Post of the week

After the last entry and workout, I had to retreat and lick my wounds.... for a week.  My thighs were so sore, position changes (like sitting down/standing up, lying to sitting to standing, etc.)  were torturous.  I felt like an old lady.  The muscles were sore to touch and I was super stiff.  It was a tough week for me.  Mentally I was still with it and raring to go, but my body and muscles weren't in agreement on that, so I rested and recovered.  My weight loss stalled, and my self control in regards to sweets slipped a little.  

Today, I had the day off from work, and for the first time it didn't hurt to move.  So I suited up and went to the gym to work out.  I took one of my workout cards with me and went after it.  I did 45 minutes of cardio, then I did resistance training using the workout card as a guide.  I ended up being there for nearly 2 hours.  I am feeling a little sore from the workout now, but I didn't get to the point of complete exhaustion like I did last week.  I am off again tomorrow, so I plan to go again and workout with another card.  Today was mostly legs n shoulders, so i think tomorrow will be arms and abs and core work, and of course cardio.  

Veganism is still in full effect.  I am still gobsmacked by how easy it has been to transition.  I made a yummy lunch today of a chickenless salad sandwich with mustard and vegenaise, cucumbers, tomatoes, and garden sprouts.  Last night, the boy made me a delish dinner of chickenless strips, green beans and baked potato with butter, sour cream and cheese (all vegan).  It was soooo tasty.  

I continue to feel stronger and more confident.  My brain is sharper, and I am getting more flexible.I   I continue to see positive results from this life change, and that makes it easier to keep it up.  While I am not perfect, I am so much more consistent than I have ever been, and my motivation has not flagged.  

One Month Results

I had my final workout with my trainer this morning, and after nearly killing me with a super intense workout, we did my measurements.  They are as follows:

Feb 22, 2015                                                                    March 23, 2015
Weight: 248 lbs                                                                Weight: 241.6 lbs.
Body Fat: 37%                                                                  Body Fat:  35%
Chest:  46.5 inches                                                            Chest:  46.5 inches
Right Bicep: 14.75 inches                                                 Right Bicep:  14.50 inches
Waist:  44 inches                                                              Waist:  42.75 inches
Hips: 50 inches                                                                  Hips:  47 inches
Upper thigh:  28.25 inches                                                Upper thigh:  27 inches

So, to sum that up, I have lost nearly 7 lbs, 2% of body fat, my arm is slightly smaller, but the big difference is in my hips and waist area.  I have lost 1.25 inches in my waist, and 2.5 inches in my hips, and my thighs have lost about 1.25 inches.  Overall total of 5.5 inches gone.  :)

This is so exciting to me!!!! It is a pretty big difference in just a month, and in that month, all I did was change up my eating and exercise more.  I didn't do the exercises that my trainer wrote down for me particularly consistently, but I did try to do cardio at least a couple to 3 times a week, and I did do some of her exercises a few times.  Just seeing these results makes me want to go balls out now and see just how much of a difference it will make. How much faster will the weight and the fat come off?  I am excited to find out, for sure!

I needed to see these differences, I needed to see these results, especially since I felt kind of like I was half assing it. But to be fair, me half assing it now is better than the inactivity that was before this.  I have seen growth and stamina, improvement in my physical fitness in just this month.  The workout that she put me through today was one that there is no way in hell I could have done before.  There were points where my breath came in gasps, my heart was racing, and I even felt like if I went much longer I might hurl, but I did it.  I hung in there, and only came in 3 shy of the 15 reps she wanted me to do of each exercise.  My legs are rubbery still.  I will definitely be sore tomorrow, but it was sooooo worth it! I am just a couple of pounds away from being the lightest I've been in a long time.  2 pounds away from being out of the 240's... and I plan to be out of the 240's for good! I am heading on a long journey to One-derland!

Not Quite a Month Later

It has been nearly a month since I started this new blog and new lifestyle.  It has not been easy, but it has also not been as hard as I thought it would be when I started.  There have been a few times where I have slipped up and eaten non vegan foods.  I am still learning how to eat vegan at restaurants, and I'm finding that at some places it's just NOT possible.  I guess I won't be eating at those places anymore. In terms of finding alternatives and substitutions, it has been so much easier.  I continue to find inspiration and learn new things every day.  I also am not missing the eggs and dairy as much as I thought I would.  I have found some delish cheese substitutes and I've gotten accustomed to almond milk flavor and it works just fine in cereals, and to cook with it's perfectly fine too.  I don't even miss milk as much as I thought I would.  Sometimes I have a fleeting jones for it, but for the most part, not really missing it that much.

I have become much better about drinking water, I consume more water than I used to for sure, although I still sometimes don't drink enough.  I drink coffee in the morning, sometimes have a cocktail with dinner, but honestly, other than that I just drink water now.  I have slacked a bit with my juicing and smoothies, but I am going to get back on that.  I had oatmeal for breakfast (steel cut oats cooked in the rice cooker with dried fruit, bananas, and peanut butter has become a breakfast staple) and I plan to make a smoothie for lunch.

MyFitnessPal has become my best friend, not just for tracking calories, but also for tracking nutrients.  I try to get as close as I can to my nutrient goals for my weight, but it's really hard to get all of them in without going overbudget on calories.  I guess in that way, it's encouragement to keep up my exercise regimen.  That, I think, is the hardest thing to keep up with.  I work on my feet all day, get a lot of steps in, and when I get home from work, I'm both physically and mentally exhausted.  Some days I can drag my butt onto my treadmill or to the gym, but many days I don't make it.  I don't want to say I can't, because I can... I'm physically able to do it, I just feel overwhelmed and tired a lot of days and don't.  I have been able to make it at least a couple of days a week most weeks, though, and that's an improvement over never, so I'll still say I'm better about exercise than I used to be.  I am continuing to work on it.  The energy level is definitely higher than it used to be.  At this point it's a mental game.  I'll get it figured out.

I continue to be nearly allergy free.  I had to take a claritin this morning, but I ate dairy last night, so I'm sure that was at least a partial cause for my itchy throat and congestion this morning.  I am able to buckle my belt a notch farther back than I used to.  So even though I have still not hit a 10 pound loss quite yet, I have lost some fat.  I see my trainer tomorrow and we will get measurements so I'll see what, if any difference my lifestyle changes have made.  I have noticed bursts of energy that I never used to have.  I had to pee really bad last night after being out, when we got home, I ran down the hall to my bathroom and my 15 year old daughter remarked that she hasn't seen me run like that. I had a little burst of running earlier too, running to get my iPod so I could have some music time and pre-order some music.  MUSE!!!!!!!!!!  :)

I went wandering around Sports Authority and saw a lot of stuff that I want. I need to make a wishlist for the stuff I wanna get.  I want to get a stand up paddleboard for use in the summer.  I want to get a heavy bag and some boxing gloves, maybe a speed bag too.  I think being able to hit something will be a great stress release, since I work in such a stressful field.  I want some hiking boots/shoes for summer hikes, and of course I want some good workout gear (Under Armour) for outdoor runs/hikes/walks in all types of weather.  I am shooting for a beach weekend or beach couple of days during spring break vacation so I can try a beach run.  I want to learn to surf, too this summer.  I want to look good in a swimsuit, both one piece and bikini type.  Goals. :)  I want to go home for an Austin visit where I stay in the city and do city things, run/bike on the hike n bike trail, Do Hill Country hikes, swim, etc.

Sounds like I basically want to change my life, huh?  :p I'm working on it.

Vegan Eating Out

Tonight we went out to eat.  We hit up Red Robin and I had a Keep It Simple burger with a boca patty and a side of steamed broccoli.  No condiments, just the bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the burger.  I was able to eat a pretty filling meal for under 500 calories.  I drank water with lemon slices in, and no dessert for me.  Not too shabby if I do say so myself.  I am finding it easier to be vegan this time round.  I'm not sure if there's just more products that taste better available, or if I am just more motivated, or maybe a bit of both.  I am actually eating pretty healthy.

Having a juicer and a ninja blender has been a godsend.  I have been drinking juices and smoothies, which is upping my veggie game and I'm getting so many more nutrients.  My hair is softer, I have more energy, and am mentally clearer.  I have been using the MyFitnessPal app to track my nutrition, and while I don't always stay on budget for calories, I am paying closer attention to specific nutrients, and so what I am eating is more nutrient dense.  I have learned how to cook steel cut oats in the rice cooker, and quinoa too.  They have also been a godsend.  There is a recipe for rice/tofu/spinach that can be made in the rice cooker too, I pinned it on Pinterest and look forward to giving it a go.

Exercise continues to go pretty well.  I am still struggling a bit with getting to the gym during the work week, Even with that, I have been able to work out at least a couple of days a week, and hit the treadmill at home. Tomorrow I definitely have to go in, I need to reschedule my training session, as I've been asked to work that day.  I am continuing to work on it.

This weekend I want to acquire a gym bag, and soon I need a new pair of trainers.  It's a tight pay period for me this time round, though, so the trainers will likely have to wait, unless I can find a good pair at Kohl's.  I may go looking for them this weekend.  I need to just toss my gym clothes into a bag and go straight there after work.  Coming home is my downfall. I've only been able to get up and go a couple of times.  Small steps... keep moving forward.

Keeping the momentum going.

I have had a few hiccups in my regimen, nothing major.  I tweaked one of my abs during a training session, so I had to rest it for a few days.  I didn't go to the gym outside of my session at all last week.  I did do some work at home, however.  I did treadmill workouts, 40 minutes of interval cardio.  I attempted some ab work after a couple of days but it was still hurting, so I just stuck to cardio. I have continued my improved eating habits, and trying to increase my protein intake.  I think between the rest and the improved nutrition, my abs were good to go today.

I have noticed some more results during todays workout.  I was able to hold plank (on my elbows) for 10 seconds, whereas before I could barely make it to 5 seconds.  I was able to lift my legs and keep them raised for "toe touches."  I use quotes because I was nowhere near my toes, more like knee touches, all the same, I was able to lift my legs and keep them in the air long enough to do the reps and sets.  I found squats a bit easier to manage, and my stamina was better.  I still worked up a pretty serious sweat, but I wasn't dying at the end.  My energy level continues to improve.  My belly continues to shrink, and my attitude is much more upbeat.

I did have a brief flare of depression and frustration, but it was very temporary.  Only really messed with me for a day.  I am experiencing some work related frustration, and it has been kind of an ongoing thing, but the doctor said something to me that really struck a nerve.  I know his intentions were good, and I know it wasn't meant as a dig, but it still kind of stung.  I won't get into it into detail, there's no need to do so, but suffice it to say, I am still trying really hard to break into acute care.

I ran into another snag for a couple of days, when I adjusted my activity level from lightly active to active.  It increased my calorie allowance, and I was less hungry through the day, but I gained weight, so I guess I'm not quite there yet.  I put it back to lightly active and have been trying to stay within the calorie goals, and I am losing again.  So far, I've only really lost 2 pounds, and I've been at this for a couple weeks now, but I'm working on it.  My belly is visibly smaller, and I am not having the knee pain that usually comes with climbing stairs and such.  I am feeling pretty good about things today.  I am kinda bummed that I only have one training session left.  I want to buy more, but I have to pay off the ones I have bought first.  :(

I am going back to the gym later with the kiddo because she wants to work out too.  I saved my cardio for later.

Progress so far

It is March 2, 2015.  Today's weight is 246 lbs.  I have continued on a mostly vegan diet.  I have had a couple of incidental instances of milk showing up in some foods, but very small amounts, and they will be phased out as I go.  I am drinking water almost exclusively now.  I have not had soda in almost a week.  I have not had a glass of milk in about that same amount of time.  The only non water beverages I've had have been iced tea, and a vitamin water lemonade. I have increased my vegetable intake, and to an extent, my fruit intake as well (lots of apples and some bananas).  I have been juicing and I just bought a new blender, A Ninja for making green smoothies.  Yesterday I went shopping and loaded up on veggies and some fruits, as well as dried beans, tortillas and other odds and ends for making lunches and dinners that are healthy and vegan.  I am finding it so much easier to be a vegan now than it was other times I tried.  Adding juicing and smoothies to the mix, I think my nutrition status will improve dramatically.

My hair feels softer, my vision feels sharper and clearer, and I feel more energetic than I have in a long time.  I am sleeping better, but there is still more room for improvement... I am working on getting us a nice new bed. That is a goal, to have a new bed by the end of this month.  We tried out a nice Tempurpedic adjustable bed with massager and it was heaven!  I have lost 2 pounds since starting with the personal trainer, and overall,  I have lost 6 lbs. since I got my wake up call that I'd put the weight back on and the sugars were going back up.  Which reminds me, my sugar is going down.  It was 141 this morning (I think?  I'll have to double check that... I know it was in the 140's for sure though), and it had been in the 180's-190's for several days prior to my wake up call. 

I am still struggling a bit with juggling work and exercise.  I have not managed to get to the gym on a work day yet.  This week I will work on that.  I have a training session today.  I'll be interested in how that goes, as she has told me she wants to do core work today and my core is in baaaaaad shape. :p

Other things I've noticed.  I am not congested.  For a while I was taking Claritin every day, and even then, still would get congested or have allergy flare ups.  Since cutting out dairy, I haven't taken an allergy pill in several days.  My nasal passages are clearer and I don't have to lay on my back to clear my sinuses like I have usually needed to do.  I have not been depressed, in fact I am feeling upbeat and optimistic.  I still struggle with anxiety, but I am noticing a markedly lower level of anxiety now.  I feel like I am functioning better at work, too.  Able to make better assessments, and to complete more tasks, and juggle my workload more easily than I have in the past.  All in all, a very positive experience, and motivation to keep going.

Today is about workout, errands, and meal prep. Also a bit of tidying up if I can fit it in.