[AThousandWords] Journey toward a more magical me

[athousandwords]

Hello Fellow Adventurers!
 
I'm Yvonne, now going by athousandwords, née mediavore.  I've lurked and delurked around NerdFitness for years and participated in a handful of challenges.  The only one I ever passed was two years ago, and I'm aiming to follow in my own footsteps since that challenge seemed to really work for me.  
 
Like a lot of people, I've been nebulously trying to "lose weight" for, well, years and have a hard time following past a few months.  I'm respawning yet again and am starting to make peace with the fact that even if I'm not as healthy as I could be, I'm making progress.  This year I've completely given up soda and fast food, and I'm want to build on that base and make more positive changes.
 
Main Quest:  Be a smokin' hot wizard

 

 

 

Motivation:  I'll be making my first pilgrimage to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in November, along with several days in Disney.  I really want to dress up, Disneybound, take tons of pictures and not hate the way I look in every single one.  My goals are fitness and diet based in order to support my quest.
 

Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4)

 

I completed the Whole30 in January and really liked the black and white nature of it.  So instead of striving for 80/20 or allowing myself a cheat day, I'm going completely, 100% paleo for the six week challenge.  I'm following the Primal Blueprint so that I have a clearly defined set of rules to follow.  I haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to log/track but it may be posting pictures on instagram, or it may be posting here - whatever works best.  Honor code in effect for days I can't post.

 

Pass/Fail only

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2)

 

The plan is to do strength training for > 20 minutes three days a week, and 'get moving' on at least two days.  That can be: yard work, hiking, dancing, walking, especially vigorous desk construction, etc - anything beyond routine daily movement.  To start, I'll be following the Rebel Strength Guide Dumbell Division, but I'm reading Starting Strength and would like to start incorporating what I learn.

 

A = 30 or more workouts total

B = 24 - 29 workouts

C = 18 - 23 workouts

D = 12 - 17 workouts

F = 0 - 12 workouts

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1)

 

Fact: 83% of all diets fail from lack of planning.  Ok, I just made that up, but it seems pretty accurate for me.  This is a two part goal - 1) Write up a meal plan every week, and 2) Actually go shopping and get the food.  I use Pepperplate to meal plan, and will post an image every week (sadly, no better way to share).

 

A = All 6 weeks

B = 5 of 6 weeks

C = 4 of 6 weeks 

D = 2 or 3 of 6 weeks

F = 0 or 1 of 6 weeks

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)

I've been failing to work on this room for months, and it's in a pretty sad state.  The goal is to have it completely done by the end of the six weeks.  I've broken it down my 10 tasks that need to be done, and grading will be by number of tasks completed.  When it's done, it's going to be an awesome steampunky masterpeice.  But there's a lot of work left to get to that point.  I'll be posting progress pics and hopefully a full before/after.
 

Task List:

• Finish constructing desk (wood and metal parts)
• Fill, sand, and stain desk
• Hang window treatments
• Organize closet
• Remove closet doors and hang curtains
• Paint frames, print pictures, and arrange gallery wall
• Organize filing system
• Build island cart
• Raise and refurbish dresser
• Hang shelves, pictures, wall accoutrements as needed

A = All 10 tasks

B = 7 to 9 tasks

C = 4 to 6 tasks 

D = 1 to 3 tasks

F = 0 tasks

 
Starting Stats:
 

LEVEL: 2 | STR 7 | DEX 4 | STA 2 | CON 7.5 | WIS 3 | CHA 5

 

Weight: 173.4 lb.

Pants size: 10/12

Waist: 33.5"

Belly: 39"

Hips: 42.5"

Right Thigh: 26"

Right Bicep: 13.5"

Neck: 14"

[athousandwords]

Week 1 Status
 
Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4) âœ“

 

Monday: âœ“
Tuesday:   âœ“
Wednesday: âœ“
Thursday: âœ“
Friday:  âœ“
Saturday: âœ“
Sunday: âœ“

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2) âœ“

 

Monday: --
Tuesday:  20+ minutes ST (using RSG Bodyweight Brigade, Session A )
Wednesday: --
Thursday: 7250+ steps
Friday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Bodyweight Brigade, Session B )
Saturday: Hard, manual labor, aka desk construction
Sunday: 45 min yoga

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1) âœ“

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)

- Task 1: 95% complete

 

Minis Completed:

Mini #1 (+1 CHA)

 

Weekly Weigh In:  170.8lb

[athousandwords]

Week 2 Status
 
Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4)  âœ“

 

Monday: âœ“
Tuesday:  âœ“
Wednesday:  âœ“
Thursday:  âœ“
Friday:   âœ“
Saturday:  âœ“
Sunday:  âœ“

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2)  âœ“

 

Monday: --
Tuesday:  7250+ steps
Wednesday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session B )
Thursday: 12000+ steps
Friday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session A/C )
Saturday: 1 hour yoga & pilates
Sunday: --

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1) âœ“

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)

- Task 1 (Finish constructing desk): 95% complete

- Task 2 (Fill, sand, and stain desk): 30% complete

 

Minis Completed:

Mini #2 (+1 STR)

 

Weekly Weigh In:  169.2 lb (-1.6 lb)

[athousandwords]

Week 3 Status
 
Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4)  âœ“

 

Monday:  âœ“
Tuesday:   âœ“
Wednesday:  âœ“
Thursday:  âœ“
Friday:   âœ“
Saturday:  âœ“
Sunday:  âœ“

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2)  âœ“

 

Monday: --
Tuesday:  20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session B )
Wednesday:  Hiking: 7250+ steps
Thursday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session A/C )
Friday: --
Saturday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session B ) and 7250+ steps walking
Sunday: 6 mile bike ride

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1)   âœ“

 

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)

- Nothing done this week

 

Minis Completed:

Mini 3: Try something news (+1 CHA)

 

Weekly Weigh In:  168.4 (-0.8lb)

[athousandwords]

Week 4 Status
 
Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4) âœ“

 

Monday:  âœ“
Tuesday:   âœ“
Wednesday:  âœ“
Thursday:  âœ“
Friday:   âœ“
Saturday:  âœ“
Sunday:  âœ“

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2)  âœ—

 

Monday: --
Tuesday:  --
Wednesday:  Yoga, 45 minutes
Thursday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session A/C )
Friday: Walking - 6+ miles
Saturday: Walking - 6+ miles
Sunday: --

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1)  âœ“

 

 

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)  âœ—

 

 

Minis Completed:

Mini 4: Limber up (+1 WIS)

 

Weekly Weigh In:  167.0 lb (-1.4)

[athousandwords]

Week 5 Status
 
Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4) âœ“  

 

Monday:   âœ“
Tuesday:   âœ“

Wednesday:   âœ“  

Thursday:  âœ“  
Friday:   âœ“  
Saturday: âœ“  
Sunday:  âœ“  

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2)   âœ“  

 

Monday: 3mi Bike Ride
Tuesday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session A/C )
Wednesday:  3mi Bike Ride
Thursday: 20+ minutes ST (using RSG Dumbbell Division, Session B )
Friday: 1 hour hike
Saturday: --
Sunday: --

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1)  âœ“

 

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)

• Fill, sand, and stain desk:  60% done
• Paint frames, print pictures, and arrange gallery wall: 50% done

 

Minis Completed:

 

 

Weekly Weigh In:  166.6

[athousandwords]

Week 6 Status
 
Goal 1:  Follow the Primal Diet 100% of the time (CON 4)

 

Monday:  âœ“
Tuesday:   âœ“
Wednesday:  âœ“
Thursday:  âœ“
Friday:   âœ“
Saturday:  âœ“
Sunday:  âœ“

 

Goal 2:  Exercise 5 times a week for at least 20 minutes (STR 2, STA 2)  )  âœ—

 

Monday: --
Tuesday:  --
Wednesday: --
Thursday: --
Friday: Walked 5k
Saturday: --
Sunday: --

 

Goal 3:  Meal Plan Every Week (WIS 3, CON 1) âœ“

 

 

Life Quest: Finish the Office (STA 1, CHA 1, WIS 1)

• Fill, sand, and stain desk:  100% done

 

Minis Completed:

 

Weekly Weigh In:  164.4

[Glass]

Niiiice a goal built around organizing, cleaning, and working on your living space. I can dig that. "cleanliness is second only to godliness" lmao

[athousandwords]

@glass Thanks!  Mooost of my house is in good shape (maybe not quite at godliness), but this office really needs some love.

[Glass]

I'm trying to have a daily 10 min declutter goal, whether its just putting my clothes away or cleaning up after yesterday or washing dishes. Its amazing the effects it has on your mind.

[athousandwords]

@Glass That is such a good idea! Helps you from feeling overwhelmed about everything there is to do, too. And I always find that if I start and give myself 5 min I usually end up going longer anyway. I need to get back into that habit!

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[athousandwords]

Okay, Day 3 check in. My week has kind of gone off the rails already, but I'm still doing ok. On Monday I made a meal plan and went grocery shopping, then made NomNomPaleo's crab cakes with plenty of leftovers so I've been set for lunches.

Yesterday, my husband and I both had to work late and found out that he'd be traveling to NY for work the next day, so instead of making Chicken Cacciatore as planned (which takes over an hour to make), we grabbed Chipotle on the way home. I skipped the rice, beans, corn, etc and went for a salad with barbacoa, guac, and lots of salsa.

Today I had to drop him off at the train station two hours before I normally get into work, so I went to the mall and wandered around (yay steps!) until Corner Bakery opened, then got some eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for breakfast. I still have lunch packed for today, and I'll make the chicken tonight. Plus, hubby being out of town gives me some free time to work on the office.

Oh, and I started working out yesterday morning! It felt like being punched in the gut after not working out in a few months, but I'm pleasantly sore today.

All in all, not a bad start to the challenge.

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[Mourgause]

 

 

I'll be making my first pilgrimage to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in November, along with several days in Disney. 

 

'Eeeeyyyy I'll be down there in November too! It's so hard to keep a diet at Disney though T_T Lots of prep work and strong-wills haha

 

I also like the cleanliness life quest, cluttered space, cluttered mind etc etc, especially if it's supposed to be a work space. And your meal plan looks amazzzzing. I'm especially eyeing that crab cake and wondering if you have a link to your paleo recipe...?

[athousandwords]

'Eeeeyyyy I'll be down there in November too! It's so hard to keep a diet at Disney though T_T Lots of prep work and strong-wills haha

 

That's awesome!  I'm so excited about the trip.  To be honest, if I can stay on track for the next 5 months I'm totally okay with going off the rails a little at Disney/Universal. I think it's all about balancing good choices with, say, Butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs.  I'll just have to jump right back into that Nov 9 6W challenge after!

 

And thanks - I don't have a super easy way to share recipes from my meal plan, but I'm happy to post them if anyone asks.  The crab cakes were from NomNomPaleo's recipe, and they were a big hit!

[athousandwords]

Day 4 check in - this week is flying by!
 
I got back on track with my meal plan yesterday, and made Chicken Cacciatore for dinner.  I adapted Pioneer Woman's recipe to be paleo: crusted the chicken in an italian herb blend instead of flour, used ghee as my oil, and plated over spinach instead of pasta.  Plus, I got to use my new dutch oven for the second time; I think I'm a little in love with it.  The chicken turned out amazing, and I have have tons of leftovers to get me through the week.

 

In the Dutch Oven

 

Final dish

 

Goal #2 hasn't been going quite as well.  I woke up at 6:30am but couldn't convince myself to get out of bed and exercise.  Getting back into a morning workout schedule is tough.  Since I skipped my ST, I'm going to make up for it by taking a long walk break today in order to hit my "get moving" target.  If I cross that off today and get another workout in Saturday, I can ST on Friday and Sunday and still make my goal.  It's a little intense right off the bat, but that's what I get for being lazy at the beginning of the week.

 

And unfortunately, I did the same thing with my life goal.  Yesterday was a good opportunity to work on the office and I blew it off because I was tired after making dinner.  So I'll be playing catch up with that this weekend on that too.  I just have to remind myself how nice it'll be to work in a real office space instead of the dining room table, and that as soon as I'm done with the hard part I get to do fun stuff like decorate.

[athousandwords]

Starting pics of the office:

Desk wall and window that needs better treatments

Action shot of the desk being built in place

Still not sure what do to with this wall

Closet that needs to be decluttered and reorganized

Gallery wall will be staying but getting new frames and pictures

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[dsavage]

Awesome pictures of the office build!

 

I think your food challenge is great, awesome Michael Pollan quote. I picked my challenge goals after reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma".

[athousandwords]

Awesome pictures of the office build!

 

I think your food challenge is great, awesome Michael Pollan quote. I picked my challenge goals after reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma".

 

Thanks, I love that book!  Completely changed how I think about food.

 

 

Day 5 Checkin - happy Friday!

 

Goal 1: Brag moment - even though we're only 5 days in, I am totally kicking ass in the diet department.  Last night I went to happy hour with friends and happily got one glass of red wine, a bun-less lamb burger with roasted red pepper, and a spinach side salad instead of fries.  Then I lusted after my friend's fries for a minute or two because they were thick, delicious looking steak fries.  But here's the thing I've realized - I do really well with Bright Lines.  Yep, I am an all or nothing kind of gal.  If I were doing 80/20 paleo, I would have grabbed a fry or two and figured it into my 20%, then craved them even more.  But going 100% paleo took the decision (and the guilt) away; I could tell myself "I don't eat fries" and actually be happier for it.

 

This is something that really clicked for me during after the Whole30 - during the W30 I didn't feel deprived, even though it's a very restrictive diet, and I never wanted to binge.  After, when I tried to go modified paleo, the disordered eating started up again.  I would justify eating 3 candy bars in a row with a side of mac and cheese because it was my cheat meal and I wanted to make the most of it.  I hated myself for doing it, but told myself that if I ate clean for the rest of the week it would make up for it.  But the 'healthy' food no longer tasted as good as the crap I was cheating with.

 

Anyway, that's me getting real for the day.  Hopefully around week 3 when I'm tempted to just f--- it all for some mac and cheese I can look back at this and remember how much better it feels to be in control of my eating.

 

Goal 2:  Yesterday I got in 7250+ steps, which is approximately a walking 5k for me.  Then this morning I forced my lazy self out of bed to strength train.  I tried to take a leaf from Steve's book and walked to our local park to work out there, since I don't have a chin up bar at home.  It didn't work out quite so well, because even though it was free of children and onlookers I still felt self-conscious.  Plus, there were swarms of gnats and no good place to do push-ups or planks.  So I got in 4 measly backwards chin-ups (where you start at the top and lower down - and hey, better than nothing!), then went home to finish the rest.  I'm still only up to doing 2 sets of the exercises instead of the recommended 4, due mostly to time constraints.  I'm thinking on Sunday I'll really push myself to do all 4.

 

Life Goal:  Still no progress here.  I went into the office last night to take the starting photos posted above, then felt overwhelmed and left without doing anything else.  Bummer.

 

In other news, I finished reading The Martian last night, and am even more psyched about the movie now.  I've got Amy Poehler's Yes, Please lined up next, but I think I'll make myself wait until I've gotten some work done on the office before cracking it open.  Rewards system, right?

[Raze]

Welcome back! I am also doing a respawn after lurking and failing quite a few challenges.

 

Love the goals. good luck on that office!

 

I'm going to have to look into the primal blueprint. I know how you feel with the all or none approach. That has helped me in the past and something I have been struggling with in regards to certain vices I have.

 

I noticed you are also a "DC suburb" also known as the entirety of northern VA. There are a few of us running around for this challenge!

[athousandwords]

@jcsimmons Sounds like we're in the same boat!  And I'm glad to see another NoVA resident around.  

 

The Primal Blueprint is just another take on Paleo, started by Mark Sisson.  It's actually not one of the stricter forms of paleo - you can still have dairy and alcohol! - but for me it's enough of a guideline to keep me in check.  I'd recommend checking it out if you're interested in in paleo/primal, or really nutrition in general.  He has some interesting blogs about how the effects of various foods.

[athousandwords]

My drink vs the world...

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[Raze]

OOO New Belgium ale.... YUM!!!

[athousandwords]

Haha I know, New Belgium is delicious. But I'm sticking with water, dangit!

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[MoodyBeth2]

You got this!!! The Whole 30's words " This is not hard.  Cancer is hard..." Echo and bounce about in my hear.  If you can complete the 30, you have this done before it's started.   

I'm also, following a lot of Mark Sisson... great motivator.  So are you.

[weaver]

That chicken looks delicious! And don't get overwhelmed by the office - just keep in mind the tasks you laid out for yourself and tackle them one at a time! Go build that desk!!!