Fasting.

I have been fasting two meals periods a week, well... make that three.

I have been working on a get lean program as I am working on improving my fitness levels. My eating throughout the week is as follows:

Mondays: Meal, Meal-Replacement drink, low-carb meal

Tuesdays: Meal, Fruit Snacks, low-carb meal

Wednesdays: Meal, Fruit Smoothie, fast

Thursdays: Meal, Meal-Replacement Drink, Low-carb meal

Fridays: Meal, Fruit Snacks, off

Saturdays: off, off, off

Sundays: off, Fast, Fast

What does that mean???

a meal is a meal.... following sound eating principles. Eat to satisfaction, not over-stuffing, and balanced. (Keep in mind, I eat little to no pastas or breads, so this will be low-carb).

Meal replacement Drink-- is essentially a protein shake I make at home. I start with water or fruit juice, berries, kiwi, or other fruit, and whey protein. Drink it slowly, so I don't over stuff... and I enjoy.

Low-carb meal-- a meal: protein, veggies-- for example: chicken and broccoli. This would limit your grains.

Fruit snacks: fruit. Pretty simple. An orange, a grapefruit, an apple or other. Eat one piece, or several.

Fast: for that meal-time, i am fasting. Water. Water and more water.

(if i am hungry..... i will have a little fruit).

And off-- this is my 'free meals'-- so, after a sunday morning long run, i may desire pancakes. I can have these here. Or if I want wings, or some other 'bad' food... I can eat these in the Free section, without feeling guilt.

Remember the purpose of a 'free meal' is not to create guilt about the other meals. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for a guilt-free treat. That's all. It is not an invitation to eat the entire food stock. Sensible eating habits should still apply... eat to satisfaction, not stuffing.

If I am hungry during the day because of training, I eat fruit or even a garden salad. A new favorite is applesauce with some whey protein mixed in. I also enjoy pineapple.

I will weigh-in tomorrow morning. Let's see how this is helping!

It's coming together....

Today, I rode with my spin class. I have been feeling pretty awesome.

I noticed not only is my motivation up, but my ability. Perhaps, the two are entwined.... i am more motivated to perform, as my ability is improving.

Today, is the beginning of the new. Today, I am learning that I can make the changes.

30-30s

This morning, I ran 30-30s.

It is 30 seconds run (sprint); 30 seconds run (easy).

Warm-up with a 10 minute run.

Nine (9) repetitions of 30 -30s.

Finished with a 10 minute warm-down.

Kicked my butt.

BTW, I am down 2#.

Mostly Fruit and Vegetables

Yesterday, I consumed fresh fruit for breakfast, salad and steamed veggies for lunch, and steamed broccoli with left over beef in chinese sauces for dinner. I was satisfied.

Today, I feel good.

I am focusing on mostly fruits and veggies.

Drinking Calories

Don't get me wrong: I am not opposed to having a shake or some other treat.

Sometimes, we forget that those drinks/treats have calories.

I have been doing observations of self over the last several days, as I am making changes.

I have noticed that I am reaching for coffee or something else when I am hungry. And I am using the coffee to fill me up. I enjoy a cup of coffee; but I am seeing that it is replacing valuable calories and nutrients.

Today, I am making a conscientious effort to have water with me, and reach for the water when I feel hunger to ensure that it is really hunger I feel.

Daylight Savings

Bear with me as I adjust to the change of the clocks. I never understood this... AT ALL! It just makes winter more depressing, especially since it always seems dark. I understand that the days are shorter in the winter, but why do we have to magnify that?

So, I am pressing forward and challenging myself to use my wakeful time productively.

This morning, I read a book for leisure before I woke to tackle the day!

And when I got up, I felt like I had already accomplished something. I am not looking forward to the shorter days ahead and the cold that usually comes with it, or the terminal gray that descends on the sky. But I will take advantage of the sunshine, and enjoy being outside, even if it means wearing a jacket or a sweater.

Beginning with 40 minute run....

To create inertia, I began with a 40 minute run. The goal was to run the loop by the sea, and not worry about time, or distance. I left the toys or gadgets at home. I know I ran more than 2-miles, because I have tracked this before, but I was more concerned about a steady, continuous run than about how far I went.

I wore a hat. The sun was shining. The water looked blue and the far banks purple.

And I ran..... continuously. My feet were telling me I need a new pair of shoes.

And later today, I will sign up for the Newport Pell Bay Bridge run.... it is an inaugural run across the bridge. I will use it as a training run. I have FIVE weeks, to get ready, before my formal training for the Hyannis Half-Marathon begins.

I felt good.