Hypothyroidism and the Weight Struggle

November 1st, 2015

Since my last post about getting back on track, I only half way got back on track.  We all do this sometimes, we say we will start tomorrow, then things come up, events happen, excuses come or we just plain get distracted by life and months later, we are still in the same place.  It's been a stressful few months.  I work full-time, I'm taking 3 college classes and I workout.  Sometimes it's difficult trying to juggle everything.  I signed up for a personal trainer in Jan 2015 because of that.  It forces me to go to the gym and get in a tough workout.  My trainer is great, I feel stronger, I'm lifting heavier, he gets my heart rate going.  My sessions end the end of December and to save money, I'm going to try working out on my own, or finding a gym partner to hold me accountable.  I love working out, but hate cardio.  Because of this, when I lift weights, I give myself little rest in between sets to keep my heart rate up.  Currently, I lift weights 3 times a week, but I want to step it up to 4 days a week.  I do at least 20 to 30 minutes of cardio when I'm at the gym.  I recently started doing the air stepper or stair machine.  They make me work harder than any of the other cardio machines.   Currently I don't last very long, but I'm working on getting better.  Even with all my working out, I haven't lost anything, in fact I've probably gained a few pounds.  Sometimes this can be very disheartening and discouraging.  Even after trying many different diets and still losing nothing, I just couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong.

I made my yearly physical appointment in early September, not thinking anything of it, and I got a startling result from the bloodwork.  I had hypothyroidism.  I wasn't sure what this was, but I had heard about it.  My TSH number is a little over 6.  My doctor prescribed me 50 mg of Synthroid and told me to return in 6 to 8 weeks.  My follow up appointment is this coming Thursday.

So what is hypothyroidism?  It's a gland in your throat that isn't working probably.  When hypo, it makes you sleepy, gives you brain fog, you can gain weight unexpectedly because it slows your metabolism down.  When I read this, I was like wow! I wish I had figured this out sooner.  Two years ago, I gained 20 pounds in a month when I wasn't doing anything that different than what I normally did and I've been struggling to lose the weight since.  I've done research on this, but I can still do a lot more research.  From my readings, I would like my TSH level to be between 1 and 2.  I also read that autoimmune conditions like hashimoto's can cause hypothyroidism.  Once you have this condition, you will always have it.  Now I'm working on figuring out how to lose weight with this condition.  I've read that going gluten free has worked for many people.  I'm not opposed to trying that.

Tomorrow I put myself on a strict diet.  I need guidelines for myself so it will be easier to follow.  No grains except for small amounts of brown rice and oatmeal.  No soda.  No refined sugars.  No cake, candy or cookies.  No fried foods.  Limit dairy products.  So what can I have?  Meat, vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, brown rice, protein shakes, Spark, black coffee and water.  Sounds kinda bland, but I can use spices and Pinterest to make things more exciting.

Wish me luck!  I'll let you know how everything does.  I'm determined to get in better shape.

Getting Back on Track!

Me after 2 months of Crossfit.
5'6" 176 lbs.  Sept 2013

Wow, it's been over a year since I've posted anything. Probably because I've been trying to figure out how to lose the 20 pounds that I gained.

So as most of you know, I've been trying to get into awesome shape for a while now.  I was doing pretty well, I even got into pretty good shape while doing crossfit for a few months.  I had to quit crossfit because my knees were always killing me.  I think all the lunges did me in, otherwise, I love the sense of community, the new people I met and how hard I pushed myself even though I was nervous before every workout.

When I stopped crossfit, I stopped all fitness activity, not because I didn't like exercising but I'd tell myself to rest my knees, or that I should focus on my college classes.  "I'm too busy with work and school", was my typical excuse.  Well let's just say, I didn't change my eating habits, that plus no exercise....equaled a 20 lb weight gain.  Ugh!  I was mortified, I'm still mad at myself for letting it happen.  I was doing so well and then boom!  It felt like I gained the weight over night.  At least I stopped myself from gaining any more weight.  Now I need to find a way to get back into better shape.  I wouldn't say that I'm huge or anything, but I'm definitely not happy about the size I am right now.  I don't feel comfortable in my own skin.

Me at 19 years old.  5'6" 140 lbs.
May 2002

I'm 5'6".  In high school, I weighed around 140 lbs, and a size 10/12.  I've never been tiny, I have curves that aren't going anywhere, and I'm totally fine with that.  Looking back, I think I looked pretty skinny and in shape, although I remember thinking back then that I needed to lose weight.  Funny how our perceptions of ourselves change.


Well this past January 2015, I signed up for a personal trainer.  I was doing well, losing inches, and gaining speed.  Although I didn't lose any weight.  I feel in somewhat better shape, but still not where I want to be.  Right now, I weigh 197 lbs.....20 pounds heavier than when I stopped crossfit.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3.  Feb 2015.
With a personal trainer and using Visalus.

I tried Visalus shakes and supplements for a about a month or so.  I just couldn't keep it up.  I felt like I had no energy.  They wanted you to have a shake for breakfast and for lunch, then a normal dinner and maybe a snack or two if you were really hungry.  Well I was ALWAYS hungry.  I did see little improvements though, I got down to 191 lbs but that didn't last very long.  Below is my progress after 3 weeks of intense workouts 3 times a week and using the Visalus program.  I think you can see the most difference in my back.  The shake flavor tasted great and I still used it for breakfast until I ran out.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3.  Feb 2015,
with a personal trainer and using Visalus.

They say losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  I think I'm proof of that!  I kicked up and worked super hard in the gym, but I only slightly changed my diet.  I have a sugar tooth and I like snacking.  Big no nos.  So I need to make a life style change.  I also need to get into the gym more often.  I've been slacking a bit on that too.  LA Fitness let my last trainer go, whom I really liked, but I was stuck in a contract for another 6 months so I had to switch trainers.  Shyrell, my original trainer, focused a lot of lighter weights and cardio.  I hate cardio but I was getting faster at running.  My new trainer, Rick, is focused more on heavy lifting and only 15 seconds of rest in between sets.

So I'm back from vacation and gotta get focused on getting into awesome shape......

EIGHT week Paleo/Crossfit Challenge has started!

So the 8 week Paleo/Crossfit Challenge has started!!! 

About the Challenge:  Track your food which has to be paleo, or it's considered a 'cheat'.  Complete a total of 10 WODs posted by LuRong Living during the 8 week challenge.  To see more of the rules click here.

Day 1
I prepared myself for the challenge by cleaning out my kitchen of foods I'm not suppose to have.
I forgot to bring my lunch to work so I picked up a Wendy's chili......which later I remember NO LEGUMES!  So that meal had to be counted as a cheat.  I was great the rest of the day though.  I even made myself pork chops and brussel sprouts with bacon.  yum!  I think I'm newly addicted to brussel sprouts.



I went to my box to get my 'before' picture and my measurements taken.  I had a killer headache so I didn't WOD afterwards.  I think my body is adjusting and I didn't have any caffiene that day.  Bad idea!  At the end of the day, I started to have some cravings for something sweet....luckily I had some frozen grapes in the freezer that managed to keep my cravings at bay.

My measurements:
Waist - 36 1/2"
Hips - 47 7/8"
Thighs - 27 1/2"
Upper Arms - 13"
Chest - 33"

I'm not thrilled with these measurements and I'd like to say that maybe they are worse than normal because of my epic cheat weekend.....  or atleast that's what I'm gonna say.  :)  Let's hope these measurements are lower at the end of the challenge!  I haven't recieved my 'before' picture yet.  I'll post the before and after pictures at the end of the challenge. 

The first 3 WODs have been posted.  I plan on doing my first one Wednesday evening.  Wish me luck!  I'll keep you updated as things progress.

LuRong Living Paleo Challenge 2013 - Are you in??

Registration has opened for the LuRong Living Paleo Challenge!!  The challenge starts September 16th and ends November 10th.  I know I know, a two month challenge!  That seems like a long time, right?  The longest I've stuck to paleo is three weeks, with no real cheating.  Well I had some snack size protein shakes because I felt a little weak sometimes before a workout, but I didn't have any grains, beans, etc.  It was really hard for the first week but gradually get easier, until I cheated one time and had rice.  Then it was all down hill after that. 

What is the challenge?

• Eat a paleolithic diet for 8 weeks.  Add points for eating right.  Subtract points for cheating.
• Complete 10 WODs over the course of 8 weeks.
• Before and after body measurements.
• Making and tracking goals.
• Trying new paleo recipes.
• Submit a video and written experience.

What are the benefits of doing this challenge?

• Prizes
• Improved performance
• Better health
• Weight loss

Why am I doing the challenge?

• I want to get into awesome shape!
• I'm held accountable for what I eat.
• I'll get to see how much I've improved in two months through measurements, and WOD performance.
• More energy, and happier!

So how am I going to make it through two months??  I'm going to plan plan plan.  I start school in less than a week and this will probably be a crazy semester because I'm taking Statistics.  All I hear about this class is the amount of work and time that has to go into it.  My advisor and my ex suggested that I start studying for it over the summer.  A friend at Crossfit told me to use the tutoring center.  So while I'm going to school part-time (2 classes), and working 32 hours a week, I'm still going to take on this challenge.  That is why I need to plan plan plan!

My plan:

• Meal prep Sundays!
• Cheat meals - plan them.  Don't just let them happen because you are being lazy.
• Crossfit atleast 3 times a week.  Sunday class, Monday class, then a morning class on Wed, Thurs and/or Friday.

Haven't heard of the paleo diet?  Check out one of my previous blogs about it.

The challenge starts in less than a month so I'm already trying to prep myself by eating mostly paleo right now.  I'm hoping it will make this easier once the day comes.  I'm hoping to see awesome results and to continue living a paleo/crossfit lifestyle.

Week 7 & 8: Still going strong

While I was taking the On-Ramp classes, the coaches recommend at least 3 days a week of Crossfit.  At first, I thought "I dunno if I can do 3 days of this stuff", now I'm thinking "I wish they had more class options cuz I wanna go more like 5 days a week".  Monday thru Thursday - the times are great for me, but then the Friday thru Sunday classes are very limited.  Saturday is a free class, then open gym.  Although I'm not really sure what I'd do with an open gym??  The coaches said the free class is more of a beginners class - I'm thinking movements that doesn't require weights.  Sunday, they have an 11am class, which I can totally attend but I wonder how busy it will be.  Some of the girls from my 7:30 class said they tried the 11a Sunday class and it wasn't bad.  I've been in the regular class for less than a week and I've already made friends.  I love the sense of community and rooting eachother on.  At regular gyms, I rarely talk to anyone.

Week 7

My first regular CF class (Monday evening)

I was really nervous, like butterflies in my stomach nervous, before going to my first class.  I wasn't sure what to expect or how much harder the classes would be than the On-ramp classes but I made it there.  After all, I can't let my money go to waste.  I signed up for unlimited classes...which is a little pricey $135/mo, but I figure it's cheaper than getting a person trainer that's $50/session.  Of course my first class looks super hard!  The warm-up itself was rough.

Covered in sweat - already gettin CF hands

Warm-up - 400m run, 30 squats, 10 push-ups. x2 
WOD -
"The Seven"  Seven rounds for time of 35 mins.
7 Handstand push-ups (modified - used a tall box, knees on, bent over the side doing handstand pushups)
135 pound Thruster, 7 reps (scaled to 45 lbs)
7 Knees to elbows (last round was actually easiest because I figured out how to really control my movement)
245 pound Deadlift, 7 reps (scaled to 65 lbs, I probably could have done heavier)
7 Burpees
7 Kettlebell swings, 2 pood (scaled to 10 lbs)
7 Pull-ups  (I had to use two bands :/)
 This was really a tough workout!!  I came out with a few bruises.  I made it through 3 and a half rounds.  Room for improvement!!

Tuesday:
Stretch
Warmup - 400m run, 20 squats, 20 lunges, 200m run.  30 PVC Passover. 10 PVC OH squat. 

WOD - 35 mins.  4 rounds. 15 squat clean, 15 press, 15 OH squat, 15 SDHP (sumo deadlift high pull), 200m run. 

I made it to 2 +3 (2 rounds plus 3 into the next)
Day after - I was a little sore but not too bad.



What I look like AFTER a crossfit workout

Thursday 

Stretch 

Warmup - 200 m run. 20 squats, 20 pass overs

WOD
Roll & climb -
roll dice

Odd - 10 wall balls

Even - 2 rope climb or 2 wall climb



1 - 500m row

2 - 200m run, 20 squats

3 - 10 thrusters

4 - 10 burpees for another team

5 - 16 push-ups 

6 - 13 slam balls

30 mins straight

Week 8

Treated myself to a haircut.  :) 

 

.

I made it to 4 class this week!  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  I skipped Wednesday because of my box jump fail on Tuesday.  My shins were pretty messed up and still in pain!  I surprised myself by going on Thursday because I went kayaking earlier that afternoon.  I thought I'd be tired from kayaking and being out in the sun, but surprisingly I still had plenty of energy to spare!

Saturday's Buddy WOD

I'm in the front of the pack carrying my partner

Saturday is my box's free WOD that anyone can come too and there is no cap on how many people can come.  There was a surprisingly large number of people there.  Lots of regulars, and new people checking the gym out.  I got Stella to check it out with Stacey and I but she didn't seem to be a big fan of it.  She didn't like having to partner up with people she didn't know.  I guess it's not for everyone.  I'm a big fan though. 

I'm looking forward to tonights CF class.  I liek that I'm meeting new people, we root eachother on, I push myself harder than I normally would and I even though it hard work, I love the feeling I have afterwards.  Now I understand what all the hype is about. 

Week 6: Completed the On-Ramp Crossfit class!

I survived On-Ramp Crossfit classes!

Here is a run down of what we did.

Class 2 (Thursday)

Stretching
Warm up  -Run 200m, 15 squats, 10 push ups, 10 burpees. x2 (more like a workout than warm up!)
Practice - dead lift and power cleans with PVC pipe.
WOD - 200m run. 20 lunges with plate overhead, 10 ring rows, 10 k2c, 15 power cleans, 20 lunges with plate over head, 200m run. 

*K2C - Knees to chest on pull-up bar. K2C is an easier version on Toes to Bar

Day after - My legs are useless. It hurts to sit or go up or down stairs.  My shoulders/back feel tight but not too sore. My core is also a little sore. Ouch.

Class 3 (Sunday)

Stretching - high knees, butt kicks, squats, lunges, jumps, high kicks.
Warm up - 250 m row, 20 squats, 10 push ups. x2. (x2 means repeat this twice)
Review - power cleans (PVC, 35 lbs bar, then 55lbs. I have a bruise on my collar bone from these.)
Practice - thrusters (PVC, 35 lb bar, 55 lbs too heavy).
-Wall balls - 10 lbs. Harder than they look!! Squat down, throw up to line, catch, repeat.
-Box jumps....for some reason, these freak me out!! I'm afraid I can't jump that high and I'm gonna kill my shines against the side of the box.
WOD -  500 m row. 15 Thrusters, 10 wall balls, 15 box jumps, 10 sit ups. x3 500 m row.  For time, 30m, 30s. 

Today was tough, but I made it through and I feel great.

Class 4 (Monday)

Stretch
Warm up - Run 200m, 20 jumping lunges, 20 push ups, 10 slam ball (15 lbs - mine didn't bounce, I think I needed a 10 lb ball) x2
Review - press, cleans, thrusters, OH squat, dead lift, sumo dead lift high pull
WOD - 12 min AMRAP - 5 burpees, 10 cleans (35 lb bar), 10 thrusters (35 lb bar), 10 OH squat (PVC), 15 sit-ups. I completed 2.5 rounds in 12 Min's, probably could have done better if I realized it was only 5 burpees...not 15!  The first 2 rounds I did 15 burpees each. 

Sore leg and back muscles - use lacrosse ball to roll out quads and back after class and next morning.  It seems to help some, although my quads just feel tight.  A different type of sore than after the first 2 classes.

*AMRAP - "As many rounds as possible" in the amount of time they give you.

Class 5 (Tuesday)

How I feel after 3 days in a row of CF!

Stretch
Warm up - 400 m run.  20 mountain climbers (make sure knees to elbows), 20 lunges, 10 passovers with PVC. x2
Review -  all previous moves. 
Practice - show us 'jerk' movement.
WOD - 400 m run.  10 wall balls, 5 stand up with 10lb ball. x3. 400m run, 10 clean/jerk, 5 K2C. x3   I preferred the second half of the WOD.  I like to 'clean'.

Today my quads hurt so bad when I'd get low in squats/lunges, esp at the hip joint on right leg. How to prevent it from happening. I told them about my legs killing me. They said push through so I did. They said cf actually recommends 3 days on, 1 day off.  I'm gonna try 2 days on, 1 day off in the beginning and then go from there.

hip iliopsoas muscle injury symptoms

Class 6 (the final on-ramp class - Thursday)

Stretch.
Warm up - 200m run, 15 push ups, 20 squats. x2
Review - everything we've done so far.  We did 5 of everything with a PVC or kettle bell while they watched our form.
Tonight, we met "Cindy".  She is one the benchmark WODs for crossfit. 
WOD (Cindy) 20 AMRAP - 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 air squats. 
- I got off to a slow start because I didn't have the right size box to stand on to get in the band.  I need to work on my pull-ups, I used the band but after a while, I switched to the ring row.  Push-ups were on my knees.  I found that going lower in the air squats was less painful for my quads.

Next day - my upper arms and upper back were sore.  My quads just felt super tight.  I'm going to take off until Monday, when I start the normal CF classes.

How I feel about Crossfit after the On-Ramp class?

As you know, I was pretty nervous/scared about starting crossfit, but I loved it after the first class! I'm excited to see how my body adapts and changes with crossfit.  I took a before picture before I started Crossfit and took some of my measurements.  I'm going to do this again right before my friend's wedding.  My good friend that came with me, liked crossfit too!  I'm not sure if she's going to sign up for classes because she doesn't have a whole lot of extra time or money because of her upcoming wedding. 

I used chalk for pull-up bar moves, no gloves.  Chivo was happy to hear this.  The coaches said I have good form, but that I need to work on my endurance.  They said the endurance will come with time and they think I'm ready for regular crossfit classes.  :)  So I have officially signed up for a monthly membership.

Tips the coaches gave me: Drink lots of water.  Roll out your muscles with a lacrosse ball or stiff foam roller/large PVC pipe.  To really see results, you gotta work on the diet.  They suggested eating mostly paleo.  They said paleo will help with many different ailments - like more energy, better sleeping, etc.

I drank the crossfit Kool-aid, and I liked it.

Week 5: My first time trying Crossfit

Before Trying Crossfit
So I start Crossfit tonight and I'm scared!!!  The owner of Clutch Crossfit has a saying "Decide you want it, more than you are afraid of it".  I love this saying and I'm totally gonna roll with it.  I'm definitely afraid of starting crossfit - puking, not making it through a workout, too out of shape to do it, heavy weights, fast paced, hard as sh*t.....but I think the benefits could outweigh me being a chicken.  If you want something bad enough, nothing will stop you from having it.  I'm going to step outside of my comfort zone - ie the gym - and push myself to try something new.  Like I said, I'm on a mission!!

My Stats
Weight 7/10/2013: 1_2.5 lbs
      (I'll reveal my weight in September along with my after weight and pics.  I am aleady 7 lbs down since I came back from the Smoky Mountains.)
Height: 5'6"

Measurements
Neck: 13.5" (6/23/13)
Waist: 33" (6/23/13)
Hips: 40" (6/23/13)

After my first time at Crossfit

Boy, it sure did knock me flat. I gave it my all though. I was huffin and puffin.  Our onramp class was 5 people - 4 girls and a guy. Im kinda glad it was smaller because we get more focus from the coach. 

Here is what we did:
Warm up - with the regular crossfitters, kinda like cardio with stretching and lunges/squats...more like a gym workout!

WOD 1 - 10 squats, run, 15 squats, run. repeat.
I hate running, I wish I loved it. Maybe I hate it because I'm no good at it. Well I don't really have a choice whether I run or not so maybe ill learn to like it. I had to spit half way through. You know that feeling, where your mouth feels like its filled with thick spit. I know I know, it's gross but true. Maybe I need more water??  My friend did an extra round with me to keep me going, how awesome is she!
 

Then they gave 3 of us medicine balls and when we did squats, our butta had to touch the ball.  2 of the girls had boxes to squat down too.
WOD 2 - squats for 20 sec, rest 10 sec. repeat for 4 mins.
We had to count how many we did each time. We were suppose to be consistent. My first I got in 10, but then the rest were more like 5 or 6 squats.  Brutle. After this WOD, I felt light headed. The coach said that was normal because your body is adjusting to these crazy workouts. Btw, did I mention how cool the coaches are??  Super chill and nice and encouraging. I love it. Ways to improve your squat.

Next they gave us each Kkttle bells, I got 15lbs. They showed us what to do, we practiced it in steps, then did the following WOD/warm-up....are these considered WODs?
WOD 3 - 20 sec Kettle bell swings, rest 10 sec. repeat.
It was semi-easy at first, I think my form was pretty good. By the end it was pretty tough. Again, we had to count. My high was 8, my low was 6.  

After all of that, we were spent!!!  I was totally knocked flat, sweaty from head to toe.  They showed us how to use foam rollers to to loosen us up.  They said it would help with the soreness.  I've seen my friend, Chivo, use these before.  Now I know why he used them!!  I need to invest in one ASAP.

The Day After
The class was crazy hard, but I pushed through.  At the end, I was proud of myself for trying this and I'm ready to go back for more...even though I'm still a little scared.  I've been kinda bummed lately because of a breakup but I noticed that I've been in a good mood since crossfit.  I like that type of side effect!!  My body progressively got more sore as the day after went on!  My legs are the worst.  Sitting down and stairs are my enemy right now.  Crossfit again tonight, how will I make it through all the squats!?  Funny, but I'm already looking up crossfit and how to do certain techniques.  Chivo always talked about looking up crossfit videos and articles, but now I understand.


 

Week 4. No pain, no gain.

 

So I've officially signed up for On-ramp Crossfit classes.  I start in 2 days!  I'm excited and super nervous.  Atleast I got one of my friends to sign up with me, even if she doesn't stick with it after the fundamentals class, it will get me in the door and I can continue on my own.  The On-Ramp is a class that teaches you the basics of crossfit and gets you set up to take the regular crossfit classes.  $65 for 2 weeks - 3 days a week.  I can handle that....I have a feeling I'll be super sore though. 

Should I keep up with the JNL workouts at the same time as taking this class?  I think I will, cuz it would feel weird to not work out 6 days a week.  I feel lazy now when I miss a day or working out.  Like I said, I want to get in shape by my friends wedding which is a little less than 3 months away.  I can do it.  I've been consistent for 3 weeks now.  I'm feeling great.  I'm going to step it up and challenge myself by doing Crossfit.  I know that to really see results I need to get my diet straight.  They say it's 80% diet, 20% gym.  I've been doing much better with my diet and avoiding bad foods and eating less calories, but I think I need to make sure it's more nutrious, like I need to stick with the JNL fitness model formula OR try paleo again.  I've been in a little bit of funk lately so I've been kinda slacking off on my diet, but I'm gonna snap out of it and get my sh*t in order!

Here is their description of the On-Ramp class:

Over the course of the fundamentals classes, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the CrossFit program. We will introduce, refine and discuss the range of motion requirements for the following movements:

• Squats: Air Squat, Back Squat, Front Squat, Overhead Squat
• Presses: Shoulder Press, Push Press, Push Jerk
• Power Movements: Deadlift, Sumo-Deadlift High Pull, Tire Flips
• Olympic Movements: Clean and Jerk, Snatch
• Gymnastics: Pull-Ups, Push-Ups, Ring Dips, Handstands etc.
• Other Movements: Thrusters, Wall Ball, Kettlebell Swings, Burpees, Rowing, Box Jumps, Jump Rope

Truthfully, I'm nervous about trying Crossfit but I'm gonna go for it anway!  I've been reading more about it and it's all scalable and you do not have to be in great shape before you start.  I'm going to give it my all.  I would like to eventually do a Tough Mudder or something like that.  I think it would be pretty bad a$$ to say I've done one and that I can climb a rope and do __ pull ups.  FYI....I can't even do one pull-up right now!!  I've heard a lot of people who are into crossfit, have said how much they love it, how much they can physically do now, and how happy they are.  I like the fact that it's more of a community.  At the gym, I don't talk to anyone except my old trainer.  Now I wonder if there is a way to avoid getting those nasty Crossfit hands......  they are rough and look painful.

 

 



Week 3 on JNL program.

Week 3 and still going strong!

So it's week three on the Jennifer Nicole Lee fitness model program.  Last week went great, I lost another 1lb.  I followed the workout plan to a T.  I'm feeling great. I was sore last week after my workouts, but it was a good sore.  So far I've stuck to my workout plan this week, switching up the type of exercises I do so my body won't get use to them.

My diet has been pretty good but still not fitness model good.  I haven't planned as much as I should have.  I went grocery shopping this Sunday and picked up some nice healthy food for this week.  To make things easier, I picked up some EAS carb control protein shakes for my snacks so I won't have to make anything.  Gotta work smarter not harder.  I need to figure out an easy protein for evenings, or maybe I should start meal prepping.  Make some lean meat for a few days, that way when I get home from the gym and I'm too tired to cook, I can just heat up and eat.

Checking out Crossfit
 

I really want to get in shape by my friends wedding, the end of September 2013.  That's 3 months away, and should be enough time to really see a difference, as long as I I think I will see results from the JNL plan but I was thinking of trying crossfit too.  My ex (miss him a bunch) is really into crossfit, so I've heard all about it and I've seen the results of it.  He even gave me a PVC pipe to practice crossfit moves on, which I'll finally actually use!  I've looked online to find out more information about crossfit, and man, crossfit athletes seem to be in great all around shape.  While I'm scared about trying crossfit because I don't think I'm in good enough shape to do it, I've seen testimonials about people, maybe in worse shape than myself that do crossfit and have seen great results.  I'm on a mission, so no pain no gain, right?  I am going to take a chance and try out crossfit for a while.  I've found a 'box' close to my house that seems pretty cool.  I'm hoping I can get one of my friends to come check it out with me.  I know they have concerns about getting to bulky, but I think that really only happens if you want that to happen.  Anyways, it's always easier to start a new program with someone, even if they don't continue along with me.

I'll let you know how things go.  :)

 

10 days in

Day 3 - Cardio & Abs Day
I've been on the JNL Fitness Model plan for a few days now.  I find it easier to follow than the paleo diet because you are allow more option.  What I'm finding challenging is making sure I eat all the time, especially the snacks and a big breakfast.  I am not use to eating a big breakfast, I usually just drink a protein shake.  Now when I wake up I drink a smaller protein shake and eat breakfast when I get to work.  Which is backwards....  I should be eating my big breakfast at home and then the protein shake later on.  That's something I need to work on.  I missed my workout on Monday, I was busy with other things and forgot to do it.  I was going to do the workouts in addition to my legs workout yesterday but man, I was spent after my legs workout!!  My legs and buttock are sore today.  Great workout.

Today is Cardio & Abs Day.  JNL says that endless amounts of cardio will get you no where.  The foundation of your training should be weight training.  Endless cardio will help you become a 'skinny fat person'. 

'Fitness Model' cardio - do NOT exceed your target heart rate of 75%.  If your heart rate is higher than that, you start burning muscle mass and not fat.  I didn't realize this.  I do check my heart rate on the machines but I just know when my heart rate is high or low...not really what the heart rate means. Stay in your fat burning zone which is between 65% to 75% of your target heart rate.

Don't make running the foundation of your cardio. Try other forms of low-impact cardio like the elliptical (my favorite), stair master or nordic track. Do in between 25 to 45 minutes.

Day 5

I don't think my body is used to working out anymore!  My whole body is sore.  After chest & biceps day yesterday, I could barely lift my arms up higher than my chest. haha.  This type of sore kinda feels good though.  I needed to get my butt off the couch and get motivated.  I like JNL's schedule.  It keeps me on track and this way I know I'm getting a full body workout each week.  I am definately sleeping better than I was before and overall I'm feeling pretty good.  I'm still not 100% on the diet.  I'm not eating bad foods but I don't think I'm eating enough of what JNL has on her food plan or often enough.  Breakfast is still a challenge. 

I'm amped about getting in shape for my trip to Florida in September. 

I looked into what my fat burning zone would be over the past few days.  I found two apps for the iphone that really helped!  Free Heart Rate and Target heart rate calculator.

My resting heart rate is about 64 BPM.  I measured this using the Free Heart Rate app, while I was still laying in bed this morning.

My max heart rate is about 180 BPM.  I used a new formula that I found on Popsugar Fitness that they said was more accurate.
206 - (88% of your age) = 179.6 BPM

So my fat burning zone is 145 BPM to 151 BPM.

Day 10

I've made it to day 10 although my diet and exercise were put to the back burner this past weekend after some heart ache.  With time, things will get easier.  I'm a strong person.  I believe in what they say "If you love something, let it go.  If it comes back, it was meant to be.  If it doesn't, it was never yours and it's not meant to be."  Letting go is really hard but I've found that exercising really lifts my mood.

I started working out again on Monday - Shoulders and triceps.  My triceps are killing me right now.  I probably could have used a heavier weight for shoulders. 

Tuesday - Legs.  I went to the gym around 8p thinking it wouldn't be so crowded.  BIG mistake!!  It was more crowded than it is at 6pm.  WTH.  I got in my cardio warm-up and some abducter, adducters....but the all the leg machines that I like to use had swarms of people around them.  Oh, and boo.....I hurt my right groin muscle doing the adducter machine....maybe too much weight.  :(  HURT.  So I left and headed to another gym.  Gym #2 was WAY better.  Got all my leg workouts in although I wasn't 100% since my groin muscle was hurting.  Pushed through anyway and it's not hurting so bad today.  Like I said, I'm on a mission!!

PS - I've lost 3.5 lbs so far.  :)

On a Mission: JNL Fitness Model Challenge. Day 1.

On a Mission: Day 1, June 17th, 2013.

After some diliberating between a paleo challenge or following JNL's fitness model book, I decided to go along with JNL.  Chivo is on a paleo challenge right now and he's doing great.  Sticking to his plan, I don't think he's cheated at all!

Today is Day 1. I knew that would be starting this challenge so I went a little nuts this weekend to get it out of my system. 

To hold myself accountable, I’m logging my weight, my measurements, what I eat, my exercise, and how much I sleep in my ‘UP by Jawbone’ app on my phone and at the end of each week, my boyfriend is going to check out my log and give me comments about it. I hope he’s not too harsh!

I weighed myself this morning so I know my starting weight, which I’m embarrassed to post, but I’ve logged it in my app. I’ll post it after my mission is complete. I need to take my measurements tonight or tomorrow morning. I can’t go just on weight loss since muscle weighs more than fat.

DIET:
Breakfast: Lean source of protein + cup of fibrous carb (1/2 c. if fruit, 1 c. if veggie) + whole grain carb (1/2 c.) = JNL Fitness Model Food Plan Formula
Snack: Protein shake (BSN lean dessert or EAS advantage edge carb control), mini protein bar, or a mini-meal
Lunch: Lean source of protein + cup of fibrous carb (1/2 c. if fruit, 1 c. if veggie) + whole grain carb (1/2 c.)
Snack: Protein shake (BSN lean dessert or EAS advantage edge carb control), mini protein bar, or a mini-meal
Dinner: Lean source of protein + cup of fibrous carb (1/2 c. if fruit, 1 c. if veggie)
Snack: Protein shake (BSN lean dessert or EAS advantage edge carb control)
It sounds like a lot of food but I’m going to follow her plan.

EXERCISE: To get a better description of the exercises, you should buy her book, JNL Fitness Model Book. FYI: I loved the book, it was very inspirational and LOTS of information.

JNL’s Fusion Method
MONDAY: Shoulder & Triceps
TUESDAY: Legs
WEDNESDAY: Cardio & Abs
THURSDAY: Chest & Biceps
FRIDAY: Back
SATURDAY: Cardio & Abs
SUNDAY: Rest Day

Today’s LOG:

Breakfast: EAS AdvantEdge Cafe Caramel Nutrition Shake
I’m not use to eating like a queen for breakfast. I usually just drink a Core Power shake. This new diet will take some getting use to. I gotta think of some breakfasts that I can take to work or quickly make at home. I may use some of the My Fit Food breakfast for ideas or pick up a few for the week.
Snack: Cottage Cheese & Pineapple, 33.6 oz Smart Water with Crystal Light
Lunch: Panda Express - Panda Bowl with String Bean Chicken & Brown Rice (didn’t finish all the rice), forturne cookie and a passion tea with 1 sweet n low.
Snack: String Cheese & Banana. Is it weird that sometimes the texture of a banana grosses me out?
Dinner: Southwest Salad - Chicken, 1 TBS cheese, corn, lettuce and 2 TBS dressing. Water.
Snack: Pineapple, & some Almond Bites. Almond Bites is an ice cream made from almond milk, and covered in chocolate - kinda like Nibs. They were good but probably not good for my plan.
Exercise: Nada. :/  I will have to make it up today when I do legs.

So today, wasn’t great, but wasn’t too bad.  I gotta make sure to exercise!, eat good snacks, eat more like a queen at breakfast and a protein shake before bed. If I blend the protein shake with ice in the blender, it will feel more like dessert.
 

On a Mission: 90/10 paleo

Week 1 & 2
I made it through the first week, although I wasn't 100% paleo.  I had my two servings of brown rice, which I was going to allow myself each week.  During the week, seemed to be easier than the weekend.  I'd pick up soup, or a smoothie or chicken and veggies over brown rice for lunch and I had my homemade paleo crunch or banana chips to munch on.  For date night, Chivo and I went to a Brazilian steakhouse, and I kept it mostly paleo, although I had to allow myself one of those little cheesy biscuits they put on the table.  I don't know what's in them, but it's delicious!  I think my boyfriend does much better on paleo than me, although he did have some funky cravings over the weekend - smores and siracha Cheetos (i think).   I didn't have coffee or soda all last week or over the weekend. Proud of myself.  :)  I am still drinking crystal light which Chivo thinks I shouldn't be drinking.  I should probably look at the ingredients and then maybe I won't want to drink it.  It just really helps me drink more water.  I guess I could try natural flavoring like lemon, cucumber or mint?

Over the weekend, I tried to keep it mostly paleo but I ended up making myself a quesadilla....fajita size flour tortilla, siracha sauce and Cheddar cheese on Saturday.  On Sunday, I went to a BBQ and had a hot dog...with the bun and a few tortilla chips with some queso blanco.  I tried not to go nuts though.  I brought plantain chips and salsa along with me so I wouldn't pig out on chips and it really helped.  I also let everyone try the paleo crunch and they all loved it.

Exercise
It was kinda hard to get back into exercising since I feel like I've been out of it for a little while with school stuff, and vacation.  I haven't made it into the gym yet to do weights but I've started walking at the park. 
I love going to the park with my dog and music or audio book.  The park has 3 mile loop with lots of runners and walkers.  Sometimes I meet my friend Stella out there so we can walk and talk.

Results
I've lost 4.5 lbs so far in the past 11 days, which makes me super happy!
I want to exercise more, and I'm sure I'll be back doing weights soon.  My goal is to run a 5k in 3 months.
I think eating 90% is what works for me.  If I really want something that's not paleo, I'll eat of few bites of it and that satisfies my craving.  I want this lifestyle to stick so 90/10 works better for me.  I've also been trying to think of food differently - Food is fuel.

Goals
My short term goal is to lose a total of 10 lbs by June 14th.  I'm already 4.5 down, but now I'm at the weight I seem to plateau, just gotta push hard to get past it!
My long term goals feel better about myself, get fit, look good, run a 5k by the end of September.

I just need to stay consistent.  I've got this!

3 week of mostly Paleo

3/6/2013
So it's been about 3 weeks since I've started eating mostly paleo - I still have those 2 cheat meals a week.  In general, I feel happier and leaner, although I haven't lost much weight yet, perhaps I need to cut back on the dried and fresh fruit.  I have noticed that I'm eating less at each sitting and on cheat meals, I'm getting full very fast.  Chivo seems to think I'm not really doing well on Paleo but I think I'm doing better than he thinks.  I really do stick to mostly paleo stuff and if I do cheat, it may be something minor or just a bite of something non-paleo.

I still haven't been able to let go of my sugary lattes, which I know is so not paleo and I think it drives Chivo a little insane.  He gives me these looks and tells me how much sugar is in them.....but I can't helpful, they are sooo good.  I think I have a problem.  I'll admit, I'm addicted.  Do they have a Lattes Anonymous?  I should probably join.  haha.  But for real, I really should cut back on these sugary lattes.  Most of the time I get them iced.  I could always try an iced coffee and just add honey or stevia to it.  It just doesn't seem the same, but I'm sure my taste buds will adapt once I start eating less sugary foods.  I've always had a major sweet tooth.  I can stay away from candy and cake because I swap it for fruit and still get my sweet fix.   

3/11/2013
I didn't have any iced lattes or coffees over the weekend, and I survived!!  No headaches, nothing.  Pretty happy with myself.  :)  I did order a small iced coffee this morning, but only took a few sips out of it and threw it out.  Maybe I really don't need these lattes, maybe it's just a habit??

Chivo loves cinnamon rolls and we saw a recipe for a Paleo Cinnamon Rolls so we just had to make them.  We used a recipe from the Cavery, Pumpkin Pecan Cinnamon Rolls.  I think Pumpkin Butter is out of season, as we couldn't find any at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods so we used apple butter instead.  We did find everything else in the recipe though.  I had to add a lot more almond milk to the batch than the recipe called for, to make it runny as the recipe stated. While it was easy to make, it didn't taste anything like a cinnamon roll.  So Chivo and I are going to continue testing paleo cinnamon roll recipes until we find some pretty close to the real thing.  I'm confident that it can happen, not so sure that Chivo is so confident though.  Atleast with this past recipe, I found a great way to make Paleo Crepes.  I love crepes!

Sticking with Paleo. Mission impossible?

I love the way I feel when I stick with the Paleo diet and I love the way my body is transforming. I've been trying to stick with it and at times I could have tried harder to stick with it. I don't think I can go to Paleo cold turkey. That kind of blew up in my face. So I'm thinking I will try to stick to Paleo 80% of the time. That seems reasonable and doable. In time, I would hope I can raise that percentage to 90% or even 99%. But for now I'm going to take baby steps. I still love my iced pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks but I will try to limit those to only a day or two a week and to use whole fat milk in them as no whip cream. Luckily, that latte is a seasonal thing!

Today I've been pretty good. I had a protein shake early, then had steak, egg whites and red potato mash from myfitfoods. They were out of the small size so I just bought the medium and didn't finish all the egg or mash. He steak was too good to not finish. If I pick up food from myfitfoods, I don't have too many options of food because a lot of their dishes have rice or pasta or oats, which aren't paleo friendly. Atleast they have started carrying items from a local chef that creates meals from raw products. I need to try some of those meals next.

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'On a Mission' Challenge - Starting today.

9/12/12
So I've made it through my first 30 days of paleo.  It was rough and towards the end I definitely cheated more than I should have but I feel much better than I did before I started the paleo diet.  I really love it, but it takes planning to really make it work.  Maybe I cheated because I didn't plan well enough the last two weeks because I was so crazy busy.  But 8 lbs down in one month, I love that.  My clothes are fitting better, especially my jeans.  My skin is clearer.  I feel happier.  And when I do cheat, let me tell you, my body tells me I've done a bad thing!!  I also get full much quicker than before.  Even when I did cheat, I'd get not even half way through my meal and I'd feel full....like overly full, about ready to pop full.  I need to stick with it and cut out the grains again. 

Last night I went out to a Mexican place in celebration of my new car.  :)  So happy about it.  It's a 2008 Saturn VUE.  I kinda feel like I have a grown up car now.  haha.  So anyway, I did eat chips.  :/  BUT for my meal, I ordered grilled shrimp.  It came with rice and beans but I asked for none of that and sub in grilled veggies.  It was delicious.

Down another 8 lbs in the next 30 days?  Let's see if i can do it.  I'm challenging myself to stick with this and absolutely NO grains in the next 30 days.  What better time to start than NOW.  Call me out if I've cheated.  I CAN do this.  There are much harder things in life than no grains.  This next year, I will get in the best shape of my life with the help Whole 9/Paleo Diet and Jennifer Nicole Lee workouts.

My 'On a Mission' Challenge:


9-12-12 to 10-12-12

NO grains - NO wheat and all processed foods made with wheat or wheat flour, rye and all processed foods made with rye, barley, rice, oats and corn.  So no more tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants, no more rice with Chinese food.

Exercise at least 4 days a week - Hopefully more, but that is the minimum.  Follow Jennifer Nicole Lee's Fitness Model workouts.  Make sure get to get full body workouts each month.

80% paleo 20% non paleo minimum.  Meaning little to no sugar, no candy unless it's dark chocolate with 85% cocoa, little to no dairy or whole fat milk (use almond milk or coconut milk substitute when possible).  Eat lots of veggies, fruits, meats and nuts!

I've got this!

Wow, is it Day 25 already??

I know I've missed a few days but school started last week and I've been so crazy busy.  I enjoy everything that I'm doing, just wish I could focus more on school right now than working.  I'll try to recap what I can remember.

I'm on Day 25 right now.  I can't believe I've made it this long.  I'm pretty happy with myself and the results that I've seen so far.  I've lost 8 lbs so far and I've been feeling pretty great.  I've also noticed that when I have cheated, I immediately feel horrible...I mean my stomach hurts, and I feel bloated. 

While I haven't been 100% paleo every day, I have tried to stay 80% paleo 20% non paleo and I've been pretty successful at it for the most part.  I've found a way to eat at my favorite restaurants and still stick to 80% paleo.  On Day 22, I revamped my chili recipe to make it paleo friendly.  I didn't have to do a whole lot to change it, switch out the kidney and pinto beans for extra veggies.  I'll post the recipe for the chili later.  It was pretty good although I did kinda miss the beans, cheese and cornbread that I usually have with it.  I went for a 3 mile walk later that evening and then decided to go see Lawless.  Bad idea on an empty stomach.  Movie theater food is the opposite of paleo food....and I was sucked it.  I was starving because I didn't eat dinner.  I ordered a small popcorn and a small soda.  I didn't finish either item and my stomach really didn't like me after that.  :/  Next time I will come prepared with some munchies in my purse.


The start of my Bison Paleo Chili

Day 23.  I had some left over chili for lunch.  MMmmm.  I have been craving sushi for a while now and I am finally getting to go!  My friend that is also on paleo came with me.  It was like a meat smorgasbord!  We had a ceviche appetizer, then 4 different tapas plates and short ribs.  The tapas plates at 6 piece of raw fish in soy sauce with added garlic or citrus and sprouts or onions.  All very tasty.  I know soy sauce isn't paleo friendly, but I haven't found the soy sauce substitute yet.  Remember 80% paleo.  It was all delicious and rice free.

I had a mini break down last night because I was stressed with my car, work and school.  I had Cheetos AND noodles for dinner on Day 24.  Talk about paleo fail!!!

Days 19

Day 19

I had My Fit Foods for breakfast - Steak, egg whites and red potato mash.  It was really good. 

I've been thinking more about the whole potato and paleo thing.  Why are potatoes so controversial in this community?  Is paleo just the name of this lifestyle or are they really trying to eat as cavement did?  Here is the wikipedia defination of the Paleolithic Diet.... "The paleolithic diet (abbreviated paleo diet or paleodiet), also popularly referred to as the caveman diet, Stone Age diet and hunter-gatherer diet, is a modern nutritional plan based on the presumed ancient diet of wild plants and animals that various hominid species habitually consumed during the Paleolithic era—a period of about 2.5 million years duration that ended around 10,000 years ago with the development of agriculture. In common usage, such terms as the "Paleolithic diet" also refer to the actual ancestral human diet.
Centered on commonly available modern foods, the "contemporary" Paleolithic diet consists mainly of fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, vegetables, fruit, fungi, roots, and nuts, and excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, salt, refined sugar, and processed oils" By this definition, I would assume that potatoes are ok.  I don't think it's a bad thing to consume red potatoes, but I don't want all the extra carbs so I'll limit my intake.

Day 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18- I've made it two weeks already!!

Day 14

Omg, I've made it two weeks without grains!

Today was so crazy busy that I really didn't get to eat much. I had a banana and coffee for breakfast. But then I didn't eat again until dinner time because I was working on building a playground with SIFE. We got rained out! So close to being finished. Afterwards I treated myself to a watermelon juice. Seriously the best drink!

When I got home, I had some banana chips but I was so engrossed in making a trifold board for SIFE that I kept putting off eating, but not on purpose. Before I knew it, it was time to get ready to go out with my friends. So I made my go to salad - star berries, sunflower seeds and baby spring mix. It's so easy and quick to make.

Party time! I only had one drink while out and I had so much fun.

Day 15

I did not want to wake up early today even though I had told a friend I'd meet her to work on her classroom before I went to finish the playground. But my plans to finish the playground fell trough and my friend luckily didn't want to wake up early either.

I decided to reward myself today for doing pretty well on this new diet so I got a Starbucks iced coffee with whole milk and another banana for breakfast. Is it possible to have too many bananas??

Yay, one of my good friends recently got engaged and she invited me to go wedding dress shopping with her today. Yay! But hmmm..... What can I eat for lunch?? I shopped with them for a while then we were all hungry so we looked around for lunch. They decided to go to a bubble tea place that had food. Not too much food to choose from if I don't want to go off my diet too bad. I got curry chicken. It was delicious. It came with rice so I ate a little of it but I tried to focus on just eating the chicken and avoiding the potatoes. Ugh. Bad choice. I immediately felt bloated and super full. It was the first time I've had grains in two weeks and if that's the way I'm going to feel after eating grains, I will gladly skip them!

For dinner I had a salad with ground beef, guacamole and salsa. Paleo is doable. Sometimes it's hard to not add cheese and sour cream and beans to taco salads, but I feel much better about the eating habits that I'm forming. I'm nervous about tomorrow though, I start school and my schedule is already busy. I will need to find time to make food and things that I can take on the go.

Oh and obviously I didn't get to make the chili today that I had planned to do. Maybe next weekend.


Want some Whole30 approved spices?  Check out this link: Whole30 Approved Spicehound

Day 16

First day of the Fall 2012 semester! I am so not ready for this.  These first few days will be crazy busy for me.  I have morning classes, then head to work, then home to work on homework or stuff for my tutoring.  How am I going to manage sticking to paleo?  I need to buy a lunch cooler to keep my food from spoiling while it sits in my car during class.  Houston is crazy hot and the heat would seriously over cook my food....and I don't wanna cook lettuce or strawberries.  Gross.

So I just picked up a Bacon Chicken Salad to bring to work and some beef jerky if I need a snack.  Oh and I bought a cool lime refresher from Starbucks this morning because I was in need for some serious caffeine after my macroeconomics class.

Around 1pm my stomach started to hurt.  It was a weird feeling, like hungry, kinda painful like I had worked out my abs hard in the gym (but I haven't recently) and uncomfortable.  Not sure what's wrong.  Ugh.  I ate my salad but it only made the feeling go away a little.  Maybe it was from yesterdays rice? or the cool lime refresher? or maybe the beef jerky....can beef jerky go bad?

No working out tonight.  I have to buy school books online, finish the SIFE trifle board, buy a printer and my tummy hurts.  I just grabbed a smoothie after work for dinner because I was hungry and had to run some errands.

Day 17

Is it possible that today is busier than yesterday?  Half a day of work, class, tutoring then homework.  I seriously feel like I'm living off of smoothies right night.  I had a protein shake with some coffee mixed in for breakfast.  On the way to tutoring I picked up a fruit smoothie.  For dinner, I needed to eat something more nutritious and substantial.  I made grilled chicken and had my go to salad, by now you should now what type of salad that is....strawberries, sunflower seeds and baby spring mix. 

Day 18

I need to get back to eating regular foods.  A protein shake with coffee for breakfast on the way to class. 

What can I pick up to eat for lunch and a snack at work?  My Fit Foods!  I just need to make sure to avoid any dish with rice, pasta or grains.  It's doable. 

Are red potatoes paleo friendly?  I looked this up before stopping for food because I wanted their bbq chicken which comes with green beans and a red potato mash.  Seems like red potatoes are a touchy subject in the paleo world.  This blogger goes more into depth about red potatoes and if they are paleo.... Mark's Daily Apple - Are potatoes paleo?  He says that "Evidence exists for human consumption of roots and tubers from multiple sites spanning multiple time periods: Northern Europe (specifically Poland), in the terminal Paleolithic and early Mesolithic."  So I've decided I will get the meal with the red potato mash, but I won't do it very often.  I'll limit my spud in take since I'm trying to get into better shape.

Snack time!  I have egg salad with nut thins and celery from My Fit Foods.  So good.  But do not eat the nut things if you are trying to stick to paleo foods.  I made the mistake of eating them, THEN looking at the ingredients.  I thought that the Almond Nut Thins would be made from almonds. Well they have almonds, rice flour (fail) and some other paleoFAIL stuff.  You live you learn to look at ingredients before you eat something.  If you aren't trying to eat paleo, but are just eating healthy, Nut Thins are a tasty cracker replacement.  Oh and the egg salad....does have some mayo in it.  Another paleofail but at least it's nutritious since who knows when I will get dinner tonight.

Dinner time - egg drop soup, chicken and a little brown rice. I knew I shouldn't have eaten any grains. I don't want this to spiral out of control and start eating more grains little by little. Just need to cut out grains cold turkey.....again. I don't need them, they just taste good.

Day 12 & 13

Day 12



Lunch

I cant believe it's been almost two weeks of eating paleo. Still no grains. I'm almost shocked with myself and how well I've done. I've cheated a little except with grains. I've had a few beans, Starbucks refresher and Smoothie King but for the most part, I've stayed on track. I had a protein shake for breakfast, strawberry sunflower seed salad for lunch, and munched on some carrots as a snack. I'm still trying to figure out what I want for dinner. Maybe some eggs with squash, mushrooms and bacon, or maybe squash and mushroom with fish. Both sound really good.

I've had a dull headache since this afternoon and I'm super tired. Headaches really drag me down. I'm thinking the headache is from being so tired because of the extra long days I've had this week. I was planning on exercising today but I think I'm going to relax tonight.

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Not 100% Paleo but at least no peanuts
and it's organic.

Dinner

I tried dark chocolate almond butter cups tonight. Amazing! I found them at Kroger in the organic section and thought I'd treat myself for doing so well on this diet.


I finally decided what to make for dinner.  Eggs, uncured bacon, sauteed mushrooms, squash and onions.  It was very delicous!  I didn't finish all the bacon or egg, but I cleans everything else off the plate.  I love mushrooms and squash.  For dessert, I had some fresh strawberries.

Day 13

Happy Friday!!  I did not want to get out of bed this morning but I feel fresh and in a good mood today.  I'm very excited about going to Zumba tonight.  The instructor is great, I'm covered in sweat by the end of class and I'm having fun!  After Zumba, I'll work out my triceps and shoulders.  I like to perform 3 different exercises per muscle at 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps for each exercise.  I choose a weight that will be hard to lift by the end of each set.  I'm trying to follow the exercises that are in my Jennifer Nicole Lee book. 

For example:
Today is Triceps and Shoulders, so I'd do:
TRICEPS:
Seated Dumbbell Extension - 3 sets at 8 to 12 reps
Dumbbell Kickbacks - 3 sets at 8 to 12 reps
Skull Crushers with bar - 3 sets at 8 to 12 reps
SHOULDERS:
Seated Dumbbell Press - 3 sets at 8 to 12 reps
Side Raises - 3 sets at 8 to 12 reps
Bent Over Raises - 3 sets at 8 to 12 reps

I switch up the exercises each time I hit the gym so I don't get board and neither do my muscles.  I also have the Kindle App downloaded on my iphone so I can just refer back to my book if I need any extra help.  Read her book Fitness Model Book.  It was the first book I bought on my kindle and I read it all in 3 days.  It's inspirational and she gives you so many tips and tricks.  I love her. Jennifer Nicole Lee's Website

For breakfast I had another protein shake from BSN Lean Dessert.  I think it was Banana Nut Bread flavor.  I think I like it almost as much as the Whipped Vanilla Lean Dessert.


Delicious!

I was totally in love with my lunch yesterday, so I'm having the same thing again today.  I seriously can't get enough of this strawberry, sunflower seed and baby spring mix salad.  It's that good!  I only had about a tablespoon of dressing, but the strawberries are so juicy that it didn't even matter.


 

Lunch before mixing it together

Okay, so I'm already thinking of what I could make on Sunday for next week.  I'm thinking a Paleo Chili in a Crockpot.  Should I make regular chili or maybe green chili.  I haven't had green chili since my roadtrip with Stella.  Stella & Petunia's Awesome Adventure blog   I'm gonna start looking up recipes.