Two Guys Lose Weight: 10 pounds lost, but the danger zone awaits...

The following is a blog documenting two Los Angeles Times editors’ attempts to lose weight (even on an NFL playoffs weekend). It all began on Jan. 10.

My trainer, Mike, weighed me in at 205 pounds on Jan. 8. Two weeks later on the same scale, I scored a 195. That’s a 3 ½-pounds drop in the last week after the initial 6 ½-pounds decrease the first week. Now I’m on the highway to the danger zone.

Just like Tom Cruise in “Top Gun,� I’m doing battle this Monday in the sky. No, not with Iceman or some Russian MiGs. I don’t even get that bald guy with half a cigar falling out of his mouth giving me a pep talk. I’m on my own.

And although flying to Washington, D.C., on a quick business trip may sound a bit less exciting than the life of Naval aviator Lt. Pete “Maverick� Mitchell, it’s actually more dramatic. I should get at least a cameo in “Top Gun 2.� Supporting role would be preferred but I’d take a cameo.

The drama begins after walking through the security gates (actually before due to the TSA-sponsored full-on body cavity assaults). But once you make your way past the security line (probably now with a limp), it’s like being a compulsive gambler who has parachuted onto the Las Vegas Strip.

No slot machines or Elvis impersonators, but plenty of flashing lights. But instead of the Bellagio or Mirage, you get Sbarro and California Pizza Kitchen and Starbucks. Usually I crater and immediately get a Venti White Chocolate Mocha for starters and then it’s on. Like Donkey Kong.

It’s like being in the David Lee Roth “Yankee Rose� video. “I’ll have a bottle of anything, and a glazed doughnut. To go!�

But this time around, I come prepared. I’ve got my Nutrisystem weaponry fully engaged. It successfully got me through the NFL conference championships on Sunday and that’s saying a lot. I fared much better than Jay Cutler (who, I still believe, will be a Hall of Fame quarterback).

I started the day with a breakfast burrito, had the steak-and-cheese melt for lunch, and wrapped up the day with roast turkey medallions. All frozen entrees on the Nutrisystem plan. Plus, I had the allotment of dairy, protein, carbs and two dessert items.

It was all very good. Around 10 p.m., I wanted more. But no pain, no gain (much better than my usual mantra: no pain, no pain).

I’m bringing my food with me on this trip. I’ll find a microwave. I’ll find salad. I’ll find yogurt. I’ll use the hotel gym. Maverick’s got nothing on me. I’m out. Check out how my partner “Goose� is doing here.

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