Day 5 of Keto Diet- Still Seeing Results!

Hello everyone!

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Mmmm.... Easter feast... *drool*

I am feeling really proud of myself today.  Today is my fifth day on my keto diet, and I am also making it through the weekend.

Usually weekends are when my diets go take a nose dive straight to hell.

I weighed in (I said before I will be weighing daily) and I am now 283.2 lb / 131.5 kg which is a 8.2 lb or 3.7 kg weight loss! In four days!

Here's how the food went today.

Breakfast:

2 hard boiled eggs
4 ounces of full fat regular cream cheese

Lunch:

1 beef hot dog (plain)
4 ounces of full fat regular cream cheese

Dinner:

2 McDouble cheeseburgers from McDonalds, no ketchup, onions, or bun

Total carbs for today: 17.  That's a new low for me!

Also, I got a decent amount of activity in today.  This past week has been mainly housework, a little walking, but not really any time set aside to "work out".  Today, I took a 40 minute walk.  It's really amazing what keto dieting is doing for me- On my first day, I could barely walk 20 minutes with my dog before my back would start to ache.  Today, 40 minutes with no pain and I am bursting with energy.

My friend who is on keto also sent me a really simple recipe for pancakes- with no carbs.  They consist of eggs, cream cheese and a little stevia. I'll try them soon and post them in another blog. 

I still may do more workout today, possibly Tracy Anderson's Post Pregnancy workout.  I thought about doing Metamorphosis anyway, but I would be missing 2 days a week (one of my school days could be a rest day I suppose) and it's freaking the Type A in me out.  What do you guys think?  Should I suck it up, deal with the funky schedule and make like Nike and "Just do it"?

One more thing- Ketostix!

Hello everyone!

There is one thing I forgot to mention in my previous post about being on the ketogenic diet- how do I know if I am in ketosis? Am I in ketosis already?

There is an easy, relatively inexpensive way to find out and you can do it anywhere you have a toilet- Ketostix!

They are plastic test strips with a little square on the end (that you pee on) that has the chemical that shows if you are in ketosis.  The nice thing about these is that not only do they show if you are in ketosis, but how much.  They turn different shades of purple depending on how many ketones you are giving off.

I think a vial (and I think it has like 30 of them or something) runs about $12.

Now as for me, yes, I am in ketosis.  I started testing yesterday and I was in the "moderate" range.  The smile on my face when I saw that little square turn that deep a purple this quickly (some people take weeks to get into ketosis, so I have heard) is promising.  I was thinking after a day or two I would still be in "trace" or "small" amounts. 

I have also tested this  morning- and sure enough, still in ketosis, still moderate.   You do not necessarily need to aim for "large" but I think (don't quote me on this) the darker the color, the more fat you have burned, hence the more ketones in the blood and urine. 

I just started my day, so no food log yet; I had some hard boiled eggs and almond milk for breakfast so far.  I also plan on getting some activity in if possible. (I have some homework to do so we'll see).

Are any of you guys using ketostix, or has anyone you know?  

Have a great Saturday everyone!

A little update- Go Keto!

Hello everyone!


I apologize for not posting in a while.  This is because I had midterms/final exams this week, but that's over for now.

I also decided once and for all to try something I tried before and was staring to see results with when I did it - Ketogenic diet.

For those who are new or don't know what a ketogenic diet entails, I'll give you a brief run down. 

1. You keep your carbs as low as possible. Most keto dieters aim for about 20-50 grams of net carbs per day.

2. You keep your fats high.  Most of your calories SHOULD be coming from fat when you are going keto, as this is supposed to be where your body is getting its energy from.

3. Protein is also important but it's ok to take in a medium amount.  You do not have to do high protein unless you're working on bulking up.

(I'm not an expert, but this is the general jist)

Yep. This is diet food. You're welcome. 

Today is my third day on a ketogenic diet and I am already seeing weight loss.  I am weighing every day so I can monitor how my body reacts to eating this way.

Start date: 3/27/2013 
Start weight: 297.4 lb / 135.2 kg

Today: 3/29/2013
Weight: 291.0 lb / 132.3 kg

6.4 pounds, or 2.9 kg down.  My activity has been minimal because of school,  but I do walk when possible.  I stopped taking elevators and now use the stairs. I walk places I have to go if they aren't too far.

I also have been eating generally the same thing (except today because I got paid and decided to treat myself) but I am keeping my calories between 1300-1500 and drinking lots of water.

3/27 and 3/28

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled egg and a sausage patty from McDonalds

Lunch: Fried tofu, steamed cauliflower/broccoli/carrots with butter on top, miso soup

Dinner: same as lunch without soup

3/29

Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs

Lunch: 1/2 pound broiled cheeseburger, no onions/ketchup/bun, lettuce tomato pickle and mustard only.

Dinner: Gyro meat ( I weighed it out because there ARE some carbs in it)

Reminder- If you use MyFitnessPal, add me as a friend so you can check out my daily food entries. My username is asagi722

I still plan on returning to Metamorphosis after school is over. I considered splitting my workouts (like doing the cardio REALLY early in the morning) but in reality, who am I kidding? I hate waking up, haha.  I am as much a morning person as an owl or a vampire.  After this semester (Mid May) I will have a lot more time in the evenings and such to get my Tracy time in.

I have a couple friends who are doing keto and saw great results- how about you guys? 

Tracy Anderson Introduces Another Apparatus- A Broomstick

Hello everyone!

Recently, Tracy Anderson was interviewed by Self magazine, and this time, she is introducing another prop to use while working out- A broomstick.

This looks fairly more advanced than things like Metamorphosis, especially challenging your balance. 

I don't have a broomstick to try this with, but have any of you tried these workouts or something similar?

On a side note, I think that even doing Post Pregnancy lately has been not helping.  

Yes, I know it's helping with the toning up and such, but it's such a hard workout and I get very little sleep these days (until school is done) that every day (especially after doing the workout a few times) I feel like I got run over by a train. Most of my weekdays, I am at work or in class (not home) from 7 am to 10 pm.  It's draining.  I am pretty sure the pain in my body is caused by lack of sleep because over this past weekend, I have been sleeping 12+ hours at night and feeling SO much better, pain wise. 

How do you fit in a workout regime when  your daily life is so physically draining? Still trying to figure that  one out.

Post-Post Pregnancy Workout...

Hello everyone!


So yesterday, as I posted, I tried Tracy Anderson's Post Pregnancy workout for the first time in FOREVER.


I am so sore.  So very fucking sore. 

I didn't go full on when I did it, I admit I did take it a bit easy.  I did everything modified and only a few reps to get a feel of it.  Apparently that was even enough.

I was SORT of able to do the planks in the video (modified of course).


I also think I may have done one of the butt moves slightly wrong because one side of my butt hurts considerably more than the other.   They were simple moves but with my tight, weak hips they were hell.

I am sore everywhere. Butt, hips, lower back, abs, chest and arms.  Everywhere except my feet and neck pretty much.  It also doesn't help that I just got  my period, which is probably why I was also so clumsy these past few days and why I ended up having a little late night "snack" last night.

I don't have time to do the workout again until Friday, but when Friday comes I am going to do it better and with some cardio. And no "snacking".


Have a great day everyone!

Getting out of a rut

Hello everyone!

I noticed I haven't posted any progress lately.


Here goes!


I have to admit that last week was sort of a bust with the dieting, it was my spring break from school (and work) and allowed me to sit home and be lazy.  However, in general the diet I am following is becoming more and more of a habit.

Lately, I am up at night prepping food for the next day instead of spending extra money at the cafeteria buying whatever it is they're making.   My entire lunch which is a protein, pickles, rice and soup is likely lower calorie than a burger and fries.

Also, my green tea intake has been going up and also becoming habit.  I use that instead of coffee to come to life at work.

Another habit- no more elevators. (Well, unless I'm at like, a high rise building or something)  This is almost 100% habit.  At work, it's a 3 story building plus a basement, and to get around to run my errands, I use the stairs. (Unless I have to wheel a cart or something, but that's uncommon.  Most of my errands at work are very walkable)

Another thing I cannot wait for is warmer weather so I can walk my dog properly instead of just a short stroll to the backyard to do his business. He's small and his hair is short and I don't feel comfortable having him out in the cold for very long.

Also, I want to get back to doing Meta but my schedule is really crazy (Very early mornings to late nights most of the week) so I am going to wait until May.  In the meantime, when I have time, I want to do Post Pregnancy.

I'm doing Abcentric, which has lots of plank work.  Post Pregnancy trains you to be able to do planks if you can't and even modifies them so I can get stronger.  Cardio will be dancing when possible or some other kind of activity.  Nothing too strict until I start Meta.  Also I consider myself to be in the same kind of shape as a new mom, especially one with weight to lose- weak abs, tight hips, and needing to take it slow at first.

I figure 3-5 times a week until school is done should do something for me to strengthen (and perhaps tighten) up a little.

Still keeping this diet because it seems doable and I feel more energetic. It's also food I like and easy to prepare, although it is a bit time consuming because it IS less processed.

I'll post as I do it, but I'm trying to make it a habit first before turning it into some major grand master plan like Meta. 

That's about it for now, I have to do some homework then my first Post Pregnancy workout.


Have a great Tuesday!

Morning Banana Diet Day 2- 3/12/2013

Hello everyone!


Day 2 of my Morning Banana Diet went like this:


Breakfast: 8:00 am

2 bananas

Lunch: 12:00 pm

1 package of Sapporo Ichiban Original ramen
1 hard boiled egg
Fresh green onion slices

Snack: 3:00 pm

Chocolate cream cake

Dinner: 5:45 pm

Korean potato soup
Rice
Natto (fermented soybeans)


Exercise: Gentle stretching for an hour (P90X stretch).(Supposedly stretching for an hour burns 300 calories, I don't believe it does but that's what MyFitnessPal says) Folding laundry, and cleaning up around the house.


Hope everyone else had a happy Tuesday!

Morning Banana Diet Day 1- 3/11/2013

Hello everyone!


Last night, I was up all night sicker than a dog, throwing up and everything.  This morning, I started the Morning Banana Diet. (I mentioned it before)

I figured bananas won't upset my stomach. I was correct.  I feel much better now.

I did skip lunch for the sole reason being that I woke up at 12:30 pm.  So I had brunch.

Brunch: 12:45 pm

2 bananas with water

3 pm Snack:

Mini chocolate cream cake (I love how Japanese sweets come all individually wrapped and portioned out FOR me so I am less likely to eat an entire package of these things.)

Dinner: 6:30 pm (should eat no later than 8 pm)

Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen that I put a softboiled egg on top as well as some chopped up green onion.

I ate until I felt satisfied, although with the ramen I also got pretty full feeling on the broth.  Also, when you add egg and other healthy goodies to the ramen like I did (and like you would get in a ramen restaurant in Japan) it feels way more filling and satisfying. I also only had one package, instead of my usual 2. 

I am not counting calories, carbs, or fat grams etc.

My starting weight: 293.4 pounds/ 133.36 Kg.

Exercise: at the time of this posting I did not exercise yet ( I was on the phone all day being on hold) but after I digest my dinner, I will be on that.

Bedtime is also at midnight. (I hope.)


Hope everyone else had a good day, I feel pretty good myself. 

So I Dusted off the Kinect...

Hello everyone!


A long while back, I posted about how I got Dance Central 2, and how much I loved the game, etc.

Well I do love the game, but I have been super lazy as of late.  However, recent events (rearranging my basement area and having much more space) caused me to get it out and give it a go.  So I did.

After calibrating my kinect, I thought I would play a few songs on easy, test out the sensors and what not.  Usually songs on easy are pretty well, easy for me.

Not anymore, haha!


I was able to play through 3 easy songs... And I felt like I got the crap kicked out of me.  Like legit sore.





As you can see, they really do make you dance.  It's no waving around a remote and "dancing".  

So my new goal is to master all of the songs on easy, which  means getting a 5 star rating.  Also play at least an hour or so a day.  At first this will likely be off and on (5 mins here and there) until I get a bit better at it.  Being so out of shape that I am, I think this is a good start.


Also I plan on getting more unplanned exercise. Walking up the stairs at work instead of the elevator, etc. The weather here is trash (everything still covered in snow) but when the weather gets better I will be much more active outside, taking walks and taking my dog for real walks around the block, etc. (Right now he has to just go in the yard because the sidewalks aren't safe for his mommy to walk on without fear of falling and breaking her leg or something.  My luck usually steers that way, I have sprained my ankle countless times just WALKING.)


This week, I am off work aside from Wednesday and have no school. (Spring Break! WOO)  This means more time at home to sit around and I want to try really hard NOT to do it.   Perhaps my Xbox will be getting used though. 


Anyone else play these kinds of dancing games, and have you felt better/fitter as a result?

Why I am Trying the Morning Banana Diet Again

Hello everyone!



I posted before (well a while ago) about a diet in Japan called the Asa Banana Diet (Morning Banana Diet)  and I have been thinking that I really want to give it a shot again.

There are advocates for all kinds of diets, but the reality is (this I have heard from a few personal trainers and normal people alike) that the best kind of diet is one that you can stick to and make into a lifestyle.

I really think I could make the banana diet into a lifestyle- especially about the eating good food and learning to chew and appreciate it until you reach a certain level of fullness (all of the rules are on the link earlier in the post) 

Eat your bananas! 

Another major appeal (or "apeel" pun intended) about the diet is the cost.  It's cheap to go on, no special foods to buy aside from bananas, and the only stuff I really need to stay away from is dairy and alcohol which I really have no business eating anyway.

At this point with all honestly I do not think I can really exclude entire food groups, like carbs, etc.  So, I decided to use the morning banana diet to tackle another major issue I have- PORTION CONTROL.  I also really need to learn to slow the hell down when I eat. I don't give myself time to be full and I think it's a huge factor in my weight.

I went out today and bought some bananas, and the diet SUGGESTS eating Japanese food, which suits me fine because I have a lot of it at home anyway.

As for exercise, I am not going to do any set plan, but will try to move around every day.  The diet suggests walking but any exercise will really be okay.

So, tomorrow (Saturday) I'll take my weight and stuff and I'll start!

Have a great day!

MORE Snow!

Hello everyone!


Where I am living, we are having another snowstorm.  That means more shoveling.

How many calories are burned shoveling?  It really depends on your weight and the weight of the snow, and how long you shovel.


According to Livestrong.com  a 120 pound person can burn 180 calories in 30 minutes of shoveling.  If you weigh more/or if the snow weighs more, then you will still burn calories, perhaps even more than that.


The way the snow is falling today, I will likely have a lot of calories to burn of my own- I have a driveway and a bunch of sidewalk to shovel myself.  How many calories will I have burned? I honestly don't know how long it will take or how heavy it will be because it's still coming down, and it was severe enough to be declared a "snow day" at work and have my workplace be closed today.

How about you?  Anyone else stuck in the snowstorm today?  If you are, who's shoveling? You or someone else?  Be honest. 

Turbo Fire Prep Schedule Day 6/63

Hello everyone!


After a super busy day, I finished 6 days of my prep schedule!

Turbo Fire wasn't my only exercise today, either.  I was out and about for most of the day and that involved a lot of walking. 

I went to the Japanese market, the Korean market, the European market and then Walmart.   I think I walked around for at least an hour-hour and a half.  By the time I got home (which was about 10 pm) 

I ate food. A lot of food, hahahaha. 


Breakfast:  Rice with an egg mixed in (It's a Japanese breakfast called Tamago Kake Gohan- you  break a raw egg into hot rice and mix it up)  406 calories (I  used a little more rice this time)

Lunch: 

Korean Onion Ring chips (like our Funyuns but better) 390 calories
1 McDouble 390 calories

Dinner:

Gyudon (Japanese beef/onions/sauce on top of rice) 588 calories


Snacks: (here's where I got in trouble, hahaha. Went to the Japanese bakery and wanted to taste some of what I bought)

Korokke- (Fried mashed potato breaded and it's like a little cake- very good!) Calories- I have no idea!


Also even though I got home late, I got my workout done- 11:30 pm is better than never!  The workout was Core 20 and it was challenging but not impossible.  I still feel it a little bit afterwards. 

Tomorrow will be day 7! 

Turbo Fire Prep Schedule Day 5/63

Hello everyone!


Five days! I stuck with it for five days so far. 

Also I am noticing little changes in my body, at least from a visual point of view.  From a scale point of view I am trying really hard to not let it bother me too much considering what I am doing exercise wise.


My weight went down after the first day, then on a steady upclimb for the next couple days, and today back on the way down.  I hate to say it but it is very discouraging.

However, considering that I am doing a very intense program, and that I have been sore as hell all week, this is sort of expected.  When muscles hurt, they hold on to water.  When they do that, the scale goes up.  The looking thinner part (in my arms and my face a bit) is what is keeping me going at it.

Today's diet- Not as healthy as the other days. 

I was out running errands most of the day and that included grocery shopping, haha.


Breakfast:

6 inches of a Spicy Italian sub from Subway:  650 calories

Lunch:

6 inches of a Spicy Italian sub from Subway (the other half of the sandwich) 650 calories
About 4 ounces of gyro meat (stole from my friend) 340 calories


Total calories today: (so far) 1640


I am pretty full still so I MAY skip dinner.  If I end up eating then I will post it later. 


Today was Fire 45 EZ.  It's not "EZ".  I don't know why they call it that other than the fact that there's probably less fire drills in it.  30 was tough, 45 was tougher and I am tired and sore. 

Also from last night's Tone 30, I am a little sore from that now today.  


Another thing that has been keeping me sore lately is all the snow we've been getting, and all the snow shoveling I've been doing.

So, if you want to burn some calories off, and you have snow, get shoveling! Your waistline and your driveway will thank you!