Amy - Week #3 Done

I had to take a few things easy today because I hurt my lower back on Tuesday during our workout. I know... first a pulled groin and now a hurt back, but I swear I'm not trying to get out of literally working my a** off. Speaking of which, our trainer said that our commitment in this program is going to start making visible results soon, probably around 4-6 weeks. It'll be interesting to see how all these workouts start making a difference, and what those differences are. I haven't lost any weight, but I'm pretty sure I've lost inches in various places.

Our trainer today handed back our food diaries from the first week with notes and suggestions for our specific diets. It was really helpful having such personalized outside perspective. For me he suggested to focus on eating all my carbohydrate-rich foods (whole and multi-grain) early on in the day so that I don't crave cookies/cake in the later afternoon and evening. He also wrote out some healthier substitutions for when I do crave those snacks, such as extra-dark chocolate, low-fat string cheese, nuts, cottage cheese and fruit, etc. Those snacks actually sound pretty good. So I may "reward" myself this weekend by stocking up on those healthy treats, versus food rewards that totally throw everything out the window for which I've worked during the week.

I've found that often when my diet is filled with trash it is because I haven't planned ahead, or really thought about what I would most enjoy. In those moments I'll grab the closest thing to kill a craving, instead of thinking first about what is tasty and satisfying as well as a food that my body can USE to help me function. I like how it feels to take ownership for what I put into my body. Sometimes when I talk to my friends it's as if we view food as something that controls us, instead of our bodys' fuel source that we need to take charge of. It's difficult... but very possible, and enjoyable when done the right way. And I'm slowly learning more about doing it the right way.

I have a back massage scheduled for tomorrow morning at the SRC so hopefully I'll be at the top of my A-game on Monday. The run on A Mountain didn't hurt my back much at all and the natural motion of running/walking helped to align it a little bit. Erego, If I work out this weekend I'm focusing on cardio, not heavy lifting :) Maybe I'll even check out that A Mountaintop view again...