Day 30 - It's Over Already?

It's Day 30 and I'm a little sad. We're finished already? Don't get me wrong - it's been hard work - 3 workouts a day, is pretty intense! Carb cycling and intermittent fasting may not be everyone's idea of fun, but it certainly contributes to fat loss, which after all was my goal!

No, I didn't lose 30lbs in 30 days, but 6lbs and 7.5 inches is not bad at all, as far as I'm concerned. Especially, as I am a notoriously slow (weight) loser.

Given a chance, I would do it all over again - it's been an amazing process and I really appreicate Dax's guidance and support, and the comradery and support of my fellow challengers!

While I am far from reaching my goals, I truly appreciate how Dax Moy has gotten me that much closer. Thanks Dax!

Day 29 - It's Almost Over

I wrote a blog last night, but I must have closed the window by mistake and it disappeared. In the interest of quality sleep, I decided to wait until today to write again.

Yesterday was a good day. It was carb day and I experimented by making some toasted oat with agave nectar syrup cereal. I added a spoonful of sunflower seeds and make a crunchy granola like cereal that tasted great with a little almond milk and some strawberries. Yum!

My lunchtime chicken salad had half a tomato added, but other than that and my yogurt in the afternoon, I did not eat a huge amount of carbs. I would have like some chicken and sweet potato fries in the evening, but I almost forgot we had to start another fast, and I prefer to do that after my afternoon snack, rather than after dinner, so no fries. I will have to make them for breakfast, one of these days.

Well, just one more day and Dax's amazing 30lb in 30 Days challenge is over.

But, for me, the challenge is only just beginning - I have another 25-3olbs to go!

Day 28

In the blink of an eye, it's Day 28 and I'm apparently more tired than I thought. It's 10:26pm, and I just woke up from an unsheduled snooze - need sleep - so will blog more tomorrow. Sorry!

Carb day tomorrow! Woohoo!

Goodnight!

Day 27 - Time Flies!

Yesterday's fast, the third one, went okay. I started it earlier in the day than the last two times and that seemed to help. Last time I had to wait until 8pm until I could eat my dinner. This time, I could eat late in the late afternoon; by then I normally feel like I'm starving. If I think about the three fast days we've "endured" this was not the best, but not the worst.

So, today is day 27. Hard to believe there are only three days of Dax's challenge, after today. To be honest, I'm starting to feel like I could use a break. Doing three workouts a day (even if they're short), seven days a week is pretty intensive. Maybe, this is why the program is only 30 days - I'm thinking this kind of intensity is not sustainable for much longer.

Okay, so I'm a little unenthusiastic, and might be more enthusiastic if I had the results I had hoped for. BUT, there are still three days left and I'm not finished yet!

Tomorrow is another (more enthusiastic) day! Until then... goodnight!

Day 25 - Only Five Days to Go

Time is flying by - only five days remaining on Dax Moy's 30 in 30 Days. Today was a lovely carb day, again. I happily munched on 7 grain cereal, yogurt, a fig, half an apple and a Larabar in addition to chicken, eggs and veggies. Other than that, I did not go crazy.

We started a new exercise today- tough, but good. I did better than I expected on part of it, which made me happpy.

Happy carb day, again marks the beginning of another fast day. Last time, I started really late in the day; about 8pm after dinner. It was really tough to wait that long into the next day to eat again. Today, my last meal was at 3:30pm, so I am already 6 1/2 hours into my fast. Add 8 hours for sleep, and I won't have to wait too long before I can eat again, tomorrow. Mid-afternoon is the worst time for me during a fast, so I think this will work much better for me.

My results so far are really disappointing. I have actually put on 2.5 pounds in 2 days. I'm convinced this is not a real weight gain, but this puts me at only a 3.5lb weight loss in 24 days; hugely disappointing after all the 3 times a day/7 days a week exercise, strictly clean eating and dedication.

I'm not giving up though. I will keep keeping on until I finally reach my goal. The other alternative is even less attractive!

Well, time for my beauty sleep! Goodnight!

Day 24 - A Low Energy Day

Day 24 of Dax Moy's 30lbs in 30 Days Challenge. Crazy how time flies; we have less than a week left!

I didn't blog yesterday. I made the choice between posting and getting to bed by 10:30pm and the bed won.

I've had a low energy day. Maybe it's the effect of a fast day followed by two low carb days, but I feel ready to refuel with a carb day tomorrow. Yippee! I did not do a workout this morning - I just didn't get it together in time. For my sins, I had to do all three workouts tonight. I did one when I got home after work. Rested for about 1/2 an hour and then did the second workout. After dinner I did the third workout. By then it was nearly 10pm. Well, that teaches me a lesson - don't leave all workouts until the end of the day.

Unfortunately, after all this exercising, I am not ready for bed yet; and it's already 10:30pm. Oh well, it's not often that I am in bed late.

I'm looking forward to starting a new workout tomorrow morning. We now have a rotating schedule of six different workouts. More than that, I am looking forward to some tasty carbs. A bowl of oatmeal, or some multigrain pancakes for breakfast, I think! Yummy!

Well, until tomorrow! Goodnight!

Day 22 - A Little Disappointing

It's Day 22 of Dax's challenge. I fasted again, today. I found it a lot easier this time than the first time, four days ago. I drank plenty of water and today, I had herbal tea - something I did not have last time. Having something warm to drink was soothing (and filling somehow) to my stomach. Although the fast was easier, by about 3pm I could have eaten a horse; another 4 hours before I could actually eat anything.

When I got home from work, I did my workout. It went okay, but I definitely felt like I did not have as much energy as usual.

After that, I thoroughly enjoyed my first meal of the day. Some chicken chorizo, ground pork, onions, green pepper and spinach. Very tasty!

I let my food settle and was just about to start my last workout when all of a sudden, I had to hit the bathroom, quickly! Ugh, my stomach feels bad now - I don't know if it was something I ate, or something I didn't eat (seeing as I was fasting most of the day). Either way, that last workout is not getting done tonight. Bummer!

Instead, I will have an early night, let my stomach settle (hopefully) and hit it hard tomorrow.

Here's to a better day tomorrow! Goodnight!

Day 21 - Beyond Tired!

I have no idea why, but I am very tired today. Nothing for it, but to shut down and hit the sack early. Got to make the last 9 days of Dax's challenge count.

Goodnight!

P.S. Had a great day - really enjoyed carbing up today!

Day 20 - Only 10 Days Left!

Day 20 has come and gone and now there are ony 10 days left in Dax Moy's 30lb in 30 Days challenge. My weight loss realy seems to have stalled this week, so I am hoping for much more in the last 10 days.

Workouts today went well. In fact, I totally smashed my time on one of my workouts. Not sure how, but I'll take it, thanks! Other than working out and eating, I spent most of the day cleaning house - I burned a few calories today; more than usual anyway!

Food was low carb again, today. After fasting, I find myself really enjoying the food, whether or not, it has carbs. That said, I am looking forward to tomorrow's carb day. I have yogurt, strawberries and blackberries waiting to be consumed. I also bought a new gluten-free multigrain hot cereal to try.

Looks like a very late night tonight. It doesn't happen often, but with all the housework I did today, I feel like I need to catch up with a few things, aka pay the bills!

Well, until tomorrow - goodnight!

Day 19 - Post Fast

I'm about ready for bed. It seems, as time goes by, I am ready for bed earlier and earlier. I think somehow, it is my body getting used to real, whole foods and proper rest; it's getting better at regulating itself. I like to think that way, anyway.

One day, post (first) fast, I am surprised at how much energy I had today. And it seemed like my appetite was more under control today. As much as I don't like not eating, I may need to incorporate a fast day, here and there, beyond Dax's 30lb in 30 in challenge.

Sorry for the short post, but ZZZzzzzzz....

Day 18 - Not so Fast!

So, today was the day we had to fast. Dax always has a trick up his sleeve. I was not allowed to eat for 24 hours from my dinner last night. From the blogs I have read, most people did not find this too tough. And really, it wasn't too tough, but by mid-afternoon, I was very, very hungry! I drank lots of water, trying to drown the rumbling, but it wasn't always effective. I've drunk about 4 liters of water today and I'm not finished yet.

I was so ready for dinner when the time finally came and boy, did I enjoy it! I had a couple of ounces of chicken chorizo, green pepper, onion and muhsrooms, scrambled with a couple of eggs. Very tasty - and very filling! Definitely worth the wait. I also treated myself to a spoon of coconut butter (which is just creamed coconut flesh) and 1/2 an ounce of nuts.

My workouts were better than I expected. I thought that by the time I did the one this evening, I would have no energy, but it went quite well! I have one more workout to do, which is annoying, because all I really want to do is got to bed and enjoy a good night's sleep.

So, workout #3 and then bed! Goodnight!

Day 17 - I'm Full!

Wow, Day 17 of Dax's challenge. After three days of low carbs, we were allowed carbs today. I think my stomah has shrunk, because I felt quite full after several of my meals; and they weren't that big. I thouroughly enjoyed everything I mentioned yesterday, but did not have an apple. So many choices, so little time!

Starting from my last meal tonight, I am fasting for 24 hours. I had my dinner late tonight; around 8pm, so I will have to wait until the same time tomorrow night until I can eat again. I wish I had eaten around 6 or 7pm - I would be that much further into the fast by the time I get up tomorrow. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now.

Tomorrow is also another weigh in day. I feel full from all the carbs, so I don't feel like I have lost any weight.

I had my thyroid levels tested again, because I gained weight on a previous diet and I've had a hard time shifting any weight recently. I was very surprised to find out, today, that my levels are too high and my doc is actually going to decrease my dosage. I don't get it - if my levels are too high, it should be easier to lose weight! Well, I've just got to keep doing what I do and give it my best!

Time for bed, so goodnight!

Day 16 - I'm Pooped!

It's only 9:10pm, but I am pooped today. Maybe that's what three days of low carbs does to you. Well, tomorrow is carb up day - yippee! 16 days into Dax Moy's challenge, I'm looking foward to some yummy, but Elimination Diet friendly carbs. Oh yeah! Oatmeal for breakfast, yogurt and berries, an apple and maybe a spud; in addition to my usual fare. Low carb days certainly give me a new appreciation for the regular Elimination Diet!

I did two workouts fairly early this morning, because we went out tonight and I didn't want to have to do two workouts after we got home. I was good and while my boyfriend drank a few beers, I sipped on soda water with lemon. Quite a nice change from regular "flat" water.

If sweating is the key to losing weight, I'm going to be really successful! It is so hot and muggy right now.

Well, time for an even earlier night than last night, but I plan to get up early again - got to make the most of my carb day. Just kidding - I'm getting up early to exercise. ;-)

'Til tomorrow! Goodnight!

Day 15 - At the Halfway Point

Weigh-in wasn't until today, but I'm hopelessly addicted to weighing myself daily. Yesterday, I was at 6.5 pounds down, so I was hopeful of being 7lbs down in 14 days of Dax Moy's 30lbs in 30 Days challenge. Sadly, the scale went the wrong way, and my total loss is now only 5.5lbs and 7 inches. Really not at all bad for 14 days, but certainly not enough to achieve 30lbs in 30 days. We still have 15 days left, so let's see what can be achieved in that time.

I did the three scheduled workouts today. Oddy, three seemed far more manageable than the four I did yesterday. The weather is messing with me though, it's really hot and quite humid and despite air conditioning, the sweat was dripping in my eyes during the last workout - ouch!

Food was very low carb today, but I think I ate too many nuts, and veggies at only two meals. Unlike other people, I just can't get bored with eating nuts.

Well, it 9:40pm and I am ready for bed. I think I will enjoy an early night!

Up early tomorrow for workout #1. Goodnight!

Day 14 - Where's my Bed?

I did four pretty tough workouts today - my reward for missing the last of yesterday's workouts. I'm completely worn out and ready for bed. Although it was less than one and a half hours, I feel like I have been exercising all day!

Food was good today: sausage, egg and spinach; pork tenderloin, broccoli and cauliflower; and trout with zucchini and onion, plus snacks. I really enjoyed the food today. Guess I am getting used to low carbs now.

Well, tomorrow is weights and measurements time.

Until then, goodnight!

Day 13 - I Love Carbs!

I'm still amazed that something as simple as oatmeal can taste sooo good when you haven't had substantial carbs for a while. Breakfast consisted of uncooked oats, almond milk, strawberries and a couple of scrambled eggs - so yummy!

Workouts have been kind of tough today. It's not that they are any more difficult than usual, but Monsoon has brought humidity with it. I've been one very sweaty girlie! Even walking the dogs mid-morning resulted in a yucky sweat-fest!

I'm sorry to say, I missed the last workout today of Dax Moy's 30 lb in 30 Days program. That's the first I've missed since we started. I will do the missed workout first thing tomorrow morning, followed by Sunday's first workout. I feel major guilt, but must admit, the break felt good. Tomorrow, I will be back on track.

Well, the carb-fest is over and I will be heading to bed soon.

Goodnight!

Day 12 - What a Day!

Wow! I have no idea what my problem is, but I am an emotional wreck today. I was holding up most of the day, did my three workouts, and tried not to complain, but after that, all hell broke loose. I don't know what got into me, but I've been somewhat of a b*tch and very tearful too. Maybe it's a hormonal thing.

An hour of exercise per day isn't excessive, but I feel like I could use a break; just some time to relax and do nothing at all.

Maybe the low carbs aren't helping. I had a very tasty burger and salad for lunch, but seeing the boyfriend with his burger in a bun and baked potato was a little bit jealousy inducing.

Well, I think I am ready for an early night!. Hopfully, I will be ready for a new round tomorrow! I will do it, ready or not!

Until tomorrow - goodnight!

Day 11 - Need Sleep

I don't know what's with me - I am so tired! My energy was pretty good during the day, but all of a sudden, tonight, I just crashed. I can barely keep my eyes open.

I've been sleepy a lot lately and actually gained weight on my previous weight loss plan. I think partly because I was eating too many carbs (per the plan), but I wonder if my thyroid meds need adjusting. I went for a blood test today, so in a week, or so, I should know.

I was pretty active today - three sweaty workouts, one walk with two dogs and 30 kettlebell swings; I've been missing my bettlebell!

Food hasn't been great. What I have eaten has been good, but I didn't eat enough today. Yikes, I hope my body doesn't think I'm starving it.

So, weights and measures - I didn't lose much since the last measure, but I am down a toal of 4.5lbs and 5 inches. Not bad in 10 days, but not a 30lb in 30 days kinda loss!

We're starting a new workout tomorrow which we will work into our regular rotation. I'm looking forward to it, but I've heard it can be quite tough.

Well, time to hit the sack so I can wake up refreshed for another of Dax's killer workouts.

Goodnight all!

Day 10 - I'm so Tired!

It's nearly 10pm and I am so ready for bed. Personal issues meant I did not get the best night's sleep last night. Now, I'm about ready to drop off!

Today was a good day, exercise-wise. In addition to the scheduled workouts, I took the dogs for a walk and threw in 30 kettlebell swings. I must have more energy from eating carbs yesterday. Mind you, I wasn't exessive with the carbs, yesterday.

Food was okay today, but I miss my oatmeal, berries and yogurt. I had scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and broccoli rabe for breakfast, chicken and green cabbage for lunch and a little plate of smoked salmon, turkey breast and proscuitto with a salad for dinner. Snacks consisted of mixed nuts most of the time. In the evening I had a little more proscuitto and turkey. I'm thinking I need to come up with something more "meal" like for snacks - I am eating a lot of fats at the moment, it seems.

Well, this girl needs her recovery sleep. I want to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for more of Dax's fun, tomorrow. Must remember to weigh and measure in the morning.

Goodnight!

Day 9 - Mmmm, Carbs!

Well, here we are at the end of Day 9 on Dax Moy's 30lbs in 30 Days Challenge. Finally, we are allowed to eat carbs again. What a happy girly I was today. Oh, how much I enjoyed my breakfast of uncooked oats soaked in homemade almond milk, with strawberries and a side of scrambled eggs!

Lunch was chicken, broccoli rabe and a 1/3 of a russet potato, sauteed. So good!

Can you believe that, 9 days in, I am still sore. There has not been a day without soreness! The workouts went well and I was finished with everything by 4:30PM - the benefits of being on vacation.

After that, everything went pear shaped. Annoying personal issues resulted in me being very pissed off and stressed; a complete appetite killer. I hate eating when I feel like that. What I really wanted to do was chill out with an icy cold beer, but I exercised extreme willpower and continued to drink my water.

Dinner ended up being yogurt, strawberries and sunflower seeds. Not your typical dinner, but I'd been looking forward to this for days, so it had to be done, while I was still allowed. Tomorrow, it's back to low carb.

Well, it's about my bed time. I'm still stressed, so hopefully, I can sleep okay. Goodnight!

Day 8 - It's Getting Late

Just a quick post tonight. I am on vacation for the rest of this week and in trying to get everything done at work, I left late. Because of this, my second workout was not started until after 7PM. Then I had dinner (sauteed cabbage, prosciutto and scrambled eggs). This meant that I did not finish my last workout until nearly 10PM. Now I'm wired and I don't want to got to bed, yet! But, at least I got all workouts done.

The first workout was a good change of pace. Usually, we do this one at the end of the day. It was nice to kick off the day in the same way.

My left shoulder felt better today, but the second workout tweaked it all over again. There's something in that workout that my shoulder does not like.

After several days of low carbs, I am ready for some yogurt and berries. I miss that! I feel like I have less energy, but that may just be the fact that it's been a long day.

Well, it's past my bedtime - I should get ready for bed.

Goodnight!

No Rest on the 7th Day

One week down on Dax Moy's 30lbs in 30 Days Challenge. Seven days and we're still going. Other programs I'm familiar with give you a rest day on Sunday, but we don't have long, so it was business as usual today. Well, almost as usual - we did start a new workout - it's a killer.

Workout 2, a few hours later, was the one we usually so first thing in the morning. Doing it second, I seemed to have less energy than usual. Or maybe it's eating low carbs for the 2nd day - I don't know. I do know that this is the most sweaty I have been since the challenge began. Mind you, it was 102 degrees outside.

Workout 3 was short and sweet and finished just before dinner.

My left should is sore, I think I tweaked it on the first workout. Hopefully, it's nothing major - I can't have anything distract me from this challenge.

I've had some tasty food today. Half an Andouille sausage and scrambled eggs for breakfast, some organic turkey breast and prosciutto with a salad and a tahini/lemon juice dressing and chicken, broccoli and half an artichoke for dinner. I wasn't really keen on the artichoke, which is okay because I think it may be higher in carbs than I want right now. I'm still trying to figure out snacks, I'm thinking I need to boil some more eggs for backup.

Day 6 of the Challenge

It's fairly late on Day 6 of Day Moy's challenge. Ordinarily, I would be in bed about now, but I got up late today, and am watching a funny movie, so I am staying up a little later. Not too late though, because I am pretty tired!

Today, saw a switch in the diet - no more carbs, except fibrous vegetables, for a while. I don't know if that is why, but I have been hungry all day! Seems like my stomach was rumbling all the time, even just after I ate. And I didn't eat tiny meals! I drank lots of water, but it didn't really help.

I also miss yogurt and berries. Not quite sure what to eat now, when I am craving something sweet. Hopefully, the craving will go away.

I bought two veggies that I never cooked before, today - an artichoke (just one, in case I don't like it) and a bunch of broccoli rabe (rapini). Not sure how to cook it; thank goodness for the Internet.

Workouts were good today, but I was lacking a little in energy. And my legs are still sore - will it ever stop? Also, okay this sounds kind of funny, but my big toes are sore. All the bare foot exercising has shredded the skin on my big toes and the left one even started bleeding today. So this is what they mean by no pain, no gain. ;-)

Oh, I lost another pound, which for me is pretty darn good. Down 3lbs, so far.

Well, until tomorrow - good night!

Day 5 - Still Alive (I'm a Poet and didn't know it!)

Day 5 of Dax Moy's 30lb in 30 Days is almost over. I've decided that, although I am tired today, I am not going to rush to be in bed by 10:30PM, as usual. I just finished workout 3 and want to chill out for a while.

Today was a good day. I still ache - and I'm really surprised about that - but its not too bad. I think the worst of it is over - just in time to mix things up on Sunday. I bettered, or equaled all my times on workout 1.

Workout 2 was done at the gym at lunchtime. I like getting it done earlier in the day, but I don't like that I don't have time for a shower afterwards!

Food was almost all Elimination Diet approved. There was one slip up (unintentional I might add) I had a salad for lunch and topped it with balsamic vinegar. I didn't realize that the vinegar has sulfites in it - yikes! I must remember to read the label before I use things!

Total weight loss after four days is 2lbs and 3.25 inches. I had hoped for more, but nothing to sneeeze at!

Well, I don't want to make it too late, so good night!

Day 4 - STILL Sore!

So it's Day 4 of Dax Moy's 30lbs in 30 Days Challenge and I'm still sore. It's starting to fade, but bending down still hurts. Other than that, I feel great! I slept like a baby last night - actually, I slept better than a baby, I wasn't up as often! It's nice not to have a headache anymore and all the fuzziness I was feeling is gone. The Elimination Diet rocks!

My weight has remained the same over the last two days, but I've now lost a total of 1.5lbs and 2.25 inches. Not near as good as the results some of my fellow challengers have been acheiving, but, it's only Day 4; it's far from over yet!

Workouts went well today. I went to the gym at lunchtime to do workout 2, instead of waiting until after work. I liked doing it that way, but I was a bit rushed (and very hot and sweaty). The upside is, there was one less workout to do when I got home.

Food was good, as usual. Although, today, I did not eat any nuts. I allowed myself 1/2 ounce of sunflower seeds in my yogurt and that was it. Hopefully, that will help kickstart the weight loss.

I had lots of veggies again (in varying amounts) - artichokes, sundried tomatoes, spinach, red cabbage, lettuce, arugula, tomatoes, cilantro, tomatillos, jalapeno, asparagus, onions and mushrooms. You know, until recently, I didn't realy think about how many veggies I eat.

Well, my beauty sleep beckons. Goodnight!

Day 3 and I Need to Pee

So, Dax said we might be a "a little stiff, a little sore and with a raging detox headache". Well, lets just say a little stiff and a little sore is a massive understatement. I was so sore this morning that when I bent down to pick something up, I couldn't help but whimper. And he wants me to do another workout? How? Well, I got stuck in and somehow, I bested what I did yesterday, by quite a large margin. Woohoo!

Luckily, my detox headache has never been raging, more of an annoyance. I think that's because I was already following a fairly good diet. Well today, the headache is gone and I felt great all day. I'm tired now, but it has been a long day and I did three workouts.

The day's 2nd workout went well to. But wow, those sore quads are really making things difficult! I feel like my circuits have improved to the extent that I did the assessment again to establish a new baseline for my circuits. Dinner felt well deserved tonight!

I just finished workout 3 and I think I may be heading towards a relatively early night.

Food has been awesome today, but I've figured out why it's called the Elimination Diet. It has nothing to do with eliminating certain foods, but rather it's so named because one has to go to the bathroom so often, I'm pretty sure! (Just kidding!)

I continuing working my way through the A-Z of vegetables. Not in order, but I covered quite a few today. Breakfast was a boiled egg, some beans and sauteed eggplant. My snack was the same - what can I say it tasted good! Lunch was a chicken breast on a green salad topped with tomatoes and strawberries and sunflower seeds. Afternoon snack, a bowl of yogurt and some berries, rhubarb and seeds. Dinner consisted of pork tenderloin fajitas (well sort of, with onion, green pepper and zuchini) and a salad with a homemade yogurt, tomatillo and jalapeno dressing. I had half after my 2nd workout and the other half after my 3rd workout.

Todays veggies were: eggplant, tomatoes (okay, officially they're a fruit), lettuce, spinach, green pepper, onion, arugula, rhubarb, zuchini, tomatillos (another one that I've never used before), jalapenos. Not bad!

Goodnight!

Day 2 of the Challenge

I'm on Day 2 of Dax Moy's 30lb in 30 Days Challenge. Wow! I'm incredibly sore! My quads and butt are particularly painful, but we don't have long, so the show must go on sore, or not! After 1 day, I've lost 1.5 pounds and 1.25 inches. I'm sure it's mostly water because I'm detoxing, but it's a start. I've also had a subtle headache since yesterday, but it's not too bad. I think it helps that I was already eating quite healthy before this challenge.

This morning's workout was a repeat of yesterday's, but I had to work to beat the number of reps in yesterday workout. I felt like I was working harder, but for some reason, maybe the soreness, some of my sets were slightly less. I still got a great, sweaty workout.

After my much needed shower, I had a breakfast of homemade 15 bean and tomato soup, sauteed dandelion greens and a couple of boiled eggs. It may sounds like a strange combination, but it tasted so good! My snack was plain yogurt, some stewed rhubarb, and berries with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds - yum. Lunch - chicken breast on a bed of lettuce, spinach, arugula and I don't remember what else, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds, olives and a squeeze or lemon juice. I also had little eggplant hummus on the side. My afternoon snack was half an apple, a little yogurt and some nuts and seeds.

When I got home from work, I did workout 2. I did four timed circuits based on the assessment I did yesterday. My times were better than yesterday and that's exactly what I wanted.

I'm finding the Elimination Diet quite fascinating. I'm enjoying eating different foods, although not using the microwave has been a challenge. Tonight, I sauteed a few slice of eggplant with salt, pepper and garlic. I've never cooked eggplant before and wasn't sure what to do with it, other than the traditional batter and parmesan cheese. But the sauteed slices were really good with a few ounces of chicken. That was my dinner - simple, but very tasty.

I have a lot of willpower and determination right now. No real craving's, but Trader Joe's did have a sampling of potstickers that caught my eye, but I resisted. Also, tonight, I said no to a lovely looking crouton that my boyfriend offered me after I asked how they were. Like Dax says, this is an all, or nothing thing!

By the way, a few people have asked me to detail my workouts. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to go into any specifics right now, as this program is, as yet, unreleased and I am one of Dax Moy's guinea pigs. Oink, oink!

Well, I have one more workout left tonight, before I drag my achy body to bed and do it all over again tomorrow. (Not that I'm complaining!) Until tomorrow, goodnight!

Day 1 is Almost Over

So, I've just finished Day 1 of Dax Moy's 30lb in 30 Days Challenge and so far, so good, but I may need to start taking more showers. I did three workouts today. The first, this morning before breakfast, was pretty intense even though it did not last very long. I was deifinitely ready for my shower after that.

I did the second workout after work. Again, it wasn't a crazy long session, but I worked up a sweat again. I think I will be feeling all this in my muscles tomorrow.

The third workout was a nice prelude to sleep. On paper, it looks like a walk in the park, nothing too taxing, but once again I managed to work up quite a sweat. I'm pretty sure I will sleep well tonight.

I am glad to be following Dax's Elimination Diet. I already cut out caffeine and wheat last Thursday in hopeful anticipation of being chosen as one of the luck guinea pigs and today saw me add dairy (except live yogurt), sugar and alcohol to the list of things not allowed. I enjoyed the food today and felt good until I started getting a headache shortly after I left work. I'm guessing this is a detox headache, even though I have been eating pretty healthy, and is to be expected. It felt good to eat real food; simple, clean, real food - like homemade bean soup, boiled eggs, live Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, chicken breast and egg on a salad with olive oil and vinegar, and something new I haven't tried before; dandelion greens sauteed with garlic and olive oil.

I'm experimenting with new things I have not tried before and plan to try (or eat again) as many veggies A-Z that I can. Today, I bought eggplant - never had it before and those dandelion greens. I have already had lettuce, tomatoes and broccoli, so I'm off to a good start.

Well, it's late, so I'm heading off to bed. Another early day tomorow. Goodnight!

Day 0 - Photos and Stats - Yikes!

So, a little about me. My name is Petra. I was raised in England, hence the nickname BritGrl, but now live in Tucson, AZ. I have struggled with my weight for many years; I'm the perpetual yo-yo dieter. Earlier this year, I lost a fair bit of weight, only to gain some of it back.

Currently, I am seven weeks into a 12 week program, but, while I really enjoy the weight lifting side of things, the nutrition planning is way too complicated for me. I have to calculate how many calories I am allowed per day and create each individual meal according to the right number of calories for protein, carbs and fats - phew, so complicated. All this has meant that I am eating to many carbs (in my opinion) and have actually gained 4lbs since I started. Now, I could comfortably stand to lose 30lb, if not more!

Naturally, I jumped at the chance to do Dax Moy's 30lb in 30 Days Challenge. I feel so privileged to have been choosen to do this. I have no choice, but to commit to this 110%. In preparation, I have cleared out my pantry of disallowed foods, shopped for allowed foods, studied up on Dax's Elimination Diet and checked out my fellow challenger's blogs. We are in this together!

I also took the dreaded before photos and weighed and measured. Here's the sad truth:

Weight: 170lb
Bodyfat: 30.5% (according to my "trusty" handheld monitor)
Chest: 42in
Waist: 33.5in
Hips: 42in
Thigh: 24in
Calf: 15in
Arm: 12.5

Wow, thing have really gone in the wrong direction over the last few weeks, but no looking back - only forwards!

Two Days Until Lift-off

I'm so excited to be one of over 300 people chosen to follow Dax Moy's, not yet released, 30lbs in 30 Days challenge. Seriously, I feel for those that were not chosen, but at the same time, I am so grateful that I made it. Thanks, Dax!

I don't know too much about the program yet, but I do know I will be following a VERY clean diet (Dax's Elimination Diet) and, I think, exercising 7 days a week. I've been warned, it's going to be tough, but hey, it will definitely be worth it!

I've been studying the diet today. I met my Mum and Dad for lunch - it is their wedding anniversary tomorrow, and also Fathers' Day. My dad was stunned when I told him that I had to go home and study; who needs to study a diet, he asked? Well, 30 days is not a long time and I need to give this everything I've got!

I will take the dreaded before photos and measurements tomorrow. In the meantime, Goodnight!