00

1.5 hour walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours Total

Day 15 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-06T07:32:00.002+09:00

Apple 80
Raw Celery 60
Almonds 110
Banana 80
Raw Carrot 60
Goya Salad 120
Miso Soup 320
Chicken 240
Yogurt 160

Total 1230

This is Ridiculous - Back to the begining

2009-10-05T07:41:00.005+09:00

Fourteen days of dieting. I have ate well and averaged 1700 calories a day. I have not missed a day of exercise, averaging 1.75 hours a day. I have lost 1kg.

This is ridiculous and it is time to go back to the beginning- the beginning of my first 3 month diet when I took the advice of the elderly Taiwanese/Okinawan holistic guy.

Up to that point I had lost 20kg in about 6 months. I was struggling. I met the old guy by chance. He held my hands and shook my arms. He felt my neck and poked my stomach just above my belt.

The gentleman was well meaning and sincere. I was suspicious and did not take his advice. Eventually, I gave it a go. That was the beginning of my first 3 month Okinawa diet.

I followed the gentleman's advice and lost 40kg in 3 months. Yet, I down played the impact the advice had on my success. I think this happened for two reason. First, my ego wanted to take all the credit for my success. Second, following esoteric dieting advice exposed me to some very unsettling attacks, both on line and by acquaintances. It is hard for me to defend something that I don't understand and I really hate confrontation.

I learned the diet community can be just as intolerant and tribal as any other group.

I am going to take the elderly gentleman's advice for a second time. For the remainder of my diet I will attempt to:

1. Drink 12 cups of warm sanpin tea each day.
2. Eat 1.5 cups of konnyaku jelly each day.
3. Eat half of a medium size goya (bitter mellon) each day.
4. Eat 10cm of boiled gobo (burdock) root each day.
5. Eat a big pinch of konbu seaweed 3 times a week.

Day 15 Round 3 Weight 110kg (242lbs)

2009-10-05T07:37:00.001+09:00

Day 14 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-05T07:36:00.000+09:00

2 hour walk

Day 14 Round 3 - Calories

2009-10-05T07:31:00.002+09:00

Omelet 240
Banana & Apple 160
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Yogurt & Banana 240
Sushi 16psc - 640
Yogurt & Banana 240

Total 1840

Day 14 Round 3 - Weight

2009-10-04T11:09:00.000+09:00

Day 13 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-04T11:08:00.000+09:00

2 hour walk

Day 13 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-04T11:05:00.002+09:00

Omelet 240
2 Oranges 160
Yogurt 160
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Apple 80
Chicken Soup 420
Raw Carrots & Celery 120

Total 1500

Day 13 Round 3 Weight

2009-10-03T07:06:00.002+09:00

Day 12 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-03T07:04:00.002+09:00

30 min walk
2 hour walk

2.5 hour total

Day 12 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-03T06:59:00.002+09:00

Banana & Yogurt 240
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
2 Oranges 160
Yogurt 80
Vegetable & Barely Soup 420
Hamburger Pattie 320
Banana 80

Total 1620

The Hot 100 - 1st 10 day update

2009-10-02T07:54:00.002+09:00

My two 100 day goals

1. Weigh 85kg at the end of the contest.
2. Don't drink any beer (alcohol) for 100 days.

1st 10 day update

Goal 1. I need to lose 26 kg in 100 days. I have lost 2 kg in 10 days. I should be averaging a 2.6 kg loss every 10 days. I am behind.

Goal 2. I have succeeded.

Day 12 Round 3 Weight 109 kg

2009-10-02T07:31:00.002+09:00

Day 11 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-02T07:30:00.000+09:00

45 min walk
2 hour walk

Total 2 hours 45 minutes

Day 11 Round 3 Calories

2009-10-02T07:27:00.001+09:00

Banana 80
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
2 Oranges 160
Yogurt 240
Mushroom Soup 240
Chicken 320
Salad 300

Total 1660

Day 11 Round 3 Weight 109kg

2009-10-01T07:38:00.001+09:00

Day 10 Round 3 Excercise

2009-10-01T07:37:00.001+09:00

1 hour 45 min. walk

Day 10 Round 3 - Calories

2009-10-01T07:28:00.002+09:00

Omelet 240
Melon 80
Apple 80
Chicken 420
Salad 340
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Yogurt & Banana 320

Total 1800

Day 10 Round 3 - Weight 109kg

2009-09-30T07:36:00.001+09:00

Day 9 Round 3 - Excercise

2009-09-30T07:35:00.000+09:00

1 hour walk

Day 9 Round 3 - Calories

2009-09-30T07:33:00.002+09:00

Om let 240
2 Oranges 160
Hamburger 750
Apple & Banana 160
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Yogurt & Banana 320

Total 1950

Day 9 Round 3 - Weight

2009-09-29T07:29:00.002+09:00

Day 8 Round 3 - Excercise

2009-09-29T07:28:00.000+09:00

1.5 hour walk
1 hour walk

2.5 hours exercises

Day 8 Round 3 - Calories

2009-09-29T07:24:00.002+09:00

Omelet 240
Banana 80
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
2 Oranges 160
Salad with sesame dressing 420
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Yogurt & Banana 240

Total 1780

Day 8 Round 3 - Weight

2009-09-28T07:15:00.001+09:00

Day 7 Round 3 - Review

2009-09-27T20:00:00.004+09:00

I have been diligent but can't seem to fully commit myself. I put 3 eggs in my omelet when 1 one would have been sufficient. Eating sushi for lunch was good but it would have been better if I ate only the meat and discarded the rice. I had a huge bowl of miso vegetable soup for dinner- which was good. Though full, I still needlessly had a helping of yogurt and bananas before bed. I need to focus on these little things.

I should note. I try hard to eliminate all rice, bread and potatoes. This is not part of the Okinawa diet - it is my thing. I find starchy simple carbs makes my heart race. It is more pronounced when I limit my calories. Further, when reducing my caloric intake I feel it is important to focus on the "best" calories from a wide number of sources. Rice is empty calories.

Please note I am neither a doctor nor dietitian.

Day 7 Round 3 - Excercise

2009-09-27T19:58:00.003+09:00

1 hour walk with my son
1 hour walk

2 hours excercise

Day 7 Round 3 - Calories

2009-09-27T19:53:00.003+09:00

Omelet 320
Sushi 600
Yogurt &Banana 240
Miso & Vegetable Soup 320
Yogurt & Banana 240

Total 1720

Day 7 Round 3 Weight - 109 kg

2009-09-27T07:24:00.002+09:00

The first week of round 3 and I'm down 2 kg (4.4lbs). I have no reason to feel disapointed but I am. However, I am satisfied. Assuming there are 13 weeks in 3 months I am on track to reach my goal of losing 26 kg.

Day 6 Round 3 - Excercise

2009-09-27T07:23:00.000+09:00

1 hour walk with my son
2 hour walk

Total 3 hours

Day 6 Round 3 Calories

2009-09-27T07:19:00.003+09:00

Melon 80
2 oranges 160
Miso Vegetable Soup 320
Cheese 360
Chicken 420
Salad 240
Yogurt 160

Total 1740

Day 6 Round 3 - Weight

2009-09-26T07:22:00.003+09:00

Day 5 Round 2 Excercise

2009-09-26T07:21:00.000+09:00

1 hour walk - stairs and hills

Total 1 hour

Day 5 Round 3 - Calories

2009-09-25T09:14:00.002+09:00

Melon 80
Miso Vegetable Soup 160
Hamburger Patti 240
Salad 240
2 Apples 160
2 Bananas 160
Boiled Vegetables 240
Pasta Sauce 320
Cheese 240

Total 1840

Day 5 Round 3 Weight

2009-09-25T07:35:00.001+09:00

Review

2009-09-25T07:33:00.002+09:00

It was a good day. I still over ate but ate well and counted my calories. It will take persistence but I will get back in the swing of things. Surprisingly, though I have gained weight my fitness is still a great level. I had no problem doing my hills and stairs route and was able to keep the same pace as before I gained weight. All is good.

Day 4 Round 3 Exercise

2009-09-25T07:31:00.001+09:00

1 hour walk
1 hour walk - hills and stairs

Total 2 hours