Starting Plan
So, the plan I’ve been following for the past few weeks isn’t anywhere near as complex as some of the hardcore members, but it’s been working for me so far.
I get up at 6am to workout. Morning workouts are the only ones I can be consistant with, and I’ve actually become a big fan. I don’t have the money for a gym membership so I do what I can at home. First off I do strength training. I use Exercise TV on Demand to find a good 20-30 minute routine and switch it up every couple weeks. No matter which program I choose, it generally consists of dumbell work, pilates moves, and general resistance training (lunges, abs, etc.) Then I hop on the stationary bike and slam it out for 30 minutes. If I can see well-formed drops of sweat once I’m done, I know I did well.
I have my first meal after that, a protein shake (200 calories). Then I eat a 100-300 calorie meal/snack every 3 hours after that. Snacks consist of either raw almonds, low-cal protein drinks, or low-sugar protein bars. Lunches are generally Weight Watchers frozen meals (easy to heat up at school) or a larger protein bar if I’m squeezed for time. I have to cook dinner for an entire family, so those are my weak spots. Regardless, I try to keep them fairly low-cal, focusing on lean protein, veggies, and just a smidge of healthy carbs.
Cheat days are planned in advance. My next one is October 16th (my 6 year anniversary with my fiance). I’m going to try to start keeping a bar with me at all times in case I get caught-up in spontaneous plans. If a bar isn’t available, it’s salads all the way. Just because friends want to eat out doesn’t mean I should go off plan. (This has happened a LOT in the past. I hang out with a very food-sociable group of people.)
I’ll be posting my "starting" pictures of 145lbs. soon, even though I’m a little nervous. Of course, I’m no where near my highest weight anymore. My peak was 198 lbs. in middle school - it’s amazing what medications will do to a kid during puberty. But 125 lbs. by New Years doesn’t seem too far-fetched at this point, and being part of a challenge group should help.
Wish me luck!
September 27, 2008 at 4:57 pm
It appears to me you have all of your priorities in place with this plan. Also having a planned cheat day is a good thing as you can reward yourself after a long stretch of discipline. Good luck to you…Vinny
September 28, 2008 at 9:50 am
Firstly good luck with the wieght/fat loss, I know you’ll do it! Secondly, boy does this sound familiar? Yep…people so easily get negative about food if one is healthy…it’s not just America, here in the UK too eating wholefoods is mostly frowned upon unless you are a vege, vegan or what is impolitely termed a hippy lentil muncher…hey man, if only they realised that lentils, whole grains, nuts and pulses are full of delicious protein!
September 28, 2008 at 9:52 am
I think I just responded to two blogs with one reply…this goes for your latest blog too, if this doesn’t make much sense…gulp…
September 29, 2008 at 2:29 pm
The people you cook for are lucky to have someone who cares about health making them meals!
Fazer