The Commencement of 2021 Beast Mode

Today was the first day since starting my NOOM journey that my weight jumped up 3 pounds. In all honesty, I had a moment of panic and I didn't want to track the weight on the app. I wanted to drink more water and weigh again later. I allowed this number to win for a few minutes this morning. As I processed it, I realized that this past week had its fair share of rich meals and decadent desserts (such as Cheesecake Factory cheesecake). Even last night I indulged in a later than usual, pre-planned, stack of 5 IHOP pancakes. Admittingly, I've enjoyed every "cheat" (or "treat"), all of which have been planned. So, instead of allowing the devestation attack thoughts to continue at the spiked weight, I was able to let it go and carry on with my program. I recognized the reasons it could've happened. It could be water weight or dehydration or the reaction to re-starting a workout program that is strength training intensive. I looked to see if there were minor things to tweak. And I carried on. This lack of overreaction is HUGE. If I've learned anything about myself and my eating habits on NOOM, it is that when the scale teeters upward, I tend to enter the vortex of all or nothing thinking. I then DO sabatoge my progress and plan. After that, the regret kicks in. So, today, to look at what could have caused the gain and know I could tweak minor things (water and sodium, carbs and veg) without going into extreme thinking definitely counts as a mjaor, non-scale victory. So, depsite the 3 pound upwark tick on the scale, it is time for summer Beast Mode!

To be clear, Beast Mode has always been on the calendar and does not have anyting to do with this spike in weight. "Beast Mode" is simply a term I picked up from someone along the way. It is a way for me to identify that my fitness and nutritional goals will be one of my top priorties. "Beast Mode" usually occurs in summer. For me, Beast Mode includes staying hydrated (I too often am dehydrated at work---occupational hazard), a daily work out and planned out meals. Tomorrow, I am meeting friends at Lucielle's Cafe and have already purused the menu for a healthier "on plan" option.

Right now, my motivation runneth over. I plan on using this to my favor (especially with how often I've been eating out lately).

Today, I made a Hawaiin burger with lean beef. As a treat, I used a real bun for the burger. I enjoyed it with broccoli tots. There is a carrot/cucumber snack in my future, and sparkling, flavored water.

I really have no expectations about what numbers on the scale or measuring tape Beast Mode will bring by the summer's end. Maybe just believing and working the plan is change enough to see some kind of progress that ultimately will last this time. That is always the ultimate goal.

Until next week, may you walk in beauty and peace.

\m/\m/

Mahalo

Modified Hawaiin burger recipe (original from Redefining Strength that uses ground chicken)

10 oz of 93% lean beef

2 TBSP crushed pineapple

1 TBSP coconut aminos

1 green onion, finely chopped

Mix all the ingredients. Pat into two burgers. Cook to safe, yet individual preference. Wrap in lettuce or but on Nan (or wheat bun). Top with favored condiments. Enjoy!

*Broccoli tots are found in frozen section of the grocery store. I prefer Birds' Eye broccoli tots.