Today was a High Carb Day

But when I woke up this morning, there was no cereal to be found.

I wanted cereal but there wasn't any in the cupboard.

So, due to my lack of planning ahead, I decided to make whole wheat pancakes instead (with peanut butter and milk).

I paid for that.

I think I may have an allergy to too much wheat at once because throughout my entire workout I felt a pit in my stomach, and I usually don't.

Not fun.

I guess it is a lessoned learned in planning ahead for next time:)

On another note, workouts are going great. I am performing bootcamp workouts two to three times per week, and performing weight training three times per week. I want to add another day of weight training, but haven't found the spot to do so yet. I'll be looking at my schedule this weekend.

Results of Phase 3

So the results are in.

And the results are kind of mixed.

Current Body weight: 199

Body weight at end of Phase 2: 205

Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds

Circumference Measurements:

Current:

Hip: 39

Waist: 31

Thigh: 23.5

Arm: 13.75

At end of Phase 2:

Hips: 39

Waist: 31.75

Thigh: 23.75

Arm: 14

Total inches lost in Phase 3: 1.25 inches

Total inches lost since start of program: 7 inches

Body Fat Now: 15%

Body Fat at end of Phase 2: 17%

Total Body fat lost since start of program: 6%

Now for the pictures:

Current Pictures:

Pictures at end of Phase 2:

I say the results are mixed because I expected bigger numbers. It is my fault I guess. Too much snacking on foods, plus getting away from fit day might have played a role in that. I'm still happy with the fat loss as the 15% is the higher end of the range at which I could be (lower number is 11%). Even though I am at the goal date for my achievement, I haven't yet achieved what I want to. Sure 5% may be a bit extreme, but there are still tools in my tool box that I can utilize to take this further.

And I'm still motivated to do so.

Measurements are coming up

I am actually pretty excited about measurement day.

I have noticed some significant changes in my body in four weeks.

And while I haven't been 'perfect' with my food, I have done really well.

My abs aren't just there now, they are prominent! That is very exciting.

I know I am sub 200 pounds now.

I feel more and more fit every day (I know I'm a fitness professional, I should anyway but it is different now).

I can't wait to go to the beach! That is something that is completely new.

Measurements coming soon.

Week four

I'm finishing up this very challenging portion of my quest.

I have gotten the carbs under control, or at least better than they were at the start. I've noticed some definate changes in my body and am excited about the measurements this weekend.

Am I at 5% yet, I doubt it. But I'm a heck of a lot closer than when I started. There is still plenty of room for improvement and am looking forward to the next phase of this program.

Oh, and Saturday I did my first sprint intervals and boy am I sore!

I'm going to start running more (sprints) as I hadn't done it at all thus far in this program. I had done a lot of kettlebell training. I am going to combine the two on my cardio training days.

I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

Oh, and for those of yo in bootcamp, I got three laps around the arena in less than one minute on Saturday; curious what I would get for a 1/2 mile time if my interval hadn't ended:)

GI Joe Lines

Not fun.

I can see how Atkins would work for short term as I have noticed tremendous results in less than two weeks.

But I can also see how being on low carbs for an extended amount of time can make one go mad and then binge.

It is tough to control.

But I'm going to do it.

You are probably wondering about the title of this entry.

Well when I was in college a friend of mine would rave about guys and their GI Joe lines.

You know those lines at your hips that form your oblique muscles (side of your abs).

Brad Pitt is well known for them.

Anyway, I can see mine and they are quite prominent:)

Not to show off or anything but this program is unleashing the potential I always knew I had in me. I read a quote this morning that puts it perfectly into perspective:

Interest vs. committment

"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results." -Unknown

I am committed. Bring on bathing suit season. There is no stopping me now.

Results of Phase 2

The results are in, and I must say I am pleasantly surprised. I hadn't recognized a dramatic change as I did after phase 1. But as you will see, the results numerically and physically are obvious.

There were many challenges especially with nutrtition during this phase:


Constant temptation (more than usual)
stress
Warm weather/spring fever


But the fact is those challenges are always going to be there. I need to refocus during those tough times and remember why I go through this on a daily basis.


As I move into the next phase of the program, this will become even more important.

Here are my current pictures:













































And here are my pictures from the end of phase 1:

And now for my measurements:

Previous weight: 208
Current weight: 205

Previous Body Fat: 19.5%
Current Body Fat: 17%

Previous Circumference Measurements:
Hips: 40.5
Waist: 32.5
Thigh: 24.5
Arm: 13.5

Current Circumference Measurements:
Hips: 39
Waist: 31.75
Thigh: 23.75
Arm: 14

Total loss in 4 weeks: 3.5 inches

This is a picture perfect display as to why we should not just look at the scale for our results.

Next nutritional phase:

Low day- calories cut by 30% with 20% carbs, 30% fat, 50% protein; follow this for four days
High day- calories cut by 10 % with 5o% carbs, 30% protein, and 20% fat; follow this for one day, then go back to low day for four days. I will post my new workout later.

Been a while: Final Week of Phase 2

I apologize as it has been a while.

Moving, business projects have gotten in the way of being able to post as much as I like.

Over the past two weeks I have noticed that I am finding myself craving things like carbs!

I don't think I have ever had this temptation before.

Sometimes I have given in and sometimes I haven't. And while I know all the 'giving in' choices were supportive choices, I know that my calories and my percentages were off.

Despite that, the majority of the time over the past four weeks have been supportive and I have seen further results.

I have had to change my interval days: no more snowshoeing, so I have incorporated more 'bootcamp style' workouts.

Tuesday I did:

12 Kettlebell Snatches each arm
10 Lateral Box Hops each side (I actually jumped laterally over a canoe).

Today I plan on doing:

Tire flips and jumps x 10
Double Kettlebell Snatches x 12

Time to get a little nasty with this.