7 Day Kickstart Challenge- Day 5

DAY 5- Friday

Everyday vloggers, this idea was genius. I have not changed anything about my plan. I have not decided to workout everyday, or eliminate major food groups from my diet. I don't even weigh-in everyday. All I have decided to do is show the world what I am doing on a daily basis, and it really helps keep me on track. I feel so successful and happy with how I have done so far.

But this is about the time of the week when I start to feel a slight panic about what the scale will say come Monday morning. I have a night out with the girls tonight and ahead of me; the dieter's nightmare: the unpredictable weekend. How will that effect my progress? Have I even made progress? Should my progress be measured only by the number on the scale? All of these questions run thru my head when the weekend approaches.

Part of the idea of my five factor approach to weight loss is that I only have control over four of the factors. I can control my diet, exercise, water intake and the amount of rest I get. But it's that fifth factor that I use to measure my long term goals. Despite that, I need to remind myself of the fact that no matter what the scale reads come Monday morning, this Kickstart Challenge has already been a success. I have regained my focus, improved my mood, treated my body well. I feel strong, optimistic and, believe it or not, even a little bit slimmer.

Here's what I ate:

BREAKFAST

Organic Natural Peanut Butter on Ezekiel Raisin Bread and Green Juice

(not almond milk as shown)

SNACK

Wasa Crackers, 2% Colby Jack, Apple, Orange

LUNCH

Romaine Salad with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Feta Cheese and Soy Ginger Dressing.

DINNER- TREAT MEAL!! :) At a Cuban restaurant. ohhhh my, was this delicious......

(Sorry about the lighting, it was dark in there and my flash was too harsh)

Appetizer

Cup of Cuban Chicken Soup

Entree

Lechon (Slow Roasted Pork); Arroz Congris (Black Beans and Rice); Maduros (Ripe Cooked Plantain Slices)

Dessert

Tiramisu (1/2 of shown) and Cuban Hot Chocolate

Workout- Today is a rest day from working out, but I got a bonus 20 min workout in busting my moves on the dance floor.

WATER- 120 oz

Here's the link to the Day 5 Vlog http://www.youtube.com/freshfoodiefitness

See you tomorrow!!! :-)

7 Day Kickstart Challenge- Day 2

Day 2- Tuesday

I am feeling great today. I am feeling positive, optimistic, energetic, in control...dare I say it...happy. I honestly believe that after 7 days of doing this challenge, it doesn't matter what the scale says; I will be a success. Not only for getting back on track with my healthier lifestyle, but for taking control and fighting back as hard as I can against my Seasonal Depression. I know that I can't just make it go away with a couple of salads and a walk in the park, but at least don't feel quite as helpless and hopeless when I know I am doing all I can to minimize its effects.

I've been trying to set smaller goals to give myself something to look forward to and help keep me in line during these winter months. For one thing, I am less than 9 pounds away from "ONEderland". I have to admit, when I was first introduced to the phrase I rolled my eyes and swore to never call it that. But the closer I get the more anxious I am to get there. There is this part of me that is yearning to be able to say, "I've lost over 20 pounds, I weigh ONE...." Oh it's been so long since I have been there and I am longing to get back. This challenge is designed to remind me to stay focused and do what it takes to get there, and beyond.

TODAY'S WORKOUT
Today I met my friend at the park after work and we walked together for 40 minutes. Not that I don't have some great tunes in my mp3 player, but it's nice to have the company and the conversation every once in a while...





WHAT I ATE


Breakfast-

Organic Greek Yogurt and Granola with cashews and dried cranberries, Green Juice, Constant Comment Tea


Snack-

Reduced fat Colby Jack Cheese and Wasa Crackers (only ate half the amount of cheese and crackers shown here), Apple, Orange

Lunch-

Subway 6' Toasted Ham and Cheese, chips and salsa, Romaine and Spinach Salad

Dinner-

French Toast (made with 2 eggs, skim milk, Ezekiel bread), Syrup, Decaf Vanilla Hazelnut Tea

Plus 100 oz of water!

I also went to bed on time last night, so I'm off to a good start! :)

See you tomorrow :)