Well, I'm on day 22 of my Whole30 challenge. All is going well. Energy levels are up, crankiness brought on by hunger is down, and life is good. I spent a couple hours yesterday chopping veggies to get ready for the week so my meals will be super simple to prepare -- that's where the trick is, I think, is being prepared and ready to come home and cook.
I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted a cheeseburger every now and then though, bun and all. In fact, my birthday dinner (next week) is totally going to be a cheeseburger. And fries. And a chocolate shake. It will likely kill me, but I'm ok with that.
I've not been doing so great with my other goals that I set. Daily journaling? Not so much. Walking? ...Not so much.
I have, however, kept up with my 15 minutes of yoga 3 times a week. Plus, I've added in some Zumba (on the Wii) a few times a week. I first bought the game back in March, and I tried it once and gave it up because I felt stupid. Well, last week I decided I wanted to dance and I didn't care how dumb I looked...and I'm sure I looked pretty dumb. But I had fun, and I enjoyed moving my body, and I danced. Sort of. It was definitely a work out, and I hope it's something I can keep on doing. Maybe I'll even extend the not-caring-about-looking-dumb to public dancing...we'll see.
Planning on starting a new challenge -- squats this time. I'm hesitant about doing a ridiculous, THIS-IS-SPARTA challenge because I know it won't work...but then, that's the point, right? To show the ridiculousness of some of the challenges floating around in the internet that give average-fitness people unrealistic goals and make them not even start because, hey, 200 squats in one day? Really? It sounds great...but I'm doubtful it's possible. But I'll give it a go and do my best. Stay tuned for the link to the squat challenge we pick.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Challenge Failure
I did not make my primal challenge. I failed. Spectacularly. Mountain Dew and a plate of different foods from a Chinese buffet. And dessert.
Ugh.
I have lots of reasons why I didn't make it. Am I making excuses? Maybe. But in the midst of moving, it is very difficult to cook. My pans were all packed except one. I had spent all afternoon packing. And I looked at that single pan and could not think what to make. So when my mom (who is helping me pack and move), suggested Chinese, I said YES!
So I lost. I plan on doing it again (maybe even the Whole30!), after my move, after I've settled in. At a time where I'm not severely limited in what and how I can cook.
I've had lots of people say outright that they couldn't stick to my primal challenge. I probably could have, if I tried harder. But I decided I didn't need to add food stress to my move and packing stress. So my food choices a going to kinda suck the next few days, because I won't be able to cook. But, you know, that's okay. Because I'm not the type to feel guilty about the food I eat. Or even the food products that I eat.
Ugh.
I have lots of reasons why I didn't make it. Am I making excuses? Maybe. But in the midst of moving, it is very difficult to cook. My pans were all packed except one. I had spent all afternoon packing. And I looked at that single pan and could not think what to make. So when my mom (who is helping me pack and move), suggested Chinese, I said YES!
So I lost. I plan on doing it again (maybe even the Whole30!), after my move, after I've settled in. At a time where I'm not severely limited in what and how I can cook.
I've had lots of people say outright that they couldn't stick to my primal challenge. I probably could have, if I tried harder. But I decided I didn't need to add food stress to my move and packing stress. So my food choices a going to kinda suck the next few days, because I won't be able to cook. But, you know, that's okay. Because I'm not the type to feel guilty about the food I eat. Or even the food products that I eat.
Friday, July 12, 2013
The End.
All right, y'all.
I quit. I'm done. Stick a fork in me. Get me the hell out of this challenge!
I mean the plank challenge. I did this bitch for more than month. I'm done.
Supposedly, if you follow this graphic, you go from 20 seconds to 5 minutes in Just. One. Month! In five weeks, I made it to two minutes. A week after the graphic says I should be there.
Now, if you're in shape, if you're in good shape, maybe you can make it to 5 minutes in a month. My dad did a minute on his first try (go Dad!). I am not in good shape. I work in an office. It's work for me to go up 3 flights of stairs (which I do because why not). I do yoga for about 45 minutes a week. Total.
I knew this going into this challenge: There's no way in hell I can do it.
But that's part of what this blog is about. The plank challenge started this blog. Let two normal women try out these challenges and see if they're actually realistic for normal people (and by normal I mean people who don't cross fit or run marathons or lift 2000 pounds on their backs) (not that all those people aren't normal, just, you know, super fit).
My verdict for the plank challenge?
Completely, totally, absolutely, sufferingly unrealistic.
Want to be able to plank? Hey, you can! Right now! Get down on your elbows or your hands and lift your stomach off the floor. Hold as long as you can. Keep practicing. It'll take more than a month, but you will eventually get pretty good.
Want a reasonable planking challenge? Here ya go.
Go forth and plank as you will.
I quit. I'm done. Stick a fork in me. Get me the hell out of this challenge!
I mean the plank challenge. I did this bitch for more than month. I'm done.
Supposedly, if you follow this graphic, you go from 20 seconds to 5 minutes in Just. One. Month! In five weeks, I made it to two minutes. A week after the graphic says I should be there.
Now, if you're in shape, if you're in good shape, maybe you can make it to 5 minutes in a month. My dad did a minute on his first try (go Dad!). I am not in good shape. I work in an office. It's work for me to go up 3 flights of stairs (which I do because why not). I do yoga for about 45 minutes a week. Total.
I knew this going into this challenge: There's no way in hell I can do it.
But that's part of what this blog is about. The plank challenge started this blog. Let two normal women try out these challenges and see if they're actually realistic for normal people (and by normal I mean people who don't cross fit or run marathons or lift 2000 pounds on their backs) (not that all those people aren't normal, just, you know, super fit).
My verdict for the plank challenge?
Completely, totally, absolutely, sufferingly unrealistic.
Want to be able to plank? Hey, you can! Right now! Get down on your elbows or your hands and lift your stomach off the floor. Hold as long as you can. Keep practicing. It'll take more than a month, but you will eventually get pretty good.
Want a reasonable planking challenge? Here ya go.
Go forth and plank as you will.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Challenge: Traffic Jam
Traffic jams are a major trigger for me for getting junk food. My commute is already an hour; any time spent over that leaves me frustrated and starving. Tonight the interstate had all lanes closed, so I jumped off and took back roads. It took me an extra 30 minutes to get home...normally, that would justify a swing through the drive through.
Tonight, though, I drove on home. Partly because I only drove past one place that I could stop, and partly because I was so tired I didn't want to do anything other than get home.
So I cooked. I made fried tuna patties (3 cans of tuna, 2 eggs, pepper, a little salt, dill, fried in coconut oil), mashed cauliflower, and a salad. Very simple dinner and very satisfying.
I'm glad I passed up the paper bag meal.
Tonight, though, I drove on home. Partly because I only drove past one place that I could stop, and partly because I was so tired I didn't want to do anything other than get home.
So I cooked. I made fried tuna patties (3 cans of tuna, 2 eggs, pepper, a little salt, dill, fried in coconut oil), mashed cauliflower, and a salad. Very simple dinner and very satisfying.
I'm glad I passed up the paper bag meal.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Paleo Weekend the First
In the past, I've always pretty much thrown away the paleo eating plan on the weekends. I knew this weekend would be a challenge, not only because it was the usual time when I'd throw the rules out the window, but because my husband was home. Dun dun DUN!
As my last post indicated, we went out Friday night. Saturday we kicked around the house, eggs for breakfast for me and a coconut-nut butter porridge for him, and tuna and veggie sticks for lunch. Then come dinner time, I got a major craving for the Golden Arches (and ice cream), and I withstood as long as I could. Then...we went out again.
But! Not to the GA. We went to a chain place where I could get a burger with bacon. So. Simple order, right? Bacon burger, no cheese, no mayo, no bun, add avocado, switch fries for broccoli.
First, I had fries and no bacon. I gave the husband my fries. I received my broccoli. I asked for my bacon.
My server was very confused. I will be better prepared next time.
Today I hit the grocery store before the church crowd. Stocked up on my veggies (noooooom) (6 avocados) (SIX!). I like Sundays at the grocery store because that's when my store marks down meat. I got the jackpot today, with 3 pounds of marked down grass-fed ground beef and a pound of ground buffalo. I forgot to get eggs, though, because the normal egg spot has the kind I like (cage free) normally, but the 2 cartons there had broken eggs. So I was going back to the organic section but got distracted by ... something. Mustard? Olives? I think so. Damn condiments.
Plank today: 1:20. Boo.
As my last post indicated, we went out Friday night. Saturday we kicked around the house, eggs for breakfast for me and a coconut-nut butter porridge for him, and tuna and veggie sticks for lunch. Then come dinner time, I got a major craving for the Golden Arches (and ice cream), and I withstood as long as I could. Then...we went out again.
But! Not to the GA. We went to a chain place where I could get a burger with bacon. So. Simple order, right? Bacon burger, no cheese, no mayo, no bun, add avocado, switch fries for broccoli.
First, I had fries and no bacon. I gave the husband my fries. I received my broccoli. I asked for my bacon.
My server was very confused. I will be better prepared next time.
Today I hit the grocery store before the church crowd. Stocked up on my veggies (noooooom) (6 avocados) (SIX!). I like Sundays at the grocery store because that's when my store marks down meat. I got the jackpot today, with 3 pounds of marked down grass-fed ground beef and a pound of ground buffalo. I forgot to get eggs, though, because the normal egg spot has the kind I like (cage free) normally, but the 2 cartons there had broken eggs. So I was going back to the organic section but got distracted by ... something. Mustard? Olives? I think so. Damn condiments.
Plank today: 1:20. Boo.
Primal Challenge: Day 8
The last two days, I've been at my parents' house for a visit. My parents who live on bread. If I said I wasn't tempted, I would be lying. However, I just revisited the one minute muffin, which I was able to use as a bread replacement for my hamburgers. I brought my pumpkin pancakes with me for breakfasts. And I had ham rolls for lunch. No problem!
I also attended a family reunion. It was definitely filled with temptation. Luckily, the main meat was pulled pork. I knew this going in, so I made a one minute muffin to take along so I could make a sandwich. Planning ahead is rather vital to success when you're eating stuff that isn't SAD fare, isn't it? I also brought watermelon as my contribution, knowing that I would have at least two things I could eat. I ended up having the pulled pork sandwich, watermelon, grapes, sautéed zucchini, and I did cheat a little and had some of my mom's baked beans (like 1/4 cup, if that).
At the reunion, I had to field a lot of questions. Why did I have weird bread in a bag? Why can't I just have a hamburger bun? Why no delicious coconut pudding dessert or cakes? Why no soda? Why no chips? What is this paleo diet thing anyway? You can't have legumes? Ugh.
To top it all off, we won a door prize. Duncan Hines dark chocolate fudge cake mix with frosting and sprinkles. Also: two pot holders (yay! I needed some more!), cute cupcake liners, and a good sized mixing bowl! On our return home, the Monkey-o-Mine really wanted some chocolate cupcakes, so I whipped together some primal-style: eggs, coconut flour, ground flax, maple syrup, cocoa. He gets "real" frosting, and I'm trying some weird mixture of almond spread and cocoa. We'll see how it tastes after dinner.
I also attended a family reunion. It was definitely filled with temptation. Luckily, the main meat was pulled pork. I knew this going in, so I made a one minute muffin to take along so I could make a sandwich. Planning ahead is rather vital to success when you're eating stuff that isn't SAD fare, isn't it? I also brought watermelon as my contribution, knowing that I would have at least two things I could eat. I ended up having the pulled pork sandwich, watermelon, grapes, sautéed zucchini, and I did cheat a little and had some of my mom's baked beans (like 1/4 cup, if that).
At the reunion, I had to field a lot of questions. Why did I have weird bread in a bag? Why can't I just have a hamburger bun? Why no delicious coconut pudding dessert or cakes? Why no soda? Why no chips? What is this paleo diet thing anyway? You can't have legumes? Ugh.
To top it all off, we won a door prize. Duncan Hines dark chocolate fudge cake mix with frosting and sprinkles. Also: two pot holders (yay! I needed some more!), cute cupcake liners, and a good sized mixing bowl! On our return home, the Monkey-o-Mine really wanted some chocolate cupcakes, so I whipped together some primal-style: eggs, coconut flour, ground flax, maple syrup, cocoa. He gets "real" frosting, and I'm trying some weird mixture of almond spread and cocoa. We'll see how it tastes after dinner.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Paleo. Day 6. Plank. 2 Minutes.
The title says it all.
I had my first restaurant-on-the-Whole30 experience. I chose Ruby Tuesday for dinner because salad bar!
Let me tell you now, all of their appetizers are paleo-unfriendly. The apps are all breaded, or cheese, or come with tortilla chips. (What I should have done is order the guacamole and the salad bar and gotten veggies from the salad bar to eat the guac with.) Most of their entrees are not strict-paleo friendly, what with the creamy sauces or the breading. I ended up going with a steak.
I did get the salad bar as one of my sides (and it was delicious). Their selection of sides is actually really good for people trying to eat healthier: grilled zucchini, creamy mashed cauliflower, sliced tomatoes, roasted spaghetti squash, snap peas, grilled green beans, and broccoli. So I definitely appreciate their selection of veggies -- so much better than the usual french fries or "seasonal veggies".
I had my first paleo-induced dream last night. I dreamed that I had a Dr Pepper without realizing it was Dr Pepper, and then when my husband pointed it out, I was so angry at myself, and sad that I'd have to push the "No, I didn't make it" button in my daily Whole30 emails. Silly? Yes. But if these are the dreams, I want more! At least in my dreams I can have Dr Pepper and cupcakes and cheese fondue.
Also, 2 minute plank tonight. Wooo!
I had my first restaurant-on-the-Whole30 experience. I chose Ruby Tuesday for dinner because salad bar!
Let me tell you now, all of their appetizers are paleo-unfriendly. The apps are all breaded, or cheese, or come with tortilla chips. (What I should have done is order the guacamole and the salad bar and gotten veggies from the salad bar to eat the guac with.) Most of their entrees are not strict-paleo friendly, what with the creamy sauces or the breading. I ended up going with a steak.
I did get the salad bar as one of my sides (and it was delicious). Their selection of sides is actually really good for people trying to eat healthier: grilled zucchini, creamy mashed cauliflower, sliced tomatoes, roasted spaghetti squash, snap peas, grilled green beans, and broccoli. So I definitely appreciate their selection of veggies -- so much better than the usual french fries or "seasonal veggies".
I had my first paleo-induced dream last night. I dreamed that I had a Dr Pepper without realizing it was Dr Pepper, and then when my husband pointed it out, I was so angry at myself, and sad that I'd have to push the "No, I didn't make it" button in my daily Whole30 emails. Silly? Yes. But if these are the dreams, I want more! At least in my dreams I can have Dr Pepper and cupcakes and cheese fondue.
Also, 2 minute plank tonight. Wooo!
Primal Challenge: Day 6 Ponderings
Day six! Yes! Still... I would say going strong, but its really more of a defeated crawl that I'm doing. I am limping towards the finish line, with delicious not-primal dinners and desserts and drinks planned for my end-of-challenge celebration. If I can make it 24 more days.
I'm planning on spending the next two days at my parents' house. My parents, who live on bread and soda. Not to mention going to a family reunion. I know there will be at least one thing I can eat there: pulled pork. I'm planning on making one or two one minute muffins to take to use as bread so I can have pork sandwiches. Hopefully there will be veggies or fruit or something.
Yesterday, I got the bright idea of making my own Sprite. I bought carbonated water, lemons, and a lime. Found a recipe online. Followed it (substituting sugar for stevia). Took a drink... And it was nasty. Gross. Disgusting. Ew. It probably didn't help that the stevia made everything bubble up and look like I'd mixed in some soap.
This morning I woke up at 7am. I got to sleep in! Even more amazing, I didn't eat breakfast until about 8:15. Usually I'm up and I go straight to the kitchen. Maybe this challenge is helping curb my hunger cravings. I am hungry less often, which is kind of nice. Also, I've noticed Taft my weight has pretty much stabilized. I used to fluctuate +/- five pounds in the course of a day. Now my weight stays pretty steady. (And is steadily dropping. Weird. Or not.). Guess its because I don't have bread and sugar causing me to bloat or whatever.
I'm planning on spending the next two days at my parents' house. My parents, who live on bread and soda. Not to mention going to a family reunion. I know there will be at least one thing I can eat there: pulled pork. I'm planning on making one or two one minute muffins to take to use as bread so I can have pork sandwiches. Hopefully there will be veggies or fruit or something.
Yesterday, I got the bright idea of making my own Sprite. I bought carbonated water, lemons, and a lime. Found a recipe online. Followed it (substituting sugar for stevia). Took a drink... And it was nasty. Gross. Disgusting. Ew. It probably didn't help that the stevia made everything bubble up and look like I'd mixed in some soap.
This morning I woke up at 7am. I got to sleep in! Even more amazing, I didn't eat breakfast until about 8:15. Usually I'm up and I go straight to the kitchen. Maybe this challenge is helping curb my hunger cravings. I am hungry less often, which is kind of nice. Also, I've noticed Taft my weight has pretty much stabilized. I used to fluctuate +/- five pounds in the course of a day. Now my weight stays pretty steady. (And is steadily dropping. Weird. Or not.). Guess its because I don't have bread and sugar causing me to bloat or whatever.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Day Off
This morning I got to kick back with my coffee and read and relax instead of running out the door at 6:45. Had a delicious, unrushed breakfast of ground pork and scrambled eggs topped with salsa -- who says I'm on a diet? I couldn't find any sausage at the store that didn't have soy or sugar in it, so I went with the ground sausage and added some pepper flakes to spice it up.
I'm declaring today a day of rest from the plank challenge. Technically, I should be repeating the second 2-minute plank, but I've not had a rest day since Friday. I did, however, manage a 2-minute plank on Tuesday; last night's attempt failed miserably. I think I waited till it was too late and I was tired.
So today! Relaxation. Also, working on a Pinterest pin I made a few weeks ago: Weekly Menu Boards. I'm stocking the meal box with lots of delicious paleo meals that suit both me and my husband -- we each get a board since he's living in Virginia. I think instead of having the days of the week I'll list Meal 1, Meal 2, etc. I don't like pre-planning what day I do what meal -- what if I have something complicated planned, but I come home exhausted and don't have the energy to whip up something complicated? I think Meal 1 is less pressure than Monday.
Happy Independence Day, Americans! Go forth and BBQ.
I'm declaring today a day of rest from the plank challenge. Technically, I should be repeating the second 2-minute plank, but I've not had a rest day since Friday. I did, however, manage a 2-minute plank on Tuesday; last night's attempt failed miserably. I think I waited till it was too late and I was tired.
So today! Relaxation. Also, working on a Pinterest pin I made a few weeks ago: Weekly Menu Boards. I'm stocking the meal box with lots of delicious paleo meals that suit both me and my husband -- we each get a board since he's living in Virginia. I think instead of having the days of the week I'll list Meal 1, Meal 2, etc. I don't like pre-planning what day I do what meal -- what if I have something complicated planned, but I come home exhausted and don't have the energy to whip up something complicated? I think Meal 1 is less pressure than Monday.
Happy Independence Day, Americans! Go forth and BBQ.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Plank Challenge: I'm getting worse
I stayed on track with the plank challenge.
Thirty seconds? Please! Even the Monkey did that one with me (though his plank was more of a downward facing dog than a true plank).
One minute? Challenging! But, doable.
One and a half? Eh, that one was no fun.
Two minutes? I thought I was dying, but I got though it.
Two and a half minutes? I break out in a cold sweat five seconds in. By fifteen seconds I am shaking. By twenty seconds, my lower back is screaming. The last two days I've been trying to do two and a half minutes, and both times I only made it to forty-five seconds. How is that possible?
I am probably weak from lack of junk food.
Thirty seconds? Please! Even the Monkey did that one with me (though his plank was more of a downward facing dog than a true plank).
One minute? Challenging! But, doable.
One and a half? Eh, that one was no fun.
Two minutes? I thought I was dying, but I got though it.
Two and a half minutes? I break out in a cold sweat five seconds in. By fifteen seconds I am shaking. By twenty seconds, my lower back is screaming. The last two days I've been trying to do two and a half minutes, and both times I only made it to forty-five seconds. How is that possible?
I am probably weak from lack of junk food.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Day 3: I think I'm dying.
Uuuuuuuuurrrhghggg.
That is how I feel right now.
5:15 a.m.: Really? Alarm? I don't think so. I crawled out of bed anyway.
5:45 a.m.: Cats fed, I'm wondering why the hell I feel so damn tired. I went to bed early last night (was in bed at 9 on the dot, where usually it can be 9:30 or so) and I think I was zonked out by 9:15.
6 a.m.: Trying not to fall asleep in my eggs & pot roast. Have to find a way to make it through the work day without turning to chugging coffee all day. I plan on drinking lots of water. Just packed my peppermint tea so I can have a healthy, caffeine-free hot beverage after lunch. I would have packed my lemon zinger tea (oh so delicious and zippy on the tongue!) but I read the ingredient list, and it has soy lecithin in it. I don't remember what that does, but I know it's soy, so it's out. *sigh*
9:30 a.m.: I feel like death warmed over. Peppermint tea and water. Just keep trudging...
11:30 a.m.: Livelier, but have stuff to do for work that requires thought. That helps. Still tired and somewhat hungry. Counting minutes to lunch.
12 p.m.: Lunch. Leftover sausage and veggie stirfry, plus a banana. Forgot a fork. Eat with my fingers. Classy.
12:30 p.m.: Lunch is over. Still tired, still would rather be curled up in bed. Wish I could do as the Whole30Daily recommends and take a nap. But what kind of jobs do those people have where they can disappear for 20 or 30 minutes? Besides, it takes me 20 minutes to walk to and from my car.
3:20 p.m.: Dying. Cranky. Want a donut. Want to cry. Want to go home.
4:15 p.m.: Still suck-a-rific. Going to go home, scarf some tuna and veggie sticks, and go to bed.
5:45 p.m.: Making homemade mayo. Whose idea was this? I hope it turns out better than the last stuff I made.
6:30 p.m.: The mayo is horrific. I will eat it anyway, mixed in the tuna with sriracha sauce. And boiled eggs. Feeling better.
8:30 p.m.: I'm so ready for bed. Where did the evening get to? Damn it.
It's been a rough day, folks. And I'm not even giving up a soda habit like Sydnii. Just...a month of shitty junk food. Hmph.
Apparently it's normal to have a 'hangover' on day 3. Tomorrow: stay tuned for killing things!
That is how I feel right now.
5:15 a.m.: Really? Alarm? I don't think so. I crawled out of bed anyway.
5:45 a.m.: Cats fed, I'm wondering why the hell I feel so damn tired. I went to bed early last night (was in bed at 9 on the dot, where usually it can be 9:30 or so) and I think I was zonked out by 9:15.
6 a.m.: Trying not to fall asleep in my eggs & pot roast. Have to find a way to make it through the work day without turning to chugging coffee all day. I plan on drinking lots of water. Just packed my peppermint tea so I can have a healthy, caffeine-free hot beverage after lunch. I would have packed my lemon zinger tea (oh so delicious and zippy on the tongue!) but I read the ingredient list, and it has soy lecithin in it. I don't remember what that does, but I know it's soy, so it's out. *sigh*
9:30 a.m.: I feel like death warmed over. Peppermint tea and water. Just keep trudging...
11:30 a.m.: Livelier, but have stuff to do for work that requires thought. That helps. Still tired and somewhat hungry. Counting minutes to lunch.
12 p.m.: Lunch. Leftover sausage and veggie stirfry, plus a banana. Forgot a fork. Eat with my fingers. Classy.
12:30 p.m.: Lunch is over. Still tired, still would rather be curled up in bed. Wish I could do as the Whole30Daily recommends and take a nap. But what kind of jobs do those people have where they can disappear for 20 or 30 minutes? Besides, it takes me 20 minutes to walk to and from my car.
3:20 p.m.: Dying. Cranky. Want a donut. Want to cry. Want to go home.
4:15 p.m.: Still suck-a-rific. Going to go home, scarf some tuna and veggie sticks, and go to bed.
5:45 p.m.: Making homemade mayo. Whose idea was this? I hope it turns out better than the last stuff I made.
6:30 p.m.: The mayo is horrific. I will eat it anyway, mixed in the tuna with sriracha sauce. And boiled eggs. Feeling better.
8:30 p.m.: I'm so ready for bed. Where did the evening get to? Damn it.
It's been a rough day, folks. And I'm not even giving up a soda habit like Sydnii. Just...a month of shitty junk food. Hmph.
Apparently it's normal to have a 'hangover' on day 3. Tomorrow: stay tuned for killing things!
Primal Challenge Day 3
Three days of success!
I am not happy.
Today was spent in the car, driving around a (mostly) strange city, looking for apartments. Usually days like today (days in the car), I have a mountain dew. Usually on days like today (stressful), I have a mountain dew.
Today, I did not have my comfort drink. I did not have my caffeine to keep me going through the stress.
I HATED IT. I WANTED MY MOUNTAIN DEW. WHY CAN I NOT HAVE A DELICIOUS BUBBLY BEVERAGE? SOME BODY SHOOT ME NOW, PLZ.
Ugh. I did successfully eat lunch, which was some sliced ham and an apple and watermelon. Despite the fact that the Monkey and the Fiance were eating sandwiches. On delicious Hy Vee hamburger buns.
WHAT HAVE I DONE TO MYSELF?!?! WHY? WHY?!?!?
Seriously, though. I had ample opportunities to buy a mountain dew and drink it, knowing no one would know the difference. Except that I would. And I knew that if I had a mountain dew, my challenge would be null, so what would the point be? It was hard to say no. But not impossible.
(I have found watermelon to be an acceptable alternative to soda. Is that weird?)
I am not happy.
Today was spent in the car, driving around a (mostly) strange city, looking for apartments. Usually days like today (days in the car), I have a mountain dew. Usually on days like today (stressful), I have a mountain dew.
Today, I did not have my comfort drink. I did not have my caffeine to keep me going through the stress.
I HATED IT. I WANTED MY MOUNTAIN DEW. WHY CAN I NOT HAVE A DELICIOUS BUBBLY BEVERAGE? SOME BODY SHOOT ME NOW, PLZ.
Ugh. I did successfully eat lunch, which was some sliced ham and an apple and watermelon. Despite the fact that the Monkey and the Fiance were eating sandwiches. On delicious Hy Vee hamburger buns.
WHAT HAVE I DONE TO MYSELF?!?! WHY? WHY?!?!?
Seriously, though. I had ample opportunities to buy a mountain dew and drink it, knowing no one would know the difference. Except that I would. And I knew that if I had a mountain dew, my challenge would be null, so what would the point be? It was hard to say no. But not impossible.
(I have found watermelon to be an acceptable alternative to soda. Is that weird?)
Monday, July 1, 2013
The Plank Challenge: The Challenge That Started It All
As I was browsing on Pinterest one day, I had a lot of physical fitness challenges popping up in my feed. The one that pushed me over the edge was the Plank Challenge: 0 to 5 minutes of planking in one month. Syd had posted it, and I mentioned it seeming unrealistic. "How so?" she asked.
And so I set out to prove it was unrealistic.
I am on Day 16: two minutes. For the third day. I've got 30 seconds down flat, no problem! 45, I can handle. One minute? Sure. Once I get past that one minute mark, though, it starts getting tough. I start breathing heavily, as though I'm running, and my arms start trembling (I'm doing the on-the-elbows pose), and my belly starts shaking like a bowl full of jelly. It's pretty hilarious, I'm sure, if you're watching me plank rather than being me planking.
My approach to the plank challenge is to repeat days till I complete them. Fail 90 seconds? Do it again. Fail two minutes? Do it again. (The next day.) I time myself on my phone, and I've started turning on the television just so I have noise in the background to distract me from my trembling body.
Now, pardon me while I go attempt Day 16: Attempt 3.
And so I set out to prove it was unrealistic.
I am on Day 16: two minutes. For the third day. I've got 30 seconds down flat, no problem! 45, I can handle. One minute? Sure. Once I get past that one minute mark, though, it starts getting tough. I start breathing heavily, as though I'm running, and my arms start trembling (I'm doing the on-the-elbows pose), and my belly starts shaking like a bowl full of jelly. It's pretty hilarious, I'm sure, if you're watching me plank rather than being me planking.
My approach to the plank challenge is to repeat days till I complete them. Fail 90 seconds? Do it again. Fail two minutes? Do it again. (The next day.) I time myself on my phone, and I've started turning on the television just so I have noise in the background to distract me from my trembling body.
Now, pardon me while I go attempt Day 16: Attempt 3.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Whole30 Day One!
Aaaand we're off!
I'm glad Syd posted her meal plan; I like to see what others are doing and get ideas. One of the things the Whole30 program suggests is having three easy dinners planned each week so that when you come home tired and cranky, you won't stop at the Golden Arches. So that's what I've done -- one of my meals will take less than five minutes to make, so I can't use the excuse that fast food is faster than going home because you can spend five minutes in the drive-through.
I've been making meal plans for a long time. They help with weekly shopping, and I don't (usually) overbuy and then have unused food go to waste. My lunches are always leftovers from dinner plus a piece of fruit, and my breakfast is always 3 eggs with some kind of meat (ham, bacon, or sausage). I ran into a problem with ground sausage today, though, because everything I looked at had some kind of sugar in it. So I went with ground pork, and I'll spice it up when I cook it today.
So here's my dinner plan for the week:
tuna and veggie sticks
grilled chicken with sauteed zucchini, broccoli, and snow peas
burgers and smashed sweet potatoes
sauteed sausage with bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and yellow squash
zucchini enchilada boats
crockpot chili
lemon and artichoke chicken (from Practical Paleo)
And now my goals. Whole30 recommends 9 different categories of goals. Here's the explanation of each category, though they've lumped exercise, active recovery, and injury rehab into one group (healthy movement) and added Natural Environment and Socialization. The goal-setting worksheet needs to be updated, so I'm going to use the two new categories (especially since I've got nothing for active recovery or injury rehab.
Nutrition: I will drink water throughout the day instead of waiting till I'm dehydrated.
Sleep: I will turn off electronic devices 30 minutes before bed (with the exception of phone calls from my husband).
Stress Management: I got nothin.
Healthy Movement: I will take a 30-minute walk three times a week (outside my normal activity).
Natural Environment: My 30 minute walks will be outside.
Socialization: This one's tough. I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to set a goal for, so I'm going to skip this one.
Fun and Play: I will go to two new places this month.
Personal Growth: I will journal daily.
Temperance: I will limit my weekday television to one hour per night.
Tomorrow, the Plank Challenge!
[ETA: My starting weight is 235. I'm not too concerned with losing weight (more on that later), I'm just curious. I'm not weighing myself this month, so I'll post an update, along with before and after pictures, at the end.]
I'm glad Syd posted her meal plan; I like to see what others are doing and get ideas. One of the things the Whole30 program suggests is having three easy dinners planned each week so that when you come home tired and cranky, you won't stop at the Golden Arches. So that's what I've done -- one of my meals will take less than five minutes to make, so I can't use the excuse that fast food is faster than going home because you can spend five minutes in the drive-through.
I've been making meal plans for a long time. They help with weekly shopping, and I don't (usually) overbuy and then have unused food go to waste. My lunches are always leftovers from dinner plus a piece of fruit, and my breakfast is always 3 eggs with some kind of meat (ham, bacon, or sausage). I ran into a problem with ground sausage today, though, because everything I looked at had some kind of sugar in it. So I went with ground pork, and I'll spice it up when I cook it today.
So here's my dinner plan for the week:
tuna and veggie sticks
grilled chicken with sauteed zucchini, broccoli, and snow peas
burgers and smashed sweet potatoes
sauteed sausage with bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and yellow squash
zucchini enchilada boats
crockpot chili
lemon and artichoke chicken (from Practical Paleo)
And now my goals. Whole30 recommends 9 different categories of goals. Here's the explanation of each category, though they've lumped exercise, active recovery, and injury rehab into one group (healthy movement) and added Natural Environment and Socialization. The goal-setting worksheet needs to be updated, so I'm going to use the two new categories (especially since I've got nothing for active recovery or injury rehab.
Nutrition: I will drink water throughout the day instead of waiting till I'm dehydrated.
Sleep: I will turn off electronic devices 30 minutes before bed (with the exception of phone calls from my husband).
Stress Management: I got nothin.
Healthy Movement: I will take a 30-minute walk three times a week (outside my normal activity).
Natural Environment: My 30 minute walks will be outside.
Socialization: This one's tough. I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to set a goal for, so I'm going to skip this one.
Fun and Play: I will go to two new places this month.
Personal Growth: I will journal daily.
Temperance: I will limit my weekday television to one hour per night.
Tomorrow, the Plank Challenge!
[ETA: My starting weight is 235. I'm not too concerned with losing weight (more on that later), I'm just curious. I'm not weighing myself this month, so I'll post an update, along with before and after pictures, at the end.]
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Primal Challenge - Week One Meal Plan
I absolutely have to go into this with a meal plan. I generally meal plan before shopping each week, so it wasn't that difficult for me to do. Except that I had to buy only Primal foods. (Okay, not true. My 6yo Monkey loves sandwiches and can not live without them, much to my chagrin. And the fiance is not 100% on board with trying the diet. I'd put him at 50% on board. Meaning he'll think about it, but he won't have any qualms about bringing home a coke and drinking it in front of me.)
I figure my breakfasts will be about the same every morning: bacon, eggs, fruit. Maybe some sweet potato pancakes? I didn't plan this out very well; I'm used to only planning dinners. Will definitely plan breakfast foods for next week. See? I'm learning already.
In no particular order:
I figure my breakfasts will be about the same every morning: bacon, eggs, fruit. Maybe some sweet potato pancakes? I didn't plan this out very well; I'm used to only planning dinners. Will definitely plan breakfast foods for next week. See? I'm learning already.
In no particular order:
- Grilled chicken with zucchini and cauliflower rice
- Hobo packets (chuck steak and cut up veggies wrapped in foil and baked)
- Chicken Enchiladas x2 (experimenting with coconut flour tortillas), maybe with a side of Mexican cauliflower rice
- Chicken Strips with steamed broccoli and fresh carrots
- Roast Chicken x2 (meaning it will feed us twice!)
And for random snacks I have:
- watermelon
- cantaloupe
- carrots
- cherries
- cucumbers (I do NOT like cucumbers. Maybe I can change my mind about them?)
- raisins
Whole30 Challenge
Paleo, I'm coming back to you! I started eating paleo back in November or December, and I really like it. I just...got lost recently and turned to the easy out: fast food. I think that is my biggest challenge, is not turning to fast food even when I know it's going to make me feel like shit.
So I've signed up for the Whole30 Daily. It's basically a daily email full of encouragement and ass kicking, which is what I need. Both, equally. I think I'm luckier than Syd in my challenge because I live along and don't have to think about the food preferences of anyone else -- I can concentrate on me and what I like.
What I like so far about the Whole30 program:
Throw out your scale. I've said this for years, believed it for years, and, again in this area, have gotten lost. I've grown used to weighing myself daily, which is silly because weight is not an indicator of health. I don't want to get hung up on that. So I've weighed myself today (Day 0), and I will be tucking the scale away. I will also be skipping the weigh-in on the Wii Fit for the next 30 days.
Set measurable goals. I'm going to do this. I will post my goals for my 30 days tomorrow.
Don't count what you're eating. Eat good stuff until you're full. That's the only thing you're measuring, is your level of fullness.
What I don't like:
Don't eat stuff that's a replacement food. For example, pancakes are bad. Pizza is bad. I don't like labeling food as bad...though I can see their point. We're trying to break bad habits and get away from the junky food, and eating food that reminds us of the junky food is not so swell.
No sugars at all. Previously, I'd eat honey and maple syrup on occasion. No more (at least for the next 30 days).
Today I'm shopping for my meals for the week, and tomorrow I plan on prepping what I can. Wish me luck!
So I've signed up for the Whole30 Daily. It's basically a daily email full of encouragement and ass kicking, which is what I need. Both, equally. I think I'm luckier than Syd in my challenge because I live along and don't have to think about the food preferences of anyone else -- I can concentrate on me and what I like.
What I like so far about the Whole30 program:
Throw out your scale. I've said this for years, believed it for years, and, again in this area, have gotten lost. I've grown used to weighing myself daily, which is silly because weight is not an indicator of health. I don't want to get hung up on that. So I've weighed myself today (Day 0), and I will be tucking the scale away. I will also be skipping the weigh-in on the Wii Fit for the next 30 days.
Set measurable goals. I'm going to do this. I will post my goals for my 30 days tomorrow.
Don't count what you're eating. Eat good stuff until you're full. That's the only thing you're measuring, is your level of fullness.
What I don't like:
Don't eat stuff that's a replacement food. For example, pancakes are bad. Pizza is bad. I don't like labeling food as bad...though I can see their point. We're trying to break bad habits and get away from the junky food, and eating food that reminds us of the junky food is not so swell.
No sugars at all. Previously, I'd eat honey and maple syrup on occasion. No more (at least for the next 30 days).
Today I'm shopping for my meals for the week, and tomorrow I plan on prepping what I can. Wish me luck!
30 Day Primal Challenge
I've done the primal diet before (also called the Paleo diet, etc, etc). I've very much stopped following it, though, because, well... Cakes, cookies, Mtn. Dew, pie, cupcakes. I love junk food. And that's a problem. Since Rhed and I have decided to try all these crazy (and not so crazy) internet challenges, we decided it was a perfect time to challenge ourselves to eat better. She's doing the Whole30, which is a lot more strict than the challenge I've set for myself. While we're basing this blog on fitness challenges that may or may not be realistic, I figured that the primal diet is something I want to stick with, so I want a challenge I can meet. And since I will be A) apartment hunting in a city 1.5 hours away B) moving and C) road tripping during this challenge, I knew Whole30 was NOT for me.
Anyway, my challenge: Eat "primal diet approved" foods for 30 days. No cakes. No cookies. No soda. *sad face* My diet for the next thirty days will include lots of good eats, moderate okay eats, and (hopefully!) no bad eats. Week one's meal plan to come!
Eggs
Veggies
Nuts/Seeds
Good Fats (butter, coconut oil, olive oil)
Fruits
Green beans, sugar snap peas
Water
Anyway, my challenge: Eat "primal diet approved" foods for 30 days. No cakes. No cookies. No soda. *sad face* My diet for the next thirty days will include lots of good eats, moderate okay eats, and (hopefully!) no bad eats. Week one's meal plan to come!
Good Eats:
MeatEggs
Veggies
Nuts/Seeds
Good Fats (butter, coconut oil, olive oil)
Fruits
Green beans, sugar snap peas
Water
Okay Eats:
Dairy
Dark chocolate
Tea sweetened with natural stevia
Honey
Maple Syrup
Soy sauce (gluten free)
Bad Eats:
Grains (wheat, barley, rice, etc, etc)
Legumes (beans, and peanuts; excepting the above)
Processed foods
Refined Sugar
Bad fats
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)