10 weeks later

With any major lifestyle change, there’s much trial and error involved. Today I’m going to go over what I’ve learned so far while doing the DDPYOGA program the past 10 weeks:

1.       Balance is much easier to achieve than flexibility, at least for me

I have been surprised at how well I can balance my 300+ pound body. I may not be able to hold a Road Warrior 3 for long, but the fact that I can do it at least for a time is very surprising to me. Conversely, I’m not much more flexible than I was the day I started the program. I’m still not getting close to those toes. On the Red Hot Core, I’m still not able to hold my toes and pull my leg out very far. I’m not giving up; it’s just a bit surprising.

2.       I’m capable of long workouts like the Diamond Cutter

The last week, I have done the DC twice, and while I was winded after it, it didn’t put me completely out for the entire day, nor was I sore. I never remember any lengthy workout I did where I didn’t hurt for days after. If I hiked a couple of miles in the woods I would probably be sore after it.

3.       Nut butter does me in on the scale

Whether it’s peanut or almond, the result is the same. I eat too much of it! Last week I ate it like it was going out of style and I gained a slight bit (sorry, I haven’t bought into the one month weigh in yet-maybe eventually). I have discovered a better option called PB2. I’m about to do my first recipe post with it as an ingredient-and let me tell you, it is a fantastic recipe. I just want to make sure I get all the tweaks on it just right

4.       Morning is the best workout time for me

I have an 11 month old son and a 2 year old daughter. When I’m not working, they demand my constant attention. My only way around it is to wake up before they do. 5AM is my only chance. I know everyone can’t do that, but for me it accomplishes 3 things: I’m done for the day early, I get the benefit of an empty stomach which supposedly helps fat burning, and I’m not at the mercy of a child’s whim. I would advise anyone to try it for a while and see how it works for them. Truthfully though, the best time to work out is WHENEVER YOU CAN-just make sure you get it done.

5.       Cheat days are the Debil (reference from the Waterboy)

Years ago, I did a program called Body for Life (which obviously was not the case for me). The program espouses a “cheat day” every week where you can have what you want. The times I have tried it, I have been severely disappointed. I have still lost, but it throws my body off the momentum of the DDPYOGA eating program. One week I gained weight. I have abandoned that idea now. It might work if I was in my twenties and had a great metabolism, but I’ve got to use every minute of every day to my advantage given the way my body works at this moment. Not to mention, it gives you a view of food where it is being used for comfort. Maybe at some point I’ll be able to work in some gluten free stuff that tastes like what I like as a treat. Right now, I’m just focusing on fueling my body. It’s just where I need to be mentally.

6.       I’m now 10 weeks in without missing a workout

While I have not been completely where I need to be on the eating front until most recently, I have been intense with my workouts. 6 days a week for 10 weeks, and I haven’t missed. I’m hoping to keep up the streak. Stay tuned!

NOTHING BUT WIN!

This week was a huge WIN for me. I have been plugging along averaging under 2 pounds every week. I’ve been making a focused effort lately on having less modifications with my workouts and trying not to eat past 6PM every night. The 6PM idea came from Diamond Dallas Page on DDPRadio last week when he was answering a caller’s question about hitting plateaus.

A funny thing happened: I actually ate more at suppertime than I have been eating. I believe there is absolutely something to the 6PM thing. It gives your body a chance to burn calories while you sleep. The toughest part for me is that I start getting cravings about 9PM every day. Water with a bit of lime juice and stevia has been quite the savior for me during those cravings.

HERE WAS MY WIN: One week, four pounds! Me? Four pounds? I had weeks where I have worked like a dog doing 6 days straight of these DDPYOGA workouts and maintained my weight. During those weeks, in my mind it wasn’t adding up. How could I be working this hard and not seeing returns? In fact, my very first week I maintained my weight! I have been on programs where I did no workout at all and lost 10 pounds the first week.

But in retrospect, it all makes sense. I have been working out muscles I rarely have used. Muscle is being torn down and built back up. There is no way I was losing muscle because I always get the right amount of protein. Now my body is trying to maintain the muscle, and what’s coming off? FAT.

HERE’S MY ADVICE: No matter where you are-If you are having diminishing returns, if you have slow week after slow week, or even if you’ve gained a bit. DON’T GIVE UP. DON’T QUIT. One day you’ll have a victory that will make it all worthwhile.

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