Published March 3, 2010

Losing Weight - Day 3: Eating at 2 a.m.

by Helen M. Ryan

March 3

I guess I did not eat enough yesterday since I found myself awake at 2 a.m., searching for food. I settled for half of a protein bar, then went back to sleep. I usually don't wake up to eat, but obviously my body was looking for calories. I'm just lucky I did not have any Cheetos around. I did make an effort to sleep last night, and slept in until 8:30 a.m. Felt a bit sluggish and tired this morning since I am not used to sleeping, but worked awhile, then exercised for 30 minutes. I started training with kettlebells again. I hate kettlebells. I really do. I love them, but I also despise them. Love/hate.

Kettlebells are the hardest thing I know, so I went easy on myself and did only two sets of double arm swings (x25), one set of single arm swings  (x15 total), cursing out every number - 10 - f*!@ - 11 - sh*t - 12 - f!%@. To add insult to injury, I did one set of deep kettlebells squats.

So why do I work with kettlebells if I dislike them? Because they rock. And I'm a glutton for punishment.

Kettlbells get your heart rate up and really tone your butt and thighs, which is why I took it easy with them today. I want to be able to sit (and teach Spinning) tomorrow. Knowing it was a "desk-day" and that I only  had a limited amount of time to work out, I chose the kettlebells (along with  my core work) to elevate my heart rate. Even if I don't have much time, I've found that I can always squeeze something short and intense into my day. When I work out I also tend to eat healthier (though, read more on my, uhm, bad choices below).

NOT EATING ENOUGH
I was so absorbed in work that I really did not eat enough today. How do I know that? Because when I was at the grocery store I had to get a protein bar to eat in the car - I didn't think I would make it home without it. Of course I would have, but my brain was telling me I had to eat "now." I was able to pass the lovely little demons outside the store selling Girl Scout cookies ("Away demons! Away!). They were so cute and held out their tempting wares to corrupt me. I held my ground and continued into the store, where I was met with the smell of heavenly-scented French bread. Everywhere I went, something calling my name. Making me drool. And trying to get into my cart.
If I had eaten enough earlier (or even had a proper lunch), this trip to the store would not have been so painful. As I was putting away the groceries, I decided to stop, get a spoon and have a snippet of the frozen yogurt I had bought. It was the really good yogurt from Dreyers - Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Mmmm. It was all melty around the edges. The spoon just slipped and scooped so perfectly. Before I knew it, I'd scooped about 8 ounces into my mouth. I followed the yogurt with pickles (no, I am not pregnant - just weird). So even though I ate breakfast this morning and had blueberries for snack, by the time I hit the the store at 4 p.m. I was famished...and you saw what happened then.

SAVING THE DAY
What does all this mean? Don't let yourself go hungry. It also means that I ate something light and healthy for dinner...something without sugar as this was a very "sugar heavy" day. On the bright side, I didn't use this slip as a "get out of jail free card" to start binging. My total calories today will still be acceptable, though my food choices were not the best. I am trying, day by day, to improve my nutrition and self-control. There will be some back-sliding. But I get right back in the saddle (ride 'em, cowgirl). And by the way, NEVER stand over a gallon of ice cream or yogurt with a spoon - never. Just put some in a bowl and walk away when done, Boy, now I really want some of that piping hot french bread. Sigh. Oh well.
Onward and forward.
Until tomorrow.

How did you do today? Share your thoughts below.

TODAY'S STATS
8 hours of sleep. (Huh?)
30 minutes of kettlebells and basic core work incuding:

  • Gliding disk curtsy lunges
  • Gliding disk inner thigh
  • Planks
  • Cross-body mountain climbers
  • Back extensions on ball
  • Side extensions on ball
  • Side planks
  • Crunches on ball
  • Reverse curl with ball between feet and crunches
  • Ball rollouts

For food?

  • Plain oatmeal with flax seeds, nonfat milk and chocolate chips (60% cocoa - a must) for breakfast.
  • Fresh blueberries for snack.
  • Greek yogurt.
  • Protein bar at store.
  • Way too much frozen yogurt.
  • Pickles.
  • Spinach, tomato and feta cheese salad with balsamic vinegar.
  • A spoonful of Amino Fuel (bleh).
  • Low fat string cheese before bed (I'm not stupid.)
  • Walnuts.

[Click on the Weight Loss category to read earlier posts...from Day 1 and on.]

>Continue to Day 4