Leah, I had that soup for lunch and it was great. I halved the recipe and used spinach instead of kale (kale is too bitter for me), but it was really good!
Frozen bananas are so good, I have one most every night. They are really good dipped in any kind of nut butter.
ooh a frozen banana with peanut butter - I would be in heaven! I will have to freeze some just plain and then I can surprise myself with the dip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stingo
I learned the same lesson last Monday, coming off a weekend of eating too many carbs and desserts. The workout was tough to say the least.
See that's one thing I always wonder about - if carbs are supposed to be your fuel for workouts and eating too few makes you tank, then why does eating too many make you feel heavy and sluggish? I suppose it is all in the timing and the quality. I'm kind of dreading my lifting tomorrow night and hoping if I eat the right things it can go better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen411
Leah, I had that soup for lunch and it was great. I halved the recipe and used spinach instead of kale (kale is too bitter for me), but it was really good!
I'm glad you liked it with spinach too. Amblus mentioned she added some sliced chicken sausage. I thought that sounded excellent as well.
See that's one thing I always wonder about - if carbs are supposed to be your fuel for workouts and eating too few makes you tank, then why does eating too many make you feel heavy and sluggish? I suppose it is all in the timing and the quality. I'm kind of dreading my lifting tomorrow night and hoping if I eat the right things it can go better.
Well, all I can say is that I ramped up the protein on Saturday and Sunday, (and had very little carbs) and I posted a PR for overall time on Monday.
__________________
Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
Leah,
I go through the same thing with carbs. and guess I still don't know how to pinpoint what is right for me. *big sigh* I don't know if you checked out Ginger's post about the VO2 testing, but one of the things it reports is exactly what your body is burning as you work it out. Some people burn more fat, some carbs,. . .might be something to look into around your area, could be very telling and give you better a indication of what your body needs. I just found a facility in Indianapolis (about 45 mins. away) that offers VO2 testing and plan on getting it done by month end.
I never feel like I am a "carb person" until I cut them back and then I crave like crazy! Go figure!!
Well, all I can say is that I ramped up the protein on Saturday and Sunday, (and had very little carbs) and I posted a PR for overall time on Monday.
That's awesome Tom, first time under 30 minutes! It is pretty interesting to experiment if I can get my emotions to stay out of it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoriAnne
Leah,
I go through the same thing with carbs. and guess I still don't know how to pinpoint what is right for me. *big sigh* I don't know if you checked out Ginger's post about the VO2 testing, but one of the things it reports is exactly what your body is burning as you work it out. Some people burn more fat, some carbs,. . .might be something to look into around your area, could be very telling and give you better a indication of what your body needs. I just found a facility in Indianapolis (about 45 mins. away) that offers VO2 testing and plan on getting it done by month end.
I never feel like I am a "carb person" until I cut them back and then I crave like crazy! Go figure!!
Maybe I will look into that. It would be really cool to find out all that stuff. One reason I like tracking my macros is to try to see patterns. I tend to crash in the afternoon really hard. I'm not sure if it is all that food dependent though. Some days I think I should feel like crap based on carb intake but I feel great and others are the opposite.
Today's plan:
Workout: Fat Loss III A4
Food:
Breakfast: english muffin sandwich w/scrambled egg, leftover steak, cheddar cheese
Morning snack: grapefruit, yogurt, leftover scrambled eggs
Lunch: salmon fillet and roasted broccoli medley
Afternoon: 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1 cup frozen strawberries
Dinner: 6" subway steak & cheese sandwich
Post workout: 1 scoop choc protein powder, 1 cup milk, 1 frozen banana
This workout went so much better than the last time. It was not easy, but it didn't feel impossibly hopeless either. I managed to get all the reps and not have to rest in the middle of any sets.
I wonder if it is a little easier at the gym because it takes a little longer to move between exercises than at home where everything is all set up.
Today is a rest day
Food Plan:
Breakfast: 1 scoop cookies & cream prot powder, 1 cup milk, 1/2 frozen choc covered banana
Morning snack: tuna & cottage cheese
Lunch: broiled parmesan tilapia and roasted broccoli medley
Afternoon snack: the rest of the tuna and cottage cheese
Dinner: 8 oz chicken breast and roasted broccoli medley
I got my TNT diet book yesterday but I didn't get much chance to read it, I sort of skimmed it. I'm not sure if I can do it or not. There are a lot of foods I really like that I would not be able to eat, at least for the first month. On the other hand there are a lot of foods I could add back into my diet. I am going to read more over the weekend.
The main reason I thought of trying it is that I am getting really sick of being hungry. Yesterday I was having terrible cravings. In the morning I got it in my head that I desperately wanted graham crackers and peanut butter and I was getting really mad and depressed about it. In the afternoon I was sitting in a meeting and carrot cake popped in my head and I could practically taste it and the cream cheese frosting on top. The thing is I don't particularly like carrot cake and I find these excessive food fantasies a little disturbing when they don't seem to be triggered by anything tangible. It wasn't like there was a carrot cake around - it seemed so random.
This workout went so much better than the last time. It was not easy, but it didn't feel impossibly hopeless either. I managed to get all the reps and not have to rest in the middle of any sets.
I wonder if it is a little easier at the gym because it takes a little longer to move between exercises than at home where everything is all set up.
Today is a rest day
Food Plan:
Breakfast: 1 scoop cookies & cream prot powder, 1 cup milk, 1/2 frozen choc covered banana
Morning snack: tuna & cottage cheese
Lunch: broiled parmesan tilapia and roasted broccoli medley
Afternoon snack: the rest of the tuna and cottage cheese
Dinner: 8 oz chicken breast and roasted broccoli medley
I got my TNT diet book yesterday but I didn't get much chance to read it, I sort of skimmed it. I'm not sure if I can do it or not. There are a lot of foods I really like that I would not be able to eat, at least for the first month. On the other hand there are a lot of foods I could add back into my diet. I am going to read more over the weekend.
The main reason I thought of trying it is that I am getting really sick of being hungry. Yesterday I was having terrible cravings. In the morning I got it in my head that I desperately wanted graham crackers and peanut butter and I was getting really mad and depressed about it. In the afternoon I was sitting in a meeting and carrot cake popped in my head and I could practically taste it and the cream cheese frosting on top. The thing is I don't particularly like carrot cake and I find these excessive food fantasies a little disturbing when they don't seem to be triggered by anything tangible. It wasn't like there was a carrot cake around - it seemed so random.
I got my TNT diet book yesterday but I didn't get much chance to read it, I sort of skimmed it. I'm not sure if I can do it or not. There are a lot of foods I really like that I would not be able to eat, at least for the first month. On the other hand there are a lot of foods I could add back into my diet. I am going to read more over the weekend.
The main reason I thought of trying it is that I am getting really sick of being hungry. Yesterday I was having terrible cravings. In the morning I got it in my head that I desperately wanted graham crackers and peanut butter and I was getting really mad and depressed about it. In the afternoon I was sitting in a meeting and carrot cake popped in my head and I could practically taste it and the cream cheese frosting on top. The thing is I don't particularly like carrot cake and I find these excessive food fantasies a little disturbing when they don't seem to be triggered by anything tangible. It wasn't like there was a carrot cake around - it seemed so random.
Seems like you might be missing something from your diet?? IMHO cravings are usually indicative of something - the key is finding out WHAT!
I had always heard that about cravings too. I started taking a multivitamin about a week ago to try to get rid of my leg and feet cramping and it seems to have worked. I forgot it yesterday, so maybe that is why.
Today I feel much better and I took my vitamins with breakfast! I wasn't even really hungry for my morning snack, but I figured I'd better eat it before I get hungry.
The main reason I thought of trying it is that I am getting really sick of being hungry. Yesterday I was having terrible cravings. In the morning I got it in my head that I desperately wanted graham crackers and peanut butter and I was getting really mad and depressed about it. In the afternoon I was sitting in a meeting and carrot cake popped in my head and I could practically taste it and the cream cheese frosting on top. The thing is I don't particularly like carrot cake and I find these excessive food fantasies a little disturbing when they don't seem to be triggered by anything tangible. It wasn't like there was a carrot cake around - it seemed so random.
I know I have gone TOO LOW when I start craving things that I never eat LOL! And weirdo things. That is usually why I fail. I am NOT DOING THAT THIS TIME .
This workout went so much better than the last time. It was not easy, but it didn't feel impossibly hopeless either. I managed to get all the reps and not have to rest in the middle of any sets.
That was my experience too - that around midway through FL3 the body caught on and started making adaptations, so that the rest of the workouts weren't nearly as bad as the first half.
Is 1500 calories enough? As metabolically expensive as FL3 is, it seems like you should be eating more.
__________________
Tom
No "happy hours" makes for a lot of miserable days. - Mahler
That was my experience too - that around midway through FL3 the body caught on and started making adaptations, so that the rest of the workouts weren't nearly as bad as the first half.
Is 1500 calories enough? As metabolically expensive as FL3 is, it seems like you should be eating more.
I'm hoping the rest will not be as bad. I have three more B's, which I can handle, and two more A's.
The 1500 is actually for today, a rest day. For the workout day I ate around 2200. I am thinking you are right, that I am not eating enough. I would like to lose a bit more fat, but I think I need a break. From NROL4W, my maintenance would be estimated at 2350 for a workout day and 2100 for non-workout day. I am going to that in exactly 9 days, 11 hours, and 1 minute!
Leah, your workouts are looking KILLER! I never got to FLIII, and I have to admit it really scared me! After NROL4W, I'll transition back into NROL, so I guess I'll eventually get to it! Nice work.
Seems like you might be missing something from your diet?? IMHO cravings are usually indicative of something - the key is finding out WHAT!
My guess - FAT!! When I'm craving stuff like peanut butter, chips, cake, fries, greasy burger ... I'm craving fat.
I don't have those cravings anymore (I used to be hungry ALL the time & was doing the 1400-1500 cals/day thing and losing weight), and the ONLY craving I've had since going on TNT is chocolate. I'm not sure if it's hormonal, though I would guess that's the case. It was horrible the week before my period. I have never really had chocolate cravings like that, and it was SO bad I was seriously considering eating some dry cocoa powder just to avoid cheating while satisfying my craving. Terrible.
I am going to get back to work but I'll address your TNT questions (the ones you posted in my log) tonight when I get home.
__________________
"If 'toning' is the goal, strength is the method." ~ Mark Rippetoe
Leah, your workouts are looking KILLER! I never got to FLIII, and I have to admit it really scared me! After NROL4W, I'll transition back into NROL, so I guess I'll eventually get to it! Nice work.
Hey Jane -
FLIII is really tough. I find myself having to psyche myself up before the A workout. I tell myself you can get through it, just do your best, try to make small improvements, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DirtyMartini
My guess - FAT!! When I'm craving stuff like peanut butter, chips, cake, fries, greasy burger ... I'm craving fat.
I don't have those cravings anymore (I used to be hungry ALL the time & was doing the 1400-1500 cals/day thing and losing weight), and the ONLY craving I've had since going on TNT is chocolate. I'm not sure if it's hormonal, though I would guess that's the case. It was horrible the week before my period. I have never really had chocolate cravings like that, and it was SO bad I was seriously considering eating some dry cocoa powder just to avoid cheating while satisfying my craving. Terrible.
I am going to get back to work but I'll address your TNT questions (the ones you posted in my log) tonight when I get home.
Hey DirtyMartini-
Thanks for the response on TNT. Reducing cravings sounds awesome!
Plan for today: Most likely rest, but might do some intervals or drills if I feel really energetic this evening.
Food:
Breakfast: 1 scoop chocolate prot powder, 1 cup milk
Morning snack: broiled parmesan tilapia, roasted broccoli medley
Lunch: 4 oz grilled chicken breast, roasted broccoli medley
Afternoon: the other half of lunch
Dinner: trying a recipe from the TNT book, italian sausage w/feta and spinach
As far as I can see, this would be a TNT compliant day, except for the milk in my shake, which according to fitday has 12g carbs. It seems like that would still leave me with a lot more carbs than I would be aiming for, most of them coming from the roasted broccoli medley. If I was doing TNT, I would probably eat larger portions too for more total calories.
My new plan is as follows:
Finish Fat Loss III with calorie cycling diet - through 3/23
Full Rest week w/maintenance cals - 3/24 - 3/30
Start Hypertrophy II and TNT diet - 3/31
I have always been very set in my ways about eating and working out so my goal is to actually give TNT a chance.
Leah, TNT has worked beautifully for me. As I get closer to my goals, the fat loss has definitely slowed. But, I have an eating plan I can live with and that's important to me.
I've toyed around with plan B and adding in carbs pre and post workout, but haven't fully committed yet. Perhaps at the beginning of April I will officially switch to Plan B.
Your meals do look TNT compliant, except for the milk. I can't really see 78 carbs in the balance though, either. Remember, you subtract out fiber from any carbs you do eat (ie broccoli). However, I don't track and I don't count anything. I just eat what's on the allowed list!
Leah, TNT has worked beautifully for me. As I get closer to my goals, the fat loss has definitely slowed. But, I have an eating plan I can live with and that's important to me.
I've toyed around with plan B and adding in carbs pre and post workout, but haven't fully committed yet. Perhaps at the beginning of April I will officially switch to Plan B.
Your meals do look TNT compliant, except for the milk. I can't really see 78 carbs in the balance though, either. Remember, you subtract out fiber from any carbs you do eat (ie broccoli). However, I don't track and I don't count anything. I just eat what's on the allowed list!
Hi Jane-
I really appreciate your input. I was thinking when I start I will do the same as you, not track, just follow the guidelines and eat off the list. That would be the point for me, try to get rid of some of the obsessiveness of the dieting thing.
Leah,
Sorry to hear you continue to be frustrated with your eating, it is such a tough thing to figure out! I'm still fighting the good fight right along with you and have to agree with Jane.
I still track, but not as obsessively as I used to. I eat so many of the same things day after day and know their nutritional content, and I feel like my stress level is better just having confidence in what I am doing is right. I trust the scales and the way my clothing fit more than anything, so if things hint at going off the reservation, I'll get back to tracking, but until then, enjoying all the extra time I have that I used to spend tracking! LOL
Here's an interesting excerpt from Ross Enamait's training manual, Never Gymless:
"Throughout my life, I have experiemtned with several nutritional strategies. There was a time when I would count each calorie that entered my body. I also monitored my intake of each nutrient to ensure a specific ratio of Carbs, fats, and proteins. Unfortunately, the joy of eating became a laborious job. Each meal became an algebraic equation, ... I was essentially micro-managing my food consumption. As I have grown older and wiser, I no longer count calories or nutrient ratios. . . . Food consumption should not become a chore. . . .By eating natural foods, we do not need to worry about the micro-managing the task of eating. ..."
If you have never checked this guy out, definitely visit his website and you will see that he is certainly not suffering any negative consequences! (total Babe)
Anyway, just a little food for perspective. I just got his book and am really trying to embrace this concept. I do think we are informed enough to know what is good and sometimes letting some of the stress go does our bodies and weight more wonders!
You are doing awesome and I know you are going to get past this stage.
Have a great weekend!
I'm having a tough time with food right now too. It almost makes me feel better to see that I'm not alone in the struggle - but all things worth having usually require some kind of struggle.
I'm staying tuned to see what you decide! I think I need a break too - refeed, or maybe zig-zag next week.
On tracking: If you're eating the same meals, over and over - not necessarily the same thing every day, but the same combinations of meals over weeks or months - you know you're in your calorie range and macronutrient balance. It's not always necessary to track the same chicken breast and broccoli. You know what's in that meal. So take a brain break and let your healthy habits do the work.
__________________
"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
On tracking: If you're eating the same meals, over and over - not necessarily the same thing every day, but the same combinations of meals over weeks or months - you know you're in your calorie range and macronutrient balance. It's not always necessary to track the same chicken breast and broccoli. You know what's in that meal. So take a brain break and let your healthy habits do the work.
I agree with this. After starting NROL4W and finding some foods and recipes I liked, my meals each day are usually just different combinations of these things. Having a sort of rotation/combining method works for me, because it keeps me from being bored with my food while still knowing I'm eating the right things. It works great because I would never want to track my calories and macro ratios.
I hope you find something that works for you! Hopefully during your rest week you'll have some time to recharge and reflect, and come back strong.
Leah,
Sorry to hear you continue to be frustrated with your eating, it is such a tough thing to figure out! I'm still fighting the good fight right along with you and have to agree with Jane.
I still track, but not as obsessively as I used to. I eat so many of the same things day after day and know their nutritional content, and I feel like my stress level is better just having confidence in what I am doing is right. I trust the scales and the way my clothing fit more than anything, so if things hint at going off the reservation, I'll get back to tracking, but until then, enjoying all the extra time I have that I used to spend tracking! LOL
Here's an interesting excerpt from Ross Enamait's training manual, Never Gymless:
"Throughout my life, I have experiemtned with several nutritional strategies. There was a time when I would count each calorie that entered my body. I also monitored my intake of each nutrient to ensure a specific ratio of Carbs, fats, and proteins. Unfortunately, the joy of eating became a laborious job. Each meal became an algebraic equation, ... I was essentially micro-managing my food consumption. As I have grown older and wiser, I no longer count calories or nutrient ratios. . . . Food consumption should not become a chore. . . .By eating natural foods, we do not need to worry about the micro-managing the task of eating. ..."
If you have never checked this guy out, definitely visit his website and you will see that he is certainly not suffering any negative consequences! (total Babe)
Anyway, just a little food for perspective. I just got his book and am really trying to embrace this concept. I do think we are informed enough to know what is good and sometimes letting some of the stress go does our bodies and weight more wonders!
You are doing awesome and I know you are going to get past this stage.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks LoriAnne-
You are right, I am going to get past this and figure out what works for me, just not sure exactly when. I love that quote and that guy is hot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by rixatrix
Leah!
I'm having a tough time with food right now too. It almost makes me feel better to see that I'm not alone in the struggle - but all things worth having usually require some kind of struggle.
I'm staying tuned to see what you decide! I think I need a break too - refeed, or maybe zig-zag next week.
On tracking: If you're eating the same meals, over and over - not necessarily the same thing every day, but the same combinations of meals over weeks or months - you know you're in your calorie range and macronutrient balance. It's not always necessary to track the same chicken breast and broccoli. You know what's in that meal. So take a brain break and let your healthy habits do the work.
You are definitely not alone! One good thing I have noticed is that in being open to many different nutritional approaches, I've been able to accept and forgive myself more easily. In the past I would try to follow some diet and if I couldn't I would blame myself, get depressed and panicky and say I'm destined to be fat, etc. Now I am thinking in terms of finding something I can live with. If I find I can't be compliant, I think, this program will not work for me, I have to try something else.
Quote:
Originally Posted by marygrace
I agree with this. After starting NROL4W and finding some foods and recipes I liked, my meals each day are usually just different combinations of these things. Having a sort of rotation/combining method works for me, because it keeps me from being bored with my food while still knowing I'm eating the right things. It works great because I would never want to track my calories and macro ratios.
I hope you find something that works for you! Hopefully during your rest week you'll have some time to recharge and reflect, and come back strong.
Thanks marygrace -
I love your style of eating. I liked your story about feeding your dad tofu for the first time. I could be wrong cause I haven't lived at home for a long time now, but I don't see my dad eating tofu.
I am doing the same thing. I don't want to pressure myself because I will go off the deep end but I also want results, so I am searching searching searching. I think I probably will end up with a modified everything LOL!
I hate sticking to a diet that if you don't follow it you don't comply. It makes me feel like a Stepford wife LOL! Life is short. You just gotta tinker until you find what is doable and enjoyable for the long haul.
I think you are doing great. It is also nice to know others go up and down on this stuff, it makes me not feel so high maintenance in the flip out dept LOL!
I am doing the same thing. I don't want to pressure myself because I will go off the deep end but I also want results, so I am searching searching searching. I think I probably will end up with a modified everything LOL!
I hate sticking to a diet that if you don't follow it you don't comply. It makes me feel like a Stepford wife LOL! Life is short. You just gotta tinker until you find what is doable and enjoyable for the long haul.
I think you are doing great. It is also nice to know others go up and down on this stuff, it makes me not feel so high maintenance in the flip out dept LOL!
Hey Kelly -
Love the Stepford wife thing! You crack me up. Thanks for the encouragement.
Yesterday I just ate like crap and I was kind of depressed about it, so I decided I am not tracking anything. I am just going to cruise along until I start TNT. I am going to eat good foods when I am hungry and that's it.
Today's workout:
Fat Loss III B4
Giant sets of front squats, band-assisted chin ups, step-ups, dumbbell push press, 60 sec rest after whole set
This workout felt pretty good, not too much extra rest needed.
We are going to a St. Patrick's Day party this afternoon at an Irish bar. There are going to be bands and an outdoor tent and the weather isn't bad. I'm excited!
Leah, it looks to me like you're managing very well at your workouts and with experimenting to find a plan you can live with. Not that you haven't had some bad days, but you've seemed to get past it and move on with the next day. Hope you enjoyed the party and that the weather stayed good!
Leah, your thoughts on FLIII cracked me up "Are you sure you didn't mean agonized, tortured, nauseated, cut into tiny pieces or something like that? "
Anyhoo, you are getting some good numbers on the weights. Your meals look good and healthy too! My TNT book is sitting by my computer just waiting for me to open it up -- so thanx for the nudge!
Have fun at your St. Paddy's day party, I believe green beer is on the TNT plan!!
Last entry was fantabulous. That workout looks like a recipe for jello. I liked Kelly's Stepford Wife reference too! Hope you're having much fun.
Thanks Tracey. We had a great time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen411
Leah, it looks to me like you're managing very well at your workouts and with experimenting to find a plan you can live with. Not that you haven't had some bad days, but you've seemed to get past it and move on with the next day. Hope you enjoyed the party and that the weather stayed good!
Hey Karen - I feel like I have had lots of bad days, but I don't want to give up on myself, so I have to keep trying.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ToniL
Leah, your thoughts on FLIII cracked me up "Are you sure you didn't mean agonized, tortured, nauseated, cut into tiny pieces or something like that? "
Anyhoo, you are getting some good numbers on the weights. Your meals look good and healthy too! My TNT book is sitting by my computer just waiting for me to open it up -- so thanx for the nudge!
Have fun at your St. Paddy's day party, I believe green beer is on the TNT plan!!
Hey Toni-
The TNT book is very readable. I am actually getting pretty excited to try it. It says you can drink Light Beer, up to two per day!
The St. Patrick's Day party was so awesome.
It was at this bar: Claddagh Irish Pub
and seemed to attrach a slightly older and less obnoxious crowd than some of the other parties around town. Since we're getting to be senior citizens that's what we go for now. I hate a bar where you look at everyone in there and think "there's no way he/she could be 21, how'd they get in here?"
There was a different band every couple hours in a roomy, heated tent, and a fire outside. We went inside the restaurant for corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and guiness beef stew. Out in the tent they had Guiness, Smithwicks and Harp on tap. We drank lots of beer and laughed and danced like a pair of drunken idiots. When we were walking out, we saw a guy in a police uniform sweater and a plaid kilt. It was one of the members of the Pittsburgh Police Pipes and Drums. We followed them back inside the restaurant where they formed a circle and everyone in the packed bar crowded around them to hear the bagpipes. They sounded wonderful and it was really special to be that close.
The party was very well done and all the details were nicely organized. Hopefully they will have one again next year.
oh gosh the last time I drank and celebrated St Paricks day 23 years ago (put Kelly and red hair together, you get the point) I couldn't remember a thing the next morning and had a hang over to beat all hangovers and the black out scared me straight .
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