Sin's Goddess: Building Habits

[Eirlys]

Some of my ex-colleagues had stand-up desks and they said they were great!  (Plus I think as well as being good for posture, it also helps you get fitter!)

 

Glad to hear you're making so much good progress on your sitting posture already!  After all, a Goddess can't be seen to slouch now, can she?

[I am Eve]

I’ve been in a bit of a funk the last couple of months and have managed to get up to ~170 pounds/~35% body fat. It’s frustrating – very frustrating – but I know it’s my own doing. It’s a constant struggle for me to focus on getting healthy versus getting skinny, but I’m working on it. I’m doing my best to start 2014 off right!

 

My main quest is for this challenge is to build some good habits. It’s easy for me to get discouraged when I don’t see my body changing quickly, even when I know I’m being unrealistic. So, I’m using this challenge as an opportunity to focus on habits versus my body.

 

Goals/Habits

1) Yoga

2) Fruits and veggies

3) Food log

4) Posture

 

Attend yoga classes. I have not been exercising like I should. I keep getting overly excited, burning myself out, and then not starting up again…until the next time I get overly ambitious. I need to get into the habit of exercising regularly. Fortunately, I found a great yoga studio and it’s on my way home, which is really important for me. I’ll be going three times a week, Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays. Tomorrow will be my first class.

(STR +3, DEX +1, STA +1)

 

Eat two fruits and/or veggies at every meal. I’ve been sorely slacking in the fruit and veggie department. To get back into the habit of including them, I’ll be eating two fruits/veggies at every meal. That’s either two whole pieces or two cups. And it has to be two different fruits/veggies, not just a double serving.

(CON +4)

 

Keep a daily food log. I have never been successful when I’ve tried to limit and track my calories/food intake. That being said, I feel that I need to get into the habit of seeing/tracking what I eat every day. So I will be keeping a food log (using my Fitbit account). Though my goal is to eat no more than 2000 calories and no more than 150 grams of carbs a day, that’s not what I’m tracking. I just want to have a realistic idea of how much I’m eating every day.

(WIS +3)

 

Sit and stand with proper posture. I used to be the girl that received daily compliments on how lovely my posture was. That is not the case anymore. I want to redevelop the habit so that it’s not something I have to think about anymore.

(CHA +3)

 

A very warm welcome to the Druids Sin's Godess, it's lovely to have you here! 

I really like your goals, and it looks like the first week was quite a success, great work!

What is your major approach when it comes to adding fruit and veggies; do you have them visible/write a reminder or use another smart method?

Whatever it is it seems to be working!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

A very warm welcome to the Druids Sin's Godess, it's lovely to have you here! 

I really like your goals, and it looks like the first week was quite a success, great work!

What is your major approach when it comes to adding fruit and veggies; do you have them visible/write a reminder or use another smart method?

Whatever it is it seems to be working!

 

Thank you Eve! It's lovely to be here.

Thanks. I've been offline for most of the weekend and will be updated my progress this evening. I did pretty good, but can definitely make progress this week.

As for adding the fruits and veggies, aside from my check-off sheet, I don't have any real method for reminding myself to eat fruits/veggies. I just try to make sure that I eat them! I keep a basket of fruits on my desk at work, just in case I forget to pack a fruit/veggie-ful lunch.

Thanks again for the encouragement!!! 

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 5 – 1/10

 

Yoga

Class was great!!! It was smaller than Monday and Wednesday, which was really nice. There was a lot more space to really stretch out. I got to chat with the teacher after class a bit. She had noticed that I modify a few poses and it turns out that a lot of my modifications are harder than the poses everyone else is doing! It was nice to know that she noticed and cared to ask what was wrong.

 

Fruits and veggies

Breakfast: No breakfast

Lunch: tomato, avocado, kiwi

Dinner: apple, avocado, tomato, onion

 

Food log

Calories: 2251

Carbs: 173.7 grams

Fat: 144.8 grams

Protein: 113.3 grams

 

Posture

It was a good day. I really think that my yoga classes are helping to speed up the improving posture process. I more in tune with my body’s alignment and I don’t want to lose that by slouching when I’m not in class.

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

No practice tonight. I think that I will stop trying to have guitar practice on my yoga nights. I get home so late and still have to make/eat dinner and still get to bed at a reasonable time. I will just make sure that I have longer practice sessions on the weekends!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 6 - 1/11

 

Yoga

Off day.

 

Fruits and veggies

Breakfast: apple

Lunch: strawberries

Dinner: none

 

Food log

Calories: 1745

Carbs: 271.5 grams

Fat: 55.6 grams

Protein: 66.1 grams

 

Posture

Okay today. I slept in a bit and watched a lot of TV. And though I was lounging quite a bit, I did my best to keep checking in with my body to make sure I wasn’t lounging too badly.

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

Had a nice practice today. I know I already picked my two songs, but I recently heard another song that I’m really enjoying. It’s been added to the challenge options. I think it may end up being the one.

[Mdowning]

Looks like you're doing great Sin's! Keep it up! I'm making pretty good progress on my song for the PvP. Excited to see how you do

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[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 7 - 1/12

 

Yoga

Off day. I’m really glad class is tomorrow. My body is missing it! I think that I should add in a bit of morning stretching on my off days.

 

Fruits and veggies

Breakfast: none

Lunch: none

Dinner: tomato, apple

 

Food log

Calories: 1514

Carbs: 130.6 grams

Fat: 71.2 grams

Protein: 60.7 grams

 

Posture

I had a similar day to yesterday….slept in, watched TV. But I did get some cleaning done and kept my posture in mind while doing it!

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

No practice today. I was feeling a little…meh..and ended up going to bed really early.

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Looks like you're doing great Sin's! Keep it up! I'm making pretty good progress on my song for the PvP. Excited to see how you do

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Thanks Mdowning. I think I'll have my song chosen by the end of this week. I've been practicing a little bit of all of my options on my practice days. Looking forward to hearing your song!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Week One Wrap Up - 1/6-1/12

 

Overall, I think it was an okay week, but there is definitely room to improve!!!

 

Yoga

3/3

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: 4.5/7

Lunch: 4.5/7

Dinner: 5/7

 

Food Log

6.5/7

 

Posture

5.5/7

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

3/7

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 8 - 1/13

 

Yoga

It was great to get back to class today. As the teacher said on Friday, she keeps a similar practice for a week of classes and then changes things every week. She definitely changed things up! Today focused a LOT on twists and opening up the side body. This is the first class that I’ve actually been a bit sore after.

 

Fruits and veggies

Breakfast: tomato, lettuce, avocado

Lunch: kale, carrots, corn, red peppers

Dinner: tomato

 

Food log

Calories: 2044

Carbs: 201.6 grams

Fat: 105.3 grams

Protein: 75 grams

 

Posture

Good today. Even though I didn’t have yoga classes for two days, or maybe because I didn’t, I was very good with my posture today. And I found out at work today that my new work chair should be here in a week or so, and then I can get my ergonomic evaluation, and then hopefully get a sit-stand workstation!!!

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

No practice tonight.

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 9 - 1/14

 

Yoga

Off day.

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: peach, apple

Lunch: tomato, lettuce

Dinner: asparagus

 

Food Log

Calories: 1868

Carbs: 213.9 grams

Fat: 78.5 grams

Protein: 92.7 grams

 

Posture

Posture was good today. I’m pretty sure the soreness from yesterday’s yoga class is helping. It’s even more uncomfortable to slouch than normal!!

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

I didn’t pick up the guitar tonight, but I watched a few videos on how to play two of the songs I’m looking at. I used my practice guitar chord deck to follow along.

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 10 - 1/15

 

Yoga

I didn’t go to class today. I was running late and didn’t have breakfast at home and forgot to grab my lunch, so I was left with back-up/emergency food stashes at work which left me hungry and super shakey. I figured it best to go home and eat.

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: apple

Lunch: carrots, snow peas

Dinner: tomato, apple

 

Food Log

Calories: 1668

Carbs: 220.7 grams

Fat: 51.6 grams

Protein: 57.5 grams

 

Posture

Posture was good today. I did have to remind myself to sit up more today, but I think the lack of food had something to do with it.

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

Since I didn’t go to yoga, I decided to take advantage of my spare time and practice for quite a while. I hope my fingers can take all this practice!!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 11 - 1/16

 

Yoga

Off day.

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: none

Lunch: none

Dinner: none

(Bad Goddess!!!)

 

Food Log

Calories: 1874

Carbs: 236.5 grams

Fat: 62.3 grams

Protein: 93.2 grams

 

Posture

Good day. Even while watching TV. 

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

It was a shorter practice, but a practice none the less. I'm trying to decide if I should start using a pick. I don't and never really have, but I'm starting to think that one of the songs would probably sound better if I used one. 

[Mdowning]

I'm incredibly jealous that you can fingerpick. I've started learning with a pick so I'm not able to go without one for awhile at least.

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[The.Introverted.Goddess]

No need to be jealous, I'm not that good! I tried using a pick a few times when I was first learning, but I kept dropping them. Plus, it felt weird to not be touching the strings with my fingers. I'm a very tactile person. 

[Mdowning]

No need to be jealous, I'm not that good! I tried using a pick a few times when I was first learning, but I kept dropping them. Plus, it felt weird to not be touching the strings with my fingers. I'm a very tactile person.

I can pick ok with my fingers but strumming just won't happen. I can't play chords without a pick to save my life lol

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[The.Introverted.Goddess]

I'm working on my up-strumming...I'm terrible at it!!!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 12 - 1/17

 

Yoga

Yoga was wonderful! I had an opportunity to talk with my teacher about strengthening my ankles and wrists. She's going to chat with some of the other teachers to get some ideas/plans for me. I'm so thankful to have such a thoughtful teacher. And....I did my first chaturanga dandasana in class!! Only one during the whole class, but still. I've never done one before!! I'm SO stoked! 

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: kiwi

Lunch: lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion

Dinner: none

 

Food Log

Calories: 1380

Carbs: 126 grams

Fat: 79 grams

Protein: 29 grams

 

Posture

Pretty good posture today. And I always sit better after yoga!

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

Off day.

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 13 - 1/18

 

Yoga

Off day

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: strawberry, banana

Lunch: none

Dinner: tomato

 

Food Log

Calories: 1811

Carbs: 248.2 grams

Fat: 62.3 grams

Protein: 60.2 grams

 

Posture

A good day today. I found that I was very conscious of my posture, especially for a weekend-day. We have a body bridge at home that, in combination with the yoga classes, is really helping my lower back. 

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

A short practice today, got started pretty late and started to get sleepy.

[Bekah]

Checking in for Day 12 - 1/17

Yoga

And....I did my first chaturanga dandasana in class!! Only one during the whole class, but still. I've never done one before!! I'm SO stoked!

This is awesome!!! It looks easy, till you actually try to do it! LOL! I'm still too heavy for my arms to be able to hold my weight, bc I 'm fat and my arms are weak...horrible combination for Chatarunga Dandasana. It feels so great to get into a pose for the first time!!!! Congratulations :)

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

This is awesome!!! It looks easy, till you actually try to do it! LOL! I'm still too heavy for my arms to be able to hold my weight, bc I 'm fat and my arms are weak...horrible combination for Chatarunga Dandasana. It feels so great to get into a pose for the first time!!!! Congratulations :)

 

Thanks! I was really surprised when I was able to do it!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 14 - 1/19

 

Yoga

Off day

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: cucumber, pear, apple

Lunch: mushroom, broccoli

Dinner: green beans, potaot

 

Food Log

Calories: 1916

Carbs: 182.2 grams

Fat: 87.7 grams

Protein: 116.9 grams

 

Posture

Good posture today. Even as I was lounging in bed today, I made sure I was still lounging "well". 

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

Had a good practice today. One of my transitions is coming along very nicely!

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Week Two Wrap Up - 1/13-1/19

 

Still just doing okay. My meal planning is better for Week Three, which will definitely help to get my scores up. Plus, I started juicing and that is bound to keep my carb intake down. I know that I'm not grading that for this challenge, but I still need to keep it in check a bit more than I have been the past two weeks.

 

Yoga

2/3

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: 5/7

Lunch: 5/7

Dinner: 3/7

 

Food Log

7/7

 

Posture

6.5/7

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

4/4

[The.Introverted.Goddess]

Checking in for Day 15 - 1/20

 

Yoga

Wonderful class! I didn't have to make as many modifications this time. While I am doing some stretches at home to strengthen my wrists and ankles, I think that just continuing to go to class is going to be the best way to build up my strength. I'm hoping by the end of Week Six that I won't have to modify at all!!

 

Fruits and Veggies

Breakfast: mushroom, broccoli

Lunch: strawberry

Dinner: avocado, onion, tomato

 

Food Log

Calories: 2102

Carbs: 234.6 grams (FAR too many!!)

Fat: 74.5 grams

Protein: 95.2 grams

 

Posture

Doing pretty good. I had the day off from work, so there was a bit of lazing about, but I was conscious of my posture. And I made sure I was standing well while cooking/prep.

 

PvP Guitar Challenge

Off day.

[Eirlys]

Hi SG

 

Sounds like your posture is coming along very well - how have you found the transition for your back?  how far do you feel you have left to go?

 

A good amount of fruit & veggies in there!  Your day sounds very healthy, especially if you're throwing yoga into the mix!

 

Are you feeling better for it all?