... and I'm all out of bubblegum

What do you do when your cardiologist tells you to lose 50 pounds? Well, if you're me, you stop going to the cardiologist.

Heart issues run in the family, which is why I see a cardiologist. I've had tests run on me a few times, and it all seems to be A-OK for the most part. Sticking to an exercise routine, though, has not been one of the successes of my adult life. Some poor eating habits, combined with a lot of driving around town when I was a reporter, have led to a waistline that seems to be ever-expanding.

While most people tend to say, "Oh no, you don't need to lose 50," I do look at the scale and I know what weight I'm supposed to hit. Looking at the scale doesn't equate doing something about it, though. I eat fairly healthily, but that isn't cutting it without some kind of serious exercise. I've made commitments in the past - joined a gym (twice), took boxing lessons (not to fight, just to get in shape), but excuses always crop up.

The mirror - or, at least, how I see my reflection - doesn't help. I'm not sure if it's a mental issue or just an inability to see reality, but what I see looks much different than what shows up in photos. Which, of course, is why I rarely allow my photo to be taken.

Will I be able to stick to a workout routine?

Will I actually lose the 50 pounds and be able to make another cardiologist appointment?

Will I be able to shop at one of those weird "for skinny men only" stores?

Let's see how the next few weeks go.

Life without carbonation

I've been pop-free for 8 days.

Sure, it may seem like a small thing to some people, but it's really a big deal for me. No pop, no Slurpees, no mixed drinks. For those not familiar with "pop," perhaps you call it "soda" or "cola" - or some other weird variation on the theme. It's supposed to be called pop, for the record.

This past weekend, I drank about 10 to 12 glasses of water each day. I didn't really want it, but it kept me from bolting from the house and sticking my mouth under the fountain pop machine at the QD around the corner. The allure of hi fructose corn syrup is strong. Once she's got you hooked, she's a hard mistress to turn away. A dab of syrup, some all-forgiving carbonation and a pinch of flavor ... it's like the nectar of the gods. (And, in the case of the beloved Dr. Pepper, a pinch of 23 flavors. Mmmm....)

But, I'm on the end of the withdrawal. The shakes and cravings have stopped, and I'm not sitting in the parking lot of QD/Speedway/7-11 wondering if I can down a 44 oz. pop before I get home anymore. It will take a few more weeks to make sure that I've completely kicked the habit, but I'm hopeful I'll be strong enough this time.

What's the next poor eating habit I need to kick? Not sure ... I think one a season is the limit for me. Maybe I'll try to do away with chips in the fall.

Exercise and meal plans

According to the plan I wrote a few months ago, I am now well into my new eating/exercise regimen. As part of the plan, I am now riding a bicycle to work every other day, walking for a half-hour during lunch and have completely stopped drinking pop. Whew.

It's amazing how quickly plans can be derailed.

To say I've fallen off the wagon would be an understatement. There's a reason I haven't seen my cardiologist in ... 3 1/2 years. (I still have the appointment card in my wallet, which I just checked.) At the time, I was told I had to lose a bit of weight. Since I failed to do so, I canceled my checkup and haven't been back since. Not the best way to deal with my failure, I know.

On the plus side, I did buy a bicycle. I've ridden it four times. My next step is to visit a local exercise facility to investigate the possibility of working out there. I don't want to jump into things and exercise right away - this is more of a long-term planning opportunity.

I wonder if it's too late to sign up for next season's "Biggest Loser" ...