Weight Loss

The first picture is January of 2008 and the second (55 lbs lighter) is in May 2008. I debated putting these pictures up because it is embarrassing to see where I've been. However, through this last 5 months of weight loss, I have learned a lot:
1. Knowledge is Power
I really learned a lot about complex and simple carbs, proteins, sugars, etc. as well as learning about the importance of Target Heart Rate in exercise. I don't pay attention to calories as I do ingredients.
2. People do have different metabolism
I've never been a big eater, usually only one meal a day, while I've had friends who eat like pigs and never gain an ounce. I get tired of hearing skinny people and doctors act like fat people just need to use some self control and quit being pigs. In reality, people like me really do have to try harder than others to stay skinny.
3. Why diets are misleading
You've got to eat often (every 2.5-3 hrs) in order to train your body that it will get more food, so it doesn't have to store fat for the winter. Eating less slows your metabolism, so does eating too large of amounts in one sitting.
4. Why 'the Biggest Loser' is misleading
TV makes it look like in order for you to lose weight, you have to spend grueling hours doing difficult muscle-building tasks, and you can never bite an Oreo again. While this works (as your body has to supply energy for the workout) it will stop as soon as you do. Once these contestants get back to normal life, living like they did in 'the dorms' will be nearly impossible for real people.
5. Speeding up your Metabolism
Your metabolism is like a fire and it needs fed so you need to eat often, but eating the wrong foods will slow it down. Here are the basic rules:
- Eat foods the most like God made them
- Eat complex carbs and avoid simple carbs
- Don't eat a carb without a protein
- Don't do aerobic videos, taebo, or high energy sports for weight loss. These may all increase energy, make you sweat and build muscle, but if you are 100 lbs overweight your heart rate will be so high as to only burn the most recent sugars in your body. To tackle focused weight loss, walk. Keep it steady and simple, get up to your Target Heart Rate and keep it there for at least a good 45 mins.

While many people may disagree with some of the above statements, just remember - I'm the one that lost 55 lbs in 4 months, and I'm no nutritionist. It has been difficult, but I haven't done anything that caused me strenuous exercise or made me go hungry. I still have about 25 lbs to go, but that's nothing next to what I've already done. To any of you fatties, I can tell you that The Six Week Body Makeover that you have seen infomercials for, works! It's about education - and that's priceless. Knowledge will be with you always, Weight Watchers won't.

Thanks to those that check up on us regularly despite my inconsistent posting. Things are going well and opportunity seems to be all around us. It is beginning to get humid here in SC, which I have not been looking forward to (esp. roaches). We have a beautiful little pond in our complex and I like to walk along it and listen to my iPod. It even has an alligator in it.

I have been spending hours and hours for weeks putting up my first online store and it's finally complete! I sell software and books for webmasters, internet marketers, etc. However, there are book sections for anybody (recipes, cookbooks, health, home & garden, making money, etc.) For those of you that seem to be avid bloggers, most of the tools, graphics, templates, etc. can be used on blogs as well.

The site is www.MarketersOasis.com

Vacation

My parents came to SC and we did tons of sightseeing in Charleston and spent a day in Myrtle Beach, we had an absolute blast! We wore ourselves out but got a lot done in a week. Also, my dad got to spend a few days is North Carolina to do family history work. We took carriage tours, took a boat to Ft Sumter, toured the USS Yorktown, toured 18th century homes, and on and on.
Above are pictures from our trip to Myrtle Beach. Me and Becky with Elvis, Me with Elton John and my parents in their skivvy's.

Man, I'm Bad at This!

Ok, So deep down I knew I would be horrible at keeping my blog updated and y'all have caught me on it. I would like to tell you that I will do better...but then I would just be placing more responsibility on myself. So I will try to give a little update. Becky was just called as First Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency and she is thrilled about it. We don't have a large organization, but she has been in Primary since we were married and is ready for a little more 'spiritual meat' to her Sundays. At the beginning of the year I was called to teach the adult Sunday School class. As you know, the study topic this year is the BoM and I have absolutely loved it.

We moved to Charleston as an opportunity to grow as a new family and 'find our footing' so to speak. We have never had a definitive return date (after all Idaho is home). Just as we felt that the time to move here was evident we feel that after 2 1/2 years the time to return may be approaching. We will not miss any outstanding career opportunities by leaving, yet will deeply miss the Ward we are in and the friends we have made - even the medical students:) We are considering November 2008 as a departure unless something should happen to convince us otherwise.

Obviously the popular Blog thing to do is to totally plaster the page with babies so that no one can see you and your spouse. Since we have no babies yet for plastering, my ugly mug will have to do.

About Us

Becky and I have lived in Charleston, SC now for two years. We are both originally from Twin Falls, ID. We don't currently have any children but we will someday. We are both workers in the Columbia, SC LDS Temple and we absolutely love it. Becky works for a construction company (clerical) and I work for Carolina Funeral Services. I also do online marketing. Becky will hopefully be changing jobs soon. She has always worked behind a desk and is looking for something a little more socially interactive. We hope to connect with friends through this blog, so if you find us, leave a message!