Just posted the one-month pictures and stats in the Women's Challenge update thread, and I have to say -- I am very surprised and pleased by the changes in measurements. The last few days have seen a depressing weight rebound--after getting down to 143.5 on 8/25, I was back up to 145 today, for no apparent reason (have kept intake consistently below 1600, have not eaten any different/unusual types of food [e.g., salty stuff], am past menopause so no time-of-month stuff). I'd been very peeved with my body, but the fact that the measurements have shown solid decreases makes me feel a whole lot better. (And I don't think it's just that my measuring is sloppy/inaccurate; I'm also seeing a very significant change in the way my clothes fit, as in, I am wearing comfortably the jeans I haven't fit into in months HALLELUJAH!!)
Round-up of month's exercise goals/attainments: After some initial dithering around, I've settled into a consistent three-day rotation:
--Day one: low-volume, medium-intensity strength training (squat, deadlift, row, chest press, dip, chin);
--Day two: 25-35 min. of moderate intensity (HR 145-155) aerobic exercise;
--Day three: rest.
As noted above, I'm aiming mostly to maintain existing muscle/fitness at this point, rather than make gains.
Food goals/progress: I've kept calorie intake consistently at or below 1600/day. I've decided not to obsess with macronutrients at this point; I'm merely trying to get at least 100 g. of protein each day, and keep intake of vegetables as high as I can put up with.
Evaluation of progress:
Needless to say, I still have a long way to go [*looking again at pictures, wincing*], but this month has been extremely encouraging, and I am SO grateful to have had the motivation of this group endeavor. Onward! Excelsior!
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