I quit!

I quit! No, I'm not quitting the UBC. But I did quit the UBC prescribed nutrition plan. It is a plan that works when followed, but I have decided that it is just not one that I could consider a life change. I knew that even if I would stick it out through the challenge, it is not something I would stick to simply because I find it boring and restrictive. As I've said before, I can only eat certain foods, yet I'm supposed to eat them all the time and it just has been driving me crazy. Since my ultimate goal is to find a balance that works for me to have as part of my regular life, I decided to move on and go a different route. For now, I am just watching my calorie, carb and protein intake - very similar to how my husband eats, but in different amounts. With the help of the internet, we figure that since I'm working out every day, I should be able to build muscle and still lose a little weight eating 2000 calories or less, trying to keep my protein up above 100 grams (that protein part is harder than you might think!) That is totally doable and I feel much less stressed since I switched. Again, I'm not looking for a diet plan so much as just a sound nutritional foundation that works for me and my goals - long term. A lot of it is just learning to make healthy eating choices, which before I started the UBC didn't often happen. I'm also still trying to eat small amounts throughout the day to keep my body convinced that it will continually have fuel to burn. The only real difference is that I'm not as concerned about exactly how many strict proteins and strict carbs I put in, so I have more choices. Hopefully this will be good. If not, we'll try something else until we find what works for me.



I was happy with my 5 week results but have been frustrated since. As I wrote, I got sick right around the time of my 5 week testing and that weekend I didn't eat well. After that, I just felt like I'd lost any momentum. I have been so frustrated just feeling like I'm struggling with the diet part, my momentum is gone and the clock is ticking. I now only have 3 1/2 weeks left. While I made it 5 weeks without stepping on the scale the first time, I got on the scale again within a week after we weighed in and I had gained 2 pounds! I was so upset! Actually, my scale at home said I gained 5 pounds (which would be everything I lost!) so I jumped on the scale at the gym (since that's the one I've been using for this) and it just said 2. Granted, 2 is better than 5, but still... Now, I was on an antibiotic and it was just days before my period, so I've been telling myself it is just water. I never did convince myself though. Nonetheless, tonight I was trying on sundresses a friend is letting me borrow for our trip to Jamaica and as I was looking in the mirror, I felt satisfied. I can see that I am toning and I am actually considering wearing a bikini in Jamaica. (We'll see...) I realize that even though I've been saying that I want to tone up, old habits are hard to break. Any time I've ever worked at changing my body, I've always been able to shed the pounds if I've really put in the effort and with that I become noticeably smaller. And I have put in a ton of effort. But this program is different. It isn't about becoming smaller, it is about becoming stronger and more fit. And I am. I am starting to see muscle definition for the first time in my life. When I consider wearing a bikini, it isn't because I am smaller, it is because I am firmer. My 8 year old, Taylor, was watching me try on dresses and as I was between dresses and she could see me in just my skimpies she lovingly told me that I look so much better than the last time she saw me undress several weeks ago when I was trying on workout clothes with her and Alyssa. When I asked for clarification, she explained that I was just bigger then. Good enough. In the long run, I will be happier with being tone than with being skinny. And I can definitely tell I am getting stronger. At the same time, I am having to come to the realization that 10 weeks isn't going to be a magical time frame. While it is a good start, it will have to be just the beginning. I am getting over the illusion that I will have some amazing body at the end of this challenge and realizing that it is really just the beginning of a lifelong (I hope) journey. This is what I've kind of been saying all along, but as I said, old habits are hard to break. But tonight I am content. I enjoy what I'm doing. I like how it makes me feel. I'm definitely making healthier choices and I'd say I'm on my way, at least for today.