CL/Ph1/Wk3/Day1
Hi! Finally made it to the computer this afternoon, but don't have much time.
I made it through Chest & Back for the third time! Whew! I feel like I gave it my best, so I'm going to forget the rest. I have a mirror in my workout area, and I'm already loving the shape of my upper body these days. Next time I take photos, it's going to be immediately after an upper body workout, when the muscles are still inflated LOL!
I was feeling very draggy today and wondering whether it's time to move to Phase 2 of the eating plan. Then I ate my protein bar. Ah, that felt better. Then I stepped on the scale. I'm down 2.6 pounds! In 2 weeks! WOOHOO!! Things are working, so I'm going to stick with the Fat Shredders plan for 2 more weeks. Or at least, that's my goal.
Tomorrow is PlyoX and I'm expecting it to feel tough. I've been thinking about the comments many people have made about losing their cardio endurance. I think if you're following the Fat Shredders plan, the cardio workouts are going to feel harder as you go along, because you don't have all those carbohydrates sitting at the ready for your muscles to burn (called glycogen when it's in your liver, waiting to be called into duty). If I understand it right, the theory is that if there's no carbs to burn, the body will burn fat stores. Hence, this low-carb portion of the eating plan is called the fat shredder phase. It doesn't feel as good to burn this alternative fuel source, but I think it's necessary to get off a plateau. The simple carbs in the protein bar gives you the immediate energy you need to get through the workout, and the recovery drink replenishes your glyogen stores enough that you're not craving carbs and can maintain your mental functioning. I'm not going to worry about my cardio endurance until I've finished P90X. The last phase of eating is quite high carb and low protein & fat, so I anticipate when I finish Week 12, I'll have lots of glycogen back in my body, plus extra strength and endurance for steady-state cardio. This is all my own interpretation of the eating plan and its effects on our athletic performance. I would love to hear anyone else's thoughts and theories.
I'm going to skip personals today for the sake of time. It sounds like everyone is doing great; staying committed. I don't think we've lost anyone yet, have we?
BTW, have you tried any of the recipes in the food manual? I regularly eat the Protein Smoothie, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, and the Spinach Scramble with 2 slices of turkey bacon. Last night I prepared the garlic-lemon chicken for the family and we all agreed it was tasty. I'd love to hear what anyone has to say about these or the other recipes.
Have a great day,
Sandra