fifthninjaturtle

That's awesome that your headaches are better! That by itself probably makes the whole challenge worth it. *virtual high five*

Get it, DrFeelgood! We can do this.

Thanks, Dubious! I'm fine, it's just something annoying that flares up on and off.

So... it's Feb. 4. Is this day 30?! If you've made it, congratulations. If you slipped in the last few days, you still got to day 26. That's freaking awesome. I know you've mentioned some struggles, but honestly, it sounds like you've done an awesome job so far. Sticking to a huge diet change in the midst of unexpected job circumstances is tough going. And congrats on the blind date - sounds like you managed the anxiety well.

Sorry you haven't been feeling well. I've had a resurgence of some chronic health issues, too, and it's a pain. It sounds like you're doing well, though. 400$ towards your debt is nothing to sneeze at, even if you've stumbled a little this week. Ditto on the meals - 6 weeks is nothing, but forming good habits is everything. If you're gradually making better decisions, you're on the right track.

Well, Adventurers... I'm happy to report that I've already lost 5 lbs. since the challenge started! Challenge goal met, but I'm going to continue towards my ultimate goal of 10. So, what of the elusive abs? They're looking better. I can see a bit more definition than I could in the beginning, although I'm still working against genetics. The downside is that I've had a resurgence of chronic neurological issues, so I haven't been lifting for a few weeks. I know I'm losing a little muscle. However, I do feel better overall and more comfortable in my body. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, drop a little more weight, and then build the muscle back up. I've shifted the primary to weight loss.

I completely understand that feeling. I struggle with the dilemma of being an introvert who likes people. I'm happier with interaction but have a hell of a time getting myself out the door. I think overall it's best to make yourself get out, at least once in a while. Humans are, for the most part, social animals and need contact. Sounds like you're doing great on the Whole 30! That would be my biggest challenge.

Doing okay, thanks! I had some family issues come up and so I haven't been checking in. Not doing so well on the drinking part (due to unexpected family time; my family loooooooves their wine), but the good news is that my weight is still going down. I've lost and kept off about 3 pounds, and I can definitely see more definition. I feel great just dropping a few pounds and my body definitely looks better. I think I'll be able to lose another 2-3 in the next two weeks to hit my goal of 5. Woo-hoo!

^ Obviously.

Congrats on the 200$ towards your debt! That's great! Remember, even if you didn't hit all your workouts, you're still making progress.

I don't mind at all! There were a few reasons. I was in a liberal arts program and academia is changing. Tenure-track professorships aren't nearly as common as they used to be. So, I figured if I was going to dedicate however many more years to something I could only get one job in, that job had better be available! I also just really wanted to start doing something more hands on. I went to grad school right out of undergrad, and I wasn't ready for the commitment a PhD takes. It's been a few years since I finished my MA, and it was definitely the right decision for me. I won't rule out going back to school, but I love my job and can't picture leaving it any time soon. I hope it continues to go well for you. I think it's definitely the right path for someone in science - you have so many resources available at a university. Do you have a specific area you're working in?

I've been killing it this week, if I do say so myself. Weight loss: Eating very well and experimenting with my new Ninja to cram in as many fruits, veggies, and superfoods as possible. I've run about 4 miles a few times this week, which is helping - when I want to lose weight, I have to bring in at least a little bit of cardio. I've also recommitted to Stronglifts and been consistently doing that this week. As a result, I'm down about 2 pounds already. Yay! Ab work: Check. 3 times this week. Drinking: Check. Only one small glass of wine on Monday night. Nothing else so far, though I may have 1-2 tonight or tomorrow night. So far, so good. I'm feeling a lot more energetic.

Another aspiring ranger here! I was in a PhD program (bailed after getting my MA) and some of those comics are totally accurate. How far along are you in yours? Love the strength goals.

I went to a Body Flow class this morning. It's been ages, but I kept up well. The core tracks definitely burned - sweeeet!

I'm with you on the drinking cutbacks! That's part of my goal for better ab definition. I'm trying to average less than one a day - only one glass of wine so far this week! Second on getting a chuckle out of your F-score. What were you in grad school for? Are you finished?

Great goals, fellow aspiring Ranger! Starting Strength is awesome. I started barbell training last summer and love it. Currently doing Stronglifts 5X5. Love your life quest, too - debt is a beast. How's it going so far?

That's an awesome quest! I just turned 30 this year and I hear this kind of thing all the time - that we're getting old and that's just how it is. I admit, it can be hard not to fall into that trap. It's ridiculous, though! I'm in better shape than I was at age 20 and don't plan on declining any time soon. Keep it up! The sleep thing is hard. I have minor bouts of insomnia and it's a pain. I think you're still doing yourself a favor by lying down and resting, though.

Hi, Adventurers! X-posting this from Rangers; I was told it needed to go here for my first challenge. I've lurked on NF for ages and am finally taking the plunge. I'm keeping it simple and sticking to one basic goal for now. I want to see my freakin' abs. I'm already in pretty good shape, but thanks to genetics, belly fat is my Achilles heel (Achilles stomach? ). Here's what I think needs to happen for those abs to magically appear. 1. Lose around 5-10 pounds - I'm not overweight, but since my abdomen is the last place I store fat, I need to be at the lower end of my healthy BMI range for my abs to show. 5 is realistic in 6 weeks; 10 is pushing it (I'm petite). So I'll aim for 5, and then another 5 after that. 2. Add in minimal ab work - I do barbell training that works my core, but I want to add Bosu and incline weighted crunches back in 2-3X/week. 3. Cut back on drinking. I love my red wine, and I know this gets in the way. I'm going to cut down to less than one drink per day on average, along with watching sugar in my diet. Best of luck, everyone!