get in the best shape of my life

Once again, muscles hurt so much because I worked out too hard.
I ran 5 miles in one hour - slow to some people - but good for me. Just three months ago, my cardio fitness had slipped so much I couldn’t run for 10 minutes straight. So I’m delighted.
I’ve lost about 9 pounds since January, but I’m not working out every single day.
I don’t mind rest days but this is day II and my muscles still hurt. My next goal is to reduce caloric intake.
I’m one of those people who can inhale a box of ice cream in one sitting, so it’s important.

Weight steady after dropping two pounds two weeks ago—annoying.
But I’ve got so much work and stress that workouts have not been regular.
I’ll never make progress either unless I cut back on unnecessary calories. Calories are fuel - you just should take in what you need - no need for extra.

To help me focus on my goal I wrote 99 on my left wrist. I’m at 130.
My goal is to weigh 99 pounds by August. That should be relatively slow and steady weight loss while keeping my energy up.

I also have cut eggs out of my diet—no meat, no fish, no eggs.
Next on the list to cut: flour and cheese.

To keep up my protein, I picked up a can of brewer’s yeast. This stuff tastes delicious and has 17 grams of protein in a couple of tablespoons. You sprinkle it on salad or mix it in water or juice. Love it.

I also drink Bragg Amino to make sure I have all the amino acids I need as I move closer to veganism. Awesome.

Ok—I stopped working out, then resumed working out last week. I’m trying to take my New Year’s resolutions to a new level this year.
Already have arms defined to the point where I’ve received compliments. Talk about positive motivation.

A few more things I’m doing to achieve my goal:
1. Started a food log. That helps me to avoid overeating AND make sure that I get the nutrition I need.
I need 150 grams of carbs, 50 grams of protein and 40 of fat daily.

2. Joined an online group for overeaters. They have been a great support and offered insight into why I compulsively eat when not hungry.
3. Told the guy I’m dating that I will not be joining him for dinner if it’s after 8 p.m.
4. Tossed a batch of chocolate cookie dough into the garbage that kept tempting me.
5. Cut out dairy.
6. Taking daily multivitamin, green tea extract twice a day, and flax seed oil once a day.
7. Resumed yoga/pilates practice at home. No more than 20 or 30 minutes at a time, but it helps.

These changes have made me feel great and I’ve lost two pounds.

After taking a break, started cardio again. Nothing feels quite so good as total exhaustion after a satisfying workout. I only went for 45 minutes, but still feel great.

Hadn’t realized that sore muscles would slow me down. I’ll have to do yoga and toning instead of running until my legs can handle daily runs and hikes. Even a fairly easy walk hurt a lot yesterday.

Saturday - walked 1.5 hours, Sunday - hard run 20 minutes, Monday, walk 40 minutes.
Only one small piece of chocolate Sunday vs. bag of almond nougat Sunday.
These are just baby steps, but at least its something.

I am so busy with so many things, but then I will sneak off to take a nap instead of work out. My study breaks involve eating or watching SNL reruns of Tina Fey playing Sarah Palin.
Then I invite friends to come hang out. I love reading the news. I have to renegotiate with myself.
Getting in the best shape ever while going to law school means I have two tough but worthwhile goals going on at once. I really have to accept this reality. Maybe I can use my workouts as study breaks.

I’ve always been an active person but after surgery two years ago, I stopped working out regularly. After I got into grad school I stopped working out. I’m 37 and need more energy, and I need to fit into my clothes again.
So I’m setting a simple goal at first. Get on the treadmill for a 20 minute jog daily for a week.
Let’s start small.