Change in weight (11/17/20 – 11/23/20): -0.4 LBS
It is the Monday before Thanksgiving and all I can think about is that I am a mere 2 weeks from finishing my first year of this betterment journey. But part that is remembering the frustration and disappointment of the Thanksgiving holiday bloat, self depreciation, and over-indulgence that I felt. So how do I approach this week? (I have already baked some Parker House Rolls and have decided on the menu items I will be making for Thursday).
As I think about this, I constantly remember key themes that have developed from this blog. It is okay to enjoy things, it is okay to indulge here and there, and it is okay to make the best of your situation. It is also important to maintain some discipline, as our future selves will surely thank us. Knowing these and knowing myself, I have come up with a couple Thanksgiving tips for Ben.
1)Set realistic expectations:
I know my caloric intake on Thursday and Saturday (for my two small family gatherings) will be above my usual target and I am okay with that. I understand that we cook with oil, we bake with butter, and we laugh over drinks. That is half of the joy of sharing and giving thanks with those we love. So I know there will be days that are beyond, and I will remember that come next Monday’s weigh-in.
2)Limit the excess
Just because I accept that I will be eating and drinking a lot, doesn’t mean I cannot try to limit the excess. How many crackers with brie do I need? How many servings of potatoes? I can still eating, drink, and be merry, all while trimming a bit of the extra.
3)Get my movement in where I can.
This week is not a free pass, and even if it was, I recognize so much of my joy and stability comes from routine activity. So I will get the Peloton rides and walks in early week. I will try to do some activity Thursday morning, and I will work off some of that turkey over the weekend. I am not trying to exercise every calorie I eat, but maintain my routine, as overeating usually makes me lazy, lethargic, and cranky.
4)Above all, enjoy the time I am lucky enough to spend with those I love
My ultimate goal is this week is to take care of me and my being by making the best out of what is going on. I am lucky enough to spend time, give thanks, and share a special meal with some family. That is worthy of celebration. I will seek to enjoy this to the max, but not eating myself to the point of pain. 🙂
Quick reflection
This past week was another week in the right direction. I had another PR Peloton Ride and I also got some hiking in with my daughter. It was not the best for sticking to our meal plan, as we ended up doing takeout 2 nights in a row… but it was still okay. The weigh in was still a drop so that is nice to see!
My gains continue in strength, endurance, and stamina. They are so noticeable and that makes me so proud. I continue to get better about being consistent with intake, though I still have those weeks where anxiety, stress, fatigue, and all sorts of other things win, and I give in. Those are the times that I get my comfort takeout staples.
I am hoping to be very disciplined today – Wednesday of this week. I would like to go into the Thanksgiving holiday with that ‘healthy high’. By that I mean, when you are working out, feel motivated, and are eating well… it drives you to want to continue that.
Anyway, I hope everybody is able to make the most out of Thanksgiving this year during this pandemic. I hope you can draw close to what give you joy and comfort, I hope you can find all that there is to be thankful for, and I hope you come through this weekend feeling better than you did before. Stay safe!
Leave a like or a comment. How do you plan your health journey around a big holiday meal? What kind of expectations do you set for yourself?
How did I do on last weeks action plan?:
- 5 Cardio workouts. 1 45 min ride, 1 HIIT Ride, 1 Low Impact ride, 1 run. Attained
- 2 Strength Sessions (Tues/Sat) Attained
- Plan out my meals, stick to them, and portion snacks. Attained.
- 2 additional outdoor activities. This can include walks with my daughter, disc golfing, skiing, etc. Attained
- 3 dedicated stretch sessions. 2 10-min lower body and 1 10 min full body (Mon/Wed/Fri). Not Attained
- 20-30 minute midday walk on work days. Attained
- Track every bite. Not Attained
- Drink 10 glasses of water per day. Attained
- Find some quiet time to calm my thoughts and mind. 2 5-10 minute sessions. Not Attained
Action Plan
- 5 Cardio workouts. 1 45 min ride, 1 HIIT Ride, 1 Low Impact ride, 1 misc ride, 1 run.
- 2 Strength Sessions (Tues/Sat)
- Plan out my meals, stick to them, and portion snacks
- 2 additional outdoor activities. This can include walks with my daughter, disc golfing, skiing, etc
- 3 dedicated stretch sessions. 2 10-min lower body and 1 10 min full body (Mon/Wed/Fri)
- 20-30 minute midday walk on work days
- Track every bite
- Drink 10 glasses of water per day
- Find some quiet time to calm my thoughts and mind. 2 5-10 minute sessions
Please stay tuned for more updates. If you have been enjoying this, please become an email follower or a wordpress follower. Having this public audience has been a positive motivation for me to continue working towards my goals and so I really am thankful for all of you!
| Date | Change in Weight |
| 12/1* | – |
| 12/2* | -5.4 lbs |
| 12/9 | -5.4 lbs |
| 12/16 | -3.4 lbs |
| 12/23 | +2.8 lbs |
| 12/29 | -1.2 lbs |
| 1/6 | -1.4 lbs |
| 1/13 | -1.6 lbs |
| 1/20 | -1.4 lbs |
| 1/27 | +0.4 lbs |
| 2/3 | -1.2 lbs |
| 2/10 | -4.6 lbs |
| 2/17 | +0.4 lbs |
| 2/24 | -1.6 lbs |
| 3/2 | -3.2 lbs |
| 3/9 | +1.8 lbs |
| 3/16 | -3.2 lbs |
| 3/23 | -0.6 lbs |
| 3/30 | +0.4 lbs |
| 4/6 | -1.6 lbs |
| 4/13 | +0.8 lbs |
| 4/20 | -1.8 lbs |
| 4/27 | 0 lbs |
| 5/4 | +2.4 lbs |
| 5/11 | -5.2 lbs |
| 5/18 | 0 lbs |
| 5/25 | -1.0 lbs |
| 6/1 | -1.2 lbs |
| 6/8 | -0.4 lbs |
| 6/15 | -0.8 lbs |
| 6/22 | +0.8 lbs |
| 6/29 | -1.4 lbs |
| 7/6 | -2.4 lbs |
| 7/13 | +2.4 lbs |
| 7/20 | -1.6 lbs |
| 7/27 | -0.4 lbs |
| 8/3 | -1.2 lbs |
| 8/10 | +0.4 lbs |
| 8/17 | -1.4 lbs |
| 8/24 | -1.4 lbs |
| 8/31 | -0.2 lbs |
| 9/7 | -0.6 lbs |
| 9/14 | -1.4 lbs |
| 9/21 | +0.2 lbs |
| 9/28 | -1.8 lbs |
| 10/5 | -0.2 lbs |
| 10/12 | -1.0 lbs |
| 10/19 | -1.0 lbs |
| 10/26 | +0.8 lbs |
| 11/2 | -1.4 lbs |
| 11/9 | +2.0 lbs |
| 11/16 | -1.8 lbs |
| 11/23 | -0.4 lbs |
* I first weighed myself on a Sunday night and began the regular weigh-ins the following morning
-Ben
a better ben 
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