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Showing posts from February, 2024

Day 35 and 36 Insight: The Balance Between Activity and Recovery

The evening before the latest weigh-in brought me back to the football field, an endeavor that, in hindsight, might have benefitted from a bit more recovery time post-half marathon. The aftereffects of that physical milestone were more pronounced than anticipated, leaving me feeling significantly depleted. This exhaustion wasn't just physical; it seeped into my gameplay, leading to uncharacteristic technical errors and lapses in performance that I couldn't seem to shake off. This experience served as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between pushing oneself towards ambitious goals and allowing adequate time for rest and recuperation. Despite the passion and drive that fuel my love for the game and pursuit of fitness milestones, the body's need for rest to recharge its batteries is undeniable. The intensity of the half marathon, followed too closely by a demanding football game, underscored the importance of listening to my body's signals, even when my enthusiasm ...

Day 34 Update: A Journey of Subtle Shifts and Major Milestones

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It's been a quiet few days on the blog front, and honestly, it's because life on this treatment has settled into a new kind of normal. A month into taking this medication, and it's like my body has adapted so seamlessly that there aren't daily revelations to share. My calorie intake is down, thanks to the medication, but other than that, life marches on pretty much as usual. Hydration Hurdles However, not everything is business as usual. A new challenge has cropped up, and it's all about hydration—or the lack thereof. Previously, drinking water was a response to thirst, simple as that. But now, since the dose was upped to 0.5, I've been waking up in the night, mouth dry as a desert, desperate for a drink. And it's not just a nighttime issue; I'm feeling parched during the day too, though it's more manageable. I reckon it's a mix of eating less (so fewer fluids from food) and the medication dialing down not just my hunger but my thirst too. Aside ...

Day 29 Reflection: Adjusting to a Higher Dose and Continued Progress

Today marked an important transition in my trial journey—the dosage of my injection increased from 0.25 to 0.5. This adjustment came alongside a more thorough visit than usual, providing an opportunity to reflect on my progress and the medication's impact. Surprisingly, even at the increased dosage of 0.5, I've yet to experience any noticeable side effects, which has sparked some speculation on my part about whether I might actually be receiving a placebo. The absence of side effects, apart from the significant reduction in appetite, seems almost too good to be true. It's a peculiar situation to be in, feeling the tangible effects on appetite without any other physical repercussions. The official weigh-in recorded a decrease to 95.4 kg (210 lbs) from the previous week's 96.2 kg (212 lbs), signaling steady progress. The weight loss journey feels less like a race against time and more like a sustainable path forward. This gradual approach aligns perfectly with the six-mon...

Day 28 Reflection: The One-Month Milestone

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Reaching the one-month mark in this medical trial feels like a significant milestone. As I navigate the uncertainties of being part of a study where I could either be receiving Wegovy or a placebo, my body's response over the past month has left me convinced that I'm on the actual medication, starting at a dose of 0.25mg once a week. Participating in this trial has been an incredibly fortunate experience, especially since I've encountered no serious side effects, a concern that loomed large at the outset. The fear of being in the control group was real, as was my apprehension about possible medication side effects. Starting at 100kg (220lbs), despite an active lifestyle, my challenge has always been managing my calorie intake. The concept of "food noise" was foreign to me until I experienced its absence on this trial. Balancing a generally healthy diet with the occasional indulgence, my struggle with portion sizes was compounded by another medication I take, which...

Day 26 Reflection: Outdoor Activity and Dietary Surprises

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Today I seized the opportunity to enjoy the milder weather with a quick run outdoors. The goal wasn't distance but rather maintaining a steady pace throughout, a refreshing change from the more intense workouts of late. Interestingly, I didn't consume any food during the day. This wasn't a conscious effort to fast; it simply happened that way, and I didn't find myself overwhelmingly hungry by dinner. However, dinner was a surprising turn of events. I prepared Gyros with pita bread, generously filled with a variety of veggies. Despite my recent pattern of reduced appetite, I was astonished at my capacity to enjoy a large meal. It turned out to be the most substantial meal I've indulged in since the beginning of my Wegovy journey. This experience was a revelation in several ways. It underscored the unpredictability of appetite changes and how they can vary significantly from day to day. Even amidst a regimen that usually suppresses my appetite, there are moments when ...

Day 25 Update: Adapting Plans and Dietary Choices

Day 25 Update: Adapting Plans and Dietary Choices Today brought a slight change in routine; I opted for a weightlifting session at the gym on Saturday instead of the usual Sunday slot. The reason? Plans with my brother to catch a football match in the evening—an occasion that typically involved indulging in chicken wings, a tradition we've cherished. However, the journey with Wegovy has shifted my dietary capacity significantly, making it challenging to enjoy a full meal and our customary chicken wings in the same day. In response to this new reality, we adapted. The chicken wings transformed from a match-time snack to the main dinner, accompanied by a side of potato salad to round it out nutritionally. This adjustment not only catered to my changed appetite but also aligned with my post-workout needs, allowing for an optimal intake of protein following the weightlifting session. This shift highlights the ongoing adaptations required on this journey, not just personally but also in...

Day 24 Reflection: A Day of Rest and Dietary Reflections

Taking a rest day today felt necessary after pushing through five consecutive days of exercise. Listening to my body's signals, I recognized the mild aches as a clear message to pause and avoid potential injury. It's a reminder of the importance of balance and recovery in any fitness regimen. Interestingly, my appetite was virtually nonexistent from the morning all the way through to dinner. However, the evening brought a different challenge; after indulging in pizza, which I now think might have been too much, the familiar 'food noise' crept back in. My mind wandered continuously through thoughts of what else I could eat before heading to bed. While the options I considered were healthy, the preoccupation with eating was unsettling. This experience brings to light the ongoing journey of managing not just physical activity and diet, but also the mental aspect of eating habits. The return of food cravings, especially after a period of controlled eating, underscores the c...

Day 23 Update: Injection Day and Consistent Progress

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Today marked the fourth injection day, starting off with the now-familiar routine of waking up early and skipping breakfast and coffee to fast for bloodwork and measurements, followed by the fourth and final 0.25 dose injection. The scale showed a slight decrease to 96.2 kg (212 lbs) from last week's 96.6 kg (213 lbs). While it's just a pound, any progress is good progress, especially considering the circumstances. It's been a challenging week with being sick and in recovery, which definitely impacted my usual exercise routine. Despite these hurdles, managing to still lose weight feels like a victory. On a personal note, the daily weigh-ins on my Withings scale at home have shown the lowest numbers I've ever seen, which is an achievement in its own right. It's these small victories that keep the momentum and motivation high. I also managed to fit in a solid 45-minute interval session on the treadmill today, which felt surprisingly easier than usual. This experience ...

Days 21 & 22 Recap: Smooth Sailing and Renewed Vitality

I thought I'd bundle the updates for the past couple of days into one post, given the even keel we've been on—nothing too dramatic to report, but certainly not without its highlights. It's a comforting phase, feeling well and energized, especially when out for a run or getting into the groove of a football game. The concern that often shadows weight loss endeavors—losing weight too quickly—has thankfully not been part of my narrative. It seems I've struck a harmonious balance between staying active and managing my weight effectively. And in even better news, my cold has finally decided to pack its bags and move on, leaving me free to dive back into my usual rhythm of life without any lingering sniffles or coughs. It's incredible how much we take our health for granted until we're reminded of its value when it falters. Now, fully recovered, I'm all set to embrace my daily routines and workouts with renewed vigor. Reflecting on these couple of days, it's t...

Day 20 Reflection: Progress and Observations

Today unfolded without much fanfare, maintaining the rhythm of the days that have passed. I engaged in another strength workout at the gym, continuing my fitness regimen. Interestingly, despite the gradual weight loss, I'm observing gains in my strength workouts. This progression likely stems from the fact that I haven't reached a plateau in my strength training, indicating that there's still potential for further improvement in my physical capabilities. Looking in the mirror, I've begun to notice a transformation. There seems to be a more slender figure emerging, though I'm contemplating whether this change is a result of actual physical alterations or a shift in my own perception of my body. It's a curious intersection of physical change and mental adaptation, reflecting the journey's impact beyond the scale. Throughout this trial, I've experimented with various types of food, including spicy, rich, sweet, and fatty options. Remarkably, I've been s...