One Down

Ultimate Reset Phase 1, Day 7 - WOW

Hard to believe that week one is complete. Even harder to believe my results at this point. Will share tomorrow as I will do final weigh and measure for week one in the morning.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this Reset is the myriad of feelings both mental and physical. Woke up about 7. These days when I wake up, I get up. That alone is amazing, since I don't have to head off to work. Felt rather tired while at the same time thinking about exercising. More peaceful, less stressful. And the naps? None! Not because I'm forcing myself to stay awake but because I don't need or want one. Finally had to do something, so I wandered out to mow the lawn. Not supposed to exercise, but it really felt good. Even though I felt unable to mow the back until tomorrow, I also felt strong, with a desire to do more. It's as if my body is living in a paradox all its own.

Scrappy still needs a nap. :)

Usually when I am home during the summer, I snack all day long - and I'm not talking nutritious. But the cleaner I eat, the less I desire more. This is all so fascinating as I would never have believed I could actually be content without bread, cheese, or some sugar.

The next two phases are meatless, dairy-less, and completely sugarless (except for fruit). But instead of dreading the next two weeks, I am looking forward to the continual changes to come.

Right now the most difficult part of this Reset is the time to shop and cook for three meals a day. However, thanks to Matt, I am beginning to really learn something about the culinary arts.

Info about phase two in the next blog.

Until tomorrow.

Thank Goodness It's Summer

Phase 1 Day 5 of the Reset

Making dinner tonight was especially enjoyable. Matt taught me to make sushi (though we used toasted tempa instead of raw fish). Now that I am eating a variety of healthy foods, he is getting the chance to really use his cooking skills!

Unlike yesterday, this morning I found myself quite sleepy, so after breakfast, the napping ensued. I am glad to be doing this Reset in the summer as I can take naps when needed. Feel good this evening. Still trying to get used to breaking out in a sweat three or four times a day, but thankful the Reset is working.

Think I am going to keep drinking the distilled water and add Himalayan salt. Not sure how to explain it, but love the "taste." Not quite a gallon a day, but always pushing to that level.

No walk or Tai Chen yet, but I did give the dog a bath. :)

Until tomorrow.

Preparing for the Journey

Sitting outside this evening in the cool "breeze" while Scrappy enjoys the outdoors. The day has been busy and productive, and I'm ready to tackle this 21 day journey to renewed health.

I already love Beachbody, but I am still amazed at how well this program is organized and developed! Not only are all of the supplements included but there is a program and nutrition guide as well as dvd's that cover the program AND a how-to for the daily menus. The chef is wonderful; she takes the viewer through tools needed in the kitchen, to an explanation of everything from grains, fruits, vegetables etc. My favorite part is the ability to pull all of this information up on my phone or ipad. The website theultimatereset.com has info for those who are interested but also a private log in for those who are using the program. Not only can I pull up a grocery list, but I can play a video on how to make EACH meal right on my phone and ipad as well.

I also love the little extra touches - a natural fiber bracelet to wear as a reminder for the 21 days and a small pouch to carry the supplements.

There is very little exercising during the reset - walking and light yoga, and the dvd also gives a sample of the first phase of Tai Cheng (name of creator). Thankfully, I already have the program and can pull it up on Beachbody on Demand as well.

Today's shopping took a while as I covered the staples for the 21 days and the food for the first week (Phase 1). But the lists are separated by fruits/veggies, condiments, herbs etc. and then in alphabetical order. I am really learning a lot about food.

Once the shopping was complete, my wonderful husband and I took some time to CLEAN and clean out both the pantry and the fridge! What a great feeling.

Will explain the phases tomorrow and give an update on Day 1!

Setbacks and Successes

Love this thought. And both setback and success describe my past week. The 21 Day Fix is wonderful. I love the 30 minute workouts. They allow for do-able, consistent morning workouts. The containers are a great visual for understanding proper portions.
     This past week I managed to exercise and follow most of the container portions. There were a couple of setbacks - usually pertaining to food; however, those setbacks were not nearly what they would have been in the past. And even with those, I managed to lose 4 pounds this week!
    




The beauty of this program, for me, is that I am learning that when I eat clean for the most part, those times when I want something "not so clean" are more enjoyable and less detrimental to my health overall. And my mentality about food has changed. I no longer think that just because I "stumble on the path" I have to end the journey or allow the stumble to turn in to a full blown crash. Truth is sometimes stumbling causes a refocusing on the path itself. This journey is for life, I may stumble, but I will not be detoured from the path on my journey to better health.

Sweets, treats, and More Sweets - Just say NO

     Sweets, treats, and more sweets - all on the second day of the 21 Day Fix. And NONE of those have a colored container. First, there is a small party for one of the teachers and homemade chocolate cake - avoided, then a student tells me she has a white chocolate bar for me as a thank you for my uil help this year (but it concerned I might not want it as she has realized I am trying to avoid sweets). I took it, of course, and let her know that I would just have a few pieces at a time (but I didn't start today). Next, I realize my aide put cookie dough in my class fridge (I ordered it from her several weeks ago for her cheerleader fundraiser).
     Then, I am offered an opportunity, not once but twice, to go have lunch (never happens on a school day - only 30 minute lunch time normally). But I packed my containers this morning and stuck with them. So I consider this day a success (I exercised this morning) and hope to eventually reach a point where these occurrences and not such a temptation in the first place.
     The exercise this morning was tough - but that's ok as it gives me room to grow and see progress. One day at a time - day two down - and sweet temptations avoided.

Mastering Motivation

Motivation - where does it come from? How do we hold on to it? I want to be healthy; I want to lose weight; yet I continue to make the same poor choices time after time. this past week, I did not exercise as often as planned nor did I eat as well as I should have. But I did exercise and eat better than I normally would have and a new week offers new opportunities. Finding motivation may not always be easy but is is possible. And my motivation continues to be renewed health and energy. I have to keep that in the forefront of my mind.

So to meet those goals, I plan on altering my idea of exercise. I do plan to exercise each morning and some afternoons with a work out tape; however, I am also going to keep reminding myself that exercise needs to occur continually throughout the day - MOVEMENT, any and all movement, makes a difference to our bodies - squats during breaks, moving and walking, especially when a job requires a lot of sitting, using the stairs instead of the elevator - ultimately, finding ways to incorporate movement into my days - this is the goal for next week.

   

Not Next Monday - Now

Today is one of those days when I would be tempted to get frustrated with myself and wonder if I was really going to be able to complete my task - not any more! I can do this - and I will do this - it's about not giving up and making changes to avoid the same mistakes again. 

They day began much later than intended - hence, no workout. Ok, decided to make this my rest day and get back on top of the exercise tomorrow. Then I managed to make it through the entire day without eating ANY of the candy or chips the principals had for us in the lounge. Not too bad so far. Unfortunately, I let the last part of the day get the better of me and ate part of a chocolate bar and a brownie - justification - made with lots of protein. 

So tomorrow is a new day - I will approach it differently in some respects while appreciating the positive steps I took today. 

Missteps - chocolate and brownie, not up in the morning to exercise

     Will be up tomorrow - will keep foods not best for me out of the house.

Positives - 100 ounces of water

                  Lots of walking and steps at work

                  Previously, I would have eating the brownie AND the chips, candy at work. I would have perceived the inablity to get up and get moving this morning as a failure - no more! It's a stumble. And i have made so many more positive steps. 

Remembering it is about the journey - if it was going to be easy, I would have mastered it a long time ago. 

No more "next Monday" - it's all about the challenges and changes today and on into the future.