The Elf diet is no laughing matter

The Elf diet 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Time for another accountability post, this will be the last of 2016. I had set big goals at the start of the year and unfortunately I did not keep up with those. My time at the gym dwindled after the first few months of 2016 as did my healthier eating habits.

My running is still going strong. The streak stands at 216 as of this posting. Last month I blogged about my new protein powder. It's a plant-based product called Vega. I mix it with spinach, milk and blueberries and it makes a great meal replacement.

Thanksgiving grub

Thanksgiving weekend didn't go well either. I ate enough to feed a small village in a third world country. But by the Monday after the holiday I was back on track and at least not eating as much junk. Now that it is December my concern this month is elf diet: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. I'm not so worried about most of those because I'm not a fan of candy canes, candy corns or syrup. But Christmas cookies are one of my favorites this time of year.

We're weeks away from 2017. I'll be back in the gym and get on track. Better food choices are on the menu in the new year too. Merry Christmas and thanks for reading.

Craft beer & Cocoa Pebbles vs. My abs & willpower

I didn't have these together

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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As summer fades away I start another month wondering why I haven't found my abs yet. Well, the answer is actual in the title of this post. Craft beer and Cocoa Pebbles were my big nutritional downfalls in August. But it's not just my sweet tooth and developing love for craft beer that has hurt my waistline. I've fallen off the workout wagon.

Got this from Doug Brinkley 

I did the six week Tarzan Challenge through July and into part of August. But instead of restarting the program and doing each exercise for 90 seconds instead of 60, I just stopped working out completely. My logic sucks, I wasn't getting the results I wanted so I stopped. Makes perfect sense, right? WRONG. 

I am still running everyday. I've hit day 124 of consecutive running. But I've got to do something else. I'm in a fitness rut for sure. The good news is I haven't gained any weight. I'm status quo. I want to see results, but really need to work on getting them. I wish there was more time in the day or I could get a better handle on how I spend my waking hours. Oh and speaking of sleep, don't even get me started on that situation. I still suck at that too.  

Stay tuned for the October update and go enjoy something pumpkin spiced. Oh and check out Craftbeericans on YouTube. It'll make me not having abs worth it if you watch and subscribe. 

Eff it, I'm on vacation

Funnel cake! Yummy

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Last week I took a much needed break from work and in the process a break from the healthier eating habits. I take full responsibility for the choices I made, I don't blame anyone but myself and that "eff it, I'm on vacation" mindset that had taken over.

The crazinesses started with eating the better half of a funnel cake with my better half at Holiday World. Then we went to a barbecue where I had not one, but two meals; which included pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad and chocolate chip cookies. I chased those meals with a few craft beers too. Every morning I had at least one cup of coffee with chocolate flavored creamer. I ate Cocoa Pebbles, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and bowls of ice cream too.

Each time I filled the bowl, I told myself "I'm on vacation." Plus I was still exercising, getting in a run each day as part of the run streak. I had also started week four of the Tarzan Challenge. I paid for my gluttony by gaining a couple of pounds, but there is a silver lining. I'm still below what I started off 2016 at (by about five pounds).

My morning coffee, no cream no sugar

So as I've written about before, it's time to refocus. I went back to work this morning and drank my plain black coffee, no creamer nor sweetener. Breakfast was an egg and a sweet potato. Lunch was a green smoothie with spinach, banana, berries and a scoop of protein powder. Water has been plentiful. Snacks have been nuts and fresh produce. It's only day one of a new month, but I'm back on course and still determined to find those abs (or at least get a glimpse of them).

If you've had a rough time recently, join me in reclaiming a more nutritious diet. There will be time for the sweets and junk food (in moderation) down the road. Now is the time to cleanse.  Good luck friends. We can do it.

Streaking into June

Selfie break with the Big Muddy Monster

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I promise there will be no nudity in this post.  That's not the streaking I'm talking about.  I've had plenty of ups and downs with Operation Find My Abs through the years.  In fact, I'm still looking.  I'm hoping 2016 is the year I finally get into better shape (and round doesn't count).

May started off with the launch of a running streak for me.  I have run at least one mile every day since then.  I racked up just over 75 miles for the month.  The Yellow Donkey running group I'm a member of is the source of inspiration for this streak.  I blogged before about losing my passion for running after I completed my first marathon in October.  I'm not ready for another long distance race, but I am gradually regaining my love for the sport.

Another streak I started is the #22KILL push-up challenge.  I wrote about it the other day, so I won't repeat myself.  But I will say this is an important streak because it's raising awareness about veteran suicide.  Plus it's another way to get in some extra exercise.

I've also started a planking challenge.  It's a 30 day thing, but there are rest days involved. This is another one courtesy of those crazy running donkeys.  I know I'm not going to sculpt abs of steel with this, but the challenge will help in the process. One other streak I've started is a blogging streak.  You're reading this, so it must be working.  Actually I have seen some growth on the page as a result of the consistent content.

Other things I did in May, I was hit or miss with the gym over the course of the month.  My eating habits were pretty good, but I still have an out of control sweet tooth some days. I haven't had a soda (I'm addicted to Vanilla Coke Zero) since the end of April.  I'm not going to lie, I will resume the soda drinking but just one day a week.

My hope for June is that these healthy streaks start having a visual impact on the task at hand, which remains finding at least a trace of my abs. 

April munching brings May crunching

Working out again at Gold's Gym (Marion)

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Not much has changed since my mid-April update on Operation Find My Abs.  I have however kicked up the visits to Gold's Gym and added some DDP Yoga back into my exercise routine.  I'm running more too, but as I've talked about before, it's not so much the exercise aspect that's holding me back.

My Coke Zero...

My problem is with eating.  After wrapping up trips to Disney World and Dallas for WrestleMania in March and early April, I've gotten back on a more stable eating pattern.  I haven't had fast food since returning, but sweets are still a big weakness for me.  I'm going to attempt to do a soda cleanse this month.  I love fountain Coke Zero, but I had cut back to drinking soda to just Fridays and Saturdays about two years ago.  I'm going to try to kick it for a month and see where I am after that.  Ironically one year ago today I ended a month-long soda fast.  I did in fact miss it.

The Craftbeericans

One thing I won't be giving up is the craft beer.  I've recently helped launch a new YouTube show called Craftbeericans where we drink a lot of craft beer.  It's fun and I'm learning a lot about the industry.  Plus I figure with making some other adjustments to my diet, I should be able to squeeze in a few beers each month.

How are things going for you?  I hope you're finding success in whatever avenues you're pursuing.  I'm hoping for the June post to have some visible changes.  I have dropped a few pounds, but don't feel like I'm adding any muscle.  We'll do a side by side pic and see if that's the case.  Good luck to everyone.

Accountability Blog: A picture speaks a thousand words

By Chad Smart

@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter
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January 1: 190 Pounds
March 1: 173 Pounds

It’s only been two months since I started the #OperationFindMyAbs in earnest, but I can already see the results. This was made clear last week when Facebook reminded me how out of shape I was by bringing up a past memory. Earlier in the week I had joked with a friend after watching an episode of My 600 Pound Life that if my face ever looked like a live version of the happy face emoticon to let me know. I guess Facebook took my suggestion seriously because I couldn’t believe how much 2014 me could have been used in a text message to express happiness. 

Happy face emoticon 

When I decided to get serious about trying to get in shape, I told Kevin my short-term goal was to get down to 170 pounds by the time Wrestlemania week rolled around. While I should be able to hit that goal by the time we roll into Dallas on April 1, I’ve still got a ways to go to reach my ultimate goal. I still can’t see any abs and I need to work on building muscle now that I’ve gotten rid of most of the fat. This next month is going to be a real test of my willpower. 

As Kevin mentioned in his accountability blog for this month, there were some moments of weakness and setbacks in the last month. I had to go home for a funeral then went straight from there to San Jose for a weekend of hockey. I actually put on two pounds during that week due to lack of exercise and poor eating. 

At the end of March, in addition to spending a week in Texas for WrestleMania, the week before I’ll be going around upstate New York, Montreal and Ottawa in the ongoing quest to see all 30 NHL teams play at home. Two weeks on the road avoiding fast food and making sure to get in a daily workout won’t be easy. Even if I should suffer a setback, my determination will not be broken. The journey of 1000 miles starts with one step.

You can't outwork a fork

Working the ropes

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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On New Year's Day I posted a blog about how running had made me fat.  I decided then that after years of talk, 2016 would be the year I find my abs.  My friend Tyler Hatton reached out to me and offered to work with me at Gold's Gym.  This is my one month progress report.  (By the way, you can listen to my podcast with Tyler about fitness and nutrition here.)

When I weighed in on January 1, I was 193.6 pounds.  I'm pretty sure that's the heaviest I've ever been.  Today (February 2), I'm down exactly 10 pounds, weighing 183.6 pounds.  My goal remains getting more toned and defined.  I'm seeing some progress in that department, but as we all know these changes take time.  

Back and biceps day

I am proud that I've been consistent with my working out. I hit a different group of muscles each time I'm at Gold's, which is at least four days a week.  I'm also running (not as much as I used to), but more importantly I'm eating so much better than before.  I've said goodbye to flavored coffee creamer, fast food and I very rarely eat sweets. 

Spaghetti squash burrito boat

This past Sunday I splurged and had a cappuccino, a glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut and a few hands full of chocolate caramel popcorn.  But I limited my poor choices to that one day and I'm back on course.  I recently made a spaghetti squash burrito boat to replace the usual wheat or flour tortilla.  It was incredibly delicious.  

Ab workout

Chad and I are both competing against each other in this Operation Find My Abs challenge.  It's not about being vain and posting a bunch of pics, although I did here.  My goal (and his) is to motivate each other and help readers and listeners along the way.  His main focus is DDP Yoga,  a program I still do from time to time.  I'm staying mostly in the gym for my quest.  

If you're thinking about getting started, it's not too late.  Don't wait until "Monday."  Finish reading this and then start.  Play episode 60 of the podcast and get some fitness and nutrition tips from someone who knows what he's talking about.  Good luck! 

Not Foolin' Around

Still looking... can't really see anything right now.

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Check out My 1-2-3 Cents the Podcast here

I've read it and said it before.  Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym.  It's time to actually follow that advice.

Now to the excuses portion of the post.  March was a rough month.  My wife and I took the kids on a spring break extended weekend that included all kinds of unhealthy treats.  We had ice cream, apple turnovers and Krispy Kreme donuts.  I was kind of good at the Chocolate Monkey and had a chocolate covered banana instead of some of the more decadent treats.

My birthday treats
My friends rule!

March is also my birthday month and we celebrated at work and at home with a variety of sweet treats.  I had five cupcakes, two pieces of cake, a brownie and a couple scoops of ice cream to celebrate.  I did however avoid the temptation of the hundreds of Girl Scout cookies that made their way through our house.  I also told the Easter Bunny no candy for me this year.  That will be hard because I LOVE Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs.

My last soda (at least for now)

Now to the main point of this post.  Not only am I giving up candy, I also decided I'm done with soda.  I had my last one on Sunday, March 29.  It was a 44 ounce Diet Coke with a splash of Wild Cherry Pepsi.  Usually when I get a fountain soda, I prefer Coke Zero with the artificial vanilla and cherry flavoring.  It's my weakness.  And if I ever come across a Coke Oasis machine, forget about it.  Anyway, I enjoyed that last soda as I watch Wrestlemania 31 and ate large quantities of buffalo chicken dip, tortilla chips and luchador mask chocolate chip cookies.  

I switched to diet soda years ago, but after reading countless stories how it can lead to more belly fat, I've decided that's probably one of the things hindering my progress in Operation Find My Abs.    I'll reevaluate my stance at the end of the month.  I haven't convinced myself that I completely want to give up diet soda.  But then I thought about it like this, if I was a smoker and giving up cigarettes, I wouldn't tell myself I could smoke again next month.  So I'm conflicted.  Wish me luck.

Going Into March Like a Lion

Still looking...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

It's the start of a new month and another round of accountability from me.  I vowed to get into better shape in 2015 and I've been recording my progress through daily #AccountabilityTweets on Twitter (@kevinhunsperger) and monthly right here.  I started my journey this year with the WWE Power Series Triple H Workout.  It's a four week program.  You can look back on my work with it here.

Half marathon in February

I've been running a lot too.  On Valentine's Day I completed my second half marathon and in a pretty decent time for me.  I've also joined a gym.  I've had memberships to facilities in the past and the membership card collects dust after a few months.  I'm trying hard not to fall into that syndrome again.  It's funny because on the first day at The Hub, I was approached by someone who reads this blog.  He asked how things were going and encouraged me by saying he'd seen a bit of improvement.

Because I'm focusing on my core, specifically my abs, I've found some great and intense workouts on YouTube from Brandon Carter.  They're about 15 minutes long, but I can feel the burn.  The other big area I'm still struggling but improving with is eating.  I'm doing a pretty good job through the week of cutting out sweets like cookies, candy and cereal.  So far I have not caved and had any of the Girl Scout cookies that are currently mocking me from our pantry.

From January-March

I'm posting my progress (or setbacks) for the world to see to hopefully encourage some folks to get up and start doing the same thing.  I'm also updating you all because it's become the ultimate form of accountability.  If you haven't started yet, do it today.  Let's take this journey together.  It doesn't have to be a Monday or the start of a new year or month or even week.  When you finish reading this (and the other fine blogs available here) head out and do something.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park your car an extra row away from the front door at work.  Swap out one soda for a bottle of water each day.  Making small, gradual changes will help you adopt a healthier lifestyle and not conform to a fad diet. Good luck!

Four Week Update: Triple H Workout

Week 4 update

By Kevin Hunsperger 
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

A month ago I posted a blog about rebooting "Operation Find My Abs."  As I wrote the post, I was eager to get back into a workout routine.  I started the WWE Power Series Workout featuring Triple H.  It's a four week program.  Week one is five days of exercise.  The following three weeks you workout for six days a week, the rest day is Sunday.

I wasn't sure if I'd stay dedicated to the program.  In the past, I've talked about getting fit, but when it comes down to it, life gets in the way and I begin making excuses.  But I haven't this time around.  Over the weekend I wrapped up the fourth week, and while I haven't found my abs, I am noticing small differences.  My wife has picked up on that too, which has been a boost to my ego.

Not only am I doing the Triple H program, but I'm continuing to run as well.  I have a goal of 700 miles this year.  So far I've put in 43 miles.  I've got a long way to go, but I'm confident I'll make it. In two weeks I'm running another half marathon.  I've also done a little DDP Yoga, but probably most importantly, I'm eating healthier.

When I started

While I haven't completely eliminated sweets from my life, I only eat them on the weekends and in much smaller quantities.  Same for my addiction to diet soda.  It's hard sometimes because temptations lurk around the corner.  My wife and kids are climbing on board too.  I'm proud that my wife has kicked her exercise and diet routine up significantly.  Slowly, our entire family is making this transformation.

Heath Hatton

I'm not giving up this time, I will take steps off the road and snack from time to time.  I've also joined a new gym and plan to start working out there a couple times a week.  And Mr. Abs himself Tyler "Heath" Hatton is going to start offering me some pointers too.  Hopefully by my next four week update there will be more definition.  

I've spent the entire time talking about what I'm doing, I'm hoping this has motivated at least one of you reading it to start making a difference in your life.  Let's do it!

Operation Find My Abs: Day 1

Day 1: 184.0 pounds
Here we go...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

In writing this blog and sharing the pictures, I expect some snarky comments, eye rolling, and other negative vibes from some people. But I'm not doing this for them.  I'm doing this for me, and I'm sharing my story for those who want to read it.

Earlier this year I declared 2014 "The Year of the Abs."  It's now late July and I am no closer to finding mine than OJ is to finding the real killer.  Recently, my buddy Chad sent me a message challenging me.  I like the idea of having an "Operation Find My Abs" Challenge.  We're both middle age and a little crazy (wrestling fans will get that), so here we are.

Me and my BowFlex

I don't expect to get ripped and look like someone from the pages of Muscle and Fitness magazine.  But it's my hope to have some definable abs, loss the love handles, and build up my pecs.  I'm running more and increasing my workouts with DDP Yoga.  I've also dusted off my BowFlex and plan to start a regular workout program.

One last treat

For me the hardest thing is going to be watching what I eat.  I've always read the first step to finding your abs is in the kitchen.  I have a big sweet tooth.  I've recently cut back sweets to just the weekends.  But starting now, I will eliminate them totally, at least for this initial phase of the program and then I'll have them sparingly on a cheat day.  Last night was my first and last Chocodile for a long time.

I hope that by going public with this, I'll take it more serious. I've said hundreds of times, I'm going to do this to myself, but never got very far.  

The other reason I'm doing this is to hopefully inspire some others along the way.  I'm not a fitness or nutrition expert.  I'm a 41 year old husband and father who is still not 100% positive this is going to work.  Part of me thinks I'm too old to transform my body, while the other part of me is worried I'm biting off more than I can chew.  

My first half-marathon back in February

If you want to join us on the journey, please do.  We can all support each other along the way and if you've already found your abs, feel free to share advice.  It's not going to be easy, but I'm determined that now is the time to make this happen.  Thanks for the support.

Chad's Story:

Chad's before pics

Sixteen months ago, I wrote a blog about trying to get in shape. In typical fashion, shortly after the blog was posted I stopped doing anything type of workout. I blamed it on the annual Geek Week traveling and not having the time. Honestly though it was because I was lazy.  It was easier to sit around watching TV eating fast food then it was to exercise and go to the grocery store to buy healthier food.

During the past year of inactivity I managed to undo any positive steps I’d taken during the six-seven weeks of working out last year. I was back to almost 200 pounds, which wouldn’t have been that bad had it been 200 pounds of muscle. In May I started telling myself it was time to cut the excuses and get back to trying to get in shape. Kevin has been talking about #OperationFindMyAbs for a while and I started using that as my motivation.

This time would be different. I wouldn’t accept defeat and was more committed to an overall lifestyle change. Last year I was doing DDPYoga but fast food was still the main part of my diet.  Not this time. If I was going to do this, it had to be serious.

While I started prepping for the restart back in May, due to trips to Philadelphia over Memorial Day weekend and a trip to Dallas a week and a half later, I decided to wait until I was back in LA to start the search.  I consider June 9 to be the official first day of changing my life.

Surprisingly for me, I have managed to continue to stick with the workouts and healthier eating to about a 90% success rate. This past week has been an off week due to severe sunburn that caused pain when I moved my shoulders. Even without doing DDPYoga this week, I continued to be active. I have a daily goal of taking at least 10,000 steps and walking at least 5 miles.

Before I changed my eating habits, I thought it would be harder than it’s been. I don’t cook. That’s the main reason I relied heavily on fast food as my source of nourishment. I’ve managed to start doing some basically cooking, but most of my meals are prepackaged salads or frozen meals which can either be quickly microwaved or thrown in a skillet for a few minutes.  While technically not as bad as fast food, I know these aren’t the healthiest options either and need to start to actually cook. Seriously, have you ever looked at the sodium content of a lot of prepackaged food? It’s ridiculous.

It’s been six weeks since I started this phase of working out and so far I’ve managed to lose 21 pounds. Still trying to figure out how to lose the stubborn belly fat and find my abs. Even if I don’t get the six-pack, at least I’ve made positive changes that I can see the results. That’s good enough for me.

As Kevin stated, if anyone reading this wants to join us on this trip, we’d like you to come along and have a circle of encouragement.

*The pictures included in this blog are from 2013 when I started working out. Wanted to represent where I was at the beginning. 

The Incredible, Edible Egg

Scrambled eggs

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

For 41 years I despised scrambled eggs, or at least I thought I did.  I tried them when I was a kid and didn't like them.  But I've read that our taste buds change every seven years, so it's important to try new things.  But it wasn't until a recent visit to a radio station that my perspective on eggs changed.

Until now, I only ate hard boiled eggs chopped up on a salad.  Or I'd eat French Toast, with the bread dipped in the egg mixture. But I never, ever ate eggs by themselves.  But after promoting the Southern Illinois Men's Health Conference on WGGH 1150 AM radio, my opinion changed.  

Dr. Jerry Felts
WGGH.net

I was driving home from the station that Saturday morning tuned in to Dr. Jerry Felts' show, Health and Fitness.  I've interviewed Dr. Felts before, but his show on that particular day opened my eyes to something new.  He explained why he eats eggs and bacon for breakfast everyday.  You can read more here, but the bottom line is the extra protein in the morning helps curb cravings throughout the day.  

I was reluctant to try it, because for the last eight years, I've had blueberries, a banana, and some chocolate protein whey powder for breakfast.  It's a delicious trio, but admittedly, I was usually hungry before the end of the newscast each morning.  

Green eggs, no ham

A few weeks ago, I decided to scramble an egg.  Some mornings I add a piece of bacon, shredded chicken, or raw veggies.  I couldn't believe I actually liked this.  Now it's become a habit.  One twist I've really enjoyed is adding a whole avocado.  I scramble it all together.  Avocados are high in vitamins and good kinds of fat.  

I usually have breakfast around 2:30 a.m.  That one egg keeps me full until 7:30 or so, when I have my morning snack.  I think starting the day off with the egg helps to establish a pattern of healthier eating throughout the day (except for this week, as I've added some Reese's Eggs to the menu too).  I'm hoping this new egg habit pays off in the 2014 Operation Find My Abs that I've struggled with so far.  

Okay, I'm in My Forties

Happy 41

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Turning 40 was not hard for me.  I embraced it.  I blogged about it in a series of posts called "Facing 40."  In fact, turning 30 was harder for me.  I don't know why that is, but I suspect it has something to do with being 10 years wiser; blah, blah, blah.  

When I turned 40, I convinced myself that I was not yet in my forties.  I viewed 40 as its own age group.  It was partly tongue and cheek, partly me being serious.  

After my half marathon

Now here I am, age 41.  I accomplished several things during age 40.  I finished my goal of running 500 miles.  I actually clocked 503 by the end of 2013.  A month ago I ran my first half-marathon.  I hope to do another one before the end of the year.  I think the running may be a part of wanting to become more fit, but also part of a midlife crisis.  I'm trying to turn back or at least slow down the hands of time.

Not really me...

I've also declared 2014 "Operation Find My Abs", which is a quest to actually reveal a six-pack under the keg I've built up.  I know this is totally narcissistic of me to say, but I'm just being honest here.  I've lost sight of that goal recently, snacking on Girl Scout cookies, candy, and other sweet treats.  I've cut the sugar from my coffee and given up cereal for Lent (even though I'm not Catholic) in my attempts to lose some weight and tone up.  I'm learning it's much more than exercising, but eating right is key to this.

I want my 40's to be more fit than my 30's.  I've already run more in the first year than I did in that decade.  Thanks for reading and not judging me, or at least to my face.