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Eating habits improve, but about that exercise . . .

Weighing In, John C. Cotey's column about his effort to lose weight, appears Tuesdays in Floridian. His starting weight on July 1 was 250 pounds. To read previous columns and his Web log, The Skinny, please go to www.sptimes.com/skinny

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published August 9, 2005

WEIGHING IN: 235

So far, so good.

The weight is coming off, I feel better and I think I look better.

I feel as if I just got out of a bad relationship, and I did. Little Debbie was no good for me, and all the running around behind her back with Mrs. Fields and Marie Callender was stressing me out.

The question I get asked most these days is: How have you done it so far?

The answer is simple. I am just eating less, and eating better.

Really. That's all. I've been dreadful when it comes to daily exercise and still can't seem to stop eating after 7 p.m.

Truth is, I'm slightly disappointed. But I know my mind is in the right place because I feel guilty about not exercising and about eating two rice cakes instead of one. So let's take a look at the first five weeks.

The good news: I'm down 15 pounds. Woo hoo.

The bad news: I could have lost 20, at least, with a little more effort.

The good news: I feel healthier and have exercised more than in previous years.

The bad news: The 5 a.m. workouts aren't exactly working out. The running shoes still look a little too new. My bike tires are still flat. I don't feel headed in any particular direction when it comes to exercise.

The good news: I've never loved a pair of shoes like the running shoes I bought recently. Hopefully, they will inspire me to use them.

The bad news: My wife just yelled at me for wearing them inside the house. But I love them!

The good news: I haven't had a candy bar or doughnut since July 1.

The bad news: I've had lots of dreams about eating candy bars and doughnuts.

The good news: I actually had someone tell me it seems like I'm walking faster around the office. That's huge, considering that most days I felt like I was just leaning forward and letting the weight of my belly carry me along. The bad news: A walk to lunch still leaves me cooking in my own juices.

The good news: I'm reading nutritional labels on everything I eat.

The bad news: I'll never eat a box of macaroni and cheese again. Just one has more than 1,000 calories, and I used to eat two per sitting. Yikes.

The good news: My face is shrinking. The first compliment I got was about my face being less puffy.

The bad news: Now, about that chin(s).

The good news: I've eaten more fruit in one month than I have in the last five years.

The bad news: The sight of grapes now makes me throw up in my mouth.

The good news: My shorts and pants feel looser. I don't have to unbutton them in my car or after lunch anymore.

The bad news: I got a little cocky and bought a new pair of shorts that were a wee bit tight. Slow down, big fella.

The good news: I've discovered sugar-free fudge pops.

The bad news: I've discovered sugar-free fudge pops.

The good news: You know what, eating smaller portions and then waiting for it to fill you up isn't so hard.

The bad news: Occasionally, I slip into my old bad habits, usually involving cereal.

The good news: Some days I have to chokethe water down, but the whole "drink a gallon" thing is definitely doable.

The bad news: Do I really need to tell you?

The good news: My efforts have inspired others. My mother now has a personal trainer and some of my friends have taken up daily running.

The bad news: They are doing more than me. Slow down, people!

The good news: I'm having fun.

The bad news: No, honestly, I'm having fun!

[Last modified August 8, 2005, 17:29:03]