30 day challenge – week 2 update
This is the update after my second week of the 30 day weight loss challenge. As Leigh says herself, the second week is one of the difficult ones. Despite that, I managed to lose 1.4 pounds. Altogether, over the last 2 weeks I’ve lost a little over 5 pounds. As you can see on the graph, my weight loss is going much better than planned.
I must admit though, that after last week I expected much better results today. Anyway, I go down so at least that’s the right direction.
Detailed update
Calories
Nothing new here – I still eat around 1900 calories a day. On Sunday I was exceptionally hungry and had some fruits in the evening which took my calorie intake to 2020.
Cravings
Every once in a while I have substantial cravings for sugar. Even looking at cookies in shops makes my saliva flow. This does not happen every time. Today, for example, I was completely oblivious to the sales of cakes after the Halloween.
Anyway, so far I am hanging in there.
Re-feed
One of my friends is changing a job and on this occasion she is throwing a party to which I am invited. I live in Ireland, where these events usually take place in pubs and in pubs there is always beer. There is no chance I will be able to talk myself out of a pint or two. I decided that I will put my re-feed on hold until then. Otherwise, I’d end up with two re-feeds in one week. Beer has high Gi and will suit well enough as part of my re-feed meal. I will add some healthier food on top of that to give my body a more healthy break.
Exercising
I was running 3 times this week: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Each time I run 3.1 miles within 41 minutes. I am getting much fitter now and do not come back home as tired as in the beginning. I think that in a week or two, I might actually be able to run for 40 minutes without breaks.
I started to focus more on resistance training. I do push ups and belly crunches every second day now. I usually do 3 series of push ups and after a while 3 series of crunches. I do not have any reasonable targets yet, so I simply try to do as much as I can.
Pics
Here are the pics. You will notice that the major reduction is in my belly. It looks as if I’d lost much more that 5 pounds. I think that the reason for this is shrinking of my stomach. At this point dinner and lunch, which are my two biggest dishes, totally fill me up.
I really feel great with my new look. My trousers are not that tight and I don’t feel that I’m carrying that heavy thing in front of me and already some of my friends noticed the improvement.
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November 2, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Wow Matt…. fantastic progress! Sounds like you’re right on track for big success in the challenge and beyond!
November 2, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Matt, even if the changes aren’t reflected on the scale, they are definitely reflected in the pics! Great progress this week!
November 2, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Good work, keep it up!
November 2, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Thanks a lot Guys,
I wouldn’t be so far if it wasn’t for your support. I really appreciate it.
November 3, 2008 at 4:25 am
MAJOR progress in the pics!
Go easy on the beer… I mean, have some, but be careful, because in a party situation, it’s so easy to have more than just a pint or two. And it’s all liquid calories, easier for the body to store as fat. Otherwise, enjoy and I think it’s smart to put off the refeed until the party.
You’ve done great so far! Hopefully I’ll see more changes the third week.
November 3, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Good job! I didn’t realize you were in Ireland! That was my first international trip. We landed in Shannon and bused to Dublin. The Irish treated my dad and I so well, we really had a wonderful time! I met an Irish lass, Bernadette, at Trinity and she, my dad, and I walked all over the city together. She commented that she didn’t think Americans walked much but after us she had a different opinion
I really like Ireland!
November 3, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Great progress – you are looking fantastic. Keep it up!
November 3, 2008 at 11:31 pm
@ Cynthia – I will try, I will..
@ Dr. J – Ireland is a great country indeed with warm and open people. I’m glad you liked it.
@ Lex – Thanks a lot Lex. I see you kept your word and are checking my progress
November 8, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I’d like to see a picture with your gut sucked in. I know for me I can’t really do it now and make a difference, but I remember being thinner and being able to do it. I’d just be curious
November 8, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Hi John,
I can suck it in a bit, but not for too long cause I lose my breath
I think that’s how I got that far – I was sucking it in as long as I could and didn’t really notice how fat I’m getting.
November 13, 2008 at 3:30 am
Great progress Matt, you can see that your belt is pointing out instead of down. Keep it up.
I have to admit that I have stopped counting calories. I can’t eat enough to keep up with my current workouts. I just try and make healthier choices at every meal and a cheat day were I can eat whatever I want.
November 15, 2008 at 2:19 pm
HAHA – that’s a good one Steve