Thursday, April 16, 2015

Re-Inspired

I'm totally feeling re-inspired. I finished Winter Boot Camp in March. I didn't get the results I was hoping for. Honestly it was due to me not making the 5 required classes every single week. Winter weather was the cause of most it those classes being missed, along with work schedule. My diet was also pretty horrific as well. Weightloss is 70% diet, 30% exercise. Our trainer required us to keep a food journal. Mine was up to date for about 8 days, then I stopped. Even those 8 days I went towards unhealthy foods. I lost 3lbs only, and really didn't change much in my measurements. I'm still rather proud of myself for what I did accomplish. Boot Camp was way outside my comfort zone. The workouts were like nothing I'd ever push myself to do. I didn't quit, I graduated. It inspired me to sign up for Spring Boot Camp! Imagine what I could do if I watch what I ate and made the required classes? I thought my trainer was nuts telling me to set my goal last boot camp at 25lbs to lose. This time around I set the same goal. 

My main focus will be diet this time around. I'm back on the low carb bandwagon. Still utilizing MyFitnessPal to track my food. My macros are set to 5% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 65% fat. Not adhering to a specific 'diet' as in Atkins or South Beach. I'm simply eating to obtain ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic process where the body doesn't have enough glucose for energy. Stored fats are broken down, resulting in a build-up of acids called ketones within the body. You are fueling your body by burning fat, simply put. I have been in ketoisis since starting boot camp on April 4th. I feel fantastic. If you have never eaten low carb for an extended period of time you have no idea the great side effects felt. You are never hungry, which leads to you eating fewer calories. I've had to reminded myself to eat most days. I should be eating 6 times a day (3 meals, 3 snacks) but it's been a struggle as I am not hungry most days. I do tend to wake up ravenous, which is not like me. Generally breakfast is my most skipped meal when I am eating carbs. Along with generally hating breakfast, I also hate mornings. At work people know to not really engage in conversation with me until about 12pm. On low carb I wake up bright eye and bushy tailed. The energy lasts all day as well, no mid-day crash. My favorite non-weightloss benefit is the mental clarity. My mind isn't 'foggy'. There is a silly but good thought on why this happens. The brain is over 60% fat by weight, so the more fat you eat the better your brain can work. Lastly my digestion has improved. I've always had issues with digestion. My bloating is gone completely. I also don't run to the bathroom almost immediately after eating. I thought honestly this was due to not having my gallbladder anymore. Low carb, high fat is changing my health for the better. 

Within the next week or so I am going to start vlogging again. It'll help keep me accountable. I also want to share more about living on a low carb, high fat or ketogenic diet on a daily basis. At least weekly posts here on the blog can be expected as well. Looking forward to the next 7 weeks of boot camp and beyond!