#TheStruggle and Week 2 Updates

Oh. My. Goodness. This week was HARD! I definitely had some walls that I hit. I think it was right around Tuesday or Wednesday (10 days in) All the sweets and breaded goods sounded SO good. Doughnuts, Cake, Waffles, Cookies. My brain would think of nothing else. Fortunately I am fairly stubborn and refused to give in, even when my wife told me to have just one cookie, just to satiate the craving. I think her telling me to cave just a little, even though I know she meant well, gave me enough of a boost of stubbornness and spite to push through.

Other than the cravings I hit some other walls. I was tired, ALL THE TIME. I felt like no matter what sleep I got, I couldn't get refreshed. But there wasn't much I could do for that so I kept on normally for the rest of the week and by the end of it the fatigue had mostly passed as my body adapted.

I was also an emotional monster. I was fine one minute then a cranky animal the next, then I would get super sad for no recognizable reason at all. But like the other two walls I hit, by the end of the week it had balanced out and I found myself in pretty good spirits fairly consistently. I also need to add that my wife has been an absolute angel, tolerating me this week.

By Thursday and Friday, I was in the full swing of counting calories and started exercising almost everyday (from Thursday on). My body was sore from the exercising, but my energy levels seemed improved and I have been sleeping better than I have in a long time. I used to toss and turn every night and listen to my wife fall asleep seemingly instantly. Now, I am falling asleep before her some nights. I haven't had any episodes with acid reflux which was almost nightly at one point. Eliminating the sugars, sodas, and ridiculous amounts of food seems to be helping with that.

Overall I would say that this week was a challenging success. I can't tell if this was the week of the biggest adaptation or if this is to be the first of many speed bump and wall filled weeks. Either way I feel even more committed to my plan and more empowered for having resisted the temptations.

That being said, to anyone who is trying to make some changes to their lifestyle, whether it be eating differently, exercising more, drinking less, etc... there are going to be walls, and obstacles. Temptations and setbacks. But that doesn't matter. Change can't come all at once. The important thing is how you react to the challenges and disappointments. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will habits be established. So if you're feeling down just remember, Fatty Cake Make it Shake.

Goal Update

Weight: I weighed in at 210.1 This morning. Down an additional 2.3 for a total difference of 9.9 pounds! As I expected the weight loss slowed down, but I like to think I have exchanged some fat weight for muscle weight. My wife has also been right there with me and has lost an incredible 10 pounds as well!

Measurements: No change as I will be posting these monthly.

Goal One: Physical Activity - At the beginning of the week when I was first hitting my walls, I just could not muster the energy to hit the gym. Thursday my wife dragged me there, with me crying and screaming all the way. But It felt good once I was there. and I was able to recommit to my 3 day minimum goal and hit the gym Friday and Saturday as well.

Goal Two: Eating Habits - I have stuck with the calorie counting all week. I am eating more vegetables than I probably ever have in my life. The conveyor belt at the grocery store has looked like a mountain of greens next to a bag of chicken.

Goal Three: Sleeping Habits - I missed one or two days this week, where I was in bed slightly after ten, but I have been falling asleep faster than usual, which I think has helped compensate, but I will work harder on being in bed more promptly.


So there is is, the Week 2 update! Thank you for reading and if you are looking for any additional inspiration for making some changes in your life, check out my cousin, Zac's YouTube Channel here.