What I’m about to say seems to be taboo in the “Healthy Living” blogworld, but I’m going to say it anyway.
I need to lose some weight. And I‘m going to count calories to help me get there.
(source)
Yep, you heard me right. And I’m not going to be ashamed about it, but I will explain.
I’ve not been getting in my “usual” amount of training since my marathon in March. This actually seems to happen every couple of years, where my motivation lags a bit and I end up searching for something different to motivate me. I’ve enjoyed trying out HIIT workouts, tabatas, bootcamps, and other fun stuff – but with all the change going on in my life, I haven’t gotten as much movement in as usual.
That would be okay had I altered my eating habits to fit my workout level, but I didn’t. I’m absolutely terrible at that, which is why I tend to choose endurance events where I burn a lot more calories. And I am also terrible at estimating calories in what I eat, which adds to the problem.
So now, I’ve added some extra pounds to my petite frame that I don’t need. I don’t want to carry these through marathon training, so it’s time to do something about it.
The Workouts
I know I need to increase my strength training to help rev up my metabolism and burn off more fat. So, when Bobbie started talking about Making the Cut last month, I looked into it. I like Jillian Michael’s no-nonsense style and the book focuses on those with less than 10 pounds to lose (that’s me!) — so I downloaded the Kindle book.
Oh yea, and we have “free” access to 4 gyms here in Highlands Ranch. That’s right – there are FOUR recreation centers that are included with our HOA, so I might as well take advantage!
The workouts plan seems interesting & features many moves I’m not familiar with. Perfect! I’m not doing the workouts as written, since I’m also training for a marathon right now. I’ve tweaked the workouts to remove most of the cardio moves, focusing on the strength exercises. With 4-5 days of running and 2 days of cycling, I think I’m getting plenty of cardio in right now and I don’t want to overdo it. Time will tell if these modifications will still get me the results I’m hoping for.
The Nutrition
Reading through the book, the nutrition stuff really annoyed me. All the plans are very animal-centric & she glossed over the few vegetarian options. It’s a good think I wasn’t looking for nutrition advice! Instead, I’m taking the principles and adapting them for my plant-based diet. This means I’m going to be counting calories – a pain in the butt, but I know it really helps me. My goal is to stay at my Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR -which I’ve had tested previously) plus about 200 calories.
The plan recommends just eating your RMR, but since my cardio is more than what is called for, I’m padding a bit extra. I’ll be paying close attention to my body to make sure this is enough to fuel my workouts.
She also tells you to cut out alcohol for the month. Um…I just moved to Colorado and there is good beer here. So, I’m ignoring this advice for now and I’ll re-evaluate in a month.
What I Ate Wednesday Tuesday!
So, if you made it through all my ramblings above, I think you deserve some fun photos!
Breakfast
Today’s breakfast started with some V8 Fusion (2/3 cup) before heading out the door for a 4 mile run.
After my run, I had a breakfast sandwich with Coconut & Peanut Spread on one side and smashed Blackberries on the other. Yum!
Lunch
I brought leftover’s from last night’s Brinner (breakfast + dinner) for lunch at the office – a Mexican Scramble with a Whole Wheat Tortilla. If you still haven’t tried a tofu scramble, or are looking for some new scramble ideas, make sure you come back tomorrow for a video demo and variations!
Snack
I had a late meeting, so a snack was necessary before our workout. Thankfully I got a care package from The Simply Bar this weekend, so I had this YUMMY Cinnamon Almond Protein Bar on the way into the gym.
Dinner
Finally, while I blogged, Kirk made something new for dinner – Chicken Teriyaki on Udon noodles (made with soy curls). My original dinner plans fell through when I realized we didn’t have any “normal” pasta, but Kirk had this idea when he saw the Soy Curls sitting next to the Udon noodles.
It turned out great, a light sauce and great flavor. And I love soy curls, so it was great to use them again!
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Questions for you:
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Are you good at intuitive eating for maintaining your weight or do you need a more structured approach?
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Have you tried Making the Cut or a similar workout program?
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What was the best thing you ate today?
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like great eats, I think finding what works for you is the best! Everyone has a different approach so it is what you think will help you!
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Fix What IS Broke
That’s interesting that the plans were very animal-centric, because in her book Master your Metabolism, she talks a lot about a vegan diet!
Lee recently posted..A New Plan
I have counted calories for years and it’s because I eat such a plant heavy diet. I could eat salads all day long and be a happy girl. This also leads to an underweight girl because I love to workout and I’m a trainer too. That’s no good. Since becoming certified in Fitness Nutrition though, I know that I have to eat more balance and counting calories/evaluating my macronutrients is perfect for me. I am not crazy hyper sensitive about it though. I use it as a fitness tool to maintain my weight. I love when people aren’t ashamed to say they count calories. Thank you for sharing this!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) recently posted..Gluten and Dairy Free Monkey Bread!
No shame in the Lost It app! that what I use to ensure I’m get enough enough protein and not too much sugar. I really like that it’s free, and that you can scan bar codes or add recipes. So easy!
The best thing I ate… I can’t choose the breakfast parfait was delish, but so was my cauliflower pizza at dinner. you could totally make it vegan with a flax egg!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Peanut Butter & Jeggs + WIAW
I need a structured approach too, so I know how you feel. You obv don’t need to lose any, but I’m still behind you because I know you’ll do it the healthy way. :) Good luck girl!
You know what, screw taboo. You are a triathlete and obviously there is an ideal weight for you to perform your best. Just don’t go crazy.
I’m in the same boat as you. I need to lighten up so I can up my mileage safely without hurting my joints.
Side note, My Fitness Pal is the BEST site I’ve ever used for calorie counting. I’ve tried LiveStrong, Lose it, and even WeightWatchers (not calories, points). MFP has great apps and has tools that allow you to set your own nutrient goals (protein, carbs, fat) and there’s a community factor, and when you log daily and “complete your entry” it tells you how much you will weigh (estimate) in 5 weeks if you keep up the good work.
Calee recently posted..Summer Bucket List: Pizza + Progress
I love that you recognized what you need to change with your diet, and fitness. Who cares what others may think about “Calorie Counting”. As long as your doing it for YOU, that’s all that matters. I’m Calorie Counting right now, well have been in order to gain weight. It does help, well kinda.. if only I’d make the calorie count I need after my extreme workouts lol. Good luck though girl. I know you’ll stick to it :)
The best thing I ate yesterday was dinner. We had broccoli and cheese stuffed Tilapia. Delicious! Tonight may out beat it though. I decided to make omeletes and incorporate salmon into them.
Have a great Wednesday girl!
Jessie recently posted..A new beginning…
“good think I wasn’t looking for nutrition advice” <– good thing you already know you can get all you need with a plant based diet! ;)
I don't know if it is intuitive, but … geez, this whole year I have not had the time to be as active as I normally am – so much going on. the way I eat gradually changed on it's own, I think – when I am more active I need more calories, when I'm not I also am not raging hungry ;) I know at times I have simply been too busy, where a bar or salad from the hospital cafe is all I can do. …and now I'm rambling.
SO NICE you have access to so many gyms!
Kris recently posted..rest in peace, sweet Missy cat
I like what you are doing! I understand how you can put on weight easily-I am big eater as well. However I can not count calories! I find that if I go to bed a bit hungry that I can lose weight. And I find that when I do too much cardio it can be counterproductive as well because my appetite increases too. I need to check out making the cut though…..sounds interesting! I think you are on the right path…..keep us updated!
kalli recently posted..Organic, Cruelty and Paraben Free and For You!
I’ve been really good at intuitive eating for the most part and maintaining my weight but after starting the FitMixer Bootcamp and tracking calories as part of the program, I found that there are times I’m eating more food than I need or am really even hungry for. People often think that eating greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola isn’t enough to call lunch. But for me, it is because I’m eating small meals and snacks all day long that come lunch time that’s the perfect meal for me and keeps at my calorie goal. Why eat more if I’m not actually hungry for more and I’m meeting my body’s needs?
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
Way to go for taking a proactive, healthy approach. I know I have a big issue cutting back calories after cutting back in intensity of training. Tough! Good luck!!
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..Use It Or Lose It
good luck girl! and more power to ya for not cutting out the beer :)
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..#surviveon35: Recap & Thoughts
Wahoo – go you! I think counting calories is a great way to lose weight and there should be no reason that that method should be looked down on. It’s easy to measure what’s what and protein, fiber, and carb needs.
I like my fitnesspal better, have you tried that one?
Charissa recently posted..Workouts, Blender Bottles, and Instagram
I count calories, and more importantly, my nutrition. I LOVE the LoseIt app. It’s allowed me to truly take control of my health, my lifestyle, my daily diet and exercise. I enjoy looking at all of the graphs, charts and stats. Wishing you the best on this journey!
Katie @wishandwhimsy recently posted..There’s Variety In My WIAW & Giveaway Reminder
This is interesting. I’ve got about 5 extra pounds on me that have appeared with my increase in cycling and swimming. When I ran 50 miles a week, I could eat anything. But now that I’m swimming, biking and running, either I’m not burning as many calories, have gained muscle or am eating too much. While if I were only running, these 5 pounds would really bother me, I PRd in my last 2 races, so I’m wondering if these extra pounds are a good thing. What do you think?
Beth recently posted..Tri for Micah 2.0 complete!
I’m counting calories too in order to lose the last dozen pounds. I think it is okay to be honest and say you want to lose as long as you are doing it for a healthy reason. For example: I want to lose the 12 pounds because it is all in my mid-section and I know fat there is dangerous and leads to lots of health problems, not because I care about being a certain size or looking a certain way.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..Kicking Negative Nancy’s Butt
We are in a similar boat! I have a hard time cutting back on eating when I’m used to consuming more during training. That’s one of the reasons I run – so I can eat more! :)
Best of luck. Together we can do this!
Stacy @ Stacy Eats recently posted..Post-Wedding Weight Gain
Hello-new reader from WIAW- Good for you for having your veggie sense turned on! The noodles look tasty ! Cheers!
I TOTALLY understand what you mean, Heather – I think it’s what I was trying to say in my last post! I’ve put on only a few pounds, but it’s weight due to eating whatever I like and I’m not comfortable in all my clothes. Time to make a change! I’ve never counted calories…maybe I should? The main thing for me is not snacking too much and trying to get more protein – at least that’s my self-diagnosis. ;) At any rate, keep at it and let’s keep each other accountable! I need to check in with someone who understand my approach is healthy and that just b/c I’m a personal trainer doesn’t mean I should or should not be trying to lose weight. Gotta keep it clean and keep moving well! :D
I do okay with intuitive eating, but mostly because (like you) I prefer endurance activities and lots of cardio. But I do have the same problem… my body gets used to marathon-training amounts of food and it’s hard to talk it back down when I’m not training for something that big!
Best wishes on your plan- I agree, it’s hard to find plant-based guides, since everything seems to push animal protein.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Black Bean Spinach dip and a Larabar winner
What are Soy Curls?!?!
And if counting calories is what you need to do, then DO IT. I do it, too…it can be challenging though, expecially if you have a competitive spirit, because sometimes I get really caught up in it.
I have never counted calories, but then I might need to as well to pull off the few extra pounds. If it makes you feel better, scientists in the weight loss field show data that successful weight losers track calories. Good luck! http://funandfit.org/2012/07/diets-work-if-you-do/
KymberlyFunFit recently posted..Seuss Workout
Don’t you just love The Simply Bars??? I have never done Making the Cut, but I have seen the book. There is no shame in counting calories to meet your goal. I can’t do it, or I will obsess over everything I put in my mouth.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..WIAW #10 Something Old, Something New
No shame in that! You go girl! And I do love Jillian! But she is definitely pro meat. Her workouts rock though!
I need a plan! Eating intuitively doesn’t work for me. With strength training and running I’m sometimes just as guilty of not eating enough. It’s a balance that I have to be conscious of.
Jill @ [Fitness, Health and Happiness] recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday || Fueled By A Plant Based Diet
I count calories too. At the moment, I’m using My Fitness Pal which I find to be great to show me my macronutrient breakdown. I’m a few pounds up from where I’d like to be.