Day 46 and going good. Patrick was right - results are beginning to show, albeit - in small but good ways. Noticed some muscle definition I have not had for a very long time; that kind of plank flat stomach (note, I have to contort like a model from Sprockets to get there but it is there). I imagine it will take some more weeks for it to show naturally - but all good.
Sore per usual but good: shoulders (the da vinci's hurt..) belly (Hhh hmm - abs) from the V-sits and my arms ache from the skipping. But all a good feeling.
Diet is going good - but must say breakfast now is possibly too much food.. well, I know naturally it's the veges I could do without - suspect by Day 90 I will be craving vege's in the morning.
So this Love Boat of health is going well. It all started in a strange way - we didn't know each other, we were trying new things and each week we have gotten better and better. We still have much further to go but with results showing almost weekly now, the motivation is much easier to maintain.
Keep it up team.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Day 45
OK - we're halfway guys. All great. Did my morning working out and I will say they do not get easier with time. Maybe the skipping is better as rather than monotonous counting - we go at it madly for 2 minute bursts which is actually fun with the music blaring (my teenage years coming back I think).
Got up early - did the entire work out and here at my desk (and yes, I should not be blogging here..) I am sore all over: shoulders, legs, back.. and lower arms actually.. I know this is good and I am so damn alert I think I could beat a Russian at chess.
So the foundation is laid and now we are building up (and losing as we move along). As Patrick's email notes - we will soon have more days behind us than ahead. Good points on consistency.. pushing until failure and keeping things going now, not tomorrow. I will admit, 50 second planks are difficult although going to failure which is up in the mid 40 seconds anyway. First couple of sets are fine but man they are painful.. worst exercise "I love to enjoy"..(Australian sarcasm there..).
All good - prepared lunch last night which I look forward to although not hungry as yet now 2 hours past breakfast. I actually look forward to my night shake - with the secrets in flavour being cinnamon, ginger and vanilla which go well with the apple, milk and egg whites.
Keep it up guys: it just gets better for us now.
Just for fun value - added picture of the Fishelbergs and I with Matt 'the dancing guy' from You-Tube. (Tokyo 27 Feb 2011).
BTW - with my bright canary yellow jacket - it was more of "who care's where Matt is - there is Richard in his yellow fleece". Video will come out at the end of 2011. The four of us really stood out front and centre of the clip.
Got up early - did the entire work out and here at my desk (and yes, I should not be blogging here..) I am sore all over: shoulders, legs, back.. and lower arms actually.. I know this is good and I am so damn alert I think I could beat a Russian at chess.
So the foundation is laid and now we are building up (and losing as we move along). As Patrick's email notes - we will soon have more days behind us than ahead. Good points on consistency.. pushing until failure and keeping things going now, not tomorrow. I will admit, 50 second planks are difficult although going to failure which is up in the mid 40 seconds anyway. First couple of sets are fine but man they are painful.. worst exercise "I love to enjoy"..(Australian sarcasm there..).
All good - prepared lunch last night which I look forward to although not hungry as yet now 2 hours past breakfast. I actually look forward to my night shake - with the secrets in flavour being cinnamon, ginger and vanilla which go well with the apple, milk and egg whites.
Keep it up guys: it just gets better for us now.
Just for fun value - added picture of the Fishelbergs and I with Matt 'the dancing guy' from You-Tube. (Tokyo 27 Feb 2011). BTW - with my bright canary yellow jacket - it was more of "who care's where Matt is - there is Richard in his yellow fleece". Video will come out at the end of 2011. The four of us really stood out front and centre of the clip.
Day 44
All great on Day 44. A bit sore from yesterday's workout and today's. Seems to be getting heavier but all really good. Posted yesterday's photos just then - now I have my Mac back. Yes.. a long way to go. I am very very glad it is only the halfway point as I do certainly need more time at this.
Did a 'mini' workout today with Jason Fish, his wonderful wife Reiko and daughter Jessie - doing a dancing jig with the "Dancing guy" from you-tube ("Where the hell is Matt" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY). Anyway - a lot of fun and we'll be in the video come end of the year. My big Sister was in the Melbourne version (jig) that this guy did last week. Anyway - not much of a sweat. After this (and in the same part of Tokyo) went and saw our friends in the Tokyo Marathon.
All good. Felt really hungry after my shake tonight - now having my vegetable night snack with a coffee. My nightly treat.
Happy halfway point team. Onward and upward: Giddyup!
Did a 'mini' workout today with Jason Fish, his wonderful wife Reiko and daughter Jessie - doing a dancing jig with the "Dancing guy" from you-tube ("Where the hell is Matt" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY). Anyway - a lot of fun and we'll be in the video come end of the year. My big Sister was in the Melbourne version (jig) that this guy did last week. Anyway - not much of a sweat. After this (and in the same part of Tokyo) went and saw our friends in the Tokyo Marathon.
All good. Felt really hungry after my shake tonight - now having my vegetable night snack with a coffee. My nightly treat.
Happy halfway point team. Onward and upward: Giddyup!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 43
All super on Day 43. Went down to Yokohama to Patrick's studio to work out and it was really great. We did Day 44 - so will do Day 43 tomorrow. Always better doing the work outs there in a group; not to mention it is so very quick. New jumps were good - went at it mad for the 2 minute sets. All good there - still tripping up though.
Did measurements and weights - had a great week as measurements/weights showed - and that is even with being sick for 2 days. I still did work out through being sick but good to see the results. Drop in all fats, up in muscle development - down overall in weight... but realise there is a long way to go (which is good).
Back home, hit the jacuzzi in my building here and then had my shake. Ahh, jacuzzi and a shake.. it used to be burger and a beer! (Well not that bad - more like steak and a nice wine...) I now put in ginger to all my shakes and cinnamon which is just great. Now and then - will add honey and or vanilla. I look forward to my shakes now. BTW - I only use green apples which I am finding taste better in a shake. Corn on the cob steamed as vegie snack for night.
Keep it up team:. almost at the halfway mark and closer to results.
Did measurements and weights - had a great week as measurements/weights showed - and that is even with being sick for 2 days. I still did work out through being sick but good to see the results. Drop in all fats, up in muscle development - down overall in weight... but realise there is a long way to go (which is good).
Back home, hit the jacuzzi in my building here and then had my shake. Ahh, jacuzzi and a shake.. it used to be burger and a beer! (Well not that bad - more like steak and a nice wine...) I now put in ginger to all my shakes and cinnamon which is just great. Now and then - will add honey and or vanilla. I look forward to my shakes now. BTW - I only use green apples which I am finding taste better in a shake. Corn on the cob steamed as vegie snack for night.
Keep it up team:. almost at the halfway mark and closer to results.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 42
Here is brekky.. really hooked on mushrooms. Mushrooms with my scrambled egg with basil which is really nice.
Feel sore - legs, chest; arms from the skipping. I am really noticing a lot more power in legs - especially when doing pistols: easier although not perfect. Yet to do the 8 min abs man video. Honestly have not found 8 mins spare. Will do over the weekend.
Giddy up!
Additional note: I thought I would add this comment below from one of my Osaka colleagues who was in Tokyo yesterday. I hadn't seen them for 4 weeks: "hey by the way, I didn't get the chance to mention yesterday that you are looking great. Are you losing weight?" Nice hey.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 41
All 50:50 on Day 41: this damn cold is still bouncing around but pushing on.
I can tell you I will be Mr Popular in my meetings and in the office today: breakfast Day 41 - garlic rice with egg and tomato - heaps of pepper.
Mmmm - and it was good, I love garlic rice (although my version has no salt and little olive oil). I hesistated twice about putting in garlic first thing in the morning but need the energy to get over this cold and get through the day. Used plenty.
Workout yet again delayed to the PM: just riding the cold - not pushing myself too much but will sneak up and get over it. Onwards and upwards: midway point is coming quick.
Mmmm - and it was good, I love garlic rice (although my version has no salt and little olive oil). I hesistated twice about putting in garlic first thing in the morning but need the energy to get over this cold and get through the day. Used plenty.
Workout yet again delayed to the PM: just riding the cold - not pushing myself too much but will sneak up and get over it. Onwards and upwards: midway point is coming quick.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
DAY 40!!
Going good and Day 40. Almost over this damn cold but doing the workout first thing is absolutely the way to go. It wakes you up, sets your frame of mind for the day and actually makes you tired enough so that come evening, you fall into a good slumber. Fought through this cold and I'd say massive amounts of ginger (thanks Aki) two nights in a row really helped.
Read Patrick's email and yes, cous cous is the way to go. Fills the plate (or lunch container). Didn't think about vegetable sandwiches... where I come from, sandwiches have meat and cheese in them: so will need to do some research. I did make canned tuna sandwiches once with tomato (kind of a version of a Mediterranean sandwich I grew up with) although came out all dry and possibly was not the exactly PCP friendly. I did use canned tuna which was light and in water (although the water still had salt in it).. anyway - learn and evolve.
Today's workout was a killer: Wednesdays are always the toughest it seems - although looking at it first thing it seemed OK. We are now at 1450 skips which is not easy although time taken is about the same or less. If we all look back to the first weeks of this program where we complained about doing 300.. boy - we can get those down in like 3 mins now.
Have a work lunch out today although client is empathetic to my program and motivation: having Japanese which is typically PCP friendly. Raw, fresh and small quantities.. no wonder Japanese live so long.
OK - onward and upward. Keep it up gang.. almost halfway.
Read Patrick's email and yes, cous cous is the way to go. Fills the plate (or lunch container). Didn't think about vegetable sandwiches... where I come from, sandwiches have meat and cheese in them: so will need to do some research. I did make canned tuna sandwiches once with tomato (kind of a version of a Mediterranean sandwich I grew up with) although came out all dry and possibly was not the exactly PCP friendly. I did use canned tuna which was light and in water (although the water still had salt in it).. anyway - learn and evolve.
Today's workout was a killer: Wednesdays are always the toughest it seems - although looking at it first thing it seemed OK. We are now at 1450 skips which is not easy although time taken is about the same or less. If we all look back to the first weeks of this program where we complained about doing 300.. boy - we can get those down in like 3 mins now.
Have a work lunch out today although client is empathetic to my program and motivation: having Japanese which is typically PCP friendly. Raw, fresh and small quantities.. no wonder Japanese live so long.
OK - onward and upward. Keep it up gang.. almost halfway.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 39
All going great on Day 39. The ginger in my shake (note I used heaps) and the work out last night helped me get over this cold to the extent that I am back in the office and almost 90% back to normal.
Work out will be later today but good to read this morning that working out pre-breakfast is the best way to lose weight. Thankfully a little birdie (Jason Fish) gave me that hint before I started thus the 5am get ups and getting the routine down before the sun comes up.
Can certainly see the difference in my face and now even my skinny suits (read suits I had when I was skinnier) even fit me better and some of those are getting loose around the waist also. All good; a long way to go but results are coming in - onward and upwards.
Work out will be later today but good to read this morning that working out pre-breakfast is the best way to lose weight. Thankfully a little birdie (Jason Fish) gave me that hint before I started thus the 5am get ups and getting the routine down before the sun comes up.
Can certainly see the difference in my face and now even my skinny suits (read suits I had when I was skinnier) even fit me better and some of those are getting loose around the waist also. All good; a long way to go but results are coming in - onward and upwards.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 38 - being ill on PCP
A new experience for me today. I think I have a bug (head cold or the like) combined with something else but to be honest - as a result from PCP I actually feel all good and fine. The problem is literally bumping into walls and possibly not being able to use 'heavy machinery'.
I woke up at 5am this morning for my routine but then went back to bed feeling spaced out. This followed waking up a couple of times during the night.
In the past, if I were ill I would be knocked out and in bed. Thanks to PCP I have never felt better so it is weird to be ill when I am feeling so fit and healthy.
I came into the office thinking it was something that would be short lived - although gradually getting worse. About to scoot home and back to bed. I did not do my workout although I plan to do as much as I can under the circumstances; there is no heavy machinery to operate in the workout so it should be fine.
Checking out for now..
Back in action: Aki - thank you for the ginger tip: plonked a massive bit into my evening shake with apple - my two egg whites: also used a smidgen of honey (now and then is OK) and cinnamon. Man o man - what a power surge: feel very good.
Did workout less the skipping: did not want to aggravate what ever bug I have. Had a good sleep from 3pm straight through to 6pm.. then made tomorrow's lunch for work (salmon, steamed Japanese radish and brown rice) and then veges (roasted sweet potatoes) for night snack - while watching the tele.
Thanks for all the tips. Hoping I wake up 100% - fingers crossed.. keen to shake this cold.
I woke up at 5am this morning for my routine but then went back to bed feeling spaced out. This followed waking up a couple of times during the night.
In the past, if I were ill I would be knocked out and in bed. Thanks to PCP I have never felt better so it is weird to be ill when I am feeling so fit and healthy.
I came into the office thinking it was something that would be short lived - although gradually getting worse. About to scoot home and back to bed. I did not do my workout although I plan to do as much as I can under the circumstances; there is no heavy machinery to operate in the workout so it should be fine.
Checking out for now..
Back in action: Aki - thank you for the ginger tip: plonked a massive bit into my evening shake with apple - my two egg whites: also used a smidgen of honey (now and then is OK) and cinnamon. Man o man - what a power surge: feel very good.
Did workout less the skipping: did not want to aggravate what ever bug I have. Had a good sleep from 3pm straight through to 6pm.. then made tomorrow's lunch for work (salmon, steamed Japanese radish and brown rice) and then veges (roasted sweet potatoes) for night snack - while watching the tele.
Thanks for all the tips. Hoping I wake up 100% - fingers crossed.. keen to shake this cold.
Day 37
Day 37 all good and well rested today. Did the workout OK (did day 36 as down in Yokohama we had done 37). Pull ups were good: can suddenly do many more - still a long way to go to perfection on these though.
Skips were good as were lawn-mower (two I enjoyed most). Found the bicycle more tough on my quads as they were tough on my developing abs... got through and was OK but painful.
Put up photos of Day 36... a long way to go - but all good. With time will come change for the better. Feeling heaps healthier and man these sleeps are incredible. Have never felt so rested.
Sore muscles all over but a good feeling. Being very good with the diet. Made tomorrow's lunch (work lunch) of brown rice, chicken, shrooms and asparagus with Georges secret herb mix which is great. About to have my dinner shake which will hit the spot.
Onwards and upwards: this ain't easy but it is easy to pursue. On to Day 38.. the midway point is looking closer!
Skips were good as were lawn-mower (two I enjoyed most). Found the bicycle more tough on my quads as they were tough on my developing abs... got through and was OK but painful.
Put up photos of Day 36... a long way to go - but all good. With time will come change for the better. Feeling heaps healthier and man these sleeps are incredible. Have never felt so rested.
Sore muscles all over but a good feeling. Being very good with the diet. Made tomorrow's lunch (work lunch) of brown rice, chicken, shrooms and asparagus with Georges secret herb mix which is great. About to have my dinner shake which will hit the spot.
Onwards and upwards: this ain't easy but it is easy to pursue. On to Day 38.. the midway point is looking closer!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 36
Woo hoo - the days are counting over pretty quickly (H-Hmmm, not that I want them to of course..). Went down to Patrick's studio and Saya-san kindly ran the show with our mean but quick work out. Incredibly sore all over but learnt two clever things today:
For skipping: low jumps make for a quicker set. For the plank, moving back (leaning back) on your heels provides for a better focus and balance (ie, it's heaps easier and more effective).
Had my dinner shake which tastes great although losing my banana equivalent (mango in my case) means it is a very light dinner. I will wait for an hour plus some before my vegetable snack of steamed carrots. I try to go through the colour wheel of veges to ensure I am mixing it up. Otherwise I'd be doing potatoes all the time.
Came home, went into the jacuzzi in our gym here and stretched actually in the jacuzzi which was great for my legs. Pistols killed me - especially right one. Funny my left knee was giving me trouble initially - now it's the right. I am guessing my left has built up strength since. I should note - just as there are no pull-up bars at Patrick's studio we did tomorrow's workout today: flip them around.
We all did our skips very quickly - I guess with time there is improvement. Onwards and updards. PCP and the weekend is great. Now to a DVD on the sofa with an espresso. Giddyup.
For skipping: low jumps make for a quicker set. For the plank, moving back (leaning back) on your heels provides for a better focus and balance (ie, it's heaps easier and more effective).
Had my dinner shake which tastes great although losing my banana equivalent (mango in my case) means it is a very light dinner. I will wait for an hour plus some before my vegetable snack of steamed carrots. I try to go through the colour wheel of veges to ensure I am mixing it up. Otherwise I'd be doing potatoes all the time.
Came home, went into the jacuzzi in our gym here and stretched actually in the jacuzzi which was great for my legs. Pistols killed me - especially right one. Funny my left knee was giving me trouble initially - now it's the right. I am guessing my left has built up strength since. I should note - just as there are no pull-up bars at Patrick's studio we did tomorrow's workout today: flip them around.
We all did our skips very quickly - I guess with time there is improvement. Onwards and updards. PCP and the weekend is great. Now to a DVD on the sofa with an espresso. Giddyup.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 35
1400 jumps is a lot of skips but it begins to feel good around jump 650. Friday (today) is almost rest day. Got up the usual time (to keep to a weekday routine) and did the workout of 1400 skips.
Kept to my morning diet and realised I am getting better at guessing weights and volumes of different things.
Shoulders, back and legs are sore but all good. So glad it is Friday and almost the weekend. PCP over the weekend is a lot easier in that there is plenty of time to prepare, shop, eat, workout and rest.
Interesting read regarding the types of fat on our body - in the email from Patrick.
I look forward to losing more visceral fat; getting there but less than half way I imagine. Lots of sucutaneous fat gone - thus the drop in belt sizes but more to go.
Weekend comes on, new diets and exercise programs come out too. Keep it up team.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 34
All great on Day 34 and in a way - the hard work for the week is done. Friday is our skipping only day - so kind of a rest day which is good - then the weekend and the time it affords makes it all that much easier.
OK - you know when you have done a good work out when it hurts when you sneeze.. ouch !!
Must say - 25 x 4 leg-ups is tough. Got through all the sets - completing all the upper end of the prescribed sets. I guess the week of difficult workouts are having effect as I plowed through today (even the jumps) with a lot more ease. Even knee is going good.
Food is going OK: can tell you the support we can receive is amazing. Forgot fruit snack yesterday and work colleague (who lives on compound) went home to get me some: 10 minutes later I have a bowl of mandarines and apples at my desk. I value the fruit snacks - otherwise I think I'd fall over.
I think we all need a pat on the back: 34 days with no salt, no sugar, no wine (plenty of whine though) and our limited healthy diets. The reward is so far amazing sleeps. Seriously have not slept this well in noisy Tokyo ever.
Onwards and upwards: Day 34 and 56 more glorious days to go.. (yes, a sucker for punishment): end goal in mind.
OK - you know when you have done a good work out when it hurts when you sneeze.. ouch !!
Must say - 25 x 4 leg-ups is tough. Got through all the sets - completing all the upper end of the prescribed sets. I guess the week of difficult workouts are having effect as I plowed through today (even the jumps) with a lot more ease. Even knee is going good.
Food is going OK: can tell you the support we can receive is amazing. Forgot fruit snack yesterday and work colleague (who lives on compound) went home to get me some: 10 minutes later I have a bowl of mandarines and apples at my desk. I value the fruit snacks - otherwise I think I'd fall over.
I think we all need a pat on the back: 34 days with no salt, no sugar, no wine (plenty of whine though) and our limited healthy diets. The reward is so far amazing sleeps. Seriously have not slept this well in noisy Tokyo ever.
Onwards and upwards: Day 34 and 56 more glorious days to go.. (yes, a sucker for punishment): end goal in mind.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 33 - brussel sprouts for brekky??
I steamed some up last night and kept some left over for today. I actually felt like them which was a surprise and they were nice.. Oh lord.. what is happening to me (but all good yes?).
I am adding a photo here of how they grow: who knew.
I know I need more green for breakfast: most vegetables I have in the morning are tomato or mushrooms. Beyond that is difficult.. slowely but surely.
Up early and got my skips done and then the routine. All good and enjoyed them. Not perfect - still tripping up. Left knee still hurts although squats and the crawl were fine. I am now building muscles on my legs that I never thought possible.
Back is feeling like it is bulging (in my mind only I am sure) and shoulders are sore. No real big changes but I am sure gradually looking better. Just happy there are 57 more days left for me to work out to get results as no where near where I want to be.
I think this second month is called the 'grunt work month' of the program. The first month was the preparation but now it is tough but good. I am guessing combined together provides for a nice last month of tuning.. (possibly wrong - last month could be the real workout.. who knows..).
All good - onward and upward.
Just an additional sidenote. Back from lunch with an ex-colleague / friend who was blown away by the change they noticed in me thanks to PCP. I had not seen this person since starting PCP.
I found my self qualifiying the compliments with a "it's is only day 32 of the 90 day program"; combined with "no really, shucks, oh stop-it, OK, say it again...".
Comments I received were 'skin is glowing' 'look super healthy' and not jaundiced which is what he imagined and that I could be the 'poster-boy for health change programs'. We have to keep in mind I also quit smoking but overall nice to get the compliments. Either way - lots of interest in the program: involvement too in that this friend chose an organic sashimi/sushi restaurant. I kept to my gram intake and ate well (saying no to dessert) drinking green tea.
Either way - it is only day 32 so look forward (again) of me at Day 50 and of course Day 90.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 32.. left knee issues
Going good on Day 32 although left knee is making my life less than fun. I used the support of the back of a chair to fulfill my lunges and got through them. Right is fine, albeit sore but left lunges were done using a chair. I tried the jumps but had to stop at 9 per set as left knee was telling me to stop. I was fine with the 1350 skips (felt good) and other exercises. Did them all a little slower than usual.
Can certainly feel the 'da vincis' did their thing: shoulders are pumping as I sit at my desk. Also did pull ups in place of inclines - with the aid of a chair placed around 1/2 a metre behind me. It was good and boy can I feel the effect. Did some without the chair to start with but failure is almost immediate.
Food going well - wondered if taking an extra egg-white at night (at dinner) has any benefit. Bought eggs at Costco (cheap, bulk) although they are smaller than usual ones. To be honest, feeling a little lethargic and tired all day: almost like I need a day of rest. Keeping at it though with my end-goal in mind. Going to sleep really early to get up early - but not much happening in evenings so fine to do this for the duration of the program.
Actually, just feeling my quadriceps then and even though I used the support of a chair for my lunges, I can feel the effect. This is the same with my calves which ache from the 1350 skips I assume.
Keeping at it. This is a program where the end goal needs to be clearly front and centre of your mind; otherwise it is difficult to stay motivated. Giddyup.
Can certainly feel the 'da vincis' did their thing: shoulders are pumping as I sit at my desk. Also did pull ups in place of inclines - with the aid of a chair placed around 1/2 a metre behind me. It was good and boy can I feel the effect. Did some without the chair to start with but failure is almost immediate.
Food going well - wondered if taking an extra egg-white at night (at dinner) has any benefit. Bought eggs at Costco (cheap, bulk) although they are smaller than usual ones. To be honest, feeling a little lethargic and tired all day: almost like I need a day of rest. Keeping at it though with my end-goal in mind. Going to sleep really early to get up early - but not much happening in evenings so fine to do this for the duration of the program.
Actually, just feeling my quadriceps then and even though I used the support of a chair for my lunges, I can feel the effect. This is the same with my calves which ache from the 1350 skips I assume.
Keeping at it. This is a program where the end goal needs to be clearly front and centre of your mind; otherwise it is difficult to stay motivated. Giddyup.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 31
Day 31 and welcome to the second third of our life change. Got up my early self and saw the workout which initially looked easier than say, yesterday's. Whew, was I wrong (sorry to those reading this prior to doing the work out). It was actually quite a tough one but did it all and got down every set with the extra delay in each last movement (to get the burn going): note - it was no way near pretty.
Jumps.. ouch almighty. Got them down but the last lot I looked more like a flailing flamingo.. although got them down. Feel very tight as I sit here in my office chair and all good. Abs workout was intensive although I will (might) try Patrick's 8 minute abs video recommendation tonight: why not - it's only 8 minutes right.
Food is good: dinner is seriously a cinch: place all items into blender: blend - then drink. Really tempted to add in honey although unsure if this would be PCP friendly. It is missing something - cinnamon I am guessing should be fine.
Getting nice comments in the office but look forward to photos of me at Day 50 (and of course at Day 90).
Giddyup and best wishes to all.
Jumps.. ouch almighty. Got them down but the last lot I looked more like a flailing flamingo.. although got them down. Feel very tight as I sit here in my office chair and all good. Abs workout was intensive although I will (might) try Patrick's 8 minute abs video recommendation tonight: why not - it's only 8 minutes right.
Food is good: dinner is seriously a cinch: place all items into blender: blend - then drink. Really tempted to add in honey although unsure if this would be PCP friendly. It is missing something - cinnamon I am guessing should be fine.
Getting nice comments in the office but look forward to photos of me at Day 50 (and of course at Day 90).
Giddyup and best wishes to all.
Day 30 - a semi-PCP result
While the photos don't show much improvement nor do looking in the mirror - my oh my - am I a lot fitter than I was pre-PCP.
I did my workout first thing in the morning and did something funny with my left knee during the lunges. I did my right knee fine but only 2 sets on the left. I could not do the jumps in fear of doing something worse. Did the rest of the workout and had done my 1300 skips all good. Either way - felt guilt that I could not get my leg work done.
SO - decided to go for a slow or soft jog to work the legs and see if that might help the knee. I was amazed at how long I could jog without bother. Easily x3 fold better than I was prior. I ran around 6kms which was soft and nice and knee is fine. I have one of those warm-pad things on it now. So all good. I really surprised myself with how much more fitter I am today. Since starting PCP I had quit smoking (hooray) and had not jogged. Anyway - thought I'd share a nice positive milestone: jogging is a lot easier: legs have more stamina and I certainly have more stamina.
With my PCP limitations for lunch (which are the most generous for most of us) I made a PCP friendly chicken burger and fries..
Fries were 70% of my vegetable intake for lunch (and note they were not fried..): literally sliced and put into the oven on oven paper. I weighed it cooked - and yes they are lighter. Then used my carbs allocation with two sliced of rye bread: smothered avocado on them, thick slices of large tomato and then my protein allocation being a thin slice of chicken breast. It was great and filled me up!
Thanks to George, I now have a salt substitute. If you're not sure what this is - go to his blog: I think it is Feb 7th. Anyway - went and bought all the spices and then mixed it up. I used it on the chicken and the potato and it is pretty good. Thanks George!
Here is my afternoon snack - was impressed that two large mikan (mandarin) were exactly 170g which is my quota.
Going good. Feel sore but good. At Day 30 I can see a the horizon a little better. Soon it will be Day 50 and then on some more. All going good.
Have a good Sunday all.
I did my workout first thing in the morning and did something funny with my left knee during the lunges. I did my right knee fine but only 2 sets on the left. I could not do the jumps in fear of doing something worse. Did the rest of the workout and had done my 1300 skips all good. Either way - felt guilt that I could not get my leg work done.
SO - decided to go for a slow or soft jog to work the legs and see if that might help the knee. I was amazed at how long I could jog without bother. Easily x3 fold better than I was prior. I ran around 6kms which was soft and nice and knee is fine. I have one of those warm-pad things on it now. So all good. I really surprised myself with how much more fitter I am today. Since starting PCP I had quit smoking (hooray) and had not jogged. Anyway - thought I'd share a nice positive milestone: jogging is a lot easier: legs have more stamina and I certainly have more stamina.
Fries were 70% of my vegetable intake for lunch (and note they were not fried..): literally sliced and put into the oven on oven paper. I weighed it cooked - and yes they are lighter. Then used my carbs allocation with two sliced of rye bread: smothered avocado on them, thick slices of large tomato and then my protein allocation being a thin slice of chicken breast. It was great and filled me up!
Thanks to George, I now have a salt substitute. If you're not sure what this is - go to his blog: I think it is Feb 7th. Anyway - went and bought all the spices and then mixed it up. I used it on the chicken and the potato and it is pretty good. Thanks George!
Going good. Feel sore but good. At Day 30 I can see a the horizon a little better. Soon it will be Day 50 and then on some more. All going good.
Have a good Sunday all.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 29
Day 29 and feeling great. Just back from Yokohama and working out with Patrick: with James and George, et al. Feeling sore but so very good. Thanks for the encouragement guys - it was appreciated.
OK - this was one of my glasses of the 'indulgence' quota. Glass number one of a nice Australian Shiraz.
To be honest, it was not that great and I was blotto just with one glass.
I was much more impressed with my friends (husband and wife) who went beyond the call to ensure dinner was PCP friendly. This included ensuring there was plenty of sparkling water. They served me an amazing small bit of beef, plain string beans and baked baby potatoes. No salt and impressively, this friend weighed all the food on her scales without me asking. What a friend hey.
Well - we drank very good Australian wine and I got my two glasses (around 400 calories). Shiraz is a pretty heavy red although it's all I really drink - so was fine. Slight hang over this morning.. go figure. A cheap drunk.
This was breakfast which was great. I really nice tomato fresh, sliced with pepper: 70grams of rye bread and then my egg with garlic and pepper.
And used part of my milk for a good espresso coffee which has become my new morning treat.
Then last but not least.. my dinner in a glass below
An apple, a mango (allergic to banana so mango is not as good but interchangeable), 2 egg whites with my 200ml milk allotment. It could have been better with honey but actually it was really nice.
Day 29 down and dusted. One month tomorrow at Day 30 - hooray for us. Keep it up all.
To be honest, it was not that great and I was blotto just with one glass.
I was much more impressed with my friends (husband and wife) who went beyond the call to ensure dinner was PCP friendly. This included ensuring there was plenty of sparkling water. They served me an amazing small bit of beef, plain string beans and baked baby potatoes. No salt and impressively, this friend weighed all the food on her scales without me asking. What a friend hey.
Well - we drank very good Australian wine and I got my two glasses (around 400 calories). Shiraz is a pretty heavy red although it's all I really drink - so was fine. Slight hang over this morning.. go figure. A cheap drunk.
And used part of my milk for a good espresso coffee which has become my new morning treat.
Then last but not least.. my dinner in a glass below
An apple, a mango (allergic to banana so mango is not as good but interchangeable), 2 egg whites with my 200ml milk allotment. It could have been better with honey but actually it was really nice.
So dinner was two glasses like this. If looking at the upside of this dietary change is that dinners are now really easy to make. I do feel full - not really satisfied but full.
Day 29 down and dusted. One month tomorrow at Day 30 - hooray for us. Keep it up all.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 28
Day 28 and liking this feeling. Tonight is the night for the indulgence.. that will be my two glasses of Shiraz tonight.
I am going to a friends place for dinner - around 10 of us. My host kindly is going to make a PCP friendly meal for me which is kind. She was more intrigued versus showing any rebuttal to the idea. If the volume is too much - I can just leave it.
I will blog post indulgence. It's been 28 days with no alcohol and it has been no where near as difficult as I thought; except for the 'ball' I went to although that could have been that we'd just started this program.
Had a dinner last night and was impressed the chef and restaurant were very flexible and accommodated my dietary needs. I have been good in not putting myself into situations which compete with PCP although was impressed that restaurants will actually help the process.
1300 skips down and dusted. Today (Friday) is a public holiday here in Tokyo and it is snowing out. Let's call this 'rest day'. Onward and upwards: I look forward to reporting definition - some way to go for that.
I am going to a friends place for dinner - around 10 of us. My host kindly is going to make a PCP friendly meal for me which is kind. She was more intrigued versus showing any rebuttal to the idea. If the volume is too much - I can just leave it.
I will blog post indulgence. It's been 28 days with no alcohol and it has been no where near as difficult as I thought; except for the 'ball' I went to although that could have been that we'd just started this program.
Had a dinner last night and was impressed the chef and restaurant were very flexible and accommodated my dietary needs. I have been good in not putting myself into situations which compete with PCP although was impressed that restaurants will actually help the process.
1300 skips down and dusted. Today (Friday) is a public holiday here in Tokyo and it is snowing out. Let's call this 'rest day'. Onward and upwards: I look forward to reporting definition - some way to go for that.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 27
All going good on Day 27. I have the PM off today so figured I'd do my workout then and gain a bit of a sleep in. Must say - got so used to getting up earlier and getting the set done before work that I kind of feel odd and less energetic.
Either way - overall feeling good and muscles got a good rest (as I did). I can feel the progress, tighter and able to flex muscles I really didn't have before.
Food is going well - off to Costco today to get more bulk fruit and veges. Not much to report. Going good - only day 27 but boy what a difference. Giddyup! Richard
Note to self: do workout first thing in the morning: makes for a better energetic day. Just completed workout: all good; still tough hey. Good luck to all - bring on the 1300!
Either way - overall feeling good and muscles got a good rest (as I did). I can feel the progress, tighter and able to flex muscles I really didn't have before.
Food is going well - off to Costco today to get more bulk fruit and veges. Not much to report. Going good - only day 27 but boy what a difference. Giddyup! Richard
Note to self: do workout first thing in the morning: makes for a better energetic day. Just completed workout: all good; still tough hey. Good luck to all - bring on the 1300!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 26 - anyone want to buy a nice Ferragamo suit?
Day 26 exercises down and they were tough. The creep was difficult: I had seen Japanese school kids do that as a part of their training back when I went to high-school here. I had no idea how difficult it was.
No super success on the pull ups - trying though. Will experiment with the pull-ups on Friday with more time at hand as it is a national holiday here.
So sadly, today is perhaps the last day I can wear my favourite suit: which happens to my most expensive suit: go figure. It is way too big in the pants and shoulders and while I cannot see much change in myself - the belt size drop and suit tells me different.
Sore all over again - and as Molly said - no pain no gain. On a positive note, I am feeling flexibility for me is much better as is skipping. Not perfect and I am not Bruce Lee although I am much more limber.
Still sitting taller in my chair - almost 29% the way through this - imagine the changes to come. Giddy up all.
No super success on the pull ups - trying though. Will experiment with the pull-ups on Friday with more time at hand as it is a national holiday here.
So sadly, today is perhaps the last day I can wear my favourite suit: which happens to my most expensive suit: go figure. It is way too big in the pants and shoulders and while I cannot see much change in myself - the belt size drop and suit tells me different.
Sore all over again - and as Molly said - no pain no gain. On a positive note, I am feeling flexibility for me is much better as is skipping. Not perfect and I am not Bruce Lee although I am much more limber.
Still sitting taller in my chair - almost 29% the way through this - imagine the changes to come. Giddy up all.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 25
Oh lordie.. going strong but body is sore all over.. Went through today's program fine; jump rope was very good albeit still tripping up now and then. The rope flicks the bottom of my humongous running shoes. I find if I just jump higher I can avoid the trip.
Really sore shoulders, arms (and neck which I think is compensating for something). Legs (thighs) are good.. they are looking to be made of concrete and are sore - as are my butt muscles (no idea what they are called). I now officially sit 2cm taller in my chair. You know, even my hands feel like they've had a work out: sore palms, fingers - weird hey.
The good news is - what a great feeling it all is. Back muscle is sore which I imagine means growth is happening.
Diet is going OK: I realise I use a lot more of my kitchen, chopping boards and pans and stuff; way more when compared to pre-PCP. Some hunger in the evenings but OK.
In terms of results - I can see there is still a long way to go. Mr Belly is being stubborn believing he has longevity with me. He he he - he will soon get a shock. Those sit ups and V-sits are setting things right.
So we are all reading today about the indulgence we need to have over the next couple of days. I have a social dinner on Friday night - so it might be a glass of wine. That will be noice! So we are training for the 'now and then' - versus the 'now all the time' way of life.
Onwards and upwards team.
Really sore shoulders, arms (and neck which I think is compensating for something). Legs (thighs) are good.. they are looking to be made of concrete and are sore - as are my butt muscles (no idea what they are called). I now officially sit 2cm taller in my chair. You know, even my hands feel like they've had a work out: sore palms, fingers - weird hey.
The good news is - what a great feeling it all is. Back muscle is sore which I imagine means growth is happening.
Diet is going OK: I realise I use a lot more of my kitchen, chopping boards and pans and stuff; way more when compared to pre-PCP. Some hunger in the evenings but OK.
In terms of results - I can see there is still a long way to go. Mr Belly is being stubborn believing he has longevity with me. He he he - he will soon get a shock. Those sit ups and V-sits are setting things right.
So we are all reading today about the indulgence we need to have over the next couple of days. I have a social dinner on Friday night - so it might be a glass of wine. That will be noice! So we are training for the 'now and then' - versus the 'now all the time' way of life.
Onwards and upwards team.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 24 - sore but good
Day 24 down and going good but must say I have constant soreness all around - which is just the post work out feeling. It's good and hopefully having some effect.
Today's workout was a challenge. Pull-ups - hooray: I could do three.. then my sorry sparrow back muscles screamed with pain and gave in. Hung there trying for another but nothing was going to move my fridge like body up to that pole. Went and did 4 sets of incline pull-ups in place. Sore though - so hopefully there is some muscle being built back there.
Have a new resistance band which is causing havoc. Do people cut their bands if they are too long? Right now hesitating in case I want to double the bands for double the resitance.
All exercises were great, if not difficult. The shoulder press burned and was a little difficult to do but all good.
I now have a better idea of why the "plank" was so detested during pirate times. Oh my - I kept my hands and forearms loose and good but my mid-section was quiviering to this new sense of pain. I did all three sets and let the last one go over a little to extend the burn but - wow, ouch is the word.
This photo is especially for Peter. This was my breakfast which was actually pretty good. On a trip to NYC I went to a fancy place for breakfast and had scrambled eggs which had basil in them.
I did the same here in an omelette on rye bread and pan fried (water no oil) mushrooms and parsely- heaps of pepper. For the eggs, I use a very small fry-pan. Non-stick and as large to hold one egg. I put a smidgen of olive oil and then heat up until it is red hot, drop in a chopped galic clove and then the egg on top once garlic is browned. Cover it with fresh cracked pepper as it is cooking. Pretty good - even for this fussy eater.
Day 24... so so long to go but good. Yippie kai yay!
Today's workout was a challenge. Pull-ups - hooray: I could do three.. then my sorry sparrow back muscles screamed with pain and gave in. Hung there trying for another but nothing was going to move my fridge like body up to that pole. Went and did 4 sets of incline pull-ups in place. Sore though - so hopefully there is some muscle being built back there.
Have a new resistance band which is causing havoc. Do people cut their bands if they are too long? Right now hesitating in case I want to double the bands for double the resitance.
All exercises were great, if not difficult. The shoulder press burned and was a little difficult to do but all good.
I now have a better idea of why the "plank" was so detested during pirate times. Oh my - I kept my hands and forearms loose and good but my mid-section was quiviering to this new sense of pain. I did all three sets and let the last one go over a little to extend the burn but - wow, ouch is the word.
I did the same here in an omelette on rye bread and pan fried (water no oil) mushrooms and parsely- heaps of pepper. For the eggs, I use a very small fry-pan. Non-stick and as large to hold one egg. I put a smidgen of olive oil and then heat up until it is red hot, drop in a chopped galic clove and then the egg on top once garlic is browned. Cover it with fresh cracked pepper as it is cooking. Pretty good - even for this fussy eater.
Day 24... so so long to go but good. Yippie kai yay!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Day 23 - ouch..
Just tried to repeat my work out of yesterday and I could not get it down to 18 or even 20mins. Got the whole thing done in 30minutes and held the last movement/count for an extra 3 seconds to get the burn - and I am zonked.
I jumped ahead and did Thursday's 'floor jumps' in place of lunges: the more extreme of the lunge. Painful and plenty of burn but easier to work through versus lunges. I literally hopped across the room there and back to get my 12.
I tried a couple of places for skipping and lucky me - I have a marble entry to my apartment which works best for skipping. Belted them all out in 13 minutes with still some trips but so much easier than carpet.
Food is going OK. I think I miss my evening carbs although no real terrible cravings.
About to go for a long walk across Tokyo with my GF to get some things: who needs a car when you have two feet?
Feeling good - a long way to go but seeing some results; albeit - slight. Giddyup.
I jumped ahead and did Thursday's 'floor jumps' in place of lunges: the more extreme of the lunge. Painful and plenty of burn but easier to work through versus lunges. I literally hopped across the room there and back to get my 12.
I tried a couple of places for skipping and lucky me - I have a marble entry to my apartment which works best for skipping. Belted them all out in 13 minutes with still some trips but so much easier than carpet.
Food is going OK. I think I miss my evening carbs although no real terrible cravings.
About to go for a long walk across Tokyo with my GF to get some things: who needs a car when you have two feet?
Feeling good - a long way to go but seeing some results; albeit - slight. Giddyup.
Day 22
Oh mama! With fellow and past PCPers - went to Yokohama to train with Patrick and oh boy was it a good workout.
First lesson: jump rope on a shiny surface is much easier than on carpet - which is what I have been doing at home.
Second lesson: no break between different exercises: keep going while muscles are screaming from the last completed set(s).
Third lesson - I am taking too long when I do this workout at home.
A great workout and all completed in 18 minutes!!! Typically when I was skipping and going through the exercises at home I was taking around 45minutes or more. Today was an eye-opener and I must say I feel really good for it. Also learned how to do lunges proper: step I was taking was not long enough..
It was also worth doing all the measurements proper: visceral fat, etc. Had fat photo done.. nice. No carbs tonight.. fruit for snacks - all good.
Giddyup for Sunday and Day 23 - 9 weeks to go: loving this.
First lesson: jump rope on a shiny surface is much easier than on carpet - which is what I have been doing at home.
Second lesson: no break between different exercises: keep going while muscles are screaming from the last completed set(s).
Third lesson - I am taking too long when I do this workout at home.
A great workout and all completed in 18 minutes!!! Typically when I was skipping and going through the exercises at home I was taking around 45minutes or more. Today was an eye-opener and I must say I feel really good for it. Also learned how to do lunges proper: step I was taking was not long enough..
It was also worth doing all the measurements proper: visceral fat, etc. Had fat photo done.. nice. No carbs tonight.. fruit for snacks - all good.
Giddyup for Sunday and Day 23 - 9 weeks to go: loving this.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 21
1000 jumps later and done. All good but very happy it's the weekend. Today is possibly going to be the most significant test on the food component of PCP. I have an external breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dinner will be fine: it is with PCP friendly friends - some are ex-PCP and can guide in terms of the menu.
Lunch: with a focus on Australian and Japanese relations within the Financial Services sector I have chosen a healthy tofu restaurant (for selfish me) which is nice - and should be PCP friendly. I think mapping out which restaurants can be PCP friendly is important: and that includes use of salt, flexibility to change menu items - and of course ingredients.
Breakfast... oh no: I am about to have breakfast with our Ambassador and two very important executives (way more important than me and my diet).. so I have had a word with our chef; asked for no salt for my servings. I am going to have to eat around what I am served - while smiling and waving my serviette in agreement to conversation.
This was my dinner last night which was REALLY good. Thanks guys for the tips on bulgur wheat; try it if you haven't. 90grams of it is not much but mixed in with shallots, heaps of parsley, corn, garlic and flash pan-fried salmon (heaps of pepper again) was really good.
I cooked the bulgur up and it tasted a little hard: let it sit with the pot lid on and then it was much better.
Day 21 down (and ongoing).. onwards and upwards.
Breakfast - Done: chef poached egg (which was great) - so that and mushrooms and tomato. Most difficult thing about leaving bacon and sausage to the side of the plate was sitting there and not eating and falling out of the flow of the breakfast; covered though by moving things around on the plate.. (had to have been there). Australia and Japan remain with good relations and I stuck to my PCP intake. All good in the world. Giddyup.
Dinner will be fine: it is with PCP friendly friends - some are ex-PCP and can guide in terms of the menu.
Lunch: with a focus on Australian and Japanese relations within the Financial Services sector I have chosen a healthy tofu restaurant (for selfish me) which is nice - and should be PCP friendly. I think mapping out which restaurants can be PCP friendly is important: and that includes use of salt, flexibility to change menu items - and of course ingredients.
Breakfast... oh no: I am about to have breakfast with our Ambassador and two very important executives (way more important than me and my diet).. so I have had a word with our chef; asked for no salt for my servings. I am going to have to eat around what I am served - while smiling and waving my serviette in agreement to conversation.
I cooked the bulgur up and it tasted a little hard: let it sit with the pot lid on and then it was much better.
Day 21 down (and ongoing).. onwards and upwards.
Breakfast - Done: chef poached egg (which was great) - so that and mushrooms and tomato. Most difficult thing about leaving bacon and sausage to the side of the plate was sitting there and not eating and falling out of the flow of the breakfast; covered though by moving things around on the plate.. (had to have been there). Australia and Japan remain with good relations and I stuck to my PCP intake. All good in the world. Giddyup.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day 20 - need to buy a new belt
All going good on Day 20.. still a long way to go but what a great feeling.
Good news - down another belt size and able to wear my 'skinny' suits again. Actually one skinny suit is lose in the pants which is great.
900 jumps and routines done first thing post doggie walk. Loved the pull downs: felt good, did best to get back burn (very difficult as Patrick explained) but it was a great exercise. The forward shoulder raise - oh mama: painful, awful, crying like a little girl difficult. Got through the set with plenty of burn and sore as I sit here: but good.
This is my morning snack: looks great hey. Exactly my gram amount for morning fruit snack. Here's the deal. Get on your bike to your local Costco. I bought tubs of all types of berries (usually a luxury here in Tokyo) and are mixing them in with mikans (mandarins) and apples. I cannot believe I actually look forward to eating fruit. What's happening to me. Also drinking black coffee which I now enjoy.
A bad comparison but it is almost like your first beer or ciggarette behind the shed as a lad. Tastes awful - and then over time you begin to enjoy it - then you're hooked. The only difference is that these things now are good for you - and you enjoy them; and nicorette are not going to produce a berry-patch. Who knew?
Going good. Shirts and pants are loose although hesitating to buy new clothes as it's only day 20. Only if wearing a Muumuu was allowed when working within an Embassy? I could then lose weight and not have to worry about clothes not fitting properly. Although unlike Homer, I'd be losing weight and not gaining it.
1000 jumps tomorrow - giddyup.
Good news - down another belt size and able to wear my 'skinny' suits again. Actually one skinny suit is lose in the pants which is great.
900 jumps and routines done first thing post doggie walk. Loved the pull downs: felt good, did best to get back burn (very difficult as Patrick explained) but it was a great exercise. The forward shoulder raise - oh mama: painful, awful, crying like a little girl difficult. Got through the set with plenty of burn and sore as I sit here: but good.
This is my morning snack: looks great hey. Exactly my gram amount for morning fruit snack. Here's the deal. Get on your bike to your local Costco. I bought tubs of all types of berries (usually a luxury here in Tokyo) and are mixing them in with mikans (mandarins) and apples. I cannot believe I actually look forward to eating fruit. What's happening to me. Also drinking black coffee which I now enjoy.
A bad comparison but it is almost like your first beer or ciggarette behind the shed as a lad. Tastes awful - and then over time you begin to enjoy it - then you're hooked. The only difference is that these things now are good for you - and you enjoy them; and nicorette are not going to produce a berry-patch. Who knew?
Going good. Shirts and pants are loose although hesitating to buy new clothes as it's only day 20. Only if wearing a Muumuu was allowed when working within an Embassy? I could then lose weight and not have to worry about clothes not fitting properly. Although unlike Homer, I'd be losing weight and not gaining it.
1000 jumps tomorrow - giddyup.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 19 - the pull up
Day 19 and going good. Not perfect and still a challenge but all good. So my defeat today was unfortunately my attempt at pull-ups. Oh lord.. I think my sparrow back muscles need some more work before they can lift my elephant torso.
I have a very nifty pull-up bar that fits into the door frame (thanks to a very good friend) all ready to go; preped it up the night before: tried one - no luck but thought, after a good sleep I will be able to hit this fine.
So 900 jumps later, squats - painful but done, I tried to do my first set of pull ups. I was mimicking the photo description from Patrick.. Well - I could get one and a third done. Not one set - but one pull up.
I stood there trying (hanging from the bar) and trying again and thought.. OK - back to the incline pull up sets. I did try the pull up around 4 times but seriously there was nothing there to lift me. So in defeat I did the 4 prescribed incline pull ups sets using my broom handles (taped together); to the chagrin of my cleaner who needs them back un-taped together.
Went through all the sets: Da vinci's are tough and my shoulders were screaming (my grimace could be used for Halloween cookies) but got through all the sets. Workout done and feel really good.
Can really feel and see a difference although I acknowledge there is a long way to go: all going good on that front.
Man, I am still having trouble getting used to vegetables for breakfast. May see if I can prepare baked beans (with tomatoes) homemade. This morning, not being able to stomach greens I peeled and sliced a potato into thin scallop slices and then on oven paper - baked them in the oven (no salt or oil). I then fried up my egg (just a little olive oil) on top, sliced a tomato and had a whole wheat bagel for my carbs portion. Breakfast is the most difficult vegetable serving of the day. The rest are easy.. I guess with time. I need breaky recipes and will look - or make some up.
So - per Patricks email: experiencing a lot of the same things. Zits on chest - (WTF?) but actually going now - noticed them 3 days ago.. I am in a total humming mood where little things no longer annoy me. More on a constant high (althougn not giddy). Bathroom visits are exactly as described although wind for sailing has gone (sorry Marc). I think it will take longer for fat to allow veins to show: up until now they only show on my forehead when I drive around these mad streets in Tokyo. I look forward to seeing them on my arms, etc.
I am sure (like most of us) that when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I almost have to look twice. I find myself imitating that scene from Austin Powers where he meets himself (via a time machine) and begins applauding his looks and the fact that he is a handsome beast.. I know by Day 90 I will look heaps different - as we're just gearing up.
So day 19 and I think so far we've just had the 'warm up'. Feeling good and looking forward to more of the journey. Giddyup team.
This was dinner: brown rice, asparagus, tofu and chicken - heaps of pepper! Pretty good.
I have a very nifty pull-up bar that fits into the door frame (thanks to a very good friend) all ready to go; preped it up the night before: tried one - no luck but thought, after a good sleep I will be able to hit this fine.
So 900 jumps later, squats - painful but done, I tried to do my first set of pull ups. I was mimicking the photo description from Patrick.. Well - I could get one and a third done. Not one set - but one pull up.
I stood there trying (hanging from the bar) and trying again and thought.. OK - back to the incline pull up sets. I did try the pull up around 4 times but seriously there was nothing there to lift me. So in defeat I did the 4 prescribed incline pull ups sets using my broom handles (taped together); to the chagrin of my cleaner who needs them back un-taped together.
Went through all the sets: Da vinci's are tough and my shoulders were screaming (my grimace could be used for Halloween cookies) but got through all the sets. Workout done and feel really good.
Can really feel and see a difference although I acknowledge there is a long way to go: all going good on that front.
Man, I am still having trouble getting used to vegetables for breakfast. May see if I can prepare baked beans (with tomatoes) homemade. This morning, not being able to stomach greens I peeled and sliced a potato into thin scallop slices and then on oven paper - baked them in the oven (no salt or oil). I then fried up my egg (just a little olive oil) on top, sliced a tomato and had a whole wheat bagel for my carbs portion. Breakfast is the most difficult vegetable serving of the day. The rest are easy.. I guess with time. I need breaky recipes and will look - or make some up.
So - per Patricks email: experiencing a lot of the same things. Zits on chest - (WTF?) but actually going now - noticed them 3 days ago.. I am in a total humming mood where little things no longer annoy me. More on a constant high (althougn not giddy). Bathroom visits are exactly as described although wind for sailing has gone (sorry Marc). I think it will take longer for fat to allow veins to show: up until now they only show on my forehead when I drive around these mad streets in Tokyo. I look forward to seeing them on my arms, etc.
I am sure (like most of us) that when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I almost have to look twice. I find myself imitating that scene from Austin Powers where he meets himself (via a time machine) and begins applauding his looks and the fact that he is a handsome beast.. I know by Day 90 I will look heaps different - as we're just gearing up.
So day 19 and I think so far we've just had the 'warm up'. Feeling good and looking forward to more of the journey. Giddyup team.
This was dinner: brown rice, asparagus, tofu and chicken - heaps of pepper! Pretty good.
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