March 31, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:00AM
Cardi-yo-lates (10 minutes brisk walking, 50 minutes Pilates/yoga)

1:15PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing, Atkins bar

7:00PM
150-minute competitive volleyball

11:00PM
Mozzarella cheese cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with pepperoni slices, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

NOTE: Sometimes it can seem like progress in our health/fitness routine has slowed immensely or come to a screeching halt--but something today reminded me that is not at all the case. I was in my Pilates/yoga class and a friend from church was there trying the class for the first time since she's a teacher enjoying her Spring break week off. I've been doing these classes twice a week for a while and sometimes feel like I'm not getting any more flexible or fit. But watching my church friend and this dear older overweight woman struggling to do even the simplest postures and movement told me I'm a lot better off physically than I was when I first began. I know if they just stick with this--no matter how frustrating it gets for them--that they'll reach a point where they notice the progress they've made as well and be proud of just how far they've come.

The same can be said of our diets. It's easy to forget how awful our nutrition looked prior to livin' la vida low-carb and the perspective change that has taken place from what it was then to what it is now. My whole mode of thinking right now regarding what I eat is radically different than at any other point in my life. That's why it's so laughable to me when I hear criticism about the way I eat from perfectly well-meaning people who are I believe trying to be helpful. The 410-pound Jimmy Moore would have blown off nitpicking about his diet as meaningless because he didn't give a rip about what he was continually shoving into his pie hole. Good nutrition was the furthest from his mind. But 2011 Jimmy Moore is extremely conscious of what he's consuming and isn't always 100% perfect--nor does he think it's necessary as long as he sticks to plan most of the time. And I'll stop speaking in the third person like I'm Bob Dole long enough to say that's exactly what he does.

My weigh-in today showed me down one pound from last week and I'm sure it could have been more if I stuck with just meat and eggs...I'm trying to see if there's a happy medium between being super-duper strict in the diet sticking with just a few foods and changing things up a bit by allowing other foods into the mix. I'll figure out what is best for me, but I'm happy with my progress. I'm down over 30 pounds since I started this effort in January and that's nothing to sneeze at. It's been a fun ride so far and I appreciate you being here to join me. There's still a long way to go, but I'm happy to come as far as I have. It's given me the energy to do things like playing 2 1/2 hours of competitive volleyball like I did tonight (I blocked a lot of shots and made some killer spikes, too!). ROCK ON LOW-CARB LIFESTYLE!!!

March 30, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

12:30PM
1/2 pound beef burger patty with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato, pickle, mayo and beanless chili, Atkins bar

8:15PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs butter, Atkins bar

NOTE: I couldn't get to the gym to lift weights today...UGH! Will be glad when I'll have more time next week to hit it hard. Love how I feel getting stronger while eating well. It supercharges weight/fat loss.

March 29, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:45AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs butter, Atkins bar

10:00AM
60-minute Namaste yoga

2:30PM
1/2 pound beef burger patty with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato, pickle, mayo and beanless chili, Atkins bar

5:30PM
60-minute yard work

8:15PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: It's been raining a lot lately with more on the way. Decided to get the weed-eating and mowing done today. Felt good to get it finished before the pouring rain hit. And am I the only one who loves beanless bacon chili cheeseburgers?

March 28, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:45AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs butter

2:45PM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

7:00PM
60-minute competitive volleyball

9:00PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: it's Monday again and I'm coming to the end of my podcast recording schedule. I love it, but it keeps me busy. I find it difficult to get into a routine when the load is this heavy--but I wouldn't miss my Monday volleyball. And am I the only person who loves a good beanless chili bacon cheddar burger?

March 27, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

8:45AM
3 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil

12:45PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing, Atkins bar

8:45PM
Beanless chili and Atkins bar

NOTE: I used the last of my coconut oil today, but I've got more coming. Starting tomorrow I'm back on my regimented nutrition plan--let's do this!

March 26, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

12:15PM
Ham/turkey with cheese, mayo, mustard, lettuce and tomato, beanless chili, Atkins bar

6:00PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: Had a funny eating day today. Do weekends ever do that to you?

March 25, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:15AM
3 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil

2:45PM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

6:00PM
Atkins bar

9:00PM
1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing

NOTE: I'll be returning to my beef and eggs focus in earnest on Monday. Running out of coconut oil soon, so I'll use butter instead until I can order some of my favorite brand.

March 24, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

8:45AM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, Atkins bar

10:00AM
Cardi-yo-lates (5 minute warm-up walk, 55 minutes of Pilates/yoga)

3:30PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing, Atkins bar

9:00PM
Vanilla Almond Quest Bar, Atkins bar

NOTE: After my week of increased eating the scale responded just as I suspected it would--a gain. But that's not surprising and I'm anxious to see what's gonna happen when I get back on the routine that has helped me take off over 30 pounds so far. Maybe there's nothing to this idea that your body gets used to how you eat, so you need to shake things up a bit. But I think it makes a whole lot of sense which is why I'm trying it for myself. We'll see what happens.

March 23, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

1:00PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

7:15PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: Got up early to get some blog work done...needed a nap this afternoon when I really wanted to hit the weights at the gym. I'm learning rest is sometimes better for you. That's hard to wrap my head around but I believe it.

March 22, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

9:30AM
60-minute Namaste yoga

12:00PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing

3:00PM
120-minute lifting bags of rocks and spreading them in my yard

7:15PM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

NOTE: Got back to my yoga class again this week and my back feels so much better than it did a couple of weeks ago. That is, of course, until I got the bright idea to go to Lowe's to buy 30 bags of marble rocks to decorate parts of my yard. Ouch! Yard looks good, but I'm feeling it. I think I'll be fine, but I got in some unorthodox strength training in today.

March 21, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

9:30AM
3 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil

4:00PM
3 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

7:00PM
100-minute competitive volleyball

9:15PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: My experiment this week is unclear to some, so let me be crystal clear: I decided to take a week off of my strict plan of beef, eggs, and intermittent fasting. Not off the deep end with a carbfest, but just a little something different. Probably will be a gain this week, nut I want to see how my body responds when I get back on it.

March 20, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

8:45AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil

12:45PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing

3:00PM
60-minute spin class
30-minute yoga

6:30PM
Grilled chicken breast cooked in butter with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, beanless chili with beef and cheese, bread with butter, Atkins bar

NOTE: It had been a while since I'd done a spin class, but I felt like doing it today. Now that my back is feeling better I wanted to give it a go. And I did remarkably well too. Worked hard, but manageable. Sweet! Enjoyed it immensely. I think my weight loss has helped with my conditioning for more intense exercise. I can't wait to shed another 25-35 pounds to see how much MORE I will be able to do then.

March 19, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:00AM
Atkins bar

1:15PM
Bread with butter, sweet potato with butter, cinnamon and Splenda, 8-ounce beef burger patty with cheddar cheese, bacon, tomato, pickle, and BBQ sauce, Atkins bar

9:45PM
Vanilla Almond Quest Bar, cheese cooked in butter with pepperoni and tomato sauce

NOTE: I decided to consume a little more food this weekend, including some extra carbs. This is a test to see how I feel, how my weight responds, and any other reaction that happens. Should be interesting.

March 18, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

9:30AM
10-minute weight lifting (arms, shoulders, back and chest)
20-minute interval workout (Peak 8)
10-minute dry sauna

11:30AM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo, 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing

9:45PM
Atkins bar and Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

NOTE: I had an early morning podcast interview today at 8AM with a man in the jungles of the Philippines. The line kept cutting off, but we made the best of it. I hit the gym afterwards and then I had a big lunch. That held me most of the day until I got home from my date night with my wife at the movie theater. We saw The Rite starring Anthony Hopkins--Christine likes that kinda movie. My speed is Yogi Bear! LOL! Just kidding. Didn't want a meal so late, so I had some protein bars. Good day!

March 17, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:15AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

2:00PM
Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

8:00PM
Grilled chicken breast cooked in butter with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, beanless chili with beef, Atkins bar

NOTE: It's another weigh-in day today and I was down over a pound again. I find it mildly amusing when people say things like, "But if you had only not eaten *BLANK* then you would have lost so much more weight!" OMG, how moronic is that? I sincerely doubt there's any validity to a single food I've been consuming being the culprit in preventing weight loss from happening. And yet the fact remains I'm still losing weight and that's the goal. Could I have exercised a little more or consumed less packaged foods to produce more weight loss? Perhaps. But not that much more in the grand scheme of things. I'm extremely pleased with my progress and look forward to seeing it continue as I march towards my goal.

March 16, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

8:15AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

5:00PM
1 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, Atkins bar

NOTE: I really wanted to get to the gym today, but my schedule was jam-packed. Need to lift weights and do my Peak 8 intervals--and tomorrow will be busy again. But this exercise is too important to neglect.

March 15, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:00AM
60-minute Namaste yoga

11:15AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

3:30PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

NOTE: I got to my yoga class for the first time in three weeks today and it was great being back. With my low back hurting so much from the tilt in my hips, I have missed this excellent stress-reliever in my exercise routine. And I did well too jumping right back into it again. I'm hopeful that craziness with my back is history now. We shall see.

March 14, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

9:15AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

2:00PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

7:00PM
135-minute competitive volleyball

NOTE: Another fantastic week of healthy low-carb living kicked off today! Felt fantastic and looking forward to what the week holds for me. It's good to be alive!

March 13, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

1:45PM
1/4 pound hamburger with American cheese, pickle and mayo, 1/4 cup zucchini with 1 Tbs butter, and spinach/salad greens with eggs, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, and Ranch dressing

NOTE: I'm typing this from my new iPad 2. Woo hoo! Blogging from my iPhone is next to impossible...but not with this bad boy. Loving it! Had an intriguing eating day today. My church had a meal on the grounds today with the usual suspects--Mac & cheese, banana pudding, stuffing and gravy, dinner rolls. Sure they had turkey and green beans, but I wasn't in the mood for that. So I ate a big lunch of foods I do enjoy and that's all I ate today. Gonna try to get back to my intermittent fasting of a meal for breakfast and a lunch meal by 2PM. I seem to do best with this formula. And my back feels better enough for me to continue my routine. Let's do it this week! Here I come 240s!

March 12, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:00AM
10-minute weight lifting (arms, shoulders, back, chest)
20-minute Peak 8 interval workout
10-minute dry sauna (to relax my back)

12:30PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Vanilla Almond Quest Bar

5:00PM
1 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, Atkins bar

5:15PM
45-minute neighborhood basketball with the kids next door

NOTE: My lower back was still hurting this morning, but it felt better when I started exercising. Looks like I may need to hit the chiropractor a couple more times to get all the way better. It did well later in the day to go out and play some basketball with the neighbor kids (I slaughtered 'em 28-16 playing by ones). LOL! Ahhhhh, it's nice being fit enough to just live life.

March 11, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:00AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

5:30PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, Atkins bar

9:30PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: After an intense night of competitive volleyball last night, my lower back was feeling it this morning. I guess I'm just gonna have to deal with it a bit--am I really getting old? HA! I usually have some stiffness and soreness after a long night of volleyball and I'm sure it'll be fine. It's a LOT better than it was the past couple of weeks.

I decided to order one of the new iPad 2 models online today to avoid the rush. But it said the unit wouldn't ship for 2-3 weeks. So, I ventured out around 4PM to my local Best Buy which had a line of 100 people waiting to get their grubby hands on one of Apple's latest toys. I asked if they had any more 64G Wi-Fi models (which is what I wanted) and they had already passed out reservations for all of them. I left the store and drove across the street around 4:50PM (the iPad wasn't going to be available until 5:00PM EST) to Wal-Mart who was supposed to be selling it, too. When I got into the electronics department there was no line or really anyone waiting. I asked the clerk where the line for the new iPad 2 was and she said, "You're the first one!" WOW! It turns out they only had 7 in stock, but I got my choice--and they had a 64G Wi-Fi in black. WOO HOO! I'm loving this little gadget and look forward to taking videos, photos, and recording along with keeping up with my LLVLC business while on the road.

March 10, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

8:30AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

2:15PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

7:00PM
140-minute competitive volleyball

10:00PM
Atkins bar

NOTE: Weigh-in day today and I'm pleased to say I'm down over a pound from last week. At 253.2 pounds, I'm now the lowest weight I've been in a couple of years. It's gratifying to see the downward trend in my weight despite my recent setback with the lower back pain. I went to see the chiropractor again today and I felt so incredible when he finished adjusting me. That was evident when I got back out on the volleyball court tonight and played for over two hours! What can I say, I miss it when I can't play at full strength like I am accustomed to. I'm sure I'll be feeling it on Friday. All in all, it's been a good week and I look forward to continuing my progress over the next week.

March 9, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:30AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

4:15PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

8:00PM
Dark chocolate ChocoPerfection bar

NOTE: Although my lower back pain is still there, I can feel it getting better. I'm going back to the chiropractor again on Thursday to have another adjustment on my hips that are tilting backwards. It's amazing how just a small misalignment can cause such writhing pain. Getting it fixed and back in the right place now at last. Decided to have another egg day today and I enjoy eating eggs. Yolk and whites cooked up in some coconut oil...nothing is better. Let it start coming out of my ears because I'm eating so much of it! I love my "boring" diet.

March 8, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

9:15AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

1:45PM
5-minute stretching (back)
10-minute weight lifting (arms, shoulders, and chest)
20-minute interval workout (Peak 8)
10-minute dry sauna (to relieve back pain and soreness)

3:00PM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

NOTE: It was a good day. After getting a chiropractic adjustment yesterday I feel so much better than I did the past two weeks and I'm hopeful that a few more times will do the trick along with my regular massages. Man, having a bum back makes ya feel so old. I'm NOT old! LOL!

Decided to do a little eggfest reverb today because I was in the mood for eggs. Nothing wrong with that--and quite tasty too! The simplicity of regimented meals like this helps so much when I have a busy day--recorded THREE podcast interviews today so not much time for cooking and munching.

March 7, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:15AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

2:00PM
60-minute deep tissue massage, primarily on lower back

6:00PM
1 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic

8:30PM
2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

NOTE: It was a big day for low-carb living today as New York Times bestselling author Gary Taubes went on The Dr. Oz Show to talk about his brand new book Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It. The way Gary was treated by Dr. Mehmet Oz in a segment airing on his TV show today was disappointing. Even still, I think Gary did a fantastic job getting the basics of low-carb living across in a contentious environment. See for yourself:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyh6TrHMaeE

CONGRATULATIONS Gary! You did well all things considered. Dr. Oz wanted his "gotcha" moment and it never happened. I'll be posting a video response later this week. Can't wait to address Gary's cholesterol, saturated fat, fattening carbohydrates, and Dr. Oz' 24-hour low-carb diet. I'll post the video here when I'm finished with it.

My back was still hurting today and I went back to the massage therapist today...I was still hurting after I left. She said I probably need a chiropractic adjustment--I agreed. I called mine up who is a friend from church and went to see him today. He noted that my hips seemed to shift backwards causing acute pain in the lower back. He adjusted me to begin correcting this and said it'll take about 3-6 visits to fix it. I already started to feel better when he was done. Hoping to get all the way better soon.

I ate a little more food than normal today and other than my back I feel fantastic. I've felt a little out of whack lately so it'll be nice to get back into routine again soon.

March 6, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

1:00PM
9-oz sirloin steak with portabello mushrooms and parmesan cheese sauce on top, mashed cauliflower with 1 Tbs butter, zucchini with 1 Tbs butter, spinach salad with cheese, eggs, and Ranch dressing

3:30PM
10-minute stretching (back)
10-minute weight lifting (arms, shoulders, chest)
20-minute Peak 8 interval workout
10-minute stretching (back)
10-minute dry sauna

8:30PM
2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

NOTE: My lower back is still nagging me, but today I thought I'd try a different approach at the gym. I did some stretching prior to my regular routine and then again afterwards with a little dry sauna heat to relax the muscles. Felt WONDERFUL when I was done. I'll be going back to the massage therapist tomorrow and likely my chiropractor. Something's gotta give with this thing!

March 5, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

8:30AM
Eggs and sausage

2:45PM
1/4 pound ground beef, zucchini with butter and salad with egg, cheese, spinach and Ranch dressing
Vanilla Almond Crunch QuestBar

NOTE: After getting hardly ANY sleep at all last night since we played cards and Corn Hole into the wee hours of the morning, the Men's Retreat concluded around midday today. I was plumb tired when I got home, but was ready for the bed by around 5PM. I slept a couple of hours, got up and ran some errands for Christine at the store, watched a little TV and then went back to bed. It's nice to get away like that every once in a while, but I can't do the all-nighters as easily as I did when I was in college.

March 4, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

9:00AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

6:30PM
Ham, green beans, salad greens with cheese and Ranch dressing
Vanilla Almond Crunch QuestBar

NOTE: This weekend the men of my church went down the road about 40 miles to a camp called LookUp Lodge for a Men's Retreat. About 60 guys gather together for some Bible study time and some fun fellowship together. When we arrive tonight, the camp staff serve dinner and usually it's a carb-fest. But I was pleasantly surprised to see LOTS of great low-carb food choices that weren't breaded or sugary. WOO HOO! Another one of the men in our group has been on a "sugar-free/carb-free diet" the past month and has done very well with it. He watched me order first and then said, "I'll have the same thing he is." :D

Of course, when the fun and games happened later on tonight, there was junk food galore: potato chips, candy bars, sugary sodas and more that were all being consumed like there was no tomorrow. It amazes me how people eat that stuff and don't even think about the repercussions on their health. Makes me glad I'm livin' la vida low-carb now!

March 3, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

10:30AM
4 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

1:00PM
60-minute deep tissue massage primarily on lower back

2:15PM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

7:00PM
90-minute competitive volleyball

9:00PM
2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

NOTE: After not being able to exercise at all with ANY of my normal routine this past week, it doesn't surprise me at all that I was up slightly in my weight. Combine the lack of any intervals, weight training, or yoga--all of which provide incredible benefits to my overall health--with a slightly higher caloric intake from consuming more to help relieve the pain in my lower back that's ailed me all week and it was a recipe for maintaining the status quo. On Thursday my back started to feel better and I went to see the massage therapist again to work out the last few kinks. She said my muscles felt a lot better and that I should be able to play volleyball like I normally do on Thursday nights. But when I got there, the back started acting up again and it only got worse as the games progressed. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and left after just 90 minutes of playing. I have felt that terrible playing volleyball EVER. Dang this stupid back...I need it to heal and get better. However, I'm not going another whole week without exercising again, so I'll be incorporating things back in next week like intervals and weights at the very least. Avoiding yoga until these kinks in my back work themselves out.

March 2, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

7:15AM
3 organic, soy-free, coconut fed eggs cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

11:45AM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic, 2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

NOTE: Christine woke up pretty early this morning complaining of pain in her eye and head that felt like a continuation of a migraine headache that hit her on Sunday morning. She called the doctor to go see him and he prescribed some prescription medication to help relieve the pain since she loaded up on Aleve yesterday to no avail. I'm proud of Christine because she has come off of all of her prescription drugs in the past couple of years and this will be the first one she has taken in nearly a year. And she's looking for ways to reduce her dependence on this kind of stuff. Hopefully she won't need to take these pills for long.

As for my back, it felt a million times better today, although I'm still taking it easy not wanting to overdo it just yet. I'm going to see the massage therapist again tomorrow afternoon and I may try playing volleyball at my church tomorrow night if I fell as well as I do today. Weigh-in on Friday is gonna suck this week, but that's okay--I'll hit it again to make up for it next Friday!

March 1, 2011 Low-Carb Menu

1:45PM
7-ounce sirloin steak with pepper seasoning, 1/4 cup grilled zucchini and 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower with 2 Tbs butter
2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

7:15PM
1/2 pound grass-fed ground beef cooked in 1 Tbs coconut oil with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and granulated garlic
2 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate

NOTE: After yesterday's massage on my ailing lower back, I felt somewhat better today. However, I still didn't want to push it by going to my normal Tuesday morning yoga class today. I flirted with going to a spin class tonight at the gym, but reminded myself I didn't want to re-injure myself when I'm so close to recovering. You don't know how much this is driving me CRAZY not being able to exercise because I do consider all that I do an integral part of my recent weight loss success. Plus, when I'm exercising I tend to be more focused when it comes to the nutrition side of things too. They're all interconnected in a beautiful way to work to make me leaner, stronger, and less stressed. Hoping to get back at it again soon.