New Exercise Routine

Day 1
rack pull - 5x5 @ 73
lying barbell row - 3x8 @ 32
barbell press - 5x5 @ 47
dumbbell flyes - 3x8 @ 15
dumbbell calf raise - 3x8 @ 15

Day 2
front squat - 5x5 @ 37
dumbbell split squat - 3x8 @ 10
SHELC - 3x8
bicep curls - 3x8 @ 22

Day 3
cardio video & Turbo Jam ab jam

Day 4
lat pull - 5x5 @ 73
barbell pullover - 3x8 @ 22
military dumbbell press - 5x5 @ 25
side lat raise - 3x8 @ 10

Day 5
romanian deadlift - 5x5 @ 73
good mornings - 3x8 @ 12
walking lunges - 3x8 @ 10
skull crushers - 3x8 @ 22

Day 6
cardio video & Turbo Jam ab jam


Some of these exercises I’ve never done before, so I’m not quite sure what weights to start with. Hopefully, I’ll be able to add more weight right away and find my groove by Week 2!!

Challenge 3 Day 70

Cardio on the elliptical today. I hated it. I'm glad to be done and have tomorrow off.

Speaking of tomorrow - I've decided to cut this challenge short and start Baby Got Back tomorrow - well, Tuesday actually, since I'm off on Mondays for the next couple weeks. So, I'll blog when I feel like it, but I think the daily stuff will taper off. I'll post my routine and stats tomorrow. Starting now instead of waiting until my inlaws leave gives me a full 12 week block to do this before I have to go to New York for a week. Plus, I desperately need a change!!!

Oh yeah, and I weighed in at 143.5 this morning.

avocado omelet
coffee w/ cream

yogurt
chicken beast sandwich
carrots

roast beef sandwich
corn

toast w/ butter

Calories - 1448
Carbs - 152 (27 fiber)
Protein - 104
Fat - 54
C/P/F Ratio - 40.2/27.5/32.3

Challenge 3 Day 69

I had a great workout this morning. I was glad to get it over, though! It wore me out.

Food's been ok today.

cottage cheese w/ cinnamon & Splenda
rice cakes

chicken breast w/ mustard
flour tortilla

Cheerios w/ skim milk
coffee w/ cream

cauliflower "bread" sticks w/ colby cheese
steak w/ green peppers

broccoli omelet w/ Dana's honey mustard dressing

Calories - 1379
Carbs - 124 (19 fiber)
Protein - 121
Fat - 48
C/P/F Ratio - 35.2/34.4/30.4

Challenge 3 Day 68

I need to come up with a different nomenclature for these posts. Since I'm not technically doing the Body For Life challenge, it's weird to call it a challenge. Now, I'm just doing 12 week blocks. Quarters? Quads? Meh. Segments? Stages? Gah! I don't know.

I did my first Turbo Jam session this morning. I did the Learn & Burn segment. Ok, I did the Learn segment. I started the Burn part of it, felt like a total tard because I'm uncoordinated and have no rhythm. I was actually in tears because I couldn't do it. So I did the only I could do - I got pissed off and used the elliptical instead. I'm going to spend the next week just doing the Learn portion on cardio days, then follow up on the elliptical for my actual cardio. After I get the form down, I'll go back and try the Burn segment.

I did some more reading on one of my muscle boards and I'm seriously, seriously considering not doing Built's Baby Got Back routine. I don't really want to move from a full body workout 3 times a week to a 4 day split. I like doing a FWBO. For sure, I'm going to change the exercises and parameters, but for the most part, I think I'll stick with the current pattern. I'll still follow up the FBWO with 20 minutes of cardio, and still have 3 days of cardio only. If I ever get the Turbo Jam down, I'll probably alternate one of the longer cardio sessions and a shorter one plus the ab jam. I don't know. There are so many cardio options. I just wish I didn't have 2 left feet.

Food was good today.

cottage cheese
rice cakes

broccoli omelet w/ Dana Carpender's honey mustard dressing

chicken breast
baby carrots
banana

colby cheese

beef fajitas
cauliflower "bread" sticks

Calories - 1476
Carbs - 109 (17 fiber)
Protein - 125
Fat - 63
C/P/F Ratio - 29/33.2/37.8

Challenge 3 Day 67

I've decided that once this challenge ends in 3 weeks, I'm going to stop posting daily. I'll probably update once a week, with general thoughts. I still have a long way to go, but the blogging of specifics is getting tedious, especially since I post in 3 different places. I'll still be posting my menus & exercise on my SparkPeople tracker. There's a link to that on the left-hand side of my Blogger site.

I got up early again today, did weights. I really pushed myself and focused on form. I was worn out, and my arms were incredibly shaky at the end. Yay.

Food has been ok.

cottage cheese
rice cakes

chicken breast
brown rice

steak
brown rice
coffee w/ cream

tilapia w/ garlic butter
green beans

cottage cheese w/ Splenda & cinnamon
rice cakes

Calories - 1590
Carbs - 146 (12 fiber)
Protein - 147
Fat - 49
C/P/F Ratio - 36.2/36.5/27.2

Challenge 3 Day 66

I actually got up before 6 AM to work out. I had some errands to run early, so I wanted to get my cardio out of the way. I did the elliptical just so I wouldn't wake everyone up. I hate that damn thing.

Food today has been ok. I've been hungry, but trying not to eat too much.

I spent the day watching workout dvds to see what I like. The Turbo Jam dvd is scary!!! I like the Tae Bo Fat Blasting Cardio, but I think it's too long for a beginner.

high protein pancakes (found the recipe on Sparkpeople - I won't be making it again)

carrots
mozzarella cheese

chicken breast
Dana Carpender's honey mustard dressing
sweet potato

bottom round steak
brown rice
broccoli

Calories - 1576
Carbs - 152 (23 fiber)
Protein - 153
Fat - 40
C/P/F Ratio - 38.5/38.7/22.8

Challenge 3 Day 65

I'm back on track today, and feeling confident. I did my weight program and elliptical session. The Turbo Jam dvds I ordered arrived today. I haven't previewed them yet, so I don't know what cardio I'll do tomorrow.

cottage cheese
rice cakes

tuna patties w/ mustard, onion & flax on rolls

coffee w/ cream
rice cake
cottage cheese

chicken breast
avocado

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

Calories - 1504
Carbs - 110 (29 fiber)
Protein - 137
Fat - 66
C/P/F Ratio - 27.9/34.7/37.4

Challenge 3 Day 64

I woke up around 2 AM completely nauseated. I had a hard time getting back to sleep, was having nightmares, and every time I woke up after that, I wanted to vomit. Even when I woke up for good, I figured I wouldn't be good for much. My horoscope for today said, "Whatever you may be feeling, you don't have to question it -- things could not be more obvious. The intensity may be a bit hard to take, but you should settle down in a few days at the most." This, along with my schedule this week, gave me the idea that a Tuesday-Sunday workout pattern will be good for the next three weeks. So, at first, I felt bed about not wanting to workout, since (other than being sick) I've never blown off a workout since I started BFL in August. Then I realized I'm not NOT working out - I'm just rearranging my schedule and no workouts will be skipped! I'll follow the Tuesday-Sunday schedule until after my inlaws leave, then go back when I start BGB.

I'm not really feeling all that well, so I'm just going to have another off day.

Challenge 3 Day 63

So much for my clean eating challenge. Chocolate covered peanuts and KFC did me in today. But my husband is starting a low carb diet tomorrow, so NO MORE CHEATING!!!! I'm starting a three week clean eating challenge.

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups - Low Carb

I found this recipe, created or contributed by a user named Dexmis, at Lowcarbfriends.com. They are pretty good, maybe not sweet enough for me. Next time I make it, I will increase the Splenda to half a cup.

1 stick butter or 1/2 cup coconut oil
1 square unsweetened baking chocolate
1/3 cup Splenda
1 T. cream or half & half
4 T. unsweetened peanut (or other nut) butter

Melt the butter or oil and the chocolate and Splenda in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. Remove from heat and whisk in cream and peanut butter.

Spoon into 12 muffin cups (the silicone kind are great for this) and freeze. Eat directly from the freezer or they will melt.

Using coconut oil and light table cream, here's the caloric breakdown for a 12 serving batch:

126 calories
13 g fat
2.5 g carbs (0.8 g fiber)
1.5 g protein

Challenge 3 Day 62

I am never, ever going to smirk at people who do cardio videos again. With all the "muscle head" boards I've been lurking on, there's definitely the impression given that videos aren't "good" ways to do cardio. Running outdoors (preferable) or on the treadmill, cycling, and other "natural" formats are preferred (at least that's how it looks to me). However, the cardio video segments I've been doing have been kicking my butt, and they are fairly low intensity. I can't get through the 20 minutes without dying! And I can go 30+ minutes on the elliptical without feeling nearly as out of shape as I do when doing the DVD. Then again, the elliptical doesn't give me the same rush and sweat that a treadmill does. I know sweating is no indicator of how hard I'm working out, but still...My point is that cardio videos are not to be looked down on, and I'm sorry I ever adopted that mentality!! I am actually looking forward to doing them. My Turbo Jam isn't here yet, but I did get the Biggest Loser Cardio Max from Netflix today. It looks great and I can't wait to try it on Tuesday!!! I did the Biggest Loser Workout high intensity segment again today (my husband ended up working after all, so I could dork out all I wanted) and it was rough. And I, uh, definitely need to buy some new sports bras.

I went back to the playground today. I was able to do 2 negative chins and 1 chin up!!! The chin up required lots of upward momentum and I can't do it from a dead hang, but I was able to pull myself up and stay up long enough for me to get my husband's attention as a witness.

cottage cheese

"fried" eggs
toast
coffee w/ cream

coconut oopsie roll

spicy bbq chicken
baby carrots

homemade peanut butter cup

Calories - 1320
Carbs - 83 (15 fiber)
Protein - 89
Fat - 80
C/P/F Ratio - 23.6/25.4/51

Challenge 3 Day 61

It's been an big day for me, motivationally speaking. I took my son to the playground and we were goofing on the monkey bars, and I said, "What the heck! I'll try a chin up!" So I tried, and I was actually able to raise myself up about a third of the way. When I started this blog, I would have fallen right off the bar, not even able to hang for more a split second.

So then, I said, "Well, maybe I can do a negative chin up." So I went around to the other side of the bars, hoisted myself up into position, and slowly let myself down. I DID IT!!!! I did my first negative chin, and a partial chin up. Yay, yay, yay!!! So I think I'm going to try one of each before all my lat pulls on lifting days.

Speaking of lifting days, I've decided to continue with my current program for only 3 more weeks. After my inlaws come to visit, I am switching over to Baby Got Back (4 day horizontal/vertical push/pull split). I'll have 6 weeks of BGB before I leave on vacation for a week. Hopefully, I can make some good progress.

Food has been okay today. I've been really hungry, but I resisted McDonalds (even opted out of a salad) and just waited until I got home. I'm on an Oopsie Roll spree. Tonight, I'm going to make some sweet coconut oopsies. I hope they turn out!!!

cottage cheese
rice cakes

chicken breast
Cheerios w/ skim milk

coffee w/ half & half, Splenda

coffee w/ cream
chicken sandwich w/ mayo & cheese

oopsie rolls w/ cinnamon & Splenda

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

Calories - 1721
Carbs - 146 (26 fiber)
Protein - 138
Fat - 76
C/P/F Ratio - 32/30.3/37.7

Challenge 3 Day 60

I did the Biggest Loser Workout low intensity segment today. It was rather awkward, so I'm going back to the high intensity segment on Tuesday, unless my Turbo Jam gets here by then. Saturday, I'm using the elliptical because I don't want to look like a dork doing aerobics in front of my husband.

Food was good today. I've been a bit hungry and craving chocolate, but I've been behaving myself.

oopsie rolls w/ cinnamon & Splenda

chicken sandwich w/ mustard & cheese
baby carrots

coffee w/ cream
chicken salad w/ cheese, salsa, sour cream
baby carrots

rice cakes
cottage cheese

chicken breast
broccoli
Dana Carpender's "honey" mustard dressing

Calories - 1582
Carbs - 98 (23 fiber)
Protein - 165
Fat - 62
C/P/F Ratio - 24.2/41/34.8

Challenge 3 Day 59

No numbers today. I'm too lazy to figure out a complicated recipe. I got it from SparkPeople, so it's hot horrible.

I ordered some Turbo Jam dvds. I can't wait until they get here.

steak w/ A1 sauce
Cheerios w/ skim milk
coffee w/ cream

apple
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

chicken salad w/ salsa & sour cream

pulled pork sandwiches

Challenge 3 Day 58

I swear, if I don't eat before bed, I'm starving all day the next day. I'm going to have to start eating something light an hour before bed. It's taking everything in me not to pig out. I've eaten a lot as it is.

I did the Biggest Loser Workout today, the high intensity cardio segment. It was 20 minutes long. I worked up a decent sweat, and it was fun. My son even played along. Next time, though, I need to wear my sneakers. I was only wearing socks today and my toes hurt. I'm thinking of doing the low and high intensity segments, to get a longer workout. I'll try that on Thursday. I also need to check out Fit TV's lineup.

Oopsie rolls

apple
cottage cheese

coffee w/ cream

chicken salad w/ salsa & sour cream
coffee w/ skim milk

yogurt
cucumber

Oopsie rolls w/ Splenda, cinnamon, & butter spray (OMG - divine!!!)

steak (over 14 ounces - gotta watch the portions, but damn, it was so good!!)
green beans
sweet potato

Calories - 2194
Carbs - 143 (24 fiber)
Protein - 194
Fat - 94
C/P/F Ratio - 26.1/35.4/38.5

Challenge 3 Day 57

I'm issuing myself a four-week clean eating challenge. My inlaws will be down for a visit in a month, and my goal is to stay on plan until they get here. I don't even have to worry about Easter candy hindering my challenge because we're not celebrating Easter until they are here. My son is too young to know Easter is Sunday. So, four weeks - no junk food.

Weights were good. I bumped up the load on goblet squats, deadlifts, lat pulls, and rows. Arnies and presses are the same weight, just one more rep. I'll keep these current parameters all week - the stuff is really getting hard! Next week, add a rep to each. I hope to be 3x8 with all of these by the time my inlaws come. Then, after they leave, I'll reassess the situation, and probably change things up a bit. I don't really want to go to a four day Baby Got Back split until I'm "done" losing weight. That's still 30 pounds away. We'll see.

I think I'm going to change up my cardio. I'll still do my 20 minutes on the elliptical after weight training, but my cardio only sessions are going to change. I have several videos and DVDs that I've never even opened. Maybe it's time!!

cottage cheese
rice cakes

chicken sandwich w/ mustard

coffee w/ cream

coffee w/ skim milk
chicken & bean salad w/ salsa & sour cream

stuffed peppers (ground chicken breast, black eye peas, salsa, sour cream)

Calories - 1381
Carbs - 127 (24 fiber)
Protein - 161
Fat - 26
C/P/F Ratio - 36.7/46.4/16.9

Challenge 3 Day 56

145.5

I'm taking a free day. Well, free evening. I ate well all day. I need chocolate.

Challenge 3 Day 55

Cardio sucked today. I really hate that elliptical.

"fried'" egg
rice cake

tuna patties w/ flax meal, mustard, cheese
wheat rolls

coffee w/ cream
cottage cheese
rice cakes

tilapia
green beans w/ light Italian dressing

tilapia w/ ketchup & tartar sauce on toast

Calories - 1625
Carbs - 132 (30 fiber)
Protein - 158
Fat - 63
C/P/F Ratio - 30.5/36.7/32.8

Challenge 3 Day 54

I'm exhausted so I'm only going to post today's menu.

apple
cottage cheese

tuna patties on rolls

coffee w/ cream
cottage cheese
rice cakes

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

Calories - 1376
Carbs - 123 (22 fiber)
Protein - 125
Fat - 51
C/P/F Ratio - 33.8/34.4/31.7

Challenge 3 Day 53

Another hungry day. I ate legal stuff. I got up early to work out. And it's my 4th anniversary of quitting smoking. Go me!!!

apple
cottage cheese

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

coffee w/ cream
rice cakes w/ peanut butter

mozzarella string cheese

Mexican chicken

Calories - 1453
Carbs - 89 (17 fiber)
Protein - 126
Fat - 74
C/P/F Ratio - 23.3/33.1/43.6

Challege 3 Day 52

I screwed up, in a major way, after I shut down the computer yesterday. I wanted to pretend it didn't happen, but this blog is the only place I'm really be honest with myself. So, I ate some chocolate covered peanuts, some cookies, a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, and some M&Ms. I'm not going to stress about it, and I'm not going to do extra cardio to try to offset some of it. It is what it is, and what it is is behind me! I was starving today. High fat, high calorie. No candy though!

I did not want to get up this morning. But I did. Blah. I hope tomorrow it better.

apple
cottage cheese

chicken sandwich w/ mustard

tuna fish w/ Outback onion sauce
rice cakes
coffee w/ cream

peanut butter on rice cakes

colby cheese

cubed steak
mashed cauliflower w/ cheese, cream cheese, bacon bits, Outback onion sauce

Calories - 2297
Carbs - 110 (14 fiber)
Protein - 189
Fat - 116
C/P/F Ratio - 19.7/33.7/46.6

Challenge 3 Day 51

Things are going very well. I think I've gotten over that hump! I've been getting up when my husband leave for work. I really wanted to sleep in today, but I didn't. So, that makes two weeks now. Yay! And with the weather getting warmer, it won't be so bad.

My ring have been falling off, now that my bloating from the last binge is gone. It's kind of strange that I gauge my success (or lack of) on how my rings fit me. Oh well - whatever does the trick!

apple
cottage cheese

chicken sandwich w/ homemade Outback onion sauce
coffee w/ cream

fortified French toast
coffee w/ cream

pepper jack cheese
celery
salsa & sour cream dip
cucumber

chicken sandwiches w/ homemade Outback onion sauce

rice cakes

Calories - 1466
Carbs - 139 (29 fiber)
Protein - 144
Fat - 48
C/P/F Ratio - 35.5/36.8/27.7

Challenge 3 Day 50

Goblet squats are killing me. I need to switch to barbell squats or something because it's getting harder and harder on my arms to hold the dumbbell. I may need to switch programs sooner than I anticipated, or just substitute the one exercise. I like everything else just fine - well, I'd rather do regular overhead presses than Arnies. Still, I'd like to hang on six more weeks, then change things up after my inlaws visit. I don't know. I'll have to think about it.

Hungry today. There's candy in the house and it's taking everything in me to ignore it. I did get a sample of South Beach Living's cherry almond granola mix. It was okay, but I wouldn't eat it again.

apple
cottage cheese

brown rice
chicken breast
coffee w/ cream

cola chicken sandwiches
California vegetable mix
coffee w/ cream

granola mix
coffee w/ cream
mozzarella stick

Mexican chicken

Calories - 1512
Carbs - 120 (22 fiber)
Protein - 154
Fat - 47
C/P/F Ratio - 31.5/40.6/27.9

Challenge 3 Day 49

Weekends, especially Sundays, are rough for me. I get really bored, my husband is home to irritate me, and I want to eat junk. I didn't today. I've also been motivated by my stats, so there's that. I no longer feel bloated like I did all last week after my binge. I'm hoping to be under 140 by the time my inlaws come to visit next month. And if I stay on plan while they are here, it will be a miracle.

coffee w/ cream
"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

leftover stuffed pepper guts (ground turkey breast, pinto beans, brown rice, onion, tomato sauce)
coffee w/ cream

cola chicken (chicken breast simmered in diet cola & tomato sauce)
California vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower)

cola chicken on a wheat roll

Calories - 1531
Carbs - 149 (43 fiber)
Protein - 156
Fat - 45
C/P/F Ratio - 36.7/38.4/24.9

Oh look - updated stats!!!

I haven't taken measurements or pictures since November 26, 2007. I did both this weekend!

Neck - 13.5 (1 inch lost)
Bust - 39.5 (2 inches lost)
Rib Circumference - 35.5 (0.75 inch lost)
Waist - 36 (2 inches lost)
Belly - 40.5 (2.25 inches lost)
Hips - 38.25 (1.5 inches lost)
Thighs - 22.25 R&L (1.5 inches lost)
Calves - 14.25 R&L (0.75 inch lost)
Biceps (flexed) - 11.75 R&L (0.25 inch lost R, 0.5 inch lost L)
Triceps - 13 R&L (1 inch lost)
Forearms - 10 R&L (0.5 inch lost)
Wrists - 5.75 R, 6 L (0.25 inch lost)
Body Fat - 35% , probably inaccurate, using a Tanita scale (2% lost)
Lean Body Mass - 95 pounds
BMI - 26.8 (down 2.1)
Weight - 146 (12.5 pounds lost)

I do have the pics, but I haven't looked at them yet. I'm not sure I'd post them anyway. I'm still a tub and don't look like I've lost a damn thing.

My biggest improvements have been in the weight lifting. Since January 21:

goblet squats from 15 pounds to 32.5 pounds
Romanian dead lifts from 27 pounds to 68 pounds
lat pull down from 20 pounds to 68 pounds
Arnold presses from 10 pounds to 25 pounds
one arm dumbbell rows from 15 pounds to 30 pounds
low incline dumbbell presses from 10 pounds to 25 pounds

Challenge 3 Day 48

I don't know what it is, but my legs are exhausted!!! Not sore, but tired, when I do cardio. It's not o bad when I'm doing weights, but getting on that elliptical sucks, and today was worse than usual. I ate breakfast about 30-45 minutes before I got on, but it was the worst day I've had on that machine since I started back up. Every single revolution was torture and all I wanted to do was stop. Even though it was rougher than normal, I still managed to reach a personal best in terms of distance covered and calories burned.

And speaking of calories, I keep track based on the readout on the machine. I know that it's very, very inaccurate, but I'm not logging calories burned to know how many I'm actually burning. I'm just doing it to have a number. I don't want a heart rate monitor because it won't change how I work out, and it doesn't make sense to spend money on something that isn't going to be valuable to me. If I ever did want an accurate reflection of the calories I burn, I certainly would buy one. But for now, I just use the number on the machine and just estimate that I'm burning a third of that.

I've been really hungry today. Bedtime is still a few hours away, and I saved some of my dinner to eat later. But I could probably eat a horse if one were offered.

apple
cottage cheese

coffee w/ cream
fortified French toast

coffee w/ cream
bacon
cottage cheese
mozzarella cheese stick

peanut butter
rice cakes

stuffed peppers (onion, brown rice, pinto beans, tomato sauce, ground turkey breast)

Calories - 1724
Carbs - 159 (37 fiber)
Protein - 165
Fat - 60
C/P/F Ratio - 34.7/35.8/29.6

Challenge 3 Day 47

Good day, I think. Workout was great, food was on plan. I felt wonderful, and I finally took measurements. I'll post those on Sunday when I weigh in and take progress pictures.

apple
cottage cheese

chicken breast
brown rice

coffee w/ cream

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter
coffee w/ cream

chicken breast
broccoli

celery w/ cottage cheese

Calories - 1385
Carbs - 118 (27 fiber)
Protein - 124
Fat - 56
C/P/F Ratio - 32/33.6/34.4

Challenge 3 Day 46

Another good day for me, I think. I've been waking up early and exercising, so that's good. Today was cardio, and I did 30 minutes of intervals on the elliptical (program #3). I meant to keep things lower carb, and I managed to keep it in the upper end of low/lower end of moderate. I probably could have done without a few things, but not to shabby overall.

apple
cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter
coffee w/ cream

cucumber-tuna salad

chicken croquettes w/ cheese
wheat bun

Calories - 1721
Carbs - 95 (24 fiber)
Protein - 163
Fat - 84
C/P/F Ratio - 21.3/36.5/42.2

Challenge 3 Day 45

Good day for me! Workout was great, food good. I think (hope) I've finally kicked the monster for another few weeks. I've noticed a pattern with the binges - I'll have to pay attention to my triggers.

homemade protein bar (pre and post workout)

coffee w/ cream

chicken breast
sweet potato
ranch dressing
coffee w/ cream

cottage cheese
cucumber

cubed steak
corn

jalapeno poppers

Calories - 1616
Carbs - 108 (12 fiber)
Protein - 135
Fat - 71
C/P/F Ratio - 26.8/33.6/39.6

Challenge 3 Day 44

I bumped cardio up to 30 minutes, and did Program #3 on my elliptical. It was pretty invigorating, but I miss running.

Food was good. I managed to stay low carb. I probably could have had a few more calories, but I didn't feel like cooking any more.

homemade protein bar

apple
cottage cheese

mozzarella string cheese

fortified French toast
coffee w/ cream

chocolate oopsie cake

turkey sausage
"fried" egg

mozzarella string cheese

Calories - 1308
Carbs - 85 (15 fiber)
Protein - 130
Fat - 58
C/P/F Ratio - 24.6/37.6/37.9

Challenge 3 Day 43

Weight training is getting harder and harder, and I love it! I bought some lifting straps over the weekend and it's made my deadlifts and rows so much easer to grip. I bumped the weight again for some things, and did 3x5 today:

goblet squats (32.5 lbs)
deadlifts (68lbs)
Arnies (25 lbs)*
lat pulls (68 lbs)
dumbbell rows (30 lbs)*
dumbbell bench presses (25 lbs)*

*same as last week

I'll move up to 3x6 of everything (except Arnies and presses - they will stay 3x5 all week) on Wednesday, then 3x7 on Friday, probably. Squats are getting a bit rough, holding the dumbbell the way I do, so I may move to barbell squats soon. I'm buying some 25 pound plates next weekend for deadlifts (so I have more smaller plates to work with on the dumbbells). I may go ahead and start Baby Got Back because of the way it's split, and I won't have to spend so much time per workout loading and unloading weights.

Food was good today, even though I was pretty hungry. I kept it legal, even with the junk food in the house.

homemade protein bar (pre and post workout)

chicken breast
whole wheat pasta

mozzarella cheese sticks

coffee w/ cream
chicken breast
green beans

cottage cheese
coffee w/ cream

fortified French toast

mozzarella cheese sticks

Calories - 1508
Carbs - 135 (24 fiber)
Protein - 159
Fat - 44
C/P/F Ratio - 34.3/40.4/25.3

Challenge 3 Day 42

It's been a really rough week, and I have absolutely no excuse for my gluttony. I've tried to rationalize with the whole "I'm not going to deny myself of what I'm craving" bullcrap but when it comes down to it, I've just been a pig. There was no reason for me to eat the way I have been. I could have made better choices and I didn't. I've made empty promises to myself and I am really disappointed because I know I am better than this. Looking at the timing of the latest fall off the wagon, I realized that I have terrible problems about halfway through a challenge. My problems are all mental.

Not surprisingly, I was up again this week - 151. That's 7 pounds over my low from earlier this year. I was really afraid to get on the scale this morning, but I thought I'd be doing myself a disservice by ignoring the weigh in. I needed to see the number to snap me back.

My inlaws are coming to visit in mid-April. That gives me 6 more weeks of this challenge to straighten myself out. I'm setting a number goal for myself - I want to be 139 or lower by the time they get here. Six weeks of clean eating - no junk food, lower carb - should get me there. Exercise is still great, but I'm going to add a bit longer interval cardio sessions on non-lifting days, with at least one HIIT session per week, probably on Saturdays. Sundays will still be "free" days for exercise, but not for food. I'm going to do this, damn it.

coffee w/ cream
cottage cheese

mozzarella string cheese

coffee w/ cream
"fried" eggs
toast w/ butter

cottage cheese

chicken breast
broccoli
brown rice

Calories - 1309
Carbs - 103 (20 fiber)
Protein - 131
Fat - 52
C/P/F Ratio - 29.4/37.2/33.4

Challenge 3 Day 41

My treadmill died so I couldn't run my 5K. I'm totally bummed about this because I have no idea when I will be able to buy a new treadmill. We found some great deals yesterday on some, but I couldn't really justify putting it on the credit card. So, I didn't. I still have my elliptical, and I have to keep reminding myself that there are more than two ways to get my cardio in. I don't know what I'm going to do about the 5Ks I committed to each month. I don't have anyone to watch my son at a convenient running time. He's too big for a stroller and I'm certainly not making him walk 3.1 miles with me. Besides, I want to run.

Food, not so good. I don't know what's happened to me. I'm really disappointed in myself. I keep saying I'll be better tomorrow, but tomorrow is just as bad as yesterday.