LittleTurtle's Epic Adventure Continues

[LittleTurtle]

Hello, my Druidly friends, I’m back for another challenge.  Recently, I’ve been deeply reflecting my journey with Nerd Fitness.  I stumbled across this website by accident in June 2012.  For ONE year, I loomed in the shadows, anticipating new articles and secretly wishing I was brave enough to participate in a 6 Week Challenge.  On June 3, 2013 – I finally decided I was ready, and from that day forward, great things began to happen.    

 

It wasn’t until that first challenge when I FINALLY let go of all the excuses as to why I couldn’t push past my final plateau.  I just bucked up and took one day at a time.  With each challenge, I made small diet changes, played around with exercises that did and didn’t work for me, tried new Paleo recipes, and finally – joined the NF Women’s Academy in October 2013.  

 

Slowly but surely, things began to click.  I started to see the changes in my body.  The number on the scale was dropping, and I was (and still am) buying clothes in sizes I never believed I’d fit in again!  I have to smile because while reading through the thread of my first challenge, I’m just so happy with the progress I’ve made in even the smallest things – like…from having gone to adding so much cream and sugar to my coffee that it hardly resembled coffee anymore to drinking it strictly black (and really liking it!).  I’ve reached a point where I don’t even think twice about saying no to treats at work and really don’t feel deprived if I don’t eat them.  I stopped worrying about what the other people at work think because of this new lifestyle, and exercise has become something that makes my day perfect – not something I dread doing…because I stopped doing the things I hate and found so many things I love.  I’m eating more vegetables than ever before… and have even reached the point where I enjoy broccoli plain and raw (instead of saying that it’s nothing but a tool used to transport ranch into my mouth.) 

 

My Main Quest from here is to just simply keep doing what I’ve been doing.  I’m at a point where I don’t want to lose any more weight because my BMI and body fat % are within healthy ranges.  Also, I feel better today that I have in probably over 10 years.  I have energy, I have less chronic pain issues, I don’t hate what I see in the mirror anymore, and – most importantly – I feel happy again!

 

Do I still indulge in less than healthy foods?  You bet!  But only in moderation, and that is the ONLY reason I’ve been able to succeed.  I used to have this mindset that it had to be all or nothing and that is why I was stuck for so long.  And I’m not going to lie…sometimes I relish in my rest days where I don’t do any exercise, but I just make damn sure that it is only once or twice a week.

 

For this challenge, I’m going to keep it fairly simple and straight forward.  A lot of the time, when I make my goals too specific, I lose sight of the big picture and start to become obsessive compulsive over the tiniest details.  I know in the long run, I would love to be able to do a 9 minute mile, I would like to become more advanced in my yoga practice, and I would like to eat more Paleo/Primal meals, but I have to take baby steps or I will become overwhelmed and feel defeated and beat down.

 

So, without further ado, I present my newest and streamlined goals while keeping in mind that they are always evolving as I consistently work towards achieving my long term goals.

 

MAIN QUEST

            KEEP ON KEEPING ON

1. Workout 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cool down stretch after every workout!
3. Cook a brand new Paleo/Primal dinner recipe once/week for the next six weeks.

 

LIFE QUEST

            POWER OF POSITIVITY

1. Each and every day, I will write down something positive about myself, something I am happy about, or something I am thankful for.
2. Extra Credit Only:  I will treat myself to a few non-food indulgences (i.e., a pedicure when the weather warms up, a body massage, taking a road trip to soak in natural hot springs, maybe try acupuncture, etc.)  It’s the little things that help keep me centered, but I often neglect those indulgences because I feel guilty of the cost.

 

GRADING

Workouts & Stretching:

            5/week = A

            4/week = B

            3/week = C

            2/week = D

            1/week = F

 

Paleo/Primal Recipes (must be a recipe never attempted before):

            6 Total = A

            5 Total = B

            3 Total = C

            2 Total = D

            1 Total = F

 

Notes of Positivity:

            38-42 = A

            33-37 = B

            28-32 = C

            23-27 = D

            22 (-) = F

[Sunmage]

Welcome back!

 

For your life quest: Isn't this something worth a PvP challenge? Bekah might be interested

[I am Eve]

Little Turtle, what a great, beautiful and inspiring story. It really shows what is possible if we just set our minds to it.

Keep on keeping on!

I am thinking along the lines of daily reflection as well - let's do that together :-)

[NeutralGoodPirate]

Right on about moderation! That's what I love about Paleo.

 

I'm glad you're in a happy place and wish you the best of luck with this challenge!

[LittleTurtle]

Welcome back!

 

For your life quest: Isn't this something worth a PvP challenge? Bekah might be interested

Thanks!  I checked out the PvP thread of Bekah's and that would be perfect for a sort of second accountability location!  Thanks for that!

 

Little Turtle, what a great, beautiful and inspiring story. It really shows what is possible if we just set our minds to it.

Keep on keeping on!

I am thinking along the lines of daily reflection as well - let's do that together :-)

I'd love to do the daily reflection together.  I'll try my best to post at least 3 or 4 times a week with what I've written down in my special "Positive Thinking" notebook that I specifically purchased for this challenge. 

 

Right on about moderation! That's what I love about Paleo.

 

I'm glad you're in a happy place and wish you the best of luck with this challenge!

Thank you very much!  I'm glad I'm in a happy place too.  I hid in my shell for far too long!!  It's nice out here...I think I'll stay! 

 

Also, moderation is so important for me.  I'm not gonna lie...I LOVE chocolate way too much to tell myself that I can never enjoy it again.

[Jittersthe.Clown]

Your challenge looks straight to the point and I think you will be able to crush this.  

[keliswicked]

Thrilled to support you through another challenge =)

[LittleTurtle]

Your challenge looks straight to the point and I think you will be able to crush this.

Thanks! I'm feeling very optimistic! Straight to the point helps to keep me from wandering to the dark side.

 

Thrilled to support you through another challenge =)

Yay! So happy to have your support!

[Stonie]

Okay, I have to get this out of my system.

 

"Dawww turtles!"

 

Okay. I'm done. I like your simple goals. Not every challenge has to be ground breaking

[Ahyar Dreamspark]

 

Slowly but surely, things began to click.  I started to see the changes in my body.  The number on the scale was dropping, and I was (and still am) buying clothes in sizes I never believed I’d fit in again!  I have to smile because while reading through the thread of my first challenge, I’m just so happy with the progress I’ve made in even the smallest things – like…from having gone to adding so much cream and sugar to my coffee that it hardly resembled coffee anymore to drinking it strictly black (and really liking it!).  I’ve reached a point where I don’t even think twice about saying no to treats at work and really don’t feel deprived if I don’t eat them.  I stopped worrying about what the other people at work think because of this new lifestyle, and exercise has become something that makes my day perfect – not something I dread doing…because I stopped doing the things I hate and found so many things I love.  I’m eating more vegetables than ever before… and have even reached the point where I enjoy broccoli plain and raw (instead of saying that it’s nothing but a tool used to transport ranch into my mouth.) 

 

^ That. Is the BEST. FEELING. EVER! Especially the part about not being tempted by the treats at home and at work. I've finally gotten to that stage in the last few months \o/

 

Your goals look clear and easy to measure/grade. Good stuff!

[LittleTurtle]

Ugh.  If the challenge had started today - the only thing positive that I could think of would be that I am grateful that I didn't have to be positive today.  

 

I think I must've woken up on the wrong side of the bed.  I think my cat is out to get me.  I woke up at around 4:00 in the morning to a 22 pound snuggle beast sleeping on my head.  Needless to say, it's not the most effective way of starting one's day.  I am VERY grateful that it is Friday and I'm almost off work.  I'm thinking I should visit the Druid Tavern for a cold one to end this day on a relaxing note! 

 

 

Okay, I have to get this out of my system.

 

"Dawww turtles!"

 

Okay. I'm done. I like your simple goals. Not every challenge has to be ground breaking

I like turtles.    Also, my boyfriend nicknamed me Turtle quite a few years ago and it sort of stuck.  Simple goals help me from becoming majorly OCD with more detailed & intricate goals.  I should be able to keep focused this way.

 

^ That. Is the BEST. FEELING. EVER! Especially the part about not being tempted by the treats at home and at work. I've finally gotten to that stage in the last few months \o/

 

Your goals look clear and easy to measure/grade. Good stuff!

Thanks!  And congrats to you for getting to that stage as well!  It feels very liberating, no? 

[I am Eve]

Ugh.  If the challenge had started today - the only thing positive that I could think of would be that I am grateful that I didn't have to be positive today.

 

I think I must've woken up on the wrong side of the bed.  I think my cat is out to get me.  I woke up at around 4:00 in the morning to a 22 pound snuggle beast sleeping on my head.  Needless to say, it's not the most effective way of starting one's day.  I am VERY grateful that it is Friday and I'm almost off work.  I'm thinking I should visit the Druid Tavern for a cold one to end this day on a relaxing note! 

 

 

I like turtles.    Also, my boyfriend nicknamed me Turtle quite a few years ago and it sort of stuck.  Simple goals help me from becoming majorly OCD with more detailed & intricate goals.  I should be able to keep focused this way.

 

Thanks!  And congrats to you for getting to that stage as well!  It feels very liberating, no? 

 

OMG, the images I have of the cat on your head…...

[Jittersthe.Clown]

OMG, the images I have of the cat on your head…...

[Melaynah]

Looks like an excellent challenge.  I'll admit that I'm most intrigued by your extra-credit life quest, as better self-care is something I'm working on constantly.  Making time to slow down and really take care of yourself is awesome--I feel sad that it's so often seen as frivolous or that we're not worth the cost.  No way!  We're no good to anyone else if we're not taking care of ourselves.

 

Woo, apparently I have stronger feels than I thought!  

[LittleTurtle]

OMG, the images I have of the cat on your head…...

Haha!  It's a sight, I'll tell ya!

 

 

Yep - that about sums it up.  Well, add another cat and that would be about the size of mine. 

 

(I'd include a picture of ma'boy, but I can't figure out how to insert them into a post.  )

 

__________

 

In other news - YAY, the challenge has officially commenced!  I'm going to try VERY hard to think of something positive for today, but I'm having a bit of a hard time because it snowed about a bajillion inches overnight and they're predicting another bajillion by this time tomorrow.  I'll be back when I think of something...

[LittleTurtle]

As far as Paleo recipes - I found one for Turkey Chili that sounds about perfect for a cold, snowy day!  I might even make this one tonight...

 

Turkey Chili

1/4 cup (52 g) lard, bacon grease, or olive oil

3 lbs ground turkey

1 quart unsalted chicken broth

6 Tbsp chili powder

10 cloves garlic, crushed

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp cayenne (more or less to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp honey

3 Tbsp paprika

1/3 cup (47g) shelled pumpkin seeds

Salt to taste

[LittleTurtle]

Looks like an excellent challenge.  I'll admit that I'm most intrigued by your extra-credit life quest, as better self-care is something I'm working on constantly.  Making time to slow down and really take care of yourself is awesome--I feel sad that it's so often seen as frivolous or that we're not worth the cost.  No way!  We're no good to anyone else if we're not taking care of ourselves.

 

Woo, apparently I have stronger feels than I thought!  

 

Thanks!  Some self-care can go a long way! 

[Haku]

It all sounds like a very solid plan! Your story is very inspiring to read and like you say.. Baby steps can sometimes be much more helpful than big steps. I really like the positivity thing. Taking care of your body in a loving way, by getting yourself massages and hotspring-visits and stuff like that, is wonderful and it'll let you relax a lot in your mind too. Or so I've noticed. But also jotting down the things you like about yourself or are grateful for, that's a very powerful thing to do! So good luck on your journey of positivity and workout / diet stuff. I am sure you'll do great with this challenge.

[Heidi]

Howdy, Turtle.

Keep being positive!

[LittleTurtle]

Howdy, Turtle.

Keep being positive!

Okay.  I think I got something for today:

 

I ate completely Paleo Primal today.  It would have been Paleo save for the 2 Tbsp of plain Greek yogurt I added to my Albacore tuna and the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower.  But all in all - a great way to start the challenge in my opinion.

 

Also - I tried the Turkey Chili recipe tonight.  I substituted the pumpkin seeds for pine nuts and it had a great flavor.  However, I feel like the chili needed black beans or something, but alas - beans are legumes.

 

Now I'm off to do some yoga, foam rolling, and major stretching.  My body felt a bit achy and stiff due to the cold and snow today.  

 

I intend on sleeping soundly tonight (provided my cat doesn't crawl on my head for snuggles); and I'm feeling like tomorrow has great potential!

[I am Eve]

Okay.  I think I got something for today:

 

I ate completely Paleo Primal today.  It would have been Paleo save for the 2 Tbsp of plain Greek yogurt I added to my Albacore tuna and the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower.  But all in all - a great way to start the challenge in my opinion.

 

Also - I tried the Turkey Chili recipe tonight.  I substituted the pumpkin seeds for pine nuts and it had a great flavor.  However, I feel like the chili needed black beans or something, but alas - beans are legumes.

 

Now I'm off to do some yoga, foam rolling, and major stretching.  My body felt a bit achy and stiff due to the cold and snow today.  

 

I intend on sleeping soundly tonight (provided my cat doesn't crawl on my head for snuggles); and I'm feeling like tomorrow has great potential!

 

Ah, come here and cook for me please ;-)

Beautiful ….

[Heidi]

Hi, Turtle!

You are awesome.

[LittleTurtle]

Well, I'm right on track so far with everything.  I've also come to a pretty interesting speculation as to why I don't run as much as I do during the summer.  Brace yourself - if this isn't the silliest thing you've heard in awhile, then I don't know! 

 

I usually run on my treadmill in the basement.  Well, winter means it gets really dark really quick and I'm fairly certain that all the boogeymen come out when the sun sets.  Meaning...every ghost, witch, zombie, and evil-doer that I've ever seen in a movie or TV show wants to attack me if I'm in the basement after dark.  Well by the time I get home from work, unload all my things, and get dinner cooking - it's already dark and I'm all, "Nope, nope, NOOOOPE!"  It's hard for me to even do laundry or clean the cat box at night.  I know this is completely ridiculous, but I'm being totally honest!  Basements have always kinda freaked me out.  What a bizarre phobia.  Well, that and being afraid of the can of pre-cut biscuit dough that you have to unwrap to open...and then it "pops" a little, but in my mind it's like an atomic bomb is going off in my face.  So yeah.  Another great reason to not eat processed, canned, fake food I guess.

 

Anyways (wandered way off the subject there...sorry) - I've been doing a LOT more yoga and I've found that it has been helping me sleep better the more I do it.  Plus, I've got that sore feeling in my arms today from some of the strengthening poses I did last night and it feels pretty epic.

 

My happy moment yesterday was when I completed the daily crossword in the local newspaper with only having to look up 7 answers!  I've been diligently trying to complete one by looking up 5 or less answers and I came soooo close yesterday.  I was pretty excited.  One day, I will do the whole thing all by myself and be so proud that I'll probably frame it!  Haha!

 

 

Ah, come here and cook for me please ;-)

Beautiful ….

You bet!  I would love to! 

 

Hi, Turtle!
You are awesome.

Aw, thanks Heidi!    I think you're pretty awesome too.

[Heidi]

Turtle! Thank you for sharing. I honestly thought I was the only one who would rather 1) go naked 2) wear dirty clothes 3) steal stuff from my kids' closets or 4) grab a sheet/towel and declare it Toga Day than go into the basement during winter!

Hugs to you for admitting it and liberating us all.

[LittleTurtle]

Turtle! Thank you for sharing. I honestly thought I was the only one who would rather 1) go naked 2) wear dirty clothes 3) steal stuff from my kids' closets or 4) grab a sheet/towel and declare it Toga Day than go into the basement during winter! Hugs to you for admitting it and liberating us all.

Haha!  You're very welcome.    Not only is a dark basement a scary place, but it is freaking FREEZING down there during the winter months as well.  I'll just stay upstairs and workout in my little "yoga corner" until Daylight Savings Time begins next month and the days get longer and warmer.