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So, a while ago, I blogged about trying to lose weight. Since then, I haven’t really written a word about it… which (as a reader) I would interpret as a complete abandonment of said eating plan. On the contrary, however, I have not completely abandoned my new eating lifestyle… which is surprising (even to me). In fact, since I started losing weight on tour, I have dropped from 207 lbs to just under 194.

I lost all this weight with the basic concept of portion control. After calculating how many calories my body can naturally burn using a Calorie Intake Calculator, I started to track the number of calories that I intake during the day. This journaling showed me how excessively I was eating, and showed me where I could easily fix my problem.

I’m not done, though… I still feel like I can keep losing pounds this summer. I’m taking my diet to the next step using the Abs Diet. Written by the editor of Men’s Health and the best-selling book “Eat This, Not That!”, the Abs Diet seems (upon first glance) like a fad diet that promises ridiculous results in little-to-no time. While it does seem ot promise rapid weight loss in six weeks, it’s a sensible eating plan and exercise combo that would only logically contribute to weight loss. I urge you, pick up a copy of the book — even if you don’t start the diet itself, the valuable knowledge you gain about what you are eating is indispensable.

I’ll keep you all posted on my progress throughout the summer… and I’m thinking I’m going to get to a place where I’m comfortable with my weight very soon!

So, occasionally I like to use this space to promote products that I think are exceptional. The last one that I profiled like this was the book “Eat This, Not That!” by Steve Zinczenko, which I started using to help me lose weight while stuck eating fast food on the road. Around this same time, I also started experimenting with Special K2O Protein Water.

From what I know about protein, having more of it couldn’t possibly be a bad thing. Additionally, there are 5 grams of fiber per serving… and as we, as a nation, are starting to get on a fiber kick (as evidenced by an influx of new products and television ads) I figured that couldn’t be a bad thing.

I really enjoy these little powder packets. The combination of the fiber and the protein help satisfy hunger when you’re in the mood to snack. Additionally, I think it tastes pretty good too. Unfortunately, some of the flavors smell weird. The Iced Tea flavor, in particular, smells pretty horrible… and that imposes upon how enjoyable the drink is (despite the fact that, if you ignore the smell, tastes like Iced Tea).

I really like the Pink Lemonade or the Strawberry Kiwi flavors, especially in this hot, disgusting weather. Pick some up at a grocery store near you… you’ll be glad you did!

THERE’S A MOE’S IN NEW YORK CITY!!!

If you would have told me this months ago when I left for Superstar, not only would I have called you a liar (it didn’t exist until a month ago) but I wouldn’t have known what the hell you were talking about. See, I didn’t get the traditional college experience, having attended a two-year conservatory… and apparently, Moe’s Southwest Grill is something that pops up in lots of college towns. The burritos are cheap, the nachos are free (and bottomless) and it’s a great place to grab a beer or two while you’re studying. Think Chipotle, but with free (and better) nachos and a delicious, delicious queso dip.

Fortunately, there’s now one on the East Side of Manhattan. Definitely try it if you never have! I’m sure that this establishment will be taking a great deal of money from me and only contributing inches to my seemingly ever-expanding waistline.

Get directions (via Hopstop)

Even though the month’s almost over, I wanted to premiere a new blog feature that I’ll be running at least once a month, Movies I’m (Actually) Looking Forward To. Here, I’ll judge movies I haven’t seen yet based on their trailers and promotional material and pass my judgment long before I’ve purchased my ticket. Here’s my pick for this week:

Step Brothers - Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star in this R-rated comedy about two middle aged slackers thrust upon each other when their single parents get married. The previews for this one were funny, but the commercials and the red band trailer really get me. This one’s going to be hysterical.

Thanks to one of my friends from tour, I was fortunate enough to attend Billy Joel’s “Last Play at Shea” concert last Wednesday night from Shea Stadium. As embarrassed as I am to admit it, I think it might have been my first legitimate “concert.” Fortunately for me, it was absolutely amazing. Mr. Joel put on a hell of a show, and I sincerely encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to watch him perform live to take it. I feel truly blessed to have been able to witness this part of music history.

Fortunately for me, Billy Joel had some friends help out during his “Last (Double) Play at Shea” concert. John Mayer, John Mellencamp, Don Henley, and Tony Bennett were all along for the ride on Wednesday night.

I was surfing YouTube, and found some videos from the experience. He played for THREE HOURS… these videos are just a mere portion of what we enjoyed during the night. Watch them soon, they’ll probably be taken down before you know it!!

Opening: “Star Spangled Banner”, “Miami 2017 “
“Prelude / Angry Young Man”
“New York State of Mind” (w/ Tony Bennett)
“Goodnight Saigon”
“This is the Time” (w/ John Mayer)
“The Downeaster ‘Alexa’”
“Boys of Summer” (w/ Don Henley)
“Pink Houses” (w/ John Mellencamp)
“We Didn’t Start The Fire”
Encore: “She Loves You”, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, “Piano Man”

And from the concert I didn’t catch (Friday night, different guests, different songs):

“This Night”
“Summer, Highland Falls”
“Shameless” (w/ Garth Brooks)
“Walk This Way” (w/ Steven Tyler)
“My Generation” (w/ Roger Daltry)
“Let It Be” (w/ Paul McCartney)
“I Saw Her Standing There” (w/ Paul McCartney)

Now, I might have been sitting in the Upper Section, but I *know* I saw video cameras taking crane shots all night that weren’t used up on the JumboTron thing. I’ve got my fingers crossed for an eventual DVD. Here’s hoping!

So, I was a Buffy fan back when it was on the WB Network, and while I’ve never seen Firefly, I still respect Joss Whedon’s work. It was partly that, and partly the hype on PopWatch and Ain’t It Cool that lead me to check out Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.

Now, it’s not a “blog”, really… it’s more of an internet television show / short film directed by Joss Whedon himself. The highly innovative experiment (of sorts) is reminiscent of “Once More With Feeling,” the musical Buffy episode, with its sense of humor and catchy melodies. On top of that, it’s one of my favorite Neil Patrick Harris appearances since Harold & Kumar.

While I have seen it, loved it, and highly recommend it, this post may be too little too late, as the show is supposed to be removed in its current free format today (Sunday). Fortunately, it will still be available via iTunes, but costs $3.99.