artemisia used respawn

[artemisia victoria]

Hi, I'm Ashley.

 

My first NerdFitness Challenge was amazing: I was so dedicated to changing my lifestyle, I met every goal with enthusiasm, I lost weight and really had fun doing it. Then during my second challenge, I was dealing with many distractions and made many excuses. And I did not feel good, mentally or physically.

 

This challenge I want to get back to basics, remember why I wanted to change my lifestyle in the first place. I want to feel good and make fitness an integral part of my life, not just a commitment or a burden. Part of this is not just eating well and exercising, but budgeting and spending money more wisely.

 

I am also going to finally do my research and add the RPG element of NF! Anyone who is awesome at this *coughGlasscough*, please feel free to give feed back. 

 

What do I need: YOU!

That's right you! I need my NF friends to be the most annoying, nagging, persnickety accountability buddies. You keep me honest and motivated.

 

Goal #1: Fitness. I will walk 10,000 steps each day. I will also try to do the thing I dread most—Running!!! I will run for at least 5 minutes, twice a week. Even if I cannot run for 5 minutes straight, I will run for 5 minutes. +5 STA

 

Goal #2: Eating. I will eat 3 'paleo' meals each week. While I'm not going to full paleo, because I feel like that would be tough to jump right into. So I will be focusing on eating unprocessed foods with a heavy emphasis on vegetables, fruits, and meats. Any good recipes appreciated! +5 CON

 

Goal #3: Money. I have been spending so much money on food and I need to start budgeting and being more careful with my resources. I think the best way to start this is cutting down on money spent 'out'. So I will only buy food out twice a week. This includes grabbing snacks at work, buying lunch because I suddenly don't want what I have, and going out for dinner. I will only buy coffee once a week.  I am a huge Starbucks addict so this will be tough. +3 WIS

 

Goal #4: Health. I have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) from an accident. This malfunctioning of my jaw causes all sorts of way side effects: misalignment in my neck, fun popping and clicking noises, headaches, and (my personal favorite) pressure and pain in my ears which makes hearing hard sometimes. I have been seeing an excellent physical therapist, but any who has been to therapy knows that the treatment in the office is really 1/3 of the solution. I am REALLY bad at doing my PT exercises. So I will do my chest and back exercises 3 times per week, jaw stretches daily, posture checks every hour. +1 CON/+1 DEX

[Lag a'mhuilin]

Great challenge! I have lots of recipes, what you need?! When I started paleo originally I would start to crave things I used to have, like fried rice, but instead of giving in I would just Google "paleo fried rice" and I found cauliflower "rice." I haven't been full paleo in a while (trying to get back), but I still keep a lot of the same habits from when I was. I still eat spaghetti squash instead of pasta, and throw some cauliflower in a food processor and cook it up with spices, veggies, sauce, etc to make "rice." I was pretty surprised at how much of the grains I was eating was for filler, texture, or a vehicle for flavor, and how easy it was to transfer those flavors to a substitute.

 

Anyway, here's a good recipe I made yesterday: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vb5qedyaljznsz9/Beef%20bolognese.pdf?dl=0

It's a beef bolognese sauce for "pasta" or just by itself. Easily makes enough for a week. The key is taking the time to chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic really small so they call all soften and blend together during the simmer phase. This should end up as a really hearty, rich, beefy topping rather than a tomato sauce--most of the liquid should boil off. Also choose a good wine.

 

I'll have to find some of the paleo recipes I've used, but my favorites have included pork tenderloin with blackberry sauce, cauliflower fried "rice," various ways to cook salmon, big salad with a variety of dark green leaves and homemade salad dressing, several different kinds of meatballs that I freeze and take to work for breakfast, etc. Well great...now I made myself hungry!

 

Good luck on the challenge.

[Sarah Barr]

Hi artemisia!

 

Your goals look good, I think 5 minutes of running twice a week in combination with your daily step-count is a great level for starting out! Good luck with the coffee - are you planning on weaning yourself off caffeine a little at the same time, or do you have a plan for cheaper replacements?

 

Recipes! Yes!

 

- Got this from Teros' challenge thread ages ago. Simple and delicious coconut flour fried chicken:

"A package of chicken strips, a bowl of coconut flour with seasoning in it, and a couple eggs. I scrambled the eggs and then dipped the chicken strips in that, then rolled the chicken into the coconut flour bowl (with garlic and onion powder).  Then fried up the chicken strips in a pan with some olive oil or coconut oil. I can't remember which one.  I think next time I need to 'double dredge' the chicken because it was a little bit dry. It doesn't taste like coconut at all."

- Paleo sweet potato pie is great

- Here is my vegetable chilli recipe; it's not quite paleo but I will never stop posting this to people because it's really easy if you can find frozen veg, basically absorbs leftover veg/beans, and freezes well.

 

Fry a large handful of frozen onion (so much easier than fresh onion) in a teaspoon of olive oil in the bottom of a large (gallon) saucepan, until translucent and golden. Then add:

- A 500g bag of frozen chopped Mediterranean vegetables (a mix of peppers, aubergines, courgettes, that sort of thing.)

- A couple of handfuls of frozen chopped mushrooms

- Whatever vegetables you have hanging about in the fridge, finely chopped (it'll take pretty much anything, this. Sling in those odd looking carrots, that half-can of peas, that spare sweet potato, or that can of butterbeans a friend's mum gave you and you have no idea what to do with)

- 1 can of mixed beans, or kidney beans, drained

- 1 can of chopped tomatoes

- 1 tsp garlic puree

- 2 vegetable stock cubes, crumbled

- Spices, to taste: tabasco sauce, smoked paprika, chilli powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, ground coriander, half a jar of jalapenos. Or leave out the spices, just add basil and oregano and call it vegetable casserole.

 

Let simmer until the skin on the aubergines has turned from purple to brown, and the rest of the veg is tender. You can use all fresh veg, of course, but chopping takes forever. I love frozen bags of veggies because I never use fresh ones up before they go off.

 

- And there are always fun things in the recipe book in case you haven't seen it yet!

 

 

Good luck!

 

P.S. I see you have specially requested nagging.

[stealthstitcher]

I hear you! My method of achieving progress seems to be 1.) Do really well 2.) Fall completely apart and do nothing 3.) Get frustrated 4.) Get over it. 5.) Repeat from step 1. But as long as you get going again, it's a win.

I don't have any exciting recipes ... I just stir fry everything. Hot oil plus chopped up meat plus chopped up vegetables.

My tip for not eating lunch out - plan carefully. Don't just pack a lunch, pack an appetizing lunch. I don't know how many times I've run out to grab a burger and fries because I couldn't stand the thought of eating the sad salad and can of tuna I'd packed.

Once you get used to running, it makes you feel really good! And you have lots more energy and endurance for doing other things. I don't know why I ever stopped.

[artemisia victoria]

Hi artemisia!

 

Your goals look good, I think 5 minutes of running twice a week in combination with your daily step-count is a great level for starting out! Good luck with the coffee - are you planning on weaning yourself off caffeine a little at the same time, or do you have a plan for cheaper replacements?

 

 

Good luck!

 

P.S. I see you have specially requested nagging.

I am trying to cut back on the cost but inevitably will be drinking less coffee. Going to buy coffee is really integrated into my work environment, which is fine for the people who are getting paid, but is not sustainable for an unpaid intern. I think I will bring a can of Coke zero into work in case I feel like I need the caffeine, but most of the time I think I get coffee more out of boredom than anything else.  

 

I hear you! My method of achieving progress seems to be 1.) Do really well 2.) Fall completely apart and do nothing 3.) Get frustrated 4.) Get over it. 5.) Repeat from step 1. But as long as you get going again, it's a win.

I don't have any exciting recipes ... I just stir fry everything. Hot oil plus chopped up meat plus chopped up vegetables.

My tip for not eating lunch out - plan carefully. Don't just pack a lunch, pack an appetizing lunch. I don't know how many times I've run out to grab a burger and fries because I couldn't stand the thought of eating the sad salad and can of tuna I'd packed.

Once you get used to running, it makes you feel really good! And you have lots more energy and endurance for doing other things. I don't know why I ever stopped.

What's great is that in order to be fully warmed up for running, I will need to spend at least 20 minutes on an elliptical. And since I'm in the gym anyway, I'll do some weights

[artemisia victoria]

Yes I specifically request nagging, because I know it will come from a place of love

[Shello]

Another miscellaneous bean checking in.  Nice looking goals.  I'm following along to nag nag nag... out of love of course.  

[Glass]

nag

[artemisia victoria]

Day 1 Check-in

 

Fitness

I walked 10,000 steps already today! 10K: 1/7

And because I had the change to get to the gym when it wasn't too full I ran for 5 minutes!       Running 1/2!

 

I kept it at a low jog (5.5 mph) using a 2% incline to stimulate running outdoors. While it wasn't 5 minutes straight, I did run for 3 minutes before getting a side cramp, which is better than I've done before. Also my feet don't feel too bad! My plantar fasciitis flares up pretty badly when I run, but I actually felt good today. 

 

Eating

I'm going to try my first paleo meal tonight. Planning on having baked cod fillets with a nice salad. 

 

Money

While I haven't spent any money on food or coffee today, this aspect is not off to a great start because I went to an event last night and spent way more than I intended by promising a friend that I would cover her Uber home. I wish she had warned me how far away it was; $115 later, I'm still shocked! 

 

Health

 

I didn't remember to do PT until I started writing this post, so going to quickly get some jaw exercises in. 

[Shello]

Great start.  No nagging required here.  I'll just move along.

[Teirin]

Hello!  Glad you're focussing on PT and taking good care of yourself this challenge :-)

 

$115 home?   Grief yes, she really should have warned you!

[artemisia victoria]

Day 2 Check-In

 

Fitness:

Didn't get to the gym today, but was very productive otherwise

10K 2/7, Running 1/2

 

Eating

My paleo meal last night hit a bit of a snag, because I didn't have enough salad ingredients for a big one. So had to have some rice. Paleo 0/3

 

Money

Used one of my meals out for a good cause and took my roommate out to breakfast for her birthday. Eating out 1/2. Still haven't bought coffee but I've been out of the office so tomorrow is the real challenge

 

Health

Jaw exercises, done! Checked in with my PT and completed new stretching routine for levator scapulae and upper trapezius muscles. 

[Shello]

I hate when I run out of the required produce to eat healthy.  I find I am stopping at the store more frequently now.  I always underestimate how much to buy.  Previously, I would buy some with good intentions and it would all go bad.  Now I am having trouble getting enough.  Crazy! 

 

But otherwise, looks like a pretty solid day.  Birthday breakfasts are a very noble cause indeed.

[artemisia victoria]

Day 3 Check-In

 

Today was a slip day 

 

Fitness

10K 3/7, Gym 1/2. I planned to go to Krav Maga class today,but I got out of work late. I probably could have made class if I rushed, but I was too wrecked from the long day. Instead I walked to Trader Joe's with my friend and got lots of nice looking produce. 

 

Money

Used my second meal out of the week because I woke up late and felt lazy. Eating out 2/2. On the flipside, was so busy at work that I didn't have time for coffee Coffee 0/1. 

 

Health

Forgot jaw exercises and posture checks today. 

[Shello]

That's OK.  A slip day isn't too bad.  Just never 2 in a row.  make today count.  

[stealthstitcher]

Have you done Krav Maga long? Pure curiosity; I tiptoe with fascination around martial arts and self defense, but have never tried any.

[Teirin]

Stocking up on good veggies to eat better is good, if you couldn't make it to class :-)  Tomorrow will be a better day.

[artemisia victoria]

Check-in Day 4

Fitness

While I didn’t get to the gym, I am still exceeding my walking target of 10,000 steps every day.

10K 4/7, Running 1/2

Eating

I planned a wonderful paleo salad for lunch, with plenty of cruciferous vegetable (one of my favourite words BTW). Only after I ate it did I do more paleo research and find out that thing about legumes. You know the one where it’s says legumes are in no way paleo? Well turns out I just heard ‘legumes are…paleo’. So my edamame in the salad discounted that meal.

So for dinner I made paleo turkey burgers! They turned out great: burgers had tart apples and red onions mixed in, topped with avocado, and served on iceberg lettuce. Though the lettuce bun caused a bit of leakage, I was happy with the result. Paleo 1/3.

No, I lied, I’m damn proud of this dinner!

 

Money

The problem with my paleofail salad was that it left me crazy hungry, so I bought some mushroom soup from the cafeteria. Eating out 3/2. Still haven’t gotten coffee though. Coffee 0/1.

 

Health

In a strange twist to this goal, my PT moved out of state without telling me. So now I’ve got an appointment with someone else in the practice. While I’m a bit upset because I thought we had a very good relationship, at least I don’t have to find someone else. Jaw exercises done, posture checks better, but need to work on chest openers. I might start leaving my medicine band in the living room so I can do it as I watch TV. 

[artemisia victoria]

That's OK.  A slip day isn't too bad.  Just never 2 in a row.  make today count.  

I think I did better on Thursday, but I really feel that I need to get back to having the gym as a priority. It's easy for me to go to the gym tuesday, saturday, sunday because I'm off work. But if I don't get into the gym before 5:10pm, I will not get a machine before 9. 

 

Have you done Krav Maga long? Pure curiosity; I tiptoe with fascination around martial arts and self defense, but have never tried any.

I've only been doing Krav since October, but have previous experience with Japanese jujitsu. I like Krav, but if I were comparing the two jujitsu is much more subtle and about using body mechanics against your opponent, while Krav is all about maximizing intensity and force. 

 

Stocking up on good veggies to eat better is good, if you couldn't make it to class :-)  Tomorrow will be a better day.

Most important is to make sure I have good fruit to snack on instead of the office candy and chips. 

 

Thanks for the support!

[Lag a'mhuilin]

 

The problem with my paleofail salad was that it left me crazy hungry, so I bought some mushroom soup from the cafeteria. Eating out 3/2. Still haven’t gotten coffee though. Coffee 0/1.

 

 

I've found that eating full paleo makes me hungrier too. Try increasing fat. You can buy some almonds and keep them at work (or whatever) for a snack. Or you can do veggies or apples and almond butter. Just don't overdo it on the nuts because the calories start adding up. Also, here's an unrelated paleo tip: for dessert, stick one of those individual cups of apple sauce in the freezer until it's a slushy, and enjoy!

[artemisia victoria]

Check- In Day 5

 

Fitness

I was planning on going to Krav tonight, but then work got a bit crazy and I was kept until after class starts. I think I need to consider going to his other martial arts classes just because I am really struggling to make classes.

10K 5/7 Running 1/2

 

Eating

I had my turkey burgers again today! It' such a satisfying dinner & so tasty! I also read the NF paleo for beginners guide and downloaded 'Paleo Central' app.

 

Guys why isn't wine paleo? This may seem stupid but I cannot figure out how grapes are paleo but wine is not.

Paleo 2/3

 

Money

Did not eat out again today, feeling pretty good about this.

 

Also small victory: I did not eat a single snack or treat from the office! There is always something lying about: chocolates, cookies, muffins, chips. But I ate only what I brought in my lunch box, having fruit and rice cakes as my snacks! This took a lot of will power today because my dad was in a car accident (he's alright, but he's got delicate health)  and the desire to stress eat was strong.

 

Eating out 3/2  Coffee 0 /1

 

Health

 

Chest Openers 1/3  Jaw exercises 5/7 Posture Checks 5/7

[Lag a'mhuilin]

I drink wine while practicing paleo, but I think it has to do with your body using the alcohol for energy instead of or before using fat stores? Can anyone back this up with science? I think if you drink wine a lot it will slow down the results you want from the diet, but it was fine for me in moderation.

[artemisia victoria]

Check- In Day 6

 

Fitness

I was super motivated at the gym today! 30 mins on the elliptical/cross trainer pushing the resistances pretty high, then my running, followed by stretching and core work!

10K 6/7, Running 2/2

 

Eating

I adapted one of my favourite recipes to be paleo: Moroccan tagine! This just means I combined the vegetable and lamb tagine recipes to ensure I had a filling meal with adequate protein. No couscous, no problem!

 

I also tried making tuna salad with avocado instead of mayonnaise for lunch. So good! But I also had some rice, so not going to count that meal.

Paleo 3/3

 

Money

 

Eating out 3/2, Coffee 0 /1

 

Health

I reached a brilliant if belated conclusion: I should combine my PT and my stretching after running. Because I already look like a damp tomato at the gym, who cares if I'm making funny faces?

 

Chest Openers 2/3,  Jaw exercises 6/7 ,Posture Checks 5/7

[artemisia victoria]

I drink wine while practicing paleo, but I think it has to do with your body using the alcohol for energy instead of or before using fat stores? Can anyone back this up with science? I think if you drink wine a lot it will slow down the results you want from the diet, but it was fine for me in moderation.

See I want to cook with it, so alcohol is less of a problem. Good bolognese requires red wine!

[artemisia victoria]

Check- In Day 7

 

Fitness

No gym today because I had a bunch of job applications to do. It's amazing how draining working on that can be. Both energy and emotionally.

10K 6/7 Running 2/2

 

Eating

Today I tried two new paleo recipes. For lunch, I had a baked sweet potato with sautéed vegetables. I made sure to bake enough that I could have them for work lunches during the week. Then for dinner, I made a turkey taco salad.

Paleo 5/3

 

Money

I got to cheat on coffee this week. I knew I'd have to buy a coffee out on Sunday, because I had a networking meeting. So I did not allow myself to buy a coffee all week in anticipation. Then the person I was meeting generously covered my coffee for me, so yay!

Eating out 3/2, Coffee 0/1

 

Health

Chest Openers 2/3, Jaw exercises 6 /7, Posture Checks 5/7