Let’s get real about something we’ve all faced – the ups, downs, and loops of weight loss. Yep, it’s a wild ride, and I’ve ridden every twist and turn.
In this blog, I’m laying it bare – the victories, the setbacks, and the recent surprise guest: weight gain. But here’s the plot twist – I’m taking a new approach. I’m mixing up the carnivore diet with a splash of fruit to bid those extra pounds adieu and hit my happy place at 159.7 pounds. That’s right, a total of 150 pounds down the drain!
But here’s the deal – it’s not going to be a cakewalk (pun intended). We’re looking at a solid six months of hustle ahead. But you know what? The scenic route often has the best views.
So, if you’re up for some straight talk and a healthy dose of reality, you’re in the right place. Buckle up, because this journey is about to get real! 🚀
Reflecting on Setbacks
Let’s talk about the reality of weight loss—it’s far from a straight line. Despite making progress, I hit some bumps along the way that caused me to regain some of the weight I had fought so hard to lose. Picture this: juggling two full-time teaching gigs alongside my PhD classes piled on top. Stress levels? Through the roof. Suddenly, I found myself craving all the sweet treats – donuts, Starburst, you name it. And yes, I indulged. Stress became my excuse, and I turned to food for comfort, only to end up feeling awful about myself afterward.
Lately, as I’ve been trying to regain my footing, I’ve found myself facing a familiar temptation: the vending machine down the hall, stocked with all my weaknesses. It’s way too easy to slip down the corridor and feed those cravings with a handful of coins. This is why I’ve made a rule for myself: no temptations at home. If it’s there, I’ll eat it—simple as that. My willpower? Let’s just say it’s a work in progress. During my initial weight loss journey, I kept my surroundings free of temptation. But let’s be real, life isn’t just about restriction and isolation in pursuit of the perfect diet and fitness regimen. It’s about finding balance – being able to enjoy life while still taking care of myself.
So, here I am, navigating the twists and turns of finding that balance, one step at a time.
Choosing the Carnivore Diet with Fruit
After some deep dives into research and a gentle nudge from my gym buddies, I took the plunge into the world of the carnivore diet – a regime that’s all about animal products, with a twist: I’m adding fruit to the mix. Why? Well, I’m on a mission to reboot my body, boost my health, and bid farewell to those pesky extra pounds once and for all. You see, I’ve noticed that when I load up on high protein and keep those carbs low, I feel downright fantastic. The only hiccup? My brain’s got a sweet tooth – or rather, a whole set of sweet teeth.
It’s a battle between what I know is good for me and what my cravings are screaming for. But I’m committed. I know that if I can kick the sugar habit for about four weeks, those cravings will eventually fade away.
Here’s the kicker: as I sit here writing, I’m tempted to ditch the chicken waiting in my lunchbox and hit up the vending machine instead. It’s a constant tug-of-war. It took me a good 45 minutes to finally peel myself away and cook that chicken. But deep down, I know that once I’ve eaten it, I’ll feel satisfied and back on track. Yet, the craving lingers.
In the weeks ahead, my meal plan is pretty straightforward. I’ll be loading up on steak (top sirloin and filet mignon), chicken, and eggs for my protein fix. And as for fruit, I’m sticking to the low-sugar, high-nutrient options – think berries (blueberries, mostly), oranges, lemons, limes, cherries, and avocados. No processed meats for me – I’m all about that butcher-fresh goodness.
Here’s to making healthier choices, one meal at a time. 🍽️
Setting a Specific Goal
Choosing to aim for a specific weight of 159.7 pounds isn’t just about hitting a number on the scale; it symbolizes a profound milestone in my journey. Reaching this goal isn’t just validation of my dedication and hard work; it’s a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Funny thing is, I always had this seemingly unreachable goal of hitting 147 pounds. Why that number? Beats me, but it was stuck in my head. Even as I started shedding weight, I never truly believed I could get anywhere close to it.
When I hit 162, I was ecstatic. But somewhere along the way, I psyched myself out. I fixated on that elusive 159 mark and started feeling like a failure for not reaching it. I slipped into bad habits – eating out more, cutting back on workouts, indulging in alcohol too often. Slowly but surely, the pounds crept back on. From 175 to 185, then 195, and a staggering 205. Now, here I am, a year later, sitting at 212. It’s tough to admit, but it’s real, and it’s part of my journey.
But here’s the silver lining: I know what needs to be done. I know how to turn things around, and I’m ready to do it. I can do it. As I write this blog, I’m munching on my chicken, feeling satisfied. And you know what? I don’t need those donuts or Starburst. I’ve got this.
The Carnivore and Macros
So, what’s the deal with this diet, you ask? Can you chow down as much as you want? Are cheat days allowed? Let’s break it down.
Here’s the scoop: You shouldn’t go hog wild on this diet, or you might find yourself heading in the wrong direction – hello, unwanted pounds! The key is to strike a balance – enough to keep you satisfied throughout the day, but not so much that you’re packing on the pounds.
For me, it’s all about sticking to my macros while prioritizing protein intake. Here are the numbers I’m aiming to hit.
Now, about those cheat days. I believe in learning to live a little, you know? So, Sundays are my designated “cheat days.” But hold up, when I say cheat day, I’m not talking about diving headfirst into a box of donuts. Nope, for me, it’s all about indulging in some good old-fashioned cooking with my man. Picture this: meat, carbs (usually bread or potato), and veggies. Oh, and let’s not forget dessert – a refreshing fruit popsicle to cap off the day. It’s not your typical cheat day fare, but that slice of bread or potato? That’s what pushes it into the cheat category.
So there you have it – the lowdown on carnivore, macros, and a little cheat day action. It’s all about finding that balance, one meal at a time. 🍴
Wrap It Up
As I journey back to health, it’s about more than just shedding pounds; it’s about reclaiming both my physical and emotional well-being. With my eyes set on that goal weight of 159.7 pounds, I’m ready to mark a loss of 150 pounds and feel the victory deep within.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about the numbers on the scale. It’s about tackling the mental hurdles that come with this journey. And let’s face it, it’s a hurdle we all face in this life journey of weight loss. There’s a whole mental component we haven’t quite mastered yet, one that often trips us up along the way. But you know what? We’ve done it before, and we can do it again.
So as I move forward, I’m leaning on the knowledge and the incredible feat I accomplished the first time around. Here’s to embracing the mental game, celebrating every victory, and knowing that with determination and resilience, anything is possible. Here’s to reclaiming health, one step at a time. 🌟
