Reasons behind my 4.3 kg weight loss in 2 months

I weighed 66.7 kg with 9.9% body fat on Feb 2, 2016 - the lightest ever - 

a 4.3 kg weight loss in 2 months  
Photo: Bali Marathon end Aug 2015, Penang Bridge International Marathon in Nov 2015, and Twincity Marathon in mid Jan 2016. 

Before Dec 6, 2015                                   
71.0 kg

Dec 22, 2015                                            : 
67.5 kg; lost 3.5 kg

Feb 02, 2016                                            
66.7 kg; 9.9% body fat;  lost additional 0.8 kg

Total weight loss in less than 2 months : 4.3 kg

Want to know how I did it?

Feb 2, 2016 - weighed 66.7 kg with 9.9% body fat

Dec 22, 2015 - weighed 67.5 kg 

On Feb 2, 2016, I did a body analysis at the gym. And to my surprise, I lost additional 0.8 kg from the last time I weighed myself.

This means I have had a total weight loss of 4.3 kg since my mom passed away on Dec 6, 2015.

I didn't realize I lost so much weight until I went back to office recently. 

Besides asking how I'm coping with the loss of my mother and how my 92 year-old dad is, the most frequent questions they asked were:

"You have slimmed down so much! What happened?"

"Your tee shirt looks loose on you. Used to be able to see your biceps muscle. Why did you lose so much weight?"

If you asked me whether I wanted to lose weight intentionally, the answer is NO.

In fact, all the while my weight has been hoovering around 70-72 kg. I believe only during the younger days that I weighed less than 70 kg.

But now - some how, I just shed the weights and dipped below 70 kg.

In reflection, I believe there are 2 key reasons:

1. Eat Less (smaller portion of everything and less / no meat, no rice)

Since my mom passed away on 6 Dec, I didn't manage to run or go gym until 22 Dec. I have been busy managing mom's matters, running errands and taking care of dad. 

I also started to cook lunch and dinner for dad and myself in absence of mom.

Dad has kidney problem and he can only take about 2 match-box-size meat or protein. Therefore, in his diet, it's 95% vegetables and fruits.

Therefore, I also forced myself to learn cooking in the simpler manner the best I could. 

Either my cooking is lousy or I have not much appetite due to grieving for mom, I haven't been eating much. 

In fact, I ended up eating less than usual. Still a well balanced diet but 95% are vegetables / fruits and smaller portion.

By the way, I don't eat rice with my meals but i cook rice for dad though.


2. High cardio activities

No doubt I didn't manage to go to gym or run from Dec 2 to Dec 22, but I sure had lots of high cardio activities - house chores as a full time house son. :)

I have been doing grocery shopping, cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry, sweeping 2.5-storey floors with 5 bed rooms, washing 4 toilets, watering plants, etc. 

Not to mention visiting few places (insurance company, land office, etc) to sort out mom's matters.

Perhaps it's not the 1 hour a day gym activity or running, but it's an all day on the move sort of activities.




In Summary

Of course, I believe the biggest contributor to my weight loss is EAT LESS and VERY LITTLE CARBOHYDRATES.

The only challenge I have is that I also lost my muscle mass with the 4.3 kg weight loss. I shall hit the gym and find a balance.

But if you were to ask me whether I am happy with my current weight? 

My answer is YES, minus no muscle part. haha! 

But most of my friends and colleagues are not used to seeing me so skinny as I never dropped below 70 kg before. 

What I can say is - let the nature take its course but so far I feel healthy with 66.7 kg. Perhaps lighter weight contributed to my recent full marathon personal record at Twincity Marathon in Jan 2016 as well.



Written on Feb 7, 2016.