Miss Marissa cuts the excuses

[miss_marissa]

 

I’ve noticed that since I’ve been less active on forums, I’ve been less accountable to my goals. Or more accurately, haven’t really had goals to hold myself accountable to.

I’ve become less active, eating less healthy, and overall have been less happy and confident because of these things. My body composition has also started to change in ways that I’m not thrilled about.

I’ve had many excuses over the past few months for falling out of solid habits that I have held over the past few years “Work is really busy” “My hips/back hurt” “I’m tired” “I don’t have any food prepped” “It’s too early/late” “Oh look, pizza”

It’s time to cut the excuses and get back to habits that help me function better and keep me healthier.

 

Goal 1) Food - I’ve picked up a nasty habit of mindless snacking. My meals have also become less nutrient dense and more convenience based.

Big goal: Everything I eat should resemble a meal. Protein, veggie/fruit and carb (if necessary). Allow myself a small treat once daily (~100 calories or less) such as a square of dark chocolate, a glass of wine, or a small piece of candy.

How to avoid excuses:

• Ask myself “Am I hungry enough to eat a plate full of veggies and some protein?” If yes? Good, go eat that. If no? Then you’re not hungry.
• “Meal prep” to ensure plenty of healthy meals are on hand. Aim for 2 different meals/week minimum.
• Have emergency veggies and protein sources at home and work. Frozen steamer bags, flavored tuna packs, pre-cooked chicken/turkey sausages, protein shakes
• Make a list of “go to” meals for eating out when necessary where I can get plenty of vegetables and protein. Lunch, Dinner, and late night (which is becoming more common unfortunately).
• Log food here to remain accountable (Note: you will not see calories or macros here. Counting puts me in a bad headspace. Please no comments encouraging me to use an app such as MFP or to weigh my food etc)

 

Goal 2) Mornings & Workouts - Combining these two into one larger goal. I now have 7 am meetings twice a week, so I will need to wake up at least by 6 am. By waking up at 6 on my other days as well, I should be able to get a morning workout in and pick up a better morning routine.

Big goal: Wake up and get out of bed when my alarm goes off. Do some movement. Eat breakfast.

   Mini goals: Tuesday/Thursday: Alarm at 6, do some foam rolling, stretching, yoga etc. Breakfast. At work for 7am meeting.

   Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Alarm at 6. Breakfast. Go to the gym and get a workout in. Goal to be to work by 8:30.

   Saturday/Sunday: Out of bed by 9 am. Do some foam rolling, stretching, yoga etc. Breakfast.

How to avoid excuses:

• Don’t bring my cell phone into the bedroom at night time. This will help prevent me from laying in bed doing mindless scrolling when my alarm goes off.
• Pack my gym bag the night before and put it by the door.
• Pick out my outfit the night before and lay it out. Pack it in my gym bag if necessary.
• Ensure I have enough healthy breakfast options available at home. Make a list of places where I can get breakfast at 6 am in case of emergency. (OR just eat fruit before and a protein shake after if possible)
• I will be running a dedicated lifting program again. It is 3 days/week and I will do it on Wednesday, Friday, and either Saturday or Sunday. Monday nights is gymnastics. Tuesdays and Thursdays has been running at lunch, but I’m not sure I will continue this with the weather turning to winter. Monday’s morning workout at the gym can be whatever I’d like, but I need to go and do something. Report back here with logged workout

 

Reward: Not sure yet, but I definitely need something to help hold me accountable more. Any ideas?

 

[Sloth the Enduring]

Following for warrior-style snark.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Following along again. Glad to see you have a challenge this time around!

[Sam Ashen]

1 hour ago, miss_marissa said:

Any ideas?

 

Not candy corn.  And not candy corn mixed with salted peanuts.  Those of you who hate candy corn have not tried it with salt.  That is the entire concept.  It counts as a veggie, right?

 

It looks like you are trying to hack your routine for success.  Good luck!

[Laghail]

Dang MM you going all out! Following for the kick-ass content.

[spezzy]

have you seen amy's emotional eating toolkit? she has a mindful moment as a part of that that I think is fantastic.

 

aaaaaalso I keep my gym bag in the car. Granted, I don't have to put new clothes in it or anything, but all of my "workout gear" is always in the car. I always keep a few pairs of socks and tshirts in the car as well, just in case. 

 

following along!

[RedStone]

5 hours ago, miss_marissa said:

I’ve noticed that since I’ve been less active on forums, I’ve been less accountable to my goals. Or more accurately, haven’t really had goals to hold myself accountable to.

 

5 hours ago, miss_marissa said:

Reward: Not sure yet, but I definitely need something to help hold me accountable more. Any ideas?

 

I'm having the same thing. WHATCHA GONNNNA GET??? I'm alls about dat swag yo. Awesome comic stuff? Collectibles?

[miss_marissa]

19 hours ago, Sloth the Enduring said:

Following for warrior-style snark.

The best kind of snark

 

17 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

Following along again. Glad to see you have a challenge this time around!

ME TOO! Thanks!

 

17 hours ago, Sam Ashen said:

It looks like you are trying to hack your routine for success.  Good luck!

Thank you!

 

17 hours ago, Laghail said:

Dang MM you going all out! Following for the kick-ass content.

 

 

17 hours ago, spezzy said:

have you seen amy's emotional eating toolkit? she has a mindful moment as a part of that that I think is fantastic.

 

aaaaaalso I keep my gym bag in the car. Granted, I don't have to put new clothes in it or anything, but all of my "workout gear" is always in the car. I always keep a few pairs of socks and tshirts in the car as well, just in case. 

 

following along!

Yes! I actually did have that as a icon on my phone home screen, but forgot about it since I got a new phone a few months ago. Just added it back!

 

13 hours ago, RedStone said:

 

I'm having the same thing. WHATCHA GONNNNA GET??? I'm alls about dat swag yo. Awesome comic stuff? Collectibles?

I just don't know!!!!!!! My shelf with all my collectibles is starting to run out of room haha

 

Monday 10/16/2017

 

Goal 1)

Breakfast: Roasted acorn squash, sauteed apples and onions, topped with 2 fried eggs

Lunch: Soup. (Italian sausage, navy beans, onion, cabbage, diced tomatoes)

Snack: Oatmeal, protein powder, 1/2 an apple

Dinner: Fried catfish, kale, roasted squash

Dessert: homemade coconut macaroon

 

I have stuff at home to prep tacos for tonight. Just need to sautee some mushrooms and make some salsa. I've already roasted some veggies for them and have a bag salad with chipotle style dressing to serve with it. Vegetarian meal, but I think sufficient protein with all the veggies.

 

To-Do:

• Make a list of “go to” meals for eating out when necessary where I can get plenty of vegetables and protein. Lunch, Dinner, and late night (which is becoming more common unfortunately).

 

Goal 2) Didn't really come up with this goal until yesterday, so don't have anything to report about the morning.

 

I printed out my workout program for the next 3 weeks and started to do some other things to help with my goals. I think I'll need to come up with one more dinner idea for this week, but I am getting a Blue Apron delivered on Friday.

[Laghail]

Whoa, is that a normal breakfast for you? It sounds delicious. How do you make it?

[Grumble]

11 minutes ago, Laghail said:

Whoa, is that a normal breakfast for you? It sounds delicious. How do you make it?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[miss_marissa]

1 hour ago, Laghail said:

Whoa, is that a normal breakfast for you? It sounds delicious. How do you make it?

 

1 hour ago, Grumble said:

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

I've made it as a lunch/dinner before. First time trying it for breakfast.

 

1) Split acorn squash. Scoop out pulp and seeds. Oil, salt, pepper. Roast in oven until nice and roasty.

[Optional bacon step that I left out this time because of lack of bacon]

2) Chop up bacon small and fry. You could also fry the bacon and then chop up small. Set into big bowl.

3) Dice onion and apple. Fry onion in bacon grease/oil until it starts to sweat, add apple for a few more minutes. [Could also add ground meat if desired]

4) Scoop out inside of squash. Mix everything together.

5) Fry egg. Serve atop other goodies.

 

I seasoned mine with cinnamon, salt, thyme and then a smidge of allspice and nutmeg. You could also try more "Savory" spices like garlic or cumin or whatever you prefer if that is your style. I also did everything on Sunday and put in the fridge and then microwave the mixture and fry the egg in the morning. I'll try to grab a photo tomorrow.

[Big_Show]

I am also here to watch!

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

[Urgan]

20 hours ago, spezzy said:

aaaaaalso I keep my gym bag in the car. Granted, I don't have to put new clothes in it or anything, but all of my "workout gear" is always in the car. I always keep a few pairs of socks and tshirts in the car as well, just in case. 

 

This. Gym bag always rides shotgun.

[Br0din]

[Sam Ashen]

59 minutes ago, Urgan said:

 

This. Gym bag always rides shotgun.

 

OMG!!!  Samesies!!!

[raptron]

23 hours ago, miss_marissa said:

Reward: Not sure yet, but I definitely need something to help hold me accountable more. Any ideas?

Stupid workout shirts, A SWEET NEW LEOTARD??!?, a sign-up for a race or event you've wanted to do but didn't want to pay for, new slippers (it is getting cold after all!) or fuzzy wuzzy socks, amusing deadlift or otherwise tall socks, a kitchen unitasker you otherwise wouldn't buy but would make your life easier! I am out.

 

Welcome back to challenginginginginging! 

[Stronkey Kong]

Following for morning workout preparedness!

[Sam Ashen]

7 hours ago, raptron said:

Stupid workout shirts

 

....stupid guy with 3 stupid math nerd shirts checking in!!!!  

[Alanna]

Looks like a lot of us are using this challenge as a re-set! Great goals - what lifting program are you running these days?

[miss_marissa]

Breakfast

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

[Laghail]

3 hours ago, miss_marissa said:

Breakfast

 

Meets the laghail stamp of food pr0n approval

[Br0din]

5 hours ago, miss_marissa said:

Breakfast

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk
 

 

Is that all you're eating?  where's the rest of it?

 

[miss_marissa]

On 10/17/2017 at 11:27 AM, Big_Show said:

I am also here to watch!

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk
 

Welcome!

 

22 hours ago, raptron said:

Stupid workout shirts, A SWEET NEW LEOTARD??!?, a sign-up for a race or event you've wanted to do but didn't want to pay for, new slippers (it is getting cold after all!) or fuzzy wuzzy socks, amusing deadlift or otherwise tall socks, a kitchen unitasker you otherwise wouldn't buy but would make your life easier! I am out.

 

Welcome back to challenginginginginging! 

Thank youuuuuu!!!! that gives me some good ideas, but I think I came up with one

 

18 hours ago, Vincent Van Bro said:

Following for morning workout preparedness!

Morning Challenge buddies!!!

 

10 hours ago, Alanna said:

Looks like a lot of us are using this challenge as a re-set! Great goals - what lifting program are you running these days?

Thanks! It's not a PL program, but it's called bikini rebel and I picked it up from Neghar Fonooni's site when it was on sale for just a few bucks. It's 12 weeks, 3x/week and has more general fitness feel to it with shorter workouts. It's what I need right now  Snapshot of today's workout, Day 1, below!

 

1 hour ago, Br0din said:

 

Is that all you're eating?  where's the rest of it?

 

I think the angle of the picture is deceiving to how much food is there.

 

Tuesday 10/17/2017

 

Goal 1)

Breakfast: Roasted acorn squash, sauteed apples and onions, topped with 2 fried eggs

Lunch: Soup. (Italian sausage, navy beans, onion, cabbage, diced tomatoes)

Snack: protein bar

Dinner: Tacos: roasted zucchini, red onion, poblano pepper. Sauteed mushrooms in adobo sauce. Homemade salsa. Cheese, tortillas. Served with a side salad with a jalapeno ranch dressing I'm not too fond of. One of those bag salad kits. I think it would have been better with a more citrus lime type of dressing vs. a creamy dressing.

Dessert: homemade coconut macaroon

 

To-Do:

• Make a list of “go to” meals for eating out when necessary where I can get plenty of vegetables and protein. Lunch, Dinner, and late night (which is becoming more common unfortunately).

 

Goal 2) Woke up at my 6 am alarm, but didn't manage any stretching, rolling etc. Got to work on time. It was the first day and I am fine tuning the routine so I think I can manage it all once I eliminate some of the inefficiencies.

 

This morning (W) also managed to get up at the 6 am alarm, but got stalled a bit because Mr. J had some issues when my alarm went off that freaked him out and got him confused. I had to lay with him for a few minutes to help him calm down and get back to sleep. Ended up breakfast, bags packed etc and out the door by 7:15. Workout at the gym and was to work by 8:30. Showered at work and ready for work by 9. I think I should be able to improve and get this to 8:30 no problem.

 

Didn't plan last night because I took a nap after work to try to kick this cold finally so I was pretty groggy all night.

 

Workout:

Warmup

Superset x 3: Jump rope x30, Jump squat x10

Superset x 3: Back squats x10, Chinup hold x3

Goblet Clean: 5 sets 30s on, 30s off

Also added some of my specific PT work at the end

[Emerald_Dragonfly]

On 10/17/2017 at 3:01 PM, raptron said:

Stupid workout shirts, A SWEET NEW LEOTARD??!?, a sign-up for a race or event you've wanted to do but didn't want to pay for, new slippers (it is getting cold after all!) or fuzzy wuzzy socks, amusing deadlift or otherwise tall socks, a kitchen unitasker you otherwise wouldn't buy but would make your life easier! I am out.

 

Welcome back to challenginginginginging! 

I'm stealing all of these ideas.  ALL OF THEM

[miss_marissa]

Wednesday 10/18/2017

 

Goal 1)

Breakfast: Roasted acorn squash, sauteed apples and onions, topped with 2 fried eggs

Second breakfast: protein shake

Lunch: Soup. (Italian sausage, navy beans, onion, cabbage, diced tomatoes)

Dinner: Ended up working late and was having a maaaaddd craving for pizza, but didn't want to get a whole one and all the "by the slice" places are far. Ended up ordering a calzone and eating half. Grilled chicken, spinach and mushroom. (Protein + veggies, check)

 

To-Do:

• Make a list of “go to” meals for eating out when necessary where I can get plenty of vegetables and protein. Lunch, Dinner, and late night (which is becoming more common unfortunately).

 

Goal 2) See previous post

 

 

I decided my reward will be a pair of gymnastics grips. I've been eyeing them for a while, but don't feel like I'm good enough to justify the expense or that I'm "ready" to start using them. I think having them as a reward will be good for my accountability and also help me feel like I "earned" them when I do purchase them.