Another two weeks in the books; time really does fly when you're having fun.
I'm reticent to write on the subject as I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm in a groove, and in the best way possible. Everything seems to be in balance, and I'm finding more enjoyment in the day-to-day, moment-to-moment events of my get-fit lifestyle than I can recall having before.
Personally and professionally, I'm in a better place mentally now than I was a year ago. I feel much more grounded with regards to my plan of action, my desire and willingness to put the proper work in, and in the results that I expect to achieve. And an added bonus to being decidedly less stressed out by this experience is the quality of sleep that I've had the past 3 weeks; that's been tremendous, and has helped with my clarity, focus and energy levels.
My workouts have been going great. Better than great, really - they've been awesome. I've been progressively increasing reps and/or weight cyclically. I'm able to push myself much harder as each week passes, to the point that I've begun the preliminary work of developing my Week 5 - Week 8 routine so that the strength and stamina gains keep on coming.
I began doing early morning cardio sessions again during Week 3. That makes two cardio sessions a day, every day. I still cycle the same routine mentioned here, and Saturday is still my off day from weight training. The routine is fire - it's definitely a better weight training routine than any I employed during my efforts from a year ago. But, as with all things, I know its effectiveness will wane if I don't change things up sooner rather than later.
I've been religious with my food and workout journal; it provides greater accountability, as literally all the work I've put in is right there when I'm adding to it throughout the day. Every calorie, every rep, notated with time and detail. I also purchased a fitness tracker. I flirted with the idea of using one last year - maybe it would have helped me stay on track, maybe it wouldn't have made a difference at all. So far it's been a welcome addition to my own personal tool chest, and I recommend that those who are looking to improve their own health should at least consider getting one.
I've been eating on schedule and making all the right choices. The closest that I've come to a cheat day wasn't really even cheating at all; I made breadcrumb-free crab cakes during Week 3. The only indulgent part of it was a bit of mayo in the cake mix and a bit more for a spicy remoulade sauce accompanying them.
For three weeks now I've had no beef, white potatoes, white bread or white rice. I've eaten a ton of fresh fruits, veggies, and unrefined whole grains; lots of chicken and meat alternatives (meatless sausages and burgers); a bit of lean ham; and seafood two or three times a week to fill in the gaps. I've also been sticking to 3 meals a day, no snacks in between, with a hard calorie intake cut-off at around 5PM.
I've still got a long while left before I step on a scale again; that's been difficult, given how results-oriented an undertaking like this can be. But I recall too clearly how it felt to weigh myself every morning, and the frustration when the numbers on the scale didn't look the way that I wanted them to. I made a promise to myself at the onset of this renewed effort not to have a repeat of that experience; I'd simply embrace the daily grind, and the journey - not just the destination - would also be the reward.
Onward.
No comments:
Post a Comment