Hey folks,

I wanted to take a few minutes to give y’all an update on my progress. I know it’s been a bit since I last posted a progress report. I need to make sure I’m updating the blog more often than I do. I’ve been more focused on my writing with the books than with the blog. My apologies. I’ll try to do better.

My last weigh in put me at 269.3 pounds. This is the first time I’ve been below 270 in a very long time. Granted, it’s not enormous progress but I’d rather have slow and steady than unhealthy loss. Slow and steady wins the race, right? So, I’m down almost ten pounds since the start.

The blood sugars are coming down slowly. My last doctor’s visit was “really high.” I don’t want to say exact numbers, but it was high. It’s down about 90 points, but I’ve still got a way to go. Again, I’d rather do it slowly and with purpose than with a sudden drop. I know it’s kind of against my nature. I’m usually the “fix it right now” guy and that’s exactly my first reaction with this. I’ve had to learn that this change isn’t going to be done with a single pill or with one small change.

So, I’ve had my first diabetic class with the hospital and I now have a glucometer to check my sugar twice a day. Again, it’s not coming down rapidly, so its going to be a process. I’m going to keep exercising, watching my food/sugar intake, making dietary changes, and hopefully losing weight.

I cut out soda and don’t miss it. I drink my coffee black, so that’s not a issue. Now, I’m working on eliminating “high fructose corn syrup” from my diet, when possible. Theoretically, I want to eliminate it all, but it’s in so much stuff these days. The more I read about HFCS, the more I understand why it’s banned in so many countries. It’s terrible for us

Another thing I’m doing is switching up the types of foods I eat. I’m trying to eat more fresh veggies, reduce carbs, increase my fiber, and make sure I’m drinking around a gallon of water a day. That sounds like a lot of water, but it’s really not as much as it seems like. Especially if you don’t try to drink it all at once. I try to drink at least twenty ounces as soon as I wake up. That’s easy, since I usually wake up feeling thirsty as heck.

I rarely eat any type of breakfast, but I’m thinking I should start. Part of the dietary changes will be eating more frequent, smaller meals instead of a couple of large ones. I’m also focusing on good quality foods versus junk. It’s funny, but it costs so much more to eat healthy. Why is that? Why is junk food so much more available and cheaper than the healthier alternatives? It’s almost like they want us to eat badly.

I’m glad that warmer weather is here now. I can start hitting the Farmer’s Markets for my produce. I prefer locally grown veggies. Not only are the nutrients better for you, but you know where they came from. Veggies in a grocery store might be grown in a greenhouse or in forced conditions. I want to add GMOs to the list of things I’m removing from my diet.

So, that’s my current status. I’m still making progress, but it’s slow and steady. Like I’ve said before, it’s a marathon not a sprint. I’ll try to do better about keeping the blog updated. Thank you all for your support and for taking this journey with me.

• DA