Week 3: How did I do?

Remember-THIS IS A PROCESS!!!!  Maybe I need to add that this is a journey too.  I had some ups and downs this week.  Some unexpected road blocks.  But in the end, I feel that I made the best of bad situations.  I have learned a lot about myself and how to get past these road blocks.

How did I do with my goals?

Protein:  I tracked my protein Sunday thru Wednesday and was averaging around 90 grams of protein per day.  I did order some vanilla flavored protein powder, which I have not received yet.  I also bought some pre-made protein shakes that I use at work for my mid-morning snack.  I was struggling with finding the time to eat a healthy mid-morning snack at work, since 10-11 am is the busiest time. The protein shakes are easy to pop open and drink between cases.

Water:  I have divided my water up into my 6 meals.  I just make sure that I get 16 oz before breakfast and then between meals.  This also helps with tracking my water consumption.  I was able to get 3 liters all but one day this week (I was 8 ounces short that day).  I also have been slowly eliminating soda and the Crystal Light energy.  I have decided that diet soda will be a "treat" once in a while, not a daily occurrence.

Super foods:  Wow!!!  My digestive system was not a fan of flax seed and wheat germ.  I added a tsp of each to my oatmeal for 3 days and it was not pleasant.  I'm not even sure where to go with these 2 items.  I will re-evaluate them later.  I did find a yummy black bean quinoa burger recipe that I will definitely make again.  I still prefer Edamame with sea salt.

Exercise: I included 2 days of 20 of strength training. It was a good start back. I love feeling a little sore the next day and knowing that I worked those muscles. I ran 37 miles this week. I'm having some weird thigh pain so I have been cutting back.

What I have learned/gained this week: This was an exciting week because I received the books that I had ordered.  I started filling in my Eat-Clean Diet Companion and reading Your Best Body Now.  Both by Tosca Reno, yes I'm becoming quite the fan.  I then realized that I skipped over her book about clean eating, so I ordered that.  Every time I sit down to read Your Best Body Now, I have an aha moment.  As I was reading about Tosca's journey I kept contrasting my life to her and thinking how I was never thin, that I never would have been rated a "10" body.  Then when she was telling about how she started doing competitions, I thought that I could never do that.  This is the story of my messed up psyche.  Why am I so critical with myself?  Why would I ever think that I couldn't do something.  I don't ever see myself wearing a bikini in public, but I need to change my thinking to "I CAN get a bikini body!!!"  Why not?  Why not be positive???  Today when I put on my scrubs for work I noticed that the pants that once were very form fitting, were now baggy.  I was really excited!!!  These are the small changes that I need to celebrate.  Once again, this is a process.  It might take me the entire year, it might take two, but I will get a bikini body!!!

Another aha moment came when I read about how Tosca jump-started her program.  She writes "I began acting as though my mind and body were already where I wanted them to be.  I pushed intimidation and self-consciousness aside, and ate and exercised like I was already in top condition . . ."  I have struggled with  intimidation and self-consciousness these past few weeks.  None of my family, friends or co-workers that I associate with on a daily basis are anywhere near living the clean-eating way.  When I talk to them about it, they just look at me like I'm nuts.  Before I started, I was going to lunch with my sister, my husband or friends almost everyday.  Now, I don't want to eat out.  It's easier to eat my own food.  Food that I know is not processed or unhealthy.  I also feel like I have to make excuses for my new lifestyle.  I need to stop caring about what other people think and take ownership in my healthy new way of life.