Entering my second week, I’ve noticed that something about the routine of the program sits well with me. I do not shy from a routine, so I like that the set workout days keep me accountable. The weigh-ins prove my progress, and the meal system is organized and predictable. But I’ll admit that I tend to come out of the gates fast. Will I keep it up for the long run?
Daily Journal, Week 2
Day 1: Woohoo! I’ve lost a few pounds after one week on the program. But, I’m not celebrating just yet. I’ve been here before. I can lose a few on my own if I’m eating clean, but I always manage to put them back on. I feel lighter overall, but I haven’t noticed a huge change in the way my clothes fit yet.
For today’s workout, I can see that my weights are at a higher amount, and the workout is a bit more challenging. I was actually looking forward to my workout today because I know that this is the key.
So how is the diet coming? I’m sad to report that today was my first diet fail. I had a business lunch, and I just couldn’t think of a way around it. I can’t exactly bring a pre-made meal with me to a restaurant and ask them to heat it up. I tried my best to order something healthy and protein-based off the menu. I had a bite of a crawfish croquette and passed on the French fries. It will be interesting to see if my first veer off the plan sets me back.
Day 2: End of the work week. End of shuttling kids to and fro. I just want to pour a glass of my girl Kim Crawford and sit outside while my kids play.
Day 3: I know I will be tested today. I have a brunch birthday party, and there will be donuts and champagne. (Just typing that makes my mouth water.) I bring my double-chocolate muffins to the party, and they actually tie me over. I’ve found that when I’m starving and a sweet treat is in front of me, I make bad choices. But when a healthy choice is in front of me and I can stave off the hunger, I am satiated. But maybe it was an easy choice today because I know I’m going out to dinner tonight for a real meal. Yes, I am voluntarily going out to dinner. Call me a cheater. Call me a realist. A set of couple friends asked us to dinner, and I was itching for a night out. It’s beautiful weather, and we’re going to a patio. I ordered two drinks (for a three-hour meal, that’s pretty good) and stuck to fish, no appetizer, no dessert. I patted myself on the back, even though I cheated. (Sorry, Stephanie!)
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Day 4: I’ve lost a good amount of weight thus far (five or so pounds), but I’m not seeing the results in the way my clothes fit, just yet. I honestly wonder where the pounds are coming from! I feel great, I have energy, and I feel lighter. Those are all positives, and it’s only been a week and a half.
Day 5: I wasn’t feeling so hot this morning as I was driving to the workout. It’s dark and drizzly outside, and I just want to curl up for an extra 10 minutes of sleep. But, I told myself, “It is just 20 minutes of your life. If you can’t do this, well, you’re doomed.” (Sometimes dramatics work.) I noticed I didn’t complete as many reps as Monday, even though the weight is the same. I am feeling guilty that I may have wasted a workout day, but there’s always next time. I picked up my bag of food, dug into my yogurt parfait, and went on my way.
Day 6: The hash brown casserole is one of the most confusing/satisfying breakfasts in my rotation. Confusing because it’s a gooey, starchy combo of potatoes and cheese. Satisfying, because–well–it’s potatoes and cheese. I never thought I could eat the two and still lose weight. Lunch is a turkey nacho casserole (tastes way better than it looks), and dinner is shrimp pad Thai (sounded way better than it is.) My chocolate cherry angel food cake was a gift from the heavens.
Day 7: I learned to love oatmeal in my twenties. I also learned that you can add delicious things to oatmeal to make it taste like a cookie. Not so on the Utopia diet. This oatmeal bowl is pretty plain: steel-cut oats with dried apple slices. After a few bites, I got used to the less-sweet version of the healthy grain.
I had a crazy afternoon of running errands and driving my daughter to and from a few appointments, and I was craving a mid-morning snack that I could eat on the run. (All of the snacks I have encountered thus far either need refrigeration or warming up.) If Chef Mike came up with a granola bar or trail mix snack, I’d buy stock in the company. Actually, make that granola bar, trail mix, and chips and queso.
Tonight, my husband roasted up some sweet potatoes, and I stole a bite before digging into my turkey meatballs and pasta. I’m anxious for tomorrow. It’s my two-week weigh in and measurement check-in.
Final thoughts: Yes, I had two setbacks, but I’m trying not to focus on it too much. I’m a little concerned that my pants aren’t feeling as loose as I thought they would, even after losing a good amount of weight in the beginning. I’m a third of the way there! Only four more weeks. (I’ve got birthdays and a Spring Break trip to navigate. Will they be bumps in the road?)
