Ok, I resisted, but finally broke down and I'm starting a log. I tried Stage 1 of NROLFW my way, but clearly I need help. I need to get control of my diet. I feel great, but I'm gaining weight, and I'm disappointed when I see my progress pics. I came so far in the last two and a half years, and I refuse to let the weight creep back on.
Here's my before pic from April 2006:
I am 5'2" and got up to 144 pounds when I finally decided to do something about it. I joined Sparkpeople and lost 25 pounds.
Here I am at my goal weight of 120 pounds in June 2007:
Since then I ran a marathon in december. I gained a few pounds during training, and then after the first of the year I really slacked off on weight training and found my weight creeping up slowly but surely. I can still fit into my clothes, but not comfortably anymore. The reason I turned to weight lifting is that I injured my IT band training for my last half marathon. I have been off running for a few weeks and I'm still not completely healed. I found that I couldn't walk or do any high-impact cardio. I plan to try running again for the HIIT part of Stage 2.
Here is the ugly truth- after completing Stage 1 of NROLFW I weighed in at 133 pounds today. I took these pictures and do not like how I look:
Actually, I am pleased with my upper body. I can definitely see progress there. But I have a lot of work to do.
Starting stats:
5/24/08
126.6 lbs.
approximately 27% body fat
waist 27
abdomen 30
hip bone 34
hips 38
4 weeks into the program:
6/22/08
129.5 lbs.
waist 27
abdomen 30
hip bone 34
hips 38
After Stage 1:
7/5/08
133.6 lbs.
waist 27
abdomen 30
hip bone 34
hips 38
chest 34
thigh 21
calf 13
upper arm 10
forearm 8.5
I began the program with the intention of cutting calories as suggested in the book. That only lasted a few days because I was way too hungry. I did start tracking my food again, and most days I eat around 1800 calories. I am trying to eat the recommended amount of protein and follow the meal timing requirements. But clearly I am eating too much. If I am totally honest, I admit that I eat a little too much chocolate at work, a few too many handfuls of potato chips while I'm eating dinner, and definitely too much alcohol. I have a glass of something almost every night with dinner. My mother-in-law lives with me, need I say more?
I have to make a commitment to this if I want to see results. I cannot stand the thought of buying clothes in a bigger size. I do not want to gain back all the weight I lost. But I am so afraid of being hungry. I love to eat.
So here's what I need to do.
1. Log every bite of food.
2. Make a serious attempt to stay under 1500 calories a day.
3. Continue eating high protein.
4. Kick ass at the gym.
I did stage 1 at home and quickly outgrew my standard bar and plate set. Monday morning I start at the gym.