Shellsan brings the *SHEZAM*

[Shellsan]

First challenge EVAR! I've been lurking in NF for a while and joined NFA. I saw a couple of mentions of the challenges and when some of the wimmens from NFA said they were in and I couldn't pass up my chance at glory I'm posting now to get the goals in but I will need to come back and revise with some deets for scoring etc.

I've had some false starts in the past because I try to move mountains in the first day and start to feel defeated. This time I'm taking it in manageable steps - using the NF Challenge acountibilibuddies and some smart tracking tools to help. Awareness and mindfulness will be key for me - hence the tracking and the absolute prohibition on junk food. The NFA Newb workout might be a challenge for me - I've had some knee issues, but I will modify as needed and persevere

My motivation: I want to look good nekkid. I want to be able to go on more challenging hikes without praying for death. I want to have confidence that my body is there for me to engage in adventure! More practically speaking, I want my clothes to be more comfortable!

Main Goal: Loose 15% of my bodyweight by my birthday May 20 - This is about 30lbs

The Challenges Three

• Track all food using MFP

  Measurement: A = 40+ Days, B = 35+ days, C = 30+ days

  Reward: A = +3 WIS, +1 STA, B = +2 WIS, C = +1 WIS

• Abstain from drivethroughs and pizza

  Measurement: A = 40+ Days, B = 35+ days, C = 30+ days

  Reward: A = +3 CON, B = +2 CON, C = +1 CON

• Walk daily for 10mins

  Measurement: A = 40+ Days, B = 35+ days, C = 30+ days

  Reward: A = +3 STR, +2 DEX, B = +2 STR, +1 DEX, C = +1 STR

Bonus: Research and find a yoga studio

Mini Quest #1: Update Goals to add measurements. rewards and ensure they are SMART (Reward +1 WIS) -- DONE!!

Mini Quest #2: Fancy Shmancy Sig + Accountibilibudies (Reward +1 CHA) -- DONE!!!

[Shello]

Hi!  Your goals look attainable.  Pizza is definitely my BIGGEST weakness.  I had to abstain completely for a couple of challenges because I just can't handle pizza responsibly.  I've learned a few tricks now and I can sort of manage but I've obviously had to cut back.  

 

I noticed in your accountibillidoodlies  post that you have trouble with exhaustion eating.  The best thing for that is PREPARATION.  Have something ready-made so that you don't have to make a good choice tired or prepare food when too tired.  Cooking bulk meals or having soups on hand or something in the freezer is a great way be ready.  

 

subbing

[Syren]

Oh pizza what would I do without you?

 

Homemade stuff is definitely superior. When I am not trying to be paleoish, I make up a batch of pizza dough and roll out a couple of pies, then I freeze the stuff for later. Just the crust, it is the hard part, everything else can come together spontaneously! And quickly. Most homemade pies take less than 30 minutes to assemble and cook if you premake the crust before hand

 

You can control toppings and sauce etc. 

 

For a more paleo option, I totally slather pizza toppings onto a half roasted mushroom cap. Delicious, quick, and not incredibly unhealthy next to a fresh green salad.

[Shellsan]

Day one: Mischief Managed! 

 

Getting up and back to work after the holidays was a bit of a beast but I did pretty darn good   Logged all my grub in MFP, made some dinner and just got back from my walk

 

Love and appreciate the support my fellow pizza fanatics   It's a slippery slope for me.  My go-to sub for delivery pizza is to get some pita bread, slather with EVOO and then toppings - love sprinkles of broccoli slaw with chicken, little shredded moz maybe - toast in my toaster oven for 10 mins for deliciousness

 

@LadyShello - hear you on the preparation message.  I love the idea and thought of it - I need to make it easier for myself to succeed.  I just struggle with finding things I want to make in bulk and then eat over and over.  What are some of your fav recipes for bulk prep?

 

Subbing Syren and LadyShello

[RES]

Easy Deep Dish Pizza Pie

Mezza Pies

 

I can vouch for both...welcome to the rebellion

[Shellsan]

ZOMG Red that deep dish looks mega yummy!  Thanks for posting the link here as that baby is going on my to-make list

 

Using the power of pizza to defeat the evil empire!!

 

Ima come find and sub you!

[RES]

Its even good with just the 'crust' and 'sauce' with some cheese and no extras.... My partner and I alternate weeks of cooking and try to come up with new things to keep it interesting instead of just plain meat and veggies

[Doaheem]

Solid specific goals there.

 

- First one is sweet MFP is a good application with a lot of use.

- Second is the difficult one. It's a little easier for me being lactose intolerant but I still loves me some pizza. Being a poor college student is INCREDIBLE for purging fast food from the system. If I could offer one tip of advice that worked for me is that regardless of how hungry I got I made the conscious decision to not grab anything until I got home. It was mostly out of necessity but it still worked!
- Third good goal a simple basic repeatable aim that you can easily meet and at the same time if you're feeling a little daring you could go further.

 

Welcome aboard and kick some ass!

Press On

Douglas

[Sarah Barr]

Hi Shellsan! Good goals: simple, straightforward and effective!

 

My favourite bulk recipe is vegetable chilli - whatever vegetables you can get your hands on, plenty of peppers and onions, a can of chopped tomatoes, a can of mixed beans, plenty tabasco and whatever other seasonings you want; fry the onions in a little olive oil in the bottom of a big saucepan, sling in the rest of the ingredients and simmer until the veg is tender. Freezes well, reheats even better. And if you get hold of a big bag of chopped mixed vegetables, takes barely any preparation effort.

 

 

For a more paleo option, I totally slather pizza toppings onto a half roasted mushroom cap. Delicious, quick, and not incredibly unhealthy next to a fresh green salad.

That sounds amazing and my mouth is making weird habbadahammana noises just thinking about it.

[Evicious]

Great looking goals, and WOW! Are you off to a good start with some solid recipe suggestions! *stealing!*

 

Sub'd and celery [stalks].

[Shellsan]

OK Team Shezam!  I took your advice and after dinner I made myself a big pan of lardons, sautéed onions and spinach, and scrambled eggs.  Divided it up into snack baggies and plan on taking one a day to work.  This was a great super tasty brekky!  Also pretty much my most paleo meal of the day hehe.  Made a boatload of pasta e fagioli for dinner tonight so will take some into work tomorrow for lunch.  Made the tons-o-veggie version with fennel, celery, kale, onlions.  YUMMY

 

Tracked food with MPF.... I really like that the iphone app pops up and says "you haven't logged your lunch yet.  Would you like to do that now?"  Why YES, Yes I would Mr. Fancypants!

 

Someone brought in the giant Harry & David tower o stuff-I-shouldn't-eat.  I had TWO of my fav chocoloate covered cherries then passed on the rest.  So happy to have the willpower to say no

 

Did my mini-walk today even UP a hellacious hill by my townhouse. 

 

WOOT WOOT!!

[E_Mo]

My boyfriend does 2 day + hikes. I am so exhausted after 4 hours. Luckily Texas is a lot flatter than PNW! 

 

Good luck on those longer hikes! It is great to get out there!

[Shellsan]

ZORMGAHHHHH - Went to Panera bread for a soup and sammy lunch.  Totally reasonable in my goals etc.  Ever so friendly(evil) manager comes around giving giant chocolate cookies out in apology for slight delay with our order.  Cookie immediately pushes every button I have (mid-day stress eating, smell, CHOCOLATE).  I had to mine the depths of my soul to come up with enough willpower to split the thing in half and give the other half to a coworker.

[Shello]

Day one: Mischief Managed! 

 

Getting up and back to work after the holidays was a bit of a beast but I did pretty darn good   Logged all my grub in MFP, made some dinner and just got back from my walk

 

Love and appreciate the support my fellow pizza fanatics   It's a slippery slope for me.  My go-to sub for delivery pizza is to get some pita bread, slather with EVOO and then toppings - love sprinkles of broccoli slaw with chicken, little shredded moz maybe - toast in my toaster oven for 10 mins for deliciousness

 

@LadyShello - hear you on the preparation message.  I love the idea and thought of it - I need to make it easier for myself to succeed.  I just struggle with finding things I want to make in bulk and then eat over and over.  What are some of your fav recipes for bulk prep?

 

Subbing Syren and LadyShello

 

I started my first challenge making a shredded mexi chicken and then ate it practically every night for 2 challenges.  But I realize other's are not capable of this redundant eating habit.  (I hope that's not my super power.  That would be boring)  To try it though just put some chicken breast in a heavy baking dish with a lid in a single layer.  Sprinke some seasonings and/or taco seasoning.  Drizze some taco sauce (or salsa). cover and bake for an hour or so.  Then just shred that chicken up.  Serve it over greens for a taco salad, make a taco, burritos..  

 

I have since added crustless quiche to my rotation, and turkey burgers.  As a matter of fact I just made a new burger recipe - lasagna burgers.  I make homemade turkey burgers that have tons of chopped veg (Zucchini, carrots, onions, peppers, garlic, celery)..  then I make a marinara sauce.  I topped the turkey burger (patty only. no bun) with marinara and then covered that with a slice of provolone and broiled until gooey and bubbly.  Tastes like lasagna!   I make a huge batch of turkey burgers on Sunday and then they last all week.  

 

We are also going to experiment with a BBQ chicken this challenge.  I anticipate just roasting some chicken breasts with some kind of spicy rub.  Then when it's time to eat, spread some BBQ sauce and stick it under the broiler.  Can't wait to try that one.  

 

Chili is good too but someone else suggested that.  

 

OK Team Shezam!  I took your advice and after dinner I made myself a big pan of lardons, sautéed onions and spinach, and scrambled eggs.  Divided it up into snack baggies and plan on taking one a day to work.  This was a great super tasty brekky!  Also pretty much my most paleo meal of the day hehe.  Made a boatload of pasta e fagioli for dinner tonight so will take some into work tomorrow for lunch.  Made the tons-o-veggie version with fennel, celery, kale, onlions.  YUMMY

 

Tracked food with MPF.... I really like that the iphone app pops up and says "you haven't logged your lunch yet.  Would you like to do that now?"  Why YES, Yes I would Mr. Fancypants!

 

Someone brought in the giant Harry & David tower o stuff-I-shouldn't-eat.  I had TWO of my fav chocoloate covered cherries then passed on the rest.  So happy to have the willpower to say no

 

Did my mini-walk today even UP a hellacious hill by my townhouse. 

 

WOOT WOOT!!

 

Woohoo.  Extra points for prepared meals.  Way to go. 

 

ZORMGAHHHHH - Went to Panera bread for a soup and sammy lunch.  Totally reasonable in my goals etc.  Ever so friendly(evil) manager comes around giving giant chocolate cookies out in apology for slight delay with our order.  Cookie immediately pushes every button I have (mid-day stress eating, smell, CHOCOLATE).  I had to mine the depths of my soul to come up with enough willpower to split the thing in half and give the other half to a coworker.

 

Ouch!  free chocolate chip cookies!  I commend you for your efforts on sharing.  That was a good call.  

[Shellsan]

Hokey Pokey

 

Did the do - Had the wobble with the cookie incident, but managed to not turn into

 

 

Updated my first post with the rebel mini quest 1 updates

 

Tomorrow is going to be a little challenging as I have a class to go to for work... 4 hours (1500-1900).  There will be snacks and stuff there so I'm going to try to fill up with a late lunch before I head over. 

[Sarah Barr]

 There will be snacks and stuff there so I'm going to try to fill up with a late lunch before I head over. 

 

Good plan!

 

Also, I only just noticed the parrots. That's a lot of parrots. I approve greatly. 

[Shellsan]

Sarah - those suckers are mega heavy too! Took the pic on a fun trip to Maui one year with a friend. Would LOVE to go back.

Do you have parrots??

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[Shellsan]

Today was great! Planning hugely contributed to my success. I woke up pre-dawn with MEGA MUNCHIES. Thank the gods my innate laziness, warm bed and cold morning persuaded me from getting up and eating all the food.

Carried on with my normal brekky plan, ate reasonably for lunch. At dinner I had some "spare calories" to go and I opted for more actual food rather than the cocktail i really wanted.

Also nailed my step/walk goal for the day woohoo! I'm so happy it gets a little brighter for longer each day!!

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[E_Mo]

Today was great! Planning hugely contributed to my success. I woke up pre-dawn with MEGA MUNCHIES. Thank the gods my innate laziness, warm bed and cold morning persuaded me from getting up and eating all the food.

Also nailed my step/walk goal for the day woohoo! I'm so happy it gets a little brighter for longer each day!!

 

I am excited to hit you up as soon as I find my FitBit. Do you try to do 10,000 steps per day?

 

I am struggling with the cold weather, too. I have been feeling so sluggish. All I want to do is stay in my pajamas all day under a pile of blankets. 

[Shellsan]

Tipsy posting tonight. Met goals yay! Walked at lunch. Happy weekend!!

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[Shellsan]

Okie dokie.  Very pleased to be posting hangover free this morning!!  My heart-sis came up yesterday with her boyfriend and we went wine tasting.  I was darn tickled with myself this morning to note I kept the presence of mind to log all of my food/wine in MFP.  I admit, I was pretty tempted to just call it a "free" day.  But I decided that was the precise reason my challenge was "log food" and not "eat like a saint".  The point was to be mindful and own my decisions and that's what I did.  I'm ridiculously proud of myself!

 

All in all week one was a success.  I definitely see an uptick in my steps walked (fitbit).  I logged all my food with no junk/fast food. I was mightily tempted a few times to bail but I stuck with it.  I'm also pretty darn happy this week with meeting my challenges.  SO - the scale itself didn't budge.  I'm down less than 1lb and even that could be water fluctuation.  Still, I deliberately took steps in the right direction toward health and happiness so I'm calling Week One a success!

 

Week two - I'm going to bust out the measuring tape and actually record where I am... I know from a reading a lot of other rebels stories that having a quantitative metric that you can track in addition to the scale is super helpful. 

[goodbye_farewell]

Not a bad first week! And yeah, taking more measurements than just weight will help you see progress (or lack there of) and correct accordingly!

[kshennya]

  I was darn tickled with myself this morning to note I kept the presence of mind to log all of my food/wine in MFP.  I admit, I was pretty tempted to just call it a "free" day.  But I decided that was the precise reason my challenge was "log food" and not "eat like a saint".  The point was to be mindful and own my decisions and that's what I did.  I'm ridiculously proud of myself!

 

Exactly this.  Being "food honest" with yourself and knowing what you ate/consumed doesn't mean you can ONLY eat the "perfect" foods.  You will not always be under your goals either (probably), but that is ok too as long as you know and take it into account.

 

Sounds like a good week, and glad you had a great weekend!

[jengetsit]

Measurements can really help especially if you exercise! 

 

Good job so far!

[Shello]

You are definitely on the right track.  You've got a great attitude.  Can't wait to see how week 2 turns out for you.