Slower, but still forward

I really took it as far as I could - the whole lessening up thing. I've eaten bread twists, potatoes, even pasta. But not gorging myself like in the past. Even still, I haven't been thrilled by the way it's made me feel. I still feel like I'm eating within my calorie range, and I'm still fairly active despite not really working out consistently the past week.

Today, I semi got back on track. Cardio throughout the day, and a full workout tonight. Only ate two meals within a 4 hour window. Did some  yoga and mobility work. Tried to get my mindset back to where I was a couple weeks ago.

I don't feel like I've missed a step, to be honest. And I believe that I'll probably do less deprivation of certain foods going forward, and maybe less tracking - unless the results aren't coming as quickly as I want.

But I think slower is the way forward right now. I just don't want to stall out... And the past week was too close for comfort.

Days Off and Other Projects

I took a couple of days to relax my diet. Felt horrible, and got back on track from lunch on Monday through now.

I took a couple of days to relax my workouts, but was still active and doing some mobility work. I got back on track Tuesday.

I am still taking a break tracking my food, but I've been mindful.

I've been working on other passion projects that take up a fair bit of my time and focus.

I'm learning to balance things so that fitness and life don't seem mutually exclusive, but the same thing.

More updates to come.

Saturday & Chill

It's cold again. I wasn't ready for this!

I went outside to work on a few big projects that I've been planning for a while now. I was out there maybe thirty minutes before I caught a major chill (to the bone!), ran back inside to unthaw, and stayed here for pretty much the rest of the day.

All was not lost - I got some down time with the fam on the couch, watching tv. Virtually no physical activity on my part though... Very little stretching, zero cardio. And it felt pretty fabulous!

I rationalized it by not wanting to be exposed to the elements, coupled with the fact that I pushed it pretty hard during last night's workout and physically needed a bit of a break.

It's lightly snowing now - not sure if I'll be able to get anything done tomorrow either, which is kind of a bummer. If I can't, I'll be sure to get a lot of movement in to compensate.

Meals were again on point as far as calories and macros were concerned. Could have eaten a few less carbs with dinner, but takeout options that meet my needs are rare, and I was sick of the same old fare.

Going to kill another workout (legs tonight) to make up for not being as active today.

Here's what I've eaten today:
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Breakfast: 418 calories | 32g fat | 24g protein | 8g carbs

3 egg cheese and bacon omelet: 390 calories | 24g protein | 32g fat | .5 carbs

 - Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

 - Cheese (1/2 oz): 55 calories | 4.5g fat | 3g protein | .5g carbs

 - Bacon Bits (1 tbs): 25 calories | 3g protein | 1.5g fat

 - Butter (1 tbs): 100 calories | 11g fat

1/2 Granny Smith Apple: 28 calories | 7.5g carbs

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Lunch: 445 calories | 31.5g fat | 36g protein | 8.5g carbs

Turkey Breast (2oz): 60 calories | 1g fat | 11g protein | 1g carbs

Cheese (1/2 oz): 55 calories | 4.5g fat | 3g protein | .5g carbs

Pork Rinds (1oz): 160 calories | 10g fat | 16g protein | 2g carbs

Almonds (1oz): 170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs 

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Dinner: 540 calories | 30g fat | 32g protein | 41g carbs

Arby's Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Wrap: 540 calories | 30g fat | 32g protein | 41g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,403 calories | 93.5g fat | 92g protein | 57.5g carbs

Day 42

It was a day.

Eating was on point. No morning cardio, but I did do some yoga and an ab workout. Did some heavy labor outside that definitely burned some calories, and got up and moved around quite a bit in general.

Could have done better, but could have done much worse.

Got takeout for dinner. Used all of my willpower to resist getting a burger and fries, but I was able to keep the big picture in mind and ordered a salad instead.

Time to get a proper workout in to cap off the work week and usher in the weekend. I've got some pretty big projects planned for this weekend; dunno how I'll be feeling physically and mentally this time tomorrow.

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Today's meals:

Friday:

Breakfast: 529 calories | 37.5g fat | 29.2g protein | 16.2g carbs

Sausage (4.30z): 344 calories | 27.5g fat | 17.2g protein | 1.7g carbs

Eggs (x2): 140 calories | 10g fat | 12g protein | 0g carbs

Honeycrisp Apple (1/2): 45 calories | 0g fat | 0g proten | 14.5g 

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Lunch: 410 calories | 29.5g fat | 27.3g protein | 13g carbs

Chef's Salad: 410 calories | 29.5g fat | 27.3g protein | 13g carbs

 - Turkey Breast (2oz): 60 calories | 1g fat | 11g protein | 1g carbs

 - Romaine Lettuce (2 cups): 16 calories | .5g fat | 1g protein | 3g carbs

 - Cheddar Cheese (.6 oz): 66 calories | 5.5g fat | 4g protein | .5g carbs

 - Bacon Bits (1 tbs): 25 calories | 1.5g fat| 3g protein 

 - Small Tomato (x1): 16 calories | 0g fat | .75g protein | 3.5g carbs

 - Greek Peppers 6.5 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 1.3g carbs

 - Black Olives (x7): 33 calories | 3g fat | .3g protein | 1.5g carbs

 - Dill Pickle Slices (x6): 4 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 0g carbs

 - Ranch Dressing (2 tbs): 120 calories | 13g fat | 0g protein | 2g carbs

 - Boiled Egg (x1): 70 calories | 5g fat | 6g protein | 0g carbs

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Dinner: 560 calories | 39g fat | 40g protein | 16g carbs

Wendy's Southwest Avocado Salad: 560 calories | 39g fat | 40g protein | 16g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,499 calories | 106g fat | 96.5g protein | 45.2g carbs

A Bit of Indulgence

I indulged a bit today on some things I don't normally eat, but kept my calories in check. Actually, it got me back in a better range calorie-wise than I've been in pretty much all week.

Did more outside work, but was a bit lazier today. Got in a little mobility work, and virtually no proper cardio.

I took a short nap after work. Not sure if it made me feel better, as I was awaken rather abruptly after only about 30 min, and have had a slight chill ever since.

Oh well - was debating on skipping tonight's workout and taking an off day between cycles, but I'm feeling a bit soft and squishy... So, let's go get a workout in.

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Breakfast: 842 calories | 52g fat | 48g protein | 40g carbs

Crispito (x2): 400 calories | 20g fat | 20g protein | 30 carbs

Nacho Cheese Sauce (1 cup): 232 calories | 17g fat | 10g protein | 10g carbs

Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

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Lunch: 386 calories | 27.5g fat | 30.5g protein | 7.2g carbs

Turkey Lunchmeat (2oz): 50 calories | .5g fat | 10g protein | 1g carbs

Provolone Cheese (x1): 70 calories | 5g fat | 5g protein | 0g carbs

Smoked Almonds (1oz):  170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs

Pork Rinds (.6 oz): 96 calories | 6g fat | 9.5g protein | 1.2g carbs

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Dinner: 406 calories | 20g fat | 30.5g protein | 10.5g carbs

Pulled Pork (5oz): 320 calories | 15g fat | 30g protein | 0g carbs

Coleslaw (1/2 cup): 41 calories | 1.5g fat | .5g protein | 7.5g carbs

French Fried Onions (2 tbs): 45 calories | 3.5g fat | 0g protein | 3g carbs

Hot Sauce (1tsp): 0 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 1g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,643 calories | 99.5g fat | 109g protein | 57.5g carbs

Day 40

I didn't do much in the way of normal cardio today, as I've begun an outside project that will bleed over into several more outside projects. Carrying 80lb bags of concrete over obstacles and depositing them around 20 yards away is no freakin' joke.

I also spent a ton of time doing thoracic mobility work. Not sure if it was me sleeping in a jacked up position, or something tightened up from my workouts earlier this week, but all the ibuprofen in the world isn't really helping.

Good thing that tonight's a leg day.

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Today's meals:

Wednesday:

Breakfast: 800 calories | 64.5g fat | 43g protein | 30.4g carbs

Sausages (6oz): 480 calories | 38.5g fat | 24g protein | 2.4g carbs

Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

Butter (1 tsp): 100 calories | 11g fat

Banana (x1): 110 calories | 0g fat | 1g protein | 28g carbs

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Lunch: 370 calories | 26g fat | 33g protein | 8g carbs

Buffalo Chicken Lunch Meat 4oz: 100 calories | 1g fat | 20g protein| 2g carbs

Colby Cheese (1oz): 110 calories | 9g fat | 7g protein | 1g carbs

Almonds (1oz): 170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs 

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Dinner: 320 calories | 18.21g fat | 36g protein | 0g carbs

Chuck Steak (6oz): 220 calories | 7.21g fat | 36g protein | 0g carbs

Butter (1 tsp): 100 calories | 11g fat

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Daily Totals: 1,490 calories | 109g fat | 112g protein | 38.4g carbs

Another One

Another day of  eating 'intuitively' has left me short of my calorie goal - this time by around 200.

I've got to prioritize doing the math immediately after each meal in order to get back on track; that will inform what I need to eat for the next one, helping me to plan my days better. Undereating isn't going to do anything for my metabolism.

The issue today was that I let other things take priority over what I needed to be doing for ME. My first meal was well after 2pm; I ate my second meal barely an hour after that one, and the third within an hour of that. Far from ideal, but not the worst that could happen.

Oh well - time to go work out.

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Today's 'meals' (lol).

Tuesday:

Breakfast: 514 calories | 38g fat | 52g protein | 0g carbs

Pork Chop (3oz): 204 calories | 12g fat | 23g protein | 0g carbs

Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

Butter (1 tsp): 100 calories | 11g fat

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Lunch: 779 calories | 44g fat | 50g protein | 46g carbs

Protein Crisps (55): 300 calories | 7.5g fat | 25g protein | 32.5 carbs

Cheese Dip (1 cup): 479 calories | 36.3g fat | 25.1g protein | 13.3g carbs

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Dinner: 160 calories | 10g fat | 16g protein | 2g carbs  

Pork Rinds (1oz): 160 calories | 10g fat | 16g protein | 2g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,453 calories | 92g fat | 118g protein | 48g carbs

Days Gone By

I didn't realize that I hadn't posted an update for several days until just now.

I had a nice weekend. An hour-plus yoga session and 30 minutes of cardio to start my Saturday off right, followed by a road trip that lasted most of the day. I took the night off from any sort of training, as I was pretty wiped.

Took the kids out bike riding yesterday, and had a full day off from workouts, save for a few minutes of light mobility work. I will say that walking with them as they rode their bikes gave me a very nice low-intensity cardio workout; my legs got that old familiar feeling in them about 30 minutes in.

Not lifting weights for two days in a row was a mental exercise in itself, but I believe it was the right move. I've been grinding pretty hard, and my body needed it. I'd also gone pretty low on calories for the those days, somewhat unintentionally. I ate mindfully and tracked my food intake, but didn't do the actual calculations for calories and macros until the end of each day. It didn't felt like I'd been depriving myself, but seeing as the same approach left me well short again today, I'll make adjustments for the rest of the week and get that back up closer to the 1,600-1,700 range I've grown accustomed to.

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Here are the meals since my last post:

Saturday:

Breakfast: 418 calories | 32g fat | 24g protein | 8g carbs

3 egg cheese and bacon omelet: 390 calories | 24g protein | 32g fat | .5 carbs

 - Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

 - Cheese (1/2 oz): 55 calories | 4.5g fat | 3g protein | .5g carbs

 - Bacon Bits (1 tbs): 25 calories | 3g protein | 1.5g fat

 - Butter (1 tbs): 100 calories | 11g fat

1/2 Granny Smith Apple: 28 calories | 7.5g carbs

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Lunch: 778 calories | 45g fat | 50g protein | 68g carbs

Moe's Adobo Chicken Bowl: 778 calories | 45g fat | 50g protein | 68g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,196 calories75 | 77g fat | 74g protein | 76g carbs

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Sunday:

Breakfast: 271 calories | 17.3g fat | 27.2g protein | 2.7g carbs

Eggs (x2): 140 calories | 10g fat | 12g protein | 0g carbs

Breakfast Ham (1.7oz): 51 calories | 1.3g fat | 10.2g protein | 1.7g carbs

Cheddar Cheese (x1 slice): 80 calories | 6g fat | 5g protein | 0g fat

Hot Sauce (1tsp): 0 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 1g carbs

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Lunch: 205 calories | 6g fat | 26g protein | 12.25

Greek Chicken Wrap: 205 calories | 6g fat | 26g protein | 12.25

 - Baked Chicken (3oz): 92 calories | 1g fat | 19g protein | 0g carbs

 - Lavash (1/2): 50 calories | 1.5g fat | 4.5g protein | 7g carbs

 - Lettuce (1/2 cup): 4 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | .75g carbs

 - Small Tomato (x1): 16 calories | 0g fat | .75g protein | 3.5g carbs

 - Black Olives (x3): 12 calories | 1g fat | 0g protein | .5g carbs

 - Feta Cheese (1/4 oz): 17.5 calories | 1.2g fat | 1g protein | 0g carbs

 - Tzatziki (1tbs): 13.5 calories | 1g fat | .5g protein | .5g carbs

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Dinner: 618 calories | 44g fat | 39g protein | 22g carbs

Carbquick Pizza: 458 calories | 34g fat | 23g protein | 20g carbs

Pork Rinds (1oz): 160 calories | 10g fat | 16g protein | 2g carbs 

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Daily Totals: 1,094 calories | 67.3g fat | 92.2g protein | 36.95g carbs

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Monday:

Breakfast: 418 calories | 32g fat | 24g protein | 8g carbs

3 egg cheese and bacon omelet: 390 calories | 32g fat | 24g protein | .5 carbs

 - Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

 - Cheese (1/2 oz): 55 calories | 4.5g fat | 3g protein | .5g carbs

 - Bacon Bits (1 tbs): 25 calories | 3g protein | 1.5g fat

 - Butter (1 tbs): 100 calories | 11g fat

1/2 Granny Smith Apple: 28 calories | 7.5g carbs

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Lunch: 398 calories | 26.5g fat | 31g protein | 11g carbs

Chicken Caesar Salad: 398 calories | 26.5g fat | 31g protein | 11g carbs

 - Baked Chicken (3oz): 92 calories | 1g fat | 19g protein | 0g carbs

 - Romaine Lettuce (2 cups): 16 calories | .5g fat | 1g protein | 3g carbs

 - Parmesan Cheese: 110 calories | 7g fat | 9g protein | 1g carbs

 - Caesar Dressing (2 tbs): 150 calories | 15g fat | 1g protein | 2g carbs

 - Croutons (2tbs): 30 calories | 1g fat | 1g protein | 5g carbs

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Dinner: 588 calories | 29.5g fat | 54.5g protein | 28g carbs

Baked Pork Chops (6oz): 408 calories | 23.5g fat | 46g protein | 0g carbs

Lemon Olive Oil Asparagus (1.5 cups): 80 calories | 5g fat | 4.5g protein | 8g carbs

Homemade Bread (1 slice): 100 calories | 1g fat | 4g protein | 20g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,404 calories | 88g fat | 109.5g protein | 47g carbs

Liar Liar

I can't do it.

I can't eat more calories without feeling like I'm falling off. But, I also realize that I have a bigger cushion than I'd been willing to accept, so if I have a day closer to two-thousand calories again, I won't beat myself up too bad.

Today was so much better in so many ways. Work-wise, food wise. I'm very grateful for that.

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Today's meals:

Friday:

Breakfast: 564 calories | 41.5g fat | 36.5g protein | 20.5g carbs

Eggs (x2): 140 calories | 10g fat | 12g protein | 0g carbs

Breakfast Ham (x2): 102 calories | 2.6g fat | 20.5g protein | 3.5g carbs

Avocado (x1): 322 calories | 29g fat | 4g protein | 17g carbs

Sriracha (1 tbs): 0 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 0g carbs

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Lunch: 769 calories | 50.5g fat | 60.3g protein | 17.5g carbs

Baked Chicken (4oz): 123 calories | 1.5g fat | 25g protein | 0g carbs

Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing (1 tbs): 75 calories | 6.5g fat | .5g protein | 3.5g carbs

Cottage Cheese (1/2 cup): 110 calories | 5g fat | 13g protein | 5g carbs

Peanuts (1/4 cup): 170 calories | 15g fat | 8g protein | 4g carbs

Cheese Crisps (.6 oz): 121 calories | 6.5g fat | 7.8g protein

Almonds (1oz): 170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs 

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Dinner: 220 calories | 7.21g fat | 36g protein | 0g carbs

Chuck Steak (6oz): 220 calories | 7.21g fat | 36g protein | 0g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,553 calories | 99g fat | 132g protein | 28g carbs

Day 34

Better than yesterday, but still off.

It's possible that I might hover between 1,800 to 2,100 calories - just to see how it goes. Not saying I felt great today, but different. Slept better last night, and before that, last night's workout was a really good one.

I also weighed 2 lbs less this morning, for what it's worth. Probably just the normal fluctuations. I guess I was just expecting to blow up from eating more carbs and calories yesterday than what's been my norm.

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Not much in the way of mini cardo sessions throughout the day today, and I skipped out on my main morning cardio session altogether.

I ate intuitively, and didn't calculate my actual calories and macros until a few minutes ago. I had a feeling I'd be closer to 2,000; was pleasantly surprised that I came in quite a bit lower than that.

Headed to get in tonight's workout. Interested to see how hard I can push it.

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Today's meals:

Thursday:

Breakfast: 486 calories | 32.3g fat | 36.5g protein | 11g carbs

Egg Scramble: 458 calories | 32.3g fat | 36.5g protein | 3.5g carbs

 - Eggs (x2): 140 calories | 10g fat | 12g protein | 0g carbs

 - Colby Cheese (1/2 oz): 55 calories | 4.5g fat | 3.5g protein | .5g carbs

 - Pulled Pork (3oz): 150 calories | 6.8g fat | 21g protein | 0g carbs

 - Diced Onion (2 tbs): 8 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 2g carbs

 - Greek Peppers (x3): 5 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 1g carbs

 - Butter (1 tbs): 100 calories | 11g fat

1/2 Granny Smith Apple: 28 calories | 7.5g carbs

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Lunch: 642 calories | 36g fat | 56.5g protein | 28g carbs

Flatbread Reuben: 482 calories | 26g fat | 40.5g protein | 26g carbs

 - Roast Beef (x3): 105 calories | 3g fat | 19.5g protein | 0g carbs

 - Lavash (x1): 100 calories | 3g fat | 9g protein | 14g carbs

 - Swiss Cheese (x2):160 calories | 12g fat | 12g protein | 0g carbs

 - Russian Dressing (2 tbs): 107 calories | 8g fat | 0g protein | 10g carbs

 - Sauerkraut (4 tbs): 10 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 2g carbs

Pork Rinds (1oz): 160 calories | 10g fat | 16g protein | 2g carbs 

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Dinner: 721 calories | 53g fat | 40g protein | 23g carbs

Caesar Salad: 721 calories | 53g fat | 40g protein | 23g carbs

 - Baked Chicken (4oz): 123 calories | 1.5g fat | 25g protein | 0g carbs

 - Romaine Lettuce (2 cups): 16 calories | .5g fat | 1g protein | 3g carbs

 - Parmesan Cheese: 110 calories | 7g fat | 9g protein | 1g carbs

 - Avocado (x1): 322 calories | 29g fat | 4g protein | 17g carbs

 - Caesar Dressing (2 tbs): 150 calories | 15g fat | 1g protein | 2g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,849 calories | 121.3g fat | 133g protein | 62g carbs

Whelp

Today was... Well, it was a day.

We're not gonna talk much about it.

Obstacles abound. More calories than I've had in over a month. My workouts were under assault.

Headed to isolation in order to get in a good workout now. Seriously though - screw today.

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Here's what I've eaten:

Wednesday:

Breakfast: 421 calories | 30g fat | 31.7g protein | 9g cabs

Eggs (x2): 140 calories | 10g fat | 12g protein | 0g carbs

Lavash (1/2): 50 calories | 1.5g fat | 4.5g protein | 7g carbs

Cheddar Cheese (x1 slice): 80 calories | 6g fat | 5g protein | 0g fat

Breakfast Ham (1.7oz): 51 calories | 1.3g fat | 10.2g protein | 1.7g carbs

Butter (1 tbs): 100 calories | 11g fat

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Lunch: 1,200 calories | 189g fat | 36g protein | 46g carbs

Garden Salad w. Turkey: 1,200 calories | 189g fat | 36g protein | 46g carbs

 - Roast Turkey Deli Slices (2oz): 60 calories | 1.5g fat | 12g protein | 1g carbs

 - Boiled Egg (x1): 70 calories | 5g fat | 6g protein | 0g carbs

 - Mixed Green Salad: 250 calories | 16g fat | 12g protein | 26g carbs

 - Sliced Cucumber (1/2 cup): 8 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 2g carbs

 - Small Tomato (x3): 49 calories | .5g fat | 2.5g protein | 11g carbs

 - Ranch Dressing (4oz): 613 calories | 65g fat | 2.5g protein | 5g carbs

 - Blue Cheese Crumbles (2 tbs): 150 calories | 16g fat | 1g protein | 1g carbs

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Dinner: 530 calories | 36.5g fat | 34g protein | 20g carbs

Spicy Slim Jim (x4): 150 calories | 11g fat | 6g protein | 6g carbs

Quest Chips (1.1oz): 140 calories | 4.5g fat | 19g protein | 5g carbs

Red Pepper Hummus (2 tbs): 70 calories | 5g fat | 3g protein | 4g carbs

Smoked Almonds (1oz): 170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs

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Daily Totals: 2,151 calories | 255.5g fat | 102g protein | 75g carbs

Late night are alright

Just after 1pm.

For a little while earlier Tuesday night, I wasn't going to work out. It has been a challenging day - work was all over the place, and took me completely out of my routine. Fewer mini cardio sessions, my morning cardio got interrupted by phone calls that I had to take, my meals were a bit haphazard - just one thing after the other. But I still got up and moved, still got some mobility training in. Still hit my calorie and macro goals.

But by the time night fell, I was washed.

I laid down on the couch and watched a bit of TV with my wife. I started getting drowsy, so I set an alarm to wake me up at just past 9pm, with the intention of starting my workout at that time. The alarm woke me from a short nap a while later, and I just wasn't feeling it. I laid there, awake, unmotivated. One of my shoulders felt really tight and a bit stiff, so I started doing some static stretches that I'd seen one of the mobility trainers on YouTube using on clients who complained of stiff/popping shoulders.

Within a few minutes, I felt a sense of relief beyond anything I've felt lately. I've been focusing harder on getting my upper thoracic, hip tendons, and groin looser. My upper back carries a bit of inflammation anyway, and sometimes it extends into my shoulders. But I had no idea my actual shoulder capsule needed that much attention. Stretching it out felt crazy good; downright blissful. I guess the resultant endorphins triggered something within me, and shortly after that I was headed to the back room and had begun what turned into a 45 minute deep stretching routine, followed by just over 30 minutes of moderately high intensity cardio, which was then followed by an awesome 40 minute lifting session (back and chest).

Sitting here, freshly showered, in a quiet house, I'm marveling at how something so unassuming could completely shift my perception, and turn the negativity I was feeling earlier into positivity and constructive action.

That's magic, my friends. At least, that's what I'm going to view it as.

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What I ate:

Tuesday:

Breakfast: 600 calories | 37.3g fat | 53g protein | 17g carbs

Pulled Pork (3oz): 150 calories | 6.8g fat | 21g protein | 0g carbs

Quest Chips (1.1oz): 140 calories | 4.5g fat | 20g protein | 4g carbs

Red Pepper Hummus (4 tbs): 140 calories | 10g fat | 6g protein | 8g carbs

Roasted Cashews (1oz): 170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs

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Lunch: 350 calories | 19g fat | 28.8g protein | 16g carbs

Beijing Beef: 100 calories | 5.5g fat | 2.8g protein | 10g carbs

Quest Chips (1.1oz): 140 calories | 4.5g fat | 19g protein | 5g carbs

Cheddar Cheese (1oz): 110 calories | 9g fat | 7g protein | 1g carbs

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Dinner: 676 calories | 53.5g fat | 35g protein | 14.7g carbs

Balsamic & Lime Salmon (4oz): 344 calories | 25g fat | 24g protein | 2g carbs

Lemon Parmesan Broccoli (2/3 cup): 71 calories | 6g fat | 3g protein | 3.5g carbs

Red Pepper Hummus (4 tbs): 140 calories | 10g fat | 6g protein | 8g carbs

Sautéed Mushrooms (1/3 cup): 104 calories | 11g fat | 1.5g protein | .5g carbs

Sesame Seeds (1 tsp): 17 calories | 1.5g fat | .5g protein | .7g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,626 calories | 110 calories | 117g protein | 48g carbs

Weigh Day #1

20 lbs.

31 days of revised eating (not gonna call it a 'diet'), 24 days of exercise. Low calories, but not the crazy 800-1,200 calorie range that I employed in my previous weight loss efforts.

A fair comparison of this time vs. the prior ones (as it relates to my mood, mindset, and how sustainable the program and its results are) won't be answered anytime soon. But I can't get caught up in thinking ahead - not this time. That's kryptonite, that's rat poison, and I don't want anything to do with it.

Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. I spend a lot of time managing the tiny battles, and that's where my successes will be achieved - for now.

Aches and Pains

Almost 1pm Monday night/Tuesday morning. Feeling a bit tender and worn around the edges. I wasn't operating at my highest energy level during tonight's workout, either.

Not sure how much is a result of taking two times as many carbs on Sunday as I needed, or the incoming weather system, or some other source of malaise. But I still managed to get in several mini cardio sessions, two big cardio sessions, and a semi-solid weight training session... And I stayed on plan diet-wise.

It wasn't an exceptional performance, but it was a consistent one. I'll take it.

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Feeling a bit indifferent about tomorrow's weigh-in. Ready to see how January went, but I'm kind of  unbothered with it to a certain degree, too.

I know I've got an incredibly long road ahead, and that above all else I've just got to be as steady as possible. It'll be good to level set, to see if I need to begin thinking about additional changes, or receive validation that my instincts so far have been correct.

Roughly seven and a half hours from now I'll know.

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Today's meals:

Monday:

Breakfast: 405 calories | 33.5g fat | 26g protein | 0 carbs

3 egg cheese and bacon omelet: 405 calories | 33.5g fat | 26g protein | 0 carbs

 - Eggs (x3): 210 calories | 15g fat | 18g protein

 - Swiss Cheese (x1): 70 calories | 6g fat | 5g protein | 0g carbs

 - Bacon Bits (1 tbs): 25 calories | 1.5g fat| 3g protein 

 - Butter (1 tbs): 100 calories | 11g fat

1/2 Granny Smith Apple: 28 calories | 7.5g carbs

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Lunch: 461 calories | 42g fat | 36g protein | 29g carbs

Chili Dogs: 461 calories | 21g fat | 18g protein | 14.5g carbs

 - Hot Dogs (x2): 220 calories | 9g fat | 6g protein | 6g carbs

 - Chili (1/2 cup): 186 calories | 7.5g fat | 9g protein | 8g carbs

 - Cheese (1/2 oz): 55 calories | 4.5g fat | 3g protein | .5g carbs

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Dinner: 822 calories | 66g fat | 43g protein | 16g carbs

Grilled Flatbread Burger: 617 calories | 47.5g fat | 35.5g protein | 9g carbs

 - Beef Patty (6.5oz): 477 calories | 40g fat | 26g protein | 0g carbs 

 - Lavash (1/2): 50 calories | 1.5g fat | 4.5g protein | 7g carbs

 - Cheddar Cheese (x1 slice): 80 calories | 6g fat | 5g protein | 0g fat

 - Gochujang Hot Sauce (1 tsp): 5 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 1g carbs

 - Greek Peppers (x3): 5 calories | 0g fat | 0g protein | 1g carbs

Roasted Cashews (1oz): 170 calories | 16g fat | 6g protein | 5g carbs

Red Pepper Hummus (1/2): 35 calories | 2.5g fat | 1.5g protein | 2g carbs

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Daily Totals: 1,688 calories | 141.5g fat | 105g protein | 45g carbs