Day 8: Hammer and Chisel

Today is DAY 8 of Hammer and Chisel! So happy to report – I had ZERO cheats over the weekend! This may not sound like much, but for me, this is a huge win! Weekends are a struggle for me and they always have been. I have no problem staying on track during the week, but when it comes to the weekend, I find reasons why we should order take out and have a glass of wine (or two). I typically drink next to no water, eat nothing throughout the day and then binge in the evening. All my hard work during the week goes out the window. I used to think I could just exercise more on the weekends to make up for it, but it really doesn’t work that way. I know this is the reason my body has plateaued the last several months.

This weekend, of all weekends, was a tough one to stay on track. We had a Christmas get together with my family and with Tom’s family. I knew I wanted to pack my own dinner with me to both these get togethers, but I was a little nervous. There have been a lot of friends and coworkers in my life that give me a really hard time for eating healthy and actually have told me that it makes me look stuck up. I have never once given anyone else a hard time about eating junk food all day long, so I don’t see why I get such a hard time for it. Sadly, eating healthy isn’t the norm. I used to eat out of guilt. Rather than listening to people pester me about eating healthy, I would just eat the junk so I wouldn’t have to listen to it. In the end, it was ME who felt the guilt and the shame of eating the junk food, not them. Based on these experiences, I was nervous how bringing my own tuperware of salad to a party would come off. The last thing I want is to be pressured to eat junk or come off like I am stuck up and too good for someone’s food.

To my surprise, no one said a thing. I was offered wine and food, but once I declined, they moved on. No one pressured me. No one made fun of me. It was a relief considering I was a bit nervous about it.

The coolest part though?

Getting to enjoy a get together without being controlled by my food addiction. I know whenever I say addiction, it sounds dramatic. But, in all honesty, that is what I deal with on a daily basis. Get togethers for me in the past FUELED my addiction. Rather than socializing with family, I would be thinking about food. What was I going to eat? Would there be enough? Would my favorite foods run out before I got to them? Would there be enough wine? Wonder if they will have dessert? Wonder if anyone will notice if I grab thirds? Wonder what I have at home to eat later tonight? No joke – those used to be my thoughts. Going this weekend with my salad in hand, knowing that was all I was going to eat while there eliminated all of these thoughts. I could just enjoy the party. Sounds so stupid to those who don’t struggle with a food addiction, but for me, this was such a freeing feeling to be in control.

I weighed in on Saturday morning at 144.7 pounds. I was SHOCKED. I had to step on the scale about six times before I actually believed it. I knew it probably was a fluke and that it would probably go up the following day – which it did. Today, I weighed in at 146 pounds. Although I am up since Saturday, I am still ridiculously happy with this. I haven’t seen below 148 pounds in probably close to 9-10 years. In eight days, I have lost 7.3 pounds and am 6 pounds away from my ultimate goal weight that I set at the beginning of my journey.

Today’s workout was Chisel Cardio. It kicked my butt! Burned over 400 calories and was drenched in sweat afterwards. I am feeling a little bloated today and I am not sure if it is from eating right before bed last night or if it is from this lovely cold coming on. Determined to push forward, even if this cold sets in!

Today’s Meal Plan:

Before workout: energize preworkout (free)

After workout: recover shake (free)

Breakfast: two eggs, a banana oat waffle  and two tsp of peanut butter (1 red, 1 yellow, ½ purple and 2 tsp)

Snack: ½ banana (1/2 purple)

Lunch: sweet onion chicken salad (2 greens, 1 red, 1 blue and 1 orange)

Snack: vegan strawberry shakeology with water (1 red)

Dinner: chicken fajitas (1 yellow, 1 red, 1 green)

Before bed: recharge shake (free)

I meal prepped on Sunday so I am ready for a successful week!!!

**Also, wanted to let you all know I am running an accountability group for Hammer and Chisel starting on January 4th. You must not be working with a coach already. If you are interested in applying, please click on the black bar at the top of the page! In this group – it is a safe place to find motivation, accountability and encouragement. Great way to connect with other women who will be doing the program too! I will also be sharing my recipes, meal plans and help coach you along the way! I am only taking 10 women - first come, first serve!**

Saturday's workout

Sunday's workout

Monday's workout