I’ve started counting calories again. Well, I started last week, but I’m telling you this now.
I hate counting calories.
But I’ve been at 160 pounds for, oh, what…almost 2 years? Seriously. I mean, yay, clap me on the back, I’m maintaining.
But that’s all I’m doin’. My clothes don’t fit differently (maybe a smidge…I’m in a medium shirt for like the first time in my life, but I’m still hovering on the cusp between 10/12 for pants, which makes clothes shopping impossible) and I’m ‘technically’ still considered overweight with a BMI of 25.82.
My knowledge of workouts has increased exponentially over time, so I’m not sure my workouts are the problem (aside from knowing I should do more circuits/HIIT to shake things up).
So I’m counting calories for a bit – just to see what I’m putting in my mouth. Yes, I post my food here, but it’s different to see it in serving sizes and calorie counts.
So I’m doing it.
I’m giving myself 1800-2,000 calories a day, based loosely on the NROLFW calculations, as well as what I already know from other sources. Days I lift heavy, I am giving myself the high end, but it needs to be in protein.
So far, I’m making the cut.
But I’m already seeing those places I could make a better choice, or simply pass them up.
A handful of jelly beans.
A brownie.
Ice cream for dessert.
Actually eating the ginormous amount of pasta my DH feeds me when he serves me dinner on Monday night.
2 Girl Scout cookies after dinner
I’m not saying those things once in awhile aren’t fine, but I can count 5 nights last week I had completely-devoid-of-nutrition-dessert (Ice cream, cookies). Seriously. hehe
So if I am a bit cranky about my food for awhile, bear with me. And if you see me eating things that you have a healthier option for – speak up – I’m all ears. Although I am an amazingly picky eater, so I may not try everything 🙂 But I certainly won’t be offended by the suggestion!
I’d also like to start focusing more on my macro nutrient percentages.
Any advice?
Breakfast
Red Berry rides again (1 cup), with 1.5% milk and ½ cup fresh strawberries
*I already see here I can alter my milk and get some savings. I’m not willing to give up the red berry, though.
Snack
This snack is kind of half-assed. I’m the first to admit.
¼ cup yogi strawberry medley granola clusters and ¼ cup pistachios (measured in shell)
Lunch
Big, delicious salad. I discovered a variety of veggies in my fridge and used them all: spring mix, broccoli slaw, sprouts, red pepper, cucumber, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. 1 TBSP of light Vidalia dressing (again, I can do oil and vinegar or lemon juice here, but I wanted the Vidalia today)
And a leftover slice of white pizza. No savin’ that one. LOL
Snack
Apple (small, organic gala) and 1 TBSP peanut butter
Exercise
I’m doing 3 lifting days this week, and 2 longer cardio days. Lifting days will be full-body, and will consist of 3 sets of 10-12 reps per exercise, unless noted otherwise on the day.
I am excluding abs/back from my lifting days. I did abs/back on Sunday and will do them Tues/Thurs as well, which are my cardio days.
15 minutes moderate intensity cardio (elliptical today)
- Barbell Chest Press
- Lat Pulldowns
- Standing Military Shoulder Press
- Barbell Squat
- Seated Calf Raise
- Dumbbell Bicep Curls
- Tricep Bench Dips
- Abductor/Adductor Machines
- Leg Press
HRM says 470 burned in 1h15m – I was dragging today (I guess because I cut down on my snack??)
Dinner
5 oz. Filet mignon (grilled)
1 medium sweet potato
Green beans
DH normally serves me pasta tossed with olive oil. *I love it* But the pasta is so calorie dense.
I’m not trying to eat low calorie – I’m just trying to get the most bang for my buck on the calories I consume. And since I was still hungry after dinner when I was eating the pasta…
I traded in my pasta for a sweet potato tonight, to see if it helped.
I did feel fuller, but DH basically pouted that I didn’t eat pasta.
Argh.
Evening
Just hanging out at home!
