In Which There Is A Wedding And It Is Not Mouse's

[terrormortus]

Armored Hoodies, pretty freaking awesome. However if you get one you need to get a sword to complete the outfit.

[Cheechoe]

Mouse,

 

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you know we are here for you if you ever need to talk or anything. NF family - ftw.

 

I'm glad you purchased those supplements since your caloric intake has been low. Gotta stay healthy in the chaos.

 

Keep strong, my friend!

[The Mouse]

Well, again, it's a freaking funeral. Someone who was in your life is not there anymore. It's definitely exceptional circumstances, and your eating with your family like that symbolizes your nearness to them in the time of trouble. You do what you gotta do.

 

Now get back on track.

Yup.

Ha ha, if it weren't for the fact that it were a week-long ordeal, I'd be back on track right now. But the weekend will be fantastic - oh! It's a long-weekend! - I'll get a chance to cook up a whole ton of meals and snacks. I've got myself down to make some paleo/keto cornbread and some keto chocolate bars. I'll probably also round up some more spinach and maybe experiment with creamed spinach. 

 

 

Armored Hoodies, pretty freaking awesome. However if you get one you need to get a sword to complete the outfit.

They are soooo awesome.

Oh, I will definitely have to. I'll have to try out making one. :3

 

Mouse,

 

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you know we are here for you if you ever need to talk or anything. NF family - ftw.

 

I'm glad you purchased those supplements since your caloric intake has been low. Gotta stay healthy in the chaos.

 

Keep strong, my friend!

Cheechoe - thank you so much, luv. I'm really happy to have you guys here - between my grandma two challenges ago and my aunt this challenge, it's definitely clear that NF rebels form a tight and fast family.

 

And yeah. They'll help for sure - otherwise, I'm not sure I could stomach that much spinach! I'll also probably look into buying another flat of Powerade Zero. While I'm not a big fan of aspartame, it definitely helps me hydrate and get more potassium. Either that or try to find a more powerful supplement.

 

 

 

 

DAY THREE

 

Iron Bar

0/10 SS

0/8 Karate

0/11 Cardio

 

Still trying to revise - I know karate will have to go down, as there's not a way for me to double up on those (the other karate club is done until Sept). I'll probably also remove one cardio day to avoid the "I gotta push this" mentality that broke me last time.

Today I'll try to do at least 5 knuckle push ups and tonight I'll set up the pull-up bar and do a few sets before bed.

 

Fruit of Keto

WIP, decided to add oatmeal and banana for breakfast for micronutrient needs. Also, upon reading more on fat loss and body recomposition, I'm convinced that so long as I watch caloric intake, I will lose fat.

 

1288cal as of 6:15PM

Breakfast: 1c oats, 1 banana 

Lunch: 1c spinach, 1/4c blueberries, 30g feta cheese, 1tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 avocado, 1 Danone yogurt drink

Snacks: 1 Danone yogurt drink, 1/2c vanilla ice cream (celebratory treat for my coworker's last day), 1 can chunk light tuna packed in water

To Drink: 1 bottle Powerade Zero Mixed Berry

 

I have on more avocado in my bag which I will eat if I can't have anything else, but otherwise, I will wait until the novena to see if there's anything suitable for keto (maybe more of that fried chicken - it's soooo delish!) before eating it.

 

Blessing of Heal

Research Supplements - taking a look into different multivitamins. Will probably have to talk to some pharmacist friends to get second opinions.

Cousin therapy - we'll see if I see him at the novena tonight, otherwise, I'll text him.

Research muscle recovery - taking a read through of various online articles on muscle recovery.

 

Any suggestions on where I can find some online resources to compare multi-vitamins and learn more on muscle recovery? Favourite articles/sites greatly appreciated! >w<

[Chrissa]

I have referred to this one a few times and the information is very helpful.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/guest-post-building-muscle-101-master-the-basics/#axzz2agPcrnem

 

and I think this one might help you out.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/choosing-best-multivitamin-supplement/#axzz2agQwZdEr

[Kishi]

With regard to multivitamins, have you considered a greens drink? They're kind of the next step up from multivitamins, because they're food based and digest into the body really easily. In particular, they're good for getting into your digestive tract and helping things to normalize.

[littlewings]

Hi Mouse! Sorry it's taken me so long to stop by. I'm sorry for your loss, but glad to see you're still hauling back on track.

I second Kishi on the greens drink. Lots of vitamins and minerals. One recipe I know is called the Glowing Green Smoothie. I had it on my phone, and now you need to subscribe to something to get it, -__- , but I'll see if I can find it for you!

[The Mouse]

I have referred to this one a few times and the information is very helpful.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/guest-post-building-muscle-101-master-the-basics/#axzz2agPcrnem

 

and I think this one might help you out.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/choosing-best-multivitamin-supplement/#axzz2agQwZdEr

 

Oh, thank you!

Don't know why I didn't think of Mark's blog. XD

I'll be sure to read through those articles in more detail at work tomorrow.

 

With regard to multivitamins, have you considered a greens drink? They're kind of the next step up from multivitamins, because they're food based and digest into the body really easily. In particular, they're good for getting into your digestive tract and helping things to normalize.

I haven't, no. To be honest, I'm scared away from them thanks to the horribleness with which my mom introduced them to my dad and I. 

 

"It tastes like milkshake," she said. Nope.

 

But I'll experiment with them some more. Have any brands that you particularly like, or ways to integrate them without them being so... icky?

 

Hi Mouse! Sorry it's taken me so long to stop by. I'm sorry for your loss, but glad to see you're still hauling back on track.

I second Kishi on the greens drink. Lots of vitamins and minerals. One recipe I know is called the Glowing Green Smoothie. I had it on my phone, and now you need to subscribe to something to get it, -__- , but I'll see if I can find it for you!

No worries, LW. I'm still trying to figure out a Courage Wolf to drop on ya. ;3

 

Oh! That sounds cool! Yeah, if you could find that, that'd be amazingly swell! I'll have to research more into greens smoothies - I saw one on Thug Kitchen a while back and it seemed like a pretty cool way to get some more spinach.

 

 

 

 

Fruit of Keto Final Update

1818cal

Dinner: 2 fried chicken drumsticks (love drying 'em out slightly in the microwave - makes for a lovely, chewy and savoury piece), 1/3c garlic fried rice, 2 dry ribs, 1/2 brownie 

 

...Legit, no greens at the table. Made me so sad. ;A;

GAH! And I have almost no spinach left!... I think I have some bags of frozen broccoli, though. I'll bring extra cheese tomorrow to melt onto them. 

 

... But I want my spinach salad! Must buy groceries tomorrow... If I can. Maybe, hm. Hopefully the Sobey's downtown has a deal on so I can grab some before going to the novena. Or if we end up visiting the boy's grandma (her kidney surgery - last minute, announced this morning and fortunately seems to have gone well and what is with everyone getting cancer and dying, dear god has this not been enough of a year yet?!), maybe he and I can go shopping.

[Kishi]

I haven't, no. To be honest, I'm scared away from them thanks to the horribleness with which my mom introduced them to my dad and I. 

 

"It tastes like milkshake," she said. Nope.

 

But I'll experiment with them some more. Have any brands that you particularly like, or ways to integrate them without them being so... icky?

 

Oh, wow. That's a horrible way to introduce that stuff. No wonder you're not a fan.

 

The big three that I've heard recommended the most are Athletic Greens, Greens+, and VegeGreens. Greens+ and VegeGreens both taste horrible, but I've found that mixing stevia in with the water actually takes care of the taste problem for me. I haven't tried Athletic Greens, yet: by and far, it's supposedly better than anything on the market. They price it accordingly. But supposedly it tastes great. I can vouch for Greens+ as a good quality supplement that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but if I had the money, I'd definitely try Athletic Greens.

[OptimusPrimarch]

Those hoodies are amazing!

 

I'm tempted to get one myself!

[SevenFootGeek]

They don't come in tall sizes...

 

I are the frustrated.

[littlewings]

Found the green smoothie I was thinking of here

[Cheechoe]

Yup.

Ha ha, if it weren't for the fact that it were a week-long ordeal, I'd be back on track right now. But the weekend will be fantastic - oh! It's a long-weekend! - I'll get a chance to cook up a whole ton of meals and snacks. I've got myself down to make some paleo/keto cornbread and some keto chocolate bars. I'll probably also round up some more spinach and maybe experiment with creamed spinach. 

 

 

They are soooo awesome.

Oh, I will definitely have to. I'll have to try out making one. :3

 

Cheechoe - thank you so much, luv. I'm really happy to have you guys here - between my grandma two challenges ago and my aunt this challenge, it's definitely clear that NF rebels form a tight and fast family.

 

And yeah. They'll help for sure - otherwise, I'm not sure I could stomach that much spinach! I'll also probably look into buying another flat of Powerade Zero. While I'm not a big fan of aspartame, it definitely helps me hydrate and get more potassium. Either that or try to find a more powerful supplement.

 

 

 

 

DAY THREE

 

Iron Bar

0/10 SS

0/8 Karate

0/11 Cardio

 

Still trying to revise - I know karate will have to go down, as there's not a way for me to double up on those (the other karate club is done until Sept). I'll probably also remove one cardio day to avoid the "I gotta push this" mentality that broke me last time.

Today I'll try to do at least 5 knuckle push ups and tonight I'll set up the pull-up bar and do a few sets before bed.

 

Fruit of Keto

WIP, decided to add oatmeal and banana for breakfast for micronutrient needs. Also, upon reading more on fat loss and body recomposition, I'm convinced that so long as I watch caloric intake, I will lose fat.

 

1288cal as of 6:15PM

Breakfast: 1c oats, 1 banana 

Lunch: 1c spinach, 1/4c blueberries, 30g feta cheese, 1tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 avocado, 1 Danone yogurt drink

Snacks: 1 Danone yogurt drink, 1/2c vanilla ice cream (celebratory treat for my coworker's last day), 1 can chunk light tuna packed in water

To Drink: 1 bottle Powerade Zero Mixed Berry

 

I have on more avocado in my bag which I will eat if I can't have anything else, but otherwise, I will wait until the novena to see if there's anything suitable for keto (maybe more of that fried chicken - it's soooo delish!) before eating it.

 

Blessing of Heal

Research Supplements - taking a look into different multivitamins. Will probably have to talk to some pharmacist friends to get second opinions.

Cousin therapy - we'll see if I see him at the novena tonight, otherwise, I'll text him.

Research muscle recovery - taking a read through of various online articles on muscle recovery.

 

Any suggestions on where I can find some online resources to compare multi-vitamins and learn more on muscle recovery? Favourite articles/sites greatly appreciated! >w<

Can't stomach spinach?? Spinach is my fave!

 

Sometimes, I'll make a fruit smoothie and sneak spinach in the blender. It changes the color to a not-so-appetizing brownish, but you can't even taste it.

[RisenPhoenix]

Oof, you've had a rough start, Mouse.  Sorry to hear about your aunt.

 

And those hoodies look amazing.  If I had the spare cash, it would be hard to resist them.

[The Mouse]

Oh, wow. That's a horrible way to introduce that stuff. No wonder you're not a fan.

 

The big three that I've heard recommended the most are Athletic Greens, Greens+, and VegeGreens. Greens+ and VegeGreens both taste horrible, but I've found that mixing stevia in with the water actually takes care of the taste problem for me. I haven't tried Athletic Greens, yet: by and far, it's supposedly better than anything on the market. They price it accordingly. But supposedly it tastes great. I can vouch for Greens+ as a good quality supplement that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, but if I had the money, I'd definitely try Athletic Greens.

Ha ha... yeah. Definitely horrible.

 

Oh, I'll have to see if I can get my hands on 'em. I think Greens+ is what my mom got. I'm not sure if there's still some kicking about, but I'll try mixing some stevia in there and give it a shot. Thank you for the recommendations - I'll definitely try to find Athletic Greens.

 

Those hoodies are amazing!

 

I'm tempted to get one myself!

They don't come in tall sizes...

 

I are the frustrated.

Optimus - I know, right?! I'm definitely saving for one for a reward. XD

 

SFG - ah ha ha ha! Victory of the small! What we can't have in calories we make up for in clothes! XD...

Except I have no clue how long those sweaters are, so we'll see if I eat my words. >A>

 

Found the green smoothie I was thinking of here

Ooooh~! That looks much easier to stomach than Greens+! XD

I'll have to make sure I can try that!

 

Can't stomach spinach?? Spinach is my fave!

 

Sometimes, I'll make a fruit smoothie and sneak spinach in the blender. It changes the color to a not-so-appetizing brownish, but you can't even taste it.

I love spinach! Where'd that come from?! XD

 

I'll definitely have to try that sometime. Maybe see if I can add it to an avocado smoothie for a nice boost of potassium.

 

Oof, you've had a rough start, Mouse.  Sorry to hear about your aunt.

 

And those hoodies look amazing.  If I had the spare cash, it would be hard to resist them.

Thanks, Phoenix.

Oh, they're hard to resist for me - cash or not. Such a bad idea, ha ha!

 

 

 

 

Also, kinda on the note of a rough start...

 

A Monk's Respect

 

Due to the stress - emotional, mental and time-wise - of not only my aunt's passing and the subsequent mourning, but also the recent and unexpected hospitalization and operation of the Boy's grandmother (who quickly became my second grandma when I first met her) and unexpected strain at work, I'm effectively moving my start date of my challenge to Monday, August 5th. 

 

During the next few days, I will not be actively tracking my diet or activities. I will continue to honour my goals as much as I can, just on my own, in private; but for the sake of sleep and emotional health, I will not be tracking them publicly until after the 5th.

 

I'm okay, we're all okay, but I'm finding that the added stress of publicly tracking my progress is putting a bit too much emotional strain on me right now.

I will return strong, but for now, I think it's best for my health (and to keep my journey fun, engaging, sustainable and associated with light adventure and positive emotions) to take a small break.

 

Again, I'll be back to tracking on/after the 5th.

 

Until then, I'll be here, saying hi, maybe reporting in on anything interesting, but not tracking anything detailed or specific.

 

Please don't think I've abandoned this - I'm coming back after paying respects not only to my family, but to myself.

[Kishi]

It's okay! God's sake, it's all right girl. You gotta go and be there for your family. You train specifically for these hard times when they come. So go get them taken care of and situated to the best of your ability. You can come back stronger later.

[Zuel]

Oh dear girl. Don´t you worry about us. We want you to face this at your best condition. We will be here whenever you need us.

 

Be strong girl *hugs*.

[Cheechoe]

A million hugs!

 

 

Of course you should take time! I encourage it! and we will welcome you with open arms on your return.

 

Go, mouse. conquer what you need to conquer. 

 

 

loves to you. 

[terrormortus]

What everyone else said, take some time. We'll all be here when you get back and sending you positive thoughts in the meantime.

[Chrissa]

My late, great father-in-law said it best, "Be good to yourself." That short sentence will be with me for the rest of my life and I hope sharing it with you will give you encouragement while you face these trials. Sorry I haven't been getting around to posting as much as I'd like with life keeping me busy but you know yourself best and if you think you need to hold off, do it. I know you'll come back stronger and wiser for it! 

[The Mouse]

It's okay! God's sake, it's all right girl. You gotta go and be there for your family. You train specifically for these hard times when they come. So go get them taken care of and situated to the best of your ability. You can come back stronger later.

 

 

Oh dear girl. Don´t you worry about us. We want you to face this at your best condition. We will be here whenever you need us.

 

Be strong girl *hugs*.

 

 

A million hugs!

 

 

Of course you should take time! I encourage it! and we will welcome you with open arms on your return.

 

Go, mouse. conquer what you need to conquer. 

 

 

loves to you. 

 

 

What everyone else said, take some time. We'll all be here when you get back and sending you positive thoughts in the meantime.

 

 

My late, great father-in-law said it best, "Be good to yourself." That short sentence will be with me for the rest of my life and I hope sharing it with you will give you encouragement while you face these trials. Sorry I haven't been getting around to posting as much as I'd like with life keeping me busy but you know yourself best and if you think you need to hold off, do it. I know you'll come back stronger and wiser for it! 

 

 

Thanks so much, guys. :'3

 

You guys are just awesome. I'm glad to report that the week off has helped me to fix some of my continuing stomach issues (boy and I are convinced it was a lack of potassium - and also too much malitol, probably), and that the novena passed on well.

 

Unfortunately, I'm definitely burning out, but going back to karate on Saturday helped me a lot. Work is definitely weighing on me, but I'll get through it. Worst case, I'll leave the position a week early (not a loss of anything, just some money), and spend the time in the gym and reading the training materials for my upcoming job.

 

On the note of karate - it's both the best and worst time to drop back into ketosis. You note the change in breath and you're like "sweet! I'm back in ketosis, take that, fat stores!" and then you're like "oooh, damn... Not ketone-adapted yet, crashing hard". XD

 

 

Kishi - thank you for keeping things in perspective for me. I really need to lighten up, don't I, ha ha!

 

Zuel - Thanks, buddy. >w< I'll definitely rest up and come back strong to rejoin our log-off. :3

 

Cheechoe - So many hugs! *ish crushed under hugs* Thanks, babe. :3 

 

Terrormortus - Thanks, TM. :3 I'll definitely take a good rest and come back strong to join up again with you guys. *hugs*

 

Charissa - Hey, no worries on not posting, I totally get ya. :3 And thank you for sharing your grandfather's wisdom with me. I'll definitely have to mull that over and try hard to make sure I incorporate it into my everyday life. While my boyfriend does a fantastic job of taking care of me, it's not fair for me to leave all the work to him! He needs to save his energy for massages, not for breakdowns, haha!

 

 

 

 

Thanks again, guys.

Today's baking and cooking is going strong, I've made one of the two recipes successfully and the paleo cornbread is in the oven as we speak - rising surprisingly well!, and I've had a chance to watch some of the old Harry Potter films and take back some childhood. 

Also, I'll be cooking all my week's breakfasts/lunches tomorrow and relaxing further.

 

 

The break has also allowed me to do some research into a few new interesting things that I'm looking forward to exploring: a series of bodyweight progressions I found for free and a book that includes a significant section on exiting a diet and entering maintenance. Exciting stuff!

 

 

Awright, back to relaxation, recovery and rest, and paleo cornbread.

[Kishi]

Can't wait to see what you do.

[SevenFootGeek]

From the time I clicked Reply to the editor opening, I managed to forget the entire English language.  So much for encouraging platitudes.

 

Mouse, you're doing awesome getting back on track.  The karate classes will help you find your center again.  Something about striking is hugely cathartic.  Keep at it and we will be here for you when you have the time.

[The Mouse]

From the time I clicked Reply to the editor opening, I managed to forget the entire English language.  So much for encouraging platitudes.

 

Mouse, you're doing awesome getting back on track.  The karate classes will help you find your center again.  Something about striking is hugely cathartic.  Keep at it and we will be here for you when you have the time.

XD

 

Oh, you're awesome. 

 

And I definitely agree, it's distinctly cathartic. >w<

 

 

 

I'm glad to report, I'm doing a bit better - I'm definitely still burnt out, but I'm glad to report I'm leaving my job this Friday and will have a full two week's rest before I'm expected to start up my new job and return to school.

 

So! On with the challenge!

 

DAY EIGHT! 

Iron Bar

STR 0/10 

Karate 2/8

Cardio 0/10

 

Well, I managed to sprain my wrist lightly or something at karate on saturday. Or slept on it wrong. I've tensor bandaged it for now, and it seems to be holding up. Probably can't do normal push ups, but knuckle push ups (if my hands are up to it) should be fine. So long as there's not too much pressure on the wrist.

To be honest, though, I got very little sleep last night and I'm considering skipping. But I don't really want to, so we'll see if I can weather it out.

 

Fruit of Keto - FINALIZED

1520cal 

Breakfast: 1 hardboiled egg, 30g brie

Lunch: 1c spinach, 30g feta cheese, 1tbsp vinagrette

Dinner: 1 smokie, 30g manchego, 30g brie, 6tbsp cream, 1 jello cup, 2 servings Not Cake

Snacks: 1/2c cherries

 

Feels lovely returning to keto, actually. My stomach hurts anytime I have too many carbs, refined especially. I'm also very glad to report that I've more or less healed my stomach and digestive issues. It seems that both a bad bout of food poisoning, followed by an overzealous self-medication of imodium and Pepto, and then the overindulgence in malitol-sweetened sugar-free gummies (which I will now avoid like the plague, because anything sweetened with malitol now makes my stomach churn immediately) and then a lack of potassium have been the (sequential and) primary causes of my problems.

 

I'd also like to announce that post-Shark Week and with the increase in caloric intake, my libido has returned full force and, if it weren't for my burnout caused by my job (yay, I'm leaving Friday!), I'd be much sharper mentally.

 

Emotionally, I've been quite stable, too.

 

Blessing of Heal

Additional Potassium/Magnesium supplements no longer being researched, as the brand I have right now seems fine. 

Spoke to Cousin - he recommends getting looked at by chiropractor as my asymmetrical aches are an indication to him that I'm out of sorts on one side more than the other (my right side is bigger), but he has opened up to doing an acupuncture session on me.

Research into muscle fatigue also coincided with the potassium/magnesium research and my recovery (albeit slowed due to lack of sleep) is returning quicker. I may need to add bananas into my diet, or increase avocados/spinach/make green smoothies.

 

2/3 completed!

 

The extra week of vacation I have will really help me to tackle the second goal - in which I hope to see not only my cousin about acupuncture, but also take a trip to a massage therapist. Much needed, the both of 'em, I daresay.

[RisenPhoenix]

Glad to see you getting back on the horse after such a crappy first week, Mouse.  Looks like life hasn't forced you down at all, even with the evil turns you've had to deal with lately.  Everything looks awesome so far!  You're gonna rock that wedding formal wear!

[Kishi]

Hey, sometimes a two week vacation is what we need to kick start our habits. Frankly, it was one of the things I loved about being unemployed - all the time to go hiking and to do workouts and to just focus in on myself. And if I had a job to go back to, then all the better.

 

Also, healthy libido is generally a good sign of proper hormonal balance. Just sayin'. So, awesome there.

 

Dig in to the grit this week, girl. It can only do you good.