hot damn!

I went to the Nike Store in SF and found a slew of workout shirts I wanted to get. This one is on my wish list. It's very very ME.

With the photos taken care of, the challenge has officially commenced. The prizes have been officially announced. Can I just say that I would LOVE to win it just for the chance to go to the Robb Wolf seminar?! Sigh. If I had $200 I'd totally sign up in a heartbeat. Alas, no go. I guess this means I'm going to have to work this challenge, doesn't it?

Anyway.... The photos weren't as bad as I was anticipating. Um, it also helps when you don't have to actually look at the photos. I've started going primal on January 2nd. My numbers from 1/02-1/09/2010 are as follows... I've lost 3 pounds and 1 inch off my waist. I have eaten 16 fruit servings, 40 vegetable servings, zero fried foods, 2/3 of a cupcake, and four hours of exercise in seven days. Admittedly, I feel good. I haven't gotten the headaches, the shakes or weird carb withdrawal symptoms that people sometimes get. (When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I cut carbs COMPLETELY for about three days and I was a total mess.) It's not as bad as I thought. My only weak spot is when I smell desserts or fresh bread. Then I get weak in the knees. My coping strategy is to just bite the bullet and work through the craving. Also, carbs conk me out and if I just remember that, then I'm okay with not having them. My other strategy is to have a small piece of dark chocolate. That works every time.

Finally, I ran three miles today with Lori. Yea!

The Fathlete’s Guide to Surviving the Look Better Naked Challenge

Build your arsenal of tools to help you develop your plan of attack. The challenge is not easy, but (like many things in life) it can be incredibly fun with the right tools! I recommend:

a) Food journal. If there’s anything that has proven weight loss success, it’s keeping a food journal! Being accountable for what you eat makes you think twice. Do you really want to write down that you had eight cupcakes in one sitting?

b) A scale, a digital camera, or other measuring instruments. I start each day by weighing and measuring myself as a way for me to connect to my health goals. Actual poundage doesn’t mean much, but measuring does. You can use myo tape to measure yourself. You can also take weekly photos of yourself.

c) Kitchen utensils. I personally love santoku knives, paring knives, a hot pot, a turbo broiler, a reliable set of pots and pans, green bags, and a magic bullet. Pretty plates, silverware, and glasses help too.

d) Stuff to pack your food with. I swear by zip loc containers and a byo bag. A re-usable ice block helps too!

e) Wall calendar. (No. I do not own stock in their company.)

f) Cool workout gear. Nike is my personal favorite. If I could afford it, I would love lululemon too!

g) Anything that will get you eating better and hitting the gym. If you have some personal favorites, let a sister know, will ya?!