Update: 145 days, weights, food, and a New Chapter

Update from: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1053862-look-15-pounds-lighter-in-2-easy-steps-eat-and-lift?hl=look+15+pounds+lighter


It's been another two months, a delightful two months full of weights and food and occasional "WTF is going on here?" moments (Both in relation to my real life and MFP.) I've made friends, lost a few friends, learned some things, unlearned some awful things, and did I mention I lifted a lot of weights and ate a lot of food?


Where I started

Early May




The Details

I lift heavy (for me) 3 times a week. My squats are at 110, my deads 155 (that's more than I weigh, btw) my bench and OHP are at 60, and I can barbell row 65. I've added weighted hip thrusts and some pulling exercises to my workouts as well; I hope to move on to attempting pull ups soon!

I have eaten an average of 1725 calories for the past 3 months, and lost all of my weight at above 1650. I'm at a goal of 1825 right now, and doing a pretty good job of staying in that area, +/- 100. I eat everything, in moderation. I had a cup of gelato last night, it was fantastic. I had cheesecake a few nights last week, I still love McDonald's and Wendy's, and I will never ever give up pasta, white rice, or white bread. I also eat a lot of leans meats, vegetables, whole grains, egg whites, and fruit. I play video games a few hours a day and watch TV on the couch with my husband on weekends.

I started Stronglifts 5x5 in the middle of June and as we near the end of August I find myself at a point where it's time to move on (If I recall SL is a 12 week program so it's literally time to move on. I've lingered too long) I did some cardio, but not as often as I probably should have and not with any real enthusiasm.


Right now





And just for funsies this is my arm


This is my stomach when not flexing like I was in those other ones. Still not a bad look, I think.


I find myself at a point where I look in the mirror and I'm happy with who I see, really genuinely happy, and I'm ready to shift my goals a little bit. I no longer want weight to be at the front of my thoughts, but somewhere in the back where I keep thoughts of cauliflower and American Idol. I want strength and body comp/appearance to be my focus, and with that in mind I think today (or maybe Monday. I like to start things on Mondays) will be the start of a new chapter in my life.


What next
I'm looking into 5/3/1 (I've heard good things) I'm gonna raise my calorie goal a bit (I lose about a pound a week eating 1700-1725, so 1900-1950 seems safe. I'll add some like 50 calories every 2 weeks, because I like to be able to observe changes). I will probably at some point actually hit the end of my ticker. I may even go pass the ticker. But whatever, who cares about a ticker. I want to be strong and badass, and one of the most important things I've learned is that strength isn't a number on your scale, but more like going on hikes with my husband and making it to the top/not passing out five minutes in.

These are actually the same shorts as in my now picture, but 45 days ago. True story.



Tired and sweaty, but that view!




Moral of the Story

No idea. WAIT! No, I got it: Lift heavy, eat more, dig deep, be a BAMF!

...nah. Cheesy. Never mind.No moral to be found here.