bigwildonion

My biggest challenge is usually getting my act together and doing all the planning that it takes to have a successful week of clean eating and sticking to my workout schedule. I can do it, but I really need to create structure for myself. Neglecting that foundation of setting myself up on the weekend so that the work week doesn't kick my butt will wheel me right off track. So how is everyone doing for week 4 so far? Ready to rock the second half of this beast? I'm thinking of all of you and wishing you success. And a special shout out to those of you dealing with injuries, grief, and bumps in the road. Fitness and good eating will help us all get through the hard times in life, and I hope all of you can find the encouragement and inspiration that will keep you going.

So it was another pretty good week! I feel like I have some momentum for the last half of our challenge. I give myself a B+. Progress report: Main Quest: Eat cleaner! 1) No packaged, processed food--a break from that crap! CON +1. So I strayed this week...I strayed right into a terrific bakery for an almond pastry. Not something artisanal from a friend or loved one, but definitely artisanal, and it didn't trigger a sugar binge. And I went through a tub of tofu, as I did not visit my source of artisanally fermented tempeh last week. So not perfect on the non-processed foods goal. I'm better prepared this week. 2) Can, freeze, ferment, pickle or cure something from the summer produce bounty every week. CON +1. Six jars of antipasto canned and put away for the winter! It is really tasty too! It is made with roast eggplant and mild yellow peppers. There is garlic and home grown oreagano in there with white wine and white balsamic vinegar. 3) Veggielicious smoothie with plenty good protein for breakfast before work. CON +1. Rocked it all five days! And I even used some baby greens from my container garden, so that is about as local as I can possibly eat. Side Quest: More upper body strength! 1) 8 push ups with good form on or before the last day of the challenge. STR +1. Still working on it. No breakthroughs, but I am still trying hard. 2) Barbell/dumbbell strength training 3 times per week. STR +1. Got 'er done. Side Quest: Life Level Up! 1) Repair, upcycle, or discard two questionable objects from my apartment every week to reduce clutter. CHA +3. Gave away some Star Wars tchotchkes, including a Boba Fett bobblehead. Also did some aggressive cleaning in the kitchen and found some dishes I don't use to give away. Put a few more books in the tiny free library around the corner. Not bad. 2) Finish reading 3 books before the fall term at school starts. On track! Finished one and am now half way through this intriguing and empowering read: The Unapologetic Fat Girl's Guide to Exercize and Other Incendiary Acts by Hanne Blank . I'm sure this book has it's critics, but I would encourage everyone to check out her 30 reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with how you look or how much you weigh. Everybody keep pushing, and let me know how you are doing!

How is you week 4 starting, Phutomaki? Any good progress? Wishing you all the best in the second half of this challenge.

Hi there, Doodle! How is week 4 going so far? I think it is cool that you put your Meyers-Briggs type up. You are one of the rare personalities, and sometimes I think that is an important part of being a nerd. Have you seen this blog? It doesn't get too complicated, but I enjoy it. http://thephilosophicalboy.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/mbti-distribution-chart/ Rock on in week 4!

Buggalo, I am totally impressed with your hard work! Your workouts are no freakin' joke, and the intellectual challenge of writing is pretty strenuous too! I have a lot of respect for the mental/physical balance you have going on. Best wishes for your week 4 of the challenge!

That workout looks like a terrific start to another week in our challenge, Eddard! Wow, I should add a body weight matrix like that to my mix--you are inspiring me for goals in the next challenge already! Take good care of that ouchy back, and give yourself some tasty healthy food this week. I am thinking of you and wishing you the best!

Yeeowch! Fussy knees are such a pill. Do you feel like you are getting the right care for the issue? It seems like health is something we have to fight for every day, and sometimes the mental challenge of it is harder than the physical one. Always another problem to solve in the body, all life long. And it seems like in the end we have a choice between being under the care of an orthopedist or a cardiologist. I think it's better to stay active and go with the orthopedist! Don't give up, Laureleye--I am cheering for you!

Doodle, it looks like you got thrown some unexpected curveballs in the last few days. It is so hard to deal with unexpected expenses, and rough times at work can take all the energy out of you. It seems like you are being smart by reaching for your "inner strength" playlist and spending time with friends and loved ones. Self care is crucial! Are you looking for a new job? Or is the difficulty there temporary?

That's right, Phutomaki--don't be discouraged! Everyone gets off track sometimes, and that is just part of being human. The most important thing is to take a lesson from the experience and get back on track as quickly as you can. So cool that you are trying out Crossfit. I want to give it a try soon, maybe when my schedule stabilizes a little in the spring.

Doodle and Eddard, thanks for the shout outs! I am glad to hear from you. $100 startup is a really worthwhile read if you are interested in starting a small business. The case studies and stories from entrepreneurs are inspiring, and there are some nice suggested exercises to help you think about selling something of real value. I encourage anyone who is exploring working for yourself to check it out. Goals update for this week: 1) Nothing processed, unless it is artisanal--Pretty good! Through the work week I did a terrific job of shoveling down the local, organic produce. It was a family gathering weekend with a little kid birthday, but I kept it moderate with my indulgences. I indulged in the home made almond pastry that my brother in law prepared and some made-to-order truffle flatbread, but said no to the crappy pizza from an enormous chain restaurant and the industrial mass produced cupcakes. And my moderate indulgences did not kick off a sugar bender, as my week 3 is off to a great start with clean eating. 2) Preserve the summer bounty for winter--On track! Pickled radishes and onions put up for future enjoyment. 3) Smoothie before work--Done all five days. Side quest; upper body strength 1) 8 push ups with good form on or before the last day of the challenge. Making progress. 2 sets of 12 incline push ups on three days. 1 set of 6 on the floor 2 days. 2) Barbell/dumbbell strength training 3 times per week. Done! Pretty happy about it. Oly barbell is making that clink over my head that you get when you manage an explosive move well. So I think my form is leveling up. Side quest: life level up 1) Repair, upcycle, or discard two questionable objects from my apartment. Done! Added a few books to the Free Tiny Library around the corner. 2) Finish reading 3 books before the fall term at school starts. On track. I finished The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau. I am half way through Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon. Both interesting reads helping me to thinkthinkthinkthinkthink!

Hi there, Eddard--I hope those aches and pains are not getting you down. Working around injuries is a challenge, but it can be done, and it will help you recover faster. Keep up the good self care! Wishing you the best for week 3!

Way to show that Tateman power! Great work, friend. Your progress inspires me.

Hi there, Phutomaki! Looking forward to hearing how week 2 went for you, and wishing you success in week 3.

Companions, I'm wishing all of you a terrific week 3! Also, I want to thank all of you for your presence and positivity. It is encouraging to have you out here working on self improvement and health with me. Little bumps in the road just don't feel as bad when your team is cheering for you.

Good work this week! I appreciate the wisdom you are showing with self care around the twisted knee. Dialing back for injury prevention is so important. One of the best things about nieces and nephews--I learned a new name for them, "nibblings"!--is that they are such motivators. They are worth staying strong and healthy for.