The Magic Bus Trip

Heather L · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 4:34 pm Post subject: Mastering my Domain

It is almost the start of 2008. I want to take control of my eating and exercise to make positive changes in my strength and appearance. Here is my plan to be Devil

"Master of my Domain": (I have borrowed the concept from another source)
1- Every day that I am cheet-free in 2008 I am Master of my Domain. Each day I am cheet free I add to the MOMD day count.
2- If I cheat then I must restart the count.

3- The exception is a planned day-- which must be announced at least 24 hours in advance. This will allow for some necessary fun days like vacations, etc. For the record...I want to keep these to a minimum since they can be death to weight loss.

OK, so starting the first day of 2008 I will follow these rules set out, and track my number of cheet free days, as well as my progress. My official food plan is to stick with Groves EFGT and Intermittent Fasting. This means my carb limit will be 60(though I plan to stay lower much of the time), and high in fats, and moderate in proteins. I plan to cycle calories, so that part will be undefined.

I also will stick to my weight lifting routine with 3 or more sessions a week, and work on different strength goals..For example: I really want to be able to do a full pullup this year. I tend to add in several sessions of cardio per week, depending on season and schedule. These however are not part of the MOMD count. That will be only to track if I am on track with my eating plan.

I am hoping to learn to use fitday, but otherwise will track carbs, calories, etc the old fashioned way. Stop in and visit anytime, and feel free to give me a kick in the back if I don't keep to plan. Whipit

So, tomorrow I will start out on my MOMD challenge for 2008 with MOMD day1. Wish me success, because I KNOW it won't be luck. LOL Wink

jeff · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 8:46 pm Post subject:

Heather, welcome aboard the Magic Bus. It really sounds like you are ready to take control and be master of your domain. Good luck and keep up posted.
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Dean · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:42 pm Post subject:

to Journaland, Heather!

So glad you could join us in these Bus seats. It does get a bit wild and crazy sometimes, so hold onto your Kool-Aid. Cool

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:11 am Post subject:

It's nice to meet you and welcome to journaland! Wave

_________________

Heather

Jessica · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:21 am Post subject:

Welcome Heather, and I love the reference to Seinfeld for your journal name. Wink

You are among the best group ever!!! Grin

_________________
Make yourself happy, don't rely on anyone else to do it. Be your own best friend.

Heather L · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:13 am Post subject:

This is the first day of 2008 and I am Master of My Domain. MOMD day#1
As of this morning I was 70 pounds above my goalweight. I want to see just how much of this I can vanquish during this year! Let the journey begin.

Food Stats for today are:
1588cals
130g fats (about 73% of total)
42g carbs including fibers
76g proteins

I considered today a victory since I ate within plan even though we ate the main meal at someone else's home. This is always harder for me than eating at home. I spent some time rereading the Groves book to keep my mind set on the EFGT guidelines. I am glad to start out with a solid day with percentages close to where I wanted. I plan to keep calories in the 1200- 1500 range for the first 2 weeks of each month, and higher during the last 2 weeks. I tend to lose in waves, so I thought I might as well plan my eating to go with that. We will see how this works. i can always change it as I go.

Jeff- I am very ready to take control. It is time.

Dean--I'll make sure to hold on tight to my Kool-aid. I don't mind a wild and crazy ride. lol

Heather-- What a fun avi! Thanks for the welcome.

Jessica- I am so impressed that you caught that Seinfeld reference. Nice to meet you.

jeff · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:20 pm Post subject:

Nice job with day 1. Keep it up. Yup

_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 pm Post subject:

I am Master of My Domain day #2. Cool

Todays nutritional stats are:
Calories 1343
Fats 115g--77%
Proteins 70g--21%
Carbs 7g--2%

I feel excellent about todays percentages. They are right where I was trying for. As a bonus, I feel great physically today... sharp mental focus, and no pressing hunger. I am not sure exactly where the calories will be best, so I'll have to figure that out as I see how my weight loss responds to the various calorie levels. I plan to weigh in on Saturdays most weeks...this first Saturday will be after only 4 days , so probably only minor change.

I got in a pretty challenging upper body weight training session today- 1 hour- and then 20 min of medium intensity cardio. I love weight training, and tend to focus about 70% of my workout time on weights. I am one of those few women at my gym that hangs out in the freeweight section. I may be the only girl, but I do my best to lift just like the "big boys" Wink

That was it for the gym, but hoping to get a little extra activity in later.

Jeff- Thanks for the encouragement to keep at it.

Dean · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject:

Heather, looks like you are doing fantastic! Keep up the good work! Cool

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

jeff · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:58 am Post subject:

Jessica · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:32 am Post subject:

Your percentages do look great, and you feel great, that is very important!!!!

Wow you did great working out, you're adapting so quickly!

Keep it up! You're very awe inspiring!!!

((((((((hugs))))))))

Jessica
_________________
Make yourself happy, don't rely on anyone else to do it. Be your own best friend.

Heather L · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject:

I am Master of My Domain day #3.(I love how powerful that sounds.lol)
Here are my food percentages for today including what I have calculated for the evening meal:
Cals--1774
Fat--144g- 73%
Pro--111g-25%
Carbs-14g--2%

The big change for me has been going almost no carb.(That, and the NO CHEATING.LOL) I thought it would be harder, but has been good so far. I had been doing low carb and IF, but with higher carb levels and somewhat higher protein levels. This is an experiment for me, so I will be excited to see how the first few months go.

I decided to go with 55 minutes of moderate cardio today. Tomorrow I will plan to do my lower body weight training.

Jeff- Thanks for the encouragement. I have to tell you that is was finding your MAM experiment that made me decide to do this for the year.
Dean-- Glad to see you.

Jessica- ((Hugs)) right back. Thanks for calling me inspiring. I find this group of people here very inspiring-- so it is nice to be able to give it back as well.

jeff · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:21 am Post subject:

Great job Heather L. Glad I can be an inspiration.
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

Today I am MOMD day#4. Tomorrow is weigh-in.
Food Stats:
Cals-1613
Fats--148-82%
Pro--67g-16%
Carb-10g-2%

It seems my calories are turning out more in the 1400-1700 range for satisfaction. I think I will now stick with that range during the low phase, and between 1700 and 2200 for the higher calorie part of my rotation. I am feeling great, sometimes a little high Grin

. I am guessing this is from the very low carb, but it could also be the higher fats. Not sure.

I got in a killer leg weight training session today. Whip

Will be getting in my ESC session later. Devil

I am sure that helps with weight loss, right?

I am not really struggling to stay on track, so that is encouraging. I am sure that my carbs will not be this low all the time, but it is good to know that I can get them that low. Cool

I'll be here tomorrow for weigh-in.

Jessica · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:57 am Post subject:

You're doing great! Grin

ESC helps with EVERYTHING in the universe, btw. It's documented in peer reviewed journals!!! Devil

Keep up the great work! Sunny

I think I need to track my intake to see what it's at. Cool

_________________
Make yourself happy, don't rely on anyone else to do it. Be your own best friend.

Dean · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:32 am Post subject:

jeff · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:39 am Post subject:

I am Master of MY Domain day #5. Whipit

I was down 2 pounds for my weigh-in- pretty good for only 4 days. Happy

Now only 68 more to go Roll Eyes

Food Stats:
Cals-1892 (meant to stay under 1700)
Fats-137g-66%
Pro-102g--22%
Carb-18g-4%
Alchohol-22g-8%

I was so sore from the leg workout yesterday...not the other workout LOL

... that sitting down into a chair is a bit painful. At least I know I challenged those muscles. I still decided to get in a moderate cardio session for an hour today. I was probably a little slower than usual though.lol
I was really hungry this morning, maybe from low protein levels yesterday, but feeling absoutely fabulous now.

Jessica- It is good to know that the benefits are documented in peer reviewed journals Wink

. Now I will have a great excuse.

Jeff-- Hurt? I have no idea what you could mean (looking innocent)...besides I never do it wrong. Wink

Dean-- It looks like you have great music and Kool Aid in your journal. I'll see if I can find some tunes to bring over sometime.

jem51 · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 12:47 am Post subject:

heather you are doing great. those ratios are perfect!

Heather L · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 7:56 pm Post subject:

I am Master of My Domain day #6. Cool

Food Stats including what I will have for supper:
Cals-1733
Fats-139g-72%
Prot-113g-22%
Carb-10g-2%

I am getting faster at using fitday, which is helpful. I had to eat my noon meal out, but still made myself stay "on board". I have no formal exercise planned for today, just hangin out on a Sunday afternoon.

Jem--Thanks for the encouragement. I am doing my best to keep my percentages in my desired range.

Jessica · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:24 am Post subject:

You're doing so great!

I just started retracking in fitday. something I need to keep doing, and weighing, to see how certain foods/macros affect me.

Good going!!!
_________________
Make yourself happy, don't rely on anyone else to do it. Be your own best friend.

Heather L · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

Today I am Master of My Domain day #7!! Yea!
My food stats:
Cals--1746- right where I was trying for
Fats--153g-79% Cool

Prot--84g--19%
Carb-11g--2% Happy

This isn't as hard as I thought it would be. My workout today was great. I had strength gains in my upper body and machine pressed #210lbs for 8 reps-3 sets. I was feeling jazzed, as many of my other lifts today increased as well. This WOE doesn't seem to be holding back my workouts at all. Happy

I expect that it may even improve as I continue.

I have to say, though, that I feel like I have this secret life. I know that my circle of friends will NOT understand this WOE, and probably freak out if they knew what I was following. So, I say what they don't know won't bother them. It is like my little "secret mission"--- I could be Heather Bond--covert high fat maneuvers specialist. LOL- Just having one of those silly moments.

Jessica- I think tracking everything will help me, and I am committed to keeping it up, at least for this year.

jeff · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:49 pm Post subject:

Dean · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:47 am Post subject:

Dean-- Great video, Peter has still got it. Here is another classic by Peter.
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=9mBulbD2ZA8&feature=related

AC skating through my journal... Wow

fate worse than death... besides he would just say that I must not work out as hard as he does or I would need those carbs, too.

Jeff- Thanks. My family knows I am low carb, but not how low (hehe). I am the same... the friends who really understand are on the internet. What would I do without you guys? Cool

Heather L · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:33 am Post subject:

I am Master of My Domain day#8. Excellent

Cals-1640
Fats-145g-79%
Pro- 78g-19%
Carb-10g-2%

Grin

I was down another 2 pounds today... this makes 4 pounds in the first 7 days of 2008. Not much of this should be water since I was pretty low in carbs the whole week before the start of the new year. Wouldn't it be great to lose that much every week... I know it is not likely, but a girl can dream, right?
Let me share a little of my dark side... hehe
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=truln6VnS4E

jeff · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:15 am Post subject:

Nothing wrong with having a dark side. Wink

Great work for the first 8 days.
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:01 pm Post subject:

I am MOMD day #9.... Pounds lost in 2008-5 lbs Grin

Cals-1670
Fat--145g--78%
Prot-82g---20%
Carb-14g--3% Cool

Got in 90 minutes of leg weight training in today, and 30 minutes of elliptical machine.I was excited to lose another pound this morning. I admit I am a little scale addicted... I guess I just like the feeling I get when I lose. I know it can be a love hate relationship, though... when the scale doesn't move it is tempting to take a sledgehammer to it.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=tUqKHfFBk2E

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=CB17uWuBrL0 - and a little Kansas

Jeff- Thanks. Glad it is OK, because I don't think I could shed my dark side if I tried. lol

Karen · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 2:55 pm Post subject:

wow heather Wow

you are doing an awesome job! keep up the good work! Grin

_________________
back to LCing for the zillionth time..maybe this time is a charm???

Heather L · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:15 pm Post subject:

Karen- Hi. Thanks. I'll do my best to keep it up. Glad you stopped by.

Today I am Master of My Domain day #10. (only355 more to go.lol)
Cals--1739
fat--155g--80% Grin

Prot-77g--18%
carb-17g--3%- this includes fiber, as usual

I got in a pretty tough upper body weights session today. I think it is funny when I am struggling to bench press those last few. My thoughts are..."you can't drop this bar in front of all these guys, you've got to push". My arms were pretty wobbly today when I was done. A cool thing happened to me today. A guy came up to me and was complimenting me on my workout, strength. He said I looked great. How nice was that? It kind of made my day. (I am so easy to please LOL

)---Oh, and then I got in a half hour of cardio.

Here is a little blast from the past-
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=RBNbxW0c-as

Jessica · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:58 am Post subject:

Good job!

I Love Foreigner, too.
_________________
Make yourself happy, don't rely on anyone else to do it. Be your own best friend.

Heather L · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:06 pm Post subject:

Master of My Domain-day #11.
Cals-1868- A bit high due to yummy LC pizza
Fats- 160g--78%
Prot- 87g---19%
Carb--19g--3% Cool

My eating is still going very well. I know I have to try new things with the foods to keep it interesting. Tonight I made a yummy sausage low carb pizza. It is very filling.
I had a great cardio session today(one hour) where I hit that "sweet spot", just intense enough to feel invigorating,yet not intense enough to wear me out. I really love when I get that runners high during the last half of the session.

Some classics to chill by...
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=x1qX1npkkgI

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=5AlzsP4jN1E

jeff · Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:16 pm Post subject:

Great job, Heather L. How are you feeling?
_________________
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We'll Die

Heather L · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:05 am Post subject:

Jeff- Good to see you. I am feeling fabulous after that great party at the back of the bus. LOL I am a bit sore today from the training sessions this week, but not too bad. I am feeling very positive about my eating program, and I am certain that I can make this a solid habit. So, do you have anything you are working on right now? I know you don't need to lose weight, but maybe some other goals?

Today I am MOMD , day#12. Weigh-in shows I am still at the 5 pound loss, which is a good loss for me in only 12 days.
Cals-1895- a bit high this weekend, will shave them down a bit starting tomorrow.
Fat--156g--74%
Prot-99g --21%
Carb-26g--5%
So, my calories were higher than planned, and carbs up a bit. I will fix both.
I was feeling sore in the legs, but still got in a upper body workout. Tomorrow is rest day, and that is a good thing. Happy

As for tonight, still time left to see what fun things I can get away with. Now where did I put those cuffs anyway? Devil

jeff · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:05 am Post subject:

Karen · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject:

low carb pizza? Wow

share the recipe for it will ya? i love pizza!

i give you lots of credit for keeping track of everything..its a pain using fitday..i am avoiding it this time around..lol Grin

_________________
back to LCing for the zillionth time..maybe this time is a charm???

jeff · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject:

Heather L · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 2:58 am Post subject:

MOMD day #13--
Cals 1583
Fat--124g--71%
Pro--98g--25%
Carb-23g--4%

My percentages are a bit off today as I ate the noon meal at my parents home... not as many options as you may have guessed. No workouts today.

Karen- I have resolved to use fitday, though it annoys me sometimes. LOL I posted the Deep Dish LC Pizza in the Miscellaneous section of the recipes. I hope you like it.

Jeff--A half marathon... that is a challenge. Good luck with your training. Thanks for reminding me to check the back of the bus, by the boots and whips Wink

I wonder what other interesting things are hidden at the back of the bus. You never know. Devil

Heather L · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject:

MOMD- day #14! Two weeks down and 50 more to go.
Cals-1559
fat---142g--82%- Grin

prot--65g--16%
Carb-10g---2%-- Cool

I changed my mind. At this point I was going to up my calories, but have decided to try lower cals for the next 14 days. (under 1600) I am also going to try to get fat around 80% those 14 days. Whoa! No problem. LOL

If I am unable to do this, it will not count as a cheat, as these are only goals for improving results. An experiment, if you will. If at any point I feel this is a bad idea...I will change direction.

I got in an hour of cardio at the gym, and I am planning a half hour of yoga later. I want to work on flexibility.

I need to go look in the jukebox...

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=mOu2qgnO_n8

Heather · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:59 pm Post subject:

jeff · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:48 am Post subject:

Dean · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 4:39 am Post subject:

Heather,

You are doing SO WELL!!!

Keep up the good work! Thumbs Up

BTW... are you human?.... or another mutant like jeff? LOL

_________________
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
- Jimi Hendrix

Every day you'll see the dust
Never get off the Bus!

Heather L · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject:

Heather- I am always doing cardio , and my favorite ...weight training. I guess I am a total gym bunny. LOL

Jeff---I am 38, but grew up hearing these songs, and just love the songs from the 70's. I was a teanager during the 80's, and you know how the music was then. Some good and some.... Adam Ant Wow

...need I say more.

Dean--Thanks. I am human, but very determined right now. I want to finally make it to goalweight, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get there. It is time. Besides, if being a mutant will get me in shape like Jeff, then sign me up for the mutation. LOL

Today I am MOMD, day # 15. I dropped a pound, so now it is 6 down. Happy

Only 64 more to go, no problem LOL

Cals-1574- Grin

Fat--150g--84%
Prot-44g---11%- a little low
Carb-22g--5%
Getting the percentages just right is a challenge.
I am feeling fabulous. I think the higher fat and almost no carb gives me almost a high. Cool

Getting the scale moving is great, and my jeans were feeling too loose today. Heart

What's not to like about that?? I got in a half hour of stationary bike, and plan to do the weights tomorrow.

jeff · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:48 am Post subject:

Karen · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

Geee....cardio...good job..im lucky if i can walk up the stairs ..it'll be a while before i do REAL exercise LOL

_________________
back to LCing for the zillionth time..maybe this time is a charm???

Heather L · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject:

MOMD day # 16.
cals--- 1619
Fat----143g-79%
Pro----77g--19%
Carb--10g--2% Wow

I tried making beef brisket today, and found out that the smell of the meat is too good. Grin

I ended up having some for the noon meal, as well as my supper because the smell was making it way too tempting. It is heavenly. Heart

This is also why the carbs are so low today... lots of animal fat. Dean would be proud. LOL

I did upper body weight training today, and was really pleased. I got my machine bench press up to 230 for 8 reps a set. This is the first time I have gotten that up with that many reps. (wanna feel my muscle? LOLOL) My free weight bench press lags behind that, though I really don't know why. I am sure there is some biological reason.

Jeff-- So if we become mutants, do we get special abilities, and cool names like the X- men? LOL

Karen-- When I started into training it took a while to build up my endurance. I am sure you can get there. Besides, I know not everyone loves to hang out in the gym. LOL

Manaloa · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:11 am Post subject:

mmmmmmmmm, brisket. I was lucky enough to get a full brisket with a 1/2 inch rim of fat on it, it's soooo good in the crockpot.
_________________
Manaloa

jeff · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:28 am Post subject:

Heather · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:35 am Post subject:

I think I'm going to become a gym bunny as well, I just bought a membership the other day because they have an indoor track and my treadmill is still broken, but they have everything there, absolutely freakin' everything and two large hot tubs. I didn't want to go home....
_________________

Heather

Heather L · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:40 pm Post subject:

MOMD day #17.
Cals--1658
Fat-152g--82%
Prot-64g--15%
Carb 16g--3%

I did an hour or so of cardio--three different machines to cross train. I have been struggling to keep those calories at 1600, much less any lower. I'll try to hold the line until the 14 days are up.

Manaloa-- The brisket I got was about 10 lbs, which looks like much less once some fat and juices cooked out. It looks like it is going to be a brisket eating week. It is a good thing it is so yummy.

Jeff-- If I get to pick my mutant name, I want to be The Carnivore... known for my meat eating abilities. Shock

I could be a shapeshifter, and turn into various carnivorous animals like a panther, tiger,etc, or into a human vixen. (Oh yeah, I'm really weird-- who spiked my Kool- Aid????)

Heather-- I love the YMCA that I go to. It has a indoor pool, hot tub, indoor track, lots of weight machines and free weights.... Heart

What more could want? I think you'll you enjoy your gym membership. It sounds great.