So, Week 3 was R-O-U-G-H y'all. Turns out my wellness coach at Title Boxing was right (go figure). My body could not sustain itself without clean carbs. In week 3 I crashed real hard, my muscles were fatigued, heavy and weak. I realized my body wasn't getting what it needed for me to maintain the rigorous, high intensity work outs I was putting it through. I rested, ate clean carbs, and some pretty unclean ones too, and regrouped. This week I am going from boxing 3-4 times a week to two times a week and beginning the Couch to 5K program (which means I'll be doing walk/jog intervals three times a week). My high intensity workouts will take a step down and my activity level will go up since I will be working out 5 days a week instead of 4 days. On the days I do the Couch to 5K I also do an arm and core workout.
I have to be able to do at least 17 push ups (Navy approved form) in 2 minutes in order to rank in the "good to excellent" category for my gender and age, because obviously "satisfactory" or "good" isn't enough for me. I've never had a lot of upper body strength, but that doesn't mean I can't gain any now. My body is much stronger than I have given it credit for in the past. So I'm excited to watch myself improve in the pushup arena.
I had my wellness check in today and it's been a little over 3 weeks since my initial meeting. Y'all I've lost over 6.5 inches and 1% body fat in just over 3 weeks! I wasn't expecting that at all!
I also spent an hour and a half with my recruiter today and he complimented me on my progress and he said, "Nothing motivates like seeing results". Hooyah Chief, Hooyah.
Grocery shopping has gotten much easier though, I usually spend around $65-75 a week (depending on what I'm cooking). So anyone that says eating healthy isn't affordable is clearly over buying, or buying groceries and then eating out every day or every other day. Granted I'm shopping for me, but I have left over food that rolls over into the next week too, so I don't think it'd be that big of a difference to shop for two people.
Week 4 has already started off well. I feel strong and able to challenge my body once again. When I eat something that isn't clean my body responds to it negatively. Whether my stomach aches or I even get a headache, my body tells me it's 1. Not appreciative of my choice and 2. Was hoping for something it could turn into fuel. This change is one of the most challenging for me because eating something I used to enjoy a lot of the time is no longer enjoyable. Mentally that's a big switch to make. To realize what you used to enjoy and get pleasure out of no longer satisfies like it used to is hard because my mind still tells me, "One piece of french toast would be amazing right now", and when I eat a piece of french toast (like today... a great example of an UNclean carb) and feel bloated with a stomach ache and slight headache for about an hour I realize that even though I KNEW french toast was enjoyable at one time, it no longer is. My body would MUCH rather have cinnamon sweet potato fries fresh out of the oven, or almond butter with a giant honey crisp apple, or pineapple, peaches, blackberries and blueberries with coconut water blended in my NutriBullet.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that what I used to know to be true isn't true anymore and that's a big adjustment I'm having to make. I can't explicitly trust my past experience anymore, I need to remember to pause, and ask myself do I know this to still be enjoyable, or am I confident that it will still be enjoyable since making the changes I've made in the past three weeks. If the answer is no, then I need to look for a better option. If the answer is yes, then go for it! Within moderation of course. If the answer is I'm not sure, I hope to take the time and consider if I'm willing to be wrong and suffer the possible physical consequences.
Even though y'all have already picked up on it, I want to be honest and come out and say that I am no longer doing the purest version of the Whole30 anymore. It's not the version that program endorses. However, I'm taking the principles of the program and using them in addition to clean carbs a few times a week (no more french toast... unless it's with Ezekiel 4:9 bread) in order to continue a longterm lifestyle of clean eating and consistent physical exercise.
I'll keep blogging about the coming weeks though; because I do still think it's important to share my journey of clean eating and exercising so that others (and me too) can know that just because you set out to do something and it doesn't work out the exact way it's "supposed to" or you believed it would, doesn't mean you failed. Course correction, adapting to unforeseen challenges and obstacles is how we grow, learn more about ourselves, the world and others, and how we attain the end goal.
So, until next Monday!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Whole38: Week 2
I wrote this on Monday and forgot to post it! Whoops! :)
Something interesting happened though, as I went outside the boundary lines of the Whole30. I realized I didn't miss the bread and butter from Malone's, and the apple crisp, though it was really good, wasn't as WORTH IT as I had built it up to be in my mind. I also found myself more obsessed with the chicken than with the waffle/pancakes.
I share this for a few reasons:
1. I think it's important for people to know that you can deviate from a pretty strenuous meal plan/detox/metabolism reset and not jump off into the deep end and stuff your face with snickers bars, ice cream, and cinnamon rolls.
2. I think it's important to be honest about my experience and not hide things in order to paint a certain picture of myself or my experience.
3. I LOVE sugar, but since being on the Whole30 I really don't miss it. I eat a LOT of fruit, and I'm finding there's nothing as good as the natural sugars that are found in fresh fruit. <---That's a BOLD statement coming from a girl who was raised in Texas and knows ALL about some good, old fashioned, home made, from scratch, sweets.
4. I think that the majority of the bread, sugar, sweets, and filler foods I was eating were because I was either bored, emotional, etc...
5. I'm learning that purposeful eating is way more satisfying and gratifying than mindless eating.
6. My body really likes clean, unprocessed food.
I just got done grocery shopping for Week 2 and I spent $30 less than last week. Last week I bought wayyyyyy too much fruit and not enough protein. So I'm hoping this week I will find that I did a better job. Other than that I've had to have a talk with this sweet older gentleman that we call "the candy man" where I work. He brings everyone's favorite candy to them whenever he comes in, so telling him that I can't have snickers or almond joy's was really hard. Surprisingly, I haven't missed them. Hopefully it'll stay that way.
I will say that the Whole30 discourages people weighing themselves, but because I have a deadline I'm weighing myself once a week to keep up with my Weight Watchers points. I make sure every day that I eat my points, but I don't go over them. When I weighed myself I had lost weight, which was awesome. I think people who have done the Whole30 and not lost weight took the suggestion on the Whole30's website too seriously when they said "eat as much as you want". I could eat a tub of almond butter if I let myself, especially with bananas and apples! Four tablespoons of almond butter is 12 POINTS!!!! Imagine going to town on a tub of almond butter because the website said "eat as much as you want"... I'd probably GAIN weight. Anyhow, that's something I was wondering about for the people who were complaining online that they hadn't lost any weight or "only 3 pounds", maybe they just ate more than they needed to and/or didn't work out as well? I don't know, but I know that for me, staying with my daily points and boxing 3-4 times a week is paying off. #grateful
I'll write again next week and let y'all know how Week 2 was!!!
Monday, April 25, 2016
The Whole30
Well, I really ought to call it The Whole38 because I'm going to be doing this for 38 days and not 30 days... details details. Anyhow, let me tell y'all why I decided to take on this challenge.
As many of you know, I went through a pretty tough experience in my most recent full time ministry position. Throughout my last year-ish of seminary I worked hard taking care of my whole self, including my physical self. I was in great shape, ate anything I wanted (in moderation and with the help of Weight Watchers), and felt comfortable in my body for the first time. For any woman, that's a huge statement. We're constantly critiquing ourselves and one another, and for what? Just to pack on the extra pounds of shame and self loathing for sport? Those are things I'm no longer interested in doing to others or to myself. My experience with that job was not anything out of the ordinary for so many people, I worked too much, neglected my needs as a person, ate whatever was convenient, tried to work out when I felt like it (but let's be honest, when you're stressed out and over worked and sleep deprived... when do you EVER feeeeeel like working out... NEVER), and slowly gained back everything I had worked so hard to lose (and I'm not just talking pounds, I'm talking about feeling uncomfortable in my body again, not feeling content, feeling crappy because I was eating crap, being out of shape, and so mad at myself because all of my amazingly wonderful clothes didn't fit anymore and I had become the subject of a yoga pants and t-shirt only wardrobe).
So, when a friend from work (holla Kim!) suggested trying a boxing class I listened to her experience with it and thought "maybe". A few weeks later I just so happened to be in the mood where I was totally down to try something new and outside of my comfort zone. I went to my first boxing class at Title Boxing in Lexington (which if you are in the Lexington area and haven't been, you need to check it out!). It was an amazing workout, the staff and other people taking the class were unbelievably friendly and were super excited about it being my first time there. I left feeling strong and confident, two things I hadn't experienced in awhile. They happened to be running a special for people who wanted to join and I took the night to "sleep on it" and the next day went back for my second class, bought a pair of boxing gloves, a few extra hand wraps, and began my membership at Title Boxing.
The following week I went four times and felt on fire, I left each class drenched in sweat (which I love), but not at all feeling like I'd been hit by an 18 wheeler. I had more energy and couldn't wait to get back in the gym and go to work on those 100 pound bags! During this week I had my path crossed with a retired Navy Chaplain at work. We visited and long story made short, I gave him my information to get in contact with a current Navy Chaplain and also with a recruiter. The more I learned about what it means to be a Chaplain in the Navy, the more excited I got. It felt like so many of my gifts, things I am passionate about, and my desire to be in full time Christian ministry were all intersecting in this one place.
Like every branch of the military there are certain ranges that based on gender, height/weight, and measurements that each person must meet within. I knew I wouldn't be within the range I needed to be in, and had spoken with my recruiter about that. We set a goal of losing 20 pounds in around 45 days. I'm going back in on June 1st to be re-weighed and measured to see if I will then fit within the range I need to be in in order to move on to the next phase of my application: a four hour physical by Naval doctors and nurses.
I knew weight watchers and boxing would get me where I wanted to be, but I was looking to make a bigger commitment to myself in order to get back to taking care of my body. So, I started putting some action around the things I wanted, I quit drinking Diet Coke, and all other Coke's and drinks with lots of sugar (especially artificial) in them, I cut out a lot of the bread and sweets I was eating (like Oprah, i LOVE bread), and kept up with boxing four times a week.
A few days ago I ran across the Whole30 and loved everything it stands for and what the goal of it is.
Google it if you're interested in learning more.
I already felt great from the modifications I had already made to what I was putting in my body, and was encouraged by all of the stories I read online about people's experience with it. So, last night I went grocery shopping, which is not something I'm very good at, good thing Whole30 gives you shopping lists! I walked around and bought a good amount of food, more than usual, but wanted to give myself the freedom to spend more than usual to ensure I had a strong start.
Here's what I bought:
-2 green bell peppers
-1 red bell pepper
-2 limes
-2 avocados
-3 honey crisp apples
-1 bundle of asparagus
-1 container of blackberries
-1 container of spring lettuce mix
-2 pounds of strawberries
-1 large container of pineapple spears
-1 container of almond butter
-1 container of halved walnuts
-1 container of mixed nuts
-3 lemons
-1 bundle of cilantro
-1 container of honey dew melon
-1 container of cantaloupe
-1 small bag of baby carrots
-1 steak kabob (it included steak, mushrooms, onions, squash & zucchini)
-1/2 pound of atlantic salmon
-1 package of perrier lime flavored sparkling water
-1 package of S. Pellegrino
-1 package of spindrift natural seltzer water with real raspberry and lime juice
I spend $104.01
Like I said, I doubt I'll spend this much again, and I know eating well is more expensive, but I wanted to give myself the wiggle room to figure out what eating will look like while doing the Whole30.
So, today is the end of Day 1 and so far, I'm feeling pretty confident. I'll be honest and say that there were a few times I wish I could have eaten a pancake at work, but I reminded myself that meeting the requirements for the Navy so I can give myself the best shot at an amazing career, taking care of my body, finding out how some of the foods I had been eating negatively effect my mood, skin, emotions, thoughts, weight, etc... was way more important that the fleeting moment of shoving a pancake down my throat.
Curious about what I ate today?
For breakfast I had two eggs cooked with clarified butter and added in bell peppers, spinach, and alfalfa sprouts. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER, put alfalfa sprouts in your eggs people. It. Will. Taste. Like. Grass.
I made myself eat the grass eggs because I felt horrible for throwing out perfectly good food.
I also had a cup of fresh fruit.
For lunch I had a honey crisp apple with lots of almond butter (freaking fantastic!), several handfuls of mixed nuts and a few walnuts.
I went to boxing class from 430-530p.m. after I got off of work.
And for dinner I cooked the steak kabob and had some blackberries, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, and half of an avocado.
I feel full, strong, and content tonight.
Here's hoping for an even greater Day #2.
As many of you know, I went through a pretty tough experience in my most recent full time ministry position. Throughout my last year-ish of seminary I worked hard taking care of my whole self, including my physical self. I was in great shape, ate anything I wanted (in moderation and with the help of Weight Watchers), and felt comfortable in my body for the first time. For any woman, that's a huge statement. We're constantly critiquing ourselves and one another, and for what? Just to pack on the extra pounds of shame and self loathing for sport? Those are things I'm no longer interested in doing to others or to myself. My experience with that job was not anything out of the ordinary for so many people, I worked too much, neglected my needs as a person, ate whatever was convenient, tried to work out when I felt like it (but let's be honest, when you're stressed out and over worked and sleep deprived... when do you EVER feeeeeel like working out... NEVER), and slowly gained back everything I had worked so hard to lose (and I'm not just talking pounds, I'm talking about feeling uncomfortable in my body again, not feeling content, feeling crappy because I was eating crap, being out of shape, and so mad at myself because all of my amazingly wonderful clothes didn't fit anymore and I had become the subject of a yoga pants and t-shirt only wardrobe).
So, when a friend from work (holla Kim!) suggested trying a boxing class I listened to her experience with it and thought "maybe". A few weeks later I just so happened to be in the mood where I was totally down to try something new and outside of my comfort zone. I went to my first boxing class at Title Boxing in Lexington (which if you are in the Lexington area and haven't been, you need to check it out!). It was an amazing workout, the staff and other people taking the class were unbelievably friendly and were super excited about it being my first time there. I left feeling strong and confident, two things I hadn't experienced in awhile. They happened to be running a special for people who wanted to join and I took the night to "sleep on it" and the next day went back for my second class, bought a pair of boxing gloves, a few extra hand wraps, and began my membership at Title Boxing.
The following week I went four times and felt on fire, I left each class drenched in sweat (which I love), but not at all feeling like I'd been hit by an 18 wheeler. I had more energy and couldn't wait to get back in the gym and go to work on those 100 pound bags! During this week I had my path crossed with a retired Navy Chaplain at work. We visited and long story made short, I gave him my information to get in contact with a current Navy Chaplain and also with a recruiter. The more I learned about what it means to be a Chaplain in the Navy, the more excited I got. It felt like so many of my gifts, things I am passionate about, and my desire to be in full time Christian ministry were all intersecting in this one place.
Like every branch of the military there are certain ranges that based on gender, height/weight, and measurements that each person must meet within. I knew I wouldn't be within the range I needed to be in, and had spoken with my recruiter about that. We set a goal of losing 20 pounds in around 45 days. I'm going back in on June 1st to be re-weighed and measured to see if I will then fit within the range I need to be in in order to move on to the next phase of my application: a four hour physical by Naval doctors and nurses.
I knew weight watchers and boxing would get me where I wanted to be, but I was looking to make a bigger commitment to myself in order to get back to taking care of my body. So, I started putting some action around the things I wanted, I quit drinking Diet Coke, and all other Coke's and drinks with lots of sugar (especially artificial) in them, I cut out a lot of the bread and sweets I was eating (like Oprah, i LOVE bread), and kept up with boxing four times a week.
A few days ago I ran across the Whole30 and loved everything it stands for and what the goal of it is.
Google it if you're interested in learning more.
I already felt great from the modifications I had already made to what I was putting in my body, and was encouraged by all of the stories I read online about people's experience with it. So, last night I went grocery shopping, which is not something I'm very good at, good thing Whole30 gives you shopping lists! I walked around and bought a good amount of food, more than usual, but wanted to give myself the freedom to spend more than usual to ensure I had a strong start.
Here's what I bought:
-2 green bell peppers
-1 red bell pepper
-2 limes
-2 avocados
-3 honey crisp apples
-1 bundle of asparagus
-1 container of blackberries
-1 container of spring lettuce mix
-2 pounds of strawberries
-1 large container of pineapple spears
-1 container of almond butter
-1 container of halved walnuts
-1 container of mixed nuts
-3 lemons
-1 bundle of cilantro
-1 container of honey dew melon
-1 container of cantaloupe
-1 small bag of baby carrots
-1 steak kabob (it included steak, mushrooms, onions, squash & zucchini)
-1/2 pound of atlantic salmon
-1 package of perrier lime flavored sparkling water
-1 package of S. Pellegrino
-1 package of spindrift natural seltzer water with real raspberry and lime juice
I spend $104.01
Like I said, I doubt I'll spend this much again, and I know eating well is more expensive, but I wanted to give myself the wiggle room to figure out what eating will look like while doing the Whole30.
So, today is the end of Day 1 and so far, I'm feeling pretty confident. I'll be honest and say that there were a few times I wish I could have eaten a pancake at work, but I reminded myself that meeting the requirements for the Navy so I can give myself the best shot at an amazing career, taking care of my body, finding out how some of the foods I had been eating negatively effect my mood, skin, emotions, thoughts, weight, etc... was way more important that the fleeting moment of shoving a pancake down my throat.
Curious about what I ate today?
For breakfast I had two eggs cooked with clarified butter and added in bell peppers, spinach, and alfalfa sprouts. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER, put alfalfa sprouts in your eggs people. It. Will. Taste. Like. Grass.
I made myself eat the grass eggs because I felt horrible for throwing out perfectly good food.
I also had a cup of fresh fruit.
For lunch I had a honey crisp apple with lots of almond butter (freaking fantastic!), several handfuls of mixed nuts and a few walnuts.
I went to boxing class from 430-530p.m. after I got off of work.
And for dinner I cooked the steak kabob and had some blackberries, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, and half of an avocado.
I feel full, strong, and content tonight.
Here's hoping for an even greater Day #2.
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