A while ago, I decided to try to lose a pile of weight from my more than ample bulk. I figured it could only help my bad knee and in general help me maintain some of the good health I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy.

I’ve been at this for 5 weeks now, and I’ve lost 23 pounds. This has meant some adjustments. I’ve become almost religious about having breakfast (cereal with a banana and milk) every morning. I eat loads of raw veggies through the day. I eat fat-free yogourt for snacks. I’ve cut out junk food. I only occasionally have a beer. I’ve cut back my meat portions, but I still eat meat regularly.

In spite of the adjustments, I’ve still had a couple meals out. One, with East Texas Red, included meat loaf with mushroom gravy, roast potatoes, and a couple beer. The other, with my friend AI, was a pad thai lunch with a beer. In other words, I’m not starving myself, and strangely enough, I’m not finding this so difficult. Mostly it’s about discipline.

So far so good. I’ve increased my walking. If I take Memphis out to play with her buddies, I try to do a walk first, and sometimes a walk after as well.

Meanwhile, did I tell you my knee has been diagnosed as a muscle problem. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that. Two muscles are out of balance, causing my patella to be pulled out of place. I’ve been doing exercises involving a soccer ball and a lot of squeezing to rebalance things – and so far, it’s helped tremendously. My knee is much better than it was already.

I still have plenty more opportunities to get rid of excess bulk, so I expect I’ll be on the train for a while.

Now that I’ve found a doctor I’m happy with, I’ve also just had a physical. It’s been maybe 30 years since my last one, so I guess it was about time. If the blood tests come back OK, it looks like I’m reasonably healthy. Good to know. I’m going to try to have a physical every year or so now. Next year, my doctor wants to start doing colo-rectal screening. I can hardly wait.