And there go the pounds…

It's no secret that I spend a lot of my free time running. And when Jeanette and I have the time together, we like to go for a walk or hike, preferably on unknown and difficult terrain, with a map and compass. That means that I get more than average exercise and that I consider myself physically above average healthy.

In addition, more than 3 years ago I was tempted to start eating a low-carb diet together with Jeanette. The realization that you are over 50, the mirror and the slightly too tight clothing that painfully confirm that, maybe you recognize the feeling ... something had to be done to stay healthy. It was going to be a carbohydrate-restricted diet, but of course we still drank wine and beer with it.

In September 2017 still more than 82 kilos clean on the hook, after 2 months already dived a few grams below 80, very simply by omitting potatoes, rice, pasta and normal bread and replacing that with lots of vegetables, dairy, nuts, seeds, fish and a little meat. Right in November (talking about bad timing) I also started running and there went the kilos. In April 2018, in a professionally guided running team, I started tailor-made training sessions and worked very disciplined towards the Berenloop Half Marathon on Terschelling on November 4, 2018. At the start under the Brandaris I weighed a decent 75 kilos. In all that time, I never considered giving up my beer and wine, so those carbohydrates and mainly calories kept coming in steadily.

During our first Dry January in 2020 I indulged in 0.0% beers and wines, none of them really tasty, but you still want a nice glass in front of you during a nice meal and after a sporty performance. Those replacement drinks all contain almost as many carbohydrates and only slightly fewer calories than 'the real stuff', so except for an improved night's sleep and a feeling of freshness, nothing changed, at least not on the scale.

This year we're doing it differently… I wrote earlier that fresh ginger tea and water have now become the standard drinks. As an exception, to celebrate something or to start the weekend, we drink a 0.0% wine, the La Tulipe bubble rosé is highly recommended. And very occasionally, after a hard training session on Saturday afternoon, I reward myself with a Brand 0.0% IPA, as far as I'm concerned the only alcohol-free beer with taste.

And look what happens ... in December 2020 the pointer was still at 71 kilos, after the third week in Dry January there was suddenly some downward movement. My body clearly needed a reset of a few weeks and then decided to continue burning the remaining excess fat at its leisure. It's very slow, but I'm still losing weight. Now, in the third week of the 40-day Challenge, I'm at 67 and a little bit, at my age and at 1.75 meters tall, that means a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) of 21.9.

The 'lack' of calories and carbohydrates from alcohol apparently ensures that my body is slowly but surely getting back into top shape. Lately I even have to eat some more carbohydrates to be able to keep training without passing out, that says enough for me. And I continue to positively surprise myself about all the improvements I experience by no longer drinking Bollekes Heavy Blond or glasses of Rioja. Mentally, physically, financially…there are really only benefits!

The only thing that is really wrong are the walks to the glass container ... 😉

Roy