The Legend of RhiaWolfe - Hit the Reset Button

[RhiaWolfe]

When we last left our hero, she was preparing for her journey. She started off strong, but got distracted by holiday sweets and busy with friends and family that her preparation took a back seat. With the holidays over and a new year on the horizon, it is time to hit the reset button and start a new game. 

 

 

Back to training. Feeling like she has fallen behind and has not made much progress, RhiaWolfe trains to grow stronger. Can’t fight battles with Stalfos and Moblins if you’re not strong enough to swing a sword and take a blow to the shield!

Goal 1: Back to Training – go to the gym/workout 4 times a week

Eating all of sugars and sweets at the Kokiri Christmas festival leaves RhiaWolfe feeling lethargic and without energy. It’s time to put away the cookies, candy, and other sweets and get back on track!

Goal 2: Less Sugar – No more than 2 heavy sweets a week (candy, cookies, cakes, etc.).

Without all the carbs and sugar, a hero still has to get energy from somewhere. Instead of stopping by the Kokiri inn and grabbing a meal full of fats, carbs, and high calories, instead maybe stay home and whip up a batch of deku stew?

Goal 3: Cooking Skill – Eat out no more than twice a week.

 

We’ve hit the reset button and started a new game. Let’s see if we can get this new year started right!

 

[RhiaWolfe]

Week 0 Update: Ok, so I officially hit the reset button yesterday (Tuesday rather than Sunday or Monday) because I was still on vacation visiting family... and there was lots of bad food involved. So, starting on day 1 (Tuesday) I am officially hitting reset and trying to get back on track. 

 

Day 1 Update: The day I got back from visiting family. I still had the day off work and was returning the day after (today). I got a lot done in the house, but didn't make it to the gym. I spent most of the day either cleaning, cooking, or getting ready for the week. There might have been some video game playing too. 

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - Did not make it to the gym or workout. Pending... 0/4

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - I did not eat any kind of heavy sweet yesterday. I think the worst thing I ate was some popcorn that I popped on the stove with a little salt. Definitely a win. Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - I did not go out to eat. I actually made a point to go to the grocery store and get food. Not only did I try cooking something a little different (chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts) but I also prepared lunch for the next day in the new portion control bento lunch box that came in!

 

 

 

Dinner was chicken thighs, roasted squash, and white rice. Very yummy and not bad at all. Success! 0<2

 

So far a good start! For today, Day 2 of week 0 I've still been doing pretty good, but I feel like I want to eat everything... so far I haven't caved and bought a bag of m&ms from the vending machine at work, but damn it's tempting... More updates tomorrow!

[Br0din]

[RhiaWolfe]

5 minutes ago, Br0din said:

 

 

[Shello]

3 hours ago, RhiaWolfe said:

Week 0 Update: Ok, so I officially hit the reset button yesterday (Tuesday rather than Sunday or Monday) because I was still on vacation visiting family... and there was lots of bad food involved. So, starting on day 1 (Tuesday) I am officially hitting reset and trying to get back on track. 

 

Day 1 Update: The day I got back from visiting family. I still had the day off work and was returning the day after (today). I got a lot done in the house, but didn't make it to the gym. I spent most of the day either cleaning, cooking, or getting ready for the week. There might have been some video game playing too. 

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - Did not make it to the gym or workout. Pending... 0/4

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - I did not eat any kind of heavy sweet yesterday. I think the worst thing I ate was some popcorn that I popped on the stove with a little salt. Definitely a win. Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - I did not go out to eat. I actually made a point to go to the grocery store and get food. Not only did I try cooking something a little different (chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts) but I also prepared lunch for the next day in the new portion control bento lunch box that came in!

 

 

 

Dinner was chicken thighs, roasted squash, and white rice. Very yummy and not bad at all. Success! 0<2

 

So far a good start! For today, Day 2 of week 0 I've still been doing pretty good, but I feel like I want to eat everything... so far I haven't caved and bought a bag of m&ms from the vending machine at work, but damn it's tempting... More updates tomorrow!

 

I love containers like those!  Food looks yummy.  Your goals are perfect for a post-holiday reset.  You can totally resist that vending machine!  

 

[RhiaWolfe]

8 minutes ago, LadyShello said:

 

I love containers like those!  Food looks yummy.  Your goals are perfect for a post-holiday reset.  You can totally resist that vending machine!  

 

 

Lunch was very tasty! Although I forgot the salad dressing, so the salad was dry. The holidays definitely left me wanting... so here I go! 

 

Away with you, stupid vending machines!!!!!

[Broba Fett]

That bento box container is awesome!  Where'd ya get it?

 

 

[Jarric]

That lunch looks amazing... Following along again

[RhiaWolfe]

16 hours ago, Broba Fett said:

That bento box container is awesome!  Where'd ya get it?

 

 

 

I got it on Amazon. Here's the link! https://www.amazon.com/Nucucina-Slim-Bento-Lunch-All/dp/B0160UGT9O/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1483623307&sr=8-18&keywords=bento+lunch+box

 

I love it! It's dishwasher safe and microwaveable. leak resistant too! 

 

5 hours ago, Jarric said:

That lunch looks amazing... Following along again

 

Thank you. My lunch was rather tasty. I forgot the salad dressing though, so I had a dry salad. Today I remembered the dressing! lol. 

[RhiaWolfe]

Week 0 Update: Continuing Week 0. So far so good! Let's see how I'm doing.  

 

Day 2 Update: First day back at work I've been determined to not let work stress get me down too much. While I had food cravings like crazy, I avoided anything too bad for me. I may have eaten a lot, but it was all healthy stuff like fruit, vegetables, and beef jerky. lol. 

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - Made it to the gym! I did leg day. For a while I've had trouble with leg day because my knees end up hurting after. This time I took some extra time to do my workouts slowly and check my form. I followed some advice my trainer gave me and voila! No knee pain this time! YAY! I even managed to work in my cardio after weight lifting. Definitely a success. Felt awesome afterwards. Success! 1/4

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - Definitely a win. I didn't eat candy, cookies, or anything filled with sugar. Today, however, is going to be a challenge. I'm going to the movies with friends tonight and I have to admit I'm a sucker for candy and popcorn at movies. I'll update everyone tomorrow on if I resisted the urge.  Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - I had leftovers for dinner from the night before. Yummy yummy chicken, rice, and zucchini! I felt full and satisfied afterwards and didn't snack (Then again, I didn't really have much time to snack.) I didn't get home until 7:30 since I took more time at the gym to correct my form. I got a shower, did dishes, fixed lunch for the next day, made dinner, by the time I sat down to eat it was 8:30pm and I have to be in bed by 9:30pm. Busy day... but I did good!  Success! 0<2

 

One thing that I'm starting is I found an app called "Bliss". It's a positivity journal. I'm going to add a new goal to my challenge. Goal 4: Think Positive!

 

Recently I've found that I'm surrounded by a lot of negativity. Best friend is going through a hard time. Morale at work is at an all time low. Family members having drama. So, I'm going to have a 4th goal to make an entry into my positivity journal every night before I go to bed. There are several options in this app, but the one I'll primarily be using is to think of three good things that happened that day. I will try to look for the good in every day rather than focusing on the bad. I hope this will turn around my mental state and ultimately make me a happier person. 

 

Goal 4: Think Positive!

I wrote in my journal 2 things that were good the day before. I need to make it to 3 each day. One of the things I wrote down was that I posted my challenge on NF. This helps me have guidance and gives me specific goals to work on. I feel like I"m accomplishing something rather than spinning my wheels. It's a good feeling. 

 

The other thing I wrote was that I completed my workout at the gym with no knee pain. This is something that has been bothering me for a while now. I finally managed to figure out what was wrong and work through it! It took more time at the gym, but totally worth it. I felt fantastic afterwards! 

 

Success! 1/4 (short week for week 0)

[Jarric]

I think the positivity journal's a great idea - I did something similar on my last challenge and I really felt it was helping me improve my headspace. Now you've mentioned it I might have to continue that goal in my next challenge.

[Laghail]

Following along again!

[RhiaWolfe]

21 hours ago, Jarric said:

I think the positivity journal's a great idea - I did something similar on my last challenge and I really felt it was helping me improve my headspace. Now you've mentioned it I might have to continue that goal in my next challenge.

 

I actually got the idea from you! lol. Do you have a January challenge up yet? I don't see a link in your signature. 

 

20 hours ago, Laghail said:

Following along again!

 

Yay! Good to see you here again!

[doctorake]

Following along.

 

That lunch looks awesome! Are those eggs and olives in the upper left?

[RhiaWolfe]

Week 0 Update: Continuing Week 0. Today I didn't go into work because I have a snow day! yay! I'll try to put a little more detail into this post and talk about some stuff. 

 

Day 3 Update: Yesterday was my second day at work from the holidays, the cravings were not nearly as bad! I ate very well and did fantastic for the day! I did talk a little bit with my fellow nerds about tracking food and macros. According to my friends, my trainer has me on some unrealistic goals when it comes to macros. He wants me to eat like 200g of protein a day. That's hard to do! I am 5'8 and weigh 263lbs (1 lb away from officially being 30 lbs down since September, woot!) and am 29 years old. That's what he told me to eat. 

 

After talking to my nerd friends, I decided to not worry about the macros right now. i'm still seeing results and right now it's  more about the calories. Generally if I feel hungry or get cravings, I will eat a vegetable. If I dont' feel good after that, I'll eat some protein. If I still don't feel good I'll eat some fruit... I go through the healthy foods until I find what my body seems to be craving rather than just tracking food. I'm taking the 'listening to my body' approach. So far I'm still seeing results. If I stop seeing results I might do more tracking and reassess. 

 

I find it extremely frustrating that there is so much contradicting information out there. My trainer and an online macro test both told me the same thing... but my fellow nerds are telling me something different. Same thing with workouts. How should you work out? How much should you eat? WHAT should you eat? How do you track? How SHOULD you look for results... everyone says something different!!!!

 

 

I've seen that progress has been made by my fellow nerds and I feel that they genuinely want me to succeed and aren't being paid to give me this advice, so I'm more inclined to listen to you guys. I've found that I really need to stop worrying and just keep taking it slow. Do what works and don't get into to much of a hurry. Don't worry about doing everything perfect. 

 

i can't tell you how much I've enjoyed Nerd Fitness. you guys are becoming like a second family. I'm sad that the next camp NF won't be until 2018. I'd love to meet you guys in person. I saw the video on the blog and it looks like so much fun! So much support and encouragement! Seriously, I think you guys are the reason I will succeed this time. You guys have helped me get through a lot of the downs I've dealt with recently and encouraged me not to give up and to respawn instead. Thank you. you guys are the best!

 

 

Ok, maybe not that far, but you guys rock!

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - I didn't go to the gym because I had plans with friends after therapy. I went with some friends to go see Princess Mononoke on the big screen. I forgot how much I LOVE that movie! It was a lot of fun.  I did indulge and had a bit of popcorn at the movie, but didn't overdo it. Pending... 1/4

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - No candy, no cookies, no sugar other than fruit. Another success! I'm doing really good with the sugar stuff. The cravings really weren't that bad. I think I'm starting to get used to the diet again. WIN!  Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - I had to hightail it home and had a quick dinner of leftovers before going to the movies. I did not eat out despite the temptation to just grab something on the way to the theater. I had to drive a long way to go home before going to the movies, but I did it! Score! Success! 0<2

 

Goal 4: Think Positive!

3 things in my journal included going to see Princess Mononoke with my friends, making progress in therapy (my therapist said she was really proud of me about how I handled a situation recently), and I made good decisions regarding my diet, which made me feel accomplished and one step closer to my goals! A lot of bad happened yesterday as well, but I'm trying to focus on the good! Success! 2/4 (short week for week 0)

[RhiaWolfe]

6 minutes ago, doctorake said:

Following along.

 

That lunch looks awesome! Are those eggs and olives in the upper left?

 

yes they are! 2 boiled eggs (I had to cut them in half to make them fit in the shallow lunch box. Again, portion control) and a handful of olives. It was really tasty! 

 

[Jarric]

2 hours ago, RhiaWolfe said:

I actually got the idea from you! lol. Do you have a January challenge up yet? I don't see a link in your signature. 

 

Ah, well I'm glad I could help then! And thank you for reminding me what a good idea it was!

 

I will get a new challenge up. Gonna take some time over the weekend to round off the last challenge, write up a road map for 2017, and post a new challenge. Or at least that's the plan!

 

1 hour ago, RhiaWolfe said:

Generally if I feel hungry or get cravings, I will eat a vegetable. If I dont' feel good after that, I'll eat some protein. If I still don't feel good I'll eat some fruit... I go through the healthy foods until I find what my body seems to be craving rather than just tracking food. I'm taking the 'listening to my body' approach. So far I'm still seeing results. If I stop seeing results I might do more tracking and reassess. 

 

That's a really nice way of doing things, I like that. If you're seeing results and feeling healthy I think you're best sticking to the way you're doing things, rather than over complicating it and getting into the nitty gritty of macros.

[Shello]

On 1/4/2017 at 11:15 AM, RhiaWolfe said:

 

ignore this bit. 

 

3 hours ago, RhiaWolfe said:

I find it extremely frustrating that there is so much contradicting information out there. My trainer and an online macro test both told me the same thing... but my fellow nerds are telling me something different. Same thing with workouts. How should you work out? How much should you eat? WHAT should you eat? How do you track? How SHOULD you look for results... everyone says something different!!!!

 

 

I've seen that progress has been made by my fellow nerds and I feel that they genuinely want me to succeed and aren't being paid to give me this advice, so I'm more inclined to listen to you guys. I've found that I really need to stop worrying and just keep taking it slow. Do what works and don't get into to much of a hurry. Don't worry about doing everything perfect. 

 

i can't tell you how much I've enjoyed Nerd Fitness. you guys are becoming like a second family. I'm sad that the next camp NF won't be until 2018. I'd love to meet you guys in person. I saw the video on the blog and it looks like so much fun! So much support and encouragement! Seriously, I think you guys are the reason I will succeed this time. You guys have helped me get through a lot of the downs I've dealt with recently and encouraged me not to give up and to respawn instead. Thank you. you guys are the best!

 

The best meal plan and macros is any one with a deficit that you will stick to.  You may find that your needs will change over time so you'll always be tweaking it.  I started out with that same direction to eat tons of protein and I struggled to get  over 80g.  I basically just set some intermediate macros so that I was trying to increase my protein but kept it to something manageable.  My first goal was around 100, then 120.  Somewhere along the line I got used to it and found more protein sources and ways to integrate it into my life in ways that would stick.  Now I routinely get 130-140.  

 

keep doing what you are doing if it's working. At some point it will stop working, then you can make some more small changes until it works again.  

[doctorake]

Calories in vs calories out. You are correct that you should be focused on that.

[RhiaWolfe]

Week 0 Update: Last day of Week 0. Saturday funtime! Today I'm going to talk about yesterday though. 

 

Day 4 Update: I didn't end up going to work because it snowed and the roads were really bad. Around noon my husband and I ventured out into the snow to go get something to eat. It was cold outside, but we made it alright and had some tasty food. I don't know how you guys up north deal with so much snow... A couple of inches and it is so dangerous to drive. We don't have many sand/salt trucks or plows in Oklahoma, so it takes a long time for the roads to clear up. I spent most of the day playing Civilization VI. That game is so freaking addicting!!!!

 

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - I didn't go to the gym because snow. It kinda sucked... but better be safe. I probably should have at least done something. Oh well. I made up for it today!  Pending... 1/4

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - Did awesome on this again! I'm really doing good resisting the cravings. It helps that I don't keep sweets in the house anymore.  Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - I did end up going out to eat today with my husband. We had mexican food for lunch. It was super tasty. Still no where near going over my limit and the week is almost over!!! Success! 1<2

 

Goal 4: Think Positive!

I actually fell asleep on the couch before I could write in my phone journal. I probably should have done it earlier than that. That's ok, this is a new habit I'm trying to establish and weekends are hard because I don't have a set time to go to sleep. Pending... 2/4 

 

I do have an announcement to make though... I'm so happy and excited!!!! Today I got on the scale and it said 262lbs... that is exactly 30lbs from when I started in September. it's official... if I lose one more lb, it will be the most I have ever lost in one go! I'm so excited! I'm still feeling strong and encouraged! This time it's going to stick! I know it! I got this! Now for the obligatory happy dance!

 

 

Thank you for all of your support guys!

[RhiaWolfe]

On 1/6/2017 at 11:24 AM, Jarric said:

 

Ah, well I'm glad I could help then! And thank you for reminding me what a good idea it was!

 

I will get a new challenge up. Gonna take some time over the weekend to round off the last challenge, write up a road map for 2017, and post a new challenge. Or at least that's the plan!

 

 

That's a really nice way of doing things, I like that. If you're seeing results and feeling healthy I think you're best sticking to the way you're doing things, rather than over complicating it and getting into the nitty gritty of macros.

 

I look forward to following your challenge when you post it! 

 

Yes, I'm seeing results and I feel better than I have in years! I'm not going to worry too much about the macros right now. It's still just something frustrating I've run into throughout my fitness journey. So many people telling me so many different things and different ways to do it 'right'. Ugh... So far what I'm doing right now is working... but I'm always looking to improve. 

 

On 1/6/2017 at 1:09 PM, LadyShello said:

ignore this bit. 

 

 

The best meal plan and macros is any one with a deficit that you will stick to.  You may find that your needs will change over time so you'll always be tweaking it.  I started out with that same direction to eat tons of protein and I struggled to get  over 80g.  I basically just set some intermediate macros so that I was trying to increase my protein but kept it to something manageable.  My first goal was around 100, then 120.  Somewhere along the line I got used to it and found more protein sources and ways to integrate it into my life in ways that would stick.  Now I routinely get 130-140.  

 

keep doing what you are doing if it's working. At some point it will stop working, then you can make some more small changes until it works again.  

 

Ignore what bit? It doesn't show you quoting anything? 

 

and yes, I'm finding that the one I'm doing right now I'm actually sticking to and I'm getting results (see above 30lbs weight loss excitement). I am trying to find ways to slowly increase my protein intake. Like for example, today I was going to just have some tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, but I threw in some boiled eggs to add at least some protein. I'm actually paying a little more attention to that. I'm trying not to overdo it though. 

 

15 hours ago, doctorake said:

Calories in vs calories out. You are correct that you should be focused on that.

 

Yes, calories in and calories out, but not all calories are created equal. I want to make sure that not only am I eating a caloric deficit, but also that I am eating healthier foods. So far I'm doing really good compared to where I was 4-5 months ago.  

[Laghail]

7 hours ago, RhiaWolfe said:

 I don't know how you guys up north deal with so much snow... A couple of inches and it is so dangerous to drive. We don't have many sand/salt trucks or plows in Oklahoma, so it takes a long time for the roads to clear up. I spent most of the day playing Civilization VI. That game is so freaking addicting!!!!

The main reason snow is no big up here is everyone is (mostly) on the same page for snow driving. I'm sure you're a competent snow driver, but the traffic around you in Oklahoma isn't. That's dangerous. Also, northern cities have plow and salt infrastructure handled. Finally, we play civ4 all day during blizzards, so you're basically an honorary Wisconsinite. #gopackgo

 

congrats on your weightloss milestone!!

[doctorake]

10 hours ago, RhiaWolfe said:

I do have an announcement to make though... I'm so happy and excited!!!! Today I got on the scale and it said 262lbs... that is exactly 30lbs from when I started in September. it's official... if I lose one more lb, it will be the most I have ever lost in one go! I'm so excited! I'm still feeling strong and encouraged! This time it's going to stick! I know it! I got this! Now for the obligatory happy dance!

 

 

AWESOME!!!!! 

[RhiaWolfe]

Week 0 Update: Last day of Week 0. Saturday funtime! 

 

Day 5 Update: Day 5 was Saturday, last day of week 0. After all the snow stopped and I could get out on the roads, yay!

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - Gym time!!!! We had a trainer session Saturday morning. We did a core workout. It really wasn't as hard as I was expecting. I did cardio afterwards. I call this week a success since it was a short week. I'll get back on track this week.  Success! 2/4

 

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - Did good here! No extra sugar. Since the holidays I've really done good at kicking the sugar. I also bought some mixed nuts and can't hardly eat them because they are so salty. +1 for sweet and salt intolerance!  Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - I went out to eat Saturday evening. I had a couple of friends that wanted to go out. We got Italian food and then went to a piano bar. It was a lot of fun! Afterwards we went to a dance club, but the music was pretty lame. My friends also got a little depressed because they are single and saw a bunch of girls dancing suggestively with guys. Overall we had a great time though! I still managed to keep to my goal this week! Success! 2<2

 

 

Goal 4: Think Positive!

I forgot to write in my journal before bed. ugh. I need to remember to do this. Then again, Saturday night I got home pretty late and was still a little drunk. I guess I can forgive myself for this one. Pending... 2/4 

 

Saturday was a lot of fun and I think I did pretty good for my Week 0. Now on to Week 1! 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Week 1 Update: Sunday started week 1. I think it was a good start to the week.  

 

Day 1 Update: Day 1 = Sunday

 

Goal 1: Back to Training - I woke up late on Sunday, but I still managed to make it to the gym. Definitely a strong start here. I did my leg day workout. I didn't do my cardio, but I was in the gym for 45 minutes doing my workout. I don't feel bad for not getting in the cardio.  Success! 1/4

 

 

Goal 2: Less Sugar - No sugar, but it was tempting!!!! My husband bought me a cinnamon raisin bagel from Panera Bread. I LOVE those with the yummy cream cheese. However, I ended up not eating it. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was. While I love them, I didn't really have a bread craving. I was worried it would feel too heavy in my stomach. Instead I kinda snacked through "lunch" and fixed chicken tacos for dinner.  Success! 0<2

 

Goal 3: Cooking Skill - Didn't eat out. I was tempted to stop by a Japanese restaurant for some gyoza and stir fry, but I didn't. I got groceries, went home, and started cooking. I made chicken tacos for dinner, then baked some pork chops to eat through the week. Yum! Success! 0<2

 

 

Goal 4: Think Positive!

I wrote 3 things in my journal. My 3 things included being proud of myself for going to the gym and sticking with my new diet. I also got to play Civilization VI with my friend Desiree online, which was fun. I also had some time to relax and watch Supernatural. I'm trying to catch up on that series. It was a very good day overall! Success! 1/7 

 

Starting the week off right! Looking forward to the rest of the week! 

[RhiaWolfe]

On 1/7/2017 at 9:29 PM, Laghail said:

The main reason snow is no big up here is everyone is (mostly) on the same page for snow driving. I'm sure you're a competent snow driver, but the traffic around you in Oklahoma isn't. That's dangerous. Also, northern cities have plow and salt infrastructure handled. Finally, we play civ4 all day during blizzards, so you're basically an honorary Wisconsinite. #gopackgo

 

congrats on your weightloss milestone!!

 

Yeah, I figured it had something to do with people just being used to that kind of weather. Either that or we're just a bunch of idiots here in Oklahoma. I could go either way on that. lol! 

 

Thank you! I'm really excited that I've reached my first milestone! 7 more lbs and I will be at my first weight goal! I totally got this. 

 

On 1/8/2017 at 0:51 AM, doctorake said:

 

 

AWESOME!!!!! 

 

Yes, I agree! I'm ecstatic!!!!