Well, it all started in November of 2010.  As I blogged about earlier, my friend Jamie had made some changes.  We don’t live in the same state, so when I saw the changes I was motivated.  I had been feeling — thick, or as I would describe it, “I feel like I have a vest on all the time.”  So, I was motivated.  The other thing to mention was the alcohol decision (though it helped the weight) was more of a “word from God.”  So, today’s blog are the things that I have done since November 2010.

Top Ten Things I did to lose 30 Pounds —  Remember, it’s transformation Friday!

1. Stopped Drinking Alcohol.  You can do what you want, but for me, it all was a slippery slope.  Wine went better with pasta and beer went better with chips and pizza.  Replacing any alcohol with water was a huge relief for me.  Top beverage of choice:  Trader Joe’s mineral water — orange or lime flavored.
2. Sugar?  Just say no!  I have been a coffee drinker my whole life.  I also was a cream and sugar guy.  It was amazing when I said, no cream and no sugar.  Just good old fashioned black coffee.  Great impact!
3. Use the “Lose-It” App.  http://loseit.com/  This was HUGE.  I had a group of 4 guys who were using this with me and you cannot believe the difference it would make.  Get on this one!
4. No wheat, no flour, no bread, no gluten . . . no toast, no pasta, no hamburger buns, no pancakes, no waffles — get the picture.
5. Scale.  Yep, I have a scale.  I weigh in almost every day. I then log it onto my weight journal.  Define the brutal facts.  It will either motivate you or keep you motivated.  One or the other, either are good.  Also, on this note.  I use to also put my weight on the mirror in lip-stick for 15 days to really keep me accountable.  Marni would see it just as much as I would.
6. Don’t get the menu when you eat out — you don’t need it.  Either order:  (a) Spinach salad with chicken, (b) Grilled chicken breast with broccoli, or (c) Hamburger with no bun and no fries, but all the lettuce, tomato, and onion.  Also, splurge — have the avocado!
7. Walk, work-out, and watch the sweat drop.  It can be a walk, a run, an elliptical, or a swim.  Do something for at least 35 minutes a day that gets you MOVING.
8. Go to snacks:  Beef Jerky and Trader Joe’s individually wrapped almonds.
9. Also, a go to for our family with NO SUGAR is the Think Thin Bars.  See here:  http://www.amazon.com/Think-Products-Thin-Peanut-Butter/dp/B00014WXLE/ref=sr_1_7?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1336928511&sr=1-7  You may also like these Lara Bars as well:  http://www.amazon.com/LARABAR-Variety-Pack-Cashew-Cookie/dp/B0018C0XEW/ref=sr_1_10?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1336928432&sr=1-10
10. Finally, this soup is to die for.  You cannot believe it’s good for you.  Paleo’s Mulligatawny Soup
    1 1/2 lbs Lean ground beef
    2 shallots, diced
    3 carrots, chopped
    2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
    1 leek, halved, and sliced (make sure you clean these guys really well)
    1 parsnip, peeled and chop
    ¼ cup fresh parsley, diced

    1 tablespoon curry powder
    ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    1 teaspoon ground turmeric
    ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
    1 tablespoon cinnamon
    4 cups chicken stock
    1 cup coconut milk
    2 tablespoons coconut oil
    Salt and black pepper to taste

    In a large soup pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks and saute for 4-5 minutes. Add the rest of the veggies except the parsley and saute for another 7-8 minutes. While the veggies are cooking, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet. Once the meat is browned, add to the soup pot and mix in with the veggies. Add the parsley and all the dry spices and mix well. Add the chicken stock and coconut milk, bring to a simmer and cook low for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

There you go!
Hope it helps!
Eric Scofield