Happy Anniversary!
After a week or so of build up, and two days of talking about it, I am finally at my one year anniversary. I have already given the measurements for the year and a yearly recap, so I won’t bore you with these details again. Today I am going to give you a look into the future.
First of all, I have redone my original goals (I’ll update the sidebar soon). I am close enough that I think I can accurately estimate these. My new goals are as follows:
- weight: 172-175 (I have been told by almost everyone that this is too low. What do you think? I am at 199 now and you can see my pictures on the “Progress Pictures” page. The updated ones are currently at the bottom.)
- Body Fat: 15%-18% (with correct height)
- BMI: unsure
- Neck: 17″
- Chest: 43″
- Stomach: 39″
- Waist#: 37″
- Thighs: 22.5″
- Calves: 17″
- Upper-Arm: 14.125″
- Forearms: 12.375″
There is no guarantee that these goals will not change again, but this is getting pretty close to where I want it to be.
Another area I hope you see change a lot during the upcoming year is increased muscle tone. I plan on slowly reducing my walks to a couple of miles, but increasing my other exercising. This means more Tabata, more jump rope, more push ups, more planks, more of some things I haven’t even done yet. It is time to start toning up more. This is also the year I begin to run. I am not sure when that starts, but it will happen this year.
My weight loss will indeed begin to slow. That is in part by design. I want to ease into my ideal weight. However, part of it is simply that I am getting closer to my goal. I am going to slowly start increasing my eating, but still remaining faithful to the current types of food I eat. I need to find out where I should be with this before I arrive.
Of course, this blog is going to change as I go forward too. I have been giving a lot of thought to this lately. I don’t want the blog to die when I reach my weight loss goal. Of course, I still have a lot to achieve after that, but it will no longer be losses. Nevertheless, I think this blog will still have a place. I am trying to slowly, but surely, convert the blog to a place of encouragement, ideas, and support for those on their journey. This is high aspirations, but it is the goal. I know I looked hard for this kind of a website when I started my journey, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. Now that I am a year into this, I have found many other similar websites, which means there are probably people still out there looking like I was. If you have ideas on what you would like to see happen with logmyloss going forward, feel free to comment or you can send me an email at [my first name]@logmyloss.com (sorry to have to do it this way, but I gotta keep the spam down).
I also have some other ideas in mind. I know how crazy this sounds, but I would love to begin speaking to groups of people about weight loss. I am not looking to replace my job, as I love what I do, but I feel the need to share what I have learned. Maybe I am thinking too much of my journey to where I am, but I really think what I have learned can benefit others. I’ve got other ideas along these lines, but I will refrain from discussing any more at this time lest you think I have fallen off my rocker. 
One thing I would really like to point out is that this journey has been awesome so far, but let me tell you, it wouldn’t have been as awesome without all of you here to encourage and support me. I am not going to start naming names because I fear I will leave one of you out. You all know who you are though. I comment periodically on your blogs or forum posts, and I read them almost daily. If you comment here, I sincerely appreciate it. I think of you all as my friends in this journey. We all have something in common, whether that be attaining good health, losing weight, or encouraging others in the process. That alone makes us have a stronger bond that some who see each other physically daily. I used to not be sure about this, but now I really hope to one day meet some of you in person. Who knows, my job takes me all over, so the opportunity may present itself.
Let me assure you all, a year may have come and gone, but Stevo is far from finished. I am more fired up than ever, and I know that I am going down an awesome path. I have a lot of hurdles left. You know what, I thank God for that. Without the hurdles, life would be boring. If you are going to continue to join me on this ride, grab on to something and hold on. It is gonna be a ride worth taking!
One last thing – I am usually not one to ask for things, but I am going to today. There is one thing I would really like to have for my one year anniversary of my life change – a comment on this post for every pound lost. I know that is asking a lot, since a third of that is typically pretty good, but I know the readers are here because I see the numbers. So if you normally read, but don’t comment – make today the first day. By the time the weekend comes, I really would love to see 60 unique people comment on this post, not counting my replies. That would be a fantastic anniversary gift.
Once again, thank you all. Without you, this would have still happened, but it would not have been as fun or interesting. Now, on to year two and the rest of my life!
Steve – Great accomplishments, great goals! I’m glad I’ve joined your other readers. I am looking forward to following the shift in your exercise regime and food adventures! And I expect to make a comment on Day 730. Happy Blogiversary, congratulations, and here’s to your continued good health!!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Thanks Wendy — I too am glad you found the blog. Your comments are always encouraging. Here’s to another great year.
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Great goals! I have no doubt that you’ll get there… Your calf muscles are awesome!
The support does help, doesn’t it? I don’t think I’d be here today without it…
Best wishes for another year of doing the right thing for your health, your body, your spirit and your family.
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Thanks Hanlie. And yes, the support is amazing. I believe I would have been here, but it sure wouldn’t have been as fun or as easy. Here’s to another great year.
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I think your calfs are way too fat and that is where you should be concentrating on firming up! JK of course. Congratulations on the one year mark. The pictures you posted really tell the story of the journey and the results of the ‘decision’.
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:16 am
I should have expected such a comment from you!
Mark, I sincerely thank you. We have been on this path together from nearly the start, and you have seen more of the downs than most have. I appreciate you being here for me from nearly the beginning.
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Happy Anniversary Steve, You have done so well this past year. Great post and great goals. I am so glad I found your blog and am thankful for your support you give me. As you know I too, just had my anniversary and even tho I hit my goal on one Weigh in back in February, It obviously was a fluke, as I still have that 3-4 pounds to go.. but seem to have been maintaining for the past few months. Here is to the next successful year!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Ron, thanks. The things you have done are pretty amazing too. You and I have a lot in common on this journey, particularly that it was health that finally motivated us. Here’s to another successful year for the both of us.
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Great job Steve! Keep up the good work!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Thanks Cindy!
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Happy Anniversary Steve!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Thank you Lisa!
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Great job! Congrats and good luck on another year!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Thanks Nino! Let’s all have another great year!
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Great job Steve! Can you believe it’s been a year for you? I’m only at 3 1/2 months, but I really look forward to being there, too. I’ve certainly appreciated your posts here and your comments both on my blog and all of the others you and I seem to frequent.
This site is a great resource for both encouragement and reality (about how tough this really is). I think that to continue it would be great. One thing I always hear is that it’s much easier to lose the weight than it is to keep it off. It would be great to be able to watch you learn how to live in your new skin (and glean more ideas from you). That would be a huge encouragement. Maybe adding a forum would be helpful, too (unless you’ve tried that or it would be too difficult)…
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Beej, I cannot believe it sometimes. Time has really flown. The idea about a forum is a good one. I may have to watch the traffic and see if I think the site can support that. Thanks for your comments.
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happy anniversary!!!!! too bad no fireworks emotocons lol.
steve, thanks for sharing the details of your journey. so many people out in the world either have no support in their journey to get fit, or their inner cicles can actually try to sabatoge for one dysfunctional reason or another.
i never realized how important camradory is. just haveing a constant string of internet kindred spirits that not only understand the struggle, but are overcoming thier weakness’s one workout, and one salad at a time.
your idea about helping others in a more proffessional way is way on target. what a market for clients thirsty for direction and guidance. just think of how many trainers and nutritional “experts” are out there who have never been obese. who couldnt possibly understand what their clients are going through.
i too am exciting to see you continue to develope and adapt post-victory. those hurdles will keep coming and we just have keep our jumping pants on. who knows maybe even after our last breath, we’ll just switch to a different kind of hurdle? congrats you
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Thanks Rachel!
I really believe it is a help for people to know what others go through. It helps people not feel so alone in the journey. The relationships we develop with others also helps. We are truly the only ones that know what we are going through. The perpetually skinny, or always been fit people we are around do not know the challenges we are facing. Which is part of the problem with the trainers and experts out there (as you so duly pointed out).
There is a lot left to be accomplished, and I am ready for the challenge.
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I think your new goals are great because they seem just out of reach. It’s like the last rep of set #5, aim high and eventually your norm will become the once unattainable. Though, I think your arms and chest measurements will be significantly higher if you start intense strength training, I would give yourself another quarter to half inch depending on how hard you decide to push it.
Good luck with the running man, I don’t know if you have ever had a regime before, but it is by far the hardest part of everything I do, and I’ve maybe met 5 or 6 people that actually will say they enjoy doing it. But it provides the best results, by far…figures.
I love your idea to take your knowledge to the next level. Your path is much more realistic, and for that is also much more applicable. It’s a good idea, you should fly with it.
Again, congrats on year 1.
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Eric, you are probably right, and that is something I didn’t really consider. I may keep the goals where they are for now, and adjust as I start to work on the muscles more.
I have not run before, other than the occasional dabble in it over the last few months. I really have no desire to be a “runner”, but I want to say that I have run a 5k. After that, it will only be a periodic part of my routine.
Thanks for your thoughts on the idea. I need to flesh it out a little more, but I think there is opportunity there.
Thanks again for your support.
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Congratulations Steve! Not only for the weight loss but a year to a life change. Here’s to sticking with it another year and continuing the journey.
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Ehren, thanks. Let’s both make this a great year!
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You know Steve I have only been a fan for about a week or so now and for me to keep coming back for more well lets just say youre dang good at what you do and that is to be an inspiration to all of us who are in this with you.I really like your idea of speaking to others who need help,youve been there and people can relate to someone who is like they are.You give people hope.I also like that you said that you thank God because I believe that he is the reason that any of us succeed.Well anyway Happy One Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
VAngel, thank you for your comments. I have really appreciated having you around. I never set out to inspire others, but the more I do this, the more I realize how much people need to know someone is there rooting them on. I had one or two people reading the blog in the beginning, and their comments were often what kept me motivated.
You are certainly right though. The glory all goes to God – period. He is the reason for everything. He is also a big part of why I am doing this. After all, we are supposed to take care of this temple, and mine was in pretty rough shape.
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Happy Anniversary my friend. I am given you a standing ovation for all the hard work, determination, time and effort that you have put into making your life a healthier and more active one. I feel so blessed to have found your blog ang for getting to you a bit more about you , your journey, your struggles and of course your triumphs as well. Each day you continue to inspire me more and more and you whether you know it or not your comments and encourgaement have helped me out so much.
I look forward to continue to see the improvement in your life, health and blog. I am sure you’ll have great success in it all. keep it up. I am rooting for you all the way. Your almost there. Now personally I think about 180 would be a good weight for you. Then again it’s what you feel you’ll be comfortable at is what counts. Take it one pound at a time and you’ll know when you’ve reach your weight that makes you ther most comfortable.
I’m so happy for ya
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Thanks Rob! I truly appreciate your comments, but know that I feel the same here. It is nice to know others are in the same stages of the journey we are in.
Your thoughts about the weight are true. I do need to take it as it comes. I sometimes get a bit worked up too early trying to figure out where I should be, when it doesn’t really matter.
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Congratulations on your anniversary!
I think your goals are great. And don’t let anyone tell you what weight your should be. If you feel like you can lose more and get to 175 and that feels comfortable to maintain, then do it!
If you hit 190 and feel great, then stop there.
Goal weight can shift and is really, really personal.
And go for the running. You will be surprised at how quickly you will go from not being able to do 30 seconds to running miles at a time! Just take it slow, I think that is the key.
Keep on blogging, maintenance is it’s own interesting journey that never ends, and there aren’t enough people talking about the maintaining out there and how to live it every day.
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Lori, thanks for your comment. You are right, I shouldn’t be worried about the final weight at all. I will know when I get there.
As far as running goes – I just need to make the plunge. In fact, I am kind of feeling a little inspiration coming on.
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Happy Anniversary! Awesome work!
On your weight loss goal, my first choice would be:
1. Where ever it settles out with a sustainable level of eating and exercise. Otherwise,
2. Maybe 180ish? I like guys with a bit of solidity to them, but that’s just my personal prejudice.
Best of luck for the next year and beyond!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Thanks Larkspur! 180 seems to be the common thought. However, your first comment is probably the one that is right on target. It will be what it is when I get there.
Thanks again!
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Sorry for the delay in posting my congratulations! But, CONGRATULATIONS nonetheless!
You’re doing great, and I love the new goals you’ve set for yourself. I think a periodic review of how far you’ve come and where you’d like to go is very important, both in life and in weightloss.
I wish you luck through this next year and each year thereafter!
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South Beach Steve Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Kim, it sure felt good to get to this point. I have a long way to go, but I am pleased with how it is going.
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I realize I’m almost a month late to this one (it showed up in my newsreader as unread…), but I wanted to comment on your weight goal. I think it is absolutely not too low, unless you are 6’4″. My weight goal is 171 and I’m a cm over 6 feet tall. The goal is based on BMI, but also the “mirror” factor–I’m at 189 right now and still feel like I have a ways to go.
Regardless, it’s been extremely encouraging to read about and follow your progress, and I’m going to try your walnut butter as soon as I next make the grocery store trip
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South Beach Steve Reply:
August 13th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Fit Fan – thanks for your comment. Your perspective helps on this. I am not a big fan of BMI, but using the mirror as a second gauge is exactly what we should all be doing.
I am sure you will like the Walnut Butter. IMHO it is great.
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