Mdowning Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Welcome all! This is my very first challenge. I followed a few people through the last one here at NF, but made excuses to keep myself from joining. But here I am, going to try my hand at this and hope for the best. Moral support will be a big deal for me. So I will thank you all in advance. Main Quest: Start packing on the muscle Goals to get me there. 1. Keep my diet clean! -This is going to be a big one. I just started a job as an EMT, meaning I drive an ambulance and assist a Paramedic on scene, what this translates to is long hours in an ambulance and many more grab and go foods. Which has meant alot of fast food. This is doing terrible things to my wallet and waistline. Gotta find a way to keep my diet as clean as it was before I started this job. 2. Workout at least 3 times a week, ideally doing it every other day. - I love bodyweight exercises, which will help with my work hours. For this one, the big thing will be getting over the awkwardness that can come with dropping and doing push-ups while waiting on a call. Lol 3. Keep a journal of my workouts. - I have a terrible memory. This will help me keep progress of what I'm doing and seeing progress will keep pushing me forward. Side Quest: To increase my Pull-up reps to 3. -I can do about one and a half at the moment. I think it's a reasonable goal to get up to 3 in 6 weeks Life Quest: To get released as an EMT. -So like I mentioned earlier, I started a new job as an EMT, but everyone has to go through a training period, this goal is for me to get released from my training and officially work as an EMT and get my own truck and partner, etc. So there you have it! These next six weeks will be tough as I have a lot going on but I'm going to keep my nose to the grindstone and level up my life. Here we go! Link to comment
JessFit Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 looks like an exciting six weeks, good luck! Warrior, Ravenclaw, book lover, history nerd, Red Sonja wannabe Current Challenge Battle Log Link to comment
L_A_Malone Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Great goals! And I totally hear you on the fast food thing.... But you can do it! The awkwardness goes away after about a week - I do stretches in my office to break up the day L_A_Malone: Level 2 Greek Demigod First Challenge: A Demigod Finds Camp Half Blood Second Challenge: A Demigod Returns Third Challenge: A Demigod Awakens Current Challenge: Demigod Rising "There is only one thing we say to Death: Not today." - Syrio Forel Link to comment
Jittersthe.Clown Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 My oldest brother is a Paramedic with our FD, and his best advice on eating on the go is to bring something healthy with you. He warns to not have peanuts with you, though. Too many allergies out there. He likes to bring things that can be eaten cold or don't need prep and to invest in a small cooler. Good luck out there and good on you to be helping save people's lives. Level 2 Warforged Druid STR: 2, DEX: 1, STA: 3, CON: 3, WIS: 2, CHA: 3 "If these people tell this story to their children as they sleep; then maybe someday they'll see a hero is just a man who knows he is free." Good night and joy be to you all ~Jitters The. Clown Current Challange: New Challenges Ahead! Battle Log: Clowning around daily Past Challenges: Leveling Up PvP Jump Rope Boss Continue? System Failure Systems Online Calling Rush Confirm Reset Select World Select Difficulty, Select Character, Repairs, Press Start, First Timer, Jump Rope PVP Challenge Link to comment
ApfelStrudi Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Those are great goals! You could try preparing food at home. I know, it sucks doing that and I keep forgetting about that all the time because I'm not a fan of re-heated food (I really have to get over that).Are you going to record your workouts here? I'd love to read what you're doing! Just trying to get back on my feet. apfelstrudi learns to outrun shamblers | Instagram challenge Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Thanks Jess!LA, I'm hoping to be able to get comfortable with it. Awkwardness increases since it's a new job and I don't know anyone. LolAny specific ideas, Jitters? My lack of creativity has left me thinking salads and sandwiches are my only options. And I think id tire of tht pretty quick. Apfel! Thanks for coming by. I must say you are one of the main reasons I'm doing this challenge, watchin your progress last time was inspiring. Onto your comment, I have taken food a few times but the problem lies in that I can't always get back to the station to eat. As far as the workouts go, I hadn't planned on it but I can do that. Maybe it'll help someone. Link to comment
JessFit Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Clean snacks: I carry bags of baby carrots, nuts, dried fruits, apples, ect. with me. I also make eggs once a week to last the whole week. I line muffin tins with cupcake liners, add spinach and veggies, sometimes bacon bits and/or spices, then beat eggs (about 1 egg per cup) I pour the beate eggs into the cupacke libners and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. I like plain greek yogurt with jam (I'm partial to apple butter) nuts/granola, and honey. Sometimes I bake muffins but that is a lot of carbs. Cliff bars, healthy crackers, hummus, all work and can be snacked. I liek tuna with greek yogurt, celery, mustard, lemon juice, and onion and sometimes I add whole wheat noodles. I make apple wraps, whole wheat wraps and PB with sliced apples. Also can sub cream cheese and fruit, honey, bananas, ect. I really enjoy making apple chips, I slice apples really thin with a mandolin, lay them out on parchment covered baking sheets, sprinkle with cinnamon (sometimes sugar) and bake at 250 for an hour, turning half way through. Hope that this helps! Warrior, Ravenclaw, book lover, history nerd, Red Sonja wannabe Current Challenge Battle Log Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 That's a lot of really great ideas. LolSnacking in the ambulance may not be as difficult a i had thought. That plus keeping a healthy meal at the station and I may just be able to pull this off. Thank you for the suggestions Jess. The Greek yogurt with jam, nuts, and honey sounds awesome. And apple chips are a very interesting idea. Do you peel and core them first? Or just slice and bake? Link to comment
Guthlac Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Good luck, Mdowning! You've gotten a lot of great suggestions for snacks here. I'm taking notes... Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Workout for today is done. Healthy lunch is eaten. Today was easier than most due to the fact I'm off work. LolToday's workout. Let me preface this by saying I started working out by weightlifting so my workouts are still kinda split the same way. Idk if that's the best way to do bodyweight workouts or not. Advice on that maybe?Anyways, today's workout. Chest and shouldersBench press (I feel odd not weightlifting at all so I throw a couple lifts in)Push ups with alternating supermanDipsOverhead Press (again, a lift thrown in)Kettleball clean and press. -side note. The only shoulder BW exercise I'm aware of are the progressions to handstand push ups. I'd love to be able to do those but something about the pike push-ups is really difficult for me to do. Suggestions?And I threw in some core work because I badly need it. Floor wipers Mountain climbersSo there you have today's workout. And tips, suggestions, comments, and concerns are welcome. Link to comment
ApfelStrudi Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Apfel! Thanks for coming by. I must say you are one of the main reasons I'm doing this challenge, watchin your progress last time was inspiring.Onto your comment, I have taken food a few times but the problem lies in that I can't always get back to the station to eat. As far as the workouts go, I hadn't planned on it but I can do that. Maybe it'll help someone. Oooh that is so cool! Totally love JessFit's ideas, might just steal some of them! Just trying to get back on my feet. apfelstrudi learns to outrun shamblers | Instagram challenge Link to comment
JessFit Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 you can peel the apples if you like, it is totally optional though. If you do then they bake flatter but I'm not aiming for asthetic pleasure. I do core them though. I have no clue what happens if you bake them without coring. And I'm so glad that I could help. I eat a LOT and I snack at my desk all day so I try really hard to find great healthy snacks. Plus the hand-to-mouth action has to burn some calories when I do it that often... right? Warrior, Ravenclaw, book lover, history nerd, Red Sonja wannabe Current Challenge Battle Log Link to comment
JessFit Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Glad everyone is enjoying the ideas. Food and making good food is a 1/3 of my challenge this time around so I think I'll be throwing some recipes out there as the challenge goes on. Just an FYI. I'll try to remember to let you know if I come up with any more snack ideas. Warrior, Ravenclaw, book lover, history nerd, Red Sonja wannabe Current Challenge Battle Log Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 So, Day 2 went...well? Went to work and was offered a free lunch. So I ended up gettin fast food. But it was a salad with grilled chicken, C+ No gym today, rest day No workout to manage. Life Quest update, I have a test Thursday that will get me one step closer to being released! Anyways, overall my diet is still staying pretty clean. No soda, only a cup and a half of coffee, and sticking fairly healthy. So far so good. Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2013 Day 3.Goal one: stay away from fast food....FAIL. Didn't manage my time wisely, didn't get a lunch prepared. Want to chik fil a with coworkers. UghGoal Two: workout done! A!Workout today: legs One-legged squats Jumping Lunges 3 ft Box jumpsAnd core work of the day Pike ups Roman chair leg raisesGoal Three: well documented workout, complete with rep counts for each set. Life Quest: not exactly getting me released but I am certified in PHTLS now! So that's cool. Link to comment
l4dyh4wk Posted September 19, 2013 Report Share Posted September 19, 2013 I am loving the egg and bacon cups that were in the blog last week.. I make up a dozen and keep them in the fridge.. 1 for a snack, 2-3 for a meal..tho I made them with some chopped up veggies in them as well.. WAY too easy to make.. and omnomnom when you're hungry | lvl3 | Amazon Warrior | |str6|dex1|sta5|con5|wis8|cha2| | challenges | two | one | | mfp | l4dyh4wk | Link to comment
JessFit Posted September 19, 2013 Report Share Posted September 19, 2013 I am loving the egg and bacon cups that were in the blog last week.. I make up a dozen and keep them in the fridge.. 1 for a snack, 2-3 for a meal..tho I made them with some chopped up veggies in them as well.. WAY too easy to make.. and omnomnom when you're hungryI make mine with veggies always, bacon sometimes. I agree, they are so easy to make a bunch at once and eat whenever best suits. Whats your veg combo? Mdowning, You're doing just fine, one of my goals I haven't even touvhed this week and since I'm going out of town I won't. At least the one day you got a salad from a fast food place, I would rank that as higher than a C+! And you're going strong with the workouts so I think you're ok, next week you can just do some food prep on Sunday or something and be in better shape for the whole week. Warrior, Ravenclaw, book lover, history nerd, Red Sonja wannabe Current Challenge Battle Log Link to comment
l4dyh4wk Posted September 19, 2013 Report Share Posted September 19, 2013 I make mine with veggies always, bacon sometimes. I agree, they are so easy to make a bunch at once and eat whenever best suits. Whats your veg combo? the combo just depends what is in the fridge and what needs using up.. atm they have purple cauliflower, red capsicum and mushroom.. a rainbow of veggie flavour | lvl3 | Amazon Warrior | |str6|dex1|sta5|con5|wis8|cha2| | challenges | two | one | | mfp | l4dyh4wk | Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Day 4 was a success!Clean diet- Roasted chicken and veggiesWorkout- back day!Pull ups w/ one leg assistanceChin ups w/ one leg assistanceOverhand RowsUnderhand RowsTorso RotationsHanging knees to elbowsAnd I kept track of my sets and reps today. A+'s all around! Link to comment
Jittersthe.Clown Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Good job for your day 4. Keep at it and keep the positive attitude. You're doing great Level 2 Warforged Druid STR: 2, DEX: 1, STA: 3, CON: 3, WIS: 2, CHA: 3 "If these people tell this story to their children as they sleep; then maybe someday they'll see a hero is just a man who knows he is free." Good night and joy be to you all ~Jitters The. Clown Current Challange: New Challenges Ahead! Battle Log: Clowning around daily Past Challenges: Leveling Up PvP Jump Rope Boss Continue? System Failure Systems Online Calling Rush Confirm Reset Select World Select Difficulty, Select Character, Repairs, Press Start, First Timer, Jump Rope PVP Challenge Link to comment
fauve Posted September 20, 2013 Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Congratulations on a great day 4! Level 1 Wild Elf DruidIntroduction, Battle LogChallenge #1, Challenge #2, "Remember to always be yourself. Unless you suck." ~ Joss Whedon"Only those who risk going too far, find out how far they can go." ~ Walter Bishop Link to comment
Mdowning Posted September 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2013 Thanks everyone. Today is one step forward then another one back. I actually got myself to make a meal to bring to work with me, then stayed too busy on the streets to eat it. LolIf anyone in the states is aware of a large motorcycle rally known as Bikes, Blues, and BBQ then you now have a hint as to why I was busy today. The bike rally is in full force and every ambulance in the county is running like crazy. It's been a really fun day. (For me, not so much the patients)Anyways, it's a rest day so no workout to do or keep track of. I'm giving myself a B today. A for effort then down a letter for not following through. Oh well, dust off and try again tomorrow. Link to comment
Jittersthe.Clown Posted September 22, 2013 Report Share Posted September 22, 2013 Anyways, it's a rest day so no workout to do or keep track of. I'm giving myself a B today. A for effort then down a letter for not following through. Oh well, dust off and try again tomorrow.That's the right attitude, my man. Keep it up, you're doing great. Level 2 Warforged Druid STR: 2, DEX: 1, STA: 3, CON: 3, WIS: 2, CHA: 3 "If these people tell this story to their children as they sleep; then maybe someday they'll see a hero is just a man who knows he is free." Good night and joy be to you all ~Jitters The. Clown Current Challange: New Challenges Ahead! Battle Log: Clowning around daily Past Challenges: Leveling Up PvP Jump Rope Boss Continue? System Failure Systems Online Calling Rush Confirm Reset Select World Select Difficulty, Select Character, Repairs, Press Start, First Timer, Jump Rope PVP Challenge Link to comment
JessFit Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 You are doing really well, especially considering you have a high stress, unpredictable job. Rock on! Warrior, Ravenclaw, book lover, history nerd, Red Sonja wannabe Current Challenge Battle Log Link to comment
ApfelStrudi Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 How did the rest of your week go?If you want ideas for things to bring to work with you - Nuala makes those awesome bentos, she has pics in her challenge thread. Just trying to get back on my feet. apfelstrudi learns to outrun shamblers | Instagram challenge Link to comment
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