Conquer the excuses to enjoy life - Lullaby88

[lullaby88]

This is my first challenge and I'm a newbie to Nerd Fitness. Found this site/community maybe 2 months ago, so I'm kind of just jumping in and seeing where I land.

Main Quest:

• Lose weight and fit into a size 11 pair of jeans by the end of November

For most of my teen and adult, I was a size 13 and stayed at 180 pounds. Since moving to Florida just under a year ago, I've gained 30+ pounds and barely fit into a size 15.

Life Quest:

• To gain confidence and stop letting the Excuse Monster win. To squash my irrational fear of walking about my block and being "caught" exercising by my roommates or husband. These two things are what have stopped me from enjoying life this past year.

Side Quests:

• Eat a Paleo style meal for 50% (or more) of my daily meals. I don't always eat 3 meals a day, sometimes it's only 2. So I'm putting my ultimate goal at 13 Paleo friendly meals each week.

I already cook and eat one Paleo friendly meals on most days but there are just some days when I feed the Excuse Monster and he's used to winning.

Grading:
A: 13+ Paleo meals/week
B: 10-12 meals/week
C: 7-10 meals/week
F: < 7/week

• Build up to walking 30 minutes 4-6 days a week. I will start at 5 minutes and go up 5 minutes each week.

I used to be able to walk/jog 3 miles 2-3 a week but that was 3 years ago. I want to walk around my block (1.68 miles) and eventually jog/run that distance.

Grading:
A: walk 5-6 days a week
B: walk 4 days a week
C: walk 3 days a week
F: 2 days or less of walking/week

• Work up to completing the beginner body workout. (This may get adjusted during the challenge.)

I haven't done any form of exercise in about 2 years so this will be a challenge. I know starting off I won't be able to finish a complete set (have yet to try it but I'm not a push up girl) so I plan on working on each metric and improve my strength with each day.

Grading:
Pass: I completed it.
Fail: I didn't.

I think this is a good start.

[Nazy_Ak]

Hey, good luck with your challenge

 

I can relate to feeling 'caught' when working out. I prefer to do so when the husband is asleep or at work! This is something I need to work on too. However, when hes working out WITH me then I dont mind so much. Also, I'd much rather workout in front of him than other family members or strangers at the gym. What makes you feel this way? I think for me its a case of not wanting to look stupid or have someone think 'Yeh right, how long is she guna keep this up?!' It has stopped me working out in the past but I'm doing loads better this time, probably cos ive found nerdfitness about a week ago and am wayyyy more motivated than ever before

[lullaby88]

It's mostly the "looking stupid while doing an exercise" mindset, I think. I've never been much of a people person and there's times when I won't do certain things because I know other people are or could be watching, like skate boarding. But I'm hoping that I can hold myself to this challenge and can be on my way to a healthy lifestyle that I can eventually switch my husband to. 

[Nazy_Ak]

Yes I can understand that. I'm new here myself but when you feel you need the extra motivation, pop in. To be honest thats what I plan to do! The husband is ok in terms of weight but could get fitter. He totally picks and chooses when he wants to join in. The worst though, is when he eats crisps in front of me.. Argh!! then im just like 'I can hear you crunch, stop it!' lol, but have learnt to just go to another room rather than be tempted, doesnt always work mind you but im a work in progress!

[lullaby88]

That sounds like my husband too. He loves his snacks and ice cream. Though if we have frozen bananas and milk, he'll make himself banana ice cream and enjoy it. So that's something right? lol. 

[lullaby88]

I started this morning off good with a breakfast of eggs and breakfast sliders (bacon wrapped mini hamburgers). It took longer then I wanted to cook breakfast but I still managed to. 

 

Currently at work and one of my co-workers brought in Dunkin Donuts Munchkins (donut holes). They're sitting behind me on the shared bookshelf. I've done well so far with not eating any. But still, I wish the box would disappear. 

 

I forgot to take and add measurements to my first post so hopefully, I'll remember to do that this afternoon. I won't weight myself because I don't trust the number when I look at my body. I know first hand that weight is just a number and it doesn't affect how your body looks. I've weight 180 from age 13 to 23/24 and my body looked different during those years. Now I'm up about 30 pounds.

 

Hope luck to everyone in this challenge. 

[lullaby88]

Side quest 1 is going good so far. I'm a huge fan of cooking. Love it actually. My problem tends to be laziness or too many options or the husband orders pizza without telling me. >.< I'm hoping to kick the laziness excuse and I'm doing a good job so far. 

 

Haven't advanced (aka haven't attempted) in my 2 other side goals. Tampa has funky summer weather. Hot and humid when I get off work and pouring down rain after dinner. I'm going to have to get used to the heat and I despise the heat. And the cold, really. I miss San Diego, where the weather was pretty much always perfect.

 

Motivation:

To be happy, healthy and to look good naked. To be a good role model for future children, when I decide to have them. To not be like my mother, who is diabetic, overweight and drinks a 2 liter of Diet Pepsi everyday. To be a better wife to my husband. 

[lullaby88]

I'm on track for my Paleo food challenge. Been getting 2 Paleo meals a day, with the exception of Day 2. I went for a walk around my property yesterday and it was nice but short. Though, there was quite a few people out. (I live on a produce stand.) Before I went outside, I told my husband and he gave me a look of "why are you going for a walk?". We didn't really talk about it. We're good at ignoring things. :/

 

I'm hoping to get the motivation to walk today and this weekend. Maybe I'll also get the courage to talk to my husband about this challenge and what I want to accomplish.

 

Current Measurements

Height - 5'10

Weight - 208.9 lbs

Hips - 44"

Waist - 34"

Thighs - 27"

Upper Arm - 15"

[lullaby88]

Week 1 Progress:

 

Quest 1: Had 11 Paleo meals so I get a B, which isn't bad but I know I can do better.

Quest 2: only walked twice so a F is my grade. I know I should have walked more, especially this weekend when I didn't have internet at my home but it's hard to convince myself to walk. I have mental battles with myself.

Quest 3: Failed, didn't even attempt it.

 

I really need to get over this fear of exercising in front of people I know. I begin to think about it and get embarrassed. When I was walking the second day, I saw my roommate and then tried hiding so he wouldn't see me. I really don't know why I have such a fear when it comes to this idea of being caught exercising. I don't feel any closer to my main or life quests. 

 

I need to leave the past where it belongs, in the past. I need, no will, be successful at this challenge of being healthy. And I'm starting to think I need to have a talk with my husband so he understands why I'm wanting to do this. Hopefully, it helps with my mental state.

[bluekiwi1]

They said 80-90% of weight loss is based on your diet.  So, I think you did pretty well on your first week!

 

Totally get the hubby thing.  Mine can eat whatever (especially cookies and ice cream) and still doesn't gain a pound. Argh!

 

Good luck on Week 2!  Will check back to see your progress!

[lullaby88]

They said 80-90% of weight loss is based on your diet.  So, I think you did pretty well on your first week!

 

Totally get the hubby thing.  Mine can eat whatever (especially cookies and ice cream) and still doesn't gain a pound. Argh!

 

Good luck on Week 2!  Will check back to see your progress!

 

Thanks for the encouragement. Haven't gotten much lately. Thanks again. And good luck on your week 2 as well! 

[lullaby88]

Day 9:

 

I'm definitely on track this week. I've ate Paleo for 4 out of 5 meals so far (still need dinner today) and I walked around my property with the puppy last night. She seemed to enjoy it and was tired after it. I'm planning on doing it again tonight, if it's not raining after dinner time. I really need to try the BBWW, if only to get my numbers and to prove I can do it. I think that will help me with finishing this challenge.

[bluekiwi1]

Yay!  Keep going!  Aww!  Puppy!  Good luck!

[lullaby88]

Yeah, my puppy is adorable. Though she's now a year and a half old puppy but still. She'll always be my puppy. ^.^

 

Yesterday, didn't eat the greatest but I also didn't get home until 8 o'clock last night. Husband ordered pizza and it tasted grand but messed my stomach up pretty bad. Also, didn't get a walk in since in had poured down rain before we got home and the ground was all muddy and filled with puddles. We live in house, on the property of a produce stand where my husband works. It's a decent size (takes about 3 minutes to walk around the perimeter). Here's to a better day. 

[Mad Hatter]

Great life quest lullaby! 

 

I hate looking stupid too. Maybe because I've always been the clever girl who always got things right, I don't know. Anyways, a few things helped me:

 

• I picked up rock-climbing at uni. I had no strength, technique, flexibility or basic body awareness for that matter. Rock-climbing seemed like the most impossible thing to do. So I did it, knowing that I would majorly suck. And I did suck. But NOBODY cared, they were just happy I did it.
• My mum is close to 50. A few years ago my friend brought happened to be carrying a skateboard. My mum hadn't done anything physical for the past say 20 years, and yet she jumped on it with glee. And rocked that skateboard! Even if she sucked it was still awesome. If my mum can do it, so can everyone!
• Changing the perspective and imagining what you would feel if you caught your friend/husband/stranger exercising. Would you be embarrassed for them or mock them? No way! (I hope haha) 
• Frequently doing things that gets me out of my comfort zone. 20 seconds of courage is my friend.
• Realizing that people either don't care about what you do, or are impressed and happy for you for doing awesome things. Really!

Umm yeah, sorry about my rambling haha, but you got me thinking. 

 

Good luck with the challenge, you'll do great! I think you need some waterproofs though.

[lullaby88]

Soo...yeah...I'm a bit late this week on my week 2 update but I started getting discouraged and mopey. But here it is, finally.

 

Week 2 Progress:

 

Quest 1: Had 12 Paleo meals = B.

Quest 2: walked twice, but one of the times was only for 5 minutes = F. I can do better but I tend to sleep too much on the weekends.

Quest 3: Didn't even attempt it. Really need to get on this.

 

I'm getting a bit more confidence with walking but with the weather here, it's either really hot or rainy. And once it rains, my current walking turf is all muddy. Though this might get me to walk around the block, or at least down the street. So in that aspect it could be good. Just have to do it now. Here's to finishing strong even with the struggles of life.

 

The beginning of this week started rough. I went two days of eating all non-Paleo meals. One because I was worn out and two because I didn't have the money/willpower to go grocery shopping. That's why I've been lurking but not posting this week. I feel like I'm lacking something and I'm just trying to get through/pass it.

[bluekiwi1]

Yay Paleo meals!  You are doing pretty good!  It is okay to eat non-Paleo as long as you are eating at calorie deficit. 

 

Speaking of which, have you calculate out your macros (i.e. carbs, fat, and protein that you need to eat per day) yet?

 

Here is a link I saw on the NF forum:  http://iifym.com/iifym-calculator/

 

It helps you to decide what calories you need per day based on level of exercise.

 

Also, you could always add in mini squats here and there around the house or while reading NF posts.   5 minutes of walking still counts as moving!  Every little bit counts!  Keep going!  You can do this!  Rawr!

 

Good luck and BE STRONG! 

[Mad Hatter]

Agree with everything kiwi says! And you're not doing badly at all You got a B on your eating goal which is 80% of the battle as the saying goes.  

And you know that you can still post even if things are not going perfect We're not here to judge we're here to cheer you on and support. Stay strong!

[lullaby88]

Yay Paleo meals!  You are doing pretty good!  It is okay to eat non-Paleo as long as you are eating at calorie deficit. 

 

Speaking of which, have you calculate out your macros (i.e. carbs, fat, and protein that you need to eat per day) yet?

 

Here is a link I saw on the NF forum:  http://iifym.com/iifym-calculator/

 

It helps you to decide what calories you need per day based on level of exercise.

 

Also, you could always add in mini squats here and there around the house or while reading NF posts.   5 minutes of walking still counts as moving!  Every little bit counts!  Keep going!  You can do this!  Rawr!

 

Good luck and BE STRONG! 

No, I haven't calculated macros I've needed. I've just been working on having most meals with protein and veggies cooked in coconut oil or organic butter. I'm liking the mini squats idea. I'm gonna have to add that to my day. Somehow... ^.^

 

Agree with everything kiwi says! And you're not doing badly at all You got a B on your eating goal which is 80% of the battle as the saying goes.  

And you know that you can still post even if things are not going perfect We're not here to judge we're here to cheer you on and support. Stay strong!

I need to look on the bright side of this challenge. You are right, at least I'm eating right. ^.^ Well, for the most part. hehe... I'm not one to open up that much so I kind of bottle up feelings and deal with it later. Or not deal with it. So bad days kind of get shoved aside and 'forgotten'.

[lullaby88]

Week 3 Progress:

 

Quest 1: Had 9 Paleo meals = C.

Quest 2: walked twice = still F. Though I'm getting closer to convincing myself that I can walk around my block. That's a good sign. Now I just have to do. 

Quest 3: Didn't even attempt it. >.< I think I'm nervous about trying it. That and I don't get much 'alone' time to try and see if I can do it. I'm too scared/afraid/nervous to try it while my husband is in our room. 

 

Even though it was a bad week for me, with everything that went on in my life, I still was able to walk twice and eat 9 Paleo meals with two days of IF. That's something to be proud of. That's what I should be working on, being proud of myself and not be negative all the time.

[Mad Hatter]

 

Even though it was a bad week for me, with everything that went on in my life, I still was able to walk twice and eat 9 Paleo meals with two days of IF. That's something to be proud of. That's what I should be working on, being proud of myself and not be negative all the time.

 

 

Yes you should! Because you are awesome. 

 

I actually also tend to bottle up and consequently not deal with things. But I'm trying something new here on NF, and actually feel much better for it. Of course I'm not saying that you have to share everything, or anything at all for that matter, but I just wanted to let you know that it's okay to vent if you want to.

[lullaby88]

Yes you should! Because you are awesome. 

 

 

Thanks! 

 

The last fitness/health forum I joined I quit after visiting for 2 or 3 weeks and I barely changed my habits then. This time I'm at least be aware of my actions and eating better. I also now more about how I should be eating instead of just counting calories. I fail at that. 

 

I want to keep this up and do better this week and all weeks to follow. I just have to get over the heat or rain and walk around the block. I want to reach my main goal by November and I can't do that if all I do is mope around. 

[bluekiwi1]

Small changes make a big difference!  Keep going!  You can do this!  Every little bit counts!

 

You can always revise your quests/goals and focus on one or two important ones that suit your schedule better!

 

Good luck and have fun!! Rawr!

[lullaby88]

I realized that since I'm mid-way through this challenge, I can become Level 1 and add stats points...though I'm still trying to figure that out since I've kind failed at my goals so far....so I think I will just wait until the end of this challenge to do it right. I'm also thinking of getting rid of goal 3, to do the BBWW, since I haven't tried it once this challenge. My current life quest is a good one but hard to grade, in my opinion. Not sure how I'll be able to get a good "result" using a kind of vague goal. Though I did make progress on it. I walked down part of my block with my dog yesterday. I'm aiming to do the same today, with or without her. She's a good dog, just it's way too hot to be walking her in the sun and on hot concrete. 

[Mad Hatter]

You're still in the challenge though, so you deserve stat points for that. These are your starting points anyway and are not goal related, those come at the end of the challenge.. 

 

For your life quest maybe you can do something like this: next time you don't want to do something, say going for a walk, list all the excuses (too hot, too rainy, don't feel like it whatever) and see if you can come up with a solution to that excuse (bring lots of water, use an umbrella, just go outside the door) and do the thing in spite of you not wanting too. Try to defeat the excuse monster at least once this challenge.  

 

You still have 3 weeks to do the BBWW, there's plenty of time! You could split it up into chunks throughout the day, or several days it doesn't matter, and whenever you find yourself on your own do something, like lunges in the kitchen or squats in the bathroom. That way you can tackle the two goals BBWW and hiding from people independently. You can do it!!!