I was a little nervous today as I went to the gym.  After 2 days of not weighing in over the weekend, then not working out on Monday while going to a baseball game in which I had a hotdog and split some nachos and a soft pretzel with my girlfriend, I was a little worried I may not make my weight goal today.  However, while I did come in a pound heavier than I had hoped, I was only at 180.25 before my workout ant 179.5 afterwards.  Basically, I am already a half pound into my 2 pound weight loss goal for this week.  One thing that is very important that I mention is that while I am working out and doing a lot of cardio (usually around 30 minutes a day on an elyptical machine about 4 times per week), I am also lifting weights to build my muscle.  Over my years of playing sports, I have learned that lifting weights will help build muscle, which burns more fat than cardio alone.  However, muscle does weigh more than fat so as I get back into my lifting regiment, I may tail off on my weight loss, but really be stronger for it.  At this point I am fairly sure I can go down another 5-7 pounds without having to worry about the muscle factor becoming a problem.  My halfway benchmark of 175 is going to entail both a reward for myself (either a day at the spa or a new pair of running shoes) and a visit to my doctor for a complete physical to make sure that I have set realistic and healthy goals for myself.  If possible, I would like to do an underwater body fat test to see how to take my workout and my diet to the next level.  Until I lose another 5 pounds, this is all talk.  Keep cheering me on as I try to change my lifestyle for the better!