Total Body Transformation, Month 3

This has been my workout for the last three months: Chris Powell Total Body Transformation

Here's how I did in month 3!

Beginning of the month:

• Alternating lunge jump:  12 reps, holding 8kg kettlebell        
• Bent-over row:  12 reps, 8lb dumbbells
• Stability ball hip raise and leg curl: 12, resting 3/4 through
• Incline bench press: 12 reps, 12 pound dumbbells
• Stability ball plank: one minute. 4-5 rests to complete

End of the month

• Alternating lunge jump: 18, 12, and 11 reps,12kg kettlebell  
• Bent-over row: 12 reps, 15lb dumbbells
• Stability ball hip raise and leg curl: 12, no rests
• Incline bench press: 12 reps, 20 pound dumbbells
• Regular plank: one minute, 2 rests to complete

Ridiculously good looking. You're welcome for providing this eye candy.

Other improvements:

• When I run, it's easier to run further and faster than when I used to just run without weight training
• My clothes fit better (looser) though I'm still too skeptical to try the skinny jeans yet
• I have established a routine that I don't waver from, even when I don't feel like doing it.  Habits are powerful!
• I lost 3 pounds

Conclusion:

I am not going to continue with months 4 and 5 of the Total Body Transformation - not because it's not a good workout, but because I think, for me, I need something different. Chris, if you're reading this, I hope this doesn't stand in the way of what might be between us i love you!

I started running outside again the past three weeks and I discovered that I had really been missing it.  I actually like running, even if I'm slow.  And after a run, I like it even more, because I get serious endorphins.

I know this quote is played out but it still makes me lol

I have been lifting continually for the last three months and, you know what? I don't like lifting! I don't get endorphin-high from lifting and as soon as I start I can't wait to be done.  Now, I will continue to lift because: 

• it makes me a better runner
• keeps your bones healthy and dense
• muscle raises your RMR
• I want to be fast AND strong
• muscles are sexy. 

But I think I need to readjust because a happy exerciser is a more productive exerciser, at least in theory! Details forthcoming!

Short Term Goals: Part 1 of Infinity

So on day two of this new health adventure/lifestyle (yesterday), I had a rendezvous with friends.  You know, the typical dinner and drinks thing.  My old self would throw caution to the wind, drink like a fish, and eat like it's my last meal.  This just would not do for my new, healthy take on life, now would it? (No, no it wouldn't!)

Old self always has room for more snacks.

One thing that I'm really, incredibly, good at is making excuses for my bad habits.  I feel no guilt going nuts and abandoning a diet for a "special occasion".  You may have noticed that I did not type special occasion, but rather "special occasion". Well, my perceptive little readers, that's because when it comes to food, I give that term a loose definition.  Special occasion = vacations, holidays, celebrations, dinner out, dinner in, hanging out with a friend I haven't seen in more than a day, going to the movies, walking by a Sweet Frog, breakfast, lunch, dinner...  You can probably tell that with so many occasions in my life deemed special, it's no wonder that weight loss has been difficult to achieve and maintain.

So here's what went down:

Fail! Even including the calories I burned running 5 miles that morning, I still went over my daily calorie goal by about 50 calories.

Victory! I got a bowl of vegetarian chili, and upon realizing that by "bowl", they meant "trough", I only ate half of it.  And with that, I only ate half of the tortilla chips.  I also ordered a small side salad to get my greens on and fill up.  This is what I chose instead of french fries and a burger. Niiiiiiice!

Victory! I really wanted some beer because we went to this place that has interesting beers.  Instead, I had 2 tequila and sodas, 1 ale, and a glass of cabernet.  Okay, so I had about two too many drinks but I am still navigating the social pressure thing and I will do better on the next test (tonight).  But I did choose half of my drinks responsibly and I think that's a (small) victory.

Now I know that I did some little things right and some little things wrong, but it's a step in the right direction. I'm happy with my decisions even if there is still a lot of room for improvement.  

This recap brings me to my first short term goal:

Short Term Goal #1/Infinity - Healthy eating at the wedding tonight.  

More specifically, this means:

• No bread
• No crackers
• Lots of raw veggies and fruit
• Lots of water 
• 2 drink maximum, clear liquor and soda only
• Enjoy family and friends - talk more, eat less.

I'm feeling up for the challenge.  Check back tomorrow to see if I make myself proud!

What small victories have you had in your pursuit of fitness and health? What excuses do you make to justify poor health related decisions?

Day 1: Trials and Triumphs

Third post of the day! Don't get comfortable here, readers.  Although I promise to put in the effort needed to maintain this blog, just like any relationship, over time, I expect that my enthusiasm will wane and soon you'll be asking me why I never buy you flowers anymore. 

Here is the day 1 recap:

• Kicking negative thoughts (I can't do this; Why bother exercising today - one day doesn't matter) is going to take some time. I guess I didn't think this through, eh? Just because you declare something adorable like I'm going to believe in myself! doesn't make it magically materialize into reality, unless you have a 3D printer, in which case, any m-fing thing is possible. Anyway.  Where was I going with this? Ah, yes.  Whilst driving through town today, I was planning my exercise for the afternoon and I caught myself thinking that I'd skip today, because, well, one day doesn't matter much.  SKIP TODAY?! TODAY IS DAY ONE! Yeesh!  So after I chided myself for getting off to a slippery start, I told myself that every little bit of positive behavior is important.  I don't know how much I really, deep down, believe that yet, but I'm trying! Which leads me to...

• Exercise: The bf told me today that what matters most in seeing change is consistency and intensity.  Sometimes, I think I'm going to choose my battles here and only accomplish one or the other.  Today is one of those times.  I have had a headache for two days straight despite sleeping well and so I was not pumped for any exercise whatsoever.  But I did it, readers.  I think it's important to move at least 30 minutes a day, in a concerted effort to sweat (not just rolling around on the floor with my cat). It wasn't my best run, but any run completed is better than no run at all. Am I right?

• Victory! Made a delicious dinner.  Instead of just roasting tofu how I always do it (with Braggs) and roasting brussel sprouts like I always do it (with garlic, oil, salt, and pepper) I whipped out the cookbooks for some much need inspiration.  Just using different spice combos can make ordinary staples fresh and interesting again.  Feels good to be excited about healthy food! Recipe for the tofu here. Recipe for brussel sprouts came from this cookbook.

buckwheat, lemony dill tofu, and ginger brussel sprouts

• This gem of a healthy snack got me through the dinner planning process.  This could be a new routine.  When I get home from work, I'm usually too ravenous to be creative.  A little snackeroo while planning will tide me over for sure. I really enjoyed this snack, mostly because it allowed me a little break from the day. I think snacks have potential for being a blog focus/feature...

baby carrots, Cedars red pepper hummus, Califa double espresso almond milk - and yes, this is the same plate I used at dinner.  Don't judge me.

Oh, and one more thing: did I tell you that my healthy routine that I'm setting up, while it will be a lifestyle change (even though it's true, I'm definitely sick of hearing people say that - sounds pretentious, doesn't it?) I am ultimately looking to be in the best shape of my life one year from today.  I read somewhere that goals are important.  So there's my long term goal.  My first short term goal is to create some short term goals...