Mindful Eating – The Lightest I’ve Been Since My Teens
My weight has now fallen to 69kg (152 pounds) – that’s 15.5kg (34 pounds) lighter than I was this time last year. I mentioned in my last mindful eating post that I needed to lose at least another 4kg. The reason for this weight loss was that I’d planned to fight Muay Thai this month as a welterweight. Unfortunately injuries have meant that the fight is now going to be delayed. I’m happy to have lost the extra weight anyway as it has brought a few unexpected benefits. There has been another noticeable leap in my energy levels, and I just feel more comfortable in my skin – if that makes sense? My physique still needs a bit of work, but I’m starting to look more like a fighter – albeit a middle-aged one. My sore ribs mean that I can’t do sit-ups so my abs are still a bit flabby. Overall though, this is the lightest I’ve been since my teens so I’m a happy camper.
Losing Weight is Easy
Losing these last few kilograms didn’t involve any great hardships. I followed the advice of the sports nutrition guy I met last month and it was easy. I’ve slightly reduced my calorie intake but the fact that I eat every three hours means that I don’t feel hungry. I replace one or two of these meals with a protein shake and that has worked well. I’m finding that these drinks leave me feeling full for hours afterwards. This feels more like a life change than a diet, and I have no plans to go back to my old way of doing things. The benefits of eating this way are too good to ignore and I don’t feel like I’m losing out on anything. I’ll probably up my calorie intake soon by another 500 calories and this will keep me stable.
Just One More
My plan is to lose one more kilogram and then maintain this weight. It might be a few months before I fight so staying around 68kg makes sense. That way I’ll only need to lose another kilogram to be ready for the fight weigh-in; welterweight is below 67kg (147 pounds). I could lose one kilogram with a short run in the sweat-suit or a couple of hours in the sauna – easy. After the fight is over I hope to continue keeping my weight below 70kg. If you asked me a few months ago I’d have said that 75kgs is a good weight for me, but it obviously isn’t.
Don’t forget that you can keep up with my Muay Thai progress here.
Here is a recent video of me playing around on the bag. My ribs are still sore so I’m taking it easy – that’s my excuse anyway
The Story So Far
Why I Decided to Lose Weight by Mindful Eating
Mindful Eating is Easy – Day 3
The Embarrassing Photo – Day 4
The Ups and Downs of Mindful Eating – One Week In
2 Weeks of Mindful Eating
Three Weeks of Eating Mindfully- Back Below 80kg
One Month of Mindful Eating
Week Five of Mindful Eating – Worries about the Future
Mindful Eating Week Six – the Power of Mindfulness
Mindful Eating Week Nine – Mission Accomplished?
Thanks again for posting your progress. I am finding it helpful and inspiring. I tried mindful eating for a couple of days, but actually forgot about it after that! It’s only after I eat that I remember—did you ever post reminders for yourself on the refrigerator or kitchen cupboards? That’s what I’m thinking of doing.
Best regards,
Lynne Diligent
I haven’t used the post-it notes for mindful eating, but I have for lots of other things. It is a good idea so maybe I will start doing it too.
Yeah, I’m not very good at it. I fell into the habit of reading and eating and it’s one from my youth that I haven’t kicked. Maybe I should try it!
Good job Paul. Your hard work is paying off! Nice…
Thanks Lani. I love eating and reading too – I’m trying to avoid it now though.
Paul well done on your weight loss, that’s some achievement for a middle-aged person. People tend to gain weight at that stage of their life. Your Muay Thai training must be helping just as much as your mindful eating.
I watched your training video and you have a decent right kick. I noticed you used your left forearm a fair bit as well, is that allowed in Muay Thai?
Thanks Martyn, elbows are allowed but the forearm wouldn’t probably be too effective. I’ll have to work a bit more on my aim 🙂 I would say that the Muay Training has been great for losing weight. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed to find out how few calories can be burnt in a day through exercise, but it all helps.