Jackie

That's exactly what I was going to suggest! I second that one.

So, I really slacked week 5, but the final week is shaping up to be a strong finish. I upped my strength training some more and felt sore for the first time since the start of the challenge, pushups are getting easier. I haven't lost as much weight as hoped for, but I am definitely feeling a difference. My friends have said that they can see the difference, too.

Admittedly I've skipped a few of my cardio workouts (it's just so booooring!) but I've still been on track with my body weight routines and paleo dieting... mostly. There were a few off days, but keep getting back on track. I'm still slacking on my paperwork stuff, but not as badly. I hope to catch up during tonight's shift. Also, my roommates boyfriend asked me today about my fitness routine because "you're always so in shape" which was a bit surprising, but incredibly encouraging. He's not a nerd, but I shared with him where I was my advice.

I helped some friends move on Saturday. Does that count? Picking up heavy boxes, putting them down, pushing/pulling them in and out of the car, lugging them down stairs... It sure felt like a workout.

Yesterday was one of my better days so far in the challenge. With the exception of the rum and diet coke I shared with a friend while out last night, everything I ate was paleo. (Sort of. I allow dairy in moderation.) I also felt really good about my strength workout yesterday. I'm getting better with my pushups. Maybe by next week I won't have to do the girly ones! It was also very encouraging to have two friends independently comment on how I look like I've been losing weight and toning up. I don't see it, but I see me every day, so change is hard to spot. Before anyone asks, yes I weighed in, recorded measurements and took a picture at the start of the challenge, but I had started to make improvements in diet and exercise prior to that. I guess those are the results people are starting to notice.

Yes! So glad Jonathon Coulton and the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack were mentioned. Also, I would add Voltaire and *some* Protomen songs. It's not great for running, but epic for lifting weights.

Haha, claro! Platanos maduros are still acceptable, depending on what kind of oil they're cooked in. I made myself some picadillo yesterday. Instead of eating it with black beans, rice and corn like I grew up with, I substituted rice for quinoa, left out the corn and beans altogether and added steamed carrots instead. It's still delicious. You can still eat the food you grew up with (sort of) and still be healthy!

Thanks, Tin Man. I finally made some progress on said paperwork, even though I wish I could have taken gr4nt's advice on that, lol. Yes, I took starting measurements. Maybe I'll take them again halfway through the challenge and at the end of the 6 weeks.

I guess I'm a little late to the party, but if your still looking for something new, here's something I've been making for myself recently - chopped baked chicken, almond slices, feta cheese, dried cranberries and carrots over spinach and mixed greens. Your raspberry vinaigrette would probably go well with something like that.

Nothing wrong with cooking with you mom. That's how I got started cooking. Start simple. Find a recipe you like and try to recreate it on your own (or with a friend or with your mom). Don't be too concerned about being absolutely exact though. If a little more olive oil spills over than the recipe called for, it's probably not going to ruin anything. Baking is a science, but cooking is somewhere between science and art. Over time, you'll be able to predict how ingredients and flavors are going to mix with each other. Above all, use your senses. If it smells good, it's probably going to be good. Taste your sauce to see if it needs more salt or oregano. Does that chicken look done? If a meal doesn't turn out as you hoped, just take it as a learning experience. I consider myself a decent cook and I still have dishes turn out a bit underwhelming, especially if it's a new recipe. Use that as an opportunity to figure out what you did right vs what you should do differently next time. That's where the science comes in - there are no failed experiments, just unexpected results. ...Unless you set the house on fire. That's a big fail. Always keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen and never put water on a grease fire. Don't stress too much about it. You'll catch on. Good luck!

Oooh, I love omlettes! I've been making them for breakfast several times a week since I got on the paleo train. I base what goes in it based off what's already in my fridge, but typically it includes spinach, onion, and mushrooms sauteed with herbs de provence and garlic, turkey (or whatever other meat is readily available), some form of cheese (provolone or goat cheese) and dill mixed in with the egg. I guess it's sort of French inspired? Get creative. If you don't have all the ingredients you want, try something new. That's the beauty of the omlette - just about anything can go in it and it usually turns out awesome. Have fun with it.

I concur with previous suggestions about stationary bike/elliptical/treadmill for cardio and bodyweight circuits for strength. Stay indoors away from cars you might not be able to see coming or dirt/other debris that might get in your eyes. As for food, you have some time to prepare. I would make yourself some meals now and freeze them for later so you can just throw it in a microwave while you're recovering. Also, go shopping for lots of easy-to-prepare foods or snacks (peanut butter, nuts, fruits, lunch meats, veggies if you don't mind them raw, etc.) If you live with someone or have a close friend, you might be able to convince them to help you cook a few meals or at least drive to pick up something for you. Amount-wise, just eat based off how much activity you've actually done that day. Nothing different there. I hope your surgery and recovery go smoothly. Good luck!

I exceeded my workout goals for the week. I've also been eating more than one completely paleo meal each day, for the most part. Yesterday wasn't my best day. It was a rest day and it was my sister's wedding shower. There was cake, Cuban pastries, chips, dips, booze, etc. I did ok at first - stuck with meatballs, fruits and veggies. 4 or 5 glasses of wine later (I lost count), the cake was served and I had a pretty decently sized slice. I also had some pita chips with my mom's not-so-healthy spinach artichoke dip. Not as bad as it could have been, but not great. I made up for it today by making myself all paleo meals for the entire day. Even with the one or two days I let go a little, my diet this week is still a vast improvement over my usual "eat what's cheap, fast and convenient" ways. As for the rest of my goals, I've decided that I'm not going to weigh myself until the end of the challenge. My weight hasn't gone down at all yet and I refuse to let that discourage me, especially since I'm feeling stronger and healthier already. Surprisingly, the hardest goal to work on has been catching up on my paperwork. It's just so tedious. Someone yell at me? No, I'll put a significant dent in it tonight.

One time I went rollerblading to the park and back and came home covered in dozens of tiny gnats that had splattered onto me. Fortunately I had my sunglasses to shield my eyes. It was one of the most disgusting things I've ever experienced - and I've worked in an emergency room. Looks like you're staying on track pretty well. You're doing much better in the push-up department than I am. Good luck completing the next 5 weeks and beyond! PS - I love that "floss" made the list for tomorrow, lol. Lord knows more of us should.

Welcome! Better late than never. Looks like some great goals. I especially like your life goal. Good luck!

Oh yes, there is. I went to SWCV two years ago and it was fantastic. This year is shaping up to be even better. I'm SO excited! I highly recommend going for any Star Wars fans who have the means. So far this week, I've already exceeded my workout goals. I also added some weight while doing my squats. My body has responded well to that - my lower body is hardly sore at all. My arms are killing me though. I have very little upper body strength, so clearly that's something I need to work on. I've been really good about my food intake overall, except for today. I still had one fully paleo meal, but there were a lot of beans, corn and rice today. I'm trying, but I'm hispanic, lol. I went to donate blood yesterday. My iron is usually right on the border, if not too low to donate. But yesterday, the tech told me that my iron was excellent. I can only attribute that to my change in diet. Huzzah! As for not procrastinating on work stuff, I'm staying current, but I still need to go back and catch up on things I let pile up before the challenge started.

Haha, thanks. I blame my roomate. He got me hooked on puns.

Obviously, the chain is integral, lol. I'll be sure to share the results. Thanks for the support, guys! So far today, both breakfast and lunch have been 100% paleo and I got in a good workout. I increased my circuit routine from 3 to 4 sets. The soreness is creeping in, but I'm feeling good. Interval training tomorrow. I also completed my flowsheet for work last night before the end of my shift. Woo-hoo! I got a sidekick to go in on the challenge with me. A couple of other friends are interested, too.

I don't own a Nerd Fitness t-shirt yet, but I think this one is an acceptable alternative. Hope I'm not too late with this.

Congrats on a successful first day! Careful with the sugar in those smoothie drinks. If it's too much, you could always see how the homemade version works for you.

Me! I just joined. Zombie run looks like a lot of fun. I've been trying to coerce some friends into doing it with me. BTW, is anyone here planning on going to SWCVI?

Hmm, that does make things tricky. Hopefully someone else has better advice for you, lol. I love veggies, so that's not a problem I've had to overcome.

Great goals. A lot of those life goals look like things I need to get done as well, lol. I've found that simply carrying water makes one much more likely to drink enough of it. Do you have a reusable water bottle or thermos you can carry around with you at all times? Might help. Good luck!

Hey fellow first-timer. You sure sound determined. Good luck!

Ooh, how was the zombie run? There's going to be one in my area in November. Running isn't my forte, but I'm considering signing up just for the zombies. Curious to see the rest of it tomorrow.