Week 1 Report: A good start to the challenge... Much more to come!

Week 1 complete. Time to level up!

I'm a gym poser. A totally sweaty, tired gym poser.

Stats:

Starting weight: 79.5 kg

Current weight: 76.5 kg

Week 1 lost: -3 kg

Total lost: -3 kg

Highlights:

Week 1 Summary: We have been blessed with gorgeous summer weather this week, so I did a lot of outdoor activities. I managed two jogging/running workouts; lots of long walks; a functional fitness workout in the park; and a bicycle ride. I hit the gym twice, and found that I still have good strength and decent muscle endurance. I've been really loving salads and herbal tea and fresh fruits this week, and drinking tons of delicious, cool, refreshing WATER. Also, anything with spice is amazing! I've eaten so many hot chilis and hot sauces this week. Overall, it's been a great week, and I've been working at balancing my priorities so I can make fitness an integral part of my lifestyle. 

Thoughts: If we feel like we must choose between fitness and other important things in our life, we need to shift that perspective. It's not a question of "fitness VS my life"; it's about living a fit life. Don't just think of fitness as a short-term goal, or something you have to do in addition to all of your other responsibilities and priorities in life. Fitness is about making a better life for ourselves and everyone we interact with. Why not try to make social events active and healthy? When you go out for a meal with friends, enjoy the company and eat lighter options. Improvise activities that include other people and/or pets, so that everyone can share in an active lifestyle. Encourage others to get involved, and make it more fun to share a fit life with everyone. 

This is my stash of treats: fresh oranges, tomatoes, and nectarines, and a selection of sweet herbal teas. I have a sweet tooth, and it's important to have healthy treats on-hand.

Stuff that was hard for me this week:

Food: I haven't been able to plan/carry my meals with me everywhere, and when I'm out with friends, I have to balance the "party vibe" with my goals. Visiting a fun Bierfest with friends was a super fun experience, but my diet took a few big hits. 

Workouts: Because it's been a crazy-busy week, my workouts haven't quite hit the mark as I had planned. I was still very active, but had to modify my approach a bit to accomodate all of the other goings-on this week. I know that if I want to reach my time-specific goal, I have to stick to the plan. 

Mood/attitude: It's frustrating when I see an unflattering reflection in the mirror or photo of myself, and think "Gaaah, is that really me? I have SOOOO far to go to reach my goal!" It's tricky to stay out of negative self-talk and toxic body-image territory. I have to stay humble and real, but not let old negative ideas dominate my energy and my thinking. I can decide RIGHT NOW that I FEEL GREAT about myself, that I'm doing a GREAT JOB, and that I AM LOVELY JUST AS I AM. (Talk back to negative self-talk!) 

Goals for next week:

• Make a workout plan for the week and STICK TO IT. Skipping workouts is not an option.
• Pack/carry food for the day. If it's not in my blue cooler-bag, it's not for me.
• Focus on a healthy schedule. Sleeping, eating, exercising, and relaxing are all equally important to health and successful weight management. Routine is key.
• Weight-loss goal for week 2: 1 kg

Visuals for the week:

Power breakfast: Oats, banana, fat-free quark, cinnamon, vanilla flavor packet.

Champion's lunch: gloriously colorful veggie salad with spicy vinegar dressing, veggie burger, a small portion of whole wheat pasta with lowfat yogurt, fresh orange slices, and lots of fresh water.

Refreshing dinner: colorful veggie salad with spicy garlic vinegar dressing, stirfry veggies and tofu (with very little added oil), apple slices, and quark for dessert. Of course, lots of water throughout the day and with every meal.

Visualize a day's nutrition: This is what my day's intake plan looks like for Week 2. In order to reduce the number of decisions I have to make throughout the day, the best practice is to PLAN, PREP, and PACK the whole day's foods/supplements. PREPARE FOR SUCCESS!

Finishing up a legs/back/chest/abs workout. Time to get back on the bicycle for the second half of cardio: another 30 minutes ride home. I love that I can do cardio and commute at the same time.

See you next Monday for another exciting update!