Dan Nied's Fortress of Weight Loss: Day 7

It should be known to you that I almost decided not to write tonight. But now, aren’t you glad I did? I know I am. I needed to.

I’m not trying to convince you that you should feel lucky that I got off my lazy ass and wrote. Instead, I am trying to illustrate a point.

And it’s a point we will get to in just a little bit.

For now, let’s talk progress.

So Jan. 1 was Day 7 of this magical experiment in deprivation. If you read the Day 3 entry, which is the last on record due to the long weekend, you’ll know I had to wrestle with some meat-craving demons on Friday.

It wasn’t a pretty sight. Instead, it was the exact opposite of pretty. It was gruesome and pathetic. But, I made it through and Saturday was a solid day. I even found a smart use for chocolate (quick story: I was at work Saturday night and had forgotten to bring in a snack. However, I noticed someone had brought in miniature Hershey’s bars. Instead of accepting the equally unappealing options of A. gorging, or B. starving myself, I decided to eat three wee-little, fun-sized, candy bars over the course of three hours. Was it the optimal choice? No. Was it the best option available? Yes. I am confident that made the right choice, keeping the old metabolism going while not totally screwing up the day).

Anyway, Saturday was good. However, I had already planned an off-day on Sunday. The reason was that I was covering the Raiders/Chargers game for work, and would be offered free and delicious food before the game, and less-delicious, but still free, hot dogs at halftime. I am lucky both the Raiders and 49ers suck and missed the playoffs. Otherwise that little free-food charade might have to continue for a few more weeks. But that was the season-finale. Thanks, Raiders!

On Sunday night, I had my ceremonial last meal, which I never really got to have the night before I began the Fortress. It may sound like a silly excuse to binge, but I actually take it pretty seriously. Before I go into a serious weight-loss quest (I am sad to say, there have been more than a few in my life), I always take time for one final unhealthy splurge. This time it was two chicken burritos from the good people at Chicken Express on Broadway St. in scenic Vallejo, Calif.

The point of that meal is to sort of bridge two phases in my life. I look at it as a transition between Fat Dan and Determined Dan. I enjoy every bite, but in the way you enjoy a last kiss with a newly dumped girlfriend (or boyfriend, if that’s your thing). The night before the 100 Days quest, I ordered a meat-lovers pizza from Pizza Hut. This time, it was chicken burritos, and it was more than just an excuse to eat like shit for a night.

Article Author: Dan Nied

Dan Nied is a journalist, of sorts, living near San Francisco. He is a college graduate, but you wouldn't know it by looking at his bank statement.

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