Joseph A. Darmiento

Setting weight loss goals is probably one of the more difficult steps of a weight loss program. How much do you need to lose? We often choose a number based on what we used to weigh or, perhaps, what we’ve always wanted to weigh, but is that the right approach? If you’re losing weight for your health, your goal might be more modest, say 5-10% of your current weight. But what if you have something more specific in mind like a certain clothing-size you want to fit into? Answer these questions for yourself by learning how to set reachable weight loss goals Finish the story @ ABOUT.COM

Its 5 o’clock in the morning. Here I am sitting at the edge of my bed eating half a banana and peanut butter sandwich that I made last night and placed on my nightstand. A Sunday morning ritual that happens 2 hours before what is called “The long Run”. I’ll wash it down with 8 oz. of water and lie back down for about 2 hours and hopefully fall back asleep. Today’s long run is 18 miles, so filling that gas tank is crucial before getting out there. It will be close to 4 hours of running around the town, multiple neighborhoods and at some point getting myself back home. What has gotten me here? Anyone who knows me is familiar with my journey. I’ve lost huge amount of weight and through that I discovered the joy of running. It’s not that I love every moment of running, but I love the idea of doing something I never thought I would have the ability to do. So that brings me to “The Marathon” They say the marathon is “The Everyman’s Everest”. I never thought I could come close, but here I am, rope in hand. Well if the rope was made of peanut butter!

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Well its been a while since I did any updating to Couchtogym. I’ve been in a kind of writing funk for the last 2 months. It’s amazing how fast the time flies. I’m hot and heavy into the marathon training. Twelve weeks in to be exact and eight to go. Its getting tough that’s for sure. Last weeks 16 miler was an adventure to say the least. I’ve always ran alone which for the most part has been fine. To me, running is such a personal thing, but I would have to say that a little companionship might be helpful on these really long runs. I have always said that I’ve always been my own best company, but after 10 miles I can really get on my own nerves!(LOL).

As far as injuries go, I’ve been pretty good for the most part. I am dealing with a Big Toe issue (yes funny I know),But it’s not getting better. Basically I need to stay away from the hills for a while. I’m thinking of skipping this Sundays run since it’s a Bi-week, meaning no long run.

My diet, well anyone who knows me know that’s always an adventure. Last week I had White Castle twice and enough pizza to feed a small village! Lets not even talk Ice cream. I’m the only person who can work out six days a week and still put the pounds on! My goal is to lose a 1/2 pound a week and that’s not really happening. When training for a marathon losing weight too fast is not the best thing. If anything extra calories are needed to maintain energy and to keep injury free. Well I’m the best man for the job! Calories are my middle name…. Actually it’s Anthony..

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These are among the best sources of protein, fiber, and all the other ingredients and nutrients that help fight fat. In fact, they’re so good for you that they’ll just about single-handedly exchange your fat for a toned, lean body and sexy abs. You can base entire meals and snacks around them, but you don’t have to. Just be sure to follow these simple rules.
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The one thing that I’ve learned while trying to maintain my weight is that I always should have something to eat in arms reach. And I’m not talking a Snickers Bar. Although a Snickers Bar does sound good. A perfect example is sitting in Traffic (which I’m doing right now). As soon as I hit the brakes and I see a million red lights in front of me I instantly get hungry. It’s amazing how it works. Now,you never want to say NO to hunger. That’s an instant set-up for failure. Especially when your sitting in a box on wheels surrounded by a million other boxes on wheels. Not moving for what seems to be an eternity. So I always prepare. For me it can’t be a Snickers Bar. I take one bite, then it’s inhaled, then I’m back to where I was, except I’m even more hungry! So I grab my bag of veggies and go to town. At first there’s not much excitement, but the one thing I’ve learned about eating fruits and vegetables is the more you eat them the more you get a taste for them. Once I get that whole bag in me I’m ready to go.. BEEP! BEEP!

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In theory, you should be able to digest just about any type of food you put in your mouth.

But changes in food processing and preparation (think fried) not to mention lifestyle (think sedentary) mean our stomachs don’t always react well to everything we eat.

It’s best to avoid some food—like fatty meats—to avoid upset tummies. But, fortunately, nature also provides foods that can ease our digestion. Here’s a guide to what’s good and what’s bad when it comes to keeping your system running smoothly.

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Cravings can get the best of us, especially when they’re for foods that aren’t that good for you. When a craving strikes, it’s usually because of one of the three things: taste, texture or temperature. These three snack cheats satiate all three of these triggers, and are super tasty, too!
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