Here I am, nearly a month after starting this new life. My "get fit" plan seems to be doing okay, as I've lost 16 pounds. I think having a period in there slowed things down, but I half expected this and am working hard at not letting that discourage me.
Today, I ate crazy quantities of carbs. I broke down and had a granny smith apple with peanut butter. Then I had another. and another. It was so tasty and it'd been a month since I'd had fresh fruit. And I'm trying to justify eating 3 of these tasty apples, instead of just the 1. I keep telling myself I worked out really hard yesterday, and so I deserved the treat (or 3). But I didn't work out today, and have no plans to, and so I really should have been more mindful of what I was doing. Nonetheless it is done. I will begin anew in the morning. In the meantime, I will hydrate like crazy and focus on the upcoming bike rally I signed up for, and the training it entails.
Yep, you read that right. I signed up for a bike rally, aptly named the Turkey Roll. It takes place on November 21, effectively giving me 3 weeks (weekends) to train. The event has four bike courses to choose from; 23, 35, 47 or 63 miles. I chose the 47 mile course. Yes, that's right, forty seven miles. It's crazy, I know. Some might even say insane. I certainly do! But I have something to prove to myself. I have to do this.
Had my first long distance ride this last Tuesday. Rode 15.35 miles. And yesterday, I rode 20.25 miles. That is a lot of miles for me, and it left me worn out. But exhilarated! Now I realize 20 miles isn't quite even half of what I plan to ride in a mere four weeks, but hey, it's a place to start! And it falls well into my training plan which is to ride 10 to 15 miles two to three times a week, during the week, and then on the weekends, add at least 5 miles to my long distance ride. That means a 25 mile ride on Halloween, 30 miles the following week, 35 after that, and by the time I get to the week before the 47 mile ride, I'll be riding 40 miles! and really, once you've ridden 40 miles, what's another 7 miles?!
No doubt, easier said than done. But that won't stop me from trying. not a chance.
Here's to good health and another low carb week!
Turkey Roll
Posted in Atkins, Bike riding, Cycling, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Food addiction, Low Carb, Overweight, Weight loss on by
Bad Knees, a Bike Ride, and Mini Meatloaves
Posted in Atkins, Bike riding, Cycling, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Food addiction, Low Carb, Overweight, Weight loss on by
After seven days of doing the Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred workout, my knees finally said "no more."
Now clearly they didn't actually say that, as my knees can't talk, but the pain in them every time I tried to do a jumping jack spoke loud and clear to me. Thus, I am sad to report that I have skipped the Shred this weekend. I need to give my knees a break. In fact, my knees needed the break so badly that I didn't work out at all on Saturday. I even considered not working out today. But that was as far as that went.
I heard somewhere, recently, that every day you don't work out makes you weaker. Well, I've fought too hard to make the progress I've made, and I can't afford to get weaker. I knew it was important that I get some kind of workout in today, so I hopped on my bike and took off on my 10 mile ride. I finished it in 20 minutes less time than I normally complete the ride, which means I'm getting faster. This really made my day. I didn't burn as many calories as I normally do, but I think that may be because it was a shorter workout, even if it was the same distance. I'm not letting the number of calories bug to much, though, because the goal was to workout, and I met that goal.
Once I got home, I was ready to eat! I still had to cook and was grateful that tonight's dinner, Italian mini meatloaves and fresh, steamed green beans, was super easy to put together, was very filling and incredibly delicious, and was super low carb!
The first two weeks of this new *lifestyle* have returned incredible results! I've lost twelve pounds which is twelve percent of the total amount of weight I want to lose AND I've done it in just under two weeks. Now, I know better than to expect these results every week. But even if I lose 10 pounds a month for the next nine months, I'll have met my goal in the timeframe I set. That would be HUGE!
But, the key to my success lies in my faith in God and in making sure I take it ONE DAY AT A TIME.
Here's to being healthy! :-D
Now clearly they didn't actually say that, as my knees can't talk, but the pain in them every time I tried to do a jumping jack spoke loud and clear to me. Thus, I am sad to report that I have skipped the Shred this weekend. I need to give my knees a break. In fact, my knees needed the break so badly that I didn't work out at all on Saturday. I even considered not working out today. But that was as far as that went.
I heard somewhere, recently, that every day you don't work out makes you weaker. Well, I've fought too hard to make the progress I've made, and I can't afford to get weaker. I knew it was important that I get some kind of workout in today, so I hopped on my bike and took off on my 10 mile ride. I finished it in 20 minutes less time than I normally complete the ride, which means I'm getting faster. This really made my day. I didn't burn as many calories as I normally do, but I think that may be because it was a shorter workout, even if it was the same distance. I'm not letting the number of calories bug to much, though, because the goal was to workout, and I met that goal.
Once I got home, I was ready to eat! I still had to cook and was grateful that tonight's dinner, Italian mini meatloaves and fresh, steamed green beans, was super easy to put together, was very filling and incredibly delicious, and was super low carb!
The first two weeks of this new *lifestyle* have returned incredible results! I've lost twelve pounds which is twelve percent of the total amount of weight I want to lose AND I've done it in just under two weeks. Now, I know better than to expect these results every week. But even if I lose 10 pounds a month for the next nine months, I'll have met my goal in the timeframe I set. That would be HUGE!
But, the key to my success lies in my faith in God and in making sure I take it ONE DAY AT A TIME.
Here's to being healthy! :-D
On the 12th Day
Posted in Atkins, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Food addiction, Low Carb, Overweight, Weight loss on by
Remember a few posts back I mentioned I finally broke down and bought a scale.
Well, today, day 12 of my *new life* I stepped on that scale and was beyond tickled to find that I am now 11.4 pounds lighter than I was 12 days ago. I could hardly believe it.
Guess the meal plan focused on protein and non starchy veggies, along with 7 days of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred have done their work.
Tomorrow marks a full week since I started the Shred, and I think I'm more sore today than I was after the first day. But I'm so committed. I can't even conceive of not doing this workout daily. It's just not optional. At least not in the next 23 days.
Also, Monday marks the two week milestone for my food plan. Again, I've seen such great results so far that I'm not willing to change this. If anything, I will start being more mindful of portion size.
I am thrilled with the results so far! After all, I've lost 11% of the total amount of weight I want to lose, and in less than two weeks!
I know I still have a long way to go, and I know it will get harder before it gets easier.
I also know that it will be worth it. I deserve to be healthy. AND look fabulous! Will post pics at the 20 mile drop point.
Thanks for keeping me honest by checking in here every so often. :)
Well, today, day 12 of my *new life* I stepped on that scale and was beyond tickled to find that I am now 11.4 pounds lighter than I was 12 days ago. I could hardly believe it.
Guess the meal plan focused on protein and non starchy veggies, along with 7 days of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred have done their work.
Tomorrow marks a full week since I started the Shred, and I think I'm more sore today than I was after the first day. But I'm so committed. I can't even conceive of not doing this workout daily. It's just not optional. At least not in the next 23 days.
Also, Monday marks the two week milestone for my food plan. Again, I've seen such great results so far that I'm not willing to change this. If anything, I will start being more mindful of portion size.
I am thrilled with the results so far! After all, I've lost 11% of the total amount of weight I want to lose, and in less than two weeks!
I know I still have a long way to go, and I know it will get harder before it gets easier.
I also know that it will be worth it. I deserve to be healthy. AND look fabulous! Will post pics at the 20 mile drop point.
Thanks for keeping me honest by checking in here every so often. :)
The First Week
Posted in Atkins, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Food addiction, Low Carb, Overweight, Weight loss on by
I can't believe it's been a week since I started my new life. Feels like forever, and it feels like just yesterday.
In this first week, several major milestones have been reached, and for that I am happy.
Let's recap.
Milestone 1: I've kept carb intake to less than 20g per day.
Milestone 2: I've consumed at least 64 ozs. of water daily
Milestone 3: I've started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day shred AND have successfully completed the first 2 days of workouts
Milestone 4: I bought a scale
May not seem like much to some, but these four things, for me, are a BIG DEAL.
Big.
HUGE.
When I jumped on the scale this morning, it recorded a 6.5 lb difference from exactly a week ago. Granted, I weighed in on different scales (won't be doing THAT again!), but I tend to think that even if I haven't lost that much, I've definitely lost some. I can feel the difference in my clothes. and my shoes. go figure.
I've also noticed some other, small differences. I'm sleeping better. The tension between my shoulders isn't as bad as it was even 3 days ago. (I attribute that to the push ups I have to do as part of the Shred.) I hardly ever feel bloated and gross after a meal. I no longer have cravings or feel the need to snack between meals. I get full on less.
I'm sure there are other things, but right now they escape me.
I will post them when, and if, they become clear.
For now, I am going to celebrate my losses, however small they may be!
In this first week, several major milestones have been reached, and for that I am happy.
Let's recap.
Milestone 1: I've kept carb intake to less than 20g per day.
Milestone 2: I've consumed at least 64 ozs. of water daily
Milestone 3: I've started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day shred AND have successfully completed the first 2 days of workouts
Milestone 4: I bought a scale
May not seem like much to some, but these four things, for me, are a BIG DEAL.
Big.
HUGE.
When I jumped on the scale this morning, it recorded a 6.5 lb difference from exactly a week ago. Granted, I weighed in on different scales (won't be doing THAT again!), but I tend to think that even if I haven't lost that much, I've definitely lost some. I can feel the difference in my clothes. and my shoes. go figure.
I've also noticed some other, small differences. I'm sleeping better. The tension between my shoulders isn't as bad as it was even 3 days ago. (I attribute that to the push ups I have to do as part of the Shred.) I hardly ever feel bloated and gross after a meal. I no longer have cravings or feel the need to snack between meals. I get full on less.
I'm sure there are other things, but right now they escape me.
I will post them when, and if, they become clear.
For now, I am going to celebrate my losses, however small they may be!
A New Level of Commitment
Posted in Atkins, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Food addiction, Low Carb, Overweight, Weight loss on by
I am good at starting things. This is something I know. Soon you will know it, too, if you've not already figured it out.
What this tells me is that I have a commitment issue. I can start a new diet, but usually within a few days, I will go off track. Much to my detriment, I assure you.
I've learned that a big part of keeping a commitment is how I approach any given situation.
Example: if I go to the gym with the intent of riding the stationary bike for 10 miles, and then, after only 5 minutes on said bike I find myself bored or tired, it's really easy to get up and walk away. I know. I've done it.
BUT, if I get on my real bike and head down the street and around the corner and I wind up riding 5 miles away, well, then I have to ride 5 miles back. There's no cheating. And I don't bring my cell phone with me, so that I don't cop out of the ride halfway and call someone to come pick me up.
So, what's the point.
Well, for the first time in my adult life, I now own a scale. yep. the dreaded machine that tells you your weight. I've never owned one.
But I knew that I was out of excuses for not getting fit. And I had to commit in a big way.
Small step, I know. But it feels HUGE.
Will let you know how that plays out.
What this tells me is that I have a commitment issue. I can start a new diet, but usually within a few days, I will go off track. Much to my detriment, I assure you.
I've learned that a big part of keeping a commitment is how I approach any given situation.
Example: if I go to the gym with the intent of riding the stationary bike for 10 miles, and then, after only 5 minutes on said bike I find myself bored or tired, it's really easy to get up and walk away. I know. I've done it.
BUT, if I get on my real bike and head down the street and around the corner and I wind up riding 5 miles away, well, then I have to ride 5 miles back. There's no cheating. And I don't bring my cell phone with me, so that I don't cop out of the ride halfway and call someone to come pick me up.
So, what's the point.
Well, for the first time in my adult life, I now own a scale. yep. the dreaded machine that tells you your weight. I've never owned one.
But I knew that I was out of excuses for not getting fit. And I had to commit in a big way.
Small step, I know. But it feels HUGE.
Will let you know how that plays out.
Okay. Let's Try this Again
Posted in Atkins, Diet, Dieting, Exercise, Food addiction, Low Carb, Overweight, Weight loss on by
okay, let's try this again.
project me - hm. haven't done so well.
Started atkins on monday. so far, on day 4, and I'm still on it. haven't quit. haven't cheated.
and I've managed to stay under the 20 carbs required for induction.
that is not easy. It means getting your fill of green, leafy veggies, eggs, cheese, and meat. I'm officially tired of pork chops. LOL. this can be a problem seeing as how today is just day 4.
As hard as it is, however, I have already seen progress. I'll explain.
About 2 weeks ago I ordered some jeans and denim capris online. they arrived last week and I proceeded to try them on. One style, the capris, fit, but was pretty tight around the waste. I hate wearing anything tight around my waste. it makes my belly stick out in a most disgusting way.
so, with a heaviness in my heart I made plans to return them.
Anyway, just out of curiosity (and because I spied them on my dresser ready to be returned) I decided to try them on again, and I am happy to report that they are no longer super tight! While they are not loose or anything like that (wishful thinking), they were at least comfortable. And I figure, if I stick to my guns with this diet, which I know will work, by this time next weekthose carpis will be super cozy, maybe even a tiny bit loose!
A small victory but a victory nonetheless.
I'm off to drink at least 24 ounces of water.
More to come - soon! :)
project me - hm. haven't done so well.
Started atkins on monday. so far, on day 4, and I'm still on it. haven't quit. haven't cheated.
and I've managed to stay under the 20 carbs required for induction.
that is not easy. It means getting your fill of green, leafy veggies, eggs, cheese, and meat. I'm officially tired of pork chops. LOL. this can be a problem seeing as how today is just day 4.
As hard as it is, however, I have already seen progress. I'll explain.
About 2 weeks ago I ordered some jeans and denim capris online. they arrived last week and I proceeded to try them on. One style, the capris, fit, but was pretty tight around the waste. I hate wearing anything tight around my waste. it makes my belly stick out in a most disgusting way.
so, with a heaviness in my heart I made plans to return them.
Anyway, just out of curiosity (and because I spied them on my dresser ready to be returned) I decided to try them on again, and I am happy to report that they are no longer super tight! While they are not loose or anything like that (wishful thinking), they were at least comfortable. And I figure, if I stick to my guns with this diet, which I know will work, by this time next weekthose carpis will be super cozy, maybe even a tiny bit loose!
A small victory but a victory nonetheless.
I'm off to drink at least 24 ounces of water.
More to come - soon! :)
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