Well folks, once the holidays were over, I was craving routine. It was important to get into a daily routine for our family's activities, but more importantly for my eating. Just like 99.9% of America, I took a break from all things healthy over Christmas and New Years. I don't know how bad it got because I refused to weigh myself until I had a few days of healthy eating under the proverbial belt.
To catch you up, I had lost about 8 pounds before Christmas following the Four Hour Body starting in October. (Here's a link to my first post about Four Hour Body. For those wondering, my blood work came back great with no mention about how much meat I was consuming.) Now, I had also previously lost those 8 pounds before our trip to Mexico last year while counting calories and doing Insanity. But, they crept back up over the summer. So, I wasn't at a new low or anything. In fact, I kind of plateaued at the weight I was before Christmas.
Truly, I think I gained every one of those 8 pounds back over the break. But, the good news is, when I got on the scale after the first week of getting back on track, five of them were gone again. So, I only had three to go to get back to pre-Christmas levels. I think I've lost another pound or so this week too.
I do worry a little that I'll hit that number again though and not go anywhere. Again, like a lot of people, I think I will always want to lose five to seven pounds. I'm hoping that between the diet and beginning to train for the Indy Mini next week (!!!!!), I may be able to banish those five to seven pounds and be back to a weight I was before I had kids at all.
I will say though that this diet definitely works. It's very simple (basically meat, beans, vegetables six days a week and anything you want on day seven) but not easy. Tom started this week too and will officially weigh in tomorrow, but as of today, he has lost 4.5 pounds this week. Impressive to say the least. I'm hoping for an round five pounds for him by tomorrow. It's particularly difficult for him since he is allergic to fruits and vegetables, so I'm very proud of him for lasting this long. Results are making it worth it for him.
The rest of the routine I implemented worked great this week. I found myself under a blanket this afternoon with Tessa watching "cook shows" (Food Network) at her request. Even kids like those shows! I read a lot and just enjoyed being caught up on all things domestic. I must remember that I'm a sucker for a plan and perform so much better when planning in advance to have a plan. :)
Showing posts with label Four Hour Body. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Four Hour Body. Show all posts
Friday, January 13, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Back In the Game!
After my last, pitiful post, I bucked up, went out for dinner with a friend, had a nice planning session with Tom and got my act in gear. I'm doing so much better. I really start to lose it when I start to lose control. So, I made a few lists, started with small tasks and really made a dent in what I needed to get done last week. Sometimes, I just have so many un-fun things on my list, it gets me down. Getting some of those things done, realizing they weren't so bad, was very therapeutic.
So, my newest goal is to get more organized around the house. I am in the office three days a week and I'm home with the kids two days and the weekend. I've fallen into the habit of considering my days at home my days "off." That really gets us out of sorts. Laundry doesn't get done, toys are everywhere and dishes just sit. I even find myself irritated at the kids when I'm trying to surf the internet. This just doesn't work.
To remedy the situation, I've started working on a household binder. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, but just haven't gotten around to doing it. I keep my lists in a small notebook that goes everywhere with me, but this will have to be larger. It will hold all of our important information eventually - routines, schedules, grocery lists, financial information and even a household inventory list. Maybe once I'm done with it I'll post about it. For now, it's definitely a work in progress.
My first step was to put together a grocery list for Walmart. I don't know about you, but I only shop at Walmart. I'm not happy about it, but I just don't have time to run all over town. And, we are not creative eaters. We are always eating the same things and I always manage to forget something when I'm making my list or at the store. So, I spent some time putting together a list based on the order I browse the aisles and all of the things we like to have on hand at home. I've used it twice and easily cut 10-15 minutes off my trip in the store. That place can be like a big, black hole if you're not careful! I did our weekly shopping today in 40 minutes, which included 20 minutes worth of driving to and from the store! Now that I've tested the list, I plan to print off a bunch of lists to keep in my notebook.
The second step was to outline each of my days, with the exception of my true "day off" - Saturday. I outlined exactly what I needed to do in each chunk of my day. I have it down to the smallest of detail including loading, running and unloading the dishwasher, starting each load of laundry, wiping down counters, and even sorting mail. Five minutes a day of sorting mail is so much easier than allowing a huge pile to accumulate all week. And, double bonus, you don't have a huge pile of mail accumulating during the week. :)
This was an important exercise for me. I didn't realize how much of a routine I already follow. The key thing is that I'm kind of busy and don't have a ton of free time. So, if I just decide to blow off laundry on Tuesday, it's really hard to get caught back up. This just causes undue stress on me and the family. If I do a little bit at a time, I have more time to spend with the kids doing fun stuff. I was also careful to work in specific times when I'm home with the girls to do projects together during Jack's naps. Just as sometimes I forget that I'm not really "off" when I'm at home, I also forget WHY I stay home during those two days. It's not to keep a perfect house. It's to spend time with the kids.
I also set a few goals for January -
1. Remember birthdays (always seems to make the New Year's Resolution list)
2. Follow Four Hour Body - Tom's going to try this too!
3. Follow Binder Routine
4. Read 1 Book - Would I like to read more? Yes. Considering I think I only read two books last year, I think this is a lofty goal. :)
I've said for a long time that I feel like I have the perfect work-life balance. I am very blessed to be self-employed and have the flexibility that I do. I am hopeful that this method of organization will help make my time at home less stressful and more enjoyable. After all, that's why I'm here!
So, my newest goal is to get more organized around the house. I am in the office three days a week and I'm home with the kids two days and the weekend. I've fallen into the habit of considering my days at home my days "off." That really gets us out of sorts. Laundry doesn't get done, toys are everywhere and dishes just sit. I even find myself irritated at the kids when I'm trying to surf the internet. This just doesn't work.
To remedy the situation, I've started working on a household binder. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, but just haven't gotten around to doing it. I keep my lists in a small notebook that goes everywhere with me, but this will have to be larger. It will hold all of our important information eventually - routines, schedules, grocery lists, financial information and even a household inventory list. Maybe once I'm done with it I'll post about it. For now, it's definitely a work in progress.
My first step was to put together a grocery list for Walmart. I don't know about you, but I only shop at Walmart. I'm not happy about it, but I just don't have time to run all over town. And, we are not creative eaters. We are always eating the same things and I always manage to forget something when I'm making my list or at the store. So, I spent some time putting together a list based on the order I browse the aisles and all of the things we like to have on hand at home. I've used it twice and easily cut 10-15 minutes off my trip in the store. That place can be like a big, black hole if you're not careful! I did our weekly shopping today in 40 minutes, which included 20 minutes worth of driving to and from the store! Now that I've tested the list, I plan to print off a bunch of lists to keep in my notebook.
The second step was to outline each of my days, with the exception of my true "day off" - Saturday. I outlined exactly what I needed to do in each chunk of my day. I have it down to the smallest of detail including loading, running and unloading the dishwasher, starting each load of laundry, wiping down counters, and even sorting mail. Five minutes a day of sorting mail is so much easier than allowing a huge pile to accumulate all week. And, double bonus, you don't have a huge pile of mail accumulating during the week. :)
This was an important exercise for me. I didn't realize how much of a routine I already follow. The key thing is that I'm kind of busy and don't have a ton of free time. So, if I just decide to blow off laundry on Tuesday, it's really hard to get caught back up. This just causes undue stress on me and the family. If I do a little bit at a time, I have more time to spend with the kids doing fun stuff. I was also careful to work in specific times when I'm home with the girls to do projects together during Jack's naps. Just as sometimes I forget that I'm not really "off" when I'm at home, I also forget WHY I stay home during those two days. It's not to keep a perfect house. It's to spend time with the kids.
I also set a few goals for January -
1. Remember birthdays (always seems to make the New Year's Resolution list)
2. Follow Four Hour Body - Tom's going to try this too!
3. Follow Binder Routine
4. Read 1 Book - Would I like to read more? Yes. Considering I think I only read two books last year, I think this is a lofty goal. :)
I've said for a long time that I feel like I have the perfect work-life balance. I am very blessed to be self-employed and have the flexibility that I do. I am hopeful that this method of organization will help make my time at home less stressful and more enjoyable. After all, that's why I'm here!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Back on the Horse Check-In - 11/07/11
This will be my last post in this series. I should have posted it on 10/31/11 but life got in the way as usual.
Ok - here were my goals for the Back on the Horse Challenge -
1. Run the Riley Run 5K in 25 minutes - Ran it in 27:47. However, I'm sure it was at least 3.3 miles, so not totally fair. That mileage would have made my true 5K (3.1 miles) about 26 minutes. Granted, not at my goal but a lot closer. I did sign up for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day but I'm not sure I'll be able to do even 26 since my running routine has been less than stellar.
2. Lose 10 pounds by October 31 - a pound a week - Well, I didn't hit 10 pounds. But, I managed 8. I'll take it. Most of the 8 pounds is due the Four Hour Body book. More later...
You could look at these results in two ways -
1. A failed challenge - I didn't hit either goal. I'm two pounds and two minutes from my goals.
2. A new opportunity - so I worked pretty hard. I trained for a race and lost some weight - all while eating healthier.
I choose #2. I think I'm still moving in the right direction. Plus, what's another month in the whole scheme of things?
As for the Four Hour Body, I guess I have mixed reviews. It definitely works. However, the book claims 20 pounds in 30 days. I think that is totally possible if you are eating a very high carb diet (mine was only moderate - and I tried hard to eat "good" carbs) and if you are male. But, I did lose weight for sure. In fact, I haven't been at this weight since I was doing hard core Insanity and counting calories in a major way. {Side note - I have been majorly slacking in the exercise department in the last few weeks and it hasn't stalled my weight loss.}
All in all - I'm sticking with it. I'm really close to a new low and want to see that number on the scale. Bad. I think I may break it this week, but the next week will be also be a good chance. Plus, with the concept of a "binge day," I get the chance to save up all of my cravings for one day. And, I don't have to make a million decisions about what to eat and how many calories. I simply decide I'm eating the things on this diet and can eat what I want on Saturday. It works for now.
I'll keep updating on my progress, but I don't intend for any major changes. This just seems like a good lifestyle choice. We'll see. I'm always looking at new things!
Ok - here were my goals for the Back on the Horse Challenge -
1. Run the Riley Run 5K in 25 minutes - Ran it in 27:47. However, I'm sure it was at least 3.3 miles, so not totally fair. That mileage would have made my true 5K (3.1 miles) about 26 minutes. Granted, not at my goal but a lot closer. I did sign up for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day but I'm not sure I'll be able to do even 26 since my running routine has been less than stellar.
2. Lose 10 pounds by October 31 - a pound a week - Well, I didn't hit 10 pounds. But, I managed 8. I'll take it. Most of the 8 pounds is due the Four Hour Body book. More later...
You could look at these results in two ways -
1. A failed challenge - I didn't hit either goal. I'm two pounds and two minutes from my goals.
2. A new opportunity - so I worked pretty hard. I trained for a race and lost some weight - all while eating healthier.
I choose #2. I think I'm still moving in the right direction. Plus, what's another month in the whole scheme of things?
As for the Four Hour Body, I guess I have mixed reviews. It definitely works. However, the book claims 20 pounds in 30 days. I think that is totally possible if you are eating a very high carb diet (mine was only moderate - and I tried hard to eat "good" carbs) and if you are male. But, I did lose weight for sure. In fact, I haven't been at this weight since I was doing hard core Insanity and counting calories in a major way. {Side note - I have been majorly slacking in the exercise department in the last few weeks and it hasn't stalled my weight loss.}
All in all - I'm sticking with it. I'm really close to a new low and want to see that number on the scale. Bad. I think I may break it this week, but the next week will be also be a good chance. Plus, with the concept of a "binge day," I get the chance to save up all of my cravings for one day. And, I don't have to make a million decisions about what to eat and how many calories. I simply decide I'm eating the things on this diet and can eat what I want on Saturday. It works for now.
I'll keep updating on my progress, but I don't intend for any major changes. This just seems like a good lifestyle choice. We'll see. I'm always looking at new things!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Back on the Horse Check-In - 10/18/11
So, it's been a month since the last check in. Few reasons for that...
1. I've been busy. And, not much time for daily blogging. Or, much desire...
2. I fell back off the wagon, but...
3. I came back on.
4. I'm trying something new.
That being said, I'm still only 2ish pounds from my October 31st goal of 10 pounds lost. After falling off the wagon, I found the Four Hour Body. I bought the book and find it very interesting. He does tons of tests and experiments in his own body along with test subjects. Really it's not that much different than South Beach. No carbs except for beans, veggies and legumes. The big kicker though - no cheese or dairy. None.
It sounds difficult, but there is the "binge day." Not a huge fan of the name, but big fan of the concept. Once a week, I can eat what I want. Whatever I want. It really helps get through the week. But, also, it works. For me anyway. I've learned my body doesn't tolerate sugar and carbs. It just doesn't. I know that's why I do so much better when I just cut it completely out. I don't crave it as much and I just live without. I do "cheat" every day with three dark chocolate Hershey kisses.
There are only a few downsides to the program. One, it's not easy (simple, but not easy, but what in life is both?). For the two weeks I've been doing this, on Monday, I hard boil 6-8 eggs, cook a package of bacon and cook four chicken breasts to eat during the week. Fast food is very hard and eating out is not much better. Plus, the food is not particularly pleasurable. I continue to remind myself that I should be eating to live not living to eat.
The second problem is that I've been struggling with headaches and mental stamina. I think the latter is due to the former. I have had a headache almost every day for 10 days. Not fun. I'm still not totally sure if it's getting over the sugar addiction/withdrawal or from low blood sugar. Which brings me to my next point...
I had blood work done today. A few years ago, I mentioned to my doctor that I was a bit of a hypochondriac - always worrying that something was terribly wrong. My biggest fear is that it won't be caught soon enough. I have visions of going to the doctor and him saying, "Oh, if we only knew this earlier." So, I have blood work done every year. This puts my mind at ease, whether justifiable or not, I feel better.
The first time this was done, it was determined my thyroid was underactive. So, I'm on a simple, low dose medicine to fix that. Today's blood draw though was more than I'm used to. Typically, I just get a CBC (blood count) and a TSH (thyroid) test. This time, he did a lipid panel and a CMP, or a metabolic panel. After a quick Google search, it looks like I'll be getting results as to a glucose level, electrolyte balance and more.
I joked with Tom yesterday that I was afraid the doctor would call and say something like this...
"Sara, something seems to be terribly wrong with your blood work. By the looks of these results, it would appear that you've been eating nothing but copious amounts of eggs, chicken breasts, and bacon with perhaps a bit of spinach thrown in for good measure."
He would be right.
But, in this case, results speak loudly. I am now within 2 pounds of a new 6-year weight low - with little/no exercise. I am within 1.5 pounds of where I was when doing the intense Insanity while seriously cutting calories. This is all within 10 days of just changing my diet. So, I am close. So close that if you see me with a carb in hand, yank it out of my hand and scold me. I beg you to do this. Well, unless it is Saturday. Then, back away from the girl with the Oreo. :)
1. I've been busy. And, not much time for daily blogging. Or, much desire...
2. I fell back off the wagon, but...
3. I came back on.
4. I'm trying something new.
That being said, I'm still only 2ish pounds from my October 31st goal of 10 pounds lost. After falling off the wagon, I found the Four Hour Body. I bought the book and find it very interesting. He does tons of tests and experiments in his own body along with test subjects. Really it's not that much different than South Beach. No carbs except for beans, veggies and legumes. The big kicker though - no cheese or dairy. None.
It sounds difficult, but there is the "binge day." Not a huge fan of the name, but big fan of the concept. Once a week, I can eat what I want. Whatever I want. It really helps get through the week. But, also, it works. For me anyway. I've learned my body doesn't tolerate sugar and carbs. It just doesn't. I know that's why I do so much better when I just cut it completely out. I don't crave it as much and I just live without. I do "cheat" every day with three dark chocolate Hershey kisses.
There are only a few downsides to the program. One, it's not easy (simple, but not easy, but what in life is both?). For the two weeks I've been doing this, on Monday, I hard boil 6-8 eggs, cook a package of bacon and cook four chicken breasts to eat during the week. Fast food is very hard and eating out is not much better. Plus, the food is not particularly pleasurable. I continue to remind myself that I should be eating to live not living to eat.
The second problem is that I've been struggling with headaches and mental stamina. I think the latter is due to the former. I have had a headache almost every day for 10 days. Not fun. I'm still not totally sure if it's getting over the sugar addiction/withdrawal or from low blood sugar. Which brings me to my next point...
I had blood work done today. A few years ago, I mentioned to my doctor that I was a bit of a hypochondriac - always worrying that something was terribly wrong. My biggest fear is that it won't be caught soon enough. I have visions of going to the doctor and him saying, "Oh, if we only knew this earlier." So, I have blood work done every year. This puts my mind at ease, whether justifiable or not, I feel better.
The first time this was done, it was determined my thyroid was underactive. So, I'm on a simple, low dose medicine to fix that. Today's blood draw though was more than I'm used to. Typically, I just get a CBC (blood count) and a TSH (thyroid) test. This time, he did a lipid panel and a CMP, or a metabolic panel. After a quick Google search, it looks like I'll be getting results as to a glucose level, electrolyte balance and more.
I joked with Tom yesterday that I was afraid the doctor would call and say something like this...
"Sara, something seems to be terribly wrong with your blood work. By the looks of these results, it would appear that you've been eating nothing but copious amounts of eggs, chicken breasts, and bacon with perhaps a bit of spinach thrown in for good measure."
He would be right.
But, in this case, results speak loudly. I am now within 2 pounds of a new 6-year weight low - with little/no exercise. I am within 1.5 pounds of where I was when doing the intense Insanity while seriously cutting calories. This is all within 10 days of just changing my diet. So, I am close. So close that if you see me with a carb in hand, yank it out of my hand and scold me. I beg you to do this. Well, unless it is Saturday. Then, back away from the girl with the Oreo. :)
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