Let's remix this business...

I've said in more than one post that 365 part two is too restrictive, and I've decided once and for all that it is.  Let's remix this business -- extra points to the person or people who know what movie that's from.

Here's the plan. I am going to kick it old school with The Zone.  For those of you who don't know what The Zone is I suggest you check out Dr. Barry Sears' website. In a nutshell, The Zone advocates consuming calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat in a balanced ratio of 40:30:30 -- 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.  The Zone is Dr. Sears' term for proper hormone balance.  I could geek out on your here, but I suggest you check out his website instead.

My husband and I ate on The Zone from 2006 through 2008 with great results.  I am not going to lie, this nutrition program is tedious.  You have to weigh and measure all of your food; I am literally counting the number of almonds I consume.  The Zone forces me to measure accurate portions of food for my activity level and current body fat, which is perfect for me since I have an issue with portion control.  If you CrossFit, this is the diet most often prescribed by trainers.  The other awesome thing about The Zone is I can eat gluten, dairy, and sugar if I want, I just get smaller portions.  I think The Zone will help keep me on track with my goals, and it is FAR more sustainable for the long term.

A friend recently asked me, "Why can't you just eat in moderation like the rest of the population does?"  Good question.  The easy answer is that I've tried that and it doesn't work for me.  Far too often I slip down the rabbit hole and make terrible food choices that result in bad habits and body fat gain.  The hard answer is that I don't know why that doesn't work for me. I wish it did work, it would certainly be easier.  That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition programming.  While moderation may work for my friend, it doesn't work for me.  And while The Zone may work for me, if may be far too structured and tedious for someone else.  My advice is to keep trying until you find something that works for you, in life and in nutrition.  

August cheat...

I broke down last Friday and used my August cheat.  I ate a York peppermint patty, a few gluten free / dairy free Oreo-type cookies, fried okra, and a drank full strength sweet tea.  I ate and drank these delicious things throughout the course of an entire day, not in one sitting.  Oreo's and okra don't really go well together.  The only thing I ate that I would have considered a cheat during 365 part one was the fried okra. Otherwise, I would have eaten everything else happily and gone along my merry way. You can see by what is listed above that I have a teensy tiny problem with sugar.  This is obviously something I have to work on... still.

I've decided that my new program is too restrictive.  I'm not sure if I am just being a whiner who wants a constant flow of chocolate entering her system, or if it really is too restrictive.  I am leaning toward the too restrictive side, although I do love chocolate.  I am not really sure how to remedy this.  I could add dark chocolate back to the mix, but I am not sure if that is the solution.  What's funny is my "food is fuel" husband thinks it is too restrictive, and if he thinks it's too restrictive, it probably is.  For now, I am going to try to keep pushing forward -- although images of ice cream are currently dancing in my head.  Maybe 365 part two will get easier with time or maybe I will have to figure something else out.  Only time will tell.

Seven days in...

I'm seven days into my new program (365 part two), and I feel pretty good. When I was eating off of the plan, I was tired, lethargic, bloated, and always hungry.  Those symptoms have gone away for the most part.  It hasn't been the easiest seven days though.  I am seriously craving chocolate... I mean really, really craving chocolate.  And on day one of my challenge, I helped a good friend celebrate her 30th birthday at one of my favorite restaurants.  It wasn't easy watching everyone eat bread, pasta, and bread pudding.  To be more specific, it was pure torture.

I am allowed one cheat day each calendar month, and I almost used it yesterday.  Since I am still hanging onto a couple of pounds of water weight from my ten day free-for-all, I figured I should probably wait until that has left my system to enjoy my cheat.

One day at a time.  That's my recommendation for just about everything challenging in life.  Take it one day at a time.  Eventually, you'll look up and things will be easier.

Day one of my challenge was Rebecca's birthday (middle).  Please excuse our scary eyes and my strange pose.  I apparently think I am some sort of supermodel.