Day 50: Shin Splints and a Little Confession

Hello one and all! Today I attempted the 2 1/4 mile run again. And again I didn't make it. But I have a good reason! And that reason is shin splints. I got one so bad in my left leg about half a mile in. I've never had one before, so I finished the mile before stopping to stretch. It was so painful! When I could walk on it again, I finished up my second mile. I Walsall concerned, so I asked my parents. And my dad told me that rest makes it worse, so I'm going to have to work through it. That definitely means I'm going to really have to be mentally prepared for my runs. Hopefully I can progress still, in spite of it!

Now for my confession: I wasn't as good as usual about my food last week. I think I had three consecutive cheat nights. Chinese food Friday, late-night McDonalds Saturday, and McDonalds again last night. I definitely regret it! I hopped on the scale this morning, and was SO relieved to see that I hadn't gained any weight! In fact, I lost a pound! Before I started working out, those three meals would have put on a pound for me. But they didn't do anything! Which I guess means my body is getting more metabolically active. But that's not an excuse to eat like crap! I'm just relieved I didn't completely sabotage myself. Relief!

Tomorrow, Megan and I are going to do a bunch of stairs. I really hope that my shin splint leaves me alone for that. I'm a little unsure about my weights though. I really don't want to overdo my legs. Maybe I'll just do a split workout and see how it goes. Maybe I'll add some yoga in. I could use the relaxation!

All for tonight, folks, have a good one!

Day 49: Rest and Regretting Last Night

Hello one and all! As I mentioned yesterday, Dan and I went put for the first time in a while. I had one drink and three shots, and I was a little buzzed. I'm such a lightweight drinker now, it's ridiculous! Oh well. I know it's bad for you.

Tomorrow, I again attempt the 2 1/4 mile run! Hopefully it goes well this time. And hopefully my legs are rested up and recovered now! I definitely won't overdo it again like that. And if I do, I'll stretch better! Maybe do some yoga. I know tomorrow is supposed to be weights, but Megan and I are going to walk for sure Tuesday and possibly Thursday, some want to split my cardio up instead of doing lots of cardio one day and then pretty much nothing the next.

Not terribly exciting today, folks! I'm sorry. I know you've been waiting with baited breath to hear what I got up to. Sorry to disappoint! Goodnight, everybody!

Day 48: Overdoing It and Missing my Mark

Hello one and all! I got home from work today all revved up and ready to try for 2 1/4 miles again. I was amped. If it was just a mental block stopping me, I would have made it today. But...

I overdid my legs yesterday. To the point that they felt a bit like jello today! So about one and a quarter miles in, my calves were cramped so bad I had to stop and stretch. I ran another half mile, and I had to stop and stretch again! Whoops! I'm glad I stopped though. I probably could have hurt myself if I didn't!

In other news, I had Chinese food last night. Which was definitely not my cheat night. But I did my best to just have a bit of everything instead of pigging out on everything ever. And I think I did pretty well at it! Sometimes, life happens, right? Nobody is perfect all the Tim, so there's no point in beating yourself up about it.

Anyways, that's all for me. Might be going out tonight, which is weird. Dan and I go out so rarely. We're the most boring 22/21 year olds ever!

Have a safe night, everybody!

Day 47: Busting out Reps and Supersetting

Hello one and all! Today was weights again. I love doing weights, I don't have to pep talk myself like I do with running! I can feel my legs are a bit tired, which is always a nice feeling. It lets me know I worked hard.

Tomorrow, I attempt the 2 1/4 mile run again. I'm really hoping it all goes well, no break down again! I don't have much to say. Sorry all!

Happy Friday, be safe!

Day 46: Dusting Myself Off to Try Again

Hello one and all! I was unsuccessful in besting the 2 1/4 mile run. I did two miles again, but I had a meltdown. Not sure why, but I hit the wall. And before I could really register it, I was face down on the ground crying. Hard. Nuts.

But I got up, and I finished the two miles. I'm bummed out again, but Rome wasn't built in a day, and I need to be patient. I've already accomplished so much! Some days it's easy to forget though. Oh well!

In other news, our Calgary trip is coming up, and I need to start thinking about food. And where and how I'm going to exercise!

Happy Thursday, folks!

Day 45: Weights and a Good Walk

Hello one and all! I did my weights today before my first walk with Megan. I'm not sure how far we went, but it felt good to be outside, and talking to someone going through the same things as you are. It was a good walk. And afterwards, I bought four pounds of fresh strawberries, because it's summertime and that makes me crave fruit like crazy.


In other news, tomorrow I attempt a second run that bested me previously. 2 1/4 miles. Trying to get mentally ready for it, because I refuse to give up on it! If I'm well rested and hydrated, I don't see any reason I shouldn't be able to finish that run tomorrow. If I do it, I'll be thrilled. If not, I dust myself off and try again on Saturday. I finally feel like I get it. It's not about doing everything perfect the first time. It's about having the determination, and ultimately the self-respect, to continue trying in the wake of failure. You know how those Weight Watchers say that weight loss just "clicks?" I think I'm getting there.


Also... A big hello and thanks for reading to the lovely and hilarious Aphrodite! I'm so pleased to hear someone that isn't related to me has read all my posts :) Now I feel like I'm really talking to someone! So nice to have you here in cyberspace :)


That's all for me, folks. I'm really craving some more green beans and asparagus, hopefully I can make that happen with dinner! Have a great night, everybody!

Day 44: New Personal Best!

Hello one and all! Today, I decided to go back and do one of the runs that bested me before. I started with the two mile run for obvious reasons. And guess what? I made it. 24 minutes of nonstop running. A new personal best! And I learned something new as well, after realizing that my wind wasn't so terrible I was going to die and that my legs were not jelly. It was all in my head! Even though I've been trying to work on the way I think, I had myself convinced that I couldn't run two miles. But obviously, I could. I hit the wall about ten minutes in. I had covered the time and the distance display on the treadmill to allow myself to really hone in on how I was feeling. And once I had to look, I hit the wall. I was telling myself that if I just ran 20 minutes instead of two miles, that was still good. But you know what? It wouldn't have been good enough, because I ran 21 minutes on Saturday. So I had to dig deep. There was a lot of mental recitation of my favorite inspirational quotes that I posted by my mirror.

Dig deep. Push harder. You're stronger than you know. Remember why you started. Your only limits are self-imposed. Quitting is not an option.

It really helped me out. I was pep talking myself like you wouldn't believe, but I made it. And I'm damn proud! Have a great day, everybody!

Day 43: Results Post!

Hello one and all! So, it's Monday, and that means it's time to show you my results! Here we go:

Weight: 158.5 lbs

Bust: 36.6" (down 0.4")

Arms: 11.6" (down 0.2")

Waist: 30" (down 2")

Hips: 40.5" (down 2.5")

Thighs: 23.3" (down 1.1")

Calves: 14.6" (down 0.4")

So I'm down 6.6" and 4.5 lbs! Productive three weeks, I think! Now for some pictures:

Are those abs I see, starting to creep in?? Aww yeah. I was going to take a picture of my beginner biceps, but that can wait. So can my beginner calf muscles, obviously. 

Alright! Results, as promised. Have a great night, everybody!

Day 42: Going Back with my Runs & Weights

Hello one and all! Today I did a split workout. I don't mean I'm the typical sense. I just worked my legs this morning, then my arms and abs tonight after work. I feel a bit better today. Still a big headache. But tomorrow is results day! I'm really excited to see how things have continued to change. On a bit of a "bummer" note, I sought advice about my running times (not being able to run the full amount I'm supposed to) from a runners forum, and it looks like I'll be repeating Saturday's run until I can do it before moving on. While it sucks, I'm okay with that. I would repeat the run before, but the fact that I ran twenty minutes Saturday makes me think it's unnecessary. It's lame though! I've been working so hard, this kind of feels like a step back. I feel like it'll be better in the long run though. If I'm going to continue with running, I need to get serious. And even though while I'm running sometimes, I'm totally miserable, running makes me feel awesome. I get this sense of accomplishment when I make it through a tough run! I don't get that with weights as much. So I'm going to definitely try to stick with it. Also running related, my dad thinks I should up my speed. I researched and asked again online, and the overwhelming response was to keep it slow until I have built up endurance. So I think I'm going to hit the point where I can run 3 miles (36 minutes) and work on my speed from there. If I do it at all. For me, distance and endurance are more important than speed. But maybe I'll reach a point where I want to race. Then speeds will be most important! All for tonight, folks. Stay tuned for results tomorrow!

Day 41: Exhausted Run and a New Personal Best

Hello one and all! Today was running again. I still feel sick. My stomach is still upset, my head still hurts, I'm still congested and exhausted. I worked 7-4 today, which the majority of my shift happening on the self checkouts, so lots of walking around and being busy. I was so exhausted when I got home, I caught myself trying to convince... Myself that missing one day of running was no big deal. Obviously, it didn't fly! So today's goal was to run 2 1/4 miles (or 22 minutes) without stopping. I think these run bits are incredibly unrealistic, so I set a personal goal to run longer than I did last time (15 minutes). How long was that? I ran for 21 minutes today! Was I exhausted and out of breath and sweaty while I did it? You bet your ass I was! Did I still adjust the time and run for my full 2 1/4 mile distance? You bet your ass I did! I did 21 minutes, walked for 3, ran for 4, then walked for two, then ran the last two to to make up the whole 27 minutes to get the mileage right. I'm wiped, but proud. I know it's not much for fit people, or even people who are moderately fit, but this was a huge accomplishment! Is, I mean. I feel great. And I couldn't have done it without my cheerleader, so a big thank you to Dan again! Happy Saturday, folks. Be safe tonight!

Day 40: Sick As a Dog

Hello one and all. I've been up since 4 AM, making friends with the porcelain goddess. I feel so sick. I've got cold sweats, dizziness, headache, nausea, an upset stomach... And I work a nine hour night shift that starts in about an hour. And I start another nine hour shift at 7 AM tomorrow. I feel disgusting. I really hope it's slow tonight some can try and leave early to hopefully sleep this off. Oh joy, can this week get any better for me? I tried to work out today. I did a couple of exercises, nothing compared to what I should be doing. This cycle is just totally draining me. I hope I get my motivation back when my period is done. The running is hard. But the weights are so beyond difficult it's ridiculous. I've been struggling to do half of what I was doing last week. It's frustrating. Anyways, have a good night folks. Be safe this weekend.

Day 39: Exciting News and Personal Victory

Hello one and all! Today was a running day, and I did something I've never done before! Today, I ran two miles! I had to stop between miles for a pee break, but that was the only break I took, and it was short. But I ran two miles! So excited, and hormonal, that I cried after. I'm getting teary again thinking about it!

Some more exciting news! I realized that my favourite bras were too big, and hanging away from my body near the top of the cup, so I tried on a cup size smaller (from a DD to a D) and they fit! So I'm no longer a DD. I'm back to being a single D! My goal (no time limit) is to be back in a C cup. My boobs were so perky then. Plus, you get much cuter bras in a C than you do in anything bigger. I'm just overall really excited, I apologize for harping on about my boobs. But this is a definite victory! 

In other news, my Momba commented last night that my back is much less... back fatty. Yay! Now, hopefully my thighs and hips take the hint and start their vanishing act!

I have also noticed a definite improvement in my KP since I stopped using coconut oil. It made my skin soft, but I think it was just too heavy for my skin. My skin is dry, but it really doesn't absorb too much in the way of moisture. I switched to using Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash (in pink grapefruit, because it doesn't smell like medicine) every other day, and Dove Cream Oil Body Wash every day. I'm thrilled with the results! I still have bumps, but they're much better.

But I did notice another annoyance last night-stretch marks! I was trying to take a picture of my calf "muscles" to show you that I almost have muscles in my calves, and when I was looking at the pictures, I noticed stretch marks on the backs of my calves. Such a bummer. I couldn't post the pictures, because the flash made me just... Glow. I'm so insanely pale. Also pale-related, running on the treadmill this morning, there was a bit of sun hitting the treadmill, and every time it hit my leg I was blinded. Oh well, at least I won't get cancer and sun damage and wrinkles!

All for today, folks. OH! Wait, it's not! Instead of doing a results post on Sunday, which is the last day of my cycle (read: I'll still be bloated and retaining water weight) I'm going to post results on Monday. They'll be more accurate this way, since now that my period is in full swing, I've "gained" four pounds. Irritating, my friends. Very irritating. I'm also taking a day off Monday because this week's desired cheat meal is Lord Chumley's fish & chips. Oooh yeah. I'm drooling thinking about it! So I'll do weights on Sunday, take Monday off, and be back to running on Tuesday. So, bit of a change, but it's explained!

Anyways, happy Thursday!

Day 38: Trying Something New and Terrible Cramps

Hello one and all! So today I decided to try something new. I discovered a website called Fitness Blender, and I tried a couple videos today. One for obliques and abs that I could only do one circuit of, one for glutes, outer thighs and inner thighs that I just did once, and one upper body and chest one that I did twice. I just feel even worse today. My cramps are terrible, my back aches, and I'm exhausted. Yay, right? On the plus side, I weighed myself this morning and my menstrual cycle may not have messed everything up yet. I weighed the same as I did early last week, which may be right or may not be. I've heard you weigh a bit more during your period, so I might do my results on Sunday then check again Tuesday. Just to be sure it's accurate. Also, a correction. I was reading my weight and measurements journal, and I realized that I incorrectly posted my weight during my first results post. My starting weight was correct, 166lbs. But my weight lost in those three weeks was 3 lbs, not 4. So my 21 day weigh in should read 163lbs, not 162. My sincerest apologies for not noticing sooner!mill fix it immediately. That's all, folks. Have a great night!

Day 37: Running Through a Sucker Punch, Courtesy of Mother Nature

Hello one and all! I've been feeling absolutely disgusting all day. My throat is sore, my nose is extra plugged up, my back hurts, I have the really bad cramps painkillers can't fix, and I'm so nauseous sitting up is difficult. In short, Mother Nature really hates me this week. But! That's no excuse to not work out,mot me anyways!

I gave up on sleeping it all off and dragged myself onto the treadmill. A minute in to my second running repetition, the cramps hit hard. I didn't know whether to pass out, throw up, or do both. Oh joyful day, how I love being a woman. Anyways. As I was trying not to be sick, I made a decision. Cramps or no cramps, I was going to finish this run no matter what. And I did just that. The cramps have now lessened in severity, and I feel content in flipping Mother Nature the bird and saying,
"You can't stop me now!"

Have a great night, folks!

Day 36: Working Out With a Partner and Finding Workout Buddies

Hello one and all! Back to weights today. Dan came over and did my supersets with me, so sweet! I had him beat with the leg stuff, but he definitely crushed me in the arm stuff! It was a great workout, even better with someone to compete with.

So I did manage to find someone who would be willing to walk/hike/jog with me too! My work friend, Megan. She's been on an incredible weight loss journey herself! I think she's lost about 50 pounds already! So awesome. I'm thrilled to have someone to walk with. We're thinking about maybe hiking up Knox Mountain, walking up Dilworth, maybe jogging by the creek near her house. It should be really awesome, I can't wait to start with her! I may even have another workout buddy, also from work! Her name is Simmi, and I told her today we should all walk together and she suggested doing that and maybe joining a kickboxing class, which sounds legit awesome! I'm so excited to continue on with two good friends.

That's all for me, kids, have a great night!

Day 35: Another Small Victory and The Best Cheerleader Ever

Hello one and all! Yesterday, I was supposed to run 2 miles, or 20 minutes, without stopping. I ran for 15 minutes straight, which means I didn't make my goal of doing the 20 minutes. But I did something that surprised even me. I ran for a full six minutes longer in a single go than I ever have before. And you know what? I'll take that. At first I was bummed out, then I decided to still run the twenty minutes total. So I walked for two minutes, ran for three, walked for two and ran the last two. After I finished, I was so proud! I'm not a runner, or fit, or an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. But I pushed hard, and I made progress I feel I can really be proud of.

And I couldn't have done it without Dan. He was there for me the whole time, supporting me and encouraging me. Without him, I probably would have made myself run for ten minutes before quitting. But he gave me the strength to really find my limits. And to push them. He talked me through the wall I hit at 8 minutes in, and he encouraged me when I had to take a break, and when I started up again. Thank you for being so amazing, Dan!

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. You're much stronger than you think you are.

Happy Sunday, everybody!

Day 34: So Much Food and Tired Days

Hello one and all! Today is a big running day, but I'm going to the farmers market with Dan today, so I'm postponing the run until later. I'm nervous, and really hoping I can do it. Fingers crossed!

I was up until about midnight last night doing food prep. But, on the plus side, I have 37 dinners for me! Plus breakfast for the next... Who knows how long, I even made a loaf of bread yesterday! Good stuff. I feel really pleased about that. I'm glad I have things to eat that I know are good for me!

So even though I wish I was still sleeping, I'm up and having breakfast! Have a great Saturday, everybody!

Day 33: Supersets and Food Prep

Hello one and all! It was weights today, and I did not skimp on my arm workout. I did a full superset workout for both my upper and lower body, plus more ab work from the Oxygen special. I feel awesome! Then I went shopping to get some things I needed to make myself some frees able, healthy dinners. Breakfasts too! So, tonight, clean pancakes and waffles, clean bread and possible clean French toast too. I made 9 individual meatloaf cups, using ground turkey, grated carrots, half a red onion, finely chopped celery (lol fine for me honestly), black pepper, basil, oregano and time. I also made nine individual whole wheat lasagnas, using whole wheat noodles, ground turkey, low fat cottage cheese (the fat free stuff is full of chemicals), low fat mozzarella cheese and low fat Parmesan cheese. Yummy!

In the slow cooker right now, I have a great recipe from Tiffany at The Gracious Pantry. It's called red lentil stew! It's supposed to use an Indian spice called garam masala, but I didn't have that, and forgot to get it today when I was out, so I just used extra curry instead. Smells great! I used another one of Tiffany's recipes last night, for clean banana muffins. Big hit at this house! If you haven't checked out Tiffany's website, you seriously need to give it a read. She does great work!

In sad news, fitness legend Robert Kennedy passed away last night. My thoughts are with Tosca Reno and their family. Bob was a huge inspiration, and a role model for everyone trying to learn to eat right and exercise. I'll really miss reading Bob's Tough Love in Oxygen every month. RIP, Robert Kennedy.

Day 32: Small Victories

Hello one and all! Let me start by saying I'll edit this post later to include a picture of my breakfast. Because it was delicious. But I'm blogging from my iPad right now, so no can do! Last night, I decided to find some motivational quotes, and write them on Post-Its to have next to my mirror. Sounds lame, right? Wrong! It was great to wake up this morning and see them. It made me feel quite positive about today's run. Which brings me to the small victories thing...

Today, I ran 3/4 of a mile (about 1.2 km, I think) without stopping. And I did it twice.

Unreal, right? I'll have another victory post on Saturday. Stay tuned!

On another note, I feel amazing today. My weights yesterday went great! I'm actually a bit sore in my glutes, thighs, shoulders, and abs. Great feeling! It lets me know I'm working hard.

Happy Thursday, everybody!

Day 31: Working Hard and Still Loving "Ceremonials"

Hello one and all! Today, I felt an unnecessary time crunch when I went to work out. I had a quick per-workout snack (sprouted grain toast with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter) and waited twenty minutes before starting my workout. I'm one of those "lucky" people who can have breakfast and immediately work out without feeling sick. Yay me? Anyways. I decided to do supersets today. Except instead of doing a total body one, I did one superset workout for the lower body, then picked one upper body exercise from each set from a superset workout I found on about.com. Also...

Abs day! The Oxygen Abs Issue is out, and it's a gooder! I read it last night, and immediately decided to try one of the ab workouts in there. Was it ever tough! I skipped the final exercise for obliques, because I find oblique exercises bother my lower back a bit if I can't 100000% focus on what I'm doing. So I just did two sets each of the first four exercises, and I'll probably feel it tomorrow! Because I loathe working my abs, I decided to follow the advice from some superfit ladies in the magazine: do your abs first in your workout so you have no excuse not to. Great advice! I worked my way through them, then jumped right into my lower body stuff. I feel awesome!

Also, I can't stop listening to the Ceremonials album by Florence + the Machine. It blows my mind. Give it a listen already!

Have a great day, everybody!

Day 30: Getting Back Into Running and 100% Focus

Hello one and all! Yesterday was quite the sad, angry post, wasn't it? I woke up this morning, and I was still in a foul mood. I had set an early alarm so I could run before work, but I didn't. I stayed in bed and fumed at myself. I finally got up and made steel cut oats for my breakfasts. I think on Thursday I'll make more clean pancakes. They're actually quite tasty, and protein packed. I had breakfast and showered, then got ready for work. I made myself healthy snacks and lunch for work, then headed out. I was in a foul mood still all day at work, and I came home and got right on the treadmill. With every jogging repition, I felt a little better. And then there was healthy dinner ready when I came upstairs post-stretch, and I felt instantly awesome. And instantly upset, because I was pretty awful to Dan today. I had to apologize. I felt awful! I was so moody yesterday and today. And then something just clicked. And I realized that my work isn't ruined because I had some bad slip ups. What's important is that I move on and work harder.

So I tried my best to completely focus on my run today. I focused on my breathing. I focused on how I felt. I even tuned in to my calf pain. Maybe I overdid my calves yesterday? Oh well. I was there 100% today. And it was great.

Just to mention, my whole soul searching thing is interesting. Even since resolving to work my own issues out yesterday, I noticed I'm so negative about everything about myself. It's... A sobering realization, I think. Eye opening.

Have a great night, folks.

Day 29: Slipping Up, Paying the Price and Hunting for an Exercise Buddy

Hello one and all! I'm going to start with a confession. I messed up last night and today with my eating. It sucks, I feel so ashamed and upset with myself. Here's the story...

One of my brothers bailed last night for dinner. So, because I was peeved, I decided that I would eat his steak and save the turkey breast for my mom and I. Sort of good intentions. Right? Wrong. I had a bit of my grilled potatoes (so freakin delicious, you don't even know). I had some barbeque sauce with them. And I had half of the grilled asparagus I made. And mushrooms and onions on my steak. And barbeque sauce on my steak. Even still, not awful, right? Then... I ate two white dinner rolls. Calorie wise, fat wise, sodium wise, not terrible just white flour. Then I did the unthinkable. I ate the dark chocolate bunny my parents gave me in a single sitting. While I browsed the web on my iPad. So bad. Worst part?

I didn't even enjoy it. I didn't even savor it. It was like the past four weeks meant nothing. I absent-mindedly ate for the sake of eating.

This morning,I woke up feeling gross, and decided to make it up to myself. For breakfast, I meant to have eggs and fruit. I ended up cleaning and doing laundry instead. So my well-intentioned breakfast became two pieces of (whole wheat) toast with peanut butter and orange, peach and mango jam. Not awful, I thought. I made myself a snack of Greek yogurt and berries. I was patting myself on the back about that. Then I came home for lunch. I was starving. I shopped a bit after work to pick up things to really keep myself on track. Ezekiel bread and tortillas. Greek yogurt. More eggs to hard boil. I even picked up Popsicle molds to make myself Greek yogurt Popsicles. Yay me, right? Nope! I came home, and I was peeved because of... Someone being here. Doesn't matter who. And I was mad, and I ate a massive bowl of stew while I fumed. And before I knew it, I had eaten four dinner rolls too. I couldn't even finish the stew when I realized what I had done. I actually felt sick. Here I am, working so hard to lose weight and get in shape and be healthy, and here I am, pigging out like nothing has changed.

I was so mad. To distract myself, I made my Popsicles. Blueberry and strawberry. I'll let you know how they turn out.

I was so mad. I went downstairs, scrubbed my makeup off, changed, and got working out. As some kind of twisted punishment, I decided to do sprints today in addition to my weights. I ran for one minute at 8 MPH, and walked for two minutes to catch my breath. For a total of five times. Then I moved right into my workout. I did three sets of all my exercises, even the ab ones, allowing myself thirty seconds of rest before moving on to the next one. And after I stretched and straightened up more, that person showed up. So I'm sitting in the living room in silence blogging, hoping to not have to deal with that person. And I'm suddenly having these epiphanies. About why I eat and why I have issues with food, and I'm realizing...

I can't expect to change my life by simply changing my behavior. I have to change the way I think about myself, and about food. I have to look inside myself and find my reason for overeating. I have to ask myself why I would rather eat crap than take care of myself.

This is going to be an intensely personal experience. I will start journaling my thoughts and feelings, and see if I can come to a conclusion. When I get there, I'll be more than happy to share. But for now, it's just me. But please do let me know if you would be interested in reading about my reasoning, thoughts and feelings. I feel like I don't get any feedback here, and I guess I don't. Maybe that would help me.

Anyways, guys, that's all for me. Have a good night.

PS I'm thinking a workout buddy is a good idea for me right now. I don't know anyone who would be interested though.

Day 28: Changing my Diet Again and Easter Dinner

Hello one and all! I'm going to start off by saying that I just can't do the 17 Day Diet anymore. This cycle is so restrictive in terms of what you can eat. And honestly, I'm miserable. Even though I love chicken, there are only so many ways you can eat it. And I miss my red meat! I mean, I can't even have fruit for dessert. Fruit is good for you! Why can't I eat it after 2 PM? It makes no sense to me. I started looking up the reasoning behind it, and from what I understand, there's no research to back up his hypothesis that any carbs after 2 PM turn right into fat. I just can't buy that. I mean, if that's true, how was I losing weight clean eating? The main reason I decided to stop was the unhappiness. I like eating clean, but I don't want to be deprived. Does that make me a bad person?

Easter dinner! I've been marinating steaks and turkey breasts since last night, and rotating them every few hours in the fridge. I think I'm going to get a pot of water boiling so I can parboil my potatoes before I start grilling them. I'm going to start getting ready to go back to clean eating too. Hardboiled eggs, clean bread, steel cut oats, and tomorrow I'll pick up the last things I need for clean pancakes. I'm relieved to be going back to that. Vegetables and chicken just aren't cutting it for me!

So hopefully no one is disappointed in me for quitting the 17 Day Diet. I just know after 17 days I would eat everything I felt I had been deprived of. And that's no good!

Happy Easter, everybody!

Day 27: Waking up with a Jog & Cooking for Dieters and Non-Dieters

Hello one and all! I'm just sitting here, having breakfast, waiting for my lemon water to cool down so I can drink it. I'm changing up my breakfast a bit today. I'm having Greek yogurt with berries instead of my usual eggs and fruit. I'm so fascinating. Right?

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and I've been thinking about what I want to make for my brothers, because my parents are out of town and I don't want to just make them eat something boring. Even though we had our Easter dinner early, it's still Easter! I've been thinking that I'll make a marinated turkey breast with asparagus for me, and steak with these delicious potato and onion packets you cook on the barbeque. Plus some mushrooms and onions for on top, of course. Only way to eat steak. I thinkmill bypass dessert though. They have lots of Easter candy from my parents to keep them happy. I think it's a good Easter idea. I mean, I'm not going to make a roast or anything, mostly because we don't need more leftovers here! But I think it'll be nice for them.

I'm going to eat my breakfast and hop on the treadmill once it's a little digested. I'm going to pick up the dinner things I need tonight, because I'm sure work will be a zoo tomorrow. Happy Saturday!

Day 26: Working Out When You Would Rather Sleep for Days

Hello one and all! As promised, today I'm blogging about working out when you're exhausted.

Today, I woke up at 3 AM. I started work at 6 AM, and I finished at 3 PM. There's 12 hours awake right there. On my way home, I stopped to get cauliflower and a couple things I needed to make cauliflower mash. I got home at 3:30. I allowed myself 15 minutes of Maury watching (don't judge me, I love that show) before changing clothes and getting to the living room to work out. I decided to start with cardio, because that always makes me feel wide awake. So I did a light 5 minute warm up, then I upped the incline and started targeting my calves, thighs and glutes. I did fifteen minutes of that, then did a five minute cool down. And I felt instantly energetic afterwards. So I jumped right into my arm exercises, which pumped me right up too. And after I did my arms, I did my abs. Then I did a few short leg exercises. And you know what? I felt, and still feel, so insanely well rested and energetic that I'm not even considering sleeping for at least four hours.

I guess the morale of the story is this:

Even when you're exhausted, a little exercise can perk you right up and give you a much-needed energy boost.

So when you're tired, don't make excuses! Hop on the treadmill and go for a brisk walk. I'm sure you'll be glad you did when you're wide awake again!

Have an excellent Easter weekend, everybody!

Day 25: Apparently Only Five More Days For Everything to be a Habit

Hello one and all! I'm just having breakfast (one egg, two egg whites, scrambled; one pear) and I just finished downing that lemon water. It is unpleasant, folks. I do not at all enjoy it. And I mean that. Probably my least favorite part of the 17 Day Diet. It tastes awful.

I wanted to blog now because I just realized something! You know how you always hear that it takes 30 days to build a habit? Well, I've been eating right and exercising for 25 now! So I'm only five days away from making this change into a habit. Pretty exciting, right?

That's all for today, folks. But I'm going to tell you that tomorrow's post will be about working out when you're completely exhausted! Because I sure will be.

Have an excellent day/night, everybody!

Day 24: Easter "Deprivation" and Planning a Healthy Solo Dinner

Hello one and all! Today is day 3 of the 17 Day Diet, and I feel okay. I'm down another half inch in my waist since Sunday, cool beans! I don't think I'd do more than one cycle of this way of eating. There are other, less restrictive ways to eat right, like eating clean! And I much prefer that, in all honesty. I get bored really fast, so that works better for me. Plus, I miss my steel cut oats and clean pancakes, they filled me right up. Really stuck to the ribs, you know? Oh well, if this jump starts weight loss for me, I can stick to it for 17 days.

In other news, my parents will be out of town for the Easter weekend, so I'm trying to think of way to have holiday meals while staying in line with my eating. Dan's mom has asked me over for dinner at some point this weekend, and I'd love to say yes, but she's a great cook, and I don't know if I could resist all the things I shouldn't eat! She's willing to make a meal I can eat, but I don't want to put her out at all! So I've started thinking of things I can make for myself this weekend. I'm thinking on Easter Sunday I'll make a marinated turkey breast and mashed cauliflower. And maybe I'll make myself some spicy shredded chicken soup. I love spicy things, and I can have as much spice as I like! I'm definitely missing carbs at dinner time though. Oh well, only two more weeks!

Everybody seems a little concerned about Easter candy for me. I don't need or want any, so it's all good for me. And even if I do get some, I won't eat it (until this diet is over, anyways)! All things in moderation, right? Unless I'm trying to get my blood sugar all normal again. I just think about that when I miss things I can't eat, like french fries and burgers loaded up with toppings.

That's all for today, folks, have an excellent night!

Day 23: Lemon Water and Red Face

Hello one and all! So today, I worked at ten, and I decided that since I can't have carbs (including fruit) after 2 PM, I would work out before work. And I thought that maybe my run would leave me all energized, and I wouldn't be sleepy at work because I had a hard time sleeping last night. Great idea in theory, right? Well, yeah, actually. But I didn't account for one thing: how insanely red my face gets after I work out. Even though I made sure to leave myself plenty of time to get ready, I didn't have three hours to let my face get un-red. So I had a really hard time covering that up before I went to work! It seems to have calmed down now though.

In other news, the recommended hot water with lemon thing did not taste good today. It went don like battery acid, and I thought I was going to be sick. Yuck, right? All I can say is that this better be worth it now!

Also. My biceps are sore for the first time in ages! That new workout routine should do well for my arms, shoulders and back! I might need to focus more on my legs and glutes, I don't feel anything today! And I definitely am not fit enough to not be a touch sore after a workout like that.

That's all for me ladies and gentlemen, have a wonderful evening!

Day 22: Starting the 17 Day Diet and Focusing on Problem Areas

Hello one and all! Today is Monday, so it's back to weights for me. I hope you all enjoyed my results post, finally some progress to look at! After yesterday's post, I realized that there are areas I need to focus more on. So I've been researching some good glute exercises, and I'm going to give those a shot! I've also been looking for good thigh and calf exercises, because I'd like to build up my valves and slim down my thighs. Lots of new things to try today! Fingers crossed that they'll give me the results I'm looking for, right?

Today is also day one of the 17 Day Diet. Good thing I had prime rib as my cheat last night, because there's no beef in this cycle! Which shouldn't be too tough, right? I mean, I think it's only the first cycle that you can't have beef in. I think, anyways. Oh well! I'm hoping this will jump start my weight loss. As in actual pounds lost. Here's hoping!

So I'm typing this as I eat breakfast. Today's breakfast: eight ounces of hot water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed in; one egg scrambled with two egg whites, topped with one tablespoon fat-free sour cream and lots of pepper; 3/4 cup of blueberries; and I also have my big red bottle full of cold water for my workout on standby. Tasty breakfast! I'm going to write up a new exercise routine for weight days while I digest, then it's time for weights! I've got to try to finish my workout before two so I can have fruit in my smoothie-no carbs after two PM! That shouldn't be difficult at all. I've just got to work around not being able to have milk in it!

That's it for me, folks, have a great Monday!

Day 21: Results Seen In Inches and (Very Trace Amounts of) Pounds

Hello one and all! It's day twenty one, and you know what that means! It's results day!

So here's where I started:
Weight: 166 lbs
Bust measurement: 40.5"
Arm measurement: 12.2"
Waist measurement: 34.5"
Hips measurement: 43.5"
Thigh measurement: 25.5"
Calf measurement: 15.5"

As you may be able to tell, that made my body shape a triangle. I was tired all the time, I had no energy to do anything other than the bare minimum to get through my day. The food I was eating was complete and utter crap. I ate it because it tasted good and it was easy. It didn't do anything good for my body, and it definitely didn't do anything good as far as my self-esteem was concerned. Fast forward to today, twenty one days later...









Weight: 163 lbs
Bust measurement: 37" (Down 3.5")
Arm measurement: 11.8" (Down 0.4")
Waist measurement: 32" (Down 2.5")
Hips measurement: 43" (Down 0.5)
Thigh measurement: 24.4" (Down 1.1")
Calf measurement: 15" (Down 0.5")

So, what does that add up to? I'm down 4 lbs, which is pretty much nothing, but I've always had a hard time losing actual weight. It adds up to 8.5" lost, which is pretty awesome if you ask me! I'm especially pleased with my bust and waist measurements. That's definitely where I've seen the most change! And it helps me know where I need to put in a little more effort. I mean, my thighs will probably always be big. Though they don't look it, my legs are strong! And I like that. I want to be strong and healthy. I don't care if I ever get back to being a size two.

So there we go! The first of who knows how many results posts. I'm happy with my progress so far, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up! Now that I've obviously figured out this picture stuff, you're going to be seeing pictures of what I'm eating too! Plus recipes, as promised. Thanks for reading, happy Sunday!