Hard work and dedication pay off!
Well, I quit the keto diet not long after starting it (stuck it out for about 3 weeks). It just didn’t feel right for me. Went back to my normal semi-clean diet and my progress once again stalled. After some very valuable input from Kimm and Freebirdmac, I’ve undertaken a cut to lose the last bits of stubborn fat that remain. I’m currently incorporating HIIT 2-3 days a week (makes me want to hurl, but I LOVE it), doing a 3-day lifting split, and I’m trying 1,700 cals per day (clean, clean, clean calories) with 50p/25c/25f. It’s been a week and I am DEFINITELY leaning out. I’m down 1 pound, which is GREAT! I do not want to lose any of my hard-earned muscle, so slow and steady wins this fat-loss race. I’m still adjusting my macros, and have hit my macro goals only 1 day, dead on. It’s the fats that are getting me. I love my nuts and peanut butter, but I have to keep them on the down low to hit my 25% fat goal. I’m getting there though and I know this is going to work. In 4 weeks, I’ll reassess and see if I need to change my macro percentages a bit, or lower my cals by about a 100 or so…I’m feeling positive and excited. It’s just such a long road and a constant struggle to get things just right. I know that what is right for me now may not be right for me in a month or two. I’m really realizing just how much of a journey this lifestyle is. It’s a lot of hard work and I really, really respect all the competitors out there who are able to deal with all the challenges and set-backs that come with this lifestyle! Soon, I’m going to take some progress pics. I’m nervous to see them, but I know it will put everything in perspective and it’ll help me zero in on the areas that still need tweaking.
January 21, 2009 at 7:32 am
I got an idea! Why don’t you do the comp with me in Oct. All of your hard work will surely then pay off. (wishful thinking on my part) You really push yourself, dontcha. I can tell in your posts, as of late, that you have more energy. Keep fighting the good fight Brooke! Ellen
January 23, 2009 at 8:10 am
Brooke! You really do have the "soul" of an athlete. You are verymindful of everything you eat and you are very aware of what you are to do at the gym. You’re a winner!
January 25, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Hey darlin! Thanks fro joining in and posting your great progress!!! You’re an amazing inspiration! I really hear you on the peanut butter…it’s my kryptonite too FOR SURE!!!
Slow and steady is definitely best, espceically when you’re able to stay so motivated…keep it up! You’re doing awesome!
January 31, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Brooke, one thing to remember as you are busting your butt with the training and clean eating (I don’t like the word diet) is that this is in fact "hard work". If it wasn’t then everyone would be doing it but because it is hard work, people like you are inspirational to the others who haven’t yet taken the time to get into shape. At the same time you also help motivate others as they continue on with their own programs. When people see your first picture next to your "abs" progress picture, they see that hard work does work.
Keep up the hard work.
Rod