Sorry I haven’t written a blog for the last two weeks but week 5&6 seemed to gel into one and so I didn’t feel there was much to say as it was a fairly plain sailing week so hence why I have mixed the two weeks together.
So update wise what has happened?
New workouts were sent which looked absolutely savage but so good and calories dropped again, although nothing too crazy which is nice!
How have I been feeling? Pretty good! The output of training has been tough with the lowered calories and it’s definitely taken a week or so to adjust to the new calories with my macros and making sure that everything is in check. I have found with the calories lowering this week that my protein intake took a hit. This week was finding the balance between trying to cram a load of vegetables into the meals so psychologically I felt that I was having a lot more food despite calories staying low. Consequently, protein took a hit! I was choosing low cal protein sources but also naturally, they were lower in protein. I noticed a big difference with my energy and recovery levels particularly in training, so I went back to the drawing board.
Week 6 I made sure that my protein sources were as high as possible in protein to optimise each meal which definitely made a huge difference.
One thing that I wanted to talk about and really reiterate to everyone is the difference having lots of protein in the diet makes. As women we tend to under eat protein each day and so can seem a lot when faced with the amount that could be optimal for you at the time. But why protein?
Well, not only is it fantastic for muscle growth and repair, recovery is aided all while keeping you satiated throughout the day lavelyyyyyy! However, that is of course fantastic and vital whatever journey you are on but one thing I have REALLY noticed is how it’s made me, and my body feel. My skin is the clearest it’s ever been while looking probably the healthiest, my nails and hair grow so quickly, and overall, I feel so healthy.
Basically, what I am trying to say is never underestimate the power and goodness that balanced nutritional diet has. Stocking up on all the vitamins and minerals from your fruit and veg – job bloody done. No supplements required; food has all the good stuff!
One thing that came up for me this week was the feelings of guilt when eating something that wouldn’t be in the diet plan normally. During this process there hasn’t been any “do not eat this”, I have chosen to restrict certain food/snacks just to optimise my calories and keep as focused as possible. There have been days when I have gone over cals or overeaten on things like…custom made Moxie cookies which were LITERALLY THE BEST. This week, this has followed with the pep talk of reminding myself that it’s okay. One meal, one “treat”, a few drinks are not going to ruin your progress it’s what happens after.
As the saying goes, one hot day doesn’t make a hot summer.
It’s important to remind yourself of this, it’s important to have balance and enjoy the things you enjoy with no feelings of guilt. It’s just making sure it doesn’t snowball and then you find yourself a week later 10 white kit kat chunkies later (literally talking from experience they are my fave!).
Look at this when having a few drinks with friends, lovely right? It’s not just the drinks though, it’s what follows. The food at the end of the night, the hangover care package the next day, steps drop to about 100 all day , you then feel tired for days after. One evening of enjoying the things you love has turned into a way bigger impact than planned.
So definitely no guilt but be conscious of your decisions after! You know your highly palatable foods, you know your triggers, you know you so trying to be more conscious is a great way to make a plan and move forward as best you can.
Anyway, on we move to the last 2 weeks – now more than ever time to focus and knuckle down woop woop!!
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