It is time to make some changes – you have 30 days to go after it, create a physical change but also a mental change. You will learn more about the impact of food than you thought possible
When you enter your daily notes, please record your club name or location in the header see the example below:
EFM ROSTREVOR
A: Sleep Quality: great
B: Meal plan: follow it 100%
C: Exercise plan: follow it 100% – I don’t like burpees
D: How are you feeling: better than last week
E: How many eggs can I have a day? Soren says: 3-4 will be fine for most, it is well known that cholesterol is not an issue for most people when you get it from foods, like eggs. I say 3-4 as I think you will be get sick of 10 eggs a day!
Enjoy
Hi day 19 still sleeping well but am tired and emotional not sure if due to diet or just life
…. Still sticking to food and gym sessions 100% but yesterday I had an apple really enjoyed it and felt it did the job to help get through a 12 hour day at work. Does anyone know if we can use honey in recepies I’ve seen a couple of paleo recepies that use honey???
Sleep is awesome, never had so much in my life!!
Following meal plan mostly but really mixing it up and have learned enough ideas now to create my own.
Made some Paleo biscuits last night – they are delicious and a welcome treat – even made it into the kids lunchboxes today
I did eat some 70 and 85% dark chocolate a week ago but the headache that I had the next day, well lets just say that I won’t be doing that again!!!!
Exercise on track, do something everyday along with Bootcamp 3 x mornings per week.
Lost a couple of kilos and some centimetres but all that pales in comparison to how well I feel. I am a Paleo covert
I am not a dairy lover so don’t miss anything there – bread ate very little, if any, so I have found this all to be rather easy going.
Would love to be with all the other EFM’ers doing this at Noosaville but sadly it is another 10 days before I will be home for Easter.
Have a great weekend everyone
You can get coconut strips in health food shops.
Someone asked in an earlier blog about QUORN; I read the ingredients yesterday and it’s full of wheat derivitives, so avoid it! Lots of gluten there.
I also happened across another dessert, and since we’ve been chatting about such things, here’s Peach and Berry Pie. I haven’t tried it but thought I’d share it…
PEACH AND BERRY PIE
Mix together:
1 1/2 cups finely chopped mixed nuts
1/2 cup coconut flour
2 tsp baking powder
Then add, and mix well:
1/2 cup organic butter
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Place 2 cups chopped fresh peaches and 3 cups berries (e.g. blueberries and blackberries) in a baking dish. Spread the dough evenly over the top and bake in a pre-heated 170c oven for about 1hr.
Eat it warm, then tell me what it was like!
Day 23
Sleep: Still waking during the night but I don’t think it’s as bad as it has been.
Meal plan: sticking to the rules.. even watched my hubby and daughter eat lasagne and hot chips tonight.. I wanted a chip – just one – but I didn’t have one. I did have 2 of the paleo muffins and 4 squares dark chocolate tonight. Sweet tooth starting to show itself again
Exercise: Back to the gym next week
Feeling: Better than I have been. Hopefully feel better when I get back to the gym..
Hi Soren! The 30 day challenge has been enlightening to say the least, I’ve worked alongside many dieticians who provide exactly the opposite advice to what you’ve provided and also the extra reading and youtube clips have been excellent. Without being rude I’m not sure how to ask but are you a dietician? I’m just interested to know… I’ve had to confront many long held beliefs about what is healthy and what is not in this 30 day journey but I’ve stayed open to everything and probably won’t go back to eating wheat (or feeding it to my children!)
Well we are almost there another week and i can honestly say that i have loved this challenge and my energy levels have picked up this week, i think it may have just been as simple as lack of sleep, love eating all the veggies and not missing carbs at all, it can be done!! keep up the good work everyone!
About to start last few days – I will defo carry on the principles (dying for a hot cross bun!) as I am very pleased with the results so far, dont care what the tape measure shows at the gym this week as I know how my clothes feel and that is important to me.
Well done everyone – hang in there.
(West Lakes)
It has been a challenge, but the results show that I am leaning down. Sleep quality improved greatly-and I noticed I stopped having my night time snacks. The meal preparation took some effort, but once I got into the swing of things it was fun, and tasted great. I also liked the variety of foods I was having each day and week. I have had slip ups on the way too, especially some sugar cravings and noticed I missed my fruit too-but that showed me exactly what dietary preferences I had before the challenge (and yes that was sugar!). The exercise programme has been very good too, working a variety of body parts and pushing myself to work hard in my sessions. I have felt better on the inside (if you know what I mean),and I feel lighter (as I think I have shed some kilos), occassionally I was tired by the afternoon.
Daily emails have been informative and encouraging too.
Sleep is not as good as last week. Waking up early in the mornings and not going back to sleep again.
Sticking to the meal plan 99%. Have had a bit of fruit.
Exercise this week has been a bit slack; one gym session, and a bit of walking. I managed a 1/2 hour walk today.
Have been feeling overwhelmingly tired this week, with little or no motivation for the gym. I don’t know if it has been the poorer sleeping or the food, or a bit of both. I have been adding a bit of fruit as per one of Sorens emails. Work has been pretty heavy this last week also; perhaps that is part of the problem too.
People have been commenting that I look leaner particularly in the face. Got into a pair of jeans this weekend that haven’t fitted for a year.
Day 25
Sleep – better than it has been
Food – 100%
Exercise – nope – I’ve been resting but back to the gym this week
Feeling – less tired which is a good sign. I think the break from the gym has helped. I did something I have never done before – this morning I skipped breakfast! I wasn’t even dying of hunger by lunch time.. usually I feel like I’m going to faint and get very cranky, but this didn’t happen! I was amazed.. 3 weeks ago I could never have skipped breakfast without suffering or wanting to kill someone! I’m assuming in the past the sugar low caused me to have negative effects if I didn’t eat at my ‘usual’ time but as I have now stabilised my sugar levels my body didn’t seem to care that I didn’t eat.. I feel like a different person!
Day 22, 23, 24, 25
Sleep: Good.
Food: follwing 100% except on Sunday. Had a christening and had some wine and cake.
Exercise: Following gym sessions 100%, even went for a 45 min hilly walk on Sat which felt great.
Feeling: Was feeling great until Sunday night. After my little bit of indulging I had a headache and my tummy wasn’t happy with me.
Made Sharni’s muffins and they are fantastic. Definitley great for a sweet fix.. thanks so much for the recipe. I had two for breakfast this morning. Is that a Bad thing?
EFM Torrensville – Days 23-25
A: Sleep quality; not great
B: Meal plan; followed principle. Saturday night was a challenge – catered party that only had bread, cheese, dip and pizza to eat. After a hectic day and no lunch i ended up picking the topping off some pizza!
C: Exercise plan; no exercise over the weekend
D: How you are feeling? I dont generally eat bread but i reeeeeally want a hot cross bun. Especially the white choc and cranberry ones.. Otherwise i’m well!
I’m glad you like the recipe but YES, that’s a bad thing!! That’s like eating 2 pieces of cake for breakfast!! Just reminding everyone, those muffins are a TREAT – a dessert – NOT AN EVERYDAY FOOD!! Just like you can have an occasional piece of dark chocolate, but you know you shouldn’t eat it everyday, right? Fresh food first.
Oppppppppps!!!!! to Sharni’s comments above!!!
Day 26
Sleep – woke up at 2.30am and couldn’t go back to sleep, but better than it has been
Meal plan – followed 100% Made curry apple chicken for dinner (minus the apple).. was so impressed with how easy and simple it was and it tasted fantastic! Looking forward to left-overs
Exercise – back to the gym today.. didn’t get to finish the sets but put in a decent effort. Noticed drop in fitness from only being away for one week.
Feeling – less tired. Would probably be feeling better if hadn’t woken up during the night.
Day 26
I really struggled while working Nights & I ate for comfort & struggled to exercise -but I’m back now
Sleep: Good
Meals:Good
Exercise: Good
Feel: Great
Back in Adelaide after a long weekend in Brisbane, where I stuck to my challenge quite well.
The best part I’ve found with doing this challenge and seeing the results, is the motivation and the momentum to want to stick with both the eating and the exercising.
Even on holidays and eating out, I was able to stick with the eating about 90% – had a little rice with a Singapore curry.
I actually looked for excuses to exercise: took my swimmers and did interval training in the hotel pool; we both hired bicycles from Brisbane City Cycles and cycled for 2 hours; and we walked along the riverside paths every day.
Being well prepared with frozen meals meant I had food for dinner when I got home, and meals for work for today.
I’ve also found the daily emails very helpful, along with reading the comments from the other participants.
Day 26
Sleep: Pretty good (except for snoring husband)
Meals: Have not stuck to the menu as I am finding I am easily able to create my own Paleo meals now using what i have in the fridge saves stress.
Exercise: Pretty good missed Sat and Sunday workouts due to working for my sister however was standing all day and fairly active. Gym today was really goo.
Feeling: Amazing, at my 3 week weigh in I had lost just under 5kgs. On the weekend I dug out some of my old size 10 pants as all of my work clothes are falling off me now and was so excited that they fit comfortably (not tight at all) My energy levels are fabulous and my moods are so much better I am happier and find myself smiling alot more even when I am tired at the end of the day.
This weekend will be an interesting little test, going camping and it’s my Husbands Birthday so Beer and cake will be on the cards (I am not craving either) I would like to test though and see how I go. I will be keeping with the priciples though and avoidig as much of the processed foods as possible.
Want to say a big Thank You to EFM Herston Patsy and the gang for their support and motivation it has made the journey more enjoyable.
EFM Torrensville – Day 26
A: Sleep quality; still not great!
B: Meal plan; my chicken fajita muffins didnt thaw & reheat very well so i had a banana for breakfast. Salad for lunch and mullet with veg for dinner. Snack: Nuts
C: Exercise plan; followed it 100%
D: How you are feeling? Can’t wait until my weigh in, scheduled for 2/4, so i can start planning my life post-challenge! First stop = yoghurt (my normal brekkie with fruit)
Day 26?
Sleep: Excellent
Meal: Finding I am eating less and less – not hungry!
Exercise: 20 minute walk
Feeling: Despite my back going (which is recovering well) and a shocker of a cold this week – which means I have done little or no exercise, I am feeling well, and continue to drop weight. Peed off that these things have occurred while on the Leaning Challenge but sometimes the body reacts to major lifestyle changes in funny ways!
What a great challenge this has been – one more week to go for me. Thankyou to you all for your comments and recipes and tips which have been so encouraging.
I started out thinking, ‘what on earth am I going to eat – wow, so much and so varied – I don’t really like cooking but this eating plan has given me so many more ideas and imagination. Thanks Soren
Thanks to Peter & Bron & Simon @ Glenelg – you guys are awesome and have kept me on track (and panting!) My clothes are looser and I am wearing a pair of work pants I haven’t been able to fit into for some time! Woohoo!
Day 27
Sleep – still waking too early
Food – 100% Made the mexican tacos tonight.. unbelieveable!
Exercise – rest day
Feeling – energy has improved this week and I’m feeling much better. Can’t believe the time is almost up!
Day 26
Sleep: Good
Food: Followed 100% except for having sharni muffins for breakfast which is a no no
Exercise: followed 100%
Feeling: had a lot of energy after the gym session.
Dat 27
Sleep: crap (barking dog)
Food: followed 100%
Exercise: followed 100%
Feeling: ok, generally have more energy after gym sessions at night which is good and sleeping better generally. Sort of feeling that I haven’t achieved a really good result seeing as there is only a few days to go, but the weigh in will tell I guess.
Day 28
Haven’t been on the blog for a loooong time!!!
Sleep: Never a problem
Food: Cant wait to taste some pasta agin otherwise have enjoyed.
Exercise: Amazing how much these sessions make you sweat and feel all those muscle groupd the next day. probably the one thing i have noticed is my strength has definately improved.
Feeling:Had a bit of a slump last week and was glad for the leaning email that day on things to look at and it apperared that I wasn’t eating enough so increased my intake over the following days and felt much better.
Well, as for the results not sure whether I would have set the world on fire but hopefully some measurements have come down!!!
Hang in there everyone.
First time entry.
Can’t believe how easy the Challenge has been and how enlightening. My husband and I have both lost weight, have flatter stomachs, and looser clothes. His blood pressure is lower and I feel my gut is happier. He’s followed the food plan 100%, me about 98% (had to have a splash of milk in my tea and had 2 glasses wine at functions).
Planning for day 31, we wonder about the following foods:
Oats – I know they’re grains, but aren’t they better than other grains?
Quinoa – would this be a wise choice?
Honey – too much sugar?
LSA and/or Flaxseed – good to include or not?
Kidney and other beans – are these to be avoided.
What about Chlorophyl and Mineral supplements?
Thanks to Soren and EFM for this incredible learning exercise. We will stick with it (with small additions).
Nearing the end so some thoughts.
A: Sleep, I sleep well, just not enough hours in day to get my 8.
B: Meal Plan, I don’t follow the meal recipes on the whole but use mainly ingredients in the list and making good use of paleo recipe sites, Cauliflower mash & rice are life savers.
C: I can only go to gym 4 days a week but follow exercise plan 100% when I go
D: Feeling better this week, energy levels good
My goal was to lose fat rather than weight and thats working, I have gone from 34″ to 32″ pants and my stomach looks a lot better. After March I intend to avoid all wheat, refined sugar with only minimal dairy. I will drink occasional glass of wine and beer (but not a big drinker so not a big hardship).
Just wish I could find cheaper source of coconut oil & coconut flour in Adelaide (coconut flour bread with thin spread of butter is a very good afternoon snack).
Good morning. I am husband of Carlie from Cabrini and thought that I would post some independent comment, for something different, re my observations. Firstly a bit of coaching – the recipes are often in Yank, so some editing would be helpful as some of the ingredients are not available in Australia or need translating (Arugula leaves = rocket, almond flour = almond meal etc with maybe a bit more work on the economics – many recipes are expensive, many cheap. It would be good to generate more of the latter.
Now with that out of the way, Carlie has followed the 30 day plan 98%, interrupted by a long weekend and one or two (and I mean only one or two) glasses of red wine. She goes to the gym daily, so I would say the exercise plan is also 98%. Sleeping much better, has definitely lost weight and is retaining muscle tone, but the big thing that I am noticing is her skin – it looks fantastic and has really toned up too with a brightness/freshness. No ‘down’ moments. She had loads of energy most of the time, even though she was tired after a long day. She is loving the food so we will keep the diet habits going, though mixed with a bit more pulses for my sake. It has been fun too – always good to try the hand at something new.
Lonsdale EFM member with a story to tell.
I have been following the LEANing cahllenge for some time now. 6 weeks unofficially and happily lost 5 kilos not sure about measurements but definately felt it in my clothes. Started the most recent challenge officially through EFM Lonsdale but very near the beginning fell from a ladder and sustained an injury (snapped ligament in foot). I have continued the challenge with upper body exercize only and have now had surgery which has completely incapacited me. I am trying my best to stick to the concept as I am relying on others to cook for me. I’m becoming rather frustrated with with the my inability to move (week 1 of 6) and people are popping in with treats most of which I have avoided but some have crossed my lips.
Any ideas to get me through this challenging time.
Sleeping is crap. Waking up 2 or 3 o’clock and not getting back to sleep easily. A few things on my mind!!
Following meal plan 99%, eating a little bit of fruit.
Exercise good. Been to the gym every night this week so far.
Feeling tired, but better than last week. I think it’s more from poor sleep than anything else.
I have really enjoyed this eating. i totally agrees with my body.
lunch TUNA SALAD. dinner MEAT and VEGGIES …. and hopefully my new book arrives in the post 
woohoo
My intolerances have settled big time and I certainly know that the majority of the time I need to allow my body to be happy with eating the Paleo way.
Today was my first day kinda off the diet due to a work shop and only slightly off too. already my stomach is yelling at me for having a wrap and a bit of cheese in this amazing healthy looking wrap.
which leads me to day 31 which Soren has asked us about..
breakfast OMELETTE
sore back has not helped the exercise but i have lost many cms off my body and I am guessing 6.5 kgs loss.. need to weight at the gym tomorrow
my skin is feeling great and someone told me the other day the whites of my eyes are whiter
not to mention my new jeans
Day 28
Sleep – not good.. bit stressed
Food – following still but think i am eating too much at times. Hard to break habits instilled in you from childhood
My work held both morning and afternoon tea today and i had a couple of strawberries and a piece of pineapple while everyone stuffed themselves with muffins and danishes.
Exercise – followed the plan at the gym today
Feeling – squishy. I did really well the first 2 weeks – lost 2.8kgs and several cms.. but then I had to change some medication I have been taking for a long time and I don’t think the new one likes me very much (is known to cause weight gain). I gained half a kilo the first week I was on it and I’m sure I have gained again this week, despite following the plan. Not sure how to get around this, but definitely planning to stick to the plan beyond day 31, with the odd treat.
So it’s all nearly done with. Been a great journey and have learnt a lot of new things like cauliflower rice!
My gut is a lot happier which was my main reason for undertaking the challenge. I do not have a lot of weight and cms to lose but am suprised with how good I am feeling. I’m sure many girls will understand me when I say I am having a lot less “fat” days!
Plan on sticking to the plan for the majority of the time and looking forward to feeling even fitter and healthier!
Reflections
Well it’s been 28 days so far. At the start of the challenge I was skeptical that I would feel an energy boost and be more mentally alert; all I expected (hoped for) was to be a bit more lean.
I’ve followed the principles to the letter – no dairy (except milk in coffee), no legumes, only a bit of fruit and almost no other carbs; zero alcohol. Lots of veggies & salads, meats and nuts/avocados. And 4 gym sessions / week.
Result: I feel good. Really good. Better than I felt a decade ago.
A month ago I would have been happy to watch TV in the evening; Now I find myself asking “What weekend job can I do now?”. The energy boost is not only physical but also mental – an increase in desire to be more active. I did not expect this and it is amazing.
In 28 days, I’ve lost 6.7kg.
I haven’t felt hungry. (A few years ago I successfully lost weight on the CSIRO Total Wellbeing diet but I remember feeling hungry a lot of the time).
What do I miss? Fresh bread with blue cheese. And it was a pain drinking mineral water at a Fringe event in a pub when everyone else was enjoying a drink.
Where to from here?
Personally, the results are too good to throw away. I’m going to keep eating strict Paleo on weekdays and allow myself a few carbs over the weekend – but less than before. Quite simply: I don’t want the “fog” that comes with my old diet choices.
Thanks Soren & thanks EFM.
Regards,
Adrian
Just wanted to share – bought a new pair jeans a few months ago and they were tight but I wear long tops to hide the bulges.
Haven’t worn them yet, but tried them on this morning ‘just to see’ and they slipped on so easily with a little room to spare. How good is that? This works!
Day 29
Sleep – Still waking during the night
Meal plan – stuck to the rules 100%
Exercise – not today
Feeling – I have more energy – feeling better than I have in the last 4 weeks. Would be great if I could get my sleep sorted. Have my daughter’s birthday party on Saturday. Planning to take Sharni’s muffins and going to make the coconut pots. Will try and avoid the mudcake.. bit worried about going on a sugar binge once a little bit of sugar touches my lips..
Day 29
Sleep – Excellent
Meal plan – stuck to the rules
Exercise – 20 min walk
Feeling – Great!
Reflections on the 30 days > I think Adrian ^ sums it up beautifully.
Thanks Soren and EFM – this is something we as a family are going to continue with. Even purchased a freezer so we can bulk buy meat from one of the grass fed wholesalers.
Hi All
The end is near, but this is not the end! This is the beginning, you have seen what can happen once you change a few things in your diet.
90% have had stunning results and a few have found it hard to transition.
You will never find a one-stop-solution so I am extremely proud of you guys and the effort you put into this challenge.
The emails I have had are endless, and I love to hear about how much this has changed your approach to food and how you can notice the difference in so many aspects.
Give your self a huge pad on the shoulder and get your cheat meal in. I don’t alway encourage you to try the big bowl of pasta, you will almost certainly feel ill, if you have been strict, and the other questions, why even try it.
Have you missed it that much?
There were many skeptics and many tears the first two weeks but you have come back with more energy and desire to do more.
Day 31 means stay on this system, if you are happy with your results.
A few comments;
I am getting the females saying they need calcium because … well they are not sure why but they are certain they do.
Show me the SOLID evidence proving you need it, based on randomised controlled diet plans, not observational studies.
I believe the LEANing diet will give you enough and you need to focus more on weight lifting, building your strength that way around. I have linked to some dairy, calcium studies on this site before.
Beer, wine will kill your results, your oestrogen will sky rocket again and you will pile on weight. So dont fall into old habits of having it every night. It is a treat.
If you want more help, click here (or click on home)and read what I have to offer for you guys, who enjoyed having the meal plan:
http://www.efmnutrition.com.au/?p=1131
Meal Plans work, having support this way around can help you stay on track until the routine is build up.
Thanks to all of you – everyone who posted will recieve an email this week with a thank you.
Soren
Well last night I had my measurements taken – quite excited – mad I know! Some where good – some went up! I can only think that the measurement was wrong in the first place – this to be honest devestated me – I KNOW how my pants feel, I KNOW i can wear jeans that 7 years ago I couldnt, I KNOW I need a belt – my trainer and fellow members and husband had all told me I look different – Sharnie in particular has always supported me thoughout this challenge with meal ideas, hints, tips and words of encouragment. I managed to knock 6 mins OFF my fitness test which encouraged me. I will continue in principle as I feel great and love the baggyness of my clothes. I know I will never me a size 10 but hey ho we all are different.
Good luck all with your measurements and tests – this is just the start of the beginning. x
EFM Torrensville – Day 30!!
With my weigh in not until next week i have a few more days to go before my challenge ends. To date i have lost 3.5kgs and my partner 8kgs – his weight loss to the point where he’s on the lowest end of his range and i need to fatten him up lol! Another kilo and i’m at my target weight, just needing to firm bits up for those last centimetres now!
We’re both feeling good and are looking to plan our diets going forward, especially as we suspect that my partner has a sensitivity to wheat or soy. We’re starting off with yoghurt next week but will inevitably crash head-long into bread with hot cross buns over Easter! Things could get interesting.. At this stage we are planning to stick to the principles most of the time with the exception of the occassional rice/pasta dish (home made pasta only in our household). And if chips come with a dish when i order out then i’m not going to feel too guilty about eating them! Providing it sits well with me i am happy with a cheat meal every now and then! Breakfasts have been an issue with me as cooked food early in the morning isnt my favourite. Will probably go back to fruit or yoghurt, or in winter some porridge with honey..
Happy with the results and my resolve to stay on track after attending 2 birthday parties, a baptism and an engagement party in the last 30 days. Another 2 birthday parties this weekend to make it through and i’m home!
Thank you to all that have posted your daily experiences. It certainly helped knowing that there were others out there going through the same thing. Thanks to Soren for your daily emails and information. Some were alarming to say the least and we’ve since banished anything with fructose from the house! And of course, thanks to coach George who keeps me working hard at the gym each day
Day 30
Sleep – still struggling a bit. Funny how sleep got messed up again when I went back to the gym…
Food – followed the rules.
Exercise – followed programable at the gym
Feeling – this week I have felt much better. My energy has increased and I feel happier. I think once my sleep gets sorted I will be on top of the world! Got through daughters party today eating no sausage rolls, chips, lollies etc. Took my own lunch. I did have a small piece of mud cake. It didn’t taste as satisfying as I thought it would. Avoided bread at BBQ tonight but did have some dark choc and a square of white. All in all a successful day considering. Everyone loved the broccoli and bacon salad. Thank you so much Soren and the EFM crew. I am looking forward to gaining more benefits from this way of life in the future. I have tried many diets and have never eaten so well!
PS Started reading Robb Wolf ‘the paleo solution’. Can’t put it down…
well here we are – easter has gone and so have the chocolates!
the big difference from any other easter is that i’ve found it was easier to get back into the gym and i’m feeling great!
now that i’ve a mechanism to control my daily food intake, it’s back to what i’ve come to enjoy -GOOD food.
to sum up my 30 days -interesting -fun -fantastic.
interesting – awareness over what we eat -loved the videos.
fun -the exercises were varied and i looked forward to each day.
fantastic – the results -not once did i feel hungry over the whole period. i lost weight and cms – clothes fit me again.
well worth the effort.
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Pre- Lean challenge
Weekend – had plenty of alcohol ( bubbly ) and some chocolate bars and biscuits on the Sunday and was late to bed Sunday so woke up Monday a bit “ hung” over. Not a good way to start the challenge!
Day 1 Mon July 16 – Ate my normal breakfast before reading the manual and found out that everything I have for my normal breakfast was out : fruit juice followed by yoghurt and cereal with milk and then 2 pieces of toast or crumpets. Not happy about the breakfast compromise!
During the day drank more water and less coffee and resisted buying a cappuccino. For lunch had an Asian salad pack and a banana, orange and mandarine. That afternoon no snacks, hungry by evening and made worse when admin staff had a meeting and got Pizza’s in! Went to the gym and did the usual Monday evening workout …spinbike. Not a lot of energy but probably related to the previous late night.
Went and did some shopping for different things macadamia nuts etc and then went home. Snacked on some macadamia nuts on the way home. For dinner – Pea and Ham soup followed by my usual pre-prepared frozen meal ….Chicken parmigana with carrots peas and tomatoes. I am not a cook, would like to learn but absolutely no time to do it now so I will continue to eat these evening meals which are generally reasonable – meat/ fish or chicken with vegetables – usually includes potatoes but I am not going to eliminate this from my diet. Had one glass of white wine with the meal. I am not going to compromise on this because I intend to have at least one alcoholic drink daily after this challenge. Also had some left over potatoes from the weekend which I know is a “ no no. Had coffee but not the usual chocolates or biscuits with it and no chocolate milk drinks prior to bed.
Slept well but I was tired anyway.
Day 2 Tues – July 17 – First breakfast on the challenge for me. What to eat? Bought some eggs and bacon yesterday but no time to cook it this morning. Finished off the yoghurt container- only a small amount. No cereal and no toast. Had a banana, orange and mandarine. Then a protein drink. Not sure if this is allowed, was frowned upon in the manual as a meal substitute but it is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrate and tasted ok. Also finishing off fruit drink which on reading the label is high in sugar.
Lunch – Caesar salad and 150g of turkey. That was nice and ample for lunch.
Less coffee and more water, probably should have more water. By evening hungry again. Had a tuna snack ( dip) with crackers ( later probably banned!)
Went to gym – doing my normal regime rather than the program exercises. After gym felt Ok and a bit hungry but not bad. After this had to work which was hard because I was a bit hungry. Got home at 10pm to have a meal.
Pea and home soup – 1 bowl
1 meal – butterfish with peas, carrots and potatoes. Had some top of vegetables ( Italian style – tomatoes, zuccuni etc )
Had 2 glasses of white wine this evening followed by white decaf coffee.
My main objective for the challenge is to elimate unnecessary snacking on high fat, high carbohydrate items and see what a difference it makes. I regularly eat chocolates, biscuits, cookies and sometimes flavoured potato chips. I will attempt the carbohydrate reduction in the diet especially in relation to cereals, bread and yoghurt but I do not believe these are adversely affecting me. I believe I should cut down on my cappuccinos and make them as a special treat rather than having daily.
EFM Torrensville
DAY 1!!!!!
A: Sleep: We’ll see tonight
B: Meal plan: Followed it except the level spoon of sugar in my short black (which is usually a cafe latte)…will try to eliminate it, but to be honesty I’m not keen
C: Exercise plan: I am training for the city to bay so did that this morning…6kms!!!
Tomorrow I will do the Lean exercise plan
D: How are you feeling: headachy all day
Day one almost done…29 to go
Sleep: OK (will let you know tomorrow)
Meal Plan: Fantastic to date, easy to follow, breakfast eggs, tuna salad for lunch and chicken and salad for dinner. The only withdrawal symptom I am having is my milk in my Lattes/capps!!! Not sure if a dash of milk in a tea will be ok???
Exercise Plan: Followed Leaning Challenge exercises today, sore lower body
Feeling: Skin and hair feel nicer already
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