Baby Diet for Daddy

The last two years have not been kind to me in the weight department. I finished up my masters degree in 2010, which meant long hours of sitting on my butt in front of a computer or reading a book. In 2011, I neglected my own health on several levels while dealing with the death of my parents.

But it's a new year, and there's a reason to smile again...

My wife and I are expecting our first child in July! The loss of both of my parents, especially the sudden cardiac-related death of my dad, has me on high alert. I want to be healthy. I want to live as long as possible to experience the joys of being a father, and someday, a grandfather. I want to be around long enough to grow old and wrinkly with the love of my life. This renewed sense of my own mortality is one of the primary things pushing me to lose weight, get fit, and stay healthy.

So my wife and I have entered into a little competition of sorts. I'm to shed a pound for every one she gains during the next 6 months of pregnancy. The total should be somewhere between 25-30 pounds, putting me at a goal weight around 165-170. I haven't weighed 170 pounds or less since around my sophomore year of high school. Add to it the fact that my wife is eating ice cream for two every night, and you see what a struggle this might be.

Pray for me. :)

 

For those interested, I'm heavily leaning on livestrong.com "MyPlate" feature to track calories and exercise. Unlike many diet plans such as Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers, it's completely free (at least the basic versions are, which is good enough to get the job done). I've got it set to lose about a pound and a half a week, and so far, I'm ahead of the curve.