BlamedCat

Well, I honestly don't feel the gym goal is solid yet. It's almost there, but you know when something clicks, it hasn't yet. The other two did for sure. As for walking... I think it would have to be a weekend walking thing. Those are the two days I'm guaranteed some downtime to go do it consistently. If I wanna focus on putting it into my day by day schedule, I can try eating lunch at my desk and going to walk during the actual lunch break. As for sleeping... I don't really have a clue how to fix. The waking up is fixed, but the going to bed on time seems impossible on those days that the SIL needs a ride to work. This is all here because my car got totaled a few months back, so she's letting me take her car to work. She gets off at 7am, but I need to be at work at 7am, hence the dropping her off at night. My wife picks her up in the morning while on her way to pick up a kiddo she watches.

Porkins to Poe Summary (28 days) 1. Smashing my sweet tooth. Application: Go 6 days per week without consuming a sugary concoction. Sugar free is better, but no sugar/chemicals is best. PASSED 27/24 required days 1/4th of a rootbeer for the entire 28 days lol. 2. Gut my grain intake Application: Attempt to reduce all grains with every meal, shoot for 3 days without grains per week. PASSED Grain intake reduced at almost all meals 14/12 days (Every week but thanksgiving I hit my mark of 3 days.) 3. Go to the gym. Application: Go to the gym 2-3 times a week with a plan. PASSED (technically) 8/8 (minimum) (managed to get 3 one week, so that made up for Thanksgiving week lol) but all in all not bad. 4. Walk at Work (bonus) Application: 2+ walks a week of 30+ minutes each. FAILED Nope. Got two walks in for the entire 28 days, that's a tad shy on this bonus goal. 5.Snag more sleep Application: Get to bed by 10pm at the latest during the work week, try to dial this down to 9pm and see if I can start waking at 5am, so I'm not rushing in the morning. This applies to the following nights, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. FAILED 9/18 (getting to bed before 10pm) Out of the 18 eligible days, many of the bedtime attempts were thwarted, not by my own doing, but by family obligations (which I didn't realize was an issue) 18/18 (waking up at 5) All in all, not a bad challenge

Week 4 Summary 1. Smashing my sweet tooth. Application: Go 6 days per week without consuming a sugary concoction. Sugar free is better, but no sugar/chemicals is best. PASSED This worked out fine, even with the holiday weekend. 2. Gut my grain intake Application: Attempt to reduce all grains with every meal, shoot for 3 days without grains per week. FAILED (with a lesson) I managed 2 days free, the rest were in limited quantity, minus Thanksgiving, which while the portions were small weren't avoiding outright. On Friday I did find out something interseting... we went to a pizza buffet, first time in a long time. My wife and I were WRECKED afterwards... kids were fine, but because we had dialed down the grains so much in the past three weeks, I was aching all over. I mean the pizza set like a rock in my stomach, but my joints were aching... needless to say, lesson learned. 3. Go to the gym. Application: Go to the gym 2-3 times a week with a plan. FAILED I made it once before all the Thanksgiving hubbub hit and then was busy familying the rest of the week. 4. Walk at Work (bonus) Application: 2+ walks a week of 30+ minutes each. FAILED Nope 5.Snag more sleep Application: Get to bed by 10pm at the latest during the work week, try to dial this down to 9pm and see if I can start waking at 5am, so I'm not rushing in the morning. This applies to the following nights, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. FAILED On the three days that even counted, I managed to wake up on time 3 in a row and went to bed on time once. Thursday I got to sleep in, same with Friday, so that was nice I'll get a challenge summary up sometime today, work pending.

Summary: W4: Day 3 (Tuesday) 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. Easy Peasy... though my BIL offered me Maine rootbeer and seemed dejected when I declined and said I couldn't have it. I then had to explain that I was trying to watch what I've been drinking as of late (his eyes seemed to gloss over) so I told him to put it in the fridge and I'd have it later. Since I do have that 1 freebee day, I'll just put it on a day where I'm not eating in line with my goals anyway and enjoy it then. Something tells me, I won't want to finish it, may like a few sips, but that's fine by me. 2. D -> Gut my grain intake The only thing that borked my plans for this was the previously mentioned birthday dinner. We went to Freebirds and I got a burrito bowl. So while rice isn't so bad on the gluten side of things, it's still a grain, so that was that. 3. F -> Go to the gym. Rest day 4. FB -> Walk at Work Nada. 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep I managed my time well last night and got in bed around 9:30, much to the dismay of my daughter who likes to try and stay up and my friend which were wondering why I was already in bed... sigh, adulting sucks sometimes.

Glad to see your fingers are at least functioning after the bootcamp

(Tuesday) I'm so tired and sore. That workout wrecked me all over, but that's a good thing! So some notes and thoughts about this last week and my goals. I should be able to hit my no-grain goal of 3 days this week, but I'm not sure how many more 'non grain' days I'll hit considering there's 2 birthdays and Thanksgiving this week. Either way, I'll work on the primary essence of that goal which is to reduce grains (and in the case of having them, pick the least damming option). Drink wise, I'll be able to steer clear of the copious amounts of apple cider, soda, and sweet tea that is likely to be around. Exercise wise, I should be able to get in at least one more workout this week. Walking probably won't happen, but we shall see. And sleep... well if I go to bed late, I'll likely be able to sleep in (minus tomorrow, cause I still gotta work it).

Summary: W4: Day 2 (Monday) 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. This went well. No real worries here. 2. D -> Gut my grain intake Mrs. BC has taken a liking to making oven roasted potatoes and chicken with pan seared asparagus and salad. I can't complain. 3. F -> Go to the gym. I made it and pushed myself further than I thought I'd be able to go right now. I'm pleased. Date Exercise LBS S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Diff Progress 11/21/2016 SQ 125 5 5 5 5 5 2 1 11/21/2016 OHP 75 5 5 5 5 5 2 1 11/21/2016 DL 125 5 x x x x 1 1 SQUATS - I was going to stay at 115, but when I got to the gym and warmed up, I felt like I could nail this. It's getting harder, but that's good. I didn't go to failure, so that means I'm growing. I'll be excited to see the 45's on the bar next time! OVERHEAD PRESS - I found an easier way to do this that is less risk of tweaking my shoulder. Simply sitting down on the bench instead of standing has made a huge difference. These were exhausting, but good. DEADLIFTS - I loved doing these. They were wonderful and actually easy. Now it'll be time to see the 45's!!! I can't wait! 4. FB -> Walk at Work Nada 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep Well, I didn't get to bed on time, but it was all my fault. I lingered too long on the computer (only got on it for less than an hour tbh), but I had to clean the kitchen table and dishes before hitting the sack.

Summary: W4: Day 1 (Sunday) 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. Did it. 2. D -> Gut my grain intake Did it. 3. F -> Go to the gym. Missed the gym this day. 4. FB -> Walk at Work Nope. 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep Got another nap in, so I ended up an hour late to bed, not terrible, certainly not losing sleep in the whole scheme of things, but at least I was on schedule for waking up.

@Fonzico I stumbled across a quote someone posted on IG today. I thought you'd like it... "No human ever became interesting by not failing. The more you fail and recover and improve, the better you are as a person. Ever met someone who's always had everything work out for them with zero struggle? They usually have the depth of a puddle. Or they don't exist." - Chris Hardwick

Exactly the answer I was looking for. *stoops down and helps you pick up the pieces* Well, that's cause we're human and us humans do silly things throughout life. Remember this diagram? I mean, life is annoying at times and we like to live vicariously through *insert pet indulgence here*. The truth is, you are making progress. Even by falling on your face like QWOP.... I mean, in the past, would you have really come on here and owned up to it and started picking up the pieces so quickly? Probably not. So here you are and guess what, we haven't abandoned you either *hands over the pieces he's picked up with you* Time to get out the superglue and get moving again. You can do this, my friend.

Random Food Update: Remember that Cracklin' chicken I mentioned wanting to try last week? Well, I lined everything up and made it for lunch on Sunday. It was actually VERY awesome. (I <3 my cast iron skillet). Though, I think I'll need to make more chicken, two a piece wasn't really enough for all of us. The thighs I got were a bit on the smallish side.

I'll skip the daily report for Friday and the weekend and get you the summary as a whole. Week 3 Summary 1. Smashing my sweet tooth. Application: Go 6 days per week without consuming a sugary concoction. Sugar free is better, but no sugar/chemicals is best. PASSED Nailed the 6 days, didn't get 7 because of the rootbeer I partially drank. I did bring that 4-pack home and the family enjoyed it with root beer floats. 2. Gut my grain intake Application: Attempt to reduce all grains with every meal, shoot for 3 days without grains per week. PASSED I brought in 4 days without grains and the other days minus Saturday, were minimized encounters 3. Go to the gym. Application: Go to the gym 2-3 times a week with a plan. PASSED I went twice this week (so it hits the goal), but missed attempts on the weekend. Saturday we went to Trade Days and hung out and napped. Then on Sunday I napped after the kids went down for their nap and woke up to the house empty and my wife having confiscated the car and the kids for a not-so-quick grocery run lol. 4. Walk at Work (bonus) Application: 2+ walks a week of 30+ minutes each. FAILED I did get in an hour long walk at Trade Days this weekend, but that's not two walks, so nope. 5.Snag more sleep Application: Get to bed by 10pm at the latest during the work week, try to dial this down to 9pm and see if I can start waking at 5am, so I'm not rushing in the morning. This applies to the following nights, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. FAILED I got four out of the five days in bed on time. Though Sunday, I'm quickly realizing is an odd duck, because of the nap that I normally don't plan on, but seem to be getting regularly lol. Oh well, I'm glad that I'm wrangling in the time on the other days AND consistently waking up to my alarm at 5am now, which used to be a HUGE struggle.

Afternoon thoughts.... I just participated in a birthday party at work. Had a small piece of cake and half a root beer. That blows my goals today, but it's not terrible. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Summary: W3: Day 5 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. Done 2. D -> Gut my grain intake Nailed it yet again. Woot woot! 3. F -> Go to the gym. As I said in my IG post, I picked up heavy things and put them down. LOL I gotta tell ya though, today I am TIRED and sore, but it's SO satisfying. Date Exercise LBS S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Diff Progress 11/17/2016 SQ 115 5 5 5 5 5 2 0 11/17/2016 BP 95 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 11/17/2016 BR 95 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 SQUATS - These were good and tiring. Right now (the day after) I'm probably going to consider sticking with 115 and not going up 10. Though tomorrow we shall see how I feel then. BENCH PRESS - This was fun and very good. I had a little trouble with form, but corrected myself along the way, so I think i'm good to progress next time. BARBELL ROW - These were fine and simple. I felt a little back pain, but noticed I was rounding my shoulders, so I tucked that in and it all seemed to correct itself. Good to progress further. 4. FB -> Walk at Work Nada. 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep SIL worked a double, so she was already at work by the time I got home, so no need to stay up late. Success!

That's FREAKING AWESOME! Definitely rooting you on!

Summary: W3: Day 4 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. It's all good. Still craving ice cream, which I could technically have since it's not a sweet drink, but it's that kinda dessert that draws me back to the dessert coffee and such, so I'll stay away. 2. D -> Gut my grain intake Nailed it. Lunch was a low car freezer meal. Dinner was oven roasted chicken thighs and potatoes with asparagus and salad. 3. F -> Go to the gym. Rest day. 4. FB -> Walk at Work Nope. I'm quickly learning that a bonus goal is nice, but not necessary, K.I.S.S. 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep Shocker! Another night I could plan my bedtime without interference

Morning thoughts.... Today I'm tired. After a full night's rest, that means I "did gud" in the gym I'm pleased that my legs, hips, and shoulders are properly sore today, but not to the point where I can't take the stairs, etc. lol. I'm also looking at this delicious recipe Cracklin' Chicken and wanting to try this. My family loves chicken thighs, but we usually get the skinless boneless variety, but saving a few dollars might be worth it. We're getting really tight on finances, so I can't complain about that.

Summary: W3: Day 3 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. No worries here, though I am starting to crave ice cream. Haven't acted on it though. 2. D -> Gut my grain intake Nailed it. My wife helped out on this for dinner, she's such an awesome lady. 3. F -> Go to the gym. Did it. Seems the free weights were just as crowded, but squaters were less, so the switch is good so far. Date Exercise LBS S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Diff Progress 11/15/2016 SQ 105 5 5 5 5 5 2 1 11/15/2016 OHP 65 5 5 5 5 5 2 1 11/15/2016 DL 115 5 x x x x 1 1 Squats were good, but a little challenging. Though I squated in my blue jean shorts, which felt odd, maybe me lean forward just a bit, but I caught myself. (I will make it a point to hunt down and wash my gym clothes so I can exercise without that distraction Thursday.) Depending on how I feel on Thursday, I'll either up the weight or stay where I'm at. Either way, I'm pleased to have graduated to the 25lbs weights again. OHP was good. Had some pinches on the descending portion of reps, but I managed to compensate (don't remember how), so that it would't pinch near the end of the sets. I'm still not sure why this happens or what I can do to avoid it. Thankfully, my left shoulder doesn't have this issue at all. Deadlift was easy peasy. Nothing to report here. 4. FB -> Walk at Work Nada. Left work early again (mainly cause we had a meeting that lasted through my lunch time) 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep I must be on a roll... SIL's husband took her to work again last night, so I was able to hit the sack around 9:30

@Fonzico *steps up and hollers out * MARCO! *and waits for your reply*

@Starpuck I'm sorry you're struggling and I agree with Tank. Perhaps you should get some advice from a dietitian or a doctor. I can only say that because I hit a plateau about a year and a half ago and I remember being in the same situation. I was watching what I was eating, nailing my goals, going to the gym at least 5 x a week, no injuries, etc. But my weight / body comp wasn't shifting hardly at all. It was infuriating. Then I decided to get a trainer, the guy was a former nutritionist for a hospital, so he definitely knew his stuff. In my case, he looked at what I was eating and went over my gym trips and came to the conclusion that of all things, I was eating too LITTLE. My body didn't know what I was trying to do, all it could comprehend was that I was putting increased load and stress on it and not enough fuel was coming in, so it was on lockdown/survival mode. I didn't feel hungry, I didn't think I was starving myself, but in the end, that's what I was doing in my case. Of course I was a 245 lbs guy too... still overweight for my height and frame. So I say all that just to share that it really could be something along those lines, but getting someone to help you is probably best at this point.

That's good to know. I've been craving something a little more to my coffee and or teas as of late, since i cut out all the 'dessert' coffees n such. I'll have to give this a shot to see if it'll at least partially fill that void on occasion.

Summary: W3: Day 2 1. D -> Smashing my sweet tooth. None 2. D -> Gut my grain intake None 3. F -> Go to the gym. Nope, rest day. 4. FB -> Walk at Work Cut out early to get home and help the wife. Turns out she is as efficient as I am and made additional plans, so my surprise was welcome, but not necessary lol. 5. LUYL -> Snag more sleep SIL's husband took her to work, so I got in bed at 10, yay!

@darkfoxx Do you mind sharing what is in the Rocketfuel latte? I did hunt through your blog, but didn't find a recipe, so using my Google-Fu, I found this recipe. Is this what you're using, or did you tweak it to something more awesome?

Morning thoughts... Today I'm going to stay home from the gym. This is for two reasons. 1. Because my wife is watching a new kid for the lady across the street. My wife is already super busy today as is, but if I can get home at a decent hour and help out by being there to watch the new kiddo till his mother comes to pick him up, or intercepting her when droping off one of the regulars and doing said thing for the new kiddo, then that'll be a big help. (that makes sense right?) 2. I want to shift my workouts and see if a T, Th, S schedule is lighter in the free weights section.:) Can't hurt to try. Oh and this weekend, I got an unexpected compliment. My wife says she can tell I'm losing weight. We still haven't found our packed scales or my measuring tape, but at least she can see a difference, right?

Turns out, for Sunday, I didn't get a choice of staying up or going to bed on time. SIL picked up an extra shift and her husband went to bed at 6pm (he's been very anti-social this week) cause he had an early morning shift. So I ended up taking her to work. Then I ended up staying up chatting with friends and got to bed shy of midnight. Yikes!