Challenge: Week Two Wrap-Up

I can't believe it's been a week since I've last posted something. I was supposed to post every couple of days during my challenge, but this week has been insanely busy (which is a good thing).

Exercise
Last week I started back with my exercise program. I am working my way up to being back at CrossFit Addiction. Before I can get back there, I need to first find a job (urgh) and then make sure my endurance and strength is back to where it was before I injured myself. So, this week, with my wonderful workout partner (my husband) we started following CrossFit's Beginner program. I can't run due to previous ankle and knee injuries, but the elliptical has been a great replacement. I am also rotating into the schedule The Bar Method and Amy Bento's Kettlebell Dynamics Workouts (both on DVD).

Exercise Results for the Week: 4 days = 2 hours 32 minutes = 2431 calories burned

Support Groups and Speakers

While doing research last week, trying to find more blogs and recipe ideas, I discovered that Dr. Stephen Wangen was going to be in town. He was speaking at the Atlanta Metro Celiac Support Group (a chapter of the Gluten Intolerance Group) Saturday morning. So, naturally I grabbed my support (my husband) and we headed out to hear this expert speak. I have followed Dr. Wangen's blog for some time, and have found valuable information from him. So, to have the honor to hear him speak, and get a signed copy of his book "Healthier Without Wheat", was an honor, and something we couldn't pass up.

If you haven't heard of Dr. Stephen Wangen, he's worth the time to research. Here are some links....his blog... IBS Treatment Center... and the Center for Food Allergies.

Food
I have done amazing on the program this week - even eating out twice this week. I have found that making meal plans for the week that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks has been a HUGE tool to my success. The other was cleaning out the refrigerator of anything remaining that was not safe.

Recap and Stats
So here's a recap of the week....

• All of my meals, including the ones I had at Joe's Crab Shack and Longhorn Steakhouse, have been free of any gluten, soy and casein
• I am doing amazingly great without caffeine. I've had a few headaches, but they are improving.
• My water intake has improved greatly since last week. I am hitting my 64 ounce mark everyday, and starting to surpass that amount, making my way to the 72-100 ounces I have as my daily goal.
• As the first part of my post states... I was able to start exercising again this week, and I'm having great results.
• And... I lost another 2 pounds!!!!

And an update of my stats...

Height: 5 foot, 1/2 inch (yes, I count this half-inch)
Starting Weight: 214.5
Current Weight: 210.5
Weight Lost to Date: 4 pounds
Starting BMI: 41.9 (ouch!!!)
Current BMI: 41.1
BMI Change to Date: down .8 points
Pants Size: 18-22
Shirt Size: XL, 1X or 14-16

I feel like I have made great strides this week. I have learned more, and am finally feeling a peace settle through me. And that is a pretty amazing feeling.

So with that... Here's to continuing on my journey to become a Healthier, Stronger, Skinnier version of myself (basically rediscovering who I used to be).

Challenge: Week One Wrap-up

This post comes a few days past the end of the Week 1, but has lots of successes none-the-less.

Back on February 22nd, I made a commitment and challenge to myself to start living within the confines of my intolerances to certain foods: gluten, casein, and soy. I've made this commitment several times to myself, but something was always holding me back. Even though I would feel much better, it always seemed I struggled - even with the gusto of the beginnings of a new week, and a new chance. This time things seemed different.

I felt more empowered, felt like I finally had the support and resources I needed, and a determination to finally claim my life and my health back from the things that hold me hostage: the exhaustion, the headaches, the sicknesses, the pains, the uncertainty of not being able to be a biological-Mom, and even worse the hope and faith that I was starting to lose what my heart desires most.

So, after making a my declaration on Facebook and embarrassingly admitting what I currently weigh, I embarked on my journey. Now a week into my journey, this is how things are going....

•  All of my meals, including the one I had at Ted's Montana Grill, have been free of any gluten, soy and casein
• I was able to cut out caffeine 3 days earlier than I had originally intended
• My water intake needs some major improving. There were many days where I didn't get in the base minimum water (64 ounces), much less what I need to have on a daily basis to support my weight and exercise habits
• Due to debilitating headaches that I suffered from the initial detoxing, I didn't get any exercise into my routines
• And... I lost 2 pounds!!!! 

Update of my stats...

Height: 5 foot, 1/2 inch (yes, I count this half-inch)
Starting Weight: 214.5
Current Weight: 212.5
Weight Lost to Date: 2 pounds
Starting BMI: 41.9 (ouch!!!)
Current BMI: 41.5
BMI Change to Date: down .4 points
Pants Size: 18-22
Shirt Size: XL, 1X or 14-16


There is still much to improve on, but I feel like I have a solid foundation now to continue on with this journey. The next few weeks will have it's challenges, but I feel that those challenges will be more positive than negative, and that with those challenges, I'll see great success.

So with that... Here's to becoming continuing on my journey to become a Healthier, Stronger, Skinnier version of myself (basically rediscovering who I used to be).

Challenge: Week 2 Meal Plan

The meal plan was created with inspiration from The Paleo Diet by Loren Corden, PhD ©2002 Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated. All meals are gluten, casein, and soy free (GFCFSF). Please make sure you pay attention to food labels when shopping.

Recipes will be posted as soon as possible.

WEEK 2 

Sunday, February 28
Breakfast: 1/2 Cantaloupe Stuffed with Blackberries & Pecans
Lunch: Spinach Salad a la Cordani and Orange Sections
Dinner: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Marinated Mushrooms, Omega Meatballs, and Banana Pear Ambrosia
Snacks: Leftovers (muffins are great for Chocolate fix by this point) 

Monday, March 1
Breakfast: Pork Chop and Whole Fruit Smoothie
Lunch: Ian's Fish Sticks and Chips
Dinner: Tossed Green Salad, Meatloaf, and Steamed Asparagus
Snacks: Lara bar

Tuesday, March 2
Breakfast: Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffin & Banana
Lunch: Sole Simmered in White Wine Sauce and Steamed Zucchini, Side Salad
Dinner: Italian Chicken, Steamed Cauliflower & Broccoli
Snacks: Puppy Chow (recipe will follow)


Wednesday, March 3
Breakfast: Apple and Pork Chop
Lunch: Chicken Fajitas with Onions & Peppers, Mexi-Rice, Garden of Eden Refried Beans, Anaheim Salsa
Dinner: Leftover Meatloaf, Tossed Salad, and Steamed Asparagus
Snacks: Open - needs to be GFCFSF

Thursday, March 4
Breakfast: Whole Fruit Smoothie & Scrambled Basil Eggs with Anaheim Salsa 
Lunch: Broiled Tilapia and Steamed Broccoli
Dinner: Marinated Mushrooms, Altadena Baked Chicken, Stuffed Squash and Baked Apples
Snacks: Chocolate Chip Muffins


Friday, March 5
Breakfast: Whole Fruit Smoothie
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Open - Restaurant that serves GFCFSF meals - Joe's Crab Shack
Snack: Leftovers


Saturday, March 6
Breakfast: Eggs, Pancakes and Grits
Lunch: Snacks - Go Grocery Shopping for week
Dinner: BBQ Sante Fe Pork Chops with Salsa & Honey Dew Melon
Snacks: Apple and Almond Butter

Challenge: Days 3 & 4

I'm into Day 4 of the 6-Week Challenge now and starting to feel better. Headache is finally gone - which lasted a good 3 days. My energy levels are also starting to slightly improve, so hopefully the days having to nap during the day to be functional are going to be long gone shortly. But before I go any further, here's how the past few days have gone.

DAY 3: TUESDAY - HEADACHE HOLDING ON TIGHT
I woke up Tuesday hopeful that my headache had finally subsided; however less than 30 minutes after getting up, it was there, in full force. Although I was able to stick with the food rules, I found myself munching, munching, and munching all day long - that is when I wasn't sleeping. My energy levels were extremely low today so I found myself taking 2 naps (ouch)! Obviously, I haven't gotten any exercise in this week, so I'll need to step it up in the next day or two - this should help with my detoxing and low energy levels.

Breakfast: Whole Fruit Smoothie
Lunch: Roasted Chicken Wrap and tortilla chips
Dinner: Ian's Turkey Dogs and french fries
Snacks throughout day: Prunes (4), Chocolate Chips (Enjoy Life - GFCFSFNFEF), 123GlutenFree Pumpkin Spice Bars, peanut butter, Bubbie's Pickles
Evening Snack: Rice Chex with Rice Milk

Results: GFCFSF all day, only got in 64 ounces of water, took prenatal, didn't exercise

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY - AND HERE COME THE MOODSWINGS
As I stated at the beginning of this post, things are starting to go well. I have finally conquered the nagging headache that I had for 3 days. I'm starting to feel like my energy levels are starting to improve. However, with these small improvements, come the next phase of detox... moodswings (I go through this every time, which is why it's imperative that by the end of these 6-weeks I am officially a GSCFSF princess!) I find myself snapping at my husband - hopefully I can learn to manage these, and use the built up emotions to organize the house, exercise or something else so I do snap.

Breakfast: tablespoon of peanut butter and Whole Fruit Smoothie
Lunch: Broiled Cod, Steamed Cauliflower, and 1/2 apple
Dinner: Slow-cooked NY Strip with Salsa and Zucchini Soup 
Snacks:

Results: GFCFSF all day, 64 ounces of water, took prenatal, did not exercise.

As I'm documenting the past few days, I know it's evident that I am off the Meal Plan that I posted. However, I am ensuring that all the snacks and meals meet the requirements of No Gluten, No Casein, and No Soy.

Modifications for next few days: Over the next few days, I need to get back onto the Planned Meal Plan. The meal plan ensures that I'm getting a good balance of fruits, vegetables, and meats and not substituting a lot of corn-based or over-processed products.

Challenge: Week 1 Meal Plan

The meal plan was created with inspiration from The Paleo Diet by Loren Corden, PhD ©2002 Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated. All meals are gluten, casein, and soy free (GFCFSF). Please make sure you pay attention to food labels when shopping.

Recipes will be posted as soon as possible.

Sunday, February 21
Breakfast: Apple and GF Grits
Lunch: Ian's Chicken Patty Wrap and Lay's potato Chips
Dinner: Open because I didn't go grocery shopping

Monday, February 22
Breakfast: Whole Fruit Smoothie and Broiled Pork Chop
Lunch: Ian's Fish Fillet (Allergen-Free) with GF Tortilla Chips
Dinner: Altamira Stuffed Chicken with Ratatouille
Snacks: Walnuts and Raisins

Tuesday, February 23
Breakfast: Raspberries with Walnuts and Broiled Pork Chop
Lunch: Spinach Salad, Broiled Sole, Steamed Cauliflower, and Apple
Dinner: Zucchini Soup and Slow-Cooked Steak with Salsa
Snacks: Mango and Non-salted Macadamia Nuts

Wednesday, February 24
Breakfast: Smoothie and Leftover Steak
Lunch: Gingery Chicken and Veggies, Tomato/Black Olive Green Salad with Anaheim Cilantro Salsa Dressing
Dinner: Eggs & Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Snacks: Apples and Pecans

Thursday, February 25
Breakfast: Bowl of diced apples, shredded carrots, and raisins with Leftover Chicken
Lunch: Roast Chicken Spinach Wrap and Handful Almonds
Dinner: Tossed Green Salad, Broiled Halibut with lemon juice and dill, Steamed Asparagus, Sliced Kiwi & Orange
Snacks: Anything leftover

Friday, February 26
Breakfast: Whole Fruit Smoothie and Broiled Pork Chop
Lunch: Anything leftover
Dinner: Tomato & Cucumber wedges, Stuffed Zucchini, Chopped pecans and raspberries
Snacks: Apple slices with Almond Butter

Saturday, February 27
Breakfast: Sliced Bananas, Strawberries and Walnuts
Lunch: Chicken Vegetable Soup and Salad
Dinner: Tacos, Refried Beans and Mexi-Rice
Snacks: Leftovers

Challenge: Days 1 & 2

DAY 1: SUNDAY - NOT OFF TO A GREAT START
So today wasn't the best of days. I was able to stay on program until about dinner. However, because I had a nagging headache for most of the day, I never made it to the grocery store, so we didn't have anything to eat for dinner. So, my husband and I (who has decided to take part in this challenge) went out to Moe's for dinner - which really didn't help my headache, but reiterated the reason why I so desperately need to get back on track.

After Moe's we attempted to do our grocery shopping at superTarget - bad mistake, as all the fruits and vegetables on the list either not there, or were almost to the point of being bad.

Results: Able to stick to GFCFSF until dinner, didn't take my prenatal, and didn't have the allotted 84-100 ounces of water.

DAY 2: MONDAY - HEADACHE, HEADACHE AGO AWAY!
Monday morning came after an extremely fitful night of sleep, which early morning thunderstorms seemed to only make worse. I had set my alarm for 7:30am so that we could get up and get to the gym first thing to start off the day right. The plan was I would go to Whole Foods so we could have everything we needed for the day and week. But this plan was squelched again.

When the alarm sounded, I reset it for an hour later thinking another hour of sleep is what I needed. How was I wrong - my headache was still there from Sunday, but this time, it was turning into more than just a headache. So I took some Advil, drank a little water, and headed back to bed for another 2 hours. This time when I woke, my headache was worse... on the verge of becoming a migraine. But because I had already taken Advil, I couldn't take anything else. So I just laid on the couch, wishing for it to go away. But by lunch it was evident it wasn't going to budge, so my wonderful husband offered to do the grocery shopping and I stayed home, had lunch, more Advil and water, and took it easy (stayed off the computer as much as possible, not watching a lot of TV... non-brain stimulating things).

As bad as my day started, it finally started getting better around 6pm. And even with all the pain, I have managed to stay true to the challenge. So hopefully this will start the healing process and make tomorrow a better day.

Breakfast: 2 prunes
Snacks, various throughout day: peanut butter, GFCFSF pumpkin spice bars,
Lunch: Ian's Fish fillet and tortilla chips
Dinner: Altamira Stuffed Chicken & Ratatouille

Results: GFCFSF all day, only got in 64 ounces of water, and missed prenatal at lunch so took it during dinner.

Challenge: And We're Off....

Today I begin my 6-week Challenge. I haven't gone grocery shopping yet, so I'll be rummaging through my pantry, freezer and refrigerator for breakfast and lunch. I have options that are safe, so I should be fine until dinner. After I publish this post, I'll finalize my meal plan for the week, do a last look at the grocery list, and then head out to conquer the grocery store. The hardest part of today is going to be getting in the 84-100 ounces of water, as I haven't been getting in enough water daily. So, for the next few days I'll feel as if I need to be hooked up to an IV and catheter.

I am really excited to start back on my program. Yesterday, as with the past few months, I ate whatever I wanted. I didn't go overboard, as I usually do when I'm about to start a new diet or program, nor did I stuff myself to exploding. But when I got home from spending the day in Helen, Dahlonega, and Marietta with my best friend, I felt like I had a stomach bug. During the night, it felt as if someone was stabbing knives into my side and stomach, where at one point I couldn't even move from the pain. Thankfully, this morning the pain and nausea is gone, but I feel like I'm suffering from a food hangover - sluggish, exhausted like I didn't get any sleep, dehydrated, headache just below the surface trying to break through, body achy and stuffy - basically, the way I feel everyday.

Starting Stats.... Yes, as much I can't believe I am about to post these numbers, I'm more appalled that these numbers are real. But by documenting this journey, maybe I can stay on plan through and past this challenge. So here goes everything I can put into this....

Height: 5 foot, 1/2 inch (yes, I count this half-inch)
Starting Weight: 214.5
BMI: 41.9 (ouch!!!)
Pants Size: 18-22
Shirt Size: XL, 1X or 14-16

And with that embarrassing, reality hitting declaration....Here's to becoming a Healthier, Stronger, Skinnier version of my current self.

6-Week Challenge

To recommit, I am starting a 6-Week Challenge. This challenge is something I've created for myself for the sole purpose of becoming healthy once again, and hopefully to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming pregnant (after 8 years of trying).

Challenge will begin on: Sunday, February 21
Challenge will end on: Sunday, April 3 (Easter)

Here are my GOALS for the next 6 weeks:

1. Kick my dependence and cravings for the offending foods - anything containing gluten, casein, and soy.
2. Lose 18 pounds - which is approximately 3 pounds per week
3. Incorporate exercise into my life once again - being able to workout 5-6 days a week

Here are the CHALLENGE RULES for the next 6 week:

1. No Gluten
2. No Soy
3. No Casein
4. No Caffeine after Week 1 - gradually reduce
   
5. Drink 84-100 ounces of water per day
6. Limit of 5 meals a week that contain "safe" grains, rice, starches and beans (i.e. gluten free oatmeal, desserts)
7. Take a prenatal vitamin daily that is also GFCFSF (gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free)
   
8. Exercise 4 times a week, plus one day of pilates/yoga/ballet-type workout to stretch muscles
9. Must post in blog at least every other day to keep self accountable
   
10. Must weigh-in on blog 1 time per week (can't weigh in more than once a week)

You are welcome to join in at any time and feel free to post your results in the comments.

Here's to becoming a Healthier, Stronger, Skinnier version of myself (basically rediscovering who I used to be).

A yo-yo I will no longer be...

Almost 2 years ago I went on a mission to determine the root cause of my PCOS, headaches, psoriasis and eczema that had popped up on my face after a mild sunburn, fatigue, mental fogginess, mood swings, inability to lose weight easily (gained 20lbs in a 2 month boot camp with nutritionist support), multiple sinus / bronchial / viral infections, and constant injuries (7 broken bones in a 10 year period).

Fortunately for me, I found my answer within 6 months - an article on PCOS indicated that an OB/GYN did research on her PCOS patients and found that 80% of them had either an allergy or intolerance to gluten. Doing more research, I discovered there are multiple scientific studies trying to prove this link. So I took this information to my fertility specialist, my primary, and my ob/gyn and they all agreed I exhibited the symptoms of food intolerance - especially considering I could bring on my cycle within a 2-week period just by completely eliminating dairy from my diet (previously, I would go 3-4 months between cycles to then have a prescription for progesterone).

After being tested, I was diagnosed with Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance, as well as intolerances to casein (protein found in bovine milk) and soy. You would have thought this is what I needed to change my life... Well, almost! In the past 18 months since being diagnosed I have done more yo-yo dieting than I have my entire life. I'll eliminate the offending foods for a month (no more) and something will happen where I'll fall off... and I'll fall off hard.

But things have to change! In the past 10 months I have... had several sinus / bronchial infections, H1N1, a level 1 sprained ankle that took over six months to heal, and have started to lose hope and faith that being a mom is in my future.

This brings me to this week. I have made alot of decisions, written down goals for myself, and decided to turn this adventure into a challenge - since I can't continue to go through the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive and have a family, I am setting a time line. If I can not get pregnant by the age of 37 (which will be in 18 months) through aggressive changes to my diet (to account for my food intolerance) and fitness routine; and with the help of my doctors, then I will be content with that fact that having biological children are not in my and my husband's future.

So... as the title of this post states: "A yo-yo I will no longer be". I am beginning my journey with 100% commitment, heart, faith, hope, and a full belief in God that I will become a strong and healthy Mom!

To be continued... 6-week Challenge