Redeaglespirit's Personal Improvement Plan

[RES]

Over the last year my partner and I have been attempting to eliminate processed foods from our diets, as well as gluten and sugar (somewhat, that's the toughest one! We both love ice cream...) We have decided that we are going to do the Whole30 challenge starting tomorrow. 

 

January 11 - February 10th. I realize that this is a bit strange since we're starting in the middle of the month but I just had surgery on Tuesday so the best way to do this seemed to be after that was done.

 

Once I am released from by my Dr I want to start "moving frequently at a slow pace" at least 2-5 hours a week. I am basically starting at couch potato here so anything is an improvement. I have RA and nerve damage in my neck but these should not keep me from getting up off my butt and moving!

 

I figure these are enough to get me started, I do want to work up to the beginner body weight workout (and beyond) but am trying to start realistically here...

 

Food and exercise logs will be posted here to keep me accountable, pictures if something looks particularly yummy and I can figure out how to upload them...I have a wedding to get ready for and I want to wear my dream dress!! 

 

These are my starting stats, I did have a hysterectomy and my gallbladder removed on Tuesday so that means my tummy is likely still full of the air they pumped in it...

 

Height 5'7"

Weight 185lbs

Waist 38

Belly 45

Chest 44.5

Hips 44.5

Neck 14.5

 

 

[Liberator]

Slow but steady sounds like the way to go. 

 

Good luck on your challenge and your healing!

[RES]

Thank you! Trying to do away with old habits of trying to do it all at once, get discouraged, give up...I hope this helps clear up some of my RA issues as well...

 

Testing to see if I am posting images correctly here....this was taken today, my before picture

[Basement Cat]

Alright, you're in business!

 

Take the time to recover from your surgery, then start building a routine you like. Walking is always good as a mild exercise. Good luck! I'll be watching  jk

 

Good luck!

[RES]

watch away...or come join ;-) your option!
 
ok, today, first day of this plan...
Breakfast - eggs cooked in olive oil with spinach
Lunch - Grilled chicken with broccoli, coconut milk, etc...(Modified version of this) we did add a little cheese
Dinner - baked salmon and zucchini 

if I feel ambitious later I may make up this...but I did kind of overdo it today at the store and doing the kitchen (nothing heavier than a coffee cup my ass...wth are they thinking?!)

[RES]

Day 2 - Really overdid it yesterday and was kicking my own backside today! Then proceeded to spend most of the afternoon in the kitchen (have I mentioned I Love to cook? and I LOVE food!) Anyway, made up several items over on this site to have on hand and keep us on track (like the chicken under the Moroccan dipping sauce link, the chocolate chili, and the pork carnitas) ..oh, and the second link I posted yesterday (paleo friendly hummus) is AMAZING!! Made some mayo too from that same site, my better half made tuna and egg salad with that, so we should be set for a bit!

 

Breakfast - eggs baked in avocado, and bacon

Lunch - two hard boiled eggs, grazed on the goodies, piece of chicken, some chili, carrot sticks and hummus.

Dinner - Carnitas and cabbage..since that was the last thing done and smells so yummy

[RedCedar]

Eggs, avocado and bacon?!? PORK CARNITAS?!? You are speaking my language 

[Basement Cat]

You are doing well so far!

 

How do you like the paleo diet? And don't kick your backside while you are recovering from surgery.

 

Keep going, you're rocking it!

[RES]

Eggs, avocado and bacon?!? PORK CARNITAS?!? You are speaking my language 

I love to cook...we have plenty if you want to come join us! 

 

You are doing well so far!

 

How do you like the paleo diet? And don't kick your backside while you are recovering from surgery.

 

Keep going, you're rocking it!

I'm really enjoying it, so far I do not feel deprived (depraved, never deprived lol) and I'm getting to try all kinds of new recipes and ways to do things! 

 

Day 3 Menu

Breakfast - baked bacon and eggs (you know, the ones done in the muffin tins) and sweet potato chopped and sauteed in coconut oil with some garlic and spices

Lunch - Raw spinach salad with cucumber, hb egg, and tuna salad (homemade mayo rocks!) 

Snack - Grilled chicken breast

Dinner - broccoli, carrot, garlic, and shrimp sauteed in olive oil over spaghetti squash

 

Today was rough because my better half went back to work after being off last week to care for me, and I'm so good at putting things off that I have a mountain of homework starting at me   when I get bored, I eat...unfortunately not really able to do much else just yet to stave off boredom...and it rained today, so stuck in the house   ok, back to homework so I can come back and catch up with everyone here!

[Liberator]

Your menus sound so delicious! Keep inspiring and keep healing!

[RES]

Post op appointment today with the general surgeon...I was reminded I am not superwoman (dammit!) told me to remember I am healing from major surgery and to give it TIME! Have I mentioned how much I hate to be told I can't do something??? 

 

Day 4

Breakfast - carnitas, spinach, garlic and eggs cooked in coconut oil

Lunch -  spinach, cucumber, carrots and egg salad (more homemade mayo, yummy!)

Dinner - fresh green beans, baked sweet potato, chicken breast recipe from this site that we did the other day...dunno about best chicken I will ever eat but it is pretty damn good!

I do have to say doing all that cooking and prep worked helps so much and has gone a long way to keep us on track! 

 

I do have another goal....not till March 22nd but I want to do the Color Me Rad 5k...I'm even talking other people into it

[RES]

It's for a good cause....good thing....cause it's official now!   

[Basement Cat]

You are doing very well, Redeagle!

 

Don't try to rush or you'll just have to spend more time doing nothing! Good job on the meal plan too! Very well done!

 

Oooh, Color me rad! Be sure to take lots of pictures and show us! Film it if you can! Do it! Dooooooooooooo iiiitttt!

[RES]

So you know the saying "there's an app for that"
Couch to 5k, There's an app for that!
When I get the okay from the Dr. hopefully next week...Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday will be the Beginner Body Weight Workout, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will be Couch to 5k training

@Silver, I've purchased the picture pack...that's probably all I will be able to get considering the 6/7 color 'bomb' stations...which is about every 1/2 mile....unless I can convince one of my kids to do it, but they will likely be too busy bombing mom (this is a once in a lifetime opportunity after all! LOL)

 

Day 5

Breakfast - Scrambled eggs and spinach

Lunch - fresh green beans (leftovers) and chicken breast

Snack - 2 hard boiled eggs

Dinner - Chocolate Chili (made this Sunday too...it was AMAZING!)

 

remembering to rest is my biggest challenge...I still get tired so easily, which the Dr. said is because I did just have major surgery and am healing....trying not to fall back into the pattern of wanting to do it all, get frustrated, then give up when I don't see results as quick as I want to....it's tough...

[Basement Cat]

Good job!

 

I can imagine your kid will prefer to bomb you rather than shoot you (as in, photo shoot). Oh well, stay reasonable while you recover!

 

Stay awesome!

[RES]

Stay awesome!

This made my day...thank you!

Still having some lovely, surgery related, issues that I figured wouldn't be issues anymore...I really am heartbroken that I am not superwoman (though I would rather be catwoman...omg...meeeow@at that outfit!)

Anyway...where was I? Oh yes, 

Day 6

Breakfast - Eggs scrambled with coconut milk

Lunch - Spinach, cucumber, with egg salad

Snack - 2 hard boiled eggs

Dinner - Turkey meatloaf and cauliflower "mashed potatoes"

 

Really trying to stay away from the scale while on the Whole30 like they recommend...that's tough, mostly because I cannot go by 'how my clothes fit' because one incision is right where my waistband would hit!

Okay, off to do homework! Avoided that enough for one day... 

[RES]

Day 7

Wow...week one down already? 

Today was tough...still having spotting related to the surgery that won't stop...trying to take it easier than I have been but not very successful at that...

 

Breakfast - Sweet potatoes, carnitas, and garlic sauteed then baked with some eggs

Lunch - egg salad and spinach

Dinner - Chicken breast from the recipe page posted Sunday, broccoli, and leftover cauliflower

 

Movie night with the girlfriend so snacking later will likely consist of the fake hummus, cucumber chips, and carrot sticks

AFTER I finish this homework *ugh*

[Basement Cat]

Now, missy, you take good care of yourself or you'll never recover!

 

Great job on the food! Enjoy your movie! And if romance ensues, remember: let your girlfriend do the work. You are in no state to exert yourself!  (I apologise if you are offended by this.)

[RES]

Now, missy, you take good care of yourself or you'll never recover!

 

Great job on the food! Enjoy your movie! And if romance ensues, remember: let your girlfriend do the work. You are in no state to exert yourself!  (I apologise if you are offended by this.)

I'm under orders to not move off the couch unless I have to pee...

It takes so much more than that to offend me LOL...don't I wish something like that would happen...I could learn to be a pillow princess for a night 

[Basement Cat]

Well, you could always suggest it to your SO...

[RES]

Trust me...have been doing that for almost two years now...

[RES]

Day 8

Time flies when you're having fun! Needless to say time dragged for me today lol...I did rather well at not moving myself from the couch, got some homework done, even took a nap....still spotting...  and I don't even know if that is normal or not!

So with me being down, my wonderful girlfriend did the cooking today....I may have to feel like crap more often!

 

Breakfast - eggs baked in avocados and bacon

Lunch - spinach, egg, artichoke heart, beets, mushrooms, greek olive, and chicken salad

Dinner - variation of this Italian crock pot chicken soup with cabbage and mushrooms added.

Snack - bacon and guacamole sandwiches and cauliflower popcorn from this page

 

I am so looking forward to being back at 100%...patience is not one of my virtues....

[Basement Cat]

I am so looking forward to being back at 100%...patience is not one of my virtues....

Well, consider this an opportunity to learn it!

[RES]

Well, consider this an opportunity to learn it!

pretty sure if it hasn't happened by now, it's not gonna

[RES]

Day 9

 

Day did not start so well...I'm trying to be positive and good but dammit I hate when my body lets me down! If I get told one more time to take it easy I'm seriously gonna lose it..../vent>

 

okay, now that that is out of my system!

 

Breakfast - eggs, mushrooms, avocado, and coconut milk, scrambled on a bed of spinach

Lunch - leftover crock pot chicken from last night

Dinner - spaghetti squash and shrimp, 

 

Grocery shopping about did me in, went after everyone got out of church (which is a HUGE deal here in Mississippi) and I nearly had a full blown panic attack between that and trying to guard my 'still healing' incisions...personal space people...heard of it?