The Again Return of Little John
- Thread starter Little John
- Start date
Little John
New member
Weekend of the wagon discouraged me a little, but not enough to derail me, I'm still in fifth gear. And other vehicular metaphors.
Actually more like 3rd gear. I opted to skip my usual workouts altogether this week and just eat less. Not doing too bad, to be honest. I am still trying to go for a long walk at lunch every day - not burning too many calories, but the weather in CT right now is perfect.
And I'm still doing the IFing, supposed to have a light lunch tomorrow before the procedure, so I'll probably do a small salad or something, but I can't do any exercise the rest of the weekend. I don't like that. I also can't do any work around the house, so I'll effectively be a lump. Yay.
Actually more like 3rd gear. I opted to skip my usual workouts altogether this week and just eat less. Not doing too bad, to be honest. I am still trying to go for a long walk at lunch every day - not burning too many calories, but the weather in CT right now is perfect.
And I'm still doing the IFing, supposed to have a light lunch tomorrow before the procedure, so I'll probably do a small salad or something, but I can't do any exercise the rest of the weekend. I don't like that. I also can't do any work around the house, so I'll effectively be a lump. Yay.
Little John
New member
OK, I'm back. I'm jonesing for some exercise here, I've been doing walks at lunchtime when I can, but I need something a little more exertive than that, it's my stress release!
On the upside, I feel like I'm finally getting into the IF groove. My lack of creamer in coffee is the only killer, but I'm researching some low- to no-calorie alternatives that don't need to be refrigerated. I'm currently doing a ~16 fast during the week (no breakfast), with one of those days as a ~24 hour fast (no breakfast or lunch).
I think I'll see if I can include Saturdays on the 16-hour regime, and push into 2 24-hour fasts a week. Don't worry, still keeping an eye on fatigue and all that stuff. I'm feeling more alert and awake (though that could be the increase in tea), non sluggish, and only slightly grumpy around dinner time, which isn't anything new.
On the upside, I feel like I'm finally getting into the IF groove. My lack of creamer in coffee is the only killer, but I'm researching some low- to no-calorie alternatives that don't need to be refrigerated. I'm currently doing a ~16 fast during the week (no breakfast), with one of those days as a ~24 hour fast (no breakfast or lunch).
I think I'll see if I can include Saturdays on the 16-hour regime, and push into 2 24-hour fasts a week. Don't worry, still keeping an eye on fatigue and all that stuff. I'm feeling more alert and awake (though that could be the increase in tea), non sluggish, and only slightly grumpy around dinner time, which isn't anything new.
icychic
New member
That's great! Sounds like things are going well in your plan. Not sure about creamer suggestions other than that powdered coffee mate stuff. I hear some really like it, others despise it. Not sure the calorie count on it either.
I'm not a coffee drinker, I drink tea (not green tea or flavored tea, just regular Orange Pekoe-Red Rose usually) and have gotten used to it black with no milk. Getting better with the sugar in it too! Cut down, but trying to cut it down more. Debating trying to put cinnamon instead for some flavor. People say honey is good, but I dunno it must be an acquired taste because I didn't care for it.
I'm not a coffee drinker, I drink tea (not green tea or flavored tea, just regular Orange Pekoe-Red Rose usually) and have gotten used to it black with no milk. Getting better with the sugar in it too! Cut down, but trying to cut it down more. Debating trying to put cinnamon instead for some flavor. People say honey is good, but I dunno it must be an acquired taste because I didn't care for it.
Little John
New member
Thanks Icy, this morning I tried to put cocoa powder in there - figure that little bit of fat might smooth things out... First sip, not to bad. We'll see how the rest of the thermos goes.
So I was tempted yesterday at lunch with co-workers. At Cracker Barrel, of all places, the home of biscuits and gravy and butter and fritters and... Anyway, I found that they had a lighter fare menu, and had a quite nice meal of sirloin steak, broccoli, brown rice and cucumber salad. All under 600 calories. Dinner was grilled chicken on salad, and I have to say I'm getting better and better on the grill, the chicken was perfect.*
No real challenges today, other than my lunchtime walk will have to be abbreviated, but I can have lunch during the 1:00 meeting.
This weekend is a different story - I'm taking tomorrow off to help get the house ready for a 3-yr-old birthday party, so that should keep me busy enough for most of the day that I don't feel compelled to eat. However, Saturday I have her birthday during the day, then Saturday night is a beer party - in other words, no light beers, and lots n' lots to choose from. Guess I'll have to pour myself smaller samples and try to avoid the apps. AND Sunday is the family BDay party for her, so more cake and pizza. And salad, so maybe I can gorge on rabbit food and have a little bit of pizza as "dessert".
I should be able to do the fasts tomorrow and Saturday (weigh-in one for the week), but I don't see Sunday happening.
*brine a couple/few boneless breasts in a mix of 2 tbspn salt, 4 tbspn brown sugar, 1 tsp ground mustard (Coleman's or similar) and 4 cups of water for 5-6 hours. All day would probably work, too. Dry the chicken off and brush with olive oil, place on a hot grill to sear both sides, then slow cook it until the inside measures around 160F, brush on a paste of brown sugar and mustard powder (use water and/or vinegar to make it a paste) and let it sit in the grill for another 2-3 minutes.
So I was tempted yesterday at lunch with co-workers. At Cracker Barrel, of all places, the home of biscuits and gravy and butter and fritters and... Anyway, I found that they had a lighter fare menu, and had a quite nice meal of sirloin steak, broccoli, brown rice and cucumber salad. All under 600 calories. Dinner was grilled chicken on salad, and I have to say I'm getting better and better on the grill, the chicken was perfect.*
No real challenges today, other than my lunchtime walk will have to be abbreviated, but I can have lunch during the 1:00 meeting.
This weekend is a different story - I'm taking tomorrow off to help get the house ready for a 3-yr-old birthday party, so that should keep me busy enough for most of the day that I don't feel compelled to eat. However, Saturday I have her birthday during the day, then Saturday night is a beer party - in other words, no light beers, and lots n' lots to choose from. Guess I'll have to pour myself smaller samples and try to avoid the apps. AND Sunday is the family BDay party for her, so more cake and pizza. And salad, so maybe I can gorge on rabbit food and have a little bit of pizza as "dessert".
I should be able to do the fasts tomorrow and Saturday (weigh-in one for the week), but I don't see Sunday happening.
*brine a couple/few boneless breasts in a mix of 2 tbspn salt, 4 tbspn brown sugar, 1 tsp ground mustard (Coleman's or similar) and 4 cups of water for 5-6 hours. All day would probably work, too. Dry the chicken off and brush with olive oil, place on a hot grill to sear both sides, then slow cook it until the inside measures around 160F, brush on a paste of brown sugar and mustard powder (use water and/or vinegar to make it a paste) and let it sit in the grill for another 2-3 minutes.
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MrVee
New member
Good luck trying to behave during the festivities. One tip: eating pizza with cake as a topping probably isn't a good idea.
Ultimately it's a tortoise/hare situation anyway. Ultimately there's only so much damage one can do in a day or two, so if the long term situation is one where you mind your calories more or less every day the weight's going to come off. I haven't had too many food fails the last 15 months, but I have had plenty of beer fails, and a few alcohol fails bad enough to where I had to add a food fail late at night on top of it just for self defense.
Ultimately it's a tortoise/hare situation anyway. Ultimately there's only so much damage one can do in a day or two, so if the long term situation is one where you mind your calories more or less every day the weight's going to come off. I haven't had too many food fails the last 15 months, but I have had plenty of beer fails, and a few alcohol fails bad enough to where I had to add a food fail late at night on top of it just for self defense.
Little John
New member
For those dying to know, I give cocoa 3 out of 4 stars. The only downside is that is kind of sinks to the bottom of the coffee. Small price to pay for 3 vs 60 calories. Plus think of the extra energy I expend by agitating my thermos regularly (I know, it seems like it should be a metaphor for something naughty. But it's not).
Vee, you're right about damage in a day, but last weekend was similar. All I can do is my best, right?
Vee, you're right about damage in a day, but last weekend was similar. All I can do is my best, right?
icychic
New member
Little John
New member
So the bad news: I gained a little weight over the last week, though not as much I expected.
The good news: I dropped a decent percentage of fat.
The better news: I can start exercising again! Added bonus: only one social activity planned this weekend - it's a wedding with a cash bar, which kind of sucks, but it will also reduce my "intake". The next day, I'm splitting and stacking wood, and trust me, that's a workout!
Not too much else to add today. All-day fasting, walking at noon, lifting tonight. Good times, lots of laughs.
The good news: I dropped a decent percentage of fat.
The better news: I can start exercising again! Added bonus: only one social activity planned this weekend - it's a wedding with a cash bar, which kind of sucks, but it will also reduce my "intake". The next day, I'm splitting and stacking wood, and trust me, that's a workout!
Not too much else to add today. All-day fasting, walking at noon, lifting tonight. Good times, lots of laughs.
Little John
New member
Can I just say that intermittent fasting does not mix well with reading burger joint reviews? What is wrong with me? Eh, but what can you do.
The look-ahead is promising-ish. Weekend shouldn't be too menacing, especially with Sunday's activities. No idea what to expect with the wedding, so I'll just suck it up and see how it goes.
I'm traveling next week for business, and when I travel I want to try new places, and when it's on the company dime, I want fancy stuff. So I'll have to drink a lot of water before I go out, research where to go, and scrutinize the menu.
The look-ahead is promising-ish. Weekend shouldn't be too menacing, especially with Sunday's activities. No idea what to expect with the wedding, so I'll just suck it up and see how it goes.
I'm traveling next week for business, and when I travel I want to try new places, and when it's on the company dime, I want fancy stuff. So I'll have to drink a lot of water before I go out, research where to go, and scrutinize the menu.
Little John
New member
So figure this out: I've barely lost 2 pounds in the last month, and my fat percentage is more or less the same. BUT, I've gone in two notches on my belt, feel a lot better, and I'm really not having problems with my fasting sessions.
Quercus
New member
That's good that you are seeing progress. If your waist is getting smaller your body fat % should be going down. Are you doing any tape measurements? It's a nice way to see progress when the scale fails you for a while.
Also I've done miserably so far in the weightloss contest, but no more. I'm setting it as a personal goal to try to catch you. You've got 2.5 % lead at the moment. Hopefully I'll close the gap a little tomorrow.
Also I've done miserably so far in the weightloss contest, but no more. I'm setting it as a personal goal to try to catch you. You've got 2.5 % lead at the moment. Hopefully I'll close the gap a little tomorrow.
Little John
New member
I should start measuring my gut and moobs, I know the fat-mometer isn't always right.
I think tomorrow might show a gain on my part, but we shall see. I'm living the bachelor life next week, and rather than going to a strip club, I'll be working out more and eating more seafood.
I think tomorrow might show a gain on my part, but we shall see. I'm living the bachelor life next week, and rather than going to a strip club, I'll be working out more and eating more seafood.
MrVee
New member
There's no reason you can't do both.I think tomorrow might show a gain on my part, but we shall see. I'm living the bachelor life next week, and rather than going to a strip club, I'll be working out more and eating more seafood.