I can't wait for tulips and daffodils to start coming up. That's going to be awesome. It always is.
NUTRITION
I been sticking to the clean eating plan steadfastly and I feel really good. My energy levels are higher than they've been in the past, because I am keeping my carb levels slightly higher in the afternoon. Going to low-carb makes for sluggishness and moodiness. My new favorite grain is quinoa, the mother of all grains. It's the best, and also is considered a complete protein, although the actual grams of protein per serving aren't very high. It just contains all the amino acid chains necessary to constitute "complete" in compatibility with the human body. Plus, it cooks quickly and tastes wholesome and delish.
I haven't had any alcohol, wheat, or sugar in 3 weeks. I feel good.
I've been trying out a new protein powder, a whey protein isolate. Isolated protein powders contain more killa and less filla, and I'm about the killa. I've got vanilla flavor right now, and it tastes good by itself or mixed in my oatmeal with cinnamon, nutmeg and blueberries. My daily supplement regimen right now consists of:
-multi vitamin
-Omega 3 fish oils
-Echinecea
-A fat burner (green tea extract, caffeine, chromium)
-glucosamine (for the joints)
The only non-clean thing I still consume is a Tbs of sugar-free French Vanilla coffee mate creamer in my morning coffee. It contains tons of chems but I figure it is early enough in the day that my body can process everything OK. I have to have some kind of vice!
FITNESS
I've been going to the gym 6 days a week for the past few weeks, twice some days. I do weights first, and split up the body parts by the main 3 powerhouses, Leg day, Back day, and Chest day. I need to figure out a way to add bi's tri's and shoulders in. I do some of those, and they are all worked doing chest and back, but they need some targeted training. I am almost ready to start doing squats and lunges. I've been holding off on those, worried about my knees, but since I haven't done any pavement running me knees feel fine. I know once I start lunges and squats my legs are going to really love it, they hurt though. I guess that is why they work so well. I am focused on the booty, so I need to start adding them in.
After weights I do 30-60 minutes of cardio, usually in the form of walk/sprint intervals on the treadmill or the trusty ellip. Too ellip, too ellip 2 quit. I am soooo over any endurance sports this year. Maybe in 2011, but 2010 is all about the high intensity sprint. Fat burning, yo.
I've been stretching a lot more this time around, even dabbling in yoga. It feels really good to not have stiff muscles. Especially in the hamstring/calf region, which gets really tight from the running. Stretching is key. I really want to dig more into the yoga, maybe get some DVD's and do one every night.
Total weight loss over the past 3 weeks is 11 lbs. I've had one cheat meal in this time- Greenbush (crack) pizza. The best!
LIFESTYLE
The social aspect of this lifestyle is still the weirdest. It is really hard to find other people who are in the same boat as you, and understand why you do what you do. It is especially strange being a single girl. I'm kind of shying away from dating right now because that typically brings wining and dining, which I don't want to do. I don't have room for that in my life right now. I want to meet someone at the gym or something. My first criteria now is whether or not he works out regularly. I figure that's a good starting point. I don't care where he is in his journey, but whether he has made a commitment to taking care of his body.
Then there is the diet aspect. I am so mindful of everything I put in my body right now. I am done with sinning today to start clean tomorrow. I am quite serious about my lifestyle, it isn't just a brief phase. I will eventually get to a point where I have more flexibility in my diet for splurging and whatnot but the time is not now. It just sucks because I so often miss having someone special in my life, to snuggle with, laugh with, care about, and plan fun things with. Oh and how about some night games on a regular basis, that would be good. I really enjoy having someone to think about and be good to. I try not to dwell on it too much though, because I think meeting someone special happens when you aren't really looking.
The worst thing people say to me is "live a little" usually said when I say no to the work donuts or opt for water rather than a cocktail. Guess what- I am living! A lot! My cells are more alive than ever! My mind is clear, and I feel really good. Oh just wait til the weather gets warm, it is going to be ON!
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The universe is full of surprises. There are some strange things in the works right now career-wise. Another company wants me to go work for them. I am flattered and will be finding out more this week, but I'm not sure it would be worth it pay-wise, and there is the possibility of a promo in my current position. I love my current company. 2009 was all about paying off debt, but my plan for 2010 is saving up. I am banking as much as I can. I am considering being a full time student by fall 2011. I think I'd really enjoy nursing. Maybe communications/PR. Much more than HR anyway. Nothing wrong with HR, I like what I do, I just want something that will give me a little more flexibility.
So thats the haps. I think I am going to post some update comparison photos in the next entry. Although, blogger isn't the most user-friendly for uploading and placing pics.
