Week One is done. It feels good to say that. Allow me to reflect a moment on my experiences in Week One, the Reclaim Phase.
I haven't cooked for my children in over a week and so far they haven't seemed to notice. I'm not sure what that means except that I may not have to go back to cooking for them after my Ultimate Reset is over. So, yay me.
If I'm going to cheat on this program, it's going to be in the evenings when I'm on the couch watching TV. Couch = Food. Actually, Couch = Mindless Snacking on Processed GMO Food. So, clearly I need to establish a long-term plan to counteract this issue. Since I refuse to stop watching sports (almost all of which air in the evenings) or Rizzoli and Isles, I have to hope that I can develop the habit of opting for healthy snacks during this reset. (OK, yes Big Brother should also be added to the list of evening television viewing. I'm not proud of it. It's a recent addiction and I'm very resentful that I've finally been sucked into the mindless drama.)
When I have cheated, it has made my stomach hurt. My stomach no longer wants Doritos. My stomach definitely doesn't want cookies and milk. I haven't checked to see how my stomach feels about beer, but I'm guessing it won't be as excited about it as my taste buds are.
Tai Cheng, while exceptionally easy compared to the rather intense ChaLEAN Extreme, has been both relaxing and beneficial. It is moving rather slowly for my taste and I look forward to combining some of the Tai Chi movements in Week Two.
All in all, Week One was fairly easy. No headaches despite the near elimination of caffeine. (I have snuck a small coffee here and there. I don't want to quit coffee and you can't make me.) I slept better and had more energy throughout the day despite stopping my iron supplements. I feel fully prepared for Week Two.
Week Two is the Release Phase. I think I know what that means. Luckily, I work from home and the bathroom is right beside my office. And while some reviewers will share with you every detail of how the Reset impacted their bathroom habits, I'll spare you that information. I'm willing to share if you really want to know, although that would make for an odd email subject line.
Want to get started on your own journey? Start by setting up your own FREE Team Beachbody membership to help you establish and track your fitness goals. You'll love your new Beachbody Coach. She's pretty awesome.
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Sunday, July 7, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
BB Ultimate Reset: Day Six
Oh so close to finishing out the first week. I get up every morning and put on my Ultimate Reset bracelet as a symbol and reminder of my commitment to this challenge.
It's actually kind of cool and stylish. I think. Actually I don't know what's considered cool and stylish anymore, but in my mind I'm all hip and cool (and not in a "hipster" kind of way because when my son uses that word his tone is dripping with disdain).
Anyway, Stinky Butt (there's a very good reason for the name, though probably not what you might guess) thinks that I'm wearing a special toy designed just for him. If I pass by him sitting on the back of a chair, he will grab the dangly strings and attempt to use them as a leash to lead me around the house.
On a food-related note, I am going to enjoy my last day of semi-real food tomorrow as week two, the Release Phase, moves me into an even more restrictive diet. I wonder how much I will grow to love or hate miso soup...
You can create your own FREE Team Beachbody account here to track your fitness goals and progress and find workout buddies to motivate you. Plus you'll get me as a coach, which is what would really make you lucky. Cause as we've already learned above, I'm all hip and cool.
Friday, July 5, 2013
BB Ultimate Reset: Day Five
"Come on, Craig. It's Friday. You ain't got no job, man." That's the voice I heard in my head as my son held the freshly baked cinnamon rolls under my nose.
"Go ahead, mom. Just have one." What happened to the mean kid that wouldn't let me have any chocolate chip cookies? Apparently he's been replaced by a different mean kid that wants to bully me into failure. His friend suggested he was just trying to test my resolve. Ok, so the teenager didn't use the word "resolve," but that's what he meant.
Whatever. I said no and I didn't even punch the child in his face. (There was part of me that wanted to, though.)
Outside of that little moment, the day was beautiful. Went for a nice long walk with my momma before coming home to do my Tai Cheng. It was a peaceful start to a rather stressful work day. But even with all the stress of demanding students and ridiculously complicated new classroom setups, I feel calm and relaxed.
While I'm anxious to finish this journey to see where it takes me, I am enjoying the process as I go.
Watching the numbers inch closer to my goals is one of my motivators. You can do the same by signing up here for a Team Beachbody profile account and start tracking your own progress.
Now, I get to enjoy a small cup of coffee while I plan the child's punishment for his cruel behavior. I'm thinking about selling all of his stuff and using the proceeds to buy the new wardrobe I'm going to need at the end of this journey.
"Go ahead, mom. Just have one." What happened to the mean kid that wouldn't let me have any chocolate chip cookies? Apparently he's been replaced by a different mean kid that wants to bully me into failure. His friend suggested he was just trying to test my resolve. Ok, so the teenager didn't use the word "resolve," but that's what he meant.
Whatever. I said no and I didn't even punch the child in his face. (There was part of me that wanted to, though.)
Outside of that little moment, the day was beautiful. Went for a nice long walk with my momma before coming home to do my Tai Cheng. It was a peaceful start to a rather stressful work day. But even with all the stress of demanding students and ridiculously complicated new classroom setups, I feel calm and relaxed.
While I'm anxious to finish this journey to see where it takes me, I am enjoying the process as I go.
Watching the numbers inch closer to my goals is one of my motivators. You can do the same by signing up here for a Team Beachbody profile account and start tracking your own progress.
Now, I get to enjoy a small cup of coffee while I plan the child's punishment for his cruel behavior. I'm thinking about selling all of his stuff and using the proceeds to buy the new wardrobe I'm going to need at the end of this journey.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
BB Ultimate Reset: Day Four
Before I begin, I need to just let folks know that I'm going to have to start unfriending folks on Facebook. You all KNOW I'm restricting the foods I eat during the Ultimate Reset, but you insist on posting photos of things like Crock Pot Parmesan Honey Pork Roast, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, and Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole (that last one was posted deliberately to undermine my success, I know it). Uncool, people. Uncool.
Still, I am sticking to my challenge and not feeling too deprived. I'm in kind of a rhythm now and my body is enjoying the light feeling of not being full nonstop throughout the day. I no longer go into panic mode at the slightest tummy rumble. Apparently I used to think I was living in feast or famine times and had to have a constant supply of food lest I whither away in the dead of winter never to see another spring. Now, I don't mind feeling a little hungry off and on throughout the day. But what's weird is that despite the lack of constant food, I have not heard or felt my stomach growl once on this challenge. I have had more than enough to eat while taking in significantly fewer calories.
The real motivator came when I randomly decided to measure my thighs. 21 23/4 inches. That's less than 22 inches. That's smaller than my thighs have been in dang near forever. I am literally shrinking, making me literally happy.
My reward for my progress and stick-to-it-tiveness is a special Tiramisu Shakeology. Probably not completely in line with my UR menu, but this new vanilla flavor gives me so many recipe options for my healthiest meal of the day that I just had to have it twice today. I had an Orange Julius Shake-O this morning and Tiramisu Shake-O to end my day. Perfection.
I am four days in and feeling good, not craving Doritos or beer or pasta. Well, at least not until I see the photos on my FB newsfeed. It seems to be a psychological craving. So I'm going to have to psychologically unfriend half of these people. Or perhaps I will just counter every post of Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole with my own post of vanilla Shake-O and my Ultimate Reset. That'll learn em.
Want to feel this good? Join me for an Ultimate Reset challenge group on Facebook starting next week. https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow We'll have fun, I promise.
Still, I am sticking to my challenge and not feeling too deprived. I'm in kind of a rhythm now and my body is enjoying the light feeling of not being full nonstop throughout the day. I no longer go into panic mode at the slightest tummy rumble. Apparently I used to think I was living in feast or famine times and had to have a constant supply of food lest I whither away in the dead of winter never to see another spring. Now, I don't mind feeling a little hungry off and on throughout the day. But what's weird is that despite the lack of constant food, I have not heard or felt my stomach growl once on this challenge. I have had more than enough to eat while taking in significantly fewer calories.
The real motivator came when I randomly decided to measure my thighs. 21 23/4 inches. That's less than 22 inches. That's smaller than my thighs have been in dang near forever. I am literally shrinking, making me literally happy.
My reward for my progress and stick-to-it-tiveness is a special Tiramisu Shakeology. Probably not completely in line with my UR menu, but this new vanilla flavor gives me so many recipe options for my healthiest meal of the day that I just had to have it twice today. I had an Orange Julius Shake-O this morning and Tiramisu Shake-O to end my day. Perfection.
I am four days in and feeling good, not craving Doritos or beer or pasta. Well, at least not until I see the photos on my FB newsfeed. It seems to be a psychological craving. So I'm going to have to psychologically unfriend half of these people. Or perhaps I will just counter every post of Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole with my own post of vanilla Shake-O and my Ultimate Reset. That'll learn em.
Want to feel this good? Join me for an Ultimate Reset challenge group on Facebook starting next week. https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow We'll have fun, I promise.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
BB Ultimate Reset: Day Three
I woke up feeling good. Not hungry, which is odd for me. I only ate breakfast because it is part of the plan and because I love my Shakeology. New vanilla flavor, what? Mmmmmm.
I felt happy and pleasant as I went to the grocery store, where half of America was stocking up on chips and beer for tomorrow's holiday. I, by the way, was stocking up on veggies and nacho-flavored kale chips (not a suitable Doritos substitute, by the way). No beer for me. No real chips. Nope. I get veggies and nacho-flavored kale chips. *sigh*
All of the warnings in the booklet about days three through five being the hardest days must be for the other people, cause I am so fine.
I will say that later in the day I finally started to feel the achy feeling they talk about in the booklet. It is an odd mix between a very mild flu and vague PMS-type cramping. It's the kind that only makes you mildly annoyed with the world, not the kind that makes you plot how you might be able to start ripping people's hearts out without a life sentence. And this is where I am probably the odd one, but I kind of enjoy it. It makes me feel like I should be taking care of myself and relaxing more. The flu gives you permission to be lazy. So mild flu-like achiness is ok with me.
Also enjoying my Tai Cheng. Dr. Mark Cheng is nice to look at during these relaxing movements, plus he shows you how each Tai Chi move can be used as self-defense, so I get to feel a badass doing them. Still, I miss my more intense workouts and I'm itching to do some Turbo Fire. I shouldn't, but I REALLY want to.
Though I delayed the start of my Ultimate Reset and Tai Cheng challenge groups so I could give folks an idea of what to expect, I have rescheduled the start date for those groups for Monday, July 8th. Check out event details at https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow if you'd like to join me!
I felt happy and pleasant as I went to the grocery store, where half of America was stocking up on chips and beer for tomorrow's holiday. I, by the way, was stocking up on veggies and nacho-flavored kale chips (not a suitable Doritos substitute, by the way). No beer for me. No real chips. Nope. I get veggies and nacho-flavored kale chips. *sigh*
All of the warnings in the booklet about days three through five being the hardest days must be for the other people, cause I am so fine.
I will say that later in the day I finally started to feel the achy feeling they talk about in the booklet. It is an odd mix between a very mild flu and vague PMS-type cramping. It's the kind that only makes you mildly annoyed with the world, not the kind that makes you plot how you might be able to start ripping people's hearts out without a life sentence. And this is where I am probably the odd one, but I kind of enjoy it. It makes me feel like I should be taking care of myself and relaxing more. The flu gives you permission to be lazy. So mild flu-like achiness is ok with me.
Also enjoying my Tai Cheng. Dr. Mark Cheng is nice to look at during these relaxing movements, plus he shows you how each Tai Chi move can be used as self-defense, so I get to feel a badass doing them. Still, I miss my more intense workouts and I'm itching to do some Turbo Fire. I shouldn't, but I REALLY want to.
Though I delayed the start of my Ultimate Reset and Tai Cheng challenge groups so I could give folks an idea of what to expect, I have rescheduled the start date for those groups for Monday, July 8th. Check out event details at https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow if you'd like to join me!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
BB Ultimate Reset: Day Two
Slept like a baby last night. It was quite phenomenal, really. I've never had trouble sleeping, but I do generally wake up several times throughout the night. Not last night. I was completely at peace with the world.
I felt much more comfortable with the process today. I didn't crave coffee and have yet to experience any caffeine withdrawal headaches.
Completed Day Two of my Tai Cheng, as well. It's an oddly relaxing workout and I'm noticing that I really have lost some range of motion in my shoulders/arms. Hopefully this program will help restore that before I get into my next intense challenge.
Clearly one of the pieces of this reset is reducing the number of calories I'm consuming daily. What I'm realizing is that I eat to fill time. I eat all of the time. I eat nonstop throughout the day. I eat when I'm grading. I eat right before teaching and again right after. I eat when I'm lesson planning. I eat when I'm researching. About the only time I don't eat is when I'm feeding the animals or working out. And while I was able to do that and still lose weight during my ChaLEAN Extreme program (seriously, the miracle of strength training), it was clearly holding me back from seeing full results.
So I am getting more comfortable with being slightly hungry throughout the day. It is not the horrifying feeling of deprivation that I always imagined it to be. We're not supposed to be full all day long. According to the USDA, "Americans consume 530 more calories per day than they did in 1970" (as cited in an article in the Success magazine my super-awesome coach sent me today). Worse yet, most of those foods are highly processed and filled with chemicals. I am focused on flushing those chemicals out of my body and continuing this habit of healthier eating even after I finish this challenge.
On the down side, it is only day two and I don't want to see another piece of tofu. This means I'm going to have to go shopping and put a little more thought and effort into menu planning. Evenings have always been my downfall where food is concerned. I usually fill my evenings with Doritos and beer. Lots of flavor and no cooking required. So, tofu and steamed broccoli aren't cutting it. I need more flavor than that for my evening meals. I'm eyeing up that sweet potato and red pepper bisque.
http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong
I felt much more comfortable with the process today. I didn't crave coffee and have yet to experience any caffeine withdrawal headaches.
Completed Day Two of my Tai Cheng, as well. It's an oddly relaxing workout and I'm noticing that I really have lost some range of motion in my shoulders/arms. Hopefully this program will help restore that before I get into my next intense challenge.
Clearly one of the pieces of this reset is reducing the number of calories I'm consuming daily. What I'm realizing is that I eat to fill time. I eat all of the time. I eat nonstop throughout the day. I eat when I'm grading. I eat right before teaching and again right after. I eat when I'm lesson planning. I eat when I'm researching. About the only time I don't eat is when I'm feeding the animals or working out. And while I was able to do that and still lose weight during my ChaLEAN Extreme program (seriously, the miracle of strength training), it was clearly holding me back from seeing full results.
So I am getting more comfortable with being slightly hungry throughout the day. It is not the horrifying feeling of deprivation that I always imagined it to be. We're not supposed to be full all day long. According to the USDA, "Americans consume 530 more calories per day than they did in 1970" (as cited in an article in the Success magazine my super-awesome coach sent me today). Worse yet, most of those foods are highly processed and filled with chemicals. I am focused on flushing those chemicals out of my body and continuing this habit of healthier eating even after I finish this challenge.
On the down side, it is only day two and I don't want to see another piece of tofu. This means I'm going to have to go shopping and put a little more thought and effort into menu planning. Evenings have always been my downfall where food is concerned. I usually fill my evenings with Doritos and beer. Lots of flavor and no cooking required. So, tofu and steamed broccoli aren't cutting it. I need more flavor than that for my evening meals. I'm eyeing up that sweet potato and red pepper bisque.
http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong
Monday, July 1, 2013
BB Ultimate Reset: Day One
4:00am - I feel hungover and all I really want is coffee. Why can't I have coffee? Teenagers up all night. Loud. Kitchen mess. Tornado? No. Teenagers. Chocolate chip muffins everywhere. Pancake batter. No coffee. Why can't I have coffee?
6:00am - I drink my Mineralized water and take my Optimize pills. Still no coffee. I want to reach into the television and punch the kid on the Honey Nut Cheerios commercial in the face. I can't eat for another thirty minutes. I may be dying.
6:15am - I am not yet feeling compelled to stand on my front porch with my arms in the air praising the heavens for this beautiful life I've been given. Still no coffee.
6:30am - Shakeology. I run the blender as long and loud as possible...just because.
7:00am - Tai Cheng. It's a somewhat startling, but relaxing change from Chalene Johnson yelling at me to go hard or go home (which is odd because she must know that I AM home when doing these programs). Feeling a little light, but not really in a bad way. I would like some coffee, though.
9:00am - Feeling less inclined to hurt someone. Still wanting coffee.
10:00am - Children awake. Cooking more pancakes. Eggs. Bacon. Hot Pockets. I want to punch them all in their faces. I don't even like Hot Pockets. They're gross, but I want to snatch one out of their greedy little hands and inhale it. Still no coffee. All I really want is coffee. They can keep the Hot Pockets if I can just have come coffee.
11:00am - I Mineralize and Optimize again. Then I wait. Still no coffee.
11:30am - Thank goodness for lunch. I love lunch. Lunch is, like, the BEST. THING. EVER. Scrambled eggs, steamed kale, and 1 slice of whole-grain toast. No salt. No butter. Just plain eggs, kale, and toast. And it is freakin delicious.
2:30pm - Time to Mineralize and Alkalinize. What in heaven's name is this? It's green. It looks like seaweed water. It smells like seaweed water. It tastes...like seaweed water. Oddly enough, though, it's not that bad. Actually, my new-found love of edamame has prepared me for this, because it also smells and tastes very much like the edamame pods. I might just make it through this.
3:00pm - Snack. Best edamame I've ever had. Ever.
5:30pm - Took my last Mineralize, Optimize, and Soothe.
6:00pm - Baked tofu, steamed broccoli, and brown rice. The most delicious bland food ever. It is very much like finishing a half marathon and scarfing down stale wheat bagels covered in peanut butter and telling everyone around you that it's the best meal you've ever had. Ever. Still, a post-meal coffee would be super.
6:30pm - Reading through my Beachbody Ultimate Reset booklet. Just curious what each of these elements is supposed to do for me. Alkalinize helps maintain alkalinity. Sure. Mineralize adds natural minerals needed by the body. Ok. Optimize promotes healthy metabolism and effective body functions. Yep. Body's been functioning quite a bit today.
Then I decide to peruse the Frequently Asked Questions, just to kind of cut to the chase. What happens if I cheat during the Ultimate Reset? No biggie. Just start right back. Cool. Can I drink coffee during the Ultimate Reset? Yes. Wait, WHAT? What the f---????? What in the heck is going on? WHY didn't I read this first???? Dangit!
Ok, so you're not supposed to drink coffee on this program, but you can, in small amounts. And this is what I have learned today. READ thoroughly before jumping into a program. I might have been able to communicate with more humans today if I had done so.
http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong
6:00am - I drink my Mineralized water and take my Optimize pills. Still no coffee. I want to reach into the television and punch the kid on the Honey Nut Cheerios commercial in the face. I can't eat for another thirty minutes. I may be dying.
6:15am - I am not yet feeling compelled to stand on my front porch with my arms in the air praising the heavens for this beautiful life I've been given. Still no coffee.
6:30am - Shakeology. I run the blender as long and loud as possible...just because.
7:00am - Tai Cheng. It's a somewhat startling, but relaxing change from Chalene Johnson yelling at me to go hard or go home (which is odd because she must know that I AM home when doing these programs). Feeling a little light, but not really in a bad way. I would like some coffee, though.
9:00am - Feeling less inclined to hurt someone. Still wanting coffee.
10:00am - Children awake. Cooking more pancakes. Eggs. Bacon. Hot Pockets. I want to punch them all in their faces. I don't even like Hot Pockets. They're gross, but I want to snatch one out of their greedy little hands and inhale it. Still no coffee. All I really want is coffee. They can keep the Hot Pockets if I can just have come coffee.
11:00am - I Mineralize and Optimize again. Then I wait. Still no coffee.
11:30am - Thank goodness for lunch. I love lunch. Lunch is, like, the BEST. THING. EVER. Scrambled eggs, steamed kale, and 1 slice of whole-grain toast. No salt. No butter. Just plain eggs, kale, and toast. And it is freakin delicious.
2:30pm - Time to Mineralize and Alkalinize. What in heaven's name is this? It's green. It looks like seaweed water. It smells like seaweed water. It tastes...like seaweed water. Oddly enough, though, it's not that bad. Actually, my new-found love of edamame has prepared me for this, because it also smells and tastes very much like the edamame pods. I might just make it through this.
3:00pm - Snack. Best edamame I've ever had. Ever.
5:30pm - Took my last Mineralize, Optimize, and Soothe.
6:00pm - Baked tofu, steamed broccoli, and brown rice. The most delicious bland food ever. It is very much like finishing a half marathon and scarfing down stale wheat bagels covered in peanut butter and telling everyone around you that it's the best meal you've ever had. Ever. Still, a post-meal coffee would be super.
6:30pm - Reading through my Beachbody Ultimate Reset booklet. Just curious what each of these elements is supposed to do for me. Alkalinize helps maintain alkalinity. Sure. Mineralize adds natural minerals needed by the body. Ok. Optimize promotes healthy metabolism and effective body functions. Yep. Body's been functioning quite a bit today.
Then I decide to peruse the Frequently Asked Questions, just to kind of cut to the chase. What happens if I cheat during the Ultimate Reset? No biggie. Just start right back. Cool. Can I drink coffee during the Ultimate Reset? Yes. Wait, WHAT? What the f---????? What in the heck is going on? WHY didn't I read this first???? Dangit!
Ok, so you're not supposed to drink coffee on this program, but you can, in small amounts. And this is what I have learned today. READ thoroughly before jumping into a program. I might have been able to communicate with more humans today if I had done so.
http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong
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