I've got a fridge full of fresh food. I'm trying to shop along the outskirts of the grocery store as much as possible and it's working.
So far, I haven't lost a massive amount of weight. The last time I weighed myself I was down five pounds. What I have noticed is that my clothes are fitting differently.
Putting the number weight aside, I feel better, happier and I have more energy. I'm now pursuing a new lifestyle. It's not about shedding pounds, it's about getting healthier.
Days after I posted about my weight gain and the goal to get happier and more fit, I took the plunge into the deep end of the fitness pool — I joined a CrossFit studio in Staunton.
Now, most people think that CrossFit is for crazy people. That's somewhat true, the group I workout with is a bit insane, but in a good way.
This isn't a PSA for CrossFit. I've done the gym thing and I wasn't getting the results I wanted. I became lazy at the gym, there wasn't someone pushing me. What I need is someone pushing me and to have a class community behind me, pushing me.
CrossFit isn't this iron pumping, muscle man thing. When I started I used no weights when I did my first class. I used a PVC pipe for the bar that everyone else was lifting. I did modified pull ups with rings and straps and the coaches at CrossFit Staunton made sure that I was using the correct technique and not hurting myself.
Yes, my quads, arms, legs and basically everything hurt, but that is because I've rarely used those muscles.
Anyone can do CrossFit. You work at your own pace and build up, as with any good workout regime. I will get there. There will be pain, but the more I move my body, the faster my muscles will be able to bounce back and become strong.
I've also realized, since I'm building muscle, I'm not going to be dropping a bunch of weight. I also need to feed my body so I am capable of building muscle. Diets and cross training is like a recipe for disaster.
Instead of opting for the overly processed meals or snacks, I grab some carrots or snap peas. My fridge is filled with mainly green things. I am also constantly drinking water.
Another key factor of this experiment is having a cheat day, or some cheats. Denying yourself treats like a piece of chocolate or some gelato will make you miserable. Portion sizes are key. I'm not going out and eating a large pizza and downing a bunch of soda. I'll eat a scoop of gelato or have a piece of chocolate. I'm not doing that everyday, though.
Do you really want to go through life denying good food? I don't. I love food. I enjoy eating. Now, I'm just cleaning it up. Fresh is key.
One of my new favorite meals is this veggie soup I made up. Vegetable broth, a bunch of fresh veggies like carrots, cabbage, celery, mushrooms and broccoli, along with tofu for protein. So good and super filling. I've also started making more veggie pasta, which I have a little machine that I can crank out zucchini into pasta strands. I usually add red sauce and some type of fish, like shrimp or scallops to the dish. Yum.
It's become a fun experiment. I get to make up new dishes all the time and it makes me want to cook. If I'm going to spend all this money on fresh products, I'm going to use them!
Although I'm not seeing huge results number-wise, everything else seems to be falling into line. How are you doing with #TheMeChallenge?
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