End of the Week Report
It's Saturday morning and I've survived almost an entire week of the UltraSimpleDiet. It's been hard, but I've lost 3.2 pounds. I believe about half a pound of that is fat. I think the DH has lost 13 so far and it really shows. His face has slimmed and he's already breaking out pants he hasn't worn in years. Instant results! For him, anyway. :::grumble, grumble::::
I think I'm at the point now where I've lost all the water and will start losing fat if I stay on it, but I really don't want to. However, I think I will compromise and step up to the more restrictive phase of UltraMetabolism, which allows more foods than this diet. I plan to stay off of all prepared foods for at least another week until we leave for vacation (I get all tingly just saying the word!).
Now that I have the scale moving in a downward motion for the first time in six months, I don't want to just toss progress to the wind. I'll give it another week. Plus, this week I should be able to hit the gym since we have half-days at work.
I have a plan for my return to the gym. I'm going to start lifting weights on my lower body only. I've discovered that any work I do--even in yoga--that involves my upper back and shoulders really causes me to knot up and have problems for days afterward. I need to build up my back and shoulder muscles slowly and gently.
The problem, I think, is that in yoga class, we often isolate a muscle group and work on it, which I think strains that group for me because the whole back area is weak. I'm going to start rowing again, which works the whole back at once. I'm going to go super gently at first--maybe only five minutes at a time--and slowly build up so that I can stop hurting my rhomboids and shoulder blades every time I do ANYTHING.
I'm going to start on my leg lifting today, as I am concerned about my general lack of fitness heading into this very active vacation. We're going to be hiking, and my legs are not in shape. In the past, it hasn't taken many sessions to notice a difference in my quads and calves, so I'm going to try to squeeze in at least three this week before we go.
FOOD RECOMMENDATION: Before I go, I must tell you about my new discovery, which is The Spice Hunter's Spring Salad Mix. It's an herb blend of dill, shallots, garlic, and chives that is good on just about every damn thing. The way we use it the most is to mix it with a little olive oil in a pan to get it reconstituted. Heat it up a little, then sautee your veggies as usual. We've found this technique good for tossing in pasta or eggs. It adds an amazing dimension of flavor.
Have a great Saturday everyone.