Hiroro Digs in her Heels

[Hiroro]

I sat out last challenge, as the bf was visiting (for TWO MONTHS) on business. Which was awesome except for the weight I gained...having bf in vacation-eating mode (eating out huge meals on the company's dime all the time) assisted my tumble off the wagon. Not back up to my pre-W30 weight, but ugh it does not feel good. One good thing is I've been getting to the gym more often over the past month, ideally that will become routine.

 

I've had enough of going back and forth between restrictive, stressful healthy eating and going all out on cheese. Time to find that laser-like focus and combine it with joyfulness! Also...stubbornness because that comes more naturally to me than 'willpower'. This challenge I'm looking to wolves for inspiration:

 

Main Quest: Get Lean

Still looking to be under 25% body fat...still a long ways away.

 

Quest #1: Be a Carnivore

Wolves do not eat bread or cheese, because they are not meant to--and neither am I. Goal is to hit a protein and a vegetable at every meal. Time to get in touch with my primal instincts. I'd like to go completely Paleo, but have it be the way that I eat rather than a strict phase. I can have sweets if I make them myself GF/DF/etc (have plenty of Paleo cookbooks to guide me). 

 

Protein/Veg every meal: +4 CON

Finding balance: +1 CON

(If at the end of the challenge I feel like I could continue eating as I have been indefinitely, that will count as finding balance.)

 

Quest #2: Run like a Predator

Because I may actually run faster if I can have a steak at the end. Also, I've signed up for a 5k at the beginning of May and depending how that goes may try to increase distance. Dependent on my plantar fascitis. So I will also need to stretch like a predator to keep my calves/feet loose. 

Run 3x/week: +3 STA

Stretch calves and roll feet daily: +1 DEX

Finish 5k: +1 STA 

 

Quest #3: Hunt with the Pack

Take group fitness classes every week to try new things, interact with people, and get a good workout. Hoping this will be fun and that I'll find a class I want to keep taking...maybe even make fitbuddies.

 

Group class 1x/week: +1 CHA, +2 DEX

 

Lifequest: Seek Joy

Wolves play. For me, this is setting aside binge-watching TV for reading, crocheting, and miscellaneous DIY. Every week will try to make and read something new!

Weekly book: +1 WIS

Weekly make: +1 WIS

[Hiroro]

Proof that wolves are Paleo:

[Hiroro]

Perhaps I should have picked bunnies as my inspiration instead?

[darkfoxx]

Steeeeeaaaaaaak. I run for the steak, too. That's always my post-race treat/where I beeline after de-mudding. 

 

Steak has always been the most effective bribery for me.  

[Hiroro]

Starting the meal planning/shopping for the week, I recognize that vegetables at breakfast will actually require some effort. Also, dinner...because after the gym I scarf down scrambled eggs and neglect produce. 

 

I have the ingredients for this cucumber-avocado salad.

And there are Steamfresh bags in the fridge for emergencies (so good with butter and salt).

And I have a pumpkin waiting to be roasted.

 

...but none of those things sound appealing with breakfast. Maybe I'll get some cherry tomatoes so I can eat a handful and be done with it.

[Fonzico]

It's funny, because my coworker is always making fun of me for eating salad for breakfast - I have the opposite problem of not wanting to eat protein in the morning!

Are omelettes an option? That's an easy way to sneak some veggies in... At the very least, you could just toss some spinach in with your scrambled eggs after you workout!

I'm stoked you are doing a challenge though! I am going to get mine up today

[Xena]

veggies at breakfast might be tough. Are you stuck on 3 meals a day? For myself, it would be easier to bring some raw veggies to work and have them for a mid-morning snack...kind of extend breakfast a little.

 

I really like your wolf theme and the pictures!

[Toshimi]

To get veggies in in the morning, i pre cook a bunch of onions and peppers and mushrooms.... then put them in the eggs and make an omelet. Pre cooking them means less time in the morning needed for prep. 

[Hiroro]

Such great suggestions! Thanks guys!

 

It's funny, because my coworker is always making fun of me for eating salad for breakfast - I have the opposite problem of not wanting to eat protein in the morning!
Are omelettes an option? That's an easy way to sneak some veggies in... At the very least, you could just toss some spinach in with your scrambled eggs after you workout!

I'm stoked you are doing a challenge though! I am going to get mine up today

I always convince myself I'm going to make eggs in the morning (love them), but wake up in a rush to get to work...not because I wake up late, just because once I'm up my mindset is 'gotta get to work and start logging my time to make zee money'. Spinach is definitely a go-to for me though. Ha love that you ate salad for breakfast...I'm actually sort of anti-traditional salad. I like not-lettuce salad better...tomato salad, carrot salad...yum.

 

 

veggies at breakfast might be tough. Are you stuck on 3 meals a day? For myself, it would be easier to bring some raw veggies to work and have them for a mid-morning snack...kind of extend breakfast a little.

 

I really like your wolf theme and the pictures!

Actually since at work they're serving lunch at 10am, I'm sort of on a 3-meals and a big snack schedule. I have had a long breakfast like that, will definitely keep it in mind as an option.

 

To get veggies in in the morning, i pre cook a bunch of onions and peppers and mushrooms.... then put them in the eggs and make an omelet. Pre cooking them means less time in the morning needed for prep. 

Maybe next week Right now I'm struggling to get motivation to just throw together food hah.

[Hiroro]

I may be small but hear me howl

Week 1 Day 1

Quest 1: Carnivore - CHECK

Breakfast: broccoli/bacon: light on the protein but I'm counting it because it's the first time I've had vegetables at breakfast in forever.

Lunch: chicken + beef, salad

Dinner: pork, tomatoes

There was also cheese and such. But I'm trying to take a 'eat more healthy food' approach to diet rather than an 'eat less unhealthy food' approach.

 

Quest 2: Predator - CHECK

I ran yesterday, so today I did a NTC workout. 45 minutes...struggled :/ Going to stretch my calves now, to prep for tomorrow's run.

 

Quest 3: Pack - not yet

 

Lifequest: Joy - nope

Still watching tons of TV, catching up on Castle. But I just checked out the third and fourth books in the Eragon series, so that's going to occupy me soon.

Edit: Or...not. just realized I checked out Brisingr in Spanish so...nvm

 

Have to say, even though my eating hasn't been on point, over the past week since I've been working out more I'm feeling...happier! And sleeping amazingly, and feeling major gratitude about life. It's easy to forget how much the endorphins regulate my mood when I'm struggling to get off the couch. I'm finding myself pondering getting back into races, but may be getting too far ahead. Don't want to sign up for a half marathon and fundraise for LLS and then get injured for the millionth time and pull out. *deep breath* one step at a time. (Swear that pun was unintentional)

[Fonzico]

. But I'm trying to take a 'eat more healthy food' approach to diet rather than an 'eat less unhealthy food' approach.

This. This I like. Crowd out the crap!

[Hiroro]

Week 1 Day 2

Quest 1: Carnivore - CHECK

Breakfast: ground pork and tomatoes

Lunch; roast meat and bell peppers

Dinner: pork and mushrooms

 

Quest  2: Predator - CHECK

Ran/walked 3 miles. Stomach didn't feel so hot (probably a combination of my afternoon pastry and mid-run snot swallowing).

 

Quest 3: Pack - not yet. Probably tomorrow or Friday.

 

Lifequest: Joy - not yet.

 

 

So far so good. Next step...reducing the cheese. (As in no longer eating a cheese course after dinner)

[Hiroro]

Week 1 Day 3

Quest 1: Carnivore - NOPE

Breakfast: pork, mushrooms

Lunch: skipped

Dinner: steak

I worked through lunch and ate a pastry. Could have made better choices (ate cheesy stuff for dinner), but this was a crazy work day. Exhausted...time to sleep and recharge.

 

Quest 2: Predator - NOPE

Like I said, exhausted. I was up in the middle of the night texting a night shift coworker. Stayed up too late watching TV (past 11) and still got up at 5am. Blech. Next planned run is tomorrow.

 

Quest 3: Pack - not yet

Thinking Friday for my first group fitness class of the challenge.

 

Lifequest: Joy - not yet

The end of the week is looming...about to read How to Think About Exercise which is slim. Don't know what I'll make new yet.

 

Hitting a midweek slump, but not stressing about it. Hoping to take the weekend off but...might have to work at least one day.

[rita lin]

Awesome looking goals! looks like you're doing well.

 

With paleo are you not allowed fruit? Or if not pumpkin can be pretty sweet for more of a breakfasty thing, or just go full English; meat, tomatoes, mushrooms and eggs...mmmmm

[Squeege]

Great goals and Great theme! I'm excited to see what class you do for your pack goal on Friday. I also like how are aren't trying to restrict yourself, but just aiming for getting the healthy stuff in!

 

An idea: muddydancer suggested omelettes with pre-cooked veggies. I think this is a great breakfast option, except take it a step further. I used to make little crustless quiche things in a muffin pan and then put them in the fridge/freezer. Scramble the eggs, put some sauteed spinach in each little muffin thing, and pour the eggs to fill each one. Bake and you have easy breakfast for a week!

[Toshimi]

i love egg muffins! so many ways you can do them too! (just make sure and oil the papers too, makes them easier to eat.

 

Also- sent you a message about a hike in a few weeks if you want to join us. Not sure how big of a group it will be yet, but would love to have you if you are able to/want to join us!

 

 

Awesome looking goals! looks like you're doing well.

 

With paleo are you not allowed fruit? Or if not pumpkin can be pretty sweet for more of a breakfasty thing, or just go full English; meat, tomatoes, mushrooms and eggs...mmmmm

 

 

a lot of paleo guidelines say you should limit your fruit intake, mainly because of the sugars. If you do rice, I've also done rice with milk, and cinnamon in the morning. or nuts with milk on it... gives you the feeling of eating cereal without actually eating things you shouldn't. 

 

i've made pumpkin nut granola which is great too! 

[Hiroro]

Awesome looking goals! looks like you're doing well.

 

With paleo are you not allowed fruit? Or if not pumpkin can be pretty sweet for more of a breakfasty thing, or just go full English; meat, tomatoes, mushrooms and eggs...mmmmm

I'm not strict paleo, I've been eating some fruit but in the morning I want to get out of my comfort zone and get more vegetables into my diet. That English breakfast sounds amazing! 

 

Great goals and Great theme! I'm excited to see what class you do for your pack goal on Friday. I also like how are aren't trying to restrict yourself, but just aiming for getting the healthy stuff in!

 

An idea: muddydancer suggested omelettes with pre-cooked veggies. I think this is a great breakfast option, except take it a step further. I used to make little crustless quiche things in a muffin pan and then put them in the fridge/freezer. Scramble the eggs, put some sauteed spinach in each little muffin thing, and pour the eggs to fill each one. Bake and you have easy breakfast for a week!

Yeah I've had mixed success with cutting things out...definitely effective but can be stressful. This week instead of having debates 'oh you shouldn't eat that', I tell myself (silently) 'eating healthy is easy! eating healthy is fun! eating healthy is delicious!' And somehow that actually helps me make better choices...I think the moment of levity breaks me out of the anxious internal arguing mode.

 

i love egg muffins! so many ways you can do them too! (just make sure and oil the papers too, makes them easier to eat.

 

Also- sent you a message about a hike in a few weeks if you want to join us. Not sure how big of a group it will be yet, but would love to have you if you are able to/want to join us!

 

a lot of paleo guidelines say you should limit your fruit intake, mainly because of the sugars. If you do rice, I've also done rice with milk, and cinnamon in the morning. or nuts with milk on it... gives you the feeling of eating cereal without actually eating things you shouldn't. 

 

i've made pumpkin nut granola which is great too! 

I did egg muffins a while back and maybe got tired of them...but have a pack of prosciutto that got me inspired again because everything is better wrapped in prosciutto! 

Can't make that hike but maybe next time. I'm thinking Mt. Wilson in Pasadena sometime soon.

I don't limit my fruit because for the most part I don't tend to eat it that often (maybe 1-2/day). I sometimes eat rice because I'm convinced that my digestive system handles it well, but try not to too often because it doesn't have much to offer nutritionally. 

Thanks for the link! Maybe I'll try it...though...so many ingredients...

[Hiroro]

Week 1 Day 4

Quest 1: Carnivore - 1/3

Breakfast: skipped

Lunch: meatloaf, mixed veg (and THREE rolls with butter, mashed potatoes)

Dinner: GF cheese rolls, cheese and crackers, wine

 

Quest 2: Predator - NOPE

Planned to run today but just...didn't. Watching too much TV instead.

 

Quest 3: Pack - Not yet

Planned for Friday

 

Lifequest: Joy - started to read 'How to Think About Exercise'

 

Week 1 Day 5

Quest 1: Carnivore - OWNED

Breakfast: 1/2 avocado, roast beef, coffee

Lunch:  pulled pork, bell peppers

Snack: shake w/almond-coconut milk, banana, almond butter, dates, cocoa powder

Dinner: steak, 1/2 avocado

I realize that avocado is high in fat but...I had 4 ripe ones in the fridge, and I'm not going to worry too much about my macros right now. I consider this a kick-ass eating day...the shake was a treat but also easily-digested fuel for my workout. My stomach felt iffy all day (prob thanks to yesterday's eating) which helped me make good decisions. I realized that the work-catering always had raw bell peppers, so I can eat that when the only cooked veg is corn.

 

Quest 2: Predator - CHECK

Ran a little after class unplanned to try to win my Fitbit challenge against a coworker. Stretched my calves, will roll my feet next.

 

Quest 3: Pack - CHECK

I went to Zumba! For the first time at this gym. I've tried Zumba once or twice before but never really got into it. This class was fun, the teacher very energetic...would have been more fun with someone else I knew. 

 

Lifequest: Joy - NOPE

Going to read before bed. I WILL finish this book. Have to because...I forgot I'd requested more books and I'm about to have 30+ items out from the library. Eek.

 

A great end to the workweek. This weekend I'm planning to hike, run, and meal prep. And avoid TV (by finishing that book!). Bedtime now.

[Fonzico]

Avocados are the bees knees - screw feeling guilty about that!

Great first week! Let's finish the weekend strong, now

[Hiroro]

Er. Did not finish the weekend strong diet-wise AT ALL.

 

Week 1 Day 6

Quest 1: Carnivore - 0/3

Was not feeling well when I woke up (nausea, cramps, stomach pain) and for some reason all I wanted to eat was cheese flavored products. All I ate was most of a box of cheezits and two boxes of kraft mac'n'cheese. Thought I needed rest and bummed around watching most of Daredevil Season 1 all day...ended up with a headache and that blah feeling.

 

Quest 2: Predator - NOPE

As mentioned, took the day off. Thought I needed it because of crampy things, but apparently was wrong. Lesson learned.

 

Quest 3: Pack - done

Friday's class is my 'for the week'

 

Lifequest: Joy - NOPE

The 'How to think about exercise' took a distinct anti-religious turn, which was rather off-putting. I thought it was going to be like a Malcolm Gladwell book, but notsomuch. Not sure if I'll finish it...the library was closed for maintenance (FOILED).

 

Week 1 Day 7

Quest 1: Carnivore 0.5/3

It wasn't a particularly unhealthy day, I just didn't eat much. In the morning I felt queasy, so went with a shake. Stomach still felt iffy later...until late afternoon. Planned sushi/chirashi for dinner but no hunger.

Breakfast: date shake

Noshing: beef broth, a couple bites pho, half a cheese-bacon-egg crepe, takoyaki, kara age, croquette.

Dinner: wine

 

Quest 2: Predator - BAM

Went for a solo hike to a small waterfall. Fit in well with the rest of my day (meeting a friend for food-focused wanderings).

 

Quest 3: Pack- done

 

Lifequest - 0.5/1 for the week

I made egg muffins today, which I will count because I have not made them in a very long time. Also because I made them with mushrooms, which means the protein/veg breakfast is an easy win this week. However, I didn't finish a book...need to cut back on the TV.

 

 

In other news...

 

I realized on today's hike that I should not sign up for a long-distance race this year because:

1. I am heavier now, which exacerbates my plantar fascitis

2. I have foot pain (started after this one Chinese massage...) which could turn into a real injury

3. Races cost money. If injury takes me out again then I will be paying for nothing except the guilt

4. There are many other activities I wish to partake in while in Cali (for less than a year more)

5. The training long run does not pair well with a hike over the span of a weekend

6. A Cali race would be a good reason to travel from Cincy after I move back. Or I could do one in Cincinnati...where there are not so many hiking, etc opportunities

7. I need to settle into a routine

[Hiroro]

Today's trail was this rocky

Week 1 Wrapup

Quest 1: Carnivore - 12/21 = 57%

Oof. This is where I could use the most improvement. I had a fabulous trip/discovery to the Japanese grocery store today and returned with lots of sashimi and fish eggs to supply me with delicious protein, as well as eggs from the farmer's market. I made shiitake mushroom EGG MUFFINS (see me taking y'all's advice?) for breakfast during the week. Very excited about that.

 

Quest 2: Predator- CHECK

I ran twice and hiked once, which I've decided counts as I am modifying my goals to be more holistic. To be honest, I forgot that I had made it a goal to roll my feet and stretch calves daily but since realizing I'm doing it...so giving myself a break on that. 

 

Quest 3: Pack - CHECK

Went to my first Zumba class at World Gym! May go back, the instructor was very high energy. I like that the class felt challenging, both because I was sweating and because my hand-eye coordination is not optimal.

 

Lifequest: Joy - 50%

I feel the need. The need to read!!!

 

 

Week 2 Plan

 

Eating plan aka Carnivore:

I have the egg muffins made for breakfast, fish eggs/steak/sashimi and instant rice for dinner, and whatever the catering company brings for lunch. Since I realized that there are always bell peppers (if I show up early early enough), the veg is easy...just hope the protein of the day isn't cheese or cream-drenched. Trying to make my afternoon snack protein-and-veg-y also, since it is my workout fuel.

 

Workout plan aka Predator:

M/W/F: 5x5 Stronglifts or other weights

T/Th: Run (3-ish miles, or however I feel like. Could be more as I gain fitness)

Weekends: Hiking/biking/classes/whatever, as long as I fit in a workout over the weekend. I'm hoping to hike Mt. Wilson next weekend if my work schedule allows.

 

Pack Quest: not sure yet what class I'll take this week. If nothing else I'll fall back on the Friday Zumba class again.

 

Lifequest: Need to read 2 books this week to keep up...but I have so many options it shouldn't be an issue. Will maybe make dairy-free chia pudding for the 'make something' since it's bookmarked in my Feedly.

[Fonzico]

Great first week! Sure, the veggies weren't a home run, but that's where the challenge bit is at, right?

Holding off on racing is probably for the best also... And it leaves so much room for other activities!

I've yet to attempt anything chia related... I'm looking forward to hearing how that goes, if you do indeed attempt it.

[rita lin]

I LOVE Japanese food! It's not easy to get where I live now, limited to mostly noodles in miso, but yum!

 

Sounds like an excellent plan for the week ahead

[Hiroro]

Week 2 Day 1

Quest 1: Carnivore - CHECK

Breakfast: 2 egg/mushroom muffins, coffee

Lunch: Fried chicken, bell peppers

Big snack: sushi roll w/salmon, avo, crab, cucumber. 1 potato chip

Dinner: chirashi, asparagus w/mayo. Couple sips of wine

Ate a lot. Not ideal but not terrible either. Met my goal.

 

Quest 2: Predator - CHECK

-Stronglifts #1 Today was my first day of trying out this program. Weights start light, so afterwards I had enough energy for...

-Spin class

 

Quest 3: Pack - CHECK

Got it out of the way early this week with Spinning. Sweated a ton and enjoyed the class, but definitely missed my cycle shoes. I was wearing my thin-soled running/weights shoes, so by the end my left foot ached.

 

Lifequest: Joy - progress!

Reading 'The Finisher' by David Baldacci. It's amazing how much faster I read books that I enjoy, heh. Might just give up on the philosophical exercise book. Annoyingly, my local library is closed for maintenance (they have a ton of books on hold for me) but they re-open Saturday (which I learned from library voicemail after attempting to go twice in the past week)

 

Week 2 Day 2

Quest 1: Carnivore - CHECK

Breakfast: 1/2 avocado, 1 egg/mushroom muffin

Lunch: Steak, avo/tomato/lettuce salad w/vinaigrette, cherimoya (fruit)

Snack: HUGE apple-pear

Dinner: asparagus w/mayo, fish eggs, rice

And that's how it's done. It was diet kismet today, I brought leftover steak for lunch because it needed to get eaten...and the catered main dish was pasta (rather than the usual separate protein and starch). The snack was great post workout because I was ravenous but needed to get through Costco. Occupying a hand with fruit = not grabbing anything extra to buy.

 

Quest 2: Predator - CHECK

Ran/walked ~5.5mi

Took me a while, but my current Fitbit challenge with Dad and a family friend was motivating. I also enjoy watching MMA-related programs on the treadmill. 

 

Quest 3: Pack - Done

Would like to do a Zumba class later this week anyhow for fun!

 

Lifequest: Joy - in progress

Will likely finish 'The Finisher' tonight. And I made coconut milk tonight (which doesn't count) to then make chia pudding with. The pudding mixture is in the fridge now! To be completed tomorrow.

 

It's been a good start to the week. I finally feel like working out has become a regular part of my routine. It's good to be back.

[darkfoxx]

Look at all those checks! 

 

And weights + Spin class? Go, you! Kick ass!