In 35 weeks, I’m officially down 32 lbs.
Seven of those have come off since starting the WholeMe Challenge nearly 4 weeks ago.
Generally speaking, this equates to roughly .91lbs/per week – a definitely healthy rate to be losing weight. I’ve always heard that 1-2lbs a week is a good guide for weight loss. I do find it very interesting (and scientific!) that nearly 1/5 of my loss has happened in the last four weeks when I have placed much more of a focus on my diet.
As you might recall, I’m still placing emphasis on including weeks 1-3 challenges which are 3c of vegetables/day, no grains, 152g of protein each day, and, now including in week 4 NO SUGAR. Additionally, I’m still striving to drink a gallon of water/day and get at least 8 hours of sleep. I have to admit that this sounds like a lot of things to do and keep track of, however, if I’m being honest with you…which I am…you should know it’s felt very manageable. Yes. You read that right. Manageable. I can do it. I’ve been doing it. I’m in just as much disbelief as you are.
I was out with a friend most of last Sunday – my last day of sugar for an entire week. And you know what? I didn’t have the urge to gorge on sweets. I actually thought, “It’s seven days, just try it. Start now.” And that’s exactly what I did. This is the person I continue to become and I like it.
The best part about this WholeMe Challenge is that I haven’t counted a single calorie. Not a one. I’ve just focused on eating a balanced meal of vegetables and protein while eliminating grains and sugar. What this means
is mostly consuming whole foods and avoiding processed foods. Eating out can be a little more of a challenge in this regard. I have learned it’s not terribly difficult to do a little menu research and plan the food I’m likely to order before I go out.
We’ve all heard about the correlation between diet and exercise in achieving fitness goals and I believe this WholeMe Challenge really exemplifies that. I have so many friends that work out so they can “eat what they want, whenever they want” – which is awesome for them! That plan just doesn’t work for me with my less than perfect metabolism, so it’s been really eye opening to realize the effect diet has on my fitness goals. Don’t get me wrong, I feel confident and strong and powerful. I would like to cut more weight so that when I lift heavy it’s that much more impressive and an even better sign of strength. If you had asked about my weight loss goals before I started this CrossFit journey, I think you’d have found my reasoning very different. Then, my goals had more to do with outward appearances than strength within. I’m grateful for the change.
Speaking of strength, I continue to train for the CrossFit Open (if you remember, the Open is a worldwide competition of five workouts over five weeks where competitors post their scores online) Last year, the Open reached more than 209,000 athletes from around the world. These training sessions are each Saturday at 9am and OHMYGOD are they TOUGH. This past Saturday I had the privilege of partnering up with Jen (Jen and JENN omg) for this particular workout:
AMRAP/10 (as many reps as possible in 10 minutes)
- 30 double unders – 90 single unders for me
- 15 power snatches – I did 45lbs
I managed to make it through nearly three rounds which was killer. My partner Jen almost managed to get through 4 rounds! It’s awesome working with a partner because they are judging if your reps are indeed an actual ‘rep’ – meaning, making sure you are actually hitting all of the elements that you need to in order to be legit. Also, it’s really fantastic to have your own personal cheering section. I can’t tell you how many times I would have just walked away if I wouldn’t have had Jen yelling encouragement at me while I doubted myself. Pretty great.
As with Saturday tradition, my lady gym homies and I hit brunch after Open Training (I like this because it means I’m bound to eat before returning to the gym for 12pm powerlifting training) and upon returning I got to catch resident gym cutie and daughter of Coach Morgen trying to get her own workout in. I’m really impressed by the number of parents I workout with who bring their kids to the gym and set the example for self care and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. How lucky these kids are that this is just part of their normal life. I love it!
Powerlifting continues to be fun and empowering and I’m hopeful I’ll be accepted to compete in the Twin Ports Raw Open (sanctioned by USA Powerlifting) on May 30 in Duluth, MN. We’ve got a lot of work to do before then and I’m excited. Who is going to come watch?!