Out Of The Frying-Pan Into The Fire

Week 1 Weight Loss (WL): 4 lbs

So I’m four days into my 31 day challenge and, since there is a sense of geek culture about Project Reroll, I am reminded of when I first started playing D&D. You get the basics of how to play the game to you, you’re a Level 1 N00b (insert your own class here) playing with people who’ve been doing this a while, and everyone is excited that you’re there. You think to yourself “I’ve played games before…how hard can this be?” And then…the adventure starts.

Like anyone starting out something challenging, the first steps are extremely challenging. Day one was a sense of false hope. I was positive, drinking juice for breakfast and lunch to prepare my body, walking 3 miles that day, and eating a sensible meal. Everyone was excited for me to go on this journey and I received tons of praise.

Day two I was still doing really well. Had the remainder of the juice I made (if you do it right…the juice you make one day can last you a solid day and a half), got some exercise in, was feeling really good, and then I met my first Boss of my adventure…the dreaded Level 20 Convention Weekend.

See here’s the funny thing about working at conventions and someone trying to lose weight. It’s like battling a monster that you’re just not prepared for. The environment you are in was not made for people who are trying to be healthy about their choices. There’s overcooked hamburgers/hot dogs, soggy fries, $2 bottles of water that really cost $5 for a pack of 24, and all the alcohol you can get your hands on.

It’s a test of Will Power (I failed a few times in some of the food choices I made) and a reminder that this is not a game. I was still able to get some exercise in, my Saturday night primarily consisted of water and early to bed, and I did lose a few pounds, but I’m not happy with the outcome because I was just a Level 1 N00b who fought a Level 20 Convention and got away with a few wins, but a lot more loses.

So, Fellow Adventurer, here’s some tips that I will be using next time I got to a convention. Maybe these will help you.

1. Pre-pack some healthy snacks.  Not all conventions have access to places have healthy choices on location so it’s best to prepare ahead of time.
2. Breakfast...it's not just for Hobbits. Most of the hotels you stay at during a convention offer a continental breakfast...eat it. Make good choices, but do not forget the most important meal of the day. Trust me you'll feel it later if you forget.
3. Drink Water...lots of water. Water will help stave off some craving if you’re drinking enough. Also, it’s healthier for you than a soda, energy drink, and so on.
4. If you feel like you want have a drink with friends…have Rum. Captain Jack was right… rum can be good for you. A Beer, per 12 oz service, can range from 64 to 330 calories depending on the brand. Rum, Whiskey, or Scotch is 64 calories for 80 Proof and 80 calories for 100 Proof per serving.
5. Don’t forget to exercise. Because I’m often promoting something at a convention I don’t get many chances to take long walks around the floor. Even if it’s something like a large Comic Con, you need to remember that walking the floor does not replace your exercise. It enhances it.
6. Get rest. Yes it’s fun to stay up late and burn the midnight oil, but you pay for it the next day. Your body needs time to recover and sleep can be the best thing for it.

So we enter Week 2 of my Project Reroll 31 day challenge today and I’m already starting off better than Week 1. W00t. I feel like I leveled up.

Monday began the start of a 10 day juice fast.  If you’ve never heard of a juice fast, I highly recommend you check out the documentary “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead” on Netflix, Xbox, or where ever you stream your content from.

Until next week.

Mike Dougherty
Twitter.com/wickedjava
Facebook.com/mcdougherty