Blog 2/24/09

Earlier this week, I had one of those days that I’ve been fearing. I had a good breakfast, mid-morning snack and lunch. Then the wheels fell off….but only for a while. My snack of choice is usually a protein bar. I eat E.A.S. low carb, high protein bars, as well as Greens Plus high protein bars. Yesterday, I had SIX of them. IN A ROW.

I hadn’t binged like that since last April. For whatever reason….I just gave in to my urge and let myself go crazy. The upside to yesterday, though, was this. I took it easy for dinner because I wasn’t really hungry and still ended up below my allowable caloric intake for the day. (I can’t believe I just said that….I didn’t eat because I wasn’t that hungry. Since when has hunger been the only reason to eat?)

I re-grouped after plowing through the protein bars, went to the gym and didn’t eat much after that. Mentally, I ended up disappointed with my binge eating, but by the end of the day, I was in much better mental shape because I was able to stop the bad behavior. In the past, that behavior would linger for months. Honestly. And when I binged, I wouldn’t work out, either.

As an obsessive-compulsive eater, I recognize that sometimes the behavior returns. The one thing I’ve changed is being able to limit the damage by choosing better foods. If I need two or three of something, I’ll make it fruits, nuts or protein bars. That’s been a much better choice than peanut butter cups, oreo cookie ice cream or two steak and cheese subs.

Anyway, just thought I’d let you know how I’ve been coping with those tough days that used to derail me, but now allow me to gain strength by working through them.

Bring on the spring, baby.

Best,Hank

Hank’s blog for 2/18/09

I’m off to the slopes of the White Mountains for some skiing with my family. I’m very excited about it, since I’ve skied once this year and have been looking forward to this for a long time.

In my last blog I talked about my embarrassing night at the TD BankNorth Garden when I couldn’t fit in the seat and was put in the handicapped section because I was so fat.

Now, here are 10 POSITIVE things that have come with losing 110 pounds.

1. I can shop for clothes anywhere. No longer do I have to shop at in the BIG MEN section or the big and tall stores.
2. I can fit in the seats at the TD BankNorth Garden.
3. I can sit in a restaurant booth.
4. I can walk five miles.
5. My feet don’t hurt.
6. I never go to bed feeling badly about how I’ve eaten.
7. I have energy I never thought I could feel again.
8. When I sweat, it’s from working out, not just being fat.
9. I can do multiple physical activities in a day.
10.I never feel like going to sleep after I eat.

These are just some of the positive changes that have become possible by losing weight. Of course, I could not have done it without the help of Mike Boyle and Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Winchester, MA. They are the best in the world at what they do. Please check out www.bodybyboyle.com and www.strengthcoach.com. They have changed my life and can help you change yours. It’s amazing what being around positive forces can do for your health.

I’ll report on my ski trip when I get back next week.

Best,
Hank

Blog 2/13/09

Hi folks. I’m down to 265 pounds from my high of 375 about a year ago. I continue to work out at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in Winchester and I’ve got my eating under control. I still struggle, but I win more than I lose.

I went to the Beanpot hockey tournament with my daughter Charlotte and my dad, the great Al Morse, this past Monday. I’m happy to report that Boston University, the number one college hockey team in the country, won AGAIN, beating Northeastern 5-2. What do I have in common with the BU hockey team? We are both fortunate to be clients of Mike Boyle, the greatest in the land. Check out his websites…….www.bodybyboyle.com and www.strengthcoach.com.

As I wandered around the TD BankNorth Garden during the hockey game, I was reminded about a rather embarrassing event that occurred a few years ago. My dad and I went to a Bruins game and had seats up in the balcony. For those of you who’ve never sat in the balcony, the seats aren’t as big as they are in the loge section.

I was too fat to fit in the seat. I couldn’t completely fit my large frame into the seat. I was spilling over on both sides, trying the fold my arms and position my legs to find a comfortable spot. It didn’t happen. I went down to customer service and had to request a a stand alone seat. They gave us two seats in the handicapped section. I was humiliated that I was SO FAT and felt worse for my father, who was supposed to be enjoying the game……not worrying about his monstrous offspring fitting into the seat.

This past Monday…..not only did my team win the game…….I fit perfectly comfortably into the seat…my dad on my left, my daughter Charlotte on my right. Just one of the benefits of losing weight.

My blog next week will be a top 10 list of good things that have happened to me since I began losing weight. I’m down about 110 pounds, but still need to lose more. If you ever have any questions, please send me an email at hmorse@wror.com.