athousandwords

Sounds like the Ocean City meetup was a lot of fun - oy vey on that driving though!  Sorry to hear about the bad diet day on Friday.  It sucks when pizza betrays you like that.  

Hey, how'd your week 2 go?  Still with us?

Weekend Recap

This morning as I was walking, I did some reflection on this weekend.  It's funny, because in general, I felt like I made good, healthy choices this weekend: I exercised, meal planned, went grocery shopping, ate dinner at a friend's house without mindlessly snacking or breaking any of my food rules, and generally felt pretty good.  Then I realized that on Sunday, I managed to miss every single one of my goals.  Not deliberately!  I just never got around to eating breakfast or working out or reading up on MEAN.  Through carelessness, I managed to put myself behind on all of my goals, and that is so freaking annoying.  And of course, my weigh in this morning reflected that.

Nothing to do but keep moving ahead, though.  I feel like I'm struggling through parts of this challenge more so than last challenge, and I don't really know why.  Some of my goals are easier, some are harder, but in general I feel like I'm barely keeping up.  Even my good days aren't quite good enough.  I dunno if this is typical of a second challenge or if all the shiny from last challenge is wearing off or what.  I'm trying not to beat myself up too much, because even a bad day is better than my old lifestyle, but some times it's hard.

Goal 1: 4 pts / 3 pts

Saturday:

Breakfast - 2 poached eggs, brussels sprouts, asparagus, bacon

Lunch/Dinner - Green Curry Beef (Beef stir fried with bamboo shoot, mushroom, tofu, eggplant, and carrot in green curry with coconut cream)

Sunday:

Lunch - Peruvian Chicken, Plantains, 1/2 Avocado

Dinner - Pumpkin Chili, Salad

Okay, apparently only eating two meals on the weekend is a thing for me.  But on Saturday I definitely ate breakfast before working out, and on Sunday I didn't even though I was up in time.  It's a weird line to draw, I guess, but it comes down to the timing of the meals for me.

Goal 2:

Saturday: Upper Body Sculpt

Sunday: Nothing

Meant to work out on Sunday, but hubby and I couldn't agree on an exercise (I wanted to go hiking, he didn't think we had time) and I was tired of doing ST workouts at home.  So instead...  nothing

Goal 3:

Saturday: Complete - 20 min walk, 30 min yoga

Sunday: --

Again, meant to do my morning routine on Sunday, but my whole schedule got thrown off.  I didn't even realize I'd missed this until the next day.  >_<

Goal 4:  No progress

Weigh In:  164.2

Ohhhh god, I just got done rewatching all the HP movies and rereading all of the books. I'd love nothing more than to go to Harry Potter World. Also, it seems like you and I have really similar measurements. I'm doing mostly a ketogenic diet and really trying to keep away from sugar. I started around 165 pounds (after losing about 15 pounds six months before) but I'm crossing my fingers to get to 155 or below by the end of the six weeks.

 

Keep it up~~

Sounds like we have a lot of the same goals!  I don't do keto, but I do try to stay fairly low-carb paleo.  And yes, keeping away from sugar is difficult, but worth it!  

Friday Recap

Yesterday was definitely a rest day - that leg workout on Thursday still has me sore to the point where it hurts to walk.  In the evening, my improv troupe performed - that went really well and I managed to get past the leg cramps to bounce around on stage like usual.  We had a great audience, which always helps.  Then we went to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate one of of troupe member's birthdays.  I successfully avoided the chips, tortillas, rice, and beans, and let myself splurge with a daiquiri because I haven't had any alcohol since the challenge start.  All in all, feeling pretty good about how week 2 is going.

Goal 1: 3 points

Breakfast - 2 poached eggs, brussels sprouts, asparagus, bacon

Lunch - Zoodles with marinara and ground beef

Dinner - Fajita Salad - served in a tortilla shell (>_<) but I ate around it

Goal 2: Rest Day

Goal 3: Complete - walked around the neighborhood, did 20 min yoga video

Goal 4: Progress!  Read another 2 chapters of my AngularJS book, and read an article about debugging Angular using Batarang... then tried using Batarang and crashed my application #developerproblems

Not too much going on the weekend.  I'm finally getting a new phone (anyone remember when I broke my phone back on July 4? yep... still haven't replaced it) and then probably doing some gardening.  Have a great Saturday everyone!

So far so good.  I do need to log the wine I drank during the GOP debate last night  but my week has been going well.  3 runs and 1 strength session thus far (strength on deck for later today), 5 morning meditations done, tracking all days except for logging that wine and this morning's breakfast - off to do just that now!

Yeah there were a few people stumbling into my office with hangovers because of that one...    Have a great weekend!

Today I was enjoying the lazy streak, but my accountabilibuddy group gave me a little push, and I went ahead and got the workout in! Thanks buddies! Also, I went to a happy hour today at a mexican restaurant. I skipped the chips and salsa and queso, and got the table to order fajitas, which I ate without a tortilla. That meant that I had some 'splainin to do, but they were really supportive. Also, instead of ordering margarita, I ordered a tequila and club soda and then added a bunch of limes. It rang in at around 100 calories, and tasted close enough to a margarita that I didn't mind it. But also not close enough to a margarita that I felt like chugging. It took me the entire time to drink the one drink.

Yay for acountabilibuddies!

I'm going out for Mexican food tonight and may have to steal your tips!  I was going to get a margarita but was already feeling queasy about the amount of sugar in those.  Tequila and Club soda may be right my my alley.  And it's always a little awkward to have the 'diet' talk with friends.  Glad it went well and they were supportive!

Thursday Recap

Busy day yesterday, with lots of stuff at work, and rehearsal, and a morning workout.  Felt good to do some work on my legs though, because I haven't had any great workouts yet this week.  This one I'm really feeling today.  Yesterdays post got me thinking about my life goal some more and I've decided to really step up my game.  I'm going to finish the AngularJS book I'm reading this weekend, and find a way to read an article every day at work.  Actually learning at work sounds like a much better use of my time than browsing Pinterest when I need a break.

Goal 1: 4 pts
Breakfast - 2 poached eggs, brussels sprouts, asparagus, bacon

Lunch - Zoodles with marinara and ground beef

Dinner - Chipotle Steak Salad (with guac, sour cream, salsa)

Goal 2:  Leg Day - This didn't feel too hard when I was doing it, but dayam am I sore today!  Those one legged squats are killer.

Goal 3:  20 min walk and stretching after working out

Goal 4:  No progress.

I weighed myself today (even though my official weigh in day is Monday) and saw some good progress on the scale. That should keep me motivated through the weekend!  I'm going out tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday and have already decided to drink a little, but the rest of the weekend I intend to stay on track.  I'm pretty pleased with how well I've been sticking to my food goal this round!

I am so stealing the way you log your goal progress every day - that is genius!

With your life goal, can you break it into smaller chunks so you can do bits of it even though you are busy? I always mean to learn Illustrator (again) but never get round it it because there is always something else that needs doing so I'm not in a position to judge at all. I know exactly what it's like. And finding the head space to learn isn't easy.

I think I stole it from someone else on forums originally, it makes it super simple to keep track!  I also have a spreadsheet I update on a daily basis here.

I did try breaking it down into small bits (ex: I can get points just for reading an article, which shouldn't take more than 10 min).  Just having a hard time remembering to do it when I'm at my computer.  I got through a little more of the book I'm reading today, so hopefully I'll have that done soon and can move on to other reading.

*goes to research TABATA*  Holy crap that looks difficult!  Congrats on getting through it!  

 

Stretching did about 25 minutes of stretching after my workout since I need to limber up...

 

One of my challenge goals is more stretching - funny how you don't realize how badly you need to limber up until you start.  Then it's like, holy cow, how have I been walking around with this much tension??

Those steps in Berlin definitely count as exercise!  That sounds like an amazing experience, good on you for summoning the bravery to conquer it!  Best of luck with the respawn, looks like you've already started with some good traction.

Sounds very cool!  I love theater in the round; I just a version of Peter Pan in a 360 theater a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic!

That sounds like a really cool take on MacBeth!! I love when people take stuff and make it their own (if it's executed well at least).

 

Well executed being the key point....  I performed in a community theater version of Macbeth a couple of years ago and the director was nuts - it was a steampunk/goth/gender-blind/cheap as f**k/hot mess production.  

Glad you saw a good one, DC, though I'd expect nothing less of a Shakespeare in the Park production!

Saying hi from the future rangers group!  I absolutely love your challenge theme - Arrow is such a great show!  Happy belated birthday and congrats on staying on track!

Week 1 meditation went really well for me.  I'm hoping to continue working it into my challenge goals, either on morning walks of after yoga.

Still thinking up an act of bravery, but it's almost the end of the week and I haven't thought of anything yet!  I'm just been drained and exhausted all week and keeping up with my own challenge goals is hard enough.  >_<  May have to just skip out on the bonus points and instead keep this one in the back pocket to pull it out later in the challenge.

Welcome back, sounds like you really kept it together while in Germany.  Congrats on enduring the flight - that is a total victory.  Hope the flight back goes well!

Good job on recognizing what works and doesn't work for you.  It's hard to see the whole picture when you're focussed on day to day results - I get it, I'm totally the type of person who will weigh myself because I "think" I had a "thin" day and expect to see 5lbs come off (*eye roll*).  Focusing on how you feel in your clothes is great motivation, and stepping off the scale can give you some much needed clarity.

Glad you're back and sticking with the challenge!

Sounds like a good habit to get into!  I really enjoyed the meditation challenge as well, need to start integrating it in daily.

Girl, you are killing it!  Congrats on the pushups and the running gains!

It's totally ok to redefine your goals, but make sure your new goal is still SMART.  How exactly do you define "in moderation" - one sweet a day on weekends?  One sweet for the whole weekend?  No more than 50g of sugar a day?  If you don't set a limit, it's harder to stay on track.

Those turkey burger look amazing, I'm going to have to try that out!

Awesome progress on the weights!  I finally just gave up on running because it's hot (or cold) and boring and makes me want to cry.  Lifting is definitely more my thing.  I've also started doing some cycling and hiking, but mostly for fun.  All that to say, if you don't enjoy running - don't do it!  There's a ton of exercise options in the world, no need to stick with one you don't like.

Also, good job realizing what doesn't work int he challenge and rooting it out early.  You'll save yourself some headache down the road by not doing too much all at once!

Looks like a fantastic week 1!  How's your week 2 going? 

Hey, how's your week 2 going?

Welcome back!  Hope you had a great time!  I was scoping out my friend's pictures from GenCon and it looked like a total blast.  I really want to go next year.

Congrats on all the batch cooking - I'm amazed you had the energy!  I've done those up til midnight cooking kind of marathons and they are exhausting.  Hopefully you'll have lots of time to catch up on your sleep now that your food is prepped.  

I've been doing darebee workouts too and I love it!  I totally get what you mean about not having an hour to workout though, even just doing 3 sets of the exercises runs a little long.  Combining that will a walk really adds up!  Best of luck with week 2!

Maybe you find out that doing a full challenge while on vacation just doesn't work - no big deal!  We'll all be right here when you get back.  Enjoy the experience, get in lots of time with you coworkers and friends, and try to stay 'mostly' on track.  You can always pick up the second half of the challenge!

Hey everyone! Congrats on finishing week 1!

 

Sorry this is coming late got a little side tracked yesterday with celebrating!!!!!! 

 

This week will be a little adventuring with the Hobbits , JRR Tolkien and Tolkien's stories

 

This is one of my absolute favorite quotes.  I think about it whenever I need motivation.

Your dinner sounds so simple, but so good.

 

...How's that MEAN thing coming along :-) ?

It was super easy - only took about 20 min to whip up!  Highly recommended (and for breakfast too!)

ahhh yeahhh that mean thing.... 

Wednesday Recap

Yesterday felt like I was finally getting on track for the first time this week.  I worked out, cooked dinner, cleaned the kitchen, and got a ton done at work.  Felt good to get back in the swing of things.  The workout was a little light (isolated arm muscle lifting) but just doing it was more important to me after being on break since Friday.  Wow, can't believe I let it go so long.

Goal 1: 4 pts

Breakfast - 2 hardboiled eggs, brussels sprouts, asparagus, bacon

Lunch - Carne asada salad

Dinner - Zoodles with marinara and ground beef

Goal 2:  Power 25

Goal 3:  20 min walk and stretching after working out

Goal 4:  No progress.

As DrCalcart kindly pointed out, I'm falling behind on my life goal a little.  I even brought my AngularJS book down to Richmond with me this weekend, thinking I could read in the car, but didn't.  I'm also trying to memorize lines for the play I'm in, so that's taking up some of my time too.  No excuses though, time to buckle down and start getting some work done on it.

Tuesday Recap

My motivation was completely shot yesterday.  I got almost nothing done at work, and when I got home all I wanted to do was veg out.  Which was not ideal because I had to go grocery shopping and was planning some batch cooking yesterday night.  I ended up not making the dinner I had planned (zoodles with marinara) but I did make stuff for breakfast the rest of the week and ate a serving for dinner.  I really need to get over this no-motivation hump - I'm falling behind at work and just feel tired all the time.  I'm hoping I can turn that around today.

Goal 1: 4 pts
Breakfast - 1/2 avocado, 2 eggs

Lunch - Roast chicken, Side Salad, Roasted veggies

Dinner - 2 fried eggs, brussels sprouts, asparagus, bacon

Goal 2:  None

Goal 3:  Complete - 30 min walk and 20 min Sun Salutations

Goal 4:  No progress.

Monday Recap

Yesterday I slept terribly, kept waking up with nightmares all night, and had a terrible headache and nausea in the morning.  I almost called out of work, but ended up going anyway, and thankfully felt better around 10am.  Otherwise, the day went fine - went out for dinner because we didn't have any food in the house, and then I went to rehearsal. I was hoping to get in some AngularJS reading when I was "off-stage" but the director asked me to read in for someone who was absent, so I didn't really get any downtime.

Goal 1: 3 pts
Breakfast - Banana

Lunch - Leftover bulgolgi, snap peas, bok choy

Dinner - Roast chicken, Tomato/Onion salad, fried plantains

Had to knock off a point because I didn't eat a vegetable at breakfast.  I didn't have a chance to go grocery shopping so I didn't have much in the house that morning.  

Goal 2:  No workout scheduled

Goal 3:  Complete - 30 min walk and 15 minutes of Yoga for headaches

Goal 4:  No progress.