Day-39: Apparently I'm Thinner

At least that's what my co-workers, family members, friends, mirror, pants and scale tell me.

39 days into this spiritual journey and I'm down 23 lbs. - maybe I should send my plan to Dr. Oz - "Milkshakes & Beer the keys to weight loss" - maybe not. 23 lbs. in 39 days is too much weight loss to fast. Drinking 100% of your meals 100% of the time is an awful experience and not sustainable. 

At the start of this journey I was a happy, self-confident person. At the start of this journey I was not unhappy with my size / shape. Heck, last October I ran a full marathon weighing 209 lbs. All that being said, I'm not displeased with my weight being the 180's. I'm in the 180's for the first time since 2011 and only the 2nd time since 2005. I'm thinking that I'll work on not gaining back everything that I lost - which will be a challenge. 

I miss eating! I miss texture, a variety of flavors, feeling full. I miss snacking while I drink beer, watch TV and play games with friends. I miss sampling what I cook. 

A few days ago I made a slow cooked BBQ Beef Roast. 

• I used a 3 LBS chuck roast, coated with salt and pepper and olive oil. Add sliced onion, orange pepper, minced garlic and a slightly varied McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ recipe and let cook for 10 Hours. 
• Once the meat is done shred it with forks, removing the bone and fat and place into a separate container. Spoon the juice from the slow cooker over the shredded meat and let it absorb. 
• Heat butter in a pan and add fresh sliced onion and minced garlic. Add a TBSP or two of vinegar while cooking. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and as much diced jalapeno as your pallet desires. Cook until it is all caramelized.
• Take a sandwich bun, butter both sides, sprinkle buttered sides with garlic salt and toast on a hot pan.
• Take a hot bun and put spicy mustard on one half, top with shredded beef, onions and a slice sharp cheddar cheese
• Place other half of bun on top of cheese and watch your wife eat it...  

 That last step sucks. 

Still, I enjoy cooking. I enjoy making things that others like to eat and I enjoy the fact that I can still enjoy cooking and stay true to what I'm doing. 

When people ask me, "why are you doing this?" I tell them "To strengthen my relationship with God." In most situations there is a follow up question, "Is it working?” Thankfully, joyfully and happily I get to respond, "Yes, it is working." 

I love that fact. I love that it isn't a lie and that this experience is working. I am thankful and feel blessed that 39 days of not eating is giving me more than a flatter stomach and sharper jaw line. I am thankful for my support network, peer encouragement and will power. I am thankful for knowing God.

I’m 5 days from dinner…