NTHG 2-week challenge

RisOnTheRun

Hi all,

I'd like to join you all as well. My goal's are pretty similar, to decrease body fat and tone up. For the most part I've just been focusing on calories and not the breakdown of where they're coming from, so my challenge is going to be to hit my protein target every day.

I also need to work in strength workouts more often, but I need to figure out a routine for that first. I got a great workout in yesterday and I'm still sore from it, but during the week I tend to get lazy and just ride our stationary bike.

_Peacebone_

Oh, and I read a study that showed people who's diet was 43% vs. 55% carb lost more belly fat even when calories are the same, so I have my carbs set at 40 and need to try and stay under that!

I really try hard to keep my carbs at around 45%, but I have a really rough time with it. I eat oatmeal for breakfast and an apple everyday, so the carbs really add up quickly! I could live without the oatmeal, but it is just so convenient at work. I also eat a bagel about once a week, and I won't give that up.

@Ris - I need to have more of a routine for strength training too. I take a class at my gym that is lifting lightweight (5lb in my case) dumbells for a full body workout. It was nice to get me started, but I think I've started to outgrow it.

amysj303

I think carbs are carbs, I don't make distinctions on where they come from, but for me, 40% carb is 149 grams (1490 daily calories) which isn't too bad. My choices today :blushing: have been horrible but I am still under on carbs and I had a cupcake for breakfast and chow mein for lunch.
I don't think 40% is super low, I think under 100 grams would be low-carb.

shander7

I had Chinese for 3-4 separate meals this weekend, I know what you mean :P The only issue going down to 45% for me is that I eat a ton of veggies since I'm a vegetarian! At 45% my limit is 144 without exercise.. Up until a few hours ago I had it at 55%, so I'll see if I can stay under or not!! It will be a true challenge though!

RisOnTheRun

shander- I have the same problem with carbs being a vegetarian. Our grocery store has these single serving edamame packages that I'm in love with, I think I need to stock up and bring them to work to get my protein up.

Peacebone- I used to love the weights classes at my gym, but I switched gyms so I don't really have the classes anymore. I have a basic routine that I use when I actually do lift weights (nothing fancy, just a couple of arm exercises, ab exercises, and then squats and lunges), but for some reason I can never motivate myself to do weights during the week....

chuisle

BUMP

Coming back, ladies!

shander7

Glad you're back Kate!!

I totally forgot to work out last night I'm so used to coming home after 7, then eating and relaxing.. I got home at 5:30, ate and and then started relaxing out of habit and by the time I realized I had forgotten to work out it was too late and it would have kept me up I was so mad!! I'm going to jazz tonight though, so that will be good... maybe I can go for a walk or something between work and class if I get there in time tomorrow.. I've got to find something!!

mamareese

Shander & Amy- GREAT COSTUMES! You both look awesome!!

I had to go check out the bodyrock site after reading Amy's comment. That's sad. :sad:

My eating has been good/moderate. Mostly good with the exception of last week's birthday adventures. My workouts are there, just not feeling it 100%. So going to stick with another 2 weeks of calorie cycling and p90x.

I didn't dress up for Halloween, but took my two kiddos trick or treating last night (in the rain!) and they had a blast. Allowed my self 2 snickers fun size. They tasted good, but not good enough to go back for me. :bigsmile:

amysj303

I ended up under on calories, couldn't believe it. But I went grocery shopping, ended up eating before working out, and I wasn't hungry until I went to bed and then I was too tired to do anything about it. Probably should have had a protein drink.
But I got some chicken breasts with a jar of salsa in the crock pot. I got greek yogurt. I made a big omelet to eat for four days, but it has a disappointing protein count. I put in everything for the day and I'm not going to get to my protein goals, again...
Planning on 30 DS tonight!
I have not gotten on the scale for awhile...

amysj303

two costumes, Shannon? Nice work. Already thinking about next year-Mermaid!

amysj303

welcome back, Kate!

shander7

Yep!! The cop one was a liiiittle too short to go out to a bar haha.. so I wore my rag doll one from last year since I made bloomers to go under it I think I want to be a belly dancer or Jasmine next year I'll try to make that one though. I think you'd make a great mermaid amy!! By the way, your arms are amazing!!

amysj303

thanks!
sexy cop was shorter than fallopian length?
I am not sure I will reveal my belly for the mermaid next year, but maybe that should be my goal.

jenomaha

Hello ladies!! Wow, we are on part 2!! Woohoo!! You all look like you have great plans/challenges!!

I am definitely in on this 2 week challenge, holy moly the last 2 weeks have been ridiculous!! :embarassed:

I have my surgery in 2 weeks, so I need to get it in HIGH GEAR!!! I paid for it yesterday, so I am in it!!!
For the next 2 weeks I will:

1. log
2. lift weights 3 times a week
3. stay at or under my carb goals

Regarding where carbs come from, it's important they come from good sources like - fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts/legumes vs sugars, white flour, etc...I notice a big difference when I pay attention to this. Just my 2 cents

Welcome to the new ladies!!!

amysj303

I did pretty good yesterday, did the 30DS and had some crockpot chicken with corn tortillas, even though I am partial to flour ones. I am trying to incorporate more Jamie Eason style eating and want to see what I like and all.
After I closed out my diary I ended up getting a mini snickers and a glass of white wine, so I went back and added that. I also got on the scale for the first time in a long time and it hasn't changed, but that's ok.

shander7

Good job adding it to your diary afterwards I did the same with some goldfish!

I'm still working on getting my appetite back, I am making sure that I eat 3 meals though and that gives me something at least!! Hopefully it'll be back by the end of the week!!

I worked out yesterday and it felt GREAT! I'll try walking (or walking by shopping) this afternoon between work/dinner/class and see if I'll have enough time.. If not, then I'll definitely go tomorrow and maybe jazz or home work out on Friday, then I'll work on the weekend :P

RisOnTheRun

I'm STILL sore from my weight lifting workout on Sunday (I guess I'm in worse shape than I thought), so I was lazy today and slept in instead of working out this morning. But I have a running date tomorrow and I'm going to lift some the weights again afterwards, so that should get me back on track.

So I'm 0 or 2 so far on my personal challenge of meeting my protein goal (25% of my calories) every day. I've been adding in more nonfat dairy and trying to stick to veggies that have protein so I'm getting a lot closer, but not quite there yet. But, on a positive note, last night I went to dinner at a place that features milkshakes with liquor in them and sweet potato fries, and I resisted ordering the milkshake and just had a few of my friend's fries, so I managed to stay within about 40 calories of my goal for the day. I think I'm down about half a pound, but I'm going to give it a few days before logging it in case it's just water weight.

amysj303

Ris, that milkshake sounds good! I was thinking about my protein drink and if I froze it, would it be a good ice cream substitute? I know it sounds weird, but something happens when I mix it in the blender with ice, it doesn't taste good. It's like something happens to the flavors. It's not terrible, it's just not as good, so I don't know if it's the blender or what.

RisOnTheRun

I know, I did try a sip of one and it was delicious. I totally forgot I had made plans for dinner, if I had remembered earlier in the day I definitely would have saved some room!

I bet a protein drink would be great frozen actually, kind of like frozen yogurt. Maybe when you mix it with ice it's not as good because it gets diluted? When I make margaritas I use frozen juice instead of ice cubes (I just freeze the juice in ice cube trays), I bet you could do the same thing with your protein drink if you wanted a slushy drink.

jenomaha

Amy and Shannon (or is it "en"?) great job adding the food after you closed it!!

Ris, excellent willpower!!

I have a bullet and I love the shakes it makes. I add ice and all kinds of stuff and it tastes like a frozen treat. Have you ladies though about getting one of those?? I love mine because there are several individual cups, so I can make it and go!! Very handy :happy:

This week is going great so far!! The damage from the last 2 weeks is coming undone, I've logged, gotten in 2 weight sessions already and 3 sessions of cardio so far. Food choices have improved as the week has gone on and I feel great!! It's about damn time, lol!!

Hope you all are doing well!!

shander7

Jen - you are right, it's Shannon And congrats on undoing the last 2 weeks! My old roommate had a bullet, she loves it!! Maybe I'll get one when I get my own place!

Ris - Great job with the self control!! That's an awesome achievement

I am getting soooo sick of this feeling in my stomach!! I've been achieving my goal of staying under carbs, so I guess that's a success, but I hate that I haven't been able to eat enough calories! I know I've been complaining about this all week, but I like food way too much to not have an appetite! I feel hungry, but at the same time, I feel like I'm going to be sick if I eat anything else.. I made myself eat my whole dinner salad even though I knew I wasn't hungry and it left me feeling sick all class.. I'm going to try to get the Naked protein smoothie at lunch and try to drink it, maybe I'll be able to handle a liquid better than solid food. Plus, I'm going to Jazz tonight and I really don't want to pass out!! I also stole dry cereal from my bf to try and nibble on through the day, it's on 1/3 cup, but it's something!! I hope it doesn't last much longer, I haven't been on these meds since I graduated college last May, so it needs to go back into my system and idk how long that will take..

I just don't know what to do and I want to feel normal again!! I ended up losing 1.2 lbs this week.. I'm sure it will come back after I can eat normal, but that's a lot for me for 1 week!! Oh well, I'll work on it!!

I hope everyone has a great Thursday

RisOnTheRun

I LOVE the magic bullet. I got one for my husband a few years ago and it's our favorite thing. I guess it's just the convenient size, but I find myself using it way more than I ever used my traditional blender.

shander- I hope you feel better soon! Hopefully the smoothie will work out for you, or maybe try soup? If you're feeling sick, it might not be a bad idea to postpone your goal of staying under carbs until you're back to normal. Things like dry cereal and crackers are a lot easier on your stomach than salads. If you pass out at Jazz it's probably not going to be that great of a workout.

Well I hit my protein goal yesterday, but also went over my calorie goal. We had a lunch meeting at work and then a happy hour after work, and I made pretty good choices but I just ate too much of it. But I got a good workout in this morning and I'm going for a run tonight, so today should be a better day.

amysj303

Last night I did not workout and ended up drinking and eating too much. So entered everything today and I should be good, or at least, not too bad.
I love my Magic Bullet too! My dad gave it to me for my birthday several years ago and I thought it was so strange, since I hadn't mentioned wanting it and he doesn't have a tv, so he didn't get sucked in by the commercial. But it is very convenient.
Shannon, do you have to keep taking the meds? sounds miserable, I hope you get to feeling better but I don't know about the Jazz if you haven't been eating much, see how it goes.

shander7

Good job adding everything in today Amy Unfortunately I do have to keep taking the meds, I have ADD and thought I had finally grown out of it, but lately I haven't been getting my work done at work no matter how hard I try to focus, so I have to go back on them so I don't get fired!! I hate having that sound as an escuse, but it's no fun when you can't concentrate!! I'm sure I'll be feeling better, I just had to vent earlier.. sorry! I'll do low impact tonight at jazz if I need to, or I'll keep a little piece of candy or something on the side so I can take a bite if I'm feeling as though my sugar is too low, I'm determined to work out though!!

amysj303

well, Shan, maybe you could mess around with the times of day you take the meds? Do you think you will get used to it and it will get better? Seems like the side effects are worse than the ADD but hopefully it's working for you. That sucks.

shander7

Yeah, I'll definitely get used to it, by the weekend I should be fine, I feel a bit better now, I've been munching on cereal all day, so its good I just forgot how annoying the first week is!! I didn't feel as terrible after lunch either, so thats a good step! I'll have some peanut butter tonight too to up my calories, then this weekend when I'm feeling better I'll make up for the rest of the days :P

I found out my work gives $50 for doing a Health Risk Assessment, so I'm going to do that on Tuesday! I'm not sure what it entails, but I'll take an extra $50

mamareese

Shannon- Hope your body is adjusting to the change. I just love those tights you rocked with your costume. So cute!! $50 bucks? Heck ya! Why not?!

Amy- I've got a JcPenney knock off of the bullet. I love it too! So easy to whip up a smoothie or protein shake. I wish I could get myself to try those 'green monster' shakes with spinach - people rave about them but I'm too much of a wimp to give it a go yet! :laugh:

Ris- Great job balancing out a nice happy hour with a good workout!

My calorie cycling maintained my weight but I think the few splurges on fun size candy bars cost me a loss. My own fault. Got rid of the ones I liked and should be fine for this week. Sticking with the same thing of 4-5x workouts/week and calorie cycling. Set my exercise diary up so it tells me the amount of calorie for each zig zag amount every day of the week- makes it a whole lot easier!

amysj303

Hell yeah, sounds like an easy $50, Shan!
Reese, I am not into the spinach smoothie idea. I don't know, I just think it sounds gross.
Last night I had my workout and dinner and no candy or booze.
No plans tonight. I mean, I will workout but I don't know if I will go out.
Kinda want to see a movie, has anyone seen anything good?

amysj303

I wanted to share a recipe for those who like chicken tortilla soup, it was really tasty. I put two chicken breasts in the crockpot with a jar of salsa, a cup of water and a teaspoon of chicken broth powder (low sodium) and cooked that on low for the day (chicken breasts were frozen to start). then I shredded the chicken added more broth. Sprinkled with corn tortillas and a dallop of plain greek yogurt for sour cream and it was really good, lowcal and mostly conforms to the Eason plan. You can add cheese or gauc, more veggies, etc.

jenomaha

Shannon, free money is always good :bigsmile:

Amy, great job last night!! Good food and a workout ,excellent!! Your chicken soup looks great. I posted a link to 2 recipe websites last night. Looks like I will be trying some new recipes myself!!! Oh and I wrote on your wall my suggestions for a movie!

Reese, maintaining is so much better than a gain!! Good for you!

Shannon, so happy you are doing better, hope today is going well too!

I have my nephew's bday party tonight, not sure what is being served :ohwell:. Just found out it's Little Caesar's pizza. I think I will eat before we go. Is that bad?? Tomorrow I am working the Basics 1 Zumba training, then I'm supposed to go to a Zumba party with Cuban food and skinny margaritas. Finally Sunday, we are going out of town for my DH's gpa's bday lunch. Sigh, I'm gonna have to be good and resist temptations. Although the scale is down 3lbs from Tues (I was too scared to weigh Monday, lol) I still have 2 lbs to go to match my ticker :sad: With my bday next weekend, I'm beginning to wonder will I even make it there!?!?!? Sigh, it's an endless vicious cycle!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!