May 4, 2015
Last week was entirely too crazy for one person to handle. Getting diagnosed with the flu was the last thing I needed as I headed into my last week of regular classes for freshman year. I missed three days of school, and missing one day of college is enough to put you into an insane asylum to deal with the stress. I was well past insane asylum and to the point where the mind just actually shuts down into a vegetable state after missing 4 quizzes, a test, a video project, having to write a 1200 word analytical paper, and doing regular online homework, all while barely being able to swallow anything larger than a pill. Luckily, my mom was able to come to the rescue and nurse me back to health. There's something magical about a hotel bed and a mother to tend to your every need. Thanks mom!
BUT, despite it all, I reached a personal goal--the original goal I had set out to accomplish this semester. After 13 weeks of Paleo, I hit a weight loss total of 30 pounds!!! Seeing that number on the scale was such an awesome feeling. This dream of mine seemed so distant when I began talking about it in January. At 30 pounds lighter, 5 notches down on my belt loop, and 4 dress sizes thinner, I am feeling better than ever! I am so excited to continue toning up and training this summer.
Success hasn't been a piece of cake (literally I haven't eaten cake in over 3 months), however. In last week's blog, I mentioned that there was a point in this journey where I had plateaued and not lost a single pound for 4 weeks. This is something that most people will experience during weight loss, strength training, or any training for that matter. At first, I was unsure at how to handle it. I thought I was incapable of losing any more weight, but with some adjustments I was able to surpass the obstacle and continue. Here are some tips for when you reach a plateau:
1. Change it Up
You've probably been doing the same workouts and eating the same foods for a while now. While these things have been working up until this point, it is very likely that your body is accustomed to these routines now and is ready for something new and more challenging. I had been lifting weights and doing the same order and rep amount for quite a while, and for cardio, I was alternating jump roping, biking, and plyometrics. At first, these things had been quite the workout. I would wake up very sore and tired, but after about 4-5 weeks, they were becoming easier, and my weight loss stopped completely. Once I began running long distance and changing up weight exercises, I dropped 10 more pounds like it was nothing. In a few more weeks, I will reach a plateau and begin changing up the exercises once again. Changing it up also keeps it exciting! Don't risk a burnout by doing the same thing everyday.
2. Don't Stress
This is the piece of advice I have the most difficult time following. Stress is literally good for NOTHING. It makes you feel awful, it can often prohibit you from being productive, and it has negative effects on the body. Your body needs you to chill out in order for positive change to occur. Keep in mind that the process is slow and difficult at times like this, but that perseverance produces the real winners.
3. Remember How Far You Have Come
This is another reason not to stress. You've already been making progress, so don't let a few slow weeks make you forget the accomplishments you've already made! During my 4 weeks of struggle, I had started to convince myself that I hadn't really done anything and maybe I had set goals too ridiculous to achieve. Luckily, I had taken progress pictures, and looking back at the "before" shots, it was easy to see the changes in myself. Even small progress is good progress!
So that's my two cents on plateaus! I'm sure I'll have to read this blog myself when I hit a stalling point in the next few weeks. I hope you're all doing well! May the Fourth be with you :)
Monday, May 4, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
4.0 in Napping and Netflix
April 26, 2015
It has been just under 13 weeks since my Paleo journey began! The weeks have flown by. I cannot believe that my freshman year is coming to a close! Recently, I have had more people asking me about the Paleo diet and how it's possible to follow it with an on campus meal plan. While I could go into the details about what exactly I eat and how often I work out, I think it is more important to focus on a broader, more important change.
First of all, it starts with you! So many times I used to look in the mirror and think about what I would like to change and how much I wish I could have what I consider my "dream body." The first change I had to make was my mindset. I quit looking in the mirror and thinking about changing. Instead I started doing it.
It's not as simple as it sounds obviously. We've all convinced ourselves at one point or another that we were going to start eating healthy and working out and then we failed. Why? Well these answers may vary. But it's probably because we didn't make it our priority. It is very easy to cheat on a diet or skip the gym when it isn't up very high on a to-do list. Last semester, I went to the rec center about 3 times total because I had convinced myself that there just wasn't time. But then I took a look at where my time was actually spent. I took a lot of naps. A LOT of naps. I got a 4.0 in napping. I was president of the nap club. Also, I watched a lot of Netflix. I was somehow able to get through 5 seasons of Grey's Anatomy and 3 seasons of Scandal last semester, but there wasn't enough time for the gym?? That wasn't the case. I wasn't making time for the gym. It's funny how we can seemingly be the busiest people in the world, but when we make something a priority, all of a sudden there is plenty of time for it. We've all started dating someone new at one point or another and found ourselves squeezing in every little amount of free time to see them. There is time. I promise. It all just depends on how you choose to spend it. This semester, I've taken about 7 naps total. That's nothing compared to the 45 I probably had last semester. I have rearranged my priorities completely and seen the benefits that can come from it!
The next piece of advice I would give is to have patience. A lot of people assume that my results have happened overnight because they don't know about the three grueling weeks I spent trying to learn how to survive without my favorite foods. They don't know that for 4 weeks in a row, I didn't lose a single pound, despite being in the gym 6 days a week and eating 1200 calories a day. They only see the overall positive results that 13 weeks have produced and not the actual roller coaster it has been. Getting started is the hardest part. Really it is. People won't notice weight loss at first. It takes about 4 weeks for you to notice change, 8 weeks for your friends and family, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world. This has proven extremely true in my case. It can be difficult to continue when results aren't evident to those around you, but in 3 months from the day you began, you will be so happy you did. Nothing worthwhile happens overnight!
There are 2.5 weeks left in the semester. My goal was to be 30 pounds lighter by the end of it. Today, I reached a total loss of 28 pounds. This goal is right in reach, and I will obtain it. Set goals for yourself, make them a priority, and start DOING.
It has been just under 13 weeks since my Paleo journey began! The weeks have flown by. I cannot believe that my freshman year is coming to a close! Recently, I have had more people asking me about the Paleo diet and how it's possible to follow it with an on campus meal plan. While I could go into the details about what exactly I eat and how often I work out, I think it is more important to focus on a broader, more important change.
First of all, it starts with you! So many times I used to look in the mirror and think about what I would like to change and how much I wish I could have what I consider my "dream body." The first change I had to make was my mindset. I quit looking in the mirror and thinking about changing. Instead I started doing it.
It's not as simple as it sounds obviously. We've all convinced ourselves at one point or another that we were going to start eating healthy and working out and then we failed. Why? Well these answers may vary. But it's probably because we didn't make it our priority. It is very easy to cheat on a diet or skip the gym when it isn't up very high on a to-do list. Last semester, I went to the rec center about 3 times total because I had convinced myself that there just wasn't time. But then I took a look at where my time was actually spent. I took a lot of naps. A LOT of naps. I got a 4.0 in napping. I was president of the nap club. Also, I watched a lot of Netflix. I was somehow able to get through 5 seasons of Grey's Anatomy and 3 seasons of Scandal last semester, but there wasn't enough time for the gym?? That wasn't the case. I wasn't making time for the gym. It's funny how we can seemingly be the busiest people in the world, but when we make something a priority, all of a sudden there is plenty of time for it. We've all started dating someone new at one point or another and found ourselves squeezing in every little amount of free time to see them. There is time. I promise. It all just depends on how you choose to spend it. This semester, I've taken about 7 naps total. That's nothing compared to the 45 I probably had last semester. I have rearranged my priorities completely and seen the benefits that can come from it!
The next piece of advice I would give is to have patience. A lot of people assume that my results have happened overnight because they don't know about the three grueling weeks I spent trying to learn how to survive without my favorite foods. They don't know that for 4 weeks in a row, I didn't lose a single pound, despite being in the gym 6 days a week and eating 1200 calories a day. They only see the overall positive results that 13 weeks have produced and not the actual roller coaster it has been. Getting started is the hardest part. Really it is. People won't notice weight loss at first. It takes about 4 weeks for you to notice change, 8 weeks for your friends and family, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world. This has proven extremely true in my case. It can be difficult to continue when results aren't evident to those around you, but in 3 months from the day you began, you will be so happy you did. Nothing worthwhile happens overnight!
There are 2.5 weeks left in the semester. My goal was to be 30 pounds lighter by the end of it. Today, I reached a total loss of 28 pounds. This goal is right in reach, and I will obtain it. Set goals for yourself, make them a priority, and start DOING.
Friday, April 10, 2015
"Hey Dad, Wanna do a Half Marathon?"
April 10, 2015
Well howdy y'all, it has been a while because what they didn't tell me about spring semester was that there is hardly a second to spare! Just got through another busy week packed with 3 tests and other shenanigans, but I made it out still breathing!
It's been a very exciting week for me as far as milestones, weigh loss, and training go. Recently, I have started running to the gym before and after workouts. It's only about a mile run, so there and back put me at 2 miles a day. Well, that was fun, but then I found a trail I really liked and started running there. Last weekend I ran about 11 miles total and absolutely loved the mental strength it caused. Nothing feels better than finishing a long run and knowing you survived....because in the moment it seems like you won't. I've really never liked to run, so this new found hobby is very shocking to me. I've watched my dad run and train for marathons since I was 9 years old, and I've always admired people like him with so much heart and determination. I used to tell myself that one day I would run a marathon. So....I'm starting with a half! Dad and I will be running the Dallas 13.1 this October! I'm pumped to continue training and pushing my body and to listen to all the wisdom my dad has gained over the years about shoes, icing your legs, where to put your keys so they aren't stabbing you in the arm...there's so much to think about.
Also, I am officially down 24 pounds and still going strong on Paleo! It's crazy to think that in January, I mentioned to my family that I was going to lose 30 pounds this semester. Back then it seemed like a pipe dream, but by some crazy means, it is actually becoming a reality.
Remember that the body is capable of more than we can imagine. It's up to our minds to believe it!
Well howdy y'all, it has been a while because what they didn't tell me about spring semester was that there is hardly a second to spare! Just got through another busy week packed with 3 tests and other shenanigans, but I made it out still breathing!
It's been a very exciting week for me as far as milestones, weigh loss, and training go. Recently, I have started running to the gym before and after workouts. It's only about a mile run, so there and back put me at 2 miles a day. Well, that was fun, but then I found a trail I really liked and started running there. Last weekend I ran about 11 miles total and absolutely loved the mental strength it caused. Nothing feels better than finishing a long run and knowing you survived....because in the moment it seems like you won't. I've really never liked to run, so this new found hobby is very shocking to me. I've watched my dad run and train for marathons since I was 9 years old, and I've always admired people like him with so much heart and determination. I used to tell myself that one day I would run a marathon. So....I'm starting with a half! Dad and I will be running the Dallas 13.1 this October! I'm pumped to continue training and pushing my body and to listen to all the wisdom my dad has gained over the years about shoes, icing your legs, where to put your keys so they aren't stabbing you in the arm...there's so much to think about.
Also, I am officially down 24 pounds and still going strong on Paleo! It's crazy to think that in January, I mentioned to my family that I was going to lose 30 pounds this semester. Back then it seemed like a pipe dream, but by some crazy means, it is actually becoming a reality.
Remember that the body is capable of more than we can imagine. It's up to our minds to believe it!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Dancing in the Dressing Room
March 24, 2015
Long time, no talk! I apologize for the blog silence over the past couple of weeks! Things have been a bit crazy. About two weeks ago I learned that liquids and computers do not mix, and therefore am typing now from my new Macbook (thanks dad)! Last week was also spring break, which I spent backpacking and camping through Arizona with many of my best friends. It was the trip of a lifetime, and the sites we saw were breathtaking and awe inspiring. Arizona will forever have a piece of my heart.
Arizona was amazing, but trying to eat paleo while camping was not. I won't be able to choke down a dried banana chip for a long time after consuming probably 100 of those throughout the trip. I have discovered a new love for natural jerky and egg white protein shakes, however.
Actual weight loss has been at a stall for me for about 3 weeks now. I seem to be floating around the same numbers, which at first was very frustrating for me. I felt like a failure and that everything I was doing wasn't paying off like it had in the beginning. But after comparing progress pictures, I have noticed that I am still getting leaner, which should be most important anyway. Since most of my clothes weren't fitting well anymore, my awesome parents took me shopping on Sunday where I was able to fit in MEDIUM sized clothing. For someone who has worn a large and XL for the last 3 years, this was a huge deal. I have never felt so confident in a dressing room. I was also able to purchase things that I used to think looked bad on me like jeggings and v-necks. My old way of thinking told me not to even bother trying those things on, but I did it anyway and I felt like a new person. I found so many things that I liked and that fit well, I just started piling clothes into my arms...(RIP to my parents' bank account). It was so exciting to look in the mirror and like the reflection. It reminded me of why I began paleo and that the scale number is not as important as the physical difference.
I returned to my room and put all my old, non-fitting clothes into a suitcase, and then packed them away at the back of my closet. The shopping trip was just what I needed as a boost to start the latter half of spring semester!
Long time, no talk! I apologize for the blog silence over the past couple of weeks! Things have been a bit crazy. About two weeks ago I learned that liquids and computers do not mix, and therefore am typing now from my new Macbook (thanks dad)! Last week was also spring break, which I spent backpacking and camping through Arizona with many of my best friends. It was the trip of a lifetime, and the sites we saw were breathtaking and awe inspiring. Arizona will forever have a piece of my heart.
Arizona was amazing, but trying to eat paleo while camping was not. I won't be able to choke down a dried banana chip for a long time after consuming probably 100 of those throughout the trip. I have discovered a new love for natural jerky and egg white protein shakes, however.
Actual weight loss has been at a stall for me for about 3 weeks now. I seem to be floating around the same numbers, which at first was very frustrating for me. I felt like a failure and that everything I was doing wasn't paying off like it had in the beginning. But after comparing progress pictures, I have noticed that I am still getting leaner, which should be most important anyway. Since most of my clothes weren't fitting well anymore, my awesome parents took me shopping on Sunday where I was able to fit in MEDIUM sized clothing. For someone who has worn a large and XL for the last 3 years, this was a huge deal. I have never felt so confident in a dressing room. I was also able to purchase things that I used to think looked bad on me like jeggings and v-necks. My old way of thinking told me not to even bother trying those things on, but I did it anyway and I felt like a new person. I found so many things that I liked and that fit well, I just started piling clothes into my arms...(RIP to my parents' bank account). It was so exciting to look in the mirror and like the reflection. It reminded me of why I began paleo and that the scale number is not as important as the physical difference.
I returned to my room and put all my old, non-fitting clothes into a suitcase, and then packed them away at the back of my closet. The shopping trip was just what I needed as a boost to start the latter half of spring semester!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Tests, Stress, and No Underwear
March 9, 2015
Well, it’s actually a miracle that I didn't pull all my hair out after last week. I had two midterms that required more studying than one person should ever do in their lives. I spent about 14 total hours studying for my animal science lab midterm on Thursday night. Let me tell you, nothing will make you crazier than memorizing the yield grade reproductive percentages of a sire boar from Switzerland. Especially when you're a freaking English major. Seriously, I would've rather written a dissertation. The long hours had me craving coffee and I had about 4 cups in total for the week, along with 4 smoothies to save time by drinking those instead of sitting down for a meal. I only missed one workout on Monday, but even on the days that I made it to the gym, I felt very slow and unmotivated. In fact, I felt unmotivated about everything. Studying for those tests was the last thing I wanted to do, especially with the miserable weather—weather meant for nap taking, not walking to class. I felt gross in all aspects. The week was so bad, that I reached a student low point. I realized on Friday that I was on my last pair of clean underwear and I wouldn’t have time to do laundry before I left for my weekend road trip!! I had to make a run to the mall and buy new underwear and then swing by HEB to try and stock up on Paleo snacks for the weekend. I was a stressed mess. Looking in the mirror, I could tell that weighing in for the week was not going to be a pleasant experience.
I was right. I gained two pounds, making it my first set back after nearly 6 weeks of Paleo. I was extremely upset with myself, so upset that I just wanted to run for about 300 miles and hope the two pounds would disappear again. I sat down and reevaluated what I needed to do differently this week, so as not to feel that way anymore. I decided to cut coffee and smoothies out completely, seeing as those things definitely had a lot to do with the weight gain. I’m also trying to stay on top of my school work so that stress doesn’t affect any progress. But at the end of the day, I have to understand that this is a slow process and that everyone experiences set backs at some point. I’m sure this won’t be my last, but it is just another reason to work harder and eventually reach my end goals.
On a positive note, I got As on both of those exams. And I finally did laundry last night.
On a positive note, I got As on both of those exams. And I finally did laundry last night.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Why I Started Paleo
February 25, 2015
A lot of people have been asking me why and how I got started on Paleo. Well, it actually wasn’t the initial plan at all. It wasn’t a New Year’s Resolution or a big scheme to get fit. It started as me just making an effort to go to the gym. I told myself I would go 3 times a week. I got a workout buddy for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Then I noticed that on the days I didn’t drink soda, I didn’t feel as bloated, so I decided to drink only water. And then I realized that going to the gym made me feel strong and confident, so I started going on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well. After that, I downloaded the myfitnesspal app and decided I would cut back on calories since I was working out so much. I didn’t want all the exercise to go to waste!
This all happened in about the span of a week, right when the new semester had started. Unfortunately, at about this time, my anxiety skyrocketed. I was dealing with some things that were out of my control and stress seemed to be weighing heavily on me. I began thinking about all the things in my life that were out of my control, and the list seemed endless. But then I realized that there were so many things I could control, and one of those things was eating healthy. One of my best friends had been on Paleo as a senior in high school and dropped nearly 70 pounds over the course of 6 months. He had talked to me a lot about the diet, but I didn’t know everything about it yet. I was so tired of focusing on the things I couldn’t control, so I decided to start Paleo with full force and commitment. I didn’t even wait till the next day. I started right then on Tuesday, January 27. And I haven’t stopped since.
I don’t say any of these things out of conceitedness, but rather with the hope that someone who reads this that may be dealing with anxiety or another hindering situation, might be inspired to focus on things that we all can change. There is not enough time in the world to be dragged down by negativity! :)
***Being on the Paleo diet is not the key to happiness in any way. It is just something I am committed to and enjoy! This post is to encourage anyone and everyone to find something positive and tangible to focus on, instead of lingering on things that we cannot control. This can be through studying the Bible on a deeper level, learning something new, building friendships and relationships, or even something small like flossing before bed (just kidding, nobody does that.) (Hopefully my dentist doesn’t read this.)
Monday, March 2, 2015
The Embarrassing Gym Stories Saga: Part 1
March 2, 2015
Happy March everybody! I can’t believe it’s almost spring break. Which means summer is just around the corner. Which means…. SWIMSUITS. About this time of year, everybody is hitting the gym to try and get that summer bod. Everyone that fell off the New Year’s Resolution train is trying to hop back on for one more shot at getting in shape. We can’t hide under baggy pants and jackets for much longer!
I’ve been going to the rec for a while now but just thought I’d share some stories with y’all, partly for entertainment, but also as encouragement for anyone who is nervous about going to the gym to realize it’s completely okay to not know what you are doing.
First of all, I think I have been to the rec around 30-35 times this semester, and I don’t think I have made it out once without embarrassing myself in some way. The first day that I ran on the track, I forgot to look at the arrow that points which direction to run. So I ran the opposite way and then had to awkwardly turn around mid-run once I saw all the other trackers coming straight for me.
I have forgotten which locker I put my stuff in 3 different times now. Last week, I forgot again and had to have a worker come unlock some for me until we could find it. After ten tries, we still couldn’t find my backpack, so I told the guy it must’ve been stolen. And then he asked if I was sure I put it in that section. Then I realized I had put my bag upstairs.
Yesterday, I was focusing on shoulders for weight training. I headed over to the barbell section and a bunch of pretty buff guys were around me, all grabbing the super heavy ones. I didn’t want to seem weak, so I tried to grab a 100 lb. barbell for shoulder shrugs….but I couldn’t even lift it off the rack…so I tried to play it cool and just grab a different one, but everyone around definitely noticed. I left the section after that…
Another time, I sat down on the last stationary bike that was available. It was really crowded. The other 6 bikes were already taken. This particular section is on the 3rd floor and overlooks the entire weight room, so everyone down stairs can see you. Well I sat down, not noticing that the seat was actually broken. The seat slid off, along with myself. Two of the other bikers stopped pedaling and just looked at me. I grabbed my towel and quickly walked away.
In the free weights section, there are many adjustable benches. You can make it flat, inclined, or sitting straight up. There was one that was in an upright position that I wanted flat so I bent down in front of about 20 people and tried adjusting the seat. I was struggling to get it to move, so I pushed it a little harder. It wasn’t moving. I gave it one final push and it slammed down, causing a loud metal noise that echoed throughout the weight room. Then a worker came up to me and said that particular seat wasn’t actually adjustable.
So needless to say, I’m a bit clumsy. If I still have the courage to hit the gym, anyone should! For now, I’ll work on paying more attention and staying under the radar…but no promises.
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