As the title of my blog suggests, today has been a little harder in some ways. I am not used to denying myself things and watching the calories this closely, so I have had cravings and the psychological aspect of it has been a little more trying. But this is still only day two of my 7 day 'get back on it' drive so I am still motivated and that has helped me through it.
I did my usual TeamBodyCoach Turbo 20 YouTube exercise class for 25 minutes today, so one accomplishment is that I am still exercising regularly and raising my heart rate a lot during that session. BPM average during it was about 120, so in the fat burn zone. I also walked the dog early this morning, giving another 1500 steps and, with everything else I have been doing (including a second walk for an hour) I have clocked up a good 15,500+ steps today, which is also good and added to my total calorie output.
In terms of eating, I am still sticking rigidly to the 1680 calorie allowance and micro-managing the things I eat through the myfitnesspal app. I am eating healthily, making sure I have at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day and making sure that I am not drinking alcohol or eating unhealthy foods more than once for a treat. Today I had a chocolate fairy cake that my mother-in-law baked and left on their doorstep when we delivered jigsaws for them this afternoon, which we too left on their doorstep. My wife has also continued to do the same so there is support and encouragement from each other to help us continue.
Emotionally and mentally there have been ups and downs today. The lack of snacks and drink I would normally have has taken its toll on my mood a little and there have been fractious moments during the day but I have managed them well and got through them without too much disruption in the house. I have also, again, been talking to myself about the feelings I have been having when anger or tension or cravings take a hold. This has been a particularly good strategy as I have been able to look at why I am feeling the way I am and which food craving has bought on a particular mood, so I can watch out for it during the day. I did this yesterday and it also worked. It's as if I am taking the subconscious craving and making it a conscious decision and working my way through it.
So today may have been more challenging than yesterday, but it has also been much more rewarding, as I have still managed to maintain what I am doing, keeping motivated and on track to go through the full week strictly managing my input and output and seeing what the results are for the week. It is hard, and I have felt urges and cravings throughout the day but if you talk yourself through it and look at why you are feeling like that and focus on the goal of the day, then each time you pass over a snack or a drink you feel good about yourself and positive that you can achieve your goals.
Additionally, I have also been completing work, reading and continuing to write my novel and this has helped me to overcome some of the urges, as I it has helped to keep my mind occupied throughout the day. A good book is always a great resource to overcome urges and to take your mind off food.
Therefore, today I am grateful for books, which have kept my mind occupied through a tougher day two of my seven day challenge. I am grateful for tea and coffee, which has helped me to get through some very tedious and mind numbing school work and also helped me to not miss alcohol...although I have visited the toilet a lot more than usual. Finally I am grateful for my MacBook, which has also helped me to work my way through this challenging time.
I hope that you all have also met your challenges head on today and remain positive and motivated in your own journey.
Until tomorrow, stay strong and stay safe.
Thanks for reading.
Sean.
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