My attempt at veganism continues to be foiled by lack of viable options when eating out and, let's face it, a lack of sufficient commitment on my part. It's freakin' hard to be vegan, people! Turns out most of the coffee shops use that icky vanilla soy milk which has a lot of sugar in it. I gave in this morning and had half and half instead. (More fat, less sugar, assuredly not vegan). Then, my lunch plans were dashed at the last moment due to limited time and a huge crowd at the chosen spot. The restaurant we switched to featured a delicious veggie wrap but, alas, the yogurt dip was in my piehole before my friend said, "That's not vegan, is it?".
I have, at least, been managing to be vegetarian and for the most part, very low fat and low sugar. But I will continue to strive for at least 90% vegan! It encourages me to fill up on veggies and skip or cut down on some of the higher calorie foods.
On the workout front, I did well today. My run was first thing in the morning, and I managed the 28 minute/2.75 mile workout, followed by a brisk half hour walk the rest of the way. It was hard. The three sessions I've done since coming back after my ten-day injury-related break have been much harder than they were before; I really lost ground. But I'm back up to 28 minutes and back on Week 8 of the Couch to 5K Plan. My race is next Saturday, so I will have just enough time to finish the program.
I need to find some other training programs --- a strength training routine, a yoga class I like and can stick with, and some other cardio. I'm thinking of trying Pilates. The trick with any workout is it has to be convenient, or you won't do it.
I didn't weigh before starting Boot Camp, but I can tell that I've lost a little. For one thing, I can feel it. I've always been able to feel when I am losing weight --- it's a sort of tingling sensation in my torso, as well as a feeling of lightness. Also, one of the benefits of running is that my abs always feel nice and tight after a training session, and that's a great feeling.
Tomorrow, a new week. I must go write out my food and workout plans! How are things going for you, fellow Boot Campers?
Hi Gillian! I too am married to a Frenchman. (Well, he's American now, so we refer to him as Formerly French). France is full of temptations. The cheese! The pastries (I'm particularly fond of les religeuses, and Eric loves the flan)! The bread! The sauces! You have my sympathies in your struggle.
BB, thanks for the recommendation. I haven't been very good in the past about sticking with video workouts, but they're great for when I'm on the road. I'll check it out, though. It might be a good way to get started on Pilates.
MS, I would never go vegan full time. It's just too hard. But I do like the idea of cutting way, way back on animal sources in my diet. I do think ultimately it's healthier and works well for me. Congrats on getting control of your blood sugar so quickly! You're doing great.
S2M, I think you've hit on something key ... NO SKIPPING STEPS! Brava to you for getting back on track. You can do this! I also really like the idea of having a one-stop portable planner. The simpler and more convenient your tools are, the more likely you are to actually use them.
Cantante-Lirica, I know what you mean about taking a day off (having just sat out for ten, not by choice). Inertia takes over and it's hard to peel ze butt off ze chair. For me, it's also better to do something every day. If I need a break, I "just" walk that day, instead of doing more strenuous cardio.
HaveAVeg, thanks! No matter what, it will be fun. That's all I really care about.
Melissa, sorry about your knee. What is aqua jogging? That sounds intriguing ... bet it's great for the muscles, with all the resistance from the water. And you're right, it's important to always give ourselves credit for what we've achieved.
Thanks for your comments, all! Keep it up ... together we are achieving!
Posted by: Cindy | October 18, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Cindy, You truly inspire me. Keep up the great work! My boot camp is going okay - - I've been eating lots of veggies and the portion control is good! I've been aqua jogging (bad knee, otherwise, regular running is my choice. But I've learned to love aqua running.) I've had weight issues for as long as I can remember (childhood). I think we just have to remember how far we've come. Like you said in an earlier post, we will probably always have to pay more attention than most people, the journey never ends. Some random thoughts on that: I think a silver lining is being a bit more sympathetic and humble in general living... but, anyway, each step is a step in the right direction. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Posted by: melissa_j | October 18, 2009 at 06:20 PM
You will absolutely smoke your race, no question. The body can surprise us in wonderful ways!
Posted by: haveavegetable.blogspot.com | October 18, 2009 at 03:51 PM
I'm doing well, I've done some pilates every day this week, which is the most important thing for me, to do it EVERY day. That always seems to be my downfall. Especially when I have a week like this, where I've done 7 days in a row - I'll think, well it's ok if I take ONE day off - and then all of a sudden it's 3 weeks later and I haven't done anything since! So at least I am aware of that.
Posted by: cantante-lirica | October 18, 2009 at 02:25 PM
The bootcamp is going well! I've reduced my clutter in my house, am starting day one of Beck again tomorrow and have developed a new planner for myself (like a DIY planner, with my Beck notes, journaling, food log, exercise log AND daily/monthly/yearly calendar) to carry around.
I re-read some notes from last summer and made some discoveries about how I went off track.
OH! And my voice teacher and I are headed to the rec-center to walk soon :) Today, I'm planning on heading over there myself, trying to get back on the gym track.
The goal in all of this is : no more step-skipping. You can't just pick and choose to lose! (oh gosh, that's lame!)
Posted by: sop2mezzo | October 18, 2009 at 10:24 AM
You are one dedicated person. I wouldn't be able to be a vegan, just the thought of not having skim milk in my life or cottage cheese, I wouldn't be able to manage my weight nor my GD levels. By the way, they have been normal, no high numbers at all.
Posted by: Monster Soprano | October 18, 2009 at 07:30 AM
I'm really enjoying www.myyogaonline.com right now. It's a website with a small monthly subscription that gives access to a large number of yoga and pilates videos that can be streamed onto your home computer. I'm finding it really convenient, and the videos are well done.
Posted by: Beach Bum | October 18, 2009 at 05:38 AM
Hi Cindi,
I am an American who has been living in Paris since 1985 (married to a french man) and have struggled with weight for nearly twice that long. Love your Next 100 LBS posts which i discovered via the NY Times. I have 35 to lose (i guess). Like you, i can feel it immediately when i am losing.
if you receive this, let me know and i will contineu.bravo for your wonderful success, blog and self realization. you inspire me! gillian
Posted by: gillian denavit | October 18, 2009 at 01:33 AM