by Matt Robinson | Jul 24, 2018 | Exercise & Body, Food & Nutrition, General, Journal
Where do I begin? I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since I’ve posted here. I know Google hates lame, dormant websites – don’t we all!? And I’d like to say that there has been a reasonable excuse for not taking the time to stay updated, but that’s all it would be – an excuse.
Looking at My Fitness Pal I see that since I began my journey – about 6 years ago – I’ve lost 73 pounds! I still feel like I have a long way to go, but the past month things have really picked up for me. Specifically I’ve started eating a Keto diet. Actually, I started December 2nd 2017 but I’ve been off and on MANY times over the past 6 months or so…June 30th I started again and wanted to really give it a chance.
So in the past month I’ve dropped 14 pounds, don’t have cravings, have LOTS of energy and look forward to every meal. The first few days were kind of tough – cravings and such – but after that I seemed to hit a stride. I think fathead pizza has been my saving grace! lol…
I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a few years ago but had to stop because of injury and things to take care of at home. I’d like to get back to that, but I’m taking it slow right now. My first goal is be consistently going to the gym and make that a routine!
Overall the past few years have had their ups and downs, but I’m pushing forward and the future looks bright!
by Matt Robinson | Jun 9, 2015 | General, Journal, Triumphs
After about 3 years I finally got back in the pool yesterday. As a teenager I worked as a lifeguard – I loved swimming! (I wasn’t a fan of the distance stuff, but none-the-less I still enjoyed the exercise)
I was expecting it to go worse than I thought. 3 years ago I worked up to swimming about 40 laps continuously. Yesterday I swam 24 laps continuously! I was impressed! Mind you, I’ve lost about 55 pounds since I last went swimming – that definitely helps!
I love swimming mainly because it’s such a great cardio workout and it’s easy on my body. I’ve been having soreness in my shoulders so I wasn’t sure how it would go, but after a few laps my muscles got warmed up and it felt amazing!
If you haven’t tried swimming and you’re having difficulty with the impact your body goes through with regular cardio, I would encourage you to at least consider swimming. It’s relatively cheap, easy on the joints and gives a GREAT workout!
photo credit: 062 via photopin (license)
by Matt Robinson | Jul 8, 2013 | General, Journal
I’ve taken a few weeks away to evaluate my progress and decide what I’ll be focusing on on next. I’m not gonna lie – it’s been very easy to be away and I’ve gained some weight in the process.
I’ve learned that unless things are a part of what you’ll do every day, you probably won’t continue to do them when push comes to shove.
I’ve learned that adding more and more just becomes overwhelming. I thought I could handle a LOT (and I probably can…) but at some point you have to focus on a few little things and get them right before moving on!
I’ve learned that for me to remain focused, I have to do something that keeps my interest. I don’t think I’m alone in this. Whether it’s food, exercise, entertainment – if you don’t enjoy it…you won’t continue it. For example, I don’t like salad! That means, I have to find other ways of eating salad until I find something I like. I have to ask myself, “what is it about salad that I don’t like”. Once I find the answer, I make adjustments and keep going!
I’ve learned that I need to easier on myself. I know that I’ve said this before, but I didn’t gain the weight in a day – it won’t come off in a day.
I’ve learned that I need to be harder on myself. Seems like a contradiction, but in areas where I have to do things I don’t enjoy – I need to put excuses aside and learn to just do it! Exercise is a great example of this. I ENJOY the feeling after completing an exercise…but starting for me is a nightmare! I have to really buckle down and get to work on moving more!
Finally, I’ve learned to enjoy this process. This journey for me is about analyzing and re-adjusting. So I’ve joined an online weight loss site called dietbet.com – I’ve committed money to losing 4% of my body weight in the next 4 weeks. And if I hit my goal, there could be some money in it for me! (Clothing money…cause I’m gonna need it!)
Thank you again for all the support! I really appreciate each of you that read these posts and comment! Be sure to check out the challengers page – there are some updates there and a new challenger!
by Matt Robinson | Apr 17, 2013 | General, Lessons, Motivation, Triumphs
Losing weight is all in your head.
I’ve read a lot of articles and watched many videos about how to lose weight. I’ve tried almost every type of diet from Atkins and Weight Watchers to eating massive quantities of cabbage soup and rice cakes. I’ve tried counting calories. I’ve tried NOT counting calories. Each approach has had it’s merits, but of those attempts ended in failure for me.
Then it clicked.
It was all in my head.
I looked at my state of mind before each attempt and tried to isolate that feeling; that motivation to keep myself going. I also had to look at what ultimately led me to failure. My conclusion was simple: losing weight began and ended in my mind.
“The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right!”
Henry Ford
It’s easy for someone to say they’ve ‘figured out’ how to do something but more often than not, what the person has discovered is something that has worked ‘for THEM‘. All of the methods I’ve mentioned have their pros and cons. You can take something from each one of them. And keep in mind that there are some very sound principles to learn that will help you lose weight. (I’ll share these in future posts!)
But at the end of the day, losing weight is formed and determined in your mind FIRST! You have to DECIDE that you want to change. You MUST discover your reason WHY – without it, getting through the difficulties that WILL come is going to seem impossible. I say seem because nothing is really impossible if you put your mind to it.
You may have heard about the following story. Before 1954 if you had asked anyone if it was possible for a human to run one mile in less than four minutes you would have been laughed at! In fact, there was ‘scientific evidence‘ that the human body could never handle that kind strain.
That is, until Roger Bannister broke the four minute barrier on May 6th 1954. It took all of recorded history for someone to break this barrier – and 2 months later, it was broken again. Today, it has been broken THOUSANDS of times. What was once considered impossible, became possible because of people who refused to limit themselves.
That may seem like an extreme example, but the principle remains. If you want to lose weight, you must first decide that you CAN do it. If you firmly believe this, your body will become a servant to your mind and the transformation WILL take place.
For the past three days I’ve been fighting the worst ear ache I’ve ever had. I’ve been to the doctor and been told to ‘tough’ it out. In the past this advice would have had me stopping my weight loss efforts until I’m better.
But not this time! This time I’ve decided that I CAN continue even through the pain. I CAN still exercise. I CAN eat better. I CAN drink more water. This little battle has been waged and WON in my mind…and my body has followed along!
You don’t need designer clothes, designer programs, designer gyms or designer foods to change your body. You simply need to design your thinking to adapt to whatever you face.
Take it one day at a time. One hour at a time. One MOMENT at a time and decide for yourself that THIS WILL HAPPEN. Your body will follow along!
I’d love for you to get connected with those of us challenging ourselves to live better. Why not Join the 100lb Challenge? Decide in your mind and then work with those of us who are doing the same. Together we can build a strong, solid, life-long foundation of health and success!
photo credit: xopherlance via photopin cc
by Matt Robinson | Apr 13, 2013 | General, Lessons, Motivation
We are social creatures. I believe that in order to do anything great, you have to do it with others. The pyramids, Rome, the International Space Station – all great achievements that required lot’s of hard work by many people. Great things are only accomplished when people work together. Ever tried building a skyscraper by yourself? I didn’t think so.
But when it comes to transforming our bodies, we often try to go it alone. Every single time I’ve tried to build or transform my body on my own, It’s always ended in failure. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made the attempt with lots of people AROUND me and still failed. The key isn’t in having lots of people – it’s in having the RIGHT people around you who will help you succeed. People who will keep you accountable to your goals!
This accountability person (or people) will have 3 basic characteristics. (Yes of course there’s more, but for today we’ll stick with three!)
First, they’ll accept you as you are right now! What I mean by this, is that these people will care about you for you…not your size, not your shape, not even your health…they’ll simply care about you!
Second, they’ll be honest with you! There’s nothing worse than someone claiming to be your friend and lying to you about what you already know to be true. The right person will tell you the truth BECAUSE they care about you as you are!
And third, the right person will push you in a way that you need to be pushed. Not everyone can take military style discipline! Some people don’t respond to being shamed, humiliated and berated to get a result. Amazingly, some do respond to that – but I think those people are the exception and not the rule.
So where can you find the right person to help with your transformation?
Friends and Co-workers
These are the people you’re probably around the most. I’ve found that finding people from this category can be easy because they’re the most constant in your life. Be warned though – these bridges can be burnt. I’m at the point where I don’t tell too many people I work with anymore simply because I haven’t followed through in the past. But for most people – this is a great place to look for someone to keep you accountable.
Family
I think most people would look to family first because, hey, they HAVE to love you right!? Sadly enough not everyone has the best support from home. To add to it, your spouse or significant other many not want to be the ‘bad cop’ when it comes to your eating and exercising behaviours. Support from family is CRUCIAL – but I’m not convinced it’s the best place to get a dedicated accountability person for your transformation. Maybe I’m wrong – if I am, leave a comment!
Online Resources
Online help is quickly becoming the fastest form of accountability for many people simply because, even if those closest to you don’t believe you can transform your body, there are seven billion other people on the planet! SOMEONE is willing to keep you accountable, and may even find themselves facing similar situations that you do! Years ago I joined the Biggest Loser Club online and met two people (Deb and Mike) who to this day still offer support. They each live thousands of miles away from me, but I know I can count on their encouragement! It’s amazing how small the world has become.
Here are some online resources to help you get started. I’d love to hear of any others that you have tried. You can post them in the comments below!
Facebook – Posting an update on your progress is getting more simple to do all the time! I’ve started doing this and just by ‘putting myself out there’ I find a greater push to be responsible with what I’m eating and how I’m living.
Youtube – I’ve just started posting update videos and getting into the Youtube community. It looks promising but I’ll have to let you know how it goes. I’ve only been serious about commenting and posting videos for the past couple of weeks!
Blogging – Like you’re reading here, blogging is a great way to share with people your struggles and your victories. Your own online magazine for people to browse and comment on. Just don’t be upset when the negative comments come…they WILL come. You’ll have to use them as an opportunity to grow!
MyFitnessPal – Probably the BEST website for tracking food and exercise! Plus there are a TON of people you can connect with and share your journey with. It only works if you’re honest about what you’re eating – but if you are, it’ll help keep your diet on point! Add me if you like, and you can see what I’m eating! (mattrob991)
ShapeFit – Another great website for motivation. The success stories are unreal – but mostly the same. These are people who decided to eat less, move more and work hard!
photo credit: bibendum84 via photopin cc
by Matt Robinson | Apr 10, 2013 | General, Lessons, MyWhy, Preparation
Let me start by saying that if you’re reading this post, you are an amazing person. I’m driven by supportive people and knowing that you’re reading this pushes me to greater things.
I’ve always been a bigger kid. I partly chalk that up to genetics, but I’m smart enough to not make genetics an excuse to stay big my whole life. I’ve seen countless stories of people bigger than me who have taken control of their lives and transformed their body in as little as 1 to 2 years!
As I’ve said in my videos, this is about the millionth time I’ve started a weight-loss journey. But the struggle to be healthy is worth it in my mind. I know from past experience that when I’m eating clean and exercising my whole body and life responds in a positive way. I can think clearer, my work is more productive and I’m a generally happier person.
Each time I’ve started a challenge, or journey I’ve gone in with guns blazing. I’m the type of person that likes to amass a TON (pun intended) of information so that I’m well informed – which translates into me buying all the best powders, supplements, gym memberships etc… and going from couch potato to elite athlete (in my mind) overnight!
Up to this point, that strategy has always led to failure.
Every. Single. Time.
I’m not one to accept failure. I want to experience life to the fullest. This means I needed a new strategy.
Again I went to the internet (specifically Youtube) and watched all the experts with their plans and tips and decided that what I needed to do was build a solid foundation. One step at a time. I even saw this picture on Facebook and it kind of rang the bell for me again. No matter how slow I move, I’m moving faster than the person who’s not moving at all!
So here are my 5 reasons for starting slow. People have been wondering why I don’t just jump right in. This is why.
REASON #1: I’ve Failed Before – I Need a New Plan
As I stated previously, I needed a new plan. A new angle of attack. I know that our bodies respond to being pushed. The human body is incredibly adaptive – meaning, when we force it to do something new it responds accordingly.
So I’ve decided to throw my body a curve ball. Instead of acting like an elite athlete, I’m going to act like me – but change one thing at a time.
I’m going to trick my body into re-creating itself.
But don’t tell my body that…I want it to be a surprise!
REASON #2: To Build a Solid Foundation
If you look at any building on earth, the foundation that supports it must be big enough to support the height and weight of the building. If you only want to build a building that’s 10feet high, then the base doesn’t need to be very big. But if you want to build the world’s tallest structure – you’re going to need a big base.
I want to climb high. The plans I have for my life include soaring to heights not reached by many people.
Radical claim? Perhaps. But I’d rather be radical and reach half way, then mediocre and never leave the ground.
To reach new heights, my foundation MUST be solid. My body MUST be able to handle the stresses I’m going to put it through. And in order to be sure that these foundational things stick, I’m taking the time to build a solid foundation.
REASON #3: To Build Momentum
There’s nothing worse than starting a challenge to change your life and the second day is interrupted with a huge failure. Obstacles are part of the challenge; this I know. But just when I’d get going and hit a rhythm in my program, something would always come along to throw me off. And because I was doing too much, too fast…I’d fail.
This time I want to build solid momentum. By introducing only 1 item per week for the first 12 weeks, I’m giving myself the chance not only to keep momentum in the early stages, but I’m also able to continue building momentum in the later stages.
I’ll call it the big MO….momentum can push you past failure and into that glorious realm of achievement.
I WILL create MOMENTUM!!!!
REASON #4: To Keep Things Simple
My personal opinion is that the weight loss industry preys on the foolish and naive. The absolute overload of information is enough to make a person’s head spin. “Drink Whey Protein…but make sure it’s Whey Protein ISOLATE…and make sure it’s HYDROLYZED Whey Protein Isolate…but not made from factories in the eastern hemisphere…make sure it’s taken from cows in Alberta…on Thursdays…in June…from a farmer wearing a red hat…” And on and on and on goes the silliness!!!
There’s a guy online who’s videos I LOVE to watch. He is by far one of the most solid guys out there for health information when it comes to transforming your body. His name is Scooby. You can find his website here. He has a phrase that I absolutely love, that boils everything down to it’s simplest form.
Eat less. Move more. Drink lots of water!
I’m starting slow this time because I need to remind myself to keep things simple!
REASON #5: To Create Something Lasting
I didn’t gain all my weight overnight. I’ve gained about 7.5 pounds per year over the past 13 and a half years. Do you realize what that amounts to? It amounts to eating only 71 extra calories per day, every day, for 13 and a half years. Small things add up!
That’s an extra half a can of coke each day.
That’s an extra half a McDonald’s hash brown each day.
That’s cream in your coffee each day instead of milk.
You get the point. Small things over time add up to big things!
So I’ve decided to create lasting change by making small adjustments at first and building on the success of each week! This way, I can create something lasting. Something that will carry me to those new heights I was talking about.
You may be thinking about starting a challenge of your own. I think you should! You may not have to lose 100lbs. You may only have 5 pounds to lose. You might have 20. It doesn’t matter how much you have to lose…the important thing is to get started.
Start with something.
Start slow.
Eat less.
Move more.
Live longer.
That’s my plan.
photo credit: .bobby via photopin cc
