In the wise words of Rodney Atkins/ Winston Churchill (equals, right?), "If you're going through hell, keep on going".
It's officially been one week of the 21 day fix, and after the third day I doubt I would have made it if I hadn't had that quote above running through my head. In a quick synopsis of my week, it very much was a huge adjustment that my body initially didn't know how to react to. I was irritable, crabby, exhausted, and so bitter that I couldn't eat the chocolate bar I had previously stored at the office. Or worse- I had to turn down beer with coworkers, friends, and family one more than one occasion. If you know me at all, beer is my go-to. It's my thing. A self-proclaimed beer connoisseur of sorts. Anyway, as Friday hit (day 5), I knew there was no way I was turning back.
By Friday, i woke up feeling absolutely on-top of the World. Never did I ever think I would receive the support I did from posting my message on Facebook. I had friends, family and acquaintances text me, call me, message me, and even share my story. After the huge amount of encouragement I received, I thought it would be pretty selfish to indulge and ruin everything I had already worked so hard for! So, Friday night came where I went to Donnelly's (a Manfull family Friday tradition), and swapped my copious amounts of caloric/carb heavy beers for a cucumber-vodka and water. I also limited my intake to two. The 21 day fix only technically allows wine, in substitution for a serving of carbs, but this is also a journey of figuring out balance- so, I balanced! I sustained from consuming any starchy carbs on Friday so I could kick back and guilt-free sip on a dink.
Saturday, the Hawks went 7-0, and I religiously cheered them on all while drinking nothing but ice water (out of a huge Bubba container--straws seriously do wonders for water consumption). That's probably the first Hawkeye game I've watched in an embarrassingly longtime without a cold beer in hand...but it felt awesome.
Sunday called for lunch at Grandma's, which meant a plethora of delicious home cooked foods (my weakness). I allowed myself a small portion of cheesy potatoes, and mac n cheese- but avoided the bread and doubled up on meat and green beans--again, I applied moderation and balance to substitute a little splurge.
So- in wrap up, I've never felt better. It's blowing my mind how much I have already grown mentally (not constantly thinking about the mini m&m's I have upstairs), and physically. I wasn't fully convinced 21 days would do a whole lot of change, but after 7 I can honestly tell you that my beer gut is vanishing, my waist is tucking and my legs are toning. I had no idea that your body change truly does come from the kitchen. I thought it was complete hocus pocus when people would say "to change your body, it must be from 70%-30%". Meaning, 70% of the change happens in the kitchen in the foods you choose to prepare and eat, and the other 30% comes from the workout.
The workouts are 30 minutes with a 10 min ab video 3x a week. 30 minutes is not only do-able, but it's enough time where you can really commit yourself physically and mentally to its entirety. It's also challenging, but not to the point where you feel like you can't do it. It pushes you, but not to the point where you feel like you have to give up. I'm feeling it in every muscle, my whole body is sore--but it makes every day that much sweeter because I know my body is responding!
Below are some of the recipes I've tried this week. I have absolutely enjoyed everything I've made this week, and the crazy thing is...you're allowed to eat so much! I constantly feel full, fueled, and refreshed. I'm so ready to hit week 2 with the same amount of enthusiasm. I genuinely appreciate all the outreach and support from everyone-- you have no idea how much it pushed me and held me accountable!
**PS: Plain Greek Yogurt can be substituted for sour cream, or ranch dressing...who knew!?
Turkey Burgers and Tzatziki sauce
Buffalo Chicken Dip: I used more as a meal because it's not a true "dip" texture
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
Green Smoothie: spinach, kale, pineapple and topped off with a spoon-full of chia seeds
Steak, baby red potatoes, and asparagus.
It's officially been one week of the 21 day fix, and after the third day I doubt I would have made it if I hadn't had that quote above running through my head. In a quick synopsis of my week, it very much was a huge adjustment that my body initially didn't know how to react to. I was irritable, crabby, exhausted, and so bitter that I couldn't eat the chocolate bar I had previously stored at the office. Or worse- I had to turn down beer with coworkers, friends, and family one more than one occasion. If you know me at all, beer is my go-to. It's my thing. A self-proclaimed beer connoisseur of sorts. Anyway, as Friday hit (day 5), I knew there was no way I was turning back.
By Friday, i woke up feeling absolutely on-top of the World. Never did I ever think I would receive the support I did from posting my message on Facebook. I had friends, family and acquaintances text me, call me, message me, and even share my story. After the huge amount of encouragement I received, I thought it would be pretty selfish to indulge and ruin everything I had already worked so hard for! So, Friday night came where I went to Donnelly's (a Manfull family Friday tradition), and swapped my copious amounts of caloric/carb heavy beers for a cucumber-vodka and water. I also limited my intake to two. The 21 day fix only technically allows wine, in substitution for a serving of carbs, but this is also a journey of figuring out balance- so, I balanced! I sustained from consuming any starchy carbs on Friday so I could kick back and guilt-free sip on a dink.
Saturday, the Hawks went 7-0, and I religiously cheered them on all while drinking nothing but ice water (out of a huge Bubba container--straws seriously do wonders for water consumption). That's probably the first Hawkeye game I've watched in an embarrassingly longtime without a cold beer in hand...but it felt awesome.
Sunday called for lunch at Grandma's, which meant a plethora of delicious home cooked foods (my weakness). I allowed myself a small portion of cheesy potatoes, and mac n cheese- but avoided the bread and doubled up on meat and green beans--again, I applied moderation and balance to substitute a little splurge.
So- in wrap up, I've never felt better. It's blowing my mind how much I have already grown mentally (not constantly thinking about the mini m&m's I have upstairs), and physically. I wasn't fully convinced 21 days would do a whole lot of change, but after 7 I can honestly tell you that my beer gut is vanishing, my waist is tucking and my legs are toning. I had no idea that your body change truly does come from the kitchen. I thought it was complete hocus pocus when people would say "to change your body, it must be from 70%-30%". Meaning, 70% of the change happens in the kitchen in the foods you choose to prepare and eat, and the other 30% comes from the workout.
The workouts are 30 minutes with a 10 min ab video 3x a week. 30 minutes is not only do-able, but it's enough time where you can really commit yourself physically and mentally to its entirety. It's also challenging, but not to the point where you feel like you can't do it. It pushes you, but not to the point where you feel like you have to give up. I'm feeling it in every muscle, my whole body is sore--but it makes every day that much sweeter because I know my body is responding!
Below are some of the recipes I've tried this week. I have absolutely enjoyed everything I've made this week, and the crazy thing is...you're allowed to eat so much! I constantly feel full, fueled, and refreshed. I'm so ready to hit week 2 with the same amount of enthusiasm. I genuinely appreciate all the outreach and support from everyone-- you have no idea how much it pushed me and held me accountable!
**PS: Plain Greek Yogurt can be substituted for sour cream, or ranch dressing...who knew!?
Turkey Burgers and Tzatziki sauce
Buffalo Chicken Dip: I used more as a meal because it's not a true "dip" texture
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
Green Smoothie: spinach, kale, pineapple and topped off with a spoon-full of chia seeds
Steak, baby red potatoes, and asparagus.
 |
| Green Smoothie and Chia Seeds- Breakfast |
 |
| Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad--Leftover Lunch |
 |
| Steak, baby reds, asparagus, tomatoes and feta cheese |
Comments
Post a Comment