Silkie - First Challenge

[Arcanis]

First and foremost, thank you in advance for all your help and support. I look forward to repaying you all with a little entertainment in the future (see Life Quest).

Disclaimer: This may be a tad depressing, but it has a happy ending : )

Background Story:

(The Beginning)

When I was in high school I was a nationally competitive gymnast. Needless to say I was in fantastic shape. However, I lived in a home that had a healthy food regiment and didn't really eat out. Leaving for college, however, did a number on me. Junk food, soft drinks, and alcohol. It was a hard time balancing a small budget, having no car, and eating healthy, but I generally was physically active enough to retain most of my fitness. I had a great time, but towards the end things got very dark.

(The Fall)
Junior year my girlfriend at the time cheated on me with my best friend. To add insult to injury it was while I was in the same house, after I had bought them both dinner, when I had gone to bed early to get back to work early the next morning. Treason once I could handle, but twice? I was in a dark place for senior year of college.
 

(Rock Bottom)
My drinking became a problem as I numbed myself to the world around me. The numbness caused me to hurt others who did nothing but care for me. Then when I was sober enough to realize that, I felt even worse; I drank even more. I had met the woman I am currently with and, while I did not know at the time, plan to be with for as long as life allows. I nearly lost her to all my idiot actions that year. I knew that if I was ever going to be worthy of such an incredible person, I needed to change.

(Hope)
I decided on a sort of reinvention of myself. My first priority was academics and peace of mind. I decided to go to law school far away (in Michigan) from my college (in Florida), to eliminate anyone that could draw me back into that darkness. In short, it was a success: I got the grades; I got the girl (she's ended up coming to another [better] law school in Michigan); and I got the new life I wanted. (If you want to know more about what it takes to succeed in law school, feel free to PM me).

 

(Start Loop)

Yet, because fitness and health was not a priority, I was gaining weight and my shape was worsening. I didn't change my diet, nor did I stop drinking. Like a typical New Years resolutioner I bought an exercise system (Rip60) last year and finished it with pretty good results, but I was still The Fork Outrunner. Having run out of workout DVDs I fell off the workout boat and my bad eating/drinking habits caught up to me yet again.
(Repeat)

I've started and stopped 1) P90X, 2) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and 3) Running since then...

 

Main Quest:

 

I want to break this cycle: Get fit, keep eating/drinking. Stop working out, keep eating/drinking. Get out of shape again/gain weight. Repeat. In short, I need discipline. I suppose this is my initiation into the Ranger's guild.

3 Specific Goals:

 

1) Eat better, drink less. My plan is to go paleo and booze-free weeks with weekends limited to a finite number of drinks/cheat meals. In order to accomplish this I will post proposed weekly food regiments and hold myself to them. Success or failure in this is going to be pretty dependent on accountability. Please help me construct reasonable meal plans and devise punishments for failure to adhere to them.

 

2) Improve Cardio. I'm constantly moving from one place to another so I never have a gym membership. Winter in Michigan is a runner's nightmare with black ice and below zero temperatures. I cannot afford to buy a treadmill and then proceed to move it everywhere I end up going. Therefore, jump rope. I'm doing the workouts in the Rebel Fitness Guide with jump rope as my cardio, and as my supplemental exercise on off days. I can barely do it for a minute straight, so my goal will be ten minutes of coninuous jump rope by the end of this challenge. I will post weekly bests along with my meal plan.

3) Improve Flexibility. While I'm quite happy with the warm up and cool down of the Rebel Workouts, I used to be a competitive gymnast. I'm frankly ashame of how inflexible I have become in relation to my past. Therefore, I will add my old gymnastics/martial arts flexibility regiment to my workout and off days. I will also post weekly bests on my splits in order to be held accountable.

 

My belief is that each of these can be done regardless of my access to workout equipment, and will ensure that I can not fall off the boat. I will set alarms on my phone so that I can never forget.

 

Side Quests:

 

1) Become a better cook with Paleo recipes. Try at least one new recipe each week. Report the results.

 

2) Game while standing. When I game I will try and remain standing to avoid sitting all day when I'm not exercising.

 

Life Quest : I want to finally finish developing my magic routine and perform it from start to finish for an audience. I've been casually practicing magic, putting hundreds of dollars into it as a hobby, and never having more than a few isolated tricks to do. My goal is to develop, perfect, and perform a full 10 minute routine. I want to finish this by the end of this challenge and post a video for all of you to enjoy/critique.

Motivation:

I've always had a fascination with the jack of all trades (aka Batman). Being the best I can be at a variety of things has always brought me pride and pleasure. It is a point of pride then to be not just a Computer Engineer/Patent Lawyer/Archer/Magician but a fit Computer Engineer/Patent Lawyer/Archer/Magician. Being the best I can be, is being the happiest I can be.

[Arcanis]

So, Week 1 Meal Plan (hopefully this will flesh out into actual recipes at some point, but I'm home for break. Getting our meals paleo is as intrusive as I plan to be when someone else is cooking) :

Breakfast - 2 eggs (only 1 yolk) scramble and coffee.

Lunches - Ground Turkey Variations (Patties, Picadillo, etc.) w/ assorted steamed vegetables.

Dinners - Baked Chicken/Fish w/ assored vegetable stir fry.

Snacks: Fruits or Nuts in between meals to fend off intermittent hunger. I suspect I'll have more coffee at some point too.

Experimental Recipe: Cauliflower Rice as a side.
Oil Notice: I"ll be using grapeseed oil for anything pan-fried.

[Haevyn]

You'll definitely be able to do it! You already know all the steps after all, just a matter of dedication and perseverance now. So how did the Cauliflower rice turn out?

[Xena]

This sounds really ambitious to me, but with your athletic background, it sounds like you have the determination to do it! Good luck!

[Arcanis]

@Haevyn: Just had the cauliflower rice tonight. I made it with onions, but I think the onions were too overpowering. Next time, I"ll try with less onion. The texture was dead on though. Due to that, it was also really filling.

The downside is that a head of cauliflower (4$) is more expensive than a cup of rice (produces about that much). I think that I'll be using it as a side for dishes typically requiring rice, but otherwise probably stick to cheaper veggie sides.

@Xena: Thanks! I've never had anyone to report my progress to, so I suspect I'll be extra-motivated by the accountabilibuddies.

[DinoBytes]

Welcome Silkie!

 

I don't have nearly the brag sheet that you do, but I am interested in following your progress because I was a gymnast before leaving home as well. I lost a lot of flexibility, but I have regained a lot of it back, since my own wake up call, and even seen improvement from where I was!

I hope the same for you in your challenge and I hope to keep up as well!

 

As far as paleo recipes go, I'd recommend paleo salmon cakes (she used almond flour and canned salmon but I think it tastes just fine and holds together well with fresh salmon and no almond flour) Also curried chicken is delicious! I don't really follow a recipe I just add a bunch of curry powder with pepper, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, cinnamon, paprika, bay leaves, ginger, salt, and of course diced chicken!

 

for a rice substitute, Quinoa is technically considered paleo since it is a seed... but it is still carb rich, so use sparingly.

 

I am so excited for your challenge and I wish you luck!

[gdawg2013]

Hi Silkie,

 

Sounds like you've already done a lot to get your life back under control and on a right path. What do your workouts look like (how many times a week, what are you doing each day, etc)?

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Garrett

[Arcanis]

I'm starting with Level 1 of the Rebel Fitness Guide, doing it 4x a week (Workout A, Rest Day, Workout B, Rest Day, Repeat). I get my cardio doing jump rope. I'll probably stick to level 1 until I reach my cardio goal (ten minutes continuous jump rope) or stop feeling sore from the weight work. I've also added my old gymnastics stretches to the cool down to work on my flexibility.

I am also practicing my handstands on off days since I've joined the Upside Down Club.

Thanks for your support Garrett!

[Arcanis]

Oh and, DinoBytes, you've inspired next week's experimental recipe! Thanks for chiming in!

[DinoBytes]

awesome! let me know how it goes!

[SidderK]

Keep up the good work Silkie!  Sounds like you are progressing already!

[Arcanis]

Thanks Sidder!

I'm happy to report I've improved a bit on jump rope. Did the ten minutes in 4 chunks, rather than many little chunks.

My splits went a bit lower as well, hurt just as much, but that is progress nonetheless.

I've also managed to transition from weekend mode to weekday mode with food with no problems. Though w/ Thanksgiving coming up I know this will be one of those exceptional weeks where I won't stick to strictly paleo. I won't grade myself easier for it, as a person with real discipline wouldn't make excuses, but I also won't fail myself for it, as it isn't an unreasonable thing to make an exception for.

Stay tuned for my week 2 plan, on the 7 day anniversary of my first post.

 

[Arcanis]

Alright, officially week 2 for me.

Goal 1) Eat Better, Drink Less - I didn't always eat paleo, but I did eat healthier all of my first week. I had drinks and dessert with Thanksgiving Dinner, as well as drinks Monday night when I was visiting my college town, which is against my weekday rules. Overall B- since I was still more mindful of eating healthy on the weekend despite not being technically in my goals.

Goal 2) Improve Cardio - My jump rope has been improving significantly. I'm going faster and pushing myself pretty hard. I didn't do it on my off days though, like I intended. Another B-.

Goal 3) Improve Flexibility - I've been slacking in this. I have been cutting the stretches short because of social obligations over Thanksgiving Break.  C-

MiniQuests

1) Become a better Paleo Cook - Cauliflower Rice was a huge success. I bought pre-ordered the Nom Nom Paleo cookbook so that I can expand my recipes even more. A

2) Game while standing - I completely forgot I was doing this. F

Life Quest : I've officially perfected the first portion of my magic routine, the coin tricks. That's about 1/4 of the routine, so I'm on schedule! A

Now that I'm back in my town I can hopefully control my meals and schedule better. I will be doing Level 2 Workouts from this point forward. This week's experimental recipe is Paleo Salmon Cakes!

[Arcanis]

Alright, 2 things today:

Paleo Salmon Cakes = DELICIOUS. I substituted Golden Flax Meal for the Almond Meal, and cayenne pepper powder instead of hot sauce. It turned out great! Took a little while to put it all together but I used all fresh ingredients. I'm certain one could use pre-squeezed lemon, dried parsley flakes, and onion powder if you wanted to save a little time. It won't be the same, but I'm certain it will be competitive.

Second, an old video of me performing a magic trick. Its not my best, but its a decent teaser.

[suprspi]

Awesome!  Good to see you able to score yourself so well.  I'm at work so haven't watched the magic yet, but I've always been a fan of magic so I'm going to as soon as I can.

 

How do you rate your cooking skill, aside from being paleo?  You don't seem to be afraid to try some things many cooks (especially men for some reason) would consider at least moderately challenging.

 

I spent my first years after HS as a cook.  First on a line in a steakhouse, then at a 4* guest ranch in the boonies that catered to well off European tourists.  I've been lucky enough to cook with some Chefs that are literally world class.  I left cooking because of the stress of professional kitchens.  I'm a great cook though - so if you need any ideas/help/explanations feel free to ask.

 

I second the suggestion for Quinoa.  I'm not a huge fan of it as a dish for everyone, as there are some ethical concerns around it.  I've never found non-organic Quinoa, probably because of the section of the populace that it appeals to wouldn't be interested.  It's a seed, so it is carb rich, but it's also very protein dense.  It has no gluten if that's an issue.

 

I've had reasonable success with it in the past.  The ethical issues I suggest are that because it is becoming a very fad food, places where it is grown and has traditionally been a staple are now growing it to send overseas.  This results in a food deficit for the peoples who have historically relied on it.  If this is an issue to you, I'm sure a quick google would help you narrow down some that is ethically and more sustain-ably harvested, similar to coffee co-ops or whatnot.

 

Get the game while standing thing down and you'll be making some good grades.  Good for you, I'm cheering you on.  I also seriously appreciate the posts on my challenge as well.  If you want a facebook or some other sort of accountabilibuddy let me know.  I'm not sure our time difference, but I'm happy to check in with you once in a while if that helps.  Or I can just do it here.

[Arcanis]

Thanks suprspi!

There seems to be controversy as to whether quinoa is actually paleo. (ultimatepaleoguide.com/is-quinoa-paleo-a-deep-dive/) I would back the exclusion mostly due to the historical reason. It doesn't seem like it could possibly be gathered in such a large quantity before the agricultural revolution.

However, when the time comes for me to bulk, rather than slim (my primary goal this time around), quinoa may very well make it into my diet. I think this will be a part of my second challenge. I suspect I'll become a ranger : )

[DinoBytes]

Excellent progress, I'm glad you enjoyed the salmon cakes! (I just skipped the almond flour all together.. The eggs gold it together just as well) another great snack I tried yesterday is paleo deviled eggs it goes as follows:

-Hardboiled eggs sliced in half lengthwise yolks in a bowl

-avacado mashed with the yolks

-cyanne pepper or sirracha mixed with avacado/yolk

-lemon or lime juice, salt/pepper

-I added almond butter also adds a smokey flavor I love

-after mixing everything sufficiently Plop a good Dollop in the yolk spots in the egg halves

And there you have it. Garnish with lime slices or avacado slices whatever!

I paired it with salmon which was fantastic.

Nice progress also! My splits are improving as well so cool to have another gymnastics poster to follow, I'll likely be assassin though.

Keep practicing!

[Arcanis]

Week 3! DinoBytes, I made the deviled eggs this morning! That breakfast has lasted me for... 5 hours!

Goal 1) Eat Better, Drink Less - I did far better this week. I slipped twice and had 1) a sandwich and 2) a wrap for lunch twice this week. Two strikes is probably a B+. Woo!

Goal 2) Improve Cardio - I jumped rope not only my on-days but also my off-days. Up to 3 minutes continuous. I'll give myself an A for diligence.

Goal 3) Improve Flexibility - I've also done flexibility on my on-days and off-days this week. I'm getting better, but I need to be pushed down or else I wimp out. Another B+ for being a wimp sometimes.

MiniQuests

1) Become a better Paleo Cook - Paleo Salmon Cakes rocked. Paleo Deviled Eggs Slain. A

2) Game while standing - I gamed while cooking and while standing at least half the time. Satisfactory. C

Life Quest : Started working on the third part of my magic routine, the linking rings. Still needs work but still on schedule! A

I didn't quite do Level 2 Workouts, but I did buy more weight. Classes are over this week so I'll attempt level 2 at some point. This week's experimental recipe is Paleo Spanish Chicken Stew! (http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/36824-paleo-spanish-chicken-stew-crockpot-friendly/) Making it tonight, so I'll report how it goes soon.

[Haevyn]

You're making me hungry! It all sounds delish! 

[IronGlider]

Fantastic progress Silkie, go for broke bro, you've got this for sure! :-)

[Xena]

Wow, you're doing great! you mom sounds like a tough customer with the magic. I'm going to try the deviled eggs too.

[Arcanis]

Brief report: The stew was phenomenal. It was excellent when paired with cauliflower rice!

[Arcanis]

Friday the 13th, and Week 4 Update. I've officially leveled up! The Level 2 Workouts are way more challenging... I LOVE IT!

Goal 1) Eat Better, Drink Less - In between having the girlfriend over and finals week, I ate less well than I would have liked to. Broke Paleo at least once daily, and probably drank three times this week. D for drinking too much.

Goal 2) Improve Cardio - I switched from jumping rope with weight days to 20 minute interval training on my non-weight days w/ jump rope for the high output intervals.  Since Intervals are supposedly harder, A.

Goal 3) Improve Flexibility - Way better this week on flexibility at first, then I got really sore from dead lifts and found it hard to do splits after that. However, I worked at it and made progress. B+

MiniQuests

1) Become a better Paleo Cook - I tried Paleo Egg Nog, but didn't quite like it. The Chicken Stew was great. I followed it up with some Beef Stew which was also very good. A

2) Game while standing - Totally forgot again. Fail.

Life Quest : No progress whatsoever on my magic routine due to finals (and my new PS3). Damn School. Fail.

I haven't decided what to do as my experimental recipe this week. I think I'm going to try and modify traditional sweet potatoes (which are mashed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter) to be paleo. Any input on that would be appreciated.

[Xena]

Sounds like you have been making pretty steady progress. Great job. Thanks for the tip on the Zombie run app...definitely planning to give it a try. Good luck with your finals!

[DinoBytes]

hey! progress is still progress haha even if it's only in one area.

 

For sweet potatoes the simplest idea I had was just replace butter with almond butter and no brown sugar. (caution it's addictive)

 

The most complex idea was PALEO GNOCCHI crazy right?

I just stuck an egg yolk in with two sweet potatoes and mashed them up very very finely.

Add a touch of salt (less than half a teaspoon)

 

this is the part where you can add tapioca flour or almond flour or whatever to help it to "bind".... but mine stayed together just fine on its own.. so take your pick

 

then cool in the fridge for an hour or overnight in a ziplock.

cut off the corner of the bag and squeeze out in mega tootsie roll sized logs on a wax paper covered cookie sheet.

You can even squish each log with a fork if you want them to be ridged.

finally bake @350 for... a while. (when the edges turn brown you're good)

 

They turn out a little like chips? I like them with paleo pesto or more almond butter (I also tried them with indian spices like biryani and masala... masala is better) experiment!

 

another cool idea I had but haven't tried yet was baked sweet potato/egg/avocado

the idea was based off of someone suggesting a baked egg in the avocado pit hole.

my idea was to hollow out a sweet potato add a layer of avocado and pour in an egg or two in the center and bake that! (I'm not sure when I'm going to get a chance to try this as I am trying to keep carbs under 50g a day for a little while... but someday soon i hope) let me know, if you give that a shot, how it turns out!