AKA, for the love of Bob.
Last night I made my way through all levels of the boot camp DVD - a sweet gift from my dear husband-valentine! I know that 4 weeks ago I couldn't have done it, and it was a nice milestone to complete it.
I weighed in this morning at 176 pounds - 5 pounds of weight loss total. While this is nowhere near my goal, or my goal pace, I have to admit that a pound a week ain't shabby. I feel better, I feel strong, I sleep better, I have more energy... what's not to love?
In two weeks I have a biofeeback appointment with Kate Poole, just like the one JR did. Excited to have Kate's input, she's incredibly knowledgeable about all around well being. I know she'll call me out on the fact that I've been eating non-organic foods, for one, including non organic meats and cheese. I don't want to sacrifice my attention to healthy foods in favor of what will make me simply lose weight faster.
I only have 5 more weeks to train for the Tulip Run, which continues to be my focal point for my workouts. I also meet with a personal trainer tomorrow for my first appointment. I've been setting rewards for myself - like after the 8k, I'll treat myself to a Jillian Michaels book + a week of hot yoga.
Ok guys, eagerly waiting to hear from everyone... love you all. xo
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Life happens
Thursday night at 9 pm, my husband had to go to the emergency room. He's just fine now, but at the time we didn't know what was happening, even if it might be a stroke. I had to stay home with my stepson, not let on to what was happening, put him to sleep like it was a normal night, and wait at home rather than being on hand to help.
The first thing I wanted was a cigarette. Since I had none, I had CHOCOLATE. Thanks, PMS. Only an extra 250 calories, but still. He didn't get home from the ER until 6 in the morning, so needless to say everyone's sleep was a bit off. I was so exhausted all day that I skipped the gym and went to bed at 7:30 last night.
Basically those 48 hours are a wash. I'm optimistic I didn't do too much damage, but there was certainly no forward progress. I'm NOT going to let it get me down, even if I did have to miss my weekly Cappy's this morning. Rather than throwing in the towel, I'm going to try to double up.
Next time a crisis hits, I'd rather see myself pop in a workout dvd rather than bust out the truffles.
There's only 83 days left until I go to Vegas. Time to get things done.
The first thing I wanted was a cigarette. Since I had none, I had CHOCOLATE. Thanks, PMS. Only an extra 250 calories, but still. He didn't get home from the ER until 6 in the morning, so needless to say everyone's sleep was a bit off. I was so exhausted all day that I skipped the gym and went to bed at 7:30 last night.
Basically those 48 hours are a wash. I'm optimistic I didn't do too much damage, but there was certainly no forward progress. I'm NOT going to let it get me down, even if I did have to miss my weekly Cappy's this morning. Rather than throwing in the towel, I'm going to try to double up.
Next time a crisis hits, I'd rather see myself pop in a workout dvd rather than bust out the truffles.
There's only 83 days left until I go to Vegas. Time to get things done.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
More of what's good, less of what isn't
Last sad post + J's asskicking aside, I thought it might be nice to mention a few less bummer items.
Like... my breakfast this morning! Raw, nutritious, good for fast oxidizers.
6 oz almond milk
1T amazon bliss
2oz raw spinach
1oz frozen mixed berries
2-5 drops vanilla stevia to taste - Whole Foods brand is the best
Or... my workout last night! I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, and sweated my *** off. Then some upper body weights and experimenting with the ab machines, putting pride aside in favor of learning how on earth they worked. A long sit in the sauna for detox + stretching [tight muscles around my knees respond well to this] and I felt great by the time I left.
Stupid scale can't get me down.
Like... my breakfast this morning! Raw, nutritious, good for fast oxidizers.
6 oz almond milk
1T amazon bliss
2oz raw spinach
1oz frozen mixed berries
2-5 drops vanilla stevia to taste - Whole Foods brand is the best
Or... my workout last night! I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, and sweated my *** off. Then some upper body weights and experimenting with the ab machines, putting pride aside in favor of learning how on earth they worked. A long sit in the sauna for detox + stretching [tight muscles around my knees respond well to this] and I felt great by the time I left.
Stupid scale can't get me down.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Week 3 check in
Scale disaster! Brownies! Knees! It has not been a glorious week for round three.
If the scale is correct, I actually haven't lost any weight since I started. Whatever my estimates were previously, it says I weigh in at 181. Before anyone tries to say I gained muscle, that's likely b.s. - there's no WAY I do enough lifting to gain 8 lbs of muscle. I have worked out at least once a day, every day, for three weeks, mostly cardio. I have eaten an average of 1,300 calories a day.
What. The. Eff.
I must admit that yesterday I gave in and baked brownies, which thank goodness were awful - not tempting. But I did have one, and I did NOT work out thanks to a combo of despair and soreness in my knees.
I know enough not to let the scale set you back, but really? This is frustrating. Hopefully everyone will share tales of accomplishment and shedding pounds to encourage me forward.
If the scale is correct, I actually haven't lost any weight since I started. Whatever my estimates were previously, it says I weigh in at 181. Before anyone tries to say I gained muscle, that's likely b.s. - there's no WAY I do enough lifting to gain 8 lbs of muscle. I have worked out at least once a day, every day, for three weeks, mostly cardio. I have eaten an average of 1,300 calories a day.
What. The. Eff.
I must admit that yesterday I gave in and baked brownies, which thank goodness were awful - not tempting. But I did have one, and I did NOT work out thanks to a combo of despair and soreness in my knees.
I know enough not to let the scale set you back, but really? This is frustrating. Hopefully everyone will share tales of accomplishment and shedding pounds to encourage me forward.
Monday, February 16, 2009
I fell off the wagon and rolled down the hill.
...and hit every delicious, fattening thing on my way down. Almond croissant, tasty quesadilla, cherry coke, HOT PASTRAMI SANDWICH. "I'm on vacation!" I told myself, but really it was just Portland and I'm home now, so what's my excuse for the ice cream I'm about to tuck into? PRESIDENTS DAY? Frick! And you know I haven't exercised (besides a 3 mile walk on Saturday, but that was to FOOD). Someone tell me something to get me back on track. I already feel the "snowpants" effect creeping back to my thighs. Help me please.
PLEASE!
PLEASE!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
2 new favorite things
Favorite workout song: "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga
Favorite healthy dinner: Quinoa pasta with broiled salmon + asparagus, fresh cherry tomatoes, homemade pesto [light on the extra virgin olive oil, heavy on the lemon juice] - DELICIOUS
Ran 3 miles today. Ready, go.
Favorite healthy dinner: Quinoa pasta with broiled salmon + asparagus, fresh cherry tomatoes, homemade pesto [light on the extra virgin olive oil, heavy on the lemon juice] - DELICIOUS
Ran 3 miles today. Ready, go.
delayed weight loss?
So either my scale is wacky or I lost 4 more lbs in the last two days?? Argh. I need to get a really good scale or head to the IMA and see if they have a scale that is accurate. At this point, I have lost somewhere between 8 lbs and 4 in the last 3 weeks. If it is only 4 then this weight is coming off slower then I wanted and I need to up my exercising days. Right now I'm still doing 2 days (an hour each) during the week at boot camp and one hour at the IMA or Greenlake walking or jogging on the weekend. Maybe I need to add more running days? I will try to run both Sat and Sun if I can and see if that helps. My appetite during this cold I've had the last week is very low, so maybe I did lose 4lbs in the last day. Yay for the flu/cold! Hahaha. Ok, S and I need more inspiration, is anyone else have good weight loss, and if so tell us what you are doing so we can mimick it. :) Thanks!
p.s. go see Coraline. It was really really good, if you are into Burton films.
p.s. go see Coraline. It was really really good, if you are into Burton films.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Week 2 Check In!
Last week I lost 5 pounds, bringing the total weight loss to 8 pounds. Woohoo! Now here's hoping that all of that weight was fat, or at least as much as possible - not muscle loss. With the intensity of my workouts, it seems hard to believe I could be losing any muscle.
Yesterday was started week 1 of my 8 weeks to train for a 5 mile run on April 11th. I'm trying not to overtrain + injure myself, so I did my 2 miles yesterday plus another mile of walking, and today will be a 'resting' day of yoga and 30 day shred.
Calories have stayed right at around 1200, never below + only slightly bumping over that amount. It's tough, but so far it's worth it! I've also upped my protein intake and reduced even some of my "good" carbs. Tuesdays are the exception, as they remain my juicing day, but I try to balance the sugar with fiber intake + primarily veggie juices.
Excited and motivated, still. What about y'alls?
Yesterday was started week 1 of my 8 weeks to train for a 5 mile run on April 11th. I'm trying not to overtrain + injure myself, so I did my 2 miles yesterday plus another mile of walking, and today will be a 'resting' day of yoga and 30 day shred.
Calories have stayed right at around 1200, never below + only slightly bumping over that amount. It's tough, but so far it's worth it! I've also upped my protein intake and reduced even some of my "good" carbs. Tuesdays are the exception, as they remain my juicing day, but I try to balance the sugar with fiber intake + primarily veggie juices.
Excited and motivated, still. What about y'alls?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Cappy's, round one
My take on the first trip to Cappy's - R's quips on my post in italics
**************
Saturday morning, I took a boxing fitness class. Basically everyone I told this to raised an eyebrow. Even if we were speaking on the phone, I could still hear the skeptical lift. I can't say that I know just what a "boxing" type is; I just know that I'm not it. Current workout resurgence aside, I'm not of the "hit the gym" varitey. MAYBE a stroll around Greenlake, if I'm feeling frisky. But boxing? Ha! But the way that fellow 18-week-challenger R talked about the class, I couldn't resist. I wanted a REAL workout.
When I'm feeling frisky I like to dress in knee socks and play "exchange student" with my boyfriend. Just kidding. I love the instant toughness that this class gives you. It's always given me a little momentum: I'm going to Cappy's.
I arrived an anxious 20 minutes early last Saturday. It was cold outside, but I still waited out front, suffering a chill to postpone the embarrassment of walking in the door and being the new guy. Once the instructor spotted me hovering, she called me in. "First time?" she asked. Hmmm, what gave me away? I filled out the requisite forms and had her wrap my hands for me after handing over the $5 for an introductory class.
In my experience a look of panic and fear of pain typically gives first-timers away. That and the death grip on the cup of coffee.
My buddy + partner joined me as the room began to fill up with people in EXTREMELY good shape. I grabbed a jump rope with a sigh, wondering if I even could jump rope any more. As we got started, the answer became clear: I can sorta jump rope. The first cycle of cardio is kind of a blur, but it was something like jump roping, scary squat jump things, jump roping, scary squat jumps, jump roping, pushups [or, if you are me, trying to hold a plank pose] ad infinitum.
I like how I'm not included in the segment of people in extremely good shape here. You're cruisin for a KO, lady. Kidding again- as I warned you before the class, I have the endurance and agility of a baby hamster with a muscular deficiency. That cardio cycle hurts me every time. It feels soooo good once you've made it through it, though!
At some point, just to add to the fun, my pants started falling down while jump roping. Not OFF, thank goodness, but I was the awkward one pausing to hike them up. Oy.
I still say go no pants next time. Just socks!
Next we worked with a medicine ball, at one point throwing it back and forth while skipping sideways. This didn't kick my ass quite as much as I suspected it would. I think next time we should use a real medicine ball, not a 'pastel colored' one.
Our ball was special and so are we.
After all of that business was circuits. Only, in my confusion, I didn't really understand we were doing circuits. This is my only explanation for how we ended up in what R has termed the "accidental superman." When the buzzer went off, I wasn't sure what we were supposed to be doing, so I looked to see what two other super fit partners were up to. They were doing supermans, laying on their stomachs with arms + legs extended + lifted. Our dear instructor, so helpful and patient, couldn't help but sound a little disappointed in us when she came to ask what on earth we were doing. Ah, learning curve.
Ah the accidental superman. I had a feeling that wasn't our next move, but I didn't want to come across as a know-it-all. Whatever. The hilarious image of us just dropping to the floor and extending our arms and legs to the sky for no reason will stay with me forever.
The rest of it was awesome, save the speedbag. That contraption continues to be beyond me. Oh, and the side plank things. That didn't happen, but R and I did get a chance to catch up while I sat there and chatted with her instead. Ooops! Most of it was gratifying and tough work. Turns out, I LOVE to throw a left hook. And by the time we did 3 minutes of jump rope at the end, I wanted MORE.
You are going to kill it this week! Awesome.
More is just what I'll get when we go back this Saturday. Proof that the workout is worth any sheepish feelings you have to overcome when walking in the door the first time.
Well put. See you back in the ring.
**************
Saturday morning, I took a boxing fitness class. Basically everyone I told this to raised an eyebrow. Even if we were speaking on the phone, I could still hear the skeptical lift. I can't say that I know just what a "boxing" type is; I just know that I'm not it. Current workout resurgence aside, I'm not of the "hit the gym" varitey. MAYBE a stroll around Greenlake, if I'm feeling frisky. But boxing? Ha! But the way that fellow 18-week-challenger R talked about the class, I couldn't resist. I wanted a REAL workout.
When I'm feeling frisky I like to dress in knee socks and play "exchange student" with my boyfriend. Just kidding. I love the instant toughness that this class gives you. It's always given me a little momentum: I'm going to Cappy's.
I arrived an anxious 20 minutes early last Saturday. It was cold outside, but I still waited out front, suffering a chill to postpone the embarrassment of walking in the door and being the new guy. Once the instructor spotted me hovering, she called me in. "First time?" she asked. Hmmm, what gave me away? I filled out the requisite forms and had her wrap my hands for me after handing over the $5 for an introductory class.
In my experience a look of panic and fear of pain typically gives first-timers away. That and the death grip on the cup of coffee.
My buddy + partner joined me as the room began to fill up with people in EXTREMELY good shape. I grabbed a jump rope with a sigh, wondering if I even could jump rope any more. As we got started, the answer became clear: I can sorta jump rope. The first cycle of cardio is kind of a blur, but it was something like jump roping, scary squat jump things, jump roping, scary squat jumps, jump roping, pushups [or, if you are me, trying to hold a plank pose] ad infinitum.
I like how I'm not included in the segment of people in extremely good shape here. You're cruisin for a KO, lady. Kidding again- as I warned you before the class, I have the endurance and agility of a baby hamster with a muscular deficiency. That cardio cycle hurts me every time. It feels soooo good once you've made it through it, though!
At some point, just to add to the fun, my pants started falling down while jump roping. Not OFF, thank goodness, but I was the awkward one pausing to hike them up. Oy.
I still say go no pants next time. Just socks!
Next we worked with a medicine ball, at one point throwing it back and forth while skipping sideways. This didn't kick my ass quite as much as I suspected it would. I think next time we should use a real medicine ball, not a 'pastel colored' one.
Our ball was special and so are we.
After all of that business was circuits. Only, in my confusion, I didn't really understand we were doing circuits. This is my only explanation for how we ended up in what R has termed the "accidental superman." When the buzzer went off, I wasn't sure what we were supposed to be doing, so I looked to see what two other super fit partners were up to. They were doing supermans, laying on their stomachs with arms + legs extended + lifted. Our dear instructor, so helpful and patient, couldn't help but sound a little disappointed in us when she came to ask what on earth we were doing. Ah, learning curve.
Ah the accidental superman. I had a feeling that wasn't our next move, but I didn't want to come across as a know-it-all. Whatever. The hilarious image of us just dropping to the floor and extending our arms and legs to the sky for no reason will stay with me forever.
The rest of it was awesome, save the speedbag. That contraption continues to be beyond me. Oh, and the side plank things. That didn't happen, but R and I did get a chance to catch up while I sat there and chatted with her instead. Ooops! Most of it was gratifying and tough work. Turns out, I LOVE to throw a left hook. And by the time we did 3 minutes of jump rope at the end, I wanted MORE.
You are going to kill it this week! Awesome.
More is just what I'll get when we go back this Saturday. Proof that the workout is worth any sheepish feelings you have to overcome when walking in the door the first time.
Well put. See you back in the ring.
Get it
Good things come from working out. Duh! But here's some of the unexpected results:
1. I quit smoking! Well, I've had 4 cigarettes since we started, but normally I would've had 80 or more in that same time period. Tuesday morning I woke up and I could feel the smoke from the night before - painful tight coughs that convinced me I didn't ever need to do that again. I'm a little worried about what this will do my metabolism, but hopefully the workouts will compensate.
2. I'm in a great mood! I'm bordering on perky. I talk to people allllllll day long at work, and I've noticed myself smiling more, engaging in conversations, having fun. Thanks, endorphins.
3. I cleaned my house! I have extra energy and less interest in just sitting on my butt. I got more done in 15 minutes last night than I usually do all week.
In addition, I've been getting other awesome gifts from others + for myself.
1. I'm running an 8k in April! A sweet birthday gift from my friend L, who will be running with me. Just enough time to train, eeek.
2. I joined 24 hour fitness! I can't depend on the Seattle weather enough, or know that I will get good workouts in on rainy days. I'm hesitant to join any of their classes just yet, but hope to at a later date.
3. I'm going back to Cappy's with R! [More on Cappy's soon!] I love birthdays, presents rule.
Just to make sure I get the maximum number of exclamations in this post, I will add that I started doing my "30 Day Shred" video! I did it last night + this morning, and I am SORE. It is only 20 minutes, so it would be great to use in conjunction with some additional walking or jogging, or as one half of more 2-a-days.
AWESOME!!!!
1. I quit smoking! Well, I've had 4 cigarettes since we started, but normally I would've had 80 or more in that same time period. Tuesday morning I woke up and I could feel the smoke from the night before - painful tight coughs that convinced me I didn't ever need to do that again. I'm a little worried about what this will do my metabolism, but hopefully the workouts will compensate.
2. I'm in a great mood! I'm bordering on perky. I talk to people allllllll day long at work, and I've noticed myself smiling more, engaging in conversations, having fun. Thanks, endorphins.
3. I cleaned my house! I have extra energy and less interest in just sitting on my butt. I got more done in 15 minutes last night than I usually do all week.
In addition, I've been getting other awesome gifts from others + for myself.
1. I'm running an 8k in April! A sweet birthday gift from my friend L, who will be running with me. Just enough time to train, eeek.
2. I joined 24 hour fitness! I can't depend on the Seattle weather enough, or know that I will get good workouts in on rainy days. I'm hesitant to join any of their classes just yet, but hope to at a later date.
3. I'm going back to Cappy's with R! [More on Cappy's soon!] I love birthdays, presents rule.
Just to make sure I get the maximum number of exclamations in this post, I will add that I started doing my "30 Day Shred" video! I did it last night + this morning, and I am SORE. It is only 20 minutes, so it would be great to use in conjunction with some additional walking or jogging, or as one half of more 2-a-days.
AWESOME!!!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Update
My 18 weeks started a few weeks ago so I don't have a week one update, but here's what's been happening:
-With the exception of one Domino's thin crust pizza (I blame Extreme Home Makeover) and one scone (re-org at work), I've cut down on carbs drastically. Starches, too. Still eating a banana in the morning, though.
-Went to boxing fitness class at Cappy's for the first time in months.
-Instead of taking a bus home in the afternoon, I've been walking the 1.25 mile uphill route FAST. Takes about 25 minutes. I do that at least twice a week and have gotten to know Jackson street really well.
-I jogged a mile. I can't even remember the last time I did that.
-My muffin top is totally shrinking. Just yesterday I realized that I have my waist back. It was a great feeling.
-I weigh 9lbs less than I did when I started.
-I made this:
(Raw zucchini ribbons, raw tomato sauce. Not bad!)
My goal, almost as much as losing weight (I have 11 pounds to go), is to BE IN SHAPE. All caps because I mean it. Build up endurance, get some definition, have an ass to be proud of. I don't care how that sounds, that's what I want. Don't we all?? I think for me that means sweating for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week with some strength building. We'll see how it goes.
These are what I see as my main challenges:
-My boyfriend. He's great but he loves to go out to eat, eat late at night, use a lot of olive oil and butter in everything. He's out of town right now and I attribute my success so far in large part to that. I'm nervous that when he gets back that I'll lose a lot of ground.
-Time. I have a full-time job, a side gig, two volunteer commitments, and a few TV shows that I can't miss (hello, Blair Waldorf). It's not easy to fit exercise in and I get pretty tired. Hoping exercise videos will do the trick.
So, nothing too unique or extreme. I think I just need to find a good balance; can't wait to see how I feel when I do.
-With the exception of one Domino's thin crust pizza (I blame Extreme Home Makeover) and one scone (re-org at work), I've cut down on carbs drastically. Starches, too. Still eating a banana in the morning, though.
-Went to boxing fitness class at Cappy's for the first time in months.
-Instead of taking a bus home in the afternoon, I've been walking the 1.25 mile uphill route FAST. Takes about 25 minutes. I do that at least twice a week and have gotten to know Jackson street really well.
-I jogged a mile. I can't even remember the last time I did that.
-My muffin top is totally shrinking. Just yesterday I realized that I have my waist back. It was a great feeling.
-I weigh 9lbs less than I did when I started.
-I made this:
(Raw zucchini ribbons, raw tomato sauce. Not bad!)My goal, almost as much as losing weight (I have 11 pounds to go), is to BE IN SHAPE. All caps because I mean it. Build up endurance, get some definition, have an ass to be proud of. I don't care how that sounds, that's what I want. Don't we all?? I think for me that means sweating for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week with some strength building. We'll see how it goes.
These are what I see as my main challenges:
-My boyfriend. He's great but he loves to go out to eat, eat late at night, use a lot of olive oil and butter in everything. He's out of town right now and I attribute my success so far in large part to that. I'm nervous that when he gets back that I'll lose a lot of ground.
-Time. I have a full-time job, a side gig, two volunteer commitments, and a few TV shows that I can't miss (hello, Blair Waldorf). It's not easy to fit exercise in and I get pretty tired. Hoping exercise videos will do the trick.
So, nothing too unique or extreme. I think I just need to find a good balance; can't wait to see how I feel when I do.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
check-in
I'm gonna copy-cat and do bad news first:
- I haven't worked out since last Friday, because I've got a stupid de-motivating cold
- Coincidentally, the days that I haven't worked out I also ate like crap, mostly with sugary stuffs.
- I'm right at the point, weight wise, that I always get to and don't cross.
good news:
- I'm down 4 lbs since last week. (this won't happen every week, and I don't want it to, I think alot is just reduced bloat by eating slightly more streamlined and avoiding food after 7pm)
- I did workout four days last week, and if I get my butt in gear I can do better this week.
- I did a pretty good job of avoiding breads. If you discount pie day yesterday and the 2 slices of cheesecake I ate over the weekend, I did a great job.
- I'm got 4-6 daily servings of veggies and fruit, consistantly.
Goals for next week: work out every day between now and next Tuesday. Do at least one day of juice-fasting. Continue to eat tons of fruits and veggies and avoid bread.
- I haven't worked out since last Friday, because I've got a stupid de-motivating cold
- Coincidentally, the days that I haven't worked out I also ate like crap, mostly with sugary stuffs.
- I'm right at the point, weight wise, that I always get to and don't cross.
good news:
- I'm down 4 lbs since last week. (this won't happen every week, and I don't want it to, I think alot is just reduced bloat by eating slightly more streamlined and avoiding food after 7pm)
- I did workout four days last week, and if I get my butt in gear I can do better this week.
- I did a pretty good job of avoiding breads. If you discount pie day yesterday and the 2 slices of cheesecake I ate over the weekend, I did a great job.
- I'm got 4-6 daily servings of veggies and fruit, consistantly.
Goals for next week: work out every day between now and next Tuesday. Do at least one day of juice-fasting. Continue to eat tons of fruits and veggies and avoid bread.
Week 1 Check In
I'm a "give me the bad news first" kind of gal. That said, here's what DIDN'T go well last week:
1. While I'm not Adkins-y by any means, my attempts at staying lower carb were foiled by: bananas, hummus, and ONE MINI RED VELVET CUPCAKE. I mean, it was my birthday. But it's amazing how quickly you can delve into starches as soon as you eat anything other than a vegetable.
2. I didn't workout yesterday. I woke up too sore to walk, let alone jog. Though a round with warm water + Epsom solved that, I was too tight on time the rest of the day to work out later. Luckily my job involved heavy lifting and stairs, so at least I wasn't sedentary.
3. I faced off with the tape measure, and the tape measure won. The numbers are toooooooo sad + surprising to include here. When they change at the end, maybe I'll include the starting point to help savor my victory. But man. Really?
BUT, a lot of things went well!
1. 2 a day workouts were incredibly successful. I felt an endorphin rush for the first time on Thursday, and finally understood why on earth people enjoyed working out. I was able to jog on wooded trails, swim, do yoga, hike, box, elliptical, weight train, sauna, bike. It was a great jump start.
2. I avoided all of my staple starches. No pasta, no bread, no sweet treats other than a touch of dark chocolate and the above referenced mini cupcake. I averaged about 1,300 calories a day, which is [I'm guessing] way better than where I was at, given the discipline required to stay at that number.
3. I lost three pounds!
Goals for next week -
1. Continue to reduce carbohydrate intake. Aim for 1,200 calories/day.
2. Continue enthusiasm for workouts while switching to 1 a day workouts. I'm such an addictive person, it is much easier for me to do things while OVERdoing them. I'm hoping that I can continue good habits with some moderation in their frequency.
3. Having said that, I'd still like to increase the INTENSITY of my workouts. I want to sweat. Maybe even cry. Just a little. No pain, no gain. Or, errr, loss.
So where y'all at? I love you guys, and it has been SO HELPFUL having a community, workout buddies, fellow calorie commiseraters.
17 weeks to go, zomg.
1. While I'm not Adkins-y by any means, my attempts at staying lower carb were foiled by: bananas, hummus, and ONE MINI RED VELVET CUPCAKE. I mean, it was my birthday. But it's amazing how quickly you can delve into starches as soon as you eat anything other than a vegetable.
2. I didn't workout yesterday. I woke up too sore to walk, let alone jog. Though a round with warm water + Epsom solved that, I was too tight on time the rest of the day to work out later. Luckily my job involved heavy lifting and stairs, so at least I wasn't sedentary.
3. I faced off with the tape measure, and the tape measure won. The numbers are toooooooo sad + surprising to include here. When they change at the end, maybe I'll include the starting point to help savor my victory. But man. Really?
BUT, a lot of things went well!
1. 2 a day workouts were incredibly successful. I felt an endorphin rush for the first time on Thursday, and finally understood why on earth people enjoyed working out. I was able to jog on wooded trails, swim, do yoga, hike, box, elliptical, weight train, sauna, bike. It was a great jump start.
2. I avoided all of my staple starches. No pasta, no bread, no sweet treats other than a touch of dark chocolate and the above referenced mini cupcake. I averaged about 1,300 calories a day, which is [I'm guessing] way better than where I was at, given the discipline required to stay at that number.
3. I lost three pounds!
Goals for next week -
1. Continue to reduce carbohydrate intake. Aim for 1,200 calories/day.
2. Continue enthusiasm for workouts while switching to 1 a day workouts. I'm such an addictive person, it is much easier for me to do things while OVERdoing them. I'm hoping that I can continue good habits with some moderation in their frequency.
3. Having said that, I'd still like to increase the INTENSITY of my workouts. I want to sweat. Maybe even cry. Just a little. No pain, no gain. Or, errr, loss.
So where y'all at? I love you guys, and it has been SO HELPFUL having a community, workout buddies, fellow calorie commiseraters.
17 weeks to go, zomg.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Intermission
I'm pretty sure that sitting + watching the Biggest Loser while eating truffles is NOT the way to go about my stated goals. It is, however, my plan for the next hour. Eeep. Back to business in the a.m.
all about metabolisms
So this weekend I learned extensively about Metabolic Typing with the help of my Biofeedback guru Mrs. Kate Poole. I had my first session of biofeedback and all I can say to you is that it blew my mind. Yes really. Call it New Age-y crap if you will, but it was the most emotional and releasing session I have had in years for pain and anxiety.
I have a wonderful book listed online on metabolic typing: http://books.google.com/books?id=PDwP_OJPhyEC&pg=PA116&lpg=PA116&dq=type+II+metabolic+type+high-oxidizer&source=web&ots=1bibIO_euW&sig=LRtP7yemRcAmtSW_eWLSHkg5HIo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPP1,M1
This book, along with Mrs. Poole's session, helped me to figure out which type I am to help myself with this weightloss goal. I'm a fast oxidizer:
'Fast oxidizers burn carbohydrates too quickly to obtain efficient fuel from them. They usually have insulin resistance, and the result is hunger soon after eating carbohydrates and a strong craving for bread. There will usually be some weight gain from a diet too high in carbohydrates. Richer, fatty foods are metabolized well, and are actually the best source of energy. Paradoxically, fatty foods are essential for weight loss in fast oxidizers!'
I'm really enjoying the idea of eating lots of protein and fatty foods! Mwahahahaha. Well, anyway, I am going to try it out and see if it gets me leaner any quicker. I'll keep you posted.
I have a wonderful book listed online on metabolic typing: http://books.google.com/books?id=PDwP_OJPhyEC&pg=PA116&lpg=PA116&dq=type+II+metabolic+type+high-oxidizer&source=web&ots=1bibIO_euW&sig=LRtP7yemRcAmtSW_eWLSHkg5HIo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPP1,M1
This book, along with Mrs. Poole's session, helped me to figure out which type I am to help myself with this weightloss goal. I'm a fast oxidizer:
'Fast oxidizers burn carbohydrates too quickly to obtain efficient fuel from them. They usually have insulin resistance, and the result is hunger soon after eating carbohydrates and a strong craving for bread. There will usually be some weight gain from a diet too high in carbohydrates. Richer, fatty foods are metabolized well, and are actually the best source of energy. Paradoxically, fatty foods are essential for weight loss in fast oxidizers!'
I'm really enjoying the idea of eating lots of protein and fatty foods! Mwahahahaha. Well, anyway, I am going to try it out and see if it gets me leaner any quicker. I'll keep you posted.
It's not check-in day yet but..
Okay. So weekends are my bane. This isn't news, but somehow it also is news. It's the thing I forget and the relearn everytime I make an attempt at health. This past weekend was especially tough - I was away at camp Friday night and all day Saturday. It was us, a small church leadership group, and Over-eaters Anonymous. Friday night they had us eat after OA was done with their dinner, and put our desserts on a table right next to us. It didn't stop a couple of OA folks from wandering in and honing in on the pumpkin pie. You'd think it was a special reminder for me to keep myself under control whilst away from home and total control of my food. Instead I had two pieces of cheesecake.
That being said - I weighed in with a 4lb loss this morning, proof that one screw up doesn't wreck everything. Two more pounds and I'll have passed my first marker, and be below 150 for the first time in at least two years.
It's pie day at work today. So...wish me strength and luck!
That being said - I weighed in with a 4lb loss this morning, proof that one screw up doesn't wreck everything. Two more pounds and I'll have passed my first marker, and be below 150 for the first time in at least two years.
It's pie day at work today. So...wish me strength and luck!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Epsom salt + Ibuprofen
I may have overshot the mark yesterday. Not enough that I couldn't go swimming this morning, but enough that I'm reminded of my workout with every step. Luckily, there is ibuprofen. And I'm learning all about why Epsom salt is beneficial! I had always thought it helped you pull water out, presumably along with the ache-inducing lactic acid. Instead your body absorbs the magnesium + sulfates through the skin, helping to detoxify.
Extensive stretching is also saving my, errr, butt. Or at least my ability to lift it off the floor. I stretch not only after the workout, but a couple hours later do a quick warmup and another round of stretching. Stretching followed by LOTS of water.
More on how I've managed to be so damn sore in my recap on Tuesday.
Extensive stretching is also saving my, errr, butt. Or at least my ability to lift it off the floor. I stretch not only after the workout, but a couple hours later do a quick warmup and another round of stretching. Stretching followed by LOTS of water.
More on how I've managed to be so damn sore in my recap on Tuesday.
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