This seems like a great place to keep a journal so here goes:

Today's stats:
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 200.4 lbs.
BF% : 24.0%

I started my diet on February 9, 2004. I decided to make a change on Feb. 7, and found John's site on Feb. 9. So I can't give the initial credit to John, but I give him 99.9% of my motivation since then. I saw the animated gif of John's year of transformation, and I decided that was my goal. I give myself 1 year to create an animated gif of myself, and attempt to show progress the whole time.

It's been a little under 3 months and I have lost a total of 50 lbs. (started at 250 lbs.). I am on a pretty big calorie deficit, so I have lost some lean mass also along the way. The breakdown of the 50 lb. loss is about 43 lbs. of fat to about 7 lbs. of lean mass. I know that what I am doing goes against the general recommendations, but I am happy with my progress so far. I am on the lookout for signs that my metabolism is slowing, or fatigue is setting in, and then I will definitely be adding more calories.

I take 4 different pictures EVERY day. So I will have 4 animated gif's. I weigh myself every day using 2 different scales, and I take my BF% 3 different ways (and then average them). I chart my daily weight, BF%, workouts, and every morsel of matter that enters my body on a daily basis.

It feels like a full time job!

Today's stats:

Weight: 198.8 lbs.
BF%: 23.3%

I had a really good workout last night (back/biceps/legs/forearms/abs). However, I missed my cardio workout this morning. I slept in a little due to the fact that I have only been getting 5-6 hours of sleep each night lately (last night I got 7 1/2 hrs :D ).

I have been feeling tired more lately, so I have been toying with the idea of increasing my calories. I am going to try to get 8 hrs of sleep for the next several nights just in case that's the cause, and not my lack of calories.

Today's stats:

Weight: 197.2 lbs.
BF%: 23.0%

Well, I was up 4 times in the middle of the night (bathroom trips, my stomach was killing me, I won't go into details). Obviously the 1.6 lb loss is water, but psychologically it still feels good.

I was able to get 7 1/2 hours of sleep (even with visiting the throne). I didn't feel all that great this morning, so I skipped my morning cardio. I can't keep skipping workouts! I feel like a failure every time I do.

Tonight is chect/shoulders/triceps/abs, but I have a meeting for my son's Cub Scout pack, so I will probably be doing it late. But I WILL do it!

Today's stats:

Weight: 197.2
BF%: 23.9%

Good cardio workout this morning. I didn't gain back the water loss from the day before, but I just had 3 beers, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.

Today's stats:

Weight: 197.2
BF%: 22.9%

I can't believe the weight I lost recently has not come back. I had another 3 beers tonight (I am pushing my luck). :nod:

Today's stats:

Weight: 197.2 lbs.
BF%: 23.0 %

Sore throat today (ugh).

I think I am going to give Max-ot a shot, considering the great results I have seen people getting. I will probably start this week, assuming I don't get more sick.

Today's stats:

Weight: 197.2 lbs.
BF%: 22.7%

Wow, I didn't know Max-ot was so complex. I printed out a 165 page document on it yesterday. Boy, do I have some reading to do.

Today's stats:

Weight: 195.4 lbs.
BF%: 22.7%

I think I have been close to burning out lately, so I have decided to wait until Monday, May 17, to start working out again (this is also when I plan to start Max-OT). I am really psyched to start Max-OT.

I found this (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=4549) transformation today, and decided it was my goal over the next 3 months. We shall see!

Today's stats:

Weight: 194.0 lbs.
BF%: 22.5%

I am trying to figure out how I can workout 5 days a week (as appears to be required for Max-OT). Lifting in the morning on an empty stomache is not good, so that only leaves at night after work. Oh, and probably after the kids are in bed. Which means around 8:00 or 9:00. :rolleyes: