Anniversary Goal

[Athene]

Hey! Back from weekend away for the tri relay and a little vacation time. I kept a detailed the log for the whole three days and nights on a piece of hotel stationary, but now I can't find it. The amazing thing is that I didn't cheat. 3 days of roadstops, restaurants, and post-athletic event exhilaration, and I persevered through the desire to celebrate with treats and have fun with food the whole time!! Feels good, but I'm still kind of sad that I didn't have any ice cream... weird mix of feelings on that.

Days left: 5
Cheat today?: No! 23 consecutive days.

I have a wedding this weekend with a big party that I will have to be careful at, and then the next day, the 22nd is a full cheat day. I have the menu planned already, with times, places, and people It's going to be epic.

The tri was great - friend who was the cyclist of the three of us was really run down and couldn't come, so someone we don't know filled in at the last second and we still got to participate, which was so lucky. Our team came in 3rd out of 6 (14 mins ahead of the 4th place team), and I ran 5k for the first time - no jogging! And there were hills. I fucking ran past people, up hills, down hills, and made myself as uncomfortable as a possibly could, and did not stop. There was some issue with the timing of the race (new ankle band equipment they were using) so the times aren't posted yet, but friends timed me at 26:something, which is a new Personal Best I'm happy. Oh yes, and I will make sure I get a photo from someone!

[Boss Man]

WELL DONE. I'm proud of you; especially because the change of personnel, could have thrown you, not knowing if the person would give 100%, or how their participation would affect the race in general.

This has taught you things about yourself, there's no doubt and that is, that when you believe in your own capabilities, you can make things happen and also that you are not easily letting things affect your approach to instances in your life.

I hope you can use these positives, to keep forging ahead to the goal you are seeking and beyond, because you ARE worth it and every day you don't do anything you know you shouldn't, is a little positive and a personal statement about who you are and what it is worth and means.

So keep pushing, chin up, be strong and keep believing in yourself, because you're doing brilliantly and should be rightfully proud of yourself.

[Athene]

Thanks, Boss! I did learn that I can do more than I think I can. The nutrition challenge and the tri-relay both helped with that. One of friends I agreed that we need to train properly and do the full Sprint Triathlon some time - or at least try to win a relay. It's nice to have a goal, and the whole experience of being outside with everyone else is so much fun.

Things have been busy. It's last 5 week push for school and between work, training, and life in general, things are busy.

Current weight: Forgot to weigh
Days left: 3
Cheat today?: No (25 consecutive days)

Lifestyle
Slept 10 hours
Biked 10k to work, got a ride home
At a desk 8 hours

Training
Warm Up - 500 m row, 3 sets 10 each: pull up, air squat, push up, sit up
WOD - 5 rounds for time: 15 Toes to Bar, 15 Hip Extensions (GHD), 15 second Handstand hold (wall), 15 box jumps (18")
Flexibility

Nutrition
10:00 AM - 2 eggs, 2 egg whites, 1 cup mixed berries, 1/4 cup 35% fat cream
1:00 PM - BCAA powder
4:00 PM - 4 oz chicken breast with mixed peppers and coconut milk, 2 cups green beans
7:00 PM - whey shake
Midnight - postWOD meal: 3 eggs, 2 tbsp cheese, 4 strips side bacon, 1/2 apple


July 17 (forgot to add)

Lifestyle
Slept 7 hours
Biked 10k to work
Biked 10k home from work

Training
Warm Up - Bench Press
WOD - Max bench 5-5-5-5-5
Flexibility

[Athene]

I'm supposed to be working on thesis but I'm reading forum threads instead. Oh well! I can't believe it's been almost 4 weeks. I know it might not sound like a lot of time, and it really isn't, but to not cheat for 4 weeks really means a lot to me. I was one of those people who trained hard and was not overweight, but constantly treated myself and emotionally ate junk food. Since starting the challenge I have run fastest 5k, dropped 5 meaningful pounds, and become a role model for husband. Kind of crazy! He thought he was fine with how he was doing things until he saw progress. I still don't see physical changes exactly, but I will post an update pic on July 21, 2 year Shapefit Anniversary, and see if the hype is warranted I have a feeling it's more subtle this time, but whatever, that's okay. It wasn't about how I look for this goal it was about willpower and finally sticking to some aspect of the initial goal of this thread.

I just re-read the first page, where I said I wanted to control the cheats and drop 20 lbs. I don't know how realistic that is, or if that's a good goal for me to have... I think 140 lbs is what I would weigh with no fat at all, like with elite athlete levels of .... but now I'm not sure! I think I could lose 10 lbs for sure, and we'll see how new lifestyle effect the scale. number 1 concern is being consistent with nutrition every day,and planning treats waaaay in advance; then it's building muscle mass, so I doubt that will translate to weight loss in near future. The recomposition journey is long and subtle, from what I've seen, but if I stick to it I will be She-Hulkish some time soon

There were a few days where I could have faltered, and comments on this thread got me through. I really didn't want to report a failure to anyone, then somewhere along the way I didn't want to fail myself, regardless of who knew about it. Kind of sweet how that works. Anyway, I'm being sappy but thanks for being there for me through this, and I wish everyone a safe and happy end to their week. On Sunday I will be in a sugar coma, which I don't recommend, but which is exactly what I will be doing!

Current weight: 153.6
Days left: 2
Cheat today?: No

Lifestyle
Slept 6.5 hours
Drove to and from work

Training
Impromptu Rest Day (schedule)

Nutrition]
9:00 AM - 2 cups black coffee
10:00 AM - 3 eggs, 2 tbsp cheese, 4 strips side bacon
5:00 PM - 3 oz smoked tuna, 1 green pepper
11:00 PM - 5 oz hamburger patty, 1 slice tomato, sauteed onion, 1 baked potato

Didn't eat enough today, busy and stressed. Gak.

[musculArgirl2]

2 days left. I didn't realize that's all you had left. 4 weeks of eating healthy is awesome!! i'm so glad you had the results you did. Diet is the hardest part i think for everyone and the really says a lot. It's quite an achievement!

You've been a great inspiration too Karrie.

Get to work on that thesis! actually i'm working right now so i can't say to much. LOL

Can't wait to see what other goals are instore for you.

[Athene]

Thanks, B I really appreciate and depend on you. Your desire to keep going, to make a new plan and never give up regardless of what is going on around you really sticks to me. I'm never going to give up on myself again, and if I do, I will never give up on never trying again when I do!

Current weight: 152.3 lbs
Days left: 1 (after today)
Cheat today?: TBA

Lifestyle
Slept 6 hours
Biked 10 k to work
Biked 10 k home


Training
TBA

Nutrition
TBA

[musculArgirl2]

Thanks, B I really appreciate and depend on you. Your desire to keep going, to make a new plan and never give up regardless of what is going on around you really sticks to me. I'm never going to give up on myself again, and if I do, I will never give up on never trying again when I do!

Thanks, i can say likewise! Appreciate your support and encouragement very much.


So is your last day today then? And tomorrow is the all important planned to the last detail cheat day! or is it sunday? Enjoy the weekend. You deserve it Karrie!

[Boss Man]

I can imagine the cheat is a bluff. You imagine it will be two slices of pizza or some Ice cream and it turns out to be a pretzel .

[Athene]

It's July 22, I made it!!

Let's take stock:

- I went 28 consecutive days without a cheat
- I'm in the best shape of life (can lift heavier weight, run further faster, do unassisted bodyweight exercises for the first time, etc.)
- In opinion, I have the most desirable body composition I have ever had.
- weight has been the same since July 1st. Fluctuated between 152-161 on the journey, but I was 154.6 lbs 1 week into the challenge, and exactly 154.6 lbs today!
- No 20 lbs lost, but that's okay

I'm really happy with the way that things turned out. I posted updated pic to profile to show the 4 week difference... it's pretty badass! The "eye" of bellybutton is opening lol I will post cheat day meals from today here, just for fun. I'm only half-way through. I'm having an amazing day, and have only napped twice from the sugar crashes

I can imagine the cheat is a bluff. You imagine it will be two slices of pizza or some Ice cream and it turns out to be a pretzel .

Bossman, prepare thyself! Here's what's happened today so far:

*CHEAT DAY MEALS*
8 AM - 4 fun-size Coffee Crisp chocolate bars
9AM - 20 donut holes (ginger bread, raspberry glazed, lemon glazed, honey dip), 1 small coffee with cream
(1 hour nap)
12PM - 400 ml latte, 300 ml orange juice, 2 crepes filled with a 3 egg Western Cheddar omelet covered in hollandaise sauce,1/2 a slice of rye toast with peanut butter and jam (1/2 a slice of toast?! Really?! I thought I would be able to eat all of that lovely toast)
(Water and nap)
5:00 PM - Dr. Pepper float, nachos with guacamole, 10" hawaiian pizza with bacon
8:00 PM - "Tasting Trio" of desserts: sticky toffee pudding, dark chocolate mousse, white chocolate brownie, 2 decaf coffees with cream
11:00 PM - Ginger Ale... and more ginger ale

[musculArgirl2]

You look really good! Did awesome! it's funny that you didn't lose any weight at all. Did you lose inches? you definitely gained some muscle! you truly look great and you do look smaller!! great results! Great Job Karrie!

you are totally going to feel sick by tomorrow with all that food!

[Boss Man]

You can definitely see that your fat is down and your muscle is up .

You're doing a great job and you should be really, really proud of yourself and as you say, weight is the same but strangth has increased so that more than ties in with the visable changes in the picture.

As for the cheat day though. One question. If you have actually managed to last 28 days, without cheating, why decide to have the cheat day? Why not see how long you could go, without doing something that might just lead to a minor relapse in eating habits?

Okay I admit that's two questions

[fitoverforty]

congrats!! your body is stronger, muscle is more defined - you did good girl!!! I'm proud of you and for you. Amazing 28 day test of willpower that you faced and overcame and conquered!
One thing I love that you wrote:

- I'm in the best shape of life (can lift heavier weight, run further faster, do unassisted bodyweight exercises for the first time, etc.)

What a great role model you are for girls that are looking for guidance in what makes them feel good about themselves. You didn't say anything like "I can wear a size "whatever" or I am so skinny now, or I lost "x" amount of weight". Instead you focused on being stronger, being faster, lifting heavier - things of substance and long lasting results. Not superficial things that may or most likely may not last for long.
You are projecting a "new" healthy body image that is so much better than what alot of younger girls think they are supposed to try to achieve. I hope more women like yourself step up and say "it's okay to be strong and fit and healthy - even if you are not a size 0."
And I think you learned alot about yourself in the process that is important. You learned that you CAN go without the cheats and you can stick to a schedule, even dealing with the "outside" world and all that comes with day to day living.
Hats off to you. You are an inspiration. I love your honesty and commitment.
So....what's next? that is, after you wake up from your sugar coma..... I think I gained 3lbs just reading your cheat meals today!!
You'll have to share how it felt to eat all that food you had been planning on for so long - how did it make you feel, and would you do it again?

again, congrats to you - you are AWESOME!!!!

[Athene]

You can definitely see that your fat is down and your muscle is up .

You're doing a great job and you should be really, really proud of yourself and as you say, weight is the same but strangth has increased so that more than ties in with the visable changes in the picture.

As for the cheat day though. One question. If you have actually managed to last 28 days, without cheating, why decide to have the cheat day? Why not see how long you could go, without doing something that might just lead to a minor relapse in eating habits?

Okay I admit that's two questions

Thanks, Boss. I see the increased muscle/decreased fat thing too, and feel I'm moving in the right direction, finally As for the Cheat Day - I need a goal, and going as long as possible with no deadline isn't really helpful for me, mentally. The thing that got me through the 4 weeks was the idea of that one day, so I didn't feel I was missing out on anything. Having the cheat day planned at the end was the reason for the success every day before it.

So....what's next? that is, after you wake up from your sugar coma..... I think I gained 3lbs just reading your cheat meals today!!
You'll have to share how it felt to eat all that food you had been planning on for so long - how did it make you feel, and would you do it again?

again, congrats to you - you are AWESOME!!!!

Lynne, your comments are really touching, thanks for all of your support and positivity along the way Seriously. As for your questions, I'm happy you asked them!
- It did not feel good to eat all that food!
- I would not do it that way again - I was sick and sleepy all day. I think the key to success is planning your treats, whenever they are and, for me, doing it all on one day is not the best.
- As for what's next, I am going to plan a treat meal once per week, not a treat day once per month. Generally speaking, I like to think of treats as planned, and cheats as unplanned. husband put it that way, and I think it's really smart.

I have to haul to finish thesis re-writes over the next 4 weeks, so goal right now is academic, not nutrition related. With food, I feel like "I got this" ; ) Phew. Finally!

[Boss Man]

I totally understand what you said and can appreciate the mentality of needing something to aim for.

What I would suggest is, that instead of having the meal once a week, you could still do the once a month thing, but then you could go out somewhere to eat instead. This way there is no temptation, when you buy stuff that you know hasn't helped your eating habits in the past, to buy too much and have too much at home, where it might weedle its way back into your lifestyle again, causing minor relapses in discipline.

Eating the planned meal away from the house, means you are eating cheat food, but you are not in a situation where you are potentially overbuying the food and keeping more than is necessary at home and possibly having too much in a week, because to overeat at a restaurant for example, would require you to make a more conscious decision about the cheat, rather than going to a supermarket, being bombarded with convenience cheats and perhaps buying too many of them, where they can be in the house and close enough to access.

The once a month thing also means it's more rewarding, by saying, yes I went 4 weeks without making mistakes and also, it become more affordable, than trying to find the money for a meal out once a week.

Obviously you know yourself best however .

You should be proud of yourself, for making this aim of yours actually come good, but like many of these things, I.E. people recovering from alcohol problems, abstinence can be achieved for long periods, only for relapsing in a serious way to occur with many people and I'm not criticisng your life choices, but slight concern is, if you tried to have cheat food once a week, you might at some point find it's past influences on you creep back in, whereas eating it once a month, away from the house, means it can't, because you eat it, but then you go home to a cheat free environment.

Whatever you do do though, I will support the decision 10,000%, because I want you to achieve your aims in as happy and as productive a manner as possible and I always try to comment constructively and with someone like you absolutely coming first and I will say that I am really proud of you for achieving your aim, because I can appreciate how much these little things mean to you and what they represent and I'm sure you will understand the ethos of what I am trying to express .

Keep going and WELL DONE.

[Athene]

Good advice. I almost never purchase treat-groceries, and cheat meals have almost exclusively been eating-out or take-out, or running to the store specifically for those foods. I don't keep that stuff around at all. There is nothing in kitchen that I could overindulge in, except maybe nut butter or nuts.

Treating monthly doesn't feel like a balance I can handle right now, and above that, I just don't think it's necessary. 4 weeks is a long time, and I don't like being that person that doesn't ever eat cake at a birthday party, or who people always have to ask "Will she eat that? Is she on a diet right now?". I'm hoping to find a way to moderate treats, and going 4 weeks without any shows me that I should be able to handle things week-to-week without slipping into 2-3 unplanned cheats per week habits again. If someone is having a birthday or a celebration, going to their place and not refusing what they make will likely be the "treat" even if it's just grain-related and I skip dessert. Skipping dessert is easier to do than foregoing an entire meal, or bringing your own food to an event. I just don't want to be that person, that doesn't seem balanced to me.

Well it's two days after the epic Cheat Day and I'm finally starting to feel normal again. Feels good. See you guys in the forums!