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.
Showing posts with label whole30. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whole30. Show all posts
Monday, July 22, 2013
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.
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!
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!
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
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!
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