NTHG 2-week challenge

mamareese

Fell off the bandwagon of the 2 week challenges due to poor eating and was hopping back on today since I'm trying to get my butt back into 'mission' mode.

Saw that comment about figure athlete saying no to leg presses. Do you know the reason? I'm guessing because you avoid use of machines and use free weights?

I am going with the bodybuilding.com plan that asjerven mentioned...it's time for me to switch up my strength training program and it falls into what I'd planned on doing. (not saying that plan is for everyone or even that it's a magnificent plan...just something I'm going to try) But I just was curious about the leg press issue.

amysj303

today I have my goals changed to 1280 cals, 40/40/20 for protein/carbs/fats. Not so great there, but I did get 100 grams of protein without any supplement-check it out and see if you think anything is wrong. I was also under goal on cals so that is amazing:)

jenomaha

today I have my goals changed to 1280 cals, 40/40/20 for protein/carbs/fats. Not so great there, but I did get 100 grams of protein without any supplement-check it out and see if you think anything is wrong. I was also under goal on cals so that is amazing:)

What a great day!!!! Do you feel satiated?? I am finding it hard to stay under the fat count. Also, if I exercise, am I supposed to eat back the calories...cuz curently, I am lol

amysj303

yes, I wasn't hungry at all! but I was still getting too much fat and carbs too, I think...

chuisle

I am simply EXHAUSTED this week and lacking motivation. After traveling the last two weekends I am just out of energy and can't wait for the long weekend to rest. I am going to try to get my work outs in and make my cals but I am also going to listen to my body.

I am considering lowering my cals next week for the week (then probably upping again) and maybe lowering again just to see what it does. Zig zagging day by day is really too difficult for me. My calorie level depends on what I have going on (getting together with friends, etc) so I would rather eat more on those days than some random Monday. We'll see.

jenomaha

asjerven - glad to hear you werent hunry! I hear ya on the fat and carbs!

chuisle - traveling wreaks havoc on routine doesn't it!! Hope you get the rest and relaxation you need this weekend!

So I have an update: Been trying to stick to 100 g of carbs on a med day, 40% carb macro on high days and 50-75 on low days. I have been doing this for about 2 weeks now I think. I tried to cut out as much processed stuff as possible. On June 1st, I was 21.8% bodyfat and as of this morning, I am 17.4%. I am ecstatic, because my goal was to get to 18% by my trip next Wednesday. Having these challenges and going through this with you ladies has been such a good motivator and source of support and I thank you for that!! :flowerforyou:

So keep at it and wanted to let you know you are all awesome!!:drinker:

chuisle

asjerven - glad to hear you werent hunry! I hear ya on the fat and carbs!

chuisle - traveling wreaks havoc on routine doesn't it!! Hope you get the rest and relaxation you need this weekend!

So I have an update: Been trying to stick to 100 g of carbs on a med day, 40% carb macro on high days and 50-75 on low days. I have been doing this for about 2 weeks now I think. I tried to cut out as much processed stuff as possible. On June 1st, I was 21.8% bodyfat and as of this morning, I am 17.4%. I am ecstatic, because my goal was to get to 18% by my trip next Wednesday. Having these challenges and going through this with you ladies has been such a good motivator and source of support and I thank you for that!! :flowerforyou:

So keep at it and wanted to let you know you are all awesome!!:drinker:

Congrats! That's amazing! That's a lot of progress...have the scale dropped or just BF? That's almost exactly where I am and want to go! You may have convinced me. Would it be too much trouble to either post or private message me more details. What counts as high/med/low days?

jenomaha

asjerven - glad to hear you werent hunry! I hear ya on the fat and carbs!

chuisle - traveling wreaks havoc on routine doesn't it!! Hope you get the rest and relaxation you need this weekend!

So I have an update: Been trying to stick to 100 g of carbs on a med day, 40% carb macro on high days and 50-75 on low days. I have been doing this for about 2 weeks now I think. I tried to cut out as much processed stuff as possible. On June 1st, I was 21.8% bodyfat and as of this morning, I am 17.4%. I am ecstatic, because my goal was to get to 18% by my trip next Wednesday. Having these challenges and going through this with you ladies has been such a good motivator and source of support and I thank you for that!! :flowerforyou:

So keep at it and wanted to let you know you are all awesome!!:drinker:

Congrats! That's amazing! That's a lot of progress...have the scale dropped or just BF? That's almost exactly where I am and want to go! You may have convinced me. Would it be too much trouble to either post or private message me more details. What counts as high/med/low days?

Thank you! I went from 113 to 105.4 two weeks ago but this morning I was 106. I'm not too concerned about my weight now as I am about my composition as long as I stay under 110 I actually wrote a blog called "My Ab Journey". I suppose you can get to it through my page but not sure how that works :blushing: so if you need a link, let me know!

As for the carb thing, if it's a rest day, I go low carbs, weight day I switch between med- high, weight day med-high. I don't have a rhyme or reason, I just more classes on some days than others. so like yesterday was a low day, so today I am doing high :happy: My diary is open, I son't know if that helps. I don't eat perfectly, but I don't expect to. I just do the best I can. Hope this helps and let me know if you cant' find my blog!

Rogiefreida

I am simply EXHAUSTED this week and lacking motivation. After traveling the last two weekends I am just out of energy and can't wait for the long weekend to rest. I am going to try to get my work outs in and make my cals but I am also going to listen to my body.

I am considering lowering my cals next week for the week (then probably upping again) and maybe lowering again just to see what it does. Zig zagging day by day is really too difficult for me. My calorie level depends on what I have going on (getting together with friends, etc) so I would rather eat more on those days than some random Monday. We'll see.

I feel the same way! I was out of town for the weekend in this really cute little Bavarian village, where they have really good food (and beer. Did I mention the beer? They have a lot of breweries and wineries:drinker: ). I may have gone on a grueling hike while over there, but I ate like crap. I am currently trying to work my way out of my beer and bratwurst hangover and find motivation as well. I'm glad I'm not the only one here who feels like that.

So far, so good today. Back on the clean eating wagon I go!

amysj303

after yesterday being so good, today was so bad! I started with a good breakfast wrap, but lunch was arby's and then I ate cake at this training and before I knew there was going to be cake I had an almond joy. Even with the workout I will be over by dinner and planning to go out to a show and I can't imagine not eating or drinking anything for the rest of the night!
I think this switch down to 1280 is too tough, we'll call it a calorie-cycle and do better tomorrow is all I can think of;)

jenomaha

after yesterday being so good, today was so bad! I started with a good breakfast wrap, but lunch was arby's and then I ate cake at this training and before I knew there was going to be cake I had an almond joy. Even with the workout I will be over by dinner and planning to go out to a show and I can't imagine not eating or drinking anything for the rest of the night!
I think this switch down to 1280 is too tough, we'll call it a calorie-cycle and do better tomorrow is all I can think of;)

Good attitude to have!!! Enjoy the show!

shander7

I've been doing IF, but I don't know how my weight is reacting (no scale).. but I think I need to stop, I have been under my calorie goal for a few days, not even eating 1200 in general, even less with net cals! I'm thinking I need to stop doing that though, or I need to somehow eat more during my window.. what do you guys think?

chuisle

I've been doing IF, but I don't know how my weight is reacting (no scale).. but I think I need to stop, I have been under my calorie goal for a few days, not even eating 1200 in general, even less with net cals! I'm thinking I need to stop doing that though, or I need to somehow eat more during my window.. what do you guys think?

How do you feel? I think that's the most important question. I would first work to get more calories into your 8 hour window but don't eat just to eat.

shander7

I've been doing IF, but I don't know how my weight is reacting (no scale).. but I think I need to stop, I have been under my calorie goal for a few days, not even eating 1200 in general, even less with net cals! I'm thinking I need to stop doing that though, or I need to somehow eat more during my window.. what do you guys think?

How do you feel? I think that's the most important question. I would first work to get more calories into your 8 hour window but don't eat just to eat.

I feel fine doing it! I don't know if it's exactly healthy though haha.. I had a small breakfast this morning, I'll see how it goes and maybe tomorrow I'll just try adding in a little more during the 8 hr window.. TOM isn't helping as of now though!

Better_Balance_2011

Sounds like everyone is doing well or at least making efforts in the challenge this week. My cardio challenge has not been so great. I painted Sunday and took a 30 minute walk, I swam a mile Monday and spent the last 2 days painting and cleaning so no real cardio there. I have laundry and a dog walk planned for tonight. I have done well on my fruit and veggie intake however. I got 28 servings last week (only 7 short of my goal) and have averaged 5 a day so far this week so am on track to make my servings this week. I almost went down to the snack machine for something salty or sweet earlier but decided to eat my raw asparagus with sour cream dip and am glad I did. It was quite tasty.

I'm headed to the mountains of NC tomorrow for a long 4th weekend. Hope you all have fun weekends!

amysj303

I am going to get in one cardio session tonight, I can't believe I didn't do it Tuesday, I drank a tequila soda and then working out didn't sound so good...
Any strategies for the weekend? I am going to try and get a decent breakfast and lunch even if dinner isn't as wholesome. Not sure about drinking, no plans or parties at the moment.
Anyone else?
Have a great holiday weekend to my NTHG!

jenomaha

I got in cardio today, tomorrow is weights, Sunday is rest day and Monday is weights...if the gym is open!!!

As for food, we have 4 nights in a row of family dinners Really!?!?! 5 days within me leaving for my trip!!! But I made it through tonight's dinner, avoiding all the desserts and alcohol. I ate before I went so I wouldn't be hungry and then ate a little more when I came home. Tomorrow's dinner is at my house, so no problems there. For the next 2, I'll just eat before and maybe bring a snack with me. My husband actually lectured me this morning telling me not to bring food because it would be insulting and rude. You know what, I've worked too damn hard to be polite!!! If I don't wanna eat their food, then I wont! They are family, they should understand, right??? Grrr :grumble: Oh well!


Well, you ladies have a great holiday weekend!!:drinker:

amysj303

Jen, I don't think it is rude. I saw another letter to some advice columnist about how some family member always brought something in a tupperware to be microwaved and how rude not to eat the hostess' food, but I don't get that at all. People shouldn't care if you want to bring your own food, but if your husband is going to think it's so awful, then just eat at home and don't eat there, or is that rude too?
I don't understand why we have to eat to have good manners. There are people with so many food allergies, why should anyone get offended if a guests brings their own food? It's not like it's a nice bottle of wine you refuse to share

jenomaha

Amy, I think I read that same article somewhere! I think I will eat before I go tomorrow. I heard the menu and at this point, I just like to know exactly what the nutrition info of what I'm eating is. If it were any other time, I'd be fine, but I get measured Wednesday and I want to see some really good numbers. Now Monday I may have to bring my food because that will be a long day! Thanks for your support...I can and will make it through this holiday weekend!!!:glasses:

amysj303

yeah, Jen, you are a stronger person than me. Getting measured Wednesday is bad timing;) I am glad I am not getting measured on Wednesday. Last night we went to the Rockies game and I had 7 beers. I will get back on track Monday...

jenomaha

yeah, Jen, you are a stronger person than me. Getting measured Wednesday is bad timing;) I am glad I am not getting measured on Wednesday. Last night we went to the Rockies game and I had 7 beers. I will get back on track Monday...

Lol Amy, it wasn't my decision to put convention right after the 4th...but, I'm kinda glad because it's keeping me in check! I did actually eat at the bbq because they had chicken breast, fresh veggies and fruit, hummus, that kind o fstuff, so it was all good! I still managed to stay away from the desserts and alcohol. I more to go tonight!!! If it wasn't for my trip, I'd be partaking in everything, ALL WEEKEND LONG, lol!! Hope you enjoyed the ball game

On another note, I was playing volleyball last night and injured my hand :sad: I hope I can lift weights today! We will see! Happy 4th everyone!

amysj303

Jen, your abs are awesome, they really show your hard work.
I am ready to get back on track, not even two weeks til Vegas and I have to get into a bikini, so I will be trying to do better on the food choices and add more cardio. I was so good, I grilled up 4 turkey burgers for my lunch this week and made my crustless quiche for breakfast. I think I am going to the Film on the Rocks tomorrow, at Red Rocks, so I might have to take something for dinner but I don't know what might be good. I drank so much all weekend at least I don't want to do that.
I hiked 2.5 hours today and didn't work out because we got stuck in traffic for many hours coming home, a semi overturned! anyway, so I will workout Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for KISS this week and then figure out something for cardio, intervals?

jenomaha

Jen, your abs are awesome, they really show your hard work.
I am ready to get back on track, not even two weeks til Vegas and I have to get into a bikini, so I will be trying to do better on the food choices and add more cardio. I was so good, I grilled up 4 turkey burgers for my lunch this week and made my crustless quiche for breakfast. I think I am going to the Film on the Rocks tomorrow, at Red Rocks, so I might have to take something for dinner but I don't know what might be good. I drank so much all weekend at least I don't want to do that.
I hiked 2.5 hours today and didn't work out because we got stuck in traffic for many hours coming home, a semi overturned! anyway, so I will workout Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for KISS this week and then figure out something for cardio, intervals?

Thank you Amy!!

Your plan for the week sounds great! Planning and being prepared is definitely the key! I still need to try your quiche!!!

Have you done sprints?? I run to the first line in the basketbal court, then back to teh wall, then the second line, back to the wall, etc...until I have to run the full court, then I walk around the perimeter 2 times to recover, then repeat 3-5 times. It's a kick in the pants, lol!!!

Enjoy Film on the Rocks and your hike sounds fantastic!!! We always hike when we go to Colorado! You are lucky to have it right in your backyard!

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday!

amysj303

I have not done sprints. I haven't even really tried HIIT even though I keep saying I am going to, it never happens.
Last night I did KISS. I was pretty good on my cals. I even got over 100 on protein thanks to my new protein drink, I just got it and I love it.
Gnc Pro Performance Amp - Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 - Vanilla, it is 187 calories for 2 scoops and 40 grams of protein and it tastes really good.
The girl at GNC gave me a thermogenic and I took one this morning. Anyone do this? I am not sure what it is supposed to do?
I keep thinking about my evolution on MFP. When I started I was mostly just looking at calories, then I was running, then I was looking at macros, now lifting, now protein drinks and supplements. I almost don't recognize myself...

chuisle

I have not done sprints. I haven't even really tried HIIT even though I keep saying I am going to, it never happens.

I find the bodyrock.tv cardio to be super challenging but also doable. I went into itunes and made duplicates of several songs then changed their start/stop time so that they were 10 and 20 seconds respectively. I did this for 8 minutes worth of music to keep my timing and it helps a lot. It's an intense 20 minutes but its only 20 minutes! (about how long anything high intensity should be, I've read). I've done sprint HIIT too but like this better.

I keep thinking about my evolution on MFP. When I started I was mostly just looking at calories, then I was running, then I was looking at macros, now lifting, now protein drinks and supplements. I almost don't recognize myself...

Same here! I was just trying to burn as many calories on the machines as possible *maybe* doing 15 minutes of arm weights and just trying to eat under my cals. I think helped just shed the lbs at first. Now, I'm worried about carbs and protein and cycling and lifting routines. It's sort of funny. God knows I've seen the difference the entire journey has made.

jenomaha

I think it's great that we are evolving, learning, changing. Its all for our health and knowledge is power!!

Amy, I take a thermogenic. Personally, I feel it helps my appetite (some days) but i actually dont know. I am going to cycle off of it when this bottke is done because I've been on it since March.

So I am in Florida waiting in line at the Zumba shop. I got my final measurements tbis morning and wanted to share: during my 5 week challenge, I lost 11.5 inches, 6.5 lbs and 6.8% bodyfat (21.8% to 15%). I am ecstatic with my results, but I am not done yet!! This wasnt just a quick fix. I want to keep working hard and never lose what I have now. I will not be logging for the next 4 days because I will be dancing 4-8 hrs each day and will be busy. Keep at it ladies!

amysj303

that is awesome, Jen! congrats!
I don't think I will take the Thermogenic again, at first I kind of liked it, and it did make me less hungry, but I am sensitive to caffeine, gives me anxiety...

Rogiefreida

I think I got the same thermogenic at GNC over the weekend Amy! I haven't tried one before, but I have been trying the sample. It is helping me a little bit with appetite, but I forgot to take it this morning. (oops). I cannot remember the brand name at the moment since the bottle is at home, but it's a purple capsule...I figure I'm going to finish off the trial bottle and re-evaluate.

amysj303

It probably is the same one! Free with purchase at GNC. I am really happy with my protein powder there, yum!
I finally got on the scale this morning and right back at 112. It doesn't really matter, the weight, I know my abs don't look any different. I amhaving a hard time motivating, I am not sure why. I gotta get into a bikini in a little over a week, but I can't seem to make myself eat well at dinner.
I got in early though, so I will leave early and will try and do some cardio after KISS.

amysj303

Wow, have neglected this and my challenge. Only a few days before Vegas so I am trying to be good. I ignored the pineapple upside down cake at work and will be bringing cheesecake after lunch to get it out of my fridge!
So, I am going to do couch to 5k, starting at week 4 so that I will be ready for the warrior dash. Also, the sexy girl workout:
http://www.t-nation.com/article/bodybuilding/sexy_female_training&cr
wants me to be able to run for 30 minutes and jump rope for 10 minutes. I tried that yesterday and I cannot come close! I need a couch to 5k for jump rope couch to 10 mins jumping!
So this week, I am doing C25k MWF and KISS Tues/Thurs.
Saturday-Tuesday I am in Vegas and probably won't do much in the way of exercising except walking the strip in heels, that is a pretty tough workout