5x3 @ 20kg

This morning I did five three-rung ladders with the 20 kg for the first time. So far I'm ahead of schedule. I'm hoping to get to 5x5 with 24 kg by mid-July.

Size 16 no more

I came across a pair of jeans I wore last year and thought that I would never have to wear them again if I stick to this new plan of eating better and swinging my kettlebell. They went straight into the Goodwill pile.

Meat!

After all day of running around with my "Big Son" and not getting a decent meal under my belt (decent as in not complete, not fast-foody type) I finally got the chance to treat myself to a medium-well steak smothered in 'shrooms and onions. No sides, but at this point it is all I needed. Did 20 swings today and am looking forward to learning a few new things from the hubby tomorrow.

Must be tired

Just did 20 swings (two sets of 10) and I am beat. I guess I am still tired from yesterday.

Weight is still hovering around the same spot but I am not as concerned about it as I used to be. Excess weight doesn't necessarily mean excess fat.

Just do ten

Ten swings of the kettlebell. This is the advice given to me by my husband. Just do ten. Advice that he picked up from a video workshop by Tracy Reifkind -- aka "The Queen of the Kettlebell". And you know what? Just from the little bit of practice I have had so far, I feel better. Stronger. Like I can finally do this for life.

Counting Down

As of this morning, I'm at least 10 pounds down from my max weight, and about eight from when I started this go-around. So far it hasn't been difficult at all.

What it really came down to is that I just had to learn not to take more than I needed -- the "extras." If I eat a fast-food meal that's fine -- as long as I don't get an extra sandwich because I was "really hungry" or "deserved it because I haven't eaten all day."

I eat less and I'm "full" almost never, but I'm rarely legitimately hungry, and when I am hungry I just eat. I feel good.

Down, down, down we go...

...but in a great way! One of the first things I said to myself was that for one month I wouldn't weight myself so what weight I did lose would feel more significant. Well, after a week I couldn't help it and to my delight I am 6lbs lighter. Probably a lot of water weight, but weight that is gone nonetheless.

New love

Out of all the Paleo meals I have tried recently, I think I have a new favorite -- a portabella mushroom stuffed with bacon bits, chicken, tomato, onion and avocado. Just had one for lunch and already thinking about another for dinner. Maybe it will be easier to stick with this for life this time.

Attempt 96

Not really, but it feels that way. I usually end up letting myself get derailed. I'm not going to make any grand promises this time -- just go with it and try not to get carried away (in either direction).

I'm not being strict, but definitely leaning towards paleo, eating less in general, and plan to spend more time with my kettlebell. I did a short kettlebell workout this morning and felt really good during my drive to work.

Day 4 and counting

I have made it over a big hurdle -- getting the urge for fewer carbs from things like cake and cookies and actually starting to crave more veggies and meat. Although I am hungry most of the time I am confident that what I AM eating is good for me and I am not afraid of the quantity, so I allow myself to eat more often. I don't know if this is psychological, but I already feel lighter.

Try, try again

So it's been a few months and eating habits have been reverting back to "normal" - aka not the best. I have made a commitment this time and I intend to stick with it.