Quest to a Fabulous Physique: The Struggle Begins
I guess the party is over and now the true work and struggle begins. For the first time since I began this lifestyle change (Nov. ’07) I felt discouraged b/c of no weight loss last week and thought, “what’s the point of all this”. The weight training is harder and the scale is no longer my friend. The only evidence of progress is the photos and loose jeans. Am I really committed to this physique transformation? After all my physique has improved somewhat and I’m 45—what do I have to prove? The reality is I don’t have anything to prove to anyone, I’m in this for myself and after trying on a newly purchased bikini, the answer is “I want a fabulous physique and I can do it”. Maybe that means getting in shape enough so that I don’t gross myself out in the bikini? I have been focusing on keeping my diet clean but have polluted it with alcohol on New Years and I’ve had a couple of drinks this week. I may also have been eating too many mixed nuts (20 grams each day) for snack so I have to cut down on the mixed nuts and alcohol.
Here’s my sample menu:
Meal 1: 1 egg, 3 egg whites & oatmeal or wheat toast
Meal 2: Luna Bar & apple
Meal 3: Tuna, mixed greens or arugula, & fruit
Meal 4: Whey Protein drink & fruit (20 gram of mixed nuts on days I train)
Meal 5: Fish & cooked vegetables
On Sunday I may have a baked sweet potato, some brown rice, or black bean for a treat.
I usually walk 12 to 15 miles (3 to 5 miles, 4 days per week) weekly, but didn’t work last week so I did 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer 3 days and only walked about 9 miles. Additionally, I do 60 minutes of weight training on M & F.
In my quest to create a fabulous physique my goal is to shed torso fat and firm up the thighs so I need to continue reducing body fat. This week I will have my body fat measured and identify a realistic percentage that I can lose within four months. I have been trying to find a way to increase gym days by two; it’s a problem with childcare and parental responsibilities. The best I can do is to add intense cardio on the days I weight train and hope that I don’t over train or injure myself.
Suggestions, condolences, and encouragement welcomed!
