SweetNightshade’s BodyBlog

I’m completely ecstatic about my 1 month check-in. 2.5" off my hips (my problem area) and hitting my lowest adult weight ever? I’d say I’m on the right track. But although I’ve been doing everything I need to for my body, I’ve been rapidly approaching the point of burnout. It’s a part of college-life that I’ve come to accept - that balance between good student and meltdown - and I’ve learned that I need to slow down sometimes for my own good. So, since I’m where I need to be in taking care of my body, I decided to take this weekend to focus on my mind and spirit.

Friday night I took my little brother to a poetry reading in Lawrence, the local cultural oasis. I had a blast; being around creative people is always re-energizing for me. Then I showed my brother around the rest of Massachusetts St., Lawrence’s main strip, packed with oddball shops and custom coffee shops. He endured my bibliophilic perusal of one of the used book stores, and then I took him to the 24 hour coffee shop. It has great java and a place called the "graffiti room" where patrons are allowed to write on every surface. It was great.

Yesterday I hooked up with some fellow writers at a monthly meetup that I help organize - and subsequently spent an hour wandering around Borders in a state of zen. Once the rows of books had me completely relaxed, I headed home and got a bunch of stuff knocked-off my to-do list. Productivity makes me happy. And that’s kinda the plan today as well; get myself caught-up on a few more things without having to stress.

During all my fun, I’ve stuck to my calorie range and general food guidelines, but I’ve allowed some extra carbs. I figure that’ll get me all prepped for the second month of training, where I’m changing up my workouts and hoping to increase intensity. And I feel good enough that I actually look forward to getting back into the routine tomorrow. I guess I made the right call with this little breather. =)

B: Protein Shake, 1/2 Banana
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: Protein Meal Bar, Carrots
S: Rice Cake w/PB
D: Chicken, Brown Rice, Veggies, Peaches
S: Rice Cake w/PB
Liquid: 1 Gallon
Exercise: 30min. Power Shred

B: Veggie Cakes w/Salsa
S: Rice Cake w/PB, 1/2 Banana
L: Veggie Cakes w/Salsa
S: Rice Cake w/PB
D: Tuna, Brown Rice, Veggies, Peaches
S: Low Fat Vanilla Ice-cream
Liquid: Less than a gallon.
Exercise: Rest Day

Now that my cold is pretty well gone and I’m working out again, my appetite has come back. I had a double serving at dinner - but not to worry. It’s all healthy, homemade, and my portion sizes are good. However, after my last snack of the day, I really wanted more. I stood my ground though! I knew I wouldn’t like how it looked on my morning report, and what do you know? Going to bed a little hungry didn’t kill me; in fact, I woke up feeling pretty darn proud of myself. As if that wasn’t enough, I even got in my gallon of healthy liquids. I’m sure to most people, these sound like pretty silly things to get all puffed-up about, but I know you guys get it: you have to celebrate the little victories in life.

I wonder what victories I’ll have today?
B: Protein Shake
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: Protein Lunch Bar
S: Ricecake w/PB
D: Chicken, Brown Rice, Peaches
S: Ricecake w/PB
Liquid: 1 Gallon (yes!!!)
Exercise: 30 min. Power Shred

So, the Halloween candy is officially out of the house; Dad took the remainder to his work. But while it was sitting around at home, I’m proud to announce that I didn’t have a single piece after Halloween. I’m also steadily feeling better. Saturday I figure I should be feeling well enough to take on a new workout routine. I still feel that I’m benefiting from what I’m doing, but it’s gotten to a point where it just isn’t that hard anymore. At least, not as hard as it should be. So we’ll see what the switch does for me, and then I’ll take progress pics and measurements on Sunday. I better kick my butt into gear and start getting my liquids in, or those pictures might not be as good as I’d like them to be.
B: Protein Shake
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: Protein Lunch Bar
S: Apple w/PB
D: WW Breakfast Quesadilla w/Salsa, Sugar Free Pudding Cup
S: Ricecake w/PB
Liquid: Less than a gallon. (again, bah)
Exercise: 30 min. Power Shred

Still a little stuffy and sore, but I think I’m good to workout this morning. I’m glad I listened to my body and took two rest days, but I’m sooo ready to get back into things. All the meds and sugary cough drops (boo!) have me feeling bloated, and something just feels "off" when I don’t get my workout in. At least it gave me time to get a lot of homework done. Rudyard Kipling’s Kim is charming, for anyone who hasn’t read it. Of course, I was always a fan of the Jungle Book. Thank goodness for good books. They keep a sick person sane.
B: Protein Shake
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: Protein Lunch Bar
S: Apple w/PB
D: WW Breakfast Quesadilla w/Salsa, Sugar Free Pudding Cup
S: Apple w/PB
Liquid: Less than a gallon. (=/)
Exercise: Rest Day

I came home early yesterday and went right back to bed. I hate feeling sick and useless. But it seems like the day of rest did me well. My throat was still screaming when I woke up today, but a lot of the other symptoms seem to be lessening. I’m going to use today as another rest day and see if that isn’t enough to get me back on track.

B: Protein Shake
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: Protein Lunch Bar
S: Apple w/PB
D: WW Breakfast Quesadilla w/Salsa, Sugar Free Pudding Cup
S: Celery w/PB
Liquid: 1 Gallon
Workout: Rest Day

Yesterday was basically a blur of James Bond and HGTV shows. I got up and worked out in the morning, but post-doctor’s appointment, I did absolutely nothing. Doc says until I’ve been sick for over 7 days, they aren’t supposed to prescribe any antibiotics. So until then, we treat it like a viral cold/sinus infection. I’m supposed to get a lot of rest and a lot of liquid. So of course I debated with myself: should I work out or not? Luckily, I keep my workout schedule pretty flexible. I have no designated weekly rest day, so I just use it when I need it. And considering my utter lack of balance at the moment, I don’t think exercise is such a hot idea this morning. The plan is just to evaluate my condition each morning and take it one day at a time. Worst case scenario, I’m sick for a week and then they give me the good stuff and I get better fairly quick. Let’s hope it goes much faster than that though.

B: Protein Shake
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: SB Turkey Wrap
D: 2 Rice Cakes w/PB
S: Sugar Free Pudding Cup
Liquid: 1 Gallon
Workout: 30min. Power Shred

Wow, okay, yesterday was so busy that I didn’t even get a chance to post my log! But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t making a ton of mental notes. So before I forget, here are my past two days:

B: Protein Shake
S: Protein Mini Bar
L: Protein Meal Bar
S: Protein Drink & 1 Rice Cake
D: Chicken, Rice, Veggies
S: Party Munchies, Candy, 2 Drinks
Liquid: Less than a gallon.
Workout: 30min. Power Shred, 90min. Walking
B: Protein Shake
L: Protein Meal Bar
D: WW Breakfast Quesadilla w/Salsa, Sugar Free Pudding Cup
S: Protein Mini Bar
Liquid: Less than a gallon.
Workout: 30min. Power Shred, 30min. Hilly Walking (in heels!)

Despite the fact that I indulged a tad more than planned on Halloween, it was still a great day for weight loss. For the first time, I cheated without eating to the point of a stomach ache. Being able to stop when full was a great milestone in my lifestyle change because it means I don’t feel deprived anymore. Besides, I had reason to celebrate. I had to improvise on my costume (ended up going as a Chinese Demon) because my Naughty Nurse outfit is now far too baggy on me. Plus, I’ve officially gone down another pant size! I tried on the illusive size 6, and not only did it fit, but it was a little loose around the hips! I didn’t think I’d hit size 6 till the end of the year. =) Definately come a long way from size 16.

Had another weight loss victory yesterday. I went to a reception at my college for a bunch of Japanese students, a reception with "light refreshments". I ate lunch just before I went and had only a cup of tea when I got there. I completely snubbed the cheese, crackers, and cookies. I really wanted one at first, but it didn’t take long for me to forget they were even there and immerse myself in meeting new people instead. After that, I had to rush home for a quick dinner and then head out to Video Games Live. Because of the concert, I ended up going a good 5 hours without food. So when I got home, I grabbed a small snack and hit the hay.

Between having less time and thus less food, and all the extra walking I’ve had to do, I feel like I’ve pretty well balanced out my Halloween treats. And you know what? There’s still a cauldron full of candy on the table, yet I haven’t touched it since Halloween night. Hello willpower, where have you been all my life?

But it can’t all be good. Unfortunately, I am now sick. My voice is gone, I feel dizzy, and I’m trying to fight off the grumpies. I still made myself workout though. Hopefully the doctor will be able to help me out some.

Speaking of which, I’m headed out. Take care all; don’t want to end up sick like me.