Day 24

Went to my acupuncturist today for my biweekly tuneup. He is helping me to stay balanced and doing what he can to increase my energy levels and my energy reserves.

We are going to try 2 new things for gout: celery juice and a enzyme supplement called Marcozyme. I am taking 5 of these tablets 4 times per day and our hope and expectation is that these will help reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by gout. I will let you all know. Celery juice, well I will let you know about that as well.

I can fit into 2 pairs of shoes today! Wowsers...what a victory! (although I am still walking like a drunken sailor.)

Weight today 340 lbs. (Stable, but I am ready for another drop cycle) 20 lbs. of weight removed since Monday, March 19th, 2007

Day 23

I am continuing to recover from gout. It feels great to be able to walk around again! Yes! I have felt so crippled by this last gout attack. Anyhow, as I continue to lose weight, these attacks will become less frequent and severe and eventually go away.

I still need to lift weights today, I will start that as soon as I finish updating my blogs for the day.

Any great low carb flan or custard recipes out there? Would love to know about one!

Weight today: 340 lbs. 20 lbs. of weight removed since March 19th, 2007

Day 22

I was able to walk today for 30 minutes. Slow, painful, but I was able to walk! That is a victory. My walking shoes would just barely fit on to my still gout enlarged feet, but they would go on. Yes!

I would guess that I walked at less than 1/2 of my normal pace, but it will still help. I am going to go out walking again tomorrow.

Still craving carbs. I am doing a decent job of avoiding the really harmful carbs, but still no additional weight loss since I ended my fast. Not surprising given my virtually complete lack of exercise. Well, this week will be better.

Weight today: 340 lbs. 20 lbs. of weight removed since Monday March 19th, 2007

Day 19

Hungry today. I don't know why, but I have been craving carbs all day. I think I need to eat more filling meals and snacks. I am going to increase the serving size of salads and cucumber and celery at my meals. That may well help with these cravings.

Not being able to walk is really cutting down on my exercise plans. Very frustrating. I will need to compensate with weightlifting until this changes.

Weight Today: 340 lbs. 20 lbs of weight removed since Monday, March 19th, 2007

Day 18

I still have gout today. I wanted to attend a convention today, which I did, but the walking and standing was not much fun. I am looking forward to the end of gout...which will come along the way towards getting back in shape.

I think the bounce back from my fast is over now. 10 lbs of weight came back on and that was virtually certain to happen. Still, sad to see it, even knowing that it is normal and okay.

I am currently eating close to the South Beach diet program. I will probably stay on this diet with some variations for at least a few weeks.

Weight Today: 340 lbs. 20 lbs. of weight removed since Monday, March 19th, 2007

Day 15

Gout! Ouch! I have exactly one pair of very soft shoes that I can wear to my seminar tomorrow. My feet have moved up nearly 2 sizes in just a few days. I find this less than convenient, but it is what it is.

Other than gout, I feel great today! Very energized and vibrant. This is quite normal coming off a fast. I have healed much damage and cleared out lots of toxins. Now to keep the fat loss going.

I am already experiencing weight bounce back. Probably close to 10 lbs. of weight must come back on. This is normal and nothing to worry about. The habits that got me to the old place, those are things to worry about!

Weight today: 337 lbs. 23 lbs of weight lost since Monday March 19th, 2007

Day 14

I had to end my fast today. Gout flared up at a level that prevented me from functioning...walking, and I must give a seminar on Tuesday. So, I have shifted to a lower carb, reduced fat, quality protein diet and that should tame the gout well enough for me to walk in a couple of days.

Sad about ending the fast early, but happy to begin heavy exercise again. Spring is here.

I printed a picture of myself at a seminar in early March of 2007. It is not a flattering picture! I put it up on my wall. Below it is a picture that I found in another magazine that closely resembles me when I was in great shape. I have a great picture of what I don't want and what I do want.

Wonderful Spring day! Very exciting! Bye for now...Jack

Weight today: 330 lbs. 30 lbs. of bodyweight removed since Monday, March 19th, 2007