16 Weekish

Sixteen weeks (give or take) prior to this, the weekend of my five-year college reunion, I, spurred on by an off-handed jab at my flab, embarked upon a fairly comprehensive overhaul of my diet and exercise regiment. Five-times weekly cardio sessions (because Bones is on back-to-back, literally, everyday-) were reduced to two, then one; now none, as thrice-weekly lifting.

Nutrition-wise, I have some good days and some (very) bad days. The underlying goals have been to 1. up protein intake and reduce carbs consumed so as to appropriately supplement strength training and ensure gains and 2. to not eat "mindlessly". My good days average at about 80 grams of protein between white meats, eggs and shakes, raw greens, and lots of water; my bad days begin and end with sticky-sweet baked goods.

The results are observable, encouraging. I've gained strength, and I've come to know my own body a lot better. I'm less doughy, and, when in deficit, tawny. I successfully, conscientiously lost 8 pounds to rock a slinky dress, and I'm confident that I've got the baseline education and fitness to resume deficit eating when I need ("need") to.

Lessons learned? After gaining back the 8, I found that I look better. I feel stronger, healthier, and confident in the weight room. Dieting is hard execute, and impossible to maintain (for me, anyway). Sleep is important; I underestimated the value of sleep.

Goals moving forward? Importantly, I want to escape the mindset that an ice cream cone flushes the rest of the day's dietary habits down the drain, and that I "might as well" wait till the next day to start over. I don't want to work for "perfect" days if the result (and it inevitably is) is a really bad day following. It's hard, but I could definitely use to be a little more balanced about eating, since I'm no longer aiming to lose weight. I'll probably scale back on gym hours this summer in favor of activities that can incorporate a little photosynthesis. I'll get stronger, gradually, I suppose, but there's no rush; I think I'll cycle in more intensive workouts when the weather starts to turn in the fall.